Rory McIlroy said he dissuaded his good friend and compatriot Tom McKibbin from playing LIV Golf because he didn’t believe the sacrifice at this point in his career was worth it.
McKibbin, a rising 22-year-old from Northern Ireland who earned his PGA Tour card for this season through the DP World Tour, is reportedly expected to join Jon Rahm’s LIV team when the league resumes next month in Saudi Arabia.
McIlroy said that a few months ago, when his protégé first received the offer, he got a call from McKibbin, whom he has known for more than a decade. They spoke repeatedly as McKibbin considered his decision.
“I told him, ‘If I were you, I would make a different choice than what you’re thinking about,’” McIlroy told reporters Wednesday at the Dubai Desert Classic, where he makes his 2025 debut.
“Working hard to earn my Tour card in the States, achieving that goal last year was a major achievement. I think what he’s potentially sacrificing and giving up, having access to the major leagues, a potential spot in the Ryder Cup depending on how he plays… if I were in his position and I had his potential, and I think I had it before, I would not take it this decision.
“Personally for me it would be a little disappointing if that happened, but once again I made it perfectly clear: I won’t stand in your way if you have to make a decision that you feel you have to make for yourself. But at the same time, I feel like he sacrifices a lot to not really gain much.
McKibbin has not yet commented on the reports, saying he was focused on the event last week during Team Cup. The LIV season will not start until February 6.
It’s unclear how much McKibbin, a one-time DP World Tour winner, finished in 114th placevol in the world, he would potentially sign a LIV contract. He earned his Tour card by finishing among the top 10 points scorers in the final standings of the end-of-season Race to Dubai.
Said McIlroy: “There is still a lot of money to be made on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. There is so much money in the game that some argue it is too much for the eyeballs we attract. But again, I think that whatever benefits it may bring, I don’t think it’s worth the sacrifice of what he’s potentially going to give up.
