NEWS | AGEAS HKPGA CHAMPIONSHIP
The
Stage is Set
Unho Park takes aim at historic ‘three-peat’, while event also welcomes Major champion Wayne Grady and rising star Tim Stewart. Photography by Daniel Wong
A
Daniel Wong
geas, the title sponsor of the Hong Kong PGA Championship, has announced that prize money for the 2014 edition will increase to HK$450,000. To be played from 13-15 January, the event welcomes back Asian Tour star Unho Park who claimed the last two editions of the traditionrich event in such fine style. Park, who featured prominently on the leader board at the Hong Kong Open last month, will be looking to achieve what no other golfer in the 39-year history of the tournament has ever achieved – win three HKPGA Championship titles in a row. “It’s certainly on my mind,” said Park, who has racked up nearly US$100,000 in prize money in 2013. “I love playing in the Ageas HKPGA Championship and have been fortunate to enjoy success over the past two years. Hong Kong is a fantastic city to visit, so to win for a third time in succession would be something very special.” Park will have his work cut out if he’s to realise his goal given the strength of the field this time, however. Included in the starting line-up are Timothy Tang and Wong Woon-man, two members from Hong Kong’s silver medal-winning team at last year’s National Games – otherwise known as the China “Olympics”. 48
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Tang, who was the only local golfer to make the cut at the Hong Kong Open, said he was looking forward to the challenge of trying to become the first Hong Kong player since Dominique Boulet to capture the illustrious title. “I’ve been playing well recently so I’m fully prepared for what has become one of my favourite tournaments of the year,” said Tang, 27. “The National Games were an obvious highlight of my season and I’ll be doing my best to take that kind of form to the Ageas HKPGA Championship.” Other local professionals vying for the championship include two-time winner Boulet and reigning HKPGA Order of Merit winner James Stewart, who finished second to Park in 2012. Major champion Wayne Grady, who memorably claimed the 1990 US PGA Championship at Shoal Creek, has been a regular visitor to the championship and is another who has confirmed his place in the field, which will compete over three days HKGOLFER.COM
at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club and the Hong Kong Golf Club; the first and the last rounds will be played over the New Course at Fanling. The Australian, who narrowly lost out in a play-off to Mark Calcavecchia at the 1989 Open Championship at Royal Troon, finished second to Shenzhen-based American CJ Gatto at the 2010 edition and currently divides his time between playing senior tour events and television commentary work. “It’s always a thrill to return to Hong Kong,” said Grady, 56. “The HKPGA is a fantastic tournament, one which continues to go from strength to strength. Thanks to Ageas’ involvement, it has a really bright future.” Adding to the quality of the field is Grady’s compatriot, Tim Stewart. A former Australian Amateur champion who now plays on the Asian Tour, the 28-year-old will be making his debut at the tournament. Stuart Fraser, CEO of Ageas Insurance Company (Asia), said: “It’s all set to be an exciting championship, with the best Hong Kong professionals going up against players from around the region for the title and a record prize purse. We’re delighted to welcome back Unho, who has his sights set on a third consecutive win, as well as Wayne, who has been a fantastic supporter of the tournament over the years. We all look forward to witnessing three days of first-class golf.” “The decision to increase the prize money underlines the growth of the tournament since our involvement started in 2010 as well as Ageas’ commitment to professional golf in Hong Kong,” added Fraser. HKGOLFER.COM
Clockwise from top: reigning champion Unho Park will be hoping to make it three wins in row; last year's runner-up James Stewart has been in excellent form this season, winning the HKPGA Order of Merit by a comfortable margin; 1990 US PGA champion Wayne Grady has been a longtime supporter of the championship; Wong Woon-man, Daniel Liu, Stuart Fraser and event organiser Tim Orgill launch the event at the pre-tournament press conference
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