Hongtaek Kim defends his GS Caltex Maekyung Open title this week in Korea; high on confidence but still in search of a first win since last year’s brilliant victory.

He beat Thailand’s Chonlatit Chuenboonngam at the first extra hole 12 months ago, slotting a knee-trembling four-footer for par in driving rain – on the 18th here at Namseoul Country Club.

It was his first victory on the Asian Tour, plus second on the Korean PGA Tour, and marked a significant crossover triumph. Nicknamed ‘King of the Screen’, in a glittering career on the indoor golfing scene, Kim boasted no fewer than 12 wins.

In so doing, he’d become a poster boy for the GTour – a professional screen golf league in Korea that has been credited with setting the standard for competitive virtual golf.  In a country that leads the world in indoor golf with more than 70 million rounds reported to be played annually on simulators, Kim is a shining star.

Hongtaek Kim celebrates after winning the 43rd GS Caltex Maekyung Open. Picture courtesy of Korean Golf Association.

His fame – and golfing credibility – further sky-rocketed at the start of May last year when he defied the sceptics by winning the GS Caltex Maekyung Open.

Not only did his victory conclusively prove that those who are predominantly indoor golfers can also perform with distinction outdoors, but also that they’re far from being fair-weather golfers.

One year on and it’s not surprising that he has picked up two more GTour titles, including a mixed event, taking his tally to 14. However, despite four top-10 finishes on the Korean PGA Tour last year, he has not built on his 2024 Maekyung win. It’s not through a lack of belief though.

“Since the victory, I often felt that my performances have improved significantly,” said the Korean this week.

“I was able to approach each game with a more composed mindset, and my confidence has grown greatly. Although I have not secured another win since last year, I do not feel anxious or disappointed. My play has continued to improve with each tournament, and my trust in my shots has grown stronger.”

Playing the GTour while competing in regular tour events has also not been a distraction. He enjoys the continuity, and no doubt, the additional revenue.

Kim at an emotional winner’s press conference last year. Photo courtesy of Korean Golf Association.

He adds: “Playing continuously without breaks can be physically demanding. However, it also helps in maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the season.”

When he won the Maekyung event last year he handled the pressure superbly, navigating his way around the venerable Namseoul layout in two-under-par 69 to force a play-off with Chonlatit.

He couldn’t resist a jibe at those who scoffed at his prospects. “There was a misunderstanding that I was only good at simulator golf. I solved the misunderstanding today,” he said the time.

“I think simulator golf has actually been very helpful. Competing in championships in simulator golf has helped relieve tension.”

Three shots behind pace-setting compatriot Junghwan Lee heading into the final round, Kim stormed through on the back nine with three birdies in a row from 13 and another on 17 to set the clubhouse target at 10-under 274.

Chonlatit, playing in the last group, held a one-shot lead with three holes to play but made an expensive bogey on the par-five 16th. He courageously holed par-saving putts on 17 and 18, both from about eight feet, signing for a 71 to match Kim’s total and extend the 43rd staging of the event into overtime.

Richard T. Lee finished alone in third place, two shots shy of the play-off. Having won the Woori Bank Finance Championship on the Korean PGA Tour last weekend the in-form Canadian enters the week as one of the favourites and a real threat to Kim’s hopes of simulating last year’s success.

Main picture: Hongtaek Kim, centre right, pictured with some of the stars competing this week. Picture courtesy of Korean Golf Association.

Tournament Information

• Tournament: The 44th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship
• Date: May 1^st – 4^th, 2025
• Venue: Namseoul Country Club, Seoul Korea
• Par/Yards: 71 / 7,083 yards
• Purse: KRW 1,300,000,000 (approximately US$909,120)
• Defending Champion: Hongtaek Kim (KOR)
• Asian Tour leg: Fifth
• Edition of tournament: 44th
• Total number of players: 144
• Format: Stroke play tournament over 4 rounds of 18 holes with a cut after 36 holes to leading 65 players (including amateurs) plus ties.
• Social media hashtags: #TimeToRise #MaekyungOpen

Ryan Peake pictured winning the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport earlier this year. Picture by Photosport.

