Rory McIlroy has been mocked for "changing his tune" on LIV Golf defectors facing punishment if they were looking to return to the PGA Tour.
The Northern Irishman became an unofficial spokesperson for the PGA Tour after the controversial emergence of LIV Golf.
He was one of the most outspoken critics and last summer said those who left to join LIV caused "irreparable harm" to the PGA Tour.
McIlroy added that he felt any sort of merger shouldn't simply allow the LIV Golf defectors to be "welcome back" with open arms.
But Jon Rahm's eye-watering £450million move to LIV softened McIlroy's stance at the end of last year.
Rory McIlroy has taken on some criticism for his remarks
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And he's now gone even further in stating no player should face punishment if they wish to return to the PGA from LIV after Tyrrell Hatton joined Rahm's team.
“If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back," he said.
“I think it’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment.”
McIlroy added that he has "changed his tune", although he still wants to see golf's bitter civil war come to a point where the world's best players compete against one another on a more regular basis.
McIlroy's remarks have caused a stir on social media from some of LIV's loyal supporters, who feel the three-time major champion shouldn't be praised for being more open to the LIV Golf Series.
LIV Golf Nation, which has amassed over 23,000 followers, wrote on XL: "It's good to see Rory McIlroy flip-flopping on LIV golfers being allowed to play on both tours.
"However, McIlroy does not deserve to be praised for these comments because they're not coming from a place of sincerity.
"This is PR for the loser."
Jon Rahm caused a stir when he joined LIV
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Another mocked: "About time someone grew up."
A third posted: "He changes his mind so often I wonder why anyone bothers taking notice of what he thinks."
One other user said: "Now he knows we struggling for a Ryder cup team very strange that."
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Rory McIlroy won the Dubai Desert Classic last time out
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Another sneered: "100% back tracking now isn’t he. Made himself look very silly being as firm on it as he was. Won’t be long before he is signing the biggest deal ever to move across. About as much backbone as a chocolate fireguard."
LIV Golf is yet to secure a major TV deal in the UK or US, although a deal was signed in Spain for subscription platform Movistar Plus+ to show all tournaments for the next two seasons.
Followers in the UK can watch LIV Golf on its YouTube channel or by downloading the LIV Golf Plus app.
