Tom McKibbin says whether he spoke to any other LIV Golf teams before signing for Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII

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Tom McKibbin was arguably LIV Golf’s highest-profile signing during the off-season after the Northern Irishman snubbed the chance to play on the PGA Tour.

After earning one of ten PGA Tour available on the DP World Tour, rumours emerged linking McKibbin with Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII.

Rahm had his eye on McKibbin during the autumnal stretch of the DP World Tour season, and the 22-year-old’s move to the PIF-backed venture was confirmed last week. McKibbin joins Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt on Legion XIII.

The Northern Irishman was only ever linked with Legion, and, speaking after the first round of LIV Golf Riyadh, McKibbin revealed he was never in negotiations with any other team.

Did Tom McKibbin speak to any other LIV Golf teams?

McKibbin was asked: “Tom, was it only going to be Legion XIII?”

“Yeah, I think so, yeah,” he replied. “That’s the only ones I spoke to. Yeah, I’m very, very happy I’m here. So thanks. Thanks, Jon.”

Rahm also revealed that McKibbin initially expressed interest in joining LIV. “He expressed his interest to join LIV, and as far as I know, there wasn’t any teams trying to out-bid anybody,” Rahm said.

“I don’t know if that was the case or if it was him saying I don’t want to go anywhere else or what the situation, but I thought he would be a prize player. I’m happy we got him.”

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Tom McKibbin’s perfect LIV Golf start

McKibbin’s first round on the PIF-backed venture could not have gone any better. Starting on the 12th at Riyadh Golf Club, McKibbin birdied the 13th before making four birdies and an eagle on the course’s front nine.

He is currently tied for third at seven under alongside Lee Westwood. Adrian Meronk leads the way on ten under and is closely followed by Torque’s Sebastian Munoz.

McKibbin’s Legion teammates Hatton and Surratt are both at six under, and Jon Rahm is one shot back at five under.

It was a difficult day for five-time major winner Brooks Koepka. The American is currently second last on two over.

What Rory McIlroy has said about Tom McKibbin’s LIV move

Rory McIlroy is a close friend of McKibbin’s, and the pair both come through Hollywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

Before McKibbin’s LIV move was confirmed, McIlroy sent a word of warning to his compatriot. “I really like Tom as a person, as a player. I think he’s got a ton of potential. I said to him, ‘if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making’,” said the four-time major winner.

“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.”

McKibbin has since reacted to McIlroy’s comments and admitted that the chance to move to LIV really appealed to him.