Field Breakdown

• Order of Merit winners: Sihwan Kim (2022), Jazz Janewattananond (2019), Scott Hend (2016)
• Nationalities: 19
• Top contenders: Richard T. Lee (CAN), Travis Smyth (AUS), Junghwan Lee (KOR), Ian Snyman (RSA), Julien Sale (FRA), Ryan Peake (AUS)
• Highest ranked player on OWGR: Richard T. Lee (CAN) #175
• Highest ranked player on 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit: Ryan Peake (AUS) #3
• Number of amateurs: 8
• Number of Korean players in the field: 90

Richard T. Lee. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Tournament Notes

• Richard T. Lee of Canada could be considered the favourite this week after winning the Woori Bank Finance Championship on the Korean PGA Tour this past weekend in a three-way playoff, and reaching a career high of 175^th on the OWGR after that win. The 34-year-old Canadian of Korean descent finished solo third in this tournament last year, after narrowly missing his birdie attempt on the 72^nd hole which would have gotten him into a play-off with eventual winner Hongtaek Kim from Korea and Chonlatit Chuenboonngam of Thailand. Lee had a great season on the Asian Tour last year, finishing third on the Order of Merit thanks to a win at the BNI Indonesian Masters, a runner up at the International Series Thailand and four other top 10s. He is off to a good start this season with top-10s in both Asian Tour events he has played, finishing fifth in the International Series Macau presented by Wynn and T10 in the International Series India presented by DLF. Lee has also continued his impressive current cut streak on the Asian Tour and has now made 19 consecutive cuts, the last time he missed being around on the weekend was at the International Series Singapore in October of 2023.
• Australian Travis Smyth has been in good form this season posting T10s in the International Series Macau presented by Wynn and the International Series India presented by DLF, a T15 in the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport and a T16 in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open. He also finished T3 in the Webex Players Series Sydney hosted by Peter O’Malley on the PGA Tour of Australasia. In four previous appearances at Namseoul he is yet to make the cut and will be looking to make amends this week.
• Junghwan Lee of Korea has finished T4 and T2 in the last two editions of the tournament. Playing sparingly on the Asian Tour in 2024 he finished 45^th on the Order of Merit and his best result this season has been a T13 at the Smart Infinity Philippine Open.
• South Africa’s Ian Snyman has had a mixed bag of results this season finishing T2 in the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport and in the T5 Smart Infinity Philippine Open, while missing the cuts in Macau and India.
• Rookie Frenchman Julien Sale won the season opening Smart Infinity Philippine Open in his first start on the Asian Tour, becoming the first ever player to win in his Asian Tour debut a month after earning his card at Q-School in Thailand a month earlier. He also finished T16 in the International Series India Presented by DLF and sits in fifth place on the Order of Merit.
• Australian Ryan Peake will be making his debut at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open after winning the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport in early March, also earning a ticket to the Open Championship in the process. It will also mark Peake’s first start as an Asian Tour member having played in New Zealand through his status on the Australian Tour. At number three on the Order of Merit he is the highest ranked player in the field.
• Defending champion Hongtaek Kim of Korea will be hoping that his good memories from Namseoul Country Club last year will see him return to form, as his two previous Asian Tour starts in 2025 has resulted in missed cuts.
• There are three two-time winners of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in the field this week: Bio Kim (2012, 2022), Taehee Lee (2019, 2020) and Sanghyun Park (2016, 2018).
• In addition to Bio Kim’s two wins at Namseoul he also holds a very impressive overall record at Namseoul, with a tied sixth in 2023 and five other top-five finishes in the previous 16 times he’s played in the GS Caltex Maekyung Open.
• The last non-Korean to win the GS Caltex Maekyung Open was American Mark Calcaveccia in 2004 when the event was played at Lakeside, while the last foreign winner at Namseoul Country Club was Eddie Lee from New Zealand who won the event as an amateur in 2002.

