After rumors circulated that Rory McIlroy would make an unexpected, enormously lucrative move to join Greg Norman at LIV Golf, the PGA Tour has now spoken out about his future plans.
By declaring his allegiance to the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy has refuted rumors that he is prepared to make an unexpected move to LIV Golf.
In what would turn out to be the ultimate U-turn, City A.M. reported on Sunday that McIlroy was “close” to agreeing to a contract worth £682 million ($850 million) with the breakaway circuit. But on Tuesday, the Northern Irishman put an end to any possibility of him quitting the PGA Tour permanently.
“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,” McIlroy said to Golf Channel while speaking on the range at Harbour Town.
“I believe I’ve expressed over the previous two years that I don’t think it’s right for me. That does not imply that I disapprove of those who have participated in [LIV Golf]. Over the past two years, I’ve come to the realization that people are free to choose what they believe is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them for that? My future lies here, on the PGA Tour, for me.
When asked where the rumor about his future originated, a bewildered McIlroy said, “I have no idea.” There have been a lot of rumors about guys over the last two years, and one thing I’ve also realized is that guys should be open-minded.” Naturally, a lot of well-known players have chosen to play in Saudi Arabia in recent seasons, including Jon Rahm, an ally in the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy later committed to the PGA Tour for the remainder of his professional career, so the idea of signing a contract with Greg Norman and company has never even crossed his mind. He continued, “I’m sure there are PGA Tour players who still talk to the guys from LIV and have received offers.”
For us, it’s never even been a dialogue. This is the state that our game is in, which is unfortunate that we have to deal with it. I’m going to play on the PGA Tour indefinitely. Prior to the league’s June 2022 debut, McIlroy was among its most vocal opponents, with support from Saudi Arabia.
However, following the two competitors’ unexpected framework agreement in June of last year, the four-time major winner has backed off from the off-course politics and has since softened his position on the LIV setup. Now that the dispute has reached its conclusion, he is eager to see the top players in the world come together once more.
In January, he stated, “It would be much better being together and moving forward together for the good of the game.” That’s what I think about it. The quicker we can all reunite, begin playing, and establish the best fields possible, in my opinion, the better for golf.
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