Hong Kong's top golfer and Asian Games champion Taichi Kho aims to improve on his tied-sixth finish at the Macao Open 2025. -- Photo: Graham Uden, Asian Tour.
MACAO: China’s number one golfer, Li Haotong, and Hong Kong, China’s reigning Asian Games gold medalist, Taichi Kho, have confirmed their participation in the upcoming SJM Macao Open 2025, taking place from 16-19 October at the scenic Macau Golf & Country Club.
Jointly organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (MSB), title sponsor SJM Resorts, and IMG, and co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Macau Golf Association, the US$1 million event will feature a field of 144 top players from across the globe.
Furthermore, Zhang Lianwei, a two-time champion of the Macao Open and the only player to have successfully defended his title in the tournament’s history, has also confirmed his attendance.
Another golf legend from China, Liang Wenchong, was announced as a participant at the tournament’s press launch alongside emerging Macao golfer Kelvin Si Ngai, making this year’s SJM Macao Open 2025 a showcase of China’s generational golf talent.
The contingent of Chinese golfers will join former world number one Lee Westwood, South Korea’s two-time PGA Tour winner Sungjae Im, and defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan in the quest for the coveted Macao Open 2025 title.
Additionally, several participants of the Macao Open will compete in the upcoming 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao for the first time in November. Li will represent Guangdong, while Kho and Si will lead Hong Kong, China, and Macao, China teams, respectively.
The 30-year-old Li, whose career highlights include eight tour titles and a third-place finish at The Open Championship in 2017, as well as a joint fourth this year, enters the Macao Open 2025 with momentum after winning the Qatar Masters earlier this season.
He said, “I am delighted to return to Macao and play at the Macao Open. The last time I played in this prestigious event was in 2023, and I am looking forward to experiencing the city’s vibrancy and energy again. I am having a great season so far and hope to play well enough at the SJM Macao Open to secure my second title in 2025.”
The 24-year-old Kho has made a significant impact since turning professional in 2023.
In his rookie season, he became the first Hong Kong player to win on the Asian Tour at the World City Championship 2023. He followed it up with a historic gold medal in the Asian Games Men’s Individual event, ahead of South Korean star and fellow Macao Open contender Sungjae Im. Kho also led the Hong Kong team to a historic bronze medal in the team competition.
Kho commented, “I am thrilled to return to Macao for the Macao Open. I finished tied for sixth two years ago, and I feel this course suits my game very well. I have been playing great recently and hope to score some low rounds to challenge for the title on 19 October.”
Zhang, who mentored Liang Wenchong as he transitioned from amateur to professional, has been a steadfast supporter of the Macao Open since its inaugural event in 1998.
His Macao Open titles in 2001 and 2002 are among 22 professional tournament wins in a career that began in 1994. Respected as the pioneer of golf in China, he is credited with many ‘firsts’ for Chinese golfers, including being the first to win on the European Tour and the first to reach the top 100 in the Official Golf Rankings.
China golf pioneer Zhang Lianwei continues his support for the Macao Open and is aiming for third title here. -- Picture by Paul Lakatos/IMG.
A native of Zhuhai, Zhang said, “I consider the Macao Open my home tournament. I have played here many times, and whether I win or lose, Macao will always be close to my heart.
"Since I first played here, the course at the Macau Golf & Country Club has consistently maintained its world-class quality, while Macao as a city has evolved so much; it is amazing to see it become one of the premier entertainment and events hubs in Asia. The Macao Open experience just gets better every year.”
Over the past two decades, the Macao Open has welcomed a parade of Major Champions, such as Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington, and Vijay Singh. Among them, the legendary Zhang has been crowned champion twice, marking a highlight in the Asian Tour.
Building on its commitment to supporting the local community, the SJM Macao Open 2025 will bring golf to Macao’s historic streets, sharing the joy, thrills, and positive values of the sport with people from all walks of life and reaching an even wider audience. Details of the tournament’s public engagement activities calendar will be announced in due course.
In keeping with SJM’s commitment to the community, admission to the Macao Open 2025 will be free with prior registration. Fans are encouraged to register in advance, with each person able to request up to four tickets. For more information and to secure your tickets, visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com
