Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert [main picture] and Poom Saksansin have taken the lead after the second round of the Yeangder TPC, on a day when players from their country dominated the leaderboard.

Pavit, the joint-first round leader, fired a six-under-par 66, and Poom, the champion here in 2023, a 64 at Linkou International Golf & Country Club.

They lead on 14-under in the first of two Asian Tour events being played back-to-back in Chinese-Taipei.

Tawit Polthai from Thailand, who topped last year’s Asian Development Tour rankings, fired a best of the week 62, to sit in third place one shot back with Japan’s Kazuki Higa – the defending champion once again in the hunt after a 66.

Two more Thais Ekpharit Wu, in with a 66, and Jazz Janewattananond, who shot a 67, are tied for fifth.

They are two strokes further behind along with Chinese-Taipei’s Chien-yao Hung, another of the opening day leaders. Hung fired a 69.

Poom Saksansin.

For the second day in succession Pavit impressed by executing a bogey-free round. He made six birdies, including on his first two holes.

He said: “I think the wind switched today. A lot of cross wind for today, it was definitely a different wind from yesterday, and it’s very tricky. You know, if you hit it high, the wind is different from lower down. Yeah, it was very tricky.”

The 37-year-old came close to winning earlier in the season finishing second in the Philippine Golf Championship and equal second in the International Series Japan. He is determined to finally claim his third title on the Asian Tour, with the most recent being the Sabah Masters in 2019.

“I didn’t win for maybe like five years already. So yeah, let’s see because I came very, very close already in the Philippines, in Japan, and came second a lot of times in Thailand. So yeah, keep knocking the door,” he said.

He’s also on mission to win this week for his wife Chorphaka Jaengjit, a Thai LPGA professional who is here watching him, as it’s the 20^th anniversary of their relationship.

While Pavit has won two ADT event in Chinese-Taipei, Poom has the distinction of having won once here on the Asian Tour, with that success at the Yeangder TPC three years ago. It was his fourth victory and most recent on the Asian Tour

Tawit Polthai.

Today’s performance, which saw him shoot nine birdies, including five on the second half, and just one bogey, has put him in a strong position heading into the weekend. Should he win again this week he would become only the second player to win the tournament twice. The only other is his compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant in 2010 and 2013.

Two rounds in the mid-60s so far have come as welcome relief for the 33-year-old, who has been at odds with his game recently.

“It’s not been very good,” he said. “Played in local events and finished not so well. But I just opened an academy and I was teaching one of my friends, and I was just teaching him a drill, which took about two hours, and then that drill got into my swing. So good luck for me.”

He explained: “My swing is a little bit too deep on my backswing and my shaft gets too flat, which is the same problem as my friend. So, I just told him that you have to get your hands more in front and more steep on the backswing. I kept doing that drill for two hours because I was teaching him. I wasn’t hitting any shots. Then yeah, that drill got into my swing.”

Tawit surged up the leaderboard to join his countrymen after making 10 birdies and not dropping a shot.

“I don’t know, everything was like a perfect day for me,” he said. “I hit all the good numbers. I’ve shot 10 under in like a practice round before, but not in a tournament.”

Higa, whose win last year put him on the road to winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit, was equally as explosive making two eagles, on par fives, and five birdies. However, three bogeys meant he finished the day just off the lead.

Malaysia’s Ervin Chang, another of the three who started the day leading, returned a 71 and is five back.

Australia’s Travis Smyth and Taichi Kho from Hong Kong, first and second respectively on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, moved into contention after carding 68s. They are six shots behind the two frontrunners.

Pictures by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Malaysian Ervin Chang, Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Chien-yao Hung from Chinese-Taipei seized the lead on the opening day of the Yeangder TPC today shooting stunning eight-under-par 64s.

They top the leaderboard ahead of Japan’s Kazuki Higa, the defending champion, Wei-hsuan Wang from Chinese-Taipei and New Zealander Denzel Ieremia, who all carded 65s – on a day of low scoring at Linkou International Golf & Country Club

Chang’s 64 was the more swashbuckling, so much so that at one point during the round he questioned if he was “doing this correctly”.

Playing in the morning session he took the clubhouse lead making nine birdies and a solitary bogey.

He won the Port Dickson Championship on his home tour in August by the comfortable margin of seven shots and has carried that form through to this week, despite playing golf that was far from regulation.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert.

“My putting and my damage control overall were key today,” said the 28-year-old.

“On hole number seven, my 16th basically as I started on back nine, I actually duffed my tee-shot. Then I had 185 yards to the pin, into the wind, and hit a six iron to 18 feet and made it for birdie.

“On hole number nine, my last hole, I hit my tee shot a little bit left, but the second shot caught a flyer over the green, but I chipped in for birdie. Earlier on three I also chipped in for birdie.

“There were some crazy moments, some moment that just made me wonder, like, am I doing this correctly?”.

He also admitted to cutting back on the amount of time he spends online to help his peace of mind.

He said: “I didn’t look at the scoreboard, and it’s something that I’ve been working on over the last three months. I didn’t cut off social media, but I cut off golf on my social media, on my Instagram, as just because on the golf course it is stressful enough, and I don’t look at golf again after the round.”

The Malaysian tied for third in the Saudi Open at the end of last year and was equal fifth in this year’s Philippine Golf Championship for his best finishes on the Asian Tour and is looking for something similar this week to help improve on his current Order of Merit position, which is 62^nd.

Pavit and Hung both played in the afternoon, catching Chang later in the day.

The former played with a touch of inspiration as his wife Chorphaka Jaengjit, a Thai LPGA professional, is here watching during an important week for them.

Chien-Yao Hung.

He said: “This week is our 20th anniversary of being together. So, it is a very special week for me. I am trying to win for her.”

As well as being a two-time winner on the Asian Tour he has also triumphed a record eight times on the Asian Development Tour, with two of those coming here in Chinese-Taipei.

“I mean, I played here a lot. I love it. I have very good friends here, you know, and all the tea, good food, very happy about yeah about this week.

“My irons were on fire today, kind of like three feet, four feet, left me easy putts.”

The 37-year-old was bogey free today and made an eagle and six birdies.

Hung has come into this week off the back of winning the Ambassador ADT Open on home soil in July. It’s his third victory on the Asian Development Tour, but he is still in search of his first victory on the Asian Tour.

He impressively took the lead despite suffering from cramps on the seventh. He made an eagle and seven birdies before frustratingly dropping his only shot of the day on his final hole, the ninth.

“I bogeyed the last, but I told myself it’s ok,” said Hung.

“I think the main highlight today was how I played through my calf cramps on the last three holes! I was just thinking about how I got it. Did I not drink enough water? Maybe because the weather is cooling that’s why I thought I didn’t need to drink too much.

“I knew it’s easy to make bogeys on the last three holes, so I wasn’t expecting too much. Because of the cramps, I wasn’t able to concentrate as well. I actually had an easy chip on the last, but I didn’t chip well which was a pity. But overall, it’s alright.”

Kazuki Higa.

Helping him to make it through was his wife Nikki, who was caddying for him for the first time since she gave birth to their son earlier this year.

Higa used his victory here last year – which came the week after he claimed the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea – to help push on and win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title.

He is currently in 113^th place on the Merit list and says this week’s performance will determine how he plans the rest of the season.

Said the 31-year-old: “I know the winner of the Order of Merit will earn a DP World Tour card, but I will see how this week goes before I think about that.”

With the Yeangder Group one of his main sponsors he is also under extra pressure to perform well, and he certainly did that today with five birdies in a row from the ninth.

“It feels like my second home especially as I am sponsored by Yeangder. A lot of people here are cheering for me, so I am trying to manage and enjoy it,” he said.

“I struggled off the tee but had some lucky breaks. From the fairway my wedges were dialled in. Just off the tee it wasn’t stable. I will try and fix it today.”

Malaysia’s Malaysian Khavish Varadan, the current leader of the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit, and Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand are in a large group of players in a tie for seventh after shooting 66s.

Despite playing the course for the first time, in the tournament, Varadan made a stunning start. Beginning on the back nine, he eagled the par-five 10^th before making birdies on the next two.

He said: “You know, with the greens, I think I credit my play from the couple of ADTs I played here in Taiwan just to get used to Taiwan golf. I think the golf is different here compared to what I’m used to.

“So, I credit, you know, taking the initiative to come here earlier this summer to play in two events, just to get used to this week and next week, trying to see how I fare around the greens.”

Travis Smyth from Australia, the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, in second place on the Merit list, both fired 68s.

Pictures by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

The Singapore Open, one of the Asian Tour’s most iconic tournaments, will enter another exciting new phase next year with Deutsche Bank – Germany’s leading bank with a global network – as the title sponsor, and with the DP World Tour returning as the joint-sanctioning partner.

