Chinese wonder golfer, Tianlang Guan has arrived ‘Down Under’ looking forward to teeing up in this week’s Emirates Australian Open in Sydney.
Guan arrived from his homeland where he had been competing in the OneAsia Nissan Cup, a three-day Ryder Cup-style event in Shenzhen.
The 14-year-old, who was huge praise last month in winning the Asian Amateur to earn an exemption into next year’s Masters, received high praise from his team mates over the nature of his play.
“I was amazed by his skill and what he can do at the age of 14,” said Team China partner and former Masters participant Wenchong Liang
“I believe, with his body growing stronger, Langly (Guan’s nickname) will become a complete golfer. He is just short of physical power and lacks hitting distance now.”
But with the Australian golfing public eager to watch Guan compete on the Lakes Course even with his elevated profile, Guan’s father, Hanwen, doesn’t expect the teenager to add events to his 2013 schedule.
More than likely, Guan will continue to play one tournament per month when school is in session.
“We are choosing tournaments according to their importance,” Hanwen Guan said.
“When he wins a tournament, he will change to others of a higher level. There is less meaning to doing what is easy to achieve, though it is always a happy thing to win.”
Just on a month ago, Guan captured the Asian Amateur that will ensure next April he is the youngest player ever to tee up in the Masters.
“I think I have done well in coping with pressure,” said Guan.
“I think there is no need for me to think too much about The Master, but to keep my beat and strategy.”