Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Troy Storm and Justin Kuk will be aiming to stamp their mark at ‘the pinnacle of amateur golf in the region’ when they fly the flag for Singapore at next month’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC).
Kuk, aged 24, and 16-year-old Storm will both be making their second appearances in the AAC – and have their sights set on bettering the tied fifth-place finish of James Leow in 2019, the best performance by a Singaporean to date.
The champion at Emirates Golf Club from October 23-26 will receive an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and an exemption into The 154th Open; the runner(s)-up will receive an exemption into The Open Qualifying Series; the top-three finishers will receive an exemption into The 131st Amateur Championship.
Storm, currently 378th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), is determined to atone for missing the cut on his AAC debut at Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, Japan last year.
“The Asia-Pacific Amateur is the pinnacle of amateur golf in the region. It provides a platform for players like me to test ourselves against the very best, gain international exposure and take important steps toward our professional aspirations. The tournament has already produced so many great champions and it continues to inspire,” he said.
The Grade 10 student, who will represent Singapore alongside Hiroshi Tai and Brayden Lee in the World Amateur Team Championships for the Eisenhower Trophy at the start of October, added: “Last year, the experience was incredible, and I’m looking forward to competing against some of the best amateurs in the region again. Playing in Dubai will be super special as it will be held at a great golf course with lots of history.
“My first Asia-Pacific Amateur showed me how good the players are and it motivated me to continue to work hard. It gave me a valuable experience in managing my game on a big stage which has helped me grow as a player.
“Competing in Majors is every golfer’s dream, so going into the week with the opportunity is incredible and something to cherish. Knowing what’s at stake is definitely a big motivation for my preparation.”
Kuk finished joint 33rd in the AAC in 2021 at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club after which he took a pause from the game to go through his National Service, which he completed last year. He’s now resumed his golfing journey.
A psychology student who plans to turn professional in the near future, Kuk said: “I’m excited to be able to play in the Asia-Pacific Amateur again. I enjoyed Dubai when I played in 2021 and I’m looking forward to a fantastic competition on a pristine golf course like the Emirates Golf Club. It’s always been a dream for myself and many players to play in a Major. Being able to have this opportunity by winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur would be very motivating for myself.
“The Asia-Pacific Amateur is definitely one tournament that I have in mind at the start of the season. I consider it as the biggest Asia-Pacific tournament, so to be able to play against the best players is truly a blessing.”
Created in 2009, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship was established by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The R&A and the Masters Tournament to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region.