The International Series has added another exciting new destination to its groundbreaking schedule for the 2025 season with International Series Cambodia presented by Royal Group unveiled as the latest addition to a sweeping calendar of new territories and established golf markets.

The International Series will make its debut in one of golf’s emerging markets at the Chhun On Golf Resort in Phnom Penh from 9-12 October. The sixth of 10 LIV Golf-backed events across the season will bring a mix of LIV Golf stars and top performers on the Asian Tour.

Chairman Kith Meng of the Royal Group, said: “Bringing The International Series to Cambodia, and the Chhun On Golf Resort, is a major milestone for us in the development of the golf industry and tourism in our country, which under the 7^th Mandate of the Royal Government, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia is supporting and welcoming of such sporting tourism events.

“By hosting the International Series in Cambodia presented by Royal Group, we are not only promoting our beautiful country on a global stage but also inspiring our youth and local communities to engage with sports. This event will serve as a catalyst for tourism and hospitality industries while showcasing the rich culture and hospitality that Cambodia has to offer.

Chhun On Golf Resort.

“We are committed to making this an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Chhun On Golf Resort this October.

“With a world-class field of LIV Golf and Asian Tour players, Cambodia will be firmly on the map and fans all over the world will be able to see the incredible calibre of courses and facilities we have in Cambodia.”

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Adding Cambodia to the schedule is an important step as we continue to grow our brand among new audiences, offer playing opportunities to the best in the region, and strengthen the growing global golf ecosystem by enabling the development of the game at grass roots within this key market.”

The new event builds on already strong connections with the country fostered by the Asian Tour. Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap is an Asian Tour Destinations venue that hosted the Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic in 2012, and the ADT Players Championship presented by The R&A last year, a landmark event aimed at growing the sport in the country.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, added: “This is another important date in the calendar for the Asian Tour. Cambodia is a country we have forged strong links with on a number of levels over the years.”

For the past four seasons, the events on The International Series have offered elevated prize money and a proven pathway to the LIV Golf League.

Kweichow Moutai, one of the leading luxury brands in China, will embark on an exciting new journey with the Asian Tour after announcing today a bold and wide-ranging new partnership that will have a major impact on three of the biggest golf events in the region.

Marking Kweichow Moutai’s first venture with the region’s premier professional golf circuit, they will be welcomed on board as the Official Luxury Chinese Baijiu Partner of the Asian Tour delivering a significant presence across the season.

In addition, they will become the presenting partner for next week’s International Series Japan, become title sponsor of the Singapore Open – ensuring the prestigious event’s return after a three-year break – and also join the Link Hong Kong Open as the Official Luxury Chinese Baijiu Partner.

“There are so many synergies between Kweichow Moutai and the Asian Tour that makes this new commitment an exciting one that offers so much potential,” said Huang Jie, Chairman of Guizhou Moutai Chiew.

“Kweichow Moutai represents excellence and prestige, values we associate with golf, the Asian Tour and its line-up of world-class tournaments. And in the same way that the Asian Tour is continuing to grow its audience and reach around the world, Kweichow Moutai also aims to consolidate its strong global presence through these four new partnerships.

The Asian Tour’s Cho Minn Thant, Huang Jie from Kweichow Moutai, and the SGA’s Tan Chong Huat and Ivan Chua pictured at the signing ceremony.

“Kweichow Moutai cannot wait for these relationships to get underway and marry our brand with the first ever International Series event in Japan and later on with two of the most venerable tournaments in the history of Asian golf, the Singapore Open and Link Hong Kong Open.”

The International Series Japan presented by Moutai will be played at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba, near Tokyo, May 8-11, while the Link Hong Kong Open tees off at the Hong Kong Golf Club, October 30-November 2.

The week after Hong Kong, the Moutai Singapore Open will be held at Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), November 6-9. It will mark the first time Singapore’s National Open will be played at SICC since 2000.

