Tom McKibbin says he ‘learned I’m good enough’ after winning the European Open.
Tom McKibbin says he’s “learned that I’m good enough to win” after clinching a sensational win at the European Open, with the Northern Irishman – who hails from the same town as Rory McIlroy – admitting “it will he probably won’t realize it.’ See you tomorrow’
- Tom McKibbin has won his first DP world title at the European Open
- The 20-year-old hails from the same Northern Irish town as Rory McIlroy
- He assisted his compatriot in winning the Memorial Tournament in Ohio
It seems like there is more than one star from Holywood. Tom McKibbin, who hails from the same Northern Ireland town of 12,000 as Rory McIlroy, demonstrated the magnitude of his own talent by winning his maiden DP World Tour title at the European Open on Sunday.
The 20-year-old only completed the Challenge Tour in November, but he capped his promising rookie season with a great two-stroke win at Green Eagle in Hamburg.
His winning putt came just over two hours before McIlroy started the final pair at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio, where he shared the lead with David Lipsky and Si Woo Kim.
With McIlroy seeking his 24th PGA Tour win and returning to form ahead of this month’s US Open, there was an opportunity for an exceptional sporting double from a small corner of County Down. That they came from the same Holywood Golf Club adds to the quirkiness of this beautiful story.
McKibbin has an awfully long way to go to justify weightier comparisons, but he clearly has the talent and temperament to make a name for himself.
Tom McKibbin won the European Open on the Green Eagle golf course in Hamburg
The 20-year-old Irishman claimed his first DP world title with a superb two-shot win
He opened his final round six under par and a pressurized six-way tie scenario for the lead.
While it was discouraging, he handled the challenge superbly with birdies on the fourth, sixth and ninth holes, putting two shots ahead of Germany’s Max Kieffer on the turn.
By the time McKibbin reached 14th, the two were level – the Northern Irishman failed on an erratic drive at 11 and dropped another with a five at 13 – and shortly afterwards Marcel Siem reached the clubhouse at seven under, meaning a tie between three .
The question was whether McKibbin could handle the heat, but he birdied 15 after a near miss with the water and ended up hitting one of the tournament’s shots when he hit a five behind a tree 205 yards from the green iron at eight feet.
He missed the eagle putt, but a birdie on the closing 70 made for a great breakout triumph.
He said: “I haven’t called yet but hopefully Rory can win tonight.”
He assisted Rory McIlroy, who hails from the same town in Northern Ireland, to win the Memorial Tournament in Ohio
“Winning means a lot to me – I’ve worked hard for it all my life, so to have it today is very special.” I’ve learned that I’m good enough to win. I’ve always believed that, but proving it today was something very special.
“I guess I learned a lot from failures, missed cuts, and minor failures.” It was nice to put the things I learned into action. It will probably only become clear tomorrow.
“There was a bit of nervousness on the 18th, but not as much as I expected.” Luckily, I was able to take the racquet with me. “It was such a good shot, it felt pretty amazing.”
World No. 335 McKibbin is expected to move up to No. 159 when the new rankings are released this week.