McIlroy’s feelings on LIV Golf as PGA Tour and LIV Golf despite shifted stance

Rory McIlroy has always made his stance on the controversial LIV Golf crystal clear, despite ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed series about a possible merger.

In an ESPN interview in April, the 35-year-old golf star reaffirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour. He also clarified that neither he nor his representatives have received a concrete offer from LIV Golf, dismissing any reported figures as mere speculation.

“I honestly don’t know how these things get started,” McIlroy expressed to Golf Channel in April, according to ESPN. I’ve never been offered a number from LIV, and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV. Again, I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me.”

Despite being a staunch advocate for the PGA Tour and one of the most outspoken opponents of the Saudi tour, McIlroy acknowledges the shift in his perspective as more golfers, including friends, join LIV for lucrative deals and financial security. Yet, his allegiance to the PGA Tour hasn’t wavered.

READ MORE: PGA Tour star who made misconstrued Rory McIlroy comment is making career switch
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy gave Liverpool owner John Henry blunt ‘No’ reply in private PGA Tour chat

“It doesn’t mean that I judge people who have went and played over there,” he added. “I think one of the things that I have realized over the past two years is that people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them for that? But personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.”

It’s a distinct shift from last year when he continued to express a strong dislike for LIV Golf. “I still hate LIV. Like, I hate LIV. Like, I hope it goes away,” he declared before the RBC Canadian Open.

But McIlroy has also lamented the current situation in golf, saying: “It’s unfortunate we have to deal with it, and this is the state our game is in. I’m obviously here and going to the PGA Tour event next week, and I’ll play the PGA Tour the rest of my career.”

However, as talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue, McIlroy seems more open to discussing the Saudi-backed series. In January, he mentioned: “It would be much better being together and moving forward together for the good of the game.”

“That’s my opinion of it. So to me, the faster that we can all get back together and start to play and start to have the strongest fields possible I think is great for golf.”

Moreover, McIlroy acknowledged having conversations with fellow golfers about LIV Golf, suggesting that understanding their choices requires an “open mind”.

“I think the one thing I’ve realized as well is guys need to keep an open mind, and I’m sure there’s been players that are still playing on the PGA Tour that have talked to the guys from LIV and had offers and whatever,” he revealed.