Shenzen, China; June 5: Two new golfing stars were born at the recently concluded 4th Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship, with 13-year-olds Guan Tian-lang and Liu Rui-xin emerging triumphant as the boys’ and girls’ champions respectively.
Over the three-day tournament held at the Olazabal Course at the Mission Hills Golf Club from May 25-27, Guan carded rounds of 67, 66, 66 for winning score of 17-under 199, which is the lowest score ever in the tournament’s four-year history.
Defending champion Terrance Ng failed to keep hold of his crown after a disappointing second round but still managed to win the boys’ under-18 division.
The girls’ division saw a fierce final round battle before Liu won by two strokes from Jin Man, who nonetheless won the girls’ under-15 category. Other winners include Shantou’s She Zi-han, who won the boys under-15 division and Hong Kong’s Heng Cheuk-sze, who emerged victorious in the girls’ under-18 division.
The overall champion for the boys and girls and the top-three finishers in each category receive berths in the Nicklaus Junior Championship at PGA National Resort & Spa in the United States in July.
The overall boys’ and girls’ champions also earned a spot each at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final 2012 and the Chung Shan Junior Foundation Invitational, which is a tournament initiated by China’s number one golfer Liang Wen-chong.
“We’re excited to have all these talented players at Mission Hills. Their playing style and strategies are close to professional standards. As we host the Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship for the fourth consecutive year, we have also seen increased support from our sponsors and partners,” said Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills Golf Club.
“At Mission Hills, we are keen to support the development of junior golf – we see it as our responsibility and obligation. This championship is a key component of our multi-faceted program to cultivate a generation of Major champions. We hope to build the bridge for youngsters to step onto the world stage, and through this bridge, they manage to pursue their dreams and career in golf.”
The Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus was also pleased with success of the tournament.“I’m happy to see the keen participation of local juniors, they are the future of golf. I’m also pleased to have Mission Hills as a partner, with their fantastic facilities and operations. We share the same belief in golf – that we will discover and cultivate the next generation of golf stars,” he said.
