Zhang puts China on world golf skyline
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-12-14 10:10

It was a small step for Zhang Lianwei but a giant leap for Chinese professional golf.

The 39-year-old, a self-taught player who turned professional in 1994, made history by becoming the first Chinese player to compete in the US Masters at Augusta last April.

Zhang Lianwei hits a birdie putt during the 2003 Volvo China Open in Shanghai Dec. 16, 2003. Zhang finished four day total of 11-under-par to win the China Open trophy. [Xinhua/file]

Zhang, then ranked 181st in the world, received a special invitation from Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson.

"We felt that it was good for the game of golf to extend a hand to the most populous nation in the world," Johnson said. "He is a good golfer, and we thought it was entirely appropriate."

Although he shot 77-72 and missed the cut by one shot, his presence in the world's most famous course showed that China, who has already been one of the superpowers in the Olympic sports, is catching up in golf.

"For me it was a dream come true," Zhang said. "For China this is only the beginning."

"Young players in China will improve and one day reach a higher level. There are a lot of kids starting to play in China and when they see this on television it will help golf in China."

"Playing at the US Masters was a great experience and I've learned from it," Zhang said. "Standing on the first tee in the opening round, my legs were trembling as I was so nervous. It took me a while to settle down and find my rhythm."

Zhang last year became the first Chinese golfer to win a European PGA Tour event. He clinched the Singapore Masters by a stroke from South Africa's Ernie Els.

Golf in China has only developed in the past 20 years. In just 20 years, to put someone in the Masters is something the country is all proud of.

"There's a little bit of pressure knowing the whole country is on my back. People in China know it's the most prestigious golf event in the world. People in China see the course on TV but it's very different to be here," said Zhang.

Zhang was introduced to the game when he was a javelin thrower at high school and was asked to work as a caddie for a Japanese man.

He rose to fame when he humbled Colin Montgomerie of the United States in the Dunhill Cup nations event in 1998. He was the fourth player to receive a special invitation since the US Masters changed its criteria five years ago to rely more heavily on the world ranking.

Zhang also captured the China Open, his fifth win in Asian, last year, and finished runner-up on the 2003 Order of Merit.

But except the historical debut in the US Master, Zhang achieved far less in 2004 than what he did last year.

He failed to retain titles in the Singapore Masters and China Open and ended the year without a title. He said it was because he had spent more time with his wife and their newly-born son.

"I will be 40 years next year, for a golfer, it's not an old age. I hope to win something next year."

And after that?

"I hope to design my own golf course and have my own golf school," he said. "I want to see more Chinese golfers in the professional circuit."

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