Rory McIlroy's former agent addresses his role in $850m LIV Golf move speculation

Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler, Rory McIlroy's former agent, has refuted claims that he was the source of the now-debunked rumor that the golf superstar was contemplating a surprising switch to LIV Golf .

McIlroy, a Northern Irishman, was one of the most outspoken critics of stars who chose to join the breakaway circuit during its early stages. However, amid the ongoing standoff between the PGA Tour and the PIF-backed LIV, the four-time major champion's stance seems to have softened recently.

His change in attitude appears to have come after the American and Saudi Arabian factions agreed to a tentative truce last summer in the form of plans for a stunning merger. Although progress on this front has been slow, McIlroy has been among those welcoming the possibility of a definitive resolution.

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Earlier this year, there were even rumors that the fan favorite was being targeted by the Gulf State tour as their next big-name signing, with a rumored deal worth $850m. However, McIlroy reaffirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour , effectively silencing speculation about his future on the American circuit.

In a candid reflection on the buzz around him possibly joining LIV Golf , he confessed: "I've made it clear over the last two years that I don't think [LIV] is something for me. It doesn't mean that I judge people that have went and played over there."

"I think one of the things that I've realised over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves. 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. I will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career."

Now, former agent Chandler has weighed in on those earlier whispers in the golfing world as he clarified his position regarding the rumors. In a conversation with Flushing It Golf on Twitter/X, he remarked: "No, they weren't from me at all."

"It was just my thought [that he was going]. And I still think it is [possible he could join LIV]. 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."

The star's ex-agent stated: "I mean, I'm not telling Rory to do anything. Rory is his own man and he always has been since he was 17 years old he was his own man and he still is."