“It’s not for me. I’m too much of a traditionalist.” confessed Rory McIlroy after speculations of him joining LIV Golf arose back in February. But even so, despite his denial two months ago, the Northern Irishman seems to be at the center of some strong defection rumors once again. Meanwhile, if history has taught us anything, it is that it has been a predominant excuse for players to ward off any such hearsay before making that much-discussed jump, just like Jon Rahm.

A report was made public by City AM, London’s most-read financial paper, and shared once again by Flushing It on their X handle regarding the same. Meanwhile, it speculates the 34-year-old is close to joining the breakaway league, all thanks to a reported $850 million deal and more added benefits. However, the question remains; will McIlroy actually join LIV Golf just like Rahm?

Will Rory McIlroy follow fellow European Jon Rahm’s suit?

The report of the 4-time major champ’s defection apparently stemmed from the media at the Masters when two separate sources told City A.M. about the deal being close to completion. As per sources, aside from the reported $850 million, he was also offered two percent equity in the whole competition, making his signing, if done, the biggest ever by LIV Golf.

Although the claims couldn’t be verified, they nevertheless, stand as a huge threat to the PGA Tour, especially since he is currently the No. 2 golfer in the world. Moreover, interestingly, when the rumors surrounding Rahm’s defection arose, the then-No.3 in the OWGR surprisingly swatted them away, just like McIlroy has been doing till now. Thus, such speculation coming to light doesn’t sit well for the Jay Monahan-led circuit.

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“I laugh when people rumor me with LIV,” said the Spaniard once back in 2023 before adding, “I never liked the format… I play for the love of the game.” Regardless, when the alleged $560 million came knocking, he ditched the PGA Tour and joined LIV Golf is nothing short of a revolutionary deal. What’s more, his defection affected the Tour so much that they doubled down on their efforts in working up a framework agreement with the PIF-funded circuit. Therefore, one only needs to imagine the threat the jumping ships of someone like McIlroy pose.

In the meantime, Rory McIlroy himself hadn’t given any inkling to such rumors at the Masters, despite them arising at the major championship. Besides, he had even gone ahead to reveal his schedule post-tournament at Augusta National.

A jam-packed post-Masters schedule for McIlroy

During an interview after the final round of the major, where he finished T22, the Northern Irishman divulged which events he would be participating in. Disclosing the same, he said, “the next two weeks I’m playing Hilton Head, I’m playing New Orleans,” referring to the upcoming event, RBC Heritage, and the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana with Shane Lowry as his partner.

What’s more, Rory McIlroy then revealed how he would be taking a week off and play the Wells Fargo Championship along with the PGA Championship, followed by a week off and four events in a row. It seems he already has his next couple of months planned out, pouring cold water no less to the speculations. Meanwhile, after listening to his plans, one can’t help but agree with the golfer with what he said soon after: “Loving golf at the moment. Loving it!”