Dubai: South Korea’s In-Kyung Kim believes that the player who makes more putts will win the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, the European Tour’s season finale being played on the iconic Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club this weekend, as long as they are “brave and smart”.
The former champion, who has returned to Dubai as the international favourite to capture a second, also had a word of caution in relation to the Karl Litten design course, which she said can be ‘very tough to shoot an even par’ on some holes.
“I think whoever plays well, I guess, will have a chance,” the 29-year-old world No 8, told journalists after playing a practice round. “But it’s four days, and I think this golf course, keeping it in the fairway is very important.
“Some pin positions are really hard to get to. So whoever is bravest, and also plays smart, would be the winner.”
Kim claimed a three-shot victory over American Michelle Wie at the Majlis in 2009 but could not hold on the trophy the subsequent year, when Denmark’s Iben Tinning triumphed.
Asked about her memories of being here and what it feels like to be back the South Korean said: “I always love this golf course, even before 2009. I watched the men play and finally when I got here in 2009, it was just such a great experience that I wanted to come back every year.
“The scenery here is absolutely worth, flying 16 hours to play a round of golf. But like I said, there are so many good holes. There are some tee boxes that have changed I think since I was here five, six years ago. But still, it’s one of the golf courses that suits my eyes.”
Another course that evidently suited the kindly Korean’s game was Kingsbarns, Scotland where she played some magical golf to win the women’s British Open in August this year, her first career major title.
“It’s been a fun year. Not only because I’ve won a couple tournaments, but I’ve seen the progress and that I’ve put in the work,” she said.
“I’m just happy to be here again for the Omega Dubai Classic trophy. It’s amazing. It looks more like the guys’ trophy. Fantastic.
“Looks like a genie is going to come out or something. I just kept staring at it today on the first tee. Yeah, it’s kind of a piece of art. It’s kind of nice to see,” said Kim, who played in the tradition curtain-raising Pro-Am.
“This morning, our Pro-Am started at 7.30, and I got here before sunrise, and I saw the moon and the buildings and all that. I’m like, I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Asked to point out the strong contenders she said: game, “There are so many I think. What do you think? (Laughter) I’m putting you on the spot.
“You know, it’s really unknown for me. Every week I feel very fresh and looking for good opportunities, and give my best,” she added about her short game.
On whether the soft greens will be a factor Kim commented: “Around the greens, it’s very tricky with the grain, where the grass is kind of going a different direction.
“So trusting the putt, that it’s going to go in, is important. So it will be a good challenge.”
