Rory McIlroy has expressed his disappointment as fellow Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin appears poised to make a surprising switch to the breakaway LIV Golf tour.
McIlroy has served as a mentor to McKibbin, said he would “make a different decision” than the one being considered by the young golfer. McKibbin, aged 22, looks set to leave the PGA Tour to join the Saudi Arabia-funded league, despite earning his PGA Tour card last year through strong performances on the DP World Tour.
McIlroy has guided McKibbin since the latter emerged as a junior at Holywood Golf Club near Belfast—the same club where McIlroy crafted his Major skills. Speaking about the situation, McIlroy shared that he had several conversations with McKibbin about the potential move.
“Personally, it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen,” McIlroy admitted. “But I made it clear: I won’t stand in your way if you feel it’s the decision you need to make for yourself. At the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot and not gaining much in return.”
“I Don’t Think It’s Worth the Sacrifice”
McIlroy believes the financial incentives of LIV Golf are not worth the sacrifices McKibbin would face. McKibbin is reportedly set to receive a $5 million signing bonus, but McIlroy was sceptical about the overall benefits.
“No one knows exactly how much he’s going to get,” McIlroy said during the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he is defending his title this week. “What I would say is there’s still a huge amount of money to be made on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Some might argue there’s too much money in golf for the level of attention the sport attracts.”
McIlroy added: “Whatever the benefit might be, I don’t think it’s worth the sacrifice of what he’s potentially giving up.”
McKibbin will forfeit the opportunity to earn world ranking points by playing LIV Golf’s 14-event schedule, making it harder to qualify for major tournaments and the Ryder Cup. Nevertheless, McKibbin is currently in the field for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
A Mentor’s Perspective
“I think he’s got enormous potential,” McIlroy said. “I told him, if I were in his position, I’d make a different choice. He worked so hard to earn his PGA Tour card last year—it was a massive achievement. What he’s giving up, including access to majors and a potential Ryder Cup spot, is significant. If I were him, with his potential, I wouldn’t make that decision.”
Observers have been surprised by McKibbin’s decision to go against the advice of his mentor. McIlroy was recently named the winner of the 2024 Seve Ballesteros Trophy, having been voted Player of the Year by his fellow DP World Tour professionals. He emphasised the financial stability McKibbin could still enjoy on the PGA Tour, where players are guaranteed a minimum of $500,000 per season with the potential for much greater earnings.
McIlroy, who was among the first to congratulate McKibbin on earning his PGA Tour card in Dubai last November, expressed sadness at the situation. “I’m disappointed I won’t see him as much. I was looking forward to spending more time with him in the States,” McIlroy told BBC Sport.
Reflecting on his own career, McIlroy noted: “I feel fortunate LIV Golf wasn’t around when I was coming up. Who knows what might have happened? The experiences I gained on the DP World Tour and early years on the PGA Tour made me a better player.”
McKibbin’s Decision
McKibbin was seen playing in the pre-tournament pro-am at the Dubai Desert Classic, potentially marking his final appearance on the DP World Tour before LIV Golf’s season begins in Riyadh next month.
“I’ve known Tom since he was about 10 or 11 years old,” McIlroy revealed. “When he got the offer, he called me immediately. We’ve spoken multiple times since December about what he’s thinking and what he plans to do. All I can do is offer my perspective. But he’s an adult now and has to make his own decisions.”
