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Que seeks return to winning ways in Manila

Local hero Angelo Que is aiming to start his 2007 Asian Tour campaign with a bang at the season-opening Philippine Open from January 11-14.

Que turns 29 on New Year's Day and knows that a home appearance in Asia's eldest national Open is the perfect stage for him to reignite his fledgling career.

After breaking through in a big way in 2004 when he won the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam by defeating two-time Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand in a memorable duel, much has been expected from the talented Que.

But over the past two seasons, the genial Filipino has posted only three top-10s to his name but he intends to return to winning ways soon in the new season.

"It's the first event of the year and it'll be good as I'll be on home ground," said Que. "It'll be nice to win at home or finish well as it's the first event of the new season. I'm pretty excited about it."

A return to the fabled Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, where he finished tied 18th earlier this year, is an exciting prospect for Que.

"I like Wack Wack. You don't need to hit that many drivers from off the tee and I've been hitting my two irons and three woods pretty good. I'm going to do that a lot there. You need to know where to put the ball in play and you need to putt well," he said.

Que finished the recent season in 45th place on the UBS Order of Merit and conceded that his 2006 report card was fairly average.

"I'm pleased that I'm in the top-60 of the Order of Merit but I was not happy with the way I played. I've struggled a bit and played good in only four events which were all in the big ones. I need to focus better next year and keep my mind on track and play well every week.

"My driving has been poor … I haven't been hitting a lot of fairways. I've tried several different drivers but I think it's just a mental thing for me. I don't think it's finding the right driver but thinking the right way. I think I have been swinging it too hard. Luckily, my short game has been good and my putting has saved me most of the time," said Que.

For 2007, Que's New Year resolution will be to play consistently in hope that it will translate to a second Asian Tour triumph. "I hope to play solid every week, that will be a goal next year," he said.

"I've tried to do that this year but every time I got up on the leaderboard, I would falter in the last round and shoot high scores. I know I can make the cut each time, it's just a matter of doing well over the weekend.

"It could be a case of me trying too hard. My winner's exemption ends in 2006 but at least now I know I can do it (finishing inside the top-60). I need to play like how I used to play and enjoy myself more on the golf course," he said.

The Philippine Open will mark the start of an exciting 29-event Schedule for the Asian Tour's 2007 season where an unprecedented US$26 million will be on offer to the region's finest stars.

December 28, 2006