Rory McIlroy is in San Diego to play in the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course from December 13-16. From the venue, the Northern Irishman offered detailed insight into the current state of men’s professional golf, including his perspective on the impact of LIV Golf.

At Wednesday’s press conference, McIlroy pointed out that all players have benefited in one way or another from the emergence of LIV Golf, even those who have chosen to remain on the PGA Tour.

For me, we’ve all done better from all of this. Whether you stayed on the PGA TOUR or you left, we have all benefited from this. I’ve been on the record saying this a lot, like we’re playing for a $20 million prize fund this week. That would have never happened if LIV hadn’t have come around.
Rory McIlroy, 2024 Genesis Invitational.

Michael Owens/Getty Image

McIlroy also insisted on the need to achieve the reunification of golf, for which he said it was necessary for everyone to “get over” what has happened and put it behind them.

“I think everyone’s just got to get over it and we all have to say OK, this is the starting point and we move forward. We don’t look behind us, we don’t look to the past. Whatever’s happened has happened and it’s been unfortunate, but reunification, how we all come back together and move forward, that’s the best thing for everyone. If people are butt hurt or have their feelings hurt because guys went or whatever, like who cares? Let’s move forward together and let’s just try to get this thing going again and do what’s best for the game.”

Rory McIlroy later predicted that by 2026, the world’s best players will be able to play together more often.

The comments come as negotiations between the PGA TOUR and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) reportedly continue to make progress. According to Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard, the two sides have already agreed on financial terms and have submitted up to four versions to the U.S. Department of Justice.

A few days ago, the PGA Tour also confirmed a meeting between the U.S. President Donald Trump and Commissioner Jay Monahan, joined by Player Director Adam Scott. Scott later described the meeting as “very productive.”

Rory McIlroy was one of the most active voices against LIV Golf in its early days. Starting 2024, however, he abandoned the position of constant confrontation and adopted a conciliatory stance, defending the possibility of both circuits reaching an agreement that would allow the best players to play together on more occasions than the majors.

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