As the Asian Tour’s 2023 season concludes with the Saudi Open, Hong Kong golfer Matthew Cheung faces a crucial challenge. Currently ranked 86th, Cheung is striving to secure his spot in the top 65 of the order of merit to retain his full card for the 2024 season. The Riyadh Golf Club event presents a pivotal opportunity for him to climb the rankings.
Cheung’s journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite making the cut in numerous tournaments across 15 starts, his highest finish was a tie for 10th at the International Series Vietnam in April. To secure his tour spot, he needs a top-five finish in Saudi Arabia, a daunting task considering the competitive field that includes renowned players like Kevin Na, Henrik Stenson, and Kieran Vincent.
Simultaneously, Taichi Kho, another prominent Hong Kong golfer, is sitting out the Saudi Open. Kho, who secured his status beyond 2024 with a win at the World City Championship in Hong Kong in March, currently holds the ninth spot in the rankings.
Meanwhile, Cheung’s Asian Games teammate, Jason Hak Shun-yat, is in Florida, competing in the final stage of the PGA Tour qualifying school. Hak, a bronze medalist at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, is among 165 hopefuls vying for a coveted PGA Tour card. After navigating through the initial stages, a top-five finish is essential for Hak to secure his spot.
Hak’s journey in golf began as a teenager when he made history by making the cut at the Hong Kong Open in 2008, the youngest to do so. Over the years, he has competed on the PGA Tour China and has continued to impress with his performances in major tournaments.
As the Saudi Open unfolds, it marks a decisive moment for both Cheung and Hak. For Cheung, the tournament is not just about securing his place in the Asian Tour but also about proving his mettle against some of the best in the field. For Hak, the challenge in Florida is a crucial step in his pursuit of a career on the PGA Tour. Both golfers, with their determination and skill, are set to make significant strides in their careers, irrespective of the outcomes at their respective tournaments.
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