Tom McKibbin is set for a bumper payday on his LIV Golf debut as he fights on both fronts heading into the final round in Riyadh.
McKibbin trails leader Adrian Meronk by six shots at the opening event of the season but with his new Legion XIII team roaring eleven shots clear in the team event he could be on course to earn $1,358,000 in Saudi Arabia.
McKibbin is still in the hint for the $4 million individual prize after he carded four birdies and a bogey in a round of 69 to climb to ten-under and into a share of sixth place alongside team captain Jon Rahm.
Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt matched Rahm with rounds of 67 to ensure Legion XIII soared clear of Torque GC’s Munoz, Joaquin Niemann, Carlos Ortiz and Mito Pareira on 42-under.
“I played very similar to yesterday, putts just didn’t drop today, played very nicely,” said McKibbin who could pocket $750,000 as his cut from the $3m team prize fund.
“I tried to treat it as any other tournament, a lot different with it being at night, a few differences here and there but I treated it as any other tournament, I’ve played a lot of tournaments so try keep it the same and not panic too much.
“Today the ball was not as going far so tried to work that out, it was a little bit windier as well and it was very cold coming down those last few holes.”
Rahm has been impressed with McKibbin’s debut under the lights and is backing the 22-year-old to challenge Meronk on Saturday.
“Yeah, he’s a fantastic player, and to be honest, he doesn’t really look like he has any weaknesses,” Rahm said.
“He drives the ball great, hits it a long way, looks very good with the wedges and rolls it nicely.
“When you’re consistent across all aspects of the game, you’re going to be there or thereabouts. Yeah, he’s a fantastic player.
“Like I said earlier, I think we all expect him to do pretty well out here. It’ll take a little bit of time for him to get used to it with the warm-up situation on the range and finding a rhythm and being ready to go straight away when you get on the golf course, but so far he’s dealt with that really well.
“I’m sure he’ll go out tomorrow and put another good round of golf together.”
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