Tom McKibbin Chooses LIV Golf and Earns Masters Invite
Tom McKibbin made headlines by opting for LIV Golf over the PGA Tour. On Sunday, he won the Hong Kong Open, securing an invite to the 2026 Masters Tournament.
Against the Odds: LIV Golf Pathway
When McKibbin declined to join the PGA Tour and joined LIV Golf, he gave up a seemingly clearer route to major championships. LIV Golf events do not award World Ranking points, making it harder to qualify for majors through the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
To earn major invitations, McKibbin focused on limited appearances elsewhere, including the Asian Tour, where many LIV players competed.
Dominant Performance at Hong Kong Open
Entering the final round with a one-shot lead, McKibbin finished seven strokes ahead of the field. The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland shot a final round 63, complementing his opening 60, ending the tournament at 27 under par overall.
American Peter Uihlein took solo second place.
Major Championship Invitations
Thanks to recent changes in qualifying criteria, McKibbin's victory earned him invitations to the 2026 Masters and Open Championship.
“Very excited to go back and play my third Open, it will be very, very cool,” McKibbin said. “And to have that drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time ever, it will be even more special. You know, I think sort of historic tournaments like this deserve those spots, and yeah, it’s great to sort of take advantage of those.”
This victory marks a significant milestone for McKibbin, carving a unique path into golf’s most prestigious events despite the unconventional route through LIV Golf.
Author’s summary: Tom McKibbin's bold LIV Golf decision paid off as he won the Hong Kong Open, securing major championship invites through a revised qualification system.