https://www.scmp.com/rss/323014/feed The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. Held since 1860 in the United Kingdom, it is administered by The R&A and is the only major outside the United States. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Josh Ball Josh Ball Isaac Lam and Leon D’Souza grabbed the two Link Hong Kong Open spots up for grabs at local qualifying on Friday – with some help from two players already in the field. Asian Tour star Taichi Kho carried the bag for Lam, who carded a final-round three-under-par 67 to finish on six under, which was one ahead of D’Souza, who shot a level-par 70. Kho is making a habit of helping others reach the city’s Open, having been alongside Terrence Ng when he won last year’s qualifier. Ng, who has already... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3324477/hong-kong-open-golf-isaac-lam-leon-dsouza-clinch-local-qualifier-spots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3324477/hong-kong-open-golf-isaac-lam-leon-dsouza-clinch-local-qualifier-spots?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:49:51 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Bubba Watson and defending champion Patrick Reed will headline a Link Hong Kong Open field that could be the strongest in the tournament’s history now that places in two majors are on the line. The addition of the event to Masters and Open Championship qualifying was the “talk of the clubhouse” on the Asian Tour last week, according to Taichi Kho, who will also be playing in his home tournament. Almost 20 LIV golfers have submitted entries for November’s International Series stop in Fanling, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3324041/hong-kong-open-bubba-watson-patrick-reed-top-strong-field-also-aiming-spots-majors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3324041/hong-kong-open-bubba-watson-patrick-reed-top-strong-field-also-aiming-spots-majors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:03:29 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball The winner of this year’s Link Hong Kong Open will earn a lot more than US$360,000 and some precious ranking points, there are also now places at next year’s Masters and Open Championship up for grabs. In a statement on Tuesday, Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A announced plans to “align aspects of the qualification criteria” for the year’s first major in April and the last one in July. Beginning immediately, the two groups said they would award invitations to the winners and top finishers... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3323245/winner-hong-kong-open-get-place-2-majors-masters-and-open-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3323245/winner-hong-kong-open-get-place-2-majors-masters-and-open-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:00:09 +0000 Reuters Reuters One would imagine three-time major champion Scottie Scheffler would be desperate to continue American domination of the British Open and lift the Claret Jug for the first time this week at Royal Portrush. The 29-year-old is the bookmakers’ favourite after a stunningly consistent season, including winning the PGA Championship and during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday he spoke of his growing love for links golf. But when asked how long he celebrates his victories, an introspective... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3318363/golf-whats-point-it-all-major-winner-scheffler-says-ahead-open-quest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3318363/golf-whats-point-it-all-major-winner-scheffler-says-ahead-open-quest?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:00:14 +0000 Carlos Ortiz outduelled Patrick Reed to win the International Series Macau and LIV golfers claimed all three Open Championship spots up for grabs at the Asian Tour event on Sunday. The Mexican shot a final round six-under-par 64 to finish on 22 under, three ahead of Reed, who came home with a 67. Jason Kokrak grabbed the final place at Royal Porthcawl, ending the week alone in third on 16 under. Sergio Garcia, meanwhile, fell agonisingly short after missing a three-footer for birdie at the last,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303516/ortiz-outduels-reed-claim-macau-title-liv-golf-trio-win-open-championship-spots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303516/ortiz-outduels-reed-claim-macau-title-liv-golf-trio-win-open-championship-spots?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Mar 2025 09:29:27 +0000 Making this week’s International Series Macau part of qualifying for the Open Championship in July was just the beginning of LIV Golf players being handed greater opportunities to play in the four majors, Sergio Garcia said on Wednesday. While Garcia believed the R&A’s decision to put three spots up for grabs at Macau Golf and Country Club highlighted the growing strength of the Asian Tour, he also saw it as recognition that things within the game had to change. With lifetime admission to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3302997/international-series-macau-route-back-open-championship-adds-incentive-garcia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3302997/international-series-macau-route-back-open-championship-adds-incentive-garcia?