Tom McKibbin ignores Rory McIlroy warning and completes LIV Golf switch

Tom McKibbin has forgone the advice of mentor and fellow countryman Rory McIlroy as he completed his move to LIV Golf.

The Northern Irishman secured his PGA Tour card in December last year but has instead opted to sign a multi-year deal with the Saudi-backed circuit for a reported $5 million (£4 million) fee.

McKibbin, a one-time winner on the DP World Tour, will join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt.

The 22-year-old, ranked 106th in the world rankings, will now be suspended by the PGA Tour but could still play on the DP World Tour as many LIV players have gone on to do.

However, the lack of world ranking points in LIV events means McKibbin will soon slide down the rankings and will find it hard to qualify for upcoming majors.

The move may also jeopardise his hopes of making a maiden Ryder Cup appearance later this year having been earmarked as a potential candidate by Luke Donald given his appearance at the recent Team Cup.

Rumours of the 22-year-old’s move to LIV emerged in early January, with McKibinn seeking the advice of McIlroy who he grew up idolising, especially as the pair are both members of Holywood Golf Club in Belfast.

Asked about the contents of their call at the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy said: ‘As soon as he got the offer, he rang me.

‘I have known Tom since he was 10 and I talked to him multiple times in December to get a feel of what he was thinking and what he was going to do. All I could do was give my perspective.

‘I really like Tom as a person, as a player. I think he’s got a ton of potential. I said to him, ‘If I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making’.

‘Personally, for me, it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen but I made it perfectly clear: ‘I am not going to stand in your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself.’ But at the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot to not really benefit that much.

‘Working so hard to get your card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was big.

‘I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot… if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.’

McKibbin, however, has forgone such advice and will now make his debut at next week’s season opener in Riyadh.

His arrival undoubtedly strengthens Rahm’s team who won the team portion of four events to finish second in the points lists in their maiden season last year.

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