Scottish-born golfer makes winning start to 2026 in Australia
Connor McKinney gears up for DP World Tour campaign by pulling off wire-to-wire victory
Scottish-born Connor McKinney made an impressive start to his 2026 campaign by pulling off a wire-to-wire win in his adopted home in Australia.
McKinney, who tasted success last year on the Tartan Pro Tour, eased to a four-shot success in the Webex Players Series Perth hosted by Minjee and Min Woo Lee at Royal Fremantle Golf Club.
He opened with a spectacular 63 before adding rounds of 68 and 70 then closing with a 69 to finish with an 18-under-par total to win by four shots from Curtis Luck.
The field also included two former DP World Tour winners Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and Brett Rumford.
“It definitely hasn't (sunk in) yet,” admitted McKinney, who openly describes himself as a “Scossie” after being born in Fife before moving to Australia at an early age with his family.
“To see all the boys and my dad and my brothers and stuff, all run onto the green there and celebrate with me there, it's pretty special,” he added. “It’s something I've looked forward to for a long time, but to actually do it at home with everyone here is awesome.”
McKinney underlined his potential on Scottish soil when winning the St Andrews Links Trophy in 2022 before adding another tartan triumph in the Musselburgh Masters presented by Alistair Brown International last season on the Tartan Pro Tour.
He then secured his DP World Tour card for this year through the Qualifying School in Spain in November and is gearing up for the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship in a fortnight’s time.
“It just gives me of confidence heading to Bahrain in a few weeks and looking forward to get going over there,” he added.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.