The two Northern Irish golfers have been close in the past, but a move to the rival tour could ruin that relationship.

Rory McIlroy has urged his protégé to ditch his impending move to LIV Golf, warning Tom McKibbin that the $5 million (£4 million) fee is not worth the sacrifice.

Rory McIlroy said he advised good friend and fellow countryman Tom McKibbin against bolting for LIV Golf because he didn’t believe the sacrifice, at this stage of his career, was worth it.