Rory McIlroy has been one of the most outspoken PGA Tour golfers about preserving the tour despite everything LIV Golf is doing to create its own breakaway league, but even the Northern Irishman recognizes the power of what LIV is building.

McIlroy has been speaking on behalf of the PGA Tour's side for the entire LIV Golf saga. Rahm was on his side for two years before jumping to the rival tour in late 2023. The division in golf's professional ranks has tanked television ratings but the recreational side of the sport has boomed in recent years.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin consulted the world No. 3, who advised him to accept the PGA Tour card but the 22-year-old appears to be going to the rival circuit.

Rory McIlroy said he advised good friend and fellow countryman Tom McKibbin against bolting for LIV Golf because he didn’t believe the sacrifice, at this stage of his career, was worth it.

Rory McIlroy has given his verdict on Greg Norman stepping down as LIV Golf CEO, with the Northern Irishman also hailing Scott O'Neil's appointment.

So, LIV Golf isn't exactly off to a flying start this year. The post Jon Rahm Told to Remove "Rose-Tinted Glasses" by Rory McIlroy Over His Far-Fetched PGA Tour Dreams appeared first on EssentiallySports.

All the while, McIlroy will attempt to win a fifth career major after a 10-year drought filled with close calls. Recently, he has had second-place finishes at the past two U.S. Opens and one runner up at the 2022 Masters. There was also a heartbreaking third place behind winner Cam Smith at the 150th Open at St. Andrews.

Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Nick Dunlap Compete at The American Express at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., – Thursday-Sunday Coverage on GOLF Channel Begins at 4 p.m. ET

Rory McIlroy believes that former LIV CEO Greg Norman was “probably one of the only people in golf who could have got LIV Golf off the ground.”

Although Rory McIlroy may eventually share Jon Rahm's optimism about the state of professional golf, he currently does not believe the sport is in its "golden era" -- as the Spaniard suggested on Tuesday.

Golf just got even weirder. Not so long ago, the thought of Rory McIlroy praising Greg Norman was absurd, but here he was on Thursday complimenting his fellow multiple major winner after LIV Golf confirmed that the Australian has been replaced as chief executive.