Singapore: The future of golf in Asia could be on full display at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic next week with many promising talents from across the region ready to take on the established stars of the game.
Thailand’s Atiwit Janewattananond, Filipino Miguel Tabuena, Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera, Hu Mu of China, Indonesia’s Rory Hie and Singapore’s very own Lam Zhiqun and Choo Tze Huang will tee up at the Orchid Country Club from April 5 to 8, 2012 with every intention of unveiling their massive potential.
Two-time Asian Tour number one Jeev Milkha Singh of India, countryman and title holder Himmat Rai and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Jbe Kruger of South Africa are amongst the top guns who will converge in the Lion City next week.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “It is very exciting to see emerging young players trying to break through on the Asian Tour. There are many talented youngsters in the game at the moment and many of them are starting to show their capabilities.
“The one thing which strikes me the most is that these young players have no fear when they compete on the Asian Tour and it is exciting to watch.”
Atiwit wrote a slice of Asian Tour history in 2010 when he became the youngest ever player to make the halfway cut at the age of 14 years and 71 days at the Asian Tour International in Bangkok.
He was also in contention at the Cambodian Open that same year and will compete in the third edition of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic, the eighth leg on this season’s Asian Tour Schedule, as a full fledge professional.
Tabuena, who is 17, is no doubt one of Asia’s rising stars. After securing his Tour card last season by finishing in the top-40 of Qualifying School as an amateur, the young Filipino subsequently turned professional but was unlucky to miss out on his full Tour card for 2012 by finishing one rung too low on the Order of Merit.
The youngster showed his potential by being in contention at the ICTSI Philippine Open in February where he entered the last day one shot off the lead before fading to finish equal 11th in the event won by Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat.
Mardan was thoroughly impressed with Tabuena, who is coached by Canadian veteran Rick Gibson, a multiple winner across Asia.
“He’s got a lot of potential for Asian golf. For 17, there is a lot of time for Miguel to build up his game. He’ll be one of the best players. He behaved very well and had a good attitude on the golf course. I’m looking forward to watching him in the future,” said Mardan.
China’s Hu, who trains under leading swing guru David Leadbetter, is another young player to watch out for. The 22-year-old has made three appearances on the Asian Tour this season, finishing in the mid-30s in his first two and tied 18th at the HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic earlier this month.
“I’m making cuts, so it’s always good,” said Hu. “I’ve had a big swing change in the off season, new chipping and putting too. Everything is new and I’m testing it out. It’s very good learning experience for me. You get to play different golf courses and it’s a good.”
All eyes will also be on Singaporean duo Lam and Choo, who were amateur stars for the Singapore national team.
Lam, who is an ambassador for International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), impressed as an amateur at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic last year when he finished in the top-10 as the leading Singaporean in the field. Choo, who will compete on an invite, is also highly rated and tipped to excel in the pro ranks.
By Indian Sports News Network
