DOWN ace TOM McKibbin has signed for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.
The 22-year-old has penned a multi-million dollar deal with the tour to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team.
Tom McKibbin has joined LIV Golf as he now forfeits his PGA Tour card[/caption]
Jon Rahm’s team announced the news of their new addition on their social media this evening[/caption]
It is believed that the deal was in excess of $5m just to sign with the rebel league.
2024 individual LIV Golf winner Jon Rahm has long been linked with a move for the player to join his team after the relegation of Kieran Vincent from the individual standing in the league.
McKibbin joins Spaniard Rahm, England’s Tyrrell Hatton and American Caleb Surrat on the Legion XIII side.
The Northern Irish golfer won a PGA Tour card last season after claiming one of the ten dual cards up for grabs on the DP World Tour end-of-season order of merit.
Taking to social media, LEGION XIII announced the signing on their X account.
A video was posted unveiling McKibbin in their black and pink colours, along with a caption that read: “It’s official. Welcome to Legion XIII
But will forfeit his playing privileges on the PGA Tour after penning a deal with LIV.
The world 107 will now have to rely on invitations to major championships as there’s no world ranking points on offer at LIV.
He’ll be able to play certain DP World Tour in order to boost his OWGR.
If LIV golfers were previous members of the DP World Tour, they have fulfil a four-event quota to keep their membership, but fines must be paid if in place for LIV golfers to take part.
The stipulation apparently helps to strike a balance between the interests of the two organisations and the players.
McKibbin joins fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell on the league ahead of the season opener next week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
