[Hong Kong, 28 September 2017]: Taichi Kho moved a step closer to fulfilling a childhood dream of competing in the UBS Hong Kong Open, topping the leaderboard at the half way stage of the UBS Hong Kong Open Qualifying Tournament this afternoon.
The sixteen-year-old shot a 5-under par round of 65 on the New Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Kho made four birdies on the front nine and two more after the turn, dropping just one shot on the par-4 16th hole.
The score leaves the Discovery College pupil, who is currently studying for his IB diploma, with a two-shot cushion over fellow Hong Kong Golf Association player Max Wong, who is in second place.
Said Kho: “I got off to a really good start going three under after four holes, and just managed to keep the momentum going. Kept my focus throughout and am really happy with the round.”
Looking ahead to the final round tomorrow, Kho, who has his father caddying for him, added, “Same approach, same mind-set and try to enjoy the experience. I’m going out with two good friends Terrence [Ng] and Max [Wong] so will just try to stay focused and see what happens.”
Tied in third place with a first round score of 2-under par 68, are Terrence Ng, Matthew Cheung and Yin Ho Yue. With the top five players at the half-way stage all members of the Hong Kong Golf Association’s amateur squad, the HKGA, which co-sanctions the UBS Hong Kong Open, will have reason to be pleased.
At stake is the opportunity for two players to compete on home turf among some of the best players in the world, including Masters Champion Sergio Garcia, in what is widely recognised to be one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Asia.
Danny Lai, CEO of Hong Kong Golf Association said: “The Hong Kong Golf Association players have made a strong start to this year’s qualifying tournament. Taichi, Max and Terrence played some excellent golf today in very difficult conditions. We’re pleased to see so many GA players contesting for a start in this year’s UBS Hong Kong Open and wish them all the best of luck for round two.”
The UBS Hong Kong Open is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours as well as the Hong Kong Golf Association and will be staged on the Composite Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling from 23 – 26 November 2017.
The sixteen-year-old shot a 5-under par round of 65 on the New Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Kho made four birdies on the front nine and two more after the turn, dropping just one shot on the par-4 16th hole.
The score leaves the Discovery College pupil, who is currently studying for his IB diploma, with a two-shot cushion over fellow Hong Kong Golf Association player Max Wong, who is in second place.
Said Kho: “I got off to a really good start going three under after four holes, and just managed to keep the momentum going. Kept my focus throughout and am really happy with the round.”
Looking ahead to the final round tomorrow, Kho, who has his father caddying for him, added, “Same approach, same mind-set and try to enjoy the experience. I’m going out with two good friends Terrence [Ng] and Max [Wong] so will just try to stay focused and see what happens.”
Tied in third place with a first round score of 2-under par 68, are Terrence Ng, Matthew Cheung and Yin Ho Yue. With the top five players at the half-way stage all members of the Hong Kong Golf Association’s amateur squad, the HKGA, which co-sanctions the UBS Hong Kong Open, will have reason to be pleased.
At stake is the opportunity for two players to compete on home turf among some of the best players in the world, including Masters Champion Sergio Garcia, in what is widely recognised to be one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Asia.
Danny Lai, CEO of Hong Kong Golf Association said: “The Hong Kong Golf Association players have made a strong start to this year’s qualifying tournament. Taichi, Max and Terrence played some excellent golf today in very difficult conditions. We’re pleased to see so many GA players contesting for a start in this year’s UBS Hong Kong Open and wish them all the best of luck for round two.”
The UBS Hong Kong Open is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours as well as the Hong Kong Golf Association and will be staged on the Composite Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling from 23 – 26 November 2017.