McIlroy Would Vote for LIV Players' PGA Tour Return — SkimNews
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- Rory McIlroy, one of LIV Golf's fiercest critics since 2022, told Bloomberg he would vote to allow LIV players back on the PGA and DP World Tours, saying "a rising tide lifts all boats" and their return is "beneficial for the business of the tours"
- McIlroy described LIV as "half of a good idea that was executed pretty poorly," arguing its Saudi-backed capital was wasted enriching already-wealthy tour pros rather than partnering with governing bodies or serving the game strategically
- LIV Golf faces ongoing uncertainty despite securing a potential $300m (£226m) investment from BC Partners Credit, with two-time major winner Jon Rahm opting out as the circuit navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- DP World Tour said players who sign up for LIV's 2027 season will not be allowed membership of the Europe-based circuit, with McIlroy noting "every day that goes by, there's another player...that says they're not going to rejoin for LIV 2.0"
- McIlroy said he and Tiger Woods led opposition to LIV partly because they "had the most to lose," including concerns their new TGL (Tomorrow's Golf League) venture would be undercut by players jumping to LIV
- Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which originally bankrolled LIV, withdrew its backing earlier this year, removing the circuit's primary financial backer
- McIlroy acknowledged losing friendships with former European Ryder Cup teammates who joined LIV, saying "we didn't see each other anymore" since they stopped sharing tournaments, Ryder Cup eligibility, and major qualification paths
Why it matters: McIlroy's reversal from LIV's most vocal opponent to actively welcoming defectors back signals golf's establishment believes the threat has faded: LIV is in Chapter 11, PIF withdrew backing, Rahm is leaving, and DP World Tour is simultaneously locking out LIV 2027 participants — removing the leverage the breakaway circuit once held over the traditional tours.
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