Justin Rose makes huge schedule change – here’s why

Justin Rose is set to contest the Hong Kong Open this November, seven years after last appearing in the Asian Tour event.

It’s nine years since the Englishman won the event at Fanling and would join an elite club of seven other multiple winners.

“Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart,” the Englishman said. “As does the Hong Kong Open, as when I won at Fanling I was playing some of the best golf of my life.

“I’ve had some great form this year and can’t wait to return.”

Rose, 44, will headline the event after DP World Tour starts in Abu Dhabi but insists he has his sights set on bigger targets.

Despite nearing the end of his playing career, the former US Open champion wants to stay at the very top.

• Local residents slam proposed Scottish golf resort

• Tour boss hopes US players can back ‘global golf’ aim

“I’m still very focused on playing Ryder Cups,” he said. “I’d love to be in the team at Bethpage in September next year.

“And also coming so close to winning a major or two this year. Yes, I won a major, yes, I’ve been world No. 1, yes, I’ve won an Olympics.

“I’ve done a lot of things, but I’ve really only ever done them once. So I’d love to become more of a consistent winner at that level.

“Obviously that’s hard to do at my age, but that’s what keeps me motivated, keeps me going. I still think I have that kind of Indian summer of my career available to me.”

Rose showed in 2024 that the fire still burns to lift silverware in the game’s biggest event.

He narrowly missed out on winning the Claret Jug at Royal Troon after finishing T6 at the PGA Championship in May.

• Rory McIlroy: ‘Game is testing me’ after play-off defeat

• Lydia Ko issues latest retirement hint

Meanwhile, South Korean star Tom Kim will also tee it up in the Hong Kong Open – which is stop number eight on the circuit’s International Series.

After a T18 finish in 2020, the 22-year-old is hoping to become the next Asian Tour product to win the event.

“I know some of the greats of the game have won the Hong Kong Open down the years and I’d love to see my name on the trophy alongside them,” he said.

“I have great memories of playing the composite course at Hong Kong Golf Club back in 2020, and I look forward to taking it on again this year.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.