Follow us on Google Discover Rory McIlroy has consistently made his feelings clear about the players who left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.
McIlroy feels passionately that the PGA Tour is the best in the world and has never entertained a move to LIV Golf.
Brooks Koepka became the first LIV star to return to the PGA Tour this season, while Patrick Reed is expected to return in 2027.
Given the uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf’s financial backing, several more players have been linked with returning next year.
Jon Rahm is among those who reportedly want to follow suit, but the PGA Tour does not necessarily have to welcome them back.
McIlroy took a brutal dig at the LIV Golf players when asked whether they would bring value to the PGA Tour.
Photo by James Gilbert/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
Rory McIlroy told reporters at the BMW Championship that the PGA Tour is in a “really good spot” amid LIV’s uncertainty.
He argued that LIV Golf’s shortcomings suggest even the top players have not brought much “value” to the league.
“I’d argue, have they brought value to LIV? I think the PGA Tour is in a really good spot,” McIlroy bluntly responded.
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While many PGA Tour stars, such as Scottie Scheffler, prefer to keep quiet, McIlroy has defended the tour at every opportunity.
One of the many reasons the golf world is lucky to have Rory. He’s smart, speaks his mind… and tells the truth with no agenda. https://t.co/Z59k7d2EYn
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) August 19, 2026
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That is why Brandel Chamblee believes the tour has been “lucky” to have McIlroy as the face of the league in this situation.
“One of the many reasons the golf world is lucky to have Rory,” he tweeted. “He’s smart, speaks his mind… and tells the truth with no agenda.”
Many expect Rahm to return immediately in a similar deal to Koepka’s, with a huge fine and no eligibility for signature events.
However, the remaining LIV Golf players may find it more challenging to pursue a return to the PGA Tour.
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