2014 Ryder Cup: Pictorial Review of all the action from Gleneagles
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION
HKGOLFER.COM
VOTED THE REGION’S NO 1 GOLF MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2014
ISSUE 94
+
$50
VIJAY SINGH INTERVIEW
SCOTT HEND: HOW I WON THE HK OPEN
DISPLAY UNTIL 15 DEC
PLUS: THE BLUFFS HO TRAM STRIP – THE NEXT BIG THING IN VIETNAM GOLF?
MADE IN ICELAND JS Watch Company Reykjavik is a small Icelandic watch manufacturer whose exceptional timepieces promise to put the country on the map for something other than hot springs, Bjork and disruptive volcanoes.
Icelandic Ingenuity The collaboration of a watchmaker, collector and designer has produced the JS Watch co. Reykjavik, one of the world’s smallest manufacturers of stylish, quality watches. Is JS Watch co. Reykjavik, from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, one of the watch industries best kept secret?
All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials from Germany and Swiss are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection. The quantity of watches produced is limited, giving them an exclusive and truly personal feel. Currently the watches are being worn on many celebrity wrists such as Viggo Mortensen, Quentin Tarantino, Yoko Ono and his holiness 14th Dalai Lama to name just a few.
PROBABLY THE
WORLD’S SMALLEST WATCH MANUFACTURER
Our Master Watchmaker never loses his concentration
With his legendary concentration and 45 years of experience our Master Watchmaker and renowned craftsman, Gilbert O. Gudjonsson, inspects every single timepiece before it leaves our workshop.
All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection. OFFICIAL HK AGENT: TIMES INTERNATIONAL CREATION LTD. CONTACT: JSWATCH@TIMESIC.COM +852-3590-4153
www.jswatch.com
Race proven
Sport 78, 88, 98
Serket 88, 98
Stealth 90
Exclusive offer to readers of HK Golfer If you are one of that rare breed for whom only the best is good enough you’ll appreciate why Scorpions make the perfect luxury performance RIB, chase boat or superyacht tender. Each is unique, but shares a heritage of innovation and a
FREE sea trial in the Scorpion Serket 98. Your chance to experience the legend for yourself, call or email us now to make your booking!
W
O
R
L
D
C
L
A
S
S
L
U
X
U
R
Y
P
E
R
F
O
R
M
A
N
C
E
Your performance sets you apart from the crowd. So should your boat.
Strike 90
Selene 98
hull design that has been developed over 20 years of recordbreaking offshore ocean passages to deliver a soft, comfortable and safe ride with outstanding performance in all conditions. When you deserve the best, demand the best.
R
I
B
S
F
R
O
M
6. 5
M
Sting 108
Custom
Scorpion RIBS Hong Kong, HFS, Neich Tower, Suite 6 E, 6th Floor, 128 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. t: +852 25118337 m: +852 91993860 e: scorpion@hkgolfer.com
T
O
1
2
M
A
N
D
B
E
Y
O
N
D
| CONTENTS
HK Golfer Issue 94
November 2014
40 On the Cover:
Scott Hend proved his prowess from the bunker en route to winning last month’s Hong Kong Open at Fanling Photo by Charles McLaughlin
Features
Plus…
36 | Tales from the Box
27 | Tee Time Special
Our correspondent reflects on Scott Hend’s playoff victory over Angelo Que at Fanling, considers the state of the Final Series and wonders who will replace Tom Watson as the next American Ryder Cup captain. By Julian Tutt
40 | How I Won the Hong Kong Open
Scott Hend recounts his gutsy performance in claiming the biggest event of his career to date after another Fanling thriller. Interview by Alex jenkins
58 | Un-united States
An examination of what went wrong for the Americans at Gleneagles, which led to their eighth loss in the past 10 Ryder Cups. By Lewine Mair
68 | Homecoming Hero
After an absence of eight years, Vijay Singh returned to the islands of his birth to participate in the Fiji International, the first notable professional event to have ever been staged in the country. By James Henderson
72 | Vietnam’s Latest Gem
The Greg Norman-designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, part of a large casino resort to the south of Ho Chi Minh City, was officially opened to great fanfare last month. By The Editors
82 | The Man from Omega
56 10
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
Amidst the drama in the dusk of the PGA Championship at Valhalla, we met with Omega’s Stephen Urquhart to discuss watches, golf, event sponsorship and more. Interview by Charles McLaughlin
A look at the Cartier highlights from last month’s Watches & Wonders exhibition By The Editors
33 | Driving Range
Our motoring correspondent gives his take on the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge By Ben Oliver
32 | Liquid Assets
Mixing wine with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By Julien Yung Mameaux
38 | By Design
For a golf course to be memorable it must have a sense of place, writes our architect-contributor. By Paul Jansen
62 | Ryder Cup Pictorial Review
All the action from Europe’s convincing victory over the United States at Gleneagles. Photography by Charles McLaughlin
88 | Crossword
Complete this Race to Dubai special to win a signed poster by Lee Wybranski. By Dr Milton Wayne
90 | Final Shot
Colin Montgomerie explains Europe’s dominance at the Ryder Cup, his admiration for Bernhard Langer and gives his best tip for amateurs wanting to improve their game. By The Editors
HKGOLFER.COM
Collection 2014 Exclusive watches, fashion items, personal accessories, gift ideas and sports products – manufactured with passion and tremendous attention to detail. Visit www.mercedes-benz.com.hk/collection to explore the products that capture the allure of Mercedes-Benz.
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
11
HK Golfer
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION NOV 2014 • Issue 94
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
74 D E PA R T M E N T S 14 Mailbag 16 Divots 20 Local Focus 22 Asia Focus 27 Clubhouse
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
48 Hong Kong Open Gallery 54 Around the HKGA 56 Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur
HK GOLFER is published by Times International Creation, 10A Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong. HK GOLFER is published monthly © 2014 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. 12
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HK Golfer is available onboard all Cathay Pacific and Dragonair First and Business Class cabins and in Singapore Airlines First and Business Class lounges.
HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer Mailbag The scoring is never ridiculously low – certainly the pros go a lot lower on much longer, softer and arguably less strategic courses – which is really testament to how good a tournament course the Composite is. I personally would prefer to see less rough around the greens, which I believe would encourage more imagination with the shorter shots, but overall, I don't think there's any doubt that Fanling is among the most interesting tests around. Gordon Leach Via email
Power hitter: Scott Hend reined in his usual explosive game to wonderful effect at Fanling
Editor's reply: Thank you, Gordon. You'll doubtless enjoy reading our Hong Kong Open coverage, which starts on page 40 with Scott Hend explaining just how he triumphed.
Fanling – A Supreme Test It's often been said that the Composite Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club suits the kind of player who is straight off the tee and has a tidy short game. The 'plodder', if you will, the type of guy who hits plenty of fairways and doesn't make a whole lot of mistakes. While this is not necessarily wrong – after all, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and of course Miguel Angel Jiménez, none of whom exactly have the ability to overpower a golf course, have all won the Hong Kong Open – it's doing the course something of a disservice. Let's have a look at the evidence. Scott Hend, arguably the longest driver in professional golf has just won, and Rory McIlroy, no slouch off the tee himself, has certainly lit up Fanling in previous years. His win in 2011 was the built on the back of a brilliant week of ball-striking. The point is that although the Hong Kong Golf Club is one of the shortest courses on the European and Asian Tour calendars, it really does test every part of the game. Yes, you need to be straight, and the small, firm greens require unusually high levels of accuracy to be able to find them regularly. Chipping around the notoriously tricky greens requires an exquisite touch, too.
14
New HK Open Date a Bonus It's great news that the 2015 Hong Kong Open, which will be played from 22-25 October, will be the last event on the European Tour schedule before the Final Series – the swing of events that includes the BMW Masters, the WGC-HSBC Champions, the Turkish Airlines Open and the DP World Tour Championship – commences. The event had a very good field this time, with the likes of Ernie Els and Nicolas Colsaerts playing for the first time. But this new position in the calendar should hopefully encourage even more big names to take part. Mandy Li Kowloon Tong
HK Golfer on Android
We Want to Hear from You!
We’re delighted to announce that HK Golfer can now be downloaded on all Android and Apple devices. The HK Golfer iPad application continues to be available on Newsstand, while Android and iPhone users can now read the latest issue through Magzter, a global mobile magazine store. Simply download the Magzter app from either Google Play or the App Store. For more information write to app@hkgolfer.com
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.
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
The NEW FACE OF
ROLL
From Guerin Rife, the inventor of putter groove technology comes the next evolution in roll performance, VSE grooves. Immediate roll but 50% more accurate on off-center hits. Guerin’s new Tour Spec putters are custom weighted for length and 100% forged/milled. Not just another pretty face. Real Technology. Real performance.
GUERIN PUTTERS
We Know Roll.
Available in Hong Kong exclusively through the HK Golfer Store and Pura Golf. Visit hkgolfer.com
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR:
SportsLifeAsia.com
| DIVOTS
Special Offer.
Emotional Edfors Back to Winning Ways in China
Enjoy golf ’s most reliable and accurate course maps from around the world, with no annual fee
HK$2,088 Includes free shipping 30,000 Preloaded Course Maps
Order through HK Golfer: www.hkgolfer.com Or write to us at: skycaddie@hkgolfer.com 16
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
Johan Edfors produced a stunning finish to win his first tour event in five years at the European Challenge Tour’s inaugural Shankai Classic presented by IDG Capital Partners in Chongqing, China, last month. Edfors put together four consecutive birdies to cap a fine 66 for a total of 15-under-par and a three-shot win over Michael Lorenzo-Vera of France in second place. China's Hu Mu, Bernd Ritthammer of Germany and the Netherlands' Tim Sluiter finished a shot further back in a tie for third. Edfors had been without a victory of note since the 2009 Black Mountain Masters on the Asian Tour, a run that looked set to continue after he made nine consecutive pars to start his round. But the 39-year-old fought back in style to surge through a packed leader board with six birdies down the closing stretch of the US$350,000 event. "It's been a tough couple of years for me but I've been able to pick up my game and it feels fantastic, I'm really happy," said an emotional Edfors, who admitted he had been close to quitting the game last year after injuries and a desperate run of form had seen him lose his European Tour card. "To be honest I don't think I have ever been as nervous as I was today, especially at the beginning of the front nine,” continued the Swede. "It's a lot easier to win on the European Tour than out here – there's so much at stake. A win here almost gets you straight back on the main tour, so I knew I had to something special out there on the back nine. "Before my Dad passed away earlier this year I promised him I'd make it back – and now I am back." HKGOLFER.COM
Escape the Hazard
Reduce your tax Increase your income Free QROPS guide and UK pension review Email QROPS@HKGolfer.com and receive a free gift
| DIVOTS
Special Offer.
