The two Northern Irish golfers have been close in the past, but a move to the rival tour could ruin that relationship.

DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento the lead for good with 2:20 remaining, De'Aaron Fox made five free throws amid two controversial calls in the final 33 seconds, and the host Kings hung on to defeat the Houston Rockets 132-127 on Thursday night.

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.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin consulted the world No. 3, who advised him to accept the PGA Tour card but the 22-year-old appears to be going to the rival circuit.

The ongoing rift in the golf world has created plenty of wild narratives, and another appeared to be developing this week when PGA Tour loyalist Rory McIlroy publicly advised friend and fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin against going to LIV Golf.

Rory McIlroy expressed disappointment at the idea of fellow Ulsterman Tom McKibbin potentially going to LIV Golf instead of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Rory McIlroy said he cautioned Tom McKibbin against joining LIV Golf because he did not believe that his protege was ready for all that it entails at this point of his young career.