Two weeks ago, Brooks Koepka stepped away from the Saudi-funded circuit. Since then, invitations have begun to arrive, including one from TGL Co-Founder Rory McIlroy.

While McIlroy acknowledged that the decision is not his alone and rests with others in charge, he said he is open to Brooks Koepka joining TGL.

“I would love him to play. If there's space on a team for Brooks to come and play, it only makes what we're trying to do stronger.” Rory McIlroy said in comments shared via NUCLR GOLF on X on January 3.

TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League) is a technology-driven golf league that features PGA Tour players competing in a team format that combines simulator long-shot play with live short-game play inside a purpose-built indoor venue. 

“He's [Koepka] a five-time major champion. He's been one of the best players of our generation. If he decides it's something that he wants to do, I'm sure we'll find a way to include him.”

The PGA Tour holds an 18% ownership stake in TGL, and no LIV players took part in its first season.

However, McIlroy’s stance regarding LIV Golf has evolved since its inception.

A day ago, before McIlroy invited Koepka, he appeared on The Overlap podcast on January 2, as shared by Flushing It Golf, where he said,

“I think they’ve already paid their consequence. They’ve made the money, but they’ve paid their consequence in terms of their reputation and some of the things they’ve lost by going over there,” McIlroy said during the podcast.

What is the PGA Tour's cryptic statement

The PGA Tour released a statement following Koepka’s announcement, noting that it recognized his accomplishments and extended well-wishes to him and his family. 

“Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success. The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging, and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”

While Brooks Koepka has not made any statement yet, one thing is clear: Rory McIlroy is open to playing with LIV golfers.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu