The International Series expands to new horizons with Cambodia debut
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 7th 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.
The Asian Development Tour (ADT) will return to Thailand’s tropical island of Phuket once again this year, for the Singha Laguna Phuket Open – organisers announced today.
The tournament, won last year by Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert [main picture], will be staged at its regular home, Laguna Golf Phuket, from May 22-25, and boast total prizemoney of THB4million (approximately US$119,000).
It will be the fourth leg on this year’s circuit, mark the seventh successive season it has been an ADT event, and will be the tour’s first visit of the year to Thailand.
“The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the latest event to be added to our schedule, and we are absolutely delighted to welcome back such an important and popular tournament,” said Ken Kudo, General Manager, Asian Development Tour.
“The tournament has been part of the Asian Development Tour since 2017 and we thank the All Thailand Golf Tour, Singha Corporation and Laguna Golf Phuket for helping to make the tournament such a huge success.”
Laguna Golf Phuket.
The event is jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour – a trusted and long-term partner of the ADT. It is the seventh event to be added to this year’s calendar, with many more to be added soon. Last year 12 events were played, across eight countries, offering total prizemoney of US$1.5million.
“We are thrilled to continue our strategic co-sanctioning partnership with the Asian Development Tour, which represents a significant milestone in our commitment to nurturing professional golf talent across Asia. Under the leadership of Ken Kudo, the ADT has been instrumental in creating meaningful pathways for golfers to elevate their careers and compete at increasingly competitive levels,” said Jakraphong Thongyai, Commissioner, All Thailand Golf Tour.
“Our collaboration is further strengthened by the incredible support of Laguna Phuket, led by their M.D. – Paul Wilson, whose dedication has been crucial in making this tournament not just an event, but a platform for showcasing the extraordinary potential of emerging golf professionals. Together, we are not just hosting a tournament but building a robust ecosystem that supports and propels the dreams of aspiring golfers across the region.”
Last year Pavit held his nerve to win the Singha Laguna Phuket Open by a shot after a magnificent long lag putt on the last hole helped secure a par, holding off a determined group of contenders. It was his eighth victory on the ADT – the most by any on the circuit.
Said Paul Wilson, Managing Director, Laguna Phuket: “Laguna Golf Phuket is delighted to once again host the Singha Laguna Phuket Open. Our valued partnership with the All Thailand Golf Tour enables Laguna Phuket to welcome some of the best professional golfers in Asia and showcase our integrated destination internationally. The addition of the Asian Development Tour as co-sanctioning partner further enhances the tournament, and it promises to be a fantastic spectacle of top-level golf.”
Laguna Golf Phuket is a member of Asian Tour Destinations – an exclusive network of world-class golfing venues with direct ties to the Asian Tour.
Presently, 13 golf clubs ‒ representing the top-tier of golfing properties in Asia ‒ are part of the affiliate network programme.
Last week Aidric Chan of the Philippines clinched his first win on the ADT at the Lexus Challenge in Vietnam. He moved to third on the Merit list after three events behind Thailand’s Tawit Polthai and Filipino Juvic Pagunsan in first and second respectively.
The International Series Macau presented by Wynn turned out to be an event for the best ball-strikers, with some of the game’s pre-eminent iron players finishing on top of the leaderboard on Sunday after 72 holes.
The Macau Golf and Country Club greens proved extremely tricky on the weekend, even for the world-class players assembled.
Speeds in excess of 11 on the Stimpmeter and difficult pin positions demanded precise approach shots to below the hole to avoid the risk of three-putts.
There were 360 three-putts or worse made during the tournament, and of the players making the cut only two players, Australia’s Lucas Herbert and American Seungsu Han, managed to keep them off the card for the week while the highest number recorded was 10.
Patrick Reed. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
One of the star players likened the speed of the greens to Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, when taking the slope into consideration.
In the end it was Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz who won the tournament by three shots in a tense battle with runner-up Patrick Reed of the United States, for his second win on the Asian Tour and The International Series.
