RORY MCILROY and Shane Lowry both sang the praises of Tom McKibbin following his breakthrough pro career triumph on Sunday in Germany.
McKibbin, 20, produced a polished final round display to emerge clear by two shots in capturing the Porsche European Open.
It took the Holywood club's newest star just 26 DP World Tour events to break through for his maiden title - 20 fewer than Mcllroy did in capturing the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic.
However, Mcllroy did so when he was eight months younger than McKibbin.
And despite McIlroy's bitter disappointment in failing to capture the Memorial title on the PGA Tour, he was quick to congratulate his young pal.
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