ParGolf Magazine (April 2018)

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APRIL 2018

BOB VOKEY

WIZARD OF WEDGES

RORY MCILROY

21

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Contents APRIL 2018 ● www.pargolf.my

18 RORY MCILROY: 21ST CENTURY SWINGER FEATURES 18

Rory McIlroy

24

The Masters

30

Nancy Lopez

34

HSBC Women's World Championship

21st Century Swinger Masters-pieces Don’t Worry, Play Happy

Wie Wonder

38

Women's Amateur AsiaPacific Championship Fast Track

42

Bob Vokey

72

Wellington

Wizard of Wedges Wondrous Wellington

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30 NAN DON CY LOP 'T W E ORR Z: Y, PL AY H APP Y

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PARGOLF_2018_Singl_

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1

2018-03-15T15:56:21+08:00

KNOW YOUR LETTER. HIT YOUR NUMBER.

NEW VOKEY DESIGN SM7 WEDGES. FIND OUT MORE AT TITLEIST.COM.MY

Contents APRIL 2018 ● www.pargolf.my

34 HSBC WOMEN'S: WIE WONDER

SS : CLA A T T S O TOY VEL FIR A 84 TR

SPECIAL 84

Toyota

Travel First Class

COLUMNS 22 28 60 65

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Reading The Lines Bunker Mentality Asian Angles Almost OB

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PARGOLF_2018_Mas_

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IS THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE AT AUGUSTA. T H E P R O V 1® A N D P R O V 1 x ®. T H E # 1 B A L L A T T H E M A S T E R S ®.

©2018 Acushnet Company. Source: Darrell Survey. MASTERS® is a registered trademark owned by Augusta National, Inc. and is being used with permission.

Contents APRIL 2018 ● www.pargolf.my

DEPARTMENTS 8 10 12 14 44 58 62 66 70 78 79 80 82 86 88 94 96

Editorial Line-Up Freeze Frame First Tee In The Bag Essentials Around Asia The Golf Scene Young Guns In The Spotlight Potshots Calendar Of Events Style Lounge Cars + Pars Golf Course Directory Final Tee Next Round

42 Y: OKEOF V B BO ZARD S WI EDGE W

72 WONDROUS WELLINGTON

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from the pargolf team

Hey hey hey, guess what, folks? April is here, and that means the first Major of the season has arrived … yup, the Masters Tournament sees golf’s hottest players coming together at its hallowed home, Augusta National in Georgia. Our European correspondent Mike Wilson recalls some great moments from past Masters including those epic wins by golf’s two greatest players, Jack Nicklaus in 1986 and Tiger Woods in 1997 … flip to page 24.

Next up, join Jonathan Ponniah as he re-caps four days of riveting action brought about by the mightiest female golfers on the planet who converged on Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club for the HSBC Women’s World Championship, played early last month – catch all the thrills and spills on page 34. And also, don’t miss his chat with American icon Nancy Lopez, who’d amassed a staggering 48 LPGA titles, including three Major championships. Join the chatty World Golf Hall of Famer on page 30 as she reveals her secret to ‘winning’ in golf.

Our cover story checks out what it takes to generate those exploding drives of the one and only Rory McIlroy, who finally celebrated a win at the March-played Arnold Palmer Invitational after an 18-month

winless spell. Join South African high-performance golf and fitness coach Rick Currin as he analyses the former World No 1’s modern and powerful swing – flip to page 18 to know more.

For all you equipment freaks out there, guess what – we also have a special interview with the ‘Wizard Of Wedges’. And by that we’re, of course, referring to Titleist master craftsman Bob Vokey. Check out the insightful Q&A with the legendary wedge-maker about the new SM7s and future design advancements – all on page 42.

A little later, get ready to savour the beautiful, cosmopolitan city of Wellington, located between the heartland of New Zealand's North Island and the waters of Cook Strait. Tag along as Jonathan recounts his visit to the Kiwi capital that is known for its postcard-pretty scenery and effervescent culture; story unfolds on page 72.

This and a whole lot more in this issue, folks, so what are y’all waiting for? Get crackin’!

FACTS & STATS TIGER WOODS’ MASTERS RECORD Year 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

Placing T17 T4 T40 T4 T4 T6 2 T2 T3 1

Score -5 -5 +5 -10 -11 -8 -5 +3 -4 -12

Earnings (USD) $155,000 $352,000 $32,000 $330,667 $330,000 $242,813 $810,000 $541,333 $315,700 $1,260,000

Year 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

Placing T22 T15 1 1 5 T18 T8 1 T60 T41

Score +2 +2 -12 -16 -4 +1 -3 -18 +6 +5

Earnings (USD) $70,200 $93,000 $1,008,000 $1,008,000 $184,000 $52,160 $89,600 $486,000 $0 $0

Tiger Woods

DON'T BE A STRANGER! Think you can write golf? Or feel a need to rant about the game? Here's your chance to do just that!

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Note: 2018 Masters omitted

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PUBLISHER SUZANNAH GUN PALMER sue@pargolfmagazine.com EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JONATHAN E. PONNIAH jonathan@pargolfmagazine.com ASSISTANT EDITOR SYAMA RAMASAMY syama@pargolfmagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS KP WARAN, MIKE WILSON, MELVIN POI, DAVID BOWDEN, PETE WONG, STANLEY SAW, DR. GLENN CAMERON, LOO KENG YIP, NATHAN HAUSER, K.H. WAN, CHUAH CHOO CHIANG, IDA FAHANY, NICK GOH CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONALS DANNY CHIA, STEVEN GIULIANO, RICK CURRIN STUDIO ART DIRECTOR CHEE CHIN MIN chinmin@pargolfmagazine.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER R. SUJATHA MALAR sujatha@pargolfmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER KHAIRUL ADNI ABD RANI khairul@pargolfmagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHIC CONSULTANT LOO KENG YIP (Light & Sound Advertising Photography) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER TOHA DOL MARKETING & ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TERRENCE LOH terrence@pargolfmagazine.com SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASRI JAAFAR (SUBSCRIPTION & EVENTS) asri@pargolfmagazine.com OPERATIONS CONSULTANT DATO’ RA. PARAM, DIMP, AMP PRINTER MAXIMA COLOUR SDN BHD Lot 1314, Kg. Lembah Kinrara, Batu 8 1/2 Jalan Puchong, Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

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FREEZE FRAME

Rory's

BACK! ©Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Orlando, March 15: Rory McIlroy celebrates his return to the winner’s podium after a stunning final nine in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The former World No 1 birdied five of the last six holes at Bay Hill to finish three strokes ahead of Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy’s last PGA Tour win came in the Tour Championship on September 25, 2016 … on the day that Arnold Palmer passed away.

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FIRST TEE

Els versus Woods Down Under

“Tiger and I have had some great duels in the past, and I look forward to the challenge of going against my long-time friend yet again in 2019.”

©Harry How/Getty Images

©Getty Images

Ernie Els and Tiger Woods will resume their Presidents Cup rivalry in the 2019 edition at Royal Melbourne next December … but this time as captains of the International and US teams respectively.

The two men were the primary figures in the dramatic 2003 event at Fancourt in Els’ native South Africa, where they battled each other in a suddendeath playoff that ultimately ended in a tie and the two teams sharing the Cup. While the two golfing legends will be first-time captains, they are the most experienced captains in terms of Presidents Cup competition.

Els has competed in the Presidents Cup eight times from 1996 to 2013 with an overall record of 20-18-2. Woods is also an eight-time Presidents Cup player (1998 to 2013) with his overall record standing at of 24-15-1. Both men served as captain’s assistants for their respective teams in 2017.

“Tiger and I have had some great duels in the past, and I look forward to the challenge of going against my long-time friend yet again in 2019,” said Els. Woods added, “I have no doubt that Ernie will have the International team ready to go in Melbourne, and I cannot think of a more fitting captain to carry the tradition of goodwill through competition than Ernie Els.” Royal Melbourne also hosted the event in 1998 and 2011 with the International team’s lone victory coming in the 1998 edition.

ERNIE ELS

South Korea’s Siwoo Kim hopes to play his way into the history books by becoming the first repeat winner at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in May. Since its first staging in 1974, no player has successfully defended the title and the talented 22-year-old Kim has now set his mind on achieving the feat.

“Someone told me there hasn’t been a back-to-back champion, and I've noticed a lot of champions who come back don't play well. I would like to change that, and I'm already preparing to come back and defend my title this year,” said Kim. Last year, Kim stunned one of the strongest fields of the year when he came from two shots back during the final round to win the tournament by three strokes, joining his decorated compatriot KJ Choi as a winner at The Players.

“KJ actually gave me a call after I won The Players and he congratulated me. It's such an honour and an amazing feeling to share that (win) with another Korean, and to have two Koreans win this tournament,” said Kim. Despite success coming early in his young career, Kim conceded he still had a long way to match the achievements of Choi, who is an eight-time PGA Tour winner. “I don't think I'm quite there yet. Obviously KJ has a lot more wins and a lot of experience. I currently only have two wins... but I definitely hope to be as great by having more wins.”

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©Getty Images

Kim looks to make history at Sawgrass

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FIRST TEE

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

The weather delays and subsequent controversies that have plagued recent editions of the Evian Championship will be a thing of the past come 2019 when golf's youngest Major moves to a mid-summer date in July.

The LPGA also announced that the purse for the 2019 championship will be raised to US$4.1 million, reinforcing its status as the second richest event on tour next to the US Women’s Open. Held at the picturesque Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, the event was inaugurated in 2000 and became the LPGA’s fifth Major in 2013. This year’s event remains in a mid-September date with a prize fund of US$3.85 million.

The championship’s move to July sets up a ‘Europe Swing' for 2019 with the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open and the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

No more Monday blues for US Open You no longer have to wait till Monday to find out the winner of the US Open. The USGA has decided that all four of the its Open Championships – the US Open, US Women’s Open, US Senior Open and US Senior Women’s Open – will implement a two-hole aggregate playoff in the event of a tie at the end of 72 holes from this season onwards.

“We know how important it is to everyone in the golf world to see play conclude on the Sunday of a Major championship, and to award the trophy to the champion. Two holes will allow a player to recover from any single mistake, and at the same time, provide a memorable, and perhaps dramatic, experience for all involved,” said USGA CEO/executive director Mike Davis.

If the playoff results in a tie, the players would immediately continue to a sudden-death decider.

In its 117-year history, the US Open has had 33 playoffs that have employed 18 and 36-hole formats. The most recent took place in 2008 when Tiger Woods edged Rocco Mediate over an extra 18 on Monday.

©Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

Summer sun for Evian in 2019

©Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Pick of the new Rules

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Curious about how the new Rules of Golf will affect playing the game when they are implemented in 2019?

Here’s our pick of the changes that will most affect the weekend warrior: • When taking relief, golfers will be able to drop from knee height.

• No penalty for a double hit.

• A new Local Rule to give golfers the option of dropping the ball in the vicinity of where the ball was lost or went OB with a two-stroke penalty.

• No penalty for a ball played from the putting green hitting an unattended flagstick in the hole.

• Players may repair spike marks and other damage on the putting green.

• No penalty for merely touching the line of putt.

• Water hazards will be known as penalty areas and may cover areas of desert, jungle, rock, etc.

• No penalty for moving loose impediments or touching the ground/water in a penalty area.

• No penalty for moving loose impediments in a bunker or for generally touching the sand (subject to restrictions such as not grounding the club next to the ball).

• An extra relief option will be available for an unplayable ball in a bunker – playing from outside the bunker with a two-stroke penalty.

• Elimination of announcement procedures when lifting a ball to identify it or to see if it is damaged.

• Time for searching for a lost ball reduced from five minutes to three.

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21 SWINGER RORY MCILROY

ST CENTURY

Rory McIlroy’s athletic and efficient swing is the epitome of modern golf

BY RICK CURRIN

R

ory McIlroy’s swing epitomises modern-day golf.

For sure, he is one of the reasons why golf’s ruling bodies are trying to reduce the distance a golf ball travels.

Rory has always had an impressive golf swing but he made the world really sit up and take notice when he started lifting weights and changed his lifestyle

so he could perform at his absolute best.

The four-time Major winner employed English fitness ‘guru’ Stephen McGregor to transform his physique and help him take his golf game to a new level.

Although quite small in comparison to some of the guys we see on the PGA Tour, the new Rory is built for efficient speed and power. Last year, he topped

the PGA Tour driving distance stats with an average of 317.2 yards – more than two yards longer than Dustin Johnson, who’s much bigger!

McGregor worked from the ground upwards with Rory – first building powerful legs, then going through the rest of the upper body as the kinetic chain in the golf swing starts from the ground and moves up.

2017 PGA TOUR DRIVING DISTANCE (TOP 5) Rank

Player

Average Distance (yards)

1

Rory McIlroy

317.2

2

Dustin Johnson

315.0

3

Brandon Hagy

312.7

T4

Ryan Brehm

311.5

T4

Luke List

311.5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Currin is a high-performance golf and fitness coach from South Africa with over a decade of teaching experience.

The PGA of South Africa Class AA professional can be found at the MST Golf Academy, TPC Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, email coachrickcurrin@gmail.com or call 019-278 1003.

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RORY MCILROY

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KEY MOVE

ADDRESS At address, Rory displays a set-up worth copying, with active (not flexed) quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes. His lower body is braced for stability, with shared duty from the aforementioned muscles, ready to hold the impending upper body rotation. Rory looks ready to pounce but he is not tense as if he wants to pound the skin off the ball.

TAKEAWAY Rory’s takeaway shows just how relaxed he is, with the clubhead extending far away from his body. This creates immense width which most of us can only dream about.

His right arm remains straight for a large portion of the backswing, which is an extremely difficult action to mimic. Most amateurs try to gain distance by trying to smash the ball using only the arms.

BACKSWING The shaft gets onto plane as Rory continues turning his shoulders. At the top of the backswing, he is in a phenomenally balanced position before changing direction. Note that Rory's head height has dropped slightly during the backswing. This is due to his lower body muscles engaging and getting into position for optimum rotation … like a baseball pitcher ready to throw, the weight is coiled over the right gluteus before the unwind and release.

Swing sequence shots by Andrew Redington/Getty Images

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

AT THE TOP OF THE BACKSWING, RORY IS IN A SUPERBLY BALANCED POSITION WITH HIS HEAD HEIGHT DROPPING SLIGHTLY DUE TO THE LOWER BODY MUSCLES ENGAGING FOR OPTIMUM ROTATION.

DOWNSWING Rory’s downswing allows an incredible delivery of speed from the clubhead as he explodes with a powerful lower body rotation. Note where his club is located prior to impact. Most amateurs will have the club attacking the ball from a very different angle – this is the predominant reason why the majority of players out there struggle with distance.

IMPACT Through impact, Rory’s maintenance of his spine angle is enviable as his left leg straightens out due to the flexing of the quadriceps.

FOLLOW-THROUGH Once the left leg straightens out, the club is allowed to pass freely underneath the upper body with maximum velocity. His hips are almost fully turned to target as the club bisects his left armpit. This complete unwinding of the body is the result of the kinetic chain efficiently working through the links.

FINISH Rory worked tirelessly with his lifelong coach Michael Bannon to finish in that famous poised follow-through. The activation of those muscles has allowed the movement to become so much more fluid and repeatable. In Rory’s swing, the whole body works as a team and the results speak for themselves.

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reading the lines jonathan ponniah Colour & Character

The excitement surrounding Tiger Woods’ and Phil Mickelson’s resurgence augurs well for golf … but exposes the game’s lack of exciting new characters

©Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

M

odern sport is not just about competition. It’s a spectacle that depends as much on the popular appeal of the individuals who play the game as the nature of the sport itself.

Just look at those who helped take their chosen sporting professions to greater heights – boxing’s all-time great Muhammad Ali aka Cassius ‘The Louisville Lip’ Clay, tennis’ superbrat John McEnroe, football’s tortured genius Diego Maradona and our very own Lee Chong Wei who will likely go down in badminton history more known for his epic, bigstage losses than his 67 career wins.

Golf’s current crop of leading players, i.e. the likes of Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and even Dustin Johnson, somehow lack the personality and presence of previous generation top guns such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and the epitome of colour in sports, the one and only John Daly.

Hence the huge amount of fanfare and media hype surrounding Woods’ recent resurgence and Mickelson’s return to winning ways at last month’s WGC-Mexico Championship.

It’s hard to see how Spieth or Thomas, as talented as they may be, would command that kind of interest when they hit their forties. There’s something missing from their on-course personaes, a human element perhaps, the type you see and feel in Mickelson’s go-for-broke and heart-on-my-sleeve style of play, and that still disarming but now-ever-so-slightly sly Woods smile.

Perhaps it’s due to the digital era, when people pay more attention to how they post their life happenings on social media rather than the experience itself. Make it look really good on Instagram and Facebook, never mind if the actual event or occurrence was far from mind-blowing.

Whatever the reason, it’s good to see Woods back in form

and Lefty winning again. Rory McIlroy – who’s not exactly from that generation but seems to have been around forever – also returned to the winner’s podium with an epic win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The expressive and supremely gifted McIlroy could well be the catalyst for golf’s return to real-life colour rather than mobile-uploaded glamour.

Closer to home, Malaysian No 1 Gavin Green has shown without doubt how a larger-than-life personality can help drive the game’s popularity. The long-hitting youngster has an aura about him that just appeals to fans … as shown by the huge galleries that follow him each time the 2017 Asian Tour No 1 plays on home ground It’s never happened before but some young local juniors actually named Green when asked who their favourite golfer is … ‘nuff said. PG

©Warren Little/Getty Images

BUAYAS BEWARE?

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The R&A and the USGA plan to implement a new World Handicap System in 2020, based on an extensive review of six existing handicap systems including the USGA's currently employed here.

The new system is designed to be simpler and more reflective of potential ability, and will give golfers an international handicap that is portable from course to course and country to country.

That’s all fine and dandy, but here’s my worry … the new system proposes a maximum handicap limit of 54, regardless of gender, to “encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game”.

Given the amazing lengths to which some Malaysian golfers will go to nurse their handicaps, regardless of what system is used and no matter how stringent the safeguards are, could 2020 see a nett score of 30-under-par returned when a 54-handicapper shoots 96?

The mind boggles …

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Masters-pieces THE MASTERS

ŠDavid Cannon/Getty Images

With the Masters taking place at Augusta National this month, Mike Wilson recollects some of the most riveting battles for the coveted Green Jacket

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I

t’s Masters time again, when Augusta National and its esteemed members throw open their doors for one week each

year.

Given this year’s staging of the season’s first Major in the first week of April, as you read this, the tournament is probably underway or the successor to Sergio Garcia would have already been determined. Last year saw the Spaniard cast off the mantle of ‘best player yet to win Major' at the 74th time of asking, winning an emotional and memorable playoff over Justin Rose.

Augusta National was founded by the great amateur golfer Bobby Jones and banker Clifford Roberts in 1933.

Jones helped design the layout, working with British architect Dr Alister Mackenzie, and the inaugural Masters was staged there in 1934 when Horton Smith won to pocket US$1,500.

There have been many magical and memorable moments at the Masters since then. While all remain in the annals of golfing history and folklore, here’s our selection of a few of the

1980 – Seve Ballesteros claimed the first of two Green Jackets

best as distant memories are rekindled in spring.

1980 No Spaniard had come remotely close to winning the Masters until the late, great Severiano Ballesteros dominated the 1980 tournament with rounds of 66, 69 and 68 to take a seven-shot lead into the final day.

A fighting challenge from Australian Jack Newton saw the lead cut to three after 13, but that’s as close as it got as Seve became the first European to win the Masters, and at age 23, the youngest champion at the time.

1986 Jack Nicklaus, aka the ‘Golden Bear’, became the oldest winner to date of the Green Jacket at the age of 46 years and three months.

Six years after his last Major win, he carded a blistering 30 on the back nine to resist the challenge of Greg Norman, Tom Kite, Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson to clinch his sixth Masters crown. Nicklaus’ 18th and final Major title is a record that still stands today.

©Steve Powell/Getty Images

2017 – Major dream come true for Sergio Garcia

©Darren Carroll/Getty Images

Presented By

1996 Australian Greg Norman had looked odds-on to land the Green Jacket for the first time when starting the final day with a six-shot cushion.

The Great White Shark however produced a catastrophic closing 78, his game falling apart around Amen Corner. Step forward Englishman Nick Faldo, already a winner twice at Augusta, with a near-perfect round of 67 to cruise past Norman and claim his third Green Jacket – and leave Norman destined never to win a Masters crown.

1997 Tiger Woods announced his arrival on a world golfing stage he was to dominate for a generation thanks to a stunning 12-shot victory for his first Major title, even recovering from a disastrous eight-over-par 40 on the front nine in the first round.

Woods smashed the 72-hole scoring record to finish 18-under-par, becoming the youngest winner of the Masters at age 21 years 3 months 14 days.

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2010 Many consider Phil Mickelson’s long iron from deep in the trees on a bed of pine needles on the par-five 13th hole to be the greatest shot ever made at Augusta National.

Under pressure from Lee Westwood, seeking his first Major win, Lefty’s shot dissected the trees, skipped over the creek guarding the green and finished

2010 – third Green Jacket for Phil Mickelson

a few feet from the pin. Although he missed the eagle putt, the tap-in birdie spurred Mickelson to a closing 67 and a three-shot win over Westy.

