July 1, 2026

The CHAU-SHI Series – Din Yue Open, with a total purse of NT$5 million, officially teed off today (July 1) at Taichung International Golf Club. Playing under scorching sunshine and high temperatures, defending champion Wang Wei-hsuan carded a flawless eight-under-par 64 with eight birdies and no bogeys to take the outright lead after the opening round. Chan Chia-han and Liu Yung-hua both posted 65s to share second place.

Japan's Rinkei Shinzato, together with Taiwan's Lu Sun-yi, Lee Chieh-po and Chan Shih-chang, all returned rounds of 66 to finish the day tied for fourth.

Six players are tied for eighth at five-under-par 67, including Taiwan's Chen Ting-yu, Huang Yi-tseng and Ho Ching-hung, Italy's Gabriele De Barba, and Japan's Shunichiro Morioka and Shori Ishizuka.

The tournament is title-sponsored by Din Yue Co., Ltd., organized by the Taiwan Professional Golfers' Association (TPGA), and co-organized by Taichung International Golf Club.

Wang Wei-hsuan credited his opening-round performance to the consistency of every club in his bag and the absence of any major mistakes. He noted that both the fairways and greens at Taichung International Golf Club were in excellent condition, with the greens holding approach shots well, allowing him to attack pins with confidence. Most of his shots finished exactly where he had planned. He required only 25 putts and hit 16 greens in regulation.

Three of Wang's eight birdies came on the par-5 holes. As one of the longer hitters on Tour, his consistent driving enabled him to attack the greens with wedges on his second shots, leaving birdie opportunities of around five to seven feet, most of which he successfully converted. He admitted he had several birdie opportunities on the front nine but failed to capitalize because he misjudged both pace and break. After making just two birdies on the front side, he adapted better to the greens on the back nine and birdied six holes, including five consecutive birdies from the 10th through the 14th holes.

Wang said the extreme heat made the tournament's special local rule allowing players to ride in golf carts throughout the round particularly beneficial. He believes it greatly helped conserve energy while also improving the pace of play.

"After every shot, I made full use of the rule by riding in the cart whenever possible to save energy," Wang said.

Chan Chia-han recorded eight birdies and one bogey in an excellent opening round. He drove the ball consistently throughout the day, missing only four fairways, while his approach shots from around 100 yards were particularly sharp. He hit 13 greens in regulation and, with an outstanding putting performance requiring only 24 putts, produced one of the day's best scores.

Starting from the 10th tee in the morning wave, Chan made four birdies on his opening nine holes, including birdies on two par-5s. At the 13th, he chipped close and holed the putt for birdie, while at the 18th he knocked his third shot to within 15 feet before converting the birdie putt. His longest birdie putt on the outward nine came from 18 feet at the 17th. After making the turn, he added birdies at the 1st, 2nd and 5th holes, each converted from putts of approximately four to six feet.

His only disappointment came at the ninth, his final hole of the day, where a three-putt resulted in his lone bogey.

He noted that the first half of this season has been particularly demanding, as he has been competing regularly on both the China Tour and the TPGA Taiwan Tour. Since April, culminating with last week's ADT Bangkok Elite Tournament, he has played four consecutive weeks of competition, with this week's event marking his fifth straight tournament. On one hand, he hopes to improve his position on the China Tour Order of Merit. On the other, competing on different tours and courses has enabled him to better understand varying playing conditions while making subtle adjustments to his putting philosophy, rhythm, and course-management strategy, all of which contributed to his strong opening-round performance today.

Starting in the afternoon wave, Liu Yung-hua carded seven birdies without a bogey, his best bogey-free round of the season. He credited his performance to excellent putting, saying both his green reading and execution were highly accurate. He needed 28 putts and struck his irons exceptionally well, hitting 15 greens in regulation and creating numerous birdie opportunities. Three of his birdies came from putts of approximately 18 feet.

Liu added that his driving was noticeably more consistent than in recent tournaments, while his approach shots were better controlled, allowing him to place the ball much closer to his intended targets. He shot 33 on the front nine and 32 on the back nine.

Japan's Rinkei Shinzato, who opened with a 66, started from the first tee. He was pleased with both his chipping and putting, although he admitted his driving still needs improvement. His bogey-free round featured six birdies, including birdies on all three par-5 holes, each set up by an up-and-down that left birdie putts ranging from four to seven feet. He also birdied two par-3s. At the seventh, he narrowly missed making a hole-in-one before tapping in for birdie, while his birdie at the 16th came from a 17-foot putt. He finished strongly by birdieing the final three holes from the 16th through the 18th.

