McIlroy Says He Would Welcome Former LIV Golfers Back to the PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy opened the door a little wider to golf's reunification on Tuesday, telling a forum in New Delhi that he would vote to welcome former LIV Golf players back to the PGA Tour. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum while in India for this week's DP World India Championship, McIlroy was asked directly whether the ex-rebel players should be allowed to return — and answered with a clear "yes."

"A rising tide lifts all boats," he said, arguing that having the sport's biggest names back is good for the business of both tours. McIlroy was blunt about LIV itself, saying the breakaway league had "probably half of a good idea" but executed it poorly, wasting its vast capital instead of partnering with the game's governing bodies. He added that he understands loyal players who turned down LIV's millions might feel hard done by if returnees walk straight back in, and noted that both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour are membership organizations whose leadership must consult their players first.

The comments come as LIV hemorrhages talent: Jon Rahm's lawyer has said the two-time major winner will not join the league's planned 2.0 relaunch, while David Puig and Abraham Ancer are also departing. Separately on Tuesday, McIlroy announced on social media that he has signed a deal to become DP World's Global Golf Ambassador. He tees off alongside Robert MacIntyre and defending champion Tommy Fleetwood at 7:15 a.m. local time Thursday at Delhi Golf Club.