Asian Trio Anxious to Make La Manga Impression

La Manga, Murcia, Spain: A trio of Asian players believe the Bonallack Trophy represents another important stepping stone on the road to professional careers.

Japan’s Yuta Sugiura, Korean Cho Woo-young and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chuan-tai are all members of non-playing captain Rishi Narain’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) team at this week’s Ryder Cup-style match play event against the best players from the European Golf Association.

And they’re all well aware of the long list of star names who have participated in the Bonallack Trophy before going on to carve successful and lucrative futures among the ranks of the professionals.

It’s a well-trodden path which Sugiura, Cho and Lin are all keen to follow.

Lin, who finished tied third in the 56th Pacific Coast Amateur Championship at Capilano Golf & Country Club in Vancouver last week, said: “It definitely means a lot to me to be able to represent my country and the Asia-Pacific region in the Bonallack Trophy.

“Especially so after seeing all the big names who have been past participants, including Hideki Matsuyama, Cameron Smith, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.

“It’s truly an honour to be selected for the team. I’m looking forward to seeing all the best players from different countries … and hopefully helping the Asia-Pacific team to win the Trophy.”

Sugiura, who won the individual title en route to leading Japan to victory in last year’s Nomura Cup in the Philippines, is mindful of the fact that Matsuyama and Takumi Kanaya are among 14 Japanese to have taken part in the Bonallack Trophy.

“This tournament has featured Japanese players who are currently active and successful as professionals. I hope this will be another step for me to become a player who can play overseas as well,” he said.

Cho also views his appearance in Spain as a chance to further his golfing education.

“I’m participating in the Continental team match for the first time, and I’m incredibly excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to have a memorable experience in my career, especially since I’ll be playing as part of a team.

“Since chances like this don’t come often, I want to make the most of it by enjoying myself and bringing a cheerful atmosphere to the team.

“I aspire to be the kind of player who can contribute to the team’s spirit while having a great time.”