LIV Golf is yet to unveil a major new signing with just a month to go before the kickoff of its 2025 season. However, the league is poised for a significant move by adding a talented player from the Rory McIlroy camp. Tom McKibbin, a compatriot of McIlroy hailing from Northern Ireland, is reportedly set to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team on a multi-year contract, as per several reports. This development follows closely on the heels of the 22-year-old securing his PGA Tour card by finishing among the top 10 players without a card on the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai.
McKibbin is expected to take the place of the relegated Kieran Vincent in Rahm’s team, joining forces with England’s Tyrrell Hatton and America’s Caleb Surratt. Having a connection with McIlroy through their shared membership at the Holywood Golf Club, McKibbin currently sits at 110th in the Official World Golf Ranking. His recent performances include a tied-24th finish at the Alfred Dunhill Championship to wrap up 2024, along with a T10 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and a T11 at the DP World Tour Championship.
While participating in the Team Cup event in Abu Dhabi this week, representing Great Britain and Ireland under the leadership of captains Justin Rose and Luke Donald, McKibbin chose not to comment on his rumored signing with LIV Golf. Alongside fellow teammates Hatton and European Ryder Cup standout Tommy Fleetwood, McKibbin stated to Golf Digest on Wednesday that he preferred not to make any statements during the tournament out of respect for his team captains and the ongoing team competition.
The upcoming season for LIV Golf, featuring a total of 14 events, is slated to commence on February 6 in Saudi Arabia. McKibbin, who turned professional in 2021 and clinched the Porsche European Open title in 2023, enjoyed a memorable runner-up finish at the Italian Open last year. Additionally, he has already secured a spot in this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush and is scheduled to compete in the upcoming Dubai Desert Classic.
Upon finalizing his agreement with LIV Golf, McKibbin will become the second player from Northern Ireland to join the league, following in the footsteps of former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell.