TGC Confirmed as Part of Open Qualifying Series
Enjoy golf ’s most reliable and accurate course maps from around the world, with no annual fee
HK$2,088 Includes free shipping 30,000 Preloaded Course Maps
Order through HK Golfer: www.hkgolfer.com Or write to us at: skycaddie@hkgolfer.com 18
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
The 2014 Thailand Golf Championship (TGC), to be played from December 11-14 at Amata Spring Country Club, has been confirmed as part of The Open Qualifying Series (OQS). A total of four places at the 2015 Open Championship, to be held next July at St Andrews, the Home of Golf, will be up for grabs in Thailand, thereby strengthening the tournament's status as the Asian Tour's flagship event. The Open Qualifying Series has replaced the R&A's International Final Qualifying for golf's oldest major, which was introduced in 2004 and involved standalone 36-hole qualifying events across five continents. "The R&A is pleased to confirm that the Thailand Golf Championship will become part of The Open Qualifying Series," said Hong Kong-based Dominic Wall, Asia-Pacific Director of The R&A. "Beginning with the 2014 event in December, players from throughout Asia will have the opportunity to secure places in The Open Championship, which will be played next year at St Andrews." While the Thailand Golf Championship boasts a stellar field of international players – defending champion Sergio Garcia, two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson, current US Open champion Martin Kaymer, South African legend Ernie Els and Ryder Cup heroes Lee Westwood and Victor Dubuisson have confirmed their participation in the US$1 million event – the Open Championship spots will go to the leading four finishers who have not already qualified. Amata Spring hosted International Final Qualifying from 2011 through 2013, and the R&A said it was keen to extend the relationship it has with the club. "Amata Spring has proved itself as a world-class venue, both for International Final Qualifying and the Thailand Golf Championship over the past three years," said Wall. "The Open Qualifying Series enhances the qualification process by giving players the opportunity to qualify at a 72-hole championship as well as being more convenient in terms of their scheduling." HKGOLFER.COM
HK$2498!
| DIVOTS
New European Tour Event Makes Shenzhen Home Golf fans throughout the Pearl River Delta region of China will have the chance to see some of the world’s best golfers in action following the announcement that the inaugural Shenzhen International will be held at Genzon Golf Club, in the Longgang district of Shenzhen, from April 16–19, 2015. With a field comprising 100 players from The European Tour, 50 players from China Golf Association and six sponsors’ invitations, the US$2.5 million tournament will be played the week after the year’s first Major, the Masters Tournament. The Neil Haworth-designed championship course at Genzon Golf Club, which was the venue for this year’s Volvo China Open, will host the tournament. Commenting on the latest addition to The 2015 European Tour International Schedule, George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to add another new tournament in China to an already robust 2015 schedule. In recent years, China has become an increasingly important player in the global golf market, and we are indebted to Genzon Group for committing to promote the new tournament. Genzon Golf Club, and the city of Shenzhen, both proved to be superb hosts for the Volvo China Open earlier this year, so we had no hesitation in agreeing to return there for the Shenzhen International.”
Available to buy on the HK Golfer Store at hkgolfer.com Enquires to blunt@hkgolfer.com
AWARD-WINNING NEW ZEALAND WINES FROM BOUTIQUE CENTRAL OTAGO PRODUCER
SAVE 15% OFF CELLAR DOOR PRICES
PINOT NOIR 2012 HK$238 RUA PINOT NOIR 2011 HK$158 BRUT NV HK$185 ROSÉ BRUT NV HK$185 RIESLING 2013 HK$158 Also available on extremely limited release:
“THE SIREN” PINOT NOIR 2012 HK$568
FREE DELIVERY
(minimum 12 bottles)
Contact: wine@hkgolfer.com; +852 3590 4153; or visit our online store at HKGolfer.com GOLD - International Wine Challenge 2014 GOLD - China Wine & Spirit Awards 2014 GOLD - New Zealand Easter Show 2014
Local Focus Ernie Brings Fans Out in Force Ernie Els, seen here teeing off on the first hole at Fanling, was heavily fancied to win the Hong Kong Open on his debut appearance last month. But despite starting promisingly – the four-time major champion from South Africa opened up with rounds of 66 and 65 to take the halfway lead – Els couldn’t maintain his form over the weekend and ended up finishing in a tie for fifth. The Hong Kong Open, which is the territory’s oldest professional sporting event, was awarded the prestigious M-Mark status by the Major Sports Event Committee for the 10th consecutive year and saw Scott Hend defeat Angelo Que in a play-off. Photo by Daniel Wong
Asia Focus Muradaca’s Heading to the Masters Antonio Murdaca of Australia earned a place in the field for next year's Masters at Augusta after winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Championship by seven shots on Royal Melbourne's composite course last month. The 19-year-old Murdaca became the first Australian to win the title. Japan's Horikawa Mikumu had a 69 to break out of a tie with Australian Todd Sinnott and take second place, while Shinichi Mizuno, who finished in a tie for 51st, was Hong Kong’s best performer. Murdaca and Mikumu will also be exempt until the final stage of qualifying for the 2015 Open Championship at St. Andrews. Photo by Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
Harvest your own rewards Invest in Bordeaux vineyards To learn how we help clients diversify their investment portfolios into prestigious chateaux, and provide vineyard management and wine marketing solutions, please call or email for a personal appointment. Tel: +852 3125 7580 Email: Information@virtuoso-propertygroup.com
www.Virtuoso-PropertyGroup.com
Suite 901, The Hong Kong Club Building 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
CLUB
Away from the Fairways | TEE TIME
HONG KONG HIGHLIGHTS THE RECENT WATCHES & WONDERS EXHIBITION FEATURED TWO EXTRAORDINARY NEW TIMEPIECES FROM CARTIER.
The Calibre de Cartier Diver in gold and steel with Superluminova indicators
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
27
A The Cartier booth at this year's Watches & Wonders event 28
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
t the 2014 edition of Watches time-zone, a day/night indication, a large date & Wonders, which was held in and small seconds. Hong Kong from 30 September Fully integrated, the new 1904-FU MC selfto 2 October, Cartier once again winding movement has been developed showcased the liveliness of over a period of several years at the Cartier its renowned watchmak ing Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. A first in in a collection of 68 pieces including 16 Cartier watchmaking, this movement groups n e w c reat i o ns , t wo n e w together the settingof all its movements and four unique complications in one single Fully integrated, pieces of High Jeweller y. push-piece. the new 1904-FU The unlimited creativity and This double achievement innovation – which Cartier revitalises the world of watch MC self-winding has demonstrated through giving the movement has been complications, continuous research since ability to display their multiple developed over a 1904 with the creation of the functions within 42 mm of very first Cartier wristwatch – aesthetic elegance and cuttingperiod of several has never stopped driving the technology. years at the Cartier edge evolution of watchmaking. Two With its Roman numerals, Manufacture in La its winding crown set with a of the highlights included the Rotonde de Cartier Day and cabochon, its apple-shaped Chaux-de-Fonds. Night Watch and the Calibre de hands and its “rail-track” minute Cartier Diver. circle, this watch asserts a formal classicism built around the defining signs of identity of ROTONDE DE CARTIER DAY AND NIGHT WATCH the Cartier watch. This elegance is reinforced With its 42 mm diameter, the Rotonde de Cartier yet again by the contrast in its dials between watch launched a collection of men’s small pink or white gold and a silvered flinqué or blue complication models that combines a second guilloché finish. HKGOLFER.COM
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.
lastdrop@hkgolfer.com; (852) 3590 4153 lastdropdistillers.com
CALIBRE DE CARTIER DIVER WATCH With its powerful lines, rugged case and original architecture, the Calibre de Cartier watch, launched in 2010, is the new symbol of confident masculinity. Its dial boldly reinterprets the Maison’s design codes, such as Roman numerals and a flanged bezel, that clearly identify it as a Cartier model. In 2014, this Manufacture watch opens a new chapter with a diving version: the In 2014, this Calibre de Cartier Diver. Manufacture watch An unmistakeably masculine watch for both everyday wear and extreme opens a new chapter conditions, it meets the challenge of with a diving combining Cartier style with the technical version: the Calibre requirements of ISO 6425. This norm, which controls the “Diver’s Watch” label, lays down de Cartier Diver. eight criteria of reliability and imposes a series of extremely rigorous tests. A unidirectional bezel, water-resistant to 300 metres, hands and dive-time indicator in superluminova: the Calibre de Cartier Diver meets all the criteria for a diver’s watch as laid down in the international standard, entitling it to carry the engraving “Diver’s watch 300 m” on the case back. 30
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Clockwise from top: the Calibre de Cartier Diver in steel; the new 1904-FU MC self-winding movement; the Cartier Tank; the Rotonde de Cartier Day and Night watch – in 18-carat pink gold and palladium; Rotonde de Cartier Second Time Zone HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
31
CLUBHOUSE | DRIVING RANGE
ATTENTION-GRABBER THE INFINITI Q50 EAU ROUGE, ALTHOUGH STILL OFFICIALLY A CONCEPT CAR, HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION OF THE HONG KONG-HEADQUARTERED BRAND, WRITES BEN OLIVER.