Ortiz’s victory was thanks to a deadly combination of approach game, putting and power off the tee. He excelled with his iron play ranking T2 in Greens in Regulation (GIR) with 84.72%, and ranked fourth in Putts per GIR with 1.656.
Playing aggressively off the tee, he was T12 in Driving Distance on 313.38 yards while hitting 57.69% of the Fairways, ranking T37.
He tied Reed, Sergio Garcia from Spain and Mexican Abraham Ancer in Most Birdies for the week with 23, topped only by Jason Kokrak who posted 24. Ortiz also made two eagles during the 72 holes, crucially one on the 12th hole in the final round, one less than category leader Adrian Meronk of Poland with three.
Jason Kokrak. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The 2018 Masters champion Reed was nearly flawless with his approach game, missing only seven greens and posting a 90.28% GIR for the tournament, a clear winner in this stat category hitting four more greens than Ortiz and Canadian Richard T. Lee. Unfortunately for the halfway leader Reed, his putter turned cold on the weekend where he posted 32 and 31 putts per round respectively, and he finished the week ranked 27th in Putts per GIR with 1.738. He did top the Fewest Bogies or Worse stat with 4.
While fellow American and third-placed finisher Kokrak was not as accurate into the greens with a 75% GIR (T26), he did have a very impressive week on the greens ranking second in the Putts per GIR category with 1.593, and T2 in Putts per Round with 27.5.
Combined with a Driving Distance average of 323.63 yards, ranking fifth, he would have had a lot of short distances into par fours and fives which helped set him up for most birdies made.
While Garcia put together a solid week stats-wise in Putting (third in Putts per GIR with 1.654), Driving Distance (16th with 311.25 yards) and Fairways Hit (T10 with 65.38%), it was perhaps a sub-par week by his lofty standards in GIR with 72.22% ranking T35. It left him with too much of an uphill battle to challenge for the win.
Statistics Categories leaders at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn (of players making the cut):
- Putts per Round – Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA): 27
- Putts per GIR – Jazz Janewattananond (THA): 1.588
- GIR – Patrick Reed (USA): 90.28%
- Fairways Hit – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND): 78.85%
- Driving Distance – Jubin Yang (KOR): 331.88 yards
- Most Eagles – Adrian Meronk (POL): 3
- Most Birdies – Jason Kokrak (USA): 24
- Fewest Bogies or Worse – Patrick Reed (USA): 4
- Scrambling – Richard T. Lee (CAN): 90.91%
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz held off Patrick Reed to claim the International Series Macau presented by Wynn today, after a closely fought battle between the LIV Golf stars at Macau Golf and Country Club.
Ortiz won the International Series Oman last year and made it win number two on The International Series and Asian Tour today after closing with a six-under-par 64 to finish three ahead of Reed on 22-under.
Reed, looking to add this week’s title to his win at the Link Hong Kong Open last November, fired a 67, as did fellow-American Jason Kokrak, three back in third.
All three were thrilled to book their berths for The Open at Royal Portrush this summer – as this week’s event is part of the Open Qualifying Series, with the top three, not already exempt, making it through to final Major of the year.
Carlos Ortiz of Mexico. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Sergio Garcia finished one stroke behind in fourth, following a 65. The Spaniard painfully missed a three-footer for birdie on the last which would have seen him tie with Kokrak and secure the third place in The Open through countback based on his higher world rankings.
Ortiz started the day sharing the lead with playing partner Reed but moved immediately in front with birdies on the first and third plus another on eight. He was two ahead at the turn before playing the pivotal par-five 12th. Ortiz struck a brilliant fairway wood to five feet and made the eagle putt, which meant he was two ahead of Reed and three from Kokrak, who both birdied the 12th.
A clutch eight-footer for par on the par-three 14th also proved crucial for Ortiz. He then missed a five-footer for birdie on the next which would have put him three ahead, but he was able to stay two ahead before a birdie on 18 put more daylight between him and Reed.
“It was a good week,” said Ortiz, who plays for Torque GC on LIV Golf.
“I think I did a good job of putting the ball in play, that’s important on this golf course. I think I drove it really well. I took advantage of the par fives and some of the short par fours, and I mean, I think that’s important on this golf course.
