Jon Rahm says Tom McKibbin’s international travel experience makes him an ideal fit for his Legion XIII team.
Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent ended up in the relegation zone last season and by signing McKibbin (22) to fill the gap, Rahm reckons they have a player who will perform in LIV Golf’s 14 worldwide events.
“I love Irish people,” two-time Irish Open champion Rahm told the LIV Golf website. “Me and the Northern Irish, right? I think he’s going to be a really good fit.”
McKibbin will make his LIV Golf debut at next week’s season opener in Riyadh alongside Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and American Caleb Surrat, who Rahm feels struggled last season due to his lack of international experience.
“Tom is used to travelling the world, which I think is a big key,” Rahm said. “One of the reasons why maybe Caleb had not a good year last year compared to his standards was the fact that he had to travel so much, and he wasn’t used to it.
“Tom is definitely used to it. The DP World Tour, they definitely are able to travel a lot. So, having a young, incredible talent with a bright future that’s used to travel is something very, very special.”
Surratt said he briefly met McKibbin before either was involved in LIV Golf.
The American spent just 18 months at the University of Tennessee before turning pro, while McKibbin verbally committed to play at the University of Florida before Covid hit and he opted to join the paid ranks.
“We both have similar paths, not really spending much or any time in college,” Surratt said. “I think it’s going to be really good for me to have a younger guy on the team as well because Jon and Tyrrell are so close.”
With a proven winner like McKibbin now on board, Rahm reckons his Legion XIII team will be even stronger this season.
“On paper, we could be even stronger this year than we were last year,” Rahm said. “And I think coming into the Team Championship, we’re definitely going to be stronger than we were last year.
“Let’s say it all works. This could be Legacy Legion XIII for a long time.”
With McKibbin signing, Legion XIII will also boast four Callaway players this year.
The club maker is understood to be about to announce its sponsorship of Rahm’s team with industry insiders explaining that the deal includes paying McKibbin’s contract.
While it’s like to be treated by LIV Golf as a vote of confidence by Callaway in the rebel league, the company also owns Toptracer and a close relationship with the Public Investment Fund that funds LlV is important to them as Saudi Arabia prepares to build more courses and driving ranges.
Callaway owns Toptracer, and acquired Topgolf for $2billion in 2020.
Last September the company announced it had signed a multi-year deal with Golf Saudi Entertainment LLC (“Golf Saudi”) to bring the Topgolf Callaway Brands family of brands, including Topgolf, Callaway, TravisMathew, Odyssey and Ogio, to Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement, Golf Saudi plans to build three Topgolf venues by 2028.
They will be owned and operated by Golf Saudi with the option to open another two venues in the future.
In addition, Callaway Golf, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio became the official equipment and apparel brands for the Saudi Men’s, Women’s and Junior National golf teams as well as for Saudi Elite golf professionals and golf pros working at Golf Saudi facilities.
On top of this, Golf Saudi will be the exclusive distributor of Callaway Golf, Odyssey and Ogio products in Saudi Arabia.