Filipino community support lifts Que spirits ahead of Dubai Open

Angelo Que will be seeking a quick burst of energy if the colourful Filipino aims to script a winning climax to a great season by claiming the Dubai Open title at the Els Club Dubai this week.

“Winning here would mean everything to me, especially as this is the Asian Tour’s final event of the year. My game is okay, but I am feeling a bit low on energy after playing continuously since August,” said the popular Filipino golfer, who boasts four top-10s, including a second at the Hong Kong Open in 15 starts this season.

“The good thing is that I feel at home in Dubai because of the big Filipino community here and I am looking forward to their support. It makes me feel proud to be here as a Filipino. I know they are all behind me.

“The (Els Club) course looks good, and precise iron play will be the key because the greens are quite tricky. It’s a course where you can’t afford to miss your approach shots on the wrong side,” said Que, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, who is nicknamed the Human Highlighter for his bright and colourful sense of dress.

“I think I will probably surprise some fans with the egg-plant look in the first round.”
Whatever that means everyone will have to wait and see, but Que is confident of being close to at least 80 per cent fit after a day’s rest.

Reflecting on his season, he said: “My goal was to finish in the top 10 on the Order of Merit, which I have achieved. Next year, the idea is to win the Order of Merit. If I get off to a good start in the first few events of the year, I will have a chance,” said the 36-year-old from Manila, who is placed sixth on the 2014 Order of Merit.

“You need a little luck, a little faith and belief that you can do it,” said Que, who attributed this season’s success to his coach, who has worked hard on Que’s putting.

Like Que, Thailand’s Prom Meesawat has also enjoyed his career best season and is gunning for a winning week in Dubai to overtake second-placed Anirban Lahiri of India on the rankings.

Lahiri is skipping the tournament after American David Lipsky clinched the Order of Merit crown with an unassailable lead following last week’s Thailand Golf Championship.

Prom, however, plans to take advantage of the leading duo’s absence by lifting the $90,000 winner’s cheque on offer at The Els Club Dubai.

“This is a good week for me to try to win a tournament to move myself up to second on the Order of Merit and get myself in the WGC Cadillac Championship next year,” said Prom.

“With the way I'm playing right now, I'm very confident with my game, and I've been playing well for a couple months. I didn't have a great finish last week, but still, I’m playing good, hitting some good shots. Hope I will do it this week,” said Prom, who has earned $527,921 this season.

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