After his off-the-charts 11-under-par 59 yesterday here at the Hong Kong Golf Club, he signed off with an equally fine 66 today to finish on 22-under, for a convincing three-stroke victory over New Zealand’s Ben Campbell, the defending champion.

Campbell ended his excellent defence with a 65, while Japan’s Kazuki Higa shot a 63 to claim third, another shot back. Australian Wade Ormsby, a winner here in 2017 and 2020, shared fourth with Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana. They both fired 65s.

Hong Kong’s top golfer Taichi Kho returned a 66 to tie for sixth – his best result of the year, and his best finish in an event which means so much to him.

Any concerns that Reed, who started the day three ahead, would have difficulty shooting another low round following yesterday’s heroics were quickly dispelled when he birdied four in a row from the third for a six-shot cushion. And at the turn he had a gaping seven-shot advantage to be in complete control. Dropped shots on 15 and the last while his nearest challengers were making birdies closed the gap, but it remained a foregone conclusion.

“Nothing like coming to a place that I know pretty well and love the golf course,” said the 34-year-old Texan, who plans to play in the final two events of the season: next week’s International Series Qatar and the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, the week after.

“I love how it makes me think about golf shots and you have to be creative around this place. So, to be able to come out and play the way like I did on the weekend. I mean, it always helps shooting 59 yesterday, but the biggest thing, the hardest part, was today.”

It is his maiden title on the Asian Tour and also his first victory since the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour in 2021 – not including his two team wins with 4Aces GC on the LIV Golf League in 2023.

He added: “Kind of going out there and forgetting about the 59 and going out, even though I had a three-shot lead, to try to expand on that. And the goal was to go out there and make a couple birdies early quickly, get up on top, so then on the back nine I could just kind of hit fairways and middle of the greens.

“When I was able to birdie 13 there, then it just kind of got into really boring golf which led to two mistakes. But, you know, the last one, I was not ever going to take that on.”

Campbell had a phenomenal back nine, making five birdies but Reed was simply too far ahead.

“Another frustrating day with the putter,” he said.

“I hit it really well but yeah, for the weekend the putter was pretty cold unfortunately. Obviously, it’s still a good result, but just frustrating it was not to be. I feel like I should have been right up there and pushing Patrick. So, yeah, it is what it is, but it was close.”

Hong Kong Golf Club Ambassador Kho finished in a blaze of glory by nearly holing his second shot on the par-four 18th, where he tapped in for a birdie. It completed a strong finish, as he was not in the running for much of the day but came back by also making three successive birdies from 13.

Kho, who has only just returned following a back in injury, said: “Feels great. Had so many friends and family out there, and so much credit goes to them, and I felt so supported out there. So yeah, super happy with this performance. It’s been a while since I played on the Asian Tour, so overall a really good week.

“It feels so great to have so many people I know out here, and even people I don’t know, I just feel so supported out here. And yeah, even though Patrick’s running away with it a bit, I felt like it was a small win for me today, and I felt like I made a lot of good progress this week.”

Justin Rose from England, the winner here in 2015, fired a 67 and ended in a tie for 18th on 13 under.

Source: The Hong Kong Open

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Indian Rashid Khan and Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand share second place, three behind the leader. Khan shot a 63 and Nitithorn a 66.

Defending champion Ben Campbell from New Zealand, the leader at the start of the day, is one shot back following a 68.

It is only the second 59 recorded on the Asian Tour – the caveat being that preferred lies were played so it does not stand officially.

The only other 59 was registered back in May when American John Catlin recorded the magic number at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn.

Remarkably, Reed played with Catlin on that day, and it was also in the third round.

Reed sealed the deal with a confident 15-foot birdie putt on the famous par-four 18th here at Hong Kong Golf Club.

“Yeah, you know, it was kind of one those days,” said Reed, who is attempting to win for the first time in four years and claim his maiden Asian Tour title.

“I got up, I felt a little tight but felt ready to go and got out here and had probably one of the worst warm-ups ever.

“I looked at my caddy, and he goes, hey, a warm-up is a warm-up, let’s go out and just play golf. He goes, some of your best rounds have come from a poor warm-up.”

