Rahm “thrilled” by McKibbin’s stunning LIV Golf debut
Tom McKibbin of Legion XIII waits on the sixth hole during the first round of LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club on Thursday, February 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
Tom McKibbin described his LIV Golf debut as “awesome” after he impressed skipper Jon Rahm by firing a seven-under 65 to help Legion XIII into a seven-shot first-round lead in Riyadh.
The Holywood star, who admitted he only spoke to Rahm’s team when making his move to the Saudi-funded league, made an eagle and five birdies to share third place, three shots behind Adrian Meronk in the battle for the $4m individual prize.
“I just really enjoyed it,” said McKibbin, who could walk away with $4.75m if he wins the individual title and a share of the $3m team prize.
“It was something different, under the lights and the music, and it was a pretty awesome first day.”
With teammates Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surrat carding 66s, Rahm brought up with rear for Legion XIII with a 67.
But he was happy to see his team in front and McKibbin shine so brightly on his debut.
“As it stands right now, I'm dragging the team a little bit with a five-under,” Rahm said.
“It's an incredible round by all of us, to have two six-unders, myself and Tom playing this good. I was very aware of his talent.
“I hadn't seen it on the golf course live yet, but Monday and Tuesday it was very apparent how good at golf he is and how high his ceiling really is.
“Not to put a lot of pressure on him because this week was his first LIV week; he'd never seen the warm-up, never been part of a shotgun, the music, and especially being at night under the lights, it's something new for all of us.
“I wouldn't have been surprised or blamed him if he didn't have a good day, and he comes in and takes advantage of the opportunity.
“Thrilled with how great he's playing and thrilled with how well Caleb played today. Very happy that he's starting the year off strong.”
McKibbin was ready to perform under lights, having practiced at a floodlit Trump facility in Dubai before making the trip to Saudi Arabia.
But he was still pleased he adapted well to the razzmatazz of LIV.
“Yeah, it was obviously very different, the warm-up,” he said. “I've never experienced that before. It was definitely a different experience.
“I wouldn't really say I was too nervous. I was probably more anxious and not sure about how it was going to go, especially with playing at night, something that none of us have ever really experienced.
Captain Jon Rahm of Legion XIII speaks at a press conference during the first round of LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club on Thursday, February 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf)
“But I think being able to get that out of the way today and knowing what's coming for the next couple of days is good. As I said, it was something very different but very pleased that it didn't affect me too much.
“I really liked the music. I think the music was super cool, and then that halftime show standing on the fourth tee watching that was pretty awesome.”
Rahm said during the Fox TV broadcast that he was surprised Legion XIII didn’t face competition for McKibbin’s signature.
“He expressed his interest to join LIV, and as far as I know, there wasn't any teams trying to out-bid anybody,” Rahm said.
“I don't know if that was the case or if it was him saying I don't want to go anywhere else or what the situation, but I thought he would be a prize player. I'm happy we got him.”
McKibbin confirmed he spoke to no other teams bar Rahm’s.
“That's the only one I spoke to,” he said. “Yeah, I'm very, very happy I'm here. So thanks. Thanks, Jon.”
He also said he paid particular attention to the team leaderboard.
“I saw everyone else was making birdies, then when I joined the team, Jon said just never give up and always try and shoot the best scores possible,” he said.
“So I was always trying to fight to shoot one less score than I maybe would have if I had just sort of dropped a little concentration or something, so always trying to push until the end.”
McKibbin admitted he was somewhat determined to beat Rahm.
“Probably a little bit, but just trying to go out there and shoot the best score I could,” said the Newtownabbey native, who watched Cristiano Ronaldo in action on Monday. “I certainly didn't want to be last on the scoring.”
The Cleeks’ Meronk shot a 10-under 62 for a two shot lead over Torque GC’s Sebastian Munoz with McKibbin tied for third with the Majesticks’ Lee Westwood as Graeme McDowell’s 70 left him joint 32nd in the 54-man field.
In the team standings, Legion XIII lead by seven shots on 24-under from the Majesticks in the battle for the $3m team prize.
“We've only played one round -- I've only ever played one round of team golf like this, and something that I thought was pretty cool, and always trying to shoot the best score possible,” McKibbin said.
“Looking at the leaderboard and seeing the guys going well, as well, definitely motivated me to go lower.
“Yeah, as to who, I think we'll be close -- I don't know who else is up there so I'm not too sure, but I feel like any of those teams can go out and have a day like we have had today. I think we'll have to try and keep making more birdies and no bogeys.”
