Rory McIlroy: Four-time major winner advises Tom McKibbin against changing LIV

McIlroy felt the financial rewards offered were not worth the sacrifice McKibbin would have to make by moving to LIV. McKibbin is expected to receive a signing bonus of $5 million.

“Nobody knows exactly how much money he's going to get,” McIlroy told reporters at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, this week's defending champion.

“I would say there's still a lot of money to be made on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. There's so much money in the tournament that some would argue is too much money in the tournament to be eye-catching.” We attract .

“I don't think whatever the benefit is, I don't think it's worth the sacrifice for what he might be giving up.”

McKibbin will not be able to earn world ranking points during LIV's 14-match schedule, which will make qualifying for the majors and Ryder Cup more difficult. But he competed in this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

“I think he has a lot of potential,” McIlroy said. “I said to him, if I were in your situation, I would make different choices than what you want to do.

“He worked really hard to get his tour card in the U.S. and he achieved that last year, which is a huge achievement.

“I think he's probably sacrificing and giving up a chance to get to the majors, a potential Ryder Cup berth, and if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I've had before, I wouldn't Make this decision.”

Many observers were surprised that McKibbin seemed prepared to go against the advice of his mentor. His mentor was crowned winner of the 2024 Seve Ballesteros Trophy on Wednesday after being voted Player of the Year by DP World Tour professionals.

He is guaranteed at least $500,000 in bonuses during a season on the PGA Tour, with the potential to earn more.

McIlroy was one of the first to congratulate his compatriot when he received his US card in Dubai last November.

“I'm disappointed I won't be able to see him more often and I'm looking forward to seeing him in America,” McIlroy told BBC Sport.

“I think about it a lot and I feel lucky that LIV wasn’t around when I first came because who knows what could have happened?

“But the experiences I’ve had and the things I’ve had to do, whether it’s on the DP World Tour or the first few years on the PGA Tour, I think all of those experiences have made me a better player.

“That's just my opinion. Tom will do what he thinks is best for him.”

McKibbin was playing a pre-tournament pro-am here when McIlroy made the comments, strolling onto the ninth green adjacent to the Dubai Championship Media Center.

This could be the young star's last appearance on the DP World Tour before the LIV season starts in Riyadh next month.

“I've known Tom since he was 10, 11 years old, and as soon as he got the invitation, he called me,” McIlroy revealed.

“I spoke to him multiple times throughout December to get his thoughts and what he was going to do.

“All I can do is give my perspective. But I'm not him. I can't put myself in his shoes. He's an adult now and can make his own decisions.”