Tom McKibbin has stated that his decision to join LIV Golf and “back myself” has proven successful following his impressive victory at the Hong Kong Open, which earned him his first Masters invitation.
His fellow Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy, had previously warned him that by signing with the Saudi-funded circuit in January, he was “potentially sacrificing” opportunities 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 showed promise in January’s Team Cup for prospective Ryder Cup contenders, will now join the title holder for his Masters campaign in April after his dominant seven-stroke victory on his Asian Tour debut.
With two tournaments remaining on the DP World Tour – starting in Abu Dhabi this week – he also moves 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 year after he supported McIlroy’s bid to complete his career 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 special. 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 year. Sitting there, late nights on Sunday and having to go to school on Monday. Watching the years of coverage and the history, I’m very excited to get there.
McKibbin, who also belongs to Holywood Golf Club, won the Hong Kong Open at the same age McIlroy did in 2011 but posted a better score. He dominated the competition from the first round after an incredible 10-under 60 and never relinquished his advantage, finishing with a 63 to reach 27-under-par at Fanling
His total beat the previous tournament record set by Major winners and Ryder Cup heroes Jose Maria Olazabal (2001) Ian Poulter (2010) and Patrick Reed (2024) by five shots.On this evidence, McKibbin has what it takes to achieve comparable success.
This win signifies his second professional victory, following his triumph at the European Open in Germany in 2023.
