Staff WriterBy any measure, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship has become one of the most important proving grounds in world golf — and this week, it had a rather famous visitor. Actor and R&A Global Golf Development Ambassador Song Joong-ki swapped film sets for fairways at the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, where he spent time meeting the next generation of golf talent lighting up the region.
“The level of talent on display here at Emirates Golf Club is remarkable, it’s been a real honour to be in Dubai to witness it,” said Song Joong-ki. “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.’”
The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, founded by The R&A, the Masters Tournament, and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, features 120 players from 41 countries, with the winner earning a dream invitation to both the Masters Tournament and The 154th Open. It’s a stage that has launched several now-household names into global golf — and for Song, it’s a showcase of the region’s fast-expanding footprint in the game.
“Championships like this show how global golf has become,” he 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.”
As an R&A Ambassador, Song Joong-ki’s mission goes far beyond celebrity appearances. He supports The R&A’s global efforts to make golf more inclusive and accessible, particularly for young people across Asia. His presence at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship brought a touch of star power — but also an authentic passion for the sport that clearly resonated with the competitors.
During his visit, Song met rising stars including Minsu Kim (Korea), Haoyi Wang (China), TK Chantananuwat (Thailand), Troy Storm (Singapore), Rayhan Latief (Indonesia), and Rintaro Nakano (Japan) — each carrying their nation’s hopes and ambition.
Kim, 17, from Korea, competing in the event for the first time, was left impressed:
“He is very good at golf. I was honestly surprised to see him pull off things I couldn’t. His swing is excellent. We talked a lot and he gave me a few compliments. It was truly enjoyable.”
Sixteen-year-old Wang from China, also making his debut, added:
“Joong-ki is very nice and friendly. He wished me good results in the tournament. I am very happy to have the opportunity to interact with such a big star at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.”
Chantananuwat, 18, the youngest ever winner of a men’s professional event, shared his amusement at a light-hearted challenge:
“You guys gave Joong-ki all the hard work. He had to hit a driver off the volley, which to be honest, I doubted a little bit, seeing as he’s never tried it before. I think he got it the fourth try. I was impressed. He seems like a nice guy. We were talking all about golf, he was just asking stuff about certain shots and where we play.”
Storm, 16, from Singapore, said the encounter left a strong impression:
“He was really friendly and it was lots of fun doing the challenge with him. He was really encouraging saying we were future stars. He was really joyful being with us.”
Nakano, 21, who finished third last year, summed up the surprise of many:
“I was surprised to see someone as famous as Song Joong-ki at the Championship. It was a pleasure to meet him and we had a fun time.”
For Song, the experience reinforced the universal appeal of golf and its ability to connect cultures through shared passion and perseverance.
“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 for the first time, that’s a wonderful outcome.”
The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship continues to stand as a beacon for emerging talent — and with voices like Song Joong-ki championing the game, its reach and resonance across the region are only set to grow.