The DP World Tour announced the news yesterday, explaining they have inked a multi-year agreement that runs until 2029 with Deutsche Bank.

The tournament will be played on The Serapong at Sentosa Golf Club from 15-18 April.

It marks the first time Deutsche Bank has sponsored Singapore’s national open, but it has previously partnered with the DP World Tour as the Title Partner of the Deutsche Bank Players’ Championship of Europe from 1995 to 2007.

Speaking about the new partnership Claudio de Sanctis, Deutsche Bank Management Board Member and Head of Private Bank, said: “Deutsche Bank is proud to be working with the DP World Tour to bring leading international talent in professional golf to Asia in the new Singapore Open. Partnering for this sporting event aligns strategically with Deutsche Bank’s commitment to fostering global talent, competitive skill and leadership.

“We are delighted to support this significant sporting event for golf fans around the Asia region, reflecting our deep commitment to Singapore and to sport as a means of creating connection and inspiring experiences for clients and the community.”

Jeongwoo Ham pictured winning this year’s Singapore Open. Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

The Singapore Open is a prime tournament for them to be associated with. First played in 1961 it is steeped in history and boasts a striking line-up of past champions that includes Australian Adam Scott, who has triumphed a record three times, as well as Spain’s Sergio Garcia, Englishman Ian Poulter and Matteo Manassero from Italy.

Some of the Asian Tour’s finest have also been victorious, including Indian Jeev Milkha Singh plus Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant and Jazz Janewattananond, and Myanmar’s Kyi Hla Han – all former Asian Tour Order of Merit champions.

While traditionally part of the Asian Tour schedule, the event was previously co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour between 2009 and 2012.

Jeongwoo Ham won the title in April, impressively winning wire-to-wire – to become only the second Korean to raise the trophy. It marked the first time since 2022 that the tournament had been played at Sentosa Golf Club, with whom the Asian Tour have enjoyed a long-term relationship since 2005.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, added: “We were thrilled to welcome the event back onto the schedule in 2025 after a two-year hiatus, delighted to see it return to Sentosa this year, and we eagerly anticipate it being elevated to a joint-sanctioned event next season with the DP World Tour.

“Partnering with Deutsche Bank will also give even greater prominence to what is one of the high points of the golfing year in Asia. We also want to acknowledge and thank the Singapore Golf Association for their on-going support of the National Championship.”

The Asian Tour is in the process of finalising its schedule for 2027, but the Deutsche Bank Singapore Open will be in the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing, the third of five Global Swings which form the first phase of the 2027 Race to Dubai.

Jeev Milkha Singh after winning in 2008. Picture by Ian Walton/Getty Images.

Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, added: “This partnership is significant not only because it is with one of the world’s leading financial institutions, but because it reflects the commercial appeal of the DP World Tour and the opportunities we can provide global brands through our platform.

“The return of the Singapore Open to our schedule is also an important milestone in our new tri-partite partnership with the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour. Deutsche Bank’s investment will provide the foundation to grow this historic national open, enhance the experience on and off the course, and maximise the economic impact of the event for many years to come.”

The Singapore Golf Association (SGA), the guardian of the island state’s flagship tournament, is also looking forward to this newest partnership between the various stakeholders.

Lee Lung Nien, President of the Singapore Golf Association, said: “The return of the Singapore Open to the DP World Tour schedule as a co-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour marks an exciting new chapter for our National Championship. We are delighted to welcome Deutsche Bank as Title Partner and look forward to seeing the partnership further elevate the profile of the tournament, attract leading international players and create greater opportunities for our local players to compete against some of the best players in the world. As the national custodian for the Singapore Open, the SGA is proud to continue sanctioning the event and ensure its long-standing presence in our golfing landscape.”

Main picture: Left to right: Max Hamilton, Executive Commercial Director at the European Tour Group, Luke Donald, European Ryder Cup Captain, Julian Thurston, Head of Strategy, Marketing and Client Management at Deutsche Bank Private Bank.

This week’s Yeangder TPC will witness one of the most highly anticipated events in Asian golf when Thailand’s Ratchanon Chantananuwat, better known as ‘TK’, makes his debut as a professional.

Four years after setting a world record by winning the Asian Tour’s Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup as a 15-year-old amateur, the Thai wonderkid will finally play for pay when he tees-off on Thursday at Linkou International Golf & Country Club.

