Issac Lam and Leon D’Souza have claimed the two places up for grabs at this week’s Link Hong Kong Open Qualifying Tournament on a day of high drama across the Hong Kong Golf Club’s New Course.
With local hero Taichi Kho carrying his bag, Lam carded a final-round, three-under-par 67, coming from two shots back overnight to seal a one-stroke victory on six-under 134 (67-67) on Friday.
Lam said he was “feeling over the moon” to have reached his second Hong Kong Open, having previously played as an amateur in 2020.
“It is a great honour to play this year’s Link Hong Kong Open,” Lam said. “I know my game is up there to compete and I know I belong on the Asian Tour, despite not being on the Asian Tour yet. I have a goal in mind, and I will be working towards that later in the year with my coach.”
Kho is making a habit of guiding his fellow Hongkongers to the Open, having caddied for Terrance Ng, when he won the 2024 qualifier.
“I had my girlfriend for the first round, and she was great keeping me calm,” Lam said. “But Taichi definitely helped me today. Credit to him.”
D’Souza, the overnight leader, shot a level-par 70 to hold on to second place at five under, just denying Shane Kuiti, who fired a tournament-best seven-under 63 to finish on three under.
The Asian Tour player said it was “nice to have” Asian Games teammate Terrence Ng, who has qualified for the Open through the HKPGA Order of Merit, on his bag and was happy to “get the job done”.
D’Souza admitted there was a lot at stake this year. Aside from joining defending champion Patrick Reed, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose on the honours board, the 2025 Link Hong Kong Open winner will earn a place at two of the game’s biggest tournaments, the 2026 Masters Tournament and 154th Open Championship.
“We want to do so well, because it’s the home tournament, it’s a big tournament and now with The Masters and The Open obviously it can get a little crazy with the expectations,” D’Souza added. “I just want to focus on what I can control with my game, keep building from here, keep working on things.”
“Many congratulations to both Isaac and Leon on making it through to our historic championship. I wish them all the very best and hope they relish the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s best,” said Mr. Andy Kwok, captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Local hero Kho is among those stars to have already signed up for this year’s 64th edition of the Link Hong Kong Open – to be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club from October 30 to November 2.
He will be joined by 2018 Masters champion Reed and Bubba Watson, who won in Augusta twice, in 2012 and 2014. A host of their LIV Golf colleagues are also expected to be in a field that promises to be the strongest in Hong Kong Open history.
For the third year in a row, the Link Hong Kong Open is part of The International Series, the set of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour calendar that form a pathway to the LIV Golf League over the course of the season. Events on The International Series also provide opportunity for local talents to compete in elite fields at each of its 10 destinations.
In keeping with the event theme of the Link Hong Kong Open – Open For All — admission is free for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday. Season passes, including the final two days on Saturday and Sunday, cost HK$300 for a weekend pass or HK$200 per day.
Fans 18 and under will enjoy free entry across all four days when accompanied by a ticketed adult or with a photo ID containing date of birth.
With off-course entertainment to complement the world-class action, the Link Hong Kong Open 2025 is a great day out for the entire family, featuring an array of fun activities in the tournament fan village.