Official: Tom McKibbin makes up his mind on $5m LIV Golf offer

LIV Golf have revealed Tom McKibbin will join Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team for 2025. 

The news was confirmed by the breakaway tour on 29 January, a week before the start of the new season that begins in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

It is believed Northern Ireland's McKibbin, 22, has signed with LIV Golf in a deal worth $5m. 

"Tom McKibbin, welcome to the team... let's go!" said an excited Rahm.

Rahm's Legion XIII now comprises himself as captain, Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and new signing McKibbin. 

McKibbin is a one-time winner on the DP World Tour having won the 2023 Porsche European Open. 

The move to join LIV Golf has come as a shock to many, especially Rory McIlroy, who has acted as a mentor for McKibbin in recent years. 

McKibbin earned his PGA Tour card for the very first time this season.

That was after picking up the final card via the DP World Tour Rankings in Dubai in November 2024. 

But as a result of his decision to join LIV Golf, the Northern Irishman has now thrown that opportunity away. 

The move also likely scuppers any outside chance McKibbin had of making the European Ryder Cup team for the first time this September. 

McIlroy recently admitted he told McKibbin that joining LIV Golf would not have been a decision he would have made at this stage of his career. 

"We had a really good conversation," McIlroy said.

"And I talked to him multiple times over the course of December to sort of get a feel for, you know, what he was thinking, and obviously what -- you know, yeah, basically what he was going to do.

"And all I could do is give my perspective."

McIlroy added: "I think, you know, 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, depending on, you know, how he would play, it just wouldn't have been -- you know, depending -- look, I don't think anything is official yet.

"But if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn't make that decision.

"But I'm not him. I'm not in his shoes. He's a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to give him my perspective."

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