Golf aficionados and enthusiasts were left astounded by the swirling rumours of golf superstar Rory McIlroy’s potential move to LIV Golf in a staggering $850 million deal, equivalent to approximately $1.32 billion in Australian dollars. If confirmed, this move would undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most remarkable defections to the rival tour.
The speculation gained traction when LIV figurehead Greg Norman, present at the Masters as a patron, was observed closely following McIlroy’s playing group around the Augusta National course during the first round. Despite McIlroy’s assertion of not noticing Norman, this sparked widespread speculation that Norman was aiming to recruit players for the Saudi-backed tour.
Amidst ongoing negotiations between LIV and the PGA Tour, reports have indicated that the four-time major winner is seriously contemplating the possibility of joining LIV, despite previously being a vocal critic of the challenger tour. This shift in stance has come as a surprise, particularly considering McIlroy’s firm support for the PGA Tour and his criticism of those who defected.
In a surprising turn, McIlroy’s position on LIV appears to have softened in recent months, despite previously describing negotiations between the two organizations as leaving him feeling like a “sacrificial lamb”. This potential change of heart has captured the attention of the golfing world, especially following the recent victory of his former Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm at the 2023 Masters, who had made the switch to the Saudi competition.
If McIlroy finalizes the deal with LIV, it would mark the most significant signing in the history of the tour, given his star power and previous opposition to the rival organization. Reports from English publication City A.M. have suggested that the deal could be valued at $850 million USD, with McIlroy also being offered an approximate two per cent stake in LIV. The site cited two separate sources claiming that a deal is on the verge of being finalized.
Despite the mounting speculation, neither McIlroy nor LIV Golf have issued official statements regarding the potential move, leaving fans and the media eagerly anticipating confirmation or denial.
As the golfing world awaits further developments, McIlroy is set to compete at the upcoming PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament this weekend. Nevertheless, with the LIV Tour already underway, joining a team at this stage in the season could pose logistical challenges.
The potential bombshell of McIlroy joining LIV Golf has elicited a mixture of surprise, anticipation, and controversy, making it the focal point of discussion in the golfing community. The outcome of this speculation remains to be seen, and fans and experts alike eagerly await official statements to clarify the situation.