The 19-year-old has chosen to take a break from his studies at Stanford University, while also looking to capitalise on the Asian Tour’s renewed partnership with the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour and the opportunities it brings.

“Multiple reasons [to turn professional],” the 19-year-old said this week. “First of all, my goal has always been to play professional golf, and I feel like the Asian Tour is heading in a great direction with the addition of DP World Tour cards, HotelPlanner cards, potential co-sanctioned events, and just huge exciting events in Asia.

“And with the strength of the players getting better and better every year, I feel like there’s really no better time to be playing out here. And the best thing out of all this is thanks to Stanford’s leave of absence policies I can still take time off school, play a full professional schedule, and then return to take classes whenever the time is right.”

Ratchanon Chantananuwat.

When he won the Trust Golf Mixed Cup on home soil in April of 2022 he became the youngest player to win a recognised Official World Golf Ranking tournament, at the age of 15 years and 37 days. Earlier that year he also finished third in the Singapore International, while the following season excelled again, tying for fourth at the Saudi Open – continuing to amaze fans, in awe of a golfer so young.

His attention then focused on Stanford University, one of the most prestigious schools of learning in the United States where Tiger Woods graduated, but the lure of returning to play on the Asian Tour has clearly been too hard to ignore.

He said: “The Asian Tour means a whole world to me. It’s literally where I started. Everyone’s so special, Cho [Cho Minn Thant], the staff, the players. Everyone’s been super nice, and I just wouldn’t be here without the Asian Tour. So being able to start my professional career here is super exciting, and it’s a great honour.”

He added that keeping his card while also playing stress free golf more like in the amateur game are his main goals.

“I just want to stay as TK as long as possible, and perhaps a win would be a nice bonus,” he added.

Despite putting his studies on hold for now he is completely aware of the importance of Stanford.

“[It’s] Very important, not just as a golfer, but I think more so as a person learning life skills, like time management, how to live alone, how to be an adult. I think just preparing me not just for the Asian Tour, but how to deal with life in general.

Ratchanon Chantananuwat.

Asked how different he is now compared when he won in 2022, he explained: “Very different, different player, different person. I guess we’ll see how it plays out. Definitely not the same golfer. I wish I could say I was, but we’ll find out.”

He has been paired with Chinese-Taipei’s Wei-lun Chang and Jack Thompson from Australia in the first two rounds.

Pictures by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Overview

This week marks the 15th edition of the Yeangder TPC, which has always been played at Linkou International Golf & Country Club.

The tournament is the ideal way to restart after the Asian Tour’s mid-year break as it has been one of the Tour’s anchor events for the past two decades – played in one of our key destinations.

It is also always a pleasure to be in the company of the Yeangder Group’s Emmet and Byrant Hsu – who play a tremendous role in pushing the game forward in their country.

Kazu Higa’s victory in the Yeangder TPC last year was significant in many ways that point to the importance of this week’s popular event. Not only did his win put him on course to claim the Asian Tour Order of Merit but Yeangder is also one of his sponsors.

Few tournaments and title sponsors have this kind of attribute, and it is why it has been a key feature on the schedule since its launch in 2010.

Of note this year, is the fact that for the fourth time in the past five years the Yeangder Group have kindly increased the prizemoney. They have raised it to US$1.2million from US$1million – which means it is the joint most lucrative tournament in Taiwan.

It is another example of the incredible support provided by Emmet, who is the Chairman of the Yeangder Group, and his son Bryant Hsu, the Vice Chairman. Bryant, like his father before him, serves on the Asian Tour’s Board of Directors. They are both avid golfers. The Yeangder Group owns HCT Logistics Co., (E-commerce logistics), and Shihlin Electric & Engineering Corp., a high school and various commercial properties.

Their tournament is co-sanctioned with the Taiwan PGA and it is one of three Asian Tour events staged in Chinese-Taipei this year. The Asian Development Tour also visited here for three successive weeks in July.

L-R – Bryant Hsu, Vice President of the Yeangder Group and his father, Emmet Hsu, Chairman of the Yeangder Group.

Tournament Information

• Tournament: Yeangder Tournament Players Championship
• Date: 17 – 20 September, 2026
• Venue: Linkou International Golf and Country Club, Linkou, Chinese Taipei
• Par / Yards: 72 / 7,108 yards
• Purse: US$1.2million
• Asian Tour leg: Tenth
• Edition of tournament: 15th
• Previous winner: Kazuki Higa (JPN)
• Previous winning score: 271 (-17)
• Total number of players: 144
• Format: Stroke play tournament over 4 rounds of 18 holes with a cut after 36 holes to leading 65 plus ties.

