DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy has shared his regret over the possibility of Tom McKibbin, a fellow Northern Irish golfer, making the switch to LIV Golf, cautioning him against the potential sacrifices involved. McIlroy revealed that McKibbin, 22, who he has been mentoring, is considering an offer from the Saudi Arabia-backed league shortly after securing his PGA Tour card for the first time.
In a press conference ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic set to begin Thursday, McIlroy said he has advised McKibbin against taking the offer after having discussed the situation with him multiple times. “I have a lot of respect for Tom both as a person and an athlete,” McIlroy stated. “He possesses immense potential. If I were in his position, I would choose a different path than what he seems to be contemplating. Achieving a tour card in the United States after so much hard work is a significant accomplishment.”
McIlroy elaborated on the implications of joining LIV Golf, emphasizing that McKibbin could be sacrificing crucial opportunities such as participating in major tournaments or vying for a spot on the Ryder Cup team, depending on how his performance would measure up. “If I had his abilities, I believe I would not choose the route he is considering,” he pointed out.
Having grown up at Holywood Golf Club alongside McIlroy, McKibbin enjoyed encouragement from the four-time major champion when he learned he secured a PGA Tour card due to points amassed during the European tour season and after the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November. McIlroy expressed that it would be disappointing if McKibbin opted to join LIV Golf, yet he clarified he would respect his decision without trying to interfere.
“There is still significant earning potential within the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour,” McIlroy remarked. “The game is flourishing with money, and some might argue that there is even too much compared to the audience we draw.” He reiterated that despite whatever allure LIV Golf may present, he believes the trade-offs could be substantial for McKibbin.
As the golfing world awaits clarity on its future structure amid ongoing discussions among the PGA Tour, European Tour, and LIV Golf officials, Jon Rahm, who decided to join LIV Golf late last year, expressed optimism about golf’s future, characterizing it as a “golden era” with limitless possibilities. McIlroy, however, referred to Rahm’s perspective as seeing things through “rose-tinted glasses.”
Reflecting on the recent developments in the sport, McIlroy suggested that American golfers might reclaim some dominance, not that the sport has ever been solely national. “We’ve seen great opportunities globally, and I believe we are in a favorable position to foster that growth,” he stated. “There are fantastic golfers competing in various tours worldwide, which is commendable, yet the sport has become too fragmented and disorganized.”
As McIlroy aims for a third consecutive victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, it remains to be seen what direction McKibbin will choose to follow.
