McIlroy Full Of Praise For Now Fellow Holywood Champion McKibbin.

11 months ago by Comments Off on McIlroy Full Of Praise For Now Fellow Holywood Champion McKibbin.

It speaks volumes for Rory McIlroy that despite his bitter final round disappointment at the Memorial he should speak highly of fellow Holywood golfer, Tom McKibbin.

The 20-year-old McKibbin created a unique golfing first for the Belfast-located golf club in capturing the Porsche European Open in Hamburg 14-years after fellow Holywood member McIlroy broke through for his maiden Tour title at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic.

Good friends and fellow Holywood club golfers Tom McKibbin and Rory McIlroy at the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo – DP World Tour/Getty)

McIlroy had achieved the feat at age 19-yeas and 8 months and in this 46th Tour event.

McKibbin matched the effort at age 20-years and 5 1/2 months but in only 26 tournaments, 20 less than McIlroy.

Soon after his Germany triumph, McKibbin was on Twitter wishing McIlroy a first success at the Memorial and thus hopefully making it a rare double at any golf club but alas it was not to be with McIlroy stumbling in posting a disappointing closing 75 to eventually share seventh place in ‘Jack’s event’.

However, it did not deter McIlroy speaking of McKibbin’s success earlier Sunday afternoon in far off Germany.

“I know Tom very well. I watched every shot this morning. I was really happy for him”, said McIlroy.

“For 20 years old he showed so much composure. And, yeah, look, he’s been, we’ve all known from back home the potential that he has, but I think to break through and win for the first time at 20 years old is, there’s a bright future ahead of him.

“And, yeah, just so happy and so proud of him, really. I’ve known Tom since he was 10 years old. And to see his progression and see where he is today and get that first win in Europe is, was really cool to see.”

Well said, Rory.



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