Tom McKibbin has become the latest among the procession of golfers to depart the struggling LIV Tour and announced his intention to return to the DP World Tour for the 2027 season.
The 23-year old Down golfer confirmed his departure from the breakaway tour in a post on X on Friday evening, saying he indented to commit to a “full schedule” on a DP World Tour next year.
“After two seasons with Legion XIII, I have decided not to sign with LIV Golf for its next chapter,” McKibbin wrote.
“I will be playing a full schedule on the DP World Tour in 2027.
“Joining LIV Golf was the right decision for me at the time, and I’m grateful for everything it has given me.
“Playing alongside Jon [Rahm], Tyrrell [Hatton] and Caleb [Surratt] taught me more than I could have imagined. Thank you to them, the team staff and everyone at LIV Golf for making me feel at home from day one.
“I’ve taken time to think about what’s best for me and I am confident this to is the right decision to help me achieve my goals.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last two years. See you in 2027.”
McKibbin, the 2023 European Open champion, defected to the LIV Tour at the beginning of 2025 against the advice of his mentor and fellow Holywood native Rory McIlroy.
He joined Rahm’s Legion XIII team, finishing top of the 2025 LIV Golf League team standings.
Tyrrell Hatton will “not be a part of LIV 2.0”
Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal of funding from the breakaway tour has sparked a mass exodus of players over the course of 2026. LIV is attempting to relaunch in 2027 as LIV 2.0. with new money from BC Partners Capital.
Rahm, arguably the most high profile defecter to LIV, announced his intention to leave the tour last month.
On Friday, Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton announced their intention to leave LIV.
Hatton wrote on his Instagram story on Friday evening: “Wanted to confirm that I will not be a part of LIV 2.0. A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds.”
Last week, DP World Tour chief executive officer Guy Kinnings warned that players who signed up for the LIV Tour in 2027 would be barred from playing in the DP World Tour next season, saying it was time for players to “make a choice.”