Jon Rahm backs Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin as future major winner ahead of Irish Open at Doonbeg
Jon Rahm has backed LIV Golf teammate Tom McKibbin to become a major champion, insisting the young Northern Irishman has "all the tools" required to reach the sport’s summit as he looks to make an impression at the Irish Open.
McKibbin, 23, linked up with Rahm’s Legion XIII side on the breakaway circuit in 2024, and the Spaniard believes the Ulsterman possesses the talent and temperament to compete for golf’s biggest titles.
It has been a steady rather than spectacular campaign for McKibbin, who has recorded two top-10 finishes on the LIV tour and finished tied sixth at the British Masters on the DP World Tour two weeks ago.
Like Rahm, however, questions remain over his long-term future with LIV amid the league’s reported financial uncertainty.
His schedule beyond next season remains unclear, particularly after DP World Tour officials informed LIV players they are unlikely to be permitted to move freely between both tours next year.
On the course, though, Rahm has no doubts about McKibbin’s credentials, pointing to the foundations of a game he believes can eventually stand up on major-championship Sundays.
"He's got all the tools to win a major, and I hope he does someday. Technically, very few people are better than him at swinging the golf club," Rahm told a press conference at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Co. Clare.
"He'll keep gaining the right experience and definitely give himself a chance someday, but yeah, he has what he needs to win one."
Newtownabbey’s McKibbin, already a winner on both the DP World Tour and Asian Tour, endured a difficult run in the majors this year, missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship and Open Championship.
He was also absent from the US Open.
Rahm, however, sees little reason for alarm.
“He's a fantastic golfer and a great young man,” added the two-time Irish Open winner. “I'm always very impressed by his composure.
“He always has a smile on his face. He's always happy. He's always content. He's not really - it's very difficult to rattle him and throw him off balance.
"With that aside, as well he's got great technique and great golf game. It's a joy to watch him play golf.
“Every time we're on the range warming up together, I always go up to his caddie, Rickie, and I tell him, 'Does he ever get bored of watching the same shot over and over and over?' because he really doesn't miss.
“I mean, it's a one-yard draw every single time. Beautiful swing and beautiful ball flight.
"Again, I don't think he needed much from me. He's not the most talkative person either. He's quite quiet, but very observant.
“He's learned more from observing what I do and what other players do rather than me talking. But he's a very impressive young man.”