https://www.scmp.com/rss/329718/feed The Asian Tour is the principal men’s professional golf tour in Asia. It runs around 24 events a season, including the Hong Kong Open and World City Championship. Ten of those events form part of its elevated International Series. It provides a pathway to LIV Golf. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Josh Ball Josh Ball It is little more than a year since Scott O’Neil officially took over as LIV Golf CEO, brought in as the league’s calming influence following the whirlwind leadership of Greg Norman in the early days of disruption. A business background where he led some of the world’s biggest companies in sport and entertainment also gives the American a certain credibility, one that has translated into partnerships with the likes of HSBC - title sponsors of this week’s event in Hong Kong - Rolex and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3345735/ceo-scott-oneil-set-break-some-eggs-take-liv-golf-top-pyramid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3345735/ceo-scott-oneil-set-break-some-eggs-take-liv-golf-top-pyramid?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:59:36 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Minjee Lee rocketed up the HSBC Women’s World Championship leaderboard on Friday after carding an eight-under-par 64 in Singapore. The three-time major winner moved into a tie for second place at the Sentosa Golf Club, one shot behind overnight leader Auston Kim, whose 69 left her at nine under after two rounds. World No 4 Lee, one of nine top 10 players in the field this week, had an eagle and six birdies and tied for the round of the day on the Tanjong course. In a field stacked with talent,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3344896/minjee-lee-climbs-world-championship-leaderboard-singapore-amateur-leads-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3344896/minjee-lee-climbs-world-championship-leaderboard-singapore-amateur-leads-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:13 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Matias Sanchez battled bad weather and bad light to take an early clubhouse lead he acknowledged “doesn’t mean a whole lot” in the New Zealand Open on Thursday. The Australian carded a seven-under-par 64 on the Remarkables course at Millbrook Resort, just draining his last putt with play suspended for the day because of darkness. Heavy rain had delayed the start by three hours, meaning almost half the field, including local amateur Yuki Miya, who was six under with five holes to play, have yet... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3344758/australias-matias-sanchez-leads-new-zealand-open-jeeno-thitikul-struggles-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3344758/australias-matias-sanchez-leads-new-zealand-open-jeeno-thitikul-struggles-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:13 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Hong Kong golfers had a tournament to forget at the Philippine Golf Championship, an Asian Tour event that was won by South Korean Cho Woo-young on Sunday. The highest finisher from the city was Jason Hak Shun-yat at 68, with Taichi Kho and Matthew Cheung failing to even make the cut. The victory at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in Manila was the first for Cho on the Asian Tour. The Korean held off the challenge of Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert to win the tournament by four shots. Overnight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3342830/hong-kong-golfers-struggle-korean-cho-woo-young-wins-philippine-golf-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3342830/hong-kong-golfers-struggle-korean-cho-woo-young-wins-philippine-golf-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:30:08 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Jason Hak Shun-yat overcame a rough start to card a one-under-par 71 in his first round as a full member of the Asian Tour, and said just being at the season-opening Philippine Golf Championship was something of a bonus. The 32-year-old Hongkonger is certainly no stranger to the professional game, but admitted to having to battle nerves as well as a tough Wack Wack Golf and Country Club course on Thursday. Hak’s 71 left him three shots back of leader Sarut Vongchaisit and in a large group tied... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3342558/asian-tour-hong-kongs-jason-hak-battles-nerves-and-rough-start-philippines-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3342558/asian-tour-hong-kongs-jason-hak-battles-nerves-and-rough-start-philippines-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:15:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball LIV Golf boss Scott O’Neil said his organisation was “pushing the envelope” as fast as it could in a bullish state of the union-style address at the end of the league’s media week in Florida. In an upbeat assessment of the tour’s future, O’Neil said he was excited for what was coming, a day after Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith confirmed they had no interest in following Brooks Koepka back to the PGA Tour. Speaking in a press conference alongside several senior executives, O’Neil... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3340065/liv-golf-ceo-scott-oneil-bullish-about-future-says-league-pushing-envelope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3340065/liv-golf-ceo-scott-oneil-bullish-about-future-says-league-pushing-envelope?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:00:08 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Anthony Kim is back for LIV Golf’s 2026 season, and this time he has earned the right to be there. The former star took one of three places available in the final round of the league’s promotions tournament in Florida on Sunday, with a closing one-under-par 69 enough for third on five under overall. Canada’s Richard T Lee continued his dominant week, shooting a 65 to win on 11 under, five shots clear of Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, whose 64 matched Lee’s course record at Black Diamond Ranch. