This week, Taiwan Mobile ambassadors Hsu Wei-Ling (徐薇淩) and Lee Min (李旻) return to the Tong Hwa Golf & Country Club to compete at the Taiwan Mobile Ladies Open for the third consecutive year.

Classmates in high school, Hsu and Lee enjoy each other’s company as they push into their golf careers at the top tier. “We’ve been the best support to each other. Nobody knows better than us what it’s like on this level and what we’ve been through,” said Lee, who, along with Hsu, bannered the Chinese Taipei flag at the Tokyo 2020 this summer. Both also created their best appearances on the LPGA Tour this May, with Hsu winning the Pure Silk Championship and Lee finishing in second at the Mediheal Championship.

“It was a mind-blowing experience and such great honor to play at the Olympics,” Hsu said. “I thought it was just another big event, but when I got down and played, I knew I was wrong. Nothing else felt like it. It was just so special. I felt I grew so much as a player in that short week alone, standing among so many incredible athletes. It was truly a week to remember.”

“It will be the final tournament for the year. I really hope I could end it on a high note! It could be the greatest Christmas present,” said Hsu when asked about her vision at the season-ending event.

In the historic men’s event in Tokyo, Taiwan’s C-T. Pan (潘政琮) became the first golf Olympic medalist from the nation after a grueling seven-way play-off. Pan still felt “chills” all over his body when anyone mentioned his success in front of him. He is also the first Taiwanese PGA Tour champion in 32 years after snatching victory at the 2019 RBC Heritage.

Pan encouraged his fellow golfers on the TLPGA side to keep their faiths and set their sights on the Paris Olympics 2024, “where I believe our ladies will be maturing into a new level, and with their abilities always there, there is a great chance Taiwan will be making its mark again!” Pan will be witnessing this year’s Taiwan Mobile Ladies Open as a special guest.

The Tong Hwa course has been dedicated to provide a setting close to elite standards for the international golf tours. The staff re-shaped the greens and elevated the green speed to 9 - 9.5 in this year’s Taiwan Mobile Ladies Open. “It’s a great move. We usually play faster greens on the LPGA Tour, so I think this will help us players to be better prepared for the highest levels.”

Lee Min found this refreshed venue a “positive challenge" to help the TLPGA players improve their versatility and adaptability, which are key qualities to break through to the international circuit.