Wed, Apr 25, 2007 - Page 19 News List

Liang Wen-chong wants more support for Chinese golfers

AFP , BEIJING

Liang Wen-chong says emerging Chinese golfers need more help to establish themselves, calling for dedicated personnel to steer them in the right direction.

Currently the hottest property in Chinese golf after winning the European Tour-sanctioned Singapore Masters in March, Liang is a big supporter of the game in his homeland.

He donated his Singapore prize money to development of the game in China, following a similar gesture after winning a China Tour event last season.

But it has been a long haul to get where he is and he knows the pitfalls that face young golfers now coming through.

"The middle-range players, the ones who are not very famous yet, are facing difficulties," he said.

"It is hard for them to go abroad and play. By donating the money I hope to encourage people who support the sport, to encourage people who like the sport to be more supportive," Liang said.

"I have walked the path [which up-and-coming Chinese golfers are walking at the moment] and it was not easy," he said.

Liang pointed to the crop of new Thai golfers now on the Asian Tour and the fact that they have someone who travels with them to smooth their way, something Chinese golfers do not have.

"They have one person to take care of them while they are playing abroad and I think that is a very good thing," he said.

"The most important thing is to have someone help them solve problems. How do they register for tournaments, how do they enter an event, how do they book tickets, who do they look for to get information at a tournament. If they have all these details to worry about they are not going to play golf very well," Liang said.

Liang is encouraged that the Omega China Tour, about to start its third season, is now established. He plans to continue supporting it as a way of helping his compatriots.

"It has taught them how to play events. I think that most of the players in the top 10 of the rankings on the China Tour should make it to the Asian Tour and beyond," he said.

"[But] I do not think one person should represent Chinese golf. It should be a team of players, it should be all about teamwork and team power -- not like a one-man show," he said.

"I think that teamwork and team power is the key for the future of Chinese golf," Liang said.

The China Tour begins with the Sofitel Golf Championship in Nanjing from May 10 to 13.

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