Xiamen Open golfers donate 10 percent prize to typhoon victims

The China LPGA Tour swung back into action Thursday with the Xiamen Open International, a co-sponsored event with the Ladies European Tour, kicking off.

With the Ronald Fream/TK Pen-designed layout in Haicang district now back to tournament conditions, in a show of solidarity the players from the two tours are supporting the storm victims by donating 10 percent of the prize money this week to a local charity.

After Typhoon Meranti blasted the Fujian province coastal city a month ago, the greenkeepers at Orient Golf and Country Club worked overtime to rehabilitate the host venue. Hundreds of trees around the par-72, 6,352-yard course were felled by the super storm, inflicting heavy damage to the layout and putting the 300,000-euro tournament in jeopardy.

Yeom Hye-in goes into the tournament as the defending champion as the South Korean captured her maiden victory last year with a commanding five-stroke win.

"This year, I didn't play much for some reasons, but this event is very important to me. I spent a lot of time working with my coach in South Korea entering this week. I believe that I prepared myself well and believe that I have it in me," said the 24-year-old Incheon native following her practice round Wednesday.

"This is a special week for me. Last year I broke through finally and won this lovely trophy. I will try my best to defend it, but the last thing that I want is to put pressure on me. I just want to focus on every single shot."

Others in the field this week include France's Isabelle Boineau, currently fourth on the LET Order of Merit after winning the Scottish Open this summer, and rising Chinese Taipei star Cheng Ssu-chia, winner of the inaugural 2014 Xiamen Open International and joint runner-up last year.

This year, the 18-year-old Cheng has played 16 events on the US LPGA Tour with limited status and will attempt to get full playing status by earning her card through the qualifying school.

"I am definitely playing with confidence this week as I have had two good finishes here the last two years. I really felt very comfortable with it. Hopefully I can have another good finish."

Among the top mainland players looking to keep the trophy on home soil are Feng Simin and Shi Yuting.

US LPGA Tour regular Feng has successfully retained her playing card stateside for next year and expects a strong challenge from the LET players this week.

"Some of their players have played with us on the US LPGA Tour this year and you cannot ignore their presence," said the Beijing native who finished equal seventh at the Reignwood LPGA Classic last month for her best result of the year.

"I have played this course one or two times as an amateur. In my memory, Orient Xiamen was a tree-lined golf course with tight fairways. To be honest, I hadn't had any nice finishes here. I made the decision to come back here this week just to try to beat her."

Fellow Beijinger Shi comes into Xiamen after winning the China National Team Championship individual title last month. In March she captured her first win as a pro with a victory in Zhuhai.

"Finally I captured my first win and won the second because of more experience. I have put myself into the position and knocked at the door many times, which makes me comfortable with the pressure down the stretch. I can play to my standard under the pressure now," said the teenager.

"I have played here many times and I think that we are catching up with LET players. This is our home. I believe that Asian players have a good shot including me." Endit