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| CONTENTS
HK Golfer Issue 89
July 2014
54 On the Cover:
Martin Kaymer won his second major title in brilliant fashion last month. The 29-yearold German blitzed the field at Pinehurst No 2 to claim the US Open by eight shots. Photo by AFP
Features
Plus…
44 | Cover Story / US Open Review
25 | Tee Time
With his stunning performance in capturing last month’s US Open, Martin Kaymer silenced those who doubted he was the genuine article when he reached the top of the world rankings in 2011. By Paul Prendergast
54 | Tiffany’s On Top of the World
Our motoring correspondent reviews the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a car so good that he’s decided to splash out on one himself. By Ben Oliver
56 | Major Showing
36 | Liquid Assets
60 | In a League of Its Own
The Open Championship, the oldest of golf’s four majors, returns this month to Royal Liverpool, a club that boasts both a fine history and a layout that is sure to test the world’s best. By The Editors
68 | Upping Its Game
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34 | Driving Range
Twenty-year-old Tiffany Chan is the toast of the Swiss Alps following victory at the World University Championship. By Alex Jenkins Double defending Hong Kong Seniors Close champion Doug Williams qualifies for the US Senior Open following a gutsy play-off win in Hawaii. By Alex Jenkins
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Swiss watchmakers are centering efforts on expansion and streamlined designs as the industry grows at a moderate pace. By Evan Rast
A journey through the fairytale-like region of Alsace, home of some truly great wines. By Julien Yung Mameaux
40 | Tales from the Box
Our intrepid commentator recounts a special week in Ireland and looks ahead to this month’s Open Championship where Tiger Woods looks set to make his first major appearance of the year. By Julian Tutt
42 | By Design
Thanks to the recent renovation of the former Bali Golf and Country Club, the “Island of the Gods” can now be considered a fully-fledged golf destination. By Duncan Forgan
Our contributing architecture takes a look at the architectural characteristics of Royal Liverpool, host of the Open Championship and one of the most unique courses on the championship rota. By Paul Jansen
82 | Final Shot
76 | Property Special
With Michael Campbell. The 2005 US Open champion talks about his return from injury, his fluctuating form and holding off Tiger Woods in the cauldron of a major championship. By Alex Jenkins
The founder of Complete RPI questions why British estate agents are so averse to raising rents on property you own. By Rupert Smith HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION JUL 2014 • Issue 90
Editor: Alex Jenkins email: alex.jenkins@hkgolfer.com Editorial Assistant: Cindy Kwok Playing Editor: Jean Van de Velde Senior Editor: Roy Kinnear Photo Editor: Daniel Wong Contributing Editors: Lewine Mair, Robert Lynam, Evan Rast, Ben Oliver, Julian Tutt Published by:
TIMES INTERNATIONAL CREATION Times International Creation Limited 10A Lockhart Centre 301-307 Lockhart Road Hong Kong Phone: +852 3590-4153 Fax: +852 3590-4533
68 D E PA R T M E N T S 10 Mailbag 12 Divots 18 Local Focus 20 Women’s Focus 22 Major Focus
Publisher: Charles McLaughlin Art Director: Derek Hannah Assistant Designer: Mimi Cheng Office Manager: Moira Moran Advertising: For advertising information, please contact: ads@hkgolfer.com For purchasing information contact: sales@hkgolfer.com For subscription information contact: subs@hkgolfer.com Hong Kong Golf Association Suite 2003, Olympic House 1 Stadium Path, So Kon Po Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Phone (General): +852 2504-8659 Fax: +852 2845-1553 Phone (Handicaps): +852 2504-8197 Fax: +852 2504-8198 Email: info@hkga.com handicaps@hkga.com In association with: www.thymedesign.hk
25 Clubhouse 52 Around the HKGA 58 Mid-Summer Classic
Robin Moyer
HK GOLFER is published by Times International Creation, 10A Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong. HK GOLFER is published monthly © 2012 by Times International Creation. Published in Hong Kong. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. PRINTED IN HONG KONG. 8
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HK Golfer Mailbag Proud of Tiffany Tiffany Chan’s victory at the World University Championship in Switzerland in July is proof that with talent, dedication and oldfashioned hard work, lofty goals can be reached, even for those who don’t necessarily come from the traditional ‘hotbeds’ of golf. I was delighted to hear of her win, one of the most impressive by a Hong Kong golfer ever, as I’m sure most Hongkongers were. I hope she doesn’t feel under any undue pressure, as a bone fide golfing star from Hong Kong, to quit the amateur ranks to make a name for herself in the professional game. Congratulations to her once again and to the HKGA, especially her coach Brad Schadewitz, on this momentous occasion. Shirley Yu Mid-Levels Editor’s reply: Thank you Shirley. Tiffany’s outstanding win was something else – and you can read all about it from page 54. Tiffany doesn’t seem to be in any rush to turn pro. After her stint at Daytona College in Florida she’ll head to the University of Southern California in the autumn of 2015 on a full golf scholarship. She’s certainly done Hong Kong golf proud!
In red-hot form: Tiffany Chan
New Handicap System Well done to the HKGA for introducing the new handicapping system – GHIN, which allows players to post scores online. It will make a huge difference to me, someone who routinely forgets to fill out my scorecard clearly and then post it off for processing. I have a theory that this will not only make life more convenient to the golfers of Hong Kong but it might also result in lower winning net scores when it comes to tournaments; the reason being is that those who post online should have a rather more up-to-date and, dare I say it, accurate handicap. David Gilligan Via email
Daniel Wong (Chan)
Editor’s reply: Thanks, David. The GHIN system (which stands for Golf Handicap and Information Network, a service provided by the USGA) will indeed make life easier for those of us who
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don’t always remember to mail in our scorecards. For those who haven’t tried it yet, visit GHIN.com. If you have any questions please contact the HKGA handicapping department at 2504 8197 or email handicaps@hkga.com
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Have something to say about an article in HK Golfer or a topic affecting golf in our area? Send your thoughts and comments to letters@hkgolfer. com. Please also include your address, contact number, email and HKGA #. The winner of the best letter (the first one that appears on the page) will receive a bottle of Champagne Deutz courtesy of Montrose Fine Wines.
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| DIVOTS
Special Offer.
McIlroy to Represent Ireland at the Olympic Games
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Former Hong Kong Open champion Rory McIlroy has announced he will represent Ireland at the Rio Olympics in 2016 when golf makes its return to the Games for the first time since 1904. The 25-year-old would be eligible for selection by either Great Britain or Ireland, but said ahead of last month’s Irish Open at Fota Island that he had made his decision. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot,” McIlroy told a pre-tournament press conference. “I don’t know whether it’s been because the World Cup has been in Brazil and I’ve been thinking a couple of years down the line. “Thinking about all the times that I played as an amateur for Ireland and as a boy and everything, I think for me it’s the right decision to play for Ireland in 2016.” McIlroy had previously spoken of being in an “extremely sensitive and difficult position” over the decision, releasing an open letter on his Twitter account in September 2012 in response to quotes attributed to him which said he felt “more British than Irish”. Asked if he had been “torn” on the issue, the former world number one added: “More worried about what other people would think, rather than me. But you’ve got to do what’s right for yourself and what you feel most comfortable with, and ultimately that was the decision that I made.”
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Open Set to Return to Northern Ireland
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The Open Championship is set to return to Northern Ireland for the first time in over 60 years and only the second time in its more than 150-years in history, it was announced last month. Royal Portrush, perennially ranked one of the world’s finest links courses, has been invited to state The Open by The R&A and the County Antrim club’s members will now be asked to ratify the proposal to enable preparations to begin for what is expected to be the largest sporting event ever to be held in Northern Ireland. It is thought the earliest Portrush would stage The Open is 2019. The club first hosted the championship in 1951, when England’s Max Faulkner took home the Claret Jug. “This is wonderful news, not only for Royal Portrush Golf Club, but for the whole of Northern Ireland,” said First Minister Peter Robinson. “The decision to bring The Open back to Northern Ireland is a tremendous vote of confidence in the game here and allows the huge success of the Irish Open in 2012, the first in European Tour history to sell out. The R&A’s decision to invite Portrush to join The Open rota is a ringing endorsement of Northern Ireland and I know we will deliver an event that we can all be proud of.”The Open is golf’s oldest and most international major championship. According to The R&A it has a broadcast reach of over 500 million households around the world and a record 4,468 hours of television coverage of last year’s championship at Muirfield was recorded.
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| DIVOTS
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Streelman Sets New Birdie Record
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American Kevin Streelman finished with seven straight birdies to win the Travelers Championship by one shot and land his second PGA Tour title last month. The 35-year-old fired a 64 for a 15-under-par total to edge Spain’s Sergio Garcia and South Korean KJ Choi. The world number 58’s closing run in Connecticut bettered Mike Souchak’s six closing birdies to win the 1956 St Paul Open. “[It was] just one of those days where I felt I couldn’t miss,” he said. “It’s probably my favourite nine holes on the PGA Tour. But you can’t plan for something like that to happen. It just kind of falls into place.”
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Mission Hills Breaks its Own World Record
A total of 1,987 golfers made history at Mission Hills last month by taking part in the biggest single-day golf tournament of all time. The spectacular gathering – marking 22 years since building work started on the first course at Mission Hills – was officially accredited as “The World’s Largest One-Day Golf Tournament” by Guinness World Records. Organisers utilised nine of the 12 courses at Mission Hills Shenzhen-Dongguan for the record attempt with separate rounds in the morning and afternoon. The tournament was played on the World Cup, Vijay, Ozaki and Els courses at Shenzhen and the Norman, Annika, Olazábal, Leadbetter and Rose-Poulter courses at Dongguan, with shotgun starts at in the morning and afternoon. Today’s tournament broke the previous world record set on 25 June, 2010, also at Mission Hills Shenzhen-Dongguan. On that occasion 1,562 players took part in a single-day tournament.A proportion of players’ enrolment fees going towards junior golf development. HKGOLFER.COM
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Local Focus We Love Lucy She might have missed the cut at the US Women’s Open at Pinehurst but 11-year-old amateur Lucy Li, the youngest player to ever qualify for the championship, proved to be a veritable hit with both fans and media alike. Lucy, who was born in America to Hong Kong parents, carded successive rounds of eight-over 78 to fail to make the weekend action by seven shots. Carrying the ball approximately 200 yards off the tee, the sub-five foot Lucy, seen here talking to the press after her second round, said: “It’s been a great week. I had a lot of fun. I learned a lot and, yeah, I guess it has exceeded my expectations.” Photo by Getty Images / AFP
Women Focus Wie’s Wait is Over Just a day after winning her first major championship at Pinehurst, Michelle Wie embarked on a media tour of New York, where she paraded the US Women’s Open trophy at venues across the city. Wie, seen here on the top of the Empire State Building, finally delivered a performance worthy of the hype that has been heaped upon her since she was a teenager with a gutsy performance on the final day. The 24-year-old held her nerve to close with a level-par 70, good enough for a twoshot victory over Stacy Lewis in second place. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this is happening,” Wie said. Photo by Getty Images / AFP
Major Focus On the Right Track The USGA’s decision to play the US Open and the US Women’s Open back-to-back at Pinehurst No 2 proved to be a great success, with the weather cooperating and the restored Donald Ross classic playing hard and fast throughout the fortnight. The much-discussed wire grass and scrub that substitutes for traditional high rough off the fairways, which Victor Dubuisson can be seen here extracting himself from, allowed the players to be more attacking in their shot-making, although the famous turtleback greens kept really low scores hard to come by. The men’s scoring average was 72.40, while the women’s was almost exactly the same at 72.39. “We got control of the situation,” said Mike Davis, the USGA’s executive director. Photo by Charles McLaughlin
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Away from the Fairways | TEE TIME
STEADY, AS SHE GOES SWISS WATCHMAKERS ARE CENTERING EFFORTS ON EXPANSION AND STREAMLINED DESIGN AS THE INDUSTRY GROWS AT A MODERATE PACE, WRITES EVAN RAST.
