Northern Ireland player Tom McKibbin is reportedly set to make a dramatic switch to LIV Golf despite recently receiving his PGA Tour card.
The 22-year-old, who developed his skills at the same Belfast club as Rory McIlroy, is set to join Jon Rahm's side for the Saudi-backed of league.
The Daily Telegraph said representatives from McKibbin had approached LIV Golf about the potential move.
The young golfer, considered McIlroy's protege, earned his PGA Tour card in November after finishing among the top 10 uncarded players at the DP World Tour Battle of Dubai.
Golf star Tom McKibbin is about to make a dramatic switch to LIV Golf despite recently receiving his PGA Tour card
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McKibbin is expected to take the final spot in Jon Rahm's Legion XIII, joining Tyrell Hatton and American Caleb Surratt in the four-man squad.
He will become the second Northern Ireland player to join LIV Golf, following Graeme McDowell in 2022.
The LIV golf season is scheduled to kick off on February 6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Golf star Tom McKibbin has been compared to Rory McIlroy throughout his career
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The timing of the switch is particularly noteworthy as McKibbin is currently competing in the Abu Dhabi Team Cup with future LIV team-mate Hatton playing for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
McKibbin has a busy schedule leading up to the LIV golf season opener.
He is currently participating in the Abu Dhabi Team Cup, a Ryder Cup rehearsal event.
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The Northern Irishman will also compete in the DP World Tour's Dubai Desert Classic next week.
McKibbin turned pro in April 2021 and has already shown great potential in his young career.
His breakthrough moment came in June 2023 when he won his first DP World Tour title at the Porsche European Open in Germany.
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He remains a potential candidate to make the European Ryder Cup team this September.
The potential move could create an interesting dynamic with McIlroy, who has been a mentor to McKibbin throughout his career.
The pair recently shared a warm embrace after McKibbin received his PGA Tour card, coinciding with McIlroy's victories at the Dubai Race and the DP World Tour Championship.
Golf star Tom McKibbin has shown huge promise and potential throughout his career so far
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McIlroy has significantly softened his stance on LIV Golf since its inception, when he was one of its fiercest critics.
The impact on their relationship will be closely watched, given their shared links to Holywood Golf Club in Belfast and McIlroy's continued influence on McKibbin's career development.
