Sampson outlines major goals for season – starting at International Series Macau presented by Wynn

Chinese rising star Sampson Zheng believes ‘six birdies a day’ is the minimum needed as he goes in search of a first pro tour victory - and one of three coveted spots on this year’s Open Championship - at International Series Macau presented by Wynn next week.  

A win or top-three finish would also give Sampson the opportunity to tee it up at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland from 17-20 July for the fourth major of the 2025 season, as International Series Macau presented by Wynn is an Open Qualifying Series tournament this year.

The 23-year-old, runner-up in the 2023 Asian Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Melbourne, impressed last term on his first season in the professional ranks. Sampson finished T2 at the Mandiri Indonesia Open after losing out to Steve Lewton in a play-off and claimed a superb T4 in a star-studded field at International Series England.

A minor knee injury derailed his plans this season, forcing him to withdraw from the Asian Tour season opener, the Smart Infinity Philippine Open, but he eased himself back into action with a T40 finish at the 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport last time out.

Now back to full fitness, he is setting himself ambitious goals.

The second of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour would be the ideal place to do it. A star-studded field includes Major winners Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed as part of a strong LIV Golf contingent, plus Asian Tour Order of Merit winner John Catlin, who will be defending the title he won in Macau last year after a thrilling play-off win over Spanish youngster David Puig.

Gaganjeet Bhullar and Scott Hend are just two of the many Asian Tour champions in the field, and both know how to do it on the Macau Golf and Country Club course having won twice in the past.

Sampson, one of nine Chinese players in the field, said: “The way I prepare for a tournament, I prepare to win, and obviously if I do get a top three and into The Open, that would be an real bonus – it is an amazing opportunity.

“Honestly having played the Macau Golf and Country Club course, I have to think about how I can make 24 birdies over four rounds, and six under a day.”

Referring to last year’s tournament, where Catlin carded a third round of 59 before Puig hit back with a final round 60 to force the play-off, he said: “We saw last year, there is a 59 out there and so 22 or 23 under is very gettable.

“Last year, I came up close (at the Mandiri Indonesia Open)but lost in the play off, and prior to turning pro I had a lot of occasions where I was almost there but never quite got it done, but hopefully for Macau and after I will have lots of opportunities to play and sharpen up my game - winning a tournament is definitely one of my goals this season.”