Lam endures bittersweet ending

Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing had a bittersweet ending to his campaign after closing with a final round one-under-par 70 at the weather-shortened Barclays Singapore Open on Sunday.

Singapore’s sole representative in the final round finished with a three-day total of five-under-par 208 at Sentosa Golf Club after organisers decided to reduce the US$6 million event to a 54-hole affair following tropical thunderstorms that delayed play for most part of the week.

Lam mixed his card with two birdies and one bogey in the third and final round of Asia’s richest national Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

While Lam had hoped for a better finish at his country’s National Open, Lam took consolation that he has managed to secure his Asian Tour card for next season.

“I’m pleased with the way I finished in the tournament. I wished I had done better but I think based on how I’ve played this week, it really helped me on the Order of Merit,” said Lam.

Lam acknowledged that a 72-hole contest would have favoured the event, given its stature.

However, he also conceded that it would not have made a difference to his title ambitions based on his current form.

“Based on the way I’ve been playing this year, I don’t think it would have mattered. I would like to see it as a 72-hole contest as this is such a big tournament but unfortunately the weather in Singapore is so unpredictable and we didn’t get that lucky this week,” said Lam.

“I played alright but wished I had made more putts as I was coming in today. But you know, there’s always next week,” added Lam.

Lam will now turn his attention to the Iskandar Johor Open next week where he will make another attempt to end his three-year title drought.

The 34-year-old Singaporean will also be hoping to bring honour to his country when he partners compatriot Mardan Mamat at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup later in the month.