Singapore: Singapore's most decorated golfer Mardan Mamat is looking to repeat his home success where he has won once at the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open which tees off on Thursday.
A three-time Asian Tour winner, Mardan earned his career breakthrough in India in 2004 before going on to win again on home soil at the Singapore Masters in 2006.
At 44 years old, the Singapore veteran showed that he can still deliver at the highest level when he ended a six-year drought to lift his third Asian Tour title earlier this year in the Philippines.
"I’ve been looking forward to play in this event. It is one of the biggest events in Asia and it’s important to play well this week," said Mardan.
“I was really fortunate to be able to win at home in 2006. I believe if you can do it once, you can do it twice. So we shall see how it goes this week,” added the local ace.
Mardan, who has long been regarded as the flag bearer for Singapore's golf, is expected to spearhead the local charge where a total of six Singaporeans will tee off at the Sentosa Golf Club this week.
Singapore's other representative at the Barclays Singapore Open include Lam Chih Bing, Lam Zhiqun, Quincy Quek, Koh Dengshan and Choo Tze Huang.
A veteran in the scene for almost two decades, Mardan believes the good blend of experience and youth will ensure the Singapore flag flies high this week.
“It’s good to see the youngsters coming up. They are young and I think Murugiah (President of the SPGA) has done a good job in helping our local players and giving them a chance to play at their National Open,” said Mardan.
Mardan and the Singapore contingent’s title bid at their National Open will be put to test by several of the world’s best golfers who have arrived at the Lion City.
They include world number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, Adam Scott of Australia, a three-time winner, American Phil Mickelson and 2010 Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa.
This year marks the 49th staging of the Singapore Open which will be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
By Indian Sports News Network