Proud Coach Hails Hard-Working Players

Beijing, China: Hong Kong, China’s stunning upset victory at the 31st Nomura Cup can be a catalyst for growing golf’s population base in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.

At Bayhood No. 9, Markus Lam, Ethan Tian and Jeffrey Shen outperformed their rivals to emerge triumphant in the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Men’s Amateur Team Championship.

It was the first time since the championship’s inception in 1963 that Hong Kong had won an event that has been dominated by Australia and Japan, who have 20 victories between them.

The performance of all three Hong Kong players in the China capital earned rich praise from Head Coach Tim Tang and Danny Lai, the Golf Association of Hong Kong China’s (GAHKC) Chief Executive Officer.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of their Beijing success, Tang said: “I’m very proud of the boys. I knew that they’re all very talented individuals who work very hard. This week we just played our game and I’m so happy with the outcome.”

Tang pinpointed the par-three 15th hole as the ‘turning point’. While Lam made a lengthy putt for birdie there, Japan’s Kaito Sato missed from close range.

Tang said: “That gave us a little cushion and Markus just kept pushing. The boys did really well. Ethan finished with eagle-birdie. Jeffrey finished two-under and Markus birdied the final hole to win by one shot individually. It was a great team effort.”

Reflecting on the impact Hong Kong’s win will have on golf in the SAR, Tang said: “Hopefully winning this week will inspire more and more young players in Hong Kong to shoot for playing at the elite level. We’ve got a lot of good players coming through … and hopefully we just keep going.

“I’m very thankful to have joined the Golf Association eight years ago. The progression has been amazing – Taichi Kho finishing runner-up in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai in 2021 and winning the Asian Games gold medal in 2023; Arianna Lau winning the World Junior Girls and doing so well in the World Ranking and playing twice in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“It’s just all round – boys and girls; men and women. Winning this week shows the amazing progress. We have a great group of players and parents in the supporting system back home; everyone at the Golf Association and the golf clubs in Hong Kong. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”

Lai, who will celebrate his 10th anniversary at the helm of the GAHKC in December, added: “This historic win means a lot to Hong Kong golf. All three players contributed to the victory. Markus and Ethan are home-grown local boys, while Jeffrey joined the team in 2023 and has spent most of his time training in Hong Kong.

“This win shows that our development system is producing results. I must also thank the supporting team, including Head Coach Tim Tang and our physio, Jason Fung.”