2025/7/17

The CHAU-SHI Series - Din Yue Open, with a total purse of NT$3 million, continued its second round today at Taifong Golf Club in Changhua. Hsieh Ting-wei showcased superb putting, carding a 4-under-par 68; Japan’s Yuki Kajimura posted a 70, while Liu Yong-hua struggled with inconsistency and shot a 74. The three players share the lead at 5-under-par 139 after two rounds.

Liu Yen-hung shot an even-par 72 for a two-round total of 140 (-4), placing him in solo fourth.

Wang Wei-hsuan fired a 67, Japan’s Shori Ishizuka recorded a 68, while Chan Shih-chang and Chang Wei-lun each signed for 71, and Lian Lu-sen posted a 73. The five players are tied for fifth at 141.

After two rounds, the cut was set at 149 (+5), and 52 players, including two amateurs, advanced to the final two rounds.

Tomorrow’s third round will feature simultaneous starts from the 1st and 10th tees, beginning at 7:00 a.m. for the first group and 8:25 a.m. for the last. Play is expected to conclude around 1:30 p.m.

Due to the extreme heat over the past two days—with midday temperatures reaching 35°C and a “feels like” reading of 41°C—Thai player Tawit Polthai suffered heatstroke and was rushed to the hospital. Several other players reported feeling unwell and also sought medical attention. As a result, the tournament committee announced that players will now be allowed to use golf carts throughout the remaining rounds (previously only permitted between holes).

Hsieh Ting-wei delivered a strong performance with six birdies and two bogeys, highlighted by a sensational finish of three consecutive birdies over the last three holes, contributing to a back-nine score of 32 after an outward nine of 36 with two birdies and two bogeys. “My driving was decent today, even though I hit only five fairways. I stayed out of trouble. My irons were okay—not perfect in terms of distance control—but my 27 putts were the key to scoring,” he said.

Starting on the 1st hole, Hsieh birdied the par-5 5th with a chip and 6-foot putt, then added a 12-footer on the par-3 8th. His most remarkable moment came on the 13th, where he holed a 60-foot putt from the back fringe. He then birdied the last three holes: a 12-footer on the par-4 16th, a 20-foot downhill putt on 17 after a precise chip, and a brilliant chip-in from 8 yards on the par-5 18th after his third shot missed the green.

Japan’s Yuki Kajimura also made four birdies against two bogeys, relying on sharp putting with just 23 putts—second best among the field. His birdies included the par-5 18th (up-and-down for birdie), plus a 23-foot putt on the 4th, a 13-footer on the 9th, and a 16-footer on the 10th. He praised the course: “The greens at Taifong are in incredible condition—probably the best I’ve ever played in Taiwan.”

Liu Yong-hua had an erratic front nine after starting on the 10th hole. He bogeyed the 10th after finding the trees and a bunker, then made a triple bogey on the 14th following a hooked drive and multiple recovery errors, taking five shots to reach the green. A three-putt bogey on the 16th added to his woes, leaving him 5-over through seven holes. However, birdies on 17 and 18—both par-5s—helped stabilize his round. He added two more birdies and one bogey on his final nine holes, finishing with a 21-foot birdie putt on the 9th. “The first seven holes were tough, and my confidence took a hit, but I focused on simplifying my swing and execution,” Liu said.

Liu Yen-hung, who opened with 68 yesterday, posted three birdies and three bogeys today. His birdies came at the par-3 8th (15-footer), par-4 13th (tap-in), and par-5 18th (two-putt after reaching in two). “It was brutally hot—by the end I was so drained I could barely talk,” he said, noting his 34 putts.

Taiwanese long hitter Wang Wei-hsuan recorded an eagle and four birdies against one bogey. On the 400-yard 1st hole, he drove to the fringe and chipped in for eagle. He birdied three par-5s (3, 17, and 18) and added another on the 6th with a 3-foot putt. His 67 vaulted him from T32 to T5.

Among 14 amateurs, Ko Liang-yu shot 72 for a 147 total (+3), best among amateurs and tied for 24th overall. Lai Yu-yang carded 73 for 149, tied for 41st—both advanced to the final two rounds.

