Golf prodigy Tom McKibbin continues to excel in his professional journey since becoming part of LIV, moving closer to rival Rory McIlroy in earnings. The Belfast native, who previously earned significantly less than McIlroy on the European Tour, has now accumulated half of his fellow countryman’s 2025 winnings.
Despite finishing tied for 22nd at the LIV Golf Indianapolis event last Sunday, the 22-year-old managed to secure a notable £150,000 prize. This brings his total individual earnings for the year to around £3.2 million as the season wraps up with the Team Championship in Michigan.
Furthermore, McKibbin’s Legion XIII team also clinched second place in the team competition in Indianapolis, adding another £1.1 million to their tally. This translates to an extra £277,000 from the recent event alone. Meanwhile, McIlroy earned £326,000 for his T12 finish at the BMW Championship.
With four team victories and other strong performances throughout the year, McKibbin has garnered approximately £6.3 million in total earnings from LIV in 2025. Although he turned down McIlroy’s advice to avoid LIV’s offers, McKibbin is yet to secure his inaugural win with the organization.
In contrast, McIlroy, who achieved a career Grand Slam earlier this year by winning the Masters, has outstripped McKibbin’s earnings on the PGA Tour, amassing about £12.3 million so far this year, nearly double that of McKibbin.
While McKibbin’s earnings still lag behind McIlroy’s, the gap between them has notably decreased compared to previous years. McKibbin has managed to more than double his career earnings from the European and PGA Tours by joining LIV for just one season. However, he still has a considerable way to go to match McIlroy’s £80 million PGA Tour earnings.
Despite these contrasts, McKibbin should be pleased with his progress as he establishes himself in LIV and surpasses a golfing icon in earnings this year. Phil Mickelson, with six major victories, is yet to clinch a LIV win since leading the PGA exodus in 2022, finishing behind McKibbin in individual earnings.
McKibbin’s achievements within a short time at the Saudi-backed organization are commendable, indicating a promising future as he acclimates to LIV. Joining LIV as a newcomer this year and surrounded by top-tier teammates has undoubtedly been advantageous. Team captain Jon Rahm retained his individual championship despite not winning an individual event throughout the year.
Emerging in 20th place, McKibbin secured his spot among the lock zone positions for the upcoming year, while Mickelson ended the season in 24th place, barely securing the final lock spot. McKibbin witnessed McIlroy’s legendary status firsthand during The Open this year, emphasizing the long road ahead to match his fellow countryman’s legacy.
