Twenty-two-year-old Tom McKibbin, who is currently 21st in the European Ryder Cup rankings, will join Rahm’s Legion XIII and play alongside him, Tyrrell Hatton, and Caleb Surratt. McKibbin hails from Northern Ireland and grew up playing at Holywood Golf Club, the same course Rory McIlroy played as a youth.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin has spurned the advice of mentor Rory McIlroy and is giving up a PGA Tour card to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Tom McKibbin has joined LIV Golf and Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team ahead of the new season, despite seeking advice from Rory McIlroy.

The experienced golfer reflected on the predictions of the media and experts regarding the view of the world of golf in the next 5 years, considering such predictions to be correct when it comes to media rights. Rory McIlroy stresses that a lot will depend on media rights.

The PGA Tour has been in talks with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) over ending their ongoing dispute with LIV Golf ever since a framework agreement announcement in June 2023

LIV Golf announced it has signed Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin. McKibbin, 22, has been linked to the Saudi-backed league for months, and did not comment on the rumors when pressed earlier this month at the DP World Tour’s Team Cup.

Tom McKibbin has forgone the advice of mentor and fellow countryman Rory McIlroy as he completed his move to LIV Golf. The Northern Irishman secured his PGA Tour card in December last year but has instead opted to sign a multi-year deal with the Saudi-backed circuit for a reported $5 million (£4 million) fee.