China's Ding Makes Early Running in Macau

Macau, China - Chinese golfer Ding Wenyi has made a strong start at the SJM Macao Open 2025, while two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is set to miss the Link Hong Kong Open due to injury.

The 20-year-old Ding carded an impressive seven-under-par 63 in the first round of the SJM Macao Open, putting him in a tie for the lead alongside Gunn Charoenkul of Thailand. Ding, who has primarily played on the DP World Tour in Europe this year, is making his first Asian Tour start of the season at the Macau Golf and Country Club.

Ding turned professional a year ago after a successful amateur career. His achievements include earning an exemption to the 2025 DP World Tour via the Global Amateur Pathway Ranking and securing a T8 finish at the Volvo China Open.

The SJM Macao Open, which runs from October 16-19, features a $1 million purse and is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Macau Golf Association. This year marks the 22nd edition of the tournament, drawing a field of global elite players, Asia's finest talents, and rising stars.

Other notable players competing in the SJM Macao Open include former world number one Lee Westwood, Sungjae Im, Haotong Li, and John Catlin. Local favorite Taichi Kho is also participating, hoping to improve upon his T6th finish from 2023.

Watson Out of Link Hong Kong Open Due to Finger Injury

In related news, Bubba Watson has withdrawn from the upcoming Link Hong Kong Open due to a finger injury. The two-time Masters champion is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks following a minor procedure to remove a lesion on his left ring finger.

Watson explained that the growth had been causing him pain and affecting his ability to grip the club. "Because of the location and depth of the cuts, which are around a joint, the procedure is expected to prevent me from playing golf for up to 8 weeks while I recover and rehab my finger," Watson stated.

The injury is an unfortunate setback for Watson, who was looking forward to competing in both the International Series Philippines and the Link Hong Kong Open. He will now spend the remainder of the season recovering.

The Link Hong Kong Open, scheduled from October 30 to November 2 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, is a prestigious event on the Asian Tour's International Series. The tournament boasts a $2 million prize fund and will offer the winner a spot in the 2026 Masters Tournament and The Open Championship.

Defending champion Patrick Reed will be competing. Other major champions set to participate include Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Martin Kaymer, and Graeme McDowell.