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Mar 2025 08:41:00 +0000 Shane Lowry made a double bogey on the famous “Postage Stamp” eighth hole at Royal Troon and it only got worse for the Irishman. Lowry led The Open Championship by three shots early Saturday before his day unravelled in the wind and rain. His 6-over 77 left him three shots behind leader Billy Horschel going into Sunday’s final round. Quite a turnaround after taking a two-shot lead into the weekend and pairing on Saturday with unheralded Dan Brown. “I guess for me the eighth hole was killer... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3271280/billy-horschel-leads-british-open-ahead-final-day-si-woo-kim-hit-record-hole-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3271280/billy-horschel-leads-british-open-ahead-final-day-si-woo-kim-hit-record-hole-one?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jul 2024 02:32:19 +0000 Tom Kim overcame the twin perils of an ankle injury and foul English seaside conditions to shoot a magnificent final-round 67 and become the youngest Open Championship runner-up in 47 years. Korean Kim, 21, was among a group of four players who finished six strokes adrift of runaway winner Brian Harman, who claimed his first major prize on Sunday and landed a first title of any description in more than six years. Harman established a five-shot lead over the field following a tremendous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228721/open-championship-korean-tom-kim-makes-history-harman-claims-golf-seasons-closing-major?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228721/open-championship-korean-tom-kim-makes-history-harman-claims-golf-seasons-closing-major?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:51:23 +0000 American Brian Harman seized control of The Open Championship with a sublime second round then watched the chasing pack huff and puff to little effect in breezy conditions at Royal Liverpool on Friday. Early starter Harman landed a barrage of birdies on his front nine and then eagled the 18th to post a six-under-par 65 that left him five shots clear on 10 under. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, one of three overnight leaders after first round 66s, had raucous support but struggled to make inroads,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228569/open-championship-american-brian-harman-league-his-own-5-shot-lead-hoylake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228569/open-championship-american-brian-harman-league-his-own-5-shot-lead-hoylake?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jul 2023 01:06:21 +0000 Rory McIlroy needs no reminding of the pitfalls that have prevented him claiming a long-awaited fifth major and his opening round at the 151st Open on Thursday could easily have left his hopes on the rocks once again. The Northern Irishman, the pre-tournament favourite, received loud support from the packed galleries at Royal Liverpool, scene of his Open triumph in 2014 after which he won the US PGA title and looked set for domination. But he endured a frustrating day with his driver a little... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228414/open-championship-mcilroy-salvages-opening-round-some-bunker-magic-hong-kongs-kho-endures-tough-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228414/open-championship-mcilroy-salvages-opening-round-some-bunker-magic-hong-kongs-kho-endures-tough-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jul 2023 02:10:07 +0000 A lot has changed for Taichi Kho in the year since he was last on England’s northwest coast, not least in his status as a golfer. Twelve months ago, the Hongkonger was competing in The Amateur Championship and in final qualifying for The Open Championship, and not having a particularly happy time of it on the links courses. Now he’s back, a professional with an Asian Tour title already under his belt and a more philosophical view of the test that awaits him in this week’s Open at Royal Liverpool... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228121/open-championship-hong-kongs-kho-ready-special-moment-he-looks-embrace-challenge-lies-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228121/open-championship-hong-kongs-kho-ready-special-moment-he-looks-embrace-challenge-lies-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:55:26 +0000 Cameron Smith is already thinking about his defence of his Open Championship title in July, believing he just needs “a little flick of the switch” to get back to winning ways. The Australian won at St Andrews last year after a sizzling final round 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy, before stunning the golf world weeks later by defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. While the US PGA Tour banned LIV players and a legal fight is set for a 2024 trial, major tournaments have allowed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3218048/cameron-smith-already-planning-defence-open-championship-title-says-hes-little-flick-major-winning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3218048/cameron-smith-already-planning-defence-open-championship-title-says-hes-little-flick-major-winning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:57:44 +0000 Taichi Kho spent the week insisting he was too focused on his golf to be really nervous, yet on Sunday he could barely swallow any water on the way to winning the World City Championship. From struggling to stand over an eagle putt on 13, to just keeping it together as he walked down the 18th fairway with a two-shot lead, the Hongkonger went through a gamut of emotions on his way to making history as the first local golfer to win on the Asian Tour. With a four-shot lead at the start of the day,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3214903/world-city-championship-golf-taichi-kho-shows-something-i-didnt-know-i-had-make-history-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3214903/world-city-championship-golf-taichi-kho-shows-something-i-didnt-know-i-had-make-history-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:30:16 +0000 Open champion Cameron Smith has again refused to deny reports he has agreed to join the rebel LIV Golf Invitational Series on a reported US$100 million deal. The Telegraph has reported the world No 2 would play at LIV’s event in Boston in September. Smith declined to comment on the report as he builds for the first event of the lucrative FedExCup playoffs in Memphis this week. “You know, my goal here is to win the FedExCup Playoffs,” the 28-year-old told reporters. “That’s all I’m here for. If... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3188389/british-open-champion-cameron-smith-tight-lipped-us100m-liv-golf-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3188389/british-open-champion-cameron-smith-tight-lipped-us100m-liv-golf-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:42:22 +0000 Newly crowned Open champion Cameron Smith reacted angrily when asked if he was on the verge of joining the highly lucrative LIV Golf Invitational Series moments after winning at St Andrews, but reports suggest the Australian is among many players who are about to jump ship. “I just won the British Open and you are asking about that?” Smith told reporters. “That is not that good. My team around me worry about that stuff. I am here to win golf tournaments.” Sky Sports also reported that Henrik... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185616/open-champion-cameron-smiths-fury-liv-golf-question-aussie-tipped-join?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185616/open-champion-cameron-smiths-fury-liv-golf-question-aussie-tipped-join?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Jul 2022 02:24:07 +0000 Australia’s Cameron Smith claimed his first major title on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him win the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews by one stroke. Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par final round lifted him to 20-under for the championship and allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy another shot back in third. At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185607/australias-cameron-smith-wins-british-open-golf-championship-historic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185607/australias-cameron-smith-wins-british-open-golf-championship-historic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2022 18:33:43 +0000 Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland share the lead going into the final round of the 150th Open Championship on Sunday with St Andrews poised for a shoot-out between the two to decide who takes the Claret Jug. The pair are tied on 16-under par and are four clear of their nearest challengers, Cameron Young of the United States and Cameron Smith of Australia, who had led at the halfway stage. McIlroy and Hovland will go out in the final pairing on Sunday at 2.50pm local time (9.50pm HKT), with Smith... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185560/150th-open-championship-mcilroy-and-hovland-set-final-round-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185560/150th-open-championship-mcilroy-and-hovland-set-final-round-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2022 02:43:30 +0000 Cameron Young seized the lead in the first round of the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Thursday after an outstanding eight-under par 64, while Rory McIlroy sits two strokes back but Tiger Woods endured a woeful afternoon on his return to the Old Course. Woods was determined to feature this week as he continues his recovery from severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash last year, but he toiled for a six-over 78 in a grim round that dragged on over six hours. In contrast Young, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185347/150th-open-championship-flawless-young-seizes-early-lead-tiger-woods?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185347/150th-open-championship-flawless-young-seizes-early-lead-tiger-woods?