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Mardan aiming for his "major" title

Singapore’s number one Mardan Mamat regards the Barclays Singapore Open as his “Major” and knows it will be a dream come true if he can pull off a winning run at Sentosa Golf Club this week.

Mardan will take on a galaxy of stars who will headline the US$4 million Asian Tour event where two-time defending champion Adam Scott of Australia, American world number two Phil Mickelson, last year’s runner-up Ernie Els of South Africa and South Korea’s Choi Kyung-ju are amongst the stars competing.

“I think it is every professional golfers’ dream to win their national Open. This is mine. I can say this is my Major tournament every year. To play well in the Singapore Open is important to me. I’m looking forward to it,” said Mardan.

“This is one of the richest events on the Asian Tour and I’m very happy to play in such a big event in Singapore, my home town.”

Presently ranked 34th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, Mardan said that his game is in good order but knows that the putts need to fall at the Serapong course for him to challenge the world’s stars who are assembled at the Barclays Singapore Open.

“I have confidence in the way I’m hitting the ball now. I think if I can hole some putts, hopefully I’ll be in the lead over the weekend,” he said.

He also gave the thumbs-up to the revamped Serapong course, which has added new bunkers and an additional 120 yards to the course. New greens were also designed by the club.

“The course is in good shape. Most of the changes are only on the greens which are now quite big. I like the changes made on the back nine,” he said.

Besides banking on his familiarity and knowledge of the course, Mardan, who won the Singapore Masters in 2005, will be hoping to use home ground support to his advantage once the tournament tees off on Thursday.

“Experience wise, I think I have been playing well in the big events in Singapore. I think I should be able to handle it well. I proved it during the Singapore Masters and I pretty much enjoy playing in my home town.

“I think every professional’s dream is to win their National Open and this is definitely my dream,” he said.

October 30, 2007