Tom McKibbin of LIV Golf fired a brilliant, bogey-free 10-under 60 to take the first-round lead at the Link Hong Kong Open on Wednesday, October 30, at Hong Kong Golf Club. The 22-year-old set a new course record, while local amateur Jeffrey Shen impressed with a seven-under 63, placing him three shots behind.

McKibbin, a member of Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team, got off to a strong start on hole 11, picking up early birdies on 12 and 13. He added three consecutive birdies from 15 to 17, then recorded a birdie-eagle on holes two and three, finishing with two more shots on eight and 10.

Rising stars and international contenders

Jeffrey Shen showcased his talent, bouncing back from a heat stroke at the Asian Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai last weekend. “I like this feeling, with my family and friends here to support me, and because this is my home course, every time I feel really good here,” Shen said.

Thai star Jazz Janewattananond shot a flawless 61 to sit one behind McKibbin. Compatriot Kiradech Aphibarnrat joined a group at eight under, alongside former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters. Oosthuizen impressed with six birdies on the back nine, while Pieters recorded four early birdies and added two more on the turn.

McKibbin, the 2023 Porsche European Open winner, reflected on the round: “It was obviously a very, very good round. I didn’t really miss too many shots, holed a few nice putts and took advantage of the two par fives. And yes, 60 shots later, I’m sitting here!”

Strong showings and local challenges

Kiradech, playing his first Asian Tour event of the season, tallied nine birdies and one bogey. “The key for me today was simply enjoying being back on the Asian Tour. It is growing, and we are seeing more great players emerge from here. I genuinely enjoy being part of these events,” he said.

While local hero Taichi Kho struggled with a seven-over 77, promising youngsters like Shen and a five-man group tied for sixth kept the spotlight on emerging talent. Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Kazuki Higa of Japan sits on six under, while defending champion Patrick Reed is at five under in T22. Miguel Tabuena, winner of last week’s International Series Philippines, sits T27 at four under.

The Link Hong Kong Open is the seventh of nine elevated Asian Tour events that provide a pathway onto the LIV Golf League for the season-ending Rankings champion.