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3339539/anthony-kim-seals-return-liv-golf-asian-tours-lee-hollgren-grab-other-2026-spots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3339539/anthony-kim-seals-return-liv-golf-asian-tours-lee-hollgren-grab-other-2026-spots?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:30:10 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The Asian Tour’s Richard T Lee will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the LIV Golf Promotions tournament on Sunday, well placed to take one of the three spots up for grabs for the 2026 season. Lee shot a flawless six-under-par 64 at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida, although the likes of Anthony Kim and Jazz Janewattananond are hot on his heels. Kieran Vincent and Matt Jones both have some work to do further down the leaderboard, with the pair among a group of five players tied for 11th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3339468/flawless-lee-leads-liv-golf-promotions-charge-battle-league-spots-nears-end?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3339468/flawless-lee-leads-liv-golf-promotions-charge-battle-league-spots-nears-end?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jan 2026 02:30:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Miguel Tabuena has already experienced the pain of missing out on a place in LIV Golf once, he does not plan on letting it happen a second time. The 31-year-old came agonisingly close to securing his spot via the International Series Rankings earlier this month, finishing third in a battle with Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji for the two spots up for grabs at the season finale in Saudi Arabia. But after a year when he thrilled fans by winning the series event on his home Sta Elena Golf Club... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3338118/philippines-star-miguel-tabuena-ready-challenge-games-elite-place-liv-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3338118/philippines-star-miguel-tabuena-ready-challenge-games-elite-place-liv-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:30:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball China’s Lin Yuxin has already had an impressive amateur career, but now he will get the chance to test his game against the region’s golfing elite after winning the Asian Tour Qualifying School event in Thailand. The two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur champion carded a four-under-par 67 in the final round to finish on 16 under, topping the group of 35 players who secured status for the 2026 season. Among them was Hong Kong’s Jason Hak Shun-yat, whose six-under total left him in 21st after five days... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3337322/asian-tour-chinas-lin-yuxin-tops-q-school-hong-kongs-jason-hak-also-through?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3337322/asian-tour-chinas-lin-yuxin-tops-q-school-hong-kongs-jason-hak-also-through?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Kazuki Higa made history as the first golfer from Japan to win the Asian Tour order of merit after finishing seventh at the season-ending Saudi Open. Higa carded a four-under-par 68 in Saturday’s final round at Dirab Golf and Country Club, near Riyadh, to finish on 16 under, seven behind the winner Bjorn Hellgren of Sweden. It was enough to see Higa top the standings ahead of Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent. “I am so, so happy. This is a great honour,” the 30-year-old Higa said. “I just love playing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3336377/higa-makes-history-first-japanese-golfer-win-asian-tour-order-merit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3336377/higa-makes-history-first-japanese-golfer-win-asian-tour-order-merit?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:40:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball David Puig claimed the biggest win of his professional career on Sunday, holding off a stacked field to claim the BMW Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane. The Spanish LIV Golf star shot a final round five-under-par 66 to finish on 18 under, two shots clear of China’s Ding Wenyi in the DP World Tour’s season opener. Australia’s Marc Leishman, who also plays on the LIV Golf League, finished in a tie for third with New Zealand’s Nick Voke on 15 under. Puig, who became just the ninth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3334659/liv-golfs-puig-claims-aussie-crown-biggest-win-career-chinas-ding-second?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3334659/liv-golfs-puig-claims-aussie-crown-biggest-win-career-chinas-ding-second?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Nov 2025 06:45:42 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Yosuke Asaji became the first player from Japan to win the Moutai Singapore Open in nearly 50 years as he beat South Korea’s Wang Jeung-hun on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off on Sunday. Asaji made a birdie putt from six feet in the play-off, on the par-five 18th on the New Course at Singapore Island Country Club, after Wang found water with his second and ended with a six. Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan (66) and Korean Lee Soo-min (69) tied for third, one shot back, in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3332117/yosuke-asaji-becomes-japans-first-singapore-open-champion-49-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3332117/yosuke-asaji-becomes-japans-first-singapore-open-champion-49-years?