LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026: History, HSBC, and the Hunt for Rahm's First Win
Travel chaos, Rahm's Jet, Phil's absence, History and Tradition
Following our extensive previews of LIV Golf Riyadh and Adelaide, the LIV Golf caravan now heads to one of Asia’s most storied venues for the third event of the 2026 season. Getting to Hong Kong, however, proved considerably more challenging than usual for many players. Escalating tensions in the Middle East left numerous competitors stranded in the UAE, forcing them to reroute through Oman, an unforeseen complication that added days to their travel schedules. Eventually, all players have made it to Fanling, courtesy of Jon Rahm’s Private Jet in a coordinated effort set up by Jon, the league and teams, though the field will be missing one notable name.
Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from Hong Kong 2026, after previously citing family health matters, missing the season’s first two events. Whilst the specifics remain private, Par and Paddock did reach out for comment and to express support to Phil and his family, Mickelson responded graciously with a simple “Thank you,” adding that he was disappointed to miss Riyadh, Adelaide and now Hong Kong, but cannot wait to get playing again.
The 2026 Story So Far: Rookie Brilliance, Remarkable Comebacks, and Rahm’s Growing Frustration
The 2026 LIV Golf individual standings have been shaped by breakthrough performances and one man’s mounting exasperation. Elvis Smylie, the young Australian rookie, announced his arrival with authority at LIV Golf Riyadh 2026, claiming his maiden tour victory. It appeared we were witnessing the feel-good story of the season—until Anthony Kim produced something even more extraordinary.
The 40-year-old American’s triumph in Adelaide marked his first professional victory in 16 years, capping a remarkable resurgence from personal struggles that nearly cost him his life. Kim’s victory, achieved in his debut event as a member of 4Aces GC, sent shockwaves throughout the sporting world. Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm all praised Kim’s perseverance, with Rahm describing it as “nothing less than extraordinary.”
The Spaniard is currently enduring a four-consecutive-event runner-up streak in the individual standings, leading the championship after each of the first two tournaments with 226 points. Despite possessing extraordinary talent and playing arguably the finest golf of anyone in the world right now, he simply cannot seal the deal. It’s a frustrating paradox that must surely resolve itself soon.
On the team front, history is being written. Ripper GC, the all-Australian squad captained by Cameron Smith, has become the first team in LIV Golf history to win the opening two tournaments of a season. Their victories in Riyadh and Adelaide have given them 60 points, 39.25 clear of second-placed Legion XIII and 38.75 ahead of third-placed Torque GC. Ripper GC are in scintillating form, with Smylie’s individual brilliance complemented by strong performances from Lucas Herbert (48 birdies, most in the league), Smith, and Marc Leishman. They’re averaging 68.1 strokes per round as a team, the lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, 4Aces GC, buoyed by Kim’s Adelaide triumph, sit fourth in the team standings with 18 points and will be desperate to end a 32-tournament winless drought. Torque GC, led by the formidable South American quartet of Joaquín Niemann, Abraham Ancer, Sebastián Muñoz, and Carlos Ortiz, are collectively 75 under on par 5s this season, the best performance by any team. They represent a genuine threat to Ripper GC’s dominance.
This Weeks Venue: Where Tradition Meets Strategic Complexity
Fanling is steeped in golfing heritage. Established in 1889, the Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling is one of only two clubs in the world, the other being Augusta National,
that have hosted the same professional tournament for more than 60 years. Since 1959, the Hong Kong Open has called Fanling home, making it one of Asia’s longest-running championships.
At 6,711 yards playing to a par of 70, Fanling isn’t particularly long by modern standards. What it lacks in length, however, it more than compensates for with strategic intricacy. The par-5 13th (529 yards) was the easiest hole on the LIV Golf circuit in 2025, averaging 0.78 under par, whilst the brutally difficult par-4 ninth (493 yards) has proven the sternest test on the course during LIV Golf’s first two visits.
The 13th and 17th holes share a large double green, creating opportunities for the absurdly long putts that spectators adore and the strategic dilemmas that players dread. The par-4 16th features a blind tee shot on a downhill dogleg right, demanding a high fade. The 288-yard par-4 fourth is drivable under favourable conditions, though it has yet to yield an eagle during LIV Golf’s tenure.
This year marks a significant milestone. For the first time, HSBC will serve as the title sponsor of the LIV Golf Hong Kong event, elevating the tournament’s prestige even further. The banking giant’s branding will be prominent throughout the venue, signalling LIV Golf’s growing appeal to major corporate partners.
Sergio García won the 2025 edition at 18 under par, whilst his Fireballs GC claimed the team title at 37 under. The course has proven playable yet unforgiving; you must be at the peak of your powers to contend.
Key Players to Follow
Jon Rahm – The Man Who Cannot Lose (Except He Keeps Losing)
Rahm is the obvious focal point this week. The Spaniard is playing the finest golf in the world yet cannot convert his brilliance into victory. He’s improved by an average of 1.08 strokes off the tee per round this season and leads the league in fairway accuracy (58.93%). His iron play has been phenomenal, and he averaged just 1.33 putts per green in regulation during Adelaide’s third round, his best performance in any LIV Golf event.
