Rory McIlroy has stated that allowing LIV Golf players to return to the PGA Tour would be a “good business” decision, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
In April, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it would end its multibillion-dollar support at the close of the year. In response, LIV Golf introduced a “strategic evolution,” including the formation of an independent board, as it seeks alternative financial investors.
However, McIlroy—a Masters champion and longtime critic of LIV—expressed doubt about the league’s ability to secure new backing. “When one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks you’re too expensive for them, that says something,” he said.
Earlier this week, Bryson DeChambeau indicated that if LIV fails to survive, he would focus on expanding his YouTube channel and only compete in events that want him. McIlroy responded to those comments after shooting a four-under 67 in the second round of the Truist Championship.
“It’s a question of whether players want to come back,” McIlroy said. “We’ve seen the quotes over the last few days, and it seems everything depends on what happens to LIV. But if there’s a scenario where they have the option to return and play on traditional tours, I think PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has said anything that strengthens this tour or the DP World Tour should be welcomed. That’s just good business practice.”
The six-time major winner added: “I think everyone knows my views on LIV and its place in golf. I don’t need to rehash that. It’s never been for me, but that doesn’t mean LIV is going away. They’ll try to find alternative investment, whatever that looks like.”
DeChambeau, who joined LIV in 2022, declined a chance to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year under a returning member program. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, did take that opportunity, while Jon Rahm struck a deal to continue playing on the DP World Tour, ending a standoff. Eight other players, including England’s Tyrrell Hatton, have agreed to terms with the DP World Tour, allowing them to play LIV events without penalties while committing to at least six European tour events.
McIlroy admitted he may have been too harsh on those who joined LIV. “I was probably too judgmental because I was seeing it from my point of view, not others’. But I’m not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour. Does that mean they might play the DP World Tour? If that’s a pathway, it would strengthen that tour, and I’d be delighted—it’s my home tour. But if you want to be as competitive as possible, the PGA Tour is where you need to be. If you don’t want to play here, that says something about you.”