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:11:35 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport LIV Golf has made changes to its off-season promotions event, moving the tournament to Florida in January and increasing the number of qualifying spots to two. The additional place comes on top of one added to the International Series Rankings, meaning there are now four available over the next few months. While that is still one fewer than the number of players relegated from the league at the end of the season, it at least takes LIV in the right direction when it comes to improving player... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331409/liv-golf-confirms-promotions-changes-adds-extra-spot-moves-event-florida?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331409/liv-golf-confirms-promotions-changes-adds-extra-spot-moves-event-florida?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:16:32 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Tom McKibbin romped to a wire-to-wire victory in the Link Hong Kong Open on Sunday, and ripped up the record books in the process. The Northern Irishman’s winning total of 27-under-par was the lowest in the tournament’s history, five better than Patrick Reed last year, with Ian Poulter and Jose Maria Olazabal also reaching 22 under when they won in 2010 and 2001, respectively. And the seven-shot gap between McKibbin and Peter Uihlein, who was second, equalled the largest margin of victory ever... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331220/tom-mckibbin-rips-record-books-he-romps-link-hong-kong-open-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331220/tom-mckibbin-rips-record-books-he-romps-link-hong-kong-open-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 08:06:35 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Tom McKibbin’s seemingly inevitable march to the Link Hong Kong Open title hit an MJ Maguire-sized speed bump on Saturday, and a shoot-out now beckons for the spoils that will go to the victor. Ahead since the start of the tournament, the Northern Irishman’s cushion is down to a shot, after his second successive 65 was more than matched by Maguire’s nine-under-par 61, which moved him to 19 under for the tournament. Peter Uihlein is a stroke further back in third, while the evergreen Scott Hend,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331181/link-hong-kong-open-mj-maguire-hot-tom-mckibbins-heels-ahead-final-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331181/link-hong-kong-open-mj-maguire-hot-tom-mckibbins-heels-ahead-final-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Nov 2025 10:54:19 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Before the age of 16, Wu Ashun had not picked up a golf club, let alone swung one in an attempt to hit a ball. Yet 24 years later he is playing in this week’s Link Hong Kong Open with multiple wins under his belt and a career that raised the bar for players in China. And it might never have happened if not for a Hong Kong-based philanthropist called Wang Jiashui, or “Mommy”, as the 40-year-old refers to her. “It 100 per cent definitely changed my life – oh man, I was lucky, I was very lucky,” Wu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331097/link-hong-kong-open-wu-ashun-stays-hunt-and-owes-it-all-local-philanthropist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331097/link-hong-kong-open-wu-ashun-stays-hunt-and-owes-it-all-local-philanthropist?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:02:42 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Tom McKibbin set the Link Hong Kong Open alight on Thursday, firing a course record 10-under-par 60 on a day of low scores in Fanling. The Northern Irishman’s eight birdies and one eagle left him a shot short of the magical 59 that Patrick Reed produced on his way to winning last year on the Hong Kong Golf Club’s composite course. Jazz Janewattananond carded a 61 to sit alone in second, with Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Louis Oosthuizen and Thomas Pieters tied for third at eight under. Just three shots... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330934/asian-tour-mckibbin-leads-low-scoring-charge-record-round-link-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330934/asian-tour-mckibbin-leads-low-scoring-charge-record-round-link-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:20 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball LIV Golf has fired the starting gun on a race to Riyadh, doubling the number of places up for grabs in the league through the International Series Rankings, several sources have told the Post. Initially, only the winner of the series’ order of merit earned a spot in the team competition, but players learned ahead of the Link Hong Kong Open that now the top two would automatically qualify. An official announcement is due in the coming days, when the Saudi-backed league is also expected to reveal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330874/liv-golf-doubles-international-series-qualifying-spots-tweak-promotions-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330874/liv-golf-doubles-international-series-qualifying-spots-tweak-promotions-event?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Patrick Reed returns to a favourite stamping ground this week, ready to defend his Link Hong Kong Open title and looking forward to getting his putter working again. The American hardly struggled during last week’s International Series Philippines event, finishing in a group on 11 under that also included Hong Kong pair Taichi Kho and Matthew Cheung. But the 2018 Masters champion felt his game was “just a hair off” and it had mostly shown on the greens at Sta Elena Golf Club, where local hero... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330652/hong-kong-open-patrick-reed-hopes-rub-greens-return-happy-hunting-ground?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330652/hong-kong-open-patrick-reed-hopes-rub-greens-return-happy-hunting-ground?