Tom McKibbin: Holywood golfer excited to play in his first Masters

Tom McKibbin says making his Masters debut in the same year Rory McIlroy defends his title with be “pretty special”.

The 23-year-old has long envisioned playing Augusta National and will tee off at the iconic venue this April as McIlroy returns as champion.

While the Holywood golfers enter this year’s Masters at opposite ends of the Augusta scale, McKibbin feels this will add to the occasion.

“It’s pretty cool,” he told BBC Sport NI.

“These are the moments you dream of. The fact that Rory’s defending and having the champions dinner makes it a really unique year. I am sure now that he’s won the Masters he will have a lot more success there.

“I’ve watched the Masters on TV for 15 or so years and to finally get to play and experience it is going to be something that’s really special. I’m sure I’ll be absolutely nervous teeing off but those are the things that are exciting.

“It’s the first tournament that comes to mind when I think of golf and to be a part of that is going to be great.”

McKibbin, who qualified for the Masters by winning the Hong Kong Open last year, will take a practice trip with Tyrrell Hatton this week before the tournament tees-off on 9 April.

“Even just going up and playing it before, being out there on our own, I’m really looking forward to that,” he continued.

“I know preparation is key.

“From speaking to people and hearing what it’s like, how hilly it is and all the slopes on the fairways, I think it’s definitely important to go out before and sort of know what you’ve got to work on for the week. I’m really excited to play the course.”