Manila: Chinese Taipei’s rising star Lee Chieh-po will be aiming to complete some ‘unfinished business’ at the popular Resorts World Manila Masters next month.
Featuring in his rookie season last year, Lee battled into contention for the first time on the Asian Tour when he took a share of the halfway lead and eventually finished two-shot shy of winner Natipong Srithong of Thailand in joint third place.
Lee, who turn 22 in four days’ time, said the lack of maturity in his game back then had put a dent in his title hopes but feels the experience gained will put him in good stead when he tees up at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club from November 10 to 13.
It was indeed a week to remember for Lee as his result propelled him into top-60 on the final 2015 Order of Merit, finishing in 45th place, to secure his full playing rights for 2016. It also marked his best result on the region’s premier Tour to date.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming Resorts World Manila Masters. I took a share of the halfway lead last year and it was my first time leading on the Asian Tour. I got too nervous and bogeyed my opening three holes in the third round,” he recalled.
“That was what I remembered the most from last year. It was a great experience nevertheless. I think my game has matured a lot since so hopefully I can do better this time round,” added Lee, who Chinese Taipei’s top amateur in 2011 and 2012.
Lee joined the play-for-pay ranks at the start of 2015, earning his Asian Tour card in his first attempt at Qualifying School and subsequently retained it for this season.
Despite not being able to enjoy the best of results this year, Lee, who is currently ranked 86th on the Merit list with one top-10, knows he must start producing the results to keep his card again. A tied sixth finish in Indonesia earlier this month signaled his return to form which he hopes will lead him to a strong end-of-season run.
“I have been practicing a lot, working on my short game. I hope to see the results in Manila. The season hasn’t been pleasing to me but it has not ended yet. I believe I am still on the right track and I will continue to strive for better results. This event will be a great opportunity for me to prove myself. I will do my best,” he said.
The US$1 million full-field Asian Tour event, the richest golf tournament in the Philippines, will celebrate its fourth edition.
Lee will be joined by compatriots Hung Chien-yao, who also finished tied-third last year following a memorable hole in one in the final round, and Chan Shih-chang, a two-time winner this season.
Former champion Mardan Mamat of Singapore will also targeting the title at the Resorts World Manila Masters. 2011 Order of Merit champion Juvic Pagunsan will spearhead the home charge alongside Miguel Tabuena and Antonio Lascuna.
