The ongoing rift in the golf world has spawned many wild stories, but this week PGA Tour supporter Rory McIlroy publicly advised his friend and Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin not to go to LIV Golf. As a result, new rifts appeared to be forming.
McIlroy and McKibbin are from the same town in Northern Ireland, and the four-time major champion has become a bit of a mentor to McKibbin, who is just 22 years old.
However, McKibbin reportedly plans to join LIV Golf despite recently earning his PGA Tour card for the 2025 season on the final day of DP World Tour competition.
McIlroy told reporters Wednesday that he advised McKibing not to do so.
“I said to him, 'If I were you, I would make different choices than the choices you're making,'” McIlroy said during a conversation with the media at the Dubai Desert Classic. spoke. According to NBC Sports.
“He worked hard to get a tour card in America and achieving that goal last year was a huge accomplishment. I wonder what he's sacrificing and giving up…If I were in his shoes and had his potential, I don't think I would have made that decision, which I think I did before. Please.”
McIlroy has been an avid supporter of the PGA Tour and has divided the golf world since LIV Golf joined the PGA Tour in 2022.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which financially backs the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, has yet to reach an agreement on a merger, although whispers continue about a possible agreement to end the long-running conflict.
McKibbin did not address the LIV rumors, and McIlroy said he would not stand in the way of young golfers if they wanted to join a rival golf league.
“Personally, I'd be a little disappointed if that happened, but again, I've said it clearly: If you need to make a decision, I'm not going to stand in your way. ”For yourself. But at the same time, I feel like he's giving up a lot for not getting much return,” McIlroy said.
