TOUR WATCH WITH ASIAN TOUR
Calvin Koh and Doyle De
at the Asian Tour. Known for their differing viewpoints on all things golf in Asia, the duo give their insights and thoughts on the happenings and developments on the region’s established Tour.
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David Lipsky led the Asian Tour graduates for 2012
What are your expectations for the 2012 Asian Tour season? Calvin Koh: I expect to see Juvic Pagunsan, the 2011 Order of Merit champion, winning more tournaments. We all know he has the game and his mental strength was evident when he battled from 64th position in the Order of Merit to the summit of the money list. With his confidence level at a high, you can expect him to challenge for more honours this year to add to his Asian Tour victory in 2006. Doyle De Costa: Be warned, the year 2012 will herald the rise of the rookies. David Lipsky of the United States, Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand, Dodge Kemmer, James Byrne of Scotland and Kim Gi-hwan of Korea are some of the highly rated players to graduate from the toughest school of all. Last year, two rookies won on the Asian Tour, I predict at least three victories for the graduates this season. Will the more experience players stand a chance against these young guns? CK: Without a doubt, experience will play a vital role in the chase for honours as Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Jeev Milkha Singh can attest to. The young guns will be hungry for success but coming down the stretch, patience and experience will be the key to winning.
Season Preview
DDC: I will quote what Bryan Saltus, a winner on the Asian Tour had to say on this, “Do you think the older guys will just stand aside and let these young guys walk over them? These older guys are like monsters when they play golf!” Which Asian Tour tournament are you looking forward to? CK: There is a great line-up of tournaments this year, which travels as far as Switzerland. Each Asian Tour tournament has its own appeal so I am looking forward to each tournament with a sense of excitement. DDC: Call me bias, but I would go with the Maybank Malaysian Open. There’s always a stellar field
assembled at the Maybank Malaysian Open and I have always enjoyed watching the Asian Tour players such as Noh Seung-yul, Arjun Atwal, Anthony Kang and Thongchai Jaidee enjoying a slice of success here. What do you think of Kenneth De Silva’s nine on the par-five 18th hole of Qualifying School? CK: One bad hole is all it takes to take your Asian Tour dreams away. I am sure he will bounce back from this setback. DDC: Kenneth De Silva was one of the favourites at Qualifying School among the staff and television crew. He was a joy to interview during the week and his devastation was clear as he solemnly sat outside the clubhouse, disappointed with the outcome of a bad judgement where his ball found water twice. However, he is a fighter so I expect to see him charging back. It is still early in the season but have there been any highlights for you? CK: For me it was watching Manny Pacquiao playing in the ICTSI Philippine Open pro-am with Frankie Minoza (below). Both are legends and Asia’s ambassadors in boxing and golf respectively.
© Paul Lakatos / Asian Tour
and globe-trotting media team
© Paul Lakatos / Asian Tour
Costa form part of the dynamic
DDC: Kieran Pratt winning the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan. You could not ask for a better ending when you come back from a five-shot deficit, eagle the last hole to force a three-way playoff and come out on top after the second extra hole. Moreover, that is just the prelude to the 2012 Asian Tour season!