All to play for Golfing in Hong Kong
All to play for in Hong Kong
(UKPA) – Nov 11, 2009
Race to Dubai contenders Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy headline the field at the Hong Kong Golf Open but smaller battles will also unfold in Fanling this week.
McIlroy sits 52,321 euros adrift of money-list leader Westwood heading into the penultimate event of the season, with both in good form following a string of top-10 finishes. New world number four Westwood, 36, is keen to hang onto pole position ahead of next week’s crucial season-ending Dubai World Championship with a win on his first visit to Hong Kong Golf Club.
The 2000 Order of Merit winner said: “I have watched it on TV over the years. It is very tight and tree-lined. Same as most other courses we play in that if you hit it straight, get it in position and hole a few putts, you generally do well.”
He added: “There is big prize money next week but it will certainly help to win here this week. I am not thinking about the money list this week but thinking more about the Hong Kong Open as it is a very old and prestigious tournament and one I have never won.”
McIlroy, 20, was the runner-up last year after just losing out in a thrilling play-off and is keen to go one better to remain in the hunt for a maiden money-list title in only his second full season.
“These two weeks are going to be very good. Hong Kong I love coming to. It’s my fifth year coming here – twice as an amateur and then this is my third Hong Kong Open,” said the world number 17.
“I love the city and golf course. It is one of my favourite weeks of the year. Winning this event will take care of catching Lee so that’s what I am focusing on.”
Oliver Wilson, Simon Dyson, Singapore Open champion Ian Poulter, Soren Kjeldsen and Francesco Molinari are all currently ranked inside the top 15 in the Race to Dubai and looking to improve their positions this week.
The likes of Bradley Dredge, Jamie Donaldson and Stephen Dodd are hoping to hang onto qualifying spots, while Darren Clarke and Castello Masters champion Michael Jonzon are looking to break into the top 60 to ensure a place at the lucrative season-ending showpiece.