Macau, October 16: Indian star Gaganjeet Bhullar is relishing his title defence at the Venetian Macau Open starting on Thursday, labeling the US$800,000 event as one of the biggest on the Asian Tour.
The 25-year-old, currently third on the Order of Merit, will face a stellar field at the spectacular Macau Golf and Country Club which includes four-time Major champion Ernie Els and six former Merit champions including countrymen Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa and Jeev Milkha Singh.
Last year, the powerful Indian completed a commanding wire-to-wire triumph and called the victory as one of the best of his career which includes three other Asian Tour victories.
“Macau is one of my favourite courses in Asia. When I played in the practice round yesterday, it kind of triggered the memories from last year. I remembered what I did on the 72nd hole (which he birdied). It was one of the weeks where I’m not going to forget in my life,” said Bhullar.
“This tournament is one of the biggest events on the Asian Tour. I’m feeling good and I’m striking the ball good. Just had a bit of ups and downs recently which is part of the game. I’m enjoying myself and I’m in a good frame of mind. Anything is possible.”
Bhullar is hoping to play his way into a pairing with crowd-puller Els over the weekend. “That’s the goal. He inspires the next generation of Asian players to move onto the next level and make it big. With him around, he’s the one to look out for,” said the Indian.
Officials and players at the Venetian Macau Open Press Conference.
“This is my sixth visit to Macau and over the past four to five years, the course has been improving every year. Last year, the greens were running at about 10 on the stimpmeter and this week, it’s running around 12 which is one of the fastest on the tour.
“This golf course and the event have matured a lot, not just from a commercial point of view but the potential point of view as well. There is a lot of sponsorship involved which is great. This tournament is one of the biggest on the Asian Tour,” he said.
“This field is one of the strongest fields ever in the Venetian Macau Open history. I’m feeling good and I’m striking the ball good. Just had a bit of ups and downs recently which is part of the game. I’m enjoying myself and I’m in a good frame of mind. Anything is possible. Definitely I want to go out there and have a good week.”
Bhullar recalled last year’s triumph with fondness. “Last year, it was a real battle of emotions, especially over the last few holes. After winning here, my outlook and ambitions changed. It gave me the push that I needed in my career. After that win, I’m feeling secure in my life. A lot of good things are happening and I’ll try to win this tournament again this year,” he said.
Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee, the only man to win three Order of Merit titles in Asia, has recorded eight top-10s this season and would dearly love to win a 14th Asian Tour title at the Venetian Macau Open.
“I’ve been playing okay but in the last two weeks, my putting has been killing me. But with the greens being so fast here, I hope to get back to form. I love fast greens and I feel confident,” said Thongchai, who finished tied eighth here last season.
“Hopefully this week, I will give myself a chance to win. The course is good but a lot depends on the weather. If it is windy, it will be tough. I love the course, you have to think a lot and have the right game plan.
“It’s good to have Ernie in the field. It makes things a bit different for the players.”
