McIlroy Says "It Would Be Great If Koepka Played in TGL"

Koepka Announces Suspension of LIV Golf Activities
McIlroy Welcomes Potential TGL Participation
One-Year Suspension for Returning LIV Golf Players

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland has sent a friendly message to Brooks Koepka of the United States, who recently suspended his activities with LIV Golf.

On January 4 (local time), during a press conference for the screen golf TGL tournament held at the Sofi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, McIlroy stated, "It's not my decision to make, but as one of the founders of this league, I think it would be great if Koepka participated in TGL." McIlroy added, "Koepka, who has won five major championships, is one of the best players of our generation. If he wants to play in TGL, we will try to find a way to make it happen."

Rory McIlroy expressed that he would welcome Brooks Koepka, who left LIV Golf, if he were to participate in the screen golf TGL. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Koepka recently announced his intention to suspend his activities with LIV Golf. It has not yet been determined where Koepka will compete this season. Some have raised the possibility of his return to the PGA Tour. However, the PGA Tour currently imposes a minimum one-year suspension on players who have competed in LIV Golf. As a result, most expect that Koepka will not be able to participate in any PGA Tour events this year.

In an interview the previous day, McIlroy said, "If it benefits the tour as a whole for players who left for LIV Golf, including Bryson DeChambeau, to return to the PGA Tour, I am in favor of it," expressing a positive stance on allowing their return without additional sanctions. He added, "They have already suffered losses to their reputation and more by moving to LIV Golf."

TGL is a screen golf league founded by McIlroy and 'golf legend' Tiger Woods of the United States. It is currently in its second season. Since the PGA Tour holds a stake in TGL, players from LIV Golf have been excluded from TGL since the first season.