Rory McIlroy Claims He Would “Love” to See 5x Major Champion Brooks Koepka in TGL

Rory McIlroy expressed that Brooks Koepka's addition would make the TGL stronger.

Rory McIlroy Claims He Would “Love” to See 5x Major Champion Brooks Koepka in TGL

Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka (Image via Imago)

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Rory McIlroy has never been shy of sharing his opinions. On Friday, before the Boston Common Golf’s TGL season 2 opener game, the 5-time major champion expressed that he would “love” to see Brooks Koepka play in the TGL.

Koepka sent massive shockwaves last week after reports emerged that he had left LIV Golf. The American international was one of the top names of the PGA Tour who left them and joined the LIV Golf. As per reports, he joined the Public Investment Fund (PIF) backed league on a deal worth around $130 million.

After 4 seasons with them, Koepka has left them. According to the statement released by LIV Golf, the 5-time major champion parted ways due to personal family reasons. Talor Gooch was later named as the new captain of the Smash GC team following his exit.

The major question following this development was where Koepka would play next. He currently remains suspended from the PGA Tour and will have to serve this first before reapplying for Tour membership once again.

The PGA Tour would also issue a cryptic message regarding him. While his future currently remains unclear, McIlroy sparked a buzz while claiming that his addition would make the TGL stronger. He later added that if Koepka wants to join them, they will find a way to include him.

I would say that’s up to people that are more powerful and more important than me. But I am one of the founders. I would love him to play. If there’s space on a team for Brooks to come and play, it only makes what we’re trying to do stronger.

Rory McIlroy said regarding Brooks Koepka

Last year, Koepka did make an appearance at the SoFi Center, the venue of the TGL. Along with his wife, Jena Sims, the 35-year-old was seen mingling with PGA Tour stars before the matchup between The Bay Golf Club and the Jupiter Links GC.

As of now, nothing is confirmed about whether Koepka will join the TGL or not. Speaking of the TGL, McIlroy and his team, the Boston Common Club, claimed their first ever victory in the TGL as they overcame the Los Angeles Golf Club 7-5 on Friday.

Rory McIlroy open for LIV Golfers to return to PGA Tour without any sanctions

It has been nearly 2 years since Rory McIlroy softened his stance against LIV golfers. In a recent appearance on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, the 2025 Masters Champion claimed that he is ready to welcome back LIV golfers to the PGA Tour without any sanctions.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

Before the announcement of the golf merger between the PGA Tour and the PIF, McIlroy was a huge critic of LIV Golf and slammed their members for causing a major divide in golf. Since January 2024, he has changed his stance and has been ready to welcome some of them back to the tour and reunite the game of golf.

During the recent podcast appearance, the World No.2 claimed he would be open to seeing the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and others return without any further penalties, as, according to him, they have already suffered consequences for their moves.

I think they’ve already paid their consequence. They’ve made the money but they’ve paid their consequence in terms of the reputation and some of the things they’ve lost by going over there. If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson DeChambeau back and whoever else, I would be okay with it.

Rory McIlroy said on Stick to Football podcast

The Grand Slam champion would also take aim at LIV Golf’s longevity and cast his doubts regarding their future. He claimed that the league is not resonating with the fans and is unsure how long can they keep going.

The league will kick off their 5th season on February 4, 2026, in Riyadh. From this year, they will be playing 72 holes after they dropped their 54-hole format following the end of last season.

As for the PGA Tour, their new season will begin on January 15 at the Sony Open in Hawaii in Honolulu after the Sentry Tournament was cancelled.

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