Hong Kong: With his stunning victory in the World City Championship, Taichi Kho delivered arguably the finest moment in Hong Kong golfing history.

With a closing even-par 70 over the Hong Kong Golf Club’s famed Composite Course at Fanling, the 22-year-old rookie pro secured a two-shot triumph in the US$1 million Asian Tour event that was shortened to 54 holes due to inclement weather.

It was the first victory by a Hong Kong male on one of the world’s recognised professional Tours and came during a week in which he was appointed as an Ambassador for the Hong Kong Golf Club, one of the region’s most revered venues and a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

As well as earning himself a cheque for US$180,000, the victory has secured Kho a starting spot in the 151st Open Championship, to be held at Royal Liverpool in July, and a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour.

Among those to offer their congratulations was Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC).

He said: “On behalf of everyone connected with the APGC, I salute Taichi on this fabulous achievement. He’s a fine young man and we wish him the very best of luck as he continues on this new and exciting phase of his journey in golf.”

Runner-up at the 2021 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), Kho tied for 22nd at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage in Hua Hin in January, for which he had received an exemption from the APGC.

“I am happy that the APGC was able to provide Taichi with this opportunity – and that he took full advantage of it,” said Amin.

Danny Lai, the Hong Kong Golf Association’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our thanks go to the APGC for offering Taichi the spot into the Final Stage of Qualifying School. Taichi has done himself and the APGC proud.”

As he stepped off the 18th green, Kho said: “It feels like a dream – don’t wake me up. It was hard for me to keep it [under control] walking up the 18th because I knew what was in front of me. Just being at home in front of everyone, having my parents here, it just means the world to me.

“To be a professional golfer from Hong Kong and to be playing in Hong Kong, it’s truly something that I’ve always dreamed about.”