Rory McIlroy says PGA Tour and LIV Golf are ‘too far apart’ for reunification

Rory McIlroy has effectively shut down any hopes of a reunification between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, insisting the men’s professional game has grown too divided for a deal to be struck anytime soon.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy admitted he would love to see the world’s best players competing against each other more frequently than just at the four majors — but believes that scenario is increasingly unrealistic.

The grand slam champion feels the gap between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has widened to such an extent that meaningful compromise is no longer possible.

“I just don't see a world where it can happen at this point,” McIlroy told reporters at Emirates Golf Club ahead of this week's Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour.

McIlroy has been one of the PGA Tour’s most outspoken figures since LIV Golf launched in June 2022, and his latest comments underline how little optimism remains within the game despite intermittent talks and political involvement.

His remarks come just over a week after the PGA Tour reinstated Brooks Koepka under a new programme that offers select players a limited window to return, and months after US President Donald Trump hosted meetings aimed at resolving the schism.

While McIlroy acknowledged that relations between the two circuits are better now than in the early days of LIV’s launch, he does not believe either side is willing to make the sacrifices required to reunite the game.

“Just I don't see a world where the two or three sides or whoever it is will give up enough,” said McIlroy.

“Like for reunification to happen, every side is going to feel like they will have lost, where you really want every side to feel like they have won ... I think they are just too far apart for that to happen.”

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McIlroy backs DP World Tour stance over LIV fines

McIlroy also offered forthright views on the ongoing DP World Tour fines facing Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, both of whom joined LIV Golf but remain hopeful of featuring in future Ryder Cups.

Despite previously suggesting that rules could — and perhaps should — be adjusted to allow Rahm and Hatton to compete at the 2025 Ryder Cup, McIlroy now believes the pair must pay their fines if they truly want to remain eligible for the next 2027 match. 

Both players were able to represent Europe at last September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black after lodging appeals over their DP World Tour fines with a sports arbiter, but based on a similar ruling in May 2023, those appeals are widely expected to fail when formally heard.

That could leave Rahm and Hatton facing a stark choice: settle their fines or give up their DP World Tour memberships — and with them, potential Ryder Cup eligibility.

LIV Golf’s financial backers previously covered fines on behalf of players, but that safety net is no longer in place. Rahm has since reiterated his objection to being penalised for missing events he was never contracted to play, estimating he owes around €3 million.

McIlroy considers the Legion XIII teammates should just pay up, if they really want to be involved in future Ryder Cup matches. 

“Look, this is my opinion,” said McIlroy. 

“We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup, and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups.

“There's two guys that can prove it.”

McIlroy added: “I think any organisation or any members' organisation like this has a right to uphold its rules and regulations.

“What the DP World Tour are doing is upholding their rules and regulations.

“We, as members, sign a document at the start of every year, which has you agree to these rules and regulations.

“The people that made the option to go to LIV knew what they were. So I don't see what's wrong with that.”

Ryder Cup implications loom large

Rahm and Hatton have been central figures in Europe’s Ryder Cup success since 2018, particularly as a pairing in foursomes, where they remain unbeaten across four matches together.

Rahm holds an overall Ryder Cup record of 9-5-3, while Hatton boasts an equally impressive 8-4-3. Hatton also secured the decisive point in Europe’s victory in New York, contributing three and a half points for Luke Donald’s team, with Rahm adding three points from five matches.

The next Ryder Cup takes place at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027, and uncertainty remains over whether both players will be eligible to feature.

Meanwhile, bookmakers have slashed the odds on Luke Donald remaining as European captain, following his comments this week that he plans to hold talks with DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings about staying in the role.

Should Donald retain the captaincy, he would have the chance to become the first figure in 100 years of the Ryder Cup to lead Europe to three consecutive victories.