Witness history as 22-year-old Tom McKibbin from Antrim shoots a stunning course-record 60 at the 2025 Hong Kong Open! McKibbin, aiming for a spot at next year’s Masters and Open Championship, delivered an eagle and eight birdies in a bogey-free round, surpassing Aaron Rai’s previous record of 61. This incredible performance puts him in the lead, one shot ahead of Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond. Don’t miss the highlights of this record-breaking round and hear from McKibbin himself about his strategy and mindset. Subscribe for more golf highlights, player interviews, and tournament updates!
Keywords: Tom McKibbin, Hong Kong Open 2025, golf highlights, course record, 60 score, LIV Tour, Masters, Open Championship, Jazz Janewattananond, Asian Tour, golf news, professional golf.
Imagine sinking eight birdies and an eagle in a single round of golf, all while breaking a course record. That’s exactly what 22-year-old Tom McKibben did at the Hong Kong Open, firing a stunning 60 to seize the first round lead. But here’s where it gets controversial. McKibben, who joined the Breakaway LV Tour, is now on the cusp of securing a spot at next year’s Masters and Open Championship, a move that sparked debates about the future of professional golf. Is he a trailblazer or a disruptor? Let’s dive in. Hailing from Antrum, McKibben delivered the lowest round of his career at the Hong Kong Golf Club, shattering Englishman Aaron Ry’s official course record of 61. While American Patrick Reed shot a jaw-dropping 59 at the same event last year, it didn’t make the record books due to Preferred Lies being in place, a technicality that’s often overlooked by casual fans. And this is the part most people miss. Preferred lies can dramatically alter scoring conditions, making McKibben’s achievement even more impressive under standard rules. Finishing bogey-free at 10 under par, McKibben edged out Thailand’s jazz jane Watin and by a single shot. Reflecting on his performance, McKibben told the Asian Tour website, “It was obviously a very, very good round. I didn’t really miss too many shots, hold a few nice putts, and capitalized on the two par fives out there. His previous best, a 62 on the Challenge Tour in February 2022, pales in comparison to this record-breaking feat. Here’s the bold question. Does McKibben’s success on the LV Tour legitimize its place in the golf world, or does it further divide the sport? As he chases major championship dreams, his journey raises thought-provoking questions about loyalty, opportunity, and the evolving landscape of professional golf. What’s your take? Let’s hear it in the comments.
