Rory McIlroy has said it is a question of whether players on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series are actually open to returning to the PGA Tour. The world No 2 is not against their return, calling it 'just good business,' but he expressed skepticism about the rival tour's future after Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund pulled future funding.
McIlroy's Stance on LIV Golfers' Return
McIlroy, speaking after his second round at the Truist Championship in Charlotte, said: 'It's a question of if they do want to come back.' He noted that the answer will depend on LIV's financial situation in the coming months. Last month, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund ended future funding for LIV, which had lured stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau with lucrative contracts. LIV's uncertain future raises questions about whether players should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour and under what conditions.
PGA Tour's Temporary Path Back
The PGA Tour recently offered a temporary path back for some LIV players. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka took advantage, while Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton remain under contract with LIV beyond this season. Rahm resolved his financial dispute with the DP World Tour, potentially giving him a place to compete in 2027 and beyond.
McIlroy said: 'If it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, I think 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. That's just good business practice.'
Skepticism About LIV's Future
McIlroy, like most in golf, is in a wait-and-see mode. He expressed skepticism about LIV raising enough money to continue: 'They're going to go and try and find alternative investment. 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.'
McIlroy, the No 2 player in the world, has been an outspoken critic of players who joined LIV for big paydays. He said: '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.'
DeChambeau's Contract and Future
DeChambeau's contract with LIV is up after the season, and he has reportedly asked for a new $500m deal. He has rebutted reports of talks about a possible return to the PGA Tour, calling them 'completely untrue,' and said he would focus on his YouTube channel should LIV not survive.
The PGA Championship, the second major of the year, is next week outside Philadelphia. DeChambeau, Rahm, Koepka, McIlroy, and reigning champion Scottie Scheffler will all participate.
McIlroy's Softened Stance
McIlroy has softened his stance on those who moved to LIV, reiterating that he was 'probably too judgmental' in his opinions. But he said LIV is 'not for me.' He added: 'I'm not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour. 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.'
However, he questioned why top players would not want to compete against the world's best every week: 'If you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be. And if you don't want to play here, I think that says something about you.'
