Rory McIlroy says he's open to welcoming back to the PGA Tour the competitors who left to join LIV Golf. It's a notable shift in public opinion for the five-time major champion, who has been one of LIV's most outspoken critics and criticized its divisive impact on golf.
Rory McIlroy, statements
"I think they've already paid the price. They've made money, but they've also paid the price in terms of reputation and some of the things they lost by going there," McIlroy said during an appearance on "The Overlap" podcast. "If the return of Bryson DeChambeau and whoever else would strengthen the tour overall, I'd be fine with it," McIlroy said. "But I'm not the only one, and I recognize that not everyone is in the same boat as me. That decision would be made by the collective group of PGA Tour members," he clarified.
Following the departure of some of its top golfers who accepted substantial payments to join LIV, the PGA instituted a rule stipulating that competitors cannot participate in its events until a full year has passed since their last LIV event.
Laurie Canter, who last competed on the LIV Tour in 2024, will become the first LIV competitor to return to the PGA Tour this coming season after earning his tour card. Instead, he decided to rejoin the LIV, signing with Majesticks for the 2026 season.
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka could become the first competitor to test the PGA's return policy. Koepka signed a four-year contract with the LIV, reportedly worth more than $100 million, but the league announced on December 23 that he would be leaving the league before the fourth year of his contract because he is prioritizing his family's needs.
However, it remains to be seen whether Koepka will attempt to return to the PGA Tour before the one-year waiting period, which would extend until August. The LIV has switched from 54-hole events to the traditional 72-hole format in an effort to make its events eligible for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which are used to determine eligibility for major events.
OWGR President Trevor Immelman stated on December 30 that the process for LIV events to be eligible for OWGR points is still ongoing.
