RORY MCILROY DISMISSES $850 MILLION LIV OFFER. BUT WHAT IF IT WAS REAL?

While all eyes were on the Masters this past weekend, rumors about Rory McIlroy potentially joining LIV Golf were gaining traction like a PGE man-made California Wildfire. A move like this would affirm that Mcilroy has turned his relentless criticism of Liv Golf ship around. McIlroy, in the past, has been one of the loudest critics of LIV Golf.

Well, none of that appears to be true, as the four-time major champion McIlroy clarified on Tuesday that he intends to conclude his career on the PGA Tour. He flat-out refutes a report by a London newspaper that claimed he had been offered $850 million and an equity stake in the LIV Golf League.

"I honestly don't know how these things get started," McIlroy told Golf Channel while on the practice range at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the site of this week's RBC Heritage. "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.

"It doesn't mean that I judge people who have went and played over there. I think one of the things that I have realized over the past two years is that people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them for that? But personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it's never been any different."

McIlroy stated that neither he nor his representatives have ever discussed a potential deal to entice him to the LIV Golf League, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

"It's never even been a conversation for us," McIlroy said. "It's unfortunate we have to deal with it, and this is the state our game is in. I'm obviously here and going to the PGA Tour event next week, and I'll play the PGA Tour the rest of my career."

"I think over the last two years, there's been so many rumors of guys," McIlroy said. "I think the one thing I've realized as well is guys need to keep an open mind, and I'm sure there's been players that are still playing on the PGA Tour that have talked to the guys from LIV and had offers and whatever."

HOW THE RUMOR STARTED:
Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, Rory Mcilory's former manager, sparked speculation when he told Bunkered that “it’s a possibility” that McIlroy could leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf for a rumored $850 million.

In February, Rory was asked about Andrew “Chubby” Chandler’s comments that his new softer stance on the Saudi-backed league could be a sign he’s ready to join forces with LIV; McIlroy said: “Never know. He might know a few things. Who knows?”

Indeed, you can see how the above statement fueled speculation that Mcilroy may be, at the very least, willing to consider leaving the PGA for LIV Golf.

THE UNDERRATED LINE:
So what would you do? Imagine your Mcilroy. You've been yelling and screaming for years about LIV Golf, but now you receive an offer of $850 million. At the same time, you don't need the money; it could help put you and your family in a completely different tax bracket for future generations.

First, you have to consider the LIV offer, especially since the leadership of the PGA TOUR Commissioner, Jay Monahan, has been less than stellar. Seriously, how does Monahan still have a job?

Another reason to take the deal is the likelihood of a true merger between the two golfing brands will probably get done soon, which would most likely allow you to keep your World Ranking, play in the Ryder Cup, and be able to play events on both tours.

Politics aside, Mcilroy should consider taking the money if it is ever offered.