Tom McKibbin ignores Rory McIlroy warning and completes LIV Golf switch
Tom McKibbin ignores Rory McIlroy warning and completes LIV Golf switch
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Tom McKibbin has forgone the advice of mentor and fellow countryman Rory McIlroy as he completed his move to LIV Golf. The Northern Irishman secured his PGA Tour card in December last year but has instead opted to sign a multi-year deal with the Saudi-backed circuit for a reported $5 million (£4 million) fee.
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McKibbin, a one-time winner on the DP World Tour, will join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt. The 22-year-old, ranked 106th in the world rankings, will now be suspended by the PGA Tour but could still play on the DP World Tour as many LIV players have gone on to do.
However, the lack of world ranking points in LIV events means McKibbin will soon slide down the rankings and will find it hard to qualify for upcoming majors. The move may also jeopardise his hopes of making a maiden Ryder Cup appearance later this year having been earmarked as a potential candidate by Luke Donald given his appearance at the recent Team Cup.
Rumours of the 22-year-old’s move to LIV emerged in early January, with McKibinn seeking the advice of McIlroy who he grew up idolising, especially as the pair are both members of Holywood Golf Club in Belfast. Asked about the contents of their call at the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy said: ‘As soon as he got the offer, he rang me.