A
s the only carmaker headquartered here in Hong Kong, Infiniti And while Vettel probably doesn’t have the ought to be on your radar if you’re looking for a premium sedan, time to get too involved with Infiniti’s road cars, convertible or SUV. But there’s a good chance that Infiniti is the he clearly approves of the new Infiniti Q50 Eau luxury carmaker you’ve never heard of. And that’s both the brand’s Rouge. Officially, it’s just a concept car, but there’s appeal, and its biggest problem. little doubt that the marque plans to put this Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan, established first in the beast into production: grabbing attention for this United States in 1989, and now sold in 50 markets around the reticent brand and radically globe. Nissan knew it could build cars as well – or better – than changing our notion of what This car, named after BMW, Audi or Mercedes, but knew that it couldn’t sell them Infiniti stands for. one of the most famous for premium prices with a Nissan badge on the nose. Toyota The Eau Rouge borrows and Honda realized much the same thing at around the same the mighty twin-turbocharged corners in motorsport time, launching their Lexus and Acura brands. Lexus has gone 3.4-litre V6 engine from Nissan’s at the Spa circuit in on to be the most popular, but all three have won a loyal fan GT-R budget supercar and Belgium, is a direct rival shoe-horns it into the existing base among buyers who love the qualities these brands share: for the super-sedans obsessive Japanese build quality, an emphasis on hush rather Infiniti Q50 sedan, giving it the than sportiness, and simply being different and more subtle same 560 horsepower output produced by BMW, than the usual German luxury brands. as the most powerful current Mercedes and Audi – But while being ‘under-the-radar’ is great for customers who Porsche 911. A seven-speed the M5, E63 and RS6. automatic gearbox means easy value discretion, it’s not so good for Nissan, which wants Infiniti to grow. It moved its headquarters here to Hong Kong in 2012 shifts in town, but a manual to encourage a focus on the China market, and to bring a fresh, more outward- mode means you can hold each gear to the looking approach to its global operations. In 2011 it became title sponsor of the redline and enjoy the full fury of this renowned Infiniti Red Bull Racing team and enjoyed three Formula One World Championships engine. Four-wheel drive means that power is in a row with Sebastian Vettel, who is the brand’s ‘Performance Director’. deployed securely, and the GT-R’s brakes mean 32
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
SCORECARD INFINITI Q50 EAU ROUGE How much? TBD Engine: 3.4-litre V6 twin turbo Transmission: 7-speed automatic, 4WD Performance: 0560hp, 0-100km/h: 3.8sec (estimated) 300km/h (estimated)
the Eau Rouge stops as suddenly as it starts. This car, named after one of the most famous corners in motorsport at the Spa circuit in Belgium, is a direct rival for the super-sedans produced by BMW, Mercedes and Audi – the M5, E63 and RS6. It is quite unlike any Infiniti that has gone before it, and when it goes on sale in around 18 months it will only account for a tiny fraction of the firm’s global sales. But as a means of linking Infiniti more closely to its F1 partner, and of getting the attention of luxury car buyers who might otherwise just pick from the usual suspects, it has already worked. HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
33
CLUBHOUSE | LIQUID ASSETS
VINO IN UNESCO JULIEN YUNG MAMEAUX, WINE EXPERT AND CEO OF THE EXPERIENCE COMPANY, TAKES US TO SEVEN WINE WONDERS THAT ARE ALSO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE WINE SITES. DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL This may well be the most rewarding destination on any visit to Portugal. At the Western edge of Europe lies the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley, just by the country's second largest city, Porto. Mountains of granite sculpted in terraces have been hosting black grape vines for 2,000 years. A boat cruise on the river will take you to quintas (estates) where authentic port wine is made. Seize the chance to collect the praised 2011 vintage of Romaneira LBV or a 40-year old Tawny. TOKAJ, HUNGARY At the heart of central Europe lies the pretty and historic Hungarian capital city of Budapest, and not far from it, the authentic, historical vineyards of Tokaj. At the confluence of two rivers in the foothills of mountains, wine has been made here since as early as the 12th century. Known for its famous Tokaji Aszú wines, a trip there takes the traveller back to ancient times and networks of deep wine cellars where the sweet elixir of tsars was kept. Indulge with Oremus Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2002. CINQUE TERRE, ITALY Lying half-way between Florence and Milan, this remote set of five villages (literally meaning “five lands”) constitutes exceptional scenery where human and nature have been living in harmony since the Middle Ages. Each village sits by the sea on the Liguria Coast with stunning hills in the background, and indigenous grape vines (Bosco, Albarola, Vermentino) planted on the steep slopes. The delicate, dry white wines – Bisson 2011, for example – are an excellent match for the local seafood. LAVAUX, SWITZERLAND A spectacular side-trip from either Geneva and Lausanne, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, overlooking stunning Lake Geneva, were first created by monks – and later by the winegrowing families of princes – who have been lovingly tending their grapes for centuries. The breathtaking beauty of Lavaux is a pleasure for the soul and has attracted a great number of artists who came to live in these small picturesque villages. Try Ponnaz & Fils Calamin Grand Cru 2013 or Luc Massy Dezalay Chemin de Fer Grand Cru 2011. RHINE VALLEY, GERMANY Near Frankfurt and Koblenz, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a picturesque 65km stretch filled with castles, historic towns and vineyards, is part of the UNESCO list. The dramatic aspect of the area and the refinement of its wines has exerted powerful influence on 19th century poets such as Clemens Brentano and composer Richard Wagner. Your inspiration: Eva Fricke Lorcher Riesling QBA 2013. 34
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
Lavaux, Switzerland
SAINT-EMILION, FRANCE Little needs to be said about the most famous Right Bank region of Bordeaux, except perhaps for its unique location on the religious pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostelle and that its 12th century designation as “jurisdiction” meant that the area would be entirely dedicated to wine growing. A mecca for wine lovers and travellers alike, it can be appreciated with one of the best red wine vintages of the 1990s: Chateau Bellefont-Belcier 1998. WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA Last but not least, the magical holiday destination on this list, the Austrian valley by the gorgeous and lyrical Danube river is host to rich architecture (monasteries, castles, ruins), urban design (towns and villages), and a plethora of terraced vineyards of most Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Culture can be felt in the white Pradikat Loiser Berg Auslese DAC 2004 or the red Dechant Blauburgunder 2008. To visit these destinations and many others, book your holiday with The Experience Company (www.TheExCo.com) at +852 3488 9565 or Contact@TheExCo.com. 10% offer for “HKGolfer” readers for any trip taking place by 30 June 2015. Consult us also if you wish to acquire the wines listed in the article. HKGOLFER.COM
| TALES FROM THE BOX
Another Classic Championship European Tour commentator Julian Tutt reflects on Scott Hend’s play-off victory over Angelo Que at Fanling, considers the state of the Final Series and wonders who will replace Tom Watson as the next American Ryder Cup captain.
E
rnie Els made his debut at the Hong Kong Open last month. He was suitably impressed as Club Captain Mark Roberts showed him around the Fanling clubhouse, with its impressive array of trophies and champions’ boards reflecting the quality of winners of the longrunning championship. Making all the right noises he was hopeful that he too, as a fourtime major champion, could add his name to the winner’s board. For two days he played as if it was his birthright to join the likes of Thomson, Norman, Couples, Watson, Langer, Montgomerie and McIlroy. For the next two days he played as if someone had stolen his birthright, barely able to scrape a birdie on a course measuring someway short of 7,000 yards. Carrying his bag, the worldly-wise Colin Byrne was tearing his hair out. The stubborn Afrikaner seemed hell-bent on proving that conventional wisdom is for mere mortals and that when you have descended from Mt Olympus there is a better way to get the job done. The fourth on the Composite Course is a reachable 288-yard par-4, but almost everyone lays up to leave a wedge to the green. Except Ernie. One-over-par on that hole after two rounds he told the world, in a television interview with Warren Humphreys, that he wouldn't be "going for it" again. After four days of going for it he was still one-over-par. On Saturday, on the hardest hole on the course, the long par-4 ninth, he tried to hit his drive left of the very tall paper-bark trees, down the adjoining fairway on the New Course. It was a tactic Bernhard Langer had used years ago, when the trees weren't so tall. Now it seemed madness. Even more so when he snaphooked his drive into the distant hedge and very nearly out of bounds. After a penalty drop and a "hit and hope" that miraculously found its way through the trees and back onto the ninth fairway he made a double-bogey six that could easily have been an eight or nine. The crowds enjoyed watching him though, so perhaps that's all that matters?
36
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
At the sharp end of the tournament, the immensely likeable Angelo Que was threatening to become the first golfer from the Philippines to win on the European Tour. On the 72nd hole he was fortunate to have a second shot after his drive bounced out of the infamous lefthand trees. It was still a "middle of the green" shot though, according to my learned friend Dominique Boulet. No doubt most watchers were of a similar opinion. But Que went for it, pitching it a few feet from the hole to leave a tap-in for a birdie. Brilliant! It must be a strong candidate for Shot of the Month. Since the Hong Kong Open became part of the European Tour schedule in 2001, only one Asian Tour golfer had won it, Lin Wen-tang from Taiwan in 2008. With US-based Australian Scott Hend Que's only real challenger, that was about to change. Hend's near-miraculous sand-save from a buried lie in the front bunker to force a playoff merits another page in the extraordinary history of dramatic shots that have won and lost championships on Fanling's wonderful 18th hole. As the genuine Asian, many were hoping that Que would emerge victorious. But poor Angelo bogeyed the first extra hole and it's Hend who will be testing his mettle around Europe next season. He'll probably enjoy that more than the sociable Filipino, who would undoubtedly miss his good buddies whilst shuttling from Paris to Turin to Malmo, but nonetheless there were many who were disappointed for him. The always interesting and occasionally volcanic Hend is a worthy champion though and the former PGA Tour player will no doubt pose a serious threat, now that he has his chance to impress in Europe. With a bit of luck he'll avoid falling off his chair backwards, a fate that befell your correspondent in the middle of Sunday's commentary, taking microphone, paperwork and a box of tricks with me. For a moment Monsieur Boulet was speechless. It took me rather longer to recover! It's Final Series time. In its inaugural year in 2013 the European Tour ruled that a player must play in two of the first three events to qualify for the extremely lucrative Tour Championship, with its generous bonus pool for the top-15 in the Race to Dubai. That seemed like a very sensible precaution to ensure that the fields were of sufficient quality to keep the Tour's crucial sponsors happy. For the pampered few at the top of the world game though, that was a serious infringement of their rights as individuals and HKGOLFER.COM
Angelo Que's remarkable approach on the 72nd hole of the Hong Kong Open to set up a tap-in birdie must be a strong candidate for Shot of the Month
"self-employed businessmen". They whinged and the Tour (foolishly in my book) relented. So this year Rory McIlory, won’t play until the Tour Championship. From his point of view, he doesn't need to. He's so far ahead he's going to win the Race to Dubai anyway. But from the Tour's and their sponsors' point of view, it's a disaster and disasters have a nasty habit of seeing sponsors run for the hills. Companies such as BMW and HSBC provide the lifeblood of the professional circuit. The pampered few are taking selfishness to a new level. Let's hope it doesn't end in tears. So who will captain the 2016 Ryder Cup teams? After Phil Mickelson's outburst against Tom Watson in the immediate aftermath of this year's edition, the PGA of America has gone into backside covering mode and done what all good politicians do, namely form a committee. There are those who say the captain doesn't matter; it's up to the players to perform. Even Jack Nicklaus has come to Tom Watson's defense: "The players just didn't play well enough", he said. I've been to the last 13 Ryder Cups for various different employers and I'm convinced that assuming a similar standard of competence on both sides, which is almost a given nowadays, the captain does indeed have a very important HKGOLFER.COM
Hend's near-miraculous sand-save from a buried lie in the front bunker to force a play-off merits another page in the extraordinary history of dramatic shots that have won and lost championships on Fanling's wonderful 18th hole. role to play. Europe's only failure since 1999 came at Valhalla in 2008. Paul Azinger was arguably America's best captain in a generation or more, bringing ingenuity, guile, top class man-management and near faultless planning to create an atmosphere in the team room that encouraged his players to go out and perform to their very best. He was up against Britain's best-ever player and possibly worst-ever captain, Sir Nick Faldo. Vice Captain José María Olazábal was constantly at Sergio Garcia's side in an ultimately vain attempt to lift his fellow-countryman's spirits. Paul Casey was all ready to pack his bags and quit the show, and apparently the atmosphere in the team room was akin to Central with pollution at 10+. The result was almost a foregone conclusion. This time Paul McGinley was probably Europe's best ever captain, leaving no stone of preparation unturned. Even with a recalcitrant Ian Poulter and a few players struggling for top form, the result never really looked in question. If you doubt the value of a leader who can create a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, look no further than Derby County and Nottingham Forest in the 1970s under the legendary Brian Clough. Golf is a much more individual sport than football of course, but the Ryder Cup is a TEAM competition, with a unique set of demands on the pampered few. No doubt the PGA of America’s committee will find a brilliant solution. Woods and Mickelson to share the role perhaps? HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
37
| BY DESIGN
A
of
Sense
Place
For a golf course to be memorable it must have an identity, writes award-winning architect Paul Jansen.
