Brandel Chamblee has shared his theory as to why reports emerged over the weekend claiming that Rory McIlroy was close to making the move to LIV Golf.
Of course, much of the talk following the final round at The Masters at the weekend concerned the incredible performances of Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg.
Scheffler won his second green jacket relatively comfortably. And Aberg marked his major championship debut with a stunning display around Augusta National.
But there was also plenty of talk concerning what the future held for Rory McIlroy.
Reports emerged claiming that McIlroy was close to joining LIV Golf in an $850 million deal. It would have been, by far, the most stunning defection the sport has seen since the breakaway tour began.
Brandel Chamblee shares why he thinks reports emerged claiming Rory McIlroy was close to joining LIV
McIlroy has often been prepared to express his disdain for LIV. And, while his stance has softened, there is no question that it would be the biggest u-turn yet if the Northern Irishman signed up.
Perhaps unsurprisingly therefore, it turned out that there was nothing in the rumours. McIlroy himself, confirmed today that he has never received an offer from LIV. And he will be staying on the PGA Tour.
Someone else who has been critical of LIV since its inception is broadcaster Brandel Chamblee. And the 61-year-old has now provided an interesting theory behind where exactly the reports came from.
Chamblee claimed on X that LIV had a key role after a disappointing showing for their players at The Masters…
Tour may argue Masters week was a success for their players
Of course, there is absolutely no way of knowing if that played any part in the reports emerging. But LIV will definitely argue that their players had a decent showing at the first major of the year.
Bryson DeChambeau led for some time. And he was joined in the final top 10 by Cameron Smith and Tyrrell Hatton.
The likes of Adrian Meronk, Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia were amongst the LIV players to miss the cut. And it was a disappointing week for Phil Mickelson.
Chamblee may argue that no LIV player finished within nine shots of Scheffler. But the world number one did finish seven clear of third place, too.
There is no doubt that the reports were strange to see, particularly as they seemed to be reasonably emphatic that McIlroy was close to joining.
Clearly, that was not the case on this occasion.
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