Young golfers show promising future

Guan Tianlang

Pan Cheng-tsung and Guan Tian-lang, two of Greater China’s most talented young golfers, are hoping to shine at this year’s Venetian Macao Open as they take to the fairways of the Macau Golf & Country Club for the first time.
China’s Guan made headlines in 2013 when he became the youngest ever player to make the cut at a Major, finishing 58th at The Masters at 14 years of age, having qualified for the tournament through a dramatic victory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2012.  Despite a wealth of experience, Guan is in no hurry to turn professional and has instead continued to develop his game on the junior and amateur scene.
“I will never forget August 2013 and I can’t tell you how surreal the whole Masters experience was for me. It turned a childhood dream into a reality and I am hungry for more. I am very pleased to be able to play at the Venetian Macao Open this year as it offers the precious opportunity to keep learning. I will continue to work hard to achieve my life long ambition,” the Guangzhou native said.
The tournament, which will be held from October 15 to 18, is once again organized by the Sport Development Board (ID, from the Portuguese acronym) and the Golf Association of Macau. Sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, The Venetian Macao is supporting the iconic event as title sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.
In a press release issued by the organizers, ID’s president José Tavares welcomed Pan Cheng-­tsung and Guan Tian-­lang.
“Pan and Guan are two of the biggest emerging talents from the Greater China region right now so it is very exciting to see both of them joining us for the first time in their careers. The Venetian Macao Open is one of our most iconic annual sporting events that attracts some of the best golfers in the world and it will provide a great platform for the two youngsters to gauge where they are with their game,” he said.
Dave Horton, global chief marketing officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Sands China Ltd., commented: “We are very pleased to welcome both Pan and Guan as first-time participants in the Venetian Macao Open. There is no doubt they will wow golf fans with their on-course magic and make this year’s event the best to date.”
The 17th edition of the tournament will see the prize fund increase for a third consecutive year, taking it to the all-important USD1 million mark. Defending champion Anirban Lahiri of India, among others, has already confirmed his participation.
Since its inauguration in 1998, many world-class golfers have graced the fairways of the Macau Golf & Country Club, including 2013 champion Australian Scott Hend and four-time Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa, Lee Westwood (1999 winner), Colin Montgomerie (2003 winner), Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam, Mark O’Meara, and Chinese stars Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong.