Rory McIlroy’s tone toward LIV began to soften, especially after Jon Rahm announced his move to the circuit in December 2023. However, that didn't mean he was ever swayed to jump ship.

McIlroy discussed his stance on LIV Golf and how his relationship with the circuit has evolved during an appearance on The Overlap podcast on January 3, 2024.

During their conversation, McIlroy revealed he had an idea of just how lucrative Liv Golf could be. "I don't Idon't know, but I mean you know? There's numbers being titled for John Ram... upwards of three, four, 500 million," said the Master's winner. Yet, the money never compelled him.

"I’ve never had an offer," McIlroy said during the podcast, clarifying that he did not engage in any discussions about joining LIV Golf. 

Rory McIlroy explained that he understood why some players accepted lucrative contracts. However, he had already made his position clear and chose not to pursue a move. So what changed his perspective on the league?

During the conversation, Rory McIlroy explained that he met Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the end of the previous year and had a constructive discussion with him. 

McIlroy said Al-Rumayyan is passionate about the game and has a clear vision for what he wants to do with it, and McIlroy acknowledged that he understood parts of that perspective.

However, Rory McIlroy didn't always hold the same stance regarding LIV Golf

From 2022 to 2023, Rory McIlroy was among the strongest critics of LIV Golf, repeatedly voicing opposition to the breakaway circuit.

McIlroy said he “hated what LIV is doing to the game of golf.” In fact, he even described the proposed league in early 2022 as “dead in the water,” and said that some players who left were “taking the easy way out.”

He also reflected on how the PGA Tour had initially positioned LIV Golf as a threat to the sport, only for discussions about a potential deal to emerge a few months later. 

“The PGA Tour was telling all their players, ‘These are the bad guys that are coming to take over our tour.’ Two months later, it’s like, ‘Oh, we’re actually going to do a deal.’” said McIlroy.

However, with time and after his conversation with Al-Rumayyan, McIlroy's perspective changed. “At the end of the day, we’re professional golfers, we play golf to make a living, and I absolutely understand it," added the 2025 Green Jacket winner.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi