Celebrity Fan Web – Tom McKibbin made history by winning the Hong Kong Open on Sunday, marking his first qualification for the Masters and securing his place for The Open. The 22-year-old Holywood golfer led the prestigious Asian Tour event from the first round and remained consistent throughout, sealing the victory at Fanling.
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McKibbin, a member of the LIV Golf Tour, entered the tournament in remarkable form, shooting an official course record 60 on Thursday. His strong start set the tone for the rest of his week. Having previously won on the European Tour in 2023, McKibbin proved he was ready to compete at the highest level once again.
Heading into the final round, McKibbin maintained a narrow one-shot lead over MJ Maguire. In the last round, he produced a stellar 63, finishing the tournament at 27 under par. The warm, overcast conditions didn’t slow him down as he recorded eight birdies, including five on the back nine.
Reflecting on his performance, McKibbin said, “I played some of the best golf I’ve ever played, so to shoot those scores around here is pretty special.” He also acknowledged the significance of the win, stating, “For a tournament with so much history behind it and great players who have won this tournament, to have the scoring record is pretty special, and it’s something that will live with me forever.”
McKibbin’s victory is not just a personal achievement but also a dream come true. “I dreamt of doing this since I was a young kid, and they come true if you train hard enough,” he added.
McKibbin’s Milestone Victory Sets Stage for Future Success
With his victory, McKibbin earned spots in both the Masters and The Open, two of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. He will now play in his first Masters at Augusta, an event he described as “even more special.” The excitement of driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time adds another layer of significance to his career breakthrough.
The Hong Kong Open is one of the elevated events in the 2025 International Series on the Asian Tour. It also holds special significance as a qualifier for both the Masters at Augusta and The Open at Royal Birkdale. As a result, McKibbin’s win not only brings him personal glory but also places him among the elite players aiming for success on the world’s biggest stages.
Peter Uihlein finished second at 20 under, while American MJ Maguire tied for third. McKibbin’s club-mate, five-time major winner Rory McIlroy, is the current Masters champion, adding extra meaning to McKibbin’s upcoming debut at the event.
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Looking ahead, McKibbin expressed his excitement for the future, saying, “I’m very excited to go back and play in my third Open, and to have that drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time will be even more special.” His victory at the Hong Kong Open not only marks a major milestone in his career but also signals the beginning of what could be an exciting future in golf.