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:10 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Miguel Tabuena finally got his hands on an International Series trophy after almost four years of trying, and he could not have picked a better time or place to do so. The Philippine golfer won his maiden title on his home Sta Elena Golf Course on Sunday, sinking to the ground in front of the thousands of fans who had followed him all week and crowded around the green to see the exclamation point put on a dominant victory. Family rushed to his side after he evenutally got to his feet, and a roar... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330369/philippines-star-tabuena-ends-international-series-title-drought-delight-home-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330369/philippines-star-tabuena-ends-international-series-title-drought-delight-home-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:30:07 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Sta Elena Golf Club does not yet have an official course record and the preferred lies in place this week means the International Series Philippines will pass without one being set, but on another day Sampson Zheng may well have laid claim to the title. The 24-year-old carded an almost flawless 10-under-par 62 on Saturday, moving to 17 under overall and in tie for the lead with local star Miguel Tabuena and Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut. Tabuena hardly struggled, firing in two eagles on the way to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330317/asian-tour-red-hot-putter-puts-zheng-control-international-series-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330317/asian-tour-red-hot-putter-puts-zheng-control-international-series-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Oct 2025 11:30:08 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport It turns out Dustin Johnson did not need that close a look at Sta Elena Golf Club after all and Sarit Suwannarut is suffering few ill effects from his final-round meltdown in Macau. The Thai golfer, who went into last weekend with a two-shot lead and promptly carded a three-over 73, fired off an opening eight-under-par 64 in the International Series Philippines to lead the star-studded field by a shot on Thursday. Sarit, who wound up fourth at the SJM Macau Open, was just ahead of Japan’s Kazuki... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330103/asian-tour-sarit-shows-few-signs-macau-meltdown-johnson-makes-solid-start-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3330103/asian-tour-sarit-shows-few-signs-macau-meltdown-johnson-makes-solid-start-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:48:04 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The International Series tees off in the Philippines on Thursday, with Dustin Johnson running out of time to extend his impressive record of winning a tournament every year for the past decade. A two-time major champion, Johnson has tasted victory consistently since his rookie PGA Tour season in 2008, when he won the Turning Stone Resort Championship. But the 41-year-old 4Aces captain struggled in LIV Golf this year, with his best finish a third place in Indianapolis, the final event of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329984/international-series-reaches-philippines-time-running-out-johnson-win-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329984/international-series-reaches-philippines-time-running-out-johnson-win-year?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:00:15 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Dominic Foos broke a 29-year drought for German golfers on the Asian Tour on Sunday, claiming the SJM Macau Open to become the first of his countrymen to win since Bernhard Langer in Hong Kong in 1996. Foos beat Taiwan’s Wang Wei-hsuan on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off after the pair finished 72 holes tied at 17-under-par. The 28-year-old German drained a 10ft birdie putt to win after Wang missed his attempt for a four on the iconic 18th green at Macau Golf and Country Club. Wang and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329586/asian-tour-dominic-foos-breaks-29-year-german-drought-dramatic-macau-open-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329586/asian-tour-dominic-foos-breaks-29-year-german-drought-dramatic-macau-open-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:00:14 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Sarit Suwannarut is chasing his third Asian Tour title, Brett Rnkin and Ding Wenyi are hunting down their first, and the SJM Macau Open is all set for an exciting finish on Sunday. Three shots clear at the start of the day, Sarit’s four-under-par 66 took him to 16-under overall, two ahead of Rankin, who carded a 64, and another stroke clear of Ding after the Chinese player’s 65. The trio will trade blows in the final group at Macau Golf and Country Club, although Sarit’s experience could prove... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329532/asian-tour-sarit-suwannarut-holds-his-nerve-stay-clear-chasing-pack-macau-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329532/asian-tour-sarit-suwannarut-holds-his-nerve-stay-clear-chasing-pack-macau-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:22:16 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Ding Wenyi said his game had been “a little off” over the past several weeks, not that you would have known it at the SJM Macau Open on Thursday. The Chinese 20-year-old shot a seven-under-par 63 in the first round, ending a day that began on only three hours sleep in a share for the lead alongside Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul. Ding has been playing most of his golf on the DP World Tour in Europe this year, and his appearance at Macau Golf and Country Club was his first start of the season