DP World Tour champion Tom McKibbin is set to switch to LIV Golf League, with the 22-year-old expected to join Jon Rahm's Legion XIII GC.
Ten Golf and BBC Sport first reported that McKibbin will compete in this weekend's Team Cup and next week's Dubai Desert Classic before switching to the league ahead of the first event on the 6th of February.
Following the report, McKibbin spoke to Golf Digest ME about the rumors, saying: “Out of respect for Justin (Rose) and Luke (Donald) coming into this tournament, I won't be publishing this week. Any comments.”
(Image source: Getty Images)
The Northern Irishman earned one of 10 PGA Tour cards in the 2024 DP World Tour season, posting 10 top-10s throughout the year to secure his spot on the tour.
However, just like Adrian Meronk 12 months ago, McKibbin reportedly gave up the card and joined the LIV Golf Tour, where the 22-year-old will team up with Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb · Surratt appeared in the game together.
After reports of McKibbin's departure circulated, the question arose whether Jordan Smith would take his place on the PGA Tour card list after the Englishman finished 11th.
However, Golf Monthly understands that is not the case as track memberships and exemptions must be confirmed by December 31, per PGA Tour rules.
McKibbin will join Hatton (left), Rahm (center right) and Caleb Surratt (right) on the XIII Corps roster
(Image source: Getty Images)
If reports are to be believed, this will be the fourth signing of the LIV Golf transfer window, as Iron Heads GC, Cleek GC and Range Goats GC have already added Yubin Jang, Frederik Kjettrup and Ben Campbell to their rosters.
Li Jiebo, along with Jang, Kjettrup and Campbell, has already secured a spot on the track after winning the LIV Golf promotion last December, but as of this writing he has not yet joined the team.
Previously, Kieran Vincent was fourth in the XIII Corps GC, but after being relegated, there were rumors that Lahm's close friend Tony Finau would take the position.
However, the American dismissed any move in December, telling Golfweek's Adam Schupak: “I'm very happy with my performance on the PGA Tour and looking forward to 2025.”
