LIV Golf star Patrick Reed wasn’t just blowing smoke when he declared earlier this week that he’d come to Hong Kong to win the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open, not just to warm up.
Today, he proved it in spectacular fashion, shooting an electrifying 11-under-par 59 in the third round to snatch the lead on 18-under.
Reed’s round was a masterpiece of consistency and flair. He started with five consecutive birdies, finished with four more on the trot, and stayed bogey-free throughout.
The performance vaulted him three shots clear of Indian golfer Rashid Khan and Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong, who sit tied for second at 15-under. Khan carded a sizzling 63, while Nitithorn added a solid 66 to his tally.
Defending champion Ben Campbell, who began the day as the leader, slipped to fourth with a 68, one stroke behind the second-place duo.
A Rare Feat on the Asian Tour
Reed’s dazzling 59 is only the second time the magic number has been achieved on the Asian Tour. However, because preferred lies were in play, it won’t officially enter the record books.
The only other 59 came earlier this year, courtesy of American John Catlin at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn.
Eerily enough, Reed played alongside Catlin during that round — also in the third round.
Reed capped his historic day with a confident 15-foot birdie putt on the iconic par-four 18th at Hong Kong Golf Club.
Reflecting on the round, the 2018 Masters champion said, “Yeah, you know, it was kind of one of those days.
I got up, I felt a little tight but ready to go, and then had probably one of the worst warm-ups ever. I looked at my caddy, and he said, ‘A warm-up is just a warm-up; let’s just go play golf.’
And from that first tee shot, everything clicked. Just quality iron shots, good looks, and I made a lot of putts.”
This performance comes as Reed aims to end a four-year drought and claim his first Asian Tour title.
Despite coming close in 2015 with a tied third-place finish, he’s never quite sealed the deal in Hong Kong — until now, perhaps.
The Chase Pack: Khan, Nitithorn, and Campbell
Rashid Khan, currently battling to retain his Asian Tour card, showed remarkable composure under pressure with five birdies on the back nine and a bogey-free round.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in contention,” Khan shared. “I’m really working hard and enjoying myself.
When you’re out there, it’s about being comfortable and having fun.” Sitting 90th on the Order of Merit, Khan knows he needs a strong final round to secure his spot for next season.
Meanwhile, Nitithorn Thippong stayed steady with his 66, keeping himself within striking distance.
Defending champion Ben Campbell, on the other hand, struggled with his putter. “The putter was ice cold,” admitted the Kiwi.
“I hit it well enough to have a really good score out there, but it just didn’t happen on the greens.”
Past Champions and Notable Performances
Australian Wade Ormsby, a two-time winner of this event (2017 and 2020), remains in contention after a sparkling 64, leaving him six shots off the lead. He’s tied with Hong Kong’s own Taichi Kho, who carded a 66.
Former champion Justin Rose, who triumphed here in 2015, showed flashes of brilliance with a 65, although he sits eight shots behind “Mr. 59.”
What’s Next?
With just one round to play, all eyes are on Patrick Reed as he attempts to secure a long-awaited victory and make history at the Link Hong Kong Open.
Can he hold off the challengers and finally claim his maiden Asian Tour title? One thing’s for sure — the final round promises plenty of drama.
For the latest updates on the Asian Tour and The International Series, visit www.internationalseries.com.