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2022 01:37:50 +0000 The 150th Open Championship tees off on the Old Course at St Andrews on Thursday with organisers keen for the focus to remain on the historic tournament despite the ongoing fallout caused by the breakaway LIV Golf series. A clutch of players who joined the Saudi-backed tour are taking part in this week’s Open after the R&A opted not to ban the rebels, in contrast to moves made by the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Former Open champion Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Sergio... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185213/150th-open-championship-tournament-gets-under-way-amid-ongoing-fallout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185213/150th-open-championship-tournament-gets-under-way-amid-ongoing-fallout?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jul 2022 02:45:13 +0000 Li Haotong will play in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews this week just months after vowing to quit the game for good. The Chinese golfer, who finished third at the 2017 Open at Royal Birkdale, is making his fifth appearance at the oldest major tournament and his confidence soaring after winning the BMW International Open in Germany last month. That third career victory has restored the 26-year-old’s faith in his own game and a sport he came within days of walking away from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184967/open-championship-chinas-li-haotong-back-grove-after-coming-close?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184967/open-championship-chinas-li-haotong-back-grove-after-coming-close?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Jul 2022 05:45:10 +0000 Taichi Kho knows he faces an uphill battle to qualify for The Open Championship next month, but believes his experiences of playing links golf over the past couple of weeks give him a chance of success. The Hong Kong amateur golfer will be part of a stacked field for Final Qualifying at St Annes Old Links on Tuesday, when he will battle it out with the likes of former Open champion Sandy Lyle and Sam Bairstow, the only amateur to come through this stage last year. Kho is no stranger to the St... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3183210/open-championship-hong-kongs-taichi-kho-backs-recent-links-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3183210/open-championship-hong-kongs-taichi-kho-backs-recent-links-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:30:24 +0000 Sadom Kaewkanjana’s bogey-free final round at the SMBC Singapore Open on Sunday did more than just win him the biggest title of his fledgling career, it also secured him a place at this year’s Open Championship. The Thai golfer’s two-under par 69 at Sentosa Golf Club moved him to 13-under for the tournament, earned him a US$225,000 winner’s cheque and jumped him to second place in the order of merit after the final event of the Asian Tour’s 2020-21 season. Joohyung Kim and Yuto Katsuragawa... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3164442/asian-tour-sadom-kaewkanjanas-takes-smbc-singapore-open-and-place-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3164442/asian-tour-sadom-kaewkanjanas-takes-smbc-singapore-open-and-place-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:00:20 +0000 Collin Morikawa received the claret jug, thrust it into the air and gave it a kiss, a two-time major champion at the age of 24. The American closed with a bogey-free, 4-under 66 and won the British Open in his debut on Sunday, becoming the first player to capture two different majors on the first attempt. His victory 11 months ago in his first PGA Championship came in the first major with no spectators amid the coronavirus pandemic. So it was a very different scenario for Morikawa, a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3141599/british-open-collin-morikawa-triumphs-debut-royal-st-georges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3141599/british-open-collin-morikawa-triumphs-debut-royal-st-georges?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jul 2021 19:49:00 +0000 Bryson DeChambeau fought the wind blowing in from the English Channel and the thick thatches of rough at Royal St George’s. And then he fought with his clubmaker. After shooting a 1-over 71 in the first round of the British Open on Thursday, the 2020 US Open champion blamed his driver for his errant tee shots and then backtracked hours later after a rebuke from a Cobra official. “I sucked today, not my equipment,” DeChambeau wrote in the apology on Instagram. “The comment I made in my post round... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3141344/british-open-bryson-dechambeau-sorry-club-blaming-outburst-i-sucked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3141344/british-open-bryson-dechambeau-sorry-club-blaming-outburst-i-sucked?