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mark schlabach
Even if LIV Golf spends millions of dollars to re-sign the two-time US Open winner Bryson DeChambeaupga tour star Rory McIlroy He said he did not think a breakaway league financed by Saudi Arabia would be any better.
“It’s not like they’ve made any huge signings this year, is it?” McIlroy said Thursday’s London Telegraph. “They haven’t signed anybody that moves the needle, and I don’t think they will. I mean, they could re-sign Bryson for hundreds of millions of dollars, but even if they did, it doesn’t change their product, does it? They’ll be paying for the exact same thing.”
McIlroy, who is playing in the Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour this week, said he was pleased that the former LIV Golf captain brooks koepka Returning to the PGA Tour. The five-time major champion will donate $5 million to charity at the request of the PGA Tour, and will forfeit player equity shares for the next five years.
“It’s great because it takes Brooks back where he belongs,” McIlroy said. “He’s one of the best players in the world and anything that makes the traditional tours stronger is a good thing in my book.”
DeChambeau and LIV Golf Captain john rahm And cameron smithAs past winners of one of the four majors or The Players Championship through 2022, they are also eligible to return to the PGA Tour under the new Returning Member Program.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said their return window will close on Feb. 2.
During a news conference in Palm Beach, Florida on Tuesday, DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith said they intend to remain at LIV Golf.
DeChambeau’s contract with LIV Golf expires at the end of this season. According to sources, Rahm and Smith have several years left.
DeChambeau has stated that his contract negotiations with LIV Golf are ongoing.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) attracted several PGA Tour members to LIV Golf with multiyear contracts reportedly worth more than $100 million. Rahm’s deal is believed to be worth more than $300 million.
In February 2025, then-PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player directors Tiger Woods And adam scott Met with PIF Governor Yasser al-Rumayyan at the White House. PIF considered investing $1.5 billion in PGA Tour Enterprises, but that deal appears to be falling apart.
“We have to realize that we were trying to deal with people who were, in some ways, acting irrationally, just in terms of the capital they were allocating and the money they were spending,” McIlroy said. “It’s been four or five years and there’s still been no return, but now they have to spend that money even to maintain what they have.”
According to financial filings in the UK, PIF has invested more than $5 billion in LIV Golf since its launch in 2022, including more than $1 billion last year.
LIV Golf, known for its shotgun starts, team golf and festive atmosphere, is moving to a 72-hole tournament this season to help its chances of being recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking. It is increasing the purses to $30 million for its 11 regular season events and to $50 million for its season-ending team and individual championships.
“A lot of these guys have their contracts expired,” McIlroy said. “They’re going to ask for the same number or an even bigger number. LIV has spent $5 billion or $6 billion and they’re going to have to spend five or six more to maintain where they are. Look, I’m more comfortable on the PGA Tour side of them, but who knows what will happen.
“Only time will tell, but I am very pleased to join the PGA Tour.”
