The 2025 SJM Macao Open has kicked off with a thrilling first round, and China’s Ding Wenyi is making his mark early in the tournament. Ding fired an impressive 7-under-par 63 at the Macau Golf & Country Club yesterday, putting him in a share of the lead alongside Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul.
Ding, who is playing his first event of the season on the Asian Tour, managed to overcome a challenging start to the day – reportedly with only three hours of sleep – showing focus and skill. His round was highlighted by a stunning eagle on the par-5 18th hole, as well as just one bogey on the eighth.
[See more: Inside the Asian University Basketball League’s rise with Jay Li]
Despite his success, Ding admitted that his game had been “a little bit off” recently, having spent much of the year playing on the DP World Tour in Europe. However, the 20-year-old is finding his rhythm back in his home country.
“It’s great to be back here,” Ding said after his round. “I always play better in my home country. I didn’t do really well this year in Europe, but I’ll keep my card.”
A competitive SJM Macao Open and the National Games looming
Joining Ding and Charoenkul at the top of the leaderboard are Germany’s Dominic Foos and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both of whom shot 6-under-par 64s.
The leaderboard is packed with talent, as several players sit just one stroke behind in a tie for fifth place at 5-under-par, including South Korea’s Sungjae Im, currently ranked No. 33 in the world. Im’s performance in Round 1 was steady, though he’ll need to improve to challenge for the title in the coming rounds.
[See more: Here’s how Macao’s athletes are preparing for the National Games of China]
As the tournament progresses, attention is also turning to the 2025 National Games in China, where Ding will represent Tianjin. He is expected to face strong competition from players like Guangdong’s Li Haotong and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho and Matthew Cheung.
Bubba Watson’s injury and withdrawal
In other news, American golf star Bubba Watson has withdrawn from the upcoming International Series Philippines and the Link Hong Kong Open due to a finger injury.
The two-time Masters champion took to social media to announce that he had undergone a minor procedure to remove a growth on his left ring finger, a condition that had been causing him discomfort and affecting his grip.
“I’m glad to know this is only a short-term setback,” Watson wrote in a post on his social media, as reported by Golfweek. The 46-year-old veteran will be sidelined for at least eight weeks while he recovers. Watson remains optimistic, stating that he will be ready for the 2026 LIV Golf season.
“I’m disappointed that I will miss those events,” he added, acknowledging the missed opportunity in both the Philippines and Hong Kong.
[See more: Macau Grand Prix gears up for thrilling 72nd edition]
The 2025 SJM Macao Open boasts a prize pool of US$1 million and has attracted 144 elite golfers from around the world. With many top names still in the hunt, the 2025 SJM Macao Open is shaping up to be a spectacle of top-level golf, and fans are sure to be in for an exciting weekend of action.
