Lam out to make Singapore golf history at Carnoustie

Lam Chih Bing will be counting on marital bliss and advice from a Carnoustie expert to lead him to an historic showing at the British Open in Scotland next week.

Lam is only the second Singaporean to qualify for the world’s oldest Major and he hopes to enter golf’s annals as the first player from the Lion City to play in all four rounds.

“I've been playing golf since 10 and watching golf on TV ever since. I’ve probably watched every single British Open since 12. To play at the British Open in Scotland will be unbelievable. I've talked to so many players who have been there previously and they say it'll be the best week of my life,” said Lam, who tied the knot with long-time sweetheart Sophie last month.

Lam, 30, knows he needs to lift his game a few notches in his attempt to challenge the world’s best players in Carnoustie. Since turning professional in 1999, much has been expected from Lam after a rather impressive amateur career but he has yet to establish himself on the Asian Tour.

Currently ranked 104th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, Lam admitted that his career has been a disappointment but he knows that it only takes one good week to turn the corner.

“I've been disappointed with my career but hopefully it'll change very soon, hopefully at the Open. In fact, I came close to quitting last year,” said Lam.

“The main problem has been my short game which is no where near world class. It's the weak point of my game. I've tried a lot of things and I have to remain patient. I'm pretty confident it will get there soon,” added Lam, who earned one of five tickets to Carnoustie through the International Final Qualifying in Asia held at Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore in March.

Lam’s experience on links courses is understandably limited and he will play practice rounds at Turnberry and St Andrews, both venues on the Open rota, to familiarise with links golf before pitching up at Carnoustie, which last hosted the event in 1999.

While he is expecting a literally rough campaign at the Open which is famed for its shin-high rough and gale-like winds, Lam feels he will have a 15th club in the bag next week to help him negotiate the challenges of Carnoustie.

Since qualifying for the Open, he has tapped on the knowledge of Singapore-based swing coach Alan Murray, an Australian who has won a tournament previously in Carnoustie.

“I’ve talked to a lot of Asian Tour players like Mardan Mamat (Singapore’s first player to qualify for the Open), Danny Chia and Unho Park about playing at the Open but the person who has helped me a lot is Alan. He's won in Carnoustie and I've been tapping on his brains.

“He has told me that all the trouble on the course is on the left side. So if you want to miss a shot, miss it right. He's told me a lot of good things. I have got two or three guys whom I listen to and he's certainly one of them. I hope to use his advice effectively,” said Lam.

“I know it'll be a real challenge. The main thing would be to avoid the pot bunkers. I'll have to get used to hitting the low shots as out here in Asia, we don't have that kind of conditions. I will have to develop a strong game plan and learn how to play in the wind.”

He will not be alone in his quest for glory. His parents P.T. and Suan, along with wife Sophie and several other family members, will lead the cheering squad in Carnoustie.

“The goal will be to play four rounds. I'll be ecstatic if I make the cut, anything more will be a bonus. My parents, wife and some relatives will be with me in Scotland. It'll be especially special to have my parents and wife there. My parents are golf fans and to have them with me in my first Major will be special. They've been incredibly supportive in my career.”

July 12, 2007

Bookmark page with:

Return to Top of Page