'I think that says something about you' - McIlroy sends blunt LIV message

Rory McIlroy has questioned why players would not want to return to play on the PGA Tour amid uncertainty over the future of LIV Golf, bluntly saying "if you don't want to play here, I think that says something about you".

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed last month that it will end its funding for LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, with the breakaway league now searching for alternative long-time investment to secure its future.

Speaking after he surged into contention at the Truist Championship on Friday with a second-round 67, McIlroy was asked for his take on the LIV situation and the potential pathways back for players to the established tours.

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"It's a question if they do want to come back," said McIlroy.

"Obviously we have seen the quotes over the last few days. And, you know, it seems like some of the guys, if... again, it all depends on what happens to LIV.

"If it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, I think (PGA Tour CEO) Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that.

"That's just good business practice.

"But again, I think there's going to be a lot of sort of bridges to cross to get there, just because, you know, obviously the guys over there are under contract and if they are able to keep it going and get a schedule together next year, it seems like those guys are still going to play the majority of their golf on LIV, in whatever form it takes."

McIlroy, originally an arch critic of the LIV breakaway in 2022 before subsequently softening his stance, added: "I was probably too judgemental with the guys that went because I was seeing it from my point of view and maybe not seeing it from other points of view.

"I'm not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour.

"I don't know, does that mean that they go play DP World Tour, maybe; if that's a pathway, that would make the DP World Tour stronger, and I would be delighted with that because that's my home tour at the end of the day.

"But If you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be. And if you don't want to play here, I think that says something about you."

More to follow...

Watch the Truist Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Coverage of round three begins at 5pm, Saturday, on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.