24 hours ago, Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin, was reportedly making a switch to LIV Golf, with recent reports linking the 22-year-old to Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team.

According to Spanish media outlet TenGolf, McKibbin is the top contender to replace Kieran Vincent of Zimbabwe, who was relegated from Rahm’s team. If the deal goes through, McKibbin will join two-time major winner Rahm, England’s Tyrrell Hatton, and the USA’s Caleb Surratt.

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McKibbin, who turned professional in 2021, has just secured a PGA Tour card after a standout performance on the DP World Tour in 2024, finishing among the top 10 players without a PGA Tour card in the Race to Dubai. However, his reported move to LIV Golf would see him forgo a debut season on the PGA Tour as he would be banned from playing on the PGA Tour, a consequence of joining the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.

Interestingly, McKibbin will also share the team room this week with England’s Jordan Smith at the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi. Smith is the player that McKibbin edged out for that final PGA Tour card… Could be a frosty reception in the desert!

Golf Digest Middle East exclusively spoke to McKibbin this morning at the Team Cup and the rumours circulating about his move to LIV Golf.

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This move would also see McKibbin follow in the footsteps of fellow Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell, who joined LIV Golf in 2022.

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