Tom McKibbin of LIV Golf came close to breaking into the world’s top 100 rankings and securing a spot in the PGA Championship after tying for third place at the 54-hole Porsche Singapore Classic. The 22-year-old from Holywood entered the final round just one shot behind American Dan Erikson and was tied for second with Richard Mansell, Adrien Saddier, Matthew Jordan, and Fabrizio Zanotti.
During the final round, McKibbin shot a two-under 33 on the front nine at Laguna National and trailed Mansell by three strokes. However, he made a strong finish, birdieing three of the last four holes to post a 68. McKibbin was two shots behind Mansell going into the final hole and gave the leader a scare by sinking a 45-foot eagle putt attempt at the 18th. At this point, Mansell needed a birdie to win, as Japan’s Keita Nakajima had set the target at 15-under after a bogey-free, seven-under 65.
Mansell had a strong back nine, making five consecutive birdies starting at the fourth hole, and he turned with a two-shot lead. To win his first title in his 104th tournament start, Mansell needed to two-putt from over 100 feet at the 18th hole. After a lag putt left him seven feet from the hole, he made the final putt for a 66, claiming victory by one stroke over Nakajima, who finished at 16-under. McKibbin and Saddier tied for third at 14-under, earning €130,381 each.
Reflecting on his emotional win, Mansell expressed how meaningful it was to finally secure the victory after several near misses. He credited his new caddie for helping him stay patient and focused throughout the tournament. Mansell reflected on past mistakes and the frustrations of trying to change his approach when things weren’t going well, but he now felt that his hard work had paid off.
McKibbin, who was expected to move up to around 106th in the world rankings with his strong finish, will continue his pursuit of a top-100 spot with the goal of qualifying for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in May. The top 100 players in the world are exempt from the tournament, and McKibbin’s performance has also placed him in contention for Ryder Cup qualifying points. In addition, McKibbin has already earned a spot in The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, alongside fellow LIV Golf players Carlos Ortiz, Patrick Reed, and Jason Kokrak, who claimed their places at the International Series in Macau.
Ortiz had a remarkable performance, shooting a six-under 64 to win by three strokes over Reed (67) and Kokrak (67), finishing at 22-under. Graeme McDowell tied for 40th after a 69, ending the tournament with a four-under total.
In women’s golf, English rookie Mimi Rhodes won her first Ladies European Tour title at the Ford Women’s NSW Open. She shot a bogey-free, two-under 69 to finish at 17-under, two shots ahead of Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley and Italy’s Alessandra Fanali. Elm Park rookie Anna Foster finished in a career-best tie for 14th after a 67, posting a seven-under total. Lauren Walsh ended in joint 43rd at two-under, while Annabel Wilson placed 51st with a score of one-under after a 71.