Tom McKibbin’s first start on the Asian Tour turned into a headline‑making win when the 22‑year‑old claimed the USD 2 million Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club on Sunday.
McKibbin shot a final‑round 63, seven strokes under par, to finish the tournament at 27‑under 253. His round broke the all‑time 72‑hole record for the event and matched the largest margin of victory in the tournament’s history. The win guarantees him spots at next season’s Masters and The Open, making him one of the most exciting newcomers in men’s golf.
American Peter Uihlein finished a solid seven points behind in seventh place with a 68. Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura, South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen, and American MJ Maguire were tied for third, a point off McKibbin. Among the Indian field, LIV Golf player Anirban Lahiri came in third, a 14‑under total, while SSP Chawrasia took four shots further back.
McKibbin explained his focus: “It was definitely amazing. I played some of the best golf I’ve ever played, and scoring that low here feels special.” He kept a one‑shot lead over Maguire at the start of the day, birdied five holes after the turn, and only had a single bogey on the final green.
Lahiri, who racked up a second‑time under‑par round, said the win would be remembered forever: “Breaking the record on such a historic course is a huge moment for me.” Uihlein was disappointed by the quadruple bogey on the 14th, but he framed it as a “mixed bag” and repeated his love for the course: “I love the course and the event; it’s one of my favourite stops of the year.”
McKibbin’s triumph comes at a particularly special moment. This year marked the first time that Augusta National Golf Club and the R&A will invite the Hong Kong Open champion to their majors. He will make his debut at the Masters and his third appearance at The Open, adding extra prestige to his already impressive start to a professional career.
The Asian Tour and its International Series will carry the momentum into the Moutai Singapore Open next week.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
