Rory McIlroy To Join LIV Golf Odds: 2026 Most Likely Date For Saudi Switch
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Rumours about Rory McIlroy joining LIV Golf may be wide of the fairway, but that hasn’t stopped tongues from wagging that he could perform a sensational U-turn.
London financial paper City AM claimed at the weekend the Ryder Cup star was close to agreeing a £680m mega deal which would also see him receive 2% equity in the Saudi-backed series.
McIlroy, one of the most vocal critics of LIV Golf over the past two years, sent the story straight to the bunker by saying he will “play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career”.
That said, McIlroy has toned down his criticism of the rebel tour recently, prompting betting sites to speculate on whether the 34-year-old Northern Irishman could jump ship, so we’ve looked at the odds on Rory to do just that.
Desert Storm More Likely In 2026
Should McIlroy decide to take the money and run, he is favourite to do so in a non-Ryder Cup year like 2026.
The biennial battle between Europe and the United States is always high on McIlroy’s agenda and he will be keen to help his side retain the trophy at brutal Bethpage Black where Luke Donald will once again captain the side.
LIV golfers can compete in majors as long as they meet qualification criteria but are banned from playing at the Ryder Cup, so the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton won’t be flying the European flag amid speculation Viktor Hovland could also be coaxed into joining the rebels.
That means more pressure on the shoulders of McIlroy, whose love for the tournament holds no bounds and his experience will be crucial if Europe are to repeat 2012’s Miracle of Medinah.
Betting apps offer 7/4 on McIlroy eating his words and joining the Saudi revolution in 2026.
Post-Bethpage Exit For Rory?
Don’t rule out Rory linking up with LIV at the end of next year though!
McIlroy has a big 2025 ahead and he won’t want to disrupt a schedule which culminates with what should be another thrilling Ryder Cup encounter on Long Island, New York – the state where his sports-mad wife Erica Stoll was born.
The four-time major winner may also still be chasing the elusive career grand slam if he fails to win the 2025 US Masters in April.
A month later he returns to the scene of his first PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow for the USPGA Championship, and the major season concludes with The Open at Portrush in his native Northern Ireland where he is bound to receive a hero’s welcome.
With that in mind, McIlroy would almost certainly make the move after the Ryder Cup in September in time for the new LIV Golf season which is likely to start in February, 2026.
Golf betting sites are offering 5/2 on McIlroy heading to the new tour in 2025.
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
Future Could Be Bright For McIlroy
Pledging his future to the PGA Tour is still as fresh as the Augusta greens, so could we see McIlroy defect from 2027 and beyond?
McIlroy turns 35 in May and his last major came 10 years ago, so his motivation will be high to add another to his CV before he makes a crucial decision like joining LIV Golf.
With high-profile players like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed on the Public Investment Fund payroll, McIlroy’s chances of making it a nap hand of majors have potentially improved.
World ranking points are unavailable to LIV players and with no agreement between the parties in place to change that policy, players like Johnson are likely to continue their slide down the standings.
Although the laconic American, now 343rd in the rankings, is exempt from qualifying from all four majors for five years, his grace period runs out in 2025, just like DeChambeau, while Koepka has until 2028.
Potentially easier fields in the future increase McIlroy’s chances of major success and that’s why UK bookmakers make him 7/2 to make the move from 2027 or later.
The big outsider is that McIlroy makes the switch this year, but having said he has “never contemplated joining LIV” a U-turn appears unlikely.
Nevertheless, new betting sites have priced McIlroy at 8/1 to join the exodus before the year is out.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
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