Today, AIB is proud to welcome the appointment of Tom McKibbin and Lauren Walsh, Ireland’s rising golf prodigies as their newest brand partners. This partnership comes at a pivotal moment for both Tom and Lauren, with Tom having recently secured his place in the prestigious US Open and Lauren moving to fourth in the Rookie of the Year standings when she finished a career-best fourth in the LET’s Jabra Ladies Open in France last month.
McKibbin, a young and talented golfer hailing from golf stronghold, Holywood, Northern Ireland, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the golfing world. Ranked 145th in the world, the 21-year-old’s qualification for the US Open was sealed after a series of impressive performances in the qualifying rounds, showcasing his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
This month’s US Open will be Tom’s major championship debut after he came through final qualifying at Walton Heath last month, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. All eyes were set on the qualifiers last month as McKibbin birdied five of his last seven holes, landing into the top-9 on eight-under-par, qualifying on the mark as he becomes the latest golfer added to the Irish contingent for Pinehurst, North Carolina later this month.
Lauren Walsh has got off to a great start during her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour. The Castlewarden star recently claimed a top-10 finish at the Amundi German Masters at the Evian Resort Golf Club. She followed this performance up with and a 4th place finish at the Jabra Ladies Open in late May. Lauren was also recently named as the official touring professional of Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel who are host to this year’s KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of AIB Capital Markets, Cathy Bryce commented: “We are delighted to welcome Lauren and Tom to the AIB team as our new brand partners. It has been an exciting year for both golfers and we are delighted to support Tom as he competes in the upcoming US Open and Lauren as she continues to shine on the international stage. This partnership underscores AIB’s commitment to fostering talent and supporting sporting excellence, be it in our own communities or representing Ireland internationally.”
Tom McKibbin expressed his excitement for the partnership, stating: “I am honoured to become a brand partner with AIB, and I am grateful for the support they have already shown me so early on. Their backing means a lot to me as I prepare for a huge milestone in my career with the US Open and as I continue to pursue my goals in golf and beyond. AIB’s dedication to helping people achieve their best resonates with my own ambitions, and I look forward to working together.”
Lauren Walsh shared similar sentiments, adding: “I’m thrilled to come on board as a brand partner with AIB. Since the beginning of our journey, they have been incredibly supportive and I’m delighted to officially become part of their team.
AIB’s support is invaluable as I progress through the ranks on the Ladies European Tour and I’m proud to be representing them throughout the season.”
As Tom and Lauren gear up for an exciting summer of golf, AIB and fans alike eagerly anticipate their performance in some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. This collaboration with Tom McKibbin and Lauren Walsh highlights AIB’s ongoing commitment to supporting exceptional talent and celebrating achievements in the sporting world.