Micah Shin gives Davao training credit for victory
THE RESORTS WORLD Manila Masters successfully took place at the course of the weekend at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Cavite with Davaobased American Micah Lauren Shin emerging as the champion.
While making his Asian Tour debut, it did not stop the 20-yearold Mr. Shin from besting Thai Arnond Vongvanu in a one-hole playoff to claim the title and the $180,000 top prize.
He credited the training he has been having in Davao as one big reason for the success he had in the Manila Masters.
“I like Davao more than Manila because it’s more quiet there. It has good golfing facilities to practice in which is one of the reasons why I’m here,” said Mr. Shin in a talk with media people after his win last Sunday.
He went on to say that his Manila Masters win was big for him and only serves to reaffirm his belief that he belongs with the best in the region.
“It means a lot to me to win this tournament. It feels good. It’s something that is whew!” said Mr. Shin, who is based in Davao along with his father for half a decade now.
“I always had confidence in my abilities and I have been making the cuts in tournaments but I knew I still have to prove myself to be up there. In this tournament it really felt good,” he added.
On the road to the win, Mr. Shin saw himself needing to overcome some obstacles.
Early on he found himself set back by two shots after finding out he had 15 clubs in his bag and later hit a bogey on the third round.
But instead of being disheartened, Mr. Shin showed tremendous resolve to fight his way back.
“I got a two- shot penalty on the opening hole for having too many clubs in my bag. But after that, I kept telling myself maybe I needed that penalty to keep me on my toes and focus more. I needed that confidence to get back into position. I focused on every hole and managed to get back into contention. Actually I was very hesitant and trusted my caddie too much and I guess that’s a rookie mistake,” said Mr. Shin.
And such mindset paid huge dividends for Mr. Shin as he put himself in a tie with Mr. Vongvanu at 19-under-par 269 at the end of regulation play.
At the first playoff hole on the par-five 18, Mr. Shin kept his composure and put early pressure on his rival as his tee shot landed on the fairway while that of Mr. Vongvanu landed in the left rough.
Mr. Vongvanu got onto the green in three, but missed his seven-foot birdie putt.
Just as it happened, Mr. Shin made sure not to make any mistakes, sinking his putt from inside four feet for the win.
Meanwhile, Filipino Miguel Tabuena had a good chance to win the Manila Masters after a strong showing in the early rounds.
He faltered though in the end and settled for joint third at 18- under 270 along with Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai.
With his win, Mr. Shin joined the roster of Manila Masters winners which include Liang Wen- Chong of China ( 2013), Mardan Mamat of Singapore ( 2014), Natipong Srithong of Thailand (2015) and Shiv Chawrasia of India ( 2016). —