Rory McIlroy’s reaction to the news that LIV would be changing their format from a 54-hole tour to a 72-hole tour from next year garnered plenty of attention this week.
Speaking ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi Championship, McIlroy called the decision “peculiar”, saying:
“I think it’s 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…”
Reacting to Rory’s comments, Lee Westwood hit back while appearing on the TalkSport Breakfast Show, saying:
“I don’t know. I don’t pay too much attention to what Rory says. He’ll change his mind for next week.”
Discussing the change in format, the Englishman called the move good for players, sponsors and fans, stating:
“I think it was good for the players, good for the sponsors. And good for the fans more than anything. They get to see another day’s golf.
I think (ranking points) is one of the angles behind it. I think there were a few different things. Some of the guys focused their whole season around the major championships and playing 54 holes was putting them at a bit of a disadvantage.”
Westwood added:
“I think they wanted to play 72 holes – that represented more the major championship format. But world rankings is one of the things on LIV’s mind. I don’t know whether it’s in the criteria or not because there’s 54-hole tournaments that got world ranking points before.
But I think the boxes that you need to tick with the world rankings, 72 holes probably helps that.”
The LIV Golf season gets underway from Riyadh in February next year.
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