The U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Champion

Louie Chan talks to Ben Wong, who claimed recent victory in the 2017 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship with playing partner Frankie Capan. Ben was born in Hong Kong and joined the HKGA junior programme at an early age. He has lived the last three years in The Woodlands, Texas and committed to play at Southern Methodist University in 2018

Ben Wong hitting his tee shot to start the final round of match play at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

LC: Were the hole locations tough in the final? They were as the same as in the previous U.S. Opens (1999, 2005 and 2014).

BW: The hole locations were very tough. However, it was fun knowing that we played the course as tough as possible. It was tough getting the ball close to the hole, especially with a long iron. I was fortunate enough to putt well that week, especially in the match play. We knew that if we kept giving ourselves good looks, a bunch of birdies would fall.

LC: Frankie Capan is your playing partner and best friend. How did you guys meet?

BW: Frankie and I met at a tournament called “Pars” when we were 7. I shot a 66 in the final round there with Frankie, and he shot a 64 in the second round of the tournament. Ever since we met up every summer, we played junior golf. Frankie caddied for me at the US junior in 2013. We've been best friends ever since.

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Written by Louie Chan

Photography by Courtesy of the USGA

Click here to see the published article.

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