Taichi Kho made history by becoming the first player from Hong Kong to win an Asian Tour event after he recorded a hugely popular and significant victory at the inaugural World City Championship at Hong Kong Golf Club.

Kho, who only turned professional in January, triumphed by two shots from New Zealand’s Michael Hendry on another wet day at HKGC to fittingly celebrate the week he was announced as an ambassador for the club and the return of international tournament golf to Hong Kong for the first time in 38 months.

The 22-year-old Kho closed with an even-par 70 to finish the tournament, which was reduced to 54 holes because of the inclement weather, on 12-under, and also secure one of the four spots up for grabs in this year’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July.

Hendry shot a 68 while Australian Travis Smyth returned a 66 to finish third, three behind Kho. Korean Bio Kim (65) and Miguel Tabuena (72) from the Philippines tied for fourth, a shot further back.

Hendry, Smyth and Kim also made it through to The Open, where Kho will also become the first Hong Kong player to compete in the game’s oldest and most prestigious Major. Kim secured his berth ahead of Tabuena due to a better world ranking.

“Being at home, in front of everyone, having my parents here, it just means the world to me. I want to say thank you to everyone,” said Kho.

“I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have this opportunity. To play on the Asian Tour and represent Hong Kong Golf Club, to play well with both those things it is very special. The fans gave me a lot of momentum, thank you to Hong Kong.”

Saturday’s poor weather meant Kho could only play two holes of his third round before play was stopped for the day at which point he had a healthy four-shot lead over Tabuena. But when played resumed at 8.05am on Sunday he struggled to find his rhythm, to the concern of his many local supporters, and dropped shots on the third and sixth to see his lead reduced to two.

However, to the delight and relief of everyone watching he sensationally got back on track when he holed out from 50 yards for a birdie on the par-four ninth before holing a difficult five-foot putt for par on the next.

A dropped shot on the ensuing hole was again cause for alarm especially as further ahead Smyth and Korean Yoseop Seo had made birdies to close the gap to one.

But Kho produced another master shot on the short par-three 12th nearly holing his tee shot. He confidently holed a four-foot putt there for a birdie and a two-shot advantage.

On the par-five 13th he reached the green in two to set up a birdie for a three-shot cushion. He then had a chance to go four ahead on the following hole but missed a 12 footer for birdie before he dropped a shot on the next after failing to get up and down from a greenside bunker.

That mean he had a two-shot lead over Smyth with three to play but it soon moved to three when the Australian dropped a shot on the last.

And by the time he reached 18 his lead was back to two over playing partner Hendry, who made a strong finish with birdies on 16 and 17. Kho opted to hit driver on the famous par-four closing hole and to the thrill of the large gallery watching his ball landed safely to help set up a comfortable, drama free par.

He said: “I definitely wasn’t fearless, I was nervous, which was perfectly natural in the moment, but I said to myself I will be a better player by the end of it. I stuck to my game plan, did not shy away from him it and fully committed to what I have in my book. I told my coach last night whether I have a two-shot lead or back by one on the last hole, I am taking driver, and I fully committed to that. That’s the reason why I succeeded this week.”

This is only Kho’s third event as a professional on the Asian Tour as he made it through the Tour’s Qualifying School in January. He is the third fastest graduate from the school to win on tour.

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Lightning and rain stopped Saturday’s third round at 11.48am local time at the Hong Kong Golf Club and play was unable to restart again as the inclement weather persisted — leaving a strong field, including LIV Golfers and LIV Golf hopefuls waiting in the clubhouse.

Tournament leader Kho was playing the third when the siren halted play. He has a four-shot lead over playing-partner Miguel Tabuena from the Philippines. Kho had started the day with a two-shot advantage but that became five when he made birdie on the first against Tabuena’s double. The Filipino bounced back with a birdie on the following hole.

Only three groups were able to complete their third rounds, meaning 63 players will recommence on Sunday at 8.05am.

“After careful consideration we have decided to reduce the World City Championship to 54 holes, because of the inclement weather today and the forecast for it to continue tomorrow,” said Chokchai Boonprasert, Tournament Director, Asian Tour.

