Last-Gasp Park Asian Tour regular had a red-hot putter to thank after claiming his first Ageas Hong Kong PGA Championship title, writes Mathew Scott
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Photography by Daniel Wong
gamble on a borrowed putter paid rich dividends for Australia’s Unho Park as he drained an 18-foot birdie putt on the last to seal a one-stroke victory at the HK$400,000 Ageas Hong Kong PGA Championship last month. The Singapore-based 38-year-old had come to the par-four 18th at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau’s North Course locked in the lead at three-over par with Guido van der Valk, but showed no nerves as he rattled home the putt to put all the pressure on his playing partner. The Dutchman had left his own approach on the last about 16 feet above the hole and then hit his birdie chance wide to hand Park his maiden Hong Kong title and the HK$72,000 first prize. “For the first two days my putting had really let me down,” explained a delighted Park. “I thought coming here today I had nothing to lose so I just borrowed a putter from my friend, who is also my caddie, and the putts just fell for me all day.” It was the Asian Tour veteran’s first attempt at the Ageas Hong Kong PGA Championship and he left the course singing the praises of the event’s unique format, which takes players to three different courses over three days’ play. “Mentally it is a really challenge, especially coming in here blind having not played the event before,” said Park who turned pro back in 1997 and had 10 titles to his name coming into the Hong Kong event. “From the Hong Kong Golf Club, to Discovery Bay and then to here today you really have to be on your game as the conditions change so it tests you every inch of the way. Winning today has given me a real lift and now I hope I can continue with confidence for the rest of the year.” It was the second year running that Van der Valk had to make do with the runners-up cheque but the Manila-based 32-year-old, who finished second behind Jean Van de Velde 12 months ago, said he had left nothing out on the course after finishing at three-over 217. “I knew Park had been putting well and he was in the perfect spot on the last,” said Van der Walk, who shot a brilliant 67 – the low round of the HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer・JUN 2012
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