Rory McIlroy revealed he counseled rising golf star Tom McKibbin about a potential move to LIV Golf during his Dubai Desert Classic press conference. The 22-year-old McKibbin, who grew up playing at the same Holywood Golf Club as McIlroy, earned his PGA Tour card after finishing 18th in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai last season.

McKibbin contacted McIlroy immediately after receiving the LIV offer, leading to multiple conversations in December. McIlroy advised against joining LIV, highlighting potential sacrifices including:

• PGA Tour playing privileges
• Major championship access
• Potential Ryder Cup opportunities

"If I were in his shoes, I would make a different choice," McIlroy stated. "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."


While praising McKibbin's potential and character, McIlroy maintained he wouldn't stand in the way of the young pro's decision: "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."

McIlroy, a four-time Dubai Desert Classic champion and current two-time defending champion, seeks a rare three-peat at this year's tournament. His first professional victory came at this event in 2009, and he has accumulated 18 total wins on the DP World Tour.

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