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jul 2021 04:55:37 +0000 Bryson DeChambeau captured his first major golf title on Sunday, firing a three-under par 67 to win the 120th US Open and humble a relentless Winged Foot course. The 27-year-old American, known for his scientific approach to golf and a bulked-up driving dominance, eagled the par-5 ninth from just inside 40 feet and rolled to a six-stroke victory over 21-year-old countryman Matthew Wolff. DeChambeau hit only 23 fairways for the week but finished 72 holes on six-under par 274 thanks to Sunday’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3102309/us-open-american-bryson-dechambeau-muscles-his-way-six-shot-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3102309/us-open-american-bryson-dechambeau-muscles-his-way-six-shot-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2020 22:46:02 +0000 Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy likes his chances of capturing his first major title since 2014 after firing a two-under 68 on Saturday to jump into contention at the US Open. The 31-year-old Northern Ireland star stood on one-over 211 after 54 holes at wicked Winged Foot, where dense rough and lightning-fast greens kept the world’s best golfers scrambling. He goes into the final round six shots behind leader American Matthew Wolff. “I’m feeling pretty good that I’ve got a good chance... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3102249/us-open-rory-mcilroy-likes-his-chances-despite-being-six-shots-behind?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3102249/us-open-rory-mcilroy-likes-his-chances-despite-being-six-shots-behind?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2020 22:58:25 +0000 Tiger Woods brings his sore back and struggling game into the 120th US Open hoping to catch fire at a major where he has not managed a top-10 finish since 2010. The 44-year-old reigning Masters champion comes into Winged Foot off a share of 51st two weeks ago in the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields on a set-up that played like a US Open with hard, fast greens and dense rough. “The golf course was basically a US Open, with the rough being as high as it is and fairways a little bit narrow,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3101283/us-open-golf-tiger-woods-brings-sore-back-and-poor-form-winged-foot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3101283/us-open-golf-tiger-woods-brings-sore-back-and-poor-form-winged-foot?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2020 02:33:17 +0000 Two-time major champion John Daly revealed on Thursday he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, but remains hopeful despite what could be a long battle. The 54-year-old American, known for his outspoken manner, often outrageous behaviour and wild pants designs, told The Golf Channel he had undergone surgery after what he thought was a battle with kidney stones. “It’s probably going to come back, and then another three months that you don’t know. You just don’t know,” Daly said. “Luckily for me... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3101106/open-champion-john-daly-reveals-bladder-cancer-diagnosis-after-surgery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3101106/open-champion-john-daly-reveals-bladder-cancer-diagnosis-after-surgery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Sep 2020 02:36:55 +0000 Holding golf’s Ryder Cup later this year without fans present due to the Covid-19 pandemic would almost make the event “a yawner”, US captain Steve Stricker has said. Golf’s calendar has been decimated by the novel coronavirus outbreak, with three of the sport’s four majors rescheduled and the Open Championship cancelled. The biennial Ryder Cup competition between the United States and Europe is scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin and fans are unlikely to be able to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3087504/ryder-cup-without-fans-almost-yawner-says-us-captain-steve-stricker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3087504/ryder-cup-without-fans-almost-yawner-says-us-captain-steve-stricker?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jun 2020 04:57:53 +0000 The British Open is cancelled. The Masters has been postponed until two weeks before Thanksgiving. The PGA Championship has been temporarily moved back to August, to be followed by golf’s US Open in September. And, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, no one can say for sure if those three stateside major championships will even take place this year. With all this uncertainty, golf – like everything else in the sports world – has become a scramble. “We hope the anticipation of staging the Masters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3078718/coronavirus-british-open-cancelled-masters-rescheduled-ryder-cup-unmoved?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3078718/coronavirus-british-open-cancelled-masters-rescheduled-ryder-cup-unmoved?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2020 03:12:17 +0000 The PGA Championship, one of golf’s four majors, has been rescheduled for August 6-9 after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on Sunday. The event will remain at the city’s Harding Park course, the paper said. The championship is run by the PGA of America, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The PGA Championship was originally planned for May 14-17 but the PGA of America announced on March 17 that the event had been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3078568/pga-championship-be-rescheduled-august-says-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3078568/pga-championship-be-rescheduled-august-says-report?