Sep. 23, 2026
As one of the richest events on the Taiwan Tour and a premier fixture on the Asian Tour, the Taiwan Masters and the 40th Mercuries Golf Invitational Tournament will take place from September 24 to 27 at the historic Taiwan Golf Club (Old Tamsui Golf Course). The 72-hole tournament features a record-breaking total prize purse of US$1.2 million (approximately NT$37.2 million), making it one of the most lucrative men's professional golf events in Taiwan. The champion's share has been elevated to US$240,000 (approximately NT$7.44 million), setting a new benchmark for winner's payouts in Taiwan's professional golf history. Thailand's Rattanon Wannasrichan returns to defend his title.
Celebrating its milestone 40th edition, the tournament is co-organized by the Asian Tour and the TPGA, hosted by the Taiwan Golf Club, and supported by Mercuries & Associates Holding Ltd., Mercuries Life Insurance Co., Ltd., and the Taiwan Masters Golf Promotion Foundation. The event is guided by the Sports Administration, with special thanks for receiving a subsidy grant under the Sports Administration's Taiwan Brand International Sports Events Program.
The Taiwan Masters previously navigated pandemic-related travel restrictions by staging two domestic-only editions in 2020 and 2021 with purses of NT$12 million and NT$15 million, which remained the richest events on the domestic tour during those years. The tournament triumphantly returned to the Asian Tour schedule in 2022 with a US$1 million purse, which held steady through 2025. This year's surge to US$1.2 million and a US$240,000 top prize marks the third and final Asian Tour stop in Taiwan this season.
A stellar field of 125 players from 23 countries and regions—including Australia, China, England, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the United States, and hosts Taiwan—will compete for the championship trophy, prize money, and the coveted Green Jacket. The field comprises 82 international competitors and 43 Taiwanese players, including 5 amateurs.
Wong Chau-shi, Chairman of the Taiwan Masters Foundation, reflected on the milestone: "Together, we witness the Mercuries Taiwan Masters reach its 40th edition. For a sporting event, 40 years is not merely an accumulation of time, but a deposition of value, the establishment of a brand, and the fulfillment of a long-term commitment to society. Over four decades, we have never wavered or stepped back; instead, we have continually injected resources and elevated the tournament's stature, helping it evolve from a domestic competition into an international sporting cultural benchmark."
Asian Tour CEO Cho Minn Thant shared, "We are immensely honored to return for the 40th staging of this prestigious event, which also marks the 24th time the tournament has been co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mercuries for generously elevating the total prize purse to US$1.2 million. This tournament remains a vital anchor on our schedule and plays a crucial role in the second-half stretch of the season and the race for the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Including our three Asian Development Tour (ADT) stops, this marks our sixth and final visit to Taiwan this season."
Following the first two rounds, the field will be cut to the top 50 players and ties for the weekend. The champion will earn US$240,000, the runner-up US$144,000, and third place US$84,000, with all players completing all four rounds receiving a minimum of $6,600.
The elite field features past champions, top 35 players from last year's Taiwan Tour Order of Merit, and the top 65 players from the Asian Tour. Among them are seven former champions: defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan, Jbe Kruger (2024), Jaco Ahlers (2023), Chan Shih-chang (2022), Wang Wei-hsuan (2020), Suradit Yongcharoenchai (2019), and Gavin Green (2017). Three-time champion Lu Wei-chih (2005, 2011, 2016) is seeking a record fourth title, alongside past winners Scott Hend (2013) and Steve Lewton (2014).
Local contenders include Hung Chien-yao, who finished solo third at last week's Yeangder TPC and ranks 19th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit; Wang Wei-hsuan, who tied for fourth last week and sits 27th; and Lee Chieh-po, who tied for 11th last week and stands 22nd. Eighteen-year-old amateur Hsieh Cheng-yu returns on a special invitation following his tie for 7th at last year's Yeangder TPC.
