HONG KONG — Tom McKibbin pulled away with a 7-under 63 at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday for a wire-to-wire victory and his first Masters appearance. It is the 22-year-old from Northern Ireland’s second win and he will also play in the British Open Championship.
When McKibbin signed with Saudi-owned LIV Golf in 2024, competing at Augusta National was on the agenda. But the Masters changed its criteria this year, designating six National Opens from which the winner can earn an invitation.
McKibbin started with a 60 and took a two-shot lead heading into the final round.
McKibbin still had a two-stroke lead over Peter Uihlein, but he birdied four of his five holes to start the back nine and win by seven strokes for the second time in his career.
He finished at 27 under 253. Uihlein’s hopes ended with a quadruple-bogey 8 on the 14th hole. The American finished with a 68.
The Hong Kong Open was attended by 29 full-time LIV Golf players, most of whom were given a rare chance to play in the Masters and next year’s British Open at Royal Birkdale. The only two LIV players on the field were former Masters champions on lifetime exemptions.
