Rory McIlroy names Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus among inspirations for not joining $2 billion LIV Golf league

$220 million worth Rory McIlroy states he’s “too much of a traditionalist” to join the billion-dollar Saudi-backed league.

Rory McIlroy names Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus among inspirations for not joining $2 billion LIV Golf league

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus [Image Credit: Imago]

Rory McIlroy sews up rumors about joining LIV Golf once and for all in the latest interview. Since his softened stance on the Saudi league, many speculated that the 24x PGA Tour winner will soon exit the PGA Tour like his former teammates and friends. However, the Irish golfer deleted rumors in one go, noting he’s “too much of a traditionalist” to join hands with LIV.

He named Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, and Gary Player, among many who have inspired him on his golf journey. He noted he would like to overtake their records by competing in the PGA Tour than signing with the $2 billion LIV Golf league. Despite being a staunch PGA supporter, he admitted wanting both leagues to work together in the future.

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Furthermore, last year he claimed, “If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on Earth I would retire”. As men’s professional golf continues to shift its direction, McIlroy stated he’ll support the players and wishes both PGA and LIV work together to better the game of golf in general.

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McIlroy even said the LIV players should be allowed to return to PGA penalty-free if they wish so. Following Jon Rahm’s $600 million signing with the LIV Golf league, McIlroy has made a U-turn on LIV Golf’s stance compared to 2022 statements. 

Did Andrew “Chubby” Chandler’s comments flame Rory McIlroy’s LIV Golf signing rumor?

Rory McIlroy’s former agent Andrew “Chubby” Chandler earlier claimed that there was a 10% chance of the star golfer signing with the Saudi league as “it’s typical Rory.” His comments and McIlroy’s U-turn on LIV Golf led many to believe the exit rumors until today.

Rory McIlroy and Andrew "Chubby" Chandler [Image Credit: Imago/The Times]
Rory McIlroy and Andrew “Chubby” Chandler [Image Credit: Imago/The Times]

In an X interview, he told how he loved winning golf tournaments and looking at the trophies thinking it was something once won by other golf greats. “To me, it is a big deal in our game,” McIlroy stated. Since the inception of LIV in 2022, there have been cold wars between the two separated groups until last year when the merger plan was proposed.

The merger plan was to support and help the game of golf grow together rather than keep on fighting and being a distraction rather than an inspiration for players and viewers alike. The merger plan was expected to take action on the final talk by the end of December 2023, but unfortunately, it was postponed to a later date. It was reported that a deal may take place prior to Masters in 2024, but as of now, there’s been no official update.

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