Taiwan Masters and the 39th Mercuries Golf Invitational Tournament

Second Round Press Release

2025/9/26

The Asian Tour event “2025 Taiwan Masters and the 39th Mercuries Golf Invitational Tournament,” with a total prize fund of US$1 million (approximately NT$30 million), held its second round today (26th) at the century-old Taiwan Golf Club. First-round leader Atiruj Winaicharoenchai of Thailand shot a two-under-par 70 to retain the solo lead at seven-under 137 after two rounds.

Australia’s 2013 champion Scott Hend and Thailand’s 2019 champion Suradit Yongcharoenchai each carded a 68. At 139 for two rounds, they sit two shots back in a tie for second.

Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan also posted a 68 and stands alone in fourth at four-under 140. Korea’s Jeunghun Wang signed for a 69 and is solo fifth at 141.

Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig shot 68, Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong recorded 70, Taiwan’s Chen Yi-tung and Taiwan Tour player Gabriele De Barba of Italy each shot 71, and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond carded a 75. The five players are tied for sixth at one-under 143 after two rounds.

In addition to Hend, Yongcharoenchai, Wannasrichan, and Baig, American Christopher Hickman also shot 68. In total, five players earned the daily low-round Chen Ho-tung Memorial Award, sharing the NT$30,000 prize, with each receiving NT$6,000.

After two rounds, 56 players at 149 (+5) or better advanced to the final two rounds. Among them are 13 Taiwanese players, including the 2020 champion Wang Wei-hsuan, while five of the top 10 are Thai players.

Starting on the 10th, Atiruj played solidly on his first nine, working hard to create birdie chances despite some tricky pin positions, and made a single birdie. On the inward nine, he made double bogey at the par-4 3rd after driving into the trees, flying his approach long into a bunker, and then failing to get up-and-down, reaching the green in four and two-putting. He then rallied over the final four holes, capitalizing on opportunities at the par-5 6th and 7th for back-to-back birdies and adding a six-footer for birdie at the 9th, netting three strokes to maintain a two-shot lead.

For the 25-year-old, this is the first time he has led an Asian Tour event after two rounds. He said he isn’t focused on the lead itself and simply wants to keep competing strongly. His driving, approach play, and putting were all solid today. He noted that the wind was lighter than yesterday, but the pins were very tough, requiring quality shots to create birdie chances.

The 52-year-old Hend also started from the 10th. After back-to-back bogeys, he regrouped and birdied both par-5s. From holes 1 to 9 he showcased precise iron play, making birdie at the par-3 2nd and three straight birdies from 5 to 7, becoming one of the day’s low scorers. Should he win over the weekend, he would become the oldest champion on the Asian Tour.

He arrived in Taiwan last week after winning the European Legends Cup in Spain on September 7 and currently leads the Legends Tour money list in Europe. Due to jet lag, he missed the cut at last week’s Asian Tour event, but after sufficient rest, he has found form again this week and will look to sustain his level over the weekend to chase a second title at this tournament.

Tied with Hend in second, Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai carded five birdies against one bogey. He said he was fortunate to play in the afternoon, when the wind was much lighter than yesterday and this morning. His driving and short game were strong, and his best hole was the par-3 17th, where, despite missing the green from the tee, he chipped in from 10 yards for birdie.

He added that he really likes this century-old course. Although it was difficult today, he overcame several challenges to put together a good round and hopes to maintain his form over the next two days.

Currently the best-placed Taiwanese player, Chen Yi-tung, made five birdies against four bogeys. His driving was a bit erratic, but his irons were fairly accurate and his putting solid, though he three-putted twice, taking 29 putts overall. He birdied three of the four par-5s, and he holed birdie putts from 9 feet at the 11th and 18 feet at the 16th to pick up two more.

Playing in the morning wave, he noted the pins were hard to attack and the wind gusted intermittently, making both direction and strength tricky to judge. A light morning rain helped cool the temperature, so it wasn’t as hot.

The tournament runs from September 25 to 28 over four rounds of 72 holes. This year’s champion will earn US$200,000 (approximately NT$6 million), the highest prize for a men’s professional event in Taiwan.

The event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA of Taiwan (TPGA), organized by the Taiwan Golf Club, with Mercuries Investment Holding Co., Ltd. and Mercuries Life Insurance Co., Ltd. as the title sponsors.

In tomorrow’s third round, players will tee off in twosomes from the 1st tee only. The first group will start at 7:20 a.m., and the last group at 11:33 a.m., with play expected to finish around 4:00 p.m.

