ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour

Yeangder Challenge Tour

Round 1

August 20, 2026

The fifth event of the 2026 ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour, the Yeangder Challenge Tour, kicked off its first round today at the Suncity Golf Course in Guanxi, Hsinchu. Defending champion Hung Chien-yao fired a 6-under-par 66 to take the sole lead. Chen Ting-yu, seeking his second challenge tour title of the season, and Wang Hsi-an, chasing his first career win, both carded 67s to sit one stroke behind in a tie for second place.

Tsai Chin-yang, Chen Wei-sheng, Tseng Feng-tung, Chen Po-hao, and Fang Chuan-wei all shot 68s, placing them two strokes off the lead in a tie for fourth. The final round will take place tomorrow, with the champion set to receive a trophy and a prize of NT$150,000.

Amateur Lee Chih-yu led the 10-player amateur field with a 75, currently tied for 50th place.

Heavy rain at Suncity last night gave way to clear skies this morning, but persistent showers and light rain returned in the afternoon. The competition was paused at 1:15 PM due to heavy rain, with two groups still on their final hole. Play resumed at 3:30 PM, only to be interrupted again by another downpour. Following a second resumption at 4:30 PM, all players successfully completed the first round by 4:50 PM. Despite the damp conditions, the course, measuring 6,812 yards, remained in good condition.

In the final round tomorrow, players will tee off simultaneously from the 1st and 10th holes, starting at 6:30 AM. The final group will tee off at 8:47 AM, and the awards ceremony is expected to follow the tournament's conclusion around 2:00 PM.

Defending champion Hung Chien-yao noted the challenging pin placements, though he found the greens to be smooth and consistent. He carded seven birdies and one bogey, including a brilliant chip-in from 12 yards off the green on the 4th hole. His only blemish came on the par-5 9th, where his second shot found the water. Hung, who tallied 25 putts today, stated that he is using this tournament to maintain his rhythm and form in preparation for two major Asian Tour events in September.

Chen Ting-yu carded six birdies and one bogey. He expressed satisfaction with his driver and iron play, noting that he hit 14 greens in regulation and converted most of his birdie opportunities within 6 feet. After earning his Taiwan Tour status last year, Chen aims to accumulate experience by competing on both the main tour and the challenge tour, though he acknowledged that his strategy and club selection still require refinement.

Wang Hsi-an, also a Taiwan Tour seeded player, hit 12 greens and needed only 26 putts. His day featured an eagle on the par-5 16th, where he holed out from 17 yards with his third shot. He highlighted his approach on the 17th hole—a 120-yard wedge shot into the wind—as his best of the day. Despite finding the water on the 11th, he managed to scramble for par, showcasing his ability to recover from challenging greenside positions.

Tseng Feng-tung recorded an eagle, six birdies, and two bogeys. Despite a rough start that included a double bogey and a bogey on his first two holes, he recovered well, highlighted by a chip-in eagle on the 16th.

Chen Wei-sheng carded eight birdies, two bogeys, and one double bogey. He was pleased with his accuracy off the tee and his chipping, hitting 12 fairways and 14 greens while needing 27 putts.

Chen Po-hao and Fang Chuan-wei both had to endure multiple weather delays in the late afternoon. Fang, finishing in the final group of the day, remarked on the physical fatigue caused by the three-hour delay, but remained satisfied with his overall performance after shooting six birdies.

The tournament features 96 players (86 professionals and 10 amateurs) competing over 36 holes for a total prize purse of NT$1 million. There is no cut after the first round, and prize money will be awarded to the top 40 players upon the conclusion of tomorrow’s final round.

Chairman Lin Jui-chang of Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd. has continued his support this year by providing additional bonuses of NT$500,000, NT$300,000, and NT$200,000 to the top three players in the season-long Challenge Tour Order of Merit.

Special tournament awards include:

Hole-in-One Prizes: NT$12,000 provided by the club for holes 4, 8, 12, and 14, along with existing sponsor prizes. Course Record: NT$12,000 provided by the club for breaking the record of 65, currently held by Hsu Hung-hsuan.

Amateur Champion Prize: Five dozen SRIXON Z-STAR DIAMOND 3 balls sponsored by DUNLOP Taiwan and an OMNIX golf bag sponsored by Shan Chung International.

Spectators are not permitted on the course, though access is allowed near the 1st and 10th tee boxes and the 9th and 18th greens. Children under 6 and pets are not allowed.

ThreeBond, a Japanese international manufacturer specializing in industrial adhesives, has sponsored former TPGA Chairman Chen Chih-chung for 40 years. This year marks their 12th year as the title sponsor of the TPGA Challenge Tour. This specific event is title-sponsored by the Yeangder Group, with Suncity Golf Course as the co-organizer.