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2020 04:47:28 +0000 “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” wrote Mark Twain in response to a New York Journal correspondent asking of his health when he was in London in 1897. Tiger Woods might have some sympathy with the oft misquoted line this week after a “Thank You Tiger” hashtag started trending on Twitter. Many jumped to the conclusion that the 44-year-old, joint record 82-time tournament winner had hung up his golf spikes. They were of the opinion that when it came to Woods and the Olympics, never the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3051733/tiger-woods-and-tokyo-2020-olympic-games-are-made-each-other?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3051733/tiger-woods-and-tokyo-2020-olympic-games-are-made-each-other?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:42:17 +0000 Thirteen local players will have their shot at glory at this week’s Hong Kong Open as the home contingent gets ready to rub shoulders with British Open champion Shane Lowry, American ace Tony Finau and Thai maestro Jazz Janewattananond among others in the 120-player field at Fanling. Hong Kong will be represented by a string of local talent headed by rising professional Jason Hak Shun-yat, who first rose to prominence at the national Open when he made the cut as a 14-year-old prodigy. The now... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3044883/hong-kong-players-rub-shoulders-stars-they-vie-glory-fanling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3044883/hong-kong-players-rub-shoulders-stars-they-vie-glory-fanling?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:12:41 +0000 In-form golf stars Shane Lowry and Tony Finau are confirmed to headline the 61st Hong Kong Open rescheduled for January 9, 2020. Organisers had postponed the original event – set for November 28 – due to the city’s “ongoing level of social unrest”, but Irishman Lowry and American Finau look forward to opening the new year on the Hong Kong Golf Club’s notoriously tricky Composite Course. Squad USA stand up! 2019 @PresidentsCup Champions! pic.twitter.com/egmOIGLN7D — Tony Finau Golf... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3042641/golf-stars-shane-lowry-and-tony-finau-headline-postponed-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3042641/golf-stars-shane-lowry-and-tony-finau-headline-postponed-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2019 09:36:30 +0000 Beware of the hungover golfer. After overindulging on Saturday night, Eddie Pepperell charged up the leaderboard with a four-under-par 67 in the final round at the British Open on Sunday. The Englishman’s stellar performance in strong winds looked for a while though it might be just enough to get into a playoff as the leaders battled the tough conditions. Indeed, Pepperell remained on-site for a couple of hours until his 72-hole score had been bettered, before heading to his car for the long... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2156386/eddie-pepperell-hungover-charges-open-championship-leader-board-closing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2156386/eddie-pepperell-hungover-charges-open-championship-leader-board-closing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Jul 2018 02:54:37 +0000 Francesco Molinari kept the coolest head in Carnoustie as he plotted a steady course through a wild afternoon of nail-biting tension at the British Open on Sunday to become the first Italian to win a major. With a strong breeze causing mayhem at the top of the leader board which Tiger Woods topped with nine holes left, the 35-year-old Molinari produced a 69 to claim victory by two strokes. Huge crowds were willing Woods, Molinari’s playing partner, to claim a fairy tale 15th major a decade after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2156368/open-championship-2018-francesco-molinari-becomes-first-italian-win-major?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2156368/open-championship-2018-francesco-molinari-becomes-first-italian-win-major?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jul 2018 19:27:02 +0000 Fifteen-year-old Chen Peiching found himself practising next to China’s No 1 Li Haotong during the Volvo China Open earlier this year. “He looked at me and said I’m a very good player,” said Chen, who is looking to emulate Li and one day play at the British Open. He had his first foray into links golf this week when he took part in the Junior Open at St Andrews – which is the most revered of British Open venues. He finished in a tie for 59th but Chen, a product of the China Golf Association-HSBC... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/2156248/st-andrews-debut-aspiring-chinese-golfing-teens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/2156248/st-andrews-debut-aspiring-chinese-golfing-teens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Jul 2018 00:39:00 +0000 Tiger Woods has confirmed to tournament organisers that he will enter The Open Championship this year, ensuring that he will participate in at least three of golf’s four major championships this year.  