Rory McIlroy has rejected suggestions he is close to joining the LIV circuit by saying he will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.
A recent report claimed the four-time lead winner and arch-critic of the Saudi-backed separatist series was weighing up an $850m (£680m) offer to jump ship.
That possibility was ridiculed by sources close to McIlroy on Sunday and now the 34-year-old has sought to end the speculation entirely ahead of the PGA Tour event in Hilton Head this week.
He said golf center: ‘Honestly, I don’t know how these things start. I have never been offered a LIV number and have never contemplated going to LIV.
McIlroy added: “It’s never been a conversation for us and it’s one of those things.” It’s unfortunate that we have to deal with that and this is the state our game is in.
Rory McIlroy has insisted he will remain on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.
Reports claimed the Northern Irishman was close to an $850m (£680m) seismic U-turn
“But obviously I’m here today and I’ll be playing this PGA Tour event next week and I’ll be playing on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”
Other Ryder Cup stars such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton recently switched sides to join LIV and reports on Sunday claimed McIlroy was “close to doing the same”.
While the chances of McIlroy defecting have always been considered extremely remote, there is growing hope among LIV golfers that world No. 6 Viktor Hovland can be persuaded.
The Saudis are believed to be interested in a show of force at a time when merger talks are at a delicate stage and some elements of the PGA Tour’s political board are reluctant to reach a deal.
AM City He said McIlroy had been offered a huge sum of money (more than the $500 million Rahm was paid) to jump ship.
Jon Rahm (second left) and Hatton (right) have moved on to the rival tour in recent months.
Yasir al-Rumayyan, head of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, continues to negotiate an agreement between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour on a merger agreement
“I think I’ve made it clear over the last two years that I don’t think it’s something for me. That doesn’t mean I judge people who have gone to play there,” McIlroy said.
‘I think one of the things I’ve realized in the last couple of years is: people can make their own decisions about what they think is best for themselves and who are we to judge them for that?
‘Personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour and it has never been different.
He added: “Over the last two years there have been so many rumors (involving) lads and the one thing I’ve realized is lads have to keep an open mind and I’m sure there have been lads who are still playing.” the PGA Tour who talked to the LIV guys and had offers.