Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin leads the Singapore Classic on the DP World Tour after a superb eight-under 64 to start his tournament gave him a one-shot lead over Joachim Lagergren, Sami Valimaki and Matthieu Pavon.
The 20-year-old’s round featured eight birdies and not a single dropped shot, and featured three birdies in a row from the second to fourth holes.
“A very good day. I went out there after the practice rounds, the course was pretty tricky if you find the wrong spots on the greens,” McKibbin said. “I navigated the course well, eight birdies and no bogeys is a nice way to start.
“I played nicely last week, a few bad holes here and there, so it’s nice to continue that nice form I had nice week.
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“Life’s pretty nice if you’re playing well, it’s different if you’re not. I’m enjoying it. I’ve played enough of these events that it feels normal to me now, but it’s great fun.
“I’m getting pretty comfortable. It’s natural to me to come here and play now.
“I’ve played with Rory [McIlroy] quite a bit, I’ve been able to watch him and playing with him has been valuable for me to see where my game is at. It’s been good for me to have some moments with him.”
Ireland’s Gary Hurley also had a solid start at Laguna National Golf Resort Club in Singapore, with a three-under-par 69 on the opening day. John Murphy found things tougher with a two-over 74.
McKibbin has started off his DP World Tour career strongly with three top 20s already.
Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power are in action later today at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour.
