Newly crowned 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion (APAC), Wenyi Ding, is set to play his first pro event since turning professional at this week’s Hangzhou Open on the Challenge Tour.

In what was an emotional victory for Wenyi, two weeks ago in the APAC. The 19-year-old has taken the brave decision to turn down his exemptions gained into two of the game’s most prestigious tournaments—The Open Championship and The Masters, as he has opted to take advantage of the DP World Tour status he has earned through the Global Amateur Pathway. A route designed to give non-collegiate amateurs a springboard into professional golf.

In an interview with Golf Digest before the event, the former Arizona State University golfer explained that the opportunity to begin his professional career outweighed the allure of competing in two Majors. “I was really struggling with this decision. I talked with my coaches, friends, and agent. It’s hard to get a tour card as a young player, and this was probably my best chance,” Ding said.

“I can’t sacrifice this tour card for the chance to play The Masters and The Open,” Ding admitted. “Hopefully, I can qualify for those events as a professional. Now, I want to focus on improving my game, making cuts, and competing for wins.”

As one of five invitees this week, Wenyi will be competing for his first cheque in the US $500,000 prize pool event at Hangzhou West Lake Golf Club, which gets underway this Thursday.

Main Image: Graham Uden