McIlroy questioned the value of LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy, the world’s No. 2-ranked golfer, cast doubt on the value that LIV Golf players could bring to the PGA Tour if they returned to the American tour. At a press conference ahead of the 2026 BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, he stated that the path back for the golfers would be difficult.
McIlroy, a long-time critic of LIV Golf, said the PGA Tour is currently in a strong position. He noted that if players had been offered a return program in February—similar to the one Brooks Koepka took advantage of—it might have been an option. However, according to the Irishman, that opportunity has already passed, and the terms for a future return are likely to be less favorable.
Koepka, a five-time major champion, returned to the PGA Tour in January under the new program. He agreed to forgo his shares in the Players Equity Program for five years, became ineligible for the $100 million FedEx Cup bonus program in 2026, and agreed to make a $5 million charitable donation at the PGA Tour’s request. Bryson DeChambeau, John Rahm, and Cameron Smith could also have returned under this program but declined.
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World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler expressed a more favorable stance. He stated that some LIV Golf players could add significant value to the PGA Tour, although there should be certain penalties for those who return. Scheffler also said he wants to compete against the world’s best golfers.
According to the Korea Herald, on April 30, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund announced it was halting funding for LIV Golf, in which it had invested approximately $6 billion since the league’s launch in June 2022. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil stated that the league has an agreement with a leading investor to continue operations after this season. If LIV Golf resumes its tour in 2027, 10 tournaments are expected: five in the U.S. and five at international venues.
