McKibbin confirms switch to LIV Golf

Northern Ireland man Tom McKibbin has sealed his switch to LIV Golf in what will be a lucrative move for the 22-year-old.

News of McKibbin's impending move to the Saudi-funded circuit emerged earlier this month and while he refused to discuss the issue at his subsequent two events, his widely-anticipated decision has now been confirmed.

McKibbin joining the breakaway tour means he has opted to forgo the PGA Tour card that he secured in November and goes against the advice of compatriot Rory McIlroy, who has been a mentor to the 22-year-old.

McKibbin is currently 106th in the world rankings which is nine spots outside the highest position he has held.

McKibbin will join former world number one Jon Rahm's Legion XIII LIV Golf team which also includes England's recent Dubai Desert Classic winner Tyrrell Hatton with the circuit's first event of the season starting in Riyadh on 6 February.

With LIV events not carrying world rankings points, Rahm, now 34th, has slipped down the rankings and this is also likely to happen to McKibbin, given that he won't be able to play on the PGA Tour with his appearances on the DP World Tour likely to be occasional.

The PGA Tour's protracted negotiations with LIV's backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) aimed at healing the split have yet to bear fruit but McKibbin may be gambling that a resolution could be reached soon which would extend his playing options beyond the breakaway tour.

McKibbin becomes the second player from Northern Ireland to make the switch to LIV Golf with 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell part of a circuit that has several other major winners including current US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia.

The Holywood golfer has qualified for this year's Open Championship, which will be held at Royal Portrush.

McKibbin turned professional in April 2021 and won his first DP World Tour event in June 2023 at the Porsche European Open in Germany. He also lost in a play-off at last year's Italian Open.

His decision could put in jeopardy his prospects of securing a Ryder Cup debut this season even though he was part of the Great Britain & Ireland team at the recent Team Cup in Abu Dhabi which Europe skipper Luke Donald used to look at player options for the biennial match against USA.

Speaking two weeks ago, former world number one McIlroy said he would be "personally a bit disappointed" if McKibbin did move to LIV.

"If I were in his position, which I think I have been before, and had his potential I wouldn't make that decision.

"But I'm not him. I'm not in his shoes. He's a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions," said McIlroy, who added that he would continue to be a "fan" of the 22-year-old and "help him in whatever way I can".

Analysis by BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter:

This is a move that has surprised many observers, including Rory McIlroy - who has served as a mentor throughout McKibbin's fledgling career.

The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the game's finest young prospects having already become a winner on the DP World Tour and performing well enough to earn PGA Tour rights for this year.

McIlroy does not think the move to LIV is "worth the sacrifice" of missing out on testing himself against the world's best on the US circuit.

Many believe the lucrative LIV tour, with its cut-free tournaments and guaranteed prize money, is not an environment that brings the best out of its players.

But some of the Saudi funded stars have prospered, most notably Tyrrell Hatton - the recent winner of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Moving to a tour that does not carry world ranking points will not help McKibbin's quest for a Ryder Cup debut this September or provide a route into the majors, although McKibbin has already qualified for the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush.

He will be suspended from the PGA Tour but can remain a member of the DP World Tour provided he pays fines and serves suspensions for playing LIV events when formal DPWT releases are refused.

Like Hatton and Jon Rahm are doing, McKibbin can appeal those punishments and remain a member until a hearing takes place.