“The course, including the bunkers and approach areas, were waterlogged, after the heavy downpour. This is obviously unfortunate, and we feel very sorry for all the fans who made the trip here today, but it was the only sensible course of action.

“We are confident we will be able to complete the tournament tomorrow, with the four places in The Open remaining up for grabs.”

A gripping final day is expected tomorrow as Kho attempts to produce one of the greatest performances by a Hong Kong sports person.

The 22-year-old rising star saids: “At the end of the day good golf is good golf. I understand that it’s 18 holes closer to the finish now, but good golf takes care of anything. It’s almost useless to think about the result, or how many holes are left, how many shots I’m ahead, it’s only just a distraction. All I’m focused on is myself, the golf ball and the golf course.”

Korean Yoseop Seo, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Suradit Yongcharoenchai and New Zealander Michael Hendy are next best placed, six behind Kho having played the opening few holes.

LIV Golfers Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson as further down the field, while Wade Ormsby, winner of the International Series Thailand and one of the frontrunners for a place on the LIV Golf League next year, is on four-under.

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Taichi Kho’s dream debut as a professional in an Asian Tour event at the Hong Kong Golf Club, his home course, continued when he took the second round-lead in the $1million World City Championship.

The 22 year old brilliantly fired his second-successive six-under-par 64 to lead by two from Filipino Miguel Tabuena, the first-round leader, who shot 67, and winner of last week’s The DGC Open in India.

New Zealand’s Michael Hendry is third, four behind Kho, after returning a 64.

Kho, a member of the HKGC since January and was unveiled this week as their ambassador, is 12-under and now has an outstanding opportunity to become the first player from Hong Kong to win on the Asian Tour – which would be especially significant as this event is the first international golf tournament in Hong Kong, China for 38 months.

Notre Dame graduate Kho played flawless bogey-free golf making two birdies on the front before four more on the second half, including one on the famous par-four 18th.

“Yeah, just a really great round of golf and I putted really well today,” said Kho. “And you know like I said yesterday, I’m just gonna go out there and try my best on every shot and that’s exactly what I did. And I was able to roll a few putts in and it added up to a total of 64, so very happy with the day.”

He graduated at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January, in 24th place, made it through to the weekend in the two Tour events he played after that, and after another fine round today showed he is clearly revelling playing at this level.

Although appearing outwardly very calm he admitted there have been plenty of nerves over the first two days.

He said: “Yeah, I mean, I felt it a little more today, but overall, I feel like I did a really good job of just kind of being in my own bubble and focusing on myself, and felt like it was just myself and the golf ball out there today. So yeah, I’m just gonna try and tap into that tomorrow.”

.@migueltabuena riding wave of form at the #WorldCityChampionship ?#HKGC #whereitsAT pic.twitter.com/etYlYZfDqR

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) March 24, 2023

Tabuena, who led with a 63 yesterday, impressively recovered from a double-bogey on his opening hole.

“It was great, I was proud of the way I fought,” said the 28 year old. “I didn’t get off to a good start, a bit of an errant drive again on the 11th hole [he started on the back nine], pulled it and had to take an unplayable. But told myself that there’s a lot of holes left, there’s two more days left, you know there’s no need to panic or there’s no need to be worried. You know you’ve been playing well and just got to keep patient and just trot along.”

The Filipino admits to not being far away from playing his best golf.

He added: “I believe I’m pretty close, like I said, I have a lot of confidence. But you also gotta learn how to control it right? Especially on this course you know, it’s very easy to be overconfident. So, just gotta stick to my routine, stick to my game plan and I know that if I do that, I will have a shot on the back nine on Sunday.”

Korean Yoseop Seo returned a 64 and is solo fourth, five back from Kho.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (67) and Suradit Yongcharoenchai (68) are a further stroke back along with Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent (67).

Australia’s Wade Ormsby, winner of the International Series Thailand two weeks ago and a two-time Hong Kong Open champion at HKGC, shot a 70 and is one-under.

