Rory McIlroy says bombshell $850m LIV Golf rumors are FALSE and he 'will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career' as Ryder Cup star categorically rejects shock reports of a move to Saudi-backed rebel circuit

Rory McIlroy has shot down suggestions he is close to joining the LIV circuit by stating he will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career. 

A recent report claimed the four-time major winner and arch critic of the Saudi-backed breakaway series was weighing up an $850million (£680m) offer to jump ship. 

That possibility was ridiculed by sources close to McIlroy on Sunday and now the 34-year-old has sought to kill of the speculation entirely ahead of the PGA Tour event at Hilton Head this week. 

He told Golf Central: 'I honestly don't know how these things get started. I've never been offered a number from LIV and I've never contemplated going to LIV. 

McIlroy added: 'It's never even been a conversation for us and it's one of those things. It's unfortunate we have to deal with it and this is the state our game's in. 

Rory McIlroy has insisted he will remain on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career

Reports claimed the Northern Irishman was close to a seismic $850million (£680m) U-turn 

'But I'm obviously here today and I'm playing this PGA Tour event next week and I'll play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.'

Other Ryder Cup stars, such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, have recently jumped sides to join LIV and reports on Sunday claimed that McIlroy was 'close to following suit'.

While the chances of McIlroy defecting have always be seen as extremely remote, there is growing hope among LIV golfers that world No 6 Viktor Hovland might be persuaded. 

The Saudis are believed to be keen on a show of strength at a point when merger talks are at a delicate stage and some elements of the PGA Tour policy board are reluctant to do a deal. 

City AM said that McIlroy had been offered an eye-watering sum of money - more than the $500m (£400m) Rahm was paid - to jump ship. 

Jon Rahm (second left) and Hatton (right) have both moved to the rival tour in recent months 

Yasir al-Rumayyan, head of the Saudi Arabian PIF, continues to negotiate a deal between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour over a merger agreement

'I think I've made it clear over the past two years that I don't think it's something for me. That doesn't mean I judge people that have gone and played over there.,' McIlroy said.

'I think one of the things I've realized over the past two years is: people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves and who are we to judge them for that? 

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

He added: 'Over the last two years there have been so many rumors (involving) guys and the one thing I've realized is: guys need to keep an open mind and I'm sure there have been guys who are still playing on the PGA Tour that have talked to the guys from LIV and had offers.'