Rory McIlroy will 'change his mind next week' as Lee Westwood hits back

Rory McIlroy Critiques LIV Golf Changes

Lee Westwood has responded to Rory McIlroy's comments regarding upcoming changes announced by LIV Golf. The breakaway league, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), revealed it would make significant format adjustments for 2026.

2026 LIV Golf Format Shift

From next year, LIV Golf events will switch from 54 holes to 72 holes, aligning with the formats used on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. This change is notable since the LIV logo itself represents the 54-hole format in Roman numerals.

Ranking Points and Official World Golf Ranking

The format update appears intended to enable LIV players to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which they have not previously been able to obtain in LIV events.

Reactions from Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood

McIlroy described the LIV proposal as “peculiar” before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. Westwood, a former Ryder Cup teammate of McIlroy’s, replied in an interview with talkSPORT:

"I don't know. I don't pay too much attention to what Rory says, really. He'll change his mind for next week."

Westwood’s comments suggest he views McIlroy’s stance on LIV Golf changes as likely to evolve.

Author's Summary

LIV Golf's move to 72 holes aims to align with major tours and gain official ranking points, while Westwood dismisses McIlroy’s criticism as likely to change soon.

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Daily Express Daily Express — 2025-11-06

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