A
One of the ancient temples that can be found at Delhi Golf Club (opposite top); caddies at Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam (opposite bottom) 38
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
sense of place by definition “is a sense of the beauty and the wealth of phenomena that comprise a particular place. It is a factor that makes an environment psychologically
comfortable.” To achieve this a golf course must have an identity – most times derived by a close association with its surroundings. What’s important is that the golf course “feels” and “looks” like it belongs in its space; where possible even enhances this space. If it’s identifiable with its surrounds – and this not only being confined to the immediate surrounds – then there is every chance it will have memorability, character and individuality, which are so important to achieving a great product. As an example, if I were to play golf in the desert I want to know that I am in the desert and not some lush environment dominated by water. Likewise, if I am to play golf within a coastal dunescape, with generous ground movement, it would hardly make sense for the play areas to be flat and featureless. But creating a sense of place is more than just adopting the characteristics of the surrounding environment – it’s about traditions and cultures as well. Take for example the long lunch break between nines in Japan or how in Vietnam, on some courses, the caddies wear the traditional conical hats and ao dai dresses. This is important as part of the experience and adds immeasurably to creating a sense of place. Golf course furniture can go a long way
to achieving a sense of place. In Thailand, at Laguna Phuket, we have positioned Thai boats in strategic locations along some of the waterways for effect. Those rickety fences you see in the sand dunes bounding some of the seaside golf courses in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and even in the USA, gives these courses added character and a coastal identity. A good understanding of the local culture is paramount to achieving success or one could be left with a very different sense of place. What’s important is that the architect takes the time to study the surrounding areas for sources of information and inspiration. The most identifiable golf courses take you on a journey of discovery through the property. There are moments throughout the route where you get to feel part of the story – often becoming engrossed in its dynamics. This could be as simple as being taken to areas that afford spectacular glimpses of the greater surrounds or in some cases you’re taken by a feature or features that just can’t be forgotten. What’s important here is that the golf architect routes the course in such a way that this journey benefits from these positive influences – be it on or off-site. But what of a site that is featureless? How does one create a “sense of place” in an environment that is essentially lacking anything of note? Of course one could argue that a flat featureless site may not be ideal for golf in the first place. In fact I recall the late Architect William Flynn – who would design one of the most identifiable golf courses in Shinnecock HKGOLFER.COM
Hills – writing that “to have a satisfactory golf course you must first secure a suitable piece of land over which to lay it out”. There is truth in that but I am still convinced you can create an identifiable and unique golf course, with a sense of belonging, on a very ordinary parcel of land. One great example of this is Old Memorial in Florida. What was essentially a f lat somewhat featureless site (bisected by a power-line) was transformed into a spectacular golfing oasis that looks like it was carved out of the Florida everglades. It is memorable and strategic golf in every way, even if it is situated in the suburbs. Architect Steve Smyers worked tirelessly on the detail to ensure that the character of the course conformed to the landscape you find in Florida. Old Memorial is a great example how a golf course can enhance its landscape immeasurably. There is no question that my favourite golf courses are those that have a sense of belonging. I enjoy strategic golf very much but am just as infatuated by a golf journey being a sense of discovery and adventure. If I am to remember a hole then it needs to be a strategic feast or carry a feature or features that are memorable to me and complement its environment. To use a couple of examples: it’s hard to forget the rail line that divide some of the holes at the Royal Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka or the temples that watch over some of the course at the old Delhi Golf Club. I clearly remember the walk from the 16th green at Danang Golf Club, which passes an Indochina War-era bunker, and the rickety clubhouse at the unique Royal West Norfolk Golf Club in England will live long in the memory. Even the entrance drive has an ability to set the tone and create a sense of belonging, as is the case at the Royal Golf Club de Belgique or Utrecht De Pan in the Low Countries. What of the outstanding views from the clubhouse at Shinnecock Hills or from the 17th green at Crystal Downs? Add who can forget the noises that steam out of the bush at Leopard Creek or even Sun City in South Africa? Would Royal County Down be as identifiable without its maram grass-clad bunkers and would Walton Heath be as good without all that heather grass? It ’s no secret t hat a good number of golf courses simply exist with little (if any) relationship with their surroundings. These courses often lack memorability – and they are difficult to play because there is nothing to discover or arouse our senses. Moving forward we need more golf courses that complement their space and carry features that enhance the experience. A sense of place is important in every form of architecture, especially golf course architecture. HKGOLFER.COM
It’s no secret that a good number of golf courses simply exist with little (if any) relationship with their surroundings. These courses often lack memorability – and they are difficult to play because there is nothing to discover or arouse our senses.
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
39
HONG KONG OPEN | REVIEW
All of a
40
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
Sudden I'm the HK Open
HKGOLFER.COM
Winner
Scott Hend recounts his gutsy performance in claiming the biggest event of his career to date after another Fanling thriller. As told to Alex Jenkins. Photography by Daniel Wong, Charles McLaughlin and Kimi Tai
Scott Hend prepares to putt for a par on the 72nd hole of regulation after playing a brilliant bunker shot to within five feet of the par. The Australian would make the putt to force a play-off with Angelo Que of the Philippines. HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
41
L Clockwise from top: Hend became the first Australian to win the Hong Kong Open since Greg Norman in 1983; Que tees off at Fanling's famous closing hole; Hend and caddie Tony Carolan wait for Marcus Fraser to hole out at the driveable par-4 10th 42
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
ooking at the stats my form was poor heading into the Hong Kong Open. I missed five cuts in six tournaments and wasn’t driving the ball well at all. I went to Bangkok and got my old driver back off of a mate. I had been using a Callaway driver but cracked the face, so I went back to my old faithful – a Titleist 910. I also had a new set of irons in the bag – the 714 muscle backs, also from Titleist. I had actually been swinging the club really well but the tee ball was killing me. The driver is such an important club. It’s hard to play when you’re coming out of the trees all the time. You can only do so much and you’re not going to be making too many birdies when you keep leaving yourself 40ft putts. I kept missing cuts by a shot or two. There’s very fine line between feeling like you’re playing good and feeling like you’re
battling, and going back to my old driver gave me the confidence I needed. Normally at Fanling, if I shoot anything in the 60s I’m absolutely stoked. There have been so many times when I’ve felt like I’ve played well and shot 70 or 71. The cut always seems to be even or one-under, and all of a sudden, I’m on the cut line. So to get off to the start I did this time was nice. I played very solidly for the 67 in the first round and I was very happy. People say that Fanling is not my sort of course, and they’re probably exactly right. But if you’re a power player like me and you’re able to manage to harness what you’ve got in your golf game, you can score. I used a fair few 3-irons off the tee; the funny thing is I only used the driver a couple of times per day, on the par-5s. But going with the 3-iron worked. My caddie Tony and I decided that leaving myself further back and taking an extra club or two into the greens HKGOLFER.COM
was fine. In fact, hitting 8 or 9-irons into the greens instead of half a lob wedge was in some ways easier because of the tightness of the turf. The fuller shots worked a lot better. A word about Tony: we’ve known each other for a long time and he has been a settling influence on me. We trust each other when it comes to clubs and yardages completely, so he’s been a great help. Fanling played a little differently this year. The rough was downright nasty and you could find yourself in some pretty tough lies around the greens. The eighth hole in particular – the rough was three or four inches deep at the back of the green there. But the course was set up fantastically, really immaculate. I played the first three rounds really well, and to have the 66 on Friday and the 67 on Saturday put me one behind Marcus Fraser, the leader, heading into the final round. Unfortunately for ‘Frase’ he caught a bad lie on the first hole on Sunday and made a double. I made a great up and down to save par which I felt was really important. It set me up well, although all of a sudden I go on this run of birdies and bogeys. I did make a great up and down on the seventh, which was actually better than the up and down I would later make on the 18th in regulation, but it wasn’t until the par-4 10th where I really made a good move. We had a bit of a wait on the tee but then I striped a 3-wood and nearly holed it! A two-putt for birdie there really got me going. I then birdied the 12th, although I did make a mistake at the 13th, an easy par-5, by not picking up a shot. HKGOLFER.COM
Normally at Fanling, if I shoot anything in the 60s I’m absolutely stoked. There have been so many times when I’ve felt like I’ve played well and shot 70 or 71. HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
43
I wasn’t really nervous during the round. I was feeling the butterflies a bit before teeing off, but once you get out there you just fall into the groove of what you do. Even in the playoff I felt at ease and comfortable. The 14th, where I holed a nice putt for birdie, was key, especially after the error at the previous hole, but then I had a really good opportunity for birdie at 17 which would have given me the outright lead. No excuses there though – I just plain pulled it. On to the 18th and I hit 3-iron because I didn’t want to get down to the bottom of the slope and into a sandy lie; I wanted a nice full shot. The pin was cut front right, which it usually is on the final day, and we’ve all seen over the years guys make big mistakes there. I had 141 44
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
metres [154 yards] to the front of the green, and my 9-iron goes exactly 141 metres. I wanted to land it just over the bunker but the moment I hit it I knew it was a bit ‘spinny’, and it came up two yards short and plugged in the face. Although the ball wasn’t lying great I wasn’t too worried. Without sounding too big-headed about this, I rate myself as one of the better bunker players around. I’ve probably hit 20,000 bunker shots in my life; the shot wasn’t beyond me. But I am proud of it. The ball came out perfectly and rolled up to five feet. To then hole the putt and secure the place in the play-off was awesome. I suppose I can look back at it now and say it was a career shot. I wasn’t really nervous during the round. I was feeling the butterflies a bit before teeing off, but once you get out there you just fall into the groove of what you do. Even in the play-off I felt at ease and comfortable. HKGOLFER.COM
So Angelo and I head back to the 18th tee for the first play-off hole and I again hit 3-iron, only this time I’m two yards closer to the green. I then hit 9-iron over the bunker and onto the green, which is of course what I should have done the first time. I don’t know if Angelo was going for the pin, but there’s a lot of trouble in front of that green. It’s not a good place to be. Despite that, I was not at that stage foolish enough to think I had won the tournament. It’s funny, but what I was thinking about in the play-off was what Lin Wen-tang did to Rory [McIlroy, in 2008] with his miracle shot from the tees. I also thought about when Rory holed his bunker shot [in 2011]. Amazing things happen on that hole, so I was still very much in match play mode and felt like Angelo could still make par or even birdie. When it came to my putt it just kept rolling. I definitely didn’t want to leave myself a downhill HKGOLFER.COM
three-footer, and where I ended up – about five feet below the hole – left me with easiest putt on the green. After Angelo missed his effort for par I had the putt to win the biggest tournament of my career. I hit it exactly where I wanted to and despite taking a little bit of a bobble, it snuck in there on the left-hand side for a four. All of a sudden I’m the Hong Kong Open winner! I didn’t spend too long celebrating afterwards. I headed straight to Macau where I was the defending champion. The reason is simple: I know too many lunatics in Hong Kong and they know how to party. The verandah at the Hong Kong Golf club is one of the best places in the whole of the golfing world, but a Sunday evening spent there, with free-flow Stella Artois on the go, also makes it quite a dangerous place to be. I didn’t want an epic hangover! It wa s t he r ig ht way to end a t r u ly fantastic week.
Thanks to his win, Hend (top) now has playing rights on the European Tour, something he is keen to take advantage of; Hend made no mistake in the play-off, drilling this 9-iron safely onto the green (opposite) HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
45
‘GOLF FOR SCHOOLS’ LAUNCHES AT THE HK OPEN
Professional golfers Robert-Jan Derksen and Liang Wen-chong took time out of their busy Hong Kong Open schedules on the Thursday of the tournament to help the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) launch a new initiative that will take golf into primary schools across the territory for the first time. The HKGA’s ‘Golf For Schools’ programme will give children aged 6 to 12 the chance to try golf at school through a fun and unique training system called ShortGolf. For those children who are inspired by the ShortGolf experience, the HKGA is offering a pathway into the sport, starting with a series of coaching clinics at golf courses and driving ranges across Hong Kong. HKGA President Ning Li said: “Golf For Schools is about introducing golf and the values and life-skills that it represents to those children who may otherwise never get the opportunity. The HKGA will provide a pathway into the sport that is affordable and accessible for children of all backgrounds and can potentially take them right through to representing Hong Kong at the highest level.” Dutchman Derksen and China’s number one player Liang joined local primary school children for a ShortGolf challenge at the HKGA’s Mini Golf Zone,
a new Hong Kong Open initiative open to the public at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling on all four tournament days. Golf’s governing body, The R&A plus Friends of Asia Hong Kong, the Official Tournament Charity of the Hong Kong Open have pledged their support to the Golf For Schools initiati ve. Primary schools and community centres from areas including Sheung Shui and Sai Kung are already in talks with the HKGA to deliver ShortGolf classes during the coming academic year. Tom Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of the HKGA commented: “Golf For Schools only works if there is an affordable pathway into the sport with access to coaching and facilities. We have overwhelming support and co-operation from the HKGA’s four constituent golf clubs – Hong Kong Golf Club, Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay and Shek O – plus Kau Sai Chau, Nine Eagles and other golf facilities across Hong Kong.” Phillips a d d e d: “ T h e sup p o r t o f o ur partners including Mercedes-Benz, EFG Bank and Descente Trading Limited is also crucial to Golf For Schools, as is backing from The R&A and Friends of Asia Hong Kong and cooperation from the Hong Kong Government and the HongKong PGA. In recent months we have seen Tuen Mun resident Tiffany Chan graduate from the HKGA’s junior programme and win gold for her country in the World University Championship. We hope Golf For Schools will enable many more Hong Kong children to follow similar dreams.”
