Chinese teen set for dream debut at Volvo China Open
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-25 06:36

SHENZHEN: Chinese teenager Su Dong intends to enjoy a dream debut at this week's US$1.3 million Volvo China Open by strictly following his mother's advice.

"Before coming over, my mum (Ma Jin-pin) told me that I should relax and not place too much pressure on myself," Su said. "She said that as an amateur golfer, it is already a great success for me to be able to play in the Volvo China Open and that I should learn from the experience."

The 15-year-old Su earned a spot in China's national championship through pre-qualifying, which was introduced for the first time this year, and became the youngest player to tee up at Shenzhen Golf Club yesterday.

The burly Su, who is a scratch-handicapper, has lived in Vancouver for the past three years with his family. Still, he is very Chinese at heart and hopes to one day savour victory at the Volvo China Open like his idol Zhang Lianwei, the 2003 champion at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

But as he took his place alongside some of the best players from the Asian Tour and European Tour, Su does not want to place high expectations on himself. And he keeps his mother's advice in mind.

"Mum is like my mental coach," Su said. "She doesn't play golf, but I always listen to her as she's got good advice. Hopefully, I can play well enough to make the halfway cut."

But yesterday Su ran into trouble as he carded a two-over 74 in the opening round and needed a much better show today to make the cut.

Su shot a 72 in the pre-qualifying

in Guangzhou and finished joint-fourth, one rung too low for an automatic berth. But because the top two players later earned exemptions into the Volvo China Open through their local rankings, Su got the nod.

"I'm so lucky. When I got the call, it was a big surprise. It's so exciting to be here, and to have the opportunity to be at the same press conference with 'Uncle' Zhang now is such an honour."

While another Chinese teenager Hu Mu has been hailed as the future of China golf, Su bears no grudges and was simply delighted to be a part of China's exciting golf boom. "Hu is the best young Chinese golfer, better than I am," admitted Su, who turns 16 on December 22.

His family moved to Canada three years ago and Su, who is now in high school, has enjoyed success in the amateur scene there, suggesting that he will be part of China's new breed of golfers. He has won over 20 junior tournaments, including an amazing seven titles in a row at this year's Canadian Junior Golf Association circuit.

(China Daily 11/25/2005 page16)