2012 South African Louis Oosthuizen holed a four-iron second shot on the par-five second in the final round to move two shots clear. That was only the fourth

MASTERS FACTS & STATS MOST WINS: 6 – Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986) WIDEST VICTORY MARGIN: 12 strokes – Tiger Woods (1997) YOUNGEST WINNER: 21 years 3 months 14 days – Tiger Woods (1997)

©Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

1997 – the start of the Tiger Woods era

albatross in the fabled tournament’s history and the first on that hole.

But it still wasn’t enough to earn Oosthuizen the title as he was beaten in a playoff by Bubba Watson. On the second extra hole, the American lefthander conjured a 40-foot draw from the trees and onto the green; two putts enough to claim the Green Jacket. PG

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

©Stephen Munday/Getty Images

THE MASTERS

OLDEST WINNER: 46 years 2 months 23 days – Jack Nicklaus (1986) LOW 72-HOLE SCORE: 270 (-18) – Tiger Woods (1997), Jordan Spieth (2015) LOW ROUND: 63 (-9) – Nick Price (R3, 1986), Greg Norman (R1, 1996) MOST CUTS MADE: 37 – Jack Nicklaus MOST CONSECUTIVE CUTS MADE: 23 – Gary Player (1959-1982) MOST ATTEMPTS BEFORE FIRST WIN: 19 – Sergio Garcia (2017)

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Presented By

AUGUSTA NATIONAL HOLE-BY-HOLE HOLE 1 (TEA OLIVE) Par 4 / 445y This mild dogleg right plays uphill with trees guarding the left side of the fairway. Requires an accurate approach to find the right spot on the undulating green and avoid the risk of threeputting.

HOLE 10 (CAMELLIA) Par 4 / 495y A long, downhill par-four with the best drive being to the left centre of the fairway. A long bunker awaits in the middle well short of the green, which slants right to left.

HOLE 2 (PINK DOGWOOD) Par 5 / 575y This dogleg left is reachable in two, as Louis Oosthuizen did in 2012 when he made albatross. The green is guarded by large, deep bunkers, with the one on the left added in 1946.

HOLE 11 (WHITE DOGWOOD) Par 4 / 505y The start of Augusta’s fabled Amen Corner. The drive is downhill and should ideally be a fade to set up the approach to the green, guarded by a pond to the left and a bunker right centre.

HOLE 3 (FLOWERING PEACH) Par 4 / 350y Most will lay up short of the fairway bunkers for a full short iron or wedge to the green. A bunker traps the narrow left side of the green, which slopes right to left.

HOLE 12 (GOLDEN BELL) Par 3 / 155y Club selection is the key on the layout’s shortest par-three due to the ever-changing winds. Golfers walk on Ben Hogan Bridge over Rae's Creek to reach the green, guarded by three bunkers.

HOLE 4 (FLOWERING CRAB APPLE) Par 3 / 240y This tough par-three will see most hitting long irons. Strong winds often kick up here, making it tough to avoid the two greenside bunkers. The putting surface slopes back to front.

HOLE 13 (AZALEA) Par 5 / 510y A good drive down the centre on this dogleg left will set up a second shot to the green across a tributary of Rae's Creek. Four bunkers lurk behind the putting surface.

HOLE 5 (MAGNOLIA) Par 4 / 455y This par-four plays uphill as a dogleg left. Off the back tees, a drive of 315 yards is required to carry the deep fairway bunkers.

The green slopes back to front and is guarded by a rear bunker.

HOLE 14 (CHINESE FIR) Par 4 / 440y There are no bunkers in this par-four with the biggest defence to par being the tiered putting surface, which slopes significantly from left to right.

HOLE 6 (JUNIPER) Par 3 / 180y A tricky par-three playing to a large and undulating green, which has many breaks and borrows. Golfers have to find the right part of the putting surface.

HOLE 15 (FIRETHORN) Par 5 / 530y This famous par-five is reachable in two if the wind is assisting.

The second shot has to clear the pond and avoid the greenside bunker on the right – just like Gene Sarazen in 1935 when he hit his "shot heard 'round the world", a four-wood from 235 yards that went in for double eagle.

HOLE 7 (PAMPAS) Par 4 / 450y The ideal drive is to the left half of the fairway to avoid winding up with a tricky lie. Most will hit a mid-iron to the green, trapped by three bunkers in front and two to the rear.

HOLE 8 (YELLOW JASMINE) Par 5 / 570y This par-five demands an accurate drive to avoid the fairway bunker on the right. Plays uphill to a long and narrow green, guarded by clusters of mounds especially on the left.

HOLE 17 (NANDINA) Par 4 / 440y This uphill hole plays to an extremely deceptive green with subtle and often invisible slopes. A back-right pin location will be really tough.

HOLE 18 (HOLLY) Par 4 / 465y Arguably the most famous finishing hole in golf, the 10th plays as an uphill dogleg right. Two bunkers trap the inside curve of the fairway. Most will hit a mid-iron to the deep and narrow green, guarded by bunkers on both sides.

©Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

HOLE 9 (CAROLINA CHERRY) Par 4 / 460y Off the tees, most will favour the right side of the fairway to take two greenside bunkers on the left out of play on the approach. This green slopes sharply from back to front.

HOLE 16 (REDBUD) Par 3 / 170y The tee shot has to clear water to reach a well-bunkered green, which slopes significantly from right to left. Being on the correct side of the pin is imperative.

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bunker mentality mike wilson

ParGolf’s European correspondent Mike Wilson vents his views in this ‘no-holds-barred’ column

Who Pays The Piper?

Following the recent brouhaha over raucous crowds, golf’s richly-rewarded young talents need to take a reality check and accept the old adage that ‘whoever pays the piper calls the tune’

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magine an English Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United, the Old Trafford outfit winning a lastminute penalty in front of an outraged Kop … and then spotkick taker Romelu Lukaku pleads for silence before lining up his attempt, complaining to the referee about the inevitable jeers, boos, brickbats and insults during his run-up.

Or Roger Federer stopping play and pleading for calm during a vital rally in the final set of the Wimbledon final against arch rival Novak Djokovic.

No way? Yet that’s exactly what is emerging in men’s professional golf.

During the Genesis Open, current World No 2 Justin Thomas bleated on course and later in the media room about a few rowdy fans or, for the sake of argument, let’s call paying customers.

They were whooping and hollering as the richly-talented and even more richlyrewarded young man went about his business at Riviera Country Club in February. He might be well advised not to bite the hands that feed him.

“I guess they just think it’s funny,” said the 24-year-old. “It was pretty wild

[those] first couple of days, the fans’ behaviour got a little bit out of hand.”

Thomas, who eventually finished T9 and earned a more than decent US$180,000, said after it was all over that “it might be funny to them and obviously people think of it differently, and I could just be overreacting.”

Just what would his fellow Kentuckian, the late, great ‘Louisville Lip’ Muhammad Ali have made of it all? The master of spin before spin doctors had been thought of, Ali knew what box office was, putting bums on seats and selling pay-per-view TV. Young Master Thomas, a very nice young man by all accounts, would do well to take a leaf out of the great man’s book.

Thomas even took matters into his own hands by personally ejecting a heckler from the following week’s Honda Classic, which he won to pocket US$1,188,000 and take his career earnings to close on US$40 million. Not bad for a man of just 24 years … nice work if you can get it and surely worth putting up with the occasional taunt from a few fans?

But Thomas is not alone.

©Robert Laberge/Getty Image

Rowdy gallery at the 16th hole during the Waste Management Open

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Earlier, at the Waste Management Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, the PGA Tour nominated the 16th hole on the Stadium Course for player-and-fan engagement – and where, it seems, anything goes. That time it was Rickie Fowler who bemoaned the conduct of a small but vociferous minority of the 719,179 paying public.

“I may be somewhat of a fan favourite but they weren’t holding back,” said Fowler. “I was a little disappointed with some of the stuff that was said. The normal boos for missing a green, that’s fine, but leave the heckling to a minimum.”

Mild stuff compared to the vile abuse dished out at every football ground in the UK each and every weekend, including taunts about the Manchester United Munich air crash, reciprocated by abusive songs about the Hillsborough disaster.

Rory McIlroy recently ventured the view that crowd involvement from the ‘get-in-the-hole’ and ‘mashed potato’ brigade cost Tiger Woods at least a couple of shots a round. But, in all fairness to the back-to-form star, Woods took it all in his considerable stride … and it didn’t do him too much harm, did it?

Professional golf bears little resemblance to what is now sports entertainment as opposed to pure sport … and the quicker Messers Thomas, Fowler, McIlroy et al get their heads around that fact, the better it will be for all. Then, and only then, can some of the decline in the game’s popularity be reversed.

So, a message to every self-obsessed young golf star, to be pinned on every locker room door and left on the dashboard of every chauffeur-driven courtesy limousine: ‘Who pays the piper calls the tune’.

If you can’t stand the heat in a very lucrative kitchen, find yourself another line of work. PG

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NANCY LOPEZ

Don’t Worry, Play Happy The key to good golf – and a good life – says golf legend Nancy Lopez, is that simple

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

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Lopez recalls how her dad instilled a positive attitude in her growing up and playing the amateur circuit. “He was such a positive. I remember playing poorly and getting angry … and I played even worse. And he said, 'Do you want to shoot 39 or do you want to shoot 40?' I told him that I wanted to shoot 39 and he answered, 'Well, when you get mad, you shoot 40.' That made a big difference, one shot.

“So when I see these kids, I just want to encourage them to be happy, to play this great game. They know that once they miss one shot, they’re good enough to hit the next one great … so I always encourage them to do that and just always be positive.”

Fittingly, ‘Play Happy’ is the motto of Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures (NLGA) which she founded in 2015 with decorated teaching pros Teresa Zamboni and Sue Powers. NLGA brings a fun element to golf instruction, especially for women, and also combines learning with travel – hence ‘golf adventures’.

While on the topic of golf adventures, one of Lopez’s earliest was in Southeast Asia in the late 1970s when ColgatePalmolive sponsored a few events here to create a mini Asian swing. She laughingly remembers how a ‘bomoh’ (Malay shaman) helped keep the rain away when she played in the 1978 Colgate Far East Open at Royal Selangor Golf Club.

“If you miss a shot, it's the attitude you take to the next shot that's going to make you a great player.”

Nancy Lopez was golf's poster girl of the 70s and 80s

©Frank Tewkesbury/Evening Standard/Getty Images

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peaking to Nancy Lopez, you pick up immediately that the legendary American star is in a really happy place now … just as she was when she dominated the LPGA Tour in the seventies and eighties with 48 wins including three Majors.

Indeed, the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famer has always been known for her ultra-positive attitude and that unmistakable, infectious smile which never failed to light up the fairways … even when she went through some tough personal times. Now, with new knees and a new husband by her side, Lopez is still living out the mantra that her late father Domingo drummed into her head when he introduced her to golf at age eight – ‘Play Happy’.

“You know, when I talk to young children that play golf, I just always tell them to have fun doing it. I mean, I know they feel a lot of pressure, wherever it comes from. But once they get inside the ropes … well, my life was always happy inside the ropes," said Lopez during a meet-the-media breakfast chat while she was in Singapore for the HSBC Women’s Champions in early March.

“I had a bad marriage for a while and when I went outside the ropes all that came into my life again. But I was able to focus; once I walked inside the ropes it was all about golf. I didn't think about all those things. So I always encourage young players to enjoy the walk … enjoy what you're doing inside the ropes.

“When you step over a shot, you're not going to hit it perfect. I didn't win 48 tournaments playing perfect golf. I always tell them, if you miss a shot, it's the attitude you take to the next shot that's going to make you a great player,” she added.

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©ParGolf

“When I see these kids, I just want to encourage them to be happy, to play this great game.

They know that once they miss one shot, they’re good enough to hit the next one great … so I always encourage them to do that and just always be positive.”

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NANCY LOPEZ

“They hired him to keep the rain away because it rained a lot there! So we’re playing and I remember saying like 'he’s got magic', so every time I walked by him I’d be really nice because he might give me a birdie!

“You would not believe it … we were playing and it looked as if it was going to pour, but it didn’t and we even had the trophy presentation outside. And as soon as the last person walked into the clubhouse, it poured,” she remembered.

Lopez has fond and surprisingly vivid memories of that trip. “Colgate-Palmolive paid for the top 50 money winners to travel the Far East. I was young and had just started the tour. It was a great experience,” she said.

The LPGA then was a far cry from what it is now. When Lopez joined the tour in 1978, total prizemoney from 34 events was just over US$3 million and almost all the tournaments were on American soil. This season offers a record US$68.75 million from the same number of events in no less than 14 countries.

“The LPGA Tour has really grown and the purses have increased tremendously since I was out there. I think we had two Japanese players and some European players on tour at that time,” said Lopez, who won the money title in her rookie year US$189,814 (compared to the US$2,335,883 that 2017 32

“I thank God I have a really nice life. I've been able to enjoy things but promoting LPGA golf is definitely my No 1 goal.”

money winner Korea’s Park Sung Hyun banked in last season).

“I remember the golf courses weren't in great shape. I was kind of shocked because, as amateurs, our golf courses were really better than what the LPGA Tour was playing at that time.

“Now I think the sponsors work so hard to have the best tournaments for the players on the LPGA Tour – and that's pretty cool,” she went on.

Lopez hinted that she was a bit too traditional to accept some of the modern golf outfits, but she quickly qualified herself: “I mean, I think it's great. I've always been very conservative and, to

©Stacy Revere/Getty Images

©Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Sharing a laugh with Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer at the 2017 KPMG Women's PGA Championship

me, golf should always have tradition.

But it's attractive … you've got these beautiful young women and I have to kind of stay open-minded now that I'm 61!”

But with more and more players today going through proper golf lessons, Lopez noted that she doesn’t see as much shot-making as in her heyday. “I saw JoAnne Carner swing at things in different ways, just trying to make shots and half-shots … it's just different the way they do it now.

“But it's fun to watch. I'm very proud of the LPGA Tour … I think that the tour has come a long way and I know that

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the younger golfers on tour.

“I'm a mother of three daughters who don't play golf, so I kind of live my life through all these young players and say, boy, I wish my daughters would have played golf, maybe professionally or just amateur golf.

“I really love to be a part of it … junior golf and helping little girls play, and the guys, too; it's a fun experience. It's fun to give them encouragement, and you know, hope they can make it someday,” said the grandmother of two.

Elite amateur golf, Lopez stressed, was the route she would recommend for young girls who intend to play golf for a living rather than take an early plunge into the pro ranks.

“To me what gets you ready for the LPGA Tour is playing amateur golf, winning more and really feeling the pressure of walking up 18, one shot behind, one shot ahead or tied.

They are still young people … they may have the golf game of a 25-year-old but they still have the mind of a 15-year-old,” she stressed, the smile vanishing for a fleeting moment.

The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, she noted, was a great opportunity for young golfers from this region. “It's great, because it's good for these young players to set a goal.

It gives them motivation to work on their game and truly know if that's what they want to do.

Meeting President George W. Bush after her successful captaincy of the 2006 US Solheim Cup team

“For these amateurs to have the opportunity, because they do have a lot more opportunity than probably what I did … it's just great to be able to see that.”

Meanwhile, Lopez is keeping busy with her businesses (which include ladies equipment and apparel), charitable work – she hosts two charity golf events a year – and “trying to do as much as I can for the LPGA”.

“I thank God I have a really nice life.

I've been able to enjoy things but promoting LPGA golf is definitely my No 1 goal. I'm grateful to Mike; he keeps including me in things like that and it's really fun to be able to promote the game that I love.”

And be happy doing just that. PG

FACT FILE Name

Nancy Marie Lopez

Birthdate

January 6, 1957 (age 61)

Birthplace

Torrance, California

Height

5ft 5in / 1.65m

Residence

The Villages, Florida

Spouses

Tim Melton (1979-82), Ray Knight (1982-2009), Ed Rusell (2017-present)

Children

Ashley, Erinn, Torri

College

University of Tulsa

Turned Pro

1977

Professional Wins 52 (LPGA – 48 / Others – 4) Majors

3 (1978, 1985, 1989 Women's PGA Championship)

©Mark Wilson/Getty Images

we've always had to fight for whatever we got. When I was on the LPGA Tour, I didn't do things for Nancy Lopez … I did it because I wanted my tour to grow.”

Much of the recent growth, Lopez added, has been fuelled by the efforts of current LPGA commissioner Mike Whan who was present at the breakfast chat.

“When you have a leader that you respect, then you work harder. We love Mike Whan; when he walks in the door, we're happy to see him … and we didn't feel that way about some commissioners.

He's done a great job.”

Having gone through successful knee replacement surgery last November, Lopez is enjoying golf again, often with long-time golf buddy-turned-hubby No 3 Ed Russell.

“I got married to a great guy who loves to play golf. We'll do nine and dine, which is a lot of fun,” she said, with a quick nod and smile to her spouse who was standing close by. “I enjoy playing with Ed … it's fun. He's a good student and he likes to learn and he does listen; so when he does hit good shots, I always say “That's what I taught you, right, honey!”

“There are many professionals that say they don't like to play anymore, and I don't know how that happens. I still love to play.”

Lopez’s love for golf, however, has not rubbed off on her three daughters from her second marriage to baseball star Ray Knight. This, she shares, is one of the reasons why she tends to ‘mother’

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HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

WIE WONDER

Michelle Wie’s dramatic win heralds new name and new era for 11th edition

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

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HAWAIIAN HIGH Wie had to wait a while, though, before knowing if her closing 65 and under-par total would be good enough to win. She was playing in the penultimate flight and headed immediately to the practice green after signing her scorecard to

©Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Nelly Korda came close to making it back-to-back wins for the Korda sisters

prepare for what looked like a likely playoff.

Third round leader Nelly Korda, playing in the last flight with Danielle Kang and Brooke Henderson, was five feet away from forcing extra holes but missed the birdie chance on the last green … and Wie, still on the practice green, was finally able to relax and bask in the glory of her long-awaited return to the winner’s podium.

“It's been a tough journey since 2014.

I think it's been kind of well documented," said Wie. “I'm just really proud for pulling myself out of it.

“I just want to keep rising. I just want to keep playing the best I can, trying the hardest I can and trying to become the best player that I can be,” added the 28-year-old, whose career title haul now stands at what many consider an underachieving five.

NO SISTER ACT Korda was understandably distraught as, with elder sister Jessica winning in Thailand the week before, she was hoping to make it back-to-back wins for her family and match the feat achieved by Annika and Charlotta Sorenstam in 2000.

“It definitely hurts, but that's golf,” said the 19-year-old. “There's going to

Teen Thai-tan – amateur Atthaya Thitikul was the best Thai in T8 position

©Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

t could not have been scripted any better. Michelle Wie winning the HSBC Women’s World Championship with a curling 45-foot putt from off the green on the last hole, placing an indelible stamp on Asia’s longest-running LPGA event as it moved into a second decade with a brand new name.

The win at Sentosa Golf Club’s New Tanjong Course will certainly stick in Wie’s memory as it ended a four-year title drought dating back to the 2014 US Women's Open. It also laid to rest any lingering heartache from the 2017 edition when the lanky Hawaiian led the tournament after the first and third rounds but failed to take it home.

For spectators, the images of a fistpumping Wie on the 18th green will rank right up there with other memorable moments in the history of the tournament … like Paula Creamer’s monster 75-foot eagle putt to beat Azahara Munoz on the second extra hole in 2014.

For title sponsor HSBC and promoter IMG, the footage and images of Wie’s putt and ensuing celebration that traversed the globe on TV, web and social media were the icing on the cake of what turned out to be another successful staging. The weather lords of Sentosa were in benevolent mood and, save a two-hour lighting delay during the first round, it was generally sunny and bright.

The decision to move the spectator activities to the driving area next to the clubhouse was a masterstroke and created a nice public hub with the F&B outlets also close by. A huge crowd turned out for the final round and were not disappointed as it served up one of the most exciting recent finishes not just for the event but on the LPGA Tour.

be another tournament. There's going to be another feeling like this.

“I just have to keep going forward.

Sometimes it just doesn't work out but I'm proud of myself for fighting till the end.”

Low scores were aplenty in the sublime final day conditions with Korea’s Sei Young Kim closing with a course and tournament record 10-under-par 62, one better than Angela Stanford and Caroline Mason.

THE YOUNG AND THE LEGENDARY Thai amateur Atthaya Thitikul meanwhile continued to grow her reputation as one of the game’s brightest young talents with a T8 finish on 13-under-par. The 15-year-old prodigy ParGolf APRIL 2018

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HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

HOME SWEET SINGAPORE The happiest person of all was probably LPGA commissioner Mike Whan, who seemed to be in every place at the same time in typically energetic fashion. He stressed the tournament’s importance as the catalyst for the LPGA’s Asian swing.

“When you ask players about playing in Asia, this is usually the first tournament

LPGA legend Nancy Lopez cuts the final day pin position for Hole 18

they start talking about. I've said many times, it's obviously a good golf course and it's obviously an incredible sponsor – but the treatment as a player here is special.

"You like being in Singapore. It's a place where you just take a deep breath when you land in the airport. We've now been coming here long enough that it feels like home,” noted Whan.

