Rory McIlroy has declared that LIV Golf no longer represents the formidable challenge it once posed to established tours.
Speaking following his opening round at the Dubai Invitational on Thursday, the Masters champion expressed his delight at Brooks Koepka's imminent return to the PGA Tour.
The five-time major winner will compete on American soil again in a fortnight, having departed the Saudi-backed circuit with twelve months remaining on his contract.
"This is great as it gets Brooks back to where he belongs," McIlroy told the Telegraph.
Rory McIlroy tore LIV Golf apart with his latest interview
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"He is one of the best players in the world and anything that makes the traditional tours stronger is a good thing in my book."
The Northern Irishman was scathing in his assessment of the breakaway league's recruitment efforts.
"It's not as if they made any huge signings this year, is it?" McIlroy remarked. "They haven't signed anyone who moves the needle and I don't think they will."
The world number two pointed to the potential re-signing of Bryson DeChambeau as evidence of LIV's stagnation.
"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."
Thomas Detry, ranked 57th globally, represents LIV's most notable acquisition this off-season.
Bryson DeChambeau is reportedly close to returning to the PGA Tour
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McIlroy offered a stark financial assessment of the Saudi-funded venture's predicament.
The breakaway circuit has already invested between five and six billion dollars, yet faces the prospect of matching that expenditure merely to preserve its current standing.
"A lot of these guys' contracts are up," McIlroy explained.
"They're going to ask for the same number or an even bigger number. LIV have spent $5 billion or $6 billion, and they're going to have to spend another five or six just to maintain where they are."
DeChambeau's deal expires in August, with reports suggesting he could demand approximately £372 million for a new multi-year agreement.
McIlroy's 2026 campaign began in impressive fashion at Dubai Creek Golf Club.
The four-time major champion carded a five-under-par 66, collecting seven birdies across his opening eleven holes.
Rory McIlroy has started 2026 in fine fashion
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His score placed him one stroke ahead of Spain's David Puig and Scotland's Connor Syme.
"As ever time will tell with all this, but I'm so happy to be with the PGA Tour," McIlroy stated.
The 36-year-old has consistently advocated for smaller fields and fewer tournaments on the American circuit.
"Look, I'm way more comfortable being on the PGA Tour side than on their side, but who knows what will happen," he added.