Rory McIlroy says bombshell $850m LIV Golf rumors are FALSE and he 'will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career' as Ryder Cup star categorically rejects shock reports of a move to Saudi-backed rebel circuit

Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will not be joining LIV Golf, insisting he will remain on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.

It was claimed in recent days that the Northern Irishman was close to a seismic $850million (£680m) U-turn to join the Saudi-backed breakaway.

Sources close to McIlroy denied the reports to Mail Sport and on Tuesday the four-time major winner insisted he has never even received an offer from LIV.

He told Golf Central: 'I honestly don't know how these things get started. I've never been offered a number from LIV and I've never contemplated going to LIV. 

McIlroy added: 'It's never even been a conversation for us and it's one of those things. It's unfortunate we have to deal with it and this is the state our game's in. 

'But I'm obviously here today and I'm playing this PGA Tour event next week and I'll play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.'

McIlroy, who will play at the RBC Heritage this week after finishing T22 at The Masters, has been one of the most vocal critics of the Saudi-backed breakaway league since its inception in 2021. 

His stance has softened following the shock announcement last summer that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour were in talks over a partnership with LIV Golf. 

Other Ryder Cup stars, such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, have recently jumped sides to join LIV and reports on Sunday claimed that McIlroy was 'close to following suit'.

City AM said that McIlroy had been offered an eye-watering sum of money - more than the $500m (£400m) Rahm was paid - to jump ship. 

'I think I've made it clear over the past two years that I don't think it's something for me. That doesn't mean I judge people that have gone and played over there.,' McIlroy said.

'I think one of the things I've realized over the past two years is: 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.

He added: 'Over the last two years there have been so many rumors (involving) guys and the one thing I've realized is: guys need to keep an open mind and I'm sure there have been guys who are still playing on the PGA Tour that have talked to the guys from LIV and had offers.'