Rory McIlroy Advises Tom McKibbin to Stay on PGA Tour

Tom McKibbin expressed gratitude to Rory McIlroy for providing "a lot of help along the way" throughout his early golf career.

Rory McIlroy expressed disappointment over fellow Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin’s potential move to the LIV Golf Tour. McIlroy, who has mentored McKibbin since his early days at Holywood Golf Club, advised the 22-year-old to stay on the PGA Tour where McKibbin earned a spot after impressive performances on the DP World Tour. McKibbin reportedly stands to receive a $5m signing bonus to join LIV.

However, McIlroy believes the financial rewards won’t justify the sacrifices, like losing access to world ranking points which could impact McKibbin’s ability to qualify for major tournaments and the Ryder Cup. McIlroy, the defending champion at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, pointed out the immense earning potential on the PGA and DP World Tours. He emphasized that McKibbin would give up valuable opportunities by switching to LIV.

He shared that, in his own shoes, he would make a different decision, valuing the experiences and challenges that helped shape his career. McIlroy also mentioned that McKibbin wouldn’t benefit from world ranking points with LIV’s 14-tournament schedule but McKibbin is still in line for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush. McIlroy acknowledged McKibbin’s desire to make his own decisions.

However, he strongly believed that Tom McKibbin’s potential could lead to a much brighter future if he stayed within the PGA Tour’s framework. Despite their differing views, Rory McIlroy remains supportive of McKibbin and respects his decision. McIlroy also reflected on his own career, noting that LIV’s emergence could have changed his trajectory early on but he valued the growth and learning that came with his journey on the PGA and DP World Tours.