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Super Smash Finals LIVE from 2pmMcIlroy: PGA and LIV 'too far apart' for deal to happen
AP • January 22nd, 2026 8:31 am
Rory McIlroy | Photo: AP
Rory McIlroy believes the rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is too wide, effectively negating any chance for a reunification in the sport of golf.
"I just don't see a world where it can happen at this point," the world No.2 McIlroy said on Thursday (NZ time) at Emirates Golf Club ahead of this week's Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy's comments came on the heels of the PGA Tour reinstating former LIV Golf team captain Brooks Koepka through a new Returning Member Program that offers a window for select players to return.
A very vocal critic of LIV Golf, McIlroy said he doesn't feel either side ever will make appropriate concessions in order for a proper reunification.
"I don't see a world where the two or three sides, or whoever it is, will give up enough," said the 36-year-old.
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"For reunification to happen, every side is going to feel like they will have lost, where you really want every side to feel like they have won.
"I think they are just too far apart for that to happen."
Last week, McIlroy took aim at LIV Golf when he told the Telegraph of London: "It's not as if they made any huge signings this year, is it? They haven't signed anyone who moves the needle, and I don't think they will."
McIlroy, who owns a career grand slam among his 29 PGA Tour victories, then turned his attention to his future goals on the golf course.
"Olympic medal. Open at St. Andrews. Yeah, maybe like a US Open at one of those like old, traditional golf courses -- whether it's Shinnecock this year or Winged Foot or Pebble Beach or Merion," he said.
"I would have told you two years ago, if I won the Masters, it would have been great and I could have retired or whatever. But when you keep doing things, the goalposts keep moving and you just keep finding new things that you want to do."
