There is plenty at stake on The International Series this week, with the winner earning a spot at The Masters and The Open Championship in 2026.
Unsurprisingly, there are a number of LIV Golf players in the field for the Hong Kong Open. Several will not get a better opportunity to secure a spot in two of the majors next season.
And one LIV star, in particular, is off to a flyer with his opening round.
LIV Golf star who ignored Rory McIlroy’s advice breaks the course record in the first round at the Hong Kong Open
Tom McKibbin raised plenty of eyebrows with his move to LIV ahead of the 2025 season. He had managed to earn his PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour.
Nevertheless, he decided to sign with LIV. Rory McIlroy admitted advising McKibbin against the move.
“I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making,” McIlroy said.
“Working so hard to get your tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement.
“I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot, if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.”
The Northern Irishman has gone on to have a promising year as part of Jon Rahm‘s Legion XIII side. They won the Team Championship at the end of the campaign.
And McKibbin could now get the chance to make his debut at The Masters next year.
McKibbin broke the course record at Hong Kong Golf Club in Thursday’s opening round. The 22-year-old made eight birdies and an eagle as he posted a 10 under par 60.
It should be noted that more than half the field were under par. So the youngster clearly has a lot of work to do before he secures his first victory on the Asian Tour.
How Tom McKibbin has performed in the majors in the early stages of his career
Many were surprised when McKibbin decided to join LIV. It certainly had the potential to be a real coup for the league, which focused more of their attention on signing more unproven prospects last winter.
He went on to finish in the top seven on four occasions. McKibbin ended the year 20th in the standings to ensure that he would retain his spot for 2026.
He is, however, still awaiting the moment it all comes together in the majors. McKibbin has not yet finished higher than 41st in one of the four biggest events of the year.
He ended up missing the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush – a course McKibbin knows extremely well.
Obviously, he will be hoping that he books his ticket to get another shot at The Open in the coming days, while a spot at The Masters is also up for grabs.
He is certainly off to a fantastic start.
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