Following another poor finish at The Masters for Rory McIlroy at Augusta National last week, rumours have begun to swirl that the former LIV Golf critic may be joining the Saudi-funded tour in an incredible R16 billion deal.
According to a City A.M. report, citing two unnamed sources, the four-time major winner could soon be announced to be making a switch to the breakaway tour with the deal worth around $850 million.
McIlroy has won three of the four majors, with The Masters the only one remaining for him to complete the career grand slam and join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods as the only men to have achieved the feat.
The 34-year-old McIlroy has been a vocal critic of the LIV Golf tour from the outset, but in the last year seems to have softened his stance on the tour after reports first emerged of a merger with the US PGA Tour last year.
Disappointing Masters performance
McIlroy finished the Masters in a tie for 22nd on four-over, 15 shots behind winner Scottie Scheffler. Though the world number one Scheffler came into the event as favourite, McIlroy was the second favourite and expected to contend for the title.
Of course, McIlroy’s challenge never materialised despite a third place showing at Valero Texas Open a week before The Masters.
After his disappointing finish at The Masters, McIlroy said he would take some time to analyse what went wrong for him in his 16th attempt at winning that elusive green jacket.
“I need to take a little bit of time and reflect on this week and what I did well, what I didn't do so well, and sort of try to make a plan for the next few months, especially from here going through obviously the end of July,” said McIlroy.
“As you say, major season, they're going to come thick and fast here, so hopefully get myself in a bit better form for those last three.”