AMGEN IRISH OPEN

September 10, 2026

Tom McKibbin

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel

Quick Quotes

Q. Came out guns blazing today. How important was it for you to start strong?

TOM McKIBBIN: Very important. Obviously knew the first sort of four holes were down wind, a couple of chances there. So, yeah, very nice to take advantage of those holes before the really hard holes came in on the back nine.

Q. You gave the crowd a lot to shout about early into your round. How much do you feed off that?

TOM McKIBBIN: Yeah, it's massive, for sure, to have that sort of home support and everyone sort of cheering you on every hole. Yeah, it definitely gives you that momentum, especially after the quick start I got.

Q. You're only 23 and this is now your fifth Irish Open. How much of a different player do you feel like compared to your first?

TOM McKIBBIN: Yeah, I'm definitely a different player. I'm definitely a better player now. Especially in these conditions, I think if I was to come here five years ago I would have struggled a lot and probably not sort of embraced the challenge that it was today. Yeah, definitely very proud of the way I've sort of maybe improved over the last number of years.

Q. You were in a group with Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. How great of an opportunity was that for you to show him what you can do, especially in Ireland?

TOM McKIBBIN: Yeah, it was great. I got to play with him a couple years ago, and to do it again here today and in Ireland was pretty special. Yeah, sort of to get to play with him and sort of hopefully show him sort of the way I can play was nice.