This is Shinzato's first season on the TPGA Taiwan Tour after successfully earning his playing status. With the extreme heat, he also experienced for the first time the tournament's special local rule allowing players to use golf carts throughout the round. He described it as an excellent adjustment that made competing much more comfortable for the players.

Playing in the afternoon, Lu Sun-yi also demonstrated excellent iron play and putting. He hit 14 greens in regulation, his highest total in recent tournaments, and needed 28 putts while recording seven birdies and one bogey. Three of his birdies came on the par-5 holes. At the fourth, he reached the green in two and two-putted for birdie, while at the 13th and 18th he birdied with simple chip-and-putt combinations. Three additional birdies came from putts ranging from four to seven feet, with his longest successful birdie putt measuring 14 feet on the fifth hole. Lu said his recent form has largely been built on the strength of his putting, particularly his ability to consistently convert short birdie opportunities.

Temperatures climbed even higher during the afternoon, with the heat index reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Lu said he made a point of riding in the cart after nearly every shot to conserve energy and drank plenty of water throughout the round to avoid heat exhaustion. He believes the policy allowing cart use helps players perform better under such extreme weather conditions.

Chan Shih-chang recorded one eagle, five birdies, and one bogey. His highlight came on the par-5 fourth hole, where he hit a 226-yard second shot with a utility club to within nine feet before converting the eagle putt. After the round, Chan said his driving was fairly steady throughout the day. Having recently switched to a new set of irons, he is still adjusting to them, but hitting 14 greens in regulation represented a solid performance. His 27 putts also played a key role in producing his excellent score.

Unfortunately, his tee shot on the final hole found the water. However, thanks to an excellent recovery approach and a successful putt, he managed to save par. Finishing with a 66, he said he was very satisfied with his performance.

Lee Chieh-po carded seven birdies and one bogey. He said his driving was solid throughout the day, although his long-iron play was not at its best. On the other hand, his short irons from within 150 yards were particularly sharp, allowing him to hit 16 greens in regulation and create numerous birdie opportunities. While he described his 29-putt performance as merely average, it was still enough to convert several birdies, the longest coming on the par-3 16th, where he holed a 21-foot birdie putt.

The tournament is being contested over four rounds and 72 holes from July 1 to 4 at Taichung International Golf Club. This marks the second consecutive year that Din Yue has served as the title sponsor of a Taiwan Tour event after upgrading from the Challenge Tour last year. For the first time, the total purse has been increased from NT$3 million to NT$5 million, while the winner's prize has doubled from NT$500,000 to NT$1 million, further enhancing the competitiveness of the tournament.

In 2023, Din Yue and Ju De Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. jointly title-sponsored the Din Yue Ju De Challenge. The following year, Din Yue independently title-sponsored the Din Yue Challenge. Both Challenge Tour events offered a total purse of NT$1 million. To provide Taiwanese players with a stronger platform to showcase their talents, Din Yue upgraded to become the title sponsor of a Taiwan Tour event last year. This year, the company not only returns as title sponsor for a second consecutive season but has also substantially increased the tournament purse.

This tournament is the sixth event of the 2026 TPGA Taiwan Tour and the fourth event of the CHAU-SHI Series. The champion will receive NT$1 million, with NT$450,000 awarded to the runner-up and NT$220,000 to the third-place finisher. Following the first two rounds, the top 50 players and ties will advance to the final two rounds. The field features 144 players from seven countries, including 130 professionals and 14 amateurs, with nearly all of Taiwan's elite players competing.

In addition to the host nation, competitors also come from six other countries and regions: Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States. The professional field consists of 129 players, including 104 Taiwanese professionals and as many as 28 Japanese professionals, along with 14 Taiwanese amateurs competing this week.

The CHAU-SHI Series was initiated by Mr. Wong Chau-shi, one of the founders of Mercuries Group and its Honorary Chairman. Beginning in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced both the number of Taiwan Tour events and the overall prize money, Mr. Wong personally stepped forward as the title sponsor of the series. He funded six tournaments that year, contributing NT$2 million per event for a total of NT$12 million, helping establish the foundation of the Taiwan Tour schedule. The series has now entered its sixth consecutive season under the same title sponsorship model, with Mr. Wong contributing NT$1.5 million in sponsorship for each event. The 2026 CHAU-SHI Series consists of eight tournaments.

