Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin consulted the world No. 3, who advised him to accept the PGA Tour card but the 22-year-old appears to be going to the rival circuit.

Rory McIlroy said he advised good friend and fellow countryman Tom McKibbin against bolting for LIV Golf because he didn’t believe the sacrifice, at this stage of his career, was worth it.

Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf bound Tom McKibbin is “giving up a lot to not really benefit that much” including an imminent chance to reach the world’s Top-10 if he leaves the PGA Tour.

Tom McKibbin has a PGA Tour card, but seems ready to toss it aside for a chance to play for LIV. Currently, the golfer most talked about from Holywood Golf Club is not Rory McIlroy but young Tom McKibbin.

All the while, McIlroy will attempt to win a fifth career major after a 10-year drought filled with close calls. Recently, he has had second-place finishes at the past two U.S. Opens and one runner up at the 2022 Masters. There was also a heartbreaking third place behind winner Cam Smith at the 150th Open at St. Andrews.

Rory McIlroy has expressed his disappointment at the prospect of fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin joining LIV Golf and has warned him it is not worth the sacrifice

Rory McIlroy was asked about his reaction to Tom McKibbin's alleged decision to sign with LIV Golf, and his answer was nearly 3 minutes long.

Rory McIlroy says he has advised Tom McKibbin against switching to LIV Golf, adding they have had "multiple conversations" on the subject.

Rory McIlroy has urged his protégé to ditch his impending move to LIV Golf, warning Tom McKibbin that the $5 million (£4 million) fee is not worth the sacrifice.

Rory McIlroy said he cautioned Tom McKibbin against joining LIV Golf because he did not believe that his protege was ready for all that it entails at this point of his young career.