Rory McIlroy sends painful message to Greg Norman

Rory McIlroy had been linked with making a shock, mega-money move to join Greg Norman at LIV Golf, and the PGA Tour has now broken his silence over his future

Rory McIlroy has shut down reports that he is ready to make a shock move to LIV Golf, with the Northern Irishman pledging his loyalties to the PGA Tour.

On Sunday City A.M. reported that McIlroy was ‘close’ to signing a deal worth £682 million ($850m) with the breakaway circuit, in what would prove the ultimate u-turn. The Northern Irishman however ended any chance of him leaving the PGA Tour once and for all on Tuesday.

Speaking on the range at Harbour Town, McIlroy told Golf Channel: “I honestly don’t know how these things get started, I’ve never been offered a number [potential deal] from LIV and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV.

“I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me. That doesn’t mean I judge people who have gone and played [LIV Golf]. One of the things I’ve realized over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves and who are we to judge them for that? For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour.”

Quizzed on whether he knew the origin of the rumour regarding his future, a confused McIlroy replied: “I have no idea. Over the past two years there’s been so many rumors of guys, and the one thing I’ve realised as well is guys need to keep an open mind.” A number of big names have of course opted to make the Saudi switch over the past seasons, including his Ryder Cup ally in Jon Rahm.

For McIlroy even considering signing on the dotted line with Greg Norman and co has never been on the table, as he went on to commit to the PGA Tour for the rest of his professional career. “I’m sure there’s players who are still playing on the PGA Tour who still talk to the guys from LIV and had offers,” he added.