Patrick Reed among 31 LIV Golf stars eyeing Masters spot at Hong Kong Open
Former Masters champion Patrick Reed and a host of other LIV Golf stars have a path back to Augusta next year with a victory in the Hong Kong Open in late October
It has sometimes been difficult for LIV golfers to mind spots at major PGA tournaments in recent years. Perhaps this is why 31 are flocking to the Hong Kong Open in late October as, for the first time ever, the winner will earn a spot in both the Masters and the Open Championship.
Patrick Reed, the 2024 winner, will headline a field full of big names, including Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Talor Gooch, Charl Schwartzel, and others.
Bubba Watson was originally slated to play but will miss out due to an injury. The event boasts a series of famous winners, including Ian Pulter in 2010 and Rory McIlroy in 2011.
Reed leveled Poulter's all-time mark at -22 under last year. Along the way, he became the second man in Asian Tour history to shoot a 59.
Many of the competing golfers are excited to compete for the $2 million prize: Gooch admitted that the Masters/Open stipulation is an added sweetener.
“It’s not my first time in Hong Kong, but I’m excited to be coming back to such a great course and such a great tournament,” he said ahead of the tournament. “Of course, the Masters and Open places are a motivation too, but I love Hong Kong, the food, the culture, all of it.”
Gooch boasts four LIV Golf League wins and was both the circuit's 2023 individual points leader and the overall money leader.
Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open Championship winner, wants another shot at winning the Masters.
"I was lucky enough to win The Open at St Andrews, and lifting the Claret Jug is as good as it gets. I didn’t quite make it to the green jacket, but I’m eager for another shot at it," he admitted.
"I haven’t played there for a few years. I love the course in Hong Kong, and I think it suits my game. It’s an amazing city, and now to have the chance to earn a spot into the Masters, it’s a great opportunity. I’m hopeful to come out on top.”
Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters winner, made it a trifecta a stars seeking a spot in August.
“It’s an incredible opportunity, not just to play in the Hong Kong Open and the tradition that comes with it, but now to have a pathway into two of the biggest Majors, it’s what you dream of when you are a kid,” the South African said.
“Winning the Masters and wearing the green jacket, that dream came true for me, and it’s one of the peak moments of my career. The more opportunities we can give players to chase that dream, is special.”