Rory McIlroy says LIV golfers returning to PGA is 'good business,' but still takes one more shot at them

May 9, 2026 - 19:56

Rory McIlroy has softened his stance on LIV Golf defectors, saying that allowing them back on the PGA Tour is simply "good business." The four-time major winner acknowledged that reuniting the fractured golf landscape would make the tour stronger and more competitive. However, McIlroy could not resist taking one final jab at the players who left for the Saudi-backed league.

Speaking ahead of a tournament, McIlroy explained that the PGA Tour needs its best players to thrive, regardless of where they have been playing. He described the potential return of LIV golfers as a pragmatic move that would benefit sponsors, fans, and the overall product. "It's about making the tour as strong as possible," he said. "That means having the best field every week."

But McIlroy also made it clear that he has not forgotten the disruption caused by the split. He suggested that some of the players who jumped to LIV made their choices for financial reasons and should not expect a hero's welcome. "They made their bed," he added, though he stopped short of calling for punishment. The comments come as talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund continue behind closed doors, with no final agreement yet reached. McIlroy's remarks signal a shift toward reconciliation, but also show that old wounds have not fully healed.