China golfer Li Haotong pushing for Presidents Cup debut and a crack at Tiger Woods’ team
- The victim of a controversial new rule, China’s number one player has responded with stellar play
The Presidents Cup is not in the back of Li Haotong’s mind. It’s up front and centre as he pushes his case to be the first Chinese player on the International team to face Tiger Woods’ all-star United States side.
The 23-year-old Chinese star jumped into second position on the International team standings after his runner-up finish to American Dustin Johnson at the Saudi International.
Two years ago, Li was 14th on the International team standings, thanks to a third-place finish at The Open championship, where he shot a final round 63 in the company of Ernie Els, who is the International team captain.
“I have been wanting to get onto that team for the past two years. I couldn’t make it then, although I came close. This time, I am close again and I want to be in. It will mean a lot to be on that team,” said Li, China’s best hope to win the country a first men’s major.
Although the Presidents Cup is not until December, world number 36 Li is already in a strong position to make the 12-strong team with qualifying ending in August.
“The special thing is if you make the team, you know you have played really solid over a span of time. It’ll be special to play for Ernie. I played with him at the British Open and he’s always supported my career a lot since then. He’ll be a good captain. It’s going to be a huge honour for us, and hopefully I can get on the team and win the event.”