McKibbin has no LIV regrets despite funding shock

TL;DR

Tom McKibbin has no regrets about joining LIV Golf despite its financial uncertainty, as Saudi Arabia's PIF plans to withdraw funding. The 23-year-old golfer remains committed to the tour and values his experiences over the past year and a half.

Key points

Tom McKibbin has no regrets about joining LIV Golf.
LIV Golf faces financial uncertainty with PIF withdrawing funding.
McKibbin opted to forgo his PGA Tour card.
He values his experiences with top players.
He remains committed to the LIV Golf tour.

Mentioned in this story

LIV GolfSaudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund

Tom McKibbinLegion XIIIJon RahmTyrrell Hatton

Tom McKibbin insists he has "no regrets at all" about joining LIV Golf even as the tour faces major financial uncertainty following the announcement that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will withdraw its funding at the end of the year.

Northern Ireland's McKibbin opted to forgo the PGA Tour card he secured in late 2024 when he joined Jon Rahm's Legion XIII LIV team last year.

Speaking before this week's US PGA Championship at Aronimink outside Philadephia the 23‑year‑old says he remains committed to the breakaway circuit and happy with the decision he made.

"No, not at all - I don't regret it one bit," said McKibbin.

"The last year and a half has been great. Getting to spend time with Jon [Rahm] and Tyrrell [Hatton], playing with some of the best guys in the world.

"I feel like I've improved a lot in different aspects of my game and more comfortable I am. I've really enjoyed it."

McKibbin, who is yet to claim an individual win on the LIV circuit, admits players were caught off guard by last month's funding announcement.

"It was a little bit of a shock to everyone but going forward I think Scott [O'Neil, LIV Golf CEO] has done a good job, and hopefully going forward he'll be able to find some funding elsewhere and hopefully let it continue.

"The events are great, the set-up is great, and I've really enjoyed it. Hopefully it continues for a while."

McKibbin insists he has not been unsettled by the noise surrounding LIV's future, with his focus fixed on his sixth major championship appearance.

He finished tied 50th on his US PGA Championship debut at Quail Hollow last year and missed the cut in first Masters appearance last month.

While he is yet to contend at one of golf's biggest events, he feels the experience gained by testing himself on some of the most demanding courses in the world will benefit him in the future.

"They're very different tests of golf compared to normal weeks.

"All the ones I have played have had their unique challenges. Pinehurst [at the 2024 US Open] was very severe on one side of the spectrum, then obviously the Open with the weather, the Masters is another.

"They're all different in their own way and all provide a good test of golf."

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption,

McKibbin plays alongside England's Tyrrell Hatton on LIV's Legion XIII team

Q&A

Why is LIV Golf facing financial uncertainty?

LIV Golf is facing financial uncertainty due to the announcement that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will withdraw its funding at the end of the year.

What decision did Tom McKibbin make regarding his golf career?

Tom McKibbin chose to forgo his PGA Tour card to join LIV Golf and play for Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team.

What has Tom McKibbin said about his experience with LIV Golf?

Tom McKibbin stated that he has had a great experience over the last year and a half, enjoying time with top players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

How old is Tom McKibbin and what is his current commitment?

Tom McKibbin is 23 years old and remains committed to the LIV Golf tour despite its challenges.