Hong Kong Open 2025 Round 2 highlights: Tom McKibbin dominates with a bogey-free 65, leading at -15.
Watch as the Northern Irish golfer from LIV Golf eyes qualification for the 2026 Masters and The Open at Royal Birkdale. Peter Uihlein, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Jazz Janewattananond trail at -13.
Key moments: McKibbin’s opening birdies, birdie streak from hole 12, and course record from Round 1.
Full leaderboard updates: Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, and more in contention.
Graeme McDowell misses cut at -4. Asian Tour action at Fanling Golf Club.
Golf fans, don’t miss this thrilling midway point analysis and what’s next for top players chasing major spots.
Imagine teeing off with the weight of a M’s invitation on your shoulders. That’s exactly what Tom McKibben is facing at the Hong Kong Open, where his stellar performance has him leading the pack and inching closer to golf’s most prestigious stage. But here’s where it gets controversial. McKibben, a recent LIIV golf recruit, is not just playing for personal glory. He’s also navigating the complex landscape of golf’s evolving circuits. Could his LIIV affiliation impact his master’s dreams? Let’s dive in. In the second round of the Hong Kong Open, McKibben solidified his position at the top with a remarkable 65, placing him at 15 underpar, two shots ahead of his closest competitors. Trailing behind our karate Afabanitus 13, Jaz Januandus 13, and Peter Yulanus3, all vying for their own shot at glory. Other notables include Sam Horsefield minus 9, Patrick Reed minus 6, and Paul Casey minus 6, while Graeham McDow plus4 missed the cut, leaving fans wondering what could have been. McKibben’s journey began with a bang, a course record 60 in the opening round at Fanling, a feat that turned heads across the Asian Tour. Though his Friday performance wasn’t as explosive, his bog-free five underpar round showcased his consistency and mental fortitude. The 22year-old from Northern Ireland started strong with two birdies in his first three holes and added three more in a row from the 12th, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss. The stakes here are massive. The Hong Kong Open winner earns a spot in the 2026 Masters, while the highest placed non-exempt player secures a place in the 154th Open Championship at Royal Burkdale in July. For McKibben, who missed the cut at the Open in July and has never played in the Masters, this is a career-defining opportunity. But let’s address the elephant in the room. McKibben’s association with LIIV golf. While LIIV has provided him with a platform, it’s also sparked debates about eligibility and tradition in golf’s major tournaments. Does his LIIV affiliation give him an edge, or does it complicate his path to the Masters? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. This is a conversation that’s far from over. As the tournament heads into the weekend, all eyes are on McKibben. Will he hold on to his lead and secure his spot in Golf’s Hallowed Halls? or will one of his competitors rise to the challenge? One thing’s for sure, the drama is just getting started. For the full leaderboard, check out the official Asian Tour scores. https www. Valuation tourcom reports URL equals https percent f percent fation authac percent fic percent ftm score cgi percent to earn percent di show tilda season percent d tilda percent dp percent escape tilda and IDE