We’re sure it feels a whole lot like home for Michelle Wie. PG

RESULTS (TOP 10 AND TIES) 271 (-17) Michelle Wie (USA)

67-73-66-65

272 (-16) Jenny Shin (KOR)

71-68-68-65

Brooke Henderson (CAN)

68-72-65-67

Danielle Kang (USA)

68-64-70-70

Nelly Korda (USA)

70-66-65-71

273 (-15) Jin Young Ko (KOR) Minjee Lee (AUS) 275 (-13) Angela Stanford (USA)

72-67-67-67 71-66-68-68 76-66-70-63

Atthaya Thitikul (A) (THA) 70-71-68-66 276

Sei Young Kim (KOR)

70-72-72-62

Amy Yang (KOR)

74-68-70-64

Lydia Ko (NZL)

71-71-67-67

Jeong Eun Lee (KOR)

69-70-70-67

Jessica Korda (USA)

68-70-68-70

www.lpga.com www.hsbcgolf.com/womens

©Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

HAPPY HSBC HSBC Singapore CEO Tony Cripps was ecstatic with how the 11th edition turned out.

“This year more than ever has showcased the incredible strength and depth that exists within the global talent pool of women’s golf. We’ve seen ambitious players as young as 15-years challenge the world’s best, course records tumble and rookies representing their countries in their debut season on the LPGA. Not only does this evidence the

significance of the tournament’s new name – the HSBC Women’s World Championship – it also fills us with great excitement as to what the future holds for ‘Asia’s Major’,” said Cripps.

Sentosa’s general manager, Andy Johnston, was another happy man as accolades flowed in about the superb condition of the New Tanjong, despite the stress of staging back-to-back events on the same course. Sentosa’s other 18, the Serapong, was the venue for January’s Singapore Open and will stage this year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in October.

“We’ve never done anything like that before, so we were concerned whether the course could last two full weeks and be in the shape that we want it to be. I think we achieved that but, I tell you, we really pushed the limits of everybody’s ability!

“There’s a little bit of a win-win with the two tournaments being on the same golf course … you only have to prepare it once as opposed to doing two courses. My fear was would we get traffic stress and player damage on it during the Women’s Amateur that would be a distraction to the HSBC, but it worked out just perfectly,” said Johnston, who is also the director of agronomy for the club and led the 2016 revamp and upgrade of the New Tanjong layout. ©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

was the best-placed Thai, ahead of her professional compatriots the Jutanugarn sisters and Pornanong Phatlum.

Asked about the key to her solid play in such illustrious company, she replied: “Keep smiling and have fun on the golf course, and focus on your game. Don't worry about birdies.

“Don't worry about the hole. Focus on the game. It's only the clubs and the ball and the golf course and you,” added Thitikul, belying her youth.

That mai pen rai (Thai for 'relax’ or ‘never mind’) approach to golf is also advocated by golf legend Nancy Lopez, who attended the event as guest of honour. The 48-time LPGA winner was a huge hit with players, fans and corporatedom, constantly flashing that familiar smile and ever ready to engage anyone in conversation. One of the most poignant moments of the tournament came when she spoke to LPGA rookie Tiffany Chan after the Hong Kong player had made a 10 on the par-five eighth hole during the second round.

“When I got out there, she had just made that 10. She walked up on the tee and saw me and I just told her to keep her head up. After she hit her drive – and it was a good drive – I walked over and said ‘you can't do anything about it anymore, you've got to go forward’. Keep going and keep that smile on your face.

“I told her it's all about how you finish. Don't give up. Never let the bad stuff bother you,” noted Lopez.

Mai pen rai indeed.

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©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

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©Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific

FAST TRACK WOMEN’S AMATEUR ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP

Victory in inaugural event at Sentosa accelerates Atthaya Thitikul’s relentless journey to stardom

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

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here was still a lot of golf to be played but I had already typed out the intro for our daily web coverage of the final round of the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP) in Singapore.

Thailand’s latest golf sensation, Atthaya ‘Jean’ Thitikul, was leading by four strokes with seven holes to play at Sentosa Golf Club’s New Tanjong Course. As much as I would have loved

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to stay for the finish, a close friend’s wedding in KL that very evening meant that I had to pack up early and head to the airport to catch an afternoon flight home.

The intro presumed an Atthaya victory but, as I was about to say my goodbyes in the media centre, she made a messy double bogey at the parfour 12th which allowed the field to narrow the gap. Never mind, I thought … the 15-year-old prodigy has closed

out tournaments many times before and I was sure she’d do so again.

I was wrong. A bogey at 17 saw Atthaya drop into a tie on eight-underpar with three players – Japan’s Yuna Nishimura, New Zealand’s Wenyung Keh and Filipina Yuka Saso – and the Thai failed to birdie the closing hole to prevent a playoff.

News of the sudden-death decider reached me as I was checking in at Changi Airport’s spanking new

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really looking forward to returning to the Women’s British Open and I would like to make the cut this time … but my main objective is always to play happy and gain more experience,” added the bubbly teenager.

Founding 'fathers' – R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers (L) and APGC chairman Kei Muratsu

©Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific

“I’m so excited because this is the first year of this championship. It’s so great that my name is the first one on the trophy,” said Atthaya, who hails from the province of Ratchaburi. “I’m so excited to play in two more Majors. I’m

Best Malaysian – Natasha Andrea Oon who had dad Sam on her bag

©Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific

Terminal 4. Slightly shell-shocked, I spent the entire flight fidgeting and wondering if I would have to redo the intro. Once the seatbelt sign went off, I immediately turned my phone on and, lo and behold, my faith in Thailand’s teen terror was justified.

Atthaya claimed the title after three extra holes and, indeed, her pedigree was reaffirmed and reinforced by the way she handled the playoff. Showing the composure of a seasoned tour player, she narrowly missed birdie chances to win on the first two extra holes, played on 18 as Keh and then Saso exited. The sudden-death action continued at the 12th – Atthaya’s nemesis in regulation play – but this time she made no mistakes and tapped in for par and the win following Nishimura’s bogey.

Atthaya, who turned 15 the day before the event started, burst into the international limelight last July when she won the Ladies European Tour's inaugural Thailand Championship in Pattaya to become the tour’s youngest ever winner. She snared gold medals in the SEA Games individual and team events the following month at The Mines in Malaysia, sandwiched between two Major appearances in Europe – her debut at the Ricoh Women’s British Open where she missed the cut and then making it to the weekend at The Evian Championship in France.

Atthaya will have at least two Majors on her schedule this season as the WAAP win earned her a start in the ANA Inspiration (March 29-April 1) at Mission Hills in California, plus a second appearance in the Ricoh Women’s British Open (August 2-5) at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England. She was also awarded a place in the following week’s HSBC Women’s World Championship, also at the New Tanjong, making full use of the opportunity with an impressive T8 finish.

Indeed, opportunity is what the WAAP is all about. As the official press releases so succinctly state, the championship was developed by its co-founders, the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) and The R&A, to “nurture talent and provide a pathway for the region’s elite female amateurs to the international stage”.

And it has certainly fast-tracked Atthaya’s path to global stardom, something which she appreciates and acknowledges. That heady two-week spell in Singapore propelled her 35 rungs up the World Amateur Golf Ranking into 20th place.

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WOMEN’S AMATEUR ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP Indeed, what was most impressive throughout the final day – despite all the pressure and having to finish four holes of her third round in the morning – Atthaya continued to laugh and joke with her experienced caddie Roongroj ‘Yod’ Boonsri.

Malaysia had a vicarious presence in the playoff through the current Kiwi No 1 lady amateur Keh, whose father Michael hails from Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Her elder sister Munchin is a touring pro while younger sibling Siyi is an elite amateur as well.

“It was a great week and I’m happy I gave myself a chance. This was a new experience I can really learn from,” said the University of Washington junior, whose mother is Vietnamese.

The best of the full-fledged Malaysians was 16-year-old Natasha Andrea Oon, who flirted with a top-10 finish for the first two rounds but fell back over the last 36 holes and eventually tied 29th on nine-over-par (69, 72, 76, 76).

“I learnt a lot … I just wished I could have done better. I set a goal

every day and the first two days I reached those goals; but the last two days were really disappointing,” said Oon, whose exuberant play and cheery demeanour were a big hit with the media and spectators.

Six Malaysians started the tournament with four making it past the halfway cut of eight-over-par; following Oon in the final standings were Liyana Durisic (T34 on +11), Geraldine Wong (46 on +20) and Qistina Balqis Azhar (T50 on +22).

Winnie Ng and Ashley Lau missed the weekend by just one shot.

Symptomatic of the current balance of power in Asia-Pacific golf was the fact that six Japanese and five Koreans finished in the top 20, while more than half the 83-player, 18-nation field was aged 18 and under.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers was elated with the success of the inaugural event and its young demographics. “When I look at golf around the world, what drives me is that I want to make sure golf is still thriving 50 years from now. A key part

of that is growing the women’s game, not just here in Asia but throughout the world.

“I think the Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific Championship is really special.

Over time, the field will grow and deepen and the standard will continue to rise right through the field … and that has to be good for the game of golf,” he stressed.

APGC chairman Kei Muratsu echoed those sentiments, saying: “With the tagline ‘Shaping The Future’, the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship builds on the great showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics where the three medal winners and five of the top six players were from the Asia-Pacific region. Korea are also the reigning champions in the Espirito Santo Trophy while players from AsiaPacific have been dominant on the LPGA Tour. This championship is a great platform for showcasing future stars from our region.”

As they say, the future does indeed look bright … especially for one Atthaya Thitikul. PG

RESULTS (TOP 10)

Korean star Inbee Park (centre) with the Top 4

276 (-8) Atthaya Thitikul (THA)

©Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific

Wenyung Keh (NZL)

65-71-69-71 69-72-68-67

Yuka Saso (PHI)

72-69-67-68

Yuna Nishimura (JPN)

69-69-69-69

278 (-6) Yuka Yasuda (JPN)

66-73-68-71

279 (-5) A-Yean Cho (KOR)

69-68-70-72

280

Heejeong Lim (KOR)

73-72-69-66

281

Lois Kaye Go (PHI)

70-67-71-73

282

Yunji Jeong (KOR)

69-67-74-72

285

Yuri Yoshida (JPN)

70-71-73-71

*Atthaya won on the third playoff hole www.randa.org/WAAP

©Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific

NIPPON NEXT The Royal Golf Club in Japan will host the second edition of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship next April 25-28 as well as the third in 2020.

Located in the city of Hokota about 130km northeast of Tokyo, the club is owned by Japanese conglomerate Nippon Kabaya Ohayo Holdings Inc., one of the sponsors of the inaugural event.

“One of the aims of our club is to nurture elite young players to enable them to compete at a world-class level, which is consistent with the objectives of the Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific Championship,” said Motohiro Nozu, CEO of Nippon Kabaya Ohayo.

Dominic Wall, director - Asia-Pacific at The R&A, was full of praise for the next venue. “I have been fortunate enough to visit The Royal Golf Club on two occasions and it is a spectacular golf course in a wonderful, natural environment.

“The Royal Golf Club has all the required infrastructure including one of the best practice facilities I have seen, a fantastic clubhouse and accommodation onsite,” said Wall, adding that it would be wonderful if one of the players from the first three editions goes on to win a medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympiad.

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Nippon Kabaya Ohayo CEO Motohiro Nozu (L) with R&A director – Asia-Pacific Dominic Wall

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Wizard BOB VOKEY

Of

Golf’s legendary wedge-maker Bob Vokey talks about the new SM7s and future design advancements Tell us more about the new SM7 wedges. What is the main performance gain over the SM6?

Bob Vokey (BV): We’ve improved in a few key areas that are important for wedge play. Shot versatility is improved by changes and additions to the grind line-up, including the new D Grind.

Distance and trajectory control have been improved by moving the CG; lower in the low lofts, higher in the high lofts, more aligned with the impact position for all shots. And finally, we continue to improve our Spin Milled groove cutting process to provide maximum spin.

In your opinion what was the most significant technological breakthrough in golf as far as wedges are concerned?

BV: I may be a bit biased, but I think sole grinds have been a game changer in wedge play. It has allowed us to fit golfers to their swing type, and I’ve been constantly trying to improve our grinds by working with the best players in the world.

I think sole grinds have been under emphasised in the wedge category as most folks like to talk about spin. All golfers would benefit from being fit for the right set of grinds.

The PGA Tour is now dominated by young players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. Who among the current crop of 20-somethings do you think has the best wedge game?

BV: The two you just named are quite good ...

I’d have to say Jordan right now, but after watching Justin at the Honda Classic and then at the WGC in Mexico, he’s pretty special with a wedge in his hands.

In your many years of following the tour, has the way most tour players approach the short game changed significantly?

BV: Wedge play definitely is different by generation. Today’s players grew up

“I think sole grinds have been under emphasised in the wedge category as most folks like to talk about spin. All golfers would benefit from being fit for the right set of grinds.”

What do you foresee as the next breakthrough in wedge design?

BV: I keep searching for that one perfect wedge. I don’t know if it’s out there but I’ve got a heck of a team and we’re still working to get better each and every day. We have the same goal that I had on day 1 of my wedge days: help folks hit better wedge shots.

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playing wedges in the spin/groove era.

They rely an awful lot on spin, and the groove rule forced a lot of these guys to make adjustments.

When I was working with my guys – I say my guys that are on the Champions Tour now – they adjusted more quickly because they have always used trajectory more than spin.

But it hasn’t taken the young guys long to adjust; they are quite talented.

Would getting fitted for wedges benefit the average amateur golfer as much as the tour professional?

BV: I believe it would benefit the average weekend golfer even more than a tour professional. Tour players are so talented and practice so much with their wedges that I think they would adjust to whatever we give them over time.

But the average weekend golfer has strengths and weaknesses, and I think

ABOUT BOB VOKEY AB Born in Montreal in 1939, Bob inherited a knack for working with his hands from his father, Walter, who was a precision tool and die maker. Walter was also an avid golfer and constantly tinkered with golf equipment while his son observed and assisted.

At age 25, Bob moved to Carlsbad, California where he became smitten with the game and started to play competitively. Realising that his talent was not going to take him very far, Bob turned his skills with equipment into a livelihood.

In 1976, he opened Bob’s Custom Golf Shop at Fallbrook Country Club in San Diego County and in 1980 moved to a larger location in Vista, California.

we can improve their weak shots with a proper fitting and save them some strokes every round.

If there was one thing you could change in your career, what would it be?

BV: I wish I had another decade or two to work on wedges … I’m still chasing the perfect wedge series and I don’t know if we will ever get there. But I’ve got a great team around me now and I’m enjoying the work as much as ever! PG

Bob soon made a name for himself in the industry as the personal clubmaster for some of the biggest names in the game. This led him to close shop in 1986 to join TaylorMade, where he stayed until 1991 when he left to help start Founders Club with TaylorMade founder Gary Adams.

Bob joined Titleist in 1996, where his first project was to assist with the final specifications of the popular 975D driver. It was only after joining Titleist that he started specialising in wedges.

The rest, as they say, is history.

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IN THE BAG

www.callawaygolf.com

Callaway Rogue Series

GO ROGUE

Callaway’s highly-acclaimed new Rouge Series hit Malaysian stores this month, featuring an enhanced version of the company's proprietary Jailbreak Technology in the driver and, for the first time, the fairways and hybrids.

"We aligned these technologies (Jailbreak and X-Face VFT) to amplify what we call the Jailbreak Effect, which is all about promoting faster ball speed on both centre and off-centre hits to help golfers get more average distance on nearly every drive," said Dr Alan Hocknell, senior vice president of Callaway R&D

Rogue Driver Callaway’s new Rogue Driver features a series of technologies that work together to promote faster ball speed.

The improved Jailbreak Technology features new, hourglass-shaped titanium bars that are 25% lighter, while fulfilling their function to stiffen the crown and sole. The stiffer body allows the face to take on more impact load to promote faster ball speed. Meanwhile, a new X-Face VFT (Variable Face Thickness) face architecture extends faster ball speed across an expansive area of the face.

Callaway’s proprietary triaxial carbon composite material is extremely light and strong, saving substantial weight which is redistributed into the head’s perimeter to significantly increase MOI and forgiveness. The Rogue has the largest triaxial carbon crown of any Callaway driver ever.

Boeing and Callaway collaborated to develop the Speed Step technology used in past Callaway metalwoods. In Rogue, the geometry of the leading edge is redefined to improve airflow to promote faster head speed.

The Rogue driver comes in three different models: Rogue: A new and more forgiving 460cc shape boasts a larger address footprint than the Epic, encouraging golfers to relax and make a free and fast swing.

Rogue Sub Zero: A powerful, extremely low spinning, tour-level driver packaged in a more forgiving head shape.

Rogue Star: Only available in the Asia market, catering for a wider range of golfers. Comes with a nonadjustable hosel and deigned to minimize slice-spin when the face is open at impact.

SRP: Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft – RM3,099 Custom shaft – RM3,999

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Rogue Star Hybrids

Rogue Star Fairways

The synergy of Jailbreak and Face Cup technology makes this Callaway’s most powerful hybrid ever. Two steel Jailbreak bars stiffen the body to promote greater distance.

The hybrid boasts a fast Carpenter 455 steel face, which combines with the Hyper Speed Face Cup to maintain speed across the face.

The Internal Standing Wave positions the CG lower and forward to promote easy launch and increases MOI for more forgiveness.

The first Callaway fairway wood with Jailbreak technology, the Rogue fairways feature two steel Jailbreak bars that stiffen the body, placing more impact load on the face to promote increased ball speed and distance.

The ultra-thin, Carpenter 455 steel face is fast by itself but Jailbreak Technology makes it even faster. Face Cup Technology also promotes more speed, even on off-centre hits.

Rogue fairways also incorporate Callaway’s proprietary Internal Standing Wave technology, which positions the CG low and forward to promote a distance-enhancing combination of highlaunch and low-spin.

Callaway also refined the size, shape and position of the Speed Step to promote better airflow and more club speed.

SRP: Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft – RM1,799

Rogue Irons The Rogue Irons are hailed as the best combination of distance, accuracy and playability ever in a Callaway iron.

360 Face Cup technology combines with Variable Face Thickness (VFT) technology to expand the portion of the face that delivers fast ball speed. Face Cup employs a shallow, flexible rim around the perimeter that flexes and releases at impact to increase ball speed. VFT also influences how the face itself flexes to promote more ball speed on off-centre hits.

Tungsten Weighting allowed Callaway’s engineers to position the CG in each of the long irons with extreme precision, promoting optimum launch and control at each individual loft. Callaway’s elastic-urethane microspheres effectively dampen vibration to provide excellent sound and feel without compromising COR. The Rogue irons are available in two models: Rogue: Long and slender standard size head with slightly stronger lofts and standard length, generating optimum distance and high trajectory.

Rogue Star: Similar to the standard Rogue but with an oversized head and a wider sole width with deeper CG. Stronger lofts and longer lengths result in extreme distance performance.

SRP: Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft – RM1,999

SRP (5-9, P): Rogue: NS Pro 950 shaft – RM5,999 Rogue Star: NS Pro Zelos shaft / Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft – RM5,999

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IN THE BAG

www.odysseygolf.com

Odyssey Putters

PUTTING IT PERFECTLY Odyssey aficionados will have a ball checking out the latest models from the putter specialists, headlined by O-Works line extensions and the new Stroke Lab i putter.

O-Works Red & Black Putters Odyssey’s new O-Works Red and Black putters are the result of extensive feedback from the world’s best players, combining a clean look with quicker roll from the putter expert’s revolutionary Microhinge Insert Technology.

Microhinge Insert Technology Odyssey has set the standard for insert innovation since they introduced the legendary White Hot. With the Microhinge Insert, the company’s R&D department focused on the effect of the insert and getting the ball into a better roll at impact.

Microhinge Technology provides substantial gains in topspin and roll at impact, regardless of the stroke. The stainless steel Microhinge plate is co-moulded into the Thermoplastic Elastomer Feel layer, providing great feel and better roll at impact.

When it came to design of the putters, the Odyssey R&D team is always constantly working on prototype designs with their tour players. They rely heavily on detailed player feedback at every stage from the earliest prototypes to the final retail product.

In this case, a number of Odyssey’s tour staffers requested the company to build either a red or black head shape with a clean, simple look at address. In player testing, Odyssey found that the staffers really liked the head colours and putted well with them. Based on experience, if a putter setup helps tour players, it can certainly help regular golfers as well … and that’s how O-Works Red and Black evolved.

The Odyssey O-Works Red and Black models have dominated tour events since their release. The new mallets with toe hang are designed for players who like to feel the face of their putter rotate more in their stroke.

Models Four tour-proven models will be available here in red and black: Marxman and Marxman S – a progressive mallet design with perimeter weighting and Marxman Hi-Def alignment.

Jailbird Mini and Mini S – a face-balanced mallet with high MOI. 2-Ball Fang and 2-Ball Fang S – a mallet design with perimeter-weighted fangs. #1 Wide S – a compact heel-toe weighted blade with wide flange and S-neck hosel.

In addition to the new O-Works Red and Black putters, five new head shapes have been added to the O-Works JV line for the Japanese market that will be made available here – the #1WCS, #1SH, #5, #5CS and 2-Ball Blade putters.

SRP: RM1,250 46

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Odyssey Stroke Lab i Putter The original Stroke Lab putter was developed to enhance consistency in putting through the series of movements in a stroke. Callaway engineers studied all stroke types, tempo as well as head path and analysed the results … and the result of this research was the Stroke Lab putter. The Stroke Lab represented a new concept in improving the accuracy of stroke in all heads, shafts and grips.

