Tranlate this title Rory McIlroy receives praise from DP World Tour chief amid LIV Golf uncertainty in spanish

DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings has praised Rory McIlroy and stressed how important the Northern Irishman has become for European golf.

The 37-year-old has continued supporting the tour despite spending much of his career competing on the PGA Tour.

Kinnings described the six-time Grand Slam champion as an important figure in promoting golf around the world, while also speaking about what could happen during the 2027 season.

The DP World Tour may benefit from the problems surrounding LIV Golf, with several players already confirming that they will not participate in the new version of the Saudi-backed league.

Jon Rahm has decided to leave LIV Golf after three seasons, while Sergio Garcia, Adrian Meronk and David Puig are also planning their futures away from the circuit.

Their decisions could give the European tour an opportunity to attract more established golfers next year.

For Kinnings, however, McIlroy remains one of the most important names associated with the organization.

Kinnings explains why McIlroy is important

Speaking to talkSPORT, the DP World Tour chief praised McIlroy for his continued support and the way he promotes golf in different countries.

«Rory is an immense asset for us,» Kinnings said.

«I mean, he’s not just the first European to win a grand slam, he is an extraordinary spokesman for the tour.»

The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, becoming the first European male golfer to win all four professional major championships.

McIlroy has since continued traveling around the world, with Kinnings recalling how he brought his Green Jacket to several countries after the Augusta victory.

The DP World Tour CEO mentioned Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ireland, Australia and India among the places where the 37-year-old helped promote the sport.

One moment that Kinnings particularly enjoyed was seeing McIlroy alongside former Indian cricket player Sachin Tendulkar.

«We’re very lucky to have him and those other players who support us,» he added.

McIlroy has enjoyed considerable success on the European circuit throughout his career, winning the Race to Dubai on seven occasions.

The former world No. 1 is also competing for another season-long title this year, with the remaining tournaments expected to influence the final standings.

Although he spends much of his time playing in America, McIlroy has regularly returned to important European events, including the Irish Open, BMW PGA Championship and season-ending tournaments in Dubai.

Kinnings also spoke about the opportunities that could appear following the changes involving LIV Golf.

The breakaway league has experienced financial difficulties after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund decided to withdraw its backing.

LIV Golf is now attempting to reorganize its competitions for 2027, but several golfers have already decided against participating.

Rahm was among the first prominent players to confirm his departure.

The Spaniard’s lawyer recently explained that the former world No. 1 had reviewed the conditions of LIV Golf’s new proposal and was not interested in continuing.

Garcia has also received permission to leave his existing contract, while Puig and Meronk have decided to concentrate on opportunities elsewhere.

DP World Tour could benefit from LIV Golf changes

The departures could have a considerable influence on the European circuit next season.

Rahm remains a DP World Tour member and will be able to participate in its events, although his future on the PGA Tour is more complicated because of the regulations concerning former LIV players.

Garcia has also expressed interest in returning to regular European competition, with the 2027 Ryder Cup another motivation for the experienced Spaniard.

Meronk, meanwhile, recently won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and secured his DP World Tour status for the coming seasons.

Other established golfers, including Tyrrell Hatton and Joaquin Niemann, have also been mentioned as possible departures from LIV Golf.

However, neither player’s future should be considered decided at this stage.

Kinnings admitted that there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the breakaway competition.

«For us right now, I have no idea what will happen with LIV, who knows?» he said.

«But as you’ve seen, a lot of the players seem to want to come play in our events.»

The DP World Tour has already announced plans to increase the number of national opens on its schedule from 13 in 2026 to 17 next season.

Kinnings also stressed the importance of working with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp to improve golf competitions around the world.

«I personally don’t think there’s ever been a better opportunity to shine a light on how great golf is around the globe – amazing tournaments, amazing players, amazing golf courses,» he added.

McIlroy is scheduled to return to competition in India next week, where he will continue his preparations for the final part of the season.

The Northern Irishman has remained committed to European golf throughout his career, and Kinnings hopes that other leading players will also compete more frequently on the circuit.

With Rahm, Garcia and several other former LIV golfers potentially available in 2027, the DP World Tour could have a very different group of players next season.