Golf: Long back in winner's circle

Michael Long. Photo / Simon Baker

A rested and rejuvenated Michael Long is back in golf's winner's circle.

Long finished the US$1 million ($1.23 million) China Masters with a share of first place, shooting a final round par-72 to finish on 278 along with Australians Scott Laycock and Craig Hancock, and Korean Bi-o Kim.

Long went into the final round tied for first with Laycock, but a storming six-under 66 from Kim pushed him up the leaderboard. Hancock, one stroke off the pace after three rounds, snuck into a share of the lead with a one-under 71 final round.

Long appears to be reaping the benefit of easing up on his tournament schedule.

Eight months ago, after having been a professional for 20 years, he decided to cut back his playing schedule and started working for a signage company in Perth as their marketing manager.

"I had become a little bit tired of all the travelling and so I cut back on tournaments. I needed something to do at home to keep me busy so that is the main reason why I started work.

"This week is certainly an opportunity to reassess things but there are only so many Vijay Singhs or Jim Furyks in the world," Long said.

The 42-year-old New Zealander said he was happy to finish with Laycock in a share of first.

"We have been around a long time and I know Scott really well so it's nice to be in this position."

Long is one of his country's most successful golfers -- he won the New Zealand Open in 1996 and the Greg Norman Invitational three years later.

He also claimed two titles on the Nationwide Tour in the United States, one in 2001 and the other in 2003. He has also represented New Zealand in the World Cup and Alfred Dunhill Cup.

- NZPA