The Open, which will be held at Carnoustie in July, announced Woods’ entry into the event in a press release on Wednesday night. Woods returned to competitive golf in December after a string of injuries, and Wednesday’s news ensures that his first year back will feature at least three major... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2145543/tiger-woods-confirms-hell-play-open-championship-carnoustie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2145543/tiger-woods-confirms-hell-play-open-championship-carnoustie?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 May 2018 08:26:10 +0000 Jordan Spieth produced one of his best major championship efforts to take a share of the lead alongside fellow Americans Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar after the first round of the British Open. The trio all shot five-under-par rounds of 65 at Royal Birkdale on Thursday and hold a one-stroke lead over Paul Casey and South African former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel. It is extremely tight at the top of the leaderboard, with those players who missed some unpleasant weather coming in off the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2103534/jordan-spieth-brooks-koepka-and-matt-kuchar-tied-lead-british-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2103534/jordan-spieth-brooks-koepka-and-matt-kuchar-tied-lead-british-open?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jul 2017 01:25:35 +0000 Jack Nicklaus said the battle royal between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson at the British Open over the weekend was even more dramatic than his famed 1977 “Duel in the Sun” showdown with Tom Watson. Stenson and Mickelson traded birdie blow after birdie blow in a remarkable final-round slugfest at Royal Troon on Sunday before the 40-year-old Swede emerged victorious over the 46-year-old American. The new champion’s closing eight-under-par 63 tied the lowest round in a major and his winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991670/henrik-stenson-phil-mickelson-showdown-british-open-better-my-duel-sun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991670/henrik-stenson-phil-mickelson-showdown-british-open-better-my-duel-sun?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Jul 2016 03:32:05 +0000 At the age of 40, Henrik Stenson is hoping his long-awaited first major victory at the British Open on Sunday proves to be just the beginning. Stenson had long been considered one of the best players on tour never to have won a major but he put that right in the most spectacular fashion at Royal Troon on Scotland’s west coast. His major championship record-equalling low round of 63, featuring 10 birdies, on Sunday saw him beat American Phil Mickelson by three strokes with an overall score of 20... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991153/life-begins-40-stenson-he-hopes-open-win-just-beginning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991153/life-begins-40-stenson-he-hopes-open-win-just-beginning?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:35:42 +0000 Now, Phil Mickelson knows how Jack Nicklaus felt that day at Turnberry. Sometimes, you’re just not good enough. Even when you play your best. Mickelson turned in what would normally go down as one of the greatest closing rounds in major championship history – a bogey-free, 6-under 65 at Royal Troon. Lefty was two shots better than anyone else in the field. Except for one. Henrik Stenson, in an epic match with Mickelson that rivaled the “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry in 1977, made 10 birdies –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991150/mickelsons-best-isnt-good-enough-epic-open-finale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991150/mickelsons-best-isnt-good-enough-epic-open-finale?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:28:38 +0000 Henrik Stenson kept hitting the best shots of his life, one after another, because there was no other way to beat Phil Mickelson in a British Open duel that ranked among the best in golf. All he wanted was the silver Claret Jug. Stenson – ‘The Iceman’ – wound up with so much more on Sunday. Stenson’s final stroke of this major masterpiece was a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Troon that tumbled into the cup on the last turn for an 8-under 63, matching Johnny Miller for the lowest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991064/stunning-stenson-iceman-captures-british-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1991064/stunning-stenson-iceman-captures-british-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2016 18:31:34 +0000 Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson are set to battle it out with one another for victory on the final day of the British Open at Royal Troon on Sunday. Sweden’s Stenson stands at 12 under par, a lead of one shot from Mickelson, after an excellent third-round score of 68 in cool and blustery conditions on Scotland’s west coast on Saturday. Mickelson had led at the halfway stage and still shot a one-under-par 70 on Saturday, but bogeys at the 14th and 17th holes allowed Stenson to overtake... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990842/let-battle-commence-stenson-and-mickelson-set-final-day-shoot-out-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990842/let-battle-commence-stenson-and-mickelson-set-final-day-shoot-out-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2016 02:53:18 +0000 Rory McIlroy said he remained optimistic about his British Open chances after surviving often desperate conditions during his second round at Royal Troon on Friday. The Northern Irishman was one of very few players starting after midday to avoid going over par for the round, his level-par 71 keeping him just about in contention. After a two-under-par first round on Thursday, McIlroy has a lot of work to do to catch Phil Mickelson, who leads at 10-under, but he sees reason for hope. “I’m quite... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990509/mcilroy-happy-still-be-hunt-after-surviving-unlucky-draw-grim-troon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990509/mcilroy-happy-still-be-hunt-after-surviving-unlucky-draw-grim-troon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Jul 2016 03:00:43 +0000 Phil Mickelson followed his stunning opening round with a solid 69 in miserable weather conditions at Royal Troon on Friday to lead the British Open at 10 under par at the halfway stage. The American had been in front overnight after equalling the lowest ever round in a major championship when he shot 63 in glorious conditions on Thursday afternoon. He was back out early on Friday morning and this time had to deal with the wind and, above all, rain that left the players and the course on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990482/mickelson-thrives-grim-conditions-retain-british-open-advantage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990482/mickelson-thrives-grim-conditions-retain-british-open-advantage?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Jul 2016 02:45:30 +0000 Henrik Stenson was purring with delight after reducing his five-shot overnight deficit on leader Phil Mickelson to a single stroke in the British Open second round on Friday. Stenson knew five-times major winner Mickelson’s pedigree was such that the American was unlikely to make many unforced errors and the Swede would have to press hard on his golfing accelerator. “I was five back of Phil [on Thursday] so of course I was hoping to gain a little and the way it turned out I gained quite a lot,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990347/look-out-lefty-here-comes-henrik-stenson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990347/look-out-lefty-here-comes-henrik-stenson?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2016 15:45:30 +0000 Phil Mickelson charged up the leaderboard at the British Open on Thursday, grabbing the first-day lead and a share of the record for the best score in a major championship. Aided by birdies on 10, 14, 16 and 17 on Royal Troon’s tricky back nine, the 46-year-old American posted a 63, equalling the record low for majors first set by Johnny Miller in the 1973 US Open. Mickelson came within a fraction of an inch of breaking the record outright. His curling 15-foot putt for birdie circled the hole on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990047/phil-mickelson-tames-troon-grab-british-open-lead-and-share-majors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1990047/phil-mickelson-tames-troon-grab-british-open-lead-and-share-majors?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2016 01:30:00 +0000 The British Open began Thursday with Colin Montgomerie hitting the opening tee shot on the Royal Troon links where his father was once club secretary. Montgomerie, widely considered the best player to have never won a major, qualified at age 53 for what likely will be his last Open. The R&A chose him to be the first player to hit a shot on a gorgeous morning along the Irish Sea. There wasn’t an empty seat in the grandstand next to the first tee, where the silver Claret Jug was on a podium. There... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1989812/veteran-colin-montgomerie-fires-opening-shot-british-open-his-home-royal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1989812/veteran-colin-montgomerie-fires-opening-shot-british-open-his-home-royal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jul 2016 09:45:15 +0000 Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy may not watch the golf event on television when it returns to the Olympics next month and hinted on Tuesday it was not one of the sports that would matter in Rio de Janeiro. Unlike world number three Jordan Spieth, who said earlier in the day that he agonised over his decision to withdraw from the Olympics, McIlroy said he was fully comfortable with his choice to opt out of golf’s Games comeback after a 112-year absence. “I don’t think it was as difficult a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1989232/olympics-golf-i-probably-wont-even-watch-it-tv-scoffs-rory-mcilroy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/1989232/olympics-golf-i-probably-wont-even-watch-it-tv-scoffs-rory-mcilroy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Jul 2016 02:45:00 +0000