Patrick Reed, Carlos Ortiz and Jason Kokrak with The Open pin flags. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“I mean, I think most of the trouble is from the tee, so once you put the driver in play, it opens up from there. So, I think I did a good job from there. I didn’t take full advantage of all those great drives, but I mean I took advantage enough. I am overjoyed to be heading to The Open.”
It’s the 10th win of Ortiz’s career. He’s also claimed one title a piece on the LIV Golf League and the PGA Tour. The 33-year-old moves to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings.
On his eagle on 12 he said: “I was trying to get it on the green and it looked good in the air, you know, getting it that close it’s obviously a little bit of luck, but I hit a great shot so it’s nice to be able to capitalize on that.”
He has played in The Open once before, in 2021, while it will be the 10th time Reed has played in game’s oldest Major, and the fifth for Kokrak.
Reed, who also led after the first and second rounds, said: “A little frustrating. I didn’t make many putts. Had the case of lip outs for two days. So that’s unfortunate. When you do something like that, it’s just hard to win golf tournaments.
Patrick Reed. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Put myself in position, and yeah, I hit the ball plenty well enough. 16 greens today, had a decent amount of looks, just, you know, just lipping out and burning edges.
“So, you know, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get the win. But, you know, anytime you can play bogey free on Sundays, always positive, you know, really. To go and finish solo second, get at spot in The Open, yeah, it means a lot.”
Canada’s Richard T. Lee closed with a 65 to take fifth outright, while Poland’s Adrian Meronk and Taichi Kho from Hong Kong, shared sixth after rounds of 64 and 65 respectively.
Defending champion John Catlin from the United States returned a 68 to finish in a tie for 26th.
The Asian Tour heads to the GS Caltex Maekyung Open next at Namseoul Country Club in Seoul, Korea. The tournament will be played from May 1-4, and is followed the week after by the inaugural International Series Japan – being played at Caledonian Golf Club.
Patrick Reed and Carlos Ortiz will start tomorrow’s final round of the International Series Macau presented by Wynn sharing the lead after the pair battled it out for top spot all day today.
Reed, who has led since day one, shot a three-under-par 67, while Ortiz returned a 66 here at Macau Golf and Country Club.
They lead on 16-under by three from Germany’s Dominic Foos and American Jason Kokrak, who both returned 65s.
Australia’s Lucas Herbert is two strokes further back, in an event that will see the top three secure places in The Open Championship, held this year at Royal Portrush.
Reed had a comfortable four-shot lead after six holes before a three-shot swing on the eighth, where the American dropped a shot while Ortiz chipped in for an eagle two. That remained the gap at the turn before Ortiz drew level for the first time after making birdie on 10.
Carlos Ortiz. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Reed regained the lead with a birdie on 13 before dropping a shot on the next, where he saw his first putt roll off the green, unable to stop due to the slick surface. Ortiz also made bogey there though, to stay one back. Reed later bogeyed the penultimate hole before they both made fours on the par-five 18th.
“It was kind of sloppy, I missed a lot of putts,” said Reed – the 2018 Masters champion.
“My three bogeys were two three-putts, and I putted a ball off the green on 14. Yeah, a couple of difficult pins out there I would say for sure, but everyone has to play them. And, you know, just gotta hit it closer, I guess, and hopefully make the putts.”
Reed, who plays for 4Aces GC on LIV Golf, appears to have worked out what it takes to play well in Asia, having won the Link Hong Kong Open last November for his maiden win on the Asian Tour and The International Series. He will be attempting to win his 11th title on Sunday since turning professional in 2011.
He added: “Just plan to do same thing tomorrow. Just go out there and continue hitting quality golf shots, putting a good roll on it and just trusting the process.”
Like Reed, Ortiz is also chasing his second victory on the Asian Tour, having won last year’s International Series Oman.
Dominic Foos. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The Mexican, who is on the Torque GC team, said: “Good overall. It was a good round. I put it in play most of the day. I honestly felt like I did a good job. It was not yesterday (Ortiz shot a second-round 61) but it was a decent run. Definitely need to shoot as low as possible tomorrow.”
