Rory McIlroy Disappointed By Tom McKibbin's Potential Move To LIV Tour

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Rory McIlroy has voiced his concerns as Tom McKibbin, a fellow Northern Irish golfer and his protégé, is on the verge of joining the LIV Tour. McKibbin had previously secured a PGA Tour card in Dubai last November but is now considering a move to Jon Rahm's team on the Saudi-funded circuit. "Personally for me it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen," McIlroy commented on the potential switch.

McIlroy, a four-time major champion, has been mentoring McKibbin since he was a junior at Holywood Golf Club near Belfast. Despite his disappointment, McIlroy stated, "I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand in your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself." He shared these thoughts during the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy believes that there is still substantial financial opportunity within the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. "There is so much money in the game, and some would argue too much money in the game for the eyeballs that we attract," he remarked. He questions whether any potential benefits from joining LIV are worth what McKibbin might sacrifice.

McKibbin is expected to join notable players such as two-time major winner Jon Rahm, England's Tyrrell Hatton, and American Caleb Surratt in the LIV team. Reflecting on their relationship, McIlroy said, "I have known Tom since he was 10, 11 years old." When McKibbin received the offer, he immediately contacted McIlroy for advice.

Throughout December, McIlroy engaged in multiple discussions with McKibbin to understand his thoughts and plans. "All I could do is give my perspective," McIlroy explained. However, he acknowledged that ultimately, "I'm not him. I'm not in his shoes." He respects that McKibbin is an adult capable of making his own decisions.

McIlroy expressed that while there are significant earnings available on established tours like PGA and DP World Tours, he remains sceptical about whether joining LIV provides enough benefit compared to what might be lost. The decision remains with McKibbin as he weighs his options moving forward.