The CHAU-SHI Series also features a special Order of Merit Bonus Award. The player who finishes as the season-long money leader of the CHAU-SHI Series will receive an additional NT$250,000, sponsored by Mr. Lin Kuo-er, Chairman of Hon Lin Construction Co., Ltd., and will also earn an exemption into the following year's Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

Wei Chao-liang, General Manager of Twin Oaks Development, explained that the company's continued support of TPGA tournaments and its annual increases in prize money stem from a deep understanding of its clientele. Twin Oaks Development primarily serves the top ten percent of customers across the Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, Miaoli, Yunlin, and Chiayi regions. Through market analysis, the company found that more than half of its target customers are active golfers. Wei said that by taking the lead in supporting professional golf, Twin Oaks hopes to create a more competitive stage for Taiwanese professionals while providing direct assistance to the development of the sport. At the same time, the company has also long served as the title sponsor of all-age slow jogging events, continuing to promote sports culture and public wellness as important elements of urban aesthetics.

Wei added that although Twin Oaks Development is a real estate developer, it has always regarded itself as an "integrator of premium lifestyles." Over the years, the company has devoted tremendous effort to integrating every aspect of daily living—including dining, fashion, housing, transportation, education, and leisure—to provide comprehensive services for both its residents and its partners, including the TPGA. In dining, it operates the highly acclaimed Din Yue restaurant. In fashion, it serves as the exclusive Taiwan distributor for the global luxury brand Giorgio Armani. In transportation, it provides seven premium chauffeur-driven vehicles together with personalized vehicle detailing services for residents. In the area of recreation and wellness, its U Young Sports Club has established a Professional Sports Recovery Station at this tournament to provide expert sports therapy and recovery services for both professional golfers and distinguished guests.

Twin Oaks Development's corporate philosophy mirrors the growth of every TPGA professional golfer—both are built through the gradual accumulation of strength, experience, and reputation. Since its establishment in 2004, Twin Oaks has earned its reputation through quality construction and outstanding service. In 2018, the company made the strategic decision to establish its own property management company, marking a turning point in enhancing its customers' quality of life. Over the past eight years, it has grown to a team of 160 employees providing frontline services across five residential communities. Its excellent reputation within the industry has attracted many outstanding professionals, enabling employees to realize their full potential while creating a win-win environment for both the company and its staff.

It was precisely because Twin Oaks established its own property management company and remained committed to forward planning that it was able to expand into many related businesses. Wei explained that the company initially began by providing six meals a day within its residential communities. As demand from residents continued to grow, this eventually led to the establishment of Din Yue Restaurant. Likewise, its transportation services evolved from courtesy shuttle services into premium offerings such as dedicated car washing, beauty, body care, and nail services. Every year, the company reassesses residents' needs and plans ahead accordingly. Wei believes this philosophy is entirely consistent with the mindset of professional golfers, who constantly challenge themselves to become more competitive.

The core values of Twin Oaks Development are "Architecture, Art, and Premium Living." While serving as the title sponsor of TPGA tournaments, the company, like professional golfers themselves, continues to learn, improve, and pursue excellence. Every player must overcome challenges and constantly strive for improvement, with the greatest opponent often being oneself. Wei believes this philosophy closely aligns with Twin Oaks' own commitment to continual self-reflection, understanding customer needs, and pursuing continuous improvement.

Wei concluded by saying that he fully appreciates the high standards to which professional golfers hold themselves. He hopes the players will fully demonstrate their abilities on the course and wished everyone continued success throughout the remainder of the tournament.

Din Yue — Connecting world-class wine collections with life's most memorable moments through every extraordinary banquet.

Din Yue is Taiwan's only standalone fine dining and banquet venue. Guided by the philosophy of "One Exclusive Banquet, One Timeless Occasion," it provides elegant settings for everything from intimate dinners for two, corporate entertaining, and product launches to golf tournament banquets and grand celebrations accommodating up to 400 guests, creating an experience that combines ceremony, privacy, and international standards of hospitality.

