Rory McIlroy reveals advice to Tom McKibbin over LIV Golf move: ‘It would be disappointing’
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McIlroy reveals conversations with LIV-bound McKibbin and his protege’s ‘disappointing’ decision. Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf bound Tom McKibbin is “giving up a lot to not really benefit that much” including an imminent chance to reach the world’s Top-10 if he leaves the PGA Tour.
McIlroy’s protégé McKibbin, who grooved his game on the same Holywood Golf Club as the four-time major champion, is on the precipice of putting pen to paper on a shock deal with the Saudi-backed breakaway league. The Northern Irishman’s rumoured £4m move to Jon Rahm’s team comes as a major surprise given his close connection to McIlroy and the fact he had just secured his first PGA Tour card.
Though the Spaniard has reiterated his desire to play in the Ryder Cup, something that could be at risk for any player switching to LIV Golf. McIlroy was one of the first to congratulate McKibbin after he secured his US playing rights here in Dubai only two months ago, however the 22-year-old appears likely to forsake a chance to play on the PGA Tour this year in favour of LIV.
“As soon as he got the offer, he rang me,” McIlroy revealed ahead of his defence of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Club. “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 Tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement. 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.
