Rory McIlroy will NOT be joining LIV Golf after sensational reports claimed the European Ryder Cup hero was ‘close to agreeing £680m U-turn

Rory McIlroy’s decision not to join LIV Golf comes as a relief to many, especially considering the whirlwind of speculation that surrounded his potential move. Reports had initially suggested that the four-time major champion was on the brink of agreeing to a staggering £682 million ($850 million) deal, marking a significant turnaround from his staunch opposition to the Saudi-backed breakaway league since its inception in 2021.

 

Despite his previous strong stance against the league, McIlroy’s position appeared to soften in light of the PGA Tour’s discussions with LIV Golf over a potential partnership, as announced last summer. This shift in attitude raised eyebrows, particularly given McIlroy’s past clashes with LIV stars, including his close friend Sergio Garcia. However, the two seem to have reconciled, signaling a possible thaw in tensions within the golfing world.

 

Acknowledging McIlroy’s decision, Greg Norman, a key figure in LIV Golf, expressed gratitude for McIlroy’s willingness to reconsider his stance and emphasized the importance of judging based on facts rather than hearsay. Norman’s sentiments reflect a broader sentiment within the LIV Golf camp, where McIlroy’s decision is seen as a significant turning point.

 

The speculation surrounding McIlroy’s potential defection to LIV Golf was further fueled by comments from his former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, earlier this year. Chandler, while acknowledging McIlroy’s evolving attitude towards the rival tour, hinted at the possibility of a lucrative deal. However, McIlroy’s final decision to remain with the PGA Tour comes as a welcome relief to many, putting an end to months of uncertainty and speculation.

PGA Tour stars are abuzz about Scottie Scheffler’s dominant performance on the golf course.

LIV Golf made significant strides this week, highlighting its commitment to solidifying its position in the golfing world. The organization announced the appointment of five key executives, showcasing its dedication to strengthening its business operations.

 

David Phillipps, with a rich background as the former Chief Financial Officer of the Equinox Group, now takes the helm as LIV Golf’s Chief Financial Officer. His experience extends across luxury lifestyle brands, including Equinox, Equinox Hotels, Soul Cycle, and Blink Fitness, as well as a stint at Endeavor, which eventually acquired IMG.

 

Joining him is Ross Hallett, who brings 26 years of golf industry expertise to his role as EVP, Head of Events. Hallett’s previous role as Senior Vice President and Head of Golf Events EMEA at IMG underscores his deep-rooted involvement in the sport.

 

Katie O’Reilly, formerly the Chief Revenue Officer at the Philadelphia 76ers, steps into the role of EVP, Head of Team Business Operations. Her track record in overseeing various revenue streams, from ticket sales to corporate partnerships, adds a valuable dimension to LIV Golf’s leadership team.

 

Tim Taylor assumes the dual role of EVP and Head of LIV Golf’s London office, leveraging his expertise to expand the organization’s global footprint. Pam Sacree rounds out the executive appointments as Head of Human Resources, bringing her extensive HR experience to drive organizational excellence.

 

CEO Greg Norman emphasized the caliber of talent these executives bring, likening their excellence to that of the players on the course. Norman expressed pride in the continued success of LIV Golf and the strategic additions to its leadership ranks.

 

In another significant development, LIV Golf secured a multi-year partnership with New Era hats, a major player in the headwear industry with ties to renowned sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. As part of the agreement, all LIV players will sport New Era hats, while the Buffalo-based company will enjoy prominent visibility at LIV events.

 

These moves underscore LIV Golf’s ambition to establish itself as a global force in the golfing landscape, backed by a team of seasoned professionals and strategic partnerships.

Tiger Woods Considered for Ryder Cup Captaincy as Support Grows

 

As speculation continues to swirl around the possibility of Tiger Woods taking the helm as Team USA’s captain at the upcoming Ryder Cup, endorsements from notable figures like Bernard Gallacher are adding fuel to the fire.

 

Despite never having led his country in the prestigious tournament against Europe, Woods, with his eight appearances as a player and his stint as a vice-captain in 2016, stands out as a prime candidate to fill the role in 2025. Following Team USA’s loss in Rome last year under Zach Johnson’s leadership, the clamor for Woods to step up has only intensified.

