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.

The two Northern Irish golfers have been close in the past, but a move to the rival tour could ruin that relationship.

DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento the lead for good with 2:20 remaining, De'Aaron Fox made five free throws amid two controversial calls in the final 33 seconds, and the host Kings hung on to defeat the Houston Rockets 132-127 on Thursday night.

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 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.

Rory McIlroy praised LIV Golf’s decision to appoint Scott O’Neil as the new CEO following Greg Norman’s departure, signaling a notable shift in the organization’s leadership. LIV Golf announced on Wednesday that Norman would step down,

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin consulted the world No. 3, who advised him to accept the PGA Tour card but the 22-year-old appears to be going to the rival circuit.

Although Rory McIlroy may eventually share Jon Rahm's optimism about the state of professional golf, he currently does not believe the sport is in its "golden era" -- as the Spaniard suggested on Tuesday.

Rory McIlroy has won the Seve Ballesteros Award for the fourth time in his career. Voted by his peers as the 2024 Player of the Year on the DP World Tour, McIlroy won the Race to Dubai title for the sixth time pulling him alongside Ballesteros for the second-most behind only Collin Montgomerie's eight season-long crowns.

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.

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will go up against each other in Dubai this week, and the pair are in disagreement over the current state of men's professional golf amid the PGA Tour-LIV fallout

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.