ST. ANDREWS — Li Haotong, once dubbed "the most handsome man in China," is set to face off against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at The Open Championship, marking a dramatic comeback for the golfer who nearly walked away from the sport just a few years ago.
Li, now 28, burst onto the international golf scene in 2017 with a stunning victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, where he outdueled Rory McIlroy in a thrilling final-round battle. His charisma and good looks earned him a massive following in China, but his career took a downturn in 2020 when he struggled with form and motivation. "I thought about quitting," Li admitted in a recent interview. "Golf wasn’t fun anymore."
A Career on the Brink
After reaching a career-high ranking of 32nd in 2018, Li’s performance dipped sharply. By 2021, he had fallen outside the top 400, and his confidence was shattered. "I lost my swing, my focus, everything," he recalled. His struggles were compounded by the pressure of being a national icon in China, where golf was still a growing sport.
Key factors in Li’s decline included:
- Inconsistent ball-striking, particularly off the tee
- A strained relationship with his former coach
- The mental toll of high expectations
However, a chance encounter with sports psychologist Dr. Alan Zheng in late 2022 proved transformative. "We worked on rebuilding his mental game," Zheng said. "Haotong had to rediscover why he loved golf in the first place."
The Road to Redemption
Li’s resurgence began in 2023 with a runner-up finish at the Volvo China Open, his first top-10 in nearly three years. His improved play earned him a spot in The Open via Final Qualifying, where he shot a course-record 63 at Royal Liverpool. "That round reminded me I belong here," Li said.
By the Numbers: Li’s Comeback
Since working with Zheng:
- Scoring average improved from 72.8 (2021) to 70.2 (2024)
- Driving accuracy up 12% year-over-year
- World ranking climbed from 412th to 89th
Now, Li finds himself in a marquee grouping with Scheffler for the first two rounds at Royal Troon. The pairing has generated buzz in China, where golf fans are eager to see their star compete against the best. "This is why I kept playing," Li said. "For moments like this."
Scheffler’s Perspective
Scheffler, who has won six times in 2024 including two majors, praised Li’s resilience. "What he’s gone through shows how tough this game can be," Scheffler said. "But to come back like he has? That’s special. I’m looking forward to our battle."
The matchup presents an intriguing contrast:
- Scheffler’s machine-like consistency vs. Li’s creative shot-making
- World No. 1’s elite short game vs. Li’s improved putting
- Two players at very different career stages
What’s at Stake
For Scheffler, another major would further cement his dominance. For Li, a strong showing could:
- Secure his PGA Tour card for 2025
- Inspire a new generation of Chinese golfers
- Complete one of golf’s great comebacks
As Li prepares for his opening round, he carries a newfound perspective. "Before, I played for fame, for money, for others," he reflected. "Now I play for me. That’s when I’m at my best."
The golf world will be watching to see if China’s most charismatic player can topple its most dominant one. Regardless of the outcome, Li Haotong’s journey back to relevance is already a victory. "Just being here means everything," he said with a smile.
