Timothy Tang eyes fresh kick-start to flagging fortunes
Member of Hong Kong's silver medal-winning team at the China National Games last year hopes to regain his tour card with good performance
Timothy Tang is hoping he can kick-start his flagging professional career in the next few days, but another local player, Roderick Staunton, is at Fanling because "my boss is very understanding".
Both players shot even-par 70s yesterday, but 28-year-old Tang has a lot more at stake.
"I played on the Asian Tour in 2011, but have since lost my card. I'm hoping to win it back again next year and will be playing in the qualifying school. I feel I was not ready the first time around on the Asian Tour, and I feel I'm better prepared now and all I have to do is win back my place," said Tang.
Tang, who was part of Hong Kong's silver medal-winning team at the China National Games last year, had a mixed opening round carding five birdies and five bogeys.
The medal has earned Tang support from the Hong Kong Sports Institute's individual athletes' awards scheme and he is grateful.
"I get some money and it helps, but I want to be on tour," he said.
Staunton, whose father Hugh was a former president of the Hong Kong Golf Association as well as a former captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club, was born into the game.
"I have not played here for a long time, but having qualified I took a couple of days off work as my boss has been good and understanding about me coming out and trying to [make the cut]," said Staunton, who is still an amateur.
"I did think of turning pro a long time ago, but the reality is I'm not good enough," said the 32-year-old Staunton who took up a job with HSBC.
He looked the part early yesterday as he began with two birdies in his opening three holes and at one stage held a share of the lead at three-under par. But it
