Rory McIlroy shut down rumours he could sensationally join LIV Golf by declaring he will play the PGA Tour ‘for the rest of my career’. McIlroy was linked with a mega-money switch after LIV CEO Greg Norman followed McIlroy’s group around the iconic Augusta National at the Masters last week
Despite being a vocal critic of LIV Golf, McIlroy was linked with a stunning move to the Saudi-backed series by City A.M. It was claimed the 34-year-old was closing in on a $850million (£683m) switch alongside two per cent equity in the series, but McIlroy has insisted there is no truth to the rumours.
Speaking on the range at Harbour Town, McIlroy told Golf Channel: “I honestly don’t know how these things get started, I’ve never been offered a number [potential deal] from LIV and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV. I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me.
“That doesn’t mean I judge people who have gone and played [LIV Golf]. One of the things I’ve realised over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves and who are we to judge them for that? For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour.”
Asked how the rumour may have started, McIlroy replied: “I have no idea. Over the past two years, there’s been so many rumours of guys, and the one thing I’ve realised as well is guys need to keep an open mind.
McIlroy has vehemently opposed LIV Golf since its controversial launch over the last two years, resisting as several stars signed for eye-watering sums – including Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm. Meanwhile, the stunning merger agreement led McIlroy to resign from the PGA Tour board in November.
However, it is clear the idea never crossed McIlroy’s mind. The four-time major champion swiftly committed to the PGA Tour for the rest of his career as he eyes rekindling his best form as the 2024 season unfolds.
“I’m sure there’s players who are still playing on the PGA Tour who still talk to the guys from LIV and had offers,” McIlroy declared. “It’s never even been a conversation for us. It’s unfortunate that we have to deal with it; this is the state that our game’s in. I’ll play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”
McIlroy had previously been one of the Saudi-backed league’s biggest critics, following its impactful arrival in June 2022. However, his stance softened after he told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football he was perhaps ‘too judgemental’ of those who left for LIV Golf.
“I think what LIV has done, it’s exposed the flaws in the system of [golf], because we’re all supposed to be independent contractors and we can pick and choose what tournaments we want to play,” McIlroy said. “But I think what LIV and the Saudis have exposed is that if you’re going on a tour and you’re asking sponsors for millions of dollars to sponsor these events, and you’re not able to guarantee to the sponsors that the players are going to show up.
“I can’t believe the PGA Tour has done so well for so long. It’s exposed some flaws in the system that hopefully golf will have a look at more. If we’re going to ask these people for so much money, we need to be able to guarantee them what they’re getting.
