Golfer who shunned Rory McIlroy's crucial advice learns what LIV Golf CEO thinks of him

Scott O'Neil heaped praise on Tom McKibbin after the Northern Irishman chose to ignore Rory McIlroy's advice and join the ranks of LIV Golf. The 22-year-old turned heads when he opted for LIV in January, just months after securing his PGA Tour card and making an impression on the European Tour in 2024.

Originally, fellow countryman McIlroy subtly cautioned McKibbin against choosing the Saudi-funded league. Reacting to McKibbin's decision at the time, the 2025 Masters winner said: "If I were in his position, I wouldn't make that decision." However, the gamble appears to have paid off for McKibbin, who has professionally and financially reaped benefits from his leap. Following the switch, the young golfer amassed a hefty £3.3million from just eight LIV events.

The Irish Independent spoke with McKibbin in May, and he hadn't had any second thoughts concerning his transition from PGA to LIV, as he noted that things were going well on the circuit despite having shunned McIlroy's guidance. He said: "No, very happy. I've had a great time.

"I've been very, very lucky to play with a lot of very good players so far this year and I've definitely seen my golf game improve, playing tough courses like [Florida course] Doral. So it's definitely prepared me a little bit better. Yeah, I'm very happy.

"I've been very lucky to play with a lot of great players who have done well in these major championships and play against them. I've obviously been playing with Jon [Rahm] in a lot of practice rounds, and then on tournament days as well, so to see how they play the game and how they take on golf courses, it's been very eye-opening."

Now, the LIV Golf CEO couldn't be happier to have recruited McKibbin, just as much as the latter relishes the competition. Speaking on the podcast before the PGA Championship began last month, O'Neil took some time to reel off the names of LIV participants set for the 2025 showdown.

Showering praise on McKibbin - just days after the young star's positive comments on the breakaway league - O'Neil said: "Tom McKibbin, the youngest player in the field from Northern Ireland. [He's] 22 years old, a whizz kid, a spectacular golfer, great kid."

O'Neil's commendation of McKibbin demonstrates his belief in the golfer's potential, signalling him out as one to watch in golf's future.

Although McKibbin paid no heed to McIlroy's advice about LIV Golf, he maintains a good relationship with the career Grand Slam winner. When quizzed last month about speaking with McIlroy after his iconic Masters victory, McKibbin added: "I'll catch up with him over the next couple of days and sort of get his thoughts on it.

"I sent him a few texts after he won [the Masters], but I actually haven't seen him, I haven't been home."