Filipino Angelo Que returns to the scene of the ‘best shot I’ve hit in my career’ at Hong Kong Open
The 2014 runner-up is looking to go one better next week against the likes of Justin Rose, Danny Willett, Patrick Reed and Rafa Cabrera Bello
Angelo Que can’t wait to return to Fanling at next week’s UBS Hong Kong Open, a course he remembers fondly for the “best shot I’ve hit in my career”.
Having finished second in the 2014 showpiece, the bubbly Filipino feels he is coming closer to a victory at the event after losing on the first extra hole to Scott Hend of Australia two years ago.
Que remembers the 2014 edition vividly, especially the final birdie on the tricky 18th hole where he hit a superb nine iron from the rough for a tap-in birdie.
“That is the best shot I’ve hit in my career,” he said.
“I was under a pressure to get a birdie and I hit it to a foot. I hit it exactly how I wanted it from the rough.
“It had the right shape and it came out pretty high. As soon as I hit it, I knew it would be good but I didn’t expect it to be that good.”
“I remember I had a lot of people supporting me. Hong Kong is close to the Philippines so there’s a lot Filipinos working in the country.
“I like the food in Hong Kong and the course suits my eye so it would be nice to win one there.”
Que, who posted a tied 13th result in last year’s showpiece and finished in a share of fifth place in 2013, says he feels “comfortable” ahead of the US$2 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
“I love Hong Kong and I think it is a great event,” said three-time Asian Tour winner Que.
“The course is great because you can play it so many different ways. After playing at Fanling for so many years, you kind of get used to it. Things become comfortable and that’s why I love playing in the event.”
The 37-year-old, who speaks fluent Mandarin, will contend for the prestigious title alongside defending champion and Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose, Masters champion Danny Willett and Ryder Cup stars Patrick Reed and Rafa Cabrera Bello.
Hole an 18-foot putt and earn HK$180,000 as UBS Hong Kong Open brings interactive golf to the community
Current order of merit leader Hend, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines and Thai stars Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee, who holds an unprecedented three order of merit crowns, will also feature in the event.
Tabuena, ranked sixth on the order of merit, hopes to end his best year on the Asian Tour with a victory in Hong Kong.
The young Filipino posted two runner-up results this year and also represented his country in the Olympics and the World Cup of Golf, where he partnered with Que.
“I never had a good finish in Hong Kong but I’m swinging it well and I have some course knowledge now,” he said.
“You have to drive the ball well in Hong Kong. I have a two-iron in my bag now. It is a stinger and goes about 270 yards so that will help.”
Scott Hend aims to seal maiden Asian Tour order of merit crown at Hong Kong Open
“My goal this year is to win at least one tournament. I won the Philippine Open and that was the last event of the year [2015] so hopefully I can replicate that in Hong Kong and end the year with a bang.”
The Hong Kong Open runs from December 8 – 11, with entry to the first two days free of charge.