All three tournaments are part of The International Series – 10 premier events on the Asian Tour that boast elevated prize money and provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

Kweichow Moutai is a market leader in the ‘Baijiu’, or “white liquor”, industry in China, and has a rich history and historical legacy dating back hundreds of years. It sees elite-level tournament golf in the region as the perfect platform to target high-income individuals in Asia and beyond.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour commented: “The Asian Tour is proud to embrace Kweichow Moutai’s landmark move into the international stage and we are excited to see them partner with the Tour and three of our key events. It is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our brands and reputations together in the region.

“Kweichow Moutai is a strong, renowned brand with great ambitions, and we feel the Asian Tour and its iconic tournaments will provide an ideal platform for future growth. We share a vision to target a new demographic while maintaining traditions and a loyal customer base.”

The partnership also marks the third successive event on The International Series boasting a presenting partner, after the International Series India presented by DLF and the International Series Macau presented by Wynn.

Sadom Kaewkanjana pictured winning in 2022.

“The International Series welcomes Kweichow Moutai onboard for our first event in Japan and looks forward to their involvement in Hong Kong and Singapore,” said Rahul Singh – Head of The International Series.

“This commitment is an outstanding development that supports our ambitions to showcase the series in key markets we have not yet visited, such as Japan, and to continue building our profile in traditional strongholds of the Asian Tour, like Hong Kong and Singapore.

“It is a perfect partnership for all parties as our blend of world-class action, entertainment and activations appeals to the core golf fan as well as other audiences seeking something more.”

The Singapore Open was last played at the beginning of 2022 and its return to the schedule has been eagerly awaited. Like the Hong Kong Open, it is one of the founding events on the Asian Tour with a remarkable history and star-studded list of past champions.

Tan Chong Huat, President, Singapore Golf Association said: “The Singapore Open is about to embark on an exciting new cycle and we are looking forward to working with our partners, the Asian Tour and Kweichow Moutai, to continue the legacy of our National Open.

“Our National Open is one of Singapore’s premier sporting events, and we are overjoyed it is returning to the calendar later this year with a dynamic new title sponsor at one of the country’s most acclaimed golfing venues, Singapore Island Country Club.”

Andy Kwok, Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, added: “We are delighted to welcome Kweichow Moutai to the Link Hong Kong Open’s portfolio of sponsors at a time when our event is flourishing and enjoying an incredible period of growth.”

The Asian Tour is in Korea this week for the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, before crossing to next week’s International Series Japan presented by Moutai – the sixth event of the season on the Asian Tour and third stop on The International Series.

Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa will lead a strong line-up of champions from Japan at the soon-to-be-played International Series Japan – the inaugural US$2million event taking place at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba, from May 8-11.

Ishikawa, the 33-year-old who has enjoyed an illustrious career on the Japan Golf Tour with 21 wins under his belt – including two last year –  will be making his debut on The International Series.

He will be joined by famous compatriots Taiga Semikawa, Yuta Sugiura, and Ren Yonezawa, all multiple winners on the Japan Golf Tour.

Semikawa is a four-time champion in Japan. He made history in 2022 by becoming the first amateur in 95 years to win the Japan Open – part of a remarkable season that also included victory at the Panasonic Open, also as an amateur. Last year, as a professional, he claimed the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup and the Kansai Open Golf Championship.

Taiga Semikawa. Picture by Hector Vivas/Getty Images.

Sugiura is another standout name. He triumphed at the prestigious Dunlop Phoenix Tournament as an amateur in 2023 and the following season won the Japan PGA Championship, as a member of the paid ranks. Yonezawa claimed The Crowns and the Yokohama Minato Championship in a superb three-month spell in 2024.

Hana Bank Invitational 2024 champion Takashi Ogiso from Japan has also confirmed his participation  alongside other notable countrymen Naoyuki Kataoka and Taihei Sato.

Japan’s Shugo Imahira, a 10-time champion in Japan, and Japan’s only LIV Golf League representative, Jinichiro Kozuma of Iron Heads GC, are already confirmed for the tournament, alongside American Harold Varner III, Australia’s Lucas Herbert, and the Asian Tour’s rising star Taichi Kho.

