Rory McIlroy advocates for no punishment for LIV defectors seeking PGA Tour return, but his stance faces opposition from notable peers like Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas.
Fowler expressed to the New York Post that the reintegration process for LIV members should not be straightforward. Thomas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the sacrifices made by current players and expressing reluctance to welcome back defectors without penalty.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler diverges slightly from McIlroy’s perspective, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. While he doesn’t harbor ill will towards defectors, he believes their return should not be seamless, especially considering those who sued the Tour after leaving.
Scheffler suggests there should be a pathway back for defectors but insists they should not return without contributing to the Tour in some form. However, he refrains from specifying what form this contribution should take.
The overarching sentiment among players who remained loyal to the PGA Tour is that while defectors should have a chance to return, it shouldn’t be without some form of acknowledgment of their departure and its impact.