England’s Ian Poulter, the Hong Kong Open winner here in 2010, carded a 72 to finish on even par which was the cut mark.

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Miguel Tabuena’s hot streak continued at the World City Championship Club at Hong Kong Golf, where he fired an outstanding seven-under 63 to take the lead on day one.

The Filipino won The DGC Open last week for his first victory on the Asian Tour since 2018 and he was bang in form again on the Composite Course at HKGC.

Hong Kong’s rising young star Taichi Kho shot a 64 and is second, ahead of Australian Scott Hend, who carded a 65.

Tabuena playing in the afternoon and in pursuit of Kho’s morning score was quickly into his stride with birdies on the first, third, fifth and sixth to make the turn in four-under. And a run of four birdies in a row from the 11th saw him take control of the $1 million tournament.

He dropped his only shot of the day on 16 and holed a brilliant 18 footer to save par on the last.

“I am riding on some of the momentum from last week,” said Tabuena, whose win last week was his third on the Asian Tour.

“It is nice to be bogey free for 34 holes including last week but I had an errant tee shot on 16 but other than that I am playing great golf. It is very early in the week to even think about the finish line but if I play the way I am playing I know I will give myself a good chance, on the back nine on Sunday.”

His victory last Sunday drained him both mentally and physically so his fitness coach Dr Harry Sese in the United States gave him some sound advice.

Tabuena said: “It’s been five years since I have experienced a victory on the Asian Tour and I got a text from Harry, who works on my fitness and is the main guy for Jon Rahm, saying: ‘Migs stay hydrated, I know your energy levels can be low especially after a win so it’s very important to recover.’”

Taichi Kho. Asian Tour

Rookie professional Kho was unveiled as the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Ambassador this week and he has quickly repaid the famous club’s faith in him by also firing a brilliant round made up of an eagle, five birdies and just one bogey.

“Just an incredible start,” said 22-year-old, who made it through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January and made the cut in the two events he has played in so far.

“I went out there with no expectations. I was quite nervous, there has been a lot going on with media. I was really nervous waking up this morning but once I stepped onto the tee it kind of flowed. Had a good round but was more proud about how I was able to channel that. I used the nerves and adrenaline to my advantage.

“I have got to say thank you to everyone who came this week and will continue to come out, whether following me or other Hong Kong players, it’s really great to feel that kind of support.”

Kho has played here many times and became a member in January and so was able to draw on his extensive local knowledge of the Composite Course — which uses the best holes from the New and Eden courses.

He said: “I realised certain clubs off the tee I was choosing quite differently from my playing partners. In that sense I see the golf course in a certain way. Whenever I see certain shots I feel very confident that’s the right shot.”

England’s Ian Poulter, the 2010 Hong Kong Open champion, shot a 68, while Wade Ormsby, the Hong Kong Open winner in 2017 and 2020 and the International Series Thailand two weeks ago, from Australia came in with a 69.

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This week could not have come quickly enough for Australian Wade Ormsby.

A two-time winner of the Hong Kong Open, Ormsby will be looking for a third Fanling triumph when he lines up in the inaugural World City Championship at Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC).

The seventh leg of the 2023 Asian Tour season starts on Thursday on the Composite Course at HKGC amid much excitement as it is helping to celebrate the reopening of Hong Kong to international travellers.

For Ormsby, on a high after a welcome return to form following his victory at the International Series Thailand two weeks ago, the $1 million tournament offers an opportunity to further illustrate his love affair with the HKGC.

At the International Series Thailand, Ormsby overcame Thai Chonlatit Chuenboonngam at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off.

His fourth Asian Tour title was the perfect preparation for what will be the first international golf tournament in Hong Kong for 38 months.

It was in the second week of January 2020 that Ormsby repelled the challenge of Major champion Shane Lowry to claim his second Hong Kong Open title by four shots. Within two months, the spread of COVID-19 prompted the imposition of travel bans and the cessation of sporting gatherings.

However, with the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, Hong Kong is once more ready to showcase itself as ‘Asia’s World City’ and a hub for major sporting events.

