Asian Tour No. 1 Liang Wenchong declared himself happy after wrapping up his British Open campaign yesterday, saying it would lay the foundation for his future success at the majors.
The Chinese star carded a four-over-par 74 in the final round at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, to end his week with a 19-over-par 299 aggregate. It was the first time that he had made the cut in three major appearances.
"I'm happy overall. This is my first time at the Open and I made it through the weekend. A tournament like this is a great learning experience. You learn to the patient and I will take this experience and apply it in future tournaments. I can become better," said Liang.
As the first Chinese to compete in the world's oldest major, Liang battled against gale-force winds which swept through Royal Birkdale and hopes to make a quick return to the Open, and other majors.
Liang will play at the Canadian Open, Reno-Tahoe Open and Wyndham Championship on the US PGA Tour over the next one month after receiving invitations and said that he hopes to eventually ply his trade full-time in America.
"I want to play on the PGA Tour but right now, I'm still laying the foundation.
"There are still things missing in my golf skills. One thing I am trying to learn is to peak at the right time.
"I also need to get my family and team ready too before making a move to America. If things are all in place, I will give it a shot," said the 29-year-old, who finished tied 12th at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans earlier this season.
Liang said K.J. Choi's title charge at the British Open - the Korean was two shots behind third-round leader Greg Norman of Australia - has been a source of inspiration, especially since Choi began his career on the Asian Tour in the mid-1990's.
"Whether KJ wins or not, he has already set a great example and is a role model. He has taken the steps that I am taking, from Asia to America and growing and improving. He's shown the Asian players how this road can be traveled. KJ's route is for all Asian players and he's a very successful role model," said Liang.
Liang credited his early career success to his experience on the Asian Tour, where he won the Order of Merit last season with one victory and eight top-10s.
"I want to thank the Asian Tour as winning the Order of Merit has given me the opportunity to compete in the majors. I hope the Tour will continue to grow. Golf is a new game in China and being an Asian player, I started with the Asian Tour and took it step by step.
"I still have 10 to 15 years of golf ahead of me and I want continue to step upwards and forward," said Liang.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily July 21, 2008)