Rory McIlroy’s feelings on LIV Golf after eye-watering $850 million offer

Rory McIlroy’s feelings about joining LIV Golf have been made abundantly clear, despite how the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed circuit have progressed in their merger negotiations.

In April, the 35-year-old reiterated on ESPN that his future lies with the PGA Tour. Additionally, McIlroy explained that he and his agents had not received a formal offer from LIV and that any reported numbers were hearsay.

“I honestly don’t know how these things start,” McIlroy told Golf Channel in April, according to ESPN. “I’ve never been offered a LIV number, and I’ve never considered going to LIV. Again, I think I’ve made it clear over the last couple of years that I don’t think it’s something for me.”

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A staunch supporter of the PGA Tour, McIlroy was one of the most vocal critics of those joining the Saudi circuit. However, as more of his fellow golfers and friends turn to the LIV for higher pay and financial security, McIlroy has gradually changed his tune, although his loyalty to the PGA Tour remains intact.

“That’s not to say I judge people who have gone there to play,” he continued. “I think one of the things I’ve realized over the last couple of years is that people can make their own decisions based on what they think is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them on that? But personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.”

His comments stand in stark contrast to how he reacted when asked about LIV in 2023. “I still hate LIV. I hate LIV. I hope it goes away,” he said ahead of the RBC Canadian Open.

In addition to stating that his future lies on the PGA Tour, McIlroy reiterated that this is where he wants to play for the rest of his career, however long it may be. “We’ve never even talked about it,” the star added.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to deal with this, and that’s the state our game is in. I’m obviously here and I’m going to play in the PGA Tour event next week, and I’ll be playing on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”

Now that the PGA Tour and LIV have continued their negotiations, McIlroy has appeared more willing to be mentioned in the same breath as the Saudi tour, saying in January: “It would be much better to be together and move forward together for the good of the game.