In every athlete’s career, there comes a time when a pivotal decision must be made—one that carries risk but can be career-defining. Taichi Kho hopes he has chosen correctly, aligning with his passion for becoming a world-class professional golfer.
He is progressing steadily, though a lower back injury last season slowed his advance. For someone who had never been injured before, the pain was difficult to comprehend. Yet beyond the physical discomfort, convincing his mind that it was a passing phase proved even more challenging.
Balancing body and mind
Kho unknowingly picked up the injury in the gym. Continuous weeks of competing on the Asian Tour and DP World Tour aggravated the soreness in his lower left back. The body has a way of signalling when something is amiss, and his warning bells rang in Indonesia and Switzerland. Despite medical advice to rest, he played on, driven by the momentum of becoming the first Hong Kong professional to win on the Asian Tour and securing gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games the previous season. Determined to capitalise on his form, he pushed through in Indonesia, finishing a strong 13th. However, the strain took its toll, setting back his recovery.
His subsequent three-month break from golf was tough. “I was a dark spot as mentally it was tough to come to terms,” Kho admitted during the International Series India at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram. Amidst frequent physiotherapy and heat therapy sessions, one thought repeatedly crossed his mind: “I’m done (with professional golf)!”
During this difficult time, he found solace in his girlfriend’s religiosity, despite not being a firm believer himself. Following local customs, he visited the Man Mo Temple, dressed in red as tradition required, and prayed for strength. The visit provided unexpected relief and helped him persevere through recovery.
Smarter return to golf
Following numerous rehabilitation sessions, Kho rates himself at about 85 per cent fitness. Yet, every time he tees off, there is a lingering concern that the injury may resurface. His return to the Tour in late November was impressive. Much like his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, he showed little sign of rust, securing a top-six finish at the Link Hong Kong Open.
Since returning, he has embraced a new approach: “I practice smarter on the golf course than at the range; the injury has taught me to handle the body better.” With his golf swing adapted to suit his body’s new requirements, he was in contention in Gurugram before slipping to finish 39th in his second start of the new season. While the fluidity will return with time and careful practice, Kho finds satisfaction simply in being back at his happy place. In January, he revisited the temple for a thanksgiving prayer, carrying with him a jade monkey figurine on his golf bag as a token of gratitude and a reminder of the turbulent times.
Mentoring future stars
Despite dealing with his own challenges, Kho remains committed to inspiring young golfers in Hong Kong. Alongside fellow professional Matthew Cheung, he plays an active role in nurturing local talent. One rising star, Arianna Lau, ranked No. 44 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, will make history in April when she competes at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur—the first Hong Kong golfer to do so.
Kho commended the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China for its efforts to develop the sport amid limited golf facilities and high costs. “The talent and awareness ceiling is very high,” he noted, acknowledging how persistent efforts from various stakeholders are shaping a promising future for Hong Kong golf. The national body’s junior programme now includes around 70 children training across clubs, a significant achievement given the city’s challenges with course availability.
Chasing childhood dreams
Kho grew up watching Major Championships, visualising himself among the world’s best. “Kho atop the leaderboard alongside the Hong Kong flag” was a dream he often replicated in his mind. His first taste of Major golf came at the 2023 Open Championship—a humbling experience after missing the cut but one he views as a stepping stone.
Representing Hong Kong at prestigious events fills him with immense pride. “It is a surreal feeling, and now that it has happened (representing the country), it gives a sense of achievement and the incentive to push for greater glories,” he said, recalling the goosebumps from seeing the white bauhinia flower against the red background waving in the breeze.
(All images: Taichi Kho/Instagram)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
