Haotong Li has a chance to make history at the 2025 Open Championship.
The Chinese golfer is currently near the top of the leaderboard at Royal Portrush, sitting at -8 after his second round. That puts him in a position to become the first male player from his country to win a major.
While it’s been nearly a decade since the 29-year-old has been in contention at a major, he has a history of success on links golf courses he can draw upon, as he finished third at the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in England. It is the best result at a major by a Chinese man.
Here’s a look at the history Haotong Li is chasing at the 2025 Open Championship.
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Has a Chinese golfer won a golf major?
A Chinese men’s golfer has never won a major, but there have been two female golfers to do so.
In 2012, Shanshan Feng won the LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, N.Y., becoming the first player from China to claim a major victory. Ruoning Yin won the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at The Highlands course in Atlanta.
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Haotong Li majors history
Here’s a look at Haotong Li’s results in majors (he has not competed in a major since The Open Championship in 2022).
| Year | Masters | PGA Championship | U.S. Open | Open Championship |
| 2017 | — | CUT | 68 | 3 |
| 2018 | T32 | WD | T16 | T39 |
| 2019 | T43 | T36 | T52 | CUT |
| 2020 | — | T17 | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | CUT |
| 2022 | — | — | — | CUT |
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History of Chinese golfers on PGA Tour
Before Li’s emergence at the 2025 Open Championship, a couple of other Chinese golfers turned in notable performances on the PGA Tour.
In 2013, Guan Tianlang became the youngest player to make the cut at the Masters at 14 years, 5 months and 18 days. He was also the youngest player in the tournament’s history.
In 2010, Liang Wenchong finished eighth at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wis. It was the best result by a Chinese golfer at a major until Li’s third-place finish at the 2017 Open Championship. He also broke the course record in the tournament with an eight-under 64 in the third round.
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