Culprit identified (?!) over Rory McIlroy's LIV Golf rumour

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee has claimed the rumour suggesting Rory McIlroy was joining LIV Golf was orchestrated by the breakaway tour.

Chamblee made the claim on X on 16 April, hours after McIlroy dismissed the report. 

The rumour about the 34-year-old Northern Irishman started on Sunday after CityAM claimed two sources told the publication a deal worth $850m was on the horizon. 

McIlroy's management team were quick to pour cold water on the shock claim and later the four-time major champion told Golf Central he will play the PGA Tour 'for the rest of my life'. 

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Former PGA Tour player Chamblee, 61, has been one of LIV's harshest critics since its inception. 

In truth, his criticism of the Saudis' involvement in sport pre-dates LIV. 

He has called for Phil Mickelson to be removed from golf's hall of fame, questioned the faith of Bryson DeChambeau and accused Jon Rahm of selling his soul and being relegated to a 'sideshow vaudeville act'. 

Chamblee believes the recent McIlroy reports were started by LIV Golf figures. 

"I have no doubt that this rumour was started by Saudis/LIV… to benefit Saudis/LIV after such a poor showing, as a group, at The Masters," Chamblee wrote. 

LIV Golf had 13 of their players tee it up at the first major of the year. 

Bryson DeChambeau held the lead after 18 holes but his challenge faded on the weekend. 

Cameron Smith was also primed for a run at the green jacket and despite an early eagle he failed to make another birdie as Scottie Scheffler cantered to victory after a tense front nine. 

England's Tyrrell Hatton finished inside the top-10 which secured his sport at next year's Masters regardless of his inevitable slide down the world rankings. 

LIV Golf leaderboard at 2024 Masters:

T-2: C. Smith, B. DeChambeau -2

T-9: T. Hatton E

T-12: P. Reed +1

T-22: J. Niemann +4

T-43 P. Mickelson +8

T-45: B. Koepka, J. Rahm +9

Missed cut:

S. Garcia +7

B. Watson +10

C. Schwartzel +11

D. Johnson +13

A. Meronk +14

What McIlroy said about the LIV Golf rumour:

"I honestly don't know how these things get started. 

"I've never been offered a number from LIV and have never contemplated going to LIV.

"I think I've made it clear over the past two years that I don't think it's something for me.

"It doesn't mean I judge people that have went and played over there. 

"I think one of the things 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?

"For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour and it's never been any different.

"It's never even been a conversation for us. 

"It's one of those things, it's unfortunate that we have to deal with it but I'm obviously here today and I'm playing this PGA Tour event next week and will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career."

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