Guan Tian-lang made European Tour history in his opening round of the Volvo China Open on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to tee it up in a sanctioned event at 13 years, 173 days.
The Chinese teen struggled to a first round 5-over 77 at Binhai Lake Golf Club to trail Englishman Matthew Baldwin by 12 shots.
“I am quite happy with the performance, but I think I can do a lot better,’ said Guan, who is tied for 149th place in the 156-player field. ‘My goal before the round was to make the cut but I will try not to think about that and just play the best that I can.”
Oliver Fisher and Marcus Fraser were Guan’s playing partners on Thursday. Fisher shot 75 while Fraser carded 67 to trail the lead by two shots.
‘To be that age and be able to play at this level is amazing. I felt lucky to be out there with him because if he keeps going he will be in the top 10 in the world pretty comfortably,’ Fraser, 33, said.
‘I couldn’t believe I was playing with a 13-year-old. I am old enough to be his dad. It’s pretty scary actually. I thought I was still quite young.’
Wu Ashun had the best round of the day among the 30 Chinese players in the field with 3-under 69. Colin Montgomerie is among those in contention after the first round, shooting 4-under 68 to trail by three shots.
