NOH STOPPING YOUNG SOUTH KOREAN IN 2011

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE

By BEN HUNT

Of all the young golfers touted as one to watch in 2011, Noh Seung-Yul is among the most exciting and intriguing prospects.

The South Korean was largely unknown at the start of 2010 when he teed off in the Dubai Desert Classic. After all, in the previous year he was down in 176th place in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Yet over on the Asian Tour, he was carving out a reputation as a player with some potential. In his first full season as a professional

he finished in the top ten on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and followed

up with another solid performance in 2009.

Yet it was in 2010 where he would announce his arrival by winning the

Malaysian Open. The £216,000 first prize went some way to helping him win the Asian Tour Order of Merit. However, what was more impressive was that he achieved victory over his idol KJ Choi.

The victory also made him the youngest professional in history to win an Asian Tour event at 18 years and 281 days.

So what will 2011 hold for Noh? Well, victories in Europe and and invaluable experience of a Major are certainly on the horizon.

On receiving his Asian Tour Order of Merit title, he said: “In five years time, I

want to start contending in the majors. I am not in a hurry, but I would like to become the second Asian to win a major.

“The Order of Merit victory will get me

into the British Open next year and if I stay

in the top 100 in the world, I will also qualify

for the PGA Championship and I will try

to qualify for the US Open as well.

“Playing on the Asian Tour helped me a

lot as we play in different countries and different

courses. I had to adapt to the

changes in grass, food and travelling which

I think is important for a golfer.

“Next year, I want to focus on trying to

win in Europe. I would also like to play on

the US Tour as I think all the top players

want to play there.”

If he continues at his current rate of progresses

then there is no doubt Noh will

soon be realising his dream - and it could

all start to happen in 2011.