Reed also made birdies on seven and 13 and was bogey free. He has only dropped two shots in three rounds.

Added the 2018 Masters champion: “And you know, I stepped up on that first tee and did a great drive, and then from that point on, just quality iron shots, leaving myself a lot of really good looks, and was able to make a lot of putts.”

He has been a regular visitor here over the past 10 years and came close to winning in 2015 when he tied for third.

Khan, who made five birdies on the back nine, two on the front and was also bogey free, is in a battle to keep his Asian Tour card, in 90th place on the Order of Merit. He needs a big finish tomorrow to take the pressure off.

He said: “I feel great. I mean, you know, it’s been very long since I have been in contention playing. You know, to get a trophy home, I’m really working hard and really enjoying myself right now. That’s all I can say. I mean, when you’re playing golf, when you’re playing an event, a competitive round, it’s all about being comfortable on the golf course and just having fun out there.”

He is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, but it has been a while as both those wins came a decade ago.

Campbell was in far less prolific form today but did well to stay in touch with the front runner.

“I just putted really poorly today,” said the Kiwi.

“The putter was ice cold, so it was frustrating. It felt like it should have been a pretty low one out there, I think I only missed one or two greens, and I think I missed one fairway or something like that. So, I hit it easily well enough to have a really good score out there.”

Australian Wade Ormsby, winner of this event in 2017 and 2020, has a chance of adding a third title after carding a 64 to sit six off top spot. He is tied with Hong Kong ace Taichi Kho, after a 66.

England’s Justin Rose, the 2015 champion here, returned a 65 and sits eight behind “Mr 59.”

Source: The Hong Kong Open

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There have been plenty of famous moments on the 18th hole at the Hong Kong Open: Rory McIlroy holing out from a bunker to win in 2011, Miguel Angel Jimenez’s play-off triumph in 2013 and Ben Campbell draining a 15-foot birdie putt for victory last year among them.

If Nitithorn Thippong goes on to lift the trophy on Sunday at Hong Kong Golf Club, then add his chip in for par from the greenside bunker on Thursday, having failed to get out with his first shot from a plugged lie, to the hole’s storied history.

While the Thai golfer’s shot was merely to keep his one-stroke lead after the first round, the eight-under-par 62 could be the morale-boosting performance he needs to get his season back on track.

A three-time winner on the Asian Tour, Nitithorn is presently 81st on the order of merit, and needs two big weeks, at Fanling and in Qatar, to make the season finale in Riyadh at the beginning of December. A win at last year’s Indonesia Open at least means he does not need to worry about losing his card.

“The key for me today was to make myself flow and stick with the plan. I have been thinking too much about my golf and my swing. I have had a problem with my mental game this year.”

Hard on his heels are defending champion Campbell, Kevin Yuan and Kazuki Higa, who all shot 63s.

Source:  South China Morning Post 

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The truth is, there are a few key areas that should be the primary focus for any aspiring golfer just starting out. Master these fundamentals, and you’ll build a solid foundation that will serve you well as you continue to develop your game.

1. Ball Striking
   

   Perhaps the single most important skill to cultivate as a beginner is consistent, solid ball striking. Developing the ability to make pure contact with the center of the clubface should be your number one priority.

This means working on your swing mechanics, from your grip and stance to your swing plane and tempo. Concentrate on making clean, centered contact time and time again. Don’t worry too much about distance or trajectory at this stage – just focus on hitting the ball solidly, and swinging consistently. Getting a good coach is the key to success here, and there is no shortage of good golf coaches in the city. 

1. Short Game

   
   While the driver and woods may get all the glory, the short game is where the majority of your scoring opportunities will come from as a beginner. Spend ample time practicing your chipping, pitching, and putting. Especially from 50 yards and in.

Mastering these core short game shots will pay huge dividends on your scorecard. Learn to consistently get the ball close to the hole from just off the green, and watch your scores start to tumble. So, how can you practice this in a busy city like Hong Kong?

Despite it being tricky to actually get outside to chip and putt sometimes. There are a number of options to practice this part of the game.

See our list of practice facilities in HK here.

