HONG KONG — Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Anthony Kim have committed to the Link Hong Kong Open, handing the 65th edition of the historic tournament a major boost. The event will be played at Hong Kong Golf Club from 22-25 October with a strengthened field chasing major championship incentives.
The tournament had formed part of the Asian Tour's International Series for the last three years, played in association with LIV Golf before the Saudi PIF withdrew funding meaning the current season could not be completed. The Hong Kong Open is going ahead regardless, and interest is high among LIV golfers as victory brings an invite to the 2027 Masters at Augusta National and a place at next year's Open Championship at St Andrews. Talor Gooch, Harold Varner III, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester are all in the field so far.
Former World No.1 Westwood is one of many LIV golfers contemplating his future while the team-based league's future is sorted, and the 53-year-old said he is relishing a return after nearly 20 years away. “It has been a long time since I competed at the Hong Kong Open, and I cannot wait to return to compete against the strong field of players who have signed up this year," Westwood said. "While I have not played this tournament for nearly 20 years, I have visited this beautiful city many times during this time. I enjoy the energy of Hong Kong very much, and I always have the best experience when I am there.” Fellow Englishman Casey also missed the event for two decades before making his return last year and is now back for successive appearances.
Kim, 41, produced one of the storylines of the season back in February when he completed his remarkable comeback to professional golf by winning LIV Golf Adelaide in front of a bumper crowd. He has played numerous events on the Asian Tour as he worked his way back into the pro ranks following a 12-year hiatus and has been a regular in Hong Kong at both the LIV event and the national open recently. “I always have a great time playing in Hong Kong and enjoyed my four rounds at the Link Hong Kong Open last year," Kim said. "This year has been unbelievable for me, and I am so grateful to be back playing full time. Golf has given me so much and I will give it my all with this second opportunity that has been presented to me. I look forward to catching up with my fans in Hong Kong and showing my appreciation for their support.”
Next year's Hong Kong Open will return to the DP World Tour after the Asian Tour did a deal following LIV's financial collapse, and having big names playing this year will help in that transition. The uncertainty around the league's future has already prompted movement elsewhere, with Jon Rahm to leave LIV Golf over 'unacceptable' LIV 2.0 terms as players weigh their options.