McKibbin savouring 'surreal' first Masters week

Holywood golfer Tom McKibbin says it was "surreal" to drive down Magnolia Lane as he prepares to compete in his first Masters in Augusta this week.

The 23-year-old qualified for his first Masters thanks to his win at the Hong Kong Open last year and has spent the early part of this week getting the grips with the Augusta National course before Thursday's opening round.

Taking part is something he has always dreamed, so to step out onto the course makes this a "very special week".

"It's very surreal, watching this for the past 15 or 16 years and to do that [drive down Magnolia Lane] over the past couple of days is pretty cool and something I probably won't forget," he told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson at Monday's practice round.

'I want to play well and see where that takes me'

Although delighted to be part of the field, McKibbin is eager to make his mark and acknowledges the famous course is challenging.

Long fairways and "pristine" greens are what he will encounter but he wants to leave on Sunday happy with his week's work.

Whether that means playing through the weekend or making a charge at the leaderboard remains to be seen, but making the most of this opportunity is his primary motivation.

"Some of the holes are very long, especially around 10 and 11, you're hitting a lot of long irons into the greens which look pretty small from there, but the golf course is just incredible," he noted.

"I've played it a few times now and it's everything you could imagine, so to play more over the week is pretty cool.

"The greens are absolutely perfect, so pristine, quick and once you get out onto the course, there are some pretty crazy slopes on them you can really play around with.

"The golf course changes so much over the week, I don't know what to expect, but I would just like to have a nice week, play well and see where that is. Your first one there aren't a lot of expectations, but I want to have a good week."

'Special to be here as McIlroy defends the title'

McKibbin's parents have made the trip to the United States for his Masters bow and having supported him from an early age, "to share these memories with them and hopefully have a good week will be nice".

It is extra special this week as fellow Northern Ireland man Rory McIlroy enters as defending champion.

McIlroy's play-off win 12 months ago saw him complete a career Grand Slam of golf's Majors, so for McKibbin, it is somewhat fitting this is his first Masters experience.

"It's great to be playing in the first one since he won last year, so it's really special to be a part of that."