Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang is trying to lead a normal life going to school in Guangzhou but it’s that time when everything changes again for “one of the world’s best amateur golfers”. Guan captured the world’s attention by becoming the youngest player to compete and make the cut at the Masters, courtesy of winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Thailand in 2012. The AAC is the best amateur event in the region and the most important tournament to me every year Guan Tianlang The 16-year-old is determined to return to Augusta National by winning this year’s edition of the AAC, which will be played for the first time in Hong Kong at the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club from October 1-4. “The AAC is the best amateur event in the region and the most important tournament to me every year. I have always done well at this tournament and it is very special to me,” Guan said. WATCH: Antonio Murdaca winning 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Melbourne “The experience at the Masters was two years ago and I am eager to win again this year so I can return to Augusta National in 2016. I’ve been working hard to get ready for the tournament. I can’t wait to give my best and hold aloft that trophy on Sunday afternoon.” READ MORE: Matthew Cheung leads six-strong Hong Kong assault on Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships After his sensational performance in 2013, Guan has been living in his hometown Guangzhou and attending school as a normal kid. He said it was hard to balance school and golf, but believes all the hard work will eventually reap its rewards. “It is a lot of work when you have to go to school and then try to improve your game at the same time. My body has been growing in the past two years so I need some time to adjust, amongst other things, my swing and body frame. “The schoolwork is getting harder and harder, too, so it has been very challenging. However, I believe, as long as you do all you can, you will have no regrets and be rewarded. “I still believe I am one of the best amateur golfers in the world and I am capable of winning again this year,” said Guan, who finished in a tie for fifth last year in Melbourne. China will have a strong hand at the AAC with Jin Cheng, the first amateur to win a PGA Tour China event; Ye Wocheng, the youngest player ever to compete at an European Tour event; and other successful amateurs Tang Rongjian and Yu Zihan. Jin, who was in contention at Royal Melbourne last year before fading on the final day, hopes he can finish better this time. “The AAC at Royal Melbourne was a wonderful memory for me. I had a slightly disappointing finish but I gained a lot of experience by playing in the last group. “A year has passed and I have learned many new things, but I have also noticed the gap between the top players and myself. All I want to do is to play my best and enjoy the tournament.”
