Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy affirmed on Tuesday his commitment to conclude his career on the PGA Tour, refuting a report published by a London newspaper alleging an $850 million offer and an equity share in the LIV Golf League.
McIlroy categorically stated that neither he nor his representatives have engaged in discussions regarding a potential move to the LIV Golf League, which receives financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Scheduled to team up with Ireland’s Shane Lowry in the forthcoming Zurich Classic of New Orleans, McIlroy’s agent Sean O’Flaherty dismissed the report from City A.M., labeling it as “fake news” in correspondence with the Irish Independent.
While the PGA Tour and PIF agreed to a framework alliance on June 6, negotiations to formalize the partnership remain ongoing despite the expiration of the initial agreement on December 31.
In December, LIV Golf successfully recruited then-world No. 3 Jon Rahm with a reported deal exceeding $350 million, signaling their intent to lure top talent.
A pivotal meeting between PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, and key players, including Tiger Woods, took place in the Bahamas on March 18, further underscoring the evolving landscape of professional golf.
McIlroy, who recently secured a tied 22nd position at the Masters, has been vocal in his criticism of LIV Golf and its team-based structure, characterizing himself as feeling like a “sacrificial lamb” amidst the PGA Tour’s negotiations with PIF.
Despite his initial stance, McIlroy has displayed a more flexible outlook in recent months regarding the eligibility of players defecting to LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour fold and their potential participation in the Ryder Cup.
