McKibbin reaps rewards for snubbing McIlroy advice – Sports News
Tom McKibbin has acknowledged that his choice to hitch LIV Golf and “back myself” has confirmed profitable following his spectacular victory on the Hong Kong Open, which earned him his first Masters invitation.
His fellow Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy, had beforehand warned him that by signing with the Saudi-funded circuit in January, he was “potentially sacrificing” alternatives to compete within the Majors and Ryder Cup.
Despite disregarding McIlroy’s advice and committing to LIV Golf, 22-year-old McKibbin, who secured a PGA Tour card for 2025 in Dubai final November and confirmed promise in January’s Team Cup for potential Ryder Cup contenders, will now be part of the title holder for his Masters marketing campaign in April after his dominant seven-stroke victory on his Asian Tour debut.
With two tournaments remaining on the DP World Tour – beginning in Abu Dhabi this week – he additionally strikes into the world’s prime 100, positioning himself as a contender for the 2027 European squad at Adare Manor.
“When I was deciding whether to join LIV it was a big factor but I seemed to back myself, played the best golf I can and see where that leads me,” McKibbin mentioned.
“I played two (Majors) last year and two next year. If you can play good golf that takes care of it and you can definitely still get in these big tournaments.”
McKibbin has additionally secured his place at Royal Birkdale in July, though his debut at Augusta will come a 12 months after he supported McIlroy’s bid to finish his profession Grand Slam. “Very excited to go back and play my third Open, it’ll be very cool,” he mentioned.
“And have that drive down Magnolia Lane for the primary time ever be even more particular. I’ve watched all of them for the final 15 years. Had the lows of the primary one which Rory did to us after which final 12 months. Sitting there, late nights on Sunday and having to go to high school on Monday. Watching the years of protection and the historical past, I’m very excited to get there.
McKibbin, who additionally belongs to Holywood Golf Club, gained the Hong Kong Open on the identical age McIlroy did in 2011 however posted a higher rating. He dominated the competitors from the primary spherical after an unimaginable 10-under 60 and by no means relinquished his benefit, ending with a 63 to succeed in 27-under-par at Fanling
His whole beat the earlier match document set by Major winners and Ryder Cup heroes Jose Maria Olazabal (2001) Ian Poulter (2010) and Patrick Reed (2024) by 5 photographs.On this proof, McKibbin has what it takes to realize comparable success.
This win signifies his second skilled victory, following his triumph on the European Open in Germany in 2023.
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