This week, Jaco Ahlers, the serial champion in South Africa who has been steadily establishing himself in Asia, will defend his Mercuries Taiwan Masters crown, eager to secure another victory in the region.
The US$1 million event is scheduled to commence on Thursday at Taiwan Golf & Country Club, which is considered one of the most challenging courses on the Asian Tour. Typhoon Krathon is looming and poses a threat to the tournament's progress.
The typhoon is being closely monitored by organizers to determine whether it will disrupt the first-round schedule, and today's Pro-Am was canceled.
Ahlers, on the other hand, has a reputation for excelling in challenging circumstances, as evidenced by his performance in this location last year, when he was one of only four individuals to achieve a top-ten finish.
He was the sole survivor of a grueling and chastening week as a result of a courageous final-round score of three-under-par 69. He secured a one-shot victory over Indian Chikkarangappa S. with a four-day total of four-under 284. Travis Smyth and David Drysdale, the only other players to surpass par, were in joint third.
Jaco Ahlers. Photograph by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
It is his solitary victory on the Asian Tour, whereas he has achieved victory on the Sunshine Tour on 12 separate occasions, including the Sunbet Challenge in July.
This week, the 41-year-old expressed his gratitude for his return, stating, "I have some great thoughts."
"It's a bit peculiar to arrive and see your face on the boards." I have no negative recollections of this location, as it was my first visit last year. I anticipate playing if we are able to do so in the upcoming typhoon.
"It was extremely difficult last year; however, it is significantly less so this year." The greens are exceedingly delicious. I believe that the scoring could be improved. It is exceedingly enjoyable to play.
His winning score was the highest on the Asian Tour last year, and he subsequently placed 13th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
He is presently in the 55th position and, with nine events remaining in the season, is concentrating on reducing the discrepancy between his number of victories in South Africa and Asia.
"We are undoubtedly interested in winning an additional event." "If we can accomplish this within the next six weeks, it will be even more pleasant; we will continue to strive," stated the South African, whose brother Hein is serving as his caddy, as was the case last year.
"I simply need to replicate my previous actions, such as hitting the fairways and making some putts. We will determine whether we have a chance on Sunday."
"I have been working with my coach to improve my swing, and as a result, my ball striking is quite proficient." Last week, the putting was subpar.
"The season has been inconsistent, with periods of high and low activity." South Africa has been satisfactory. This is a commendable extension. I will investigate our options for the subsequent six weeks.
In the first two rounds, he has been paired with Chan Shih-chang, the Mercuries Taiwan Masters champion two years ago, from Chinese-Taipei, and Thailand's Suteepat Prateeptienchai, the winner of the Yeangder TPC last week, also in Chinese-Taipei.