Fowler takes issue with McIlroy's plan to 'welcome back' LIV Golf defectors

02 February 2024 , 15:58

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Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy disagree on any potential pathway back for LIV Golf defectors (Image: Getty)

Rickie Fowler doesn't believe there should be a "direct road" back for LIV Golf defectors - despite Rory McIlroy insisting it would be "harsh" to punish players.

McIlroy, a PGA loyalist, has been one of the biggest critics of the Saudi breakaway tour until recently, where he softened his approach toward players who jumped ship for the lucrative riches on offer. "I think life is about choices," said McIlroy.

"Guys made choices to go and play LIV, guys made choices to stay here. If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back. I think it’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment.

"Obviously I’ve changed my tune on that because I see where golf is and I see that having a diminished PGA Tour and having a diminished LIV Tour or anything else is bad for both parties. It would be much better being together and moving forward together for the good of the game.

"That’s my opinion of it. The faster that we can all get back together and start to play and start to have the strongest fields possible I think is great for golf."

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However, McIlroy's PGA rival Fowler has suggested that those who left for LIV should not have a direct path back to the PGA TOUR. Fowler believes they shouldn't be allowed to come and go as they please. "[I’m] probably not in the same spot as Rory," Fowler said. "Maybe we started in a similar area, but I think there’s been a little roller-coaster ride on his part.

"As far as decisions to go elsewhere and just welcome back, I don’t think it’s a direct road [back to the Tour]. I mean, they made decisions and there has to be something for it. Whether how small or big, that’s not up to me."

McIlroy has been one of the PGA's biggest loyalists (Getty)

There is a mixed opinion among players, according to Jordan Spieth, who took McIlroy’s seat on the policy board when he stepped down last year. "I’ve asked a lot of players, I’ve done a lot of talking with a lot of players in the last couple months," he said.

"That’s Rory’s viewpoint. I could name some guys with the same viewpoint, I could name some guys with a totally opposite viewpoint."

LIV Golf's season was due to get underway today at Mayakoba, however, a food poisoning outbreak could see the start of the tournament be delayed. Flushing It reports that there are reportedly at least 20 players and caddies who have been sick yesterday and overnight.

Joshua Mbu