Tiger Woods ex coach responds to wild Rory McIlroy LIV Golf rumours

Tiger Woods' former golf coach Hank Haney believes anyone who thinks playing less golf and earning more money isn't appealing to professional athletes is "very naive" in light of wild rumours linking PGA Tour superstar Rory McIlroy with a shock move to LIV Golf. 

Haney, who was Woods' golf coach from 2004 and 2010 in a period that saw the former World No.1 win six of his 15 career major titles, has not ruled out McIlroy one day deciding to switch allegiance from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf.

Rumours of a McIlroy move to LIV Golf have surfaced in recent days after his former manager Chubby Chandler claimed "it's a possibility", especially after watching two of his European Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton jump ship.

Revealed: Greg Norman's surprising Rory McIlroy exchange!

Rahm joined LIV Golf for a reported $600m, with Hatton 10 times less than that. 

Although McIlroy recently said he has never been made an official offer to join LIV Golf, it is understood a signing fee of just shy of $1 billion is being tabled to try and secure the services of the former World No.1. 

Could McIlroy join LIV Golf?!

McIlroy's former agent Chandler last week spoke exclusively to GolfMagic and he discussed the Ulsterman's "most unbelievable 180 turn" in regards to his stance on the LIV Golf League in 2024.

Two years ago McIlroy claimed LIV Golf was "dead in the water" and how he was not comfortable with members who diverted to LIV Golf ever returning without consequence. 

Fast forward to the present day, and McIlroy is happy to welcome back members with open arms. "Let them come back," he said. 

McIlroy also recently stepped down from the PGA Tour Policy Board so that he could spend more time with his family, and focus more on his golf game ahead of the majors. 

The four-time major champion is of course going in search of the career grand slam at The Masters this April. 

Woods' former coach Haney does not rule out the possibility of McIlroy ever being persuaded to join LIV Golf soon, especially as he would play less golf and earn more money than he currently does on the PGA Tour. 

LIV is not just more money, it’s less playing days and the days they play are easier with the shot gun starts that people make fun of. To think that making more money and working 25-35% less isn’t appealing to professional athletes is very naive. https://t.co/2E1gvHcbzD

— Hank Haney (@HankHaney) February 26, 2024

Related: Hank Haney addresses rumour about PGA Tour boss

In response to a graphic about a rumoured $950m LIV Golf offer for McIlroy in the future, Haney tweeted: 

The PGA Tour and the Saudi PIF's framework agreement deadline has been pushed back until next month. 

Some critics believe that deal will no longer happen, or at least is no longer needed, after the Strategic Sports Group just invested $3 billion into a new for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises. 

It came to light over the weekend that LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has targeted a former Masters champion to join LIV Golf. 

Could you see McIlroy ever jumping ship from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf?

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