HK hopefuls to take on world's brightest young stars
Hong Kong's Jimmy Ko Ming-chak, Eva Yoe Hoi-ning and Demi Mak will be out to show that dynamite comes in small packages when they tee off in the inaugural Faldo Series International Trophy starting today at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
The trio are among Hong Kong's brightest prospects and will be competing against an array of young stars from all corners of the globe.
Six-time Major winner Nick Faldo has brought his acclaimed under-21 tournament to Asia for the first time. The event, staged in conjunction with the Hong Kong Golf Association, the Royal and Ancient, the European Tour and golfing federations worldwide, will see a 38-strong field join the two-day drive for glory over 36 holes on Fanling's Eden Course.
'This event is truly unique when you consider the diversity of the field and I really hope the players enjoy themselves and benefit from the experience,' said the 47-year-old Faldo. 'Above all, I hope that this is just the beginning of what we can do to promote the game in Asia and ultimately across the world. I had always hoped to expand my Series beyond the UK and this first international trophy is just the start of things to come.'
Nineteen-year-old Yoe's ambition is to play on America's LPGA Tour. The 2003 Hong Kong Closed Champion plays off a scratch handicap and currently studies in the US. Her talent has won her several scholarship offers from colleges there.
'This tournament is very special to me because I have never really had the chance to play against players from Europe before,' she said. 'I'll do my best and hope to win the championship for Hong Kong.'
Ko, a 16-year-old Sha Tin schoolboy, was tied for best amateur at his first Omega Hong Kong Open last month. 'It's my aim to finish in the top five,' said Ko. 'It will be a really good experience to play with some of the best young amateurs in the world.'
Mak, 13, is the youngest of Hong Kong's hopefuls and won the nett prize at the Malaysian Open last year.
'This is a great honour to have been chosen,' she said. 'I will not feel any pressure because I am not expected to win the tournament. My goal is to gain experience.'
Heading the overseas field are the winners of last year's Faldo Series in Europe, Oliver Fisher and Kiran Matharu, both from England, Scottish boys' champion Scott Henry and compatriot Daniel Torrance, son of former Ryder Cup player and captain Sam Torrance.
Competitors are divided into four categories: under-21 male, under-21 female, under-18 male and under-18 female, plus a prize for the overall winner. The champions will also win a dream ticket to play 18 holes with Faldo on Friday.
