Late bloomer Zhang Lianwei brings Chinese golf to the world
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-13 19:57

Zhang Lianwei never had childhood dreams of being a golfer. The Chinese star was training as a javelin thrower before he first picked up a club while caddying in 1985.

China's first professional golfer Zhang Lianwei poses at the Macau Tower in Macau May 13, 2005. Two-time Macau Open champion Zhang failed to ignite his title challenge on Friday, shooting a 70 for a two-day score of 139. [Reuters]

But since turning pro in 1994, Zhang has beaten some of the best. He became the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event when he held off Ernie Els by a stroke at the 2003 Singapore Masters, and he beat three-time major winner Nick Price in a playoff to win here three years ago.

Last year, Zhang became the first golfer from China to play in the US Masters and is also the first Chinese player to make the cut at a PGA Tour event.

Not bad considering the 40-year-old was close to taking up bowling instead of golf after he packed away his javelin. And he taught himself how to play.

Now, Zhang is working on winning his third Macau Open. He won back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002, the second after holding off Price at the fifth playoff hole.

Zhang on Friday finished the second round of the Macau Open seven strokes off the lead.

But his overall success is sparking golf fever in China. For decades, golf was considered a bourgeois sport that didn't mix with proletarian tastes in Communist China, but the game is catching on fast in the economic-booming nation.

China has become a focal point for development of the Asian Tour, which has scheduled seven tournaments there this year.

Asian Tour player Jason Knutzon of the United States _ last year's Macau Open winner _ says Zhang is already a popular sports star in China. ``It's like the reaction Tiger Woods gets in the States. He has a big fan following, and he should.''

Zhang has another special connection to Woods. Last year, Zhang named his baby son ``Tiger.''

Former US Masters champion Fred Couples, who is competing against Zhang in Macau, said it was great to see the Chinese golfer drawing new fans to the game.

``I enjoy seeing people's reactions. It's fun,'' said Couples, a 15-time winner on the US PGA tour.

Zhang also sees himself as a golf diplomat who's showcasing his nation's athletic prowess.

``I want to bring Chinese golf to the world. A lot of people don't know about Chinese golfers, so I want to play in tournaments around the world to promote our cause,'' he said.

Zhang, who has won more than US$800,000 (euro626,400) in earnings, is nicknamed ``Mr. Volvo'' because of his success at events sponsored by the Swedish carmaker. His wins include the 2003 Volvo China Open, the 1995 and 1996 Volvo Masters of Malaysia and the 1995 and 1996 Volvo Masters of Thailand.

His strength on the links is not lost on his opponents.

``He is very consistent,'' Couples said. ``He hits the ball solid, with very few misses. That's very important in golf.''

But Zhang is critical of his own game as he tries to pull out of an 18-month title drought.

``My swing hasn't been good lately,'' he said. ``I must improve.''

Zhang says he likes competing against the best because he can better judge his form.

``You know, to see if I can drive as far as they can or be as accurate. It's invaluable experience,'' he said.

Zhang, ranked 23rd on the Asian Tour, is constantly working to maintain a high level of fitness in his bid to work his way up the order of merit.

``Fitness is very important,'' Zhang said. ``I play some other sports to keep that up, games like ping pong and basketball. I also do a little bit of gym work to get more power.''

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