Justin Rose, a former champion at the Link Hong Kong Open, is setting his sights on securing a win this week at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.
The 44-year-old sees this tournament as a chance to end his season on a high, reignite his form, and bolster his prospects for a spot on the 2025 European Ryder Cup team.
The Hong Kong Open, the eighth of 10 elevated Asian Tour-sanctioned events in The International Series, offers Rose an opportunity to sharpen his game ahead of next year.
A win here could mark a pivotal moment in his quest to claim a first victory of the season and build momentum for 2025.
A Return to Familiar Ground
Rose, who last played the Hong Kong Open in 2017, is no stranger to success at Fanling.
He triumphed here in 2015, and his return comes on the back of two top-10 finishes in majors this year—a runner-up finish at The Open behind Xander Schauffele at Royal Troon and a sixth-place finish at the US PGA Championship, also trailing Schauffele, at Valhalla.
Despite these highlights, Rose remains unsatisfied with his overall performance this season.
“I felt like that was the main takeaway from this year,” Rose reflected. “I was not happy with how I played: a lot of searching, a lot of struggling, a lot of fighting, trying to find my game. But the moments I did find my game, I was contending in majors.”
Ryder Cup AmbitionsAs a six-time Ryder Cup veteran, Rose is determined to reclaim his place on the team for the 2025 showdown at Bethpage Black. Having played a key role in Europe’s 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome as a wildcard, Rose remains focused on this prestigious goal.
“The Ryder Cup—alongside the major championships—are what I am trying to use as my fuel,” Rose explained.
“This year gave me the belief that I am still capable of winning a major championship. You need that belief first and foremost to put in the requisite hard work that it takes to do it right.”
Chasing Confidence and Momentum
For Rose, the Link Hong Kong Open represents more than just another event. It’s a chance to regain confidence and end the season with a win.
“An event like this, you never know where you spark your confidence,” he said.
“Where you come back and have good feelings and memories, absolutely. I hadn’t won this year, and it is always nice to chalk one off.
It would be nice to say, okay, I wasn’t struck out this year. I managed to get one done.
So yes, it is a last chance for that, and then to take that momentum into next year. The Ryder Cup is still a big, big focus.”
The International Series
The International Series, of which the Hong Kong Open is a key part, features 10 elevated tournaments offering players a potential pathway to the LIV Golf League.
With top-tier talent and opportunities to make a mark, it’s no surprise Rose has chosen this stage to push for a late-season breakthrough.
For more information on The International Series, visit www.internationalseries.com.
