Tom McKibbin to play first major after reaching US Open

Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin will make his first appearance in a major after qualifying for next month’s US Open.

The 21-year-old birdied five of the last seven holes in his second round in the final qualifier at Walton Abbey to secure one of the nine spots available.

McKibbin carded rounds of 69 and 67 to finish tied sixth on eight under along with Edoardo Molinari, Jason Scrivener and Matteo Manassero.

Scotland’s Grant Forrest topped the leaderboard with English pair Richard Mansell and Brandon Robinson Thompson on 10 under.

They were followed by Sam Bairstow and Robert Rock on nine under.

The US Open will take place at Pinehurst in North Carolina on 13-16 June.

McKibbin, who has chalked up one win on the DP World Tour, missed out on qualifying for last year’s US Open by one shot.