Tom McKibbin responds to Rory McIlroy over £4million LIV Golf move and ditching PGA Tour card

Tom McKibbin has finally spoken out on his decision to make the move to LIV Golf, having put a spot on the breakaway league ahead of a PGA Tour card. After weeks of speculation, McKibbin's move to LIV and Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team was confirmed last month, with the Northern Irishman signing a deal worth a reported £4million. The switch came just two months after he secured a full spot on the PGA Tour for the very first time.

McKibbin enjoyed a succesful season on the DP World Tour in 2024, finishing as one of the top-10 performers on the Wentworth-based circuit to bank himself a card in the United States. He has however given this opportunity up on the back of his LIV switch, with the PGA Tour confirming to Mirror Sport last week that his membership ban will come into place when he plays his first 'unauthorised event' in Saudi Arabia this week. Prior to his move, Rory McIlroy revealed in January that he spoke with McKibbin over the phone after the 22-year-old received the offer.

McIlroy has acted as somewhat of a mentor to McKibbin during recent years, having both played golf out of Holywood Golf Club in their youth. Speaking at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy admitted that he felt a sense of disappointment over the decision amid his close connection with his fellow countryman. The 35-year-old highlighted the fact that McKibbin has now hampered his chances of qualifying for the four major championships and Ryder Cup later this year due to his LIV switch. The new Legion XIII star however revealed he personally does not share these concerns due to his current major status.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US. “It was in my mind but I wasn’t in any of those anyway," he said of the majors and Ryder Cup. "The opportunity to play with guys out here more consistently was a huge factor, but I am not in the majors anyway at the minute so that didn’t bother me.”. McKibbin was speaking ahead of his debut in Riyadh this week, and he believes joining LIV and being around the likes of his captain Rahm and teammate Tyrrell Hatton will only help accelerate his career. “Just getting time with guys like Jon and Tyrrell," he continued.

"Guys I haven’t got the opportunity to really play with before. I know when I have got a chance to play with better players before it has definitely helped my game. I learned a lot getting to spend time around those guys, and I think it is something that will help my game moving forward.” McKibbin will get his LIV career underway on Thursday, playing with Jinichiro Kozuma and Frederik Kjettrup in round one.