The Royal Oak Concept GMT from Audemars Piguet
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continue to reap the benefits, taking up majority of the world’s mechanical watch sales. Richemont has in fact been investing in its facilities, with a proposed US$333m allocated this year to increase production capacity at each of the group’s maisons. According to Co-CEO Richard Lepeu, a large number of projects are either underway or have Hong Kong is still just been completed, including for Panerai, Plan-lesthe top market for Neuchatel Ouates for Vacheron Constantin watches accounting and Piaget, Meyrin for Van Cleef & Arpels, and Couvet and Le Locle for an 18.9% Cartier. In the last five years, the share of all Swiss for group has increased its work force exports, declining in Switzerland by 30%. At LVMH, Chairman and CEO 2% from last year. Bernard Arnault revealed that despite volatility and a slower European market, 2013 was still an excellent year in terms of performance, with profit exceeding the US$8.1bn mark for the first time. Hublot’s he Swiss watch industry continues Jean-Claude Biver has been appointed head of to mature with a focus on hefty the group’s entire watchmaking arm, bringing investments on production capacity his business acumen and marketing savvy and a trend for more austere models. to the fore, not only for Hublot but for Zenith Exports grew by a modest 2% in and Tag Heuer. Louis Vuitton and Bulgari have 2013 matched with a decline in the reported satisfactory results as well, with the entire total number of timepieces, signalling an increase watch and jewellery group recording a revenue in the average price of a watch. According to the growth of 4%. Tag Heuer acquired a movement Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS), Swiss manufacturing facility last year, a Geneva facility for watch exports were US$813 on average, or 5.9% Louis Vuitton, and a 100% expansion for Hublot. more compared to 2012, which is a value that has Swatch Group grew by a further 8.3% last year, doubled in the last 12 years. generating record sales of US$9.8bn despite what These statistics show a continued change the company refers to in its annual report as an in perception for what was largely considered “extremely adverse currency situation”. Growth a disposable, utilitarian accessory a couple in the watch and jewellery segment was at 8.6%, of decades ago. The big watch companies – signifying a relevant increase in market share by Richemont, Swatch Group, Rolex and LVMH – the group.
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The new edition of the Bathyscaphe from Blancpain (above left); IWC's Aquatimer Chronograph Edition '50 Years Science for Galapagos' (above right) 26
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At the end of a great day... ... a sublime experience
As Jim Murray said in his Whisky Bible, “…A whisky that gives you the will to live !” We chose this as our first release because we had never tasted a distilled spirit at once so old – and so young. Only a taste can tell you how splendid it really is. And when it’s finished (which is very soon, now) there may not be anything like it for a while; it took us many years to find these 1,348 bottles, and it will be a long search for its successor. Meanwhile, we suggest you have a look at our cognac 1950, 478 bottles of which have just been released.
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Production capacities expanded further, as the still has a foothold in the industry with the release group opened a new watch dial plant in Grenchen of very practical concept watches. and acquired component production facilities in Villeret and Boncourt, accounting for more than 900 new jobs created in Switzerland. Hong Kong is still the top market for watches An extensive selection of complicated, stainless accounting for an 18.9% share of all Swiss exports, steel watches at SIHH and Baselworld emphasized declining 2% from last year. The US comes second the dominance of the midrange segment. at 10.3%, and China is still third at 6.6%, though Blancpain presented a new edition of its export value to the country declined by 12.5%. Bathyscaphe, a diver’s watch originally designed With these developments, four trends have in the 1950s that was reinterpreted by the brand to emerged. First, the growth suit daily wear. This year’s version of the midrange segment for features a new self-winding There has been a watches – mainly stainless revival of classicism F385 movement with flyback steel models which now chronograph function, housed in in watch design, account for more than half a 43mm brushed black ceramic of the total number of Swiss or brushed steel case. The domed with simple, watch exports, and 38% of dial comes in either black or well-finished and the value. meteor grey, and like the original elegant designs Second, there has been Bathyscape is free of any numerals, a revival of classicism in gaining popularity with lines and dots serving as watch design, with simple, hour markers and rectangular over busy dials well-finished and elegant hands. A date window appears at and more designs gaining popularity 4 o’clock. All models come with over busy dials and more NATO fabric or sail canvas straps, complex models. complex models. which are great for aquatic use. Third, like fashion, more collaborations are The steel version also comes with a metal bracelet, being presented, whether it’s for sporting events a first for this line. like the World Cup, or annual races like the Grand The Aquatimer family was IWC’s focus this year, Prix Historique de Monaco. And lastly, innovation and one of the new models launched at SIHH
STEELY CONVICTION
The Montblanc Meisterstück Heritage Date Automatic is offered at HK$22,000 (above left); Cartier leads the way in presenting clean dials and highly refined watches with its Ballon Bleu de Cartier 39mm Flying Tourbillon (above right) 28
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was the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ’50 Years Science for Galapagos.’ This jubilee edition celebrates Charles Darwin Research Station’s Fewer over-complications, more modest sizes five decades of scientific work on the Galapagos and classicism were seen in many of the year’s Islands. Limited to 500 pieces, the watch is offerings as the watch industry serves up a more equipped with the automatic 89365 movement discrete allure. that offers a 68-hour power reserve, SafeDive Cartier leads the way in presenting clean dials system and flyback function. The and highly refined watches with chronograph is water-resistant its Ballon Bleu de Cartier 39mm Like fashion, more Flying Tourbilllon, which features to 30 bar and comes in a 44mm rubber-coated stainless steel case. collaborations are an enamel dial in a rich shade T h i s y e a r, M o n t b l a n c of blue. The dial has a radiating being presented, showcased an entirely new motif that is created via guilloche whether it’s for collection called Montblanc on a disc of 18k white gold, which Meiserstück Heritage Collection, is then covered in several layers sporting events a series inspired by its iconic translucent enamel. A watch like the World Cup, of writing instrument of the same carrying the Hallmark of Geneva, or annual races name. The entry-level model, the model is equipped with the Montblanc Meisterstück 9452 MC in-house calibre. like the Grand Heritage Date Automatic, is Another ultra-elegant watch Prix Historique offered at HK$22,000 (Euro 2,090) is Vach e ro n Co ns t antin’s de Monaco. and comes in a stainless steel case Patrimony Contemporaine with a narrow, polished bezel, Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731, the finely arcing lugs and cambered crystal treated on thinnest manual-winding minute repeater on the both sides of the surface to prevent reflections. market today, measuring at a mere 8.09mm thick. The dial features black indices for the minutes, The classic, cambered dial shows a beaded minute sharply faceted applied indices, an applied Roman circle, baton-shaped hands and alternating triangle numeral XII and a date window with a polished and baton-shaped hour markers, with a small frame. The watch is fitted with the self-winding seconds offset at 8 o’clock, the first in the line. The MB 24.17 calibre. curve of the case middle has been accentuated so
UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE
Vacheron Constnatin's Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731 (above left); the world's thinnest mechanical watch, the Altiplano 38mm 900P (above right) 30
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which is limited to 100 numbered pieces or Ceramic Carbon, limited to 200 pieces. The iHUB1260 Unico automatic movement with 72hour power reserve he dial is black with yellow and green retrograde displays for the minute and second hand respectively. Chopard being the official timekeeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002, has created a special collection this year following a yellow and grey theme, inspired by the classic single-seaters from the 1970s. The GPMH Power Control features a snailed grey dial and the yellow racing ring bordered by a stainless steel bezel. The power reserve indicator, also in grey, is fashioned after a speedometer and appears on the dial at 6 o’clock. The caseback, stamped with the logo of the Monaco Automobile Club, contrasts the titanium case housing the COSC-certified automatic movement.
COOL CONCEPTS
as to trim down the silhouette, while the caseback has been opened as broadly as possible to reveal the minute repeater’s hammers and gongs. Piaget presented a contender in the ultra-thin race with the Altiplano 38mm 900P, the world’s thinnest mechanical watch at 3.65mm. The secret of the watch is in the structure of the caseback, which also serves as the mainplate. The merge of movement and case has allowed the highly complex architecture to be as slender as possible, while even offering a generous power reserve of 48 hours. The watch is available in 18k white gold.
PARTNERS IN TIME
The official watch of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chrono from Hublot (above), which represents the first time the brand has unveiled such a display 32
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As for collaborations, there were many interesting ones, like Hublot’s official watch of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chrono. It’s the first time Hublot has unveiled a watch with this kind of display, which is tailor-made for football. When the chronograph is started, the second and minute hands move from left to right in an arc of 45 minutes, or one half of a football match. Two push buttons, on either side of the crown, function as the Start, Stop and Reset buttons, and one at 2 o’clock activates a display window at 12 o’clock, to indicate if the game is at first or second half, half time or the end of the match. The watch features a 45mm 18k King gold,
What is great about this industry is even in times of conservatism, creativity abounds. There is something about the idea of achieving the mechanically impossible that keep watchmakers challenged, and this year was no different. First unveiled in 2002, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Concept, with its ultra-hard Alacrite 602 case and open-worked dial was revolutionary in its design. The company built on this first piece and added the Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon in 2008, and the Concept GMT Tourbillon in 2011. This year, Audemars Piguet presents its most forward-looking design yet: a Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon with a sculpted titanium case combined with a white ceramic bezel. Sounds normal, but the highlight of this piece is an intricately machined upper bridge in white ceramic, the first of its kind in watchmaking. The timepiece features a handwound twin-barrel movement with 10-day power reserve, a tourbillon and second time zone display. TAG Heuer first introduced the Monaco V4 as a concept watch a decade ago, a watch that was driven by belts mounted on ball bearings instead of gears, and a linear mass instead of a rotating one. It was a timepiece that would win the Best Design award at the Grand Prix Horlogerie de Geneve. This year, the brand takes this technology up a notch and creates the first tourbillon watch driven by belts. The watch uses four ultra-thin, durable belts the thickness of 0.07mm to drive the tourbillon, and together with impressive engineering, creates a very efficient shockabsorbing system that improves precision. The watch comes in a 41mm black titanium case with the tourbillon at 9 o’clock. HKGOLFER.COM
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CLUBHOUSE | DRIVING RANGE
QUALITY CONTROL BEN OLIVER REVIEWS THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS, A CAR HE SEES AS BEING SO GOOD THAT HE’S DECIDED TO SPLASH OUT ON ONE HIMSELF.
