Three to watch at the Hainan Open

Facing the cream of the crop from the European Challenge Tour this week at the Hainan Open are a host of China’s finest golfers. Here we profile three players who could make an impact at Sanya Luhuitou GC.

Xinjun Zhang

The 29 year old took an unconventional route into golf, discovering the sport after initially working as a security guard at his local golf club. Found he had a talent for the game while working as a caddie and since turning professional in 2010 has enjoyed success on the European Tour, picking up a cheque for € 46,965 after finishing tied 46^that the WGC – HSBC Champions last year. Zhang is also a two-time winner on the PGA Tour China Series after triumphing at the 2014 Beijing Open and the 2015 Chongqing Jiangnan NewTown KingRun Open. Currently sits in fifth place on the 2016 PGA Tour China Series Order of Merit after earning ￥319,575 in seven events this season.

Hui-lin Zhang

No relation to Xinjun, but Hui-lin is also an up and coming force in Chinese golf who sits in the top 15 on the PGA Tour China Series – he lies in 13^thplace after making ￥210,670 in seven starts this term. The man from Hunan will be returning to Hainan with fond memories after he shot a five under par final round of 67 to climb up the leaderboard and claim the 2015 Hainan Open title at Dragon Valley Golf Club – close to this week’s venue. Standing at five foot eight inches with a slim physique, the 27 year old is known as a fierce competitor who packs a punch.

Wen-yi Huang

The experienced Huang has also made a name for himself in Chinese golf after an outstanding tied fourth place finish at the 2015 Shenzhen International. The 35 year old ensured it was a fantastic tournament for the home fans, after his ten under par total was bettered by his fellow countryman and European Tour winner Haotong Li who finished solo second after reaching 12 under par. Known for his hard work and commitment by putting in long hours on the driving range, Huang is a seasoned professional who also finished tied seventh at the BMW International Open in 2013.