 

In a recent interview, Woods seemed receptive to the idea, stating that discussions about the captaincy could take place after his participation in the Masters at Augusta. Now, with support from unexpected quarters like three-time Team Europe captain Bernard Gallacher, the momentum behind Woods’ potential appointment continues to grow.

 

Gallacher, in an interview with Bunkered, expressed confidence in Woods’ ability to rally the team and redeem their performance from the previous Ryder Cup. He emphasized Woods’ stature within the sport and the potential commercial benefits his captaincy could bring, given his global appeal and marketability.

 

However, Gallacher also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Woods’ long-term commitment, given the demands of captaining two events over four years. Woods himself hinted at a cautious approach, indicating that discussions with PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh would take place after the Masters.

 

As the speculation mounts and endorsements pour in, the question of whether Tiger Woods will lead Team USA at the Ryder Cup looms large, with fans and experts eagerly awaiting the final decision.

In recent times, Scottie Scheffler has been drawing comparisons to the legendary Tiger Woods, and for good reason. Following his second green jacket win, Scheffler has asserted himself as the most dominant World No. 1 since Woods, boasting impressive world ranking points, strokes gained stats, and prize money earnings. However, it’s the latter point that merits a closer examination.

Undoubtedly, much has evolved since Woods’ prime, with golfers now commanding significantly higher paydays—thanks in large part to Tiger’s influence. Adjusting for inflation and modern financial structures, the results are nothing short of staggering.

Our own Jamie Kennedy delved into this, calculating what Woods’ historic 2000 season, featuring nine PGA Tour titles, including three majors, would translate to in 2024 prize money. Back in 2000, Woods set a record with over $10.7 million in earnings, but that pales in comparison to the potential earnings today.

Factoring in larger purses and additional player bonuses, such as those from the FedEx Cup and the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program, the figure skyrockets to over $92 million for one season alone. A truly mind-boggling sum!

Kennedy acknowledges that the comparison isn’t perfect, considering differences in tournament structures and payouts. For instance, when Woods tied for a certain place, Kennedy credited him with the solo position’s earnings. Additionally, Woods’ tournaments spanned across January and December, albeit with marginal impact on the total.

Assuming Woods would have clinched both the FedEx Cup and PIP top bonuses—an assumption bolstered by his nine victories, including three majors—the projection remains robust.

Of course, Scheffler is carving his own path in 2024, already amassing over $15 million in earnings across nine events. With a shot at claiming the $25 million FedEx Cup bonus and the $4 million AON bonus, his potential winnings are substantial. Yet, despite being the two-time reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year, he’s yet to clinch the top spot in the FedEx Cup standings.

Excluding bonuses, Scheffler’s $21,014,032 from last season stands as the tour’s record for most prize money earned in a single season—a feat for which he owes a debt of gratitude to Tiger’s influence.

Woods, on the other hand, has amassed just under $121 million in official prize money throughout his career dating back to 1996. Nevertheless, under today’s payout structures, he would have potentially earned three-quarters of that sum in a single season.

In the end, while comparisons abound, even Scheffler acknowledges that when it comes to discussing the best players of the modern era, there’s Tiger Woods, and then there’s everyone else.

Tiger Woods, the legendary 15-time major champion, faced harsh criticism following his disappointing performance at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Despite initially showing flashes of his former brilliance during the first two rounds, Woods struggled over the weekend, ultimately finishing the tournament at 16-over-par, marking one of the lowest points in his storied career.

 

While Woods managed to make the 36-hole cut and even set a Masters record with his 24th cut at Augusta, his fortunes took a turn for the worse on Saturday. A disastrous round three saw him carding a 10-over-par 82, his worst ever round at a flagship event. Despite a valiant effort to bounce back on Sunday, Woods could only manage a final round score of five-over 77, leaving him in 60th place overall.

 

Woods’ struggles can be traced back to a series of career-threatening injuries sustained in a car crash in 2021. Since then, he has been forced to adopt a part-time playing schedule, making just eight starts in the past two years. His emotional farewell at the 2022 Open Championship at St Andrews, where he received a hero’s reception, led many to believe it was time for him to retire from professional golf.