Liang Wenchong. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Field Breakdown

• Order of Merit winners: Kazuki Higa (2025), Sihwan Kim (2022), Jazz Janewattananond (2019), Liang Wenchong (2007)
• Nationalities: 26
• Top contenders: Taichi Kho (HKG), Charlie Lindh (SWE), Ian Snyman (RSA), Travis Smyth (AUS)
• Past champions in the field: Kazuki Higa (2025), Suteepat Prateeptienchai (2024), Poom Saksansin (2023), Travis Smyth (2022), Chieh-po Lee (2021), Yikeun Chang (2019), Ajeetesh Sandhu (2017), Prom Meesawat (2014), Wei-chih Lu (2011).
• Highest ranked player on OWGR: Travis Smyth (AUS) #174
• Highest ranked player on the Order of Merit: Travis Smyth (AUS) #1
• No. of amateurs in the field: 3
• No. of Chinese Taipei players in the field: 40

Linkou International Golf & Country Club. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Tournament Notes

• With the leading player on Asian Tour Order of Merit now earning a full card for the DP World Tour next year extra excitement has been added to the run-in to the season. To be precise the leading available player (not otherwise exempt), to a limit of 5th place in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 season Asian Tour Order of Merit, gains a Category 17 exemption on the DP World Tour for the following season respectively (2027, 2028, 2029, 2030). Also the next two leading available players (not otherwise exempt), to a limit of 10th place in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 season Asian Tour Order of Merit, gain a Category 5 exemption on the HotelPlanner Tour for the following season respectively (2027, 2028, 2029, 2030).
• Travis Smyth from Australia leads the Order of Merit after a win at the International Series Japan, a third-place finish at the Philippine Golf Championship and a solo-fifth at the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort. On the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia he earlier in the year won the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship to wrap up the 2025/26 Order of Merit crown on that tour. That earned him a DP World Tour card for next year meaning Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, in second place on the Asian Tour Merit list, is currently in line to join him in Europe in 2027.
• Kho won the most recent Asian Tour event, the International Series Morocco, in dramatic fashion over Bubba Watson just before the mid-year break. The win came the week following a T2 at the BMW Japan Golf Tour Championship Mori Building Cup on the Japan Tour after coming up short in a three-way playoff. Prior to his win in Morocco Kho had one career victory on the Asian Tour, the 2023 World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club.
• Charlie Lindh from Sweden posted his first Asian Tour win at the am green IGPL Bharath Classic in early June with an emphatic eagle on the 72^nd Two weeks before that he finished solo-second at the Kolon Korea Open. He also had a T6 at the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort in the beginning of March. During the summer Lindh has been playing on the DP World Tour’s secondary Hotel Planner Tour where he posted a T5 and two T13’s.
• South African Ian Snyman is having his best season on the Asian Tour, recording his first Asian Tour victory at the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open in May. He also has a T3 at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, T5’s at the International Series Morocco and Philippine Golf Championship and a T10 at the Kolon Korea Open. Third on the Merit list he is also in pursuit of DP World Tour playing rights.
• When defending champion Kazuki Higa from Japan won this tournament last year it was his second win in consecutive weeks after winning the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea the week before. He also had five other top 10’s to seal the Order of Merit crown at the end of the season. He has been playing sparingly on the Asian Tour this year with only three appearances and a T36 as his best result so far. On the Japan Tour his best finish has been a runner-up at the Jumbo Ozaki Memorial Tournament in late August.
• Chie-po Lee is the highest ranked Chinese Taipei player on the Asian Tour Order of Merit so far this season sitting in 25^th place after nine events. Lee won this tournament in 2021 when it was played on the local tour because of Covid-19, and also finished runner-up when the event returned to the Asian Tour schedule in 2022.
• Fellow local star Wei-hsuan Wang had his best Asian Tour season in 2025 when he finished ninth on the Order of Merit following a T2 in this tournament, a runner-up at the SJM Macao Open after a playoff loss, and a third-place finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters. He won the local circuit Order of Merit last year and has two wins and three T2’s there so far this season.
• Linkou International Golf & Country Club is designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.. Established in 1965, this golf course is located near the Bali coast and is a premier golfing destination in northern Taiwan.  The club features 27 holes divided into three loops: East, West and South and offers stunning views of the Guanyin Mountain, the Tamsui River mouth and Taipei Port.

