23rd December, 2010
Noh Seung-yul celebrated his historic ascension as the new Asian Tour number one unlike most other teenagers, he rewarded himself with a sports car.
The Korean became Asia’s youngest ever Order of Merit champion at the age of 19 years and 204 days in 2010 after driving his way to one victory and four other top 10s during a sparkling season which also saw him post two impressive performances at the Majors.
It culminated an amazing rise to the top for Noh, who made his entry into the Asian Tour after earning his card from Qualifying School in 2008 as a bright-eyed 16-year-old. He later went on to win a maiden professional title the same year and claim the Rookie of the Year award.
While many have predicted greatness for the teen titan, who grew up hitting golf balls by the beach near his home in Seoul, he is in no rush to fulfill his lifelong goal, which is to win a Major championship.
“To become the youngest Asian Tour number one, it’s very nice,” said the soft-spoken Korean, who was also selected by his fellow professionals as the Players’ Player of the Year for 2010.
“But in the future, there may be other younger players who will become younger than me at 19 years old to win the Order of Merit.
“In five years time, I want to start contending in the Majors. I am not in a hurry but I would like to become the second Asian to win a Major. The Order of Merit victory will get me into the British Open next year and if I stay in the top-100 in the world, I will also qualify for the PGA Championship and I will try to qualify for the US Open as well.”
