Tom McKibbin Chooses LIV Golf and Wins Hong Kong Open
Tom McKibbin made headlines by joining LIV Golf instead of the PGA Tour. On Sunday, he won the Hong Kong Open, securing an invitation to the Masters Tournament.
Shift from PGA Tour to LIV Golf
By opting for LIV Golf, McKibbin gave up a more conventional route to major championships. LIV Golf events do not currently award World Ranking points, making it harder to qualify for majors through the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
Victory at the Hong Kong Open
McKibbin competed in the Asian Tour event alongside many LIV Golf professionals. Entering the final round with a one-shot lead, he dominated to win by seven strokes. The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland finished with a 27-under total, including a closing round of 63 and an opening round of 60.
Earned Invitations to Majors
The Hong Kong Open win qualified McKibbin for the 2026 Masters and Open Championship due to recent changes in qualifying criteria.
“Very excited to go back and play my third Open, it will be very, very cool,” McKibbin said. “And to have that drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time ever, it will be even more special. You know, I think sort of historic tournaments like this deserve those spots, and yeah, it’s great to sort of take advantage of those.”
American Peter Uihlein finished in second place.
Author's Summary
By choosing LIV Golf, Tom McKibbin risked his path to majors but secured a Masters and Open Championship invite after winning the Hong Kong Open decisively.