McIlroy warns LIV Golf players of tough road back to PGA Tour

Masters champion Rory McIlroy has warned LIV Golf players of a challenging journey back to the PGA Tour. At a press conference prior to the BMW Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, McIlroy questioned the value that LIV Golf players might bring to the US-based circuit. The golfer argued that they may not have provided any value to LIV Golf itself.

McIlroy expressed confidence in the PGA Tour's current state, stating that it is in a good position. The 2026 LIV Golf season is nearing its end in Indianapolis, with the possibility of major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm returning to the PGA Tour. Brooks Koepka, another LIV Golf player, recently rejoined the PGA Tour through a Returning Member Program, but had to forfeit potential equity in the program, which could amount to $50-85 million depending on his performance.

McIlroy suggested that any new returning players would likely face a tough road back, as the deals they might receive would not be as favorable as Koepka's.