Rory McIlroy has denied a published report linking him to a US$850 million move to LIV Golf, saying he plans to remain with the PGA Tour "the rest of my career".
Agent Sean O'Flaherty called the story in the London newspaper City AM "fake news".
McIlroy has addressed the report with the Golf Channel from the practice range at Hilton Head, South Carolina, site of this week's RBC Heritage tournament.
"I honestly don't know how these things get started," he said. "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.
"It doesn't mean that I judge people who have went and played over there. I think one of the things that I have realised 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?
"Personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour and it's never been any different."
O'Flaherty has told the Irish Independent there was "zero truth" to report in City AM, which claimed "two separate sources" confirmed that a deal was "close" to give McIlroy $850 million to join, plus a two percent equity stake in the league.
"It's never even been a conversation for us," said McIlroy. "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."
McIlroy, 34, has been one of the most prominent critics of the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit, since it launched in 2021.
In June 2023, McIlroy described himself as the PGA Tour's "sacrificial lamb", when it announced a partnership with LIV Golf.
In December, LIV Golf lured Spaniard Jon Rahm into its ranks, with a deal reportedly worth more than US$350 million.
"I think over the last two years, there's been so many rumours of guys," McIlroy told Golf Channel. "I think the one thing I've realised, 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."
Ranked No.2 in the world, McIlroy is coming off a T22 at the US Masters, where he finished 15 strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler. The four-time Major champion has not won a Grand Slam event since the 2014 PGA Championship.
Reuters
