Who is Tom McKibbon’s legendary caddie?

Holywood has a new golf star, as Tom McKibbon is a winner on the DP World Tour, and he became so with a veteran caddie on his bag.

With a win at the 2023 Porsche European Open, McKibbon triumphed as the youngest Irish winner on tour since Rory McIlroy.

Born in 2003, McKibbon has shot to the top in a short period of time but mixes youth with experience as a collective force on the golf course.

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That’s because he has legendary caddie David McNeilly on the bag, who previously worked for Nick Faldo and Padraig Harrington before most recently caddying for Matt Wallace.

McKibbon has only been with the seasoned caddie for a few months but has taken his game to a new level since, as many believe he is beginning to live up to expectations.

The pair joined forces in February 2023 after McKibbin parted ways with Chris Selfridge.

McKibbon had been longtime friends with Selfridge before enlisting his services on the bag at the beginning of the 2022 season.

They earned a DP World Tour card together, but the Holywood talent decided to move on and try something new, which has undoubtedly paid off.

McNeilly, who caddied for Faldo at the 2008 Ryder Cup, will bring McKibbon invaluable experience from his time working with several major champions.

So happy to get my first win at the @PorscheEuropeanOpen on the @DpWorldTour.
A huge thank you to my Mum & Dad, my team, my caddie Dave McNeilly & my sponsors for all their support.
To everyone who has supported me – thank you, I really do appreciate it!! pic.twitter.com/XokrY6vlzS

— Tom McKibbin⛳ (@tommckibbin8) June 4, 2023

He won nine times on tour with Harrington, who was quick to congratulate Tom McKibbon and his caddie after the breakthrough success.

Harrington acknowledged the role of both player and caddie in the triumph. He said on Twitter:

“The future of Irish golf, European golf and Ryder Cup golf is in good hands.

“So happy for Dave McNeilly too, he did a fine job letting Tom play to his strengths.”

The Belfast man has been a professional caddie for over 33 years and has also teamed up with Nick Price and Jon Daly.