Rory McIlroy believes Jon Rahm's new LIV Golf signing Tom McKibbin has what it takes to become a top-10 player in the world having closely followed the progress of his fellow Northern Irishman. After weeks of speculation, McKibbin's move to LIV and Legion XIII was confirmed by Rahm's team on Wednesday, completing his roster for 2025 alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt. McKibbin's move to LIV comes just two months after he secured full playing rights on the PGA Tour.

The rising star was one of the 10 top-performing players on the DP World Tour during 2024, and this earned him a card over in the United States for the upcoming season. He will however not be able to take advantage, with LIV players banned from competing in PGA Tour events. During his career McKibbin has developed a close relationship with McIlroy, having both played their golf as youngsters out of Holywood Golf Club in their native Northern Ireland.

McIlroy - who has been a strong critic of the LIV setup previously - appeared disappointed when discussing McKibbin's Saudi switch at this month's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, but did have a bold prediction for the 22-year-old. "I think we all see the potential that he has," McIlroy claimed. "And I definitely think he can be a Top-10 player in the world.". Despite this, the four-time major winner was quick to remind his countryman that his form will not be reflected in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), with LIV events not recognised by the OWGR system. "Obviously his ranking won't show that for the next couple years," he added.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US. The importance of McIlroy to McKibbin and his career was clear to see when the youngster was first approached by Rahm and the breakaway league. Speaking in Dubai, McIlroy admitted that McKibbin reached out to him over the phone to get his advice on what move he should take next. "I have known Tom since he was 10 years old, 11 years old, and as soon as he got the offer, he rang me," said McIlroy. "I just landed in New Zealand. 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, you know, what he was thinking, and obviously what -- you know, yeah, basically what he was going to do. And 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. Look, I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you're thinking of making. I think, you know, 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.". The latest news from the world of golf straight to your inbox.