Rory McIlroy urges rising European star Tom McKibbin to avoid LIV Golf: ‘Make a different choice’

Posted by Admin January 16, 2025 Golf

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The ongoing rift in the golf world has created plenty of wild narratives, and another appeared to be developing this week when PGA Tour loyalist Rory McIlroy publicly advised friend and fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin against going to LIV Golf.

McIlroy and McKibbin hail from the same town in Northern Ireland, and the four-time major winner has served as a bit of a mentor for McKibbin, who is just 22 years old.

But McKibbin is reportedly planning on joining LIV Golf, despite recently earning his PGA Tour card for the 2025 season on the final day of competition in the DP World Tour.

McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday that he has advised McKibbin against it.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland smiles on the course during a Pro-Am before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 15, 2025. Getty Images

“I said to him, ‘If I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making,’” McIlroy said while speaking with the media at the Dubai Desert Classic, according to NBC Sports.

“Working so hard to get your Tour card in the States, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement. I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot depending on how he would play … if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.”

McIlroy has been a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour since LIV Golf entered the fray in 2022 and has divided the golf world.

Murmurs of a potential deal to end the long-running standoff have persisted, but the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund, which financially backs LIV Golf, have yet to come to an agreement on a merger.

McKibbin has not addressed the LIV rumors, and McIlroy said that he would not get in the way if the young golfer wanted to join the rival golf league.

Tom McKibbin of Team Great Britain & Ireland looks across the 14th green during the foursomes matches on day two of the Team Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort on January 11, 2025. Getty Images

“Personally, for me, it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen but again, I made it perfectly clear: I’m not going to stand in your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself. But at the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot to not really benefit that much,” McIlroy said.