LIV Golf's aim was to "destroy" the European tour, the circuit's chief executive said, according to ABC News, which reported the remarks under a headline built on the same word.
Fox News reported that Rory McIlroy claimed LIV Golf officials were openly saying at Augusta that they wanted to destroy the DP World Tour before the circuit's bankruptcy. The Fox News summary does not say which circuit went bankrupt or give further detail on the remarks made at Augusta.
The Guardian, in a report carrying a Reuters byline, said McIlroy voiced support on Wednesday for the DP World Tour chief executive's claim that LIV Golf's goal was to "destroy" the European golf circuit. The Guardian reported that McIlroy, a six-time major winner and former world No 1, spoke with the media before the Abu Dhabi Championship and was asked about the chief executive's claim. As the Guardian summarized his remarks, McIlroy said "LIV turned pro golf into an arms race."
The three reports differ in emphasis but not in their core account. ABC News framed the claim as coming from the tour's chief executive, Fox News framed it as McIlroy's assertion, and the Guardian reported McIlroy backing the chief executive. The Guardian also reported that the chief executive said the tour pays everyone on time. The chief executive's name does not appear in the material reviewed, and none of the three summaries includes a response from LIV Golf to the claim.
Sources: ABC News: LIV Golf's aim was to 'destroy' us, says European tour CEO; Fox News: Rory McIlroy makes serious accusation about LIV Golf wanting to 'destroy' the European Tour; The Guardian: Rory McIlroy backs claim that LIV tried to 'destroy' DP World Tour.