Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin wins the Hong Kong Open by seven shots, securing his debut at the Masters and a spot in the British Open.
HONG KONG: Tom McKibbin has qualified for the Masters and the British Open for the first time after winning the Hong Kong Open by seven shots on Sunday.
The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland led the prestigious Asian Tour event from the first round to secure a dominant victory at Fanling.
McKibbin, who plays on the LIV Golf tour, ignited his title charge by shooting an official course-record 60 in the opening round on Thursday.
He fired a final-round 63 in warm and overcast conditions on Sunday to finish on 27 under par.
McKibbin carded eight birdies in his final round, including five in his last nine holes.
He stated that he had dreamt of such a victory since childhood and that dreams come true with hard training.
The Belfast-born golfer is a club mate of current Masters champion and five-time major winner Rory McIlroy.
American Peter Uihlein finished second at 20 under par.
Fellow American M.J. Maguire, who had been one shot behind overnight, finished tied for third another shot back.
The Hong Kong Open is an elevated International Series event on the 2025 Asian Tour, bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf.
It is one of a select number of national opens worldwide granted status as a qualifier for next year’s US Masters at Augusta.
The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the British Open, which will be held at Royal Birkdale. – AFP
