Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin is gearing up for his third major tournament, the US PGA Championship, scheduled for May 15-18 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. At just 22 years old, McKibbin has already made a name for himself by competing in last year’s US Open and Open Championship, where he finished tied for 41st and tied for 66th, respectively.
Despite being ranked 115th in the world, McKibbin has opted for a different path this season by joining Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team on the LIV Golf tour, foregoing his debut season on the PGA Tour. He has already made a significant impact on the Saudi-backed circuit, earning two top-10 finishes and most recently placing 47th in South Korea.
The upcoming US PGA Championship features strong contenders, including defending champion Xander Schauffele and Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy, who will be looking to secure back-to-back major titles after his victory at the Masters last month. McKibbin will join a robust Irish lineup in Charlotte, which also includes Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, and 2008 champion Padraig Harrington.
McKibbin’s participation in such a prestigious event marks an exciting opportunity for the young golfer to showcase his talent on a major stage, and his journey reflects the potential for growth and success in the world of golf for players emerging from Ireland.