With LIV Golf preparing for life after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ends direct backing following the 2026 season, Rory McIlroy recently chipped in on the debate about players returning to the PGA. 

The six-time major winner discussed what a possible path back to the PGA Tour could look like for LIV golfers in a media interaction after the second round of the Truist Championship, shared via TenGolf.

“If it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, you know, I think Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this Tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that. That's just good business practice.”

The PGA Tour had already opened a route back for a select group of LIV golfers earlier this year through its Returning Member Program, introduced in January 2026. 

The one-time policy applied only to players who had won a major championship or The Players Championship between 2022 and 2025 and had spent at least two years away from the Tour.

While the program gave players a chance to return, it also came with strict conditions. Returning members were required to give up access to several PGA Tour financial programs for five years, miss out on FedExCup bonus payments for 2026, and commit to playing at least 15 events during the season. 

Reports also stated that reinstated players would be required to make a $5 million charitable donation as part of the process.

Only four LIV players qualified under the criteria: Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith. Koepka accepted the terms and returned to the PGA Tour in January 2026, while the others chose to remain with LIV Golf.

McIlroy also questioned the future of LIV Golf, as its future hangs in the balance as they search for potential investors.

“It's a question if they do want to come back. Obviously, we have seen the quotes over the last few days. And, you know, it seems like some of the guys, if -- again, it all depends on what happens to LIV,” added the 2026 Masters winner.

The Northern Irish professional golfer elaborated on his account of the issues that returning players will face.

Rory McIlroy outlines uncertainty around PGA Tour return path

McIlroy pointed to the complications surrounding existing LIV Golf contracts and the uncertainty over the league’s schedule beyond 2026.

The two-time Master's champion said a possible return path for LIV players would not be straightforward.

“I think there's going to be a lot of sort of bridges to cross to get there, just because, you know, obviously the guys over there are under contract and if they are able to keep it going and get a schedule together next year,” said McIlroy.

“It seems like those guys are still going to play the majority of their golf on LIV, in whatever form it takes,” added the Northern Irish golfer.

With Bryson DeChambeau reportedly nearing the end of his LIV Golf contract after the 2026 season and Jon Rahm still tied to a deal that runs through 2027, attention now shifts to what direction some of LIV’s biggest names could take in the coming years. 

While both players were eligible for the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program earlier this year, they chose to remain with LIV Golf, leaving future moves in their own hands.

Do you think LIV Golf players should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Surjo Ray