Lam determined to turn Open milestone into tournament wins

SOUTHPORT, England (AFP) - Lam Chih Bing is determined to build on his achievement of becoming the first Singaporean to play all four rounds at the British Open by winning his first Asian Tour title.

Lam signed off his history-making campaign at Royal Birkdale with a disappointing 11-over-par 81 and that was two shots better than he managed on Saturday.

But he remained upbeat and hopes to put his arduous weekend experience to good use when he returns to Asia, as well as having another crack at the world's oldest major at Turnberry next year.

"I'm going back and I hope to win an Asian Tour tournament over the next few months," Lam said.

"If I can get through this, other events won't be that tough. There are a few things that I need to work on my game as I failed terribly in the winds. I have to go back and think things over and come out as a better player."

Lam could not figure out how his game fell apart after making the halfway cut with commendable rounds of 72 and 75 in tough playing conditions.

But he was left shaking his head with disbelief after going 24-over-par for his weekend rounds.

"I had mixed emotions," he admitted. "Although I was having a nightmare out there, I was still enjoying myself just being here.

"I can't really describe it. It is kind of like an achievement to be here but it's disappointing that I didn't have it in me to play two more good rounds.

"I just don't know what happened. I felt like I was two different players. In the first two days, I felt comfortable. I don't know what happened the last two days. It could be due to mental exhaustion. I was battling to make the cut and then having to battle the winds and failing yesterday."

Lam, who also qualified for last year's Open at Carnoustie, admitted he would love to be in the field at Turnberry.

"I want to come back for sure. But coming from Asia, we don't have a chance to play in the wind. I was impressed with how (playing partner) Tom Lehman manoeuvred the ball in the wind yesterday.

"It's something which I want to work on. I will pray very hard that I get back here next year and I think I'll be able to handle it much better."

Lam is also looking forward to the arrival of his and wife Sophie's first child in September. "Everyone has told me that it will be a life changing experience and I'm sure it will be all good," he said.