Guangdong golfers clinch two golds at National Games

Kuang Yang of Zhejiang and Guangdong's Zhang Weiwei claimed the men's and women's individual golf titles, respectively, at China's 15th National Games on Sunday, with Guangdong retaining its women's team crown.

Zhang Weiwei of Guangdong competes during the women's individual final of golf at China's 15th National Games in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Kuang seized control early with a stunning opening-round 62, 10 under par, and maintained steady form over the next three rounds to secure victory with a total of 262. Despite leading from start to finish, he admitted the pressure was intense.

"I was extremely nervous, even more nervous than when leading in pro events," Kuang said. "The National Games only comes once every four years, so the pressure is huge. I'm glad I managed to turn that pressure into motivation and played solid golf today."

Chai Bowen from Shanghai University of Sport and Shanghai veteran Wu Ashun tied for second at 266, with Chai eventually taking silver after the playoff. Led by Wu, Shanghai captured the men's team gold with a combined total of 802, followed by Tianjin and Shaanxi.

The women's event delivered dramatic swings. Zhang Weiwei entered the final round with a seven-shot lead over world No. 7 Yin Ruoning of Tianjin and Chongqing's Wang Xinying, but as Zhang described, the last day felt "like riding a roller coaster."

Yin staged a strong charge, carding six birdies and an eagle. Zhang made four birdies but also suffered a bogey on the third hole and a double bogey on the 15th. One stroke behind on the final hole, Zhang sank a crucial birdie putt to force a playoff. After three tense extra holes, she edged Yin to claim the gold.

"I started with a big lead, then fell behind, and it still took three playoff holes to win. It really wasn't easy," Zhang said. "The quadrennial National Games is a great opportunity for both individuals and teams. We won both individual and team golds last time, so I really wanted to keep winning. My teammates are incredibly strong."

Wang Xinying defeated Guangdong's Zhang Yahui in playoff to secure bronze. Guangdong retained the women's team gold with a total of 820, while Shanghai finished three shots back for silver and Tianjin placed third.