The new Stroke Lab i putter is the improved version of the original Stroke Lab with Odyssey’s revolutionary Microhinge Insert Technology. The latest putter generates stable tempo and stroke and is designed with a high Moment of Inertia (MOI) for more forgiveness.

Compared with other Odyssey putters, the Stroke Lab i head is heavier with an approximate increase of 15g. It also comes with a lighter shaft (by 29g) and is fitted with a new grip that is heavier by 18g with a counter balance weight.

The Stroke Lab i putter is available in six different types head designs with 33" and 34" shaft lengths available.

SRP: RM1,290

©Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Michelle Wie used a modified Odyssey O-Works Red #1W putter en route to her win in the HSBC Women’s World Championship in early March.

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IN THE BAG

www.scottycameron.com

Scotty Cameron 2018 Select Putters

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Scotty Cameron fans will love the latest generation Select putter models, which continue the evolution of the line renowned for its performance, precision and elegance.

The 2018 Select line introduces new four-way sole balancing technology while advancing master putter maker Scotty Cameron’s proven multi-material construction methodology. Face inlays of either 303 stainless steel or 6061 aircraft-grade aluminium are mated with stainless steel bodies for excellent balance, weight distribution, sound and feel.

Key Performance Benefits “I always strive to raise the bar by incorporating new materials, milling and manufacturing techniques,” said Cameron. “I’m at the point with the Select line of putters that now I’m hyper-focused on the finest details.

Tour players pick up on things most people don’t but those details can make a big difference in how a putter performs.

“We’ve reengineered the sole to account for the shaft and grip weight by actually moving metal in minute increments to help the putter align perfectly. I call it four-way sole balancing because we’ve balanced the putter from face to cavity, and from heel to toe.”

Sight: Contours and sight cues were refined to enhance alignment and instil confidence. Cameron focused on thinning topline appearances by giving each model a slightly rounder radius, while plumbing neck dimensions, edges and angles have been squared up for a cleaner look.

Sound: Improved sound and feel are the result of up to 30 percent more vibration dampening material connecting face inlays with putter bodies. The connecting screws are slightly larger to account for the increased material and the surface compression necessary to produce the softer sound, while preserving excellent feedback.

Sole: For the first time, Cameron has introduced a fourway balanced sole design for a faster set-up and easier alignment. The balance point of each 2018 Select putter’s sole has been shifted forward to account for the impact of the weight of the shaft and grip as to how the putter sits.

Accessories & Aesthetics Each new Select putter features advanced stability weighting with two, customisable stainless steel heel-toe weights, stepless steel shafts and Black & Silver Matador mid-size grips developed to offer the comfort of a larger grip while maintaining responsiveness and feel.

The Select line’s raw stainless steel finish has been given a unique bead blast for a radiant yet glare resistant appearance. Smaller double-milled ‘cherry dots’ on the heel and sole – inspired by Cameron’s familiar three bright translucent red dot theme – with simplified, engraved typography represent this modern, refined line.

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New Models The 2018 Select line features seven tour-validated modern blade and mid-mallet models. The new Select Laguna joins the classic Select Newport, Newport 2 and Newport 2.5 blades, while the popular Fastback and Squareback return in updated mid-mallet offerings. Rounding off the 2018 line is the heel-shafted mid-mallet Select Newport 3.

Newport The iconic ‘three-step’ Newport shape was designed to sit evenly at address and enhanced with four-way balanced precision milling. Updated graphics extend the iconic three red dot theme to the face heel and sole.

Newport 3 The heel-shafted Newport 3 brings together a teardrop shaped design with high toe flow. Flange milling has been smoothed for more sculpted contours with updated four-way sole balancing and improved vibration dampening.

Newport 2 With subtle refinements to topline radius milling, the Newport 2 appears slightly thinner from address for a tour-preferred set-up.

Up to 30 percent more vibration dampening material improves sound and feel.

Laguna Scotty’s newest, re-engineered Laguna brings back a popular head shape with 2018 Select line technology, including a mid-milled stainless steel face inlay, four-way balanced sole milling and improved vibration dampening.

Newport 2.5 The Newport 2.5 employs softer milling of the flare neck that provides players with ¾ shaft offset and higher toe flow, while incorporating the four-way sole balancing setup and improved vibration dampening material.

Fastback The 2018 Select Fastback features a single milled flange line for a cleaner, tour-preferred look while allowing for more vibration dampening material between the sole and flange. The 6061 aircraft grade aluminium face-sole inlay has been refined to allow for more perimeter weighting.

Squareback The 2018 Select Squareback has a milled sightline for a clean look at address. The also allows for more vibration dampening material to be placed between the sole and flange of the aircraft grade aluminium face-sole. This new model also boasts softer contours, subtle shape refinements and a new face-sole configuration.

“I always strive to raise the bar by incorporating new materials, milling and manufacturing techniques.”

SRP: RM2,140. The Newport 2 and Newport 3 feature left-handed versions

SCOTTY CAMERON

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IN THE BAG

www.cobragolf.com

Cobra King F8 and F8+ Drivers

MILLED MARVELS

The new Cobra King F8 and King F8+ drivers boast the brand’s first ever Precision Milled Forged face for superb performance off the tees.

The fully CNC machined driver face is paired with 360° Aero Technology and equipped with Cobra Connect Powered

by Arccos – a combination which delivers Cobra’s fastest, most precise and smartest drivers to date.

A unique multi-directional CNC milling pattern on the face delivers an extremely high level of precision. The face is 3% thinner and 10% lighter for increased ball speed across the face.

F8 and F8+ Golfers have a choice between oversized performance and forgiveness in the F8 and traditional shaping with excellent workability and penetrating ball flights in the F8+.

The F8’s adjustable weight system offers two CG settings: one in the back for a higher ball flight and one in the heel to provide additional draw bias.

The F8+ driver is equipped with two CG settings – one in the front for a lower, penetrating ball flight, and one in the back for a higher, towering ball flight with slightly more spin.

360° Aero Technology Cobra’s 360° Aero Technology incorporates an innovative system of aerodynamic trips around the perimeter of the face to reduce drag for increased clubhead speed. A polymer material on the trips placed on the crown creates better CG positioning and higher MOI, while an ultralight, five-ply Carbon Fibre crown moves the CG lower and deeper for higher trajectories.

Meanwhile, Cobra’s proven E9 Technology reduces energy loss on shots farther away from the centre.

MyFly8 with Smart Pad technology in the F8 affords golfers the choice of eight loft settings (from 9.0° to 12°) to fine tune launch conditions, while Smart Pad maintains a square clubhead at address. The F8+ has a lower loft range (8.0° to 11°).

Both models are available in Nardo Grey and Black colourways.

SRP: F8: MRC Tensei CK Blue 50g shaft / Aldila NV 2KXV Blue 60 shaft / Aldila NV 2KXV Green 65 shaft / Fujikura Speeder shaft – RM2,099 F8+: Aldila NV 2KXV Blue 60 shaft / Aldila NV 2KXV Green 65 shaft – RM2,099

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www.titleist.asia

Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball

FEELING FAST

Golfers looking for soft feel with tour-level performance will love Titleist’s new Tour Soft ball.

Engineered to deliver superb performance for golfers who want better feel, the Tour Soft has an innovative design which combines the largest core ever in a Titleist ball with new ultra-thin cover technology. The result is responsive feel, extremely fast speed and excellent short game performance.

“We knew based on breakthroughs being made in R&D that there was an opportunity to deliver a brand new high-performance golf ball that would lead the category in terms of soft compression feel,” said Michael Mahoney, vice president, Titleist golf ball marketing. “Ultimately, because of our exhaustive and iterative prototyping process, we were able to deliver everything we wanted in Tour Soft – and more.”

More than 19,000 golfers participated in the white box testing and validation process, while player feedback was then gathered through Team Titleist and shared with Titleist R&D. The Tour Soft is available in both white and high-optic yellow.

Performance / Technological Features • Category-leading soft feel, commanding distance, excellent short game performance.

• The largest Titleist core ever produces extremely soft feel and high ball speed. In developing the core, Titleist’s R&D and operations teams were challenged to break through previously accepted core size limitations in order to produce a ball that feels better – and is longer or just as long as the competition.

• A new ultra-thin 4CE grafted cover made with TCU Process Technology generates advanced short game control. Innovations in the manufacturing process at Titleist Ball Plant 2 in Massachusetts allowed engineers to mould the extremely thin and soft cover formulation uniformly across the surface. The cover is a proprietary blend of four different materials and is as thin as some urethanecovered balls in the market.

• A new spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design delivers a penetrating trajectory and consistent flight.

SRP: RM199 per dozen

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IN THE BAG

www.clevelandgolf.com

Cleveland Launcher HB Driver

LAUNCH FACTOR

Cleveland’s new Launcher HB Driver is made for distance and forgiveness, thanks to the HiBore crown and numerous other technological advancements.

The HiBore crown moves the CG low and deep, promoting a high-launch, low-spin trajectory. The updated structure compresses at impact and decompresses at launch for faster ball speeds, which results in what Cleveland hails as their longest and most forgiving driver ever.

The Launcher HB’s hosel design is super-light, with the extra mass repositioned low and deep to further boost distance and forgiveness. Compressing and decompressing with explosive energy, the Flex-Fins help launch the ball with remarkable speed, even on heel and toe misses.

The Launcher Cup Face increases COR across the face to create a large sweetspot.

Added ball speed means you get more distance; consistent ball speed across the face means you get more forgiveness.

SRP: Miyazaki C. Kia 50 shaft - RM1,690

POWER PLAYER Two-time World Long Drive champion Jamie Sadlowski has signed a multi-year contract as global brand ambassador for Cleveland Golf as he continues his career switch to a tour professional.

“As I begin my second year of professional golf around the world, I know the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver, along with the compliment of irons and wedges, will deliver the performance I am looking for,” said Sadlowski.

The 29-year-old began his golfing career on the World Long Drive circuit where he won back-to-back championships in 2008 and 2009. In 2016, Sadlowski made the transition to competitive professional golf and made his PGA Tour debut the following year at the Dean & Deluca Invitational and Safeway Open, while playing in 10 events on the PGA Tour Canada.

Sadlowski put together some impressive launch conditions with the Launcher HB Driver – ball speed of 190.3mph, launch angle of 9.7°, spin of 2,454rpm, carry distance of 343 yards and total distance of 372 yards.

“With the Launcher HB driver, I know I will be able to drive the ball longer and straighter which is the key to my game,” noted Sadlowski. “I’ve never been more confident in my golf clubs.”

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www.taylormadegolf.com

TaylorMade M3 Driver

TWISTED TERROR TaylorMade’s new M3 driver is hailed as the most advanced driver in the company’s history, thanks largely to breakthrough Twist Face Technology.

Technological Features Twist Face Technology: This counteracts golfers’ most common misses by delivering a corrective face angle when hit offcentre. To counteract the high-toe miss (a hook), the face has been ‘twisted’ open to increase loft and open the face in that area. To counteract the low-heel miss (a slice), the face has been ‘twisted’ closed to de-loft and close the face in that area.

Y-Track: Both the 460cc and 440cc models come with a new Y-Track adjustability system that allows golfers to obtain their optimal ball flight parameters.

The heel-to-toe and front-to-back tracks on the M3 are connected to allow both 11g weights to be utilised for the benefit of heel-to-toe control as well as front-to-back CG adjustment – resulting in more than 1,000 unique CG configurations.

The Y-Track combines with the 12-position, four-degree aluminium Loft Sleeve to provide an unprecedented level of personalisation.

Hammerhead Slot: The new Hammerhead slot has three elements: a central Speed Pocket, face geometry and stiffening ribs. By dividing the Speed Pocket into zones, the overall length is increased by 22%, which creates a larger flexible centre zone to increase ball speed on low face impacts and reduce backspin.

The M3 features a new matte silver front section and a raised, aerodynamic five-layer carbon composite crown.

Specifications Asian specs: 9.5° and 10.5° lofts with a Mitsubishi KuroKage TM5 shaft. Golfers also have the option of four premium aftermarket shafts: Graphite Design Tour AD IZ, MCC RF60, Fujikura Speeder Evolution IV and UST Attas Cool 60.

Global specs: Additional lofts of 8.5° and 12° along with LH options, while the 440 (RH only) offers 9° and 10° loft options.

Both the 460 and 440cc models are fitted with Mitsubishi’s Tensei CK Red (high-launch), Blue (mid-launch) or White (lowlaunch) shafts. Two dozen-plus additional premium custom shaft options are available at no upcharge.

SRP: RM2,790

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IN THE BAG

onoff.globeride.co.jp/global

2018 OnOff Lady Series

EASY ENJOYMENT The OnOff Lady Series caters for golfers of the fairer sex who want to enjoy golf the easy way. Technological advancements from previous models make the new lady clubs from the Japanese clubmaker the easiest yet to play and help lady golfers improve their games for more enjoyment.

Power Trench Design OnOff engineers have further optimised the Power Trench Design to create a larger sweetspot and more efficient energy transfer for increased ball speeds.

The Power Trench was reduced from three or two lines (depending on loft) to one single trench which is considerably deeper, wider and longer. With the new Power Trench wrapping around the heel and toe of the club, the sweetspot or high repulsion area was significantly widened, especially towards the heel and toe sides of the face – where the typical missed shots for amateurs are. The Power Trench reduces distance loss on those bad hits.

This more consistent face flex also creates greater directional stability and less twisting of the head on impact.

Hyper Effect Face A significant redesign of the internal structure of the face (Hyper Effect Face) also contributes to the larger overall sweetspot. The centre of the driver face has been reduced to a thickness of 3.2mm, while the outer edges reach an ultra-thin 2.1mm (again towards the toe and heel). This creates a more responsive face for higher ball speeds across a larger area.

Variable Sole Thickness The new driver takes advantage of variable sole thickness to optimally place weight, helping golfers make better impact and generate a draw trajectory. The thickest part of the sole is at the heel and it thins progressively towards the toe. This places more weight towards the heel, which promotes head rotation and helps square the face at impact. This reduces unwanted sidespin which equals to longer drives with a slight draw bias.

New Lady Shafts Designed using proprietary Daiwa technology, the new Smooth Kick LP-481 shafts in the Lady Series have been redesigned from the ground up and focus on creating more consistent loading and unloading through the impact zone. This helps ladies generate consistent release of the clubhead for more distance and predictability.

SRP: Driver – RM3,350 / Fairways – RM1,990 Utilities – RM1,600 / Irons (5-9, P, S) – RM7,890 Available at MST Golf outlets

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www.ping.com

Ping G700 Irons

SLIM & FORGIVING In this game-improvement iron, Ping’s engineers put a high priority on power and forgiveness by leveraging the advantages of a hollow-body design and a thin, maraging steel face.

The result is Ping’s longest, highest-flying iron to date, with the added benefits of playability, tighter dispersion and enhanced sound in a slim, aesthetically pleasing shape.

“The desire for golfers to hit their irons farther continues to grow. We want to provide options that greatly increase distance without sacrificing other performance attributes, such as consistency, forgiveness and feel,” said Ping president John K Solheim. “With the G700 iron, we’ve been able to accomplish all of that in a very appealing design with a sound that screams distance from the moment golfers hit it.

“We’re seeing significant ball speed increases in the G700 while maintaining the consistency and control golfers need to improve their iron play. It also has a great overall look, especially at address, and a premium finish. When golfers hit it, they’ll experience a sensation and sound that’s unlike any they’ve ever felt or heard.”

Technological Features Powerful Design: The hollow-body construction of the 17-4 stainless steel head allows for an internal geometry design that positions weight away from the face, creating a frame for metalwood-like flexing. This results in a high COR to greatly increase ball speed.

Maraging Steel Face: One of the strongest alloys in the world, C300 maraging steel increases ball speed and distance by generating twice the face flexing. Low and extreme heel-toe perimeter weighting ensures high MOI for more forgiveness and tighter dispersion.

Clean Appearance With a sole width and offset similar to the G400 iron, plus a clean cavity, hydropearl plating and polished accent, the G700 has an address view which is confidence-inspiring.

The sole width, bounce and offset allow for better turf interaction to improve ball striking, which contributes to forgiveness and distance control without sacrificing playability and height.

SRP (5-9, P): NS Pro Zelos 6 shafts / AWT 2.0 Lite shafts / NS Pro 950GH shafts / NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 105 shafts – RM5,940 Ping Fubuki R shafts / Alta J CB shafts – RM6,540

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IN THE BAG

www.ping.com

Ping Vault 2.0 Putters

PRECISELY TRUE The next generation of Ping’s 100%-milled putters, the Vault 2.0 Collection, provides tour-calibre touch and performance through proven innovations like precision-milled True Roll Technology plus a new custom-weighting system.

The Vault putters are named after the company’s famous Gold Putter Vault, which houses close to 3,000 gold-plated and solid-gold replicas of winning Ping putters.

Technological Features Custom Weighting: A new custom-weighting system offers sole-weight options in steel (standard weight head), tungsten (15g heavier than standard) and aluminium (15g lighter than standard) to match individual preferences.

New Face Technology: The individually milled True-Roll face pattern varies in depth and pitch across the face, which speeds up off-centre impacts.

Precision Milling & Quality Craftsmanship The heads are engineered to exacting standards and fully machined to the tightest tolerances for premium quality and precision in look, feel and sound.

Precision milling of the mallets takes place at the Ping headquarters shop, where craftsmen oversee every detail including milling of the True-Roll face technology.

The putters come in three premium finishes – Stealth, Copper and Platinum.

Grips Ping PP60: Midsize, lightweight design with foam under-listing and dominant flats for face awareness.

Ping PP61: An exaggerated pistol with a rubber under-listing for softer response.

Ping PP62: The thickest of the Ping Pistol series, the PP62 is more rounded with a foam underlisting.

Ping CB60: The 15" CB60 is standard on custom counter-balanced putters with a rubber underlisting.

SRP: RM1,860

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MODEL

PUTTER TYPE

STANDARD LENGTH

HEAD WEIGHT

STROKE TYPE

LIE ANGLE RANGE

Dale Anser

Conventional

35.00"

350g

Slight Arc

±4°

Voss

Conventional

35.00"

350g

Slight Arc

±4°

B60

Conventional

35.00"

355g

Slight Arc

±4°

ZB

Conventional

35.00"

350g

Strong Arc

±4°

Piper

Conventional

35.00"

360g

Straight, Slight Arc

±2°

Ketsch

Conventional

35.00"

365g

Straight, Slight Arc

±2°

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march 19, 2017

Tyrrell Hatton

Louis Oosthuizen Tony Finau

G700

G400

i200

G Le

Bubba Watson

PING PROS SEEK WGC Four PING pros will compete for a prestigious World Golf Championships crown at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club, beginning Wednesday. Three of the four will rely on a G400 driver, including Tony Finau, the longest driver on the PGA Tour, averaging

322.7 yards off the tee with his G400 Max. Also in the field are Bubba Watson, who is 4th in average driving distance at 316.2 yards with his G400 LST, Louis Oosthuizen, and Tyrrell Hatton, who was T3 at the WGC-Mexico Championship earlier this month.

PING DEMO/FITTING DAYS SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 2018 APRIL

DAY

VENUE

TIME

6 Apr 18

Fri

TPC Performance Center

11.00am to 8.00pm

11 Apr 18

Wed

Bandar Sri Damansara Driving Range

5.00pm to 8.00pm

13 Apr 18

Fri

TPC Performance Center

11.00am to 8.00pm

18 Apr 18

Wed

Extreme Park Golf Driving Range Kota Damansara

5.00pm to 8.00pm

20 Apr 18

Fri

TPC Performance Center

11.00am to 8.00pm

25 Apr 18

Wed

Tropicana Golf Country Club Driving Range

5.00pm to 8.00pm

27 Apr 18

Fri

TPC Performance Center

11.00am to 8.00pm

Winston’s Sdn Bhd Showroom (Indoor) (Custom Fitting with latest nFlight Fitting System) (PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT)

10.00am to 5.00pm

APRIL'18 DAILY EXCEPT - Sat, Sun, & Public Holiday

Sole Distributor:

WINSTON’S SDN BHD (15202-W)

36, Jln Pemberita U1/49, Temasya Industrial Park, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel : 03-5569 2623 Fax : 03-5569 2639 Email : winstons@wingolf.com.my Available at leading golf shops, pro shops and department stores.

PING PERFORMANCE CENTER AT TPC KUALA LUMPUR

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ESSENTIALS

SPRING INTO SUMMER STYLE ADIDAS GOLF

The Spring/Summer 2018 apparel collections by adidas Golf captivate with fresh, trendy colour combos and designs. Constructed using tech-embedded materials, the new collections help keep you comfortable and inspired during your game. adi Pure – The Premium Brand of adidas Golf reflects the traditions of the sport. Classic inspiration and modern styles create a collection with simple lines, clean cuts and colours, subtle stripes and functionality to the fore. adidas – This is the ultimate performance product that conveys golfers’ confidence through the outfits they wear.

On-course inspiration with athletic style make for a collection that includes bright and bold colours with the instantly recognisable three-stripe branding. adicross – This urban, funky and versatile collection sees preppy styles that include bright pink and yellow to give your game and you a boost in confidence – ideal for on and off the course.

