Published: 09:38, June 1, 2025
Top amateur golfer Zhou wins third CLPG Tour title in Xiamen
By Xinhua
In this photo released by the CLPG Tour on its official website, Zhou Shiyuan of China poses with her trophy after winning the Zhu Chun Strait Cup Women’s Open in Xiamen, Fujian province, on May 31, 2025. 

XIAMEN - Zhou Shiyuan, China's top female amateur, captured her third CLPG Tour title against a pro field on Saturday, when the Chongqing teenager carded a four-under 68 to win the Zhu Chun Strait Cup Women's Open by two strokes in Fujian province.

After starting the third round with a one-stroke lead at Orient (Xiamen) Golf and Country Club, the 15-year-old, 43rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, closed with a bogey-free round featuring four birdies to finish on 10-under 206.

At 15 years, five months and 14 days old, Zhou becomes the youngest person to win three times on the CLPG Tour. She broke the previous record set by Yin Xiaowen who was 16 years, five months and 15 days old when she won the Wuhuanxing Women's Challenge on May 22, 2021.

"Many people have congratulated me, saying that winning three times is incredible and that I have a bright future. But I feel like I'm still the same person. Nothing has changed," reasoned a humble Zhou.

"Even though I broke Yin Xiaowen's record, I don't think much of it. Yin is an outstanding player who's already competing on the US LPGA. Though I don't know her well, I respect her greatly."

Jeong Seulgi claimed the RMB 75,000 winner's purse as the South Korean veteran carded her fifth birdie of the day at the last hole to finish with a 67, one shot ahead of Chinese amateur Wang Xinyu (65).

Thai veteran Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong (70) was fourth, four shots back, at the tournament featuring a field made up of CLPG Tour and TLPGA Tour players in an event created to promote "friendship" across the Taiwan Strait.

Zhou, who last year won in Chongqing and Jiangsu province, opened with consecutive birdies to quickly get to eight-under. She picked up another stroke at the 405-yard sixth before making her last birdie at the 375-yard 10th hole. She would then par the final eight holes.

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She called this victory "harder" than her previous two wins.

In this photo released by the CLPG Tour on its official website, Zhou Shiyuan competes during the Zhu Chun Strait Cup Women’s Open in Xiamen, Fujian province, on May 31, 2025. 

"This time, I felt tense throughout. My form in the first half of the year wasn't great, especially in handling small details. The pressure was real in this event because the Thai players were chasing me hard," said Zhou, who is considering turning pro at the end of the year.

"But I'll assess my form first. I also hope to play in the Augusta National Women's Amateur again. This year's tournament left me with regrets. I missed the cut. Next time, I want to make it to the weekend and compete alongside the world's top amateurs. I want to learn from them."

Jeong, who won a Monday qualifier for a second time this year to get into the tournament, started the final round three shots off the lead and came out firing with birdies on the first three holes. She then picked up another shot at the 372-yard ninth hole before sinking a 25-foot birdie putt at the last to secure the runner-up finish.

"I felt I had a chance to win. Lots of great shots today, but I need more birdies," said the former KLPGA Tour regular. "But it's great for me. It's a good finish. I'm not disappointed. I gave it my best efforts today."

Guangdong-based Wang secured a top-five finish for the third consecutive tournament with a scorching final round featuring an eagle three at the 488-yard second hole where her approach shot from 114 yards out found the cup followed by five birdies.

"I'm certainly very pleased with this finish, especially since I played the final 36 holes without a single bogey. My game was solid overall today. Both my iron play and putting were on point," said the 17-year-old Hunan native, who matched her personal best lowest score.

"My goal is to earn my professional status by year's end. For the second half of the season, I'm aiming for a tournament victory, that way I can bypass the qualifying school process altogether."

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