Jon Rahm highlights 'endless' opportunities for Northern Irish youngster amid potential LIV Golf move

Jon Rahm has assured Tom McKibbin of endless opportunities amid rumors of the latter's potential move to LIV Golf. He stated that the Saudi-backed circuit would provide an environment where the Northern Irish youngster could grow rapidly.

Both McKibbin and Rahm are in Dubai this week for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event of the DP World Tour schedule. Recent reports have suggested that McKibbin might join LIV Golf, potentially in Rahm's Legion XIII.

On Tuesday, January 14, during the press conference of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Rahm was asked if LIV Golf would be a good environment for a youngster like McKibbin to grow.

"I can't tell you what a good and bad environment is for Tom," he replied "I think that's an answer for him. I think it is a good environment as any, really. It's just as competitive as pretty much any other tour.

"You have to go out there and play against some of the best players in the world, so yeah, it's an environment in which you can grow very rapidly, as well. He's a fantastic player, and the possibilities for him are endless whenever he decides to do," he added.

Legion XIII has one spot open after Kieran Vincent lost his LIV Golf contract following the 2024 season.

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When will Jon Rahm tee off at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Round 1?

Jon Rahm is grouped with Adam Scott and Robert MacIntyre for the first two rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025. The trio will tee off on Thursday, January 16, from the first tee at 12:25 pm local time.

Rahm has never played at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic before. However, with a Ryder Cup spot in sight, the Spaniard is in action this week. Besides him, Patrick Reed, Thomas Pieters, and Tyrrell Hatton are among the LIV Golf professionals competing this week.

This is Rahm's first event of the season and also his first since winning the LIV Golf Individual Championship in September. Last year, he had an incredible debut on the Saudi-backed circuit, winning two titles and finishing as runner-up in one.

However, Jon Rahm had underwhelming results in the majors. He played in three major championships and achieved just one top-10 finish. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and tied for 45th at the Masters Tournament, where he was the defending champion.