Wang eyes another Macau crown thanks to technology

Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang is one of the oldest players on the Asian Tour but the 44-year-old is not finished yet in his search for more victories across the region.

The ever-smiling Wang will head full speed to the Macau Open from May 17-20 where he is eyeing a second title in three years at the challenging Macau Golf and Country Club.

The popular US$300,000 tournament is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and will feature England's world number 25, David Howell, Chinese stalwart Zhang Lian-wei, a two-time winner in Macau, and title holder Kane Webber of Australia.

With one victory, another top-10 and numerous other top-25 finishes in Macau, Wang will be amongst the title contenders. And the veteran has attributed the advancement in golf technology for keeping him competitive against younger opponents.

"I'm an old man, but I've been aided by the advancement in golf technology. We now have so many new and hi-tech drivers and golf balls in the market that we're able to hit the ball a lot longer these days. This technology has given me a chance to compete against the young boys.

"I'm actually hitting it 20 yards longer than five years ago. At the Volvo China Open recently, I smacked a 330 yard drive down the fairway and although there was a slight breeze, I was surprised with that drive," said Wang, who is a four-time winner on the Asian Tour.

He conceded that modern-day golf is a lot about power these days but Wang, currently 42nd on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, knows that he can compete against the young guns at golf courses that place a premium on accuracy and consistency.

Hence, Wang knows he has every opportunity to snatch another win in Macau where its layout requires precision and most of all, patience. "I've played in the Macau Open since 1999 and I've always done well there. Apart from winning a few years ago, I've put in a lot of top-25s," said Wang, winner of the Brunei Open last season.

"I obviously like the golf course which suits my game. It's a hilly and tight layout and you need to hit it pretty straight there which is very much my strength. On back nine, there are some really tough holes and the winds tend to make it more challenging."

While the ever-changing golf technology has breathed new life into Wang's game, the veteran revealed that regular visits to the famous hot springs in Taipei provide a sense of rejuvenation.

"I do that about two or three times a week whenever I'm home. It helps remove the body toxins and I always feel refreshed after a session there. The warmth is good for the body. It's very hot when we play golf in Asia but I feel okay. But at my age, sometimes I play good, sometimes not too good," he said.

Wang intends to remain healthy and competitive as he wants to take a shot at the US Champions (Seniors) Tour when he becomes eligible in a few years time. "I'm happy with my form this year. I'll play for another three to four years on the Asian Tour and will then make an attempt at the US Champions Tour."

May 3, 2007

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