The English golfer Oliver Wilson looks dejected after missing a putt on the 18th hole during the play-off of the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.
The English golfer Oliver Wilson looks dejected after missing a putt on the 18th hole during the play-off of the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.

Golf

Second not good enough, says Wilson

Oliver Wilson beat some of the best in the world to finish second at the HSBC Champions, but being runner-up simply leaves him frustrated.

SHANGHAI // Oliver Wilson beat some of the best in the world to finish second at the US$5 million (Dh18m) HSBC Champions today, but being runner-up for the eighth time in his career left him simply frustrated. The British golfer, 28, made an impressive Ryder Cup debut this year that gave him the confidence to take on top 10 players like Phil Mickelson. But losing out in a play-off to the now world number two Sergio Garcia was a huge disappointment.

"It's just getting to a stage where second is not good enough anymore," he said. "There was a time when I was pleased to be finishing there, and it's gone, and it's about time I took my chance. "It's going to happen, but I'm making it hard on myself. It will be worth it when I finally get one. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be given to me." Wilson had led by a stroke at the end of third round, and going into his final 16 holes this morning at the rain-hit event.

A couple of fine putts at the 14th and 16th kept Wilson at the top of the leaderboard before Garcia caught him with a birdie at the 18th and the Spaniard went on to clinch the title at the second extra hole. "Fair play," said Wilson. "When you're playing against quality players like this week, you're not going to be able to just coast on in. You're going to have to win it and go and do it. "I just haven't done that yet, but the more practise I get, the closer I'll get."

The good news for Wilson is the US$555,550 cheque, the move into the world top 50 and an excellent start to the European Tour's lucrative 2009 season, dubbed the 'Race to Dubai'. "Normally I go traipsing all over the world to the good events, but it's hard," he said. "It's a lot of travel at the end of the season. But to come here and make it really worth my while, it's a great start to the season. I think that should hopefully secure my (US) Masters spot."

Garcia, his teammate at Valhalla, said he thought the Englishman's first tour title was not far away. "He's going to win soon," said the Spaniard. "He's playing too good not to win. He'll be fine." *Reuters

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.