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Big changes, same debate — LIV’s format shake-up reignites McIlroy vs Westwood
Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

Big changes, same debate — LIV’s format shake-up reignites McIlroy vs Westwood

Originally posted on HITC  |  By Charlie Walker  |  Last updated Nov 6, 2025 10:03 AM ET

Rory McIlroy has continued his outspoken stance against LIV Golf, this time weighing in on their latest format change.

LIV decided to switch from its 54-hole structure to the standard 72-hole setup, hoping the move would help players earn points in the Official World Golf Rankings.

But McIlroy wasn’t convinced that would make much of a difference when it comes to OWGR eligibility.

Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he told reporters: “I think it is a peculiar move because I think they could have got ranking points with three rounds. I don’t think three rounds versus four rounds is what was holding them back.”

“It brings them back into not really being a disruptor and sort of falling more in line with what everyone else does. But if that’s what they felt they needed to do to get the ranking points, I guess that’s what they had to do.”

The Northern Irishman also posted about the changes on social media. LIV Golf star Lee Westwood was quick to respond via X (formerly Twitter), firing back at McIlroy for his comments.

Lee Westwood responds to Rory McIlroy’s comments on LIV Golf’s new format

Westwood, who joined LIV Golf in 2022 after two wins on the PGA Tour, didn’t hold back when asked about McIlroy’s remarks.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I don’t pay too much attention to what Rory said, really. He will change his mind next week.”


Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

That could be a reference to McIlroy softening his stance on players moving to LIV Golf over time.

Westwood also said he backs the changes being made by LIV, adding: “I think it’s good for the players and good for the sponsors. I think it’s good for the fans more than anything – they get to see another day’s golf.”

Lee Westwood: LIV format switch came after PGA Tour dominated majors

Last season, the PGA Tour had all four major champions. McIlroy took home the Masters, J.J. Spaun captured the US Open, and Scottie Scheffler put together a remarkable 2025 to win both The Open and the PGA Championship.

That success was part of why only three LIV players were picked for the Ryder Cup that year. Westwood thinks LIV’s poor showings in those events played into their choice to adjust the format.

He said, “I think that is one of the angles behind it [changing to 72 holes]. There were a few different things. I think some of guys, they focus their whole season around the major championships and I think playing 54 holes was putting them at a bit of a disadvantage.

“I think they wanted to play 72 holes that represented more of the major championship format.“I think world ranking points is one of the things on LIV’s mind. I don’t know if it’s one of the criteria or not, as there are 54-hole tournaments that have got world ranking points before. But I think in terms of ticking boxes for world rankings, 72 holes probably helps.”

If LIV does secure OWGR points under its new setup, it could change how players view a potential move from other tours. Even so, there’s still plenty of doubt about whether it will make much difference — something even McIlroy isn’t fully convinced about yet.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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