This year’s field consists of 129 players from 25 countries, including Argentina, Australia, China, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, the United States, and Chinese Taipei. There are 85 international players and 44 from Taiwan, including seven amateurs (not eligible for prize money), all competing for the championship trophy, prize purse, and the green jacket.

Since its establishment in 1987, this year marks the 39th edition of the Taiwan Masters, one of the most prestigious, highest-paying, and top-level men’s professional golf tournaments in Taiwan. It is also the 14th stop on this year’s Asian Tour, drawing elite players to Taiwan.

After today, many Taiwanese contenders missed the cut, underscoring the course’s high level of difficulty this year. Those who exited include amateur Hsieh Cheng-wei, who tied for 7th at last week’s Asian Tour YEANGDER TPC Championship, as well as Lee Chieh-po, Lu Wei-chih, Chang Wei-lun, Shen Wei-cheng, and, from last week’s event, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines (T5) and Shotaro Ban of the United States. In addition, Chan Shih-chang, Yeh Yu-chen, and 206-cm American “big-hitter” Charles Porter, last week’s joint runner-up, all withdrew due to injury.

The champion will receive US$200,000, the runner-up US$120,000, third place US$70,000, and all players who complete four rounds will receive at least US$2,500.

This year, the traditional charity sale of Mercuries Taiwan Masters meal coupons remains at NT$59. On the second day, 1,293 bowls of beef noodles were sold for a total of NT$76,287. Over the first two days, 2,773 bowls have been sold, totaling NT$163,607.

The host venue, Taiwan Golf Club (Old Tamsui Course), measures 6,963 yards. Though not long, its narrow fairways, thick rough, and tricky green surrounds and grass grain affect tee-shot landing areas, approaches, and putting. Players must showcase all-around skills to score well, with weather conditions adding another layer of difficulty.

For 39 years, the Taiwan Masters and Mercuries Invitational has continually sought innovation in its events. This year, the tournament again provides eight thoughtful services and exciting activities (see attachment for details).

Among them, shuttle bus services will be provided on September 27–28, starting at 8:30 a.m. each day from Tamsui MRT Station, with free buses shuttling fans between the station and the course. Fans can board at Platform 1 of the shuttle bus terminal to the right of the MRT station exit, with staff on-site to provide guidance.

The Mercuries Golf Walkathon will also be held on September 28, from Tamsui MRT Station to the Taiwan Golf Club (Old Tamsui Course).

This year’s charity sale of Mercuries Taiwan Masters meal coupons remains at NT$59, redeemable for either a “Mercuries Beef Noodle” or a “Fresh Five Beef Bowl.” To thank fans, Mercuries Investment Holding will also offer a free 350ml bottle of SOUR3 Chu-Hi (assorted fruit, guava-orange, or plum flavors) or bottled water (limited quantities available). Proceeds will be donated to the Tamsui Cultural Foundation, giving back to the Tamsui community that has supported the Taiwan Masters for 39 years, with hopes of making it a signature annual event.

Additionally, six special awards will be presented this year:

Chen Ho-tung Memorial Award – NT$30,000 to the player with the lowest single-round score (shared if tied).

Hisakata Chizuko Memorial Award – NT$60,000 for the nearest-to-the-pin on Hole 18, awarded on September 27 and 28 (Rounds 3 and 4) to the player whose second shot is closest.

Course Record Award – NT$300,000 from Taiwan Golf Club Chairman Chen Yen-hao to any player who breaks the course record of 63 at Tamsui. If multiple players break 63, the lowest score wins; in case of a tie, the first to submit the scorecard prevails.

Tournament Record Award – NT$100,000 for breaking the Mercuries Taiwan Masters record of 273 strokes. Shared if tied.

Back-to-Back Champion Award – NT$200,000 to any player who wins consecutive Mercuries Taiwan Masters titles.

MIZUNO Award – NT$60,000 for the nearest-to-the-pin on Hole 17, awarded on September 28 (Round 4) to the player whose tee shot is closest.

The tournament also offers online and television broadcasts so fans can follow the action in real time. The third round (September 27) and final round (September 28) will be streamed live from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on TPGA Facebook, the Taiwan Masters official website (http://www.taiwan-masters.com.tw), YouTube (search “2025 Mercuries Taiwan Masters Invitational”), and Yahoo Sports. Cable channel Videoland Sports 129 will also broadcast live:

September 27 – from 1:00 p.m.

September 28 – from 1:00 p.m.

The official Facebook fan page “Taiwan Masters Golf Tournament” will also stream simultaneously.

We welcome all golf fans to tune in and cheer for the players!