SONG JOONG-KI INSPIRED BY RISING STARS AT THE ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
R&A Global Golf Development Ambassador Song Joong-ki hails young golfers shaping Asia’s future at Emirates Golf Club
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Actor and R&A Global Golf Development Ambassador Song Joong-ki praised the region’s emerging golf talent after visiting the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course.
“The level of talent on display here is remarkable. It’s been a real honour to be in Dubai to witness it,” said Song. “Watching these young players represent their countries with such confidence and skill is genuinely inspiring. I hope that children across Asia see this and think, ‘maybe that could be me one day.’”
A keen golfer himself, Song spent the day engaging with players from across Asia-Pacific, learning about their journeys and challenges. The Championship brings together 120 of the region’s top amateurs from 41 nations, with the winner earning invitations to the Masters Tournament and The 154th Open.
“Events like this show how global golf has become,” Song said. “Every swing, every putt tells a story of dedication and belief. You can see how much work these players have put in to reach this level. It makes me even more passionate about helping more young people discover the game.”
During his visit, Song joined a golf challenge with standout competitors including Minsu Kim of Korea, Haoyi Wang of China, Chantananuwat of Thailand, Troy Storm of Singapore, Rayhan Latief of Indonesia, and Japan’s Rintaro Nakano.
“He is very good at golf,” said Kim, 17. “I was honestly surprised to see him pull off things I couldn’t. His swing is excellent.”
Wang, 16, added: “Joong-ki is very nice and friendly. He wished me good results in the tournament. I am very happy to have met such a big star.”
Chantananuwat, the youngest winner of a men’s professional event, said: “You guys gave Joong-ki all the hard work. He had to hit a driver off the volley, which he got on the fourth try. I was impressed. He seems like a nice guy. We talked all about golf.”
Reflecting on his time with the players, Song said he was moved by their passion and composure. “Golf teaches patience and focus, but these players also bring joy and ambition,” he said. “If their stories inspire even one young person to pick up a club, that’s a wonderful outcome.”