Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will go up against each other in Dubai this week, and the pair are in disagreement over the current state of men's professional golf amid the PGA Tour-LIV fallout

Rory McIlroy has responded to Jon Rahm's comments that men's professional golf is currently in a 'golden era', but the two stars have differing views on the topic

Jon Rahm is set to captain LIV Golf for the 2025 campaign, with Tom McKibbin among the first new signings for the breakaway league after being offered the chance to join from the DP World Tour

Tom McKibbin looks set to make the move to LIV Golf by joining Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team for 2025, and the Northern Irishman's countryman Rory McIlroy has had his say

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

Tom McKibbin, who has been mentored by McIlroy after following him through the ranks at Holywood Golf Club on the outskirts of Belfast, is believed to be set for an imminent switch to LIV Golf, with $5 million over two years being rumoured as the fee that has lured the 22-year-old to join Jon Rahm’s Legion III team.

Tom McKibbin strongly linked with a move to Jon Rahms Legion XIII team in the LIV Golf League; Rory McIlroy has spoken to McKibbin about the possible switch; Watch both in action at the Hero Dubai Des

Rory McIlroy has expressed his disappointment at the prospect of fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin joining LIV Golf and has warned him it is not worth the sacrifice.

DP World Tour star Tom McKibbin has been heavily linked with a move to the LIV Golf setup and Jon Rahm's team, and the pair are in action at this week's Dubai Desert Classic