One facility we do want to highlight is Optimus Golf Performance in Causeway bay. Soon, they will be opening up a brand new, state-of-the-art short game facility, featuring an undulating putting green, various chipping lies, and an indoor bunker filled with real sand. It is sure to be a short game haven for anyone interested in honing their skills from the comfort of the indoors. 

1. Course Management

   
   In addition to honing your physical skills, it’s crucial to develop smart course management habits as a beginner. This means learning to make intelligent decisions about club selection, target lines, and risk/reward scenarios.

Don’t just grip it and rip it – think through each shot and choose the most prudent play. Avoid unnecessary risks, and focus on putting yourself in the best position to score. Sound course management will help mitigate the inevitable ups and downs of your game. Talk to people, especially coaches,  and try to get out there on the course. The more you play, the more you’ll learn (hopefully!). 

The Bottom Line
As you start your golfing journey, remember to keep things simple. Solid ball striking, a reliable short game, and smart course management should be the cornerstones of your practice and play.

Mastering these fundamental skills will provide an excellent foundation upon which you can gradually build more advanced techniques and strategies. Stay patient, trust the process, and enjoy the journey of improvement.

The post The Essential Skills Every Beginner Golfer Should Prioritize appeared first on Golf in Hong Kong.

A Team-Focused Event

The Goodwill Cup emphasizes teamwork and unity among junior golfers, fostering a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Participants will have the opportunity to bond with their peers while showcasing their skills on the course. The tournament is not just about competition; it’s about creating lasting memories and friendships among the next generation of golfers.

Honoring Golf’s Legacy

In addition to the friendly competition, the event celebrates the rich history and commitment of the participating clubs to the game of golf. Each club involved has made significant contributions to nurturing young talent in the sport, and the Goodwill Cup serves as a tribute to this. With no handicap or experience requirement, the tournament is an amazing opportunity for young golfers to experience the world of competitive golf in Hong Kong.

Participating Clubs

The 2024 Goodwill Cup will feature teams from the following clubs:

• The Shek O Country Club
• Hong Kong Golf Club
• Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
• Kau Sai Chau Golf Club
• Discovery Bay Golf Club
• Optimus Golf Performance Centre
• Hong Kong Football Club
• Hong Kong Cricket Club
• Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy

These clubs represent some of the top golfing institutions in Hong Kong, each bringing its unique flair and passion for the game. And we are excited to welcome the new generation of golfers to the event, and hope that they are inspired to continue pursuing their passion for the game.

With each swing, putt, and cheer, we hope to cultivate a sense of belonging and friendship among participants. As this event becomes an annual tradition, we are excited to rotate through Hong Kong’s beginner-friendly courses, ensuring that every year offers new experiences and challenges for our budding golfers. Let’s come together to support and celebrate these young talents, igniting their passion for golf and fostering a vibrant future for the sport in Hong Kong.

The post The Goodwill Cup- A Junior Golf Tournament to Grow the Game appeared first on Golf in Hong Kong.

In this article, we outline some top tier indoor golf facilities where you can work on your game, and have a great time doing it. Here, you’ll find the name of the company, background information, hours of operation, and pricing information about each. Let’s begin.

OGP

“OGP is a Golf Academy born out of a simple idea: to help golfers perform at their highest level. We are committed to bring the best to our clients and our staff alike, and to enable our coaches to coach without compromise. We envision a golfing community that continues to challenge each other and elevate each other in pursuit of higher quality golf.”

Facilities: Private bays, lessons, group lessons, gym, personal training, club repair and workshop, Club fitting, wellputt platform

 SOON: chipping and putting green, Zen Green Stage platform, real sand bunker 

Offers:

• Practice package 
• Performance package 
• Elite Package 

Pricing:

Peak Member Price dependent on package *

Peak Non-member: $350/hr

Off-peak hours discount available to package holders: $175/hr 

Multiple package and deal options for members. 

Hours of Operation:

Mon-Sat: 10:00AM-10:00PM

Sun: 9:00AM-10:00PM

Golfzon

“More accessible, more affordable, more time effective and completely weatherproof – GOLFZON HONG KONG is providing a whole new way to golf in the City. Our indoor country club house, the world renowned and industry leading Virtual Golf Simulator technology by GOLFZON Korea.”

