Teenager Tom McKibbin is keen to build on the best performance of his professional career to date when he tees it up in this week’s Jonsson Workwear Open, after just missing out on a maiden European Challenge Tour victory on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman led going into the final round of the Bain's Whisky Cape Town Open before finishing in a share of third place – his best result so far on the Challenge Tour – two shots behind South African JC Richie, who defeated compatriot Jaques Blaauw in a play-off to retain his title.
McKibbin has taken plenty of confidence from being in contention so early in his career despite having played few competitive rounds over the last few months, with his course record-equaling ten under par second round of 62 at Royal Cape Golf Club a sign of his obvious potential.
“There are a lot of positive to take from last week,” said McKibbin. “Being in with a chance to win was nice and hopefully I can try and do this more this year. Having not played much competitive golf over the winter and then to start out like that has given me such confidence in my ability to prepare.
“I want to keep playing good golf, get better every week and see where that leads me to at the end of the year. I will take it week by week and see what happens.”
The 19-year-old, who hails from Holywood – the same town as four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, has made the journey from Cape Town to Duban for the third of seven consecutive co-sanctioned tournaments between the Challenge Tour and Sunshine Tour at the start to the 2022 season.
“My time in South Africa has been awesome,” he said. “Obviously last week made it even better but the weather has been great. Being able to get out of the cold and bad weather at home and compete this early in the year is really good for me and my preparation.”
“The course looks pretty tricky and pretty tight. There’s a lot of bushes so I think I will be hitting a lot of safe shots off the tee again. It looks in great condition and I think it will provide a true test of golf.”
The Jonsson Workwear Open will take place from Thursday February 24 – Sunday February 27 at Durban Country Club and Mount Edgecombe Country Club.
