Golf

Rory McIlroy dismisses report that he was on the verge of shock move to LIV Golf

McIlroy has been among the staunchest critics of the Saudi-funded breakaway.

Rory McIlroy has dismissed claims he could be on the verge of a move to LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy has dismissed claims he could be on the verge of a move to LIV Golf (Zac Goodwin/PA)
By Phil Casey, PA Golf Correspondent

Rory McIlroy has dismissed a report that he was on the verge of a shock move to LIV Golf.

London financial paper City AM reported at the weekend that McIlroy, who has been among the staunchest critics of the Saudi-funded breakaway, could be about to jump ship in a deal worth USD850million (£680million).

McIlroy’s manager Sean O’Flaherty told the Irish Independent the report was “fake news” and the world number two was asked about the claim ahead of this week’s RBC Heritage.

“I honestly don’t know how these things get started,” McIlroy said in an interview with Golf Channel which he subsequently posted on his official account on X, formerly Twitter.

“I’ve never been offered a number 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.

“Doesn’t mean that I judge people that 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.”

Rory McIlroy (left) and LIV Golf player Joaquin Niemann walk off the 18th hole after the final round of the 88th Masters (David J. Phillip/AP)
Rory McIlroy (left) and LIV Golf player Joaquin Niemann walk off the 18th hole after the final round of the 88th Masters (David J. Phillip/AP) (David J. Phillip/AP)

Asked if he knew where the rumour had originated, McIlroy said: “No, no idea.

“Jeez, I think over the last two years there’s been so many rumours of guys… and I think the one thing I’ve realised as well is guys need to keep an open mind and I’m sure there’s been players who are still playing on the PGA Tour that have talked to the guys from LIV and had offers and whatever.

“But I have no idea. It’s never even been a conversation for us and it’s one of those things.

“It’s unfortunate we have to deal with it and this is the state that our game’s in but I’m obviously here today, playing this PGA Tour event and I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”