Tom McKibbin made the move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf in January, and he went on to pocket an estimated $4.4 million from just seven events with the Saudi-backed league
Scott O’Neil has been impressed with Tom McKibbin’s performances(Image: Lauren Sopourn/Getty Images)
Tom McKibbin is still receiving messages of praise after his decision to join LIV Golf, as he continues to double down on ignoring Rory McIlroy’s advice.
The young Northern Irish golfer jumped ship to the Saudi-backed league after his PGA Tour card win and European Tour success in 2024.
McIlroy had his say on the matter, stating that the choice McKibbin wasn’t the one he would’ve made. The Masters champion said: “If I were in his position, I wouldn’t make that decision.”
Despite the opinion coming from a serious heavyweight in golf and compatriot, McKibbin’s choice seems to have paid off both on the greens and in his bank account. The 22-year-old went on to amass a cool $4.4 million from just seven events on the lucrative circuit.
In May, McKibbin doubled down on his choice to join LIV, as the Irish Independent spoke to the young golfer, who made clear he was more than satisfied with his decision. He said: “No, very happy. I’ve had a great time.
Tom McKibbin’s move to LIV Golf has certainly paid off(Image: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“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 [Florida course] Doral. So it’s definitely prepared me a little bit better. Yeah, I’m very happy.
“I’ve been very lucky to play with a lot of great players who have done well in these major championships and play against them. I’ve obviously been playing with Jon (Rahm) in a lot of practice rounds, and then on tournament days as well, so to see how they play the game and how they take on golf courses, it’s been very eye-opening.”
Now it seems LIV Golf’s CEO is buzzing to count McKibbin in his ranks just as much as the young golfer relishes competing. In an episode of the Girl Dad podcast filmed before last month’s PGA Championship, Scott O’Neil gushed about the line-up for the 2025 tournament.
Rory McIlroy was snubbed by his fellow Northern Irishman (Image: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
O’Neil served up ample praise for McKibbin, and was speaking just days after McKibbin had reinforced he was happy with his LIV Golf call. The CEO said: “Tom McKibbin, the youngest player in the field from Northern Ireland. [He’s] 22 years old, a whizz kid, a spectacular golfer, great kid.”
O’Neil’s hearty endorsement underscores his belief that McKibbin has a bright future ahead in the sport.
Despite choosing to ignore McIlroy’s advice about joining LIV Golf, McKibbin maintains he has a positive rapport with the career Grand Slam champion.
When queried if he had spoken with McIlroy after his Masters victory, the fellow Northern Irishman said: “I’ll catch up with him over the next couple of days and sort of get his thoughts on it.
“I sent him a few texts after he won [the Masters], but I actually haven’t seen him, I haven’t been home.”
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