Crail, Scotland … A lucky 13-year-old Northern Ireland schoolboy has been invited to play alongside Rory McIlroy in the pro-am on May 18th May ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K. Club.

Tom McKibbin took up golf just before his ninth birthday and won the Junior Honda Classic by two strokes in Florida this year. In August 2015 he won the World Junior Championships aged 12. McIlroy won the same event at the age of nine and also the main Honda Classic in 2012.

Lucky 13-year old Tom McKibben (red shirt) will tee-up in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Pro-Am alongside Rory McIlroy.

“Tom McKibbin is a great talent,” said McIlroy, whose foundation is hosting the Irish Open for the second year. “I played a round with Tom in Florida recently and he is the real deal.

“At only 13 years of age I think he has a remarkable golfing future ahead of him. Having seen him play a couple of times now, he impresses me more each time. And I can think of no better place to showcase his talents than at the Irish Open at the K Club.”

McKibbin, who is from Co Antrim, said: “I met Rory while I was in Dubai last October and we got chatting while we were both practising. When I won the Honda Classic in Florida in January, Rory sent me a message and invited me to play golf with him.

“I have to thank Rory for inviting me to play. Not only do I get a day off school, but I get to play alongside one of the best golfers in the world. It’s getting close now and I’m pretty excited. I’ve been practising as often as possible.”

* Story thanks to Press Association.