Tom ​McKibbin with Ryder Cup ambitions ahead of Royal County Down appearance

Northern Ireland’s McKibbin takes on the Newcastle challenge with home support but searching for points towards a spot further afield in the 2025 Ryder Cup adventure.

And with a big finish to his DP World Tour calendar a goal towards securing a PGA Tour card, McKibbin has plenty on his mind for the high-profile event.

When asked about his Ryder Cup ambitions, McKibbin said: “I wouldn't really say I've set too many big goals like that, obviously just try and let it happen.

“The way the points system works now, the way they have it structured, I think there's a good opportunity from playing over here to try and do well.

“All of these things sort of grab everyone's attention.

"But once you get out there and you start playing, for me anyway, they quickly go out of my mind.

"I just go out there and play the golf course and see what's the lowest score I can shoot.

"Obviously all these tournaments from now till next year, I'll have those points…every tournament is very important and I think sort of just keep trying to rack up the points will be important.

"Every event is a big event and a lot of points at stake, a lot of big, big trophies and I think every event is important coming in now.”

In terms of PGA Tour card eligibility, McKibbin said “the points have gotten so much bigger that I think there will be a lot of back and forward between everyone”.

He added: “So obviously want to push on to the end of the year and try and get one of those spots.

"I think if I can just play well and keep playing well till the end of the year and just see where that leaves me at the end.

"As I said, there's a lot of points up for grabs, and I think if you can take advantage of those, they are pretty serious.”

McKibbin is relishing the adjustment required to tackle the links course at Royal County Down.

“It's obviously a completely different sort of style of golf than what we normally play and I find it quite difficult,” he said. “A lot of the time, it's obviously different to see the ball move so much in the air than what you're used to.

"A lot of different shots are required...I would say I have to try to change a little bit.

"It's sometimes quite tricky, especially this week where it's quite cold, things don't feel the same and it takes more effort to hit certain shots."

He added: "For the last two days, there hasn't been too many drivers off the tee.

"I've been lucky enough, obviously I played here before...I think I might know the lines a little bit better.

"I wouldn't say I'm certain on them, but I'd say I sort of know my way around the course and you can know the misses quite well.

"I think, again, it's so hard, there's crosswinds, you get the ball going slightly the wrong way and it moves a lot.

"I think if I can just keep the strength of mine up, which you say is driving, it should maybe help me a little bit.”