Rory: Judging golfers for joining LIV was 'a mistake'

Rory McIlroy has been one of LIV Golf's biggest detractors since the Saudi-backed circuit began poaching players from the PGA TOUR in 2022. He even said as recently as July that "if LIV Golf was the last place on Earth to play golf, I would retire."

But McIlroy softened his stance Wednesday, explaining that he regrets the way he judged players for fleeing to the rival tour.

"I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start, and I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realize that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods' position," McIlroy told the "Stick To Football" podcast.

"We all turn professional to make a living playing the sports that we do, and I think that's what I realized over the last two years. I can't judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgmental at the start."

McIlroy even credited LIV for revealing some of the TOUR's imperfections.

"I think what LIV has done, it's exposed the flaws in the system of what golf has, because we're all supposed to be independent contractors and we can pick and choose what tournaments we want to play," he said.

"But I think what LIV and the Saudis have exposed is that you're asking for millions of dollars to sponsor these events, and you're not able to guarantee to the sponsors that the players are going to show up. I can't believe the PGA TOUR has done so well for so long."

The PGA TOUR and the Saudi PIF reached a framework agreement to form a new for-profit company in June. There was a deadline to finalize the deal by New Year's Eve, but talks appear to have been extended.

However, McIlroy believes the agreement has made it an easier decision for players to take - in most cases - a huge signing bonus and join LIV Golf, knowing they'll likely be able to play PGA TOUR events again in the foreseeable future.

"I think at this point, with the whole framework agreement and the merger news in June, it has legitimized what LIV was trying to do, which then made it easier for guys to jump over to LIV Golf," he said.

Jon Rahm became one of LIV's most high-profile acquisitions in December, and McIlroy doesn't blame him for joining. Rahm's deal is reportedly worth €450 million.

"Jon Rahm hasn't got any of the heat for going like the first guys got for going," McIlroy said. "Jon is smart, and I think he sees things coming together at some point. So, he's thinking that he'll take the upfront money, which is his prerogative, and if things come together, he'll play LIV for a year then come back to play on the TOUR and play some team golf."

He added: "I have no problem with Jon going if that's what he wants to do and he thinks that’s the right decision for him and his family. Who am I to say any different at this point?"

McIlroy said he personally hasn't received a formal offer from LIV Golf.

"I didn't engage. I think at this point, I've pretty much set my stall out."