McIlroy fears Tom McKibbin signing up to LIV ‘will not be worth the sacrifice’
McIlroy fears Tom McKibbin signing up to LIV ‘will not be worth the sacrifice’
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Rory McIlroy has expressed disappointment over the imminent move to LIV Golf of Tom McKibbin, his fellow Northern Irishman and player he has mentored. “I don’t think it’s worth the sacrifice,” said McIlroy of the 22-year-old’s upcoming switch.
McIlroy has been close to McKibbin since the latter burst onto the scene as an exciting child talent. Last November, McKibbin’s rise continued with the securing of a PGA Tour card for 2025. However, it appears McKibbin will not take up that membership; having been targeted by Jon Rahm’s LIV team, he is set to move to the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit for a reported $5m plus further annual guarantees. The figures are dwarfed by those given to some others to swap traditional tours for LIV.
“As soon as he got the offer, he rang me,” McIlroy explained. “We had a really good conversation and I talked to him multiple times over the course of December to sort of get a feel for what he was thinking and basically what he was going to do. All I could do is 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.’. “Working so hard to get your card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement. I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot … Look, I don’t think anything is official yet but if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.
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