Tom McKibbin’s career with LIV Golf kicked off impressively in the opening round at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The Northern Irishman, making his debut on the LIV setup and playing night golf, quickly adapted to the new environment.
He began his week and LIV season with a fantastic seven-under-par 65 under the lights in Riyadh, tying him for third place alongside Majesticks co-captain Lee Westwood. McKibbin scored five birdies and an eagle, keeping a bogey off his card and leaving him three behind leader Adrian Meronk, who started strong at 10-under.
Tom McKibbin had an impressive start to life in LIV Golf (Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
The 22 year old’s performance was particularly significant given the pressure of his move to LIV. After signing with the Saudi-backed league and Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII, McKibbin had to forfeit the PGA Tour card he had earned just two months prior at the DP World Tour Championship.
The PGA Tour confirmed to Mirror Sport last week that his ban would be effective as soon as he participated in an ‘unauthorized event’ on the LIV circuit.
The Northern Irish pro golfer has a tight bond with Rory McIlroy, who’s been vocally critical of LIV Golf. When offered a spot in LIV at the end of the year, he consulted McIlroy, who advised against it, reports the Mirror.
Despite this, the golfer chose to join LIV. “I said to him, ‘If I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making’,” McIlroy explained about their conversation last month.
“I think, you know, working so hard to get your Tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement.”
“But if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision. But I’m not him. I’m not in his shoes. He’s a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to give him my perspective.”
Ultimately, the young golfer still feels good about joining LIV despite possibly being barred from the major championships. “It was in my mind but I wasn’t in any of those anyway,” he said regarding the majors and Ryder Cup, noting that the chance to play more frequently with LIV members swayed him as he was not involved in the majors at that time.
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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 6: Tom McKibbin of team Legion XIII GC looks on the 18th hole during day one of LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club on February 6, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) ( Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
