Active veteran Aoki aims to keep up pace at Fanling
THEY say that life begins at 40. For Japanese Isao Aoki life has never been more hectic than since he turned 50.
''I seem to be travelling more than ever before,'' said Aoki, among the star players taking part in this week's Kent Hongkong Open at Fanling, the opening leg of the 1993 Asian Tour.
Having reached his half-century in August, Aoki has flown around the world, performing on three continents. And there is no let-up in sight.
During 1993 he is scheduled to play extensively in his home country and also take part in 16 tournaments on the lucrative US Seniors Tour. In between, there will be visits to various Asian sites where he has designed golf courses.
It is a punishingly tough schedule, but one which the super-fit veteran is looking forward to as he aims to add to his tally of 59 victories.
Among those triumphs were three last year - Mitsubishi Galant and Casio World Open on the regular Japanese PGA Tour and the Nationwide Championship on the US Senior Tour, just weeks after becoming eligible to compete at 'senior' level.
The only Japanese player to have won on all four of the world's major tours, Aoki has rarely had such a busy start to year.
''Playing in Hongkong will be my third tournament in three weeks . . . and all in different countries,'' said Aoki, who confesses he is yet to hit top form.
He added: ''I have not been very satisfied with my game so far this year, but there are signs it's getting better.'' Joint 34th in the Dubai Desert Classic a fortnight ago, Aoki then headed for Singapore to head the Japanese challenge in the Johnnie Walker Classic. Rounds of 71, 73, 70 and 70 over the Bukit Course left him in level 31st position.
By his own admission, performing in Hongkong this week will provide a welcome, cool relief from the steamy weather he has tried to adapt to over the past two weeks.
Said Aoki: ''In Dubai and Singapore it has been hot and humid. I'm looking forward to playing in conditions which are cooler.'' Although he has played in Hongkong before, Aoki's recollections of Fanling are hazy.
''It's a long time ago, maybe 20 years. I don't remember my scores but I did enjoy the course.
''I also enjoyed the Chinese food. It was wonderful. It will be good to sample it again this time,'' said Aoki, whose appetite for success at Fanling will be no less great.
Meanwhile, Hongkong-born Derek Fung will be aiming to make an immediate impact on the professional game when he tees-off.
Having graduated from college in the United States last year, Fung joined the ranks of the professionals at the start of January.
And what better place to make his professional bow than the Royal Hongkong Golf Club? For it was there in the New Territories that Fung was introduced to the game by his father, Dr Robert Fung, and spent his formative years learning the basics.
''It will be a great thrill for me to play in the Open at Fanling,'' said the 23-year-old, who has been given an exemption by tournament organisers.
Added Fung: ''I'm sure I'll be a little nervous playing in front of my home crowd, but since returning to Hongkong last week I've been working hard on my game. I'm concentrating on trying to get as best prepared as I possibly can.'' Fung, who studied at the Hongkong International School, is certainly not short on tournament experience.
As an amateur the former Hongkong junior champion represented the territory in two Eisenhower Cups, two Nomura Cups and three Putra Cups. He also has extensive experience of State Opens in America where, as an amateur, he frequently upstaged professionalsin the 36-hole tournaments.
