Tom McKibbin will make his LIV Golf debut this week as the tour kicks off in Saudi Arabia and the latest recruit as given his reasons for essentially ignoring Rory McIlroy’s advice.
McKibbin became the latest name to make the move to LIV, despite only just earning his PGA Tour card last season.
The Northern Irishman has moved to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team and he’ll be hoping to keep up with the likes of Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton and enjoy a successful first year on LIV.
- READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy has previously said about Tom McKibbin who looks set to be next to join LIV Golf
However, eyes will also be on McKibbin after he made the move despite calls from Rory McIlroy to reject LIV’s advances.
“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 at the time.
“Working so hard to get your tour card in the States, something that he did, 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, if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.”
But according to McKibbin, the was a lot more that went into his decision than just McIlroy’s opinion.
Tom McKibbin shares why he ignored Rory McIlroy to join LIV Golf
Speaking to the media ahead of the season opener in Riyadh this weekend, McKibbin was quickly asked about his move.
And according to McKibbin, a number of factors came into play.
“Being young and 22. I’ve watched this for the last couple years since it started, and it’s something that I’ve really liked to watch, something very different, something that probably appeals to more people my age,” McKibbin said.
“I think sort of the opportunity to get to play with these guys here and learn from some of the best players in the world week in, week out is something that appealed very, very nicely to me.”
Jon Rahm delighted to get Tom McKibbin
McKibbin, of course, will be on the same team as the individual winner from 2024, Jon Rahm.
Rahm’s Legion XIII look one of the strongest outfits on LIV and according to the Spaniard, getting McKibbin’s arrival sorted was a stressful time as a captain.
“I’ve come to realize quickly that the off-season is arguably the most stressful time when you’re involved with a team in this way, just because all the decisions that need to be made and all that goes on that maybe the league or the GM doesn’t tell me when I’m playing. It becomes very stressful,” Rahm said.
“We all have the habit of waiting until the end for different reasons to sign, so my resting heart rate just keeps going up every week.
“But it’s been amazing to get Tom as an addition. To get such a young player with his experience, already established and a winner as a professional multiple times is hard to come by. I’m thrilled that he decided to join the team or join the legion. Really looking forward to seeing what he can do because he’s very talented, and I think the sky’s the limit.”
McKibbin will reportedly earn at least $5m from his LIV move, with more riches down the line in both individual and team prize money.
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