Rory McIlroy at the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)
star Bubba Watson has light-heartedly teased the prospect of a link-with despite his rival’s staunch opposition to the Saudi-backed circuit. The Northern Irishman has been a vociferous critic of the LIV project, although recently softened his stance amid ongoing merger talks between the rebel venture and the .
Watson, 46, joined LIV in July 2022 but has since failed to replicate the kind of form that has landed him two green jackets at the .
He’s yet to register a win on the tour and this season, finished 53rd in the individual standings, .
However, the situation surrounding the American isn’t as straightforward as it seems. He remains the owner and captain of RangeGoats GC, meaning he is still eligible to represent the group in the LIV team competition.
He’s lost one of his key players this week though, with Belgian golfer Thomas Pieters accepting an offer to join Dustin Johnson and his 4Aces GC side. And now Watson has stoked fires by jokingly suggesting McIlroy, 35, could serve as his replacement.
“We’re looking everywhere, the best amateurs,” he told . “I’m not looking just for an American. Rory might call me and say ‘hey man, can I have a spot?’ I don’t know. That’s what I’m saying. We’ve got to wait and see.”
Bubba Watson struggled on the LIV Golf tour in 2024. (Image: Getty)
Watson even said he’d be prepared to carry McIlroy’s bag if he was to make a shock move. “I would give it to him fast,” he added. “I would sit at home and watch him play – I take that back, I would caddie for him, make sure he had enough water and all that stuff.”
However, the former world No.2 also implied he was keen to take part himself, and that he was also targeting a long-term prospect. “My dream scenario is play next year,” he said. “I’m the owner, if I really want to I can put myself in there.
“There’s a couple teams battling for the same person. Someone who can help us going forward. I would love to see a bit more youth on my team. From next week we’ve got to make moves fast.”
Don’t miss…
The prospect of McIlroy being that ‘person’ appears remote, given he’s previously pledged not to join LIV. Last month, he spoke of hope that the to end the sport’s civil war.
The four-time major champion is currently gearing up for his special challenge match this month. The world No.2 will be paired with in a clash against LIV duo and Brooks Koepka at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.