Although Rory McIlroy may eventually share Jon Rahm's optimism about the state of professional golf, he currently does not believe the sport is in its "golden era" -- as the Spaniard suggested on Tuesday.

Rory McIlroy was asked about his reaction to Tom McKibbin's alleged decision to sign with LIV Golf, and his answer was nearly 3 minutes long.

At the Dubai Desert Classic, Jon Rahm said “we’re living in a golden era right now for golf,” which Rory McIlroy didn’t quite agree with.

Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf bound Tom McKibbin is “giving up a lot to not really benefit that much” including an imminent chance to reach the world’s Top-10 if he leaves the PGA Tour.

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.

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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

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