Tawit Polthai, who was second after round one, withdrew after 13 holes due to severe dehydration and cramping caused by the heat. He was hospitalized but is now stable.

This event is a 72-hole stroke-play tournament and marks Din Yue’s first time hosting a TPGA Tour event after two years of sponsoring the ThreeBond TPGA Challenge Tour. The winner earns NT$500,000, and the runner-up NT$250,000.

Din Yue partnered with Recoco Corporation Ltd in 2023 to co-sponsor a ThreeBond Challenge Tour event, and in 2024, Din Yue became the sole title sponsor. This year, the company upgraded its sponsorship to the TPGA Tour level to provide Taiwanese players a bigger stage to showcase their skills.

The TPGA Tour officially joined the OWGR system on January 5, 2025, placing it alongside major international circuits.

The field consists of 126 professionals from seven countries, including 93 from Taiwan and 22 from Japan, plus 14 Taiwanese amateurs.

The CHAU-SHI Series, title-sponsored by Wong Chau-shi, Honorary Chairman of Mercuries Group, has supported the TPGA Tour since 2021 during a period of financial challenges caused by the pandemic. In 2025, the series features 10 events with total sponsorship of NT$15 million, forming part of the TPGA’s 20-event schedule. The series also offers a special bonus: the season’s leading money winner earns an extra NT$200,000 courtesy of HONLIN CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD and an exemption into the following year’s Taiwan Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

Din Yue is Taiwan’s only full-building dining venue dedicated to luxury banquets. The facility offers 20 private rooms accommodating groups from two to 60, each featuring tailored menus and a high level of exclusivity.

The second floor’s “Starry Banquet Hall” can host up to 36 tables and features Taiwan’s largest 673-inch P1.5 ultra-high-definition 8K LED wall with Bose theater-grade sound—ideal for corporate events, brand launches, and luxury weddings.

The Tai Bai Wine Cellar on B2 houses over 750 premium labels from 15 countries and has earned the prestigious two-glass award from Wine Spectator for four consecutive years, making it Taichung’s only venue to receive such recognition.

The culinary team, led by Executive Chef Lai Yuan-hui, brings over 35 years of experience in Cantonese fine dining, including premium ingredients such as abalone and shark fin. Din Yue emphasizes refinement, wellness, and authentic flavors in its offerings.

Din Yue’s service philosophy—“Graceful Hospitality”—ensures every guest receives personal attention for a seamless, elevated experience.

Taifong Golf Club stretches 7,255 yards with challenging rough, undulating greens, and fast putting surfaces. Combined with the heat, it poses a stern test of skill and stamina. The course has been prepared in peak condition for this event.

Special Prizes:

Hole-in-One:

No. 8: During the Pro-Am, the first ace wins a luxury private banquet in Din Yue’s Moonlight Hall (NT$100,000 value).

During official rounds, the first ace wins a case of premium California wine (valued at NT$116,400) from Tai Bai Wine Cellar.

Holes 2, 8, 12, and 15: NT$10,000 cash from Taifong Golf Club.

Hole 15: A Bell & Ross watch (NT$168,000) from Tung Hui Watch Company for the first ace (pros only).

A free night in the Presidential Suite at Lishan Guest House courtesy of Daan Group.

Lowest score in Rounds 3 and 4: NT$10,000 each from SOCH Furniture | Diandiansleep.

All Pro-Am participants and guests receive vouchers valued at NT$5,500 sponsored by Chairman Tang Wei-chih (including Royal SPA vouchers and health consultation credits).

During the third and fourth rounds (July 18-19), U-Yang Sports Complex will provide on-site sports therapy and recovery services.

Spectators are welcome free of charge by registering at the Xisha or Jiaqing clubhouse desks. No carts are allowed for spectators; walking only. For safety, children under six and pets are prohibited on course.

Highlights of the final two rounds will air in 60-minute recap shows on July 29 and 30 at 4:00 p.m. on the TPGA Facebook page, Videoland Sports, and YouTube. News updates will also be available via TPGA’s website, Golfourit on LINE, LINE Today, and Yahoo Sports.