McIlroy backs DP World Tour's plan to readmit former LIV players in 2027

Rory McIlroy said he agrees with the DP World Tour's decision to let former members who left LIV Golf return in 2027, arguing that the LIV Golf League had threatened the European tour before the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew its funding. McIlroy told reporters at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, "They took players, they took sponsors, they turned professional golf into an arms race. They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy the European tour. Yeah, I agree with everything. I think people that don't agree are probably very shortsighted."

DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings said the tour must balance fairness to loyal players while protecting its "special culture" from an entity that has spent billions with the aim of destroying the tour. He added that the tour is working to extend its partnership with the PGA Tour, which provided over $77 million in 2025 to boost prize money as a response to LIV Golf.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil said the circuit now aims to "complete, not compete" with other tours if LIV 2.0 proceeds. Kinnings warned golfers that they must choose to play on either the DP World Tour or LIV Golf, not both.

McIlroy, who competes on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, said the period of intense competition created a "false economy" and that professional golf needs a reset for long-term sustainability. He noted that while players have benefited financially, a balance and sustainable business practices are required to keep the tours viable for decades.