Korea’s SK Ho has given his approval to the venue for next week’s Ballantine’s Championship, describing Pinx Golf Club on the island of Jeju as “terrific”.
Major renovations have been made to the Club’s tournament course, which will host the inaugural Ballantine’s Championship from March 13-16 – the first time Korea has staged a European Tour event.
Designers have lengthened the course by 342 yards and made significant alterations to bunkers on 16 holes, six of which have been given added protection with new trees.
Ho recently played the modified 7,345 yards, par 72 course for the first time, and was evidently impressed with what he witnessed.
He said: “I think it’s terrific. I’ve played a lot of international golf, and Pinx Golf Club compares with some of the best courses I’ve seen. It will provide a fantastic setting for an international competition.
“It’s certainly much more difficult now, and the additional obstacles mean players are going to have to think more before playing their shots.
“There are a lot more bunkers than before, especially around the greens. Approach shots are much tougher now.”
Adding to the challenge is Pinx’s geographical location, meaning the players may have to contend with blustery conditions.
Ho, nine times a winner on the Japan Golf Tour, believes the wind could play a major part in determining the eventual winner.
He said: “Players from The European Tour are familiar with windy conditions, and I think one of them will have a good chance if it is blowing next week.”
Lining up alongside Ho in the Ballantine’s Championship are home favourite and World Number Six KJ Choi, reigning British Open champion Padraig Harrington and Omega Mission Hills World Cup winner Colin Montgomerie.
They will be joined by US PGA Tour stars Chris DiMarco and Anthony Kim, and Ryder Cup duo Thomas Björn and Paul McGinley.
Dual Major winner Sandy Lyle, who this season will compete on the European Seniors Tour for the first time after turning 50 last month, will appear as the tournament’s official ambassador.
