20-year-old from Rory McIlroy's home club wins on DP World Tour
Another Holywood Golf Club product has joined Rory McIlroy as a DP World Tour winner.
A professional tour player from Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland just won on the DP World Tour... and it wasn't Rory McIlroy.
However, McIlroy, does have his own chance at winning this Sunday.
The 34-year-old, who grew up playing at Holywood Golf Club, has a share of the lead heading into Sunday's final round of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament.
He's tied with two others at 6-under par as he seeks his 24th career PGA Tour title.
But on the other side of the Atlantic, another player who grew up playing at the same club found his own tour win.
Just two boys from Holywood Golf Club @tommckibbin8 is tied for the lead on -6 at the Porsche European Open.@McIlroyRory is tied for the lead on -6 at the Memorial Tournament. #PEO23 pic.twitter.com/ibLm8ZYvNK
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 4, 2023
Twenty-year-old Tom McKibbin, who also grew up playing golf at what's become known as McIlroy's home club, shot a final-round 70 in Hamburg, Germany on Sunday to earn his maiden DP World Tour victory.
"We have a new star from Holywood, Northern Ireland!"
Welcome to the winners circle, @tommckibbin8 #PEO23 pic.twitter.com/uxj2R0bIpw— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 4, 2023
He went into Sunday's final round of the Porsche European Open as part of a six-way tie for the lead.
However, on a tough day at Green Eagle Golf Courses, his 3-under round was one of the lowest of the day and, more importantly, was enough to get the job done.
McKibbin went bogey-free on the front nine with three birdies, and after two early bogeys after the turn, he bounced back with two more birdies for an even-par back nine.
He had just a one-stroke lead as he approached the par-5 18th, with a group still behind him.
In a tournament-defining moment, McKibbin rose to the occasion, with an incredible approach shot that went from just over 200 yards to seven feet.
WHAT A SHOT!
From over 200 yards, @tommckibbin8 hits it to 7ft at the last! The closest approach into the final hole all day.#PEO23 pic.twitter.com/IUSwauWAUT— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 4, 2023
He narrowly missed the eagle putt that followed, but was still able to grab a comfortable two-stroke lead with a tap-in birdie.
A trio of players ultimately finished two strokes back of McKibbin, who won with a tournament total of 9-under par.
Now, McIlroy has his own chance in Dublin, Ohio, to secure a second victory for Holywood Golf Club and Northern Ireland this week.
