Guan targets Augusta return

Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang is hoping to return to the Masters tournament with a win at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
The 2013 season was a record-breaking one for the teenage star, as he became the youngest golfer to make the cut at a major championship event when he finished 58th at the Masters in Augusta.
Having earned his place at the 2013 Masters by winning the AAC in Thailand, Guan has said that he is working hard to replicate his amazing achievement by doing the same at this year’s tournament in Hong Kong.
"The AAC is the best amateur event in the region and the most important tournament to me every year," he told scmp.com.
"I have always done well at this tournament and it is very special to me.
“The experience at the Masters was two years ago and I am eager to win again this year so I can return to Augusta National in 2016. I’ve been working hard to get ready for the tournament. I can’t wait to give my best and hold aloft that trophy on Sunday afternoon.”
Still only 16 years of age, Guan has said that it is hard to stay on top of his game while trying to balance his school work but he is still confident in his ability to add another AAC title in his trophy cabinet.
"It is a lot of work when you have to go to school and then try to improve your game at the same time," the teenager explained.
"My body has been growing in the past two years so I need some time to adjust, amongst other things, my swing and body frame.
"The schoolwork is getting harder and harder, too, so it has been very challenging. However, I believe, as long as you do all you can, you will have no regrets and be rewarded. I still believe I am one of the best amateur golfers in the world and I am capable of winning again this year."
Last year, Tianlang finished tied for fifth in Melbourne and was among the leaders throughout the tournament until he fell away on the final day.
However, the Chinese player has said that he enjoyed the AAC last year and that since he still young everything is a learning experience for him.
"The AAC at Royal Melbourne was a wonderful memory for me," added Tianlang.
"I had a slightly disappointing finish but I gained a lot of experience by playing in the last group.
"A year has passed and I have learned many new things, but I have also noticed the gap between the top players and myself. All I want to do is to play my best and enjoy the tournament."
Latest
-
PGA Championship
Justin Thomas pays tribute to caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay after his US PGA victory
Phil Mickelson’s former bagman gave Thomas a crucial pep talk after he shot 74 on Saturday.
-
PGA Championship
Tommy Fleetwood confident he is ‘coming out the other side’ after dip in form
Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA Championship
Emotional Justin Thomas credits his experience for US PGA victory
Thomas also won the 2017 US PGA at Quail Hollow.
-
PGA Championship
Justin Thomas eclipses Will Zalatoris in play-off to claim second US PGA title
The former world number one’s victory equalled the biggest comeback in US PGA history.
-
PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy’s Sunday charge at US PGA Championship ends in disappointment
McIlroy’s closing 68 in Tulsa was followed by him declining to speak to waiting reporters.
-
PGA Championship
Paul McGinley says Tiger Woods deserves better than to be a ‘ceremonial golfer’
The 46-year-old withdrew from a major championship for the first time in his professional career at Southern Hills.
-
PGA Championship
Mito Pereira with three-shot lead at US PGA as Tiger Woods withdraws
It is the first time in his career that Woods has withdrawn from a major.
-
PGA Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick relishing chance at securing first major title
A third round of 67 means Fitzpatrick trails leader Mito Pereira by three shots at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA Championship
Tiger Woods withdraws from US PGA following his worst round at event
The American made the halfway cut with a shot to spare at Southern Hills, but struggled to a nine-over-par 79 in the third round.
-
PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy suffers early blow to slip further back at PGA Championship
After a run of five straight pars McIlroy pulled his tee shot to the par-three sixth into the water and ran up a double-bogey five.