Watch Tom McKibbin dominate the Hong Kong Open with an incredible course record of 60.
Northern Ireland golfer Tom McKibbin leads the Asian Tour event after eagle and birdies.
McKibbin’s lowest round ever aims for Masters and Open Championship qualification.
Breaking Aaron Rai’s record at Fanling, beating LIV Golf member Patrick Reed’s unofficial 59.
Highlights include birdie on hole 2, eagle on 3, and bogey-free 10 under par.
Jazz Janewattananond second with 61, Graeme McDowell at 69.
Winner qualifies for 2026 Masters, top non-exempt for Royal Birkdale Open.
Tom McKibbin Hong Kong Open golf course record LIV Golf Masters Open Championship.
Imagine sinking eight birdies and an eagle in a single round of golf. All while setting a new course record. That’s exactly what Northern Ireland’s 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. Is this young golfer’s meteoric rise a sign of pure talent, or is it fueled by his recent switch to the LIV golf tour? Let’s dive in. At just 22 years old, Mkibin isn’t just playing golf. He’s rewriting his own history. His previous best round at a professional event was a 62 on the challenge tour in February 2022. But this performance at Fening shattered Englishman Aaron Rice official course record of 61. And this is the part most people miss. While fellow LIIV Golf member Patrick Ra shot an astonishing 59 at the same event last year, it didn’t make the official records due to preferred lies being in place. So, does Makibbin 60 hold more weight? It’s a question that’s sure to spark debate. Makibbin’s round was nothing short of masterful. He kicked things off with a birdie on the second hole, followed by an eagle on the third, and then strung together birdies on the eighth, 10th, 12th, and 13th holes. The Belfastborn golfer, who made the switch to LIIV golf for the 2025 season, capped off his round with three consecutive birdies starting on the 15th, finishing bogey free at 10 under par. This put him one shot ahead of Thailand’s Jin Watinand who carded an impressive 61. Here’s the bigger picture. Mukbin isn’t just playing for glory. He’s eyeing a spot at next year’s Masters and Open Championship. The winner of the Hong Kong Open will qualify for the 2026 Masters. While the highest place non-exempt player who makes the cut will earn a place in the 154th Open at Royal Burgdale in July. For McKibben, this could be a career-defining moment. Meanwhile, fellow Northern Irishman Graham McDow had a less than stellar day, sitting in 87th place after a one underpass 69. But all eyes are on McKibben, who humbly reflected on his achievement. I’ve shot 62, maybe four times before, but this was definitely my lowest. I think it might be very hard to beat. Now, here’s the question that could divide opinions. Is Makibbin’s success a testament to his skill? Or does his LIIV golf affiliation give him an H? And more importantly, does it matter? Let us know what you think in the comments below. One thing’s for sure, Tom McKibben is a name you want to remember.
