McIlroy softens stance on LIV Golf players

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

Rory McIlroy has shifted to a more supportive stance on reintegrating former LIV Golf players into the PGA and DP World Tours, highlighting potential benefits for the professional golf ecosystem. He emphasized the need for tour leaders to find a balanced solution that respects loyal members while recognizing the financial advantages of welcoming back these golfers.

Rory McIlroy has expressed a more conciliatory approach toward players who joined LIV Golf, indicating he would now support their reintegration into the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on October 13, McIlroy said bringing some former LIV players back would benefit the professional golf tours collectively.

McIlroy, who is competing this week at the DP World India Championship alongside several former LIV golfers, was previously one of the most outspoken critics of the Saudi-backed league. His criticism largely centered on LIV’s initial impact on the established tours and timing, coinciding with the launch of the TGL, a league co-founded by McIlroy and Tiger Woods that requires PGA Tour membership to participate.

With the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrawing financial backing, several players have already departed or are in the process of leaving LIV Golf. Players such as Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, and David Puig have exited the league, while others including Patrick Reed chose not to renew their LIV contracts for 2026. Brooks Koepka has taken advantage of the PGA Tour’s Returning Player Programme to rejoin the Tour this season. Meanwhile, LIV Golf’s chief executive Scott O’Neil is pursuing support for a proposed LIV 2.0 as the league navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. McIlroy expressed skepticism about O’Neil’s plan, describing the path forward as “very difficult” amid player reluctance to recommit.

McIlroy reflected that LIV Golf had only “half of a good idea” that was poorly executed, criticizing the league for squandering capital and failing to collaborate with key governing bodies. He also noted the league’s strategy largely consisted of enriching established tour players who were already financially successful.

Several players remain undecided about their future participation. Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, both early signees with LIV, have yet to confirm their plans. Meanwhile, DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings recently declared that players competing in LIV events in 2027 would face bans from the DP World Tour, forcing athletes to make a definitive choice between the circuits. Some players, such as Spain’s Garcia, have indicated openness to playing on the DP World Tour while not wholly ruling out LIV 2.0, despite the evolving restrictions.

McIlroy acknowledged that his relationships with some former Ryder Cup teammates who moved to LIV have become less close, attributing the distance more to reduced interaction than lingering disagreement. While he recognized that opinions among fellow players vary on the issue of readmitting LIV golfers, he urged leadership on both tours to consult their memberships to find a balanced approach that respects those who remained loyal while also acknowledging the financial benefits of welcoming former LIV players back.

“Having these players back on your tour is very good for business,” McIlroy said, noting the potential revenue growth and collective gain. “There’s certainly a balance there,” he added, emphasizing the need to address the concerns of all members fairly.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.