Rain delay offers Yang breathing space

Y.E. Yang, Asia’s first Major champion, credited a physiotherapy session and time spent in an air chamber for enabling him to start the US$ 6 million Barclays Singapore Open on Thursday.

The Korean, who won the US PGA Championship last year and is making his debut at Sentosa Golf Club, has been troubled by a neck problem since arriving in the Lion City.

He was doubtful for his 9.45am tee time on The Tanjong Course for the first round but a four-hour rain delay allowed him to undergo intensive treatment, which helped relieve the pain.

Yang had a physiotherapy session and spent 45 minutes in a hyperbaric air chamber that sponsors Phiten have provided in the locker room.

The bullet-shaped chamber can be used by "competitive athletes to reduce muscle fatigue", according to the company.

"During the delay I got some more treatment, a massage and spent time in a hyperbaric air chamber," said Yang. "The neck still hurts but it feels better. I was a little bit lucky that play was stopped this morning."

Yang teed off in the first round at 1.40pm with Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland.

After bogeying the first hole, he shot six birdies and signed for a five-under-par 66.

"I have limited mobility in the neck and honestly thought I would shoot 10 over par not five under," said Yang. "I tweaked my neck again on the first tee and went on to bogey the hole but that was my only blemish. I played pretty solid golf considering.

"My plan now is to get some more physiotherapy on the neck and I have asked members of the Korean community in Singapore to recommend an acupuncturist. I think that may help."

Earlier in the day, Yang told his fans via Twitter that he may have to withdraw from the tournament.

"Neck sprain. Won't heal in time. Playing will be a tee off time decision. Hopefully I can play through and not disappoint anyone," he wrote.