JUST IN: Is Rory McIlroy on the verge of joining LIV Golf in a stunning $850 million turnaround?.
While the golfing world focused on the Masters this weekend, a persistent rumour circulated that Rory McIlroy is close to joining LIV Golf.
The move would constitute a surprising U-turn from one of LIV Golf’s most vociferous detractors, as well as a remarkable coup for the challenger circuit’s Saudi backers.
Two sources have told City A.M. that they believe a deal is imminent. According to reports, LIV Golf executives have offered world number two McIlroy an eye-watering $850 million to join, plus around 2% stake in the league. It would make him LIV Golf’s largest signing to date, and it might be confirmed after the Masters, they claimed.
It was not able to verify the statements. Representatives for the Northern Irish player and LIV Golf did not reply to calls for comment. It is also unclear where he would fit into the existing league format if he joined midseason; all 13 teams have already been filled, so he would most likely have to accept one of the two wild card positions available. McIlroy is also scheduled to compete in the RBC Heritage, the PGA Tour event that takes place next week.
McIlroy’s hatred for LIV Golf has cooled substantially in recent months, despite being one of its sharpest opponents and the poster child for PGA Tour fans when the $2 billion idea initially surfaced in 2022.
Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, the four-time major winner’s former agent, discussed McIlroy’s potential move to LIV Golf earlier this year, speculating that his dramatic shift in attitude could represent a new willingness to leave the PGA Tour.
“If you were being cynical, you might say he’s going to sign for about £750m in a month’s time with LIV because he’s paving the way that LIV’s okay now, whereas it wasn’t,” Chandler was quoted as saying by Bunkered in February. “He doesn’t need £750 million, but it’s odd what he’s done, and I’m sure it’s possible. I’m not sure whether he will accomplish it, but if [Jon] Rahm can do it, so can most guys.”
When asked to respond to Chandler’s comments a few days later, McIlroy remained cautious. “You never know, he might know a few things, who knows?” he stated prior to the Cognizant Classic. When asked if there was a good chance or a 10% chance, he responded, “Somewhere in the middle maybe, who knows?”
On Thursday at the Masters, McIlroy was followed around Augusta National by LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, which raised eyebrows. When asked after the first round if he knew Norman was there, he replied, “I didn’t. “I did not see him.”
McIlroy’s softening feelings towards LIV Golf have escalated after Ryder Cup colleague Jon Rahm’s sensational switch earlier this year. The Spaniard, who won the Masters last year, agreed to a deal for up to $560 million (£450 million), making him the highest-profile European player to leave the PGA Tour.
Despite continued conversations between the two organisations about sharing resources following the announcement of a partnership in principle last summer, the PGA Tour continues to exclude LIV Golf players from participating in its events.
McIlroy resigned from the PGA Tour board in November after feeling like “a sacrificial lamb” as a result of the about-turn. A December deadline for the proposed merger was extended due to antitrust concerns in the United States. The PGA Tour has since accepted funding from the Strategic Sports Group, which is overseen by Liverpool FC owner John Henry.
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