Surrounded by sand traps at Uplands Golf ClubB次元官网网址檚 11th hole, 8-year-old Liam Chang swung his 3-wood. With his view obstructed, he didnB次元官网网址檛 expect much. But moments later, he realized he had just aced his first-ever hole-in-one during the Callaway Junior Tournament in Greater Victoria, on Sept. 29.
B次元官网网址淚 really thought it wasn't going to go in because it kind of bounced past the hole,B次元官网网址� said the young man. B次元官网网址淚 couldn't even see [the ball] and one of the dads shouted B次元官网网址楬ey Liam, I think it went in.B次元官网网址� I just couldn't believe it. I looked in the hole and it was in there.B次元官网网址�
His father, Gerald Chang, who introduced his son to golf at the tender age of four, was thrilled to hear the news.
B次元官网网址淲hen my wife texted me that he got a hole-in-one, I couldn't believe it myself,B次元官网网址� said Gerald. B次元官网网址淚 was like, B次元官网网址榃ow, that's incredible to hit a 3-wood with 120 yards.B次元官网网址� It was really cool to see that he got one at such a young age.B次元官网网址�
Due to a back injury, Gerald explained that he couldnB次元官网网址檛 attend the tournament, so his wife, who doesnB次元官网网址檛 play golf, stepped in as caddie instead. Despite not having his father's guidance, Liam worked his magic and pulled off this feat on his own.
B次元官网网址淗e had his best round ever so I might need to retire as his caddie and let my wife go as a lucky charm,B次元官网网址� said Gerald smiling.
After finishing among his age group, the young golfer described this achievement - the only ace recorded in the tournament that year - as the highlight of his day.
B次元官网网址淚 felt pretty good,B次元官网网址� said Liam. B次元官网网址淭hat hole-in-one really made my spirit go upB次元官网网址� That was one of the best rounds of my life.B次元官网网址�
Foreshadowing Liam's performance during the competition, Gerald noted that his son had already achieved a similar feat the day before. In his practice round, Liam had scored an eagle on the 13th hole, using his 7-iron from 90 yards.
As a member of the Victoria Golf Club, Liam practices up to five days a week. He credited a new technique he learned a few weeks earlier from his coach, Eric Wang, who has played with Tiger Woods, for significantly improving his overall performance.
B次元官网网址淚 got my hole-in-one and my eagle because he taught me a new aim routine,B次元官网网址� said Liam. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 been really dominating my game and accelerating it to a whole new level.B次元官网网址�
Less than two months ago, the Oak Bay golfer shone once again after at the 2024 MJT Mini Tour National Championship at Tsawwassen Springs.
Humble and soft-spoken, Liam has his eyes set on the future, aiming to compete at the highest level and join the PGA circuit when older, eager to rub shoulders with his favourite player, Collin Morikawa.
In the meantime, Gerald feels proud to witness Liam's recent success and rapid growth cherishing the opportunity to be part of this journey with his son.
B次元官网网址淲e go through my phone to look at his swing progression from when he first started [and] IB次元官网网址檓 super proud of the work that he's put in,B次元官网网址� said the father. B次元官网网址淚t's been amazing to see.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淚 used to golf quite a bit when I was younger but ever since I started being his caddie, I find much greater joy and pleasure in that.B次元官网网址�
