Rory McIlroy says he has “changed his mind” about LIV Golf and doesn't think players should be punished for returning to the PGA Tour.
The four-time major champion is one of the most outspoken critics of the Saudi-backed LIV series.
McIlroy said players who join LIV Golf should not be allowed to compete on other tours in 2022.
“I think life is about choices. Everyone made a choice to go and play at LIV, and everyone made a choice to stay here,” he said.
Speaking on Tuesday, the 34-year-old Northern Irishman added: “I think it's difficult to punish people. I don't think there should be any punishment.”
“If people are still eligible to be on this tour and want to come back and play, or if you want to try something, let them come back.
“Obviously, I changed my mind because I looked at the current state of golf and realized that reducing the PGA Tour and reducing the LIV Tour and other events is not good for both parties.”
McIlroy's Ryder Cup-winning teammate Tyrrell Hatton is the latest high-profile golfer to sign with LIV Golf and will make his debut at the season opener in Mexico this week.
The British player's contract with LIV is reportedly worth around £50 million, external – More than double the amount Hatton, 32, won on the PGA Tour during his career.
“I had a long talk with Tyrrell on Sunday and completely understood where he was coming from,” McIlroy said.
“They negotiated and got to a place where he was comfortable. He has to do what he thinks is right for him. If it's about making money and what they consider life. I'm not going to disturb anyone.'' – Exchange money. ”
In early January, McIlroy said he would be willing to play in a tournament organized by LIV Golf if the controversial tour became like cricket's Indian Premier League, but LIV's chief executive Greg Norman said the softening of his stance was an “important turning point” for the club. Sports.
Negotiations over a possible merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which funds LIV Golf, are continuing until 2024 after failing to reach an agreement at the end of 2023.