Haotong Li had arguably the most surprising performance of any golfer at the 2025 Open Championship, and he wound up in the final pairing with winner Scottie Scheffler on Sunday. The China native says that was a very enjoyable experience for him.
Li finished tied for fourth place with a score of 11-under, which was six shots back of Scheffler. Li and Scheffler were seen having what appeared to be friendly conversations with one another on Sunday as Scheffer pursued and captured his fourth major victory.
Following the tournament, Li was asked what it was like to play with the No. 1 golfer in the world. He said Scheffler is a “lovely guy” and that the two joked around with one another.
When asked for more details, Li shared a great exchange he had with Scheffler.
“I just said, ‘Is there any time I can practice with you when I go to the PGA Tour?'” Li recalled. “And he said ‘yes.’ But I said, ‘When I text you, you better reply to me.’ And he goes, ‘Haotong Who?’ That was actually funny. Just a lovely guy to play with, and I enjoyed.”
Scottie Scheffler and Haotong Li may be the friendship we didn't know we needed pic.twitter.com/UMaEBxsoVc
— Patrick McDonald (@pmcdonaldCBS) July 20, 2025
Scheffler is known for playing loose in even the biggest moments, and Li seems to have a similar personality. Li, who like Scheffler is 29, is trying to earn a spot on the PGA Tour. His performance at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland this week will get him much closer to achieving that goal.
Maybe Li and his new buddy will be paired together again if and when Li earns his PGA Tour card.
