Tom McKibbin is making his debut appearance at the Masters and should his career continue on its expected trajectory then he will become a regular fixture at Augusta National.
McKibbin earned his spot in the field this week courtesy of his Hong Kong Open victory last November and he undertook a scouting mission of Augusta with Tyrrell Hatton prior to the Masters in order to best prepare himself for what is to come.
The 23-year-old may still be boosting his experience points in the major championships but he has proven to have the aptitude, making the cut on his debut at the three other majors. No rookie has won the Masters since 1979 although some first timers have come very close in recent years with Sungjae Im, Will Zalatoris and Ludvig Åberg coming second in this decade.
Compared to rookies like Chris Gotterup, Ben Griffin and Jacob Bridgeman, McKibbin is coming in under the radar but his LIV Golf colleague and two-time Green Jacket winner Bubba Watson believes he has everything you need to become a major contender.
“The sky is the limit for Tom. He is so talented,” Watson told IrishGolfer.ie. “The way he approaches the game is very nice, his calmness – we all have moments – the way he works outside the tournament, the way he is dedicated outside of the tournament, when it comes to stretching, gym, practice, eating, staying focused, he is very committed which is what you have to be.
“For a guy that young to have that already and you don’t have to bring it out of him is a big step forward.”
In February, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) announced that LIV Golf events would be eligible for ranking points for the first time with the top-10 finishers in LIV events this season earning points. One would think that this criteria will be increased for next season and Watson believes the OWGR should be trying its best to deliver a clear pathway for LIV’s young players – like McKibbin – to be able to play in the majors.
“The world rankings are great I think over the next year or so I see changes because I think they are going to want a Tom McKibbin in the majors and I think obviously they will make some changes that are better for the LIV players. They want a guy like that competing at a high level in big tournaments so yes, the upside for Tom competing in those big events are extremely high.
“There’s nothing that I’ve seen from him that’s a negative. We all have bad days, we all have bad tournaments and bad moments but as the overall package he is a top notch package and deserves the chance to play in the big events.”
McKibbin becomes the ninth different golfer from Northern Ireland to compete at the Masters.
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