Els Wary Of Growing Asian Golf Power

[honeyjudy]

JEJU, South Korea (AFP) — Three-time major winner Ernie Els, seeking his first victory in 2009, has highlighted the growing strength of Asian golf as he gears up for the Ballantine's Championship here on Thursday.

The South African will face tough competition from the heavyweight field, which includes former world number one Fred Couples, Sweden's Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and defending champion Graeme McDowell.

US player Anthony Kang will be looking to extend his lead at the top of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit in the 2.1-million-euro (2.7-million-dollar) event, also sanctioned by the European Tour, but faces competition from challengers Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Indian ace Jyoti Randhawa.

And teenage prodigy Noh Seung-Yul will be hoping to make the most of home support at the Pinx Golf Club, on South Korea's holiday island of Jeju, when the tournament starts Thursday.

"I've been playing in Asia since 1992 and I have seen the game and its players develop enormously in that time," said Els.

"There are many Asian players throughout the world and the growth of the game, particularly in India, has been incredible. The world knows all about the strength of women's golf in Korea and now the men are coming through with a lot more to follow."

Approaching his 40th birthday, Els, who credits his globe-trotting career for making him a better player, feels he still has more majors in him.

"I just want to play as good as I can and hopefully complete the Grand Slam," he reveals. "To do that I will have to win the Masters and PGA Championship before I retire. That's the aim," he said.

Ryder Cup star Westwood, an 18-time winner on the European Tour, also said Asian golf was becoming stronger.

"Asian golf seems to be going from strength to strength all the time as it becomes more popular and I think it's a lot to do with the Asian players going and playing around the rest of the world more, rather than staying in Asia.

"You have guys playing on the European Tour and (US) PGA Tour a lot more regularly now. A couple of the best young golfers in the world are of Asian origin or Asian.

"I'm thinking of the likes of the Japanese lad, Ryo Ishikawa, and Danny Lee."

Defending champion McDowell, who beat India's Jeev Milkha Singh in a playoff last year, believes the key this time could be driving the ball on the par-72 course.

"It's a breezy island so you have to be able to play well in the wind," said the Northern Ireland player.

"Scoring was hot last year, but I think there will be more rough this year and the emphasis will be on driving the ball well." www.golforderonline.com

India's Randhawa, who lies third in the Asian Tour Order of Merit, is targeting his maiden European Tour victory after registering six top-three finishes in the past five years.

"I'm definitely playing better this year than last and my aim is to continue that. If I can keep improving, then I will give myself more chances to win," said the Indian ace, who has won eight times on the Asian Tour, including last month's Thailand Open.

Europe's next Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, has pulled out of the tournament with a finger injury.

[skipvice]

For a first post cut and paste, not bad

[Heng]

Is there a golf academy in Cholburi for juniors? Heng Jr. is 2 and he needs some hobbies.