The venue features 20 private dining rooms accommodating gatherings of between two and sixty guests. The Starlight Grand Banquet Hall on the second floor is designed as a fully exclusive event venue capable of accommodating 36 banquet tables. Equipped with Taiwan's largest 673-inch P1.5 Ultra-HD 8K LED display and a Bose theatre-grade sound system, it has become a premier venue for corporate galas, product launches, international forums, award ceremonies, and luxury weddings. Every event enjoys exclusive use of the entire venue without sharing the space with others.

Located on the second basement level of Din Yue, the Taibai Wine Cellar serves as an extension of its hospitality philosophy. Covering approximately 460 ping, the cellar houses more than 150,000 bottles of fine wines, including over 750 labels from 15 countries. It has received Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses) for five consecutive years. The team has also repeatedly attended the Hospices de Beaune Charity Wine Auction in France, acquiring world-class auction wines and bringing them back to Taiwan.

In addition to its extensive international wine collection, the Taibai Wine Cellar features 38 Super VIP private wine rooms, each independently temperature- and humidity-controlled and capable of storing approximately 200 to 260 cases of wine. Designed for business executives, collectors, and wine enthusiasts, these private cellars complement Din Yue's complete hospitality experience. From rare vintage collections and professional sommelier service to premium Chaozhou and Cantonese cuisine prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Lai Yuan-hui, Din Yue seamlessly integrates fine dining, exceptional wines, and refined hospitality, ensuring that every banquet and every bottle opened becomes a treasured memory.

For this year's Din Yue Open, a wine from the Hospices de Beaune Charity Wine Auction in France has been selected as the official hole-in-one prize. This not only showcases the Taibai Wine Cellar's long-standing dedication to promoting world-class wine culture, but also reflects Din Yue's commitment to refined living and exceptional hospitality by combining the game of golf with world-class wine collections and premium dining experiences.

The tournament features the following special awards:

Hole-in-One Award

East Course Hole No. 3

2022 Hospices de Beaune Charity Auction Wine from the Din Yue Taibai Wine Cellar collection (2022 Hospices de Beaune Pommard "Cuvée Raymond Cyrot")

During the four official tournament rounds (July 1–4), three cases (18 bottles), with a total value of NT$250,000, will be awarded.

On East Course Holes 3 and 7, and Middle Course Holes 3 and 7, players making a hole-in-one on any of these four holes will receive the prizes designated by the golf club's existing sponsors, together with a cash award of NT$10,000 provided by Taichung International Golf Club.

At Hole No. 16, Donghui Timepieces will award a Bell & Ross watch valued at NT$130,000 to the first professional player to record a hole-in-one during the four official rounds of the tournament. This prize is open to professional players only.

Regardless of the hole or the number of winners, Daan Group will provide a complimentary one-night stay in the Presidential Suite at Lishan Hotel, valid on both weekdays and weekends.

For breaking the course record on the East and Middle Courses (current record: 63, held by Lai Chia-yi), Taichung International Golf Club will award a cash prize of NT$20,000.

In addition, on the Pro-Am day, Mr. Tang Wei-chih, Chairman of Royal Thai Spa Health Management Group, provided 152 gift voucher packages, each valued at NT$5,500, consisting of a Royal Thai SPA Premium Experience Voucher (NT$2,500) and a Conbo Clinic Health Consultation Voucher (NT$3,000). These gift packages were presented to all guests and players attending the Din Yue Open Pro-Am Gala Dinner.

During the third and fourth rounds of the tournament on July 3 and 4, U Young Sports Club will provide on-site sports recovery and athletic care services, allowing both tournament guests and participating players to receive professional treatment and support.

Golf fans are encouraged to take this opportunity to visit Taichung International Golf Club from July 1 through July 4 to enjoy the outstanding performances of Taiwan's top professional golfers. Spectators are welcome on the course during tournament play. A facility and course maintenance fee of NT$212 is payable at the clubhouse reception. After completing the registration process, spectators will receive an admission pass allowing access to the course. All spectators must remain on the designated cart paths, as no shuttle service will be provided between holes. For safety reasons, children under the age of six and pets are strongly discouraged from entering the course.

Highlights from the final two rounds of the tournament will be broadcast on a delayed basis at 4:00 p.m. on July 14 and July 15. Coverage will be available on the Taiwan Professional Golfers' Association Facebook page, YouTube channel, Yahoo Sports Taiwan, LINE Golfourit, the TPGA official website, VL Sports, and Line Today.