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must declare a personal interest here: this is my next car. As I’m rapidly quality of its cabin. A good friend and senior approaching 40, I have just swapped my usual fast saloon car for personal use banker, a specialist in the automotive industry, for a bright red Porsche 911. But for family duties, we have had two Mercedes- drove the new C-class in advance of its launch at Benz C-classes in a row, and with the launch of this all-new, fifth-generation an event for investors and analysts, and emailed model I can confirm that we will have another. My father-in-law, a prominent me to say that he couldn’t understand how German businessman based in Hong Kong and a Mercedes could offer this level lifelong Mercedes man, wouldn’t have his daughter and of quality and refinement for the It’s simply better in grandchildren conveyed in anything less. But the new C-class money. I agree: the new C is pretty every respect, and the close to the big S-class limo for will win our business on its own merit. It’s an extraordinary car: the best compact luxury model you can buy, and that’s outgoing model was the quality of the materials used in quite an achievement against some very tough opposition construction, and for the level no slouch: that’s why its from BMW and Audi. of technology it offers. Yes, you’ll I had two of them. Why so good? Because with this car, Mercedes seems probably have to pay to have to have reconciled the impossible. It is slightly bigger than options like the silken, adjustable the old model – though still manageable in Hong Kong traffic – and its interior is air suspension, the concert-quality Burmester noticeably roomier as a result. But it also significantly lighter thanks to the extensive audio system, or the clever cabin fragrancing use of aluminium. In turn, the aluminium also makes it stiffer, and every aspect system which can disperse your choice of scent. of the car’s performance is improved by these two advances. It is faster and has But even the most basic C-class benefits sharper handling, but also has a better ride and is more refined. It’s also more from that high-end cabin and the expensive, economical and emits less carbon dioxide. It’s simply better in every respect, and aluminium-intensive construction. Mercedes’ the outgoing model was no slouch: that’s why I had two of them. R&D investment in this car has been colossal and But perhaps the most striking, obvious improvement to the new C-class is the its margins will not be big at first: you’re getting
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SCORECARD MERCEDES-BENZ C200 How much? HK$469,000 Engine:
1991cc, 4 cylinders
Performance:
0-100kph in 7.3secs, 235kph
Efficiency: 5.5l/100km How heavy? 1,465kgs
a bargain. But Mercedes is future-proofing itself here. The C-class remains its biggest-selling model, with 8.5m sold in total and 2.2m of the previous generation on the road. As Mercedes grows, especially in China, this generation of C will sell even more. It will need to stay fresh for around seven years, and in that time face down competition from new versions of the BMW 3-series and Audi A4, and new, indirect rivals such as Porsche’s new Macan small SUV at the upper end of its range. So by buying now a car designed still to be cutting edge in a few years time, you’ll be futureproofing yourself too. That’s what I plan to do. Based in Europe, I’ll order mine with the most powerful diesel engine, and as an estate. The saloons go on sale first, and one of those with a refined, powerful yet frugal four-cylinder petrol engine, air suspension and the seven-speed automatic gearbox would be absolutely ideal for Hong Kong. Let’s compare notes after a year: I think we’ll both be happy. HKGOLFER.COM
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CLUBHOUSE | LIQUID ASSETS
ENCHANTING ALSACE WINE EXPERT AND EXPLORER JULIEN YUNG MAMEAUX OF THE EXPERIENCE COMPANY JOURNEYS THROUGH THIS FAIRYTALE-LIKE REGION IN EASTERN FRANCE.
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The picture -postcard Alsace village of Hunawihr
estled in the eastern part of France, between the country’s Vosges mountain range and the Black Forest of Germany, the region of Alsace has many a story to tell. Recently, the wineries of Alsace have been featuring the majestic stork in their communication – and not without reason: a symbol of fertility in Alsace, it is the storks that deliver babies to the Alsatian ladies that have laid a few cubes of sugar by the windows of their houses in the hope of conceiving. The long-legged bird flying over houses and vineyards is a promise of a fruitful harvest.
Julien Yung Mameaux
WHITE WINE WONDERS The story of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer begins in Alsace. Germany and Australia also produce delicious variations of these grapes, however it is Alsace which is where it all started. The region counts 53 AOCs (Appellation d’ Origine Controlee) with AOC d’Alsace, AOC d’Alsace Grands Crus, which recognizes the most exceptional terroirs; and AOC Cremant d’Alsace, the jewel in the crown of sparkling wines. Desired by kings for millennia, Alsace has been a battlefield for Celts, Romans and, more recently, the Germans and French. Alsace’s location is not just strategic, it is also perfect for growing other grapes such as Pinot Blanc, Muscat, the very local Sylvaner or the rarer Savagnin grown for Klevener de Heiligenstein wine. The two Alsatian wine heroes are Vendanges Tardives (late harvest) – grapes that are intentionally picked over-ripe, several weeks after the official harvest time, adding flavour intensity to the profile of the grape itself – and Selection de Grains Nobles (selection of noble grapes), which is made only from grapes with noble rot (botrytis cirenea) and which are hand-picked one by one in successive passes. 36
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TASTE MARVELS Alsace only reveals itself truly to those who make the journey to this gorgeous reality where myths and legends are witnessed at each mansion, church and mountain. In a thin-shaped region, much like Burgundy, from north to south, the Alsace wine road starts near Strasbourg and stretches to Mulhouse, a mecca for car lovers. Strasbourg, home of the European parliament, is a good place to let your imagination wander with its ancient cathedral and “Little France” canal district, a heaven of wine bars and local eateries. A short ride away is the majestic Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg, full of fairy tales, history and which provides a breathtaking scenic view of Alsace. The fascination continues with a lovely private dinner with the family winery Charles Sparr in the superb village of Riquewihr. Wine lovers will also try Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, which specializes in grand cru and single vineyard wines, Mittnacht Frères, which focuses on strict biodynamic wines, like the Vignoble des 2 Lunes, and indeed Domaine Hugel & Fils, famed for both its Riesling and Gewürztraminer. A journey through Alsace feels like diving into a fairytale book; let your senses be inspired by enchanted forests, curious characters and the quest of an immaculate wine. The grandeur of Alsatian wines is illustrated in the tall-shaped glasses as well as the thin, long bottles, and is not dwarfed by other winegrowing regions. Whether in underground cellars with wine magically popping up from an oval wooden vat, or dining on local gastronomic favourites such as choucroute (a cabbage-based dish), deer or indeed fresh river fish, the legends of Alsace will resurface only if you dare awaken its uncountable sleeping beauties. Win a free bottle of wine by sending your holiday dreams to your travel and events concierge, The Experience Company (www.TheExCo.com) at +852 3488 9565 or Contact@TheExCo.com and quote “HKGolfer”. HKGOLFER.COM
Managed and serviced by The Old Course Hotel Ltd
| TALES FROM THE BOX
A Remarkably
“Open” Open Julian Tutt recounts a special week in Ireland and looks ahead to this month’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool where Tiger Woods looks set to make his first major appearance of the season.
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Daniel Wong (Tutt); AFP
Mikko Ilonen is all smiles after his victory at the title sponsorshipless Irish Open, which took place at Fota Island (right); Sergio Garcia's infamous canary-yellow outfit from the 2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool (opposite) 40
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ponsors whither thee? I have just witnessed a gripping Irish Open, an event that is – amazingly – lacking a title sponsor. How can this be? It defies comprehension that no one in the corporate world thinks it’s worth supporting in a big way. Over 100,000 people came through the gates over five days (there were nearly 7,000 for the ProAm alone), which was more than the attendance at the European Tour’s flagship event, the PGA Championship at Wentworth. Beautiful pictures of Fota Island Resort were beamed all around the world, with many of Europe’s top names contending. It’s something that the European Tour’s new chairman, David Williams, must surely be giving urgent attention to. By all accounts he’s a new broom who is already raising a lot of dust. Hopefully when it settles the larder won’t just be a lot cleaner, but rather better stocked too! The Irish Open was yet another episode in a long saga of dashed hopes for the locals. Save for a stone-cold putter, Graeme McDowell might well have snatched the glassware from Mikko Ilonen’s grasp. The big disappointment though was that Rory McIlroy, the 2011 Hong Kong Open champion, missed the cut again. In the second round he made six birdies and an eagle for a two-under 69. In his post round interview he appeared to hint that he might have to review the way he plays. Ask anyone who knows him well and they will tell you that he’s a bull-
headed young man who does things his own way. His colleagues are amazed at his course management, or lack of it. So far, it’s that gungho approach that’s brought him considerable success and fortune. He’s not a Tiger Woods and never will be, but I just detect that there’s a growing frustration within himself at his inability to “get it round” when all is not hunky dory. Under full sail he’s an incredibly exciting player to watch. When battered by the raging storm the canvas gets a little tattered and there’s a real sense that he’s not doing himself or his enormous talent full justice. He was apparently pretty exhausted coming into the tournament and probably wouldn’t have played that week HKGOLFER.COM
had it not been his home Open. He left to lick his wounds and ensure that he’s in prime condition to tackle Royal Liverpool where the Open Championship returns eight years after Tiger’s third and last Open win. Tiger’s course management that week was except iona l in ver y d r y, burnt, bou ncy conditions, using his driver just once. My main memory apart from that is of Sergio Garcia’s canary-yellow outfit on Sunday, when it seemed he might be the man to challenge the American. He may as well have walked round with a white flag. But he’s in top form again. Maybe he will finally get the major his talent deserves. As has been the case for the last few years, I shall be glued to the action all day long from the “comfort” of my little box in the TV compound, linking the output that goes around the world. For the most part you will hear the BBC commentary team, with all the wit and wisdom of Peter Alliss, Ken Brown, Sam Torrance et al. But when they go to domestic coverage (with interviews and features) that’s where yours truly has to leap in with a seamless flow of fascinating information to enrich and entertain the rest of the world. It requires skill, knowledge and considerable concentration … at least that’s what I tell my paymasters! I have a little orange button that controls who and what “The World” hears. What power! At the time of writing Tiger is about to make his reappearance after an enforced hibernation and is obviously intent on “defending” his Hoylake title. It’s a huge ask for him to come back and win another major so soon after complex surgery. The news that there’s a Tiger on the prowl no longer sends mind-numbing fear and trepidation through the ranks and personally my money will not be on him. Henrik Stenson must surely take the winner’s cheque sooner or later, although in recent weeks he has shown an alarming tendency to miss shortish putts under the cosh on Sunday, an area where traditionally he’s been very strong. Mikko Ilonen won the Amateur Championship at Hoylake in 2000 and was tied 16th at The Open there last time. Might he repeat Padraig Harrington’s Irish Open/Open double of 2007? A few weeks out, it seems to be a remarkably “open” Open. There’s no question Ryder Cup qualifying is at the forefront of a lot of players’ minds now. Martin Kaymer’s not given captain Paul McGinley a chance of leaving him out. Back in 1999, in the “Bear Pit” of Brookline’s Country Club, Bernhard Langer was overlooked as an obvious captain’s pick by Mark James. He just didn’t like him. Arguably his personal HKGOLFER.COM
One of my memories of the 2006 Open is Sergio Garcia’s canary-yellow outfit on Sunday, when it seemed he might be the man to challenge Tiger Woods for the title. He may as well have walked round with a white flag. But he’s in top form again. Maybe he will finally get the major his talent deserves. predilections cost Europe the cup. He was great value as a captain though, especially for the media. His dry, laconic humour whizzed straight over the heads of many American journalists, and the European Team would often sit and watch the live press conferences on television, just to see what wickedness he would come up with. In the end, “Gentle Ben” Crenshaw (James’ American counterpart) got the victory he craved, but his reputation for gentlemanly conduct was seriously tarnished. The tragedy of 9/11 ensured that the competition was changed from odd years to even, so Europe’s next skipper, Sam Torrance, had an extra 12 months to prepare for the 2002 edition at The Belfry. His wife Suzanne planned a meticulous week of entertainment for the wives, whilst Sam left no stone unturned to make his players feel like superstars. Every player got a beautiful silver canteen of cutlery, expensive engraved Rolex’s and plenty more besides. He was a popular captain who hardly put a foot wrong. Langer gave him a scare though with a late night call to tell Sam that his neck had gone and he wouldn’t be able to play the next day. After some gentle ego massaging, he did. Perhaps Mark James hadn’t fancied being a wet-nurse! Famously it was McGinley who provided the coup de grâce. He’ll have to rely on someone else to do that in September. Kaymer again maybe? Or a rampaging McIlroy perhaps, a wiser sailor by then? HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
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| BY DESIGN
What to Make of the Unconventional? Paul Jansen takes a look at the architectural characteristics of Royal Liverpool Golf Club, host of this month’s Open and one of the most unique courses on the championship rota.
