Rory McIlroys protege banks over $100k after | Golf News

Golfing star Tom McKibbin ignored Rory McIlroy’s warning and joined LIV Golf, a determination that appears to be paying off after he earned a hefty sum despite ending forty seventh in South Korea.

Despite trailing far behind winner Bryson DeChambeau at the occasion in Incheon, where DeChambeau clinched a $4 million prime prize with a beautiful 19 under par, McKibbin ended Sunday 4 over par. Among the 54 rivals, only seven scored worse than him, yet he still left the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club $122,000 richer.

McKibbin’s profitable transfer highlights the financial appeal of LIV Golf and why some gamers would possibly ignore McIlroy’s advice to prioritize legacy over wealth.

“If I were in his position, I wouldn’t make that decision,” McIlroy, the Masters champion, commented in January upon listening to about McKibbin’s swap to LIV, which reportedly got here with a $5.3 million offer.

In distinction, McIlroy handed on a likelihood to earn a substantial sum at the Byron Nelson event final weekend, selecting to relaxation while Scottie Scheffler took home the $1.7 million prime prize in a event that means a lot to him.

The world’s top-ranked golfer completed 31-under across 4 rounds – eight forward of runner-up Erik van Rooyen – to secure his first PGA Tour win of 2025. In doing so, he matched the Tour’s 72-hole scoring document, which he now shares with Justin Thomas and Ludvig Aberg.

In distinction, Rasmus Hojgaard pocketed just $27,600 for ending forty eighth at the Byron Nelson. That’s despite the very fact he performed 72 holes in contrast to McKibbin’s 54.

Despite this, the LIV insurgent still earned over 4 occasions as a lot for his efforts. While many might query the choice to symbolize the Saudi-funded collection over golf’s established Tours, the pay disparity clearly illustrates what is driving those who have defected.

McKibbin also lately netted $750,000 after his Legion XIII outfit triumphed in the group occasion at LIV Golf Mexico City in April. This meant he shared a $3.45 million prize pot with team-mates Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt for their collective efficiency.

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This marks the second time this season that the previous Belfast Royal Academy pupil has managed to secure a share of group triumph. Legion XIII kicked off the 2025 marketing campaign in fashion by also profitable the group occasion at the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh in February.

To put these figures into perspective, McKibbin has now received roughly $4.4 million from just seven tournaments enjoying for LIV. That’s in contrast to the $3.3 million complete he took home from 72 competitions enjoying on the DP World Tour.

McIlroy, 35, is gearing up for his next competitors at the Truist Championship, which begins this Thursday at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. The Grand Slam champion has his sights set on a share of the $20 million prize fund, with a staggering $3.6 million reserved for the winner.