"LIV Player Acceptance Needed" McIlroy Changes Course

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Press Conference
LIV Player Demands 'PGA Tour Participation Allowed'
"Hope for Quick Conclusion on Merger of the Two Organizations"

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) has softened his stance.

Rory McIlroy

Once the most hostile toward LIV Golf, he has now changed his approach. At an official press conference held two days before the start of the PGA Tour AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (total prize money $20 million) on the 30th (local time), McIlroy explained, "Some players have decided to go to LIV, and some have chosen to stay here," adding, "If they want to come back and play on the PGA Tour, they should be allowed to return." He argued that the ban on LIV players participating in the PGA Tour should be lifted.

He emphasized, "Punishment is not the answer. It is much better for the development of golf to work together and move forward," and added, "It would greatly benefit golf if we all come together again and hold tournaments featuring the best possible players." The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is an elite event with only 80 players and no cut. However, LIV players such as Jon Rahm (Spain), Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka (both USA), and Cameron Smith (Australia) are not allowed to participate.

McIlroy also expressed hope that the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, as well as the partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), would be finalized soon. He said, "I won’t stand in the way of others making money. If they see it as money that can change their lives, I will never interfere," adding, "They are people I respect and have spent a lot of time with. If they believe it is the best decision, I support that decision."