Singapore: Liang Wenchong, the first mainland Chinese to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title, has been unveiled as Singapore Golf Association’s (SGA) newest golf ambassador.

With 21 professional wins worldwide, including victories in Singapore, Japan, India, Thailand, China and the Philippines, the 45-year-old will help develop and enhance Singapore’s golf eco-system.

Singapore fans fondly remember Liang for his famous play-off victory over Malaysian Iain Steel in the 2007 Clariden Leu Singapore Masters at Laguna National Golf & Country Club. That victory played a pivotal role in him being crowned as Asia’s number one golfer that year.

“We are very honoured to welcome Liang as our latest SGA Ambassador,” said Tan Chong Huat, President of the SGA, an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“From his various achievements as a successful professional player, a R&A Ambassador and China’s Head Coach of the Men’s Golf Team at the recent Asian Games, I’m certain he will improve our network in the golf eco-system in Asia and internationally, furnish fresh perspectives with insights and deep experience, and add to the bench strength of our current group of already stellar cast of SGA Ambassadors.”

SGA’s other prominent ambassadors include global Mandopop superstar JJ Lin, retired politician Lee Bee Wah, Albert Chiu, Executive Chairman of EFG Bank Asia, and Elffy Arifin, a father-of-two and business owner, who hails from a multi-generational family that plays golf.

At the SGA Gala Awards night at the Orchid Country Club this week, Liang said: “Singapore holds a special place in my heart. I won the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters here and have forged many close friendships with my fans here.

“I’m ready to share my global playing experience with SGA and also do my part in making golf a sport for all in Singapore.”