Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3047223/lpga-tour-pro-tiffany-chan-cherishes-playing-home-she-eyes-second Hong Kong
LPGA Tour pro Tiffany Chan cherishes playing at home as she eyes second Hong Kong Ladies Open title
- The 26-year-old won the tournament as an amateur in 2016 in a play-off and is hoping to find success as a pro at Fanling
- The third-year pro says she loves playing on her home course in front of her friends and family
Tiffany Chan lines up a putt during the 2019 Hong Kong Ladies Open at Fanling. Photo: Ike Li/Ike Images
Hong Kong golden girl Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching may be rubbing shoulders with the world’s best on the LPGA Tour at famous venues but it is her home course in Fanling that is closest to her heart.
Chan is looking forward to once again competing on home ground at the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club from February 28 to March 1, hoping to repeat her victory as an amateur in 2016.
“It’s always a thrill to play in the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open, which is a tournament that has given me so many happy memories,” said the 26-year-old Chan, who last year finished 82nd on the money list to retain her LPGA Tour playing card.
“Playing at my home club in front of my family, friends and fans is something I truly cherish and I’m really looking forward to returning home and challenging for the title.”
A total of 108 golfers will take part in the US$150,000 tournament, which is tri-sanctioned by the China LPGA Tour, Taiwan LPGA and Ladies Asian Golf Tour, and supported by the Hong Kong Professional Golfers’ Association and the Hong Kong Golf Association.
Chan’s victory at Fanling in 2016 was the springboard she needed to qualify for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she put in an admirable performance, finishing in 37th place. She is also on course to make the Hong Kong team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this summer.
“I have been on the LPGA Tour for two full seasons and feel like I made a lot of progress in 2019. My focus now is on making the step up and qualifying for all the major events as well as the Olympics, where I think I can really contribute positively to the Hong Kong team,” Chan said.
“Winning the Hong Kong Ladies Open for a second time is certainly a big goal of mine and would set me up really well for the rest of the year.”
Chan will face a strong field at Hong Kong Golf Club, with China’s Liu Yan returning to defend her title. Also confirmed to play are rising Chinese star Sui Xiang and Taiwan’s Lin Tzu-chi, who last year became the first player to win three times on the TLPGA Tour in a single season.
China’s defending champion Liu Yan is returning to Fanling for the Hong Kong Ladies Open. Photo: Handout
The Hong Kong tournament is the only event in the city where players can earn world ranking points.
Albert Chiu, executive chairman, Asia-Pacific, EFG Bank, said: “We are delighted to once again return as title sponsor of the Hong Kong Ladies Open. [It[ has been a great platform for young local golfers to hone their skills against seasoned professionals in the region.”
William Doo Jnr, captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, added: “After the successful staging of the 61st edition of the Hong Kong Open earlier this month, we’re delighted to be welcoming Tiffany, her fellow competitors and all the fans back to the club in just a few short weeks.”