Ever since the inception of LIV Golf, PGA Tour superstar Rory McIlroy has been one of the most vocal critics of the Saudi-backed league, even going as far as to say that if any player wanted to return to the PGA Tour after defecting to LIV Golf, that player should face punishment. But recently, McIlroy has changed his tune a bit, going back on his previous statements.
In a pretty shocking twist, Rory McIlroy said that he would welcome all LIV Golf players back to the PGA Tour and no longer thinks they should face any punishment for leaving.
“If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back,” McIlroy said according to ESPN. “I think it’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment.”
With the PGA Tour nearing a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – which funds LIV Golf – McIlroy has become much more warm toward LIV, in a pretty shocking bit of news. And this change of tune has led to a lot of reactions on social media.
McIIroy must be getting a huge payday from his buddy Jay to completely publicly humiliate himself like this… expect an announcement soon that an agreement has been reached #PGA #LIV https://t.co/eT96zMTKkm
— Go Beast Go (@JeffStanzel1) January 30, 2024
Rors is an all time clown…just stop talking https://t.co/rOvtE82Jp1
— Rickie Flower Tracker (@FowlerIamnot) January 30, 2024
I think that Rory is still the pga tours puppet. Now pulling a 180 because now they're in bed with the bad guys. Buddy should just go to LIV. https://t.co/S1fFoB2Sfc
— dawston (@Dawson15Duke) January 31, 2024
Politics definitely in Rory’s future. Stated like a true politician https://t.co/R85qH4RZVC
— Blake (@BlakeHouser10) January 31, 2024
This guy man! I don’t understand how people like him. Mentally soft and why do you think he hasn’t won another major? https://t.co/fo9TewNpeL
— Thrash (@Thrash246) January 31, 2024
Rory sure has changed his tune about the Saudi’s and LIV-ers. Very disappointing that he can’t stick to his beliefs. https://t.co/dohNJulQOS
— Bob Irving (@BobIrvingCJOB) January 31, 2024
It’s certainly a shocking change of opinion from McIlroy.
[ESPN]
