Zeng Liqi
After testing their game against the world’s best players at the Blue Bay LPGA, the China LPGA Tour regulars are in Guangdong province this week for the Golfjoy Women’s Open, a new tournament on tour featuring a few familiar faces in the field.
With the RMB500,000 tournament set to tee off Thursday on the Leadbetter Course at Mission Hills Golf Club, several Chinese players who play overseas have extended their trip to appear in front of their home fans at the famed golf resort in Dongguan.
Among them is Zeng Liqi, the CLPGA Tour, the 2022 Order of Merit title winner. The teenager is coming off a tied 58th finish at Blue Bay. In her rookie season stateside, she made nine cuts in 18 events to finish 124th on the money list with US$122,741. She now plays full-time on the Epson Tour development circuit.
“The result at Blue Bay is crucial for my priority ranking. That result certainly wasn’t the best, but it’s far from the worst. It adds a lot of uncertainty to my schedule,” said the 18-year-old Nanchang native, a winner of four CLPGA Tour events. “My first feeling upon returning (to China) is familiarity. Being back among friends feels like coming home. I’m really, really happy.”
Cai Danlin
Cai Danlin was another encouraged by her Blue Bay result. The 21-year-old played the third round with Yin Ruoning and they ended the tournament tied for 33rd place.
“Fatigue is definitely a factor now. But I’ve been focusing on my post-event physical recovery in the winter, and I think it’s manageable. During the off-season, I put a lot of effort into improving my physical fitness, and this is only the second week of consecutive tournament weeks. Playing three or four weeks in a row could be more challenging, but since it’s only the second week I’m not too worried.”
“The real challenge lies in those greens as the green speed varies significantly depending on whether it’s uphill, downhill or a side hill lie. Reading the putting lines accurately and matching the proper roll is crucial. A top-five or top-three finish would meet my expectations. Let’s wait and see how it goes,” said Cai about the Leadbetter Course.
Pang Runzhi
Looking to improve is Pang Runzhi. The 18-year-old, who finished second on the CLPGA Tour money list last year in her rookie season, missed the cut at Blue Bay after struggling with her putter.
“I’ve already played several LPGA events, including last year’s Buick LPGA Championship in Shanghai, and I’ve learned a lot and recognise the gaps. Last week, one of the players in my group was very steady, unlike my game, which was more erratic. She was also very meticulous and serious, which are qualities I need to learn from,” said Pang, winner of last year’s Singapore Ladies Masters.
“The course is a mountainous one with significant elevation changes. Fortunately, this week, we are playing by cart so it’s not as physically demanding. Although I didn’t make the cut, this is a new week. This is a brand-new year; I aim to do better.”
