China’s number one golfer, Li Haotong, and Hong Kong, China’s reigning Asian Games gold medalist, Taichi Kho, have confirmed their participation in the upcoming SJM Macao Open – taking place from 16-19 October, at Macau Golf & Country Club.

Zhang Lianwei, a two-time champion of the Macao Open and the only player to have successfully defended the title in the tournament’s history, has also confirmed his attendance. 

The 30-year-old Li, whose career highlights include eight tour titles and a third-place finish at The Open in 2017 and joint fourth result this year, enters the SJM Macao Open with momentum after winning the Qatar Masters earlier this season.

He said: “I am delighted to return to Macao and play at the SJM Macao Open. The last time I played in this prestigious event was in 2023, and I am looking forward to experiencing the city’s vibrancy and energy again. I am having a great season so far and hope to play well enough at the SJM Macao Open to secure my second title in 2025.”  

The 24-year-old Kho has made a significant impact since turning professional in 2023. In his rookie season, he became the first Hong Kong, China player to win on the Asian Tour at the World City Championship 2023, and followed it up with a historic gold medal in the Asian Games Men’s Individual event, ahead of South Korean star and fellow SJM Macao Open contender Sungjae Im. Kho also led the Hong Kong, China team to a historic bronze medal in the team competition.  

Taichi Kho. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Kho commented: “I am thrilled to return to Macao for the SJM Macao Open. I finished tied for sixth two years ago, and I feel this course suits my game very well. I have been playing great recently and hope to score some low rounds to challenge for the title on 19 October.” 

The Hong Kong star has been in fine form this year, with six top-10s – including a second place in the Mandiri Indonesia Open in August.

Another golf legend from China, Liang Wenchong, was announced as a participant at the tournament’s press launch recently alongside emerging Macao golfer, Kelvin Si Ngai, making this year’s SJM Macao Open a showcase of China’s generational golf talent. 

The contingent of Chinese golfers will join former world number one Lee Westwood, who won the event in 1999, South Korean’s two-time PGA Tour winner Sungjae Im, and defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan in the quest for the coveted SJM Macao Open 2025 title. 

Additionally, several participants of the SJM Macao Open will compete in the upcoming 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR for the first time in November. Li will represent Guangdong, while Kho and Si will lead Hong Kong, China and Macao, China teams, respectively. 

Zhang, who mentored Liang as he transitioned from amateur to professional, has been a steadfast supporter of the Macao Open since its inaugural event in 1998. His Macao Open titles in 2001 and 2002 are among 22 professional tournament wins in a career that began in 1994. Respected as the pioneer of golf in China, he is credited with many ‘firsts’ for Chinese golfers, including being the first to win on the European Tour and the first to reach the top 100 in the Official Golf Rankings. 

Zhang Lianwei. Picture by Paul Lakatos/IMG.

A native of Zhuhai, Zhang said: “I consider the SJM Macao Open my home tournament. I have played here many times, and whether I win or lose, Macao will always be close to my heart. Since I first played here, the course at the Macau Golf & Country Club has consistently maintained its world-class quality, while Macao as a city has evolved so much, it is amazing to see it become one of the premier entertainment and events hubs in Asia. The SJM Macao Open experience just gets better every year.”