McKibbin becomes the second player from Northern Ireland to make the switch to LIV Golf, with 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell already part of a circuit that has several other major winners.

Those include current US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, plus Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia.

The Holywood golfer has qualified for this year’s Open Championship, which will be held at Royal Portrush.

McKibbin turned professional in April 2021 and won his first DP World Tour event in June 2023 at the Porsche European Open in Germany. He also lost in a play-off at last year’s Italian Open.

His decision could jeopardise his prospects of securing a Ryder Cup debut this season, even though he was part of the Great Britain & Ireland team at the recent Team Cup in Abu Dhabi which Europe skipper Luke Donald used to look at player options for the biennial match against USA.

Speaking two weeks ago, former world number one McIlroy said he would find it “a little disappointing” if McKibbin did move to LIV.

“If I were in his position, which I think I have been before, and had his potential I wouldn’t make that decision,” McIlroy said.

“But I’m not him. I’m not in his shoes. He’s a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions.”

McIlroy added that he would continue to be a “fan” of the 22-year-old and “help him in whatever way I can”.