Rory McIlroy denied a printed report Tuesday linking him to an $850 million transfer to LIV Golf, saying he plans to stay with the PGA Tour for the remainder of his profession.
McIlroy’s agent, Sean O’Flaherty, known as Tuesday’s story within the London newspaper Metropolis AM “faux information.”
McIlroy addressed the report with Golf Channel from the observe vary in Hilton Head, S.C., web site of this week’s RBC Heritage match.
“I actually don’t know the way this stuff get began,” McIlroy mentioned. “I’ve by no means been provided a quantity from LIV, and I’ve by no means contemplated going to LIV. Once more, I believe I’ve made it clear over the previous two years that I don’t assume it’s one thing for me.
“It doesn’t imply that I choose individuals who went and performed over there. I believe one of many issues that I’ve realized over the previous two years is that individuals could make their very own selections for no matter they assume is finest for themselves, and who’re we to guage them for that? However personally, for me, my future is right here on the PGA Tour, and it’s by no means been any completely different.”
O’Flaherty instructed the Irish Impartial there was “zero fact” to report in Metropolis AM, which claimed “two separate sources” confirmed {that a} deal was “shut” to offer McIlroy $850 million to hitch plus a two % fairness stake within the league.
“It’s by no means even been a dialog for us,” McIlroy mentioned. “It’s unlucky now we have to take care of it, and that is the state our sport is in. I’m clearly right here and going to the PGA Tour occasion subsequent week, and I’ll play the PGA Tour the remainder of my profession.”
McIlroy, 34, has been one of the crucial outstanding critics of the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit because it launched in 2021.
In June 2023, McIlroy described himself because the PGA Tour’s “sacrificial lamb” when it introduced a partnership with LIV Golf. In December, LIV Golf lured Spaniard Jon Rahm into its ranks with a deal reportedly value greater than $350 million.
“I believe during the last two years, there’s been so many rumors of fellows,” McIlroy instructed Golf Channel. “I believe the one factor I’ve realized as nicely is guys have to preserve an open thoughts, and I’m positive there’s been gamers which can be nonetheless enjoying on the PGA Tour which have talked to the fellows from LIV and had gives and no matter.”
McIlroy, ranked No. 2 on the earth, is coming off a T22 at The Masters on Sunday, the place he completed 15 strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler. The four-time main champion has not received a Grand Slam occasion for the reason that 2014 PGA Championship.