The two Northern Irish golfers have been close in the past, but a move to the rival tour could ruin that relationship.

Rory McIlroy has never hidden his frustration with Greg Norman, frequently criticizing the Australian as he helped launch the LIV Golf League and, in McIlroy’s mind, initiated the schism with the PGA Tour that has harmed men’s professional golf.

Rory McIlroy said he cautioned Tom McKibbin against joining LIV Golf because he did not believe that his protege was ready for all that it entails at this point of his young career.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin consulted the world No. 3, who advised him to accept the PGA Tour card but the 22-year-old appears to be going to the rival circuit.

All the while, McIlroy will attempt to win a fifth career major after a 10-year drought filled with close calls. Recently, he has had second-place finishes at the past two U.S. Opens and one runner up at the 2022 Masters. There was also a heartbreaking third place behind winner Cam Smith at the 150th Open at St. Andrews.