Courtesy of Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake); Paul Jansen (Laguna Lang Co)
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This rumpled fairway, surrounded by windswept dunes, is typical of many of the holes at Royal Liverpool (above right); rice paddies in evidence on the fourth hole at Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam (right) 42
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he Open Championship was first played at Prestwick, that grand old links on the west coast of Scotland. At that time, back in 1860, Prestwick consisted of 12 holes and would be extended to 18 holes some twenty years later. As the event grew in stature additional golf courses were added to the rota, including Royal Liverpool - or Hoylake as it is sometimes referred - in 1897. Robert Chambers and George Morris (younger brother of ‘Old’ Tom Morris of St Andrews fame) were commissioned to lay out the original course at Hoylake, which was extended to 18 holes in 1871, two years after its inception. Famed British architect Harry Colt redesigned Hoylake early in the 20th century and it has since been tweaked periodically by the firms of Hawtree and Donald Steel, mainly as a response to advances in equipment. Royal Liverpool is located on a parcel of land that “links” the sea with the town of Hoylake, less than 20km south of the old English port city that gave the world the Beatles. The golf route goes out and then comes back to the clubhouse, with no returning nines, and is laid out over coastal dune and sand. The golf is influenced by the ground to go with often fierce winds that blow off the Irish Sea. It plays hard and fast and every hole presents the golfer with an appealing problem to solve. When I visited the club back in 2006, just prior to the last time it hosted the Open Championship, I was struck by the beauty of the place – including the stately clubhouse, where I presented to a group of future golf stars on conclusion of their junior tournament. I spoke in detail about golf architecture and how a basic understanding of this art could improve their
game. During this presentation I recited a quote from legendary golfer Bobby Jones, whose win at Royal Liverpool in 1930 formed the second leg of the greatest achievement in golf – the Grand Slam. “Every golfer worthy of the name should have some acquaintance with the principles of golf course design, not only for the betterment of the game, but for his own selfish enjoyment. Let him know a good hole from a bad one and the reasons for a bunker here and another there, and he will be a long way towards pulling his score down to respectable limits. When he has taught himself to study a hole from the point of view of the man who laid it out, he will be much more likely to play it correctly” Before I spoke I was fortunate to walk each of the holes and watch as some of golf’s future stars tackled the famous links. It is interesting that many of the holes at Hoylake traverse relatively flat terrain with only a few holes nestled in high dune scape. Whilst the terrain is hardly comparable to Royal St Georges or Royal Birkdale it is no less of a challenge – in fact the holes on the flattish parcels of land are remarkably interesting and many characterful and unique. The golf course has an identity thanks in parts to its uniqueness. In fact had two of golf’s most quirky holes – the one shot “Dowie” and the two shot “Royal” – remained intact I am convinced that the club would be more identifiable and revered today. The changes to these holes were in part due to the fact that both green complexes were sat so hard up against the out of bound fence that a golfer could putt his or her ball off the course. By today’s standards this is deemed as unfair or even ridiculous. Out of bounds is a common theme at Hoylake. As early as the first hole golfers have to contend with the dreaded OB - this one an HKGOLFER.COM
internal out of bounds - that tightly hugs the right side of the hole as it doglegs sharply right tempting golfers to take it on. No easy start but it certainly grabs your attention. Out bounds on the first hole – and no less on the right side – would be seen as taboo today. It is this very thinking that partly saw the demise of both the “Dowie” and “Royal” as architects look to stay the straight and narrow and golfers jump for the sky when having to contend with anything out of the ordinary. The result being that most of our golf courses today carry a similar look and feel about them – very few are identifiable and characterful and most are stereotyped. I am with ‘Golden Age’ architect Tom Simpson in defining the merits of a stereotypical golf course: “A dull, stereotyped course is not satisfying to anyone, least of all to the designer himself, because it gives the player nothing to discover; it is read like a book and fails to interest him.” I certainly don’t advocate building a castle or church on your golf course to add memorability and character – that would simply be ‘Mickey Mouse’ – but I am of the opinion that if something different, charming or perhaps unique exists on the property then why not use it to good effect. Lest not forget that so much of golf is about discoveries and memories and how much of this is determined by what you encounter during the game. It’s hard to forget the ‘graveyard’ on the right side of the first tee at Ballybunion or the ruins on the seventh hole at Pennard. What about the rock walls of North Berwick or the rail line flanking some of the golf course at Prestwick? At Laguna Lang Co, a course I designed alongside Sir Nick Faldo in central Vietnam, we HKGOLFER.COM
The golf at Hoylake is influenced by the ground to go with often fierce winds that blow off the Irish Sea. It plays hard and fast and every hole presents the golfer with an appealing problem to solve.
were presented with the opportunity to incorporate rice paddy fields within the layout – after all, they did exist on the property to begin with. Many would deem having five hectares of paddy fields nestled within the golf as a fluky hazard but Sir Nick and I felt it would add a uniqueness, character and identity. Golfers get to experience something different and not one of them will forget the experience. Similarly at the Open this year, golfers will get to experience something a bit out of the ordinary – for no one likes ordinary. Some of the quirkiness that still remains at Hoylake will test the best and few, if any, will forget it. I leave you with Tom Simpson one more time: “Roads, railways, sheds and gardens may be thought unsatisfactory and unwelcome, yet they are often the essence of a course; take them away and the difference would at once be felt” HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
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US OPEN | REVIEW
German
Precision
With his stunning performance in capturing last month’s US Open by eight shots, Martin Kaymer silenced those who doubted he was the genuine article when he reached the top of the world rankings in 2011, writes Paul Prendergast. Photography by Charles McLaughlin and AFP
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Kaymer reacts to holing a lengthy par putt on the 72nd hole at Pinehurst, a week that saw him collect his second major championship title HKGOLFER.COM
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From left to right: Rickie Fowler tied for second with Erik Compton, the recipient of two heart transplant operations; Phil Mickelson, who was going for the career ‘Grand Slam’ failed to get anything going; world number one Adam Scott finished in a share of ninth spot 46
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artin Kaymer has reached the summit and fallen back down again but a magical week at Pinehurst No 2 has the German on the ascent again, running roughshod over the field to win the 2014 US Open by eight strokes. The 29-year embraced the restored classic of American golf to set all-time scoring records with successive opening rounds of 65, the first in history to do so, and then toyed with the field at the weekend to become the first German and the fourth European in the last five years to claim the trophy. Kaymer’s dominance was proof that his steely performance in May to win The Players and break an 18-month victory slump was the beginning, and not the culmination, of something much bigger, much grander. It was validation for all the hard work he has endured to regain the kind of form that won him the 2010 PGA Championship in a three-hole playoff with Dustin Johnson at Whistling Straits and lift 10 European Tour trophies from 2008 – 2011. It also silenced those that doubted that he was the genuine article when he topped the world rankings a little over three years ago.
“This is quite nice proof, to have two major championships under your belt and only [be] 29-years old.” said the 2012 Ryder Cup hero, undoubtedly the hottest man in golf right now. A historic day lay ahead on Sunday for Kaymer and sleeping on a five-shot lead was not even the half of it. Ahead lay the chance for the Dusseldorf-native’s second major championship, tying the all-time German record for major wins with Bavaria’s Bernhard Langer. Whether he knew it or not, Kaymer also slept on the prospect of a slew of scrapbook entry moments; becoming the first continental European winner of the US Open; becoming just the fifth player – alongside Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tiger Woods and Raymond Floyd – to win the US Open, PGA Championship and The Players treble; and the only European alongside the great Severiano Ballesteros to have won two majors and held the world number one ranking before turning 30. Once Sunday dawned, the inevitable became the reality with no player able to inch any closer than four shots of Kaymer and even then, only briefly. Kaymer capped off his command ball striking and putting performance by completing what is becoming a Pinehurst Open champion’s rite of HKGOLFER.COM
The 29-year embraced the restored classic of American golf to set all-time scoring records with successive opening rounds of 65, the first in history to do so, and then toyed with the field at the weekend to become the first German and the fourth European in the last five years to claim the trophy. passage: missing the 18th fairway to the right and being forced to pitch out, just as Payne Stewart (in 1999) and Michael Campbell (in 2005) had done before him. Like Stewart, although with far less pressure, Kaymer holed a lengthy par putt to put the icing on the cake. Dogged double-heart transplant recipient Erik Compton and Kaymer’s playing partner Rickie Fowler finished in a tie for second, some considerable distance behind. “I didn’t make many mistakes,” said Kaymer, after his four birdie, three bogey final round of 69 for 9-under total of 271. “The last two wins that I had in America, especially this week, I played very solid the first two days and that gave me a very nice cushion for the weekend. “But to shoot only one-over-par at Pinehurst on Saturday and Sunday is good. The way I played I was very happy, the way I kept it together yesterday. And that gave me a good cushion for today.” HKGOLFER.COM
Kaymer’s eight-stroke romp tied Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy’s victory margin in 2011 when the Northern Irishman lapped the field at Congressional. Behind the pair of them in each year, a ‘helluva second flight’ was contested and the potential storylines in 2014 were plentiful: a first major for Fowler, Henrik Stenson, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson; a true feel good story in Compton. Keegan Bradley tweeted on Sunday morning that “Eric [sic] Compton winning today would probably be the best story in the history of sports.” He may not be wrong. Sadly for them and for the second major in a row, there was nobody who would step up in the early stages on a windless afternoon to have Kaymer question his resolve – or even remotely glance into his rear vision mirror. With the challengers failing to advance, Kaymer held playing partner Fowler at bay and went about obliterating any chance of these headlines making it to print with a performance HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
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The injured Tiger Woods was missed but just the like the spectacularly restored Pinehurst No 2 course, which was a marvel all week, a renewed Martin Kaymer has more than adequately filled the void of a dominant champion with a performance for the ages.
