Rory McIlroy: I told Tom McKibbin not to join LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy says he would be 'personally disappointed' if Tom McKibbin decides to join LIV Golf. 

The 22-year-old is understood to be mulling a two-year contract worth $5m with the breakaway tour. 

It is rumoured McKibbin will link up with Jon Rahm's Legion XIII quartet alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Suratt. 

McIlroy told reporters before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic that McKibbin rang him as soon as the offer was tabled.

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"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, 35, said he told McKibbin that if he were in his shoes then he would be making a different choice. 

"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," he said. 

"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."

McIlroy said it would be 'personally disappointing' if McKibbin decides to join LIV. 

As far as McIlroy is concerned, McKibbin has all the potential to be a top-10 player in the world. 

He stressed that whatever he decides to do then he will remain a fan. 

"I'm always going to try and help him in whatever way that I can," he said. 

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