Rory McIlroy has revealed that he advised Tom McKibbin against switching to LIV Golf, adding that he has had “multiple conversations” with his fellow Northern Irishman about the subject.
McKibbin, 22, has been linked with a move to the Saudi-backed circuit over the past week although there has no official confirmation that he has decided to give up the PGA Tour card that he secured in November.
“I’ve known Tom since he was 10, 11 years old and as soon as he soon as he got the offer he rang me. I’d just landed in New Zealand and we had a really good conversation,” said McIlroy in his pre-tournament press conference prior to beginning the defence of his Dubai Desert Classic title on Thursday.
“I said to him, ‘if I were in your shoes I would make a different choice to the one you’re thinking of making’.”
McIlroy has known McKibbin since “he was 10, 11-years-old” and the 2023 European Open winner has spoken of the regular help and advice that he has been given by the four-time major winner while attempting to navigate the early stages of his golf career.
“What he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot depending on how he would play – I don’t think anything’s official yet, – if I were in his position and had his potential, which I think I have been before, 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.”
McIlroy added that it would be “personally disappointing” if McKibbin indeed does opt to make the LIV switch.
“I made it perfectly clear I am not going to stand in your way to make a decision that you feel like you need to make for yourself.
“But at the same time, I just feel that he’s giving up a lot to not really benefit that much.”
