The press conference for the Link Hong Kong Open was held today (Aug. 13). Hong Kong's homegrown golf star Taichi Kho will return to his home course this October as the Link Hong Kong Open celebrates its 65th edition, with the Asian Tour expecting another field of world-class players for one of the city's biggest sporting events.
The tournament will be held from Oct. 22 to 25 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, with a prize purse of US$2 million.
Kho, HK's top-ranked professional golfer, is enjoying the best season of his professional career and currently sits second in the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
The 25-year-old secured his second Asian Tour title in June after defeating two-time major champion Bubba Watson at the International Series Morocco. Now, Kho will return to the course where he made history in 2023 by becoming the first HK golfer to win an Asian Tour event, when he triumphed at the World City Championship.
"I am thrilled to be returning to my home course to compete at the Link Hong Kong Open this October," Kho said. "The course has given me many very special memories, and some of my biggest successes have been achieved there and in front of my home fans."
"I will never forget that winning moment at the World City Championship in 2023, and I hope to recapture that moment in two months' time."
The return of Kho adds a strong local dimension to an event that has long attracted some of the biggest names in Asian and world golf.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said fans could expect "several major championship winners, world-renowned stars and the best players from Asia" to compete at this year's tournament.
The tournament will also continue its links with golf's biggest stages, with qualification opportunities for next year's Masters Tournament and the Open Championship expected to provide an additional incentive for players.
For the Hong Kong Golf Club, the 65th edition represents more than another milestone in the tournament's history.
Bryant Lu, Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club, described hosting the Hong Kong Open for 65 years as "a remarkable achievement", saying the tournament's longevity reflected the strong support it has received from the HKSAR government, fans, the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China and the Asian Tour.
He also pointed to the event's growing international stature, noting that its long history and pathway to major championships such as The Open and the Masters have helped build its prestige and recognition beyond Asia.
"I think it's very important for HK to continue to host these international sporting events," Lu said. "The Hong Kong Open is a trusted, well-attended and respected event, not only on the Asian calendar, but I think on the global calendar as well."
Lu said he had spoken with many players over the years and found that "they all love coming here and playing in HK," adding that the tournament brings new vibrancy to both the city and its economy.
But Lu also stressed that the Hong Kong Open is designed to offer more than elite competition, with the Hong Kong Golf Club grounds and the wider tournament experience providing opportunities for families and first-time visitors to engage with the sport.
A dedicated fan village will feature games, activities, food and entertainment, while visitors will also have opportunities to try putting and swinging a club themselves.
"For families with small children, it would be a great experience," Lu said. "They can not only come and see the grounds and watch the excitement, but also spend some time at the Fan Village and enjoy all the activities around there."
"We hope for great weather. It will be a great outdoor, healthy experience for the whole family," Lu said.
The emphasis on accessibility is also reflected in the tournament's "Open For All" initiative. Admission will be free to all spectators on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 22 and 23, while spectators aged 18 and under will enjoy free entry throughout all four competition days.
Beyond making the sport more accessible to the public, Lu sees the Hong Kong Open as part of the city's wider role as an international sporting hub.
He said HK's ability to host major international sporting events demonstrated its capacity to attract overseas and regional visitors and connect the city with the international community.
"It's very important to show our diversity and also be able to bridge with the international community," Lu said. "HK's primary role really is to be able to bridge and bring in the best from the world."
He added that international events such as the Hong Kong Open could help showcase the city as "a place to live, enjoy and invest."
Cho echoed that view, describing HK as "truly Asia's world city" and saying the appeal of the Hong Kong Open extends well beyond the golf course.
"Everybody looks forward to coming to HK, not only for the golf, but everyone likes to go around town, see the place and really experience the city for what it truly is," Cho said.
He noted that the Hong Kong Open has been a fixture on the Asian Tour for decades and remains one of its marquee events, with players looking forward to returning to the city year after year.
"The whole experience of coming to HK is very valuable for the players," Cho said, noting that the appeal goes beyond the golf club itself to exploring the city, trying different foods, seeing different sights and interacting with local people. "It's one tournament that they love to come to every single year," he added.
The Hong Kong Open is one of only two professional golf events to have been played at the same historic venue for six decades or more, alongside the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Tickets for the weekend rounds on Oct. 24 and 25 will remain at HK$200 per day or HK$300 for a weekend pass, with weekend passes also free for spectators aged 18 and under.
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