Two inspiring golfers, Andreas Ma and world number one disabled golfer Kipp Popert, reunited today at the very spot where they first met — the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling — ahead of the Link Hong Kong Open 2026 (LHKO).
Ma, who was hosted to play in today's LHKO Pro-Am with Andy Ogletree by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Official Community Partner of the tournament, spoke of his excitement at seeing his mentor again. He said his game has progressed well since their first session two years ago, having competed in several overseas tournaments while balancing his academics.
Popert praised Ma's short game, noting that while long irons remain a challenge for both of them due to their disabilities, Ma has overcome far more. He encouraged Ma to treat the challenge as an opportunity to excel in other parts of the game, adding that Ma is already off a 16 handicap and has grown significantly since their last meeting.
Ma demonstrated his improved chipping technique in front of his proud mother, and expressed hope that he can play a round with Popert soon.
The LHKO 2026, Hong Kong's oldest professional sporting event, will feature a world-class field led by 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, former world number one Lee Westwood, and 21-time tour champion Paul Casey. Hometown hero Taichi Kho will spearhead the local challenge.
The tournament has played an integral role in showcasing Hong Kong as a top global events destination and sport tourism hub for over six decades. Admission to the opening rounds on Oct. 22 and 23 is free for the public. Daily tickets for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25, are priced at HK$200 per day or HK$300 for a weekend pass, with weekend passes free for spectators aged 18 and under. Ticket prices have been frozen at current levels since 2023.
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