Rory rebuffs $850M LIV report, commits to TOUR

Rory McIlroy dispelled a British outlet's report of a blockbuster move to LIV Golf on Tuesday.

"I honestly don't know how these things get started," McIlroy told NBC's Todd Lewis. "I've never been offered a number from LIV, and I've never contemplated going to LIV."

He added: "I will play the PGA TOUR for the rest of my career."

City A.M., a London-based business and financial paper, reported Monday that McIlroy was close to joining LIV Golf in a stunning $850-million deal, plus 2% equity in the rival tour.

McIlroy's manager, Sean O'Flaherty, dismissed the rumors as well.

"Fake news. Zero truth," Sean O'Flaherty told Irish Independent's Brian Keogh on Tuesday.

McIlroy has been among LIV's most vocal critics since the tour commenced play, though his stance has softened in recent months.

The Northern Irishman walked back previous criticism of players who joined LIV, calling his remarks "a bit of a mistake" in January.

LIV made its biggest splash in December by signing 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm on a multi-year deal worth €450 million.

Last June, the PGA announced a shock framework deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV.

McIlroy is set to compete at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina this weekend.