Four Open Places on Offer in Asian Qualifying
Frankie Minoza will be hoping to relive one of his most memorable moments when he competes in International Final Qualifying - Asia tomorrow and Wednesday at the Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore, with memories of the 1998 Open still fresh in the mind of the 47-year-old Filipino as he bids for one of the top four spots that will give him automatic qualification for Carnoustie.
Minoza heads the field of 73 players that include some of Asia’s leading players, including India’s Shiv Kapur, who was voted Asian Tour Rookie of the Year in 2005, local talent Mardan Mamat, and Japanese top players such as Tomohiro Kondo, Tatsuhiko Ichihara and Tadahiro Takayama.
Minoza, who has won numerous titles in the region since the 1980s, enjoyed his first ever outing at The Open where he finished in joint 50th position in 1998. Backed by his solid form this year that includes a win at his home Open on the Asian Tour last month, Minoza is on a mission this week determined to walk the course at Carnoustie in July.
“I will never forget my first experience playing at Royal Birkdale. The people gathered there really appreciated the game. As I was walking down the 18th hole in the final round, the fans all around were giving us a standing ovation and clapping, and I felt like I was walking on air, it was great,” admitted Minoza.
“It is a different game this week with two days qualifying. This is one of the toughest qualifiers I’ve played in with over 70 players fighting for four spots. Everybody has a good chance of making the top four. I will give it 100 percent and hope to come out good and make my second appearance in The Open,” said Minoza.
India’s Shiv Kapur, who enjoyed his maiden Open appearance last year, will not hold back on his game this week as he hopes to make it two appearances in a row. “It is always great playing in your first major, especially with The Open, with all the history that’s attached to it. Although I did not make the cut last year at Hoylake, I still had a wonderful experience and I hope to qualify this week,” said Kapur.
“The course this week is nice but it will mainly depend on who reads the greens the best. Top four qualify from over 70 players is a tough ask but it’s the same for everyone. But since it’s only two rounds, I will take on a more aggressive approach than the usual four rounds,” admitted Kapur.
Singapore-based Unho Park, who also enjoyed his first taste of The Open last year, has adjusted well to the playing conditions at the Tanjong Course and will be banking on his putting to see him through the top four this week. “I’m eager to make my second appearance. I’m hitting it fine and striking the ball solid, I think it’s down to my putting. Putting is the key as the course is wide open with hardly any rough. This is my fourth straight qualifier and it is the toughest field so far,” said Park.
For the draw go to http://scores.opengolf.com/rqfq/default.sps?file=RQ/IFQDraw_Asia.sps
Minoza heads the field of 73 players that include some of Asia’s leading players, including India’s Shiv Kapur, who was voted Asian Tour Rookie of the Year in 2005, local talent Mardan Mamat, and Japanese top players such as Tomohiro Kondo, Tatsuhiko Ichihara and Tadahiro Takayama.
Minoza, who has won numerous titles in the region since the 1980s, enjoyed his first ever outing at The Open where he finished in joint 50th position in 1998. Backed by his solid form this year that includes a win at his home Open on the Asian Tour last month, Minoza is on a mission this week determined to walk the course at Carnoustie in July.
“I will never forget my first experience playing at Royal Birkdale. The people gathered there really appreciated the game. As I was walking down the 18th hole in the final round, the fans all around were giving us a standing ovation and clapping, and I felt like I was walking on air, it was great,” admitted Minoza.
“It is a different game this week with two days qualifying. This is one of the toughest qualifiers I’ve played in with over 70 players fighting for four spots. Everybody has a good chance of making the top four. I will give it 100 percent and hope to come out good and make my second appearance in The Open,” said Minoza.
India’s Shiv Kapur, who enjoyed his maiden Open appearance last year, will not hold back on his game this week as he hopes to make it two appearances in a row. “It is always great playing in your first major, especially with The Open, with all the history that’s attached to it. Although I did not make the cut last year at Hoylake, I still had a wonderful experience and I hope to qualify this week,” said Kapur.
“The course this week is nice but it will mainly depend on who reads the greens the best. Top four qualify from over 70 players is a tough ask but it’s the same for everyone. But since it’s only two rounds, I will take on a more aggressive approach than the usual four rounds,” admitted Kapur.
Singapore-based Unho Park, who also enjoyed his first taste of The Open last year, has adjusted well to the playing conditions at the Tanjong Course and will be banking on his putting to see him through the top four this week. “I’m eager to make my second appearance. I’m hitting it fine and striking the ball solid, I think it’s down to my putting. Putting is the key as the course is wide open with hardly any rough. This is my fourth straight qualifier and it is the toughest field so far,” said Park.
For the draw go to http://scores.opengolf.com/rqfq/default.sps?file=RQ/IFQDraw_Asia.sps
Labels: Pro Men
posted by Gillian |
See story on its own page | Monday, March 26, 2007
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