New Singapore Amateur champion Gregory Foo has been rewarded for his victory with a spot in the SMBC Singapore Open from January 28 to 31, 2016
In this revealing Q and A he talks about his win at the 68th Singapore Open Amateur Championship, the key to the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, the strengths and weaknesses in his game and his plans for the future.
Describe how it felt to win the Singapore Open Amateur Championship?
It was a mixed bag of emotions, I felt very happy and relieved at the same time. Being Singaporean, I’ve always wanted to win my own national amateur championship.
On paper it looked like a comfortable win but there must have been some challenging moments?
There were definitely some tough moments. I got ahead of myself a few times and made some soft mistakes. During the last round, I lost the lead after the first two holes and after nine holes I was tied for the lead with a Thai player. Fortunately for me, I was able to play really well on the back nine and the other player made some mistakes, so that’s why it looked like I won comfortably but it actually got really close.
Victory in that event earned you a spot in the SMBC Singapore Open. What are your early thoughts about playing in that event? Nervous or are you fairly calm about it?
I’m really excited about it. I played it once in 2010 but i missed the cut. So I’m definitely looking forward to getting back there and doing well this time. Right now, i’m quite calm about it but I’m sure as the event gets closer, I will feel the nerves. So i will just try to prepare the best i can.
If you could pick a top Asian Tour or Japan Golf Tour Organisation player to play with in the SMBC Singapore Open who would it be?
Anirban Lahiri. He’s done so well on the Asian Tour this year and I would really love a chance to play alongside him.
Have you been to watch many Singapore Opens?
I think I’ve been there to watch about five or six times.
What is your playing schedule between now and the SMBC Singapore Open?
I have a few upcoming amateur competitions such as the Thailand Amateur, Southeast Asian Golf Team Championships and the Asia-Pacific Amateur.
How often have you played the Serapong and what is your strategy to play the course?
I’ve played the course enough, so i feel quite familiar with it. Keeping the ball in play off the tee and understanding the contours and speed of the greens are very important.
Do you have plans to turn professional and also what else do you want to achieve in the amateur game?
Yes, my goal is to turn professional one day. Right now, I would like to perform well and hopefully win at the bigger amateur events outside Southeast Asia.
How old were you when you started to play the game and where did you start?
I was five years old when I started. I grew up playing at Orchid Country Club and Singapore Island Country Club. Currently, I play Tanah Merah Country Club.
Who is your coach at the moment?
Kim Baldwin. He is a former National (Singapore) Team Coach.
Who is your favourite player in the game today?
Rory Mcilroy.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your game? (If there are any weaknesses).
My strengths are chipping and putting, short iron play. My longer clubs can get a little wild sometimes.