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URBAN & HYDRO STUBURT

The Stuburt Urban Fashion golf shoes deliver a casual and trendy look without sacrificing on performance or comfort thanks to the memory characteristics of the soft microfibre upper, the use of a contoured last that mirrors the foot shape, Stuburt cushion technology, a lightweight EVA midsole and a high-grip rubber outsole.

The Stuburt Hydro Response, meanwhile, offers a blend of performance, comfort and stability – complemented by its classic yet sporty design that makes it stand out. Technical microfibre uppers, cushioned insoles and a lightweight, flexible outsole provide exceptional comfort, while the Stuburt branded cleats deliver stability and traction.

Both models available at all MST Golf outlets.

SRP: Urban Fashion – RM199 Hydro Response – RM229

SPIETH 2 UNDER ARMOUR

Engineered with direct insights from three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth, the UA Spieth 2 takes performance and comfort to new levels. Building off his first signature shoe, Spieth 2 is 100% waterproof yet incredibly breathable (thanks to the newly added GORE-TEX construction) and features a softer leather and smart-woven upper that uses incredibly strong but lightweight TPU fibres to keep golfers locked-in better than ever.

Other features UA smart weave upper provides the ultimate lightweight support • Clarino microfibre leather for added durability & support • Integrated lacing system for a locked-in fit • Removable EVA footbed for premium underfoot comfort • UA Rotational Resistance (RST) Spikes for lockdown traction • TPU outsole with lightweight EVA midsole for responsive cushioning with every step • Two-year limited waterproof warranty SRP: RM1,099

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asian angles chuah choo chiang

A thought-provoking column on Asian golf by Chuah Choo Chiang, recognised worldwide as one of Asia's top golf writers. Chuah is the senior director, communications of the PGA Tour, based at TPC Kuala Lumpur.

The Real Deal

Labelled as the “complete package”, Indian Shubhankar Sharma is quickly – and deservingly – becoming THE ONE to watch

A

©G

reg ory

Sh am

us/

Ge tty

Ima ges

s the azaleas and dogwood prepare to bloom, signalling the arrival of spring and the year’s first Major, the Masters Tournament, Asia’s young and aspiring stars have blossomed in near perfect sync to deliver golfing bliss to the continent’s growing legion of fans.

Amongst the emerging crop of leading regional performers, young Indian Shubhankar Sharma has undoubtedly been the name on everybody’s lips following his double victory in South Africa and Malaysia, plus a mesmerising debut at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship

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where he held the 36-hole and 54-hole lead before finishing tied ninth announced his arrival on one of the game’s the biggest stage.

At 21, Sharma is proving himself to be the real deal. He can consistently hit it straight with every club in his bag, he putts the ball beautifully and owns a calm temperament thanks largely to meditation taught by his mother since he was child. In addition, Sharma is humble and has the personality that every parent would be proud of.

Jeev Milkha Singh, one of India’s greatest players, has labelled his young countryman as the “complete package” while Arjun Atwal, the only Indian to win

on the PGA Tour to date, calls Sharma a young man with an “older soul” which is evident through his maturity on and off the golf course. Anirban Lahiri has predicted it would only be a matter of time before Sharma joins him on the PGA Tour.

An army brat where his father, Colonel Mohan Sharma, served in the Indian armed forces and was coaxed by Lahiri’s father to teach his son the game, Shubhankar has been a great benefactor of the Asian Tour, the region’ governing body for the professional game.

Through playing opportunities across the region, the first sighting of Sharma as a new prospect came at the 2016 Resorts World Manila Masters where he fired a final round 62 to finish equal fourth, which helped seal his full card for the 2017 Asian Tour season.

Sharma went on to register four top10s during 2017 and several weeks after missing out on his European Tour card at Qualifying School late last year, the young Indian pulled off a careerchanging victory at the Joburg Open in South Africa, highlighted by a stunning 61 during the second round.

At 21, Sharma is proving himself to be the real deal – he can consistently hit it straight with every club in his bag, he putts the ball beautifully and owns a calm temperament. In addition, he’s humble and has the personality that every parent would be proud of.

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©PGA Tour

“I am deeply honoured to be found worthy of invitation by the Masters Committee.

It’s a dream come true.

My gratitude.”

Sharma on his Major debut in the upcoming Masters “I saw how well he struck the golf ball. He hit a beautiful tee shot on 1, you can tell he can really play. I saw some of the putts, some of the highlights with the putter. I know he’s a very talented player and I believe he’s leading the Order of Merit on the European Tour, so I know what a great player Mr. Sharma is. I probably shouldn’t say that, he’s 26 years younger than me!,” said Mickelson, who pipped reigning FedExCup No 1 Justin Thomas with a par on the first sudden-death playoff hole to win the WGC-Mexico Championship.

As Sharma boarded the long flight home to Delhi, the let-down was greatly reduced when he received a phone call from Augusta National Golf Club, informing him that he was the recipient of a special invitation to play in the Masters Tournament. It will be his Major debut.

He tweeted: “I am deeply honoured to be found worthy of invitation by the Masters Committee. It’s a dream come true. My gratitude.”

Whatever happens come Masters weeks, amidst the blooming azaleas and dogwoods at August National, Sharma’s continued rise in the game, as with the success shown by fellow Asians, Li Haotong of China and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, only bode well for the game in Asia and around the world.

He will certainly cherish the drive along Magnolia Lane and the road to stardom and the PGA Tour could just be around the next turn. This could truly be a spring to remember for Sharma and Asian golf. PG

©Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

In February, Sharma was at it again, this time producing some final round fireworks at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia where he closed with a scintillating 62 to win by two strokes.

From being ranked a lowly 521st in November, Sharma has since shot up to 64th on the world rankings (as at March 12) and seized the lead on both the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity rankings.

His early season success rewarded Sharma with a maiden World Golf Championships appearance in Mexico City and competing against a backdrop of global stars which included the world’s top-5 golfers and 45 players from the top50, Sharma brilliantly rose to the occasion and captivated fans and media alike with his wonderful all-round game and charming personality.

Cards of 65 and 66 pushed him into the halfway lead and a third round 69 kept him two ahead of a star-studded pack. It earned him a final day grouping with World Golf Hall of Famer, Phil Mickelson, who won the tournament for his 43rd PGA Tour title after a pulsating final day shootout. Such was the dizzying excitement back home that #GoShubhankar trended on twitter in India during the final day in Mexico.

Despite his final round 74, Sharma stood very tall, and made time for his new-found fans by taking photos with them and performed the obligatory media duties with a smile despite the huge disappointment on a day when his putter went dead cold.

Mickelson, who had initially brushed Sharma off as media when the Indian tried to say “hello” to him on the practice putting green prior to round three, was full of praise of the young Indian.

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Volvo China Open returns to Asian Tour schedule

©Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

The Volvo China Open will mark its 24th staging this year as a tri-sanctioned event between the China Golf Association (CGA), the European Tour and the Asian Tour.

The RMB20 million (approximately US$3.15 million) event tees off at Beijing Topwin Golf & Country Club for the third consecutive time this April 26-29. The tournament has been part of the European Tour’s international schedule since 2004.

“With the Volvo China Open now on the Asian Tour schedule it will definitely bring the event to a higher level and will yield higher world ranking points,” said Sven De Smet, chairman of Volvo China Open Board.

“Volvo was one of the earliest sponsors of both the European Tour and the Asian Tour.

Our long-term investment in professional golf has created a model of mutual benefit in the history of sports sponsorship.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley voiced his delight with the tri-sanctioning agreement. “This tournament is a really important one for the European Tour and we are determined to continue building our profile in China, especially after Li Haotong – a former winner of this event of course – became the first Chinese male golfer to break into the top 50 in the world,” he said.

Asian Tour CEO Josh Burack noted that they were happy to return 2016 champion Li Haotong as a partner for this year’s edition

©Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

AROUND ASIA

Beijing Topwin GCC

following a nine-year hiatus.

“The Asian Tour is delighted to join the Volvo China Open as a sanctioning partner alongside the CGA, with whom we formed a strategic partnership with in 2017, and the European Tour, with whom we’ve had a strategic alliance since 2016. We’d also like to thank title sponsors Volvo for their terrific support to involve the Asian Tour and our talented players in their flagship golf property,” said Burack.

The winners of the two previous stagings at Topwin were Chinese No 1 Li in 2016 and France’s Alex Levy last year. Li became the youngest winner of the event at age 20, while Levy went into the record books as the first player to win the event twice (2014 and 2017).

“The previous two editions of the Volvo China Open ended in dramatic fashion, so the Topwin course is clearly a challenge for all of the players, and only the best player on the day will win,” said CGA president Zhang Xiaoning.

Laguna Golf Phuket joins Singha as joint title sponsor of ADT event The second edition of the Singha Phuket Open will be known as the Singha Laguna Phuket Open when the event tees off this May 10-13.

Host venue Laguna Golf Phuket joins Singha Corporation as joint title sponsors of the THB2 million event, which forms part of the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) and co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT).

The Laguna Golf Phuket course underwent a major revamp helmed by South African architect Paul Jansen from 2013 to 2014 and was named Asia’s best golf course at the 2016 World Golf Awards. The resort’s assistant vice president and group golf director, Paul Wilson, says feedback from last year’s tournament resulted in more course enhancements including the removal of some bunkers and the addition of new teeboxes.

“There was an immediate increase in domestic and regional visitors to the course and resort following the 2017 tournament, aided by live TV coverage in Thailand and highlights packages aired in 19 other countries,” he said.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ATGT, which has fostered many of Thailand’s best players including the Kingdom’s current No 1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

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(L to R) Asian Tour COO Cho Minn Thant, All Thailand Golf Tour commissioner Jakraphong Thongyai and Laguna Golf’s Paul Wilson

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Sheshan to follow Sentosa as AAC venue in 2019 Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai has been selected as the venue of the 11th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) when it returns to China for the third time on September 25-29, 2019.

Founded in 2009 by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the Masters Tournament and The R&A, the AAC was established to develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region. The champion receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and The Open, while the runners-up gain a place in Final Qualifying for The Open.

“Our club prides itself on supporting the game of golf by hosting major events as well

as creating new golfers at the grassroots level through our junior programme. Hosting the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is an extension of our vision to see the game of golf thrive in China, and we are excited to welcome the region’s best amateurs to Shanghai in 2019,” said Sheshan’s general manager Roger Foo. The only country with three past champions, China saw continued success at the 2017 AAC in New Zealand with Lin Yuxin winning the title and four of its players finishing in the top-five.

Pang Zheng, secretary-general of the China Golf Association, hailed the event’s

impact on golf in the world’s most populous nation in a short amount of time. “The opportunities awarded to the amateurs are truly life-changing and, as the most televised amateur golf tournament in the world, the event inspires young golfers around the globe,” he noted.

Founded in 2004, Sheshan plays host annually to the WGC-HSBC Champions, which two-time AAC champion Hideki Matsuyama won in 2016. The 10th edition of the AAC takes place this October 4-7 at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

Asian Tour stars support Habitat For Humanity

©Asian Tour

Berry Henson

Americans Berry Henson and Casey O’Toole and Indonesians George Gandranata and Danny Masrin have taken on ambassadorial roles for Habitat For Humanity, the Asian Tour’s official sustainable development partner.

Founded by American businessman Millard Fuller, Habitat For Humanity is a global non-profit housing organisation whose mission is to work with families to build or improve a place they can call home. The four ambassadors donate their time and talents to create awareness of the need for housing in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Being a professional golfer, coming to Asia has been an awesome opportunity for me, so this is about getting chances to give back. I’m glad to be associated with an organisation that helps people in over 70 countries.

It will be cool to travel around the world

kin n Hop ©Hage

Sheshan GC

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s

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

n hampio 2017 c in x u Y in L

and let everybody know about Habitat For Humanity,” said Henson, who was the Asian Tour’s Rookie of the Year in 2011.

Henson was sidelined by a wrist injury for a year before returning to competitive golf last December. A strong start to the season propelled him to fourth place on the Habitat For Humanity Standings, which is the Asian Tour’s season-long Order of Merit.

“We want to thank Berry, Casey, George and Danny for their willingness to raise the visibility of the Habitat For Humanity name. We hope that when they promote, participate and speak to others about Habitat, the overall impact would help more families to build the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to improve their lives,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat For Humanity.

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AROUND ASIA

Arie aims to take China route to Web.com Tour “The goal would now be to get into the top-five (on the Order of Merit), so I’ve got to really prepare myself for the tournaments I get into.”

ARIE IRAWAN

stage of the Web.com qualifying school,” he noted.

In 2015, Arie’s career was on the upswing when he won two events on the Asian Development Tour and also held a full Asian Tour card.

However, the Malaysian’s rise was curtailed by the moped accident which left him with metal plates in his shoulder.

After a four-month break, he returned to action in August that year and got back to winning ways in last December’s Maybank Players Championship.

The 2018 PGA Tour Series-China has a 14-tournament schedule with each event offering RMB1.5 million in prizemoney. The top five players on the final Order of Merit will earn Web.com Tour cards for the 2019 season.

©PGA Tour Series China/Zhuang Liu

Malaysia’s Arie Irawan will be juggling his schedule between the PGA Tour Series-China, the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour as he continues his career resurgence after recovering from a moped accident in 2016.

“I’ll probably focus more on China.

I’ll have to play the minimum number of PGM Tour events and if I can get into some Asian Tour events, that would be great to fill up the schedule,” said Arie, who finished 24th in the PGA Tour Series-China’s second international qualifying school last month to earn conditional status.

“I should be able to get into most of the PGA Tour Series-China events – but I’ll definitely miss one because of my wedding!” added the strapping 27-yearold, who will be getting hitched to girlfriend Marina on May 11.

Arie began his 2018 China campaign in the tour’s season-opening Chengdu Championship at Luxehills International Country Club in mid-March. His target is to finish in the top-five of the Order of Merit and earn a ticket to the Web.com Tour.

“The goal would now be to get into the top-five on the Order of Merit, so I’ve got to really prepare myself for the tournaments I get into.

“The worst case scenario is to get in the top-10 so I can get into the final

TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERO INDIAN OPEN (ASIAN TOUR / EUROPEAN TOUR / PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR OF INDIA) March 8-11 / DLF Golf & Country Club, New Delhi / US$1.75 million Winner: 277 (-11) – Matt Wallace (ENG) 69-70-70-68 Runner-Up: 277 (-11) – Andrew Johnston (ENG) 72-66-73-66 Wallace won on first playoff hole

Matt Wallace

RICHARD MILLE BRUNEI CHAMPIONSHIPS (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR) March 7-10 / The Empire Hotel & Country Club / US$60,000 Winner: 261 (-23) – Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 65-64-64-68 Runner-Up: 267 (-17) – John Catlin (USA) 66-67-69-65

SOLAIRE PHILIPPINE OPEN (ONEASIA / PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR ASIA) February 28-March 3 / The Country Club, Laguna / US$600,000 Winner: 289 (+1) – Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 73-72-73-71 Runner-Up: 289 (+1) – Prom Meesawat (THA) 70-73-74-72 Tabuena won on first playoff hole

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©Asian Tour

ISPS HANDA NEW ZEALAND OPEN (ASIAN TOUR / PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA) March 1-4 / The Hills & Millbrook Resort, Queenstown / US$830,000 Winner: 258 (-27) – Daniel Nisbet (AUS) 63-66-67-62 Runner-Up: 260 (-25) – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 64-64-62-70

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almost ob loo keng yip

Intrepid photographer and long drive proponent Loo Keng Yip gives his rather slanted view on all things golf

Flawed Yet Perfect

It’s not all gloom and doom if one doesn’t finish first. The ‘greater’ prize is sometimes awarded for matters other than the contest at hand could easily appreciate and relate to his triumph over adversity. Getting the better of mental and physical demons, determination in the face of failure and other sterling human qualities.

There have been other instances where the runners-up have been appreciated and rewarded more than the ‘victors’. From American Idol contestants who fell short but went on to have more successful careers than the actual winners, to the original Star Wars. It is difficult to rationalise now why that epic paradigm-shifting movie that shaped a whole generation came in second at the Academy Awards for best film behind Annie Hall the year they were both released. Then there is Al Gore who lost to George W. Bush in the run off for POTUS, but the whole world won when Gore went on to become one of the most effective voices who speak up for saving the planet for future generations. Not too shabby a legacy for ending up ‘second best’.

Tiger’s second placing got more accolades than Casey’s win even if they both have had to wait a very long time before feeling victorious again. It is not that the latter’s

There’s much to like about Tiger’s long-awaited return to form, and more so because of the dignified manner in which he responded to holing out shots and the resulting applause. Tiger 2.0 may be more mellow but is no less effective.

struggles were any less significant but only that Tiger’s spectacular fall from grace and down-time was far better documented in the press.

Perhaps Tiger’s and even Casey’s return to winning ways tugs a little at each of our own heartstrings. Surely everyone feels they deserve a second chance. Technically, Tiger’s resurgence came up one rung short of outright victory and yet was just so perfect. It epitomises what it is to be human at its finest. Superlative performance and yet being flawed ... tough yet vulnerable ... at the very same time.

Drive long and prosper. PG

©Michael Reaves/Getty Images

T

iger Woods battling to the No 2 spot at last month’s Valspar Championship was pretty heroic. But perhaps more importantly it made us revisit the wellknown adage, ‘Winning isn’t everything’.

As should be.

Spare a thought for all the ‘nonwinners’. On any given day they represent pretty much the overwhelming majority of people.

There’s much to like about Tiger’s long-awaited return to form, and more so because of the dignified manner in which he responded to holing out shots and the resulting applause. All the old skills, stinger two irons off the tee, etc, seem to be intact but gone are the fist pumps, the pointing and the intense staring down of putts as they are about to fall. The arrogance of youth perhaps? Tiger 2.0 may be more mellow but is no less effective.

Occasionally circumstances compel us to appreciate things on a higher level than merely heaping silver on the ones who finish first – and as in Tiger’s case, finishing behind can even put the winner in a bit of shade.

Paul Casey won but there is no doubt as to whom the crowd – and ironically even Casey himself – was pulling for.

In Tiger’s second-place finish we

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THE GOLF SCENE

MST targets club-fitting expansion with more Golf Tech Shops

MST Golf directors with the Golf Tech Shop team and brand representatives

Retail giant MST Golf is planning to build on the club-fitting element of its business over the next few months.

Dubbed MST Golf Tech Shop, the chain’s three existing fitting centres are located at TPC Kuala Lumur, The Intermark Mall and and the company’s headquarters in Subang. MST Golf chief executive Ng Yap noted that custom-fitting is an integral and growing part of their business..

“Golf Tech Shop opened 13 years ago and at that time we looked at it more as a complement to our retail business,” said Ng during a media event at the MST Golf Tech Shop at TPC Kuala Lumpur in early March.

“As the Malaysian golf market matured and there was a growing demand for a much higher level of professional fitting services, we took a serious look again at this part of our business about five years ago and have been working since then to establish ourselves.

“Today, we are witnessing the fruits of our labour as we are the largest club-fitting and repair service provider in the country with the most complete range of brands. Golf Tech Shop is now world-class and in line with our retail vision and what we need to do to support and serve consumers,” he added.

Ng noted that the expansion will be done in two stages. “First, we’ll make some of our existing locations more Golf Tech Shopfocused. Then we’ll look at expanding to key regions outside the Klang Valley.

"We’re also looking at investing in a fitting van and implementing a training

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“More and more customers are coming in with technical questions ... talking to them about how we can help improve their games is a joy for me.”

GERONNE NERO, MASTER-FITTER, MST GOLF TECH SHOP

system for our golf retail consultants to make them more knowledgeable about fitting,” said Ng, adding that one of the

biggest challenges at expanding the fitting business was finding good club-fitters.

Ng revealed that they are setting up a new Golf Tech Shop in Singapore at the popular Marina Bay driving range, which will be their second fitting centre in the island republic after the Suntec City outlet.

Much of the success of Golf Tech Shop is due to South African master-fitter Geronne Nero, who joined the company two years ago. Since then, Nero has built one of the region’s best club-fitting teams who have helped grow the company’s fitting business almost two-fold in two years.

“One of my biggest tasks was to build up our fitting team. I’m proud to say that if you go to any Golf Tech Shop today, you'll get the same level of service,” said Nero.

"You can have the best tools in the business but it's about how you use them.”

Nero noted that with the growing use of Trackman and other launch monitors by coaches plus the amount of information available on the interest, Malaysian golfers are becoming more knowledgeable about technology and fitting. “More and more customers are coming in with technical questions ... talking to them about how we can help improve their games is a joy for me.”

Established in 1990, MST Golf is the largest retail chain in Southeast Asia with outlets in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

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Honma’s customised class Honma master-fitter Takashi Katsumata believes that club-fitting will benefit all levels of golfers, even beginners.

“Through custom-fitting, golfers’ skills can be improved faster. We would recommend custom-fitting to beginners as well as better players because it is ideal to play the appropriate clubs before the swing becomes stable,” said Katsumata, who was in Kuala Lumpur in early February for a series of fitting sessions for members of MST Golf’s ilovegolf loyalty programme.

“Moreover, gear – i.e. golf clubs – is one of the three essential factors for game improvement. The other two are skill and physical condition,” he added.

Katsumata noted that Honma customfitting stands out from other systems due to its detailed, three-element approach.