Facilities: private bays, Lessons, Group Lessons, club rental, bar and dining 

Must be a member to book a bay

Offers & Pricing:

Membership: $2500 basic bay plan, $2800 including food and drink 

Bay rental: $280/hr

Private room rental: $600/hr

Guest: 700-800/hr private room 

Hours of Operation:

10:00AM-12:00AM

Golftec

“At GOLFTEC, we know what it takes to play your best golf. We use technology and data-driven facts – not opinion – to give customized golf lessons and club fittings. It takes numbers, data, and facts and that is where every GOLFTEC student starts.”

Facilities: Lessons, private bays, club fitting, putting green 

Offers & Pricing:

Lesson plans and practice plans available. 

Must purchase a game plan to use the facilities. 

Guest:

60 minute Swing Evaluation price: $1380 or included with game plan. 

60-90 Minute Custom Club Fitting with a Certified Fitter Price: HK$1,380 for a single club or HK$3,200 for a full set

Hours of Operation:

Weekdays: 10:00AM-10:00PM

Weekends: 8:00AM-6:00PM

HiTee

“Hi Tee Golf is located in Diamond Hill and Quarry Bay. We offer a true-to-life indoor golfing experience for players of all levels. Located in Diamond Hill and Taikoo Place, our centers feature 6 and 7 golf simulation bays that provide a realistic golfing environment with accurate ball flight and course conditions!”

Facilities: Bays, Private Bays, Lessons, Group Lessons, Putting Green, Club Rental

Offers & Pricing:

Member $135 – 280/hr

Guest $350/hr

Packages available for both members and guests

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Sunday 9:00AM – 11:00PM

Shotsfactory 

“Shots Factory is an indoor golf simulator studio with two locations across Hong Kong. It was the first commercial TrackMan studio in Hong Kong, and currently the only facility using both the TrackMan 4 and TrackMan IO golf simulators.”

​Facilities: Trackman Simulators, Repair Workshop, Club Fitting, Lessons

Offers & Pricing:

Membership Packages from $200/hr

Visitors from $400/hr

Hours of Operation:

By appointment only! 

Members 4 hours before

Visitors 24 hours before

7iron

“Recognized as the first Official Indoor Golf Simulator Partner of the Hong Kong Youth Golf Association, 7iron is dedicated to help promote Golf in Hong Kong and strives to grow the golfing community. The pay as you go approach does not require any membership fees and allows a more accessible way for you to get involved. Located in the heart of Taikoo with a second venue opening soon in Wong Chuk Hang, both are just a few minutes walk from the MTR with car parking nearby.”

Facilities: Indoor, Academy, PGA, Practice Sessions, Online Golf Courses, 5 Bays, Private Bays, Open Bays, Putting Green, Lockers, Free Club Rental, Golf Apparel, Kids & Adults Lessons, Group Lessons, Private Parties, Venue Rental

Offers & Pricing:

Practice Session & Courses: $180 p/hr 

Prepay Packages: From $140 p/hr

No Membership Required

Coaching: From $800 p/hr (Trials Available)

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00AM – 10:00PM

Bay 24/7

“BAY247 is Hong Kong’s first 24/7 and fully automated golfing facility. Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, we provide the highest convenience for you to improve your game at any hours you want.”

​Facilities: Indoor, Open 24 Hours, Private Bays, Foresight GCQuad, Lessons

Offers:

Membership Packages from $240/hr

Pricing:

Hourly Rate:

Visitors – $500 (Trial $250)

Hours of Operation:

24 hours

Delaneys Golf Lounge

“Play 18 holes at Carnoustie, Congressional, The Olympic Club and more while having a drink and a bite to eat.  Take a lesson with our resident golf Pro. Kids clinics and ladies golf lessons are our speciality!  Hold an event, party or have a night out on our state-of-the-art golf simulator in Hong Kong. Delaney’s Golf Lounge is Hong Kong’s latest and greatest indoor golf experience.”

