Waring relishing chance to reach new frontiers

Feb 12 2008 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

PAUL WARING returns to European Tour action this week in Indonesia – breaking new ground as his rookie year continues to unfold.

The Bromborough golfer, who benefited from playing in a number of different countries during his time as an England amateur international, missed out on the three-event swing through the Middle East and last week’s first visit to India.

But he returns to action in the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open over the Cengkareng Golf Club course – and is looking forward to the challenge of his first visit to the country.

“I have never been there before so I am looking forward to the experience,” said Waring, who has played just two events on Tour so far but has already recorded a top ten finish at the Joburg Open in South Africa.

“Playing as an amateur, the English Golf Union helped by giving us a lot of experience in different countries, in different climates and on different courses. I went to places like Mexico, Japan and Australia.

“Hopefully I have an idea of what to expect from the course, where the grass will be quite thick because of the hot and humid conditions. The greens could be quite grainy, but again I have had experience of playing on those kind of surfaces.

“It is a case of staying patient, trying to give myself as many chances of making a birdie as I can and hopefully taking a few. It’s also important to keep as many mistakes off your card as possible.”

Waring has been grateful for the support he has received during his first year on the full Tour, notably from Wirral businessman and fellow Bromborough Golf Club member Jamie Kimpton, of Wilmec, a heating and plumbing company based on the Wirral.

“Jamie has been helping with the expenses of both myself and my caddie Duncan Robertson and we both really appreciate his support,” added Waring.

He has also made the most of his enforced lay-off from the tournament schedule – spending some time in San Diego at the Titleist facilities, practising and picking up some new clubs.

He also plans to switch to a different ball this week – the Titleist Prov1 X.

“It launches higher and there is less spin, which is ideal,” he said.

He has also been working hard to ensure that he is as prepared as possible for what should prove to be a run of events over the coming months as the Tour heads back to Europe in Spain, Portugal and France.

“I have been working with my coach as well as physiotherapist Lynn Booth on making sure I am as fit as possible,” he added.

“It is not about how heavy a weight I can lift, but ensuring my fitness fits in with my golf swing.

“In Indonesia we will have to take into account thinks like hydration and eating on course given the conditions.”

A bonus for Waring is that he has retained his place inside the top 115 on the European Order of Merit – the cut off point for players automatically keep their card.

And while Waring insists that he is setting his sights higher than merely making the halfway cuts and trying to retain his card.

He admits: “Obviously there is some pressure, but I am playing golf for a living now so that is only natural. It is up to me to make the most of my chances as the season progresses.”