Sentosa, Singapore: World number one Jordan Spieth of the United States believes a much-needed rest is all he needs to put up a strong challenge at the SMBC Singapore Open which starts on Thursday.
The 22-year-old is playing in Singapore for the first time but is expected to sparkle in the iconic event, similar to what he has done in the world of golf over the last 12 months, highlighted by his impressive victories at The Masters and the U.S. Open.
“Since arriving, I’ve spent the day resting, just trying to catch up on sleep, strength and rehydrate.
“This golf course is ranked in the top-60 in the world which is pretty special. Once Thursday starts I don’t mind the humidity and heat as I’m used to it in the summer in Texas,” said Spieth.
Spieth started the year commandingly with a victory on the PGA Tour in Maui in January, and settled for tied-fifth place in Abu Dhabi last week.
While he admits that his globetrotting schedule has taken a toll on his game, the American is convinced he can still produce his ‘A’ game at the Sentosa Golf Club after taking a deserved break upon his arrival in Singapore on Monday.
“I wouldn’t be over here now if I weren’t interested in playing around the world. For me it doesn’t matter as long as it fits the schedule.
“It won’t be a problem getting down on the golf course. I’ve looked over the yardage book already and it looks like a tricky golf course so I’m going to need to get as much information as I can,” said Spieth.
“I’m sure the wind will be a factor, and sometimes the downfall in playing a couple of weeks in a row where you have to travel long distances is that you don’t play get the preparation or knowledge of golf course that you only have but we can still go with it,” he added.
Like Spieth, Korea’s Byeonghun An is also excited to tee it up at the SMBC Singapore Open for the first time in his career.
“This is my first time in Singapore. My caddy and I went out yesterday and it’s definitely a great city.
“I’ve not played the course yet but I heard lots of good things about the Serapong course and I’m just looking forward to the event and playing well,” said An, last year’s European Tour Rookie of the Year.
The 24-year-old took a three-week break towards the end of last year and is slowly returning to his best after his exploits at the recent EurAsia Cup in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi where he finished tied for fifth.
“I haven’t played that well since last December. Confidence plays a huge role and I know I just got to keep believing in myself.
“I took about three weeks off since Thailand last year and I’ve been working hard on my game since then,” said An.
The SMBC Singapore Open will feature the top 60 players from the Asian Tour, top 60 from the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), leading Singapore professionals and amateurs and invites including players from the top 50 in the world.
