Jon Rahm has made a splash signing earlier than his second LIV Golf season.
Twenty-two-year-old Tom McKibbin, who’s at the moment twenty first within the European Ryder Cup rankings, will be part of Rahm’s Legion XIII and play alongside him, Tyrrell Hatton, and Caleb Surratt. McKibbin hails from Northern Eire and grew up enjoying at Holywood Golf Membership, the identical course Rory McIlroy performed as a youth.
McKibbin has lengthy admired McIlroy, trying as much as him as a mentor. The 2 even held a number of conversations about this matter all through December.
“I mentioned to him, ‘If I have been in your footwear, I’d make a special selection than the one you’re pondering of creating,’” McIlroy mentioned of McKibbin on Jan. 15 in Dubai.
“I believe, you understand, working so arduous to get your tour card within the States… to realize that purpose final 12 months was a giant achievement.”
Since McKibbin completed 18th within the ultimate Race to Dubai rankings on the DP World Tour final 12 months, he earned a PGA Tour card for the 2025 season. The highest 10 finishers within the ultimate DP World Tour season-long rankings — not in any other case exempt — obtain PGA Tour membership for the next season. McKibbin was the tenth participant to earn a card and would have performed on tour this season. However his determination to go to LIV forfeits his PGA Tour enjoying privileges.
“I believe what he doubtlessly is sacrificing and giving up, with entry to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot, relying on, you understand, how he would play. if I have been in his place and I had his potential, which I believe I’ve been earlier than, I wouldn’t make that call… But when I have been in his place and I had his potential, which I believe I’ve been earlier than, I wouldn’t make that call,” McIlroy added.
“However I’m not him. I’m not in his footwear. He’s a grown man at this level and may make his personal selections. All I can do is attempt to give him my perspective.”
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By. Comply with him on X @jack_milko.