“Honma custom-fitting consists of three elements. First, a total analysis of ball trajectory, head and shaft movement checks, plus swing analysis. Second, we look at the total combination and flow of all the clubs, from the driver to the putter.

Finally, we look at the total picture – the golfer’s actual issues, his future plans, the ‘skill-up’ process and his aims,” said Katsumata.

“Over the last few years, thanks to the increased use of measurement devices globally, analysis of ball trajectory and swing has greatly improved,” he added.

Today, Honma’s business in Japan is almost 100% custom-fitted. “With regard to sales of hard goods, nearly 100% of customers buy our products through fitting. Custom-fitting services have really

helped us grow our business in the last 10 years,” revealed Katsumata.

Honma products are renowned for their superb craftsmanship as well as performance, being painstakingly handmade by skilled craftsmen over a number of different processes. All Honma models originate in the company’s famed Sakata Plant in Yamagata prefecture.

Honma master-fitter Takashi Katsumata

TPC Kuala Lumpur has been ranked No 89 in the Top 100 Golf & Country Clubs in the Platinum Clubs of the World 2018-2019, moving up one spot from 2015.

Platinum Clubs of the World was founded in 2013 by the late John Sibbald, who was widely acknowledged as the leading executive search consultant for the club and resort industry. The selection is conducted during the biennial Club Leaders Forum, based on a certified confidential ballot by a panel of industry experts.

“This recognition definitely motivates us to continuously maintain TPCKL as one of the finest golf and country clubs in the world. It instils a sense of pride among us knowing how prestigious it is to be one of the five-star Platinum Clubs!” said Farroul Hossey, club manager of TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Located in Mont Kiara close to the city centre, TPC Kuala Lumpur offers two worldclass courses and one of the best clubhouses in Asia. The East Course has been the venue for the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia since the tournament’s inception in 2010 and the PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic since 2013.

©TPCKL

Platinum stamp for TPC Kuala Lumpur

“This recognition definitely motivates us to continuously maintain TPCKL as one of the finest golf and country clubs in the world.”

FARROUL HOSSEY, CLUB MANAGER, TPCKL

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THE GOLF SCENE

Sapporo’s interclub boost for golf tourism

Reciprocal arrangements with Japanese clubs are making up a growing segment of the golf tourism industry in Malaysia. This was evidenced by the recent trip to Kuala Lumpur by members of the prestigious Sapporo Country Club in Hokkaido, Japan, for a series of interclub matches against Klang Valley clubs.

Led by club president Shigeki Yamazaki, the Sapporo contingent played matches at Saujana, Glenmarie, Kelab Golf Negara Subang and Kota Permai.

“In Hokkaido, we can’t play golf in the winter months from December to March, so our members travel to southern Japan to play – for example Kyushu on the mainland, where it doesn’t snow but is still cold. In Okinawa and other parts of southern Japan, the golf rates are expensive … even for Japanese,” said Yamazaki before the match against Kota Permai.

Yamazaki noted that Malaysia is the only country in Southeast Asia where they have reciprocal arrangements.

“Many Japanese travel abroad to play golf during winter … but often they face language barriers and there is also concern about illness, accidents and security. After looking at countries where such concerns could be allayed, we decided Malaysia was the best.

That’s why we signed affiliation and reciprocal arrangements with 13 Malaysian clubs,” he noted.

Gamuda Land’s director of club operations & townships Tang Meng Loon said that more than 60 Sapporo members came to Kota Permai last year to play golf.

“Reciprocal and affiliation agreements are a sure-fire way to boost golf tourism to Malaysia. Members visiting their partner clubs not only engage in golf games but also

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(L to R) Sapporo CC president Shigeki Yamazaki,Team Sapporo captain Isao Jitsuhara, Team Kota Permai captain Ng Say Hoe and Gamuda Land’s director of club operations and townships Tang Meng Loon

schedule other activities to get the entire experience of their travels,” noted Tang.

Yamazaki reaffirmed Tang’s view, noting that they made it a point to get in some shopping and sightseeing done.

“This trip we had 50 members and five or six came as couples. Some went for city tours, shopping or massages after golf, and we even had a group that went to Melaka for a day trip,” he said.

“Through the good offices of the Tourism Ministry of Malaysia, we managed to visit WowKl and see some cultural performances.

Malaysia is fascinating because it has three different main cultures. We’ll definitely return every year!”

The interclub match with Kota Permai ended with the score at 673 points to 552 in the host’s favour. Sapporo had won the first one in Japan last October.

Yamazaki noted that when they hosted the Kota Permai team, it was almost winter and very cold. “That’s why Kota Permai lost! But now, some of the Sapporo members have not played golf for almost four months … so maybe Team Kota Permai had an advantage,” he quipped.

Tang added, “During the game at Sapporo, we were fine for the first nine holes … but when we crossed over to the second nine, most of our players started to get numb hands and just couldn’t play!”

The Sapporo contingent was extremely impressed by the award-wining Kota Permai course, especially its excellent maintenance and speedy greens.

“I’ve played Kota Permai four times now … the layout is beautiful and the maintenance is superb, especially the greens which are very fast,” said Yamazaki. “But it’s very hot here!”

Tang noted that they were honoured to be selected by Sapporo as a reciprocal club.

“It’s a full reciprocal arrangement. Apart from the interclub match, we had about 30 members who went there to play golf in 2017 and they were impressed by the excellent course conditions, great weather and beautiful scenery,” he said.

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Sapporo Country Club has three courses dubbed Hitsujigaoka, Makomani and Takino.

The reciprocal deal allows Kota Permai members to play all three.

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Perfect Drive to Stuttgart The 28th edition of MercedesTrophy’s Malaysian chapter will see nine legs staged at some of the country’s premier golf clubs.

Every year, more than 60,000 golfers in over 60 countries tee off in local, regional and national tournaments in the hope of qualifying for the MercedesTrophy World Final. The finale is held in the birthplace of the German automobile maker, Stuttgart.

The top three finishers in each category of the nine qualifying rounds qualify for the MercedesTrophy National Final on May 8 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club. The qualifying rounds started last month with two legs at Palm Garden Golf Club in Putrajaya and one at Sabah's Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club. This month sees the remaining six qualifying rounds teeing off at Penang Golf Club (April 5), Saujana Golf & Country Club, Selangor (April 11 and 12), Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Johor (April 19) and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Selangor (April 24 and 25).

The categories for each leg are A (Handicap 0-12), B (13-20) and C (21-24), while the eighth leg at Kota Permai on April 24 will have an additional Category D for women (Handicap 0-36). A hole-on-one prize of a Mercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde

The 2018 MercedesTrophy was launched at Saujana on February 13

is on offer at two par-threes in each leg.

From the national final, the top two in each handicap category for men and the women’s champion qualify for the MercedesTrophy Regional Final Asia at Sanctuary Cove, Australia, on August 5-8.

The regional handicap category winners will then represent Asia in the World Final in Stuttgart on October 2-7.

Meanwhile, the ‘Drive to the Major’ returns at the regional final, where the winner of a Straightest Drive (Nearest the

Line) contest is rewarded with a full-service VIP trip to Scotland to watch the Open Championship at Carnoustie and a chance to play in the ‘Monday After Event’.

Partners for the MercedesTrophy Malaysia include Crest Link, TaylorMade, Epos, Kinslager, The Edge Communications, The Saujana Hotel & Resort and Carlsberg.

Entry is open to all Mercedes-Benz owners at RM380 – to register, log on to www.mercedes-benz.com.my.

Transview Golf brands @ Isetan Suria KLCC

Transview Golf’s entire range of equipment, apparel and accessories is now available at Isetan Suria KLCC department store.

The store’s high-end golf section is full of quality imported items from Japan, along with leading international brands such as Callaway, Adidas Golf, TaylorMade, Nike, Masdagolf, Oakley and J.Lindeberg. With such a comprehensive offering, Transview Golf director Frankie Choo noted that they hope to make Isetan Suria KLCC the city’s

leading one-stop centre for golfers – especially Japanese expatriates and tourists.

“This is indeed a great achievement for Transview Golf to be entrusted by Isetan of Japan – one of the biggest brands in the retail business in Southeast Asia – to feature all our brands in their golf section. This collaboration with Isetan is something Transview sees as a perfect fit as our visions are synergetic, where we both aim for high customer satisfaction and are devoted to

providing the best and most innovative products,” said Choo.

“Another factor is that we have always wanted to service the Japanese community here and, with Transview Golf’s brands now being part of Isetan, we hope we can draw more Japanese golfers to shop here conveniently for the golf merchandise that they are used to back home. Rest assured that the shopping experience will be of the best customer service standards,” he added.

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YOUNG GUNS

Suzuka speeds to victory in Vietnam

Champion Suzuka Yamaguchi with Sir Nick Faldo and caddies

Japanese teen talent Suzuka Yamaguchi enhanced her reputation as one of Asia’s most exciting golfing prospects with a runaway victory in the 12th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, hosted by English legend Sir Nick Faldo in early March at Laguna Lang Cô in central Vietnam.

In so doing, the 17-year-old wrote her name into golf’s history books as the first female winner of the overall title. Two months after becoming the first Japanese to triumph in the Australian Women’s Amateur Championship, Yamaguchi found herself back in the winner’s enclosure with rounds of 67, 66 and 65 for a total of 15-under 198 over the award-winning Faldo Design layout.

She finished five shots ahead of first round leader Hiroki Miya of New Zealand.

“It was my aim to win this week and I’m very happy to do so. I thank Sir Nick Faldo for providing this opportunity,” said Yamaguchi, who burst into prominence in 2015 when she qualified for the US Women’s Open at age 14.

This was the fifth occasion a Japanese player has won the overall title at the grand final with Yamaguchi following in the footsteps of male compatriots Masamichi Ito (2010 and 2012), Mikumu Horikawa (2014) and Yuki Kamasu (2015). Mai Arai (2012) and Nasa Hataoka (2016) were the previous Japanese winners of the overall girls’ title.

“We’ve had a girl winning our grand final in Europe … but Suzuka is our first in Asia. Over the past decade we’ve seen Asian girls dominating on the LPGA Tour and it would be wonderful to see Suzuka go on to enjoy a long and successful career as a top professional golfer,” said six-time Major winner Faldo, who staged a number

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of clinics and mingled with competitors during the week.

In the Girls’ Under-16 division, victory went to Japan’s Arina Hiraki, who also received an award for her hole-in-one at the fifth hole on day one. The Boys’ age group winners were Taiwanese left-hander Chen Ting-yu (Under-16), Miya (Under-18) and Pakistan’s Ahmed Baig (Under-21).

Yamaguchi will be granted an exemption into a Ladies European Tour event, while overall Boys’ winner Miya will be given a start in an Asian Development Tour event.

Both have also earned themselves a trip to compete in the 22nd Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.

Malaysia’s best performer was the fastimproving Liyana Durisic, who carded rounds of 73, 76 and 71 for a 220 total, finishing T25 overall and T7 in the Girls’ Under-16.

The 2017-18 Faldo Series Asia featured two events apiece in China and Thailand, along with championships in Australia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India,

Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

RESULTS Boys’ Under-21: 207 – Ahmed Baig (Pakistan) 67-72-68; 210 – Nathan Tan En Quan (Singapore) 74-68-68; 212 – Hayato Yoshida (Japan) 70-74-68, Kevin Caesario Akbar (Indonesia) 69-75-68 Boys’ Under-18: 203 – Hiroki Miya (New Zealand) 64-71-68; 215 – Thongpipat Rattanayanon (Thailand) 72-71-72; 218 – Jairus Gaines (United States) 70-72-76 Boys’ Under-16: 208 – Chen Ting-yu (Chinese Taipei) 68-71-69; 209 – Joshua Hill (England) 67-69-73; 210 – Napat Paramacharoenroj (Thailand) 69-70-71 Girls’ Under-21: 198 – Suzuka Yamaguchi (Japan) 67-66-65; 210 – Annie Kim (Korea) 70-67-73; 212 – Tseng Tsai-ching (Chinese Taipei) 71-66-75 Girls’ Under-16: 206 – Arina Hiraki (Japan) 70-69-67; 213 – Chiao Chang-hsin (Chinese Taipei) 71-73-69; Pranavi Urs (India) 71-72-70

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Fun and fanfare for MST junior golfers

2017 Order of Merit winner Eva Syafeeqa with academy coaches

The MST Golf Academy’s Junior Development Programme is one of the most popular and vibrant in the country, with more than 150 children aged between four and 14 in its current intake. (The academy is based at the driving range complex of TPC Kuala Lumpur.)

This was highly evident during the academy’s annual junior awards ceremony, held in mid-January at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club concurrently with the second round of the EurAsia Cup. Each junior was given passes so they could bring their family and friends to watch the matchplay team event between Asia and Europe as well as enjoy access to the hospitality marquee.

The day’s activities commenced at 1pm with a ‘Bubble Man’ show and the children were then taken out on course to watch the foursomes matches. This was followed by a

Beat The Pro Challenge where the budding young golfers took part in a Nearest The Pin contest against Spanish star Rafa Cabrera Bello, 2017 Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood of England and Malaysia’s top golfer Gavin Green.

Team Europe captain Thomas Bjorn was the guest of honour during the awards ceremony at the hospitality marquee. The Dane was a big hit with the juniors and even took a group ‘wefie’ with them.

“Our awards day takes place annually to congratulate the Order of Merit winners and is paired with fun activities for the juniors, friends and family. The Order of Merit is a points system based on a weekly challenge consisting of three skill sets, which encourages the juniors to practice harder to ensure they keep up their rankings,” said MST Golf Academy’s director

of instruction, Travis Van Djik.

The MST Golf Junior Development Programme is based on five levels of structured learning, each requiring the juniors to acquire certain theory and technical skills before they can progress to the next level. The programme participants are also able to play at TPC Kuala Lumpur during three-day golf camps and ‘On-Course Tuesdays’.

“Once juniors graduate through the five levels, they are invited to join the Peak Performance Junior Programme which dives deeper into the four pillars of performance – technical, mental, physical and strategy. Once the juniors reach elite amateur level and are thinking about college golf, our professionals can take them step by step through the process,” noted Van Djik.

Kelly Tan treat and record entries at SportExcel first leg Malaysia’s top lady golfer Kelly Tan was back in town for the Chinese New Year holidays and took the time to give a talk to juniors at Monterez Golf & Country Club on February 23, one day before the first leg of the 2018 SportExcel National Junior Circuit.

Tan, who played on the LPGA Tour for three seasons and is currently on the Symetra Tour, spoke about the challenges of life as a touring professional and also advised the juniors on the US collegiate golf scene.

C. Sivanandan, the executive director of SportExcel, noted that the first leg received a record 174 entries which forced them to use the Bukit Utama course for the younger category players.

“This is the largest number for a single leg in any SportExcel junior circuit so far.

Usually, the number of participants for each

leg is between 100 and 130 players.

Obviously, such an amazing response augurs well for Malaysian golf,” he said.

“I am so pleased that we managed to

accommodate all the players; thanks to Bukit Utama for allowing us to use their venue although it was a last-minute request,” added Sivanandan.

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WELLINGTON

Wondrous

Wellington New Zealand’s windy capital city is well worth a visit

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

T

hey say you can’t really experience a city unless you stay for a week or so.

Not so Wellington. I had just one full day and a couple of evenings to catch the sights and soak in the vibes of New Zealand's capital last October, while there to cover the 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. With the golfing action

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at Royal Wellington Golf Club extending till the afternoons, the first few days were restricted to quick, sunset walkabouts to acquaint myself with the layout of the city The great thing about Wellington is that it is super-easy to walk. The city basically curves around a bay, with the picturesque waterfront separating the sea from the CBD.

Then there’s the cool weather, which makes it possible to trudge along for miles without breaking sweat.

It was pleasantly cool when I was there, which was mid-spring with the daytime Celsius reading hovering in the low twenties. Late evenings and nights did get chilly though, dropping to the mid-teens especially when the wind picked up. Wellington is one of

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©Graeme Murray

Al fresco dining at the Wellington Waterfront

Thanks to the good offices of Tourism New Zealand and the Wellington Regional Economic Development Authority (WREDA), I managed to get in a tour of selected city attractions during my final day there.

The fine folk from WREDA arranged three visits for me and, trust me, each one was an absolute gem.

TE PAPA www.tepapa.govt.nz Known in full as the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, this is just the place to get an enlightening overview of the intriguing geology, etymology and history of the land the Maoris call Aotearoa or ‘the place of the long white cloud’.

©Rob Suisted

the word’s windiest cities due to its location on the Cook Strait between New Zealand’s North and South islands, with daily wind velocities averaging more than 16mph.

Photo ops abound while strolling the streets and there are loads of eateries, bars and cafes to stop for gastronomic, alcoholic or caffeinated boosts. Craft beer lovers will go berserk here as the city has evolved in recent years into a capital of sorts for the bespoke beer scene … try Black Dog (www.blackdogbrewery.co.nz), which has a really cool range of brews in equally cool bottles.

I’m a firm believer in getting to know a city through its cuisine and I was lucky enough to try out quite a wide variety of food in Wellington, from juicy steaks and seafood platters to pasta and even Beef Wellington (which I found out, to my dismay, is not a Wellington creation but English in origin). And, if you’re really homesick for Malaysian food, there are two Little Penang outlets in the city centre – but shame on you if you give in to that craving. After all, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’ … and eat what they eat!

View of Wellington from Mount Victoria

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©Te Papa Museum

WELLINGTON

Maori wharenui (meeting house) at Te Papa

WETA WORKSHOP wetaworkshop.com This is a serious must-do – and I mean really serious, as in a do-or-die kind of serious – for movie buffs, especially Lord Of The Rings diehards like me.

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©Weta Workshop

©Weta Workshop

at Trolls, orcs and more Weta Workshop

The six-storey museum is conveniently located on Cable Street along the waterfront and is open daily from 10am to 6pm … except on Christmas.

©Weta Workshop

Te papa tongarewa is a Maori phrase that roughly translates to ‘our place of treasures of this land’ … and that in a nutshell is what this trendy and innovative museum is all about. Te Papa’s exhibits and interactive experiences are recognised as among the best in the world, while regular special exhibitions and shows ensure a fulfilling experience even on a second or third visit. And get this … admission is free!

Located in Miramar suburb about 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre, Weta Workshop is a design studio that creates and produces creatures, costumes and props for the movie and entertainment industry. Founded by Richard Taylor (now a ‘Sir’) and Tania Rodger in 1987, the studio burst into the international spotlight in the early 2000s when Peter Jackson commissioned them for the LOTR trilogy. The rest, as the cliché goes, is history – today, the studio’s creative portfolio includes other blockbusters such as King Kong, The Chronicles Of Narnia, Avatar, Elysium and Godzilla.

Admission to the shopfront, dubbed The Weta Cave, is free and includes a short introductory video. It’s open from 9m to 5.30pm year-round except December 25 and you can buy some really cool souvenirs here … no prizes for guessing that I walked off with an armful of LOTR merchandise!

You can go on a guided tour of the studio, which is well worth the fee starting from NZ$28. I spent the entire tour in a daze, surrounded by familiar and not-so familiar paraphernalia from moviedom and more. Copyright issues prevent you from taking photos for the most part, but there are spots where you can get that much-envied wefie with an orc … or even Gollum himself.

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©Ian Trafford

The famous Wellington cable car up Kelburn Hill

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WELLINGTON

In case you're wondering, weta is the Maori name for a rather ugly, cricket-like insect species endemic to New Zealand.

ZEALANDIA www.visitzealandia.com If you’re into wildlife, birds (of the feathered kind) in particular, a trip to this amazing eco-sanctuary has to be penned into the schedule.

Set around a postcard-pretty reservoir, the 225-hectare Zealandia project is managed by a trust and has an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore Wellington Valley’s ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. Over the last seven centuries, mankind – and the predatory mammals they brought with them – had decimated much of the native and endemic species.

Since it was set up in the mid-1990s, the revolutionary conservation project has succeeded in reintroducing 18 species of wildlife back into the area. Fully fenced along its 8.6km perimeter, the sanctuary is home to an amazing array of birdlife, including endemic species such as the Little Spotted

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Little Spotted Kiw i

Kiwi, the predatory Kaka parrot and the extremely odd-looking Takahe which is New Zealand’s largest remaining flightless bird, plus other non-feathered inhabitants like the spiny reptile Tuatara and the Green Gecko.

Zealandia opens daily (again, except for Christmas) from 9am with last entry at 4pm. The admission fee is NZ$19.50 but it’s worthwhile for first-timers to go on a group guided tour (prices start from NZ$55 for a two-hour tour and there’s even a night option to view nocturnal wildlife). I’m not heavily into birds (of the feathered kind) but our guide, Manuela, was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that I left much wiser and a mite contrite from the stark reminder of mankind’s destructive nature.

On the long flight back home, I looked back on my brief Wellington visit with more than a tinge of regret that I did not have more time to sightsee … and with a conviction to return soon as part of the trans-New Zealand trip that’s high on my bucket list. PG www.tourismnewzealand.com

Tuatara

Takahe

©Lynn Freeman

©Brendan Doran

©Janice McKenna

Kaka

©Jo Moore

©Judi Lapsley Miller

Amazing scenery and diverse wildlife at Zealandia

WELLINGTON FAST FACTS • Wellington is New Zealand's centre of government and the world's southernmost capital.

