News
The 8th Yinli HKPGA Classic 11th & 12th Oct 2010
October 19th, 2010
The most significant order of merit event of the year organized by HKPGA took place at Yinli Foreign Investors Golf Club, Dongguan. Thanks again to Yinli, the title sponsor, and co-sponsors European Asian Chinese Golf Association and Mr. Alan Kwok Chin Kwok, the purse money of the tournament has increased to HKD 1 million.
This year, the organizing committee invited elite players from China, Singapore and Taiwan including former U.S.Open player T.C.Chen (Taiwan) and the recent winner of the Ageas HKPGA Championship C.J. Gatto (USA) to take part of the 36 holes competition.
Lin Wen Ko from Taiwan captured the title of the Open Division with an opening 69 and a stunning 64, a total of 133 (-11) & a prize of HKD 158,000.
Tang Man Kee, a veteran of the HKPGA took the title of the senior division on his first attempt with a 74 & 68 (-2) and a cheque of HKD 30,000.
Yang Hong Mei from China successfully defended her title in the Ladies Division. Yang scored 68,69 (137) and won HKD 20,000.
The first day of the Open Division was overwhelmed by Taiwanese players, Chen Chung Cheng (-5), followed by Lin, Yang, and Andrew Good (UK) at -3. Closing in are C.J. Gatto (USA) and Tim Tang (HK) -1 both were joint 4th position.
The sun was shinning on the unstoppable Lin who took the title, capturing 13 birdies, 1 eagle and only 4 bogeys within the 2 days & setting a course record 64 (-8) on the 2nd day, After turning pro in 1999, Lin frequently competed in the region and Asia Tour but this is his first appearance at Yinli and he expressed his appreciation to Mr. Leung Chi, Chairman of Yinli Golf Club, who made it possible by inviting him.
“I did not have high expectation coming in because I had a long lay off. However, my confidence was boosted by good drives, irons, and putting on the 1st day.
I am honored and happy to have taken the title. “Lin said C.J. Gatto did an excellent job trying to catch up, the American displayed a fabulous round of 65 on the 2nd day, just 1 short of Lim’s course record 64 and was runner up (71/65 - 136).
Both HK players, Liu Kai Mung and Wong Woon Man performed quite well (both 146), and joint 10th on the leader board.
The Senior and the Ladies Division were played on 7th & 8th Oct.
The first day leaders of the Senior division were Lau Kwong Hon, William Fung & Peter Tang at 71(-1) but veteran Tang Man Kee caught up with a fantastic 68 on the 2nd day to clinch the title by 1 shot with a combine score of 142, (74/68).
“I made few mistakes with my putting on the 1st day but I was able to minimize them on the final day and putted beautifully all day, and made sure I remain calm and trusted every shot I made. This led to my victory. “ Tang said.
The 1st day of the Ladies Division was led by Bai Yun Yan with a 68(-4), another player from China who made her first appearance of the event, but was surpassed by Yang Hong Mei on the final day.
“The fact that I was not the leader on the 1st day did not worry me. I was pleased with my irons and putting all through the game. Maintaining such performance was the key to my victory”. Yang commented after the game. She also played against the men in this event to prepare herself for the competition in late October in Sanya, Hainan.
Yinli Golf Club organized a Pro-Am competition on 13th Oct, further sponsored by E.A.C Golf Association and Mr. Alan Kwok. Other sponsors are Callaway, Kamui, Kasco, Mizuno, Ping and Precisionpak. Vintage Concept Watch also sponsored watches as prizes for various winners. Celebrities and artists like Gilbert Lam, Vincent Wan, Derek To, Vivian Lai, Middy Yu were also invited to participate in the game.
The winning Pro-Am team (58) was led by Yang Hong Mei, and team players Mr. Leung Chi, Mr. Lam & Mr. To from E.A.C. Golf Association.
Gary Yam and Cindy Lee took longest Drives award for Men and Ladies division.
In addition to the trophies and pay cheques, the champions of the 3 divisions also received beautiful watches sponsored by Vintage Concept Watch.
At the prize presentation dinner, Mr. Wilson Choy, President of The Hong Kong PGA gave a thank you speech and presented a souvenir to Mr. Leung Chi, Chairman of Yinli Golf Club and HKPGA Honorary President.
Mr. Daniel Liu, President of HKPGA Senior Division then presented souvenirs to The Honorary Presidents of HKPGA including Mr. Eric Tsang, Mr. Alan Kwok, Mr.Cheng Kwee、Mr.Tony Yeung and Mr. Brandon Wen.
Mr. Wilson Choy, President of HKPGA and Mr. James Stewart representing the organizing committee presented a specially engraved golf bag to Mr. Leung Chi for his dedication, continuous support and sponsorship to The Hong Kong PGA and Yinli HKPGA Classic Tournament.
Open Division Champion Lin Wen Ko from Taiwan
Open Division Champion Lin Wen Ko from Taiwan,
trophy presented by Mr. Leung Chi Chairman of Yinli Golf Club
and HKPGA Permanent Honorary President
Senior Division Champion Tang Man Kee from Hong Kong
Tang Man Kee
Ladies' Division Champion Yang Hong Mei from China
Pro-Am tournament 2nd runner-up team
trophy and prizes presented by
Dongguan Qingxi Government Official Mr. Tam Chuen Hu
Pro-Am tournament – group photo
