The third event of the 2026 ThreeBond Challenge Tour, the Winnway International Challenge, held its opening round today (29th) at Hsin Yi Golf Club. Wu Chih-yi and local player Su Chin-hung both showcased precise putting, carding 5-under-par 67s to share the early lead. Lee Shih-hung and Lin Wei followed two strokes behind with 69s, tied for third place. The final round tomorrow is expected to feature an intense battle for the title.
Chen Hui-hung, Lai Chia-yi, and Hsu Chao-wei each posted 70s to tie for fifth, three strokes behind the leaders, and will also contend strongly for the title in the final round.
Among the amateurs, Juan Chi-yi shot 72 to tie for 16th, the best among the 10 amateur players. Tseng Szu-en followed closely with a 73, tied for 27th.
This week’s tournament is the third stop of the 2026 ThreeBond Challenge Tour season, offering a total prize purse of NT$1,000,000, with NT$150,000 awarded to the champion. This marks the first time that Winnway International Co., Ltd. serves as the title sponsor for a single event. The tournament is co-organized by the The PGA of Taiwan (TPGA) and ThreeBond, with Hsin Yi Golf Club as co-organizer.
Winnway International Co., Ltd., founded in 2007, primarily distributes semiconductor packaging and testing materials and equipment. With extensive industry experience, the company focuses on customer needs and industry trends, providing integrated solutions through professional expertise and supplier technical support.
The tournament is a 36-hole, two-round event with no cut. A total of 96 players—86 professionals and 10 amateurs—are competing for the championship trophy and the winner’s prize of NT$150,000.
Winnway International will provide a buffet for players at the awards ceremony tomorrow. During the tournament, Cheng Guan Yuan Driving Range offers complimentary practice for participants.
The course is set at a total yardage of 7,459 yards. Tee times for both rounds begin at 6:30 a.m. The tournament is expected to conclude around 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, followed by the awards ceremony.
Wu Chih-yi performed well on the greens today with 26 putts, recording one eagle, seven birdies, and four bogeys. On the par-5 4th hole, he reached the green in two and holed a 21-foot putt for eagle. On the 1st hole, he also made a 21-foot birdie putt. On the par-4 7th hole, despite being 42 feet past the pin after his second shot, he holed the putt for birdie—his longest birdie putt of the day. Most of his other birdies came from within 12 feet.
He said after the round that although his chipping was not ideal and he lacked confidence around the greens, his putting was strong, and both his feel and swing rhythm were good. He also kept a relaxed mindset, which contributed to his solid performance.
Local player Su Chin-hung, also a sponsored player of the title sponsor, recorded 25 putts with seven birdies and two bogeys. On the par-5 15th and 18th holes, he reached the green in three with a chip-and-putt birdie. On the 18th hole, his tee shot went into the rough on the left, forcing him to lay up. From 150 yards, he reached the green and made a 3-foot birdie putt. His longest birdie putt was a 21-footer on the 12th hole.
He commented that his driving was inconsistent, but his putting was excellent and his iron play was solid. However, the wind conditions were variable and difficult to judge, even for a local player, resulting in several missed birdie opportunities from beyond 15 feet.
Su has previously won two Challenge Tour events and the 2025 Chang Wah Open at this course.
Lee Shih-hung and Lin Wei, currently tied for third, each recorded four birdies and one bogey. Lee’s birdies included the par-5 15th and 18th holes with chip-and-putt finishes, along with birdies on two par-4 holes. He noted that his overall play was balanced, hitting 11 fairways and 13 greens, with 29 putts. However, he missed several birdie chances within 15 feet and had a costly three-putt on the par-5 4th hole.
Lin Wei, who secured a full card on the China Tour this year, has been playing a busy schedule with three consecutive events. He also played consistently well, hitting 14 greens in regulation and taking 29 putts. His longest birdie putts were 9 feet and 15 feet on holes 10 and 14. He said the wind made distance control difficult, but his driving was generally solid, missing only one or two fairways, and his short irons performed well, especially on the back nine.
Hsiao Ho-yu initially posted a 69 to tie for third but was penalized two strokes for failing to sign his scorecard, in accordance with the latest R&A rules, dropping him to a 71 and a tie for eighth.
Special Awards:
Hole-in-one prizes are available on holes 3, 6, 13, and 17, with NT$20,000 offered by the course.
Additional prizes include various sponsored items such as golf shoes, hotel stays, whisky, and equipment.
Cash hole-in-one prizes:
Hole 3: NT$100,000 (provided by Sheng Yi Co., Ltd.)
Holes 6 & 13: NT$100,000 each (provided by Winnway International Co., Ltd.)
Hole 17: NT$100,000 (provided by Winston Materials Technology Co., Ltd.)
These are awarded to the first player (professional or amateur) achieving a hole-in-one during the tournament.
Additionally, on Hole 17, Tung Hui Watch Co. provides a SEVENFRIDAY watch valued at NT$55,000 for the first professional player to achieve a hole-in-one.
Course Record Bonus:
NT$20,000 for breaking the course record (63, held by amateur Chen Chi-chun).
Amateur Champion Prizes:
Sponsored by DUNLOP Taiwan and Shang Chong International Co., Ltd., including SRIXON Z-STAR DIAMOND golf balls and an OMNIX golf bag.
Season Rankings Bonus (sponsored by Taiwan Fuhsing Industrial Co., Ltd.):
No. 1: NT$500,000
No. 2: NT$300,000
No. 3: NT$200,000
ThreeBond, originally a professional adhesive manufacturer from Japan, has been the title sponsor of the TPGA Challenge Tour for 12 consecutive years. The 2026 season continues with nine events.
Spectators are allowed on the course during the tournament. A NT$30 insurance fee is required at the starter’s station to receive a spectator pass. Visitors must walk along cart paths, as no shuttle service is provided between holes. For safety reasons, children under six years old and pets are not permitted on the course.
