There are many things about Jin Cheng that surprise, particularly considering the fact that he’s only 17.
Coming from a country where golf is still in developmental stage, he has already made the world sit up and take notice of his prowess on the greens. He has no golfing idols, but “admires the skills of all great players” and “follow my own style”. And unlike many of his ilk, he doesn’t believe in aiming too far but taking it “step by step”.
The top Chinese amateur is in Doha for the ongoing Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, the first time he is playing in the Qatari capital. The teenager earned his spot in the CBQM by winning the seventh Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Hong Kong last October, which also helped him earn a place in the Augusta Masters to be played in April. The win also earned him a spot in qualifying for the British Open.
Despite the prevailing chilly and windy conditions at the Doha Golf Club, Cheng has managed to make his presence felt with a three-under score after yesterday’s third round—on a day when many big and experienced names struggled to keep their par.
“I am happy with the way I played here considering the windy and cold conditions. It was tough to adjust as the weather has been changing every day, so there was some struggle but I think I didn’t do that bad,” he said.
He shot a one-under 71 in the third round, three bogies on the fourth, ninth and 14th limiting the gains he got from back-to-back birdies on the fifth and sixth, and on the 10th and 16th.
He said he’s thoroughly enjoyed his experience so far. “This is my first time in Doha, in fact only my second time in the Middle East. I played in Abu Dhabi last week, and the conditions here are pretty similar, though I think it’s colder here. It’s been a great experience playing with some illustrious names. I am just starting out, so for me every tournament is a learning curve, and you can learn so much by watching the pros. I hope this experience will hold me in good stead for Augusta,” said Cheng, who is still in high school in Beijing.
Doesn’t he find it difficult to balance his studies with golf? “It’s difficult, yeah, but I think I have managed to balance it,” he said.
Cheng also has no plans to turn pro anytime soon. “Probably not in the near future, because I don’t think I’m ready for it. I need more experience and need to learn more. I hope I get to play more tournaments like this,” added Cheng, who’s currently ranked 21 in the amateur world rankings.
The Beijing native, who honed his skills playing night golf in Singapore, is understandably looking ahead to the one confirmed date in his diary—the April 4-18 Augusta Masters.
“Playing in Augusta is a dream for any golfer and I am no exception,” says Cheng. “I’m looking forward to everything there—every round I play there, how the course is going to look like and the facilities and Augusta itself… everything. The best players of the world will all be there, so I’m just going to try to learn from them and enjoy the time I play with them.”
Qatar Golf Association executive director Mohamed Faisal al-Naimi said he was happy to see Cheng playing the Qatar Masters. “He’s one of Asia’s most exciting talents and we are happy that he is here. Every year the Qatar Golf Association gives one playing spot to the winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and Mr Jin Cheng won the title this year. We wish him all the best for his future tournaments, and hope that he will make a mark at the Augusta Masters,” al-Naimi said.