'Have they brought value?': McIlroy fires shot at returning LIV Golf stars

Rory McIlroy has cast doubt on the potential return of LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour, questioning the value they would bring to the American circuit. Speaking ahead of the BMW Championship, McIlroy suggested that any LIV players seeking to rejoin the PGA Tour would face a "tough road back."

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I would argue, have they brought value to LIV? You know?

McIlroy's comments come as LIV Golf secures new investment, leaving the future of high-profile golfers like Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith uncertain. While Brooks Koepka successfully returned to the PGA Tour in early 2026 through a "Returning Member Program," it came at a significant financial cost, forfeiting potential equity estimated between $50–85 million.

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I think the PGA Tour's in a really good spot.

"I would argue, have they brought value to LIV?" McIlroy stated, reflecting on the potential reintegration of players. He noted that the program Koepka used has since closed, implying that any future returns would likely be on less favorable terms. "And I think it was said at the time that the deal that they might get going forward, if they do decide to come back, isn't going to be as good as the one that Brooks got," he added.

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If they were offered this returning member program back in February, the one that Brooks took, then, yeah, maybe. But that has sort of come and gone.