TAILOR-MADE FOR SUCCESS
Scott Hend’s victory was also a win for FENIX Golf, his apparel sponsor. The Thailand-based company, which is owned by Scotsman Mike Moir, was making its debut as Official Apparel Sponsor for the Hong Kong Open, and Moir, an accomplished amateur player himself, revealed the partnership is clearly working for both FENIX and the long-hitting Australian.
46
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
“This is the third time I’ve played with Scott in a Pro-Am and he has gone on to win all three events,” said Moir (pictured here with HK Golfer publisher Charles McLaughlin, Tony Carolan and Hend on Sunday evening). “During our round together I challenged him off the back tees and I was 4up after seven holes. Needless to say, he was not in a good mood. I made a comment on our eighth hole and that spurred him into action. He proceeded to go seven-under for the last 10 holes and beat me 2&1.” As far as FENIX’s involvement with the Hong Kong Open was concerned, Moir was delighted. “The event itself was fantastic for us and Scott winning was the icing on the cake,” he said. “Of course it meant remarkable exposure for us and that is fantastic, but I am equally delighted for Scott, who is a good friend, and he has achieved what he rightly deserves. I hope this is the start of even bigger things for him and FENIX Golf.”
HKGOLFER.COM
HONG KONG OPEN | REVIEW
Hong Kong Open Gallery A look back at a glorious week – both on and off the golf course. Photography by Daniel Wong, Charles McLaughlin and Kimi Tai
48
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Four-time Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel JimĂŠnez missed the cut for the first time. The Spaniard, who was seeking a third straight win, put his surprisingly lackluster performance down to a gastric ailment HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
49
Hong Kong's Wilson Choy rues a missed putt
Nicolas Colsaerts got off to a great start before enduring a poor second round to miss the cut
Schoolgirls take part in the Golf in the City event staged at Chater Gardens
Australian Adam Groom finished the event in a share of 15th
Amateur Doug Williams drives off the 16th
Where were you headed?
50
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
China's favourite golfing son – Liang Wen-chong
National Coach Brad Schadewitz and HKGC member Rob Keys
Adam Fraser, the thirdround leader, stumbled early in the final round
Hong Kong's Martin Liu in action
Despite his play-off loss, Angelo Que was all smiles on the HKGC terrace
2009 PGA Championship winner YE Yang failed to live up to his major billing
HKGOLFER.COM
Amateur Michael Regan Wong was making his Hong Kong Open debut
HKGC member Roderick Staunton played some fabulous golf in the first round but couldn't maintain the momentum on day two
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
51
Although he missed the cut, Timothy Tang was Hong Kong's best performer
All wrapped up
Charlie Wi with HKGC member Donald Nimmo on the bag
HKGA CEO Tom Phillips with his son Sandy
Nimmo and past HKGC Captain Peter Reed with Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han
Mark Foster couldn't make the final-day charge he wanted. The Englishman finished in solo fourth, three shots out of the play-off
52
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
The Big Easy played beautifully for the first two days before finishing in a tie for fifth
Grant Gibson and Peter Downie of Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
HKGOLFER.COM
complete residential property investment
A SMARTER SOLUTION • A commercial solution to the acquisition, letting, management and asset management of residential property anywhere in the UK • Expert advice for private and corporate investors worldwide with representatives in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and London • Highly competitive letting and management fees with no upfront costs • Investment acquisition advisory • Off market pre-let investment opportunity • Portfolio and asset management • Letting and property management UK nationwide • Let and vacant property sale • Strategy, research and financial analysis • Identification, negotiation and refurbishment For more information please contact: Rupert Smith - Founder / Investment Director at rupert.smith@completerpi.com www.completerpi.com uk tel +44 1932 568877 Hong Kong uk tel 00852 9307 0337
• Free Rental Guarantee Insurance • Unrivalled state of the art property management software allowing clients 24hr portfolio access • Ongoing asset management • We shall even oversee the conveyance management process to completion • Maximising the value of your property asset • Corporate tenancy and optimum rents proven with unrivalled letting exposure • Fully independent with national UK coverage under one roof
AAC Heading to Hong Kong Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club will play host to next year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, the seventh edition of the world’s most televised amateur golf tournament. In a major coup for Hong Kong, the championship coorganised by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and the R&A will take place over the spectacular Clearwater Bay layout (pictured) from October 1-4. For Hong Kong’s leading amateurs there is the tantalising incentive of vying for a starting spot in the 2016 Masters tournament at Augusta National, the prize awaiting the winner. “All of us in Hong Kong who share a love of golf should be very proud to have been selected as the host,” said Ning Li, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association. “It will be an honour and a privilege to show the region our wonderful city and showcase one
of the area’s most beautiful and challenging courses.” Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, said: “I think the choice of Hong Kong as a venue for this wonderful championship is very appropriate. “It has a very strong history in the game of golf and we are very much looking forward to going there.” Inaugurated at Mission Hills Shenzhen in 2009, the event has subsequently been held in Japan (2010), Singapore (2011), Thailand (2012), China (Nanshan, 2013) and Australia (2014). The winner each year earns an invitation to the Masters. The winner and runners-up gain spots in the British Open qualifying series. Tom Phillips, Chief Executive HKGA, added: “With the Hong Kong Open taking place at Fanling a fortnight after the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, next October will arguably be the biggest month in the history of golf in Hong Kong.”
Won Wins Kau Sai Chau International Amateur Open Jay Won claimed his first Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau International Amateur Open in convincing style last month. The Discovery Bay Golf Club member fired rounds of 74, 75 and 77 over the Gary Player-designed North Course for a total of 226 and a six-stroke margin of victory over Chiu Han-ting in second place. Doug Williams, a two-time winner of the event, finished in third place on 236. Won, who originally hails from Korea, is seen here with Ken Takafuku of Mizuno distributors Ichikawa Sangyo and Kau Sai Chau General Manager Cameron Halliday. 54
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
An intelligent filter The judgement to spot talent early; the expertise to nurture it. Blending the finest solutions for clients.
Proud sponsors of the EFG Bank Hong Kong Golf Association Junior Golf Programme.
facebook.com/EFGInternational
瑞士盈豐銀行 Practitioners of the craft of private banking
瑞士盈豐銀行 瑞士盈豐銀行 EFG is the marketing name for EFG International and its subsidiaries. 18th Floor, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, T +852 2298 3000. In Asia, also present in Singapore, Jakarta, Shanghai and Taipei. EFG Bank is part of EFG International, which operates in over 30 locations worldwide. www.efginternational.com
HKGA | LADIES OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Goh Clinches HK Ladies Amateur Singaporean holds on for first overseas victory. Photography by Daniel Wong
J
en Goh of Singapore held off a strong challenge from local girl Vivian Lee to win the 2014 Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur Championship at the Hong Kong Golf Club in late September. Holding a one-shot lead over her Hong Kong opponent heading into the final round, 18-year-old Goh added a solid 73 to rounds of 71 and 76 to win by three. Lee, 15, pressed hard but fell away with bogeys on the last two holes to tie for second with China’s Yin Yuan Ru. “I was missing greens and had to scramble all week so my main feeling is one of relief right now,” said the Singapore national player. “I won my national Amateur Championship earlier this season but this is my first overseas victory so definitely the best moment of my career so far.” Hong Kong’s Alice Karr claimed the Ladies Open Mid-Amateur Championship, also played on the New Course in Fanling, by a convincing eight shots.
Overall Results 1
Jen Goh
SIN
71 76 73 220
2= Yin Yuan Ru
CHN
76 73 74
223
Vivian Lee
HKG
74 74 75
223
4
Tiana Gwenn Lau
HKG
79 78 72
229
5
Ashley Lau
MAS
80 75 81
236
6
Emily Vickie Leung HKG
78 81 78
237
7
Queenie Lai
HKG
77 81 83
241
8
Chloe Chan
HKG
83 80 80 243
Mid-Amateur Division One Results 1
Alice Karr
HKG
79 81 83
243
2
Jane Lo
HKG
89 81 81
251
3
Lo Hsin-yu
HKG
88 86 84 258
4
Wang Mei Zhen
AUS
92 83 85
260
5
Cindy Lee
HKG
92 81 90
263
6
Cathy Cheung
HKG
90 85 93
268
7
Ingrid Leven
HKG
94 94 86 274
8
Jan Chan
MAS
93 90 WD ---
Jen Goh receives her silverware from HKGA President Ning Li 56
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Tiana Gwenn Lau and caddie
Alice Karr, the Mid-Amateur champion, receives her prizes from Dr Brian Choa and Ning Li
China's Yin Yuan Ru
Emily Vickie Leung in action
Vivian Lee finished in a share of second
The champion in action Hong Kong's Queenie Lai
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
57
RYDER CUP | REVIEW
US Captain Tom Watson has been under fire from the media for the way he managed his players in Scotland 58
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Un-united
States
Lewine Mair examines what went wrong for the Americans at Gleneagles, which led to their eighth loss in the past 10 Ryder Cups. Photography by Charles McLaughlin
W
hat is always hammered into the players in any team situation is that they should keep fighting whatever the situation. The American Ryder Cup side did just that in 1999 to turn a 6 – 10 deficit into a win, while the Europeans did precisely the same in 2012. However, when the US side of 2014 were trailing by 6-10 at Gleneagles, the atmosphere was hardly conducive to one more almighty turnaround. Rather did the team begin to unravel from the moment Tom Watson walked through the door of the team-room on the Saturday night. “This team sucks,” was one version of how the US captain started his address; “This team stinks at foursomes” another. Neither was particularly edifying from this man of many majors. Watson praised Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed but was roundly dismissive of the rest of them. His alarmed audience should maybe have thought twice as to whether the moment was right to hand over the somewhat strange present they – or someone else – had prepared for him. Namely, a replica of the Ryder Cup with the US names engraved on the side. The presentation went ahead as planned. On another day, Watson might have come up with a suitably cryptic quip. With things the way they were, he brushed off the gift, saying it meant nothing. He was only interested in winning the genuine article.
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
59
On another day, Watson might have come up with a suitably cryptic quip. With things the way they were, he brushed off the gift, saying it meant nothing. He was only interested in winning the genuine article.
