Rory McIlroy has been one of the most outspoken PGA Tour golfers about preserving the tour despite everything LIV Golf is doing to create its own breakaway league, but even the Northern Irishman recognizes the power of what LIV is building.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin consulted the world No. 3, who advised him to accept the PGA Tour card but the 22-year-old appears to be going to the rival circuit.

The rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is still bubbling. Despite a framework agreement that could lead to a deal soon, the players are still taking shots at each other in the media. Jon Rahm said before the DP World Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic that golf is in a golden era,

All the while, McIlroy will attempt to win a fifth career major after a 10-year drought filled with close calls. Recently, he has had second-place finishes at the past two U.S. Opens and one runner up at the 2022 Masters. There was also a heartbreaking third place behind winner Cam Smith at the 150th Open at St. Andrews.

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

Rory McIlroy praised LIV Golf’s decision to appoint Scott O’Neil as the new CEO following Greg Norman’s departure, signaling a notable shift in the organization’s leadership. LIV Golf announced on Wednesday that Norman would step down,

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.

Rory McIlroy said he cautioned Tom McKibbin against joining LIV Golf because he did not believe that his protege was ready for all that it entails at this point of his young career.