“Went to the toilet last night a lot of times,” said Haotong Li, reflecting on his recent health struggles as he competes at the Masters. The 30-year-old Chinese golfer is currently at 4-under-par, tied for seventh place, as he heads into the weekend at Augusta National.
Li’s journey to this point has not been easy. Just before the tournament, he experienced severe illness, describing his condition as feeling “really, really bad” with no energy and a sensation of wanting to throw up. Despite these challenges, he has managed to turn his performance around, particularly after a birdie streak at Amen Corner.
Li qualified for the Masters by finishing in the top-four at the 2025 Open Championship, a significant achievement that highlights his potential on the international stage. His best finish at the Masters came in 2018 when he tied for 32nd place, but he is now in a position to surpass that mark.
Known as the first Chinese golfer to break into the top 50 of the official World Golf Ranking, Li peaked at 32 in January 2018. He has also shown strong performances in other major tournaments, placing 17th at a PGA Championship, 16th at a U.S. Open, and achieving a third-place finish in The Open Championship in 2017.
As he reflects on his current performance, Li noted, “I think the best moment was the 15th hole, the par-5. Especially after those four birdies, somehow I felt quite nice. The Major makes me feel good.” His ability to perform under pressure, even while battling health issues, has made him a dark horse in this tournament, despite being ranked world No. 84.
Li’s next tee-off is scheduled for 6:06 PM British time, and fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain his momentum and continue to defy expectations. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his determination as a professional athlete.
As the tournament progresses, Li’s performance will be a focal point for many, especially considering the challenges he has faced leading up to this event. The golfing world is eager to see how he will fare against other top competitors like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau.
