Rory McIlroy’s former protege, Tom McKibbin, has already become a millionaire with LIV Golf, just weeks after disregarding advice from his esteemed compatriot. The 22-year-old is one of the most exciting young players on the tour and has been likened to McIlroy on numerous occasions.
He stunned the golfing world by defecting to LIV despite securing his PGA Tour card for the 2025 season. McIlroy, a vocal critic of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund-backed rebel tour, confessed that McKibbin’s decision left him disheartened.
He cautioned the young player about sacrificing too much for a hefty pay cheque. However, his younger peer doesn’t appear to have any regrets as he has already amassed over $2million (£1.6m) in prize money.
Over the weekend at LIV Adelaide, McKibbin achieved his second consecutive top-15 finish with a six under-par score, finishing tied 7th. Each LIV event offers a $20m (£15.9m) prize for individual players and an additional $5m (£3.97m) team prize that is split between players.
McKibbin’s individual performance netted him $470,500 (£373,000) and his Legion XIII team – which includes Jon Rahm, Tyrell Hatton and Celeb Surratt – shared $1.5m (£1.19m) after finishing second. This follows his profitable weekend at LIV Riyadh, where he pocketed $1.03m (£820,000).
He finished tied 15th in the individual event but boosted his earnings by winning the team event. The young golfer’s switch to LIV Golf has already seen him earn more money than his top 10 finish on the DP World Tour in 2024.
The substantial wealth he’s amassed suggests he doesn’t regret his decision. McIlroy had previously warned McKibbin about the risks of leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf’s financial allure.
McIlroy said: “I think he’s got a ton of potential. I said to him, ‘If I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making’.
“Working so hard to get your tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement. I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot, if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.”
McIlroy added: “I’m disappointed that I won’t get to see him that often. I was looking forward to seeing him a bit in the States. I’ve thought about this a lot and I feel very lucky that LIV wasn’t around when I was first coming up because who knows what would have happened?
“But the experiences I had and what I had to do whether it be here on the DP World Tour or the first couple of years on the PGA Tour, I think all of those experiences made me a better player. That’s just one perspective and what I think. Tom’s going to do what he thinks is best for him.”