Clockwise from above: Kaymer celebrates with his caddie, Scotsman Craig Connelly, on a job well done; Sweden’s Henrik Stenson continues to rack up major top -10s without breaking his duck; defending champion Justin Rose, although loose on occasion, enjoyed a solid week 48
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of supreme German precision. “He kind of killed the event in the first two days,” said the vanquished Stenson. “And then it was more a question of if he would keep it under control. He held everyone off and then went out and played a solid round today. “So very impressive and a very deserving champion.” Fowler, to his credit, was playing in his first final round major pairing and built on the swing changes he has made with coach Butch Harmon that also logged him a tied –fifth finish at the Masters Tournament in April. He wore plus-twos – knickers, as he would call them – during Thursday’s first round to pay homage to the late Payne Stewart, but on Sunday he was back in his Oklahoma State-orange, replete with a maturing game that one suspects will one day take him to a major title. “I felt really comfortable, which is a very good thing,” said Fowler. “The more experience you can get in the final groups, and especially in majors and [being] in contention at majors, it
definitely helps out for down the road.” Fowler had the early crowd support but as the final round unfolded and it became clear that he was not simply there to make up the numbers, the gallery were quick to share their support with Compton, the underdog. “On every hole, from the tee box to the putting green, people were cheering for me and I definitely felt the love and the support from the crowd,” said Compton, who is still in search of his first win on tour. Compton got into this championship using the same fighting qualities he showed on Sunday, surviving a five-way play-off in sectional qualifying. His history as a survivor is well documented and a ‘never-give-up-attitude’ to life and golf gave him a chance – outside as it was – of a Cinderella Story. “Seemed like people really got around my story.” Compton continued, “and for me to be here and to do this at such a high level is just as good of a feeling as winning a golf tournament. So it’s just a great feeling. I can’t wait to get back HKGOLFER.COM
into another major.” He won’t be waiting long as the 34-year-old’s finish in this, just his second major will guarantee him a start in at least a few more. The pre-championship talk of a grand slam of majors for Phil Mickelson was not to be, as the 1999 runner-up to Stewart battled to a distant seven-over par total, while world number one Adam Scott was up and down during the championship with a pair of 73s, blotting his copybook. A closing 69 to finish at two-over gave the Australian his eighth top-10 in his last fourteen majors, while his World Cup and WGC Match Play-winning compatriot Jason Day impressed yet again at America’s national championship, finishing one better than Scott in a tie for fourth. The injured Tiger Woods was missed but just the like the spectacularly restored Pinehurst No 2 course, which was a marvel all week, a renewed Martin Kaymer has more than adequately filled the void of a dominant champion with a performance for the ages. HKGOLFER.COM
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“To sit here with the US Open trophy late on Sunday night, quipped Kaymer, is ... very, very happy; very, very nice; very, very satisfying.”. About the only negative for Kaymer is that his record scoring spree will result in further handicap shortening at the Whisper Rock Golf Club he calls home in Scottsdale, Arizona. The club will be swift to lower his handicap further from the +5.9 as it stood at the end of May. Off such a number, there will be plenty of well-heeled members lining up to take their chance at rolling the new champion when he’s back in town. They should bring their money with them. This streak might not be at an end just yet.
Kaymer with a friendly pat for Fowler after the latter’s early double bogey on Sunday
NUMBERS GAME
4
The number of European players who have won the US Open in the past f ive years: Graeme McDowell (2 010 ) , R o r y M c I l r o y (2011), Justin Rose (2013) and Martin Kaymer (2014). Prior to McDowell’s victory at Pebble Beach, the last European to win the championship was Tony Jacklin in 1970.
2014 US Open Final Standings 1
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Martin Kaymer
GER
65 65 72 69
271
2= Erik Compton
USA
72 68 67 72
279
USA
70 70 67 72
279
4= Keegan Bradley
USA
69 69 76 67
281
Jason Day
AUS
73 68 72 68
281
Dustin Johnson
USA
69 69 70 73
281
Brooks Koepka
USA
70 68 72 71
281
Henrik Stenson
SWE
69 69 70 73
281
9= Adam Scott
AUS
73 67 73 69
282
Brandt Snedeker
USA
69 68 72 73
282
Jimmy Walker
Rickie Fowler
USA
70 72 71 69
282
12= Jim Furyk
USA
73 70 73 67
283
Matt Kuchar
USA
69 70 71 73
283
Kevin Na
USA
68 69 73 73
283
Justin Rose
ENG
72 69 70 72
283
Marcel Siem
GER
70 71 72 70
283
17= JB Holmes
USA
70 71 72 71
284
Ian Poulter
ENG
70 70 74 70
284
Jordan Spieth
USA
69 70 72 73
284
Brendon Todd
USA
69 67 79 69
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T he nu mber of players i n h istor y to have won t he US Open , t he PG A Cha mpionsh ip a nd T he Pl aye r s C h a mpio n sh ip: Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino Ray mond Floyd , Tiger Wood s a nd now Kaymer. The German has earned a combined total of US$4,770,000 from these three wins alone.
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The percentage of greens that Kaymer hit in regulation, which underscores the brilliance of his short game during the week. The 29-year-old finished behind the tournament leader in this category, Henrik Stenson, who averaged 75% of GIR, but who struggled on Pinehurst’s famous turtleback greens.
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Au and Chung Qualify for MercedesTrophy Asian Final Nicky Au and David Chung were two of seven Hong Kong golfers to qualify for a trip to Australia at the recent MercedesTrophy Hong Kong 2014. Both had qualified for the prestigious event at Discovery Bay Golf Club via nominated HKGA tournaments. Au qualified for the MercedesTrophy Hong Kong via the Hong Kong Seniors Close Amateur Championship at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, where he finished runner-up to Doug Williams in May, whilst Chung was there by virtue of his finish in the HKGA Mercedes-Benz Classic at Discovery Bay in March. Au and Chung can now look forward to the MercedesTrophy Asian Final in Australia on August 12-15 where they will be joined by Robert Cheng, Tai Chi-ming, Siu Chak-wai, Lawrence Lee and Yam Wan-fei. Played on the Gold Coast, the highest scorer amongst any of those seven who own a MercedesBenz will represent Hong Kong against amateurs from all over the world in the MercedesTrophy World Final in Germany in September. This was the sixth edition of the MercedesTrophy in Hong Kong and the first since Mercedes-Benz was appointed Exclusive Car Partner of the HKGA
in a bid to create more playing opportunities for amateur golfers in Hong Kong. A total of 144 golfers competed at Discovery Bay and two cars were on display – the ML 250 BlueTEC (the first Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger car) and the CLA 250 on offer for a hole-in-one.
THE QUALIFIERS Division A champion:
Nicky Au
Division A runner-up:
Robert Cheng
Division B champion:
Tai Chi-ming
Division B runner-up:
David Chung
Division C champion:
Siu Chak-wai
Division C runner-up:
Lawrence Lee
Division D champion:
Ms Yam Wan-fei
Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz; Daniel Wong (Mizuno)
Mizuno Solid in Malaysian Amateur Shinichi Mizuno put in a solid display to finish the 112th Malaysian Amateur Open in 16th place late May. The Hong Kong international, who now attends university in Japan, carded a four-round total of 295 (seven-over-par) over the Royal Perak Golf Club course in Ipoh, which was 13 shots behind the champion, Australia’s Cory Crawford. The highlight of Mizuno’s week was a second round 71.
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HKGA | WORLD UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIP
Tiffany’s On Top of
the
World
Twenty-year-old Tiffany Chan the toast of the Swiss Alps following victory at the World University Championship, writes Alex Jenkins.
T
iffany Chan pulled off one of the greatest results in the history of Hong Kong golf by winning the 15th edition of the World University Championship in Switzerland in late June. The 20-year old from Tuen Mun, Hong Kong's outstanding female player over the past five years, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Spain's Marta Sanz on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off after the pair had tied at 10-under 278 through four rounds of regulation play. Chan calmly holed a 10ft birdie putt on the 18th at the scenic Crans-sur-Sierre course in the heart of the Swiss Alps to best a strong field that included two members of this year's winning United States Curtis Cup team. "It was really exciting to come good at the end of the day, especially as I didn't start well at all," said the former Diocesan Girls' School student, who saw her overnight oneshot lead evaporate after making a bogey at the fourth and a double bogey at the fifth. "It's a big deal for me because of the strength of the players here. My goal was top-five, so to come away as the winner is very special." Chan's fightback began at the seventh, a hole she birdied, and was followed by another birdie at the eighth to draw back level. But a Sanz birdie at the 13th saw Chan slip behind again, and when the Spaniard wowed the galleries by sinking an 85ft putt for eagle at the 14th, Chan was staring defeat firmly in the face. Undeterred, Chan, who now attends Dayton State College in Florida, rolled in her own lengthy eagle putt to remain in contention, and then ensured her place in the play-off by holing a pressure-packed 12-footer at the last. "It's funny because I didn't hit the ball that well but my putting and my short game generally has been really strong," said Chan, who entered the event in a rich vein of form having won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) women's title in May. "But I had a good session with Brad [Schadewitz, the Hong Kong national coach] on the range before the final round and I played much better. It's been a great week." As a result of her performance, Chan, who looks set to break into the top 50 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking this week, will be rewarded with "Sports Scholarship Athlete" status from the Hong Kong Sports Institute, and will receive funding to participate in events around the world. 54
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Next up for Chan is an event next month on the China LPGA Tour followed by the Asian Games and the World Amateur Championship, both of which will be played in September. "After this win I can aim higher," said Chan. "I'm going to spend the next couple of months working hard on my weaknesses and will try to do my best."
The Hong Kong team represented in Switzerland alongside Brad Schadewitz, national coach; wrapped in a Hong Kong flag, champion Tiffany Chan
"It's a big deal for me because of the strength of the players here. My goal was top-five, so to come away as the winner is very special." HKGOLFER.COM
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Major
HKGA | NEWS
Showing Double defending Hong Kong Seniors Close champion Doug Williams qualifies for the US Senior Open following a gutsy play-off win in Hawaii, writes Alex Jenkins.
H
ong Kong G ol f Club member Doug Williams will become only t he second local golfer in history to play in a major championship when he tees off in this month’s US Senior Open at Oak Tree National in Oklahoma.
Daniel Wong (action); courtesy of the Hawaii Golf Association (qualifying)
Williams, 56, successfully came through sectional qualifying in Hawaii, where he beat local professional legend David Ishii in a play-off to earn the sole qualifying spot. He had earlier fired a one-under-71 over the Waialae Country Club course in Honolulu (venue for the PGA Tour’s annual Sony Open) to tie with Ishii, and held his nerve to par the first sudden-death hole, which his rival could only bogey. Fellow HKGC member Jock Mackie played in the 1959 Open Championship, which was held at Muirfield in East Lothian, Scotland. “It’s a big thrill,” said Williams, who has dominated the local senior golfing scene since turning 55 last year. “I had been planning a trip
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Williams in action earlier this season in Hong Kong; moments after his play-off victory in Hawaii (below)
“I had to get new irons … lucky for me they worked” to play the German and French Senior events in the first two weeks of July, and had actually entered both, but decided to wait until after the US Open qualifier to buy my air ticket, which ended up being a smart move.” The scratch handicapper left Hong Kong in May to play a series of events in the United States and has been in a rich vein of form ever since. The day after arriving in Los Angeles he played in the Long Beach Senior City Championship and ended up finishing second for the second successive year. He then followed up that showing with a fifth place, alongside his brother Jim, in the Northern California Senior Four-Ball Championship before journeying to Hawaii for business. A lastminute decision to enter the 106th Manoa Cup (the state match play championship and one of the oldest golf tournaments in the States) proved fruitful as Williams dispatched a series of opponents, all of whom were at least 25 years his junior, to reach the semi-finals, where he went down 4 and 3 to Isaac Jaffurs. “I went 4 down after four holes, which was hard to make up, especially since my putting deserted me and I started missing everything,” said Williams. “But generally in the matches I played well. I hit lots of fairways and greens in regulation and was under par in most of my matches. “I had to get new irons – Ping i15s to replace my Ping i3s – to conform to the new groove policy, and the Manoa Cup was the first time I ever used them. Lucky for me they worked.” HKGOLFER.COM
HKGA | MID-SUMMER CLASSIC
Taiga to the
Fore
Photography by Daniel Wong
Taiga Iwasa receives his trophy from HKGA CEO Tom Phillips
T
aiga Iwasa kept his cool in high temperatures to win the 2014 MidSummer Classic, which was played 17 - 18 June, wit h a rou nd of 73. More than 280 competitors took part in the two-day event for HKGA subscribers at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Fifteen-year-old Iwasa, a member of the HKGA’s elite squad, finished on threeover par around the New Course to beat fellow squad member Leon D’Souza, 16, by one shot. Discovery Bay Golf Club member Jay Won finished third, a further stroke back on 75. Elsewhere, 18-year-old Isabella Leung claimed the Ladies’ Gross Stableford division with 34 points, three ahead of Li Kai-wing, while Lam Ka-kit won the Men’s Gross Stableford with 27 points, one better than David Chung Ping-Yin and Steve Lee Kwok-Wai. 58
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As does Isabella Leung
MEN’S GROSS STROKE PLAY RESULTS
LADIES’ GROSS STABLEFORD RESULTS
1 Taiga Iwasa
73
1 Isabella Leung
34
2 Leon D’Souza
74
2 Li Kai-wing
31
3 Jay Won
75
3 Colette Szeto
28
4 Terence Chiu
76
4= Estee Vivian Leung
27
5= Frank Leung
77
Selina Li
27
Jeffrey Wang
77
6= Chloe Chan
25
Ryan Clendenny
77
Liu Lok-in
25
Todd Hooper
77
8 Helen Cheung
24
Kane Carpenter
77
9= Leong Kuo-wa
23
10 Bibendum Leung
80
23
Betty Chan
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Leon D’Souza finished in second
The graceful action of Corentin Daniel
Ivan Leung in action
The ladies’ gross and net trophy winners
Third-placed Jay Won
HKGA rules official Roy Lee showing form HKGOLFER.COM
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© Rolex/Chris Turvey
THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW
It took Phil Mickelson, champion last year at Muirfield, 20 years to get his hands on the Claret Jug 60
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In a
League
of Its Own
The Open Championship, the oldest of golf ’s four majors, returns this month to Royal Liverpool, a club that boasts both a fine history and a layout that is sure to test the world’s best.