on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329245/chinas-ding-wenyi-makes-early-running-macau-injured-watson-out-link-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3329245/chinas-ding-wenyi-makes-early-running-macau-injured-watson-out-link-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:53:33 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Wade Ormsby had not exactly given up on his season, but it is fair to say that winning the International Series rankings race and earning the LIV Golf spot that goes with it was not part of the plan. That all went out of the window on Sunday, when the Australian won a thrilling Jakarta International Championship, beating Scott Vincent on the first play-off hole after the pair finished tied on 12 under par in regulation. Victory propelled Ormsby into third in the series points list and fifth on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3328013/international-series-golf-wade-ormsby-back-game-after-thrilling-win-jakarta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3328013/international-series-golf-wade-ormsby-back-game-after-thrilling-win-jakarta?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:35:07 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Four years ago, Sampson Zheng watched with a tinge of jealousy as his college roommate Aaron Du won bronze at the National Games in 2021. Next month, he will get a shot at winning a medal of his own. The 24-year-old will be part of the Shaanxi squad attempting to successfully defend the team title they won at their home Xi’an Qinling International Golf Course. Recruited by famed Chinese golfer Zhang Xinjun for November’s tournament at Hong Kong Golf Club, Zheng is originally from Tianjin, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3327923/left-out-4-years-ago-golfer-sampson-zheng-has-eye-national-games-olympics-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3327923/left-out-4-years-ago-golfer-sampson-zheng-has-eye-national-games-olympics-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:00:19 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball After several painful weeks on the Asian Tour, Pavit Tangkamolprasert’s game has come good at just the right time in Indonesia. A withdrawal, a missed cut and a tie for 20th did little to hint at the magic the 36-year-old Thai has shown over the first two days at the Jakarta International Championship, and how he has needed it. Pavit’s five-under-par 65 on Friday moved him to 11 under for the International Series tournament, one shot clear of Gaganjeet Bhullar and Steve Lewton, a pair who both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3327836/asian-tour-pavit-shakes-back-injury-woes-grab-halfway-lead-jakarta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3327836/asian-tour-pavit-shakes-back-injury-woes-grab-halfway-lead-jakarta?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:18 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball The next month could well decide the winner of the International Series rankings and with it a new member of LIV Golf, or if Anthony Kim has his way, provide an immediate return to the league. Kim was one of six players relegated at the end of the 2025 season, but with playing rights has five of the Asian Tour’s elevated events left to overhaul the likes of Lucas Herbert and Scott Vincent at the top of the points list. That he does not yet have a single point to his name meant the need for a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3327672/international-series-could-be-golden-liv-ticket-anthony-kim-if-he-can-find-his-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3327672/international-series-could-be-golden-liv-ticket-anthony-kim-if-he-can-find-his-game?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:15:49 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Li Haotong and Taichi Kho were already expected to battle each other once for gold this season at the National Games in Hong Kong, and now they are going to fight it out at the SJM Macau Open too. The pair have signed on for next month’s Asian Tour event, which also includes Im Sung-jae, Lee Westwood and defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan in a 144-man field. With other members of the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese teams expected to take part, and local star Kelvin Si Ngai also looking to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3326490/asian-tour-li-haotong-taichi-kho-set-pre-national-games-clash-macau-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3326490/asian-tour-li-haotong-taichi-kho-set-pre-national-games-clash-macau-open?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:52 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Kazuki Higa held off a charging field on Sunday to claim the Shinhan Donghae Open for a second time, just about keeping himself together in a nerve-racking finish that went right down to the wire. A final round four-under-par 68 gave the Japanese 30-year-old a one-shot victory over Canadian Richard T Lee, and Asian Tour order of merit leader Scott Vincent. Thaichi Kho finished in a tie for fourth with Danthai Boonma, a stroke further back on 16 under after a final round of 68 at Jack Nicklaus... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325490/asian-tour-higa-holds-nerve-charging-field-claim-second-shinhan-donghae-open-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325490/asian-tour-higa-holds-nerve-charging-field-claim-second-shinhan-donghae-open-title?