Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin sealed his ticket to next year's Masters and The Open by dominating the Hong Kong Open. With two birdies in the first three holes and another at the par-three eighth, McKibbin set off on a 63 to finish seven shots clear of Peter Uihlein.
McKibbin began his final round with a blistering start that would have even the most seasoned competitors green with envy. Two birdies in the first three holes gave him an early lead, before he added another at the par-three eighth hole to stretch out his advantage to two shots over Uihlein at the turn.
As if on autopilot, McKibbin hit the accelerator with five of the next seven holes, a blistering display that effectively sealed the contest. Meanwhile, Uihlein's hopes were left in tatters as he stumbled to quadruple-bogey eight on the 14th hole.
The Northern Irishman made his only bogey of the round at the final hole but it was too little, too late for Uihlein who ultimately finished a distant second.
McKibbin, who claimed his only other pro victory at last year's European Open in Germany, said that playing some of the best golf he has ever played was an incredible feeling. He also revealed that building up a large lead coming into the final round felt strange but tried to stay focused and take advantage of any birdie opportunities.
With this dominant win, McKibbin has secured his place at next year's Masters and The Open, marking a significant milestone in his young career. McKibbin will be competing on his third Open appearance at Royal Birkdale, where he will have the chance to make history by driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time ever.
Golf fans can now look forward to witnessing more of McKibbin's impressive golfing skills as he takes on some of the world's top players in two of the sport's most prestigious events.
McKibbin began his final round with a blistering start that would have even the most seasoned competitors green with envy. Two birdies in the first three holes gave him an early lead, before he added another at the par-three eighth hole to stretch out his advantage to two shots over Uihlein at the turn.
As if on autopilot, McKibbin hit the accelerator with five of the next seven holes, a blistering display that effectively sealed the contest. Meanwhile, Uihlein's hopes were left in tatters as he stumbled to quadruple-bogey eight on the 14th hole.
The Northern Irishman made his only bogey of the round at the final hole but it was too little, too late for Uihlein who ultimately finished a distant second.
McKibbin, who claimed his only other pro victory at last year's European Open in Germany, said that playing some of the best golf he has ever played was an incredible feeling. He also revealed that building up a large lead coming into the final round felt strange but tried to stay focused and take advantage of any birdie opportunities.
With this dominant win, McKibbin has secured his place at next year's Masters and The Open, marking a significant milestone in his young career. McKibbin will be competing on his third Open appearance at Royal Birkdale, where he will have the chance to make history by driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time ever.
Golf fans can now look forward to witnessing more of McKibbin's impressive golfing skills as he takes on some of the world's top players in two of the sport's most prestigious events.