The International Series Japan is the third stop on The International Series this year. The series boasts 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour that offer superior prizemoney and a a direct pathway onto the LIV Golf League.

Yuta Sugiura. Picture by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The local challenge is set to be incredibly strong at International Series Japan – and that’s a huge win for Japanese golf fans. We’re proud to bring world-class golf to one of Asia’s most passionate markets.

“This event offers a compelling mix of international stars, rising local talent, and some of the finest players from across the Asian Tour. With a coveted LIV Golf League spot on the line at the end of the season, every shot matters and the competition will be fierce.”

A few weeks ago Japanese star Keita Nakajima was in the headlines after he narrowly failed to successfully defend his Hero Indian Open title. His time is most definitely coming as he continues to make giant strides forward and when you think of him it’s hard not to think of another of the region’s great hopes for the future, Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho.

The careers of the two 24 year olds have been rising in tandem and in many respects were launched at the 2021 Asian Amateur Championship – where the two fought a memorable head-to-head battle. Kho was defeated by his Japanese counterpart in a sudden-death play-off at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club but despite that it remains a standout moment in his fledgling career.

Kho’s journey so far has now been documented in the Asian Tour’s latest Time to Rise video, in partnership with Rolex. It has been launched today and provides a fascinating insight into what’s behind the Hong Kong star’s rapid rise to the top.

There have been many highs for Kho in a short space of time, not least winning the gold medal in the individual section at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games – which was staged in 2023 due to COVID-19 and saw him succeed none other than Nakajima, who won in 2018.

In the aptly titled Time To Rise video, Kho reveals important aspects of his approach to the game – particularly on the mental side – that have helped him achieve success so quickly.

He explains: “I would say golf is so challenging because the harder you try the worse you get, no matter how much you want something.

“I feel like the more you force it, the more you push it away. So, it is really important to be in the right frame of mind when you play golf.”

Since turning professional, just over two years ago, following a fine amateur career during which he attended the distinguished University of Notre Dame, Kho has most certainly been in the right frame of mind.

In just his third start after graduating from the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the beginning of 2023, he won the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club. It was one of the finest moments in the SAR’s sporting history, which he added to later in the year at the Asian Games – where he also helped Hong Kong secure the bronze medal in the team competition.

Victor Kho, father of Taichi Kho, hugs his son after he wins the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

He became the first Hong Kong player to win on the Asian Tour and win gold at the Asian Games and while his strength comes from his athleticism and textbook swing, it is clear from the video that it his mind that is stronger.

“I think a lot of the time people get obsessive over their swing, or their stats, or what they are doing well or what they are not doing well,” explains Kho.

“But at the end of the day golf is such an organic game in a sense that there is no one right way to play golf well. So, to go out there and be in the right frame of mind and to be able to access your best stuff when it what really counts out here on Tour level that’s definitely a challenge that you don’t see in other physical sports. It is something that I really enjoy and something that really challenges me.”

A joint runner-up finish in the Volvo China Open toward the end of 2023 and six other top-10 finishes since claiming the World City Championship have seen him on the cusp of a second win.

In the video, Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, says: “Taichi goes about things in the right way. He prepares himself mentally, physically, gets the right advice, trains hard, practices hard.  He has all the tools to be a world-class player.”

Taichi with his Asian Games gold medal. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Dom Boulet, former Tour player now considered to be the voice of the Asian Tour as part of the broadcast commentary team, adds: “I think mentally he is as strong as anyone out here on Tour. He seems to learn quickly. He doesn’t get down on himself when he doesn’t perform.”

Kho also talks about his back injury which meant he could not play for two months in the second half of last year.

“The injury was unexpected, and we were not entirely sure what caused it. I got to the point where I could not swing or even walk properly. I have never been injured in my life before, so it was quite a wake-up call for me,” he says.

“It was a wake-up call for me that I can’t take my body or my health for granted. So going into 2025 I feel like I am more well equipped to manage my time away from the game better. I know how to listen to my body when I need to.”

Taichi Kho being more equipped is most certainly a wake-up call for everyone else as well.