Media treated to an "Introduction to Golf" day at Sentosa Golf Club, as Singaporean amateur Chen Xing Tong qualifies after impressive National Qualifying Tournament Victory
Singapore, 25 January 2024 – Singapore sports and lifestyle media were treated to an "Introduction to Golf" day at Sentosa Golf Club, official venue of the HSBC Women's World Championship in a lively session that was led by Singapore pro golfers Koh Sock Hwee and Amanda Tan with the support of local amateurs Aloysa Atienza and Chen Xing Tong.
The event provided an opportunity for members of media to have the unique opportunity to pick up the basics of golf, including driving and putting.
"It was a privilege to pick up the basics of golf from our national and pro golfers," said Samuel Lim, a gym owner and founder of local gym Cross Fit Fire City.
Former Miss Singapore and skate coach Ziyi Kuek echoed the sentiments, sharing: "I played golf once before but that was with a group of friends and I was never taught the real basics to the sport."
"Since I already have a full golf outfit set it's probably time for me to take golf more seriously" she said with a laugh."
It proved to be an eye opener for many of the members of media, some of whom were playing golf for the same time.
Xing Tong wins National Qualifying Tournament
Singapore amateur Chen Xing Tong has clinched a coveted spot to compete in the 2024 edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, emerging victorious in the national qualifying tournament with an even-par performance over two days.
As a result of her triumph, the 15-year-old will now share the stage with some of the world’s top players, such as Lilia Vu, Ruoning Yin, Celine Boutier, Minjee Lee and Jin Young Ko, when the championship takes place at Sentosa Golf Club from 29 February to 3 March 2024.
Expressing her elation and nerves after the win, Chen said, "I am very excited but also very nervous to be able to play with some of the best in the world. I'm just really, really excited about this opportunity!"
Chen showcased remarkable consistency throughout the two-day qualifying event, posting a stellar -2 score yesterday and maintaining composure with a +2 score earlier today.
Reflecting on her performance, Chen stated, "These past two days, I really wanted to be consistent, such as keeping the ball in play and hitting the fairways and greens. Basically, playing simple golf. So, it was mainly focusing on hitting and getting on the green first, and then focusing on making the ball drop."
With her place in the tournament confirmed, Chen will intensify her preparations by frequenting Sentosa Golf Club to navigate the Tanjong Course in the coming weeks.
Regarding her focus leading up to the tournament start on February 29, she remarked, "For me, it will be to try to maintain the same level of consistency I had over the past two days. I’ll continue training, and we’ll see how my game progresses as we move along."
Kee Joo Wong, CEO HSBC Singapore said “We are delighted to witness Chen Xing Tong earn her spot to compete alongside the world’s best golfers in the HSBC Women’s World Championship.
The national qualifying tournament underscores the importance of creating pathways for local talents to shine on the global stage. HSBC remains committed to empowering athletes to reach their full potential, and we look forward to seeing Xing Tong make her mark in the world-class tournament.”