Tom McKibbin had been warned by Rory McIlroy that he could regret his decision to join the LIV Golf breakaway league, but the 22-year-old has already earned a fortune
Tom McKibbin signed with LIV Golf despite being warned not to by Rory McIlroy(Image: Oisin Keniry/Getty Images)
Tom McKibbin has pocketed a cool £100,000 at an LIV Golf event, bolstering his impressive earnings since joining the controversial tour. Despite a cautionary word from five-time major winner Rory McIlroy about giving up his PGA Tour Card, the 22-year-old Northern Irish golfer decided to jump ship to LIV Golf earlier this year, reportedly tempted by a hefty £4million signing offer.
“If I were in his position, I wouldn’t make that decision,” the Masters titleholder said following McKibbin’s announcement to sign with the Saudi-backed series.
While forfeiting his chances on the PGA circuit, McKibbin’s financial gains seem to justify his move, with the Belfast-𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 golfer estimated to have bagged £3.4m from just eight event appearances this season.
His earnings for 2025 got a boost after the recent outing at LIV Golf Virginia in Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, where Joaquin Niemann emerged victorious. Despite only securing a tied-38th position out of 53 players, McKibbin still cashed in £100,000 ($136,250).
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Considering the wealth he’s accrued and his acknowledgement of the high calibre of competitors at LIV, it appears his earlier statement about having no qualms over the switch was well-founded.
The 22-year-old has already earned over £3.4million this year with LIV Golf(Image: Getty Images)
The up-and-coming golfer shared his gratitude for the experience he’s gained this year, telling the Irish Independent: “I’ve been very, very lucky to play with a lot of very good players so far this year.
“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.
The Northern Irish duo reunited at the PGA Championship last month(Image: David Cannon/Getty Images)
“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.”
Looking back at last month’s PGA Championship, McKibbin acknowledged his cordial relationship with McIlroy, who missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open earlier this month, confessing that he had sent him congratulatory texts following his triumph at Augusta.
