Patrick Reed stormed to a runaway victory in the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open today, claiming the prestigious event for the first time and securing his first win in four years.
After an electrifying 11-under-par 59 yesterday at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Reed followed it up with a composed 66 today to finish on 22-under-par. This secured a convincing three-stroke win over New Zealand’s Ben Campbell, the defending champion.
Campbell ended his excellent defence with a 65, while Japan’s Kazuki Higa shot a sensational 63 to claim third, another shot back.
Australian Wade Ormsby, a winner here in 2017 and 2020, shared fourth place with Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, as 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 that holds special meaning for him.
Reed’s Unstoppable Final Round
Any concerns that Reed, who started the day three strokes ahead, might struggle to back up his stellar performance were quickly dispelled.
The 34-year-old birdied four in a row from the third hole, giving himself a six-shot cushion. By the turn, he had a gaping seven-stroke advantage and was firmly in control.
Dropped shots on 15 and the final hole narrowed the margin, but the outcome was never in doubt.
“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.”
Reed’s victory marked his first title on the Asian Tour and his first win since the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour in 2021, excluding his two team wins with 4Aces GC on the LIV Golf League in 2023.
“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 of birdies early, get up on top, so then on the back nine I could just 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’s Gallant Defence
Ben Campbell had a phenomenal back nine, making five birdies, but Reed’s lead proved insurmountable.
“Another frustrating day with the putter,” said Campbell. “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.”
Kho Makes Hong Kong Proud
Hong Kong Golf Club Ambassador Taichi Kho thrilled local fans with a birdie on the par-four 18th, nearly holing his second shot.
His final-round 66 secured a tie for sixth place, his best result of the year.
“Feels great. Had so many friends and family out there, and so much credit goes to them, and I felt so supported out there,” said Kho.
“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.”
Standout Performances from International Stars
Japan’s Kazuki Higa and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana impressed with top-five finishes. Former champion Justin Rose from England fired a 67, ending tied for 18th on 13-under.
As the Asian Tour’s International Series continues, fans can look forward to more thrilling action. For details, visit www.internationalseries.com.
