Rex Hoggard ‘surprised’ by LIV Golf’s next signing as Jon Rahm comparison made

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Tom McKibbin is set to be the next player to make the move to LIV Golf and it’s safe to say his switch to the PIF-backed tour has caught a few people off guard.

McKibbin is one of the rising stars on the European golf scene and actually won his PGA Tour card at the end of the 2024 season.

Strong reports suggested the 22-year-old is going to sign for LIV as part of Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team, although McKibbin himself has yet to confirm.

• READ MORE: Justin Rose reacts as Tom McKibbin said to be joining LIV Golf despite qualifying for the PGA Tour

However, while the move might look a smart one to some in terms of instant money and long-term gain, Golf Channel analyst Rex Hoggard has compared it to Jon Rahm’s move 14 months ago.

Tom McKibbin sent warning about move to LIV Golf

Speaking on McKibbin being the next one up for LIV, Rex Hoggard admitted his surprise at the move.

“A little surprised. I felt like as we inch closer to whatever – and this is probably going to the financial agreement between the Public Investment Fund and PGA Enterprises – that is going to be the easier part, from what I have been told,” Hoggard said.

“The more difficult part is figuring out how to make all sides come back together.

“In this particular case, if you are Tom, and I think probably much the same way Jon Rahm looked at his plight 14 months ago when he chose to join at that point in time, he probably felt they were close to coming to an agreement and they would be back together soon enough and they could do both.

“He could get paid by LIV and maintain his status on the PGA Tour. We have now seen 14 months down the road, that is not the case. My guess is that Tom is probably making a similar calculation but where we are right now I am not sure if it’s even safe him doing that right now as opposed to 14 months ago.”

How much Tom McKibbin will earn for joining LIV Golf

When it comes to moving to LIV Golf, money has often been cited as the big driver and there’s no doubt it’s played a big part in McKibbin’s move.

McKibbin is set to earn a whopping $5m just for signing, and that figure could increase over the course of his contract, while access to big prize funds and team purses are also an incentive.

McKibbin’s signing on fee is nothing compared to the likes of Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson though, who have pocket north of $300m and $200m respectively.

How McKibbin’s career pans out from here on in remains to be seen but in terms of financial stability, the 22-year-old has effectively set himself up for life.