Rory McIlroy questioned why players don’t want to return to the PGA Tour amid uncertainty about the future of LIV Golf, putting it bluntly: “If you don’t want to play here, I think that says something about you.”
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed last month that it would end its funding for LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, with the now-broken league seeking alternative long-term investments to secure its future.
He said this after firing into contention at the Truist Championship on Friday with a second-round 67. McIlroy was asked about his views on the LIV situation and potential routes for players to return to traditional tours.
“The question is whether they really want to come back,” McIlroy said.
“Obviously we’ve seen quotes in the last few days and, you know, some people… Again, it all depends on what happens with LIV.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rory McIlroy caps a 393-yard drive after bouncing off a cart path in the second round of the Truist Championship.
“If it’s a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on a traditional tour, I think (PGA Tour CEO) Brian Rolapp has said everything that makes this tour stronger, everything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that.
“That’s good business practice.
“But again, I think there’s a lot of bridges to cross to get there, because if the guys there are under contract and can continue to schedule things together next year, I think those guys will continue to do most of the golf at LIV in some form.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir explains what’s next for LIV golfers after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will end funding at the end of the 2026 season.
McIlroy, who was originally heavily criticized for leaving LIV in 2022, added: “I was probably too critical of the people who left, because I was seeing it from my perspective and maybe not from another perspective.
“I’m not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour.
“I don’t know. Does that mean they’ll be on the DP World Tour? If that’s the path, it’ll make the DP World Tour stronger, and I’ll be happy because it’s my home tour after all.
“But if you want to be the most competitive golfer, this is the place. And if you don’t want to play here, I think that says something about you.”
More to follow…
Watch the Truist Championship live all week long on Sky Sports. Broadcast of the third round begins at 5pm on Sky Sports Golf on Saturday. Access or stream Sky Sports with no contract.
Book your round at the best price at one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
