After much speculation, Rory McIlroy’s potential surprise multi-million dollar move to join Greg Norman at LIV Golf was discussed by the PGA Tour as they finally revealed his plans for the future.
Rory McIlroy has dispelled rumors about his surprise transition to LIV Golf by committing himself to the PGA Tour and expressing his unwavering loyalty.
City A.M. had reported on Sunday that McIlroy was nearing a deal with the breakaway circuit, said to be worth £682 million ($850m), marking a complete reversal in his stance. However, McIlroy put an end to all speculation of him departing from the PGA Tour when he made an announcement on Tuesday.
During his time on the range at Harbour Town, McIlroy spoke to Golf Channel and expressed confusion regarding rumors about a potential deal with LIV. He clarified that he has never been presented with an offer from LIV nor considered joining them.
“I believe I have made it evident in the last two years that LIV Golf is not my cup of tea. My stance, however, shouldn’t be misconstrued as a judgment on those who opt to pursue it. What I’ve come to understand over time is that individuals can make their choices based on what they deem appropriate for them and we must respect that decision without criticizing them. As far as my objectives are concerned, I see myself continuing here with PGA Tour.”
When asked about the source of the speculation surrounding his future, McIlroy expressed confusion and stated that he had no knowledge. He acknowledged that there have been numerous rumors circulating in recent years about other players as well, emphasizing the importance for individuals to remain open-minded. It should be noted that several prominent figures such as Jon Rahm – a fellow Ryder Cup teammate – have chosen to transition over to Saudi Arabia during past seasons.
McIlroy has never even considered signing with Greg Norman and his team, as he made a commitment to play on the PGA Tour for the remainder of his professional career. He acknowledged that there may be other players who still communicate with LIV representatives and receive offers while maintaining their careers in the PGA Tour.
“For us, it has never even been a topic of discussion. It is regrettable that we have to confront such issues since this reflects the current state of our sport. My plan is to play with the PGA Tour for as long as I can.” McIlroy had previously voiced strong opposition against the Saudi-backed league when it first emerged in June 2022.
Since the surprising agreement last June between their competitive teams, the four-time major winner has distanced himself from any involvement in off-course politics. Accordingly, his opinion on LIV configuration has become less severe and he now hopes for an end to the continuous conflict so that top players can reunite once again.
“In my opinion, it’s much preferable to unite and progress collectively for the benefit of golf,” he stated in January. “That’s how I see it. Therefore, reuniting as soon as possible and striving towards having the most formidable fields would be tremendous for golf.”