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:16 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Taichi Kho put himself in contention heading into the final round of the Shinhan Donghae Open, shooting a 66 on Saturday to move into a tie for third in Korea. The Hongkonger’s six-under-par effort left him two shots adrift of leader Kazuki Higa, who carded a 65 to sit on 14 under, with Asian Tour order of merit leader Scott Vincent alone in second, a stroke back. In the past, Kho has struggled in Korea, but came into this week at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club on the back of a second-place finish at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325433/asian-tour-kho-just-having-fun-puts-himself-contention-title-charge-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325433/asian-tour-kho-just-having-fun-puts-himself-contention-title-charge-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Sep 2025 08:49:33 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Bjorn Hellgren catapulted himself to the top of the Shinhan Donghae Open leaderboard with a scintillating 64 on Friday. The Swede’s eight-under-par effort left him one shot clear of a packed field, with just three strokes separating him from a large group – including Taichi Kho – tied for eighth on six under. In a four-way tie for second, Ryutaro Nagano, Tae-hoon Ok, Taiki Yoshida and Sang-hee Lee all reached the weekend on eight under at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club. Young-han Song and Kazuki Higa... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325367/asian-tour-hellgrens-sparkling-64-gives-him-halfway-lead-korea-kho-stays-touch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325367/asian-tour-hellgrens-sparkling-64-gives-him-halfway-lead-korea-kho-stays-touch?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:45:48 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Greg Norman has officially brought his time with LIV to a close, four years after upending the world of golf with the team competition. The Australian was replaced as CEO by Scott O’Neil at the start of the year, and his exit was only a matter of time after that. In an Instagram post on Thursday, Norman announced his departure and said he was reflecting on “four unforgettable years … with nothing but gratitude, pride and achievement”. The 70-year-old was the very public face of a competition... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325237/greg-norman-officially-ends-time-liv-golf-hails-movement-changed-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325237/greg-norman-officially-ends-time-liv-golf-hails-movement-changed-game?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:29:01 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Im Sung-jae will return to the Asian Tour for the first time in almost a decade when he plays in next month’s SJM Macau Open, with the game in the region far different to when he left it. The South Korean has been plying his trade in North America since 2018, winning twice on the PGA Tour and making the Tour Championship for seven straight years. But October’s tournament will mark his debut in the city and a return to a tour he last competed on in late 2017, when he finished in a tie for seventh... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325148/asian-golfers-dreaming-something-bigger-im-sung-jae-targets-macau-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3325148/asian-golfers-dreaming-something-bigger-im-sung-jae-targets-macau-open?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:03:19 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Next month’s International Series event in Cambodia has been scrapped “in light of recent developments in the region”, the Asian Tour said on Tuesday. Cambodia and Thailand have been locked in a conflict over their shared border, and while the two countries signed a ceasefire, significant tensions remain. A large number of Thai golfers compete on the series, with Danthai Boonma fifth in the rankings. Those players had reportedly struggled to get visas for the event, which contributed to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3324819/international-series-stop-cambodia-scrapped-over-thai-border-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3324819/international-series-stop-cambodia-scrapped-over-thai-border-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:04:20 +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 Taichi Kho fired off a final round 66 to finish second at the Mandiri Indonesia Open on Sunday, and still could not get close to winner Suteepat Prateeptienchai. The experienced Thai had a day to remember, coming from a stroke behind overnight leader Shahriffuddin Ariffin, to card an eight-under-par 64 to finish at 24 under for the tournament, some seven shots clear of the field. Eagles at the par-5 sixth and eighteenth were the highlights of a round that also included five birdies and a bogey... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3323819/asian-tour-kho-produces-best-finish-2023-suteepat-untouchable-indonesia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3323819/asian-tour-kho-produces-best-finish-2023-suteepat-untouchable-indonesia?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:53:02 +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 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Watching Rory McIlroy being roared on by his army of home fans at the Open Championship has awakened a desire in Kelvin Ngai Si to win in front of his own supporters at this year’s SJM Macau Open. After completing his career grand slam at the US Masters in April, Northern Ireland’s McIlroy received fervent backing for last month’s Open at Royal Portrush, where he finished in a tie for seventh. And Macau’s Si, who is making his Asian Tour debut this year, is hoping for a taste of the adulation... