Rory McIlroy said Friday that he is no longer opposed to the idea of LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour, though he emphasized that whether they actually come back will depend on their own willingness to do so. Speaking after completing his second round at the Truist Championship in Charlotte, N.C., McIlroy stated, “it’s a question of if they do want to come back.”
McIlroy indicated that the decision could hinge on LIV Golf’s financial future. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund recently withdrew its commitment to funding LIV, which had previously drawn players such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau through guaranteed, lucrative contracts.
The uncertainty surrounding LIV’s financial status has led to new discussions about possible paths for players to return to the PGA Tour and what rules or penalties might apply to them. McIlroy said the situation might evolve depending on how LIV’s finances develop in the coming months.
The PGA Tour has introduced a temporary path back for certain LIV players. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner, utilized that opportunity. Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, however, remain under contract with LIV beyond the current season.
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McIlroy noted that Rahm has already resolved his financial dispute with the European tour, known commercially as the DP World Tour, creating the possibility of him competing there in 2027 and beyond. McIlroy described openness to moves that strengthen both the PGA and DP World Tours.
“If it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, I think [PGA Tour CEO] Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that,” McIlroy said. “That’s just good business practice.”
McIlroy explained that he, along with others in the golf community, is adopting a wait-and-see approach as the rival tour searches for new funding sources. “They’re going to go and try and find alternative investment, whatever that may look like,” he said.
He then questioned LIV’s financial viability, adding, “But when one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you’re too expensive for them, that sort of says something.”
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McIlroy, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, has long been one of golf’s most recognizable figures alongside top-ranked Scottie Scheffler. Over the past few years, he had been a strong critic of players who left the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed series.
“Obviously, the guys over there are under contract and if they are able to keep it going and get a schedule together next year, it seems like those guys are still going to play the majority of their golf on LIV, in whatever form it takes,” McIlroy said.
Bryson DeChambeau’s contract with LIV reportedly ends after this season, and he has reportedly requested a new deal worth $500 million. McIlroy did not comment directly on individual player situations but continued to express a more neutral perspective on LIV overall.
He admitted his views had shifted compared to previous years. “I was probably too judgmental,” McIlroy said, reflecting on his former stance. He added, “I’m not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour.”
McIlroy also discussed how different playing options could still benefit golf worldwide. “I don’t know, does that mean that they go play DP World Tour, maybe; if that’s a pathway, that would make the DP World Tour stronger, and I would be delighted with that,” he said.
However, McIlroy continued to emphasize the competition level on the PGA Tour. “If you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be,” he said. “And if you don’t want to play here, I think that says something about you.”
His comments came during the Truist Championship, where he entered the third round tied for eighth place at 5-under par, trailing leader Sungjae Im by four shots. The field also included players such as Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler.
As the tournament continued in Charlotte, McIlroy reiterated that his position is focused on the overall health of the sport. While still expressing doubts about LIV’s future, he framed potential reunification of golfers under the tours as a matter of practicality and “good business.”
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