Trying to ambush Tiger with driver
It was a delicious moment that delighted Hong Kong-based Kyi Hla Han and surprised world number one Tiger Woods. After a frustrating day paired with the mighty Woods in the Johnnie Walker Classic, Han unleashed a huge drive at the par-five 17th that 'was up there with Tiger'.
'I went driver for driver with him at the 17th - I was a few yards behind but I still think it shocked him a bit that I was so close,' said Han, Asia's number one last year.
Woods played steadily if not spectacularly to record a four-under-par 68 while Han struggled with his short game to record a three-over 75 at Alpine Golf and Sports Club, Bangkok.
'Actually, he did not use his driver that much which meant the 17th was one of the few times I could compare our drives,' said Han, whose long, straight driving is a feature of his game. 'He is a class player. He hit a lot of two-irons off the tee for position. I got the feeling that he was pacing himself today, getting used to the course. A 68 was probably the worst he could have shot.'
Han, whose wife Marlene and his parents made up his personal cheer squad in a huge crowd following the group, which also included defending champion Michael Campbell, was impressed with Woods' on-course demeanour. 'He respects everyone as a player - we did not chat much, as he concentrates hard on his game, but he showed me great respect. It was fun, really enjoyable.'
Han had three bogeys in his round and blamed a poor short game for his score. 'I hit it okay but I chipped and putted badly all day - it's been like that most of the season for me. I have started a lot of tournaments with 74 or 75,' he said.
Chinese number one Zhang Lianwei, fresh from halving a matchplay encounter with double Major champion Mark O'Meara, shot 72 on his first outing on the course. He birdied the last hole to draw level with O'Meara in the China v the Rest of the World clash at Shenzhen Golf Club on Wednesday and flew to Bangkok for the Johnnie Walker Classic afterwards.
'I arrived last night and today's round was the first time I had seen the course,' he said.
