2008 Johnnie Walker Classic - Round 2: Lin Wen-tang enjoys Indian debut

Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang is making the most of his maiden visit to India by staying in contention at the US$2.5 million Johnnie Walker Classic on Friday.

The two-time Asian Tour winner fired a bogey-free five-under-par 67 which left him three shots off the lead at a sun-kissed DLF Golf and Country Club. Australia’s Unho Park holds the lead on 10-under-par 134 following a fine 66.

Surprisingly, Lin has never played in the sub-continent in his 12 years as a professional but he is certainly enjoying his first visit, which is also his season’s debut after taking a lengthy season break.

“This is my first tournament of the year. So I’m quite pleased with how I’ve played so far. I’ve been practising back home and the greens back there is very slow. On these greens at DLF, when I have a down hill putt, I’m so scared,” said Lin.

The reigning Brunei Open champion didn’t drive well as he hit only six fairways at the tree-lined DLF course, designed by Arnold Palmer, but his renowned short game worked like a charm as he accumulated five birdies on the card.

“My short game was very good and I had a chip-in birdie as well. But the last three holes, on the seventh, I hit a seven iron but missed the eagle putt from 25 feet and then took another two putts for a par. And then I missed another birdie chance on the last hole as well which was disappointing.

“I’ve enjoyed a longer season break as I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family. It was the Chinese New Year as well and I decided to stay at home but still managed to put in a bit of practice. My young daughter told me ‘Daddy, you’re always going away, why don’t you stay home for two months’ which I did,” he said.

February 29, 2008

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