​Facilities: Bar, Lessons, Club Rental

Offers & Pricing:

$400 p/hour

SPECIAL OFFER: 10 HOURS FOR $1500 (RRP = $4000)

Hours of Operation: 

Monday – Sunday 8:00AM – 8:00PM

Tour Mechanics 

“An indoor golf center that targets to grow the game of golf by applying avant-garde technology to enhance different levels of player enjoyment. Operating with TrackMan units and systems which is the most accurate launch monitor and simulator provider in the market trusted by the best in the world”

Facilities: Video Lessons, Biomechanics, Group Lessons, Practice Sessions, Online Academy

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 10:00PM

Saturday & Sunday 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Hopefully this brief guide helps you gain an idea of the various indoor golf facilities in Hong Kong. Feel free to contact us for more information about any of the above, or click on the facility names to be redirected to their websites!

The post Where to (Indoor) Golf in Hong Kong appeared first on Golf in Hong Kong.

13 OCTOBER, MACAO SAR – Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan captured his second Asian Tour title at the SJM Macao Open 2024, finishing with a four-under-par round on the final day to complete a 20-under total for the tournament.

Wannasrichan, who set the tone with a blistering nine-under-par 61 on the opening day, maintained his lead throughout the week, following up with rounds of 66, 67, and 66 in the final round to close out a dominant performance.

Reflecting on his win, which was shared with his girlfriend Manuschaya Zeemakorn, a Thai LPGA Tour player who served as his caddie this week, Wannasrichan said: “I’m feeling so happy. I can’t describe how I feel besides just being so happy. I really want to thank myself for not giving up during the tough times and for the hard work this season. I wanted to win, but I also didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself.”

Wannasrichan’s victory marks his second on the Asian Tour, following his 2017 triumph at the Thailand Open. He came close to adding another title in 2022 but narrowly missed out in a playoff against Tom Kim at the Singapore International. When asked about the key to his success this week, he emphasised the importance of patience: “The biggest improvement I’ve made is learning to control my patience. I tried not to think about winning, which helped me stay focused and calm.”

Runner-up Gunn Charoenkul could not close the gap on his compatriot, scoring three-under-par today to finish 18-under for the tournament. Charoenkul reflected on his performance, acknowledging how close he came but also the need for continued perseverance: “I’m very happy even though I couldn’t get the job done today. I guess I still have to wait. I had a chance after the 8^th hole, but the bogey on the 9^th killed the momentum a little bit. I guess it’s not my time, but I’m happy with how my putter saved me and gave me some breathing room.”

Thailand’s Poosit Supupramai produced one of the standout performances of the final day, carding a six-under-par 64, which included seven birdies and one bogey, to climb the leaderboard and finish third. Supupramai was particularly proud of his performance given the demanding schedule leading up to the tournament: “I’m very happy with my performance this week because I’ve been really tired from the last two weeks. I played 54 holes in two days and only had time to practise 11 holes here. I just wanted to keep my body fresh, so I’m thrilled to have finished third.”

Meanwhile, Asian Tour Order of Merit leader John Catlin finished tied for fourth after a five-under-par round saw him end with a 15-under total. The six-time Asian Tour winner reflected positively on his performance despite not challenging for the win: “Anytime you shoot four rounds under par, it’s always nice. I never really challenged Rattanon, but you never know what can happen if you get hot at the right time. He’s been playing great golf, so hats off to him for pulling away from the rest of us.”

He was joined in fourth place by the Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, who thrilled the crowd with a spectacular eagle on the 18^th to cap off his round of 63. Tabuena, celebrating his birthday, described the final day as particularly special: “It was nice to shoot 63 on my birthday. Yesterday, I was frustrated after only managing one birdie and one bogey, but today felt different. The hole looked bigger, and I just tried to stay patient and capitalise on my opportunities.”

This year’s tournament was of special significance, coinciding with the 75^th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR. As Macao continues to grow its global sporting presence, the SJM Macao Open continues to stand out as one of the most anticipated events on the Asian golfing calendar.

Fans were treated to a week of world-class golf and family-friendly activities at the tournament’s vibrant fan village, which included food and beverage stalls, putting and chipping challenges, and more.

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