Published July 17, 2008 on May 9, 2019

In-Form Chan Remains Focused Ahead of EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open

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If Hong Kong’s Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching is feeling the strain of life on the US-based LPGA Tour and the prospect of playing a fourth tournament in a third-time zone within the space of a week, she’s doing a very good job of hiding it.

Jetting in from Hawaii, where she just qualified for the largest prize money event on the LPGA calendar – by a whopping five-shot margin – the star player at this week’s EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open could be forgiven for showing signs of fatigue; but speaking to media ahead of the tournament, which tees off on Hong Kong Golf Club’s Old Course on Friday, the city’s golden girl remains absolutely focused on the task at hand.

“Obviously I’m super excited to be back at Hong Kong Golf Club to play in the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open. It’s my fifth time playing this tournament and having qualified for the US [Women’s] Open it’s given me quite a good confidence boost. The most important thing this week is to keep myself calm and not get too excited. My goal for the day is one shot at a time.

“I just got back from the States yesterday so I’m a little bit jet-lagged but the golf course is fabulous, the greens are rolling better than ever and I think the score could go lower than ever so I need to prepare myself for the challenge,” said Chan.

Chan was joined at the official pre-tournament press conference by fellow players competing in the tournament which is tri-sanctioned by the China LPGA, LPGA Tour of Taiwan, Ladies Asian Golf Tour and supported by the Hong Kong Golf Association and Hong Kong Professional Golf Association.

Australia’s Victoria Fricot added: “The golf course is looking amazing – that’s the word around all the girls here, they’re all very impressed so it should be a fabulous week.”

20-year-old Kay, who joins the field courtesy of an invitation from tournament sponsor EFG, will be one to watch this week. In a rich vein of form that has seen her claim five tournament titles over the last year, she’ll be looking to cause the kind of upset that Chan did as an amateur back in 2016.

“I’m just super grateful to EFG for the opportunity they have given me. To be here as an amateur – you can’t buy it, it’s unbelievable, so I’m just really grateful to be here, the course is looking unbelievable so hopefully, it will be a good week – a few birdies!”

2019 marks the fifth year of the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open – a milestone that was marked by players, VIPs and children affiliated with Hong Kong Golf Club’s local schools programme who planted trees on the historic Old Course, replacing some of those lost during last year’s typhoon Mangkhut.

In a further boost for the tournament, title sponsor EFG Bank and Hong Kong Golf Club also confirmed that the Swiss private bank would be renewing its tournament sponsorship for at least a further two years, ensuring the continued growth of the tournament.

Mr. Albert Chiu, Executive Chairman, Asia Pacific, EFG Bank, said: “As title sponsor, EFG is delighted to see such a high-quality field of seasoned professionals from around the region and the best local amateurs once again at the 2019 EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open. We hope all players will make use of the experience gained this weekend to help them grow their games to the next level, and be a step closer to achieving their dreams.”

William Doo Jr., Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club added: “This week marks the fifth edition of the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open which was created by Hong Kong Golf Club to give local professionals and talented young amateurs of our city a chance to develop their skills and display their talents on a truly international stage. The event has already exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t be happier with the field we have this week. We wish all 123 players the very best of luck as they tackle the historic Old Course, which was first played well over a century ago and remains a great test of golf.

“We thank the tournament’s sanctioning bodies: the China LPGA, the LPGA of Taiwan and the Ladies Asian Golf Tour as well as the Hong Kong Golf Association and the Hong Kong PGA. The quality of this year’s field pays testament to the work of these organisations.

“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our title sponsor EFG Bank. EFG is a long-standing supporter of golf development in Hong Kong and we are truly thankful for their continued and wholehearted commitment to this tournament. We look forward to working in partnership with EFG in the coming years to build on the foundation that has been created.

“Hong Kong Golf Club is committed to upholding and boosting Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s World City and we are confident the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

The US$ 150,000 purse EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open will be contested by a 123-player field from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th May on the Old Course at Hong Kong Golf Club.