Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, currently ranked number two in the world and a four-time Major champion, has refuted reports linking him to an offer of $850 million plus a two percent equity stake to compete in the LIV Golf league. He stated his intention to remain with the PGA Tour “for the rest of my career.”
Rory McIlroy, results
Speaking to Golf Channel from the practice range at Hilton Head, South Carolina, ahead of the RBC Heritage tournament, McIlroy stated, “Honestly, I don’t know how these things start. I was never offered a number from LIV, and I never thought about going to LIV. Once again, I think I’ve made it clear over the last couple of years that I don’t think it’s something for me.”
“It doesn’t mean that I judge the people that have gone and played there. I think one of the things I’ve realized over the last couple of years is people can make their own decisions about what they feel 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 never has been any different.”
“There hasn’t even been a conversation. It’s unfortunate that we have to deal with that, and this is where our game is at. Obviously, I’m here and I’ll go to the PGA Tour event next week, and I’ll play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career,” emphasized the 34-year-old golfer, one of the staunchest critics of the Saudi-backed circuit.
In December, LIV Golf successfully recruited Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, who had previously echoed McIlroy’s criticisms of the separatist circuit. A staggering offer of $525 million persuaded Rahm to change his stance.
“I think over the last couple of years, there have been a lot of rumors about the guys. I’ve also realized that guys have to keep an open mind, and I’m sure there have been players that still play on the PGA Tour that have spoken to the LIV guys and have had offers and whatever,” McIlroy concluded. He recently finished 22nd at the Masters Tournament, trailing winner and world number one, Scottie Scheffler, by 15 strokes.
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