Staff WriterThe Link Hong Kong Open is about to serve up a cocktail of golf fireworks, local pride, and history, with Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, and hometown hero Taichi Kho headlining the US$2 million event at the Hong Kong Golf Club from October 30 to November 2.
Reed, the 2018 Masters champion and self-styled gunslinger of LIV Golf, is back to defend the title he stole in jaw-dropping fashion last year. You might recall his third-round 59—yes, fifty-nine—that left the field looking like they’d been caught in a typhoon. He strolled away with a three-shot victory at 22-under-par, grinning like a man who’d just found free dim sum.
Joining him for the first time is two-time Masters winner Watson, who has already paraded around Fanling as captain of the Range Goats GC but now gets a shot at glory of his own.
For local fans, the real buzz comes from Kho—the Asian Games gold medalist, Hong Kong Golf Club ambassador, and first Hongkonger to win on the Asian Tour.
“It is always a special occasion to play at Hong Kong Golf Club in front of family, friends and golf fans,” Kho said. “This is a historic tournament I grew up watching as a youngster and now to compete in it as a professional, on my home course against some of the biggest names in world golf, is a real privilege.”
A Gateway to the Majors
This year, the Link Hong Kong Open carries even more weight. Augusta National and The R&A have thrown down the gauntlet: the champion will receive invitations to both the 2026 Masters and The Open.
Add in critical International Series ranking points—the golden ticket into the LIV Golf League—and the stakes are higher than Victoria Peak.
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, summed it up neatly: “The International Series is all about providing players with opportunity, and a pathway to elite-level golf.
This year’s edition of the Link Hong Kong Open is the perfect example of our ethos. With the promise of vital rankings points in the race for a LIV Golf spot as well as a pathway to two majors for the champion, we look forward to another thrilling edition.”
65 Years of Tradition
First played in 1959, the championship is Hong Kong’s longest-running international sporting event. That heritage isn’t lost on Hong Kong Golf Club captain Andy Kwok.
“We are all set for four magnificent days of action, as the historic Link Hong Kong Open continues to grow in prestige on the international stage,” he said. “To be selected as one of only a handful of pathway events reflects the rich heritage of our Club and the 65-year-old championship, but also Fanling’s global reputation as one of golf’s foremost tournament venues.”
Growing the Game
Since stepping in as title sponsor in 2024, Link Asset Management has tied the event to the community, ensuring golf isn’t just for those in pressed chinos. Admission is free on Thursday and Friday, and kids under 18 can walk in gratis all week with ID or alongside an adult. Weekend passes are HK$300, or HK$200 if you only fancy one day of the big finish.
George Hongchoy, Link Group CEO, said: “As Link celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, we are proud to mark our second year of partnership with the prestigious Link Hong Kong Open.
This collaboration exemplifies our role as a Hong Kong-headquartered real estate investment manager embracing international opportunity, while reflecting our belief in sport’s power to inspire communities and bring people together.”
Off the fairways, the fan village will keep families entertained with food, games, and enough activity to distract even the most restless spectators between birdies.
What’s Next
David Rollo, COO of the Asian Tour, called the championship “an incredible endorsement for one of Asia’s most illustrious national opens” and predicted the Link Hong Kong Open would again play a pivotal role in shaping the season.
With more big-name announcements to come, the 2025 edition promises to be as much a carnival as it is a competition.
Golf, after all, is best served with a side of chaos—and Fanling has never been short on that.
Tickets are available now at Ticketflap.
