Cheng Tsung Pan is a member of the men’s golf team at the University of Washington. We were introduced to Pan through Everyday, a PGA Tour feature that followed the Huskies on their journey to capture their first ever National Championship in golf. Last week, Pan qualified for the US Open at Merion Golf Club through a sectional qualifier at Tumble Creek Club and after the first round at Merion, Pan should be quite pleased with his round of 2-over 72! Although life seems to be all nice and dandy for Pan, there’s a story behind his happy go lucky personality and it’s nothing short of heart wrenching.
Pan’s mother worked as a caddie at the National Garden Golf Club in Taiwan and during one of the family’s visit to the golf club, Pan was introduced to the game of golf by his father. Similar to Tiger, Pan’s father spent a lot of time studying golf magazines and golf teaching books in order to provide guidance to the then 5 year old Pan. With his hard work and natural talent, Pan achieved success quickly and qualified for the Asian games at the age of 14 and 15! Pan was also able to reach the final eight in the 2007 US Amateur at age 15. The last person who was younger to have made it that far in the tournament was back in 1916 and none other than a 14 year old Bobby Jones!
To pursue his golf career, Pan moved to the United States but in February 2010, Pan’s father passed away unexpectedly. To make matters worse, Pan was unable to fly back to Taiwan and attend his funeral because if he did, Pan may be required to served a 1 year stint with the military. In what Pan described as the lowest point of his life, Pan persevered through it all and has achieved a solid collegiate career so far at the University of Washington. And now through 9 holes in the second round of the US Open, Pan is tied 3rd with a total score of even par. Part of the reason Pan plays golf is for his father, the man who taught him the game. And now that he put himself in prime position to be in the hunt for the US Open, wouldn’t it be something if he could win his first Major championship on Father’s Day? We’re definitely pulling for him!
Check out the rest of Pan’s story in detail at Golf Week!
Source: Golfweek
