Masters champion Rory McIlroy has aimed a dig at LIV Golf's monetary woes, while falling short of rejecting players returning to the PGA Tour.

McIlroy, one of the most outspoken critics of the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit, delivered his comments after posting a four-under 67 to position himself strongly in contention at the Truist Championship.

The long-term future of LIV Golf is now under significant scrutiny after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced its intention to withdraw its backing at the end of the year, having invested more than £4billion into the project since 2022.

Earlier this week, Bryson DeChambeau indicated he would focus on his YouTube channel if LIV Golf collapses, rather than seek a return to the PGA Tour as Brooks Koepka successfully managed earlier this year.

The PGA Tour amended its rules in December to enable five-time major champion Koepka's comeback, although with specific conditions in place.

Those amended rules were designed particularly with LIV's star names in mind - Jon Rahm, DeChambeau and Cameron Smith - yet none of them chose to accept the time-restricted opportunity.

"I think everyone sort of knows my views on LIV and where it stands in the game of golf," said McIlroy. "I don't think I need to rehash any of that. It's never been for me.

"They're going to go and try and find alternative investment, whatever that may look like.

"But when one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you're too expensive for them, that sort of says something." When pressed on the prospect of players returning to the PGA Tour, McIlroy continued: "It's a question if they do want to come back.

"I think there's going to be a lot of bridges to cross to get there.

"I think (PGA Tour chief executive) Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this Tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that. That's just good business practice.

"I'm not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour.

"If you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be. And if you don't want to play here, I think that says something about you."

The Holywood native, making his first competitive outing since securing back-to-back green jackets just under a month ago at Augusta National, showed encouraging form ahead of Monday's departure for the US PGA, the second major of the season.

McIlroy, a four-time winner of this event, dropped a shot at his second hole following a wayward approach, yet bounced back brilliantly with six birdies before a final-hole bogey delivered a 67, placing him joint eighth on five under par, four strokes adrift of leader Sungjae Im. "I hit a lot closer, especially on some of the par threes," McIlroy remarked. "Holed a couple of extra putts which always helps. It was a solid day.

"Overall it was a good day, and it was a good day to get myself back in the hunt and feel like I have a real chance going into the weekend." Korea's Im registered three birdies against one bogey in his 69.

McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood sits second on eight under following back-to-back rounds of 67.

England's Alex Fitzpatrick, fresh from his Zurich Classic of New Orleans triumph alongside brother Matt, shares third place with Justin Thomas after both carded rounds of 68 to reach seven under.