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Collin Morikawa Gives Verdict on LIV Golfers Playing on the PGA Tour: “Want to See Everyone Play Together”

Published 03/31/2024, 3:45 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

There have been numerous lingering questions surrounding the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. With several pros having made the move, and a few others defecting recently, one question has always found its way to almost every conversation between the golf fans:  Should LIV golfers be permitted to return to the PGA Tour?

The most recent one to answer the ever-burning question was Collin Morikawa. The 27-year-old pro delivered his thoughts on the matter several times, including in a recent interview with Dan Rapaport on X (formerly Twitter).

When Dan asked, “Should LIV guys be allowed to come back?” Morikawa quickly provided a direct and unambiguous response, stating, “I mean, perhaps at some point,” as he expressed certainty about the existence of “consequences.” The pro continued, “We all want to see everyone play together.”

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At the Sentry 2024, Morikawa was presented with a similar question, and he responded on The Mirror: “I hope everything comes together and we’re able to all play together at some point in some time in some way, but there’s so much back and forth, the emails we get, it’s all fluff,” implying that his primary focus is on getting back to playing golf.

Other than that, the 27-year-old also wants to see the best players playing together. “At this point, I think just deals need to be made, and we all need to get back to playing golf,” he added. Everyone has had their share of thoughts about LIV golfers being allowed to play regular PGA Tour events; some stern, some mellow like Morikawa.

A lingering tiny ray of hope at the moment is the pending merger between PIF and the Tour. One golfer whose change of heart pertaining to LIV Golf shocked the entire golf world is Rory McIlroy. 

Collin Morikawa’s thoughts aligns with that of Rory McIlroy

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While many professionals embraced Greg Norman’s offer to join LIV Golf, a few were there who downright hated it. In 2023, after the first round of the Scottish Open, McIlroy strongly said, “If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on Earth, I would retire. That’s how I feel about it.” Shocking, right? Now what makes this entire statement more shocking is the Irish golfer’s latest thoughts on the league.

Read More: PGA Tour News: One More Pro Withdraws Before the Event Begins; LIV Golf Is Not to Blame This Time

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Upon acknowledging the reality, McIlroy realized that he was “too judgmental,” but now he believes that “if people still have eligibility on” the PGA Tour, then they should be given a chance to “come back and play.” Moreover, McIlroy also holds the viewpoint that “it’s hard to punish people” and doesn’t want golf to get “diminished.” All in all, what the 4x major champion thinks is “let them come back.”

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McIlroy’s changed stance also garnered criticism but golfer does not seem to care! It appears that McIlroy and Morikawa both harbor similar feelings about the LIV golfers. Share your thoughts on whether you agree with them or not in the comments below!

Read More: Top 3 Factors Holding Back the PGA Tour-LIV Golf Merger as Details From Private Bahamas Meet Emerge

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Written by:

Dakshinesh Kumar Naman

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One take at a time

Naman Kumar is a Golf Writer at EssentiallySports. An expert in analytical pieces, he never fails to awe his readers with his niche coverage of big names—like his idol, Phil Mickelson—in the sport. Naman is also adept at predictability pieces, where he explores the immediate future of players, be it through where they’ll play next or whether injuries will cause them to withdraw from an event.
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Edited by:

Riya Singhal

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