Auckland golf professionals Hanee Song and Wenyung Keh share the honours
Auckland golf professionals Hanee Song and Wenyung Keh share the honours as joint recipients of the KFC Golf Scholarship.
The scholarship has awarded a total of $13,000 in funds for 2020 helping to further the golfing careers of young New Zealand women professional golfers. The scholarship aims to create opportunities to allow golfers to attend qualifying school, play on tour or develop their coaching career.
With both players competing on the China Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour (CLPGA) in 2020*, Hanee and Wenyung will split the funds equally to compete throughout the season with the end goal of attending LPGA qualifying school in August.
Hanee returns to the CLPGA in 2020 following a successful 2019 season. Finishing with a CLPGA ranking of 11th including four top 10’s across the CLPGA and ALPG tours, Hanee aims to break into the top five ranking this year.
“I’m very grateful to be selected as a KFC Golf Scholarship recipient. I’ve played in the NZPWG tournament since 2016 and would like to acknowledge the positive impact this scholarship will have” she says.
“I aiming to build on my success in 2019. The scholarship will allow me to access high performance coaching and contribute towards entry costs for the major qualifying schools this year.” she says.
Rookie professional Wenyung will be out to compete with the experienced professionals after gaining full status on the CLPGA this year. Wenyung had an exceptional amateur career including being a member of the 2016 NCAA National Championship team with the University of Washington and finishing tied second at the Asia Pacific Amateur in 2018.
“This is my first year as a professional and I’m looking forward to making an impact on tour”.
“It will be a big adjustment from amateur golf particularly as I will be managing my own schedule and logistics but I’m fortunate that my sisters will be on tour with me”, she says.
Wenyung is the second Keh sister to benefit from the KFC Golf Scholarship with Munchin being a joint recipient in 2017 and receiving the NZPWG Fellowship in 2018.
The NZPWG Board know both players will benefit from financial assistance the scholarship provides.
The funds will contribute to flights, accommodation, coaching and tournament entry fees and will allow both players to focus on their preparation and performance.
“Hanee and Wenyung are both working hard to establish themselves on the international stage and we’re excited to follow their progress this season” commented NZPWG Board Member, Kristin Farrell.
The NZPWG Board would like to thank all sponsors, amateur and professional players and volunteers for their support in 2019.
*Due to COVID-19, the start of the CLPGA season has been delayed.
