The
club hosted the first Wu Yi Open Amateur Championship over
the North - West Course from 18th to 21st December. Despite
the late announcement of the international 72 hole strokeplay
championship, there were some top quality entrants including
members of Hong Kong's international team. Both the club
and co-organiser, Richtone, received many compliments on
the professional manner in which the tournament was run.
The tournament developed into a very exciting see saw battle
for the lead between 25 year old Tang Wei Chun of Hong Kong,
and Taipei scratch player, Weng Yong Tian. After two rounds,
Tang held the lead at four under par 140 (71,69 ) three
shots ahead of Weng. Playing steadily but a distant five
shots off the pace at this stage was fast rising local talent,
20 year old Gu Cui Lin.
Conditions became wet, cold and blustery for the third
round and it was expected that Tang, with his experience
of representing Hong Kong at international level, would
most likely extend his lead in these difficult circumstances.
However, it was Gu who mastered the bad weather better than
his two much more experienced competitors, powering his
way round in an impressive 73. Tang slumped with a 78, allowing
Gu to tie for the lead and set up a thrilling battle for
the final round.
For the first eight holes of the final round, it looked
like Tang's experience was paying off this time as he quickly
established a three shot lead and appeared to be cruising
to a comfortable victory. But Gu showed an impressive determination
as he hit back with two birdies in three holes to put the
pressure on the Hong Kong international. His determination
paid off as Tang slumped with three bogeys in the space
of four holes - the Wu Yi golfer therefore had dramatically
overturned a three shot deficit after eight holes into a
two shot lead with just the final hole to go. While Tang
was slipping, Weng Yong Tian of Chinese Taipei came back
very strongly after looking out of it with a 39 on the front
nine. He then played the next eight holes in one under par
to draw level with Tang and two behind Gu on the final hole.
For
the first time Gu's inexperience of the big occasion showed
as he first pushed his drive right and then pulled his approach
shot into the front greenside bunker at the 391 yard 18th.
After splashing out nine feet past the hole, Gu knew he
had to sink the difficult downhill putt to win. The 20 year
old again showed his class by smoothly stroking the putt
into the center of the cup to claim his biggest victory
so far. On the basis of this impressive victory, it looks
like Gu has the determination and mental discipline to develop
into a top class golfer.
Such was the success of this first Wu Yi Open Amateur Championship
that both Richtone and the club have decided to make it
an annual event and will send out invitations to golf associations
throughout Asia Pacific. "Our vision is that this will
become one of the most prestigious amateur events in the
Asia Pacific region," said tournament director, Alistair
Polson.
Our thanks go to the sponsorship from Sony Ericcsson (China)
Co. Ltd., Macgregor Golf, Ashworth, Palace Hotel and our
VIP guests: Vice Director of Jiangmen Sports Bureau - Mr.
Hao Jing Sheng, Secretary General of Jiangmen Sports Bureau-
Mr. Huang An Qi,Section Chief of Jiangmen Sports Bureau
- Mr. Chen Yong Yao and Mr. Alistair Polson - Executive
Director of Richtone Worldwide Ltd.
Hong Kong Golf Media Association Hold First
Event At Wu Yi
Immediately following the Wu Yi Open, over 40 members of
the recently formed Hong Kong Golf Media Association held
their first inaugural annual tournament at Wu Yi. The club
was the chief sponsor of the event. Twenty-eight Hongkong
and Guangdong media competed the two days' tournament. Winner
of Division A was Wu Guang Ya of the Yang Cheng Evening
News and Miss Shirley Mok took the honours in Division B.
|