Tranlate this title Jon Rahm picks young LIV golfer who has everything needed to win a major in spanish

Jon Rahm has backed Tom McKibbin to become a major champion in the future, despite the Northern Irishman still waiting for the kind of breakthrough many expected after his move to LIV Golf.

McKibbin joined Rahm’s Legion XIII team ahead of the 2025 season, putting him alongside one of the best players of his generation. The move was viewed as an opportunity for the young golfer to develop while competing with and learning from established names such as Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

However, his record in the majors has so far been difficult. McKibbin missed the cut at the 2026 Masters, PGA Championship and Open Championship, while his best result remains a tie for 41st at the 2024 U.S. Open.

That has created questions about how quickly the 23-year-old can turn his obvious talent into results on the biggest stages. Rahm, who has spent a lot of time watching McKibbin at close range, does not appear concerned about his long-term ceiling.

Rahm sees major-winning ability in McKibbin

Speaking ahead of the Irish Open, Rahm praised both McKibbin’s personality and his technical level, saying the Northern Irishman is difficult to knock out of his rhythm.

“He’s a fantastic golfer and a great young man. 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-way 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.”

Rahm then gave an even clearer assessment when asked whether McKibbin has the level required to win one of golf’s four biggest tournaments.

“He’s got all the tools to win a major, and I hope he does some day. I hope he does some day. Like I said, technically, very few people are better than him swinging the golf club.

He’ll keep gaining the right experience and definitely give himself a chance some day, but yeah, he has what he needs to win one.”

Rahm has backed McKibbin since before his LIV move

Rahm’s latest comments are not the first time he has spoken highly of McKibbin. In January 2025, before the Northern Irishman officially joined Legion XIII, the Spaniard was already publicly describing him as a player with a very high ceiling.

At the time, McKibbin had earned a PGA Tour card through his 2024 DP World Tour season, but he eventually decided to join LIV Golf instead. That decision didn’t produce positive reactions, especially because he was still only 22 and appeared to have a clear route onto the PGA Tour.

Jon argued then that LIV could still be an environment where a young golfer could develop. Asked about McKibbin before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, he said the competition could help players grow quickly before adding:

“He’s a fantastic player, and the possibilities for him are endless whenever he decides to do.”

The move was confirmed later that month, with McKibbin joining Rahm, Hatton and Caleb Surratt on Legion XIII. He had already won the 2023 Porsche European Open and finished the 2024 DP World Tour season inside the top 20 of the Race to Dubai, results that helped build expectations around him.

His major record has not yet matched those expectations. McKibbin did make the cut at the 2025 PGA Championship, finishing tied for 50th, but he then missed the cut at the 2025 Open and at three majors in 2026.

Still, Rahm’s assessment is based on more than tournament results. After two seasons as teammates, the two-time major winner has seen McKibbin’s ball-striking, temperament and daily work from close range.

The young golfer has a bright future ahead of him, with many experts and analysts believing that he can achieve big things if he remains equally motivated and focused. The Northern Irishman, however, does not want to put unnecessary pressure on himself and prefers to take things one challenge at a time.