The four-time major winner has arguably been the biggest critic of LIV Golf and the ‘rebel golfers’, and has indicated that he is still not a fan of the controversial league.

Speaking ahead of the Canadian Open which tees off today at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto, McIlroy said down the line the merger is a good idea as it will secure the future of the sport.

“I think ultimately, when I try to remove myself from the situation and I look at the bigger picture and I look at 10 years down the line, I think ultimately this is going to be good for the game of professional golf,” said the Northern Irish player.

“It unifies it and it secures its financial future.”

The merger will pave the way for the so-called ‘rebel golfers’ to compete in the PGA and DP World Tours again.

This is something however that McIlroy believes should not happen and there should be consequences for those who according to him harmed the tour through their actions.

“There still has to be consequences to actions,” McIlroy added.

“The people that left the PGA Tour irreparably harmed this tour, started litigation against it. Like, we can’t just welcome them back in. That’s not going to happen.

“I think that was the one thing that Jay was trying to get across yesterday is like, ‘Guys, we’re not just going to bring these guys back in and pretend like nothing’s happened.’ That is not going to happen.”

Morgan Piem OFM Sport