And no one was more delighted with that news than Ormsby who captured his first Hong Kong Open crown in 2017 by a single stroke.

“It’s great to back, it’s such a special place for me,” said the Australian.

“Had last week off, as I was a reserve in Tucson for the LIV event and won two weeks ago. So I am in a good place, I am playing well and can’t wait to get started. The golf course looks in great condition.”

When asked what the secret is to playing Fanling’s Composite Course he had a simple answer: “Hit it straight around this place! I have successful experience here and the offer of The Open spot is great.”

The Open spot he is referring to is The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July, as this week’s event has the honour of being part of The Open Qualifying Series, with the leading four player not otherwise exempt earning a place in the game’s oldest major.

Poulter shot 60 in Hong Kong in 2010. Asian Tour.

Ormsby is not the only former Fanling champion teeing-off in the World City Championship.

Also in the field are England’s Ian Poulter and Australian Scott Hend, winners of the Hong Kong Open in 2010 and 2014 respectively.

“I feel like coming back home,” said Poulter.

“It is a golf course I have played many times, great memories shooting 60 on the golf course. It is a golf course that has been here for over 100 years with three great golf courses, wonderful members here and I have so many fans here, and Open places are on offer, hopefully I can earn one of those spots.”

He shot that 10-under 60 in the second round in 2010.

He said: “That was actually a funny day. I said to my caddie when I was travelling to the golf course, I think I have to shoot three-under for the first day, and I said, when we were travelling home in a car after the round, I will be 13-under and it will be the only time I shoot 60 and that is the only time I have called it, that I would shoot 60 after thousands of rounds of golf. It was a strange day, and it was a great day. Other things I remember most about coming to Hong Kong, is great food, great hospitality, wonderful golf course, I have made so many friends, I love coming to Hong Kong.”

A strong Thai presence at Fanling will be spearheaded by former OWGR top-50 players Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond and also includes Sadom Kaewkanjana and Nitithorn Thippong.

Another notable Thai to watch out for is Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat, 23rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

At the age of 15 years and 37 days old, TK won the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup last April, becoming the youngest male player to win on one of the game’s major tours.

At the World City Championship an extra layer of intrigue will be added by the fact that he’ll lock horns with fellow teenager Ding Wenyi of China, the reigning US Junior Amateur champion who is 16th in the WAGR.

While Taichi Kho, Matthew Cheung and Leon D’Souza are among the leading Hong Kong professionals taking part, there will also be eight local amateurs in the field, led by Alexander Yang.

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The new Hong Kong event, to be played at the Hong Kong Golf Club from March 23-26, will see the four leading players not otherwise exempt earn a place in The 151st Open —which will be held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, from July 20-23.

At Korea’s national Open, which will be staged at Woo Jeung Hills Country Club from June 22-25, two places will be up for grabs in the major.

“This is great validation of the strength of the players who compete week in and week out on the Asian Tour,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.

“Playing in major championships is undoubtedly one of the goals that every player sets at the beginning of each season. Having the opportunity to qualify on two separate occasions on the Asian Tour gives our members a prime opportunity to achieve this.

“Sadom Kaewkanjana’s 11th place finish in The Open last year and the ascendancy of Tom Kim at that same event are prime examples of players taking advantage of The Open Qualifying Series in the Asian region.”

The news is a boon for the organisers of the World City Championship, an event being staged to celebrate the opening up of Hong Kong after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Hong Kong Golf Club is renowned by players and fans alike for its historic atmosphere, natural beauty, and challenging Composite Course, we welcome The R&A awarding of the World City Championship with The Open Qualifying Series status,” said Andy Kwok, Captain, the Hong Kong Golf Club.

“With four places at golf’s original Major on offer, Hong Kong galleries can look forward to another top-flight field assembling in Fanling.

“For our part, we look forward to once again hosting the top players in the game, visitors from around the world, and thousands of members of the Hong Kong public, as we open what promises to be a milestone season of international events at the Hong Kong Golf Club in 2023.”

In total 15 events in nine countries make up the OQS for 2023, which started at the Joburg Open and will be end at the Genesis Scottish Open.

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