Asian Tour Qualifying School Rd 4: What They Said

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 22: Read what players have to say following the fourth round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School on Saturday.

 

Ben Follett-Smith (ZIM) – Fourth round 70 (-1) A&B course, Total 270 (-14)

Today was a complete grind, I mean it started on the first hole (the 10th) I actually had my yardage book the wrong way around, so I started thinking I was playing number one. I got down the fairway and I was like there is no star here, and I was a bit confused and disoriented.

Anyway, that probably shuffled me up a bit and felt un-organized. I made a bogey on my second hole which is the 11th, I hit a terrible shot off the tee and just kind of stayed positive, understand that this is golf and that happens. Luckily, we found the ball and made bogey.

It went my way kind of towards the end, but I think that’s because I stayed patient. I made a lot of two-foot, three-foot putts on these greens that are pretty difficult. I’m not taking them for granted at any time.

And that kind of just kept me in it, just kept making those little putts and two-putting. My caddy just kept telling me just stay patient and eventually they’ll go in. I hit a pretty good bunk shot on the par-five which left me like a four-footer for my first birdie of the day. On the next I hit it really closely and made birdie again.

Tomorrow I’m just going to play it one by one all the time, one shot at a time. I don’t have very many expectations, I’m not going to create any expectations for myself. I feel like I have done that enough this year and it’s not doing well for me, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.

Just stay positive and stay in the present. One shot at a time and make sure I’m aware of the wind and making those two and three-footers. Those three-foot putts, the time they need and 100% concentration.

 

Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) – Fourth round 66 (-5) A&B Course, Total 272 (-12)

It was good. I have been playing good all week to be honest. It was windy out there so I’m just trying to stay patient. I finished off strong today which gave me a little boost for tomorrow. I’m really excited, just one more day to go.

I putted well today. I hit a lot of good shots too and I was able to hit it close. I feel confident on these greens. It’s been a long week but I had fun. I just told myself to take it one day at a time. I wasn’t really focusing on how many rounds we have played.

It’s hot out there and I haven’t been practicing much after the round just to conserve some energy. It’s been tough since winning in Bangladesh actually. I haven’t been able to continue the good form and I had a shoulder injury. It would be nice to get back on Tour with a good finish tomorrow.

Neil Schietekat (RSA) – Fourth round 72 (+1) A&B Course, Total 273 (-11)

It was tough out there with the wind. The greens started to become crusty but I putted well. Just couldn’t get the greens quicker. I have been playing well. I just want to keep playing the way that I have been playing so far and hit it closer tomorrow and I should be fine.

Obviously, we all came here with one reason. To leave here with an Asian Tour card would be great. I’ve enjoyed myself this week. Everyone’s friendly and accommodating. Playing the A&B course again tomorrow, I would have to continue to hit the wedges well.

Hein Sithu (MYN) – Fourth round 69 (-2) C&D Course, Total 274 (-10)

 

It was tough out there today. The wind was picking up all day. I made some good calculations but missed out which caused me to drop some shots on the last two holes. The best shot I hit today was on the par-three 12th hole. I hit a three-iron to about one foot.

The first two rounds have been tough for me after I played really well yesterday and that gave me a lot of confidence heading into today’s round. I felt really good with my game. Playing the A&B course tomorrow will be different. It’s the opposite of C&D I think. C&D is longer and wider and you just can’t afford to make any mistakes.

I will just go out and play my own game tomorrow. Just keep my head in the game and that’s it. This is my second attempt at the Qualifying School. I missed out on making the final round last year. Conditions are different from last year but the experience helped. I was pretty nervous last year because it was my first time.

I turned professional in March 2018. I have been playing a lot on the All Thailand Golf Tour last year. I kept my card there for 2020.

I look up to a lot of players on the Asian Tour actually. I played with Antonio Lascuna today and he’s one of them. Zaw Moe and Kyi Hla look after me a lot too. I have always wanted to play on the Asian Tour. It would mean a lot if I can get my card successfully tomorrow.