• About 496,000 people live in the Wellington

region, which makes up 10.6% of the country’s total population.

• Wellington is home to many diverse cultures with around 25% of its population born overseas.

The ethnic mix is 77% European, 13% Maori, 8% Pacific Island, 10.5% Asian, 1.5% Middle Eastern/ Latin American/African and 1.8 % others.

• Wellington enjoys around 2,000 sunshine hours a year with an average annual rainfall of 1,270mm.

The average daily maximum temperature for mid- summer is 20.3°C, while the average daily minimum for mid-winter is 5.9°C. • The Wellington region covers 813,005 hectares, with a maritime area of 786,000 hectares and 497

kilometres of coastline.

• There are 102 playgrounds and parks in Wellington city alone.

• Wellington has a diverse range of landscapes

including 50,000 hectares of regional parks and forests and large back-country areas for hiking, biking and camping.

• 30% of Wellington residents use public transport, more than anywhere else in New Zealand • Wellington's median annual income is NZ$49,192, higher than the national median of NZ$45,760 and Auckland's NZ$48,204.

Source: Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (www.wellingtonnz.com)

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MALAYSIA TOURISM AWARDS

GLITZ & GLAM Tourism’s key players lauded in 20th edition in Putrajaya

G

litz and glamour converged at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on February 28 in the 20th Malaysia Tourism Awards, organised by the Ministry of Tourism & Culture.

More than 1,200 guests comprising nominees, tourism industry captains, government officials and dignitaries attended the awards, many resplendently decked out in tuxedoes and evening gowns. The night saw the presentation of 56 awards covering all facets of the travel trade, recognising outstanding individuals and establishments that have played a significant role in tourism development.

“The awards celebrate Malaysia’s very own stars of the tourism industry; people who have made outstanding contributions to promote Malaysia as a premier tourism destination in the world,” said Minister of Tourism & Culture Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The 20th edition covered 14 categories and 52 sub-categories with new awards presented for Best Entertainment Spot and Best Airline, continuing the evolution of the awards since its inception in 1987.

Nominations were open from September 7 until October 15, 2017, with a total of 665 nominations received across the 14 categories.

The winners in each category were selected by separate sets of judges, comprising highly-respected leaders from the government and private tourism sectors.

Prime Minister's Award for Melaka CM Datuk Seri Utama Idris Haron

Among the award recipients were The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur for Best 5-Star Hotel Services (City), Air Asia which picked up two Best Local Airline awards (International Routes and Domestic Routes), Tanjong Jara Resort Spa Village for Best Spa (Hotel/Resort), Sunway Putra Mall for Best Integrated Shopping Centre, Kilim Geopark for Best Tourism Attraction (Natural/Eco/ Agro), North Borneo Railway for Best Tourism Attraction (Man-Made – Arts & Culture), Marini’s on 57 for Best Entertainment Spot and the Feringgi Grill at ShangriLa's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa for Best International Restaurant.

Four special awards were also presented on the night to recognise individuals and organisations for exceptional contributions to tourism. AOS Tourism & Hospitality Group MD Anthony Wong and The Haven

Ipoh received the Minister’s Award, while Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Utama Idris Haron and the Sunway Group received the Prime Minister’s Award.

Entertainingly emceed by Daphne Iking and Rahim Rahman, the awards presentations were interspersed with top-class entertainment from the likes of Penang-born magician Kabir Khan Mohd Reaz and sultry-voiced singer Dayang Nurfaizah who hails from Sarawak. PG

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Honma fans have a ball at Palm Garden

The inaugural MST Golf - Honma ilovegolf tournament on January 30 was a huge success with 108 golfers taking to the fairways of the award-winning Palm Garden Golf Club in Putrajaya.

This marked the first time that bespoke Japanese equipment manufacturer Honma had co-hosted a tournament in this country.

Six-handicapper Christian Boshoff took advantage of the ideal golfing conditions to card 39 points in the System 36 Nett Stableford format, winning the A Medal title and the latest Honma Beres S-06 3-Star driver. He edged runner-up Jung Yong Guk and third-placed Loi Leong Ching on countback.

In the B Medal, Alex Yau emerged tops with 39 points to go home with a Beres S-06 3-Star driver. Runner-up Mohd Lofti Mohd Razali edged Chua Yong Hua on

countback after both golfers returned with 36 points.

Boshoff also won the longest drive competition with a tee-shot of 292 metres using the New Honma Beres S-06 driver.

The Nearest-to-Pin prize meanwhile went to Azizi Othman with a 3ft 3in effort. Both won Honma caddie bags.

Honma’s international business

manager Masanao Hayashi was elated with the turnout. “We are happy to see so many golfers here at the first Honma Tournament in Malaysia and many of them playing Honma equipment. The organisation of the tournament has been superb and there is little else we could ask for,” he said.

MST Golf chief executive officer Ng Yap noted that they were overwhelmed by the support received from the retailer’s ilovegolf loyalty programme members.

“We’ve had a full field here and that goes to show that the response from members is getting stronger and is something that we recognise with much gratitude,” said Ng. MST Golf is the largest golf retailer in Southeast Asia with outlets in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

One down, five to go as Damai Laut Golf Series returns The first of six legs of the Damai Laut Golf Series 2018 teed-off at the beachside Damai Laut Golf & Country Club in Lumut on March 11.

Fifty-five golfers took to the fairways for a fun round of golf including groups from as far as Bentong, Pahang and Perlis. YDH Toh Seri Bijaya Lt. Kol (B) Dato' Shaharudin Nazari, Orang Besar Jajahan Manjung, graced the event with his presence and was given a rousing birthday surprise during the prizegiving lunch. Dato’ Shaharudin is an Gross champion Tan Jo Vin (3rd from left)

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avid golfer and is a staunch supporter of the club, which forms part of the SwissGarden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

Damai Laut club manager Kay Leong was also surprised with a belated birthday cake.

Rising young golfer Tan Jo Vin from Taiping Golf Club emerged a deserving winner of the gross title with an excellent score of 76, winning himself a trophy, 50” Sharp TV and 3D/2N stay at the resort. The nett title went to Mohd Fadzil Razali (19)

who carded a nett score of 64 to win a trophy, 40” Sharp TV and 3D/2N resort stay.

Up for grabs for a hole-in-one was a BMW 118i M Sport which went unclaimed.

The event partners for the Damai Laut Golf Series 2018 include Sharp and Crest Link.

The second leg of the series is scheduled for May 13. For more information call 05-685 9333 / 9332 or email info@dlgcc.swissgarden.com.

Online registration is available at www.swissgarden.com/golfseries.

Birthday surprise for Dato' Shaharudin (L)

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POTSHOTS

©Harry How/Getty Images

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, AZALEA A year ago during the Masters at Augusta National, Sergio Garcia made a crucial par at the 13th to keep his dreams of a first-ever Major win alive. The 38-year-old Spaniard eventually beat Englishman Justin Rose on the first play-off hole to win that elusive Major.

Fast forward 11 months and Garcia and wife Angela Adkins decide to name their first-born after that life-changing 13th hole – which is Azalea, the gorgeous pink spring blooms that can be found all over the grounds at Augusta.

“Beautiful Azalea Adele Garcia was born on March 14 at 1.54am. So proud and impressed with my wife Angela and the way she handled the pregnancy and delivery! Love you both so much!” tweeted Garcia, who had been through a number of high-profile romances before finding 'Mrs Right'.

Congratulations you two, and welcome to the world, Baby Azalea!

WHATTA DOLL!

©Warren Little/Getty Images

Mexican golfing icon Lorena Ochoa was one of 17 historical and modern-day female role models who inspired the creation of the one-of-a kind Barbie dolls in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8.

“Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we’re thrilled to shine a light on real-life role models to remind them that they can be anything,” said Lisa McKnight, the senior VP and GM of Barbie.

Ochoa, a 27-time winner on the LPGA Tour, was elated to be recognised by Barbie as a source of inspiration for little girls. “This recognition is another reason to continue demonstrating that with perseverance and love for what you do you can become what you propose,” says the twotime Major winner.

Since her retirement from professional golf in 2010, Ochoa has devoted her life to her family and growing the sport in Mexico.

©Victor Fraile/Getty Images

BILL-BOTTOM BLUES Stand back “dated 21st century golf fashion” as the seventies take over this season. And guess who’s bringing the psychedelic era back? Bill Murray, of course, through his eponymous golf apparel brand.

The 67-year-old Murray, known for his quirky on-course fashion choices such as overalls, button-downs and cow-print trousers, re-introduced bell-bottoms to the fairways during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in early February. The Caddyshack actor’s golf clothing label, William Murray Golf, has been working with San Francisco-based garment company Betabrand on the retro-inspired trousers.

So who’s ready to hop into the 'Hot Time Time Machine' and bring sexy back? (Ain’t sexy? Hey, you know what they say … one man’s meat, another man’s poison!)

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL - MAY 2018 MALAYSIAN JUNIOR EVENTS Apr 7 – 8

SportExcel Junior Circuit – 3rd Leg

TBA (Selangor)

Apr 24 – 26

SportExcel Premier Elite – 2nd Leg

TBA (Selangor)

May 12 – 13

SportExcel Junior Circuit – 4th Leg

TBA (Kedah)

MALAYSIAN AMATEUR EVENTS Apr 5 – 8

Negeri Sembilan Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Sri Menanti GC

Apr 12 – 15

Sabah Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Labuan International GC

Apr 16 – 19

Selangor Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Templer Park CC

Apr 26 – 29

Sarawak Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Kelab Golf Sarawak

May 2 – 4

MPI Generali Saujana Amateur Open

Saujana GCC, Selangor

May 10 – 13

Malaysian Amateur Open (Men)

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah GCC, Selangor

PROFESSIONAL GOLF OF MALAYSIA (PGM) TOUR Apr 4 – 7

PGM Johor Championship (ADT)

Palm Resort GCC, Johor

RM225,000

Apr 4 – 7

PGM Ladies Championship

Palm Resort GCC, Johor

RM35,000

Apr 18 – 21

PGM Sime Darby Closed Championship

Impian GCC, Selangor

RM200,000

Apr 18 – 21

PGM Ladies Championship

Impian GCC, Selangor

RM35,000

Apr 24 – 26

PGM Q-School – Leg 2

Port Dickson GCC, Negeri Sembilan

RM15,000

May 2 – 5

PGM Penang Championship (ADT)

Bukit Jawi GR, Penang

RM225,000

May 9 – 12

PGM CCM Championship (ADT)

Kota Seriemas GCC, Negeri Sembilan

RM225,000

May 9 – 12

PGM Ladies Championship

Kota Seriemas GCC, Negeri Sembilan

RM35,000

ASIAN TOUR Apr 19 – 22

Panasonic Open Championship

Ibaraki CC (West Course), Japan

US$1,370,000

Apr 26 – 29

Volvo China Open

Beijing Topwin GCC, China

US$3,150,000

May 3 – 6

GC Caltex Maekyung Open

Nam Seoul CC, South Korea

US$920,000

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR Apr 4 – 7

PGM Johor Championship

Palm Resort GCC, Malaysia

US$55,000

Apr 24 – 27

BTI Open

Kurmitola GC, Bangladesh

US$60,000

May 2 – 5

PGM Penang Championship

Bukit Jawi GR, Malaysia

US$55,000

May 9 – 12

PGM CCM Championship

Kota Seriemas GCC, Malaysia

US$55,000

May 10 – 13

Singha Laguna Phuket Open

Laguna Golf Phuket, Thailand

US$58,000

May 24 – 27

Betagro Championship

Suwan GCC, Thailand

US$96,000

The Masters

Augusta National GC, Georgia, USA

US$11,000,000

PGA TOUR Apr 5 – 8

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Apr 12 – 15

RBC Heritage

Harbour Town GL, Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA

US$6,700,000

Apr 19 – 22

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks Course), Texas, USA

US$6,200,000

Apr 26 – 29

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana, USA

US$7,200,000

May 3 – 6

Wells Fargo Championship

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

US$7,700,000

May 10 – 13

The Players Championship

TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA

US$10,500,000

May 17 – 20

AT&T Byron Nelson

Trinity Forest GC, Dallas, Texas, USA

US$7,700,000

May 24 – 27

Fort Worth Invitational

Colonial CC, Fort Worth Texas, USA

US$7,100,000

May 31 – June 3

The Memorial Tournament

Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio, USA

US$8,900,000

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PGA TOUR SERIES-CHINA May 3 – 6

Changsha Championship

Hunan Dragon Lake International GC, Changsha, Hunan

RMB1,500,000

May 10 – 13

Haikou Championship

3 Miles GC, Haikou, Hainan

RMB1,500,000

Apr 11 – 14

Lotte Championship

Ko Olina GC, Hawaii, USA

US$2,000,000

Apr 19 – 22

HUGEL-JTBC Open

Wilshire CC, Los Angeles, California, USA

US$1,500,000

Apr 26 – 29

LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship

Lake Merced GC, San Francisco, California, USA

US$1,500,000

May 3 – 6

Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic

Old American GC, The Colony, Texas, USA

US$1,300,000

May 17 – 20

Kingsmill Championship

Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

US$1,300,000

May 24 – 27

LPGA Volvik Championship

Travis Pointe CC, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

US$1,300,000

May 31 – June 3

US Women’s Open Championship

Shoal Creek, Shoal Creek, Alabama, USA

US$5,000,000

LPGA TOUR

EUROPEAN TOUR Apr 5 – 8

The Masters

Augusta National GC, Georgia, USA

US$11,000,000

Apr 12 – 15

Open de Espana

Centro Nacional de Golf, Madrid, Spain

€1,500,000

Apr 19 – 22

Trophee Hassan II

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco

€2,500,000

Apr 26 – 29

Volvo China Open

TBA

RMB20,000,000

May 5 – 6

GolfSixes

Centurion Club, St Albans, England

€1,000,000

May 10 – 13

Rocco Forte Open – Verdura

Verdura GC, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

€1,000,000

May 17 – 20

Belgian Knockout

Rinkven International GC, Antwerp, Belgium

€1,000,000

May 24 – 27

BMW PGA Championship

Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England

US$7,000,000

May 31 – June 3

Italian Open

Gardagolf CC, Brescia, Italy

US$7,000,000

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco

€450,000

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR Apr 19 – 22

Lalla Meryem Cup

Note: Calendar omits unannounced events of tours and associations at press time

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STYLE LOUNGE

VINTAGE-INSPIRED BOLDNESS Rado Rado has added a new colourful limited edition model to its bold, nostalgiainfused HyperChrome 1616 line-up.

Boasting an unmistakable late-60s build, the HyperChrome 1616 cuts a striking and masculine figure on the wrist.

Measuring an eye-catching 46mm across, its boxy dial is visually impressive, reminiscent of the outsized aesthetic of the era. The hands and indexes are similarly heavyset, forming a striking contrast to the vivid blue of the dial. The hardened grade five titanium case fastens to the wrist with a thick textured vintage leather strap, rounding out the look of this retro re-edit.

GRECIAN . . ALLURE Braun Buffel Braun Büffel’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection for women is inspired by the allure of the Greek islands, its colour palette drawing inspiration from the turquoise and vanilla skylines of Santorini, and the coastal morphology of Milos with its lightly caramel-coloured beaches.

The Milos collection is crafted from lambtouch nappa leather that is lightweight and soft to the touch.

Designed in three shape variations ranging from a top handle, a bucket and a hobo, the bags come in Black, Caramel and Geranium, and are ideal for long days in the city or short getaways.

The Zante collection, meanwhile, strikes the perfect balance of a structured, ladylike silhouette with sleek, streamlined proportions, finished with the brand’s signature leather wrapped lock and key. Carry it by the top handle or attach the shoulder straps to go hands-free while out and about at summer parties; available in Black, Brick, Vanilla, Multi/Black and Multi/Brick.

CONTEMPORARY COLIBRI Fendi The Fendi Spring/Summer 2018 Colibrì collection merges the brand’s passion for craftsmanship and obsession for innovation.

The Colibrì shoes’ extreme lightness together with the multicolour and pointed front toe inspire their name, taking its characteristics from the homonymous tropical bird. They’re created in printed mesh with tartan and flower versions or in monocolour with colour contrast combinations, the detail string on the ankles giving it a sporty feel.

Available as sophisticated over-the-knee boots, sling back and flats, the Colibrì shoes feature hand-made rattan heels in natural colour and dark brown.

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SPUNKY STITCHLITE Cole Haan Cole Haan continues to reach for modern consumers by introducing its innovative Stitchlite technology across a range of products with the launch of its latest lightweight collections for Spring including the 2.ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite for both men and women.

The 2.ZERØGRAND with Stitchlite’s new style is a remarkably lightweight, breathable and cushioned take on the brand’s classic Oxford, featuring the Grand.ØS innovation for more breathability, more cushioning and less weight, and comes in an array of colours.

S SPIRITED STEAMPUNK Romain Jerome R Romain Jerome enriches its Steampunk 46 Auto collection with a series of two Camo models.

The complexity of the Steampunk 46 dial has remained with powerful elements inspired by the transatlantic ships of the 20th Century and the industrial era, such as the small seconds hand propeller-shaped at 9 o’clock or the metal hex cap screws. And to accentuate the industrial feel of the timepiece, the brand introduced an exclusive satin-brushed gunmetal bezel with RJ “rough” finish.

The first limited edition goes full Camo, its style represented by touches of green and beige as well as a special Camo forest pattern either printed on the alligator strap or hand-painted on the Roman numerals VI and XII of the three-dimensional dial. The second limited Camo edition is a splash of colours popping out of the allblack dial and case. To complete the timepiece. Bright blue stitches sewn on the hand-made black alligator strap complete the timepiece.

DISTINCTIVE URBAN Montblanc The Montblanc Urban Spirit accessories collection for men captures all the energy and adventures of city life. Unexpected materials and bold technical innovations come together in this assortment of polished stainless steel cufflinks and bracelets that evoke the distinctive elements that unite cities around the world by day or by night.

The collection sees the arrival of six new designs, grouped under two new themes: The Metropolitan Edition and the Walk/Reflection.

The Metropolitan’s round stainless steel cufflinks feature an intricate floral motif that recalls the decorated manhole covers that brightens up the streets of Paris. The Walk/Reflection set of cufflinks takes urban motifs and transforms them into four different pairs that give an unexpected edge to a formal look.

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SPECIAL > TOYOTA

TRAVEL

FIRST CLASS

Boasting significant upgrades, the new Toyota ALPHARD and VELLFIRE are all set to wow luxury MPV lovers

You’ve always placed a premium on comfort and safety when behind the wheels, and that’s just two of the reasons why Toyota’s highly successful Alphard and Vellfire have a special place in your heart. But wait – it gets better. This year the marque boasts some nifty upgrades in both these premium MPV models to make them even better value-for-money – including a new engine and transmission.

ALPHARD

As before, the Alphard is available in two variants – the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge which offers Premium Luxury and the Alphard 3.5 which offers Advanced Luxury. Both variants now come with the new 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6 engine and advanced 8-speed electronicallycontrolled automatic transmission. The powerful new engine has a D-4S injection system for optimum fuel delivery in all driving conditions.

The Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) system provides high torque from low to high rpm ranges, and uses the Atkinson cycle to enhance fuel economy and the Otto cycle for power. Its fuel economy is enhanced further with an Auto Stop & Start system, which can be activated by the driver at any time; it automatically switches off the engine in conditions when idling may be long. It remains

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active when the driver keeps a foot on the brake pedal; when the pedal is released, the engine restarts automatically and smoothly to continue driving.

The bold appearance of the Alphard employs the concept of ‘Bravely Magnificent’ and for the latest model, the dynamic and formal image gains a more commanding presence. The centre of the grille project forward more, emphasising the threedimensional structure on a horizontal axis that runs through from the emblem to the lamps and shoulder line, expresses a dynamic impression.

The grille has been given a stepped crosssection, expressing excellent workmanship.

At either side are horizontal projector

headlamps which gives a distinctive and advanced new look. The lower lamp units feature dual linear light-guiding illumination while the signal lights show the driver’s intention with sequential lighting that points towards the direction the vehicle will be turning in. New 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels are fitted to the 2018 Alphard, giving it a sporty look as the wheels rotate.

There are four different exterior colours to choose from – Graphite Metallic (new 2018 addition), Luxury White Pearl CS, White Pearl CS and Black.

Inside, vibes of luxury runs across the cabin through the use of higher quality materials coupled with meticulous craftsmanship. For

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instance the armrest upholstery has been changed to synthetic leather with stitching for an excellent tactile feel, a major difference from the soft moulded plastic and simulated stitching used in the 2017 models.

For the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge variant, the area of quilting has been increased on the seatback main part, and the design has been changed to a vertical theme with a more sophisticated and modern image. Semi-aniline leather upholstery is provided in the Executive Lounge variant while the Alphard 3.5 has highquality leather upholstery.

As would be expected of a premium MPV, the seats offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience with power operation for the first and second rows, as well as the introduction of a seat air conditioner (Alphard Executive Lounge) which provides cooling air from the cushion and backrest. The Alphard Executive Lounge offers generously-sized VIP seats while the Alphard 3.5 has Captain’s seats, both types with ottomans for extra comfort on long journeys.