Major champion Louis Oosthuizen [main picture] has confirmed he will return to the Link Hong Kong Open this year – when the  65th edition of the tournament takes place from 22-25 October at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

It will mark his third appearance in the event, having impressively finished third last year, while he first competed in the prestigious event in 2008

In a career spanning a quarter of a decade, Oosthuizen won the Open Championship in 2010 and has been a runner-up in the other Majors. With 16 tour titles to his name, he reached his highest world ranking of fourth in 2013.

The 43-year-old said: “I am excited to return to play in Hong Kong this year. I have always enjoyed my time in the city, and in the last few years, I have gotten to compete on this beautiful course more regularly. You can get a bit tired mentally by the end of the season, but Hong Kong is a place that can perk you up with its amazing food and hospitality so I always look forward to this stop on my schedule.”

His compatriots Branden Grace and Dean Burmester have also confirmed that will make the trip.

Grace has 15 tour titles under his belt and recorded top-ten finishes in three of the four majors, including an eight-under-par third round 62 at the 2017 Open Championship, becoming the first player in history to card a 62 in a men’s major championship. In a consistent season, the 38-year-old carded eight top 20 finishes this season. He will be making his debut at the Link Hong Kong Open this year.

Branden Grace.

Grace said: “I am looking forward to returning to Hong Kong. I have played there before but not competed at the historic Link Hong Kong Open. The stat about it being played at the same historic venue for six decades or more, like Augusta, is pretty cool. I enjoy playing at the Hong Kong Golf Club, and love the vibe and energy of the city in the evenings after my rounds. I have had a consistent season, and hope to carry that through the rest of the year.”

Known for his big hitting, Burmester has won 14 titles, enjoying immense success across the DP World Tour, and Sunshine Tour.

Hong Kong number one Taichi Kho, currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, confirmed his participation at the launch press conference last month.

With its history and international prestige, the US$2million Link Hong Kong Open has been playing 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 Thursday and Friday, 22 and 23 October, is free for the public.

In keeping with the tournament and title sponsor’s vision to take golf to all communities of Hong Kong, ticket prices  have been frozen at current prices since 2023.

The Link Hong Kong Open 2026 is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.

Daily prices for Saturday and Sunday, 24 and 25 October, are HK$200 per day or HK$300 for a weekend pass. Weekend passes are also free for spectators 18 and under.

The Asian Tour will make a popular and strategic return to Vietnam next year for the inaugural Vietnam Golf Championship at Long Thanh Golf Club [main picture], Ho Chi Minh City.

The US$500,000 tournament will be played from 1-4 April marking the first time the Tour has visited Vietnam in three years.

The country is a key market for the Asian Tour, which the event promoter VFXG are keen to capitalise on and allow them to expand on their portfolio of staging successful three-day charity golf tournaments over the last nine years – called the CIFE Annual Charity Golf Tournaments.

Said Brandon Vuong, Tournament Co-Director, VFXG: “VFXG sees the Vietnam Golf Championship as an opportunity to bring world-class golf and an exceptional event experience to Vietnam, in close collaboration with its partners.

“For us, this is about more than hosting a tournament; it is about creating a platform that showcases Vietnam as an international golf, tourism, and events destination, while connecting businesses, partners and communities through the game.”

The Asian Tour last visited Vietnam in 2023, when Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent claimed the title. Vietnam has also been a regular destination for the Asian Development Tour over the past few seasons, hosting eight events since 2022.

Long Thanh Golf Club boast two 18 hole courses: the Hill and Lake Courses.

“We are excited to see the return of the Asian Tour to Vietnam,” said Cho Minn Thant, CEO & Commissioner, Asian Tour.

“It’s an exciting market that is extremely important to us. It remains a destination with outstanding growth potential and we are thankful to VFXG for launching the event. Our members will truly appreciate the chance to return there and help restart our association with Vietnam.”

Long Thanh Golf Club is an impressive 36-hole golf resort located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ronald Fream designed both courses, with the challenging Hill Course on a plateau and the scenic Lake Course surrounded by branches of the Đồng Nai River.

As host venue, Long Thanh Golf Club are looking forward to welcoming players and guests with championship conditions and high standards of hospitality.

