McIlroy Sees No PGA-LIV Deal, Sets Sights on New Goals After Dubai Start

DUBAI, January 21, 2026 – Rory McIlroy, fresh off a tied-third finish to open his season, delivered a sobering assessment of professional golf’s fractured landscape, stating the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have grown “too far apart” for a unifying deal. The World No. 2 also issued a direct challenge to former Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, calling on them to pay outstanding fines as proof of their commitment to Europe’s 2027 defense.

A Strong, But Unfulfilling, Start in Dubai

McIlroy’s 2026 campaign began at the Dubai Invitational, where he held the first-round lead but ultimately finished two strokes behind surprise winner Nacho Elvira. A final-round 69, featuring a blistering run of five consecutive birdies, was marred by a bogey on the 18th hole. “I felt like I learned a lot of stuff about my game,” McIlroy said. “I wasn’t very sharp, but hopefully I’m a little bit sharper going into next week.” He led the field in par-3 scoring and was second in driving distance during the event.

“Too Far Apart” For Golf’s Reunification

Speaking ahead of this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy expressed deep skepticism about the prospect of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf forming an alliance. “I just don’t see a world where it can happen at this point,” McIlroy stated. “I think they are just too far apart for that to happen.” He suggested that for any reunification to occur, all sides would have to feel like they lost, rather than won. His comments come amid the ongoing appeal process for LIV players facing sanctions from the DP World Tour.

A Ryder Cup Challenge for Rahm and Hatton

Directly addressing two of Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup heroes, McIlroy said LIV-defectors Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could prove their dedication to the European cause by settling their fines. “We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup, and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups,” McIlroy noted. “There’s two guys that can prove it.” Both Rahm and Hatton remain eligible for DP World Tour events while their appeals are pending.

New Horizons After the Grand Slam

With the career Grand Slam secured after his dramatic 2025 Masters victory, McIlroy revealed his refreshed ambitions. “Olympic medal. (British) Open at St. Andrews. Yeah, maybe like a U.S. Open at one of those old, traditional golf courses,” he listed. The Northern Irishman admitted his goals have evolved, driven by a desire to find “joy in the process” and play where he wants, not out of obligation.

Rory McIlroy: Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rory McIlroy’s schedule for early 2026?

After the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week, McIlroy is scheduled to defend his title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California from February 12-15. He will then play The Players Championship in March before beginning his major championship season at The Masters in April.

What is McIlroy’s current stance on LIV Golf players returning?

While he has previously expressed openness to LIV players returning to the PGA Tour, McIlroy’s latest comments focus on the practical impossibility of a full-scale merger between the tours. He remains focused on the integrity of the Ryder Cup, challenging LIV-based Europeans to financially commit to the team.

What are McIlroy’s next major career goals?

Having won the Masters to complete the Grand Slam, McIlroy is now targeting an Olympic medal, winning The Open at St. Andrews, and capturing a U.S. Open at a classic venue like Shinnecock, Winged Foot, Pebble Beach, or Merion.