It could be a life-changing week for one of our brightest young stars – but there are no signs of complacency in the Australian camp in Singapore.
World No. 10 Min Woo Lee, No. 13 Dave Micheluzzi and No. 31 Dylan Perry fronted the media at Sentosa Golf Club on Tuesday as three of the six Aussie stars of this week’s show.
Heading into the 10th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, all six Australians are currently ranked inside the top 55 in the world – but they’ll face some stiff competition from Asia’s best amateurs as the field hunts the silverware and a spot in next year’s Masters and Open Championship.
After leading at the halfway mark twelve months ago in Wellington, Lee couldn’t hold off the Chinese charge – slipping to a share of third behind eventual champion Lin Yuxin.
But the confidence gained from mixing it with Asia’s best without his A-game has Lee primed to improve in Singapore.
“I thought I didn't play too good last year, and I came third,” Lee said.
“So it's definitely a motivational thing. I just hope I can play some decent golf this week and see how I go.”
Shae Wools-Cobb, Blake Windred and Zach Murray also took their first tour of Sentosa’s New Tanjong course this morning in the draining humidity, and have their sights set on becoming the third Australian to win this event in the past five years.
But while the spoils of victory might mean realising a lifelong dream, Lee has learnt to not look too far ahead.
“Down the stretch, you think about it, but you've got to play good golf still, which I didn't do last year on the last nine holes,” said Lee.
“I’ve matured a little bit… we don't get many chances to think about that, so yeah, if I'm in contention just play good shots and one shot at a time.”
Like Windred and fellow Victorian Murray, Micheluzzi is making his AAC debut this week and will be doing his best to block out a potential trip to Augusta and Royal Portrush until the job is done.
“You are going to think about it at some stage,” said Micheluzzi, “so you just have to handle it very well, one shot at a time, and let the result take care of itself.”
The lure of a maiden major start will also be in the back of 23-year-old Perry’s mind at some stage this week.
“The result at the end of the week is something I think all of us will think about,” said Perry.
“But when you're playing, it's probably the last thing you ever think about.
“It's a lot of pressure if you're thinking about it and trying to make good golf swings and make some putts.”
Live coverage of the 2018 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship from Sentosa Golf Club starts on Thursday on Fox Sports Australia.
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