Jon Rahm ’s social media post welcoming McKibbin to his Legion XIII team for the upcoming LIV campaign was simple and to the point. “It’s official. Welcome to Legion XIII, @tommckibbin!” came the post from the Spaniard, with an accompanying video which showed Rahm clenching both fists in acquiring his newest member.

Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland has spurned the advice from mentor Rory McIlroy by giving up a PGA Tour card to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf. McKibbin, a 22-year-old who won his only European tour event in 2023, has signed to play with Jon Rahm and his Legions 13 team. LIV Golf starts its season next week in Saudi Arabia.

Twenty-two-year-old Tom McKibbin, who is currently 21st in the European Ryder Cup rankings, will join Rahm’s Legion XIII and play alongside him, Tyrrell Hatton, and Caleb Surratt. McKibbin hails from Northern Ireland and grew up playing at Holywood Golf Club, the same course Rory McIlroy played as a youth.