“As the selected host venue for the first-ever Vietnam Golf Championship, Long Thanh Golf Club will be deeply honoured and proud to welcome the Asian Tour and is players,” said Nguyen Van Thong, General Manager, Long Thanh Golf Club.

“We are fully committed to delivering championship-level course conditions, professional event operations and the highest standards of Vietnamese hospitality. We believe this tournament will mark an important milestone for Long Thanh Golf Club and further showcase Vietnam as an outstanding golf destination on the international stage.”

This year’s New Zealand Open delivered one of the tournament’s most successful editions to date, according to a recent analysis report from the event organiser.

It generated significant economic impact, record audience engagement and strong community outcomes across New Zealand.

More than 32,000 fans attended the tournament – which was won by New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown in March. It included the largest single-day crowd experienced in recent tournament history.

As measured by independent research agency YouGov, the New Zealand Open generated a total economic impact of $33.9 million of which $12.1 million was from international visitors and the remaining from regional visitors.

The Queenstown Lakes District region saw more than 40,000 bed nights across the tournament period, further reinforcing the event’s importance to regional tourism and hospitality.

An aerial view of Millbrook Resort. Picture by Photosport.

Tournament Chairman John Hart said the results highlighted the continued evolution of the New Zealand Open into a truly world-class sporting and entertainment event.

“The New Zealand Open continues to grow in every sense — from the crowds at Millbrook, and the global broadcast audience, through to the economic and community impact we are able to deliver,” Hart said.

“To achieve these results says a great deal about the strength of the tournament and the support we continue to receive from fans, partners, volunteers and the wider community.”

Hart said the tournament’s ongoing success was a reflection of the collaborative effort behind the event.

“The New Zealand Open has become far more than a golf tournament. It is an event that delivers for tourism, business, community and New Zealand’s international profile, and we’re incredibly proud of what continues to be achieved together,” he added.

Hillier’s victory was a moment of genuine national pride, with the Wellington professional becoming the first Kiwi in nine years to lift the Brodie Breeze Trophy. Australia’s Lucas Herbert, one of the event’s star attractions, finished in second place and earned a place on The Open as Hillier was already excempt.

His win helped the tournament’s profile reached new heights in 2026 with domestic television audiences across Sky Sport and Sky Open increasing by 23%, while the championship reached a measurable global audience of 4.6 million viewers across more than 100 countries and 38 international markets.

Lucas Herbert pictured with The Open Qualifying pin flag on Sunday. Picture by Chris Symes/Photosport.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, who attended the New Zealand Open, is celebrating the success of the 2026 event, highlighting its positive impact on New Zealand’s economy and future tourism opportunities at a time when golf is enjoying a heightened international profile.

“I’m thrilled to hear the New Zealand Open is continuing to deliver for New Zealand, providing a strong boost to the local economy while reaching millions of viewers around the world. Every broadcast hour is an opportunity to showcase our spectacular landscapes, premium visitor experiences and world-class golf courses to potential visitors. The event continues to strengthen New Zealand’s reputation as a leading golf tourism destination and is proving to be a real drawcard on our major events calendar,” said Minister Upston.

Digital engagement continued to surge, with the tournament generating 157 million global social media impressions and growing its social media following by 36% across official channels.

Off the course, the tournament continued to deliver meaningful outcomes for both the environment and local the community. More than 50,000 single-use bottles were eliminated during tournament week, while over 13 tons of waste was diverted from landfill through sustainability initiatives implemented across the event.

The New Zealand Open Charitable Trust also made a positive impact, with more than $80,000 raised throughout the tournament and over $50,000 distributed back into local community initiatives.

A key driver behind the tournament’s success remained its volunteer programme, with 551 volunteers from six different countries. The programme achieved a 71% volunteer return rate from 2025.
Hart also acknowledged the role of Millbrook Resort in helping deliver a world-class tournament experience both on and off the course.

Kevin Na was one of the marquee players this year. Picture by Chris Symes/Photosport.

“Millbrook Resort continues to be an extraordinary host for the New Zealand Open and an integral part of what makes this tournament so special,” said Hart.

“The quality of the golf course presentation, the stunning backdrop of the resort and wider Queenstown region create a truly world-class environment for players, fans and broadcast audiences alike. Millbrook has helped elevate the New Zealand Open into one of the most unique and recognisable tournaments in world golf.”

The 106th New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort will return to Queenstown between 25–28 February 2027. The tournament is expected to once again attract thousands of fans and visitors to the Queenstown region for one of the country’s premier sporting and entertainment events.