American David Lipsky believes his recent victory in Europe is timely as he seeks to make an impact at the US$8.5 million WGC-HSBC Champions which starts on Thursday.
The Korean-American became the first Asian Tour player to win the Omega European Masters which is the only tournament on European soil to be co-sanctioned with the European Tour in Switzerland.
That victory in September propelled the 26-year-old to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit which helped him qualify for this week’s blockbuster as the leading four players on the Order of Merit qualify for the richest tournament in Asia.
“Winning in Switzerland definitely gave me a huge confidence boost because it shows that you can play against the best players.
But I’m over that win and I’m not in the process of trying to get better in my game. I’m settled down now and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year,” said Lipsky.
Lipsky announced his arrival on the Asian Tour by emerging top of the class at Qualifying School in 2012.
Then in only his third event on the region’s premier Tour, Lipsky burst into life with a play-off triumph in Cambodia before going on to end his rookie season in 11th position on the Order of Merit.
Apart from his Swiss triumph, Lipsky has also notched three other top-10s in Singapore and Malaysia this season.
Lipsky will return to the WGC-HSBC Champions as a much improved player as compared from two years ago where he finished in 72nd place..
‘I didn’t play that well then as it was my first year as a professional and I was a little star struck! But I’m more mature now and can handle things better,” said Lipsky.
To take the pressure off the demands of the high octane contest in Shanghai, Lipsky plans to take time off to meet up with old friends before his battle at the Sheshan International Golf Club.
“I know some people in Shanghai and it’ll be good to catch up with all of them again. It’s going to be an exciting week as I’ll try to go up against some of the best players in the world which is awesome!” said Lipsky.
While he is focused on his WGC-HSBC Champions challenge, the American, whose mother is Korean, is confident he can also emerge as Asia’s new number one by the end of the season.
“I’m still in a good position on the Order of Merit and if I can play like I know I can play, I can take care of business,” said Lipsky.
The final World Golf Championships event of the year will feature some of the world’s best players including Adam Scott, Bubba Watson, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia.
The Chinese showpiece is also one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and organised by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour.
The other World Golf Championships include the WGC- Match Play, WGC-Cadillac Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
ASIAN TOUR MEDIA ADVISORY
This week’s event: WGC-HSBC Champions
Prize Money: US$8.5 million (winner’s purse: US$1.4 million)
Venue: Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai
Starts: From November 6, Thursday till November 9, Sunday.
Top Contenders: Anirban Lahiri (Ind), Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Adam Scott (Aus), Bubba Watson (Usa), Justin Rose (Eng)
Fast Facts:
- Leading four available players from the current Asian Tour Order of Merit after Hong Kong Open will compete at the US$8.5 million WGC-HSBC Champions, which is the richest tournament in Asia
- Asian Tour current Order of Merit leader David Lipsky will be bidding for his second win at the WGC-HSBC Champions following his historic triumph in Switzerland in September.
- In-form Anirban Lahiri is on a roll as he seeks his third win of his 2014 season.
- An all-star cast of World’s best players will return to the Sheshan International Golf Club.
- Two of the four reigning Major winners, Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson will be gracing the event.
- Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is expected to spearhead the Asian challenge.
- China’s number one Liang Wen-chong will strive to become the first Chinese to win a WGC title on home soil.
- 40 from the top 50 on the World Golf Ranking will be competing in this event.
- Asian Tour members represented in this week’s event are David Lipsky, Anirban Lahiri, Antonio Lascuna and Jason Knutzon.
