DP World Tour winner, Tom McKibbin, is set for a shock switch to the LIV Golf League with the 22-year-old expected to join Jon Rahm's side, Legion XIII GC.
First reported by Ten-Golf, as well as BBC Sport, McKibbin is to tee it up in the Team Cup this weekend, as well as next week's Dubai Desert Classic, before making the move to the League prior to its first event on the 6th February.
Following the reports, McKibbin spoke to Golf Digest ME regarding the rumors, stating: "I'm not going to make any comment this week out of respect for Justin (Rose) and Luke (Donald) for this tournament."
Having claimed one of the 10 PGA Tour cards up for grabs during the 2024 DP World Tour season, the Northern Irishman produced ten top 10s throughout the year, with his good play securing a spot on the circuit.
However, just like Adrian Meronk 12 months prior, McKibbin is reportedly foregoing the card and joining the LIV Golf circuit, where the 22-year-old would appear alongside Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt.
After reports circulated of McKibbin's departure, the question arose of if Jordan Smith would take his place in the PGA Tour card standings, after the Englishman finished in the 11th spot.
However, Golf Monthly understands that would not be the case as, according to PGA Tour regulations, memberships and exemptions for the circuit have to be confirmed by 31st December.
McKibbin would be joining Hatton (left), Rahm (middle-right) and Caleb Surratt (right) in the Legion XIII roster
If the reports are correct, it would be the fourth signing of the transfer window for LIV Golf, as Iron Heads GC, Cleek GC and Range Goats GC have secured Yubin Jang, Frederik Kjettrup and Ben Campbell for their rosters.
Along with Jang, Kjettrup and Campbell, Lee Chieh-po has secured on a spot on the circuit after winning LIV Golf's Promotions Event in December but, as of writing, he is yet to have joined a team.
Previously, it was Kieran Vincent who occupied the fourth spot for Legion XIII GC but, after being relegated, rumors then started to swirl that Rahm's close friend, Tony Finau, would take the place.
However, the American dismissed any move in December, stating to Golfweek’s Adam Schupak that: “I’m more than happy where I’m at on the PGA Tour and looking forward to 2025."
-
Tiger Woods Among 5 Eligible Golfers Not In The Players Championship FieldThe Players Championship always claims to have 'the best field in golf', with just a handful of eligible pros not involved at TPC Sawgrass in 2025
-
Is Tiger Woods’ 2025 Season Done Before It Even Started? Orthopedic Surgeon Explains 15-Time Major Winner’s Latest Injury And Recovery TimelineWe sat down with Professor Nima Heidari, a Consultant Orthopedic And Trauma Surgeon of the Foot and Ankle at The London Clinic, to find out more about Woods' recent Achilles tendon surgery
-
Brooks Koepka Addresses PGA Tour Return RumorsThe LIV player responded questions about a potential PGA Tour return following comments from Fred Couples who said he felt Koepka "wants to come back"
-
'I Have No Idea Who This Guy Is But I Owe Him At Least Dinner!' - Anthony Kim Explains How A Social Media Rumor Ultimately Led To His Pro Golf ComebackKim was out of the game for 12 years before revealing how a random rumor on Twitter ultimately led to his pro golf return with LIV
-
'LIV Isn’t The Mortal Enemy It Was Originally Seen As' - Tyrrell Hatton Admits Relief Over Lighter Reaction To LIV Golf Move Than Early Players ReceivedThe Englishman admitted he spent a week trying to decide whether signing for LIV Golf was the right call and was relieved at the reaction once he moved
-
‘I Lost Almost 30 Yards Off The Tee When I Turned Professional’ - Anthony Kim Opens Up On Nike Equipment Difficulties During PGA Tour CareerSpeaking to Rick Shiels, Kim revealed that his Nike driver and golf ball was losing him 'almost 30 yards off the tee' when he turned professional in 2006
-
Why The Players Still Can't Be Considered Men's Golf's Fifth MajorThe Players Championship is one of golf's greatest events but without LIV players, it still remains in the tier below the four men's Majors
-
Sergio Garcia Secures Double Victory At LIV Golf Hong Kong As Phil Mickelson Outlines Major Aspirations Following Best LIV FinishSergio Garcia triumphed by one stroke at Hong Kong Golf Club while helping his Fireballs GC to a narrow win in the team competition
-
Bryson DeChambeau In The Market For A New Golf Ball - But Which One Would Suit Him Best?Bryson DeChambeau is having spin issues with his wedges so says he is looking for a new golf ball, but which one should he use?
-
Jon Rahm's Legion XIII Signs Landmark LIV Equipment Deal With CallawayCallaway is the first manufacturer to sign up with a LIV Golf team after partnering with Jon Rahm and his Legion XIII side
