“Terrible decision” – Fans react as Rory McIlroy’s ‘protege’ Tom McKibbin ignores his advice and joins Jon Rahm’s team in LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy former protege Tom McKibbin has decided to join Jon Rahm's team Legion XIII in LIV Golf and gave up his PGA Tour card.

“Terrible decision” – Fans react as Rory McIlroy’s ‘protege’ Tom McKibbin ignores his advice and joins Jon Rahm’s team in LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin and Jon Rahm (Image via Imago/X)

Ahead of the 2025 season, there are some new faces on LIV Golf. One of them is Tom McKibbin, the former ‘protege’ of Rory McIlroy who has joined Jon Rahm‘s Legion XIII.

The 22-year-old youngster was one of the top names the Saudi-backed tour was linked with. The golfer from Northern Ireland has had a similar story of growing up like McIlroy and considers the 4-time major champion as his mentor.

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McKibbin, who won the Porsche Open in 2023, is currently ranked at 106th position in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) points. At the end of the 2024 season he had secured his PGA Tour and DP World Tour card.

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Ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic a few weeks ago, McIlroy admitted that McKibbin called him once he got the offer from LIV. The 35-year-old would advice him not to join the breakaway tour. He was thus left a bit disappointment with his move. He though does not hold any hard feelings towards the youngster.

It would personally for me it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen but again, I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself.

Rory McIlroy told the reporters at the Dubai Desert Classic press conference

McKibbin has now given up his PGA Tour card. Him joining LIV Golf means he has now been suspended by the tour. As for the DP World Tour, he will retain his membership and will be allowed to events just like his teammates Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

Tom McKibbin will now be joining Rahm, Hatton and Caleb Surratt for the 2025 season. He will be replacing Kieran Vincent, who was relegated from the league after his poor performances in his debut season.

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Social media reaction towards Tom McKibbin joining LIV Golf instead of PGA Tour

Tom McKibbin is now the latest name who has ditched the PGA Tour in favor of LIV Golf. His decision to join the breakaway tour has brought out mixed reactions from fans across social media.

Tom McKibbin
Tom McKibbin (Image via X)

Majority of the fans on X have slammed the young golfer’s decision to join the PIF-backed tour instead of trying to make a name for himself on the PGA Tour. One user wrote, “Terrible decision” while reacting to it. There are though a few who did support him and backed him for such a bold move.

It will now be interesting to see how he performs in his debut season. With the experience of Rahm and Hatton besides him, McKibbin could use that for his advantage and sharpen his game.

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The new season of LIV Golf will begin from February 6 in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year the 54-hole circuit will play in 9 countries, one more than last year before concluding the season in August.