Less than 2 years after turning professional, Sampson Zheng is already discovering what it means to grow up fast in elite golf. For the 24-year-old rising Chinese star, two turbulent yet rewarding seasons on The International Series of the Asian Tour has proven a defining test — sharpening his ambition and confirming his place on the global stage.
Turning professional midway through 2024, Zheng wasted little time making an impression. Less than two months after taking the leap, he delivered a standout tied 4th finish at The International Series England, before backing it up with a runner-up result at the Mandiri Indonesia Open, where he also held the halfway lead.
In 2025, his progress became even more evident. Zheng recorded a tie for 4th at International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus, finished joint 10th at International Series Morocco, and tied for 17th at International Series Japan presented by Moutai – a particularly poignant result in the country where he first picked up a golf club.
“One of the things that has shaped me most is competing in The International Series,” said Zheng. “It truly lives up to its name. Every event feels like a gathering of the world, with so many different flags, players from everywhere, and an atmosphere that is more inclusive and more competitive than anything else I have experienced.
“For players like me on the Asian Tour, The International Series means everything. People sometimes call it the ‘majors’ of our tour, and I feel the same way. Each event gives us a chance to showcase our talent in a different country and helps grow the game globally.”
Zheng’s upward trajectory was further underlined earlier this year when he qualified for the 153rd Open Championship, marking another major milestone so early in his professional journey.
“Qualifying for The Open was something I will never forget,” he said. “Playing a practice round with Scottie Scheffler – the world No 1 – on my birthday was surreal. Watching how he prepared taught me a lot. The final result was not what I hoped for, but finishing the last seven holes at two-under reminded me that I have the skill to compete at that level. I just need to keep refining my craft.”
That mindset, patient, reflective, and ambitious, has been shaped by a life lived through golf. Zheng first swung a club in Japan, driven by sibling rivalry and an instant fascination with the challenge of the game.
“I remember being frustrated that the ball wasn’t even moving, yet it was so hard to hit,” he recalled. “That frustration is actually what made me fall in love with golf.”
Raised between Tianjin and Florida, Zheng moved to the United States at just 10 years old to pursue his dream, later spending seven years in Florida before attending the University of California, Berkeley. Along the way, golf became both his anchor and his passport.
“Because of golf, I’ve been able to travel to countries I once only dreamed about,” he said. “The UK will always be special because that’s where I had my first good finish as a professional at The International Series England. Saudi Arabia is another stop that reminds me how diverse and fascinating our world really is.”
Yet Zheng is also candid about the realities of life on tour, emphasising the importance of balance in a sport defined by fine margins.
“The mental side of professional golf is everything,” he said. “Missing cuts and playing poorly is just part of the job. I try to work hard, but also remember to enjoy the journey, sightseeing, trying new food, stepping away from golf when I need to.”
As one of China’s rising golf stars, Zheng acknowledges both the pressure and the responsibility that comes with that label.
“It’s a privilege,” he said. “I’m still far from my full potential, but if I can inspire the next wave of Chinese golfers through my journey, that would mean a lot to me.”
Looking ahead, Zheng sees The International Series as a crucial platform in his pursuit of the sport’s highest level.
“What excites me most about The International Series is the opportunity it creates,” he said. “Playing LIV Golf is on our minds – and it should be. That’s the ultimate goal, to compete with the best players in the world. That’s what’s at stake.”
With multiple near-misses already on his résumé, Zheng remains confident that a breakthrough victory is approaching.
“I want to win major championships, and getting my first professional win would mean everything,” he added. “I’ve been close a few times now – most recently in the Philippines – so I know it’s coming. And I’m ready for that next step.”
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
