Jon Rahm suggests he thinks player who is on the verge of joining LIV Golf is ‘fantastic’

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Jon Rahm is the latest player to be questioned on Tom McKibbin’s reported move to LIV Golf.

McKibbin is believed to be closing in on a move to Rahm’s Legion XIII and become arguably LIV’s highest-profile signing ahead of the 2025 season.

The Northern Irishman will bank $4m for signing up to the PIF-banked venture, nearly double his career earnings on the DP World Tour.

Golf fans have been left surprised by the McKibbin news, notably after he earned a PGA Tour card at the end of the 2024 DP World Tour season.

The 22-year-old’s impending LIV move will divide opinion. Rahm, perhaps unsurprisingly, believes the level of competition on the Saudi-backed league will develop McKibbin’s game.

Jon Rahm reacts to Tom McKibbin’s LIV Golf move

Speaking ahead of this week’s Dubai Desert Classic, Rahm was questioned about his soon-to-be teammate.

“I can’t tell you what a good environment is for Tom,” Rahm said.

“That’s an answer for him. I think it’s as good as environment as any and just as competitive as any other tour. You have to go out there and play against the best players in the world. It’s an environment in which you can grow rapidly as well. He’s a fantastic player, and possibilities for him are endless whatever he decides to do.”

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Jon Rahm’s comments at the Andalucia Masters now make sense

Rahm has been on the lookout for a new signing since Kieran Vincent was relegated from the LIV Golf League in September 2024.

And now, the Spaniard’s comments during the Andalucia Masters make a lot more sense.

“I know, but I haven’t locked in a player yet. We’ve got six or seven we’re scouting. Not yet… Well, one’s already been scouted. I saw him today, but there’s nothing new for him. I’ve been telling him this since last year,” Rahm said back in October.

McKibbin was also in the field that week and tied for 43rd on seven under. Clearly, after the latest news, this move has been in the pipeline for several months.

McKibbin has only made two major championship appearances and has never played The Masters or PGA Championship.