Miguel Makes it Three

After McIlroy's premature departure, the highest ranked player left in the field, world number 17 Matt Kuchar, fired rounds of 66 and 67 over the weekend to finish in solo seventh spot. It has been something of a Hong Kong tradition to invite at least one leading American PGA Tour player in recent times, and Kuchar proved to be an enlightened choice. Aside from being a world-class talent, the tall 34-year-old proved to be a hit with both the galleries and the media thanks to his ready smile and willingness to sign every autograph and answer every question.

"I've had a fantastic time in Hong Kong," beamed Kuchar, who won this year's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. "I've enjoyed this golf course – my game sets up well for Fanling – and everyone has been so nice. I would have liked to have been closer at the end but it was really a lot of fun."

The two-time Ryder Cup player, one of the most consistent players around with 30 top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour over the past three seasons, also revealed that he had been spending time with wife Sybi sampling some of Hong Kong's famous culinary delights, while also taking in the sights.

“It’s a fantastic city,” he said. “We’ve been to a couple of nice dinners and it’s been fun. We’ve left the kids at home so we’ve been able to enjoy some adult evenings and enjoy the dinners. We’ve been able to take in the views over the city and just have a lot of fun.”