Singapore amateur star Lucius Toh tees-off in the biggest tournament of his life tomorrow when he competes in the SMBC Singapore Open.
The 19 year old, who is currently doing his national service, claimed the Singapore National Amateur Championship last year to book his place in the US$1 million event at Sentosa Golf Club.
Singapore amateurs Gregory Foo and Joshua Ho are also competing.
A Q&A with Lucius follows:
Q: How have preparations been going for the SMBC Singapore Open?
A: My preparations for the tournament has been going well. Even though I can only practice on the weekends, I try to keep my practice as efficient as possible.
Q: Just what does it mean to you to be playing in the tournament?
A: It means the world to me as I’ve always watch professional events from the ropes or on television, and now I have a chance to play with world class players I’ve always admired.
Q: What is your game plan for tackling Serapong?
A: My personal game plan will be to place my ball at the safest parts of the golf course, and hit only the shots that I know I can play.
Q: Have you been working on any particular part of your game?
A: I’ve been practicing more of my long irons and drives as I know the course will play pretty long.
Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of your game?
A: My strengths would be my shortgame, as I’m Q:ite comfortable around the greens.
My weaknesses would be shot shaping.
Q: Describe how it felt to win last year’s National Amateur?
A: I was ecstatic and Q:ite shocked, as I did not expect to perform well due to my lack of practice from my army training!
Q: What are your goals for this year?
A: I aim to keep up with my golf game whenever I have time to practice. I am also aiming to keep my swing more simplified so as to prevent injuries.
Q: What are your long term goals?
A: I would love to compete on the Asian Tour and The European Tour in the near future.
Q: How did you first start playing the game?
A: I came to know golf when I was five, and my father would bring me to the golf range after my kindergarten class.
Q: Who is the golfer you admire the most?
A: I admire Tiger Woods the most. I’ve watched him since I was a kid, and I love his attitude as he is always a fighter.
