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Asian Tour test for Chinese rookies

Little-known Shang Lei and Wu Ashun may not be regularly hitting fairways and greens on the Asian Tour but the Chinese rookies are hell-bent on emulating the success of Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong.

Shang and Wu have endured a baptism of fire in their quest for glory across the region since earning their playing rights through the grueling Qualifying School in Malaysia last December.

While delighted that they are finally rubbing shoulders with Asia’s best, their playing records so far do not make impressive reading, with the 26-year-old Shang missing the cut in all of his seven appearances and Wu enjoying a slightly better record with a tied 36th finish and three missed cuts.

Despite the lack of early success, the duo are determined to scale new heights in their quest to emulate Zhang, the pioneer of Chinese golf with five wins on the Asian Tour, and Liang, who is the reigning Asian Tour’s number one.

“I was really happy to make it through the Qualifying School. There were so many good players there and it was quite a challenge. But now that I’ve made it through, I am looking forward to greater exposure outside of China,” said Shang.

The Chinese youngsters finished in the top-40 at the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School, with Shang coming in a creditable fourth while Wu was placed tied 24th.

Shang’s golfing journey began on the amateur trail when he was 16 and he joined a golf school to learn the traits of the game. Not only did he have the opportunity to hone his swing, Shang also picked up vital ingredients that make a champion – good work ethics and a strict regime.

After turning professional in 2003, he competed on the local circuit for five years, winning twice along the way, before taking the bold decision to try his hand at the Asian Tour Qualifying School.

“I chose the Asian Tour as I want to gain exposure outside of China,” said Shang.

“The quality of play on the Asian Tour is very strong and this will help improve my game. That is why I have taken the step to compete on the Asian Tour because only then I can realise my true potential.

“By joining the Tour, I have the opportunity to play on different courses and different countries which create different challenges. That is why I love this game and I enjoy playing golf,” said Shang.

While he respects the achievements of Zhang and Liang, Shang admires world number one Tiger Woods. “Tiger is my favourite player. You can find weaknesses in other players but when Tiger is competing, he is solid in every aspect. I hope to emulate him but I will need to start by making the cut on the Asian Tour and then build from there,” said Shang.

While disappointed with his slow start to the year, Shang enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience when he played a practice round with Fijian star Vijay Singh at the Johnnie Walker Classic in India, in which Shang was a reserve.

“I was shocked to find myself playing with Vijay. I was very excited but I kept my cool. I managed to talk to him for a bit. On the par three holes, we discussed on what clubs to use and he was very nice.

“Unfortunately I didn’t get into the event but I decided to stay on and it was worth it. We met at the range on Saturday and Vijay was surprised to learn that I wasn’t in the tournament. He is a big star and yet he showed that he is very approachable. I admire that and really look up to him.”

Compatriot Wu, who turned professional last season, shares a similar sentiment having met the mark at the Qualifying School by finishing in the top-40.

“I was overjoyed when I made it through Qualifying School. I finished in a tie for 24th place and was eager to get underway. I made the cut in my first ever tournament at the SAIL Open which was a great start for me,” said Wu, who is based in Xiamen.

Like Shang, he is also a late bloomer, learning the game at the age of 17.

“The Asian Tour is a great platform for me and I look up to Zhang and Liang for their achievements outside of China.

“I hope to be like them. I am quite pleased with my game and I will to take this season as a learning curve. Making it on the Asian Tour is a big step for me and I hope there is a lot more to come this year,” said Wu.

May 15, 2008