McIlroy would support welcoming LIV players back

Rory McIlroy said he would vote to welcome LIV Golf players back to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, arguing their return could benefit the business of both circuits. His comments express a personal preference, not a change in either tour’s policy. McIlroy made the remarks at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on October 13. He said tour leaders should consult their members before deciding how to handle former LIV players. He also acknowledged that members who stayed with the established tours might consider an immediate return unfair, while more top players could increase interest and revenue. The question has gained urgency as LIV Golf’s future remains unsettled. The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, and its proposed LIV 2.0 plan for 2027 depends on restructuring. McIlroy said he saw a difficult path for the new version and criticized how LIV had used its capital, while saying that some players returning could be good for the tours. The DP World Tour has set out a restriction for the next season. Its chief executive, Guy Kinnings, said players under contract with LIV 2.0 will not be eligible to compete on the European circuit in 2027.