YEAR OF BREAKTHROUGHS

By Joshua Tan, TS Student Reporter, UWA
 
For golfer Jonathan Woo, who will don national colours at the SEA Games in Laos, 2009 was a year of breakthroughs. For apart from success at local tournaments, the 19-year-old also stamped his class at the regional level.
 
Eighth Spot
 
At the recent Asian Amateur Championship held in Shenzhen, China, for instance, he tied for a respectable eighth spot. With his four-day total of 285, he finished nine shots behind the winner, South Korea's Han Chang Won. Asked about this, the former Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and Anglo-Chinese JC student, who is now serving his national service, said, "Doing well in local meets is one thing. It is another when you can hold your own among the region's best. It does a lot for your confidence." He is hoping to maintain his current good form so that he can do well at the coming SEA Games.
 
Friendly & Sociable
 
Away from golf, this friendly and sociable guy likes to hang out with friends and play soccer. In fact, he likes all kinds of sports. Growing up, he played tennis, squash, table tennis and pool. He also sailed as his parents were avid sailors. He eventually settled for golf as it was the sport he did particularly well in. "Initially, I did feel it was not rigorous enough for me. I thought that, given my high energy level, sports like football and tennis were more 'me'." But as he became more and more serious about golf, he discovered how demanding it could be too - and started to like it more. The feats of players like Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods inspired him and he became a true convert to golf.
 
Business & Sports
 
Asked about his plans after national service, he said he would like to pursue a business education in USA. "I have always been facsinated by the world of business. It's amazing how some people can create something out of almost nothing," he said. Asked to identify one link between business and sports, he shared about how the sporting world is now more interesting due to marketable stars. Citing the example of David Beckham in football, he noted the increasing importance of fashion in the sporting world. "To me, this is a good trend. It can only make sports more appealing to the young," he said, adding that those who run sports should always think of new ways to attract audiences. As an athlete, he hopes to play his part to woo the crowd with his own fashion sense and, more importantly, cheerful nature.