Tom McKibbin is poised to be the newest addition to LIV Golf, just week after securing his PGA Tour card alongside Rory McIlroy at the DP World Tour Championship.

McKibbin has made a name for himself as one of Europe’s top golfers in recent years, clinching one of the 10 coveted PGA Tour cards available to the best-performing DP World Tour players in 2024. However, it seems he may not capitalize on this achievement, with Ten Golf reporting is close to making the LIV switch.

The Spanish publication suggests that McKibbin is high on the list of 2025 individual champion Jon Rahm’s targets, who is keen to fill out his Legion XIII roster after losing Kieran Vincent in 2024.

This development follows last month’s confirmation by LIV sources to Mirror Sports that one of the 10 players who secured a PGA Tour spot at the DP World Tour Championship in November had approached the breakaway league about joining. McKibbin’s potential move would undoubtedly surprise many, including McIlroy.

Dubbed ‘the next McIlroy’ during his ascent in recent years, 22-year-old McKibbin honed his skills at Holywood Golf Club, just like the four-time major champion. McIlroy has consistently praised his compatriot amid his impressive rise, which saw him win the European Open in 2023.

McKibbin clinched his spot on the PGA Tour at the climactic DP World Tour finale, sharing the limelight with McIlroy who celebrated his triumphant sixth Race to Dubai title on the Earth Course. In the euphoric moments post-victory, the 35-year-old caught sight of McKibbin and eagerly inquired whether he had done enough to secure his tour card.

Rory McIlroy's countryman Tom McKibbin has earned a PGA Tour card for the first time

Tom McKibbin is friends with Rory McIlroy ( 

Image:

David Cannon/Getty Images)

This led to a heartfelt exchange, with McIlroy embracing McKibbin’s milestone moment. Elated by his peer’s success, McIlroy reminisced in November: “I was looking at the leaderboard and I saw Tom got in the top 10 and I thought okay, good.”

He continued: “When I was walking off the last, I didn’t see his name and I see him before I signed my card and he was congratulating me, and I didn’t want to ask — I said, ‘Yay or nay? ‘ And he said, ‘Yes.’ I’m happy for him. That was a massive goal for him was to get one of those ten cards and go play in America. Super happy for him.”

Yet McKibbin might hit an obstacle with the PGA Tour baning players who move to the LIV series. The Northern Irish pro is set to join a Legion XIII member on the DP World Tour this week, pairing up with Tyrrell Hatton representing GB&Ireland at the Team Cup.

The duo is also slated to participate in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic the following week. Legion XIII captain Rahm will also be present, gearing up for the inaugural LIV event of the season in Riyadh on February 6.