Van Pelt raring to go

DEFENDING champion Bo van Pelt of the United States flew in after winning his first tournament of the year Down Under looking fresh to stamp his mark again in this weekend's CIMB Classic at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
  The American claimed his third career win in the Perth International at Lake Karrinyup after an an all-American duel with Jason Dufner by two strokes in a tense final round to claim the event.
  "It is great to be back in Malaysia to defend my title as I have some great memories from last year. This is the first chance I have ever had to defend my title as I have only won three tournaments.
  "I never had the chance to defend the Nationwide and Milwaukee tournaments so it is really great that I finally get a chance at the CIMB Classic," said van Pelt.
  However, the World No 24 does not feel that acclimatisation in Perth would give him an advantage over the other USPGA Tour players who just arrived in Malaysia.
  "It was great in Perth but I arrived on the Tuesday, just like I did in Malaysia last year and went on to win both the titles.
  "I must arrive more often on the eve of a tournament as I seem to play better," quipped van Pelt.
  In Perth, he had rounds of 70-67-67-68 to finish 16-under 272 and pocket a cheque for US$333,330.
  On the pressure of being the champion, and having players like Tiger Woods on his back, van Pelt said he does not feel any different from the other tournaments.
  "I don't think so (there is pressure), as there are so many great players in every tournament we get to play nowadays, so to win, you simply have to play great.
  "Last year at the Mines does not count for anything as we will all start on par Thursday (tomorrow) morning and the golf course is not going to remember me as a champion.
  "I have great memories from last year and I'm looking forward to getting back out there and and playing again," said van Pelt.
  The American posted a stunning 23-under total in the CIMB Classic last year, while his nearest challenger Jeff Overton was a distant 17-under.
  "As for the winning score this year, I think since every year the field is getting better and better, and so it's going to push the guys to shoot much lower.
  "So I would definitely say, if the weather holds, you will be looking at something in the 20s to win at the Mines, for sure," said van Pelt.