Hong Kong: Angelo Que of the Philippines feels he is coming closer to a victory at the UBS Hong Kong Open, an event where he has enjoyed solid results including a runner-up finish.
The bubbly Filipino, who is a three-time Asian Tour winner but not since 2010, finished second in the 2014 showpiece, losing on the first extra hole to Scott Hend of Australia at the venerable Hong Kong Golf Club.
A return to the Fanling course where he posted a tied 13th result in last year’s showpiece and finished in share of fifth place in 2013 will give the Filipino an extra spring in his step at the US$2 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour from December 8 to 11.
“I love Hong Kong and I think it is a great event. The course is great because you can play it so many different ways. After playing at Fanling for so many years, you kind of get used to it. Things become comfortable and that’s why I love playing in the event,” said Que.
The 37-year-old, who speaks fluent Mandarin, will contend for the prestigious title alongside defending champion and Olympic Gold medallist Justin Rose, Masters champion Danny Willett and Ryder Cup stars Patrick Reed and Rafa Cabrera Bello
.
Currently Order of Merit leader Hend, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines an Thai stars Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee, who holds an unprecedented three Order of Merit crowns, will also feature in the event.
Que remembers the 2014 edition vividly, especially the final birdie on the tricky 18th hole where he hit a superb nine iron from the rough for a tap-in birdie.
“That is the best shot I’ve hit in my career,” said Que. “I was under a pressure to get a birdie and I hit it to a foot. I hit it exactly how I wanted it from the rough. It had the right shape and it came out pretty high. As soon as I hit it, I knew it would be good but I didn’t expect it to be that good!”
“I remember I had a lot of people supporting me. Hong Kong is close to the Philippines so there’s a lot Filipinos working in the country. I like the food in Hong Kong and the course suits my eye so it would be nice to win one there,” he added.
Tabuena, ranked sixth on the Order of Merit, hopes to end his best year on the Asian Tour with a victory at the UBS Hong Kong Open. The young Filipino posted two runner-up results this year and also represented his country in the Olympic Golf and World Cup of Golf.
In hopes of doing well at the tree-lined Fanling course, Tabuena will put a two-iron in his golf bang.
“I never had a good finish in Hong Kong but I’m swinging it well and I have some course knowledge now. You have to drive the ball well in Hong Kong. I have a two-iron in my bag now. It is a stinger and goes about 270 yards so that will help,” he said.
“My goal this year is to win at least one tournament. I won the Philippine Open and that was the last event of the year (2015) so hopefully I can replicate that in Hong Kong and end the year with a bang,” added Tabuena.
Entry to the first two rounds of this year's tournament on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December will be free of charge. Those aged under 21 will be admitted free of charge for all four days of the tournament, as the organisers push to introduce the game to wider segments of the Hong Kong community in 2016.
