Stories

## National Championship Approaches: Hong Kong’s Young Golf Stars Ready to Shine The Hong Kong, China Team will send eight players to compete in the National Championship, which will be held from May 7 to 10 at Poly Golf Club Chongqing. The tournament is regarded as one of the country’s premier amateur events, second only to the National Games in importance. Representing Hong Kong, China this year are Shen Hongyi, Tian Jin, Chan Yin Hang, Hong Shengzhe, Song Mohan, Kan To Kiu, Hau Pui Kei, and Tong Tsz Ying. Under the guidance of coaches Lee Chun Man and Yip Tsz Ki, the players will compete against many of the nation’s top talents. Among them, Shen Hongyi — who recently competed alongside professional golfers at the China Open — recorded his career-best result at the 2023 National Championship, finishing 11th in a field of 90 players. Tian Jin, meanwhile, hopes to carry forward the strong momentum from his recent victory at the Hong Kong Junior Championship. On the women’s side, Song Mohan recently competed in the Faldo Asia Grand Final in Vietnam, while Tong Tsz Ying traveled to New Zealand in February to participate in the 8th Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship. “This National Championship will be a huge test for us, as our players will face experienced and in-form opponents from across the country,” said Hong Kong Sports Institute Head Golf Coach Tang Tsz Hang. “The course is located in a mountainous area and is extremely challenging, which will thoroughly test every aspect of the players’ abilities — but that is exactly what we want. Players need to gain experience through real competition, and tournaments like this truly help young golfers elevate their game.” The Hong Kong, China Team has participated in the National Championship since 2020, and this year will be one of 25 teams competing in Chongqing. Over the years, many renowned Chinese golfers have used this event as a stepping stone in their careers, including LPGA Tour player Zhang Weiwei of Team Guangdong, who won two gold medals at the National Games held in Hong Kong last November.

The Boys A Division championship unfolded as a thrilling comeback battle, as Sean delivered an exceptional final-round performance to overturn a deficit and capture the title in dramatic fashion. Sean carded rounds of 74 in the first two rounds, heading into the final day three shots behind the leader. After making the turn in the final round, he caught fire. He recorded his first birdie on the 11th hole, then went on a strong birdie surge with consecutive birdies on holes 14, 15, and 17. Throughout the round, Sean remained fully focused on every shot, only realizing he had entered contention for the title until the 17th hole. After the round, Sean reflected: “I made several mistakes over the two rounds yesterday, which led to disappointing scores. But overall, I’m quite satisfied that I was able to regain my iron play and putting feel today and shoot under par.” The victory also carried special significance for Sean. “I applied to move up into the A Division, so this title means a lot to me. It not only lays a strong foundation for my ranking in this division, but also greatly boosts my confidence competing at the A Division level.”

In the recently concluded 2024 Maiyue Junior Tour – Jinli Zhaoqing Stop, Hong Kong (China) Boys A Division player Sean Hong overcame challenging weather conditions to claim the championship and earn eligibility for the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Sean Hong won the Boys A Division title with a three-round total of 214 (71–71–72). According to official WAGR data, he earned 7.7607 points, successfully opening his ranking account.

The Boys A Division competition was highly intense. During the first round, light rain fell at tee-off. Ding Chenyu managed to withstand the challenging weather and delivered an excellent opening round of 5 birdies and 10 pars, posting a 70 to take the early lead. Hong Shengzhe and Chen Mouzheng both shot 71 to sit tied for second place. Moving into the second round, Hong Shengzhe once again carded a 71, taking a three-shot lead into the final round. Ding Chenyu was in second place, with Chen Mouzheng in third. By the final round, the leaders battled closely throughout, with the scores changing hands multiple times. Hong Shengzhe and Ding Chenyu both posted matching rounds of 72. In the end, Hong Shengzhe claimed the championship with a three-round total of 214 (71–71–72). Ding Chenyu finished runner-up, Chen Mouzheng placed third, Cai Cheng finished fourth, and Zheng Guohao took fifth place.