Taiwan Masters and the 39th Mercuries Golf Invitational Tournament

Round 3

2025/9/27

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 third round today (26th) at the century-old Taiwan Golf Club. Second-round leader Atiruj Winaicharoenchai of Thailand shot a one-over-par 73, while compatriot Rattanon Wannasrichan carded a 70. The two are tied for the lead at six-under 210 after three rounds. In tomorrow’s final round, any of the top 10 players will have a chance to claim the championship trophy, the US$200,000 winner’s prize, and the green jacket.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and compatriot Nitithorn Thippong both returned 70s, while Thailand’s 2019 champion Suradit Yongcharoenchai shot 74. The trio sit three shots back in a tie for third at 213. The top five are all Thai players.

Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig posted a 71, and Australia’s 52-year-old 2013 champion Scott Hend signed for a 75. At two-under 214, they trail the leaders by four shots and are tied for sixth.

Taiwan’s 2020 champion Wang Wei-hsuan shot 70 for an even-par 216 total, tying Thailand’s Poosit Supupramai, who carded 71. They are currently tied for 10th, six shots off the lead, with Wang the best-placed Taiwanese player.

Taiwan’s Hung Chao-hsin and Liu Yong-hua both shot 71, while Chen Yi-tung posted 74. The three, along with two other international players, are tied for 12th.

America’s Michael Maguire and Australia’s Kevin Yuan each shot 69 and shared the day’s low-round Chen Ho-tung Memorial Award, splitting the NT$60,000 prize to receive NT$30,000 each.

In addition, Taiwan’s Hsieh Chi-hsien and Tsai Shang-kai both hit their second shots to 35 cm at the 18th, tying for the closest-to-the-pin and jointly winning the Hisakata Chizuko Memorial Award (Round 3, Hole 18 Nearest-to-the-Pin) of NT$60,000—NT$30,000 each. This is the first time in tournament history that two players have recorded the same nearest distance on this hole and shared the prize.

Of the 56 players today, only 13 broke par, and just two posted scores in the 60s, underscoring this year’s exceptional course difficulty.

In tomorrow’s final round, players will again tee off in twosomes from the 1st tee only. The first group starts at 7:10 a.m., the last group at 11:28 a.m. Play is expected to conclude at around 4:00 p.m., followed immediately by the awards ceremony.

Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan said that although his driving was not ideal today, he relied on precision in his short game and putting to save pars—and occasionally produced highlights. At the 161-yard par-3 2nd, he hit the green and nearly holed the tee shot for his first birdie. He also birdied the par-5 7th and 15th, with his only bogey at the 11th. Meanwhile, Atiruj, who had been one to two shots ahead, made a double bogey at the 16th, allowing Rattanon to catch him by day’s end. The two will play in the final pairing tomorrow.

Rattanon noted he hit only four fairways today, but rescued at least four to five pars from within 10 feet thanks to his short game and putting. He took 26 putts and said that would rank him among the top three in putting today. Tomorrow he will focus on his own shots, stay calm, and meet the challenges of this demanding course.

The 30-year-old captured his first Asian Tour win at the 2017 Thailand Open and added another at last year’s SJM Macau Open. He will seek his third Asian Tour title tomorrow. He currently sits 20th on the Asian Tour money list.

The 25-year-old Atiruj will seek his first Asian Tour title tomorrow. He said he did not play well today—his driving and approach shots were subpar and his putting not sharp. He bogeyed the 1st and didn’t make his first birdie until the par-5 7th to turn in even-par 36 and still lead by one. He continued scrambling on the back nine, saving par with his putter on several holes. After a birdie at the 15th, he drove into the trees on the par-4 16th and then three-putted on the green, resulting in a double bogey and dropping into a tie. He had 29 putts today.

Looking ahead to the final round, he said he needs to stay focused and look for more birdie chances. On such a challenging course, a bogey from mistakes is acceptable. He emphasized he won’t dwell on the prospect of a first Asian Tour win—he’ll just let things take their course and do his best: “If I win, OK! If I lose, also OK!”

Taiwan’s best-placed player, Wang Wei-hsuan, showed strong driving and putting on the front nine, creating and converting multiple birdie chances to post an eagle, four birdies, and one bogey. At the par-5 7th, his second shot finished seven yards off the green and he chipped in for eagle to turn in 31, moving from two-over to three-under overall. On the back nine, he added two birdies and one bogey through 13 to reach four-under for the tournament at best, but over the final five holes he made double bogeys at the par-4 14th and par-3 17th. At 14, after driving into the trees, he attempted to go for the green with his second but failed, needing four shots to reach the fringe and then a chip and a putt for a six. At 17, his tee shot found the bunker; after splashing out to 21 feet, he three-putted for a five. He finished with a 39 on the back for an even-par 70.

He said afterward that he was glad to have banked enough strokes over the first 13 holes to offset the late drop-offs. His driving and short irons inside 100 yards were excellent today. He will stick to the same strategy tomorrow—finding fairways to set up easier second shots and birdie chances. His recent form is good, and last week’s joint-runner-up finish has provided a big confidence boost this week.

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.

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, attracting the Tour’s finest players to Taiwan.

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 day three, 1,602 bowls of beef noodles were sold, totaling NT$94,518. Over three days, 4,375 bowls have been sold, totaling NT$258,125.

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 Tamsui course record of 63. 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!