‘LIV is in such a state of flux’: Rory McIlroy defends tour’s new anti-LIV rule

Rory McIlroy is competing at the 2026 DP World India Championship this week, looking to close the gap on Patrick Reed in his quest for a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title. However, the prevailing topic of conversation in Delhi is the DP World Tour's newly announced ban on LIV Golf players for the 2027 season, which also effectively disqualifies them from the 2027 European Ryder Cup team. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, McIlroy mounted a defense of the tour's leadership, arguing that they are well within their rights to adjust regulations to protect their business. He emphasized that the tour functions as a members' organization, where players sign binding documents to abide by specific rules before each season. McIlroy suggested that while the tour had been 'more than accommodating' to LIV players in the past, the current state of flux—following LIV's September Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing—required a firm stance. 'The golf landscape has been constantly changing for the last four, five years. It’s now got to the point where guys are going to have to make a decision,' McIlroy stated, adding that the new rule adds necessary certainty. Separately, during an interview at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, McIlroy addressed the possibility of LIV players returning to the PGA Tour. Acknowledging that while some loyal members might feel slighted, he personally supports their reintegration. 'Yes, I would. I think a rising tide lifts all boats, and I think having some of these players back is beneficial for the business of the tours,' he said.