Rory McIlroy has warned fellow player Tom McKibbin about the risks of joining the LIV Golf League and believes he would be “giving up a lot” to join the rival tour.

McKibbin and McIlroy are from the same Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Expected to join LIV Golf before the 2025 season This despite having dual memberships to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour for the following year.

The 22-year-old, who helped Britain and Ireland win in the Ryder Cup-style event, declined to comment on reports that he joined LIV Golf during the Team Cup, with McKibbin speaking with LIV Golf’s Tyrell on the opening day. Fighting alongside Tyrrell Hatton.

Ahead of his title defense at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy revealed he had had multiple conversations with McKibbin about a possible move – which would prevent him from taking advantage of his PGA Tour playing privileges – and admitted seeing It would be disappointing to have him join.

“I really like Tom as a person and as a player,” McIlroy said at his pre-match press conference. “I think he has a lot of potential. I said to him, if I were in your situation, I would make different choices than you want.

“I think it’s a huge achievement that he worked so hard last year to get his (PGA) Tour card in the United States and to achieve that.

“What he might sacrifice and give up to get to the majors, potentially a Ryder Cup berth, depending on how he performs… If I were in his position and I had his potential, I think I’ve had that before With that kind of potential, I wouldn’t make that decision.

“I’m not him. I can’t put myself in his shoes. He’s an adult now and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to express my point of view to him. For me personally, This would be a bit disappointing if it happened.

“I made it very clear: I’m not going to be in your shoes if you need to make a decision that you think you need to make. But at the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot without really benefiting.” so much. “

McKibbin won his first DP World Tour title in his rookie season at the Porsche European Open in June 2023, and followed up his excellent results last season with his place in the Race to Dubai. Earned a PGA Tour card.

“Ultimately, he’s got to make his decision, and when he does, I’ll always be a fan no matter what,” McIlroy added. “I always try to help him in any way I can.

“Whatever path he chooses to go down, he’s going to take it and that’s absolutely fine. I think we all see the potential in him and I definitely think he can be a top-10 player in the world. But obviously if he makes a decision rather than another decision, then in the next few years the rankings won’t show that.”

The world number 114 will join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team, a move the Spaniard believes can help McKibbin build on a strong start to his career make persistent efforts.

“I couldn’t tell you whether Tom (McKibbin) was in a good or bad environment,” Rahm said ahead of his debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. “I think that’s an answer for him. I think (LIV) is a really good environment.

“It’s as competitive as almost any other tour. You have to go out and play against some of the best players in the world, so, yes, it’s also an environment where you can grow very quickly.

“He’s a great player and the possibilities are endless if he decides to do it.”

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