The opening round of the second event of the 2026 ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour, the Cheng Guan Yuan Challenge, was played today (April 22) at Ta Kang Shan Golf Club in Kaohsiung. Wang Shih-jui and Chen Ting-yu both carded 4-under-par 68 to share the lead. They also split the NT$15,000 Daily Low Score Award sponsored by Lions Clubs International District 300-E1 Governor Huang Ming-tsung, each receiving NT$7,500. Lin Ta-yu and Chen Yen-yu followed closely with 69, tied for third, heading into tomorrow’s final round.

Yang Hao and Chang Yu-cheng both posted 70 to tie for fifth, four strokes behind the leaders, and remain in contention for the title.

Among the amateurs, Kao Lung-jui recorded a 73 to sit tied for 18th, the best performance among the six amateur players in the field.

This week’s tournament marks the second event of the 2026 ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour, with a total purse of NT$1 million. This is the ninth consecutive year that Bowe Group (Cheng Guan Yuan Driving Range) has served as the title sponsor of the event. The tournament is co-organized by The PGA of Taiwan (TPGA) and ThreeBond Co., Ltd., with Ta Kang Shan Golf Club as the co-organizer.

The tournament is played over 36 holes across two rounds with no cut. A total of 90 professional players (including one from South Africa) and six amateurs are competing for the championship title and the winner’s prize of NT$150,000.

Wang Shih-jui delivered a steady round with six birdies and two bogeys. Highlights included a nearly 20-foot birdie putt on the 3rd hole, downhill birdie putts of around 15 feet on both the 9th and 15th holes, and a superb 9-yard chip-in birdie on the 18th hole.

He led the field with 28 putts. Notably, he created birdie chances within 9 feet on holes 4 through 8 but managed to convert only one on the 6th. His driving was consistent, missing only one fairway, and his short game performed well, contributing to his strong round. He aims to stay composed and deliver another solid performance tomorrow in pursuit of his first professional victory.

Chen Ting-yu, who turned professional last year, carded five birdies and one bogey. He credited his accurate putting—recording just 25 putts—for his performance. Highlights included a 21-foot birdie putt on the 4th hole and a nearly 40-foot birdie on the 13th, while the remaining birdies came from short putts of 2 to 6 feet. His chipping was also effective, saving par on several occasions. However, he dropped his only bogey on the 18th after coming up short on both his second shot and chip. He noted that both his driving and iron play were steady and hopes to maintain his form in pursuit of his first professional title.

Chen Yen-yu, just one stroke behind, recorded five birdies, including birdies on all four par-5 holes. Each came after reaching the green in regulation followed by short birdie putts within 2 to 6 feet. He also chipped in from 36 yards on the 12th hole for birdie. His two bogeys resulted from misjudged chip shots.

After the round, he stated that he recently adjusted his chipping technique and applied different methods depending on the situation, which proved effective. Combined with solid iron play and consistent putting, he was very satisfied with today’s result.

Lin Ta-yu demonstrated excellent iron accuracy, with all five birdies converted from within 6 feet. His tee shots were also effective. He noted that due to the shorter course layout, he relied more on fairway woods rather than the driver to achieve better positioning. However, he failed to capitalize on two par-5 holes and made bogeys due to a penalty and a poor second shot.

Lin finished runner-up by one stroke in the season-opening event earlier this April and is aiming to capture his second Challenge Tour title tomorrow.

Yang Hao recorded one eagle, two birdies, and two bogeys. Starting from the 10th hole, he bogeyed the 10th and 13th holes before responding with an eagle on the 485-yard par-5 14th after hitting his second shot to within 6 feet. He added a 16-foot birdie on the 1st hole and another birdie on the par-4 9th after reaching the green off the tee.

He commented that his chipping performed well and his putting was solid. After struggling with his short game in the previous event, he made adjustments to his stance and swing, which proved effective today.

Chang Yu-cheng, also four strokes behind, recorded four birdies with just 24 putts. His highlight was a 10-yard chip-in birdie on the 5th hole. He also recorded two bogeys but stated that all aspects of his game felt smooth throughout the round.

During the tournament, Cheng Guan Yuan Driving Range provides complimentary practice access for all players, as well as a buffet on the day of the awards ceremony. In addition, Ku Chen Nan Bakery sponsors VIP gifts, while Chairman Cheng Yang-ching of Jing Dian Development provides refreshments for players in each round.

The course is set at 7,191 yards. Tee times for both rounds begin at 6:30 a.m. The final round is expected to conclude at approximately 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, followed by the awards ceremony.

ThreeBond, a Japanese multinational company specializing in adhesives, has been the title sponsor of the TPGA Challenge Tour for 12 consecutive years. The 2026 ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour will feature nine events.

Special Awards (April 22–23):

Hole-in-One Prize: Holes 3, 8, 13, and 16 each offer NT$30,000 and equivalent sponsor prizes.

Additional Hole-in-One Awards:

Hole 3 – NT$100,000 (Wu’s Bakery / Wu’s Food Co., Ltd.)

Hole 8 – NT$100,000 (Ze Li Industrial Co., Ltd.)

Hole 13 – NT$100,000 (Yi Li Da Resource Technology Co., Ltd.)

Hole 16 – SEVENFRIDAY watch (valued at NT$55,000) provided by Tung Hui Watch Co.

(All awards are limited to the first professional player to record a hole-in-one during official competition rounds.)

Daily Low Score Award:

Sponsored by Lions Clubs International District 300-E1 Governor Huang Ming-tsong, NT$15,000 per round (April 22–23), awarded to professional players only.

Course Record Bonus:

NT$20,000 for breaking the course record of 64, currently held by Lin Wen-tang.

Amateur Champion Prize:

Sponsored by Dunlop Taiwan – SRIXON Z-STAR DIAMOND golf balls (5 dozen)

Sponsored by Shang Chong International Co., Ltd. – OMNIX golf bag (1 unit)

The tournament is not open to on-course spectators. Viewing areas are limited to the tee boxes of holes 1 and 10, and the greens of holes 9 and 18. For safety reasons, children under the age of six and pets are not recommended.