Scott Vincent kicked off the Link Hong Kong Open with a bang, nipping at the heels of the leader, Nitithorn Thippong.
Playing in the eighth leg of The International Series, the golfer from Zimbabwe had a secret weapon—a very familiar and beloved caddie, his wife Kelsey.
She was back, if only for this tournament, lending her support and no doubt, a bit of good luck too.
A Strong Start with Family Support
The 32-year-old Vincent played a flawless round, starting with nine straight pars before igniting his back nine.
With birdies on the 11th and 13th holes and a hat trick of birdies from 15 through 17, he finished at five-under-par, just three shots behind Thippong, also known as “Fever,” who leads the field.
Vincent’s performance is an encouraging sign as he heads toward the critical LIV Golf Promotions event at Riyadh Golf Club from December 12–14.
With his two-year stint at Iron Heads GC ending in relegation this season, Vincent is aiming to reclaim his spot on the LIV Golf roster.
Path to Redemption
Thanks to The International Series’ pathway to LIV Golf, Vincent has multiple chances to return to the league.
Sitting at 32nd in the rankings, he’ll need strong results in the season’s final events—the Link Hong Kong Open, International Series Qatar, and the PIF Saudi International—to mount a late surge. Theoretically, a win could catapult him back into contention.
Reflecting on his performance, Vincent remarked: “That was really good, solid golf. I felt I was getting left behind—Fever is playing incredible golf right now.
But all throughout the day it felt really good and solid. I was just trying to be patient and let it come to me, trying not to chase anything.”
A Reunion on the Bag
A major factor in Vincent’s impressive play was the calming presence of Kelsey, who caddied for him from 2017 to 2019 before stepping away when their first child was born.
The couple met at Virginia Tech, where Vincent was on a golf scholarship, and Kelsey played for the women’s soccer team.
This week’s cameo appearance was a nostalgic and strategic decision, as Vincent explained:
“She had given me the thumbs up to come out here to play. I asked if she wanted to caddie, and she was all about it.
This is her first time back since 2019, so it is special for us to do this just for this week.”
With their children in the care of their grandmothers, the couple embraced the opportunity to relive their on-course partnership.
Kelsey’s experience and familiarity with Vincent’s preferences proved invaluable: “She just knows. I didn’t have to say anything out there today; she knew exactly what to do.
What she brings is just that calm, that warm smile, and good energy. It is nice having someone that cares about you so much right next to you.”
The Road Ahead
Vincent’s journey through the LIV Golf Promotions event won’t be easy. He’s joined by his younger brother Kieran and other top competitors, including Asian Tour champions and players ranked second through eighth in The International Series standings.
The first round will feature 25 eligible players from the top 40 rankings, along with elite amateurs and professionals from across the globe.
The stakes are high—only one player will secure a spot on the 2025 LIV Golf roster through Promotions, alongside the International Series Rankings champion.
With a strong finish to his 2024 campaign, Vincent could rewrite his season’s narrative.
For more on The International Series, visit www.internationalseries.com.
