Auckland professional again awarded scholarship

Auckland professional Liv Cheng who plays the Symetra Tour in the United States.

Auckland professional Liv Cheng has been awarded a New Zealand golf scholarship
for the second year in a row.
The scholarship is worth $12,000 and is funded by New Zealand Professional Women Golfers (NZPWG) from it’s annual Anita Boon Pro-Am tournament in Auckland. The tournament is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken and Coca-Cola Amatil.
Cheng, 22, is based in the United States where last year she played the Symetra Tour. That is a development golf circuit to the world’s richest tour for women, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
The scholarship helped Cheng compete on the Syemtra Tour last year and it would be likewise for this year.
“I am proud to be selected as the recipient of the 2016 KFC golf scholarship,” Cheng said.
“My 2015 Symetra Tour season would not have been possible without the financial support of the scholarship, and I aim to utilise the opportunity KFC and NZPWG have provided by striving towards my goals.
“This KFC golf scholarship will enable me to compete in another full Symetra Tour season in 2016, which is a key stepping stone on my journey to the LPGA. I am truly grateful for the ongoing support of KFC and NZPWG.”
Cheng returned home to play the New Zealand Open in Christchurch last month and finished eighth. She had scores of 70, 69 and 72 for a three-round total of 211. That was five shots behind the winner Lydia Ko.
Cheng’s potential is matched only by her ambition. The bachelor of arts graduate aspires to represent New Zealand at the Olympics in Brazil this year where she would play alongside Ko.
Her attitude and drive has been recognised by NZPWG, whose trustees unanimously voted Cheng as the scholarship winner ahead of two other strong candidates.
“We are thrilled to announce Liv Cheng as our 2016 recipient of the KFC golf scholarship,” said NZPWG trustee Liz McKinnon.
“Liv displayed her self-belief and determination in grinding out a solid first season as a professional tour golfer, and we are delighted to be able to continue our support of her progress.
“I’m very confident the experience Liv gained during her debut season will help her rise up the ladder in 2016 and eventually reach the LPGA.”