US Open qualifying: Hong Kong’s Alex Yang ‘incredibly happy’ after winning place in golf’s third major of year
- Stanford University student comes through qualifying tournament at Tacoma Country and Golf Club
- Yang will be the first player born in the city to compete in one of the men’s game’s biggest events
Alex Yang Hiu-wai will be the first Hong Kong men’s golfer to play in a major after he qualified for this month’s US Open.
The Stanford University student took one of two spots on offer at Tacoma Country and Golf Club on Monday during a mammoth day, where hundreds of golfers competed on courses across the US for the places up for grabs.
Yang finished three-under for his 36 holes, and tied at the top of the 54-player field alongside Canadian Jesse Schutte, a 34-year-old journeyman professional.
“I’m obviously incredibly happy,” Yang said. “It’s been a childhood dream to play in majors among the best in the world, and it’s a surreal feeling to do so.
“The journey to get here is the part I appreciate the most, it’s very validating to see hard work pay off. I’m excited for the next two weeks.”
Having never been represented in the sport’s four men’s majors before, Hong Kong will now have two in a matter of weeks, with Taichi Kho playing in the Open Championship in July, a spot he earned by winning the World City Championship earlier this year.
