Rory McIlroy says explosive $850 million LIV Golf rumors are FALSE and he will ‘play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career’ as Ryder Cup star flatly rejects shocking reports making state of a transfer to the rebel circuit supported by Saudi Arabia.

Rory McIlroy has dismissed suggestions he is close to joining the LIV Tour by saying he will play on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.

A recent report claimed that the four-time major winner and leading critic of the Saudi-backed separatist series is considering an $850m (£680m) bid to jump ship.

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

He said Golf center: ‘Honestly, I don’t know how these things started. I was never offered a LIV number and never considered going to LIV.

McIlroy added: “It’s never even been a conversation for us and it’s one of those things. It’s a shame that we’re faced with this and this is where our game is.

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

“But I’m obviously here today and I’m playing this PGA Tour event next week and I’ll be playing on the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.”

Other Ryder Cup stars such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have recently skipped camp to join LIV and reports on Sunday claimed McIlroy was “set to do the same”.

While McIlroy’s chances of defection have always been considered extremely low, LIV golfers are increasingly hopeful that world number 6 Viktor Hovland can be persuaded.

The Saudis are reportedly keen to make a show of force at a time when merger negotiations are at a delicate stage and some elements of the PGA Tour’s political council are reluctant to strike a deal.

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

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

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

“I think I’ve made it clear over the last couple of years that I didn’t think it was something for me. That doesn’t mean I judge people who went to play there,” McIlroy said.

“I think one of the things that I’ve realized over the last couple of years is, people can make their own decisions based on what they think is best for themselves and who are we for judge them for this?

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

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