FIVE LOCAL PLAYERS MAKE CUT, HIGHEST NUMBER EVER
[Hong Kong, 23 October 2026]: Local golf star Matthew Cheung carried over the form he showed yesterday with a bogey-free eight-under-par round to lead a world class field by three shots at the half way mark of the Link Hong Kong Open (LHKO) 2026.
The bronze medallist at the men’s team event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games showed no sign of nerves, and began spectacularly with an eagle at the third.
Composed all the way through, the 31-year-old produced a golfing masterclass at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to tee-off round three at 14-under-par, 126-total.
Cheung said: “It has been fantastic. This tournament I think is always the best event on the Asian Tour. The crowds here have been phenomenal. The support from friends, family, people I don’t even know has been great as well; and obviously, I’m playing some really good golf. But we’re only halfway through the tournament, so hopefully another two good days and we’ll see where we are.”
“The switch to the long putter has really helped me. I always thought I struggled in the past with my putting, but ever since I switched to that, I feel really confident out there now, and I think it’s becoming one of my strengths. I’ve always hit it pretty good, and it’s all been about the putting and being able to be mentally ready to play good golf, and I was doing that this week.”
The chasing pack includes Caleb Surratt of the US who also carded a 62-total round today. At 11-under-par after two rounds, he lies in second, three shots behind the Hong Kong star.
Overnight joint leader Anirban Lahiri, Englishman Steve Lewton, and Thai fan favourite Jazz Janewattananond end their day one further shot behind at 10-under-par, occupying tied-third place as the field is cut in half before play gets underway on Saturday.
The best Hong Kong talents are shining through at LHKO 2026, as two-time professional tour champion Taichi Kho (five-under-par); Cheung and Kho’s teammate at Asian Games 2026 in Japan, Jason Hak Shunyat (three-under-par); recent Fanling Classic winner Issac Lam (three-under-par); and top amateur Markus Lam (two-under-par) all making the cut.
Hometown hero Kho, who made up some ground today with a four-under-par 66-total round, commented: “I had a pretty fast start, and managed to hit a bunch of good shots. I thought the round was similar to yesterday. Today was pretty calm, pretty perfect conditions really. I feel my game is a work in progress, and I am glad I get the opportunity to play for two more days.”
Lam, the first-ever Hongkonger to win the individual title at the Asia-Pacific Men’s Amateur Golf Team Championship (Nomura Cup), sneaked through thanks to a late birdie on the 17th.
The 21-year-old said: “I knew going into the last few holes I would need to make a birdie. I did a really good job to stay in the present and stick to my game. This is my first Link Hong Kong Open. I told myself at the start of the week to soak in the moment, and learn from the people around me. I knew I had a tough job today, but right now, I feel very fulfilled.
“I am really glad to see Hong Kong golf grow so much. It is a great sight to see that the five of us have made the cut.”
With five Hong Kong golfers competing this weekend, this year’s event marks the most successful Hong Kong Open for local players since the event began in 1959.
The Hong Kong Open is the city’s oldest professional sporting event – joining only one other club worldwide as hosts of the same tournament for over six decades, the other being Augusta National Golf Club and the US Masters. LHKO 2026 champion will earn an automatic invitation to compete at the Masters at Augusta National and a direct starting spot as part of the Open Qualifying Series at St Andrews in 2027, making the event one of the most important and appealing to players on the Asian Tour.
With its history and international prestige, the tournament has been playing an integral role in showcasing Hong Kong as a top global events destination and sport tourism hub for over six decades.
In keeping with the tournament and title sponsor’s vision to take golf to all communities of Hong Kong, ticket prices for the Link Hong Kong Open 2026 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 HKD200 per day or HKD300 for a weekend pass. Weekend passes are also free for spectators 18 and under.
For more information please visit: www.thehongkongopen.com