 

Colin Montgomerie, a former rival of Woods, expressed his opinion that Woods should have retired after his symbolic moment at St Andrews. Montgomerie pointed out that Woods’ sporadic appearances on the tour are not sufficient for him to compete with the younger generation of golfers. Despite Woods’ intentions to continue playing, Montgomerie emphasized the importance of knowing when to gracefully exit the sport.

 

While Woods received a warm reception from fans at Augusta, with many speculating if it was a final goodbye, his commitment to playing in the remaining three majors of the year suggests he is not ready to hang up his clubs just yet. However, as Montgomerie and others have noted, there comes a time when every athlete must acknowledge their limitations and bid farewell to the sport they once dominated.

Former PGA Tour star Mark Lye recently stirred controversy by claiming that up to 90 percent of people on the PGA Tour believe Tiger Woods may have used performance-enhancing drugs during his illustrious career. Speaking on the “Don’t @ Me” podcast with Dan Dakich, Lye didn’t mince words when asked about Woods’ alleged use of steroids.

 

Lye’s response was unequivocal: “Yes, that is. It is except for the people in Tiger’s corner. ‘You better shut up about it.’ Nobody ever gone out like that. Nobody’s ever said that like I’m saying it right now. There’s just no doubt. And I would say about 80 or 90% of the people out there know something ain’t right.”

 

These allegations add fuel to longstanding rumors surrounding Woods and potential performance-enhancing drug use, as noted by Fox News. While Woods has yet to address these claims directly, they cast a shadow over his remarkable career and legacy in professional golf.

 

The speculation surrounding Woods raises questions about the integrity of the sport and the pressures faced by its top athletes. As one of the biggest superstars in golf history, Woods’ influence and reputation may hang in the balance as these allegations continue to circulate within the golf community.

Jim Furyk, the seasoned U.S. Presidents Cup captain, showcased his adeptness at sidestepping inquiries during a recent video press conference. As expected, the topic of Tiger Woods, a perennial figure in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup lore, arose. Woods, with his storied history as a pivotal force either on the course or in a leadership capacity, naturally draws speculation about his potential involvement in the upcoming 15th Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal.

 

When pressed by Bob Weeks of Toronto Sports Network about the likelihood of Woods participating in some capacity, Furyk deftly deflected with a rhetorical flourish, pondering aloud about the hypothetical odds one might find in Las Vegas. “Probably not even allowed to talk about that, Bob,” he interjected, realizing the potential pitfalls of delving into the realm of gambling odds. But then, perhaps seizing the opportunity to indulge his own curiosity, Furyk redirected the conversation, playfully querying Weeks about the prospect of Woods assuming the mantle of Ryder Cup captaincy.

 

This tactic, while circuitous, echoes the genuine intrigue shared by fans and insiders alike regarding Woods’ future in golf. Despite his absence from competitive play since 2019, Woods remains a compelling figure, with speculation swirling about his potential role in future Ryder Cup campaigns. Furyk’s inquisitive turn of phrase reflects the broader speculation within the golfing community, especially given Woods’ historic ties to the sport’s premier events.

 

Indeed, Woods himself has not shied away from addressing the possibility of a captaincy role. During a pre-Masters press conference at Augusta National, Woods hinted at ongoing discussions with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh about potentially leading the U.S. team in the 45th Ryder Cup. With a characteristic smile, Woods deflected immediate speculation, opting instead to focus on the task at hand: contending for another coveted green jacket.

 

As the golf world eagerly awaits Woods’ decision, Furyk’s playful exchange with Weeks underscores the universal intrigue surrounding the future of one of the sport’s most iconic figures. With Woods’ post-Masters schedule clearing up, all eyes are on whether the golfing legend will provide clarity on his potential role in shaping the future of international competition.

The anticipation for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September 2025 is building, with Luke Donald set to lead Team Europe once again in their quest for consecutive victories. On the other side of the pond, however, Team USA is yet to announce who will succeed Zach Johnson as captain for the prestigious event.

 

While Team Europe solidifies its leadership under Donald, retaining Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari as vice-captains from their successful 2023 campaign, the situation in the American camp remains uncertain. Speculation has been rife, especially surrounding golf legend Tiger Woods, who has been in talks with the PGA of America regarding the captaincy role.

