Witness the impressive debuts of LIV Golf stars Charles Howell III and Josele Ballester at the Link Hong Kong Open! Howell III, a PGA Tour veteran, carded a solid 4-under 66, while Ballester, the young Spaniard, stunned with a bogey-free 6-under 64. This video dives into their standout performances, their thoughts on the tournament, and the significance of The International Series in their careers.
Don’t miss this exciting recap of the opening round, featuring insights from the players themselves and highlights from the revered Hong Kong Golf Club course.
Keywords: Charles Howell III, Josele Ballester, LIV Golf, Link Hong Kong Open, International Series, golf highlights, PGA Tour, Asian Tour, Masters exemption, The Open exemption
Imagine stepping onto a golf course where every swing could change your career trajectory. That’s exactly what happened for Charles Howell 3 and Josil Ballister at the Link Hong Kong Open, where their International Series debuts were nothing short of spectacular. But here’s where it gets controversial. Can a single tournament truly redefine a player’s legacy? Let’s dive in. On October 30th, 2025, the golf world turned its eyes to Hong Kong as Howell 3 of Crushers GC and Ballister of Fireballs GC made their mark in the first round of this prestigious event. Howell 3, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of PGA Tour experience and a standout 2025 LIV golf season, showcased his prowess with a four under 66. His performance included five birdies on the iconic Hong Kong Golf Club course. a testament to his skill and adaptability. This is my first International Series event and I’m genuinely impressed. Howell 3 remarked, “The course is fantastic and having played two LIV golf events here before. I can say it’s always a remarkable experience. The fact that the winner earns a spot in the Masters and the Open speaks volumes about the tournament’s caliber and the competition. Interestingly, Howell 3 credited his decision to compete in Hong Kong to Crushers GC captain Bryson Dashambo’s earlier success in India. “I was eager to play more, and these international series events are ideal,” he explained. “They’re exceptionally wellorganized, feature top tier players, and allow us to experience golf in incredible locations. And this is the part most people miss.” Ballister, a LIIV golf rookie, stole the show with a bogey-free six under 64, one of the finest rounds of his young career. The Spaniard, who joined Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC mid-season, had already made waves with a T2 finish in Chicago and AT7 in the UK. His performance in Hong Kong not only solidified his potential, but also highlighted the importance of the International Series in his development. Today was arguably my best round as a professional, especially for a Thursday opener, Ballister said. Starting strong like this was incredibly satisfying and gave me a confidence boost for the rest of the tournament. Ballister emphasized the multifaceted value of competing in the International Series. It’s a great opportunity for several reasons, he noted. First, I’ll be back here next year for LIIV Golf Hong Kong, so gaining more experience on this course is invaluable. Second, the exemptions to the Masters and the Open are a gamecher. And third, as a young player, I need as much competitive exposure as possible. The Link Hong Kong Open is the seventh of nine elevated tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar. Offering a pathway to the LIV Golf League for the season’s top performer. Leading the pack after the first round was Tom McKibben of Legion 13, who set a new course record with a stunning 10 under 60. Closely followed by Jazz Jane Watnanand. Controversial question for you. With the International Series offering such high stakes, is it becoming the ultimate proving ground for golfers? Or is it just another stepping stone in an already crowded landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s spark a debate.
