In recent months, Rory McIlroy has tempered his criticism of LIV Golf and is now refusing to rule out a transfer to the Saudi-backed company.
Rory McIlroy has hinted that he would think about quitting the PGA Tour and joining LIV Golf. Tiger Woods might take offense at this development.
Number two in the world right now, McIlroy, first adopted a staunch anti-breakaway tour position and joined forces with Woods to vigorously oppose the high-roll Saudi venture, which drew big names with big money and disrupted the established order of the PGA and European Tours.
But McIlroy’s opinion seems to have softened recently, even after declaring last summer that he would “rather retire” than join LIV, particularly in light of the PGA Tour moves made by Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton, two members of his European Ryder Cup team.
McIlroy recently acknowledged that he had never received an official offer from the LIV Golf administration on Gary Neville’s Overlap podcast. The biggest ally of McIlroy in golf, living icon Woods, is said to have swiftly declined an offer that over £700 million.
The Northern Irish star’s potential unexpected transition to LIV Golf has now been alluded to by McIlroy’s former manager Chubby Chandler. McIlroy did not completely deny the rumor prior to the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens.
Chandler put the likelihood of such a move at 10%. During a press conference held prior to the tournament, McIlroy was asked to comment on this proportion and he remained evasive, saying, “Maybe somewhere in the middle.” Who knows?”
It appears that he is working on a book. I may have seen Chubby in the Middle East in the beginning of the year; I spoke with him.”
“You never know. He may be somewhat knowledgeable. Who knows?
With a strong start to the 2024 season, McIlroy finished second to Tommy Fleetwood in the Dubai Invitational and won the Dubai Desert Classic for a remarkable fourth time.
Chandler estimated that there was a 10% chance of such a move. When pressed about this proportion at a pre-tournament press conference, McIlroy remained elusive, responding, “Maybe somewhere in the middle.” Who is to know?”
It looks like he’s writing a book. I may have spoken with Chubby when I saw him in the Middle East at the beginning of the year.”
“You never know.” He might know a little bit. Who knows?
After leading Tommy Fleetwood in the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy won the Dubai Desert Classic for an unprecedented fourth time in 2024 thanks to a stellar start to the season.
In response to a question about what constitutes a successful season, McIlroy, who has 24 PGA Tour victories, said, “I guess it comes down to wins and season-long titles and major championships.” He also acknowledged the significance of majors to his legacy, saying, “I can’t sit here and say that the last 10 seasons haven’t been successful because I haven’t won a major,” but at the same time, he acknowledged that he will be heavily judged on those tournaments when all is said and done.