On Sunday, 26-year-old Li Haotong became the BMW International Open golf champion after hitting an amazing 40-foot birdie putt, to beat Thomas Pieters in the playoffs.
10 months ago, Li nearly decided to quit golf. However, after he became champion, he walked off the course with one of the greatest celebrations the opening has seen. It was his first win in over 4 years.
“It’s incredible. There are no words that can describe that feeling,” said Li, after getting interviewed post-game period, “I couldn’t sleep last night, probably five hours max. And somehow I dreamed of holding the trophy.”
In rounds 1 and 2, Li came 3rd place, hitting 2 eagles and 6 birdies. Things were getting a little rough because Pieters and Smith were ahead of him.
In round 3, the tables turned. Li hit four eagles and 6 birdies in one round. This brought him up to the first place.
In round four, Li turned up the heat. According to Espn, Li tied the course record, finishing the round with his second eagle of the day on the par-5 ninth hole after a big approach shot left him a 4-foot putt. And, of course, his 40-foot putt won him the championship award.
“It’s just been an incredible day for me. I didn’t expect that because I spent a couple of weeks off in Dubai, which was hot, and didn’t practice much,” Li said. “It’s just helped me mentally cool down a little bit. Low expectations, no expectations, just play golf and enjoy every shot. I tried to hit a lot of good putts today, especially on the back nine. I knew it was going to be super tough, but I held in there. Luckily I played my best!”
Li’s game-winning shot was the best day for him. As Li always says: “I guess hard work really does pay off.”
10 months ago, Li nearly decided to quit golf. However, after he became champion, he walked off the course with one of the greatest celebrations the opening has seen. It was his first win in over 4 years.
“It’s incredible. There are no words that can describe that feeling,” said Li, after getting interviewed post-game period, “I couldn’t sleep last night, probably five hours max. And somehow I dreamed of holding the trophy.”
In rounds 1 and 2, Li came 3rd place, hitting 2 eagles and 6 birdies. Things were getting a little rough because Pieters and Smith were ahead of him.
In round 3, the tables turned. Li hit four eagles and 6 birdies in one round. This brought him up to the first place.
In round four, Li turned up the heat. According to Espn, Li tied the course record, finishing the round with his second eagle of the day on the par-5 ninth hole after a big approach shot left him a 4-foot putt. And, of course, his 40-foot putt won him the championship award.
“It’s just been an incredible day for me. I didn’t expect that because I spent a couple of weeks off in Dubai, which was hot, and didn’t practice much,” Li said. “It’s just helped me mentally cool down a little bit. Low expectations, no expectations, just play golf and enjoy every shot. I tried to hit a lot of good putts today, especially on the back nine. I knew it was going to be super tough, but I held in there. Luckily I played my best!”
Li’s game-winning shot was the best day for him. As Li always says: “I guess hard work really does pay off.”
