Singapore Open boasts outstanding field

BY Bruce Young | Asian Tour | 2008 Singapore Open | Preview | 12 Nov 2008

The Barclays Singapore Open has grown into one of the most significant events on the Asian Tour and this week at the Sentosa Golf Club the growing nature of the Asian Tour and this event in particular is reflected by another high quality field and a purse of US$5 million.

Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els, two time champion, Adam Scott, K.J Choi, last week’s runner up in China, Oliver Wilson, Ian Poulter and Jeev Milkha Singh headline the event although this tournament offers a great chance for many of the Asian Tour’s lesser-knowns to also have their moment in the sun.

Last year it was Angel Cabrera, who fended off a spirited challenge from Vijay Singh although neither golfer is in the field this week.

The quality of the field spreads wider than those already mentioned.

Arjun Atwal who won recently on the Nationwide Tour in addition to his victory in Malaysia earlier this year is in good form and could do well.

Other than Scott, who played well last week in China at the HSBC, the Australasian contingent is headed by Asian Tour money list leader Mark Brown, who also leads the Australasian Tour money list courtesy of his win at the Johnnie Walker Classic in New Delhi earlier this season.

Nick O’Hern and Wales Open winner Scott Strange, who is also the highest ranked Australian on the Asian Tour money list this season, might also fancy their chances with a large line up of other Australians and New Zealanders all keen to take advantage of a purse for which only a select few have played previously.

Kane Webber from Lismore but now a resident in the USA, is currently the second highest ranked Australian on the 2009 Asian Tour and recently graduated to Stage Two of the PGA Tour School.

27 Australasians are in the line-up for the opening day on Thursday including the 2008 US Amateur Champion, Danny Lee who is looking to put behind him a rather ordinary effort at the Eisenhower Trophy and at the Auckland Airport where he was questioned by authorities. Lee incurred the wrath of airport staff when he made what was described as an inappropriate comment when checking in en-route to Adelaide for the Eisenhower Trophy in October.

 

Position Score Player Country R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 Total
1 -7 Jeev Milkha Singh 73 68 67 69 277
T2 -6 Ernie Els 66 70 71 71 278
T2 -6 Padraig Harrington 72 70 66 70 278
T4 -5 David Gleeson 72 67 71 69 279
T4 -5 Rory Mcilroy 70 68 72 69 279
6 -4 Charlie Wi 70 71 67 72 280
T7 -3 Chapchai Nirat 70 68 65 78 281
T7 -3 Thomas Björn 72 67 68 74 281
9 -2 Phil Mickelson 73 68 66 75 282
T10 -1 Mitchell Brown 70 70 71 72 283
Position Score Player Country R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 Total

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    About the Author: Bruce Young

    A multi-award winning golf journalist, Bruce's extensive knowledge of the game comes from several years caddying the tournament circuits of the world, marketing a successful golf course design company and as one of Australia's leading golf journalists and commentators.


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