The international contingent features 15 of the top 22 players on the current Asian Tour Order of Merit, led by Australia's Travis Smyth (2nd), Hong Kong's Taichi Kho (3rd), South Africa's Ian Snyman (4th), Korea's Jeongwoo Ham (5th), Sweden's Charlie Lindh (6th), and Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond (7th), alongside fresh winner Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who vaulted to No. 1 on the Asian Tour rankings after his victory last week.
The Taiwan Golf Club (Old Tamsui Golf Course) measures 6,946 yards. Though relatively short, its narrow fairways, penal roughs, challenging greenside slopes, complex grass grain, and swirling winds will demand absolute precision and a complete all-around game.
For four decades, the Taiwan Masters and Mercuries Golf Invitational Tournament has constantly strived for breakthroughs in its events and services. This year, the tournament continues to provide eleven thoughtful services and exciting activities for spectators and participants.
Among them, the tournament will provide a free shuttle service on September 26 and 27 starting at 8:30 AM, running between the Tamsui MRT Station exit and the golf club. Fans can catch the shuttle at Platform 1 of the MRT station shuttle bus area, where on-site staff will be available to assist.
The Mercuries Golf Charity Walk and Golf Day will take place on September 27 between Tamsui MRT Station and the Taiwan Golf Club. The Tamkang University Dance Club has been specially invited to perform two dynamic stage shows: the first at 1:00 PM at Tamsui MRT Station Plaza 9, and the second at 4:00 PM during the tournament awards ceremony at the golf course.
The traditional charity meal coupon remains priced at NT$59, redeemable for a bowl of Mercuries Beef Noodles or Sen-Goku-Don Beef Donburi. To express gratitude to spectators, Mercuries & Associates will provide a complimentary cup of green tea (available in limited quantities while daily supplies last). All proceeds from the charity sales will be donated to the Tamsui Cultural Foundation, giving back to the community of Tamsui that has supported the Taiwan Masters for 40 years, in the hope that the tournament remains a premier annual fixture for the region.
From September 26 to 27, a shaved ice food truck will operate in the vendor area, offering shaved ice with a choice of four rich toppings—red beans, tapioca pearls, mini taro balls, coconut jelly, and grass jelly—priced at NT$80 per bowl while supplies last.
Additionally, a putting practice area will be set up in the charity booth zone from September 24 to 27, allowing visitors to experience the fun of putting on-site, complete a survey, and receive a special souvenir.
Plaques celebrating past champions from the 1st to 39th editions of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters have been installed across holes 1 through 18 at the Taiwan Golf Club, allowing spectators to learn about past winners and reflect on the tournament's rich history while enjoying the action.
Furthermore, the tournament has established six special awards:
C.H. Chen Memorial Award: NT$30,000 awarded to the lowest scorer of each round (split equally in the event of a tie).
Chizuko Kuchiho Memorial Award: NT$60,000 for the closest approach to the pin on the 18th hole (2nd shot) during rounds 3 and 4 (September 26–27).
Course Record Bonus: NT$300,000 provided by Taiwan Golf Club Chairman Chen Yen-hao for breaking the 18-hole course record of 63, awarded to the lowest score or the first to sign their card in the event of ties.
Tournament Record Bonus: NT$100,000 for breaking the 72-hole tournament record of 273 (split equally in the event of ties).
Defending Champion Bonus: NT$200,000 for back-to-back tournament victories.
MIZUNO Award: NT$60,000 for the closest tee shot to the pin on the 17th hole during the final round on September 27.
Live streaming and television broadcasts will be available to keep fans instantly updated on the action. The 2026 Taiwan Masters and the 40th Mercuries Golf Invitational Tournament will feature live coverage on September 26 (Round 3) and September 27 (Round 4) from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Fans can watch via the TPGA Facebook page, the official Taiwan Masters website (http://www.taiwan-masters.com.tw), and YouTube (searching for the 2026 Mercuries Taiwan Masters). Cable channel Zhilin Sports (Channel 129) will broadcast live starting at 1:30 PM on both September 26 and 27, with simultaneous streaming on the "Taiwan Masters Golf Tournament" Facebook fan page. Fans are encouraged to tune in and cheer on the players!