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3322390/us-masters-champion-rory-mcilroy-mania-inspiring-macau-open-home-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3322390/us-masters-champion-rory-mcilroy-mania-inspiring-macau-open-home-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:00:12 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Golf is big business and in Asia it is bigger than ever. From tens of millions of players to billions of dollars in investment and a growing professional circuit, the sport is booming on and off the course. That growth is visible in myriad industries connected to the game, while a recent survey by the R&A identified Asia as having an adult playing population of 26.2 million – the highest of the governing body’s affiliated members. Here, five leading figures give their opinions on what has driven... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3320015/why-golf-asia-booming-and-what-has-happen-next-fulfil-sports-potential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3320015/why-golf-asia-booming-and-what-has-happen-next-fulfil-sports-potential?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:30:11 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball The Asian Tour resumed on Thursday after a six-week break, and for some in the International Series Morocco field it was the first time in two months on the circuit. Not that much had changed. John Caitlin and Peter Uihlein finished the first round on top of the leaderboard with matching five-under-par 68s, and then just two shots separated the next 12 players. Caitlin came within a whisker of winning at the Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam course last year on his way to claiming the Tour’s order of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3316883/seven-week-stretch-takes-hong-kongs-cheung-europe-africa-asian-tour-resumes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3316883/seven-week-stretch-takes-hong-kongs-cheung-europe-africa-asian-tour-resumes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:36:56 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The International Series resumes this week, taking the Asian Tour’s elevated event to Japan for the first time and potentially opening the way for LIV Golf to follow. Tournaments in Cambodia and the Philippines have also been added to a now-completed schedule of 10 events that includes the return of the Singapore Open for the first time since 2022. Alongside the new countries are new sponsors, such as real estate giant DLF, Chinese liquor brand Kweichow Moutai and e-gaming brand BingoPlus. This... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3309213/japan-next-stop-international-series-golf-schedule-new-sponsors-are-locked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3309213/japan-next-stop-international-series-golf-schedule-new-sponsors-are-locked?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 11:00:11 +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 There will be a distinctly LIV Golf feel to the final round of the International Series Macau on Sunday, with 4Aces’ Patrick Reed and Torque’s Carlos Ortiz facing an 18-hole race to the finish. Familiar with regularly battling it out for team and individual glory, the pair are tied for the lead on 16-under-par, three clear of Smash GC’s Jason Kokrak and Germany’s Dominic Foos. Ripper team member Lucas Herbert is alone in fifth, two strokes back at 11 under, with the top three earning places at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303470/asian-tour-liv-pair-reed-and-ortiz-face-race-finish-international-series-macau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303470/asian-tour-liv-pair-reed-and-ortiz-face-race-finish-international-series-macau?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Mar 2025 11:00:13 +0000 Halfway leader Patrick Reed described his performance at the International Series Macau on Friday as “ho-hum” – but there was nothing boring about the golf going on behind him. While the American was putting together a workmanlike six-under-par 64 to reach 13 under, Carlos Ortiz’s sparkling 61 propelled him into second just a shot back. In an LIV-heavy leaderboard, Lucas Herbert’s 65 took him to third at 10 under alongside Travis Smyth, with Sergio Garcia, Miguel Tabuena and Kieran Vincent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303387/international-series-macau-ho-hum-day-leader-reed-ortiz-steals-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303387/international-series-macau-ho-hum-day-leader-reed-ortiz-steals-show?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:00:04 +0000 Patrick Reed started Thursday not “feeling that great” and finished it with a bogey-free seven-under-par 63 to take an early lead at the International Series Macau. The American’s “stress-free” round left him a shot ahead of Miguel Tabuena, Peter Uihlein and Kalle Samooja. On a good scoring day, Sergio Garcia carded a 65 to sit among a group of seven players at five under, and just three shots separated the top 19 on the leaderboard at Macau Golf and Country Club. Reed said he had been tight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303201/patrick-reed-shoots-stress-free-round-take-early-lead-international-series-macau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3303201/patrick-reed-shoots-stress-free-round-take-early-lead-international-series-macau?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:43:32 +0000 LIV Golf will make its first foray into Japan in May, after adding another stop to this year’s International Series. Among the players from the Saudi-backed league already committed to competing in the event are Harold Varner III and Lucas Herbert. The tournament at Caledonian Golf Club will take place the week after LIV Golf Korea, and will mark the Asian Tour’s first return to the country since the Diamond Cup three years ago. Made up of 10 elevated tournaments on the Tour, the series forms... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3302011/liv-golf-heads-japan-first-time-international-series-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3302011/liv-golf-heads-japan-first-time-international-series-event?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Mar 2025 02:34:19 +0000