Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin has dismissed concerns about missing major tournaments after joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.
The 22-year-old golfer will make his LIV debut in Riyadh on Thursday.
"I'm not in those majors anyway at the minute, so it really didn't bother me too much," McKibbin said of the Masters, US PGA Championship and US Open.
While he has secured a spot at this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland, McKibbin opted to forgo his recently earned PGA Tour card to join the breakaway series.
Tom McKibbin ignored advice from Rory McIlroy
PAMcKibbin joins Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team, becoming the second Northern Irish player in LIV Golf alongside Graeme McDowell.
His move comes despite going against the advice of his mentor Rory McIlroy.
The 2023 European Open winner joins a roster of major champions in the Saudi-backed circuit, including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia.
The young golfer will tee off in the opening event of the season in the Saudi capital this week.
McKibbin expressed enthusiasm for LIV Golf's innovative format and development opportunities.
Tom McKibbin snubbed the PGA Tour for LIV GolfREUTERS"I've watched this for the last couple years since it started and it's something that I've really liked to watch, something very different, something that probably appeals to more people my age," he said.
The Northern Irishman highlighted the learning potential as a key factor in his decision.
"The opportunity to get to play with these guys here and learn from some of the best players in the world week in, week out is something that appealed very, very nicely to me," McKibbin explained.
McKibbin's move to LIV Golf will see him team up with Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt in Legion XIII.
His world ranking of 109th is expected to fall as LIV events do not carry ranking points.
The switch means he will be unable to compete on the PGA Tour, with his appearances on the DP World Tour likely to be occasional.
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Rory McIlroy was left disappointed with Tom McKibbin's decision
GettyOngoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV's backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, aim to resolve the split in world golf.
These talks could potentially expand McKibbin's future playing options beyond the breakaway tour, though no agreement has been reached yet.
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