Tom McKibbin wants Hamburg defence to provide perfect preparation for major debut

The 21-year-old will travel to North Carolina following a return to Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, where he produced a stunning approach to the final hole 12 months ago to seal his maiden DP World Tour title in style.

Tom McKibbin hopes his European Open title defence will provide the perfect "mental battle" as he prepares to make his major championship debut. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Antrim's Tom McKibbin hopes his European Open title defence will provide the perfect "mental battle" as he prepares to make his major championship debut.

McKibbin was one of nine players to come through the recent 36-hole qualifying event for next month's US Open, scores of 69 and 67 at Walton Heath booking his place at Pinehurst for the year's third major.