Tom McKibbin is standing firm on his no-regrets stance after switching allegiance to , despite advice from urging him not to join the controversial Saudi Arabian-backed league. The 22-year-old shrugged off McIlroy's counsel when he accepted to move to the renegade series in January this year.

McIlroy had openly advised against forsaking his hard-earned PGA Tour card, which he was set to receive after his displays on the European Tour in 2024. Yet, the rising star brushed aside the PGA for a rumoured £4million cheque from LIV Golf. "If I were in his position, I wouldn't make that decision," the said upon hearing of McKibbin's defection.

However, the Belfast-born star appears to be content with his call having already pocketed an impressive £3.3m from his outings at just seven LIV events. "No, very happy," McKibbin told the when asked if he harboured any regrets. "I've had a great time."

After teaming up with Legion XIII at LIV, alongside Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Caleb Surratt, McKibbin has relished the opportunity, deeming it as "eye-opening".

"I've been very, very lucky to play with a lot of very good players so far this year and I've definitely seen my golf game improve, playing tough courses like [Florida course] Doral," he added.

"So it's definitely prepared me a little bit better. Yeah, I'm very happy. I've been very lucky to play with a lot of great players who have done well in these major championships and play against them.

"I've obviously been playing with Jon (Rahm) in a lot of practice rounds, and then on tournament days as well, so to see how they play the game and how they take on golf courses, it's been very eye-opening."

Speaking out against the LIV Golf circuit in 2022, McIlroy didn't hold back. "I hate what it's doing to the game of golf, I hate it. I really do," he said.

He later added: "If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on Earth, I would retire. That's how I feel about it". Yet McIlroy has eased up on the league in recent times, even claiming he had been "a little judgmental" about those choosing to join the divisive organisation.

McKibbin will now link up with at Quail Hollow for the PGA Championship at the weekend, where he is aiming to catch up with his old friend.

The youngster has been tipped for stardom, and to even follow in McIlroy's footsteps, and while he may be taking a different route from the 36-year-old, he insists they're on good terms.

"I'll catch up with him over the next couple of days and sort of get his thoughts on it," McKibbin said when asked if he'd spoken to the Masters champion. "I sent him a few texts after he won [the Masters], but I actually haven't seen him, I haven't been home."