Local golfer Hie eyes victory at Indonesia Open

Source:Led b2b   Date:2011-7-25  close   Printing

JAKARTA, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian ace golfer Rory Hie is ready to rumble at this week`s 1 million U.S. dollar-Indonesia Open, a press statement said here on Tuesday.

Hie energized the country`s golf fans with second place behind Australia`s Andre Stolz in the Indonesia PGA Championship, the season-opening event on OneAsia.

Hie would love to put himself in a similar position and this time seal the win at the Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta at Damai Indah Golf - Pantai Indah Kapuk Course.

"I feel like I am in control of my game. I have been working very hard, particularly on my tempo. I have a tendency to swing too fast. I worked a bit with Andrew Argus in Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago but most of the time I practice with my dad in Jakarta," said the Indonesian.

The rising star finished in a tie for ninth at the Negeri Sembilan Masters Invitational on Sunday on the ASEAN PGA Tour and is in confident frame of mind.

"I feel like I can hit all the fairways and greens in regulation. Of course it doesn`t always happen that way but at least that is how I feel, which is a very positive sign. It has been a very good year so far. Much better than last year`s scenario when I struggled," he added.

He faces a big challenge as the tournament has attracted a stellar field, including a posse of proven winners.

Defending champion Michael Hendry of New Zealand, OneAsia number one Liang Wenchong of China, Japanese legend Shigeki Maruyama, Irishman Paul McGinley, fresh from a top 15 finish in the Barclays Scottish Open, and multiple winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand are among the favorites.

The Thai duo of Chawalit Plaphol and Kiradech Aphibarnat, both winners in Asia this season, and leading Malaysian Danny Chia will also tee it up from July 14-17.