Sentosa, Singapore, January 16: Davis Love III and his son, Davis Love IV, who goes by the name Dru, are making their first visit to Singapore and it did not take them long to fall in love with the Lion City.

Fresh from winning the Father-Son challenge golf tournament in Orlando, Florida last month, the World Golf Hall of Famer along with his son opens up about what have caught their eyes in Singapore, the pressure of playing against each other and his fatherly advice to his son ahead of the SMBC Singapore Open which starts on Thursday.

On their first trip to Singapore

Davis Love III: I’ve been here for about 12 hours. I’m enjoying it so far, having a great time on the golf course. I saw Dru this morning having breakfast and we’re going to have to change roles – usually I’m telling him what to do in a tournament but he’s been here for a few days so he’s telling me where everything is. The opportunity to come to play in Singapore where I’ve never been was a big draw. The four spots for The Open was also a big draw. But the main thing is his (Dru’s) mum said we’re going. This is a place I’ve always wanted to come. I don’t go on vacation very much; I travel to play golf, so this is a great opportunity to come to a place I’ve never seen before.

Dru: I’ve been here since Sunday night. Got to explore the city a little bit and it’s beautiful; one of my new favourite cities in the world. Incredible place and incredible golf course.

On their form

Davis Love III: I’ve played three of the first four/fall series since the start of the year. Not great results but I played the weekends and felt my game’s coming around. Actually, Saturday was one of my best playing games in the while and confidence is coming back. I’m excited about my form and I came here with high expectations, what with the great greens, great golf course and the four spots to get into The Open Championships. So I was definitely gearing to this point this week.

Dru: I think my game’s pretty good and the golf course and suits my game a bit. I like to drive all the way you can carry some of these bunkers out here and can really take advantage of it, so I’m really excited to take on tomorrow and think it’ll be really good.

On father and son playing against each other:

Davis Love III:  There’s more stress on me because I’m trying to play my ball and play his as well I’m trying to get his ball to go on the hole maybe harder than mine. I always want him to do well and have a good week. I prefer him to beat me this week. If he beats me, I just want one of those four spots for The Open Championship. We compete at home, we compete any time. He said “Dad, we should have played a little bit in the Pro-Am today.” We’re always thinking about each other but out here with Sergio and Ryo, we got a whole bunch of guys to beat so it’s going to be tough.

Dru: We’ve done it a few times now. In the beginning it was comforting to have him play in the same tournament. In the middle it was more pressure because I want to beat him, and then I finally beat him and now I’m just playing golf. We look at the rankings to see how each other are playing.

On their thoughts on the golf course:

Davis Love III: It’s in great shape, it’s challenging – off the tee you need to be very smart with the clubs you hit and where you hit it, but it’s a great golf course. Big rolling greens where you have to hit it in the right section of the green and your putting is going to have to be spot on. I’ve been excited ever since I looked it up in the world rankings, and looked up the designer and talked to the players who’ve been here in the past. I’m excited about the golf course, the tournament, and the chance to compete with these guys.

Dru: It’s amazing. I got here and the first person I saw when I got to the course was Smylie Kaufman. He told me the greens were incredible, and I went straight to the putting green because professional golfers love nothing more than perfect greens. I started taking a few putts and it really incredible, some of the best greens I’ve putted on the long time. The Serapong course is beautiful, the skyline views and the ocean – it’s hard to beat, and it’s a really special place.

On father to son advice:

Davis Love III: Just to be patient. That’s one thing I’ve learned over 34-5 years of doing this – you have to be very patient with yourself and your game at the golf course. Sometimes when you’re young you want things to happen fast, and look at negative things, if you’re just very patient and methodical and do your routine and play your game, good things can happen. I think that’s one of my strengths -just to be patient and have a positive attitude.

On son to father advice:

Dru: Drink a lot of water that’s all I say.

Ends.