New features for the 2018 models include a wireless charger pad for devices with the Qi system and a Digital Full Display Mirror which provides a wider field of view and greater clarity. Instead of using a conventional reflector surface, the high-tech mirror displays images from a camera at the rear of the vehicle on the in-mirror display. Excellent visibility is available as the image is unaffected by night time or rainy weather conditions.

In terms of safety, the 2018 model gets the Blind Spot Monitor System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which helps when reversing out of a parking bay with sensors scanning the areas to the left and right side as the vehicle is moving outwards, and if another vehicle is detected approaching, the driver will receive an audible warning as well as flashing icons in the door mirrors. An optional ‘parking assistance’ feature is the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), which uses four cameras (located around the vehicle) to provide an overhead view that shows the surroundings on every side.

VELLFIRE

To match the cubic form of the front end of the Vellfire, the upper headlamps incorporate two square projectors. Together with the blue accent of the extension, this creates a cool expression and an advanced tech image. When activated, the turn signals show the direction of the vehicle’s intended movement by sequential illumination.

At the rear, the upper and lower sections of the lamps sandwich the garnish extending across the horizontal axis. This creates a twopart structure that mirrors the design of the headlamps and also provides a more distinctive presence for the Vellfire to drivers following behind. Like the signal lights on the front, the LEDs also light up in a sequential manner.

On the inside, the seating has also been upgraded for more comfort and convenience, with power adjustments for the front passenger’s seat as well, plus an ottoman for stretching out on long journeys. A seat air-conditioner provides cooling air that blows up from the cushion as well as through the backrest. The seating for the second and third rows remain the same, with individual Captain’s seats for the second row.

These seats, with leather upholstery, come with

power recline as well as an ottoman for extra comfort.

Apart from USB ports to provide power, the improved Vellfire also comes with a Wireless Charging Pad, a feature that enables you to recharge any compatible mobile phone that is placed on the pad.

Other cool additions include the Digital Full Display Mirror which provides a wider field of view and greater clarity. Instead of using a conventional reflector surface, the high-tech mirror displays images from a camera at the rear of the vehicle on the in-mirror display. Excellent visibility is available as the image is unaffected by low light or rainy weather conditions. And those desiring additional “parking assistance” could opt for the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) feature.

Safety-wise, the Vellfire also comes with the Blind Spot Monitor System and RCTA – just like the new Alphard.

There are four different exterior colours to choose from – Graphite Metallic (new 2018 addition), White Pearl CS, Black and Burning Black CS. Apart from being recognised as exceptionally good value for money with their extensive features and equipment, the 2018 Alphard and Vellfire sold by authorised Toyota outlets also come with a factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage and full aftersales support from an extensive network of service centres as well as 10 years assurance on Toyota Genuine Parts availability for your peace of mind.

Visit toyota.com.my now to know more!

Like the new Alphard, the Vellfire has also received cosmetic changes which strengthen the distinctive cool and modern looks that give the model its unique identity. For the new model, the upper and lower parts of the threedimensional two-part structure have a clearer expression at the front, strengthening the body’s overall sense of unity. It comes fitted with 18inch aluminium alloy wheels with a dynamic new design.

From the bonnet to the bumper, the structure is integrated into a single ingot-shaped grille design, accentuating the pushed-outwards impression of the centre and expressing modern luxury in a solid form. The aggressively shaped triangular, low-positioned fog lamp bezels, together with the flared form of the corners, accentuate its wide and low stance and give the bumper corners a more dynamic impression.

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CARS+PARS

SPORTY LUXE RANGE ROVER VELAR

Named after the Range Rover’s prototype produced in 1969, the Velar is a new midsized SUV that offers luxury and refinement, scheduled to reach Malaysian shores in Q2 of 2018.

The first vehicle of its kind, the Velar aims to bridge the gap between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The

design is beautifully balanced, from its powerful proportions to its continuous waistline through to the taut tapered rear lines.

Fitted with the most slender full-LED headlights ever to appear on a Land Rover vehicle, it also has flush deployable door handles that emphasise Velar’s reductive, sculptured form, and contribute to the low

drag coefficient of only 0.32, making it the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced. Inside, there’s the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which features two high-definition 10” touchscreens as the centrepiece of the beautifully minimalist cabin, and blends a futuristic, elegant feel with an intuitive, engaging interface.

black, along with a piano black finish on the light trims and grille. Inside, there’s the addition of a rear-view camera with parking guidance lines and obstacle marking functionality, plus a sports leather steering wheel.

The Amplified Edition (based on the F56 MINI Cooper S 3 Door) sees a boost to the 2.0 litre turbo four-pot thanks to a JCW Pro tuning kit and JCW Pro valve silencer system with Bluetooth controller. It

produces 211hp and 300Nm of torque, and is suitably fitted with a JCW Aerodynamic Kit with a rear spoiler, a piano black grille (with matching trim for the front and rear lights) and 17” JCW Track Spoke alloy wheels in black.

The Mini Urbanite and Amplified come with Park Distance Control, 6.5” Mini Visual Boost, Mini Connected and keyless start – priced at RM198,888 and RM248,888 respectively (OTR without insurance).

EDGY CHARISMA MINI URBANITE & AMPLIFIED

The Mini Urbanite and Amplified are special editions similar to the Clubman Sterling Edition, but with additional kit and features.

The Urbanite (based on the F55 MINI Cooper 5 Door) retains a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 136hp and 220Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it zooms from 0 to 100 in 8.1 seconds. Other special features include additional LED lamps at the front, 16” Victory Spoke alloy wheels in

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT

A‘FAMOSA GOLF RESORT

AYER KEROH COUNTRY CLUB

BUKIT JALIL GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT

BUKIT BERUNTUNG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Jalan Jalil Perkasa 3, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-8994 1600 Fax: +603-8994 1542 Email: jalil@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/jalil

Batu 13, Seremban-KL, 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +603-8766 6117/+6018-222 1919 Fax: +603-8766 7173 Email: staffield@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/staffield

1994, Bandar Bukit Beruntung, Mukim Serendah, Hulu Selangor, Selangor Tel: +603-6028 1841 Fax: +603-6028 1843 Email: vivabonanza@yahoo.com

KELAB DARUL EHSAN

BUKIT BANANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BUKIT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB

Taman Tun Abdul Razak, Jalan Kerja Air Lama Ampang Jaya, 68000 Selangor Tel: +603-4257 2333/+603-4253 2333 Fax: +603-4257 6293 Email: kde@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/kde

No. 1, Persiaran Gemilang, Bandar Banang Jaya 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor Tel: +607-428 6001 Fax: +607-428 6801 Email: banang@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/banang

2181, Mukim Dengkil, Daerah Sepang, 43807 Selangor Tel: +603-8920 2888 / 2188 Fax: +603-8926 7870 / 79 Email: info@bukitunggul.com Website: www.bukitunggul.com

CINTA SAYANG RESORT

DAIMAN 18 JOHOR BAHRU

DAMAI LAUT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PT 673, Jalan Pulau Carey, Mukim Jugra, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor Tel: +603-3123 3888 / +6019-383 2233 Email: enquiries@amvertoncove.com Website: www.amvertoncove.com

Persiaran Cinta Sayang, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Tel: +604-441 4666 Fax: +604-441 5600 Email: cintasayang@cintasayangresort.com Website: www.cintasayangresort.com

Jalan Kemus, Simpang Empat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka Tel: +606-552 0555 Fax: +606-552 8751 Email: operations.golf@afamosa.com Website: www.afamosa.com

No.18, Jalan Pesona, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel: +607-351 6813 / 353 3100 Fax: +607-351 6823 Email: daiman18@daiman.com.my Website: www.daiman.com.

KM 14.5, Jalan Tasik, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: +606-233 2000 Fax: +606-232 3578 Email: info@akcc.com.my Website: www.akcc.com.my Facebook: fb.com/ayerkerohcc

Hala Damai 2, Jln Damai Laut, Off Jln Teluk Senangin, 32200 Lumut, Perak Tel: +605-684 3333 Fax: +605-618 3388 Email: reservation@sbdl.swissgarden.com Website: www.swissgarden.com

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DANAU GOLF CLUB

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Tel: +603-8925 1010 Fax: +8925 5326 Website: www.danaugolf.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DANAUGOLF

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

No 3, Jalan Usahawan U1/8, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7803 9090 Fax: +603-7803 2728 Email: info@glenmarie.com.my Website: www.glenmariegolf.com

No. 1 Jln Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor Tel: +607-232 3166 Fax: +607-232 3919 Email: general@hhgcc.com.my Website: www.hhgcc.com.my

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM

KELAB GOLF SERI SELANGOR

Batu 14, Jln Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Tel: +603-8734 4195/96/97 Fax: +603-8734 8133 Website: www.igcc.com.my

Bukit Kiara, Off Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-7957 3344 Fax: +603-7957 7821 Website: www.kgpagolf.com

Persiaran Damansara Indah, Off Persiaran Tropicana Indah, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel: 03-78061111/1666 Fax: 03-78061777 Email: marketing@seriselangor.com.my Website: www.seriselangor.com.my

KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA MALAYSIA

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KOTA SERIEMAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Jalan BRP 2/1, Bukit Rahman Putra, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Tel: +603-6156 6870 Fax: +603-6156 0280 Email: krpm@krpm.com.my Website: www.krpm.com.my

No 1, Jalan 31/100A, Kota Kemuning Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-5122 3700 Fax: +603-5122 3701/2/3 Email: kpgcc@kotapermai.com.my Website: www.kotapermai.com.my

No. 1, Persiaran Seriemas Golf, Kota Seriemas, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +606-790 9339 Email: reservation@pnbdevt.com Website: www.seriemasgolf.com

LABUAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

MONTEREZ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

NEXUS GOLF RESORT KARAMBUNAI

Jalan Sungai Pagar, 87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan Tel: +6087-468468 Fax: +6087-468467 Email: reservations@ligc.com.my Website: www.ligc.com.my

No. 1, Jalan Merah Kesumba, U9/18, Seksyen U940000 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7846 5989 Fax: +603-7846 7881 Email: mgcc@monterez.com.my Website: www.monterez-golf.com

Locked Bag 101, 88993 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: +6088-411 215 Fax: +6088-411 217 Email: info@karambunaigolf.com Website: www.karambunaigolf.com

IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

NEWS AND EVENTS @ www.pargolf.my ParGolf APRIL 2018

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PALM GARDEN GOLF CLUB

PALM RESORT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PT 4770, Nilai Springs, 71800 Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +606-850 8888 Fax: +606-850 3005/3388 Website: www.nilaispringsgolf.com.my

IOI Resort City, 62502, Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Tel: +603-8213 6333 Fax: +603-8213 6388/99 E-mail: marketing@palmgarden.net.my Website: www.palmgarden.net.my

Jalan Persiaran Golf, Off Jalan Jumbo, 81250 Senai, Johor Tel: +607-599 6222 Fax: +607-599 6001 Email: golfbooking@palmresort.com Website: www.palmresort.com

PENANG GOLF CLUB

PENANG GOLF RESORT

No. 2 Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Tel: +604-644 2255 Fax: +604-644 9345 Email: reception@penanggolfclub.com.my Website: www.penanggolfclub.com.my

1687, Jalan Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, 13200 Kepala Batas, Seberang Prai Utara, Penang Tel: +604-578 2022 Fax: +604-575 0226 Email: pgrb@penanggolfresort.com.my Website: www.penanggolfresort.com.my

IOI PALM VILLA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT PTD 44500, Jalan Indah Utama, Bandar Putra, 81000 Kulai, Johor Tel: +607-599 9099 Fax: +607-598 8101 Email: palmvilla@ioigroup.com Website: www.palmvilla.com.my

PONDEROSA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PULAI SPRINGS RESORT

SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

No. 3, Jalan Ponderosa 1, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel: +607-354 9999 Fax: +607-355 7400 Email: enquiry@ponderosagolf.com Website: www.ponderosagolf.com

20km, Jalan Pontian Lama, 81110 Pulai, Johor Tel: +607-521 2121/075-521 2222 Fax: +607-521 1818 Email: golf@pulaisprings.com Website: www.pulaisprings.com

Saujana Golf & Country Club, Saujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7846 1466 Fax: +603-7846 2316 Email: golf@saujana.com.my Website: www.saujana.com.my Facebook: www.facebook.com/saujanagolfandcountryclub

SULTAN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

SUTERA HARBOUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TANJONG PUTERI GOLF RESORT

No. 1, Rumah Kelab, Jln Kelab Golf 13/6 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-5519 1512/5510 5872 Fax: +603-5510 5860 Website: www.kgsaas.com.my

1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: +6088-308 194 Fax: +6088-243 471 Email: golfadmin@suteraharbour.com.my Website: www.suteraharbour.com

Jalan Tanjong Puteri 1, Tanjong Puteri Resort 81700 Pasir Gudang, Johor Tel: +607-271 1888 Fax: +607-271 1333 Website: www.tpgr.com Designer: Max Wexler and Akira Mamiya

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TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TEMPLER PARK COUNTRY CLUB

THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST

Bandar Tasik Puteri, 48000 Rawang, Selangor Tel: +603-6034 4721/4722, +6012-201 3375 Fax: +603-6034 4723 Website: www.tasikputerigolf.com

KM 21 Jalan Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor Tel: +603-6091 9111/9630 Fax: +603-6091 9807 Email: mani_sp@tpcc.com.my Website: www.tpcc.com.my

PTD 8381, Jalan Desaru, Tanjung Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor Tel: +607-878 0000 Fax: +607-878 0011 Email: reservations@elsclubmalaysia.com Website: www.elsclubmalaysia.com www.desarucoast.com

THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI

TIARA MELAKA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Tel: +604-959 2700 Fax: +604-959 2216 Email: reservations@elsclubmalaysia.com Website: www.elsclubmalaysia.com

Jalan Gapam, Bukit Katil, P.O Box 473, 75760 Melaka Tel: +606-231 1111 Fax: +606-231 4122 Email: tmgcc1@gmail.com Website: www.lion.com.my

Jalan Kelab Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel: +603-7804 8888 Fax: +603-7804 3688 Email: gm@tropicanagolf.com Website: www.tropicanagolf.com

GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

IS NOW ONLINE!

AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT

A‘FAMOSA GOLF RESORT

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM

KELAB GOLF SERI SELANGOR

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KM 14.5, Jalan Tasik, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: +606-233 2000 Fax: +606-232 3578 E-mail: info@akcc.com.my Website: www.akcc.com.my Facebook: fb.com/ayerkerohcc

Bukit Kiara, Off Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-7957 3344 Fax: +603-7957 7821 Website: www.kgpagolf.com

Persiaran Damansara Indah, Off Persiaran Tropicana Indah,47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-78061111/1666 Fax: 03-78061777 Email: marketing@seriselangor.com.my Website: www.seriselangor.com.my

No 1, Jalan 31/100A, Kota Kemuning Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-5122 3700 Fax: +603-5122 3701/2/3 E-mail : kpgcc@kotapermai.com.my Website : www.kotapermai.com.my

DAMAI LAUT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KOTA SERIEMAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

LABUAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

MONTEREZ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Jalan Sungai Pagar, 87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan Tel: +6087-468468 Fax: +6087-468467 E-mail : reservations@ligc.com.my Website : www.ligc.com.my

No. 1, Jalan Merah Kesumba, U9/18, Seksyen U940000 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7846 5989 Fax: +603-7846 7881 E-mail: mgcc@monterez.com.my Website: www.monterez-golf.com

AYER KEROH COUNTRY CLUB

PT 673, Jalan Pulau Carey, Mukim Jugra, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor Tel: +603-3123 3888 / +6019-383 2233 E-mail: enquiries@amvertoncove.com Website: www.amvertoncove.com

Jalan Kemus, Simpang Empat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka Tel: +606-552 0555 Fax: +606-552 8751 Email: operations.golf@afamosa.com Website: www.afamosa.com

BUKIT JALIL GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT

Jalan Jalil Perkasa 3, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-8994 1600 Fax: +603-8994 1542 E-mail: jalil@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/jalil

Batu 13, Seremban-KL, 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +603-8766 6117/+6018-222 1919 Fax: +603-8766 7173 Email: staffield@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/staffield

Hala Damai 2, Jln Damai Laut, Off Jln Teluk Senangin, 32200 Lumut, Perak Tel: +605-684 3333 Fax: +605-618 3388 E-mail: reservation@sbdl.swissgarden.com Website: www.swissgarden.com

DANAU GOLF CLUB

KELAB DARUL EHSAN

BUKIT BANANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Taman Tun Abdul Razak, Jalan Kerja Air Lama Ampang Jaya, 68000 Selangor Tel: +603-4257 2333/+603-4253 2333 Fax: +603-4257 6293 Email: kde@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/kde

No. 1, Persiaran Gemilang, Bandar Banang Jaya 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor Darul Takzim Tel: +607-428 6001 Fax: +607-428 6801 Email: banang@berjayaclubs.com Website: www.berjayaclubs.com/banang

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Tel: +603-8925 1010 Fax: +8925 5326 Website: www.danaugolf.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DANAUGOLF

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PONDEROSA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PULAI SPRINGS RESORT

SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

No. 1 Jln Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor Tel : +607-232 3166 Fax : +607-232 3919 E-mail: general@hhgcc.com.my Website: www.hhgcc.com.my

Batu 14, Jln Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Tel: +603-8734 4195/96/97 Fax: +603-8734 8133 Website: www.igcc.com.my

No. 3, Jalan Ponderosa 1, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: +607-354 9999 Fax: +607-355 7400 E-mail: enquiry@ponderosagolf.com Website: www.ponderosagolf.com

20km, Jalan Pontian Lama, 81110 Pulai, Johor Tel: +607-521 2121 Fax: +607-521 1818 E-mail: golf@pulaisprings.com Website: www.pulaisprings.com

Saujana Golf & Country Club, Saujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7846 1466 Fax: +603-7846 2316 E-mail: golf@saujana.com.my Website: www.saujana.com.my Facebook: www.facebook.com/saujanagolfandcountryclub

No 3, Jalan Usahawan U1/8, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603-7803 9090 Fax: +603-7803 2728 E-mail: ggcc@glenmarie.com.my Website: www.glenmariegolf.com

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No. 1, Persiaran Seriemas Golf, Kota Seriemas, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +606 790 9339 E-mail: reservation@pnbdevt.com Website: www.seriemasgolf.com

NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ORNA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

IOI PALM VILLA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

PT 4770, Nilai Springs, 71800 Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +606-850 8888 Fax: +606-850 3005/3388 Website: www.nilaispringsgolf.com.my

Batu 16, Jln Gapam, Ladang Gapam 77200 Bemban, Melaka Tel: +606-521 0333 Fax: +606-521 0222 Website: www.ornaresort.com.my

PTD 44500, Jalan Indah Utama, Bandar Putra, 81000 Kulai, Johor Tel: +607-599 9099 Fax: +607-598 8101 E-mail: palmvilla@ioigroup.com Website: www.palmvilla.com.my

NEWS AND EVENTS @ www.pargolf.my

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY KUALA LUMPUR BUKIT JALIL GCR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8994 1600 KELAB REKREASI ANGKATAN TENTERA (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 2141 1113/1881 KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 7957 3344 KELAB GOLF TITIWANGSA PDRM (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 2693 4964 KELAB GOLF MAKTAB TENTERA DIRAJA (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 9058 7212 ROYAL SELANGOR GC (45 holes) Tel: 603 - 9206 3333 TPC KUALA LUMPUR (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 2093 1111 PUTRAJAYA PALM GARDEN GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8213 6333 SELANGOR AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3123 3800 BANGI GR (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 8925 3728 BUKIT BERUNTUNG GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 6028 1841 BUKIT KEMUNING GCR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 5121 7188 BUKIT UNGGUL CC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8920 2888/2188 DANAU GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8925 1010 GLENMARIE GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 7803 9090 GUTHRIE GOLF ACADEMY PITCH & PUTT COURSE (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7846 3505 ILSAS TENAGA NASIONAL RECREATIONAL GC (9 holes) Tel: 012 - 382 7475 IMPIAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8734 4195 KELAB DARUL EHSAN (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 4257 2333 KELAB GOLF NEGARA SUBANG (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 7876 0381/0388 KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA MALAYSIA (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 6156 6870 KELAB REKREASI TENTERA UDARA (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7734 5535/45 KINRARA GC (18 holes) Tel: 03 - 8076 2100 KOTA PERMAI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 5122 3700 KUALA KUBU BHARU GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6064 2887 LEMBAH BERINGIN GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6460 0016 MONTEREZ GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7846 5989 PORT KLANG GR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3176 1323 ROYAL KAMPUNG KUANTAN CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3289 1069 SAUJANA GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 7846 1466 SERI SELANGOR GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7806 1111 SULTAN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH GCC (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 5510 5872 SUNGAI LONG GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 9076 2233 SRI MORIB GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3198 1418 TASIK PUTERI GCC (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 6034 4721/22 TEMPLER PARK CC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6091 9617 THE MINES RESORT & GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8943 2288 TROPICANA GCR (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 7804 8888 THE CLUB @ BUKIT UTAMA (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 7725 5199 UPM GOLF COURSE (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8947 1888 VALENCIA GC (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 6156 0021

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JOHOR AUSTIN HEIGHTS GCR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 352 4300 BATU PAHAT GC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 432 9221 BUKIT BANANG GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 428 5431 DAIMAN 18 JOHOR BAHRU (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 351 6813/353 3100 GUTHRIE GCC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 752 7107 HORIZON HILLS GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