The list seems to be growing of LIV golfers who say they have no interest in returning to the PGA Tour if their circuit goes away.

Anirban Lahiri. Doug Defelice/LIV Golf

India’s Anirban Lahiri told The Times of London on Thursday he knows of “at least a dozen players who’d rather not play golf than go back to the PGA Tour.”

Belgian Thomas Pieters said recently he’d retire before going back to the American circuit. And, of course, there’s the case of Bryson DeChambeau, explained expertly today by our Joel Beall.

Rory McIlroy - Ben Jared

Rory McIlroy – Ben Jared

For all of them, Rory McIlroy had an unsubtle message after his Friday round in the Truist. The Ulsterman demurred on most questions about LIV and is heartened that some players might return to his “home” DP World Tour. But for those throwing shade on the PGA Tour, McIlroy had this: “If you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be. And if you don’t want to play here, I think that says something about you.”

Mic drop. Press conference over.

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: Icon Sportswire