Since the very beginning of the Saudi Arabia-funded breakaway league back in 2022, McIlroy has remained one of the biggest critics of LIV and those who chose to accept the eye-watering money on offer to quit the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. But after being the poster boy for the Tour in the last two years, McIlroy scaled things back last year in order to focus more on his game and finally complete the career Grand Slam.
He made no secret of that, as he quit the PGA Tour board and even removed himself from a WhatsApp group of Tour players, which took place against the backdrop of tense merger negotiations between PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund – backers of LIV.
And on Sunday, a report in City A.M. alleged a deal between McIlroy and LIV Golf was ‘close’, which would see the Northern Irishman would resemble the largest signing in the breakaway series’ history to the tune of £672m ($850m) as well as a 2% stake in the company.
On Thursday at the Masters, LIV Golf CEO Norman followed McIlroy’s group around the iconic Augusta National. However, when asked after the opening round whether he had known Norman was watching on, McIlroy said: “I did not. Didn’t see him.” McIlroy arrived at Augusta National last week hoping to complete the career grand slam by clinching a coveted green jacket. However, the World No. 2 never truly got going and finished one-over as the Masters title once again eluded his grasp.
Golf fans demand Rory McIlroy penalty for breaking unusual PGA Tour rule
McIlroy will head to South Carolina as one of the favourites in a stacked field, including masters champion Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and breakout star Ludvig Aberg, who finished runner-up to Scheffler at Augusta National. One man who won’t be competing, however, is Viktor Hovland, who withdrew after a disastrous showing at the Mascut.