McIlroy "Welcomes LIV Golf Players' Return to PGA Tour"

Official Interview Before the Genesis Invitational
Opposition to LIV Golf Players Serving as Ryder Cup Captain

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) expressed his welcome for the return of players who had left for LIV Golf to the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy

At an official press conference on the 12th (local time), a day before the start of the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational, he said, "It is good for everyone to come together again and move forward," adding, "Let's all restart and do our best for golf." Negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which began in June 2023 on the premise of a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, had been stalled but are now expected to progress quickly following the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump.

McIlroy welcomed the participation of players who have won major championships in the past five years returning to the PGA Tour but added that restrictions should apply to the other players. He also firmly stated that even if senior European players return, they should not be given the position of Ryder Cup captain.

Candidates for Ryder Cup captain from LIV Golf include Sergio Garcia (Spain), Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood (both England), and Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland). McIlroy said, "It has to give me confidence to be possible," adding, "I think I would only be convinced if they can do as well as Luke Donald (England), who has been the current Ryder Cup captain for the past three years."

McIlroy acknowledged that PGA Tour players have financially benefited thanks to LIV Golf. "The total prize money for this Genesis Invitational is $20 million. If LIV Golf did not exist, this would not have happened," he said, adding, "They are earning more money now than before LIV Golf appeared, and I’m not sure if I could say that if LIV Golf didn’t exist."