Two promising local players have booked their place in this year's Link Hong Kong Open after successfully negotiating the local qualifier on the New Course at Hong Kong Golf Club.
The International Series is committed to offering emerging regional talent opportunities to compete with some of the biggest names in world golf at all of its tournaments, and Isaac Lam and Leon D’Souza both seized the chance.
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 70 to hold on to second place at five under, just denying Shane Kuiti, who fired a tournament-best 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 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 Link Hong Kong Open – to be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club from October 30 to November 2.
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
