Rory McIlroy believes the PGA Tour has the upper hand in its battle with LIV Golf and that the exit of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed from the Saudi backed tour could prove a catalyst for more to jump ship.
McIlroy also cited that new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp’s desire to create a more concentrated 2027 schedule could be a huge factor in enticing more LIV stars to return to the PGA Tour. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau’s LIV contracts expire at the end of the season.
“I think the pendulum has swung a little more in the PGA Tour’s favour,” McIlroy said, citing efforts by new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp to create a concentrated 2027 schedule as another carrot for potential LIV defectors.
“You know, the sentiment has definitely changed from, say, 18 months ago.
“Guys are going to get to the end of their contracts, and whether they’re going to get the money that they were paid the first time around remains to be seen.
“As I’ve said before, I think everything that’s happened over the last few years has forced the (PGA) Tour to think about things differently and create these signature events.“But then, you know, rethink the entire schedule, and you know what’s going to happen in ’27 and beyond. I think the guys over there may be seeing that, and it might entice them a little bit more.”
McIlroy, who also doesn’t feel like the Players would gain anything by being given ‘Major’ status and has switched back to the equipment that helped him win the Masters last year, believes Koepka’s immediate return could spark a serious domino effect in the game.
“I think Brooks coming back — one of the best players of our generation, five-time Major champion — that’s a big deal,” said McIlroy who looks to have a mammoth task to wrestle Race to Dubai control from Reed after he won twice in three starts on the DP World Tour.
“Patrick earning his way back through really good play over on the DP World Tour. That’s great for him.
“And, you know, I’m all for anything that makes the PGA Tour stronger, and those two guys coming back make the PGA Tour stronger.”
As for his equipment, McIlroy tinkered with a new golf ball and cavity back irons at events in Australia and in the Middle East either side of the new year but after some inconsistencies he has reverted back to his grand slam set up which seems timely as he ramps up his pre-Masters preparation with this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am defence to come and the Genesis, Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players in the run up to Augusta.
“I had a strong finish to the season last year and played well in the Middle East, went down to Australia, which was a great experience, sort of messed around with some different iron setups and sort of messed around with a different ball and a few equipment changes,” McIlroy said.
“But that experiment is over — back to the trusty irons that I’ve played basically my whole career. But yeah, game feels in good shape.”
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