Tom McKibbin secured a PGA Tour card for the first time at the conclusion of 2024; however, it seems that the Rory McIlroy protégé is poised to relinquish that position to join LIV Golf.
On the eve of the 2025 DP World Tour season, Tom McKibbin has neither confirmed nor denied the speculation regarding his potential transfer to Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf team, Legion XIII.
On Tuesday, both Ten Golf and BBC Sport reported that McKibbin is close to stepping in for Kieran Vincent as the fourth member of Rahm’s team for 2025. The 22-year-old, often referred to as ‘the next Rory McIlroy’ due to his ties with Holywood Golf Club, is competing in the Team Cup this week.
McKibbin is part of the GB&Ireland squad that will face off against Continental Europe in the Ryder Cup warm-up event happening in Abu Dhabi, all while being observed by Team Europe captain Luke Donald.
Prior to the event, the young golfer from Northern Ireland was asked by Golf Digest whether he would join LIV Golf for the season opener in Riyadh next month. He chose to remain noncommittal. “I will refrain from making any statements this week,” McKibbin remarked. “This is out of respect for Justin [Rose, captain of Great Britain and Ireland] and Luke [Donald], as well as for this tournament.”
“As it is a team event, my focus is on contributing the best I can for my team and maximizing the points I can earn.” Among his teammates is Tyrrell Hatton, a current member of Rahm’s Legion XIII.
Hatton and McKibbin find themselves sharing a locker room this week, under the watchful eye of captain Rose. This could mark the beginning of an exciting chapter in 2025 if the Northern Irishman finalizes his transfer to LIV. McKibbin’s decision to move will likely surprise many, especially after the conclusion of his 2024 season.
At just 22 years old, he was among the top 10 players on the DP World Tour who earned a full PGA Tour card for 2025, thanks to a stellar performance at the DP World Tour Championship in November. However, it seems he may be ready to give up that card, as the PGA Tour continues to suspend any player who opts for the LIV route.
McIlroy, who has been a prominent critic of LIV in the past, was among the first to extend his congratulations to McKibbin following his success in Dubai two months ago, occurring just moments after McIlroy himself secured victory in the event and claimed the DP World Tour’s Order of Merit for the sixth time in his career.
The two athletes shared a heartfelt embrace near the 18th green of the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, marking a significant moment for the young golfer. “As I was walking off the final hole, I didn’t notice his name, but I saw him before I signed my card, and McKibbin was there to congratulate me,” McIlroy recounted at that time.
“I hesitated to ask — I simply inquired, ‘Yay or nay?’ He responded with, ‘Yes.’ I am genuinely pleased for him. Achieving one of those ten cards and having the opportunity to compete in America was a substantial goal for him. I am truly delighted for him.”
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