McIlroy Advises Rising Star McKibbin Against Joining LIV Golf

DUBAI, UAE — Rory McIlroy, the four-time major champion, expressed his concerns about rising star Tom McKibbin potentially joining the LIV Golf league during a press conference at the Dubai Desert Classic on Wednesday. McIlroy, who has been vocal about the ongoing divide in professional golf, emphasized the importance of focusing on the sport itself rather than the controversies surrounding it.

McIlroy revealed that McKibbin, a 22-year-old Northern Irish golfer, sought his advice after receiving an offer from LIV Golf. “I have known Tom since he was 10 or 11 years old, and as soon as he got the offer, he rang me,” McIlroy said. “We had a really good conversation. I talked to him multiple times over the course of December to get a feel for what he was thinking and what he was going to do. All I could do is give my perspective.”

McIlroy advised McKibbin against joining LIV, citing the sacrifices he would have to make, including access to major tournaments and a potential Ryder Cup spot. “I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making,” McIlroy explained. “Working so hard to get your Tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement.”

Despite his advice, McIlroy made it clear that he respects McKibbin’s autonomy. “I’m not in his shoes. He’s a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to give him my perspective,” McIlroy said. He also praised McKibbin, calling him a “ton of potential” and noting that the young golfer was “very open to hearing my perspective.”

McIlroy, who has 18 wins on the DP World Tour and is the two-time defending champion at the Dubai Desert Classic, is aiming for a rare three-peat this week. He won the tournament in 2023 and 2024, and his first-ever pro win came at the same event in 2009.

While McIlroy admitted he would be “disappointed” if McKibbin joined LIV, he reiterated that he wouldn’t stand in the way of the young pro’s decision. “I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand in your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself,” McIlroy said. “But at the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot to not really benefit that much.”