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.

The ongoing rift in the golf world has created plenty of wild narratives, and another appeared to be developing this week when PGA Tour loyalist Rory McIlroy publicly advised friend and fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin against going to LIV Golf.

Rory McIlroy said he advised good friend and fellow countryman Tom McKibbin against bolting for LIV Golf because he didn’t believe the sacrifice, at this stage of his career, was worth it.