Clockwise from top: Patrick Reed put in a typically feisty performance on his Ryder Cup debut; Phil Mickelson, one of Watson's biggest critics; Jordan Spieth was one of the few players who received praise from his captain; Watson and Vice Captain Andy North 60
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
A day earlier, Phil Mickelson had stood up for Watson, even to the point of suggesting that he had done the right thing in leaving him out of the Friday foursomes. “Maybe there are younger pups who can do better than me,” he had suggested, sportingly. But after Watson had left him on the sidelines throughout Saturday, this senior player was altogether less well-disposed towards the 65-year-old. He did his bit to try and raise his teammates’ spirits on Saturday night but Watson, who had his back to him, was by all accounts still bristling. It was in the immediate wake of the team’s subsequent 16 ½ - 11 ½ defeat that Mickelson let rip. The US team had taken the stage for the postmatch conference and Watson and Mickelson were sitting four or five spaces apart as Mickelson made plain that Watson’s leadership had not matched up to that of Paul Azinger. (In 2008,
Azinger divided his team into pods in order that players would know each other well by the time they set out on foursomes and fourballs.) Mickelson also complained that the players had never been in on Watson’s decision-making process. When no-one from that embarrassed body of men sprang to Watson’s defence, you had to assume that they agreed with Mickelson’s every word. Or, perhaps, that they were thinking ahead to how he might be their next captain. To be ruthlessly honest, there were signs at the “Twelve Months to Go Celebrations” at Gleneagles that Watson’s long absence from the PGA Tour and Ryder Cup scene might be an issue. At one of the conferences that took place over the two days, he and Paul McGinley had been asked what they felt to be their strengths. McGinley said with due modesty that it was probably no bad thing from his point of view that he was still playing among his troops. In the wake of that reply, Watson went off at a tangent to say that he felt he had been “unfairly criticised” for being old. “Maybe I am old,” he said, before asking his audience to look at the other side of the coin: “I’ve been there before and the players know that I know what they’re going through.” (The last HKGOLFER.COM
time he attended a Ryder Cup was 20 years ago.) There was more to suggest that he was not exactly au fait with the atmosphere at a modern Ryder Cup. When speaking to an assortment of youngsters who had been included in Year to Go schedule of events, Watson advised this wide-eyed little party that the spectators in ‘14 would be clapping America’s missed five-footers no less eagerly than they had applauded one of his errant putts in 1977. “It’s one of those things you have to deal with,” he told them. George O’Grady, the CEO of the European Tour felt that a correction was in order. He had been at Lytham and in his opinion the applause had been directed at a trailing European pair whose fortunes had suddenly taken a turn for the better. After Bob Harig of ESPN had broken the news of what happened in the American team room on Sat 20 September 2014, Watson issued an apology via the PGA of America. He said he took responsibility for the defeat and added that he was sorry if his words had sent out the wrong message. In many quarters, the reception given to that carefully-crafted missive was on a par with Watson’s reaction to that Ryder Cup replica. HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
61
RYDER CUP | GALLERY
A Pictorial Review of the 2014 Ryder Cup Charles McLaughlin captures Europe’s convincing victory over the United States over three gripping days of action from Gleneagles.
62
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Setting the stage: the picture-perfect scene from behind the first tee at Gleneagles HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
63
Experienced golf fan
Rory McIlroy plays yet another towering iron shot
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson
Sergio Garcia lobs one up
A fired-up Ian Poulter
Colourful spectators
Bubba Watson didn't bring his A-game to Gleneagles
64
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Jamie Donaldson celebrates his Ryder Cup-clinching win over Keegan Bradley
The best beard in golf? Thomas Bjorn
Look over here, Jamie!
Lee Westwood tees off
Jordan Spieth enjoyed a fine Ryder Cup debut
Jimmy Walker put in a brilliant finalday performance to defeat Westwood
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
65
Liverpool Football Club legends Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen alongside former pro commentator Andrew Coltart
Rickie Fowler and that haircut
Scottish singer Amy Macdonald performing at the opening ceremony
A very focused Graeme McDowell
Phil Mickelson finds something to smile about
Miguel Angel JimĂŠnez and his fans
A patriotic bunch
66
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Martin Kaymer earned two points from his four matches
A couple of sharplooking brollies
Local boy Stephen Gallacher was the only European to go pointless
Matt Kuchar after holing out from the fairway
Justin Rose was arguably Europe's best player of the week
The Euros taking in the welcome speeches
Hunter Mahan in action
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
67
INTERVIEW | VIJAY SINGH
68
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Homecoming
Hero
After an absence of eight years, Vijay Singh returned to the islands of his birth to participate in the Fiji International, the first notable professional event to have ever been staged in the country, writes James Henderson. Photos courtesy of the Fiji International
While delighted to be back in Fiji, Singh struggled a little on the course. His two-over total in tough conditions gave him a share of 10th
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
69
“Unfortunately most [Fijian] kids don’t have any idea what golf is and because of this it was tough learning the game. But it was still fun times, that’s how I grew up and I didn’t know any better.”
A
Singh hopes to establish an academy at Natadola Bay, venue for the inaugural Fiji International 70
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
s Jack Nicklaus dressed himself in Green Jacket number four and five during a golden era of Masters dominance, Augusta National and the watching world marvelled, oblivious to a young Fijian hitting coconuts for golf balls behind Nadi International Airport over 7,000 miles away. Despite being hindered by economic limitations in 1970s Fiji, the young boy from Lautoka went on to claim the game’s most prestigious honour as an unrivalled master of his craft. A swing fashioned through magazine cuttings and fatherly wisdom excelled into one of the game’s finest, conjuring three major championships and a world number one ranking. But for Vijay Singh to truly cement his Fijian legacy, handing his home country the game of golf, in its bountiful entirety, would be his finest contribution.
“Growing up I always remember struggling to afford decent golf balls so we had to make do with coconuts,” recalls Singh, who headlined the inaugural Fiji International in August. “It’s a very difficult environment for golf to grow in Fiji because from an early age the kids have the mindset of wanting to play rugby or soccer. “Unfortunately most kids don’t have any idea what golf is and because of this it was tough learning the game. But it was still fun times, that’s how I grew up and I didn’t know any better.” In returning to Fiji following an eight-year absence, Singh’s homecoming was crucial to promoting the country’s first major tournament, with his attendance drawing crowds from all corners of the island nation. “I was bumping into people who remembered me from 20 years ago but I can’t say I remembered all of them,” laughs Singh, praising his fellow islanders for coming out in their droves to witness his return. “I received an incredible reception and it was exciting to return and catch up.” Learning the game under his father’s influence and brotherly affection, a young Singh seldom imagined that 40 years on from empty airport golf ranges and makeshift wooden drivers, his homeland would host a golf tournament of international standing. Billed as the country’s largest and most HKGOLFER.COM
450
The course's stunning seaside locale; the rough was most certainly up (below) acclaimed sporting event, the jointly sanctioned PGA of Australasia and OneAsia event reached, according to organizers, over 400 million people across 30 nations, signalling faith in Fijian infrastructure, economy and people. Singh however hopes the Tour’s five-year commitment to hosting the Fiji International can provide the catalyst for golfing growth across the Pacific islands – evident through the tournament’s venue, the exceptional Natadola Bay golf course. “We designed the course with the aim to host a future major tournament,” says Singh, who acted as a consultant before leaving the process in 2006 with the ocean-side course still unfinished. “I’m very happy with how it’s turned out. “We wanted to create a tough but friendly course and I think the beautiful surroundings help distract you from the difficulty of it.” Recalling fond memories of his golfing enthusiast father, who still plays the game aged 80, Singh followed on the coattails of his brothers by adopting the game as his first sport, shunning the advances of rugby and soccer for brotherly competition and family togetherness. But for the Big Fijian, when it comes to golfing success, he drastically remains the exception, rather than the rule. Growing at a steady pace throughout the 20th century, plans to develop the game in a commercial and all-encompassing manner has largely proved successful for the travelling tourists, but on Fijian shores the next ‘Vijay Singh’ remains buried below a golf-shy populous. “Introducing a caddie program would be a great way to involve more children in the game, while earning a bit of money and learning the sport,” adds Singh, who stills harbours hope of one day opening an academy at Natadola Bay. “That’s how to build up a strong foundation for 72
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
kids to play golf as there are many opportunities in the country. “For a lot of kids, if you educate them in the correct way they have the potential to become very good golfers. They have the physique and are athletes from a very young age.” Florida-based Singh reflects that golf in Fiji “is very much like golf in the US”, in that unless youngsters are embedded in programmes and understand the game they will continue to be lured by the bright lights of flagship sports such as American Football, baseball, basketball and soccer. “There’s a lot more young Fijian golfers coming through the ranks but unfortunately they don’t have a chance to play,” adds Singh, who sighs as he questions why a young Fijian would even contemplate picking up a golf club. “Alongside junior initiatives youngsters need facilities where they can go practice and actually learn how to play the game.” Emerging as a big fish in a small Fijian pond, three major victories and 58 international titles worldwide may merit legendary status, but for 51-year-old Singh, embarking on the twilight of his career, aiding the growth of the game will be sure to stand the test of time, time that an evolving Fiji now has on its side. HKGOLFER.COM
GOLF ATRAVEL Player’s Guide
The stunning par-4 eighth presents a considerable challenge
74
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Vietnam's Latest
Gem
The Greg Norman-designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, part of a large casino resort to the south of Ho Chi Minh City, was officially opened to great fanfare last month. Photography by Paul Macleod
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFERăƒťNOV 2014
75
G
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is characterised by sand and scrub (top); a very Scottish feel to proceedings on launch day 76
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
reg Norman has predicted T he Blu f fs is de st i ned to become one of the world’s top golf courses. S p e a k i n g a t t h e mu c h anticipated opening of the spectacular links course, the Australian said: “I absolutely believe The Bluffs has the potential to be one of the top courses in the world. “If you look at the international rankings, links courses dominate those lists. Courses built fairly recently in countries like New Zealand, Mexico and China have made such lists. So why not Vietnam too? “Only time will tell, but I think when people play here for the first time they will realise what a special place this is.” Ben Styles, the club’s General Manager, said: “This course has all the elements necessary to be ranked among the best in the world. It’s golf in its purest, most traditional links form, in a setting that has no rival.” Some two and a half hours and 130km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is among several components of The Grand Ho Tram Strip’s first stage of development, having opened in July 2013 as Vietnam’s first luxury international casino resort. The Asian Coast Development project already features a 541-room upscale hotel, more than 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, night club, convention centre and casino with 90 gaming HKGOLFER.COM
Distinct elevation changes are another feature; just a month on from injuring his hand in a chainsaw accident, Greg Norman officially opens the course
tables and 600 slot machines. But dominating the landscape is the par-72 layout of Greg Norman Golf Course Design, which follows the Great White Shark’s highlyregarded layout at Danang Golf Club as his second Vietnam design. Routed over and around towering seaside sand dunes, the course has significant elevation changes, the highest point being 50m above sea level on the 15th green. Norman said: “As a golf course designer, you only get the opportunity to work with sites as good as this maybe a few times in your career. So we really had to put our time in when we were designing and building The Bluffs. “In this case it was more about disturbing as little as possible, which put most of the emphasis on the initial routing of the course. “It took Mother Nature thousands of years to create these sand dunes so we made every effort to preserve the natural character of the site.” Norman compares the course to Doonberg in the south of Ireland. He said: “It’s no secret that Ireland has some of the greatest links courses in the world. I firmly believe that Vietnam will steadily evolve as another links destination as more courses like The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip are developed along the coastal areas of the country. “I think the golf course itself will be perceived as very fair and playable by all golfers’ standards. But as with any true links course, the elements – more specifically, the wind – will be the teeth of the course. 78
