Former Rory McIlroy ally denies being source of wild rumour: “It never came from me”
Rory McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, has firmly denied being the source of a rumor suggesting that McIlroy was considering joining the LIV Golf League for a staggering $850 million. Back in April, McIlroy, who has been vocal about his opposition to the breakaway tour, softened his stance, admitting he had been too judgmental…
Rory McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, has firmly denied being the source of a rumor suggesting that McIlroy was considering joining the LIV Golf League for a staggering $850 million.
Back in April, McIlroy, who has been vocal about his opposition to the breakaway tour, softened his stance, admitting he had been too judgmental of players who joined LIV for large sums of money. He conceded that LIV Golf was now a permanent part of the sport. This shift in perspective led some to accuse the 35-year-old of betraying his principles.
Phil Mickelson, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, urged people to be kind, stating on X: “Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on. Rather, it’s time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future.”
In the aftermath of The Masters, a report by City AM claimed McIlroy was contemplating a move to LIV for an upfront fee of $850 million plus a 2% equity stake in the tour. McIlroy, typically dismissive of rumors, quickly squashed this one, insisting he had never been offered such a deal and would not entertain it. He reiterated his commitment to the PGA Tour, saying, “I’ve made it clear over the last two years that I don’t think [LIV] is something for me. I will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”
Speculation about the rumor’s origin pointed to Chandler, especially given their acrimonious split in 2011. However, Chandler denied the accusation in an interview with @flushingit at LIV Golf United Kingdom. “No, they weren’t from me at all,” he said. “It was just my thought [that he was going]. And I still think it is [possible he could join LIV].”
Chandler suggested that McIlroy joining LIV could paradoxically bring the golfing world together. “If Rory was hoping to bring the game together, in a funny sort of way, if he signed for LIV, it would make everybody come together. But he would do it the wrong way round. At the end of the day, if Rory is amongst this lot, then you’ve almost got what you want.”
Chandler emphasized that he was not advising McIlroy to do anything, acknowledging McIlroy’s independence since he was 17. “Rory is his own man and he always has been,” Chandler concluded.