Foos stormed through at the end, making five birdies in the last seven holes.
“Yeah, I started off pretty slow, made a couple of bogeys in the beginning,” said the German, who is a graduate from this year’s Qualifying School.
“But yeah, I’ve been playing really well, and I knew it was only a matter of time until some putts dropped, and yeah, lucky that happened on the back nine.
“It’s playing very tricky. I think, like most of the putts, you just want to get it to the hole or around the hole, because so many times just past it, it’s like straight downhill.”
Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent both carded 69s and are tied for sixth, six behind the frontrunners.
Nick Voke of New Zealand is a shot further back in a nine-man group on nine under after shooting a 64, the lowest round of the day.
Defending champion John Catlin from the United States shot a 68 and is in joint 38th position on four under.
The US$2million event is the second stop on The International Series – 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour that provide a pathway on to the LIV Golf League.
The tournament is also part of the Open Qualifying Series.
ENDS
Patrick Reed from the United States impressed again today at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, shooting a second-round six-under-par 64 to take the lead by one from Carlos Ortiz.
Mexico’s Ortiz was also in inspired form shooting a 61 – which matched the course record – while Australians Lucas Herbert and Travis Smyth are two strokes further back after they both returned 65s.
Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent (65), Spain’s Sergio Garcia (66), and Filipino Miguel Tabuena (67) are an additional shot behind, in the second event of the year on The International Series – the Asian Tour’s top-tier of million-dollar events.
Reed was the overnight leader following a 63 here at Macau Golf & Country Club yesterday and picked up where he left off, chalking up seven birdies and a solitary bogey to reach 13-under.
Carlos Ortiz. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He finished fourth here last year, while Herbert was third, so they both have unfinished business heading into the weekend.
“I think the biggest motivation is going out and getting in contention on Sundays,” said Reed – who won the Link Hong Kong Open last November.
“You know, I feel like the game has been pretty solid this year. I feel like I’ve been hitting the ball decently, feel like I’ve been hitting a lot of quality putts, just the results aren’t really speaking for it. The ball’s not going how I want it to, so to go out there these first two days and play the way I did, I feel like that’s just kind of how I’ve been playing.”
The 34-year-old also has one eye on qualifying for The Open this year, as this week’s event is part of the Open Qualifying Series. Three places are up for grabs at Royal Portrush this summer.
He added: “You know, to finally get the scores out is nice, and hopefully I just go ahead and do the same thing on the weekend. Not only will I try to earn one of the three spots in The Open, but you know, hoist the trophy.”
Lucas Herbert. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Ortiz’s spectacular round consisted of 10 birdies and one bogey, on the fifth. Remarkably, seven of those birdies came on the back nine, and featured four in a row from the 10th. He matched the 61 recorded by Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan when he won last season. American John Catlin shot a 59 here last year but unlike today, it was on a day when preferred lies were played.
“It’s always good when you make a lot of birdies,” said Ortiz, who claimed the International Series Oman last year.
“I feel like I played solid. I left myself in good spots, I drove the ball pretty well, so it’s nice to take advantage of a good day.”
Herbert missed the play-off here last year – which saw Catlin beat Spain’s David Puig on the second extra-hole – by just two shots. It looks like he will go close once more in what is the second edition of the event.
“Just played reasonably solid,” he said. “I think I made a few pars where I needed to. Still feels like there were more shots out there, though, which is promising. Going into the weekend, you know, probably have to shoot another couple of low ones to try and catch Patrick.”
Like Reed he started on the 10th and managed to go bogey free.
Travis Smyth. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“So yeah, happy to be in the house at 10 under. I think it was kind of the goal for two rounds. So, yeah, lunch will taste nice on the back of that,” he added.
Garcia is also coming off a win in Hong Kong but more recently than Reed. He won LIV Golf Hong Kong two weeks ago – which like the Link Hong Kong Open was also played at Hong Kong Golf Club.
When asked what has led to his recent purple patch, which has also helped him steer his Fireballs GC team to three successive wins on the LIV Golf League, he explained: “A little bit of everything, I guess. Obviously, the long game has been good, the short game it’s improved, so it’s a good mix of things there. But, you know, there’s still a lot of things that I need to get better at.”
