Webber looking for revival with Macau defence

Australia’s Kane Webber will be hoping to reignite his fading form when he defends his Macau Open title against an elite field which includes two-time winner Zhang Lian-wei of China and England's world number 25 David Howell from May 17-20.

Webber enjoyed a spectacular start to his Asian Tour career when he claimed victory at Macau Golf and Country Club last season in what was only his second appearance in the region. However, the Australian admitted that he has struggled to build on that early success.

“The win has not only given me the security of knowing that I have an exemption on the Asian Tour but it also proved that I can win out here against the top players in the region,” said Webber.

“However, it’s been a big let down since my win. I haven’t played well at all. I’ve been struggling with my driving which is my main problem as I haven't hit enough fairways. If I can’t hit the fairways and have trouble reaching the greens at this level, it’ll be tough to score."

Webber has been struggling to stay in the forefront this season, with a tied 10th finish at the recent BMW Asian Open in China being his only top-10 so far this year. But with the Macau Open, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, fast approaching, the 26-year-old is determined to turn the corner and stay in the leading fray for the remainder of the season.

“I became a little relaxed after my win, and for two months, I didn’t work as hard as I did previously. I developed some bad habits during that time and I’m still trying to get rid of it. What I’ve learnt is that once the winning week is over, you’ve got to get back into gear and get going again. That’s the mental aspect of the game that I’ve learnt.

“I really enjoyed playing at the Macau Golf and Country Club and we shall see how my game comes around this year but I will try my best to defend my title. I hope the Macau Open will rejuvenate my form.”

In his first attempt in defending a professional title, Webber is relishing his return to the popular event on the Asian Tour. Webber swept past the field with steady golf on a rain-hit final round, coming back from three shots behind to snatch the title from compatriot Scott Barr.

“The last round at last year’s Macau Open was just phenomenal. The way I played that day was fantastic as I hit it really good, holed some great four to eight feet par putts and to get to that score at one under, under those conditions, is something I’ll remember for a long time. That was probably the best round of golf I’ve had so far on Tour.

“This will be my first time coming back to defend a title. We shall see how it goes as it’s a new experience and I hope to learn from it. Despite my form being not too good, I will try to fall back on the positive thoughts from last year's win. The butterflies in the stomach, the blood rush and the adrenalin which was going off when I was in contention are the kind of memories that I hope will keep me motivated.”

Webber graduated from University of Colorado with a communications degree and played on the mini circuits in United States after turning professional in 2004. He gained prominence with three wins at college level.

After earning his card from the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School, Webber enjoyed a strong start to his Asian odyssey with a top-five finish at the Aamby Valley Asian Masters in India before his triumph in Macau. He also claimed joint sixth place at the Taiwan Open.

Currently ranked 28thst on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, Webber is hoping to climb his way up the ranking and surpass last year's achievements.

“One of my main goals is to finish in the top-10 on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit this year and to get a couple of wins. After last year’s performance, I thought I could get a couple of wins this season. I feel a bit disappointed if I don’t play as well as I should but there is always another week and you never know when things can turn around.”

April 26, 2007

Bookmark page with:

Return to Top of Page