McIlroy looks ahead to rowdy £16m PGA Tour tournament likened to LIV Golf

09 February 2023 , 11:33

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Rory McIlroy practices in Phoenix earlier this week (Image: Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy is looking ahead to this week's Phoenix Open amid the event's apparent similarities to LIV Golf.

The PGA Tour's 'designed event' is famed for its party atmosphere and raucous crowds, while there is also a increased purse of $20million (£16.4m).

There have been a number of rowdy celebrations down the years, most notably in 2022 when Harry Higgs and Joel Dahmen whipped off their shirts and paraded around the green after a social media promise.

McIlroy will be playing in the event for the first time with a crowd and will be hoping to go home with the hefty winners' bonus of £3m.

The world No.1 said: "I'm looking forward to it this week in some ways, but it's going to be an experience. It is a fan favourite, players like the course and love the atmosphere."

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The competition has been compared to LIV Golf in recent months, with the Saudi-backed series boasting regular big purses. Last year's inaugural season also brought a party atmosphere as fans descended on events across the world.

Amid potential allegations of hypocrisy, McIlroy suggested such events are enjoyable on on a one-off basis, rather than being the entire concept of a competition.

Joel Dahmen and Harry Higgs celebrate on the 16th at the 2022 Phoenix Open (Getty Images)

"I think to have a golf tournament where most of the fans here aren't here to watch the golf, right; it's a different environment, and that's totally fine. If we're talking about growing the game, that's a way to do it," he added.

"I think if we were to have an event like this every single week or even five or 10 events like this on the schedule, I think it might be a little bit too much."

Meanwhile, Jon Rahm has admitted he hopes fans "rein back" on excessive celebrations and claims he had to dodge drinks bottles from the stands last year.

McIlroy's comments come amid the ongoing legal dispute between LIV Golf and the PGA and DP World Tours, after rebel players were banned after joining the series.

LIV argues the sanctions have "damaged" their brand with lawyers' documents claiming the competition had generated 'virtually zero' revenue in its first year.

The motion also accused the PGA Tour of harming the careers of those who chose to make the switch.

Liam Prenderville