Tom McKibbin is absolutely buzzing about his first Masters appearance, and the timing couldn't be better.
The 23-year-old from Holywood will make his Augusta National debut in April while his former teacher Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion.
"It's pretty cool," McKibbin said. "These are the moments you dream of.
"The fact that Rory's defending and having the champions dinner makes it a really unique year."
Tom McKibbin is excited to face his old mentor Rory McIlroy
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The young golfer, who secured his spot by winning the Hong Kong Open last year, has been watching the tournament on television for around 15 years.
"It's the first tournament that comes to mind when I think of golf and to be a part of that is going to be great," he said.
McKibbin isn't leaving anything to chance when it comes to getting ready for the big event.
He's heading to Augusta this week alongside Tyrrell Hatton for a practice round before the tournament kicks off on 9 April.
"Even just going up and playing it before, being out there on our own, I'm really looking forward to that," he explained. "I know preparation is key."
The Northern Irish golfer has heard plenty about Augusta's demanding layout and wants to experience it firsthand.
Rory McIlroy won The Masters last year, completing the career Grand Slam in the process | REUTERS"From speaking to people and hearing what it's like, how hilly it is and all the slopes on the fairways, I think it's definitely important to go out before and sort of know what you've got to work on for the week."
Beyond the Masters, McKibbin has committed to a busy schedule balancing his LIV Golf duties with DP World Tour appearances.
Playing for Jon Rahm's Legion XIII squad, he'll compete in 14 LIV events this season while also featuring on the European circuit.
His DP World Tour calendar includes stops in Turkey, France, Spain and India, plus the PGA Championship in England and the Irish Open at Trump Doonbeg.
"I'm happy that I could play," he confirmed. "I played a lot last year and supported their events well."
The arrangement requires LIV players to participate in a minimum number of European Tour events, though McKibbin says he would have played regardless.
McKibbin has his sights set on more than just Augusta this year.
He's already secured his place at The Open and is keen to add more majors to his 2026 calendar.
"I think it's sort of important for me to hopefully push on in some of these majors," he said.
"I've played nicely before but I think I can sort have a few better finishes."
Tom McKibbin learnt from the best with Rory McIlroy | PAThe 23-year-old plans to have a crack at US Open qualifying and hopes his form over the coming weeks might earn him a spot at the US PGA Championship too.
"It all depends how well I play," he added.