HKGA President Hails Kho’s Inspiring Effort

Hong Kong: Taichi Kho’s stunning performance at the 12th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) 'has helped to place Hong Kong on the international stage'.

In a thrilling finale to the region’s premier amateur event for males, Kho was beaten on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off by Japan’s Keita Nakajima, number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Tempering the disappointment at narrowly missing out on an invitation to the 2022 Masters Tournament, Kho’s runner-up finish has earned him a chance to qualify for the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews in July.

Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) President Paul Tse said the efforts of Kho and his national squad team-mates were an inspiration to young golfers in the Special Administrative Region of China.

Like Kho, Alexander Yang and Leon Philip D’Souza both played all four rounds at the Dubai Creek & Yacht Club. Yang, the best-placed amateur in the 61st Hong Kong Open, had a share of the lead after the first round of the AAC and finished tied for 13th. D’Souza ended in joint 31st place.

Tse said: “Hong Kong national team’s unprecedented achievements at this year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship marked an important milestone for Hong Kong sports.

“It is noteworthy that Taichi, who hailed from the Discovery Bay Golf Club and started off his golf career with the HKGA, will be representing Hong Kong in the Qualifying Series of The Open.

“Under the nurturing mentorship of HKGA coaches, Taichi won various local and national junior tournaments and accolades before moving on to hone his game with his college team at the University of Notre Dame in the US.

“At the AAC, Taichi put Hong Kong on the international stage by displaying the skill, poise, maturity and perseverance required to go head-to-head with the world’s number one-ranked amateur.

“The results have shown that years of the HKGA’s efforts, in conjunction with unfailing support from Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Hong Kong Sports Institute, in developing junior sportsmen and promoting elite sports are bearing fruits.

“And congratulations are certainly in order for Taichi’s parents, Victor and Yoko Kho, whose efforts over the years are such an integral part of Taichi’s success.”

Hong Kong Team Coach Gary Gilchrist said: “This is what Taichi has worked for, to play at the highest level. His game has matured and improved through the support of his college coaches and the HKGA. I am honoured to be part of his career.”