Rory McIlroy says PGA-LIV feud 'way out of control'

Rory McIlroy says the feud between the PGA Tour and the rebel LIV Golf Series "has gotten way out of control already."

McIlroy  said in an interview this week with The Guardian that he hopes both sides can ultimately make peace in "this 'us versus them' thing."

"If the two entities keep doubling down in both directions, it is only going to become irreparable," McIlroy said. "We are going to have a fractured sport for a long time. That is no good for anyone."

McIlroy, 33, ascended to the top of the world rankings for the first time since July 2020 following his title defence on Sunday at The CJ Cup in South Carolina.

McIlroy discussed his feelings about some of the players - and friends - who have joined LIV Golf and endangered their Ryder Cup eligibility, including Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.

"It's a weird thing," McIlroy said. "I think it is the first time in my life that I have felt betrayal, in a way. It's an unfamiliar feeling to me. You build bonds with these people through Ryder Cups and other things.

"Them knowing that what they are about to do is going to jeopardise them from being a part of that ever again? There was a great opportunity for GMac to maybe be the captain at Adare in 2027. Most of Sergio's legacy is Ryder Cup-based, same with Poulter, Westwood.

"I would like to think the Ryder Cup means as much to them as it does to me. Maybe it does. But knowing what the consequences could be, I just could never make that decision. OK, it might not be 100 percent certain but that it could be the outcome? It just isn't a move I would be willing to make. I thought they felt the same way.

"I feel like the place where they have been able to build their legacy and build their brand,