Tom McKibbin has no regrets about defying Rory McIlroy’s advice to join the LIV Golf tour instead of accepting a PGA Tour card. McKibbin, a golfer from Belfast, teamed up with Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII and emerged victorious in the team Championship in Michigan over the weekend.
Despite McIlroy’s recommendation to opt for the PGA Tour, McKibbin chose the Saudi-backed circuit, a decision McIlroy believed was not in McKibbin’s best interest as it meant missing out on major tournaments. However, McKibbin’s choice proved fruitful as he helped his team secure a play-off win against Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers, clinching the championship and a $14 million prize.
In the distribution of prize money, 60% goes to the team while the remaining 40% is divided among the players. McKibbin, alongside Rahm, Hatton, and Surratt, will receive a significant payout, boosting his season earnings to approximately £7.3 million.
Reflecting on his successful year, McKibbin expressed gratitude for the experience and knowledge gained from playing alongside top players like Rahm and Hatton. Despite initial reservations from McIlroy about the impact on his career, McKibbin’s performance and learnings from the season have proven otherwise, securing him a spot for another year on the tour.
McIlroy, acknowledging McKibbin’s potential, had cautioned against the decision to join LIV Golf, emphasizing the opportunities McKibbin might be giving up by not pursuing a PGA Tour career. However, McKibbin’s success on the tour, including learning from seasoned professionals and navigating challenging golf courses, has validated his choice to follow a different path.