LIV players returning to PGA Tour should not be punished: McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has admitted LIV golfers have “changed their attitude” on returning to play on the PGA Tour, with the four-time major champion now saying he should return without penalty.

The Northern Irishman has been an outspoken critic of the tournament since its inception in 2022, creating a rift that threatens to tear golf apart and signing many big names. McIlroy has previously accused some of those who jumped ship of being duplicitous, saying he would rather retire than join the Saudi-backed separatists.

But with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf discussing a merger and McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hutton moving to LIV, the 34-year-old recently softened his stance on his rival . tourism “I think life is about choices. Guys choose to play LIV, guys choose to stay here,” he told reporters before the start of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Tuesday. “I think it’s hard to punish people. I don’t think he needs to be punished. “If people are still fit for this tournament and want to come back and play or see something, let them come back.

“Obviously, seeing where golf is and seeing the PGA Tour going down and the LIV Tour going down, I’ve changed my mind because it’s not good for either side,” McIlroy added. England’s Hutton is the latest big name to join LIV, the world number 16 will be part of the expansion team led by Masters champion Rahm.

“I had a long chat with Tyrrell on Sunday and I totally understand where he’s coming from,” McIlroy said. “They negotiated and got to a place where he had to do what he was comfortable with and what he felt was right for him. I wouldn’t stop anyone from making money if they think the money will change their life. ” Reuters