LIV Golf phenom’s Hong Kong Open chances for more than highlights

Tom McKibbin knows what’s on the line Sunday as he enters the final round of play LINK Open Hong Kong with a one shot lead.

When McKibbin opted to give up his PGA Tour card to join LIV Golf earlier this year, he knew the move would make it more difficult for him to win major championship starts. With LIV Golf yet to receive official World Golf Ranking points, McKibbin will have to rely on DP World Tour starts and exemptions granted to LIV Golf by governing bodies.

McKibbin played in two of the four championships this season, but his major league future for 2026 is up in the air. But that could change on Sunday if McKibbin can hold off a group of challengers, including Americans MJ Maguire and Peter Uihlein. Thanks to a recent decision by Augusta National Golf Club and the R&A, the winner of the Hong Kong Open will receive an invitation to the 2026 Masters and Open Championship. That’s why McKibbin and a number of his LIV Golf compatriots are pushing it this week.

“I think everyone came here knowing the spots were available,” McKibbin said Saturday. “It’s not a big deal to finish second or third, and that doesn’t really change. I can also keep my mindset to give it a good go.”

McKibbin opened the tournament by issuing a course record, 10-under 60 and backed it up with two straight 65s. For most of the week, it looked like it would be a smooth march to a major prize for the Northern Irishman, one that would not only end with trips to Augusta and Royal Birkdale, but also see him join a star-studded group of Hong Kong Open winners that includes his idol Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Tom Watson.

But Maguire’s Saturday 61 changed the complexion of Sunday’s final round. Maguire now sits just one shot behind McKibbin and has set his sights on disrupting the LIV phenom’s plans for 2026.

“Obviously there’s a lot to play for,” Maguire said. “So I’m just going to try to play one shot at a time and stay focused.”

Maguire, 33, is the 482nd ranked golfer in the world. His last Korn Ferry Tour start came in 2023. His only PGA Tour start came at the 2015 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Maguire will start Sunday with a shot against McKibbin, but won’t be the only contender within reach of the young star. Uihlein is two behind, Australia’s Scott Hend and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat are three behind. Charles Howell III and Louis Oosthuizen are four back.

McKibbin’s bid for a wire-to-wire victory hit an early roadblock Saturday when his bogey-free streak ended with a stroke on the third hole. But the 22-year-old bounced back with birdies at 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12. He got bogged down at 15 but birdied 16 and 17 to see off Maguire heading into Sunday’s final round clash.

“It was pretty good overall,” McKibbin said. “I felt the course was playing a little bit tougher – the pins looked tougher, but I played really nice golf. I held some good shots and everything is solid.”

Eighteen holes – and a pack of followers – stand between McKibbin and the two main tickets and a chance to join McIlroy on the long list of Hong Kong Open winners.

“Winning any tournament means a lot, and with the history behind this event and the people who have won it before, it would be very special,” McKibbin said.