HONG KONG – The list of Major champions competing in this year’s Link Hong Kong Open has been added to significantly – ensuring one of the strongest fields in its history.
South Africans Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel of Stinger GC, Martin Kaymer of Cleeks Golf Club, and Graeme McDowell of Smash GC will all tee it up at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, from Oct. 30-Nov. 2.
They join former Masters winners Bubba Watson of RangeGoats GC and Patrick Reed of 4Aces GC – who both confirmed their participation last month. Reed is the defending champion for the prestigious event, which for the third year in a row will be part of The International Series – a set of top-tier events on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.
With a place in the 2026 Masters Tournament and 154th Open Championship going to the winner, there is plenty on the line for a group of players who have already won on the game’s biggest stages.
Watson, a two-tome Masters winner who claimed the famous green jacket in 2012 and 2014, is already well acquainted with Hong Kong having captained his RangeGoats GC at LIV Golf Hong Kong in 2024 and this year.
The Link Hong Kong Open will be his second appearance on The International Series this season, with International Series Philippines already on his schedule.
“As golfers, we all want to play against the best and Hong Kong will have a really strong field so, of course, everyone wants to be there,” Watson said. “With a spot at the Masters and a spot at The Open on the line, there is a lot at stake. There will be some tough competition and it should make for some pretty entertaining golf.
“The Hong Kong Open is always a player and fan favourite, and a stand-out event on the Asian Tour. I’m really looking forward to returning and playing in front of such incredible fans,” Watson added.
LIV Golf rival Oosthuizen has some major pedigree of his own. As well as winning the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews, he has finished runner-up in all four of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
The Stinger GC captain has already said he feels he can “definitely win another Major” and will be out to prove that in the 64th edition of Hong Kong’s historic Open.
“The biggest thing at a major championship is patience – and, being so long in the game, that’s one thing I’ve learned. Never get down on yourself and never give up.” Oosthuizen added: “I was lucky enough to win The Open at St Andrews, and lifting the Claret Jug is as good as it gets. I didn’t quite make it to the green jacket, but I’m eager for another shot at it. I haven’t played there for a few years. I love the course in Hong Kong, and I think it suits my game. It’s an amazing city, and now to have the chance to earn a spot into the Masters, it’s a great opportunity. I’m hopeful to come out on top.”
Like Watson, Schwartzel has also secured the green jacket. The 2011 Masters champion is now playing alongside Oosthuizen’s team, and the South African is back for another crack at ‘Asia’s Major,’
“It’s an incredible opportunity, not just to play in the Hong Kong Open and the tradition that comes with it, but now to have a pathway into two of the biggest Majors, it’s what you dream of when you are a kid,” Schwartzel said.
“Winning the Masters and wearing the green jacket, that dream came true for me, and it’s one of the peak moments of my career. The more opportunities we can give players to chase that dream, is special.”
The world’s top players will be chasing Reed, who delivered a historic third round at the 2024 Link Hong Kong Open, shooting 59 on his way to a three-shot victory.
In keeping with the event theme of the Link Hong Kong Open – Open For All – admission is free for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday. Season passes, including the final two days on Saturday and Sunday, cost HK$300 for a weekend pass or HK$200 per day. Fans aged 18 and under will enjoy free entry across all four days when accompanied by a ticketed adult or by providing a photo ID showing the date of birth.
More big names will be announced soon. For more information, click here.
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