Teenager Noh Seung-yul eyes title defence at Malaysian Open – Asian Tour News
The Asian Tour sanctioned Malaysian Open will be starting from 14th April in Kuala Lumpur Golf club in Malaysia. The prize money set for the four day event is US$ 2.5 million and it will be the young Korean sensation Noh Seung-yul, defending his title this
year.
Noh is just 19-years-old and has already proved too many that he can play against the best in the world. He is also ranked among the top hundred players in the world. It was a rather dramatic victory last year as he came from behind to lift the title the
Malaysian Open.
At his young age he has also won the Asian Tour Order of Merit last year by earning more than US$0.8 million. The Korean went on to become the youngest player to have won this title. He has been inspired by his fellow countryman K.J. Choi and Y.E.Yang who
are playing on the PGA Tour and have a few victories among them.
Another entrant is the previous champion from Thailand, Thongchai Jaidee. He has won this championship two years before. It was in 2004 and 2005 where Jaidee successfully managed to win the trophy in back-to-back years.
Some experienced players from Europe have already confirmed their participation in this tournament. The two past winners, Alastair Forsyth of Scotland and Peter Hedblom of Sweden, will also be among the participants.
Noh won this championship last year after he produced a brilliant shot on the final par-4, 18th. It was his countryman Choi, who was his nearest competitor. The youngster chipped from the bunker as his ball stopped just a few inches behind the
hole. He went on to secure his second Asian Tour victory and was overwhelmed.
This was not the only good showing the youngster has had last year. He managed a few top-10 finishes and only missed the cut in just one tournament. After winning the Order of Merit last year, he also got an exemption to play on the PGA Tour this year. It
was rather tough experience for the player to get used to the conditions but he still managed to make the cut in a few tournaments.
The teenager is all set to unleash his class and ability on the field next month in the championship. This will be a great victory if he fulfils the expectations of his coach. He looks all set to lead from the front in this event.
In a recent interview, Noh said, “The first time I played in Malaysia, I had to adjust to the scorching weather. This time, I have prepared myself mentally and physically to withstand the heat in hopes to win the title again”.
Last year’s Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen and German Martin Kaymer will also be playing in this Malaysian Open. Another youngster, Rory McIlroy of Ireland will also be looking to win another title.
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