McIlroy dismisses rumours of $850 million LIV Golf move
After huge speculation he might join the Saudi Arabian-backed venture, Rory McIlroy dismissed suggestions he was going to leave the PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy has scotched reports he is about to move to LIV Golf in a huge money deal.
The four-time major winner told Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, while preparing for the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head, he planned to play on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.
Rumours swirled following the Masters the 34-year-old was about perform a huge U-Turn and sign for the Saudi-backed breakaway tour – with figures upwards of $850 million being quoted to secure his signature, along with an ownership stake in the venture.
But quizzed on the range about the speculation, McIlroy was unequivocal in rejecting the suggestions.
Exclusive: Rory McIlroy tells @ToddLewisGC that LIV Golf rumors are false and, "I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career." Tune into Golf Today at 5 p.m. EDT for more. pic.twitter.com/PIPAWMIWGh
— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) April 16, 2024
“I honestly don’t know how these things get started,” he said when asked for his reaction. “I’ve never been offered a number from LIV and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV.
Rory McIlroy to LIV? ‘I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career’
“I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me. It doesn’t mean that I judge people who have went and played over there. I think one of the things that 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?
“But, personally for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour and it’s never been any different.”
Quizzed on whether he knew the origins of the story, McIlroy added: “No. No idea. Jeez, over the last two years there’s been so many rumours of guys – the one thing that I’ve realised as well is guys need to keep an open mind, and I’m sure there’s been players that are still playing on the PGA Tour that have talked to the guys from LIV and had offers.
“I’ve no idea. It’s never even been a conversation for us. It’s one of those things. It’s unfortunate we have to deal with it and this is the state that our game is in. I’m obviously here today and I’m playing this PGA Tour event and I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”
What do you think?
Rory McIlroy to LIV: Has Rory McIlroy answered the LIV Golf rumours for the last time, or could he still join Greg Norman’s breakaway venture in the future? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment on X.
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
