'I don't regret it one bit' - Golf star doubles down after ignoring Rory McIlroy advice

LIV Golf star Tom McKibbin says he has absolutely no regrets about ignoring Rory Mcllroy's advice and signing up with the breakaway circuit, despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over its future. The Northern Irishman came through the ranks at the same Holywood Golf Club that produced McIlroy, and he had been destined for the PGA Tour before making the leap to LIV, joining Jon Rahm's Legion XIII outfit.

McKibbin, 23, believes the switch has fast-tracked his development, yet the league's long-term prospects remain seriously in doubt beyond the current season. The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has confirmed it will stop bankrolling LIV at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, with executives desperately seeking fresh investment to keep the operation afloat through 2027 and beyond.

McKibbin holds a DP World Tour membership, meaning he has a safety net should LIV fold, but the murky picture surrounding his 2027 schedule is hardly welcome news as he looks to evolve from a talented youngster into a genuine contender on the biggest stages.

Yet he maintains he made the correct call in signing with LIV. He told the BBC: "No, not at all. I don't regret it one bit. The last year and a half has been great. Getting to spend time with Jon [Rahm] and Tyrrell [Hatton], playing with some of the best guys in the world.

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"I feel like I've improved a lot in different aspects of my game, and I am more comfortable. I've really enjoyed it."

McKibbin threw his weight behind LIV's chief executive Scott O'Neil, expressing confidence that the league's hierarchy can attract new partners and secure a stable footing going forward.

He said: "It was a little bit of a shock to everyone, but going forward, I think Scott has done a good job, and hopefully, going forward, he'll be able to find some funding elsewhere and hopefully let it continue.

"The events are great, the set-up is great, and I've really enjoyed it. Hopefully it continues for a while."

McKibbin shares strong connections with six-time major winner McIlroy, who hails from Holywood and is also a close mate of McKibbin's caddie, Ricky McCormick.

McIlroy had urged McKibbin not to sign up to the league, though the youngster ultimately chose his own route. McIlroy at the time said: "I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot. If I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn't make that decision.

"Personally, for me, it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen. I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand in your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself. But at the same time, I feel like he's giving up a lot to not really benefit that much."

McKibbin has been permitted to compete in majors since joining LIV, featuring in the PGA Championship and Open Championship courtesy of his world ranking last year.

This year, he took part in the Masters after winning the Hong Kong Open, and he secured a special invitation to this week's PGA at Aronimink having remained close to the top 100 of the world rankings over the past 12 months.