Macau’s Kelvin Si is enjoying the tournament of his life. He came in with a 67 and is seven under, in a tie for 11th, along with Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, who returned a 66.
Said Si: “It’s my home course, so it’s definitely a big advantage. The conditions were really good today – sunny, with not much wind. I played this event last year, missed the cut, but it was a good experience. I can use that this week, and I feel much more comfortable than last year because that was my first time playing a professional tournament on this course.”
Catlin shot a 72 yesterday but bounced back with a 66 today to move to two under and make the cut by one.
Patrick Reed’s affinity for the Greater Bay Area was evident once more today after he shot a majestic seven-under-par 63 to take the first-round lead in the International Series Macau presented by Wynn.
Four months ago the American claimed the Link Hong Kong Open, helped by a spectacular 59 on the third day, and he was unstoppable again today, overcoming Macau Golf and Country Club with seven birdies and no bogeys.
He leads the US$2million event, which is part of The International Series on the Asian Tour, from Filipino Miguel Tabuena, Peter Uihlein from the United States, and Finland’s Kalle Samooja, who carded 64s.
Reed, who finished fourth here last year, birdied 16 and 18 to edge ahead later in the day. Uihlein had eagled the par-five 18th moments earlier while Tabuena led for most of the day having started at 7am.
“It was a steady day,” said Reed, a member of 4Aces GC on the LIV Golf League.
Miguel Tabuena. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“I wasn’t feeling that great when I first got up. Mainly my body was a little tight, but it loosened up nicely on the range.
“You know, got off to good a start. Was hitting my golf ball how I wanted to. Was hitting pretty solid. I was kind of getting it out in front of me where I wanted, where I was looking, and I was leaving myself in the right spot. So, I felt like that was the biggest thing today.”
He made a birdie on the fourth and then made three in a row from the sixth, before another came on 13. On the last his 20 footer for an eagle just finished short.
He added: “These greens got kind of really fast, and with some of those pin locations there on the back nine, you had to put the ball in the right spot, because it’s hard to putt from above the hole. And I was able to do a nice job on that. Hit a couple close and, you know, kind of had a stress free seven-under par today.”
Tabuena shook off the effects of a 3.45am wake-up call and an uncharacteristic missed one-foot putt on his first hole to set the bar early on.
The Filipino, who made eight birdies against two bogeys, said: “Woke up at 3.45, got in the gym at 4.10. Did some stretching; did some activation stuff, yeah, but it’s routine. The game feels really good except for my three putt on the first hole, which was number 10. Missed it from a foot. So that was pretty funny. I just laughed it out.”
Peter Uihlein. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He rallied and made the turn in two under, with four birdies and two bogeys, before finding his rhythm on the second half with birdies on three, four, seven and eight.
“My game’s in a good spot, but it’s still very early in the tournament. There’s three more days, and hopefully I can continue this form,” he said.
“It is about playing the par fives well here. If you score on the par fires, I think you’ll do well. And you must understand where the wind is blowing, because it’s really bouncing around the mountains here, especially in the morning. I took advantage because it was pretty calm this morning.”
He is looking for his first win on the Asian Tour since The DGC Open presented by Mastercard in 2023. He’s had seven top fives since then so a win may well be just around the corner.
Uihlein, who won twice on the Asian Tour last year at International Series events in England and Qatar, struck a six-iron from well over 200 yards on the 18th to a matter of inches from the cup. Samooja also made a three there.
“Played super well, despite coming off a slight strain on my hand since last week. It helped by resting it,” said the American.
“I am just very relaxed out here, trying to enjoy it and we’ll see where that takes us.”
Spain’s Sergio Garcia, winner of LIV Golf Hong Kong two weeks ago, fired a 65 and is in a group of six players next best placed.
Defending champion John Catlin from the United States, returned a disappointing 72 but did will to recover as he was four over after five.
American Ollie Schniederjans, who leads both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings, was forced to withdraw due to a muscle strain.
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