Chongqing, China: Fresh from a memorable debut at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), Zhou Shiyuan, China’s top female amateur, is back home this week to defend her ZF.Kove Chongqing Women’s Open title.
The RMB500,000 CLPG Tour event tees off today at KingRun Nanshan Golf Club.
Last year, Zhou, 53rd in the World Golf Amateur Ranking (WAGR), captured her second straight CLPG Tour title in front of her hometown fans, beating pro Michelle Zhang Yunxuan on the second hole of a play-off.
“This is my first time playing in Chongqing as a defending champion. I haven’t thought too much about it,” said the 15-year-old who also won the Zhangjiagang Shuangshan Challenge last year for her first CLPG Tour title.
“I just hope to learn something new in this game. I’m not really focused on the title defence. I just want to play each shot well. However, last year’s championship victory gives me more confidence this week,” added Zhou, a member of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation’s triumphant team in the Solheim Cup-style Patsy Hankins Trophy against the European Golf Association in January.
Following yesterday’s practice round, the teenager declared the par-72, 6,420-yard Jack Nicklaus-designed KingRun Nanshan layout in excellent condition with lightning-fast greens.
“The wind is quite strong and the distances are relatively long. I believe what I need to pay attention to is my tee shots, making sure they are solid. Holes 12 and 15 are the challenging ones. Although hole 12 isn’t long, there are hidden perils on its green, so I must read it carefully,” said Zhou.
“Since I’m competing for the third consecutive week, I don’t have any specific expectations for myself. I just ask myself to stay calm. Winning through a play-off last year gives me a bit more confidence this year. But I really don’t have any other thoughts this year. I just hope that I can play each shot well and maintain my composure.”
Zhou said it was a thrill to compete at Augusta National a week ahead of Rory McIlroy’s historic Masters victory where he completed his career Grand Slam in winning all four Majors. She carded rounds of 72 and 74 at Champions Retreat to miss the 36-hole cut by three strokes, finishing equal 40th in the 70-player field. However, all participants were afforded the privilege of a practice round at Augusta National before the ANWA’s final round at the storied venue.
“I felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to play alongside top-ranked amateur players and the world number one (England’s Lottie Wood). I learned a great deal from them, and I’ve benefited a lot since I came back. That course is extremely beautiful. I took a photo at Amen Corner on hole 12, and it left a deep impression on me.”