Northern Ireland’s Gareth Maybin produced a timely hole-in-one early on the second day of the UBS Hong Kong Open.
Maybin, 31 is desperate to retain European Tour membership in what is effectively could be his final event of the 2011 season.
Gareth Maybin earns a new Omega wrist watch after his ace at the 4th hole on day two of the UBS Hong Kong Open. (Exclusive photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
The former South African Open runner-up arrived in Hong Kong lying in 120th place on the money list and Euro 17,037 away from the top-115 players who will retain automatic membership for 2012.
However Maybin could wrap-up his Tour card after hitting a 5-iron at the par three fourth hole to record his second European Tour ace in three months and as well earn himself a new Omega wrist watch.
Maybin earned a first hole-in-one on the opening day of the KLM Open but all he got for his effort was a bottle of bubbly and the honour on the next tee.
Maybin commenced his second round in a share of fifth place at four under par and unconcerned about the situation he sees himself in.
“I’m not worried about where I am on the Race to Dubai and I will just keep doing what I am doing,” he said after his opening round.
“I am fairly relaxed with what I need to do and besides no one is going to die if I don’t retain my card.
“So what’s the point of looking at the Race to Dubai and wondering what I need to do or whatever because all I can do is play my best and see where that takes me.”
Gareth Maybin with his $HK 176,900 Omega wrist watch. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
The Omega wrist watch presented to Maybin is worth $HK 176,900 or Euro 16,900.
