China’s pioneer aiming to get back to form he showed on Web.com Tour

When China’s Dou Zecheng tees off against an elite field at the Farmers Insurance Open in California on Thursday, he’ll be looking to reverse a rough start to life on the PGA Tour.

Dou, who turned 21 on Monday, believes he has been putting too much pressure on himself to perform after becoming the first Chinese to graduate from the Web.com Tour to the premier PGA circuit.

In seven tournaments so far this season, Dou has missed five cuts, withdrawn from one and finished tied for 69th in the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions on home soil.

He is counting on better luck at Torrey Pines Golf Course, which will showcase top stars including new world No 2 Jon Rahm, Jason Day, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods.

“I think I’ve been taking golf too seriously. Apart from golf, I don’t have too much going on during my days off,” he said.

“I’m surrounded by golf all the time and it has given me added pressure. I think I’ve focused too much on trying to play good golf rather than just trying to enjoy the game.

“I’m trying to enjoy golf a bit more, but every time I hit a bad shot or three-putt, I get

He inspired people to get involved in the game. It’ll be the first time I’m playing in the same tournament as Tiger and I’m really excited about that.”

Dou Zecheng, on playing in the same tournament as Woods frustrated.

“I’m trying to not do that, but I guess it’s something you’re born with. I try to relax by playing video games regularly when I’m away from the course.”

Dou’s rise on to the PGA Tour tracks back to his exploits on the PGA Tour Series-China in 2016, when he topped the money list following four victories.

That earned him Web.com playing rights and he later became the first golfer from the Chinese mainland to win on the tour at the Digital Ally Open last season.