Hua Hin, Thailand - College of Charleston 2009 graduate Tim Tang earned his Asian Tour Card with his performance Jan. 19-22 at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage at the Springfield Royal Country Club.
Tang, who is the first CofC golfer to accomplish this feat finished in a tie for 21st, with the top-40 golfers receiving playing rights for the 2011 season. Tang finished at 9-under par with rounds of 71-70-68-70 for a total of 279.
Tang, who graduated with a degree in communications from the College of Charleston, will represent Hong Kong in this year's Asian Tour season. He said this accomplishment represents a big step in his professional career.
"I tried qualifying for my Asian Tour card last year but didn't get past the First Stage," Tang said in a statement. "Hong Kong PGA gave me a Final Stage exemption for this year and I've been practicing really hard for this week."
"My friend advised me to play in the Asian Tour Qualifying School and hopefully in the future I can represent Hong Kong in the World Cup or even in the Olympics," he added. "This is definitely a good stepping stone for my career. Getting my Asian Tour card is a good start to 2011."
Tang's coach in Thailand is Jeremy Paulson, another golfer and alumnus of the College of Charleston.
During his senior season at CofC Tang was the only Cougar to play in all 31 rounds of golf during the 2008-2009 season. Tang also finished top-10 in league scoring average and highlighted the year with a third-place performance at the Charleston Southern Spring Invitational. After graduation Tang took medalist honors in the 2009 Charleston City Amateur and started his professional career shortly after.
College of Charleston Head Coach Mark McEntire said he thinks Tang represents his program well and is very happy for him.
"This story is just an example that if you are willing to put in the time, anything is possible," McEntire said. "I am so proud of Tim. He has a tremendous work ethic and is very focused. I could not ask for a better person to be representing our program. We all look forward to following Tim throughout the year and watching his success."