Rodgers rested and ready for Pakistan defence

Chris Rodgers has been on the move in preparation for his title defence at the Pakistan Open which tees off on Thursday.

After taking a month off to relax and unwind, Rodgers is now back on course at the Karachi Golf Club hoping to relive his maiden triumph last season. The Englishman enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2006 season when he lifted his maiden win in Karachi straight after his top finish at the Qualifying School Final Stage.

“I had a bit of a break, left the clubs in the closet for quite a while. Today’s pro-am is the first time I’ve played on course since the season-ending tournament in December 2006,” said Rodgers, who was ranked 25th on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit last year.

“Since the new year, I’ve been working hard on the range, but not on the course, but it’s been nice having a break seeing some family and friends back in London.

“Returning to Pakistan is great. A lot of the people were patting me on the back saying good luck again this year. It’s a wonderful feeling and that is what people strive for,” he added.

After spending a year in Bangkok, Rodgers has recently moved to his new residence in Singapore with fellow Asian Tour player Marcus Both. With a new environment to start the new year, Rodgers is now hoping to get into the right swing when he tees off at the US$300,000 event.

“Marcus and I were thinking of moving to Singapore since middle of October last year. We know a lot of people in Singapore and we love the courses there. It’s been hectic the first week but I’m back on track now.

“I am quite happy with my game. I’ve done a few extra yards off the tee but it’s the overall performance that counts. The course here is a bit different from last year. A few new bunkers are in place and the fairways are a bit tighter, but overall the course remains the same, it will be a true test of golf,” he said.

Relishing on his past experience, Rodgers admits that his fond memories has helped boost his confidence ahead of his aim for a back-to-back success on the Asian Tour.

“I feel comfortable and if I can remember what I did last year, I will be in with a chance and look forward to get in the mix.

“But this is the course that will come and bite you if you come in too aggressive. I want to be patient and enjoy myself out there. Everyone wants to win and that is my aim as well.”

Rodgers hopes to take it a step at a time as he battles the elite field of players that include India’s Amandeep Johl, who finished joint second last year, compatriot Gaurav Ghei, Qualifying School top finisher Ben Leong of Malaysia and Australia’s Brad Kennedy.

“The way golf in the region is developing, we can see that the quality of the field on Asian Tour events is ever increasing. It will be great trying to take on the guys early on in the season. It would also be nice to notch up a win but I’ve got to pace myself.”

The Pakistan Open is the curtain raising event for the 2007 season which has experienced a US$100,000 increase in prize fund from last year’s edition.

January 16, 2007

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