LIV Golf chief Greg Norman was spotted chatting with Rory McIlroy’s caddie during ‘The Showdown’, long after swirling rumours that the Northern Irish golf sensation might make a jaw-dropping move away from the PGA Tour.

Speculation about McIlroy’s potential defection to LIV Golf, which is backed by Saudi money, started gaining traction right after Scottie Scheffler bagged his second Masters title in March. Fans were left reeling by the gossip; McIlroy has consistently been a loud opponent of the controversial tour since its inception. However, it seems there might be a change brewing in his stance.

Rory McIlroy’s caddie had a chat with Greg Norman

Securing McIlroy would be akin to the biggest coup for the rebel series, and whispers of an astonishing $850 million offer, including a two percent stake, have been circulating. Despite the buzz, as well as McIlroy pouring cold water on it, Norman dismissed the claims as mere “fake news” but did confirm LIV Golf’s interest in McIlroy.

“LIV never put an offer to him,” Norman clarified in April. “We didn’t need to make a comment about this, this is just typical white noise that gets out there in the industry. If Rory was willing to sit down and have a conversation with us, would we be happy to sit down with him? One hundred percent, no different than any other player who would be interested in coming on and playing with us.”, reports the Mirror US.

“It’s understanding the facts about what LIV represents and what LIV can deliver on a global basis, it’s up to you to determine it.”

McIlroy has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf since its controversial inception over the past few years, standing firm as several big names signed up for staggering sums. However, the rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf widened following a merger agreement, prompting McIlroy to step down from the PGA Tour board last year.

Ahead of ‘The Showdown’ in Las Vegas, where McIlroy partnered with Scheffler to take victory over LIV Golf pair Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, Norman was spotted chatting with McIlroy’s caddie while the four-time major winner warmed up on the practice range. The Aussie also exchanged pleasantries with Scheffler as he made his way around Shadow Creek Golf Club.