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The links courses the event is played over all boast a number of quirks -- blind tee shots, nightmarish pot bunkers and putting surfaces indented with nature’s humps and swales – that have all but vanished from modern course architecture.
© Rolex/Phil Shephard-Lewis
I
Tiger Woods looks set to make his first major appearance of the year at Royal Liverpool this month 62
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t is impossible to overstate the enduring singularity of The Open Championship. Over 150 years on from its first staging on the windswept links of Royal Prestwick on the west coast of Scotland, the oldest major in golf stands out from every other tournament in the game. Stoic mustachioed Scots may be in short supply these days, but other throwbacks remain. The links courses the event is played over all boast a number of quirks -- blind tee shots, nightmarish pot bunkers and putting surfaces indented with nature’s humps and swales – that have all but vanished from modern course architecture. The vagaries of the British weather, meanwhile, mean that extreme conditions can render an already treacherous course close to
unplayable. Advances in equipment may have tamed gnarled and elemental beasts such as Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool – the venue for this year’s staging – to a certain degree. However, they remain as far removed from the target practice displayed on golf’s most lucrative tours as Pluto is from Jupiter. With this in mind, you might expect the millionaires of the modern game to cock a snook at such anachronisms. On the contrary, the grand old dame of the Royal and Ancient sport remains the most coveted conquest in the golfing firmament. First held in 1860, The Open is played on one of nine links courses that make up the ‘Open rota’. Four of these courses are to be found in England, and the remaining five in Scotland. This year’s event will be played in the north of England at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, better known as Hoylake after the small town it is located in. The links aspect is critical, with this type of golf course – built on rolling sand dunes – considered to be the closest to the original layouts of the early championships and the most difficult. You see, for one week in July, the world’s finest HKGOLFER.COM
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© Rolex/Chris Turvey (Mickelson and Scott)
From left to right: Mickelson with the oldest prize in major championship golf; world number one Adam Scott came frustratingly close to winning the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham; the 18th hole at Hoylake 64
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players are each asked to compete not only against the other 155 golfers in the field, but also against an unrelenting layout, notoriously fickle British weather and, importantly, luck. For many first timers from outwith the British Isles, the courses are quite unlike anything they have experienced before. The difficulties that lies in wait – from unlucky bounces to nasty pot bunkers, possible foul weather and treacherous rough – means that links golf favours the golfer who plots his way round the course and will make a fool of the player who believes he can overpower it. Links golf provides the greatest test of control, with even the slightest mistake likely to be punished. The subtle shift of mindset – to elevate course management above all else – comes more quickly to some than to others. Phil Mickelson, winner of The Open at Muirfield last year, and regarded as the most creative player of his generation, hoisted the Claret Jug only on his 20th attempt, and readily admits that it took him those two decades to fully grasp the nuances of golf in the United Kingdom. “It took me a while how to figure out how to play links conditions,” he explained moments
after collecting his fifth major title. “It has been the biggest challenge for me to overcome, but now that I have done it I couldn’t be happier.” Pinpoint accuracy and a strong mindset whereby one is able to accept the vagaries of links golf are other valuable assets in the golfer’s bag, especially when the high winds and driving rain hit the course. Luck plays a greater role in the Open Championship than in any other major, in the form of kind bounces, favorable lies in the rough or even something as simple as teeing up on the right side of the draw to avoid the bad weather. Anyone who has been lucky enough to play golf on the coasts of Britain or Ireland – and these courses should be on your bucket list – will argue that this is the purest version of the game and as far away from the manicured fairways and ‘target golf’ of America as one can hope to get. The rules of parkland golf simply do not apply to links golf, where the bumps and mounds take the need for imagination and shot visualization to a new level. Competitors will certainly need to utilize all the tricks in their bag to conquer Royal Liverpool. Tracing its roots to 1869, it is the second-oldest HKGOLFER.COM
Competitors will certainly need to utilize all the tricks in their bag to conquer Royal Liverpool. Tracing its roots to 1869, it is the second-oldest seaside links course in England, trailing only Westward Ho! in Devon. seaside links course in England, trailing only Westward Ho! in Devon. Like all the Open venues it has a long and venerable history. It hosted the first Amateur Championship in 1885, the first international match between England and Scotland in 1902, and the first international between Great Britain and the United States in 1921 (now known as the Walker Cup). It was also the first course in Northwest England to host the Open Championship, in 1897, where amateur Harold Hilton claimed the title. Revered golf writer Bernard Darwin penned the following fine description of the Merseyside links: “Blown upon by mighty winds, breeder of mighty champions.” A glance at the list of champions produced here makes it hard to disagree, with the likes of Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Peter Thomson, Roberto de Vicenzo and Tiger Woods all having tasted success. One of the biggest talking points ahead of the event is whether former world number one Tiger Woods will be fit enough to participate. The American, who won the last time the event was held at Royal Liverpool in 2006, underwent back surgery earlier in the year and has missed the first HKGOLFER.COM
two Majors of 2014. Should he tee it up, Woods will remain as much of a threat as ever – few can forget how he picked apart the course en route to a two-shot win over Chris DiMarco in 2006. In that event, unusually hot and dry conditions greeted the players. With fairways playing firmer and faster than usual, Woods hit a series of longirons and fairway woods off the tee as he plotted his way round the course to collect his 11th major. Woods’ strategy of 2006 may well be a blueprint for success this year, provided conditions are hot and dry. Still, players will need to execute the plan to near-perfection if they hope to be in contention on the back nine on Sunday. That, and they will need a fair dollop of luck. If Tiger makes it – and at the time of press the chances are good – he will need to summon up amazing powers of recovery to stave off challenges from some of the biggest names in the game. Mickelson, of course, will be desperate to hang on to his crown. Adam Scott is another strong contender. The Australian claimed the world number one spot in May this year and strengthened his ranking with a victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial later that HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
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month. Equally determined to continue his recent momentum will be Martin Kaymer. The German went through something of a slump after losing his world number one ranking in 2011, but has stormed back to form – winning both The Players Championship and the US Open. Golf is notoriously difficult to predict, however, and any number of players from the talented American Rickie Fowler to Brits Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose may have a big part to play over the course of the four days. They say that familiarity breeds contempt, and that can be true of some of the identikit courses that professionals play week-in, week out on the big money circuits. However, even after over a century and a half of play, the Open Championship still feels as fresh as ever.
A RIGHT ROYAL CHALLENGE Each of the courses on the Open rota is special in its own way and Royal Liverpool certainly presents a unique challenge. In preparation for this year’s Open, Royal Liverpool has undergone a number of changes, although organizers have, for the most part, resisted the temptation to lengthen the course, adding less than 60 yards. The par-72 layout is plenty long enough at over 7,300 yards; and with conditions unlikely to be as hot and dry as in 2006, the course may end up playing longer than the last time players teed it up.
A number of bunkers have been removed, leaving a total of 82 – not a particularly high count for an Open Championship course – for the players to try to avoid. What will arguably provide more of a challenge are the new swales around five of the greens, ready to swallow up any errant shots. With the 2014 Open once again teeing off on the members’ 17th hole, players will face a daunting start, with R&A chief executive Peter Dawson describing it as “the hardest opening hole on the Open rota”.
A PROUD PARTNERSHIP: ROLEX AND THE OPEN
© Rolex/Chris Turvey
Martin Kaymer, the hottest player on the planet following his wins at The Players and last month’s US Open, will start as one of the favourites at Royal Liverpool. His best finish at the Open Championship was in 2010 when he finished tied-seventh
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The Open Championship and Rolex have much in common. Both have been thrilling aesthetes for well over a century and both set the standard for quality in their respective fields. It was inevitable really that the two prestigious icons would become intertwined somehow and so it has proved. The Genevabased luxury brand has been a proud sponsor of the championship for 30 years now. It is also the official timekeeper for the event.
Rolex’s association with the Royal and Ancient, golf’s governing body, has been a fruitful one. In 2004, the relationship was extended to Rolex sponsoring the publication of the English language version of the Rules of Golf and its global distribution. Rolex has also provided support to help the R&A grow the amateur game. The brand is also the official partner of the USGA, the European Tour and title sponsors the world rankings in the women’s game.
Rolex’s tie-up with the game’s oldest major is reflective of its overall commitment to golf. In 1967, Arnold Palmer became a Rolex ambassador, marking the start of the brand’s association with golf. Today, the Rolex roster of golf sponsorships has grown to include the names of some of the game’s best-known players. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, Phil Adam Scott, Martin Kaymer and Annika Sorenstam are among the proud athletes to wear one of the brand’s luxury timepieces away from the fairways.
In recent times Rolex has been very much behind the drive to bring golf into China. Despite the long heritage and traditions associated with Golf in the west, just over 25 years ago, the sport was practically non-existent in China. In 2010 Rolex signed a partnership agreement with the China Golf Association and sponsored the first official translation of the Rules of Golf into Chinese. It marked a determination by the brand, not just to be associated with sport but to further its reach into what is the world’s fastest growing nation.