Everything is clicking for Rahm except the final result. Hong Kong may be where the dam finally breaks. He’s finished T6 and T10 here previously, demonstrating his comfort with the layout. The law of averages suggests his time is coming.
Anthony Kim – Riding the Wave of Redemption
Kim arrives in Hong Kong with momentum and emotion in equal measure. His Adelaide victory transcended sport; it was a redemption narrative that resonated far beyond golf. Kim has made just seven bogeys or worse through eight rounds this season, tied for the best mark in LIV Golf. He’s striking the ball exceptionally well and putting with newfound confidence. Can the magic continue?
Elvis Smylie – The Rookie Sensation
The 23-year-old Australian has swiftly established himself as a force at this level. Smylie’s Riyadh victory was no fluke—he backed it up with a T27 finish in Adelaide despite averaging 1.53 putts per hole when missing greens (ranked 55th). When his short game is functioning properly, Smylie can be devastating.
Cameron Smith – Chasing History at His Bogey Course
Smith is pursuing unprecedented territory. The Ripper GC captain is attempting to guide his team to a third consecutive victory, which would be historic. Intriguingly, Smith has twice been runner-up at Hong Kong Golf Club—losing in a playoff at LIV Golf Hong Kong 2024 and finishing second at the 2023 Hong Kong Open. He’s overdue for victory at Fanling.
Smith ranks amongst the elite in Strokes Gained Around the Green this season, and he’ll be determined to finally conquer this venue.
Bryson DeChambeau – The Quiet Contender
DeChambeau has quietly excelled in Hong Kong. He’s averaged +1.34 strokes off the tee per round across the 108 holes played at Fanling in 2024 and 2025, ranking first in Strokes Gained Off the Tee. DeChambeau shared the 54-hole lead in Adelaide before fading on Sunday, but he appears to be finding form. His average of 3.75 on Fanling’s par-4 holes represents elite-level scoring.
Abraham Ancer – The Defending Champion Returns
Ancer won the inaugural LIV Golf Hong Kong in 2024 via playoff and understands what’s required to succeed at Fanling. He needed just 105 putts in Adelaide—the fewest of any player this season. When Ancer’s putter is this hot, he becomes nearly unbeatable.
Dean Burmester – The Dark Horse
Don’t overlook Burmester. The South African finished runner-up in last year’s event, firing a final-round 63 (8 under) that tied for the lowest score in LIV Golf history at Fanling. Burmester ranks first in Strokes Gained Putting amongst Stinger GC players and has always thrived on courses demanding precision over power.
The Betting Card: Two Selections and a Team Pick (8 places Each Way - Betfair)
Short-Priced Selection: Jon Rahm (7/2)
Sometimes the most obvious bet is the correct bet. Rahm has been the standout performer through the season’s opening events and is long overdue for victory. A four-consecutive runner-up streak is mentally draining, but it also demonstrates his consistent ability to contend. With every facet of his game firing and proven comfort at Fanling, his frustration will eventually boil over into a dominant performance. This feels like the week, especially given all the noise around his NO DEAL with the DP World Tour.
Value Selection: Sergio García at (22/1)
Sergio Garcia proved himself to be the best at Fanling last year by winning this event at 18 under-par, so he knows what is required to win at this strategic layout. Therefore, Garcia is an excellent bet for a defending champion at 22/1.
Team Selection: Torque GC
Whilst Ripper GC are overwhelming favourites to complete a hat-trick, Torque GC are poised to break through. They’ve scored 75 under on par 5s this season—the best performance by any team—and boast the second-lowest stroke average (68.4). With four exceptional players in Niemann, Ancer, Muñoz, and Ortiz, they possess the firepower to post low numbers consistently.
Ancer’s course knowledge from his 2024 victory is invaluable, whilst Muñoz is riding an extraordinary streak of 13 consecutive rounds in the 60s. They’ve finished third and second in the opening events; this could be the week they reach the summit.
Final Thoughts: Where History Meets Destiny
Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling represents everything magnificent about traditional golf architecture: strategic, demanding, and scrupulously fair. With HSBC’s backing elevating the tournament’s profile, a field brimming with major champions and emerging stars, and storylines ranging from Rahm’s quest to end his runner-up streak to Ripper GC’s pursuit of history, LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026 promises compelling drama.
This old-school shot-maker’s course will separate the pretenders from the contenders. Somewhere amongst the ancient trees and strategic bunkering of this 135-year-old club, we’ll discover whether Rahm can finally convert his brilliant play into victory, whether Kim’s fairy tale continues, or whether someone else entirely seizes the moment.
One certainty remains: after the travel chaos that preceded this week, these players will be determined to make the journey worthwhile. The stage is set at one of golf’s most historic venues.