Poh, 50, makes it for Laguna event

At 50, Poh Eng Wah still plays good golf.

So, it came as no surprise that he is among six Singaporeans who will play at the US$1.5 million ($1.89m) The Championship at Laguna National's Masters course from May 1 to 4.

Ranked fifth on the Singapore Professional Golfers Association Order of Merit, Poh just made it among the five slots offered to the local association.

A former World Cup qualifying (2000) representative, Poh teaches at Top Golf (Toa Payoh Driving Range).

The other four local spots went to Quincy Quek, Lam Chih Bing, Koh Dengshan and Lam Zhiqun.

Singapore's No. 1 pro Mardan Mamat is an automatic qualifier for the event based on his Asian Tour credentials.

The event marks a return to the island country for The European Tour and the Asian Tour, which co-sanctioned the Singapore Masters in the six years between 2002 and 2007.

A field of 156 players will battle it out for the $1.89m prize fund, and the event will be beamed to a potential television audience of over 450 million homes in 60 countries.

Peter Kwee, owner of Laguna National Golf and Country Club, said: "We have always valued our relationship with The European Tour, The Asian Tour and Parallel Media Group. and are pleased to pledge our support for the event.

"Our expansion and upgrading plans, which are now underway, include a five-star branded resort hotel and full upgrading of the clubhouse and amenities.

"Nurturing and hosting of a European Tour event is a significant part of our long term commitment to growth at the club."

Among the players competing are former US Open champion Graeme McDowell, Thongchai Jaidee and Marcus Fraser, who all won at Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, and former European Tour No. 1 Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger and Brett Rumford who all triumphed at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul.

This article was published on April 16, 2014 in The New Paper.

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