Tom McKibbin has won the Hong Kong Open on his Asian Tour debut by seven shots to secure his first Masters invite after ignoring Rory McIlroy’s advice to join LIV Golf
Tom McKibbin went against Rory McIlroy’s advice by joining LIV Golf(Image: Luke Walker, Getty Images)
Tom McKibbin declared his choice to join LIV Golf and “back myself” had paid off with his remarkable triumph at the Hong Kong Open – earning him a maiden Masters invitation.
Rory McIlroy had cautioned his fellow Northern Irishman that he was “potentially sacrificing” opportunities to compete in the Majors and Ryder Cup by signing with the Saudi-funded circuit in January.
McKibbin, 22, had secured a PGA Tour card for 2025 in Dubai last November and impressed in January’s Team Cup for prospective Ryder Cup contenders. However, after disregarding McIlroy’s guidance and committing to LIV Golf, McKibbin will now accompany the title holder for his Masters campaign in April following his commanding seven-stroke triumph on his Asian Tour debut.
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He also climbs into the world’s top 100 with two tournaments remaining on the DP World Tour – beginning in Abu Dhabi this week – 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,” said McKibbin. “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 also secures his spot for Royal Birkdale in July, though his Augusta debut will arrive a year after supporting McIlroy’s quest 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.
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“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 is also a member of Holywood Golf Club, captured the Hong Kong Open at the same age as McIlroy did in 2011 but with a superior score.
Rory McIlroy initially struggled after winning the Masters in April(Image: Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
He controlled the tournament from the opening round after a stunning 10-under 60 and maintained his lead throughout, closing with a 63 to reach 27-under-par at Fanling. His total was five strokes better than the previous tournament record held by Major champions and Ryder Cup stars Jose Maria Olazabal (2001) Ian Poulter (2010) and Patrick Reed (2024).
Based on this performance, McKibbin has the potential to reach similar heights.
“It was obviously amazing, I played some of the best golf I’ve probably ever played,” he said. “To have that sort of golf and to shoot those scores around here is pretty special.”
The victory marks his second professional triumph following his European Open success in Germany in 2023.