Rory McIlroy: PGA Tour “has to” compensate players

Rory McIlroy insists the end of golf’s civil war should bring financial benefits to players who remained loyal to his beloved PGA Tour.

As an unofficial spokesperson for Jay Monahan’s organisation, McIlroy has been front and centre of the defence against the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.

Asked by Sky Sports if the players should be given financial compensation, McIlroy said: “Yeah, I think so. Ultimately, I think that’s what we are talking about.”

• Rory McIlroy still “hates” LIV Golf 

• Jay Monahan facing calls to resign

The Northern Irishman was ‘never offered anything from LIV’ but believes there ‘has to be something’ for the pros who chose not to jump ship.

It comes after a seismic shake-up of the men’s professional golf scene, when the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a commercial cohesion this week.

One of the greatest uncertainties surrounding the shock merger remains how LIV players, who cashed in on ludicrous sign-on bonuses and prize purses, will rejoin the golf schedule.

Rory McIlroy believes the PGA needs to compensate players who stayed loyal to the tour before the recent merger with LIV Golf. pic.twitter.com/vVcuXsRKeP

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2023

McIlroy has also shared his disappointment with how the faithful PGA Tour players have been shown no reward for doing what he felt was morally correct.

He said: “It was a massive decision to do what they did, I feel for the right reasons.

“I feel for those guys who had that decision to make and are probably somewhat questioning that
decision they made now.”

• DeChambeau feels sorry for PGA Tour players

• Greg Norman reacts to merger

While the future of the joint entity is currently unclear, the 34-year-old admits he still has the
interests of the PGA Tour at heart, after saying ahead of the Canadian Open that he “hates” LIV.

McIlroy added: “My ambition has always been to protect the PGA Tour and protect the aspirational nature of it, so I hope going forward that is still the case.

“I love what the PGA Tour stands for. I like the competition and meritocracy of it all, and I hope and think that will continue.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.