Lam keeps Singapore flag flying high
SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Long-hitting Lam Chih Bing became the first Singaporean to make the cut at a British Open on Friday.
The 31-year-old recovered from a stumbling start to card a five-over-par 75, qualifying for the weekend by two strokes with a seven-over total of 147.
"It was such a roller-coaster today," a beaming Lam told reporters after making birdies at the 15th and 17th, the only two par-five holes on the course. "So many things that could have gone wrong went wrong.
"I got off to a nightmarish start but I knew I could make some birdies coming in on the par fives. I really want to play well this weekend and hope my performance here will be a boost for golf in Singapore."
One of four players who booked their Royal Birkdale places at an Asian international final qualifier in March, Lam made an awful start on Friday when he triple-bogeyed the par-four first.
He struck a wild approach shot into the galleries and needed three chip shots and two putts to get down.
"I had one bad swing on that first hole which cost me three shots," said Lam who became the second Singaporean after Mardan Mamat to compete in the British Open.
"I actually played well all day and missed so many putts. Thankfully I pulled it off at the right moments.
"I've been working very hard since last year and I got a lucky break by meeting Andrew Welsford, who is now my swing coach. With his help I can now pull off the shots I want."
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
