Women driving for Volvo China Open places

Zhong Xiao-long, Xia Xin and Wang Ying-hua each hope to make history at Beijing CBD International Golf Club by being the first female golfer worldwide to qualify for their country’s Open Championship.

“I got very close last year,” said Zhong, one of China’s top lady pros, “I messed up on the final hole with a double bogey and missed qualifying by just one shot. So clearly I have a good chance this year if I avoid making silly mistakes.”

Zhong, 31, is renowned among her fellow lady pros for her powerful game, but will need to strike her shots with perfection to keep up with the men over the 7,200-yard CBD layout.

“It’s usually quite windy here so the course generally plays very long,” said Zhong, who averages 230 yards off the tee, “But that is what I prefer, because then I think it will also be difficult for the men to get on the long par fours in two either.

“However, the field is strong here with good pros and a lot of the best amateurs in China, so I know I’ll have to play my best to qualify.”

For newly turned pro, Wang, 25, and Xia, 20, it is a case of making sure that their short games are at their sharpest.

“Even though I’m considered a long hitter and can drive the ball 260 yards, I still can’t reach some of the longer par fours if they are into the wind,” said Wang, “So I will make sure I play safe and place my shots in good positions so that I can rely on my short game to make par or even birdie. Two days ago I shot 71 in a practice round, so I feel good about my game.”

Having started playing golf seriously just 18 months ago, Xia has had a meteoric rise to be one of the better lady players in the country. However, she echoes Wang’s view about the length of the course.

“On the long par fours I need to use woods for my approach shots and yet I can still be short,” said Xia, “I need to rely on a pitch and one putt on these holes to be in with a chance, and I’m hoping that two 76’s will be enough to qualify.”

Xia now harbours ambitions of playing on the LPGA Tour.

“I will target the Japan Ladies’ Tour first, “Xia said.

“If I do well there, I will definitely have a go at qualifying for the LPGA,” she added.

Wang has similar ambitions but added: “I would like to be looked upon as China’s Michelle Wie. I’m happy to compete against the men and test myself. The three men I played with today didn’t hit their drives any longer than me on most holes.”

The Volvo China Open starts next Thursday at Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

April 3, 2007