ThreeBond Close Station-Elite Challenge
Final Round
2023/11/16
The 2023 ThreeBond Close Station - Elite Challenge, with a total prize money of NT$1 million, concluded its final round today (16th) at the Tao Yuan Golf & Country Club. In the unpredictable wind conditions, CHAN CHIA HAN, who started one stroke behind, played a round of 71 strokes below the standard, totaling 143 strokes over two rounds, edging out the competition and claiming the championship along with a prize of NT$180,000. Tseng Fu Tung secured a birdie with a long putt on the final hole, scoring 73, while Lin Chen Chu shot 68. Both ended with a total of 144 strokes, tying for second place and receiving NT$80,000 each.
With the second-place tie, Tseng Fu Tung's total earnings for the ThreeBond Challenge Tour this year increased to NT$353,699. This victory allowed him to surpass Chan Ting Li, who was originally in the lead, securing the Order of Merit Winner title and the NT$500,000 prize sponsored by TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. Chan Ting Li ranked second with total earnings of NT$343,707, receiving NT$300,000 in prize money. CHAN CHIA HAN took third place with NT$323,800 in earnings and a prize of NT$200,000.
For 24-year-old CHAN CHIA HAN, this victory marks his first title since turning professional in 2020. Expressing his gratitude during the awards ceremony, he thanked his sponsors WISHVISION EYE CENTER, SUB70 apparel, Hammer Golf equipment store, Taipei Golf Club, and his parents for their encouragement and support.
Additionally, LIN YUAN WEI scored 69, HSIEH MIN HSUAN scored 71, and LU SUN YI scored 72, all finishing with a total of 145 strokes, tying for fourth place.
The final results of the Close Station event are crucial for determining the ThreeBond Challenge Tour Order of Merit Winner and the top three, as well as qualifying for the Taiwan Tour next year. The top five in total prize money directly qualify for the Taiwan Tour. Apart from the top three players mentioned earlier, LU SUN YI, ranking fourth, and SHOTARO BAN, ranking fifth, also secure direct qualification.
In today's competition, CHAN CHIA HAN started one stroke behind Tseng Fu Tung. After the front nine, he led by one stroke with a total score below the standard. Despite some errors on the back nine, including bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes, he managed to stay ahead. In the end, CHAN CHIA HAN secured victory with a par on the 18th hole, overcoming the pressure and challenges posed by his competitors.
After the victory, CHAN CHIA HAN attributed his success to his putting skills. Despite feeling nervous, he focused on playing each hole and not thinking about the championship or other players' performance. This win adds a sense of accomplishment to his more than 10 years in golf and boosts his confidence to continue his professional golf journey.
CHAN CHIA HAN mentioned the challenges he faced in his first year as a professional, dealing with unexplained pain in both wrists. He expressed gratitude to his five-member advisory team, including his father, a Ph.D. in sports biomechanics from Chang Gung University, who played a crucial role in his recovery. Since switching to lighter golf clubs, CHAN CHIA HAN has been injury-free and able to concentrate on his game.
Having started playing golf at the age of 10 and with his father as his coach, CHAN CHIA HAN faced a moment of contemplating giving up the sport due to injuries. However, his father's encouragement kept him on the golfing path. Although he is currently evaluating the balance between competing and coaching, he believes that focusing on details and efficient training will lead to better results in future tournaments.
The event, sponsored by ThreeBond and organized by Taiwan PGA, was co-hosted by Tao Yuan Golf & Country Club.
TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. Chairman Lin Jui Chang has continued to sponsor the TPGA Taiwan Tour and ThreeBond Challenge Tour Order of Merit Winner for the fifth consecutive year. This year, the prize money has been increased, with the Order of Merit Winner receiving NT$500,000, second place NT$300,000, and third place NT$200,000. The same applies to Taiwan Tour.
The award ceremony was attended by notable guests, including ThreeBond Hong Kong Limited President Shigeyuki Uematsu, ThreeBond Hong Kong Limited Taiwan Branch General Manager Hirokazu Tsuchiji, Tao Yuan Golf & Country Club Deputy Manager Cheng Chung Liang, Chief Referee Charles Kuo, and TPGA Chairman Chen Jung Hsin.
The ThreeBond Challenge Tour Order of Merit Winner award ceremony will be held after tomorrow's (17th) Pro-Am banquet.
ThreeBond is a multinational company originally specializing in adhesives, introduced to TPGA by former TPGA Chairman and current ThreeBond Challenge Tour Executive Director Chen Tze Chung. The company has been the title sponsor of TPGA Challenge Tour for nine years, a rare and valuable partnership.
The 2023 ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour comprised nine events, each with a total prize money of NT$1 million, and a championship prize of NT$150,000. The Close Station event also had a total prize money of NT$1 million, with the champion receiving NT$180,000.
