New Asian Tour faces look to pioneers for inspiration
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-05 09:01

Little-known Shang Lei and Wu Ashun may not be regularly hitting fairways and greens on the Asian Tour yet, but the Chinese rookies are determined to emulate the success of Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong.

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 are hardly impressive - the 26-year-old Shang has missed the cut in each of his seven appearances while Wu has enjoyed a slightly better record with a joint 36th finish and three missed cuts.

Despite their lack of early success, the duo is determined to climb to new heights in their quest to emulate Zhang,, the pioneer of Chinese golf who has five Asian Tour wins, and Liang, who is the Asian Tour's reigning No 1.

"I was really happy to make it through 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 of the Asian Tour's Qualifying School, with Shang coming in a creditable fourth while Wu placed tied for 24th.

Shang's golfing journey began on the amateur trail when he was 16 and he joined a golf school to learn the intricacies of the game. Not only did Shang have an opportunity to hone his swing, he also picked up the vital ingredients of a champion - a good work ethic and a strict training regime.

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

"I chose the Asian Tour as I wanted to gain exposure outside of China," Shang said.

"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 realize my true potential.

"By joining the Tour, I have the opportunity to play on different courses in different countries and regions, which all have different challenges. That is why I love this game."

While he respects the achievements of Zhang and Liang, Shang looks to world No 1 Tiger Woods for inspiration.

"Tiger is my favorite 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," he said.

Though his year has started on a disappointing note, 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, where 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-3 holes, we discussed which 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."

Shang's compatriot Wu, who turned professional last season, has had a similar career path. He also cut his teeth at Qualifying School.

"I was overjoyed when I made it through Qualifying School," said Wu, who is based in Xiamen. "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."

Like Shang, Wu is a late bloomer, learning the game at age 17.

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

"I hope to be like them. I am quite pleased with my game and I will treat 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."