McKibbin struggles as Guerrier leads in Sun City

Julien Guerrier of France smiles on the 18th hole on Day Two of the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2025 at Gary Player CC on December 06, 2024 in Sun City, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Tom McKibbin shot a second successive over-par rounds for the first time since September to find himself 13 shots off the pace in the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City.

The Newtownabbey star, who brilliantly clinched his PGA Tour card this season, added a 75 to his opening 77 at Gary Player Country Club to lie 59th in the 66-man field on eight-over.

France’s Julien Guerrier fired a remarkable 68 in extremely difficult conditions on day two, carding eight birdies and four bogeys in a rollercoaster second round as strong winds caused havoc.

“First of all, it’s a privilege to score under par in tough conditions like that,” who made eight birdies and four bogeys. “I am very pleased I made a lot of birdies.”

He leads by a shot on five under from compatriot Roman Languesque, who shot 70, and South Africa’s Ockie Strydom, who signed for a 73.

In Saudi Arabia, Chile’s Joaquin Niemann birdied the 18th to take a one stroke over Americans Peter Uihlein and Caleb Surratt into the final round of the $5million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

The LIV Golf star fired a six under 65 to lead on 17 under as he looks to make up for some disappointing final rounds in recent week..

A two-time individual winner on the LIV Golf League this year, he’s seeking his first 72-hole title since last year’s Australian Open.

Graeme McDowell’s most recent 72-hole win came in the Saudi International in February 2010 but his wait looks likely to go on after he had 33 putts in a one over 72 that left him joint last on two under at Riyadh Golf Club

It was also a disappointing day for the Irish in the final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School (Section D) qualifier at Pattana Sports Resort in Thailand.

Only the top 18 and ties progressed to the Final Stage later this month but there was no joy for Whitehead’s John Ross Galbraith or Kinsale’s John Murphy.

Galbraith closed with a three-over 73 to miss out by four strokes on four over par while Murphy retired on seven over after 54 holes following rounds of 69, 76 and 72.

Irish interest in the Asian Tour continues next week when Kevin Phelan, Declan Kenny and Paul Dunne play the Section F qualifier at Grand Prix Golf Club and Niall Kearney and Michael Young tee it up at Springfield Royal Country Club in Section G.

The Final Stage will be played at Lake View Resort and Golf Club from 17-20 December with the top-35 earning their cards after five rounds.