​Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn ImagesAs each day passes, the future of the PGA Tour looks brighter and the future of LIV Golf becomes much more cloudy.It wasn’t that long ago that LIV had the full backing of the Saudi Arabian government and was recruiting some of the biggest stars of the game with the promises of incredible riches and a new world tour that would transform professional golf. The two tours even announced an intent to merge, bringing golf’s civil war to an apparent end and making it appear as though LIV Golf would remain a part of the sport’s worldwide fabric.However, a lot has changed in a very short period of time.Now, the future of the renegade tour is in serious doubt. In spite of an announcement that LIV had found a new “lead investor,” no deal appears to have actually been signed just yet as LIV embarks on their season finale in Indianapolis this week. LIV Golf is now facing the reality of canceled tournaments, unpaid bills, pending lawsuits, and cut purses and broken promises to its golfers.Speculation is now running rampant about the future of LIV Golf stars with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour turning up the pressure and making any potential returns more challenging in the coming years. Already, LIV’s best player Jon Rahm is reported to be seriously exploring a way out. Bryson DeChambeau appears to be committed to staying. But many others could also be looking to hit the eject button and take whatever offer is available to be welcomed back to their respective former tours.The leverage is all in the hands of the PGA Tour. And when asked about the prospect of more LIV Golf stars returning in a press conference at the BMW Championship, Rory McIlroy delivered a brutal one-liner suggesting that their presence wasn’t needed.Rory was asked about LIV players returning to the PGA Tour and the value they could bring.His answer….. pic.twitter.com/EjZvmbqYFb— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) August 19, 2026The trends of each organization with LIV in Indianapolis going head-to-head with the PGA Tour on its second playoff event in St. Louis could not be more stark.“I’d argue have they brought value to LIV,” McIlroy asked hypothetically. “I think the PGA Tour is in a good spot.”Checkmate?Rory McIlroy added that the path back for any LIV golfers hoping for a return to the PGA Tour is going to be much more difficult for them than what Brooks Koepka experienced when he came back earlier this year. Via Sky Sports:McIlroy added: “Eventually they will [be welcomed back]. I’m not part of these discussions but I’m pretty sure they’re not going to be welcomed back straight away.“If they were offered this returning member program back in February, the one that Brooks [Koepka] took, then yeah, maybe, but that has come and gone.“I think it was said at the time that the deal that they might get going forward, if they do decide to come back, isn’t going to be as good as the one that Brooks got. I would say it’s goin