Haotong Li looks to break local drought in Asia
2 Min Read
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 31: Haotong Li of China walks off the 9th green after his round during Day one of the WGC HSBC Champions at Sheshan International golf club on October 31, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Leads WGC-HSBC Champions, looks to become first local winner during TOUR's Asia swing
Haotong Li could become the first local winner on the PGA TOUR’s Asia swing after an impressive opening to the World Golf Championships–HSBC Champions in China.
The 24-year-old Chinese star – who will make his Presidents Cup debut in December for the International team – fired an 8-under 64 at Sheshan International Golf Club to lead by one over Frenchman Victor Perez.
Since the PGA TOUR began playing official events in Asia in 2009, a native of the host country has yet to find their way to the winner's circle.
RELATED:Im in the mix once again | Leaderboard | Tee times | How to watch
This season has seen the streak under threat with Byeong Hun An going close (T6) in Korea at THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES. Hideki Matsuyama (second) was closer still in Japan at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP.
Now Li – a two-time winner on the European Tour – has set himself up with a great chance.
“Today is a pretty good start and good beginning,” Li said.
“Obviously it would be great joy for Chinese golfers and Chinese golf fans to have a Chinese player winning a WGC-HSBC Champions here in China, but for the next three days, anything could happen.
“So I don't want to think too much about it. I just want to focus and concentrate on the upcoming three days because anything can happen. I just want to do a good job to keep this momentum going for the next three days.”
Li had missed four of his last seven cuts around the world leading into the event, but said a return to his old clubs sparked a turnaround. He was pleasantly surprised.
“I didn’t feel good with my new irons, and I actually had to change back to my old clubs this week to feel more comfortable in my own swing and putting,” he explained.
“I switched back to the round grip and find the rhythm a lot ... totally changed my swing feeling.”
Li was a clear crowd favorite on Thursday despite playing in a group with the always popular Phil Mickelson. Mickelson also draws a crowd in China and has been doing so for years. In fact, a decade ago he posed for a photo with Li who was 14 at the time as an up-and-coming junior.