McIlroy doubts value of LIV players returning to PGA Tour

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler said he is not opposed to LIV Golf players potentially rejoining the PGA Tour, arguing that they would add value and that he wants to compete against the best players in the world.

Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy expressed uncertainty about the benefit of a return, noting that the PGA Tour is already in a strong position. > "I would argue, have they brought value to LIV?" he said at a news conference before the BMW Championship. > "I feel like I've kept my position consistent that LIV has never been a good thing for the game," McIlroy added, questioning any future "LIV 2.0" concept.

LIV Golf is set to hold its final 2026 tournament in Indiana, and its primary investor, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has announced it will cease financing the league after nearly $6 billion in support since 2022. The circuit hopes to continue in 2027 with a reduced schedule of ten events and an offer of equity stakes to attract top players.

McIlroy, a long-time critic of LIV, said he would not take pleasure in job losses caused by the league’s decline and suggested the PGA Tour could have used the funding more effectively.

Scheffler acknowledged that some LIV players would be valuable competitors and said penalties for returning players should be determined by PGA Tour leadership. He referenced the return of Brooks Koepka, who rejoined the Tour under a program that required forfeiting equity shares and a charitable donation, while other stars such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith declined the offer.

McIlroy conceded that some LIV golfers might eventually come back, but warned the path would be difficult and that any future return terms would likely be less favorable than those offered to Koepka.