A solid performance from Lindell in China – “Thank goodness this week is over; next week we’ll be getting some honest feedback in India”
Oliver Lindell was unable to find the form on the final day that would have justified a move into the top 10. He finished Sunday’s round on par, bringing his total to -11. This was enough for a very respectable 14th place at the Hainan Classic.
The final round featured four birdies, most of which were again scored on the par-5 holes. On the other hand, the scorecard also included four bogeys, the first of which came on the opening hole.
“It was very much like yesterday, except the conditions were more challenging and the opportunities didn’t come along as readily. My concentration went out of focus right from the first hole, when I three-putted. After that, I hit the ball really well, but I couldn’t sink the putts, even though they were close.”
“All my birdies on the par-5s today came from the greenside bunkers, from which I managed to hit the ball within a metre of the flag. On the 16th hole, I changed my game plan and hit a perfect drive from the tee right down the middle of the fairway. My wedge shot flew a metre too far onto the semi-rough, from where my chip shot came straight up. After the putt rolled away, I had my second mental block of the day. On the final hole, I managed to sink the only two-metre putt of the week against the grain. The strong grain has certainly been a challenge all week.”
Lindell demonstrated once again this week that he can hit the ball well enough to compete for the title, provided he has a good week on the greens. Next up is the notorious course in India, which, if I may say so, is arguably the most challenging venue on the tour.
“Luckily, we managed to get through this week. T14 is still a good result, though. Next week we’re in for some honest feedback in India, provided the course is set up in a similar way to last year. A par score will be worth its weight in gold there,” said Lindell.
The competition was won by Jordan Gumberg of the United States with a score of -19.