CEBUANO golfer Lloyd Jefferson Go starts a new phase of his young career as he finally turns pro after representing the country in the Asian Games and in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships.

The former Seton Hall standout made his pro debut in the ongoing PGA Tour China, which teed off yesterday at the Clear Water Bay Golf & Country Club in Hong Kong. The tournament will wrap up on Sunday.

Before turning his pro dream to reality, the Cebu Country Club (CCC) junior golf product represented the country in the men’s golf event of the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia last August. It was followed by a stint in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships in Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore just four days ago.

“Just last week, I played my last tournament as an amateur in Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships. What a great way to end by coming in fourth place. Would have loved to have won it but nevertheless, I’m happy with the way it ended and I can’t wait to start a new chapter of my career,” said Go.

“It’s time to move forward to a new beginning as I will be making my first start as a professional in PGA Tour China,” added Go, who shot a 270 in Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships good for fourth place and was two shots behind eventual winner Takumi Kanaya of Japan.

In the Asian Games, Go finished at 10th place in the men’s individual event, which was won by Keita Nakajima of Japan.

Go received well-wishes from Cebuano golfers before he officially makes a debut.

“I have always believed LJ could make it this far from the very beginning when many thought he played without care, played too fast, and had no future in golf. It’s not just a big day for him, but for all who believe in him,” veteran CCC golfer Jovi Neri said of Go.

“Not many know that he could have played at least three professional tours to start the year, but he sacrificed all that and chose to remain an amateur just so he could play for the country in the Asian Games. He didn’t get the gold, though, but I’m sure his presence was instrumental in the women’s golf team, which included his sister, Lois Kaye Go,” he added.

Neri was the CCC’s junior golf chairman when Go enrolled in junior golf in 2003. He is the current golf club technician and equipment adviser of Go.

“I’ve always looked up to you for as long as I can remember and I’m so happy to see you finally pursue your dream of playing professional golf,” said Lois Kaye of her older brother on a Facebook post. (RSC)