Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland is expected to make a surprise move to sign a lucrative multi-year contract with Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf organization.
In November, the athlete secured a PGA Tour card after placing in the top 10 players without a card in the Race to Dubai event of the DP World Tour. However, the young golfer will pass up a PGA Tour debut season in order to secure the last spot in Rahm’s Legion XIII team.
McKibbin will join a four-player team alongside Rahm, a two-time major champion, Tyrell Haton of England, and Caleb Surratt of the USA.
Who is Tom McKibbin?
Tom McKibbin grew up playing at the Holywood Golf Club, the same home club as golfer Rory Mcllroy. The young athlete represented Ireland at the 2018 and 2019 European Boys’ Team Championships and, at the same time, played for GB&I in the Jacques Léglise Trophy during the said years.
McKibbin turned professional in 2021 and played on the European Challenge Tour in 2022. He then earned his DP World Tour card after finishing 10th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings.
He won his first DP World Tour event in June 2023 at the Porsche European Open in Germany. He lost in a play-off at the Italian Open this year.
In addition to participating in the Team Cup competition in Abu Dhabi this week, the athlete is also scheduled to play in the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour the following week. He also qualified for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The LIV Golf season will start in February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Source: BBC