McKibbin settles for fourth in Qatar as impressive Hoshino wins maiden DP World Tour title
Tom McKibbin is looking forward to recharging for his next run of events after coming up just short in his bid for a second DP World Tour title at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
The Holywood star (21) went into the final round just a shot behind leaders Rasmus Højgaard, Ugo Coussaud and Rikuya Hoshino.
But while he closed with a two-under 70, he had to settle for his second successive top-10 finish at Doha Golf Club, where he finished solo fourth on 11-under, just three shots behind Japanese star Hoshino.
“Overall, it was a pretty good week and to finish up there and have a chance today was nice,” said McKibbin, who got to within a shot of Hoshino with two holes to go but ended up three behind the winner.
“I’d have to say that overall, it was a good week. I didn't play 100pc today, but I still gave it a go.”
Seeking his first DP World Tour win, Japanese star Hoshino birdied the 16th and 17th before making a clutch four-foot par putt at the 18th for a 68 and a one-stroke win from Coussaud (69) on 14-under.
After grinding out nine straight pars on the demanding front nine, McKibbin was just one behind Hoshino after his chip and putt birdie at the 10th.
But while Hoshino birdied the 10th to go two clear again, McKibbin kept himself in the hunt with another patient display to clinch his third top-16 finish from as many starts this year.
He was tied for third playing the 12th after Scott Jamieson’s tap in eagle two from a foot at the 300-yard 16th left him one back on 11-under.
Jamieson then got up and down from a greenside bunker for a closing birdie four to come home in 30 and card a seven-under 65 that gave him the clubhouse lead on 12-under.
While Coussaud birdied the 14th to make it a three-way tie at the top, McKibbin cut a sensational drive into the heart of the 16th and two putted from 26 feet for birdie to close within a shot of the three leaders.
It looked as though he would need an eagle at the last to have a chance, but while he produced two magnificent strikes to find the green in two, Hoshino followed a two-putt birdie at the 16th with a crucial birdie two from 26 feet at the 17th.
That left him two clear of Jamieson and Coussaud on 14-under and three ahead of the Ulsterman, who ended up three-putting the 18th from 122 feet for par and a closing 70 to finish three behind.
He still picked up €116,020 to move up ten spots to 22nd in the Race to Dubai and is now looking forward to a fortnight at home before hitting the road again.
“Yeah, couple of weeks off and then back for two in South Africa and Singapore,” McKibbin said.
“So looking forward to those couple of weeks. I’ll recharge and get ready for that. Probably sit on the sofa for a couple of days next week.”
As for Hoshino, who was second in the Australian PGA and the Australian Open late last year, the 27-year-old was relieved to get over the line.
He was two ahead of Coussaud and Jamieson playing the 18th, but after the Frenchman closed to within a shot thanks to a closing birdie, he was forced to knock in a testing four-footer for victory.
Victory sees Hoshino climb three places to second on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, while he also moves to sixth on the International Swing Rankings.
“I’m so honoured to win this wonderful tournament,” he said. “I was disappointed to finish runner-up in the two Australian tournaments so I’m so happy to finally win.
“I was nervous but I just tried to enjoy it. I’m so happy now.
“Every shot was important but the last tee shot there was the most nerve-wracking. The putt on 18, my heart was racing.
“I’m so grateful for all the supporters. Thank you very much for supporting me.”
At the Challenge Tour’s Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open, Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell made two birdies and a bogey in a one-under 71 to finish tied 24th on nine-under.
He finished seven shots outside a playoff that saw Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg close with a five-under 67 to tie with Ryan van Velzen on 16-under before winning with a birdie at the second tie hole.
In the LET’s Magical Kenya Ladies Open, Singapore teenager Shannon Tan (19) closed with a three-under 70 to win by four shots from Italy’s Alessandra Fanali on 12-under.
Olivia Mehaffey was 23rd on one-over after a 73 with Lauren Walsh 32nd on three-over after a 76.
