Rory McIlroy changes his tune on LIV golfers returning to PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy shifts stance on LIV Golfers returning to PGA Tour, advocates for reconciliation.

Rory McIlroy has adjusted his perspective on players facing repercussions for returning to traditional tours from the LIV Golf Series.

Initially a staunch advocate for sanctions, McIlroy now emphasizes the importance of choices, acknowledging the need for unity in the golfing world.

The ongoing negotiations between PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, and Fenway Sports Group appear to influence this shift in stance. McIlroy, formerly critical of those leaving the PGA Tour for LIV, now believes unity is paramount, expressing the view that punishing players could harm both parties involved.

“I think life is about choices. Guys made choices to go and play LIV, guys made choices to stay here,” McIlroy told the media ahead of this week’s PGA Tour Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back. I think it’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment.”

McIlroy’s comments came hours after fellow Ryder Cup star Tyrell Hatton withdrew from the Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament and announced he was joining the LIV Golf Series.

“Obviously I’ve changed my tune on that because I see where golf is and I see that having a diminished PGA Tour and having a diminished LIV Tour or anything else is bad for both parties,” McIlroy said.

The four-time major winner, who served on the PGA Tour board until November, emphasizes the need for collaboration, expressing hope for a swift resolution.

“The faster that we can all get back together and start to play and start to have the strongest fields possible, I think, is great for golf.”