Haotong Li was once one of the brightest young golfers on the PGA Tour but suffered through years of on-course struggles before breaking through on the European Tour earlier this year.
Li now finds himself in contention at the final major tournament of the year after putting together three excellent rounds in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. He fired a 2-under, 69 on Saturday, July 19, to enter the final round four shots back of the leader.
Advertisement
Immediately after the round Li joined Todd Lewis for an interview where he opened up on his third round and thoughts of playing alongside Scottie Scheffler in the final round of the Open Championship.
“I actually didn’t respect that result at all. Overall it’s been pretty comfortable the whole day, off the tee being really quite nice actually until the last hole,” Li said after the round after his tee shot on No. 18 that found a fairway pot bunker before eventually settling for bogey.
Haotong Li of China walks on the first hole during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
When asked about an after-round practice session on the range, Li admitted he felt “uncomfortable” on the tee on No. 18 which led to some extra time on the range.
Advertisement
“I don’t know I’ve never experience that,” the Chinese native added when asked about playing alongside the No. 1 player in the world in the final group at a major. “I’ll see how I’m doing tomorrow, but definitely very exciting and it will be a super experience. I just want to play my game and hopefully give my best out there tomorrow.
After taking a few extra moments to think about the looming matchup, Li joined the press corps for a post-round interview. Once there he admitted he’s looking forward to taking on the best player in the world.
“I’m actually quite looking forward to it. Four shots behind, kind of playing for second, especially playing with world No. 1. I’ll just try to play my best out there and hopefully make something happen.”
When he does take to the first tee for his round against Scheffler, Li will have the support of his girlfriend, whom Golf.com revealed is supporting the golfer this weekend. Her identity was not revealed in the article and Li has not posted about her on his Instagram page just yet.
Advertisement
Li and Scheffler will tee off at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Related: Jordan Spieth, Wife Annie Announce Major News Before Open Championship
Haotong Li’s Mystery Girlfriend Spotted at Open Championship first appeared on Men’s Journal on Jul 20, 2025