Timing is everything, and the 134 players in the Omega Hong Kong Open will be hoping they get it right on the 12th hole. A longest drive competition will be one of the many side attractions at the season-ending finale. Players will be able to test their accuracy and hitting power on the par 5, which measures 529 yards. The longest drive after the first three days will win an Omega watch. A leaderboard will be in place on the 12th hole to give an updated record of the leading hitters, as well as in the tournament village. Notable performances in similar driving competitions in Europe this year are Open favourites Ian Woosnam (287 yards), Paul Lawrie (271) and Costantino Rocca (272). Local hopes will rest with Hong Kong-based professional Kyi Hla Han, who last month showed he was far from intimi dated by the greatest of them all, Tiger Woods, in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand. Han drove his ball to within a few yards of the world number one in a memorable display of driving at the 590-yard, 17th hole. The Pro-Am will give golfers in Hong Kong the opportunity to rub shoulders with their heroes. An added incentive this year is a trip to the European Masters Pro- Am in Crans-Montana in Switzerland for the winner.
