Rory McIlroy: squashes LIV Golf rumors, set to always “play on PGA Tour”

Rory McIlroy plays a shot during the second round of the 2024 Masters. | Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images

Ahead of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina, Rory McIlroy eliminated any clutter surrounding a potential move to LIV Golf.

After tying for 22nd at the Masters Tournament, Rory McIlroy arrived in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with rumors swirling.

A report on Monday indicated that McIlroy would jump to LIV Golf for an astonishing $850 million. He would also receive a 2% equity stake in the circuit.

But that rumor proved to be false, confirmed by McIlroy himself.

Speaking to Todd Lewis of the Golf Channel, McIlroy reaffirmed his affinity to the PGA Tour ahead of this week’s RBC Heritage, the fifth Signature Event of the 2024 season.

“It’s never even been a conversation for us. It’s unfortunate that we have to deal with [these rumors], and this is the state that our game is in,” McIlroy said.

“I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”

The Irish Independent cited this rumor early Tuesday as “fake news.” In doing so, McIlroy’s manager, Sean O’Flaherty, added to this report, indicating it had “zero truth.”

“I honestly don’t know how these things they get started,” McIlroy said.

“I have never been offered a number from LIV, and I have never contemplated going to LIV. Again, I think I have made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it is something for me. Doesn’t mean that I judge people that have went and played over there. I think one thing I have realized over the past two years is that people can make their own decisions.”

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.