McKibbin reaps rewards for snubbing McIlroy advice | Golf News

Tom McKibbin has said that his choice to be a part of LIV Golf and “back myself” has confirmed profitable following his spectacular victory at 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 in 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 last November and confirmed promise in January’s Team Cup for potential Ryder Cup contenders, will now be a 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 also strikes into the world’s top 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 said.

“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 also secured his place at Royal Birkdale in July, although his debut at Augusta will come a 12 months after he supported McIlroy’s bid to full his profession Grand Slam. “Very excited to go back and play my third Open, it’ll be very cool,” he said.

“And have that drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time ever be even more particular. I’ve watched them all for the last 15 years. Had the lows of the first one that Rory did to us and then last 12 months. Sitting there, late nights on Sunday and having to go to college on Monday. Watching the years of coverage and the historical past, I’m very excited to get there.

McKibbin, who also belongs to Holywood Golf Club, gained the Hong Kong Open at the same age McIlroy did in 2011 but posted a better rating. He dominated the competitors from the first spherical after an unbelievable 10-under 60 and never relinquished his benefit, ending with a 63 to attain 27-under-par at Fanling

His whole beat the earlier event file set by Major winners and Ryder Cup heroes Jose Maria Olazabal (2001) Ian Poulter (2010) and Patrick Reed (2024) by 5 photographs.On this evidence, McKibbin has what it takes to obtain comparable success.

This win signifies his second skilled victory, following his triumph at the European Open in Germany in 2023.