Putra Cup hosts in individual and team lead

Ho plays key role with 67 in helping Republic's Putra Cup team dream alive

Sports Correspondent

Sep 09, 2016 06:00 am

Almost apologetically, Joshua Ho asked if his post-game interview could be conducted by the 18th green so that he could watch his Putra Cup teammates complete their rounds.

This was the strong unity and camaraderie Team Singapore have been displaying throughout the first three days of the South-east Asian Amateur Golf Team Championships at the Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course as they aim to regain the team title the Republic last won in 2011.

After combining for a total of six under yesterday, the quartet of Gregory Foo, Marc Ong, Joshua Shou and Ho have expanded their lead over closest rivals Thailand from one stroke to five.

Ho shot five birdies against two bogeys to register a solid three-under 67 and a three-round, one-under total of 209 as the 22-year-old vaulted into contention for the individual title as well. He sits in fifth place, four strokes behind leader Foo.

"I've been playing solid for the first two days, hitting good shots but just not converting," said Ho.

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RIVALS: Individual competition leader Gregory Foo (left) with Malaysia's Chan Tuck Soon and Thai Kammalas Namuangruk (right). TNP PHOTO: BENJAMIN SEETOR

"It was the same for my front nine today in which I played one over, but I finally got my putter going on the back nine and I hope to carry this form over to the final round.

"We are in a good position and it's all about confidence and momentum now. As much as possible, we want to watch each other play because when you see your teammates hole out or make a good shot, it just gets you pumped up."

The local lads are definitely in the zone as Foo revealed his team have been dreaming about lifting the Putra Cup "for weeks, even months before Tuesday's tee-off".

After shooting a 69 for a three-round, five-under total of 205 to pull one clear of Thailand's Kammalas Namuangruk, he said: "We have been talking about winning the team title during training and even over dinner.

MOTIVATION

"We are not surprised that we are in the lead. Sure, Thailand are the favourites because they have a good tradition of winning the Putra Cup, but that just motivates us more."

Singapore's third player in the top five is 20-year-old Marc Ong, who made arguably the best shot of the day when he eagled the par-four 15th hole.

"I hit a good knockdown wedge from 104 metres, the ball took one hop before it went down the hole," he said after his 68 lifted him to fourth with a of 208.

"Overall, it's one of my better rounds. I struck the ball really good, made all the greens and didn't have to chip even once. I was bogey-free until the last hole when I felt the nerves.

"It wasn't the way I wanted to finish but I'm happy with the way I played and how my teammates are playing well.

"If we keep this up and continue shooting good numbers, we will get there. As for the individual title, it feels good to be in contention, and I hope it's a Singaporean who wins it."

Singapore coach Andrew Welsford believes complacency will not be an issue as his team aim to complete a wire-to-wire victory.

CONFIDENCE

The 44-year-old Australian added: "A lead of five strokes is not much in a team event, but we would rather be five ahead than five behind.

"We have a great team environment, mature and seasoned players who have shared the responsibilities of scoring. We believe we are the team to beat and we have just got to go out there and look after ourselves in the final round."

Despite falling behind Singapore in the Putra Cup team event, Thailand are leading by considerable margins in the Santi Cup, Lion City Cup and Kartini Cup.

Team Singapore are third in the Santi Cup, 14 strokes behind the Thais, as Amanda Tan lies second on the individual leaderboard with her three-day, three-over total of 213, eight strokes behind Pajaree Anannarukarn, the only other golfer besides Foo to register three consecutive rounds under par.

A lead of five strokes is not much in a team event, but we would rather be five ahead than five behind.

— Singapore coach Andrew Welsford

LEADERBOARD

PUTRA CUP (Men)

Individual (Top 3)