DUBAI (AP) – Rory McIlroy has expressed his disappointment at the prospect of fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin joining LIV Golf and has warned him it is not worth the sacrifice.
McIlroy confirmed yesterday that the 22-year-old McKibbin, his protégé, has received an offer from the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit and was mulling over whether to make the move, just weeks after earning a card on the PGA Tour for the first time.
McIlroy said he has spoken “multiple times” with McKibbin about the possible switch and has advised him against it.
“I really like Tom as a person, as a player,” said McIlroy, who was speaking at a news conference ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic starting today.
“I think he’s got a tonne of potential. Look, I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making. I think, you know, working so hard to get your tour card in the States… 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, depending on, you know, how he would play… 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 grew up playing at the same club – Holywood Golf Club – as McIlroy and was embraced by the four-time major winner after learning he had secured his PGA Tour card, courtesy of the points he gained during the European tour season, after the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.
