Teenager becomes first local in four years to clinch amateur title
South Island School student, 17, puts on a flawless display to book berth in Hong Kong Open
Michael Wong became the first local golfer to win the Hong Kong Open Amateur Championship in four years – and with it a berth in next month’s Hong Kong Open – thanks to a flawless display yesterday.
Wong, 17, fired a bogey-free final-round 69 to finish on a three-day total of 215 (two-over-par) to edge fellow national squad member and close friend Isaac Lam, 15, by a single shot at Discovery Bay Golf Club.
Shinichi Mizuno, arguably the pre-tournament favourite following a consistent run of form in recent months, was a further four shots back in third.
“I had two goals this year – to finish in the top 30 at the World Juniors and to qualify for the Hong Kong Open.
"I wasn’t able to do the first, but it feels great to have achieved the second,” said Wong, who overcame a tricky position at the final hole to land his biggest win yet.
The South Island School student, who is aiming for a college place in the United States next September, started the round two shots behind overnight leader Ho Yu-cheng of Taiwan.