Five qualify for Open Championship

Lam Chih Bing emerged as the second ever Singaporean to qualify for the Open Championship after finishing in the top-five of the International Final Qualifying - Asia on Wednesday.

Australian trio of Adam Groom, David Gleeson and Lee Won-joon, together with Scotsman Ross Bain have also booked their tickets to the Open at Carnoustie, Scotland in July.

Lam blasted a six-under-par 66 in the second round for an eight-under-par 136 total as he ended his campaign a stroke behind top finisher Groom at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong Course. Lam will follow in the footsteps of compatriot Mardan Mamat who emerged as the first Singaporean to make it to the Open back in 1997.

“This is simply great. It’s going to be like a double honeymoon for me as I’m getting married in June,” said an elated Lam.

“I will spend my honeymoon with Sophie before my trip to Scotland. I can’t wait as it has always been my dream to play in a major. I hope to bring Sophie and my family along to Scotland. I’ve never been to Scotland and my last trip to Europe was in 2002 on holiday.

“My buddies Danny (Chia) and Unho (Park) have told me so many things about their first ever experience at the Open and now it’s my turn. I heard that the atmosphere there is unbelievable. Danny mentioned that he had goose bumps while walking the course with the crowd all around, it’s going to be amazing,” added Lam.

After scoring a 70 in the first round, the 30-year-old Lam enjoyed a stunning second round with two eagles, five birdies against three dropped shots.

“I enjoy playing on this course as there is has hardly any rough and I was happy with my overall performance,” he said.

After a 69, the 28-year-old Groom, playing in his second straight qualifier, was delighted with his final round performance that included four birdies on the back nine.

“It was going on well until I struck a triple bogey on the ninth hole. But I knuckled down on the back nine and shot four birdies without a single bogey, so that was a good way to end the day,” said Groom.

“This is fantastic being able to make it for my first ever major. There is going to be some change in my schedule but I’m definitely looking forward to it,” he added.

Thanks to solid iron play, the 21-year-old Lee, who turned pro late last year, ended his day with a 70 and was in a play off when Korean Park Jun-won delivered a 68 for a 137 total in a tie for fifth place. Lee took the final spot at the par four first play off hole when he holed a three foot birdie putt as Park parred.

“This is fantastic. I was fully focused on my last shot at the play off and when it went in, I was really happy. That shot was one of my most crucial shots as I’ve now sealed my place in Scotland,” said Lee.

“This is going to be my first major and I’m really excited. I’ve been to Scotland before when I played at the St Andrews Links Trophy. So I roughly know what to expect as I did get some feedback from the players about Carnoustie. I’m eager to go,” admitted Lee.

Dubai-based Bain blasted a 64 to seal his place at the Open Championship while Gleeson scored his second straight 68 and made it through after his ninth attempt at the qualifier.

Leading final round scores
135 - Adam Groom (Aus) 66, 69
136 - Lam Chih-bing (Sin) 70, 66; Ross Bain (Sco) 72, 64; David Gleeson (Aus) 68, 68
137 - Lee Woon-jon (Aus) 67, 70; Park Jun-won (Kor) 69, 68
138 – Sushi Ishigaki (Jpn) 67, 71

March 28, 2007

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