McKibbin linked with shock LIV move say reports

Rising star Tom McKibbin has emerged as the shock favourite to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team at LIV Golf according to reports from Spain.

McKibbin has been strongly linked with a move to replace the relegated Kieran Vincent on Rahm’s team for the 2025 LIV Golf League as reported by Spanish golf news portal TenGolf.com.

McKibbin, who is currently in Abu Dhabi preparing for the Team Cup where he will represent Great Britain and Ireland, secured his PGA Tour card at the end of last year but would have to forego his American Dream should he join the Saudi backed tour.

The 22-year-old Holywood clubman is the latest to be linked with the vacant spot to replace Vincent after both Nicolai Hojgaard and Tony Finau were strongly mentioned last year with Finau ruling himself out last year.

McKibbin has a close relationship with fellow Holywood man Rory McIlroy with the four-time major winner taking a particular interest in the trajectory of his career.

Both players were seen sharing a warm embrace after McKibbin won his PGA Tour card and McIlroy won the Race to Dubai and the DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy of course, was massively opposed to the concept of LIV Golf upon its inception but has since eased his stance on the breakaway tour.

“Yeah it would be great to be over there on the PGA Tour, a tour I’ve watched for a long time, and it will be great over there and play some golf,” McKibbin said in Dubai.

McKibbin is a candidate to earn a place on the European Ryder Cup team this September at Bethpage Black as Europe search for a first away success since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.

McKibbin has an opportunity to impress captain Luke Donald this week at the Team Cup but a move to LIV would rule him out of PGA Tour action and a chance to rack up some vital Ryder Cup points.

Joining the Saudi backed tour would not rule him out of Ryder Cup contention as he is exempt into this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Should he move, McKibbin would become the second player from Northern Ireland to make the switch to LIV Golf after 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell joined in 2022.