Howell fears Malaysia Open could be cut short
7:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne
Howell fears Malaysia Open could be cut short
DAVID Howell believes the Malaysia Open could be reduced to 54 holes with inclement weather playing havoc in the Far East.
Thunderstorms have affected the opening two days of play at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club and the Broome Manor pro is only five holes into his second round.
Howell reckons that this could be the second tournament of the 2013 Race to Dubai to be curtailed, after the Nelson Mandela Championship was cut short in December.
Speaking on the weather, the Swindonian said: “It’s just the way it is at these venues. It’s nothing we didn’t expect.
“I’ll have 13 holes on Saturday morning and then the cut will be made. I guess it will be a case of trying to play 18 holes in the afternoon, but that’s not overly likely.
“There’s a distinct possibility of the tournament being 54 holes, but they haven’t called that yet.
“The organisers are under restrictions of when they need to finish on Sunday as it’s the Malaysian Grand Prix. I guess they just don’t want it clashing.”
Teeing off at the 10th earlier today, Howell carded a bogey six to start but followed that up with birdie threes at 12 and 13 to put him on one-under for the day and four-under for the tournament.
The start of the Wiltshireman’s round had been delayed by thunderstorms and his late start meant he was forced to finish early due to darkness.
Howell was tied 20th overall after the day’s play with Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat leading on 10-under having finished just 27 holes.
“I played quite well,” said Howell.
“I hit a poor wedge shot on the 12th from a perfect position but pulled it back really well for birdie.
“I had a lovely birdie on 13 as well, and as those are some of the tougher holes on the course, it will have to go down as a good start to my round.”
Howell is scheduled to finish off his second round in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
- BUDDING golfers are being given the chance to sample Broome Manor’s refurbished indoor facilities during the Easter weekend.
The Swindon Borough Council-owned course will stage a free open weekend from March 29-April 1.
Various competitions and activities will run from 10am-4pm each day and there will also be free junior coaching sessions on Easter Monday.