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
“Even on its worst day, the experience of playing true links golf among the dunes of southern Vietnam and having the dramatic ocean views throughout your round will make The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip one of the most unique golf experiences in the world. “Wind was one of the most significant factors in designing The Bluffs, especially since the direction changes 180 degrees for several months during the year. It has affected nearly every decision from the initial layout of the holes to fairway widths and irrigation coverage. “Fortunately, we were able to create a good balance of holes for it. But as with most seaside links courses, wind will continue to be a factor in the daily set-up and playability of the course.” Norman was joined at the grand opening by former US Open champion HKGOLFER.COM
South Africa Select Golf Safari
25 February - 13 March 2015
• • • • •
16 nights deluxe accommodation & daily breakfast 8 rounds including motorised carts at 7 courses, caddy at Gary Player + snack lunches 7 evening 2-3 course dinners Gourmet lunch at the Vredenheim wine estate Entrance fees to Kruger National Game Reserve Park, Kruger House, Voortrekker Monument & City tour, Boulders Penguin Colony, Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope • Sunrise safari & 2 sunset game drives with experienced trackers and nature guides • Golfing safari souvenir golf shirt & cap • Internal flights (Johannesburg - Cape Town - Johannesburg) • Farewell dinner including complimentary wines • All transfers in air-conditioned coach • Fully escorted by Go Golfing & a registered, experienced South African guide
Early bird pricing extended until 30 November - save $720 per person! Golfer package Non golfer package Single supplement
P +61 7 5536 3280
from AU$7,200 per person (twin share) before 30 September from AU$6,045per person (twin share) before 30 September AU$1,650
E info@gogolfing.net.au
W www.gogolfing.net.au
Go Golfing Travel is a member of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators)
England's Robert Rock tees off while Norman and Michael Campbell look on (top); the demanding 18th (below) 80
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
Michael Campbell and two-time European Tour winner Robert Rock, who played a charity exhibition match with two of Vietnam’s finest female golfers — LPGA Tour pro Tang Thi Nhung and US collegiate golfing star Ngo Bao Nghi. Rock and Tang prevailed 2-and-1, but the real winner was the course, which surrendered few birdies and left the foursome in awe. “It’s just spectacular,” said Rock, who grew up playing in England, home to some of the world’s great links. “It’s definitely challenging, but it’s also fair. I could play here every day. That ’s not something you can say about most courses.” One of the most breathtaking vantage points is at the par-3 4th hole, whose green is perched precariously on a bluff back-dropped by miles of dense national forest, the East Sea and the 20-story Grand Ho Tram Strip. Other standout holes include the par-4 8th, which plays downhill to a fairway split by a natural water feature; and the par-4 13th, whose green is partially guarded by a large, broccolishaped Acacia tree. “We actually had a couple holes designed down on the water,” Norman said, “but because of future development (possibilities) – that’s obviously the highest value; you’re going to get great return on that property – we were asked to shift those holes away from there. It would’ve been great to get a hole down there. But there are great links golf course in England are not (right) on the water as well.” For booking information visit thebluffshotram.com HKGOLFER.COM
INTERVIEW
Thefrom Man
Omega Amidst the drama in the dusk of the PGA Championship at Valhalla, Omega’s Stephen Urquhart met with Charles McLaughlin to discuss watches, golf, event sponsorship and more. Photography courtesy of Omega
S
tephen Urquhart, President of Omega SA, is running slightly late for our meeting, but I’m having too much fun to care. I’m at the PGA Championship in Valhalla Golf Club, near Louisville, Kentucky and I’m in the “Omega Precision Experience.” This is a massive booth dedicated to the brand history of the legendary watch company founded in 1848 and which we now associate with the Olympics, men on the moon, James Bond and, more recently, Rory McIlroy. A large part of the area is given over to exhibits on space travel, including a lunar surface with a rover. In the end, I have to get dragged away from the moon buggy I’ve been getting a bit close to, and which I know Mr Urquhart was sitting in with both Rory and fellow Omega ambassador Sergio Garcia just a couple of days before. Let me just say up front: the travelling golf media are very fond of Omega. On Friday nights at an Omega-sponsored golf event there is usually a “Media Cocktail” and everyone in the media centre is invited: writers, photographers, scorers, presenters, and cameramen; come one come all. Free-flowing champagne and canapés abound, gifts are dispensed, whilst Stephen and his top lieutenants work the room, making sure the assembled press folk are enjoying themselves and have whatever information they need for their stories. It’s unusual, generous and highly appreciated. As luck would have it, I was first introduced to Stephen at such a gathering at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah and now, two years later, he recalls our meeting. “Ah yes, I remember you very well: the Scot from Hong Kong who knew that the iconic building in pictures of Loch Ness is named Urquhart Castle!” I asked him about his Scottish surname (pronounced Uhr-curt) and his early days in the watch industry: “My background? A Scottish father who left Scotland after the First World War like most Scots did, because there was nothing going on there. The Scots went to South America, they went to Canada, they went to Hong Kong … a lot of Scots went to Hong Kong! My father went to South America and then up to the West Indies in the 1930s, working in shipping. He met my mother, who had come from Portugal, and they went into the rum business because the family had a wine business and … there it is. I was born in the West Indies, in Trinidad of all places.”
82
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Urquhart is no slouch with a golf club in hand – he's had two holes-in-one
HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
83
“Golf has a social aspect also, in that you can play golf with people for business, for family, for friends, so I think that's the main reason it’s a good fit for a brand like Omega. We’re very compatible."
Urquhart manages to raise a smile from 2014 PGA Champion and Omega Ambassador Rory McIlroy during a press conference at Valhalla 84
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
After being advised to go to Switzerland to improve his French, he studied Industrial Management at the University of Neuchâtel. “My first real job was actually with Omega, in 1968, after university. I just answered an ad in the paper. I had no dream to work for a watch company and I knew nothing about watches.” Tel l i ngly, a n ea rly role had Stephen responsible for monitoring the first moon landing in 1969, listening for any mention of Omega, which had supplied the timepieces. When the result came back – “zero” – senior management was delighted, as it meant nothing had malfunctioned. He took the same attitude successfully into the 2012 London Olympics: seeking no mention of the name (implying no issues with timing) but plenty of visual exposure on almost every event. Stephen moved to Audemars Piguet in 1974 and by 1989 was Joint Chairman. He headed onto Jaeger LeCoultre until 1997 when he returned to the Swatch Group as President of Blancpain, before moving back “home” to Omega two years later. Having missed the “quartz crisis” of the ‘80s and ’90s, which damaged the Omega brand, he has overseen a massive resurgence in the company. This was achieved primarily through focusing on reestablishing the brand’s manufacturing bona fides, largely driven by the Daniels Co-Axial escapement, and the very astute selection of celebrity ambassadors, to the point where it is now seen as the crown jewel of the Swatch Group. Over the previous few days we’ve been chatting informally, whilst attending the PGA Championship and also at a series of events Omega have been hosting in and around Louisville for their top clients. He’s not content to sit in the boardroom and is clearly in his element at these events. Charming, urbane, with a dry, laconic sense of humour, he is the consummate host. He has a quirky mix of Swiss reserve coupled with a willingness to simply say what he thinks (much to the chagrin of his corporate minders), usually with a disarming grin. It’s fun and infectious. A gifted raconteur, it’s clear he is as comfortable discussing the latest political, economic and social news as he is developments in the watch industry. What is perhaps surprising is how au fait he is with the golf industry until one realizes his connections with the game go back a long way.
As we talked about golf sponsorship and ambassadors, I asked him why Omega doesn’t have “branding” on their players, given, for example, Audemars Piguet’s success with this approach: “You know honestly, I take my hat off to AP for this. I brought golf into AP when I was there. I hired Nick Faldo. Actually I saw Nick yesterday, by the way. I think he's been bodybuilding, he's so fit. Unbelievable. Anyway, he won four majors with AP, we had a lot of success together with Nick, a lot. He was probably the first golfer any watch brand actually "activated". Because even Rolex and Nicklaus never really did that, or Palmer, they never really did that much together back then. “But, you know, I never thought of this idea (of badging the player), we never really talked about it. Then when I left, they continued with it, and they had this idea of putting “AP” on the right shoulder, and they started getting more players on board. It's very effective, I agree. “I think if you get it in the contract when you are bringing the player on board it's maybe easier. With Rory, when we went to him, that was a no-go because he was with Nike. So swoosh only. We have one thing on the bag, but nothing else. We had a logo I love that we used to use on the Asian Tour years ago, I love that one. That's something we could put on. I think to just have the word "Omega" written here [points to right sleeve] would look corny …” But you have the perfect symbol (the Omega Greek letter) that watch aficionados would recognize … Yes, true, so we are looking at this and maybe we can start with one or two younger players. It's our fault. We didn't push this and the idea of just the brand name on the sleeve … (shudders). I see Bubba Watson with Richard Mille written on his sleeve. And he wears the watch while playing … Our watch can withstand any g-shock from a golfer. It's a false thing that people think that you cannot play golf with mechanical watches. Not true. My team has come up with ideas and we have a couple of examples to have players try. No commitment, it's not easy. I wouldn't want a player to restrict his swing and say "that bloody watch, I'm not playing well". It's possible. I think it would be great but it has to be a watch that's immediately recognizable as an Omega. That's very important. So I think it's something we have to work on. You know, we do our best. Our ambassadors, as soon as they stop playing, they pull on the watch and … [mimes signing autographs]. So you know it's very important. I agree, the branding on the shirt, wearing the watch, finding the idea would be HKGOLFER.COM
something good. I agree with you. We are aware of it, the watch, we are aware of it. The branding, we are aware of it. But I think it would be difficult. A very keen golfer himself, with two holes-inone under his belt, Stephen sees the relationship between golf and Omega as something deeper than the standard blurb. “The classical answer everyone gives is precision in sport, technique, importance of timing, and so on, but I think for me it's not just that. For me, golf is more than a sport. It's a brilliant pastime where the players and spectators are potential customers for fine watches. I'm not saying just expensive watches, but a fine watch. Golf does have this emotional and cultural aspect to it and it’s a little bit different from most sports. It has a social aspect also, in that you can play golf with people for business, for family, for friends, so I think that's the main reason it’s a good fit for a brand like Omega. We’re very compatible.” What are your thoughts on Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Open? I've played golf in Hong Kong for these past eight to 10 years. When I go to Hong Kong I have to make it work, but sometimes I bring my family, the best time for me! I have had the pleasure of playing many times there. I've played Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling and of course we used to be the sponsor of the Hong Kong Open. It has a very romantic, lovely colonial aspect to it – a very nice clubhouse, very charming, old school. It's a great course, I think. Maybe not a typical course for a championship, but it's a good course.
HKGOLFER.COM
Would you sponsor the event again? Never say never, but today, the way golf is developing, I think maybe not. You know, there are so many big tournaments now. The end of the year is getting quite crowded. They have now these three events for the Race to Dubai … If they do it properly, it should be a big event. Hong Kong is a big market, a rich country, it should be a big event. For such an important market it's a great showcase. As a market in terms of shopping, in terms of culture, in terms of architecture, in terms of trade and everything, it's a big market, so it should happen. Singapore has got the same problem, everybody got out. They had a good tournament there. They have many golf courses, but never really managed to get it together. So, at the moment, no, but never say never. But we'll see, maybe. If things change, maybe the end of year program will develop. There are the two events in Shanghai, then they have this Turkish event then it's the Race to Dubai, for, I don't know how many years. It's a bit congested. You are no stranger to golf in China. How do you see it developing? It's a tough market, China. We've been in there over 20 years with the Asian Tour and we've had the Omega China Tour before [from 20052009]. For many years we were involved with the CGA [China Golf Association], but it doesn't really get the importance in China that it deserves. It's part of their "small ball" association [The Multi-Ball Games Administrative Center). I don't feel there is a commitment from "high up". Big golf, there's no commitment.
