Cheng Jin puts Augusta dream aside for Nomura

Joy Chakravarty 06:48 22/10/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Major talent: Cheng Jin.

    Cheng Jin might have Augusta National on his mind but insists his immediate focus is on Abu Dhabi and China’s bid to finally win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship.

    Jin will spearhead China’s tilt for a maiden Nomura Cup title at Yas Links Abu Dhabi starting on Thursday, fresh from winning the weather-shortened Asia Pacific individual amateur men’s title in Hong Kong earlier this month.

    The victory earned the 17-year-old a dream start in next April’s Masters at Augusta National where he will trade blows with the world’s best professionals including defending champion Jordan Spieth.

    It’s head-spinning stuff for one so young but the talented teen appears to be taking it all in his stride at Yas Links where 27, four-man teams tee it up today in the opening round of the 72-hole teams strokeplay event.

    “Augusta is the dream of every golfer I guess and I think when I step there next year, it is just going to be so exciting,” Jin said.

    “I’m excited about everything. Every round I play there, how the course is going to look like and the facilities and Augusta itself…everything. They are best players in the world so I’m just going to try to learn from them and enjoy the tournament and enjoy the time I play with them.”

    For now, Jin is focused on leading China’s bid for their first Nomura Cup victory. It will be a monumental feat if China do win.

    Australia have won a record 10 Nomura Cups, including seven of the last eight titles, so they are the firm favourites this week. Australia’s Trans-Tasman neighbours New Zealand, eight time champions Japan and Chinese Taipei all intend having a say in the outcome of the championship.

    Jin certainly appears to have the game to put China in contention. His victory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Hong Kong included a sizzling opening round, course-record 62 at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club. He followed it up with rounds of 68-69 for a one shot lead heading into the final round which was eventually abandoned.

    But for now, Jin is focused on the Nomura Cup. He played at the last edition in Thailand in 2013 and won selection for the prestigious Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy on the back of his form there.

    Jin isn’t predicting how China will perform at Yas Links, but is looking forward to the week.

    “It’s my first time here in Abu Dhabi and I couldn’t wait to go out on the golf course,” he added. “I enjoy playing team events even though we don’t get to play them a lot, the kind of feeling you get from spending time with your teammates, it’s different from when you play individual events. I’m always proud to represent my country.”

    The lowest three of four scores count towards the team total on each day of the 72-hole stroke-play tournament which is second only to the Eisenhower Trophy world amateur teams’ championship in terms of size and global stature.

    Recommended