LIV Golf star Bubba Watson has light-heartedly teased the prospect of a link-with Rory McIlroy 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 PGA Tour.

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 Masters.

He’s yet to register a win on the tour and this season, finished 53rd in the individual standings, meaning relegation from the LIV roster.

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 bunkered. “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."

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."