Rory McIlroy stood out as a vocal critic of the LIV Golf during the initial wave of defections from the PGA Tour to the breakaway league. The four-time major winner was a staunch defender of the PGA Tour and repeatedly voiced his opposition to the Greg Norman-led circuit.
However, a few months ago, Rory McIlroy made a U-turn in his attitude toward LIV Golf that may be reaching a crescendo. According to City A.M., McIlroy is close to joining LIV Golf for a sensational $850 million bonus that would make him the biggest signing to date. The report claims that LIV Golf chiefs have offered McIlroy a staggering amount, plus around two percent equity in the company.
Rory McIlroy’s potential move to LIV Golf has sent shockwaves through the golfing world, with many questioning his motives and the implications for the sport. While some have praised McIlroy for his business acumen, others have criticized him for selling out and betraying his principles.
The Northern Irishman’s initial hostility to LIV Golf has softened dramatically in recent months, with Rory McIlroy calling for a rule change to allow Jon Rahm to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup following the Spaniard’s defection. McIlroy has also apologized for judging those who left and has softened his stance on players moving to the LIV Golf League.
However, Rory McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, has suggested that a move to LIV could be on the cards. Chandler, who represented McIlroy from 2007 to 2011, said his marked change in attitude could reflect a new openness to leaving the PGA Tour.
Rory McIlroy‘s potential move to LIV Golf has been met with skepticism by some, with many questioning whether he would fit into the current league format if he were to join mid-season. The PGA Tour continues to exclude LIV Golf players from its events, and McIlroy is currently listed as playing in next week’s PGA Tour event, the RBC Heritage. Also, his current agent stated that this rumor about McIlroy going to LIV has “zero truth” to it.
Rory McIlroy’s potential move to LIV Golf has sparked a heated debate in the golf world. While some have praised McIlroy for his business acumen, others have criticized him for selling out and betraying his principles. Regardless of personal opinion, McIlroy’s potential move to LIV Golf marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit.
More than just Rory McIlroy
Although it has made fewer headlines, there are also rumors of Viktor Hovland’s possible move to LIV Golf. The 2023 FedEx Cup champion has not had a great start to the season, but no one doubts his quality as one of the best players in the world.
Both McIlroy and Hovland were asked after Jon Rahm’s departure about the possibility of following Greg Norman into their league. Both categorically denied any such possibility. However, it wouldn’t be the first time this has happened, with Rahm himself being a good example.
It’s no secret that LIV Golf has been making waves in the golf world, with a growing number of high-profile players defecting from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit. Among the most notable is Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion and world No. 3-ranked player. Rahm, a four-time winner on the 2023 PGA Tour and a member of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team, has joined the league in a deal reportedly worth up to $450 million. Other notable players who have left the PGA Tour for the LIV Golf include Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson. Mickelson was reportedly paid $200 million just to participate, while Johnson earned $150 million.
The LIV Golf began in 2022 and has offered massive entry fees and lucrative prize money, tempting even the most loyal PGA Tour players to jump ship. The series has also been criticized for its association with Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of human rights abuses and other controversies.