Rory McIlroy has been one of the most outspoken PGA Tour golfers about preserving the tour despite everything LIV Golf is doing to create its own breakaway league, but even the Northern Irishman recognizes the power of what LIV is building.

Rory McIlroy has never hidden his frustration with Greg Norman, frequently criticizing the Australian as he helped launch the LIV Golf League and, in McIlroy’s mind, initiated the schism with the PGA Tour that has harmed men’s professional golf.

McIlroy has been speaking on behalf of the PGA Tour's side for the entire LIV Golf saga. Rahm was on his side for two years before jumping to the rival tour in late 2023. The division in golf's professional ranks has tanked television ratings but the recreational side of the sport has boomed in recent years.

Rory McIlroy said he advised good friend and fellow countryman Tom McKibbin against bolting for LIV Golf because he didn’t believe the sacrifice, at this stage of his career, was worth it.

Rory McIlroy is not playing at the level we have come to expect, but has precedence to lean on at the Hero Desert Dubai Classic.

So, LIV Golf isn't exactly off to a flying start this year. The post Jon Rahm Told to Remove "Rose-Tinted Glasses" by Rory McIlroy Over His Far-Fetched PGA Tour Dreams appeared first on EssentiallySports.

All the while, McIlroy will attempt to win a fifth career major after a 10-year drought filled with close calls. Recently, he has had second-place finishes at the past two U.S. Opens and one runner up at the 2022 Masters. There was also a heartbreaking third place behind winner Cam Smith at the 150th Open at St. Andrews.

Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Nick Dunlap Compete at The American Express at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., – Thursday-Sunday Coverage on GOLF Channel Begins at 4 p.m. ET

Rory McIlroy believes that former LIV CEO Greg Norman was “probably one of the only people in golf who could have got LIV Golf off the ground.”

Watch here to see Kevin Kisner's memorable shank that rifled into the TGL flagstick and caused Tiger Woods to double up in laughter.

Jon Rahm missed the cut and Rory McIlroy was forced to battle to make the weekend as the headline acts struggled at the Dubai Desert Classic. Ewen Ferguson was taking full advantage.