Rory McIlroy: LIV Golf not signing anyone who moves the needle - ESPN

Even if LIV Golf spends hundreds of millions of dollars to re-sign two-time U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy said he doesn't believe the Saudi Arabian-financed breakaway league will be any better off.

«It's not as if they made any huge signings this year, is it?» McIlroy told The Telegraph of London on Thursday. «They haven't signed anyone who moves the needle, and I don't think they will. I mean, they could re-sign Bryson for hundreds of millions of dollars, but even if they do, it doesn't change their product, does it? They'll just be paying for the exact same thing.»

McIlroy, who is playing in this week's Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour, said he's happy that former LIV Golf captain Brooks Koepka is returning to the PGA Tour. The five-time major champion will make a $5 million donation to charity, at the PGA Tour's request, and will forfeit player equity shares for the next five years.

«This is great as it gets Brooks back to where he belongs,» McIlroy said. «He is one of the best players in the world and anything that makes the traditional tours stronger is a good thing in my book.»

DeChambeau and LIV Golf captains Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith, as past winners of one of the four majors or the Players Championship since 2022, are also eligible to come back to the PGA Tour under the new Returning Member Program.

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said their window to return closes Feb. 2.

During a news conference in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith said they intend to stay at LIV Golf.

DeChambeau's contract with LIV Golf expires at the end of this season. Rahm and Smith have multiple years left, according to sources.

DeChambeau has said his contract negotiations with