Tom McKibbin has been backed to reach the very top of the game by the PGA Tour legend, while he also reserved the utmost praise for Rory McIlroy
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
16:06, 21 Jul 2025
Darren Clarke discussed the careers of Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
LIV Golf’s Tom McKibbin might not look back fondly on his time at Royal Portrush this weekend, yet he has the support of golfing great Darren Clarke.
After failing to make the cut at The Open, McKibbin expressed his disappointment, branding the experience as frustrating.
Clarke, who won The Open in 2011 and also missed the cut at Portrush last week, is confident in McKibbin’s potential, however, after witnessing his exemplary behaviour in person. He has also praised Rory McIlroy after he played a practice round with McKibbin and the Masters-winning star ahead of The Open.
“His [McKibbin] talent is unquestionable. I think he’s got a huge future in front of him,” Clarke, 56, told BBC Sport Northern Ireland before The Open commenced, reports the Mirror.
In light of the controversy surrounding the 22-year-old’s decision to reject the PGA Tour for a profitable spot in LIV Golf, Clarke added: “Whether the LIV thing gets resolved or not at some stage, and hopefully it will get resolved, Tom’s ball striking was as close to anybody’s I’ve ever seen to Rory [McIlroy]. I mean, it really was.
“He’s a wonderful young man. He behaves himself probably a lot more than I used to. He doesn’t drink. He’s very, very focused on what he’s doing but I was so impressed with him.”
Clarke also raved about McIlroy’s recent achievements in winning the Masters and completing his career grand slam. “I don’t know if most people understand how big a deal it was for him to win the Grand Slam and to be only the sixth person in history to actually do it” Clarke said.
Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin and Darren Clarke played a practice round ahead of The Open(Image: Getty)
“He’s been through everything, he’s got more experience. Rory doesn’t need any more – he’s done it all.” While McIlroy finished in respectable T7 at Portrush, McKibbin finalised his opening round at one over par.
However, day two saw him accumulate several pars and bogeys, leaving him three over for the tournament. Speaking to BBC Sport, McKibbin expressed his frustration.
“It’s been a frustrating last two days,” he admitted. “I’ve played some really nice golf. I think it’s the best I’ve played in the four majors I’ve played in. There was just a few silly mistakes.
“It’s very frustrating with the way I think I’ve been playing. I birdied the first and made some really nice chances, and to drop those shots that I didn’t think were too poor of a shot, they were more of a mistake, that’s what more frustrating than anything.”
LIV Golf star Tom McKibbin struggled for rhythm at The Open(Image: Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Open has provided the 22-year-old with valuable experience, having now competed in every major except the Masters. The Belfast-born golfer has had a varied time since joining the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV circuit and has four LIV Tour events left before concluding his season on the DP World Tour.
The 22-year-old’s switch to LIV was notably commented on by McIlroy, who advised against joining the league, but McKibbin chose his own route and has no regrets about his decision to leave the PGA.
He shared with the Irish Independent in May how playing alongside top players like Jon Rahm and Bryson Dechambeau has elevated his game.
“No, very happy,” when asked about any second thoughts on his move, before adding, “I’ve had a great time. I’ve been very, very lucky to play with a lot of very good players so far this year and I’ve definitely seen my golf game improve, playing tough courses like [Trump National] Doral.
“So it’s definitely prepared me a little bit better. Yeah, I’m very happy. I’ve been very fortunate to tee up alongside several stellar players who have shone in the majors and battle it out with them.”
