Masters champion Rory McIlroy has suggested that Brooks Koepka's rapid return to the PGA Tour is a clear sign of decline for the rival LIV Golf circuit. The five-time major winner's comments came as he shot an opening-round 66 to lead the Dubai Invitational on Thursday 15th January 2026.
Koepka's Swift Reinstatement Welcomed
Koepka's departure from the Saudi-backed league, leaving his contract a year early, was followed by a remarkably swift reinstatement to the PGA Tour in less than a month. This move has been warmly received by many of the tour's top professionals. In fact, his exit prompted the PGA Tour to rewrite its regulations, creating a specific penalty framework to accommodate his return and even opening a potential window for other big-name defectors like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith to follow suit.
McIlroy Questions LIV's Momentum
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, McIlroy pointed to Koepka's departure as indicative of LIV Golf's current struggles. "It’s not as if they made any huge signings this year, is it?" the Northern Irishman stated. "They haven’t signed anyone who moves the needle and I don’t think they will."
He elaborated further, questioning the value of even a costly re-signing. "I mean, they could re-sign Bryson for hundreds of millions of dollars, but even if they do, it doesn’t change their product does it? They’ll just be paying for the exact same thing. And they’ve lost Brooks."
Strong Start in Dubai with New Gear
On the course, McIlroy enjoyed a successful start to his 2026 season at the Dubai Creek Resort. He has made a significant equipment change, switching from blade irons to more forgiving cavity-back models, a move he had contemplated for some time. "If there is help to be had I’ll definitely take it," McIlroy told Sky Sports, also noting a new golf ball in play.
The transition appeared seamless as he raced to five-under par after just nine holes, carding seven birdies in his first ten. His only setbacks were a missed short putt on the 12th and a failed escape from a greenside bunker on the third. Despite a run of pars to close his round, his 66 was enough for a one-shot lead over Scotland's Connor Syme and Spain's David Puig.
England's Matt Wallace sits in a group on three-under par after a run featuring an eagle and six birdies in nine holes was marred by late dropped shots.
A Solemn Pause in Play
The day's play was briefly paused to remember young golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who was due to be junior captain at Dubai Creek this year, and the 39 other victims of the tragic New Year's Day fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland.
