McKibbin planning more DP World starts after solid start in Singapore
Tom McKibbin of Legion XIII waits on the sixth hole during the first round of LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club on Thursday, February 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
Tom McKibbin plans to play more DP World Tour events before The Open, but he’s focused on recovering from a poor finish to his opening round in the weather-reduced Porsche Singapore Classic
The Holywood star (22) opened with a three under 69 to share 24th place, four shots behind leaders Marcus Armitage and Matthew Jordan at Laguna National.
The first round was washed out due to 13 inches of rainfall and the tournament reduced to 54 holes.
But with big Ryder Cup qualifying points on the line, LIV Golf star McKibbin is determined to push on as he has few opportunities before he gets to Royal Portrush in July.
“I played very nicely today,” said McKibbin, who birdied his first three holes and picked up further shots at the 10th and 11th before playing his last seven in two over.
“Frustrating sort of finish, but I hit the ball really nice, and especially with a day off yesterday waiting around, it's nice to get out there and play some golf, but overall, a nice round to build on for tomorrow.”
Armitage and Jordan shot seven-under 65s to lead by a shot from Haotong Li, Jordan Smith, Manuel Elvira, Callum Shinkwin and Adrien Saddier.
Conor Purcell also birdied the first three holes but like McKibbin, he couldn’t keep up the pace and signed for a 73 that left him 83rd on one-over.
McKibbin has played well since his move to LIV Golf and racked up over €2.36m from his first four starts.
But he hopes to make a few more DP World Tour appearances before playing The Open in front of his home fans.
“It’s about an hour away from me and somewhere I played a lot of golf,” said McKibbin, who has been in Singapore for two weeks after finishing tied 25th in LIV Singapore on Sunday.
“So looking forward to getting there. I've got the LIV events to play up until then, and then I think I'll take a look and try to squeeze one or two more DP events in before that as well.
“So hopefully get a lot of golf in and be ready for that.”