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
85
If you look at golf in countries in Asia like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, golf is big, so in China it should be enormous. We felt this 10 years ago, golf could be big, so that's why we invested a lot of money in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China at Mission Hills and Hainan – a lot of money. But the lack of success was not the fault of the Chinese. The fault is that the countries and federations did not send the right teams. I told them, I was fighting with them all the time. You can't have a World Cup and just send two guys who get on well together and go there for fun. Very few countries really sent their best teams. It was a disgrace, so we pulled out. We had a contract for 12 years, six plus six. We took it to court, we won, we're not going to stay and we pulled out [after five years]. Now they, Mission Hills, want to pull out. It went to Melbourne last year… Now I think, what's going to happen is that the Olympics will replace the World Cup. See, that's what the World Cup should have done, had a qualification system like the Olympics based on World Rankings without all this, you know … Tiger Woods doesn't like to play with Phil Mickleson, so... come on! It's true, it's ridiculous!
Some countries didn't send their best, but in hindsight some great pairings did show up. True, we had the Molinari brothers come onto the world stage, [Henrik] Stenson and [Robert] Karlsson won. We had Rory and GMac playing. Pairs would be a good format for the Olympics. We are involved and hopefully can make it a great success. The course being finished is key. Let’s talk about the Olympics. Rio 2016 sees golf returning to the Olympics where Omega's relationship is staggering. I understand that you’ve been involved since 1932? That’s right! We need to negotiate, though. I want to get the next one up to 2032. To say "100 Years", that would be nice! We interviewed Ty Votaw when he was driving golf back into the Olympics. Were you involved in that process? I'll be very honest with you. Yes, at our level, yes but we didn't really have a say in this in terms of format, OK. They knew from the outset that Omega was fully behind it and we talked about how we can really make it special, get some ideas for working at the Olympics, scoring and visual, and so on. You know it's going to a whole different ball game for Omega, you know the Olympics. So I think we can make it a little bit more interesting and work on that. It's a pity. Ty said, and I'm sure you'll agree, the aim of getting golf into the Olympics was to develop the game in China, India and other developing countries. Another 72hole stroke play slog won't really do it … Obviously we weren’t involved in choosing the format, but I think they could have perhaps made it more sexy. Just a fourday stroke play event [sighs]. Yo u k n o w, t h e y cou ld have made it a match play event somehow. I know it's not easy because in match play you don't have teams, and you have only t wo g uys playing in the final.
86
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
Also, I think they could have mixed the genders, something every sport does. Tennis does it, I feel in golf it would be fantastic to have a mixed one-day, men and ladies for the country would be fantastic. I think it would have been fun. Maybe in Tokyo. We'll see what they do. But it'll be good. Assuming they finish the golf course of course! Latest news they have, my friend: three holes are finished. So Ty is saying, play those three holes six times! So, you’ve invested a lot of money in golf in China. What are your plans there going forward? I see two things we can do. The first is to be with top golfers. We were with Liang (Wen-chong) for many years. You know, he came to Switzerland, he went to Dubai with us, he was very helpful, and today we have the number one lady golfer, Shanshan Feng. She can win a gold medal in Rio you know. Fantastic for golf in China. And the second thing is we are working at junior level, helping them to get some juniors through the Olympic thing for Rio. This is how golf will pick up in China. Not by having a big expensive event, as they have now. This is not the answer. One weekend, they go, pay money and watch. No. If the masses don't follow there is no reason. It's a waste of time. You have to go at the roots. To get the young people involved. In China we know the Olympics is so important for them, you know. That’s the one way they can express their national pride. So, I'm confident. We'll see. I would love Shanshan to win the gold medal. We could have 1-2-3 for Omega! We have Stacy Lewis, Michele Wie and Shenshen Feng in Rio. And in the men's we have Rory and Sergio. Let’s talk about ambassadors. You must be pleased with the timing of the Rory McIlroy signing? Very happy! We signed him up at the beginning of last year. Difficult time: new manager, private life, clubs – it wasn't easy. I think the big turnaround was the BMW PGA Championship, which he won when he came from seven shots behind. Fantastic, I think that was unbelievable. Very rare that happens. Then in these last three tournaments [The Open, WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, PGA Championship] he's been in a different league to everybody. Sergio has been unlucky, catching Rory in that form … I agree. I was with Sergio earlier, he's here with us. He said: "I've played with Rory now, final group in last two tournaments, I've played both unbelievably well so I'm happy, and I tell you nobody on this planet could beat Rory those HKGOLFER.COM
If you look at golf in countries in Asia like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, golf is big, so in China it should be enormous. We felt this 10 years ago, golf could be big, so that's why we invested a lot of money in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China at Mission Hills and Hainan – a lot of money. two days. Nobody! Not even Tiger at his peak could have beaten Rory those two days.” Sergio told me those words. So he's very happy with things. He's OK, but I agree with you: A British Open win for him would have been fantastic. Finally, tell me about those holes-in-one … Well, I've had two holes-in-one in my life. You know the worst thing? When no one is with you! My son was with me on one, I was alone for the other one, so nobody could see it. That's very frustrating. Actually, there is something worse. I remember a story about holes-inone which I find is what golf is all about. As a golfer, you cannot cheat; if you cheat you defeat the purpose. It's a very humble game and I remember playing a tournament in Switzerland with three other people I didn’t know. It was cloudy and misty and we were on a par-3. We play and one guy, call him Bob, hits his tee shot to the right into the trees surrounding the green. So we all play into the mist and we go down there, looking for the balls. We are all on the green, so we go to help Bob and all of a sudden he says "Ah! I've found my ball". Bob plays it out, gets on the green, then the other guy he's playing with holes a putt, and when he goes to the hole, there are two balls in the hole! Bob’s first ball had gone into the woods, hit a tree and gone into the hole. A hole-in-one, but he’d cheated! This is an incredible story. For me, this is golf. It should have been his finest hour, but he was expelled from the club. He dropped the ball, "here's my ball here!". We couldn't see because it was foggy, misty. He'd made a hole in one ...What a game! [laughs]. We finished our meeting and headed off to join the Valhalla edition of the Omega media cocktails, where Stephen again effortlessly “worked the room”. I’m left hoping that we will see another Omega golf media cocktail event in Hong Kong soon, and Stephen Urquhart may be the man to make that happen. The motto of Clan Urquhart is “Mean well, speak well and do well” and it seems Stephen has taken that very much to heart. In the words of his paternal homeland, I’ll say on behalf of Hong Kong: “Haste Ye Back” - CM
With Sergio Garcia, another Omega ambassador, at the brand's space travel exhibit during the PGA Championship HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
87
CROSSWORD
©2014 Dr Milton Wayne
THE RACE TO DUBAI
88
ACROSS
DOWN
1. See 15A 7. (& 21A,18A) Last leg of the Final Series (7,8,4) 8. (First winner of the Race to Dubai in 2009 (9,8) 10. (& 28A) Germany star, won PGA Championship and Race to Dubai in 2010 (6,6) 11. See 8A 13. See 24A 15. (& 1A, 9D) Venue for the DP World Tour Championship (8,4,7) 18. See 7A 20. See 17D 21. See 7A 24. (& 13A) First leg of the Final Series (3,7) 25. See 19D 26. (& 20D) World #1, and winner in 2012 (4,7) 27. See 4D 28. See 10A
2. (& 6D) 2011 winner, first man to win money titles on both sides of the Atlantic (4,6) 3. See 22D 4. (& 27A) Tall Spaniard won in Dubai in 2011, but has not won since (6,6) 5. (& 16D, 12D) Host country for the Race to Dubai (6,4,8) 6. See 2D 9. See 15A 12. See 5D 14. See 23D 16. See 5D 17. (& 20A) Predecessor to the Race to Dubai (5,2,5) 19. (& 25A) Last event before the Final Series (5,13) 20. See 26A 22. (&3D) Sartorial Englishman, twice runner up in Dubai (3,7) 23. (& 14D) Defending champion (6,7)
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
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 “November Crossword” as the subject. Remember to include your name, address and contact number. Entries close on 15 December. ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE CORRECT ENTRIES. Congratulations to Dr Jonathan Williams who won the September crossword.
Detail of Wybranski’s poster of The Road Hole at St Andrews
HKGOLFER.COM
SEPTEMBER ANSWERS
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
89
FINAL SHOT
Colin Montgomerie The eight-time Ryder Cupper talks about Europe’s dominance in the biennial competition, his admiration for Bernhard Langer and why loosening your grip will help you become a better player. Europe has now won eight of the last 10 Ryder Cups. Is there any easy explanation as to why? We tend to hole the putts. At Gleneagles Europe was 110-under par, America was 72-under par; that’s a 38-shot difference. But Europe does seem to have a different passion when it comes to the Ryder Cup. The Americans should perhaps bond better because of the different cultures and languages in Europe but it doesn’t seem to be that way. Europe also seems to enjoy it more. And like anything in life, if you enjoy it you’re usually pretty good at it. Also, the Europeans see the Ryder Cup, along with the Open Championship, as one of the two most important events in the game. In America, winning the Ryder Cup likely comes further down in terms of importance. Of all your Ryder Cup singles successes, which won gave you the most personal satisfaction? That’s a tough one but I’ll have to say 2002 at The Belfry. Going out first for the first time was a real honour and yet there was also that element of ‘oh my word, what happens if this goes wrong?’ there was pressure on us to get blue on the board. It was 8-8 going into the singles and I had to bring back a point, which I did beating Scott Hoch 5&4. That was my best performance in singles. Will Tiger Woods win more majors? I think he will but, through being as good as he has been, he has made life harder for himself. He has left no stone unturned in his bid to get to the top and others have watched his every move in their efforts to do the same. He furnished the world with the ultimate in golfing models. If you could give just one piece of advice to your average club golfer, what would it be? Loosen your grip. Too tight a grip is the most common fault in the amateur 90
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
game and the one with the most severe repercussions. You need to soften your hold on the grip in order to create a smooth swing; that’s how you generate power and direction. Who would make up your dream fourball? My personal one would be Mum, Dad and my brother Douglas. If I were to choose famous golfers it would be Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Who do you respect most in the world of golf? Bernhard Langer by a mile. He has such faith and is so devoted to his family. He has never done anything wrong. He is a complete professional on and off the course, in his appearance, his demeanour, the way he acts. He is the complete professional. And outside golf? Margaret Thatcher. I thought she was superb. But I have a very high regard for those people who run charities and the people who give to charities. I know a bit about this from starting a charity in the name of my mother who died of cancer in 1991. That charity is the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, which works to raise money for cancer victims. To give to others rather than to yourself is rare and admirable. HKGOLFER.COM
Available in Hong Kong through the HK Golfer Store. Visit hkgolfer.com
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR:
SportsLifeAsia.com
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM. IN 1993, AUDEMARS PIGUET CHANGED THE WORLD OF THE SPORTS WATCH FOREVER. THE POWERFUL ARCHITECTURE OF THE ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE BECAME THE ULTIMATE STATEMENT IN PERFORMANCE HAUTE HOROLOGY. THE 2014 ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE COLLECTION MOVES THE GAME ON ONCE MORE; THE 22 CARAT GOLD OSCILLATING MASS NOW VISIBLE THROUGH THE SAPPHIRE CASEBACK, A WINDOW ONTO 139 YEARS OF HOROLOGICAL MASTERY.
ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE IN PINK GOLD. CHRONOGRAPH.
AUDEMARS PIGUET BOUTIQUE ifc mall TEL: +852 2818 0008 – AUDEMARSPIGUET.COM