Battle for survival in Dubai Open

Edited by Anand Datla

Dubai, December 16: The boys within the top-60 bubble of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit are feeling the heat as the 2014 season comes to a close at this week’s inaugural Dubai Open starting on Thursday.

Finish inside the top-60 and the reward would be a full Tour card in 2015 which includes opportunities to compete in the co-sanctioned events with the European Tour while a trip to Qualifying School potentially awaits those who fall below the cut-off mark.

Young Thai Rattanon Wannasrichan, currently ranked 59th on the Merit list, is trying to keep it cool in his hopes to earn full playing rights for next season. With four top-20s this year, he believes another top-20 finish at the Els Club Dubai would help him earn his ticket.

“I’ll try to play my best and stick to my game plan. There’s no pressure at all. I’ll aim to finish top-20 which should be safe enough for me. I’m feeling good about my game. Last week, I didn’t allow any pressure to get to me although I missed the cut in Thailand,” said the 19-year-old.

“I’ll be thinking about hitting it shot by shot this week. I didn’t start the season too well but towards the second half, it has definitely got better. I worked on my driving and it has been much better now. It will be important to drive it well here as it’s a challenging golf course.”

Indonesian prospect George Gandranata, lying in 63rd place on the ranking, is hoping to give it one final push to break the top-60 barrier. He said: “Well, it comes down to this week but I’m going to treat it like any other tournament and see how it goes. I didn’t have a good week last week in Thailand where I missed the cut but it gave me a chance to work on my swing. The ball striking and putting have been good the last few months, so hopefully it will be good again this week.

“The pressure is always there, no matter where you have to finish. It’s still golf and you have to take it one shot at a time and not think too far ahead. I just have to put myself in position on Sunday to ensure that I get a card.”

Old hand Mo Joong-kyung of Korea, who is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour but languishing in 64th place, admits that the strain of chasing his full card is starting to wear him down.

“I’ll try to play good for a change. My morale is a bit down,” said the 43-year-old Mo.

“I hurt my knee at the beginning of the season and because of that, I had to change my swing a bit. I’m trying to adjust to it and it’s a work in progress. Of course I’m paying attention to the rankings. If I play good, it will take care of itself. You’ve got to pay attention to it and see what happens. But once the tournament starts, I can’t think of anything else. I’ve got to concentrate on every shot and hit the best shot that I can hit.”

Another Thai, Namchoak Thantipokakul is also fighting for his survival where he has not lost his Tour card in the past four seasons. The 27-year-old believes it will be mind over matter when he tees up on Thursday.

“The game is feeling okay. But mentally, it’s not very good. I’m thinking too much when I’m playing. Sometimes I think negatively that I can’t make birdie,” said the stocky Thai.

“I’m 61st on the Order of Merit, but I think I can get into the top-60. I will aim to make the cut first and then move up. I’ve not been able to score this season. Driving it good and hitting my irons good but my putting has not been good.

“The short game has not been good as well. I’m going to ask Prom Meesawat to give me some tips to try to fix my short game and putting.”