Minoza hoping to relive memories of '98

Filipino legend Frankie Minoza will be hoping to relive one of his most memorable outings on course when he competes in The Open International Final Qualifying on Tuesday.

The memories of The Open back in 1998 is still fresh in the mind of the 47-year-old Filipino, who is the highest rank player this week, as he is inspired to make it to the top four at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Minoza heads the field of 73 players that include some of Asia’s finest such as India’s Shiv Kapur, who was voted Asian Tour’s Rookie of the Year in 2005, local talent Mardan Mamat, and Japanese top guns such as Tomohiro Kondo, Tatsuhiko Ichihara and Tadahiro Takayama.

Minoza, who has won numerous titles in the region since the 1980s, enjoyed his first ever outing at The Open where he finished in joint 50th position in 1998. Backed by his solid form this year that includes a win at his home Open on the Asian Tour last month, Minoza is on a mission this week determined to walk the course at Carnoustie in July.

“I will never forget my first experience playing at Royal Birkdale. The people gathered there really appreciated the game. As I was walking down the 18th hole in the final round, the fans all around were giving us a standing ovation and clapping, and I felt like I was walking on air, it was great,” admitted Minoza.

“It is a different game this week with two days qualifying. This is one of the toughest qualifiers I’ve played in with over 70 players fighting for four spots. But I feel good because I have rested the past one week. The last time I played 18 holes was last Thursday so I’m feeling really refreshed now.

“Everybody has a good chance of making the top four, especially if it is decided over two days. I will give it 100 percent and hope to come out good and make my second appearance,” said Minoza.

India’s Shiv Kapur, who enjoyed his maiden appearance last year, will not hold back on his game this week as he hopes to make it two appearances in a row.

“It is always great playing in your first major, especially with the British Open, with all the history that’s attached to it. Although I did not make the cut last year at Hoylake, I still had a wonderful experience and I hope to qualify this week,” said Kapur.

“I did not play much golf the past one week as I was just relaxing and watching a lot of cricket. I played a long strength of events so I decided to a short break as I have another long stretch coming up soon.

The course this week is nice but it will mainly depend on who reads the greens the best and whoever has got the hot putter this week will be the favourite. Top four qualify from over 70 players is a tough ask but it’s the same for everyone. But since it’s only two rounds, I will take on a more aggressive approach than the usual four rounds,” admitted Kapur.

Singapore-based Unho Park, who also enjoyed his first taste of The Open last year, has adjusted well to the playing conditions at the Tanjong Course and will be banking on his putting to see him through the top four this week.

“I’m eager to make my second appearance. I’m hitting it fine and striking the ball solid, I think it’s down to my putting. The course is not too long but a lot depends on the putting.

“I’ve played on this course eight years ago but I’ve been playing here twice in the last month. I’m not familiar with the course but I know where to go. Putting is the key as the course is wide open with hardly any rough.

“This is my fourth straight qualifier and it is the toughest field so far,” said Park.

The top four players will compete at Carnoustie where they will get a chance to compete against former winners such as South African Ernie Els and Englishman Nick Faldo.

March 26, 2007

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