St Andrews debut for aspiring Chinese golfing teens
Cheng Peicheng and Yang Jieming, both 15, took part in the Junior Open and are in the galleries for the Carnoustie main event
Fifteen-year-old Chen Peiching found himself practising next to China’s No 1 Li Haotong during the Volvo China Open earlier this year.
“He looked at me and said I’m a very good player,” said Chen, who is looking to emulate Li and one day play at the British Open.
He had his first foray into links golf this week when he took part in the Junior Open at St Andrews – which is the most revered of British Open venues. He finished in a tie for 59th but Chen, a product of the China Golf Association-HSBC Junior Programme, is hoping his experience in Britain will serve him well for the future.
“The CGA Programme has helped me a lot and gives me more opportunity to play, such as in this tournament,” said Beijing-born Chen, who was joined at St Andrews by fellow CGA Programme player Yang Jieming.
“My dream is to one day play at the Open and win the Claret Jug. I’m very happy to be here, I’ve made a lot of new friends and my golf has improved.”
Yang, a female who is also 15, finished one spot ahead of Chen in the standings in a three-round competition won by South African Martin Vorster.