Rory McIlroy Sees Mega Talent in 13-Year-Old

Rory McIlroy has made one junior golfer’s dreams a reality by inviting the 13-year-old to play alongside him this month at the Irish Pro-Am.

McIlroy confirmed that he had asked Tom McKibbin to play at the event scheduled to take place at the K Club in Dublin ahead of this year’s Irish Open. The Nike player has labeled McKibbin “the real deal” after playing with him this past January in Florida.

“At only 13 years of age I think he has a remarkable golfing future ahead of him. Having seen him play a couple of times now, he impresses me more each time. And I can think of no better place to showcase his talents than at the Irish Open at the K Club,” said McIlroy.

McKibbin who won the World Junior Championship in 2015, an event also won by McIlroy when he was just 9-years-old, is looking forward to spending more time with the current World Number Three.

“I met Rory while I was in Dubai last October and we got chatting while we were both practising. When I won the [Junior] Honda Classic in Florida in January, Rory sent me a message and invited me to play golf with him,” McKibbin explained.

“I have to thank Rory for inviting me to play [in the Irish Pro-Am]. Not only do I get a day off school, but I get to play alongside one of the best golfers in the world. It’s getting close now and I’m pretty excited. I’ve been practising as often as possible.”

McIlroy, who turns 27 today, will be hosting the Irish Open through the Rory Foundation, May 19th – 22nd. Big names including Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Masters champion Danny Willett will join McIlroy at K Club later this month. Making it a tournament not to be missed!