Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth Clash Over LIV Golf Merger in Heated Phone Call

The proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has sparked intense debates among players, with two of golf’s biggest stars—Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth—reportedly engaging in a heated discussion over the deal’s implications.

McIlroy, once one of LIV Golf’s most vocal critics, has softened his stance in recent months. After years of pushing back against the Saudi-backed league, he now sees potential benefits in a unified golf landscape. However, Spieth, a member of the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council, remains concerned about the long-term impact of the merger, including how it could reshape tournament schedules, prize structures, and the sport’s competitive integrity.

According to sources, McIlroy and Spieth’s conversation lasted over an hour, with both players standing firm in their positions. McIlroy reportedly emphasized the financial stability and global reach that a merger could bring, while Spieth questioned whether it would compromise the legacy of the PGA Tour.

“They respect each other, but they clearly don’t see eye to eye on this issue,” an insider said. “It’s a reflection of the larger debate happening across professional golf.”

The PGA-LIV merger remains one of the most polarizing topics in sports, with players divided between those who see it as a necessary evolution and those who believe it threatens the traditions of the game. While details of the agreement are still being finalized, it is clear that tensions will continue to run high among golf’s biggest names.

With McIlroy and Spieth among the sport’s most influential voices, their disagreement is a sign that the battle over golf’s future is far from settled.