Tom McKibbin produced a spectacular opening round of 60 at the Hong Kong Open, establishing a new course record at Fanling.
The 22-year-old Northern Irishman surpassed Aaron Rai’s previous benchmark of 61, set during his victorious campaign in 2018.
The LIV Golf professional’s exceptional performance has positioned him strongly to claim one of the tournament’s most coveted prizes.
Victory would secure exemptions to both the Masters at Augusta and the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next year.
Tom McKibbin has been tipped as Northern Ireland’s next golfing sensation
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These Major championship berths are reserved for the highest-finishing competitor not already qualified.
McKibbin has never competed at the Masters, making this opportunity particularly significant for the young golfer who currently sits 109th in the world rankings.
McKibbin’s remarkable round comes after he chose to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team earlier this year, reportedly securing £3.4 million despite counsel from Rory McIlroy to remain on traditional tours.
His fellow Holywood Golf Club member had cautioned him about jeopardising opportunities to compete in Major championships and the Ryder Cup.
The decision proved financially rewarding, with McKibbin accumulating approximately £4.4 million during his inaugural LIV campaign.
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He concluded the individual standings in 17th position, having earned over £4.3 million in prize money alone.
Despite maintaining his DP World Tour membership, his world ranking has declined from inside the top 100 to his current 109th position, leaving him without automatic Major qualification for 2025.
McKibbin acknowledged that the prospect of securing Major championship berths provided significant motivation for his exceptional performance.
Tom McKibbin had been Rory McIlroy’s protege, who defied him to join LIV Golf
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“For these events to have those spots up for grabs, they definitely motivate you to go out and play well, knowing what’s sort of on the table come the end of the week,” he told bunkered.co.uk.
The Ulster golfer revealed his aggressive approach contributed to his record-breaking score.
“I came in with the mindset to aim at every flag and hope for the best. Obviously that worked today. Whether or not I keep deciding to do that, we’ll see, but maybe I just keep on that mentality and just go for it.”
The Hong Kong tournament has attracted 33 LIV Golf competitors, including 29 who participated throughout the entire season. Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel stand as the sole players already qualified for Augusta through previous victories.
Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, endured a challenging start after arriving in the former British colony at 5am on Wednesday. The Northern Irishman posted an opening 69 without his golf clubs, which failed to arrive.
Tom McKibbin is desperate to take part in The Masters next year
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“I played like a man that’s had two months off,” McDowell admitted. “A little under-prepped and underplayed coming into this one.”
Additional Major qualifying opportunities await LIV professionals at December’s Australian Open and February’s South African Open, both offering Masters invitations.
