WUYI PLAYER GU TRIUMPHS IN TENSE FINISH TO WU YI OPEN
(Dec.18-21,2002)

 

 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.




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