Asian Tour number one Noh Seung-yul takes on Martin Kaymer at WGC Accenture Matchplay Championship
Asia’s young rising star, Noh Seung-yul of South Korea, faces a tough challenge at the World Golf Match Play Championship, to be held at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Arizona, when he faces World number two Martin Kaymer of Germany. Noh’s debut at the match
play competition provides him with an opportunity to qualify for the Masters Tournament.
The 19-year-old golfer is paired against the world number two, Martin Kaymer, in the first round of the US $8.5 million event. Noh remains un-intimidated and is looking at the event as a way to increase his world golf rankings. “This is my first time in
this event. I am looking forward to it and would like to climb up on the world rankings. The tournament’s prize money is also one of the biggest and has one of a lot of world ranking points. It will be exciting,” said Noh. “He (Kaymer) is the world’s second
best player currently. I don’t think this is going to be an easy game. Hopefully, if I get to win the first match, I believe it will be a little easier after that.”
Noh has played at the US Open and Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Championship before but the current challenge will still require some nerves from the youngster. 26-year-old Martin Kaymer is in the form of his life. He toppled Tiger Woods to take
the second spot in the World Golf Rankings after successfully defending his title at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship by a record setting eight strokes. Kaymer failed to impress at Bahrain and Dubai but he will still pose a tough challenge for the South Korean.
Noh is trying to stay positive in light of is imminent clash with the highly ranked golfer, “Through my experiences, I think I am more comfortable playing in the States. The top players were also there last year and I believe the setting and atmosphere will
not be different,” said Noh, “This is one of the majors I haven’t had a chance to play yet. Being able to play at the Masters will be my dream come true”, he added, “that event is so special. I will work really hard to get to the Masters. If I am good enough
at these two WGC events (WGC-Cadillac Championship next month), I will able to play the Arnold Palmer Invitational also in March.”
Noh currently holds the 62nd spot in the World Golf Rankings. He has been impressive on a string of occasions, including the PGA Championship where he shared the 28th position. According to golf observers, Noh will not be an easy opponent
for Kaymer to handle.
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