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GOLF ATRAVEL Player’s Guide Upping its
Game
Thanks to the recent renovation of the former Bali Golf and Country Club, the “Island of the Gods” can now be considered a fully-fledged golf destination, writes Duncan Forgan. Bali National GC Photography by Robin Moyer
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An aerial view of the 10th and 16th holes at the renovated Bali National Golf Club, formerly Bali Golf and Country Club, on the east coast of the island
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I Courtesy of Nirwana Bali Golf Club and Paul Myers
This page: the 7th at Nirwana Bali, one of the most photographed holes in southeast Asian golf; rice paddies at the first. Following leaf: heading home to the clubhouse at Nirwana Bali; a friendly welcome is in store
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n many ways, Bali is the holiday island that has it all. Feted for its immense beauty and deep-rooted Hindu/ Animist culture, the island attracts a steady flowing stream of visitors looking to sample its heady ambrosia. From buff surfers looking for the perfect break to more cerebral types seeking stimulation for the body and mind in bohemian hubs such as Ubud, Indonesia’s premier tourist destination caters ably for all sorts. It is perhaps surprising then that the golfing demographic has been somewhat neglected until fairly recently. The opening of the fantastic Greg Normandesigned Nirwana Bali in 1997 appeared to herald a new era of top-class golf on the island. However, while adequate enough when taken on their own merits, the clutch of other golfing options were hardly in the same league. That parlous state of affairs has improved significantly in the last few years however. First came New Kuta, which opened midway through the Noughties to a fanfare of accolades for its challenging layout and features such as its ‘Amen Corner’ run of holes along a towering limestone clifftop. Another significant boost to Bali’s golf credentials came just a few months ago with the reopening of Bali National (previously Bali Golf and Country Club) following a multi-million dollar renovation. The course was no slouch before, good enough in fact to host the Asian Dunhill Masters in 1994. However, the new facelift has given the old girl a potent injection of new glamour. HKGOLFER.COM
With Bali’s golfing portfolio rounded out by less heralded (and perhaps less well tended) gems such as Bali Handara Kosaido, the island can now be considered a serious golf destination. It may have taken a while to get there but the legendary “Island of the Gods” is well on its way to becoming a veritable golf heaven.
Nirwana Bali There’s no denying the otherworldly appeal of Nirwana Bali. Inland holes wind their way through a picture-perfect Balinese tableau of verdant rice terraces and dense tropical foliage. The apogee of the golfing manna, though, is attained on the reaches of the course that come in contact with the coastline. Here holes of tremendous quality are played out against a backdrop of crashing Indian Ocean surf and – if you are lucky enough – a signature Bali sunset. Just along the coastline and a stone’s throw from the much-photographed seventh hole is Pura Tanah Lot, one of seven sea temples along Bali’s coastline and one of the most significant pilgrimage sites on the island. Pilgrims of a golfing stripe will find plenty to worship about Greg Norman’s layout. Highlights of the course are many and include the fifth, a hefty 441-yard par-4 that plays over a ravine to a saddle-shaped fairway, which undulates down to a heavily protected green. Another highlight of the inland holes is the 10th, a shortish par-5 that teases risk-takers with its greenside creek and giant sloping putting surface. HKGOLFER.COM
Only a contrarian would argue against the coastal holes being the highlight of the experience however. The aforementioned seventh almost defies you to match its visual splendor with a well-struck shot across an inlet. The 13th, meanwhile, plays along the cliff tops. There are a couple of slightly forgettable holes on the inland sections of the course and the fairways and greens could do with a little extra TLC. Also, the current golf course management is aware of the need to stretch the 6,805 length of the course to accommodate bigger hitters. Despite these minor quibbles, however, Nirwana Bali remains one of the most spectacular courses in Asia and a truly spiritual place. nirwanabaligolf.com US$110 (Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali guest rate) US$175 (visitor rate) HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
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Clockwise from above: swinging away at New Kuta Golf Club; an aerial view of the back-nine at Bali National; superb conditioning awaits, here at the 15th, at the Nelson & Haworth design; bunkers lie in wait at New Kuta's closing hole 74
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New Kuta New Kuta is a layout that leaves you wanting more – both in a good way and a bad way. It is not that Ronald Fream’s crafty design has a shortage of quality holes. It is just that the course’s run of truly stratospheric ones seems to come and go all too quickly. That stretch – labeled by some as the closest thing Bali has to Amen Corner at Augusta
National – occurs between number 14 and 16. Here, the layout, which makes scant use of its location on a headland between New Kuta Beach and Balangan Beach on previous holes, gets up close and personal with the ocean. The 14th is an absolute gem of a par-4. It is not short at 440-odd yards, but the sight of the downhill fairway tumbling down to the aquablue waters of the Indian Ocean makes a lusty hit with a driver a distinct temptation. The next difficult part of the equation, meanwhile, comes with an approach that needs to be played to a green sandwiched between the ball-hungry brine and a nasty pot bunker. It is immediately followed by another cliff top beauty, the short 15th where its beauty and apparent benign nature is belied by the particularly untropical crosswinds that frequently buffer the headland. With that, however, the course heads back inland and, after the tricky drive on the par-4 16th, the sea becomes a memory. You can’t help feeling that more could have been made of the course’s prime location. That’s not to say that there’s not an awful lot to like elsewhere however. The short sixth features a tough – almost 200-yard – tee shot to a flamboyant putting surface completely encircled by sand while its successor, the dogleg seventh, needs two precise and perfectly struck shots to hold its plateau green. newkutagolf.com US$170 HKGOLFER.COM
Bali National Everything about the newly renovated Bali National screams quality. The former Bali Golf and Country Club reopened for business in 2013 after a multi-million dollar upgrade. While the sums spent on making it by far and away the most swish club on the island were substantial, the spectacular results justify the expense. The course itself follows along very similar lines to the existing design, one that was deemed of sufficient quality to host major tournaments and feature in magazine ‘best of Asia’ lists. Significant tweaks, however, have been made. The fairways have been entirely returfed with paspalum grass to better cope with the salty groundwater in the low-lying areas of the course. The greens, meanwhile, have also been returfed with Bermuda TifEagle. Other changes include new scalloped bunkering, the realignment of greens and lengthening of several holes to take the course up to over 7,100 yards from the back tees. The best thing about the revamp is that it has resisted the temptation to trick up the course unnecessarily. Rather it maximizes the potential of the original design. The two nines at Bali National are completely distinct. The first nine holes turn away from the ocean and wind their way up, down and across the hilly Nusa Dua hinterland. Things get off to a fearsome start with a long uphill par-4 lined with a long waste bunker to the left and several other traps by the green. The course soon gets into a less penal groove however and obvious birdie opportunities present themselves at short but striking par-4s such as the second and the eighth. The back nine, meanwhile, utilizes level coastal land and works through coconut trees and several manmade lakes. Great holes abound and the 17th, a near-replica of the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, and the 18th, a short par-4 with a double water carry – both completely new holes -- make for a grandstand conclusion. Special
mention must go too to the conditioning of the course which, at the time of writing, was somewhere beyond immaculate. balinationalgolf.com US$182
ACCOMMODATION / USEFUL INFORMATION Bali has a reputation for providing ably for tourists in terms of accommodation and it doesn’t let golfers down in this respect. Indeed, the close proximity of the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort (panpacific.com; rooms from US$165) to the golf course makes it possible to make the transfer between sumptuous garden villa to teebox in a matter of minutes. The resort excels on a number of levels. The giant swimming pool complex boasts water slides as well as hidden crevices for luxuriating. There’s also a plethora of dining options ranging from European-style deli fare to seafood barbecues by the ocean. Down towards New Kuta and Bali National, meanwhile, the Lexington New Kuta Hotel (newkutahotelbali.com; rooms from
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US$50) is a slightly more humble affair. Rooms are comfortable, however, while the giant swimming pool and its adjacent bar provide ample scope for whiling away plenty of balmy Bali hours. Sample golf packages for Bali cab be found on the website of Bali Golf Paradise, a new cooperative set up to promote the game on the island. Visit baligolfparadise.com. Bookings can be made through Golfasian – golfasian.com Cathay Pacific (cathaypacific.com) and Hong Kong Airlines (hongkongairlines.com) operate daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Denpasar International Airport; flying time is approximately four hours, forty-five minutes.
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PROPERTY | SPECIAL
IN A REAL STATE RUPERT SMITH OF COMPLETE RPI QUESTIONS WHY ESTATE AGENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE SO AVERSE TO RAISING RENTS ON PROPERTY YOU OWN.
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elcome to my fourth article discussing the hot topic of residential property investment, letting, management and sale in the UK. My name is Rupert Smith the founding Director of Complete Residential Property Investments Ltd (hereinafter CRPI). We are a specialist property investment company offering a unique and results-orientated commercial approach to UK property investment. Established in April 2001 I have built up the business based upon a resultsorientated, commercial approach to the ownership of UK residential investment property … a far cry from your traditional estate agent I am pleased to confirm. Following on from last month’s article I wish to cover the topic of rental values and market conditions, amongst other topical issues. Rent levels in the UK are at an all-time high and occupancy rates just the same. Your typical rental agent will I am sure tell you to re-let at the same level to the same tenant because that is the path of least resistance. To put things in perspective, the British newspapers have in recent times been full of headlines like, ‘Rental prices hit record levels in the South East’; Rents in London increase to highest amount on record’; ‘We are experiencing the highest occupancy levels on record’; ‘UK rents rose by 6.3% between last year and this year’. I could go on, but the point I am trying to make here is actually most relevant to the last market comment: “UK rents rose by 6.3% between last year and this year”. This point is very, very newsworthy as the majority of estate agents are just happy to leave the rent level as before … why change? ‘Surely you should renew to the old tenant at the same rental, sir?’ Well, no actually, Mr Agent: sweat my asset like any other investment I have; I expect you to maximise my return!’ Sound familiar? To be frank if I was to walk down the high street and interview 10 agents and ask the question, “What was my ROI last year please?” methinks you will be greeted with a rather dumfounded expression … Do not be afraid to tell you agent to increase rental, a typical tenancy will have a clause that allows the landlord to serve notice on the tenant in the last 60 days of the tenancy. If your agent is worth his salt he will ask the question 90 days prior to the end of the tenancy and ascertain whether the tenant wants to renew and at what level. Generally speaking the contract, which don’t forget you can dictate the terms, should allow for an increase at the point of renewal generally in line with RPI (Retail Prices Index). In our contracts we stipulate a minimum of 3% to a maximum of 5% increase, however we increased our rental income for clients by some 7.5% last year which if you do the math is considerable. We are asked to evaluate clients’ portfolios often (a portfolio can consist of just one rental property by the way) and I am constantly amazed by how many properties are consistently underlet. Complete RPI will overview a myriad of elements as a matter of course, including rent levels, gearing, void periods, maintenance costs, etc and are happy to review
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In our contracts we stipulate a minimum of 3% to a maximum of 5% increase (in rent). However we increased our rental income for clients by some 7.5% last year, which if you do the math is considerable. your portfolio at no cost. It is fair to say that rents will indeed ease at some point but the market is very postcode sensitive, occupancy levels and demand is very high so work on the basis if you don’t ask you certainly will not receive. Most people don’t realise that price movements and rents often go in the opposite direction, but as prices rise due to higher demand, the future looks bright for renting, as it means renting becomes increasingly affordable versus buying, especially if tenants need to maintain flexibility. Speaking of tenants this leads nicely to the next topic.
WHO LIVES IN MY HOUSE?
