One would say people learn from other’s mistakes, but that sure doesn’t seem like something Tom McKibbin did. Despite Rory McIlroy’s advice to turn down the LIV Golf offer, McKibbin decided to join the breakaway Saudi-backed series. McIlroy, a fellow Northern Irishman, and four-time major winner, cautioned McKibbin to prioritize playing in golf’s biggest events and potentially making the Ryder Cup team.
However, McKibbin was swayed by the opportunity to learn from “some of the best players in the world” on a regular basis. At just 22 years old, he’s eager to soak up knowledge and experience from top golfers like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. McKibbin believes that playing alongside these stars will help him improve his game and appeal to a younger audience.
“Yeah, obviously it was a decision that I made, obviously being young and 22. I’ve watched this for the last couple years since it started, and it’s something that I’ve really liked to watch, something very different, something that probably appeals to more people my age. I think sort of the opportunity to get to play with these guys here and learn from some of the best players in the world,” he said in his defense.
McKibbin’s decision means he’ll be unable to play on the PGA Tour, but he’ll retain his membership on the DP World Tour and potentially qualify for the Ryder Cup but this was his final goodbye to the majors. “The opportunity to get to play with guys out here more often, more consistently, was definitely a huge factor. But I’m not in those majors anyway at the minute, so it really didn’t bother me too much,” he continued.
Tom McKibbin reacts to his decision to join LIV Golf:
“Yeah, obviously it was a decision that I made, obviously being young and 22. I’ve watched this for the last couple years since it started, and it’s something that I’ve really liked to watch, something very different,… pic.twitter.com/NFlda4ZmoZ
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 5, 2025
It’s a bold move for the young golfer, who claimed his maiden title at the Porsche European Open in June 2023. Only time will tell if McKibbin’s choice will pay off in the long run but right now fans are surely angry with it.
Fans say Tom McKibbin is a ‘moron’ for joining LIV Golf
Starting off strongly with what this one fan said, “He’s a moron,” while the other said, “The pinnacle of golf is the majors and he just threw it away” Well, it is true. We mean, there’s a reason why major championships are considered the pinnacle of golf, representing the highest level of competition, history, and tradition, where the world’s best golfers compete on iconic, challenging courses like Augusta National, with unique traditions like the coveted green jacket, and a golfer’s legacy largely defined by their major championship wins.
One fan said, “Dumb lad who has got his bag but let his talent and country down,” while the other said, “Some players just don’t have heart.” However, in contrast to fans’ opinions, there are some golfers who are happy for McKibbin, and Jon Rahm, the 2025 Individual Rankings winner, is one of them. Rahm had high praise for Tom McKibbin, saying, “It’s been amazing to get Tom as an addition… To get such a young player with his experience, already established and a winner as a professional multiple times is hard to come by.” He also added, “He’s very talented and I think the sky’s the limit.”
Another fan bluntly said, “He wants to play with the best but isn’t bothered about the majors. What a stupid f—ing answer,” which again is true. Harsh, but true. We mean even the rock in your garden knows the power majors hold in the golf world with a lineup like no other.
Xander Schauffele, the winner of the 2024 Open Championship, and Billy Horschel, a tied runner-up, were among the top players in the prestigious tournament. Apart from them, world’s no. 1 Scottie Scheffler was also a part of the lineup, alongside Rory McIlroy. There’s no argument in saying that this is an experience McKibbin will never get on LIV Golf. What are your thoughts on his transition? Let us know in the comment section below!
The post New LIV Golf Signing Told He’s Spoiling His Future By Ignoring Rory McIlroy’s Advice appeared first on EssentiallySports.