Defending champion Lu Wen-teh heads into this week’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters knowing that another win will etch his name into the country’s golf folklore. The 46-year-old veteran enjoyed a memorable home triumph when he lifted a fourth title in Taiwan last year, and securing another will extend his record as the leading all-time winner.
Lu makes a return to his home course at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club hoping that his familiarity will help him notch his first win on the Asian Tour this season.
“I’ve always enjoyed a good track record at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club. This course has been my home course since my childhood days and I like playing here as it suits my game,” said Lu, a five-time Asian Tour winner.
PHOTO: CHAO HSIN-TIEN, TAIPEI TIMES
While his younger contenders may have an edge over him in terms of age, the evergreen Lu believes that his wealth of experience will put him in good stead.
“I’ve been a professional golfer for more than 20 years and I still have the same drive and mental approach. I’m able to handle pressure at the highest level and I believe this week’s event will not be any different,” Lu said.
As he continues his pursuit of more trophies, rookie Matthew Griffin, the top-ranked amateur in Australia before he turned professional, is hoping that he can win his first.
“It’s good to know that I’ve been playing well in Macau and also in Japan last week. I’m looking forward to another solid week again,” the 26-year-old said. “It has been a pretty good learning experience on the Tour, bit of a slow start but I did play some really good golf in the second half so I’m looking forward to some good results.”
Meanwhile, American Bryan Saltus is also relishing another title prospect at this popular event that was inaugurated in 1987.
“I’m on the verge of greatness. There have been so many little things bothering me lately, my head, my clubs and my luck,” he said. “I think with my experience here, I should have a good week and I’ve been waiting for a good week for a while now.”
Among other hopefuls, India’s Gaurev Ghei, who won in 2006, will be eager to turn his lackluster season around after having missed the cut in his last three events.
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