Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Masterstrokes Needed In Indonesia

ESPNSTAR, 20 April 2010 - World number two golfer Lee Westwood can expect tricky conditions when he tees off at the Indonesian Masters on Thursday.

The Englishman will headline the inaugural Asian Tour event at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club this week, but has never played a competitive round on the course.

Westwood was unable to end his majors duck last week at the Augusta Masters and experienced a frustrating time with the putter. Given his lofty position in golf's world rankings he remains an odds on favourite to win at least one Masters title this year - this week's Indonesian Masters to be exact. He may even want to catch up for a round of golf with someone who has actually actually played the Royale Jakarta course before to boost his chances. Someone like Indonesia's rising star Rory Hie.

"Players can expect a championship style layout with beautiful surroundings which includes stonewalls and water fountains," Hie told ESPNSTAR.com

The 22-year-old revealed some of the dangers players need to be aware of before deciding to tackle the exclusive Jakarta course.

"The wind can be quite tricky as it usually blows in the afternoon," Hie said.

"Players may find the greens difficult to putt on due to the swells and undulations which is a part of every green here [at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club]."

In fact, there are several holes players need to pay special attention to. The par-four, fifth hole (West Course) is long and players would do well not to bogey there.

"Players can hit up to two irons depending on the wind. Furthermore the green does not hold shots very well, you can expect players off the green with their second shots to be a regularity," Hie said.

The par-five 18th hole can also pose a problem for players who struggle to hit with distance.

"18th is a long par-five reachable only by the longest of hitters. It poses a risk and reward lay up over water about 120 yards out. Players can make anywhere from a bogey to an eagle here," Hie said.

Hie turned pro in 2008 - he was the sixth ranked amateur in the world on August of that year - and has won three professional events.

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