Rory McIlroy said he would vote to let former LIV Golf players rejoin the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, arguing their return would benefit both circuits financially. McIlroy made the comments at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, India, ahead of a DP World Tour event.
“Yes, I would,” McIlroy said when asked whether he would support LIV defectors coming back, according to CBS Sports. “I think a rising tide lifts all boats, and I think having some of these players back is beneficial for the business of the Tours, absolutely.”
McIlroy’s Comments On LIV Golf’s Spending
McIlroy also took aim at how LIV Golf spent its backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which poured £3.7 billion into the league over four years before pulling its support, according to Sky Sports.
“They had a lot of capital but I think a lot of that capital was wasted in some ways and I think they could have used that money a lot more strategically,” McIlroy said. He added that the venture had merit but fell short in practice. “LIV had probably like, half of a good idea that was executed pretty poorly,” he said.
What McIlroy’s Position Means For Reintegration
McIlroy’s remarks carry weight given his standing in the sport as a six-time major champion and a vocal defender of the PGA Tour during the LIV split. His openness to reintegration signals that at least some players who stayed loyal to the established tours are willing to weigh business upside over past grievances.
He did not dismiss the tension that decision would create. “I’m sure some members who stayed loyal would feel hard done by if these guys can just walk straight back in but, on the other side, having these players back on the tour is good for business and it can drive revenues up and everyone can benefit from that,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy also said LIV Golf no longer poses a threat to the traditional game now that the PIF has withdrawn its financial support, a shift that changes the calculus around any reunion.
Context: LIV’s Bankruptcy And Rahm’s Exit
LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States with plans to relaunch as LIV 2.0, having lined up potential backing of £227 million from BC Partners Capital. Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion and one of LIV’s biggest signings, has since exited the league. His lawyer announced during the bankruptcy hearing that Rahm found the terms of LIV 2.0 unacceptable.
The DP World Tour has already ruled that players who join LIV 2.0 will not be eligible for membership on the European circuit, a policy that would directly affect Ryder Cup qualification since players must hold DP World Tour membership to make the European team. The PGA Tour has typically handed one-year suspensions to golfers who left for LIV.
Qualifying School As McIlroy’s Condition
McIlroy told Today’s Golfer that any path back for LIV players should run through competitive qualifying rather than automatic reinstatement. “If they think they are that good then show it at Q-School (qualifying school) and beat the guys,” he said.
What’s Next
No formal reintegration process has been announced by either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour. The DP World Tour’s current policy keeps LIV 2.0 participants out of its membership, and any change would require a vote among members, the process McIlroy said he would support.
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