World No. 2 Rory McIlroy said LIV Golf players considering a return to the PGA Tour could face a difficult path and questioned what value they would bring to the U.S.-based circuit. Speaking at a Wednesday news conference ahead of the 2026 BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, McIlroy said the PGA Tour was in a strong position and suggested returning players would not be welcomed immediately. Brooks Koepka rejoined the tour in early 2026 through a limited-time Returning Member Program, but forfeited potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program for five years, an estimated $50 million to $85 million depending on his performance and tour growth. The program closed on February 2 after a three-week application period. Major champions Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, along with former British Open champion Cameron Smith, were eligible to use it. LIV Golf is completing its 2026 season near Indianapolis and has secured a lead investor to help fund the circuit as it prepares for a future without backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. It remains unclear whether DeChambeau and Rahm will stay with LIV Golf beyond the season or seek to return to the PGA Tour.