Hong Kong Open: Promising local golfers Leon D’Souza and Taichi Kho drive away pre-tournament jitters
- D’Souza and Kho recall debut nerves but are confident under the wing of world-renowned coach Gary Gilchrist
- The pair return to Fanling with two years’ experience in respective US collegiate systems
Hong Kong's most promising golfers are returning to the Hong Kong Open with a vengeance after debuting in the tournament two years ago.
Leon D'Souza and Taichi Kho, who were both raised in the city but currently study at US universities, appeared much more comfortable as the amateurs prepare to share the Fanling composite course with world-class players for the second time.
“I didn't know what to expect the first time so that whole week, I didn't feel too comfortable being in my own shoes. There were a lot of really big names around me,” recalled 19-year-old Kho, a University of Notre Dame student.
“I felt pretty defensive out there last time – slightly uncomfortable at times. But that was such an important week for me because now when I'm preparing I know what to expect in terms of the noise around me.”
Kho, a former Hong Kong Junior Open champion, insists he is far less fazed by brushing shoulders with the likes of top-20 players Shane Lowry and Tony Finau. It is of note that the 2019 Open Championship winner Lowry won the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009 – so nothing is impossible.