November 23, 2008

PING pro Lin Wen-tang's first victory on the European Tour left him nearly speechless, but his performance at the UBS Hong Kong Open spoke volumes as he birdied both playoff holes to claim the winner's check. The win marked his second win this year and the fourth of his career.

"I'm still smiling," he said. "This is my first European Tour win and my feelings cannot be described."

Entering the final round one shot off the lead, Lin carded a 3-under-par 67 at Hong Kong Golf Club to join two others at 15-under-par and a spot in a three-man playoff. A remarkable birdie from six feet on the first extra hole where he successfully negotiated trees, water and a bunker kept his hopes alive as one opponent made birdie and the other dropped out with a par. On the second extra hole, his approach shot settled a foot from the hole for any easy birdie and the title. The Chinese Taipei native became the first Asian in 10 years to claim the championship.

A regular on the Asian Tour, the 34-year-old Lin played a G10 driver, Rapture V2 3-wood, G5 irons, two Tour wedges and G5i Craz-E putter.