Rory McIlroy says he would approve of Bryson DeChambeau and other LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy believes golf needs its best players to compete more regularly against each other and would welcome a return from LIV of the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.

While the Masters champion admitted one of the side-effects of the Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway was an elevation in status of the majors and Ryder Cup by concentrating all the top players in those events, he said the sport needed them to compete more frequently to stay relevant.

The decision last month by five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, one of the biggest names, to quit was a blow for LIV, which is currently fighting a battle to be awarded world ranking points to aid its claim for credibility.

His departure throws up a conundrum for the PGA Tour, which has usually insisted players serve a one-year suspension before returning, although a spot on the DP World Tour remains an option as he played a number of events last year.

McIlroy would not object to his return or that of other LIV stars but accepts others may not be so keen.