2008年台灣名人賽即將於9月18日揭幕。這一頗受選手們尊敬且廣受大眾歡迎的比賽，22年來一直在固定的時間與固定的球場，並由同一主要贊助商籌資舉辦。在這22年的時光裡，我們很遺憾地看到曾經被譽為高爾夫王國的台灣, 盛況不再, 不但世界級知名選手不復見，國際級的職業比賽也只剩台灣名人賽。還好這一經過22年風霜的比賽，愈趨成熟且更充滿活力，在重視傳統的同時不忘年年創新。吾人相信只要持之以恆, 台灣名人賽獨撐場面的窘境仍將於不久的將來獲得改善。

當然我們也不是完全沒有好消息. 主辦單位三商企業, 因長年倡辦台灣高爾夫名人賽，巧福路跑賽，與慢速壘球賽, 今年獲得殊榮, 由行政院體育委員會頒發精英獎, 褒揚並肯定三商企業有功於推展全民運動. 又, 除了三商企業群的資金贊助外、今年度的台灣名人賽首度接受外部企業較大金額的自動捐獻, 這是台灣名人賽的工作同仁們過去的努力成果獲得社會認同的有力佐證。我們由衷的期盼往後可以看到更多有心人士的參與和更多贊助企業的共襄盛舉。

末了, 我們不能不一而再, 再而三的表達對老淡水球場理事會與全體會員的全力支持和三商企業的慷慨捐獻. 我個人也充分認識這許多幕後的志工與工作人員才是每屆台灣名人賽成功的要因. 對於他們默默的付出, 個人銘記在心.

預祝每一位選手, 揮桿順暢如意; 到場觀賞的各位, 盡情享受精彩的比賽現況。

The 2008 Taiwan Masters Golf Tournament is going to start from this September 18th. This tournament - well respected by players and widely welcomed by galleries – has, in the past 22 years, always been played in the same golf course at the same time of year with the same main sponsor giving the financial supports. During these 22 years of time we witness the wax and wane of Taiwanese golf world – we have to admit that we no longer have world class players and the only one international tournament held on this island is Taiwan Masters. Luckily, as the years pass the vitality of the tournament increases hand in hand with maturity, while every innovation made has been built in into the tradition. We are quite aware of our responsibility as we know the sad situation the Taiwanese golf world presently faces will see the brighter future only if Taiwan Masters Golf Tournament persevere.

We have some good news to share though. Our main sponsor Mercuries Group had the honor of receiving Elite Award from Sports Council, Executive Yuan which recognizes Mercuries Group’s contribution to elevate the national sports levels by promoting golf, mini-marathon and slow-pitch baseball games for decades. Also this is the first time we accept sizable amount of donation from the sponsor other than Mercuries Group. I think this echoes the fact that we have more sympathizers and advocators now and wish this eventually leads to more supporters and sponsors actively participate in this event.

I have yet to repeat what I have been repeatedly saying in the past 20 years. We are so grateful for the supports given by the board of directors as well as all the members of Old Tamsui in extending gladly any necessary helps we ask while preparing the course settings. We sincerely and especially thank for the generosity of Mercuries Group for its continuous financial support. I fully understand and realize that the success of this tournament owes a lot to all those volunteers and working staffs who dedicatedly and silently exert their utmost to make the tournament run smoothly and effectively.

May every player perform well and hope all the galleries enjoy the tournament!!