Golf great Rory McIlroy has been taken to task by one prominent pundit, who believes the former world No. 1 is far too lenient in his approach when it comes to punishing LIV deserters
Golf pundit Brandel Chamblee has called out Rory McIlroy for being too forgiving in his comments concerning Brooks Koepka. This comes after McIlroy suggested it would be “good for everyone” if Koepka returned to the PGA Tour following his split from LIV Golf.
It was confirmed last month that five-time major-winner Koepka, 35, would be ending his tenure with LIV. When questioned over a potential PGA comeback, McIlroy said it “absolutely” made sense to get the American back on board as soon as possible.
The Northern Irishman’s comments didn’t specify or suggest any punishment that should come with the move. But Chamblee had a significantly different take on the matter.
Speaking on The Favorite Chamblee Podcast, he said: “So I couldn’t disagree more with what Rory said…I couldn’t disagree more with those who think that Brooks should be able to come back without some consequence…
“It’s great if he does want to come back. I think that’s good. It’s the best legitimate tour in the world. But he was a key legitimiser of LIV. He wasn’t just an innocent bystander.
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“To allow Brooks to come back with no consequence would undermine the meritocratic foundations that are the one thing that makes the PGA Tour legitimate. It’s not about retribution. It’s about setting a precedent.”
Chamblee went on to suggest it would send the wrong message if the rules only applied “to the expendable.” That is to suggest the restrictions would only be brought in against golfers who don’t bring as many eyeballs to the Tour.
The one-time PGA Tour winner isn’t against Koepka coming back in principle, but it’s clear he expects some punishment in that scenario. The Tour put sanctions into effect against players defecting to LIV when the competition first reared its head, so it stands to reason many others might agree if the organisation was being consistent.
It’s important to note McIlroy was initially one of the key critics against those leaving golf‘s established tour for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League. And although his stance has softened over time, many fans still take a tribal view on the matter.
The war for superiority between golf’s competing contests has got ugly at times in recent years. Personal spats have erupted between players, with McIlroy and Patrick Reed famously warring with one another after the former once suggested LIV players should be banned from DP World Tour events.
As Chamblee put it, Koepka was no “innocent bystander” in the exodus and easily one of the biggest stars to depart. That, in turn, would have influenced others to follow suit, though he can’t be held accountable for all those who copied his example.
There has been little speculation as to how the PGA Tour might make its message known by punishing the likes of Koepka if he were punished. But whatever McIlroy is suggesting, it’s clearly not enough in Chamblee’s book.
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