'Have they brought value?': McIlroy fires shot at returning LIV Golf stars

Rory McIlroy has expressed skepticism about the potential return of some of LIV Golf's top players to the PGA Tour. The world-renowned golfer questioned whether these players would bring value to the US-based circuit, stating, "I would argue, have they brought value to LIV?" This comment came during an interview with reporters ahead of the BMW Championship.

LIV Golf is set to conclude its 2026 season in Indianapolis, having recently secured a lead investor to fund its operations. However, the future of several high-profile golfers remains uncertain. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith, among others, could either stay with LIV Golf or return to the PGA Tour.

McIlroy suggested that if these players were given the chance to return under the PGA Tour's Returning Member Program, which was previously available to some top players, they might consider it. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the terms they would face if they return would likely be less favorable compared to the deal that secured Brooks Koepka's return.

The PGA Tour's Returning Member Program, which closed on February 2, provided a limited-time opportunity for eligible players to rejoin the PGA Tour. While Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner, rejoined the PGA Tour in early 2026, doing so would have meant forfeiting the potential equity in the PGA Tour's Player Equity Program, resulting in an estimated loss of $50–85 million depending on his performance and tour growth.