Wednesday October 24, 2012
Teeing off with Tiger is crazy, says Lipsky
CIMB CLASSIC
MINES RESORT AND GOLF CLUB (Oct 25-28)
KUALA LUMPUR: Korean-American golfer David Lipsky could not have imagined that he will be teeing off in the same event as Tiger Woods when he started out as a rookie on the Asian Tour this year.
But it’s not a dream anymore as Lipsky has truly had a remarkable rookie professional year, first winning the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School in January and then following it up with a first pro title at the Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic.
He has since posted four other top-five finishes to be ranked sixth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit list, which in turn has earned him a spot in the prestigious US$6.1mil CIMB Classic field.
The top 10 in the Asian Order of Merit have been invited to play in the lucrative event, which offers a winner’s purse of US$1.3mil.
“It’s crazy, it’s a dream come true to be playing in the same event as him. He’s an idol of mine growing up.
“I’m from Southern California and so is Tiger ... so growing up, watching golf, he’s been a hero of mine,” said Lipsky, who added that he never expected to be playing in a big event like this.
“Playing with these players in a PGA Tour event is a dream come true. Growing up in the US and being in an event like this is what I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve been working towards this since I was a little kid, so I’m really excited to be here.”
In what is only his rookie season since topping the class at Qualifying School in January, Lipsky also has four other top 10s.
Lipsky has played the whole course so far – playing nine holes each on Monday and yesterday – and he’s really pleased with the conditions.
“The course is in phenomenal shape. The fairways are great, the greens are immaculate, the rough is not too long, so it won’t be too much of a premium driving it,” said the 24-year-old.
“But the greens are pretty small and very undulating, so you have to hit good iron shots and definitely the short game and putt it well to get a good number.”
Lipsky also did not discount the possibility of the winner coming from the Asian Tour this year.
“I know the guys I play against week in and week out. They have the game to shoot 20-under, 25-under that it took here last year,” he said.
“Thaworn (Wiratchant) is playing really well and Marcus (Fraser) is also playing well too, so I would not be surprised if one of those guys win this week.”
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Golf governing bodies ban controversial putter from 2016
- I thought of pulling out after "stupid" Woods remark - Garcia
- Garcia sorry after "stupid" Woods fried chicken jibe
- Banker Carrion bids for IOC presidency
- Del Potro pulls out of French Open
- CAS reject Murofushi appeal against IOC election block
- Cycling: Wintry weather may force more Giro changes
- Cricket: Warner fined for Twitter outburst
- Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
RSS
