GOLF: McKibbin finishes eighth at Future Masters in America

The Newtownabbey talent produced an amazing display of golf in Sunday’s opening round at Alabama’s Dothan Country Club, carding a five-under 65 to take a three-shot lead in the 11 to 12 age category.

His bogey-free round on a rain-affected day, put him in the driving seat in a field of 60 competitors. He led Texan Matthew Griggs, who finished second after day one.

McKibbin’s sensational opening day included birdies on holes five, seven, eight, 10 and 16.

But nothing would drop for him in Monday’s second round, carding three-over, leaving him in second spot - three shots behind Griggs.

On the final day’s play he managed a six-over 76 which saw him drop to eighth spot.

But the Belfast Royal Academy pupil focused on the positives when he took to social media. He tweeted: “Not the finish I wanted after starting with a 65 but I got a top ten finish and came 8th. #learningneverstops #experience.”

The tournament was won by Evan Vo from Texas who was three under for the tournament.