Hong Kong, Nov 2 (NationPress) Tom McKibbin’s inaugural appearance on the Asian Tour is one for the books as he claimed victory at the prestigious USD 2 million Hong Kong Open held at the renowned Hong Kong Golf Club this past Sunday.

With a remarkable final round of seven-under-par 63, the Northern Irish golfer achieved a spectacular start-to-finish win, finishing with a four-round total of 27-under 253.

American Peter Uihlein was the closest contender, concluding with a 68 to finish seven strokes behind. Meanwhile, Tomoyo Ikemura from Japan (65), South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen (67), and America's MJ Maguire (70) tied for third place, each a shot further back in this seventh event of The International Series, part of the LIV Golf-supported tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar.

Among the Indian participants, Anirban Lahiri of LIV Golf stood out, carding his fourth consecutive under-par round with a two-under 68, totaling 14-under, which was 13 shots behind McKibbin. SSP Chawrasia also shot a 68, finishing four shots further back at 10 under, one ahead of Ajeetesh Sandhu (68).

McKibbin’s stellar performance not only set a new tournament record for 72-hole low scoring but also matched the largest victory margin, securing him invitations to The Open and the Masters Tournament next year.

“It was amazing,” expressed the 22-year-old after achieving his second professional win. “I played some of the best golf I have ever played. Shooting those scores here is truly special.”

The LIV Golf star, who represents Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team, began the day with a one-shot lead over Maguire and maintained his advantage on the front nine, carding birdies on holes one, three, and eight. He extended his lead in the latter half with birdies on holes 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, despite a bogey on the final hole being only his third of the week.

“This means a lot. With such a historic tournament and many great players who have won here, to hold the scoring record is special and will stay with me forever,” he added.

The previous 72-hole low was 22-under, held by Jose María Olazábal (2002), Ian Poulter (2010), and Patrick Reed (2024), while Bernhard Langer and Bill Brask won by seven in 1991 and 1984, respectively.

This victory comes at a pivotal time as it marks the first instance where Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A have invited the winner to their Majors. McKibbin will make his debut at the Masters Tournament and will participate for the third time in The Open.

“I’m thrilled to return for my third Open. Driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time will be extra special. Historic tournaments like this deserve these opportunities, and I’m grateful to take advantage of them,” he noted.

In a disappointing turn, fellow LIV Golf star Uihlein encountered a quadruple bogey eight on the par-four 14th, eliminating him from contention, yet he managed to secure second place.

“Today was mixed – a tough quad out there. I also had a triple bogey this week, so finishing second despite that is something I’ll take,” he remarked.

“I love the course, appreciate the event, and enjoy being here for LIV. It’s genuinely one of my favorite stops of the year, and I’ll keep coming back as long as I’m playing,” he added.

As for McKibbin, he stated, “Unreal. He played incredibly well. There’s nothing more to say – shooting seven-under on a Sunday is remarkable. He only missed one green, and even then, he made par. He was so efficient and composed. It was truly impressive to witness.”

The Asian Tour and The International Series will next head to the Moutai Singapore Open next week.