Asian stars looking to sparkle on global stage
Asian stars looking to sparkle on global stage
Agence France-Presse, Perth, Australia
The richest season in the history of Asian golf tees off here on Wednesday and the region's home-grown stars are confident they can make their mark alongside the global elite at the Johnnie Walker Classic.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Korean Charlie Wi head a 30- strong contingent from the Asian PGA tour in the prestigious US$1.3 million event at the Lake Karrinyup Golf Club.
The event, last played at the end of 2000 when Tiger Woods won in Bangkok, is also part of the European and Australasian tours.
With the likes of South African duo Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, Spain's Sergio Garcia and former European number one Colin Montgomerie in the field, Asia's best have never had a better chance to make a mark.
For Thongchai, who pipped Wi to the post to head the 2001 Asian money list, the Classic is his first event of 2002.
"I wanted to have enough time to rest and felt that it would be great to make the Johnnie Walker Classic the first tournament of the year," said Thongchai, who turned down the chance to play in the European Tour's opening two events in South Africa earlier this month.
"I have a feeling I will be paired with some of the top players this week so I am really excited about that. I am always able to lift my game when I play with better players," added the Thai.
Thongchai showed his class in the last European-backed event he played in, the Asian Open in Taiwan in November where he finished joint second.
"The Asian Open and playing in last year's US Open really gave me a lot of confidence," he said.
"This week will be tough, it's very hot, but my game is still very good. I feel strong and will try my best to win," said Thongchai.
Wi, unlike Thongchai, opted to start his season in South Africa. He missed the cut in the South African Open but played all four rounds last week in the Dunhill Championship.
The Asian PGA tour is currently the fastest growing in the world. Despite a global downturn in sponsorship, prize money for the first half of this year is set to rise by $1 million to a total of over $5 million over 11 events.
As well as the Johnnie Walker Classic, the Singapore Masters and the Malaysian Open in February are also jointly organized with the European tour.