Laura Davies tees off on the first hole at Haevichi Country Club in Jeju
Laura Davies believes the wind could play a huge part at the Daishin Securities Tomato M Korea European Ladies Masters, which starts at Haevichi Country Club in Jeju on Friday.
After playing the course for the first time in cold and blustery conditions on Wednesday, the 76-time tournament champion said: “It’s very nice and with the wind as it is, it’s very difficult and tricky. If the wind dies down, I think the scoring will be very good because the greens are beautiful and you can make some really good putts out there.
“If it keeps blowing like this, you are going to have to hit very good shots, because anything bad is going to be punished. If the wind stays up like this it’s a brute of a golf course.
“Every time I come to Jeju it’s windy so I expect it. That’s part and parcel of playing golf on this island. You know you are going to be tested not just on the course but with the conditions.
“I like it. This is probably my tenth time here and I’ve always enjoyed it. I always enjoy the golf courses and that’s why I like coming back.”
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| View of the golf course from the first tee |
Lee-Anne Pace felt that she could have an advantage as she plays on an ocean-side golf course at home in Mossel Bay, South Africa.
“I’m pretty used to playing in the wind. I come from a place where it’s really windy. I think a lot of punch shots will be required this week if the wind stays the same. If not you can hit high shots into the green,” said Pace, who has won five tournaments this season, including back-to-back wins in China over the last fortnight.
“I played last year in the same tournament so it’s my second time in Korea. I really like the island, especially this golf course. I think it’s a really good set-up but other than that it’s very nice. Because of the cold and the wind today I think it’s playing a little bit longer. If the wind dies down it will be a good challenge. It’s in very good condition and the greens are really nice, rolling smoothly so I’m looking forward to it.”
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| View of the clubhouse from the approach |
England’s Melissa Reid, chasing a second title, commented: “It’s really nice. Jeju is a beautiful island and the golf course is really pretty. The hotel is nice and everything is good. It’s a bit colder than I expected. Coming from England we are used to strong wind and cold conditions so hopefully it won’t be too bad over the next few days.”
Conditions were bright and breezy on Thursday, with lighter winds and sunshine forecast for Friday’s first round. The winds should ease even further over the weekend, with highs of 19 degrees centigrade predicted for Sunday’s final round.
