Rory McIlroy would allow LIV players to return to the PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy has made his position clear: If he were to vote on whether LIV players should return to the PGA Tour, he would vote yes. The world No. 2 made this statement on October 13 at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi. He emphasized, however, that this is his personal opinion. The PGA Tour has not announced any rule changes.

For the golf world, this is an important signal during a period of great uncertainty. LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September after the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), withdrew its funding. According to reports, the private equity firm BC Partners has offered up to $300 million, though the offer comes with conditions. The league plans to relaunch as “LIV 2.0” in 2027. Jon Rahm has already stated that he will not be part of it.

Read more about LIV Golf’s bankruptcy here.

Why Rory McIlroy Supports a Return

McIlroy bases his stance primarily on economic grounds: “A rising tide lifts all boats. I think it’s absolutely beneficial for the Tours’ business to have some of these players back.” At the same time, he sees the other side of the argument. Loyal members might feel disadvantaged if former LIV players are allowed to return without any issues. That’s why the leadership of both Tours should ask their members what they want to see. “There’s a balance,” McIlroy said.

He did not give a clear answer regarding penalties. Scottie Scheffler, on the other hand, has already spoken out in favor of sanctions. McIlroy has changed his stance in recent years. In 2023, he had demanded that former LIV players face consequences. In February 2024, he said, “Obviously, I’ve changed my mind about penalties because I see where the sport of golf stands.”

Harsh Criticism of LIV and Its Money

McIlroy is particularly blunt when it comes to how LIV used its capital: “LIV probably had half a good idea that was executed pretty poorly.” The league wasted a lot of money. It could have used it more strategically and collaborated with golf’s governing bodies. Instead, it primarily enriched Tour pros who were already earning well.

McIlroy also discusses his own role in this. He and Tiger Woods were among the loudest critics at the outset, but they also had the most to lose, as both rely on their reputations on the PGA Tour. At the time, the launch of TGL was imminent—a league that required PGA Tour membership. “Everyone has different interests in golf,” he said. “You try to protect your own interests, but also those of the sport of golf as a whole.”

The DP World Tour’s New Rule

On Monday, October 12, DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings announced that players competing in LIV 2.0 in 2027 will not be granted membership on the DP World Tour. This is relevant to the Ryder Cup, as only tour members are eligible to play for the European team.

McIlroy strongly supports this decision: “I think the DP World Tour made a good decision. The golf landscape has been constantly changing for the past four or five years. We’ve now reached the point where players have to decide what’s important to them.” He added: “I think this phase of trying to do both is over.”

Transparency Note: Rory McIlroy has been a DP World ambassador since this year. The company hosts the DP World India Championship and is the title sponsor of the DP World Tour. His statements regarding this rule are therefore not neutral. The rule is aimed at LIV 2.0. Dual membership on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour remains possible.

Personal Consequences of the Split

The split has also left its mark on a personal level. McIlroy says he has less contact today with some of his former Ryder Cup teammates. “We had different views on the future of golf, but I don’t think you should lose friendships over that,” he said. On top of that, the players were no longer competing in the same tournaments and could not qualify for the Ryder Cup. “If you don’t live in the same places as these people, you lose touch.” He did not name any names.

What’s next?

• October 25: Deadline for players to decide whether to join LIV 2.0.
• Ways to return: Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour in January through the “Returning Member Program.” To do so, he had to donate $5 million and forgo his equity allocations for five years. However, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has announced that this program will not continue. Patrick Reed returned as a non-member in August after a one-year suspension. According to reports, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are not expected to be eligible for the PGA Tour again until 2028 at the earliest.
• Member Survey: McIlroy is calling on the leadership of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour to survey their members.

McIlroy no longer sees LIV as a serious threat to the sport of golf: “If they succeed, it certainly won’t be a threat to the traditional order of the game, as it perhaps once was.” It remains to be seen whether the Tours will follow his lead.