 

Woods, a seasoned Ryder Cup competitor with eight appearances for Team USA, has also served as a vice-captain in 2016 and played a dual role as player-captain during the 2019 Presidents Cup. His potential candidacy has been a topic of much discussion, particularly after his recent comments indicating ongoing conversations with PGA officials.

 

Despite his previous reluctance to commit to the Ryder Cup captaincy, Woods seems to be warming up to the idea, with hints suggesting he may be open to taking on the role. His stature in the world of golf and his experience in team competitions make him a compelling candidate for the position.

 

While Woods’ name dominates the speculation, other contenders, such as Stewart Cink, have also expressed interest in leading Team USA. However, all eyes are on Woods as the PGA of America deliberates over Johnson’s successor.

 

As the countdown to the 2025 Ryder Cup continues, golf enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of Team USA’s captain, with the possibility of Tiger Woods taking on the prestigious role adding to the excitement surrounding the event.

LIV Golf, amidst uncertainties spurred by the PGA Tour’s collaboration with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has asserted its presence with a strategic executive team expansion. The recent appointments signify a robust commitment to the breakaway league’s vision, even amid negotiations with PGA Tour counterparts.

Among the notable appointments, David Phillipps steps in as the Chief Financial Officer, while Ross Hallett assumes the position of Head of Events, and Katie O’Reilly takes charge as Head of Team Business Operations. Pam Sacree and Tim Taylor also join the ranks, heading Human Resources and managing the UK headquarters in London, respectively.

 

Despite talks between Tiger Woods and the PGA Tour showing promise, LIV Golf’s latest maneuvers underscore its determination to thrive independently. The league’s confidence in its trajectory contrasts with the uncertainties surrounding the PGA Tour’s alignment with the PIF, as emphasized by Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who clarified the nature of the agreement as a minority investment, not a merger.

 

Greg Norman, LIV’s CEO, has consistently voiced optimism regarding the league’s future, echoing confidence in its sustained existence and investment viability. The recent executive additions serve as a testament to this conviction, reinforcing LIV Golf’s position as a formidable player in the golf ecosystem.

 

While negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF continue, recent discussions, including the positive meeting between representatives from both sides, indicate progress. Tiger Woods’ acknowledgment of the constructive dialogue signals a step in the right direction, albeit amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding the future landscape of professional golf.

In an exclusive interview with World Boxing News, Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, provided his reaction to Tyson Fury’s recent press conference, where Fury jokingly predicted he could continue fighting another ten times despite being 35 years old. Krassyuk, the man behind Usyk’s rise as a pound-for-pound star, interpreted Fury’s demeanor as a farewell to the British press before potentially losing his WBC heavyweight belt on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.

 

Krassyuk stated, “It was a farewell requiem. Tyson Fury gathered the media to say bye-bye to his WBC championship belt.” He believed that despite attempts to exude confidence, Fury’s predictions about the early finish of the fight revealed a genuine acknowledgment of the impending loss.

 

Regarding reports in the UK suggesting that Usyk might step aside to allow a Fury vs. Joshua fight if Fury wins on May 18, Krassyuk dismissed the notion, asserting his unwavering confidence in Usyk’s victory. He stated firmly, “This is not a subject for discussion as Tyson will not be able to win.”

 

Krassyuk’s belief in Usyk’s ability to defeat Fury and become a two-weight undisputed ruler has remained steadfast since day one. Drawing parallels to Usyk’s victories over Anthony Joshua, Krassyuk expressed certainty that Usyk possesses the necessary skills to overcome Fury’s size advantage.

 

Addressing Usyk’s physical transformation, particularly his bulkier appearance in recent training videos, Krassyuk attributed it to the extra weeks in camp due to Fury’s delayed preparation caused by a cut. He joked, “Oleksandr started his training camp in September, so this is Tyson’s fault that Usyk is so massive and strong now.” However, he emphasized that Usyk’s training camp is a testament to the team’s dedication, knowledge, and experience.

 

Usyk, holding the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, is set to defend them against Fury, who holds the WBC version and the tag of the lineal champion. Should Usyk emerge victorious as Krassyuk predicts, it will mark the beginning of a new era in the heavyweight division, with Usyk’s name etched in history alongside those who beat the best.