GUNN AND DING STRIKE FIRST AT SJM MACAO OPEN
[Macao SAR, 16 October, 2025]: Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, helped by a touch of inspiration from PGA Tour star Tom Kim, and Ding Wenyi from China, made fine starts at the US$1 million SJM Macao Open today – taking a share of the lead following first-round seven-under-par 63s.
They are in front by a shot from Germany’s Dominic Foos and Australian Jack Thompson, on 64s, here at Macau Golf & Country Club – in the 22nd staging of the Asian Tour event.
South Korean Sungjae Im, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Indian Pukhraj Singh Gill, plus Ye Wocheng and Bobby Bai from China are a stroke further back following 65s.
Gunn’s round was impeccable: he was bogey-free, made an eagle, and recorded five birdies. He finished second here last year, and after an indifferent season to date, he got the pick-me-up he needed by going on social media this morning.
“Very happy with today. Started the day by stumbling on a clip on Instagram from Tom Kim,” said the 33-year-old, who is looking for his first victory on the Asian Tour, having finished runner-up four times.
“I think it kind of summarised what he’s been doing the whole of this year. And, you know, practicing a lot does not mean the results are good. So that kind of unlocked something in me, I guess.
“I’ve been grinding really hard, harder than last year, you know, expecting better results, but it’s not coming. So, I let it all go today, relaxed and then had some lucky breaks out there. I think my mind was more free out there, so I think that’s why I played better golf.”
He is presently in 49th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Ding, who turned professional at the end of last year, did well to perform at such a high level having flown in from the Spanish Open, managing only three hours of sleep last night.
“Honestly, it’s been physically demanding,” he said. “I only slept three hours last night. I woke up at 4:50 this morning. I tried to sleep around 9 p.m. yesterday but couldn’t fall asleep until about 1 a.m.”
Like Gunn, he started on the back nine, and also made an eagle, as well as six birdies and just one dropped shot.
This week marks the 20-year-old’s first start of the season on the Asian Tour.
“Great to be back here. I always play better in my home country. I didn’t do really well this year. The young generation over there are very strong and the courses are hard.
“I was a little bit off after I’ve been to Europe, but I will keep my card.”
He eagled the famous par-five 18th today, his ninth, after hitting a four-iron 240 yards to 20 feet. He also birdied his final hole, the par-four ninth, following a wedge to 25 feet.
During an outstanding amateur career, he won the China Amateur Open in 2019, 2020, and 2021, claimed the U.S. Junior Amateur the following year, and won a hat-trick of the titles in 2024.
Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho and Matthew Cheung both came in with 67, while defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan from Thailand returned a 68. Local upcoming talent Kelvin Si Ngai also recorded a two-under 68.
China’s Haotong Li carded a 70.
England’s Lee Westwood, winner of this event back in 1999, has work to do. The 52-year-old shot a 74 – two more than his 24-year-old son Samuel.
In its 22-year history, the Macao Open has grown to become a highlight on the Asian Tour calendar, graced by major champions such as Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington, and Vijay Singh. Zhang Lianwei, the pioneer of golf in China, has won the prestigious event twice and is the only golfer to have defended his title in the tournament’s history.
For the first time on the Asian Tour, fans will be able to track their favorite players with the Player Locator. By scanning QR codes at various locations around the course, visitors can access the SJM Macao Open 2025 interactive map to follow the action in real time.
