Rory McIlroy has revealed he advised fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin against joining LIV Golf, despite the 22-year-old being linked with a reported £4m move to Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team.
The four-time major champion disclosed details of multiple conversations with McKibbin throughout December, after the young golfer contacted him about the Saudi-backed circuit’s offer.
McKibbin, who secured his PGA Tour card in November, has been mentored by McIlroy since he was “10, 11 years old” at their shared home club of Holywood.
Speaking ahead of his Dubai Desert Classic title defence, McIlroy expressed personal disappointment about McKibbin’s potential move to LIV Golf, though no official confirmation has been announced.
Rory McIlroy has admitted he is disappointed with Tom McKibbin
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“As soon as he got the offer, he rang me. I’d just landed in New Zealand and we had a really good conversation,” McIlroy said at his pre-tournament press conference.
“It would personally for me it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen but again, I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself.”
The world number three revealed he spoke with McKibbin multiple times throughout December to “get a feel for what he was thinking”.
“I really like Tom as a person, as a player. I think he’s got a ton of potential,” McIlroy added.
The conversations led to McIlroy offering direct advice against the move: “I said to him, ‘if I were in your shoes I would make a different choice to the one you’re thinking of making’.”
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Both players are competing this week at the Emirates Club, where McIlroy is aiming for his third consecutive Dubai Desert Classic victory.
McIlroy highlighted the significant sacrifices McKibbin would be making by joining LIV Golf, particularly after achieving his PGA Tour card last year.
“Working so hard to get your Tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement,” McIlroy said.
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Rory McIlroy has expressed concerns over Tom McKibbin joining LIV Golf early in his career
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The Northern Irish star emphasised concerns about McKibbin’s future access to major championships and potential Ryder Cup opportunities.
“What he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot depending on how he would play – I don’t think anything’s official yet,” McIlroy explained.
He suggested McKibbin could become one of golf’s elite players, stating: “I definitely think he can be a top 10 player in the world. But obviously his ranking won’t show that for the next couple years if he makes one decision over another.”
Despite his concerns, McIlroy emphasised he would not stand in McKibbin’s way.
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“I made it perfectly clear I am not going to stand in your way to make a decision that you feel like you need to make for yourself,” McIlroy said.
“He’s a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to give him my perspective.”
McIlroy remained supportive of his compatriot’s future, regardless of his choice.
“He has to make his own decision, and when he does, whatever way that goes, I’m always going to be a fan of his,” he added.
However, McIlroy maintained his view on the financial aspects: “There is still a ton of money to be made on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour… I don’t think it’s worth the sacrifice.”