Singapore’s last appearance at the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) saw them inject a good dose of youthfulness into the fold with teens Troy Storm and Chen Xingtong rising to the occasion on the biggest of stages.
The then-20-year-old Inez Ng also brought her A-game with a joint-fourth finish in her Espirito Santo Trophy debut.
Competing in a renowned international amateur golfing tournament is a huge privilege for aspiring golfers and few understand the significance of such an opportunity better than former national golfer Choo Tze Huang, who made his first of three appearances in the WATC in Kuala Lumpur in 2002 before going on to compete in the 2008 and 2010 editions in Australia and Argentina respectively.
Describing his debut more than two decades ago as his fondest memory of the tournament, the 38-year-old said, “We were a very young team and it was one of my first major international events as a 15-year-old. It was a good experience and I was able to see players like Hunter Mahan, Ricky Barnes from the USA.”
Still wet behind the ears, Choo, along with compatriots Jonathan Leong and Allen Lee, finished in 51st place in the team standings in the Malaysian capital. Together with Leong and Quincy Quek, they took 26th place at the Grange Golf Club in Adelaide while he secured a tied-30th finish at the Buenos Aires Golf Club with Gregory Foo and Joshua Shou.
But that experience was not for nought, as he went on to secure a golf scholarship at the University of Washington and enter the acclaimed US college golf system. A hectic schedule followed as Choo built on his early exposure to top golfing competition and went on to become his university squad’s third-best finisher at the 2008 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Championships and win the 2008 Singapore National Amateur Championship.
He turned professional upon graduation and won multiple titles throughout his career, including the 2017 Palm Springs-SPGA Golf Series in Batam and the first leg of the Singapore Pro Series Invitational in 2021.
Choo credited the WATC for giving him a platform to test his skills early on in his fledgling career, describing it as a “priceless” experience.
“I think it’s really important. As for most top amateurs looking to turn professional, it is a stage which you can really use to see where you are among the best in the world and what (you) need to improve on… Not many have the opportunity to represent their country on one of the biggest stages in amateur golf.”
A golfer who has been through it all from young budding athlete to retirement, Choo currently manages his own company, Palladium, that specialises in sports events – including the 2025 WATC – advisory and player management.
Once a curious and hopeful young golfer himself, Choo gave his well-wishes to the national team ahead of the Oct 1-11 tournament.
He also expressed excitement for local golf fans, who will have the unique experience of watching golf’s future stars up close at the Tanah Merah Country Club.
“I wish the team the very best, the pressure on home soil at this stage will be huge, but embrace it and go out there and play with pride. As long as they have prepared for the event, just trust the process and don’t force things. Enjoy the moment.”
Main picture: Singapore World Amateur Team, from left to right, Gregory Foo, Choo Tze Huang and Joshua Shou at the World Amateur Team Championship for the Eisenhower Trophy at Olivos Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Tuesday, October 26, 2010. (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)
