Northern Ireland’s rising golf star, Tom McKibbin, continued his strong start at the 2025 Hong Kong Open by carding a second-round 65, maintaining a two-shot lead at the tournament’s halfway point. The 22-year-old, who joined LIV Golf earlier this year, began his Asian Tour campaign in spectacular fashion by setting a course record of 60 at Fanling Golf Club in the opening round.

While he could not quite replicate the record-breaking performance on Friday, McKibbin’s bogey-free five-under-par round demonstrated his consistency and determination, keeping him two shots clear of American Peter Uihlein and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond, who are tied for second place at 13 under par.

McKibbin started his second round with two birdies in his opening three holes, signaling that he was in control from the front. He then produced a stunning streak of three consecutive birdies from the 12th hole, taking him to 15 under par for the tournament at the midway stage.

The stakes are high at the Hong Kong Open, as the tournament offers significant rewards for players aiming to secure a spot in the 2026 Masters and the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next July. The event winner automatically qualifies for the Masters at Augusta National, while the highest-placed non-exempt player who makes the cut will earn a place in the Open field.

Despite his impressive form, McKibbin remains in pursuit of his first appearances in golf’s major championships. He has yet to play in the Masters and missed the cut at The Open at Royal Portrush in July. Nevertheless, his performance in Hong Kong demonstrates that he is firmly on track to achieve these career milestones.

Other notable players include Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, who finished four under par after 36 holes and missed the cut, and European Tour regulars Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Louis Oosthuizen, and Thomas Pieters, who are in contention with scores ranging from 12 to 13 under par.

With two rounds remaining, McKibbin’s challenge is to maintain his momentum at Fanling Golf Club, where a combination of precision iron play, accurate putting, and composure under pressure could see him capture a prestigious Asian Tour title and secure entry into golf’s elite major tournaments.

Leaderboard Highlights (After 36 Holes):

• -15: T McKibbin (NI)
• -13: K Aphibarnrat (THA), J Janewattananond (THA), P Uihlein (US)
• -12: C Howell (US), L Oosthuizen (SA), T Pieters (BEL)
• -9: S Horsfield (ENG)
• -6: P Reed (US), P Casey (ENG), T Gooch (US)
• -4: G McDowell (NI)

Fans and golf enthusiasts will be watching closely as McKibbin seeks to convert his halfway lead into a tournament victory, further cementing his status as one of Northern Ireland’s brightest golfing talents.