The coast is clear for Rory McIlroy. The coast of LIV Golf, we mean. Now, Ulsterman has rejected LIV Golf rumors several times in the past few months. His agent, in fact, termed the most recent $850M one as fake news. Greg Norman, too, conceded in the Adelaide press conference that it was ‘typical white noise.’ But, the LIV Golf CEO, also emphasized that he would welcome the Ulsterman with open arms, should he change his mind. 

Interestingly, the LIV rumors were fuelled by Norman’s sightings at Augusta. The 69-year-old was following Rory McIlroy’s group. So, the interest from the PIF-funded side hasn’t waned. If you had any doubt, Greg Norman cleared that up in the press conference.

Norman and McIlroy had an open LIV Golf discussion

Norman clarified that yes, they talked, and no, there was no money on the table. Say like how there was for Wyndham Clark. McIlroy took his time to consider the LIV option. The outcome is that he is still playing in the PGA Tour.

“LIV never put an offer to him. We didn’t need to make a comment about this. This is just typical white noise that gets out there in the industry. If Rory was willing to sit down and have a conversation with us, would we be happy to sit down with him? 100 per cent, no different than any other player who would be interested in coming on and playing with us.” 

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What the two-time Major champion said next was previously unknown. McIlroy earlier said that he had talked with Tyrrell Hatton before he switched sides. But Greg Norman said he, himself, was present at McIlroy’s residence along with ‘one top, top PGA Tour player’ and a member of his team. The 34-year-old was impressed but decided to stay back.

Why Rory McIlroy decided to stay in the PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy shot down LIV golf rumors again last week. Since leaving the PGA Tour Policy board in November, the Ulsterman has been linked with the PIF-funded side. But the four-time major winner has dismissed the claims every time. Speaking to Golf Central from Hilton Head, the Northern Irishman 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.” 

Greg Norman’s comments too corroborate the same. The former World No. 1 said, “But he [Rory McIlroy] made the decision — he told me up two days later and said, I’ve decided to stay where I’m at. I said, happy days. You made a decision on fact. ‘Your door is always open; if you want to come back and have a conversation with us, happy to do that.’”

Rory McIlroy will pair up with Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. The world No. 2 tied for 33rd after an 18th-hole double-bogey in the final round. The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still in talks to complete the merger agreement. PIF Governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, met with sitting PGA Tour Player Directors last month. Interestingly, per a Guardian report, Rory McIlroy might join the board again replacing Webb Simpson. The four-time major winner seems fully invested in the Tour and Norman understands that.