With tenants in abundance these days you can afford to be very selective. Sadly, the typical agency mentality is to try and persuade you to accept an offer below what could potentially be achieved or with conditions generally driven by the tenant. My advice is to not forget you are in the driving seat here and with market conditions strong, stand by your guns! In the last 60 days of a tenancy you can afford to be a little more particular as you are still receiving the income, but beware this can quickly bite you on the preverbal bottom if you’re not careful. I’m not suggesting be the “Wolf of Wall HKGOLFER.COM
Street” but unless you are completely happy with the terms of an offer, and if you have some time to market before the end of the current tenancy, hold back. If you are offered three occupants fir your two bedroom apartment and one wishes to use the sitting room as a bedroom, say no! OK, that’s an extreme example but it does happen more than you probably realise. Corporate organisations are moving more people nationally than they used to and make sure your agent has good contact with Relocation Agents etc in order to hopefully identify a quality tenant. Exposure is everything and more often than not a quality tenant will come from out of area, not within the immediate vicinity. At Complete RPI we utilise the entire market to source you a tenant; we are not just local representation. References are vital so make sure your agent uses a reputable referencing organisation. This should not be up for negotiation. The process is very simple and at the point a tenant is identified they complete a pre-populated form which is passed through a referencing agency with a simple scoring system – either a PASS or FAIL, plain and simple. In fairness it’s important to ascertain on what points the prospective tenant has failed as these could become favourable points of negotiation. A case in point: we recently identified a tenant moving from overseas to work in the banking sector and he failed on a credit score as he has spent no time in the UK. In summary he passed all other criteria such as employment status and previous landlord references and we were happy he was who he said he was and was gainfully employed. At this point as we could not ascertain any credit history we took a commercial view and negotiated six months rental in advance! All in all a great outcome and the tenant has proven to be excellent. In the case of ‘the computer said no’, common sense prevailed. As a matter of course Complete RPI provide HKGOLFER.COM
free rental guarantee insurance for our clients, which will protect against any rental arrears. It is well worth taking out such insurance subject to references; however you will normally have to pay premium. It is worthy of note that Complete RPI at the time of writing have an occupancy rate of 98% with a UK national portfolio. As with house prices, the regional picture is mixed. For those looking to invest in buy-to-let now, you have to spend some serious time crunching the numbers to make sure a property stacks up financially. Investors would be wise to appreciate it’s mainly capital growth over a long time period where traditional buy-to-let often delivers best. To really earn money from income these days, you really should consider property with a higher yield in “middle England” and then you have to look at the net income – not just gross yield. It’s essential to make sure you also have an exit strategy in place. We at Complete RPI will produce an investment strategy from the outset, highlighting true net returns and cost calculators. This can be done for new clients with existing portfolios and is an excellent overview of your exposure to the market.
YOUR PROPERTY, OUR PRIORITY Let Complete RPI overview your UK property free of charge and answer the following questions: - Is your property under-let? We increased our rental income for client's by 7% last year, did your agent? - Have you contracted with the most up to date tenancy agreement? Changes in legislation occur daily. - We only charge monthly fees, are you paying up front? We charge a monthly Letting & Management Fee and no up-front fees, does your agent do the same? - We offer free rental guarantee insurance, does your agent? - Is your property inspected every three months by an independent inventory clerk? If not it should be and we pay the cost. Does your agent? - Do you have 24 hr access to your very own bespoke online property platform which allows you to view all aspects of your property including management statements, invoices, interim inspection reports, values, gearing ratios, etc ... at Complete RPI this is standard. The answers to these questions and many more could both save you money and increase the return on your capital invested. Please call us on +852-9307-0337 or write to info@completerpi.com Why not visit us at www.completerpi.com ... “Your Property, Our Priority."
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CROSSWORD | OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Compiled by Dr Milton Wayne
THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
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ACROSS
DOWN
1. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 13. 15. 16. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 28. 29. 30.
2. 3. 4. 6. 8. 12. 14. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 26. 27.
See 18D (& 22A) Local legend who held both the Amateur and US Amateur simultaneously in 1911 (6, 6) (&23D) Only Frenchman to win a major, the 1907 champion (6, 5) See 20D (&13A) Winner of the Open here in 2006 (5, 5) (&17D) “What a stupid I am!” utterer, popular winner in 1967 (7, 9) See 10A (&21A) Won in 1930, en route to the “Grand Slam” (5, 5) (&3D) Redesigned the course in the 1920s (5, 4) See 15A See 5A See 19D (&30A) Formal name of 2014 Open venue (5, 9) See 4D (&14D) Legendary writer who called this course “breeder of mighty champions” (7, 6) (&2D) Women’s Open winner in 2012 (5, 4) See 24A
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See 29A See 16A (&25A) Biennial amateur team competition, first held here in 1921 (6, 3) See 8D (&6D) The Nearly Man, second three times in majors, including here in 2006 (5, 7) See 26D See 28A See 11A (&1A) Original co-designer, brother of “Old” Tom (6, 6) (&23A) Defending Open champion (4, 9) (&9A) “The Haig”, won £75 as champion in 1924 (6, 5) (&27D) Local member who won the Amateur a record eight times (4, 4) Local name for this year’s historic venue (7) See 7A (&12D) Five-time Open winner, including here in 1956 (5, 7) See 21D
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WIN A SIGNED LEE WYBRANSKI POSTER! To enter, complete the crossoword and send a scan or photo of the completed grid to Crossword@HKGolfer.com, with “July Crossword” as the subject. Remember to include your name, address and contact number. Entries close on 15 August. ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE CORRECT ENTRIES. Congratulations to Gordon Lee who won the May crossword. MAY ANSWERS Detail of Wybranski’s poster of The Road Hole at St Andrews
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“I saw [Pinehurst in 2005] as a wonderful opportunity for me to go out and perform to my best and beat the best players in the world … It was a way to prove I was as good as I felt I was.” putts on the final nine holes, which obviously helps a lot [laughs]. I have wonderful memories and to see my name on that trophy alongside all the greats of golf is something I’ll never forget.
Campbell was in the running to win the 2012 Hong Kong Open before being overtaken on the final day by – who else? – Miguel Angel Jiménez (above); in 1995, in his rookie year on the European Tour, Campbell very nearly one the greatest prize of all – the Open Championship at St Andrews (opposite) 80
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On meeting Tiger in the locker-room after the round … Tiger was obviously disappointed. Our moods were very, very different. But he still came over and said, ‘Congratulations: well done, Michael.’ I replied by saying that winning a major is so tough – how had he done it 10 times? All he said was, ‘a lot of hard work’. I’m sure if we sat down over a few drinks the conversation would be very different. On surrendering his final-round lead to lose out to John Daly [who beat Constantino Rocca in a play-off] for the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews … 1995 was my rookie year on the European Tour and I had only turned pro two years previously.
I had had no psychology lessons or anything, so I had no chance standing on the first tee in the last round. I was prepared physically but not mentally. You can’t beat experience: it’s a wonderful thing! In the 10 years between St Andrews and Pinehurst I won 10 times. I had the self belief. But in 1995, if I’m honest, I didn’t think I was going to win. Pinehurst was a lot different. I felt it was my time. On shooting 65 in the third round at the Open Championship on a day when the average score was 75 to vault into the lead … It has to be the best round of my career. It was blowing a blustery 25 knots at St Andrews, so to shoot 65 and charge through the field was something else. It wasn’t really thinking about my position [in the tournament] and it was all quite a blur really. I can’t even remember which holes I birdied. I remember I was playing with Australian Brett Ogle and he was looking at me HKGOLFER.COM
like I wasn’t human. I also remember missing a putt for birdie on the last green and being very disappointed, not realizing that I had still shot 65. Wonderful! On earning a cheque for £1 million for w i n n i n g t h e H S B C Wo r l d M a t c h Pl ay Championship at Wentworth in 2006, the biggest monetary prize in golf at the time … I didn’t think about the money, to be honest. I was just trying to beat the best players in golf. For me it’s all about kissing trophies. Money is nice, but it was the furthest thing from my mind, which I know is very difficult for many people to understand, but I’m just telling the truth. In fact, afterwards I asked my caddie what we had won because I really had no idea. My focus was just on winning the match. On his love of links golf … I really enjoy the imagination you have to put in on every shot. The wind changes in direction and strength, so for four days it’s like playing four different golf courses: the yardage book doesn’t matter, it’s all about imagination. If I’m 150 yards into the wind I might hit a 1-iron or a rescue and land it 10 yards short of the green and let it run up. I grew up in windy Wellington, so I’m used to hitting all the shots – fades, hooks, keeping it low. I love it. On his rollercoaster career … Yes, I have had a few lean years but I always seem to bounce back. That’s my mantra and I’ve been that way since I was a kid. As an amateur HKGOLFER.COM
“1995 was my rookie year on the European Tour, so I had no chance standing on the first tee in the last round [at the Open Championship at St Andrews]. I was prepared physically but not mentally … If I’m honest, I didn’t think I was going to win.” I was either winning tournaments or missing the cut. It’s just who I am and I don’t know why that is [laughs]. I wish I was more consistent but that’s the way I am and I have to accept it. But it’s proved to me that I can come back at any time. That’s my goal: to be back. On coming close to winning the 2012 Hong Kong Open … Hong Kong proved to me that I still have it. Miguel [Angel Jiménez] played some wonderful golf and beat me again, but it proved to me that I have what it takes. That week and the week before in Portugal [where Campbell finished tied third] meant a lot. On winning the Eisenhower Trophy with New Zealand in 1992 and turning pro … I was very, very lucky. In my first pro event in Australia I finished seventh; in my second I finished second and then I won my third event. These were all events in Australia and so I made the transition from amateur to pro very quickly. The other three guys in the [Eisenhower Trophy] team struggled and missed cuts. I took the lift and those guys took the stairs. I was lucky. On the International Team’s poor Presidents Cup record … The biggest problem is that there’s no unity between the players; there’s so many different cultures and languages. You have to have unity and that’s what’s missing right now. We’ve had great captains – I played under Peter Thomson and Gary Player – but you just have to have that connection between the players. That’s my view. HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
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FINAL SHOT
Michael Campbell The 2005 US Open champion, who covered the Masters Tournament and US Open as an analyst for Singapore-based Fox Sports, talks to Alex Jenkins about his return from a debilitating ankle injury, his fluctuating form and, of course, that brilliant victory at Pinehurst where he held off Tiger Woods to win his first major championship. On his injury … I’m taking it slowly to get back to competitive golf. I don’t want to rush back like I have with other injuries, [but] I played 36 holes the other day and I plan to return to tournaments in the first week of August. On his recent work as an analyst for Fox Sports … It’s given me a very different perspective, an outlook I’ve never had before. At first I found it quite hard to adjust and watch my friends play. My first time was Augusta [for the Masters Tournament]. I really enjoy it, even if I tend to get too critical of some of the players sometimes. It’s been interesting, a new chapter in my life I suppose, but not something I’m looking at full time. I still very much intend to play!
On his win at the 2005 US Open … I was pretty confident going into that week; I was playing well. I stood on the first tee in the first round and felt comfortable. Three good rounds later and I was four shots behind [third round leader] the Goose – Ref ief Goosen, a very good friend of mine. Tiger was there as well. It came down to the last nine holes and it was pretty exciting stuff. I saw it as a wonderful opportunity for me to go out and perform to my best and beat the best players in the world. Tiger had won at Augusta two months before. It was a way to prove to the world I was as good as I felt I was. In the end it was a lot of fun; I didn’t see Tiger as a threat at all. It was my time to shine. I couldn’t control what he did, so I kept to myself and plodded along. I made a few birdies on the back nine, and I think I only had 11
AFP
“I’m still a young 45-year-old,” laughs Campbell, known as ‘Cambo’ to his friends
On looking ahead to the Champions Tour … I’m still a very young 45-year-old [laughs] and I still have five years until the Champions Tour, where I have an exemption having won a major. My career isn’t finished yet, though. Look at [Miguel Angel] Jiménez. He’s 50 and has really inspired me. He had a chance to win at Augusta and he just won a Champions Tour event and a European Tour event. That’s the thing with golf: there’s really no age barrier.
On the new-look Pinehurst … Pinehurst looked fantastic, back to its original 1930s look. It’s a completely different beast to the course I won on, although the greens are pretty much the same. It now seems to have an essence of St Andrews to it. It’s always been a wonderful golf course to play – not long but extremely challenging.
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