(Friday, 19 November 2010, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong)

On a day when Hong Kong experienced earthquake tremors measuring 2.8 on the Richter Scale, Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter produced an earth-shattering second round 60 at the UBS Hong Kong Open to take a one stroke lead into the weekend.

The Englishman was in irresistible form as he conjured ten birdies en route to the 13 under par lead. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy, who was neck-and-neck with his Ryder Cup team-mate until a three-shot swing on the 18th hole, the dynamic duo treated the Fanling crowds to a golfing masterclass as they ripped it round the Hong Kong Golf Club.

McIlroy was one stroke ahead of Poulter on the 18th tee, but while McIlroy’s finish was a damp squib, making a double bogey six after finding the water, Poulter produced a sparkling birdie to post a 60 and take a one-shot lead over Anthony Kang.

McIlroy, who holed his seven iron approach for an eagle two on the ninth hole, is joined in a tie for third place on 11 under with former UBS Open champion Simon Dyson, while Race to Dubai contender Graeme McDowell finished the day on ten under alongside teen sensation Matteo Manassero, Jeev Milkha Singh, Anders Hansen and Thongchai Jaidee.

Rory McIlroy in action during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

But the day belonged to the imperious Poulter who was actually slightly disappointed after his round as he knew he will rarely have a better chance to shoot golf’s magic number of 59 no matter how much longer he plays the game.

“I do have mixed emotions,” admitted the World Number 14. “It’s one of those golf courses if you get off to a decent start, you feel as if you can shoot a low number and five under on the front nine was a great score.

“I had five birdies in a row from the 7th and then as soon as that happened, I kind of felt there’s plenty of chances coming for the 59. It was on alright. I mean, I hit a great putt at 17. I really wouldn’t have had it back again I thought it was in all the way but then a foot from the hole it stayed right on the grain. So I am happy, but slightly disappointed.

“Rory and I had a great battle today – the birdies around the middle of the course were good. Rory coming down the middle of 9 holes a 7 iron, which I thought was pretty cheeky, great shot that it was. And I managed to roll a 30 foot putt in on top of him which was nice.

“He then holes a nice 15 footer on the next and I kind of roll it in from three feet and then I hit it stiff on 11. So it was a good match. I knew he was going to play well today and I knew I had to go out there and shoot a low score obviously to stay in touch. I’m sure he’s a little disappointed to finish like that, but Rory is playing well and it’s going to be an exciting weekend.

“I did feel the earth move today – on the 14th tee. I wondered what it was as I was just about to put my ball on the tee peg and I did feel a little tremor.”

Ian Poulter in action during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

(Mike Jansen, Hong Kong 18 November 2010)

I cover quite a number of sports events in Hong Kong on behalf of Howzit-HongKong.com and BlitzBokke.com and obviously I have my favourites.

I have never been good at golf, but the Hong Kong Open in November must rank right up there with my personal favourite, the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

Funnily enough, not for athletic reasons at all.  To those who know me, no… it’s not because of the free Nespresso booth, sandwich bar or the well-stocked, well-iced Heineken freezer in the Media Centre.

Having a reason to take the MTR to the New Territories town of Sheung Shui for four days in November every year is bliss.  If you’ve lived in a city like Hong Kong for about four years, you will understand.  Let me give you a simple reason:

I can count on one hand the number of times I have felt grass under my bare feet.

I know what you’re thinking and coming from South Africa, it’s almost ludicrous to think that such a simple experience can be missed so much. But it is.

I attend quite a number of rugby games which makes it even more unbelievable, but this being Hong Kong, you’re either not allowed to touch the rugby turf by over-enthusiastic security guards, or it is not real grass but “astro turf” instead.  Like at the Hong Kong Football Club for the Hong Kong Tens or even at King’s Park where a lot of club games take place.

But again, I digress.

The HK Golf Club in Sheung Shui seen from above

Sheung Shui is located in the furthest part of the northern New Territories, a few minutes away from the Hong Kong/Shenzen border.

It’s a leafy town with roads so wide, Lee Shau Kee and the other Hong Kong ‘property pirates‘ must drool whenever they pass through.

It’s a town with more trees than there are cars. Trees that are, unlike here in the city, unlabeled.

It’s a town where mothers collect their little ones from school by bicycle.

It’s a town where, in the early evening… you can smell the soil, the trees, the freshly-cut grass.

Like I did today, at the conclusion of Day 1 of the UBS Hong Kong Open.

I love Sheung Shui in November.

The sun sets over the Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui (Pic: Mike Jansen)

From the Kowloon Cricket Club two weekends ago, to the HK Golf Club this week, international sports action in Hong Kong continues!

As far as action is concerned, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes this year definately did not disappoint.  Following on last year’s last ball drama when England was crowned Champions, Davy Jacobs’ South Africa this time around, followed suit when man-of-the-moment Farhaan Behardien hit a massive six off the last ball with 5 runs needed to win!

Change to Sheung Shui and who could ever forget last years play-off between Irish upstart Rory McIlroy and Taiwan Lin Wen-Tang for the 2008 UBS Hong Kong Open title.  Here’s a reminder:

It’s that time again and tournament organisers and sponsors UBS have assembled the best-ever field to line up in the New Territories for the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open.  South Africa’s onslaught will be led by the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Champion Rory Sabbatini.

Getting to the UBS Hong Kong Open

Those of you Saffas who want to travel out to Fan Ling can make use of the free shuttle buses from Admiralty and Kowloon Tong MTR Stations.  Buses will depart from these two locations every half-hour starting from 9am to 12:30 pm on Saturday-Sunday (14-15 November 2009).  The return journeys will commence from 3 pm to 6 pm from Sheung Shui.

If you want to attend play on Thursday-Friday, take the MTR to Sheung Shui station from where there will be a free shuttle service to the HKGC.  Departures will be every half -hour:

Starting from 07:00 – 18:00 on Thursday/Friday;

and every 15 minutes from 08:00 – 19:30 on Saturday/Sunday.

Tickets

Tickets available at www.cityline.com at any Parsons Music Branch or via Cityline hotline 2111 5333.

Ticket prices: Thu-Fri (HK$120/day), Sat (HK$250), Sun (HK$300), all four days (HK$400)

See you in Sheung Shui!