LIV Golf star Tom McKibbin will not be part of Team Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup squad – a decision that comes as little surprise after Rory McIlroy’s pointed advice earlier this year.
McIlroy, who like McKibbin hails from Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland, had warned the 22-year-old back in January that joining LIV could jeopardize his chances of representing Europe. Despite the warning, McKibbin signed a reported £4 million deal with the breakaway league and has since earned £7.5 million in prize money, including a Team Championship win with Legion XIII.
While McKibbin was never guaranteed a place at Bethpage Black, competing regularly on the PGA Tour could have improved his chances. McIlroy’s words now seem prophetic.
“I made it perfectly clear: I’m not going to stand in his way if he feels he needs to make that decision,” McIlroy said in January. “But I do think he’s giving up a lot for not much gain. Working so hard to get your tour card in the States was a huge achievement, and I told him if I were in his shoes, I’d make a different choice.”
McIlroy also pointed out what was at stake: “He’s potentially sacrificing access to majors and a Ryder Cup spot. There’s still so much money to be made on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour — some would say too much. To me, it’s not worth what he’s giving up.”
The contrast with players like Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard is telling. Both turned down LIV offers, stayed on the PGA and DP World Tours, and are now part of Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team.
Although McKibbin will be watching from home, McIlroy — World No. 2 and Masters champion — will lead the European side as they attempt a rare away victory on U.S. soil.
“I’ve said many times, winning an away Ryder Cup is one of the toughest things you can do in golf,” McIlroy said this week. “The home team has the advantage with course setup and the crowd. But we have a great chance to do something very special this year. It won’t be easy — we know what we’re up against.”
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