Talented teenagers Jason Hak and Steven Lam will be teeing off with some of the superstars of world golf after qualifying for next week’s UBS Hong Kong Open.
Hak, 14, and Lam, 15, will line up alongside the likes of defending champion Miguel ángel Jiménez and PGA Tour ace Rory Sabbatini in the US$2.5 million showpiece. The pair finished equal second today (November 11) to claim two of the four Open spots up for grabs in the two-day domestic qualifying tournament at Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course.
Hak, born and raised in Hong Kong but now living with his family in Florida, shot 76-78 – 10-over-par – in windy conditions on the North Course. “I decided to come back to Hong Kong to play in the qualifier and it’s been well worth the effort,” he said. “Now I’m really looking forward to next week.”
Lam, a student at St Joseph’s College in Mid-Levels, matched Hak’s total with rounds of 79-75. “I’m very happy to be playing in the UBS Hong Kong Open for the first time,” said Lam. “I can’t wait. I’ll need to take some time off school, though!”
James Stewart made sure of his 10th successive UBS Hong Kong Open appearance by finishing first. “This is the first year I haven’t been exempt and have had to qualify, so it’s nice to keep the run going,” said Stewart, who shot 76-77 for a nine-over 153 total. I don’t play Kau Sai Chau very often and the course conditions were tough – it was very windy and the greens were fast and firm, so it was a grind out there.”
Paul Riley beat Wong Woon Man in a playoff for the fourth qualifying slot after both finished on 156.
The 50th edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from November 20-23.
Apart from Jiménez and Sabbatini, other stars will include former champion Colin Montgomerie and Major winners Michael Campbell, José María Olazábal and Bernhard Langer.
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