Noh Seung-yul, one of golf’s most compelling young talents, will be hoping to build on a solid rookie season on the PGA Tour in 2012 when he returns to compete in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from January 31 to February 3.
Widely tipped to follow in the footsteps of celebrated Korean star KJ Choi, the 21-year-old ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador produced three top-10s, highlighted by a tied fourth place at the AT&T National where he entered the final round one stroke off the pace.
The South Korean prodigy, who missed just four cuts in 24 starts to finish 37th in the FedExCup and is ranked 100th in the world, believes the experience of playing on the PGA Tour will hold him in good stead when he lines up alongside former world No1 Lee Westwood and defending champion Rafael Cabrera-Bello at the longest-running European Tour event in the region.
“It has always been my dream to play on the PGA Tour since I was a kid. Obviously, I am delighted to be able to live the dream.
“Overall, I’ve really enjoyed it and hopefully there’ll be some more good times to come,” said Noh, the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year in 2008 and second youngest winner on European Tour (2010 Malaysian Open at 18 years, 282 days).
Noh, who is coached by Tiger Woods trainer Sean Foley, said: “I’ve got the ability and it’s just up to me to play well, take my chances and make sure you keep going.
“Being a golf in DUBAi ambassador, a win will be great, but for that to happen I need to produce something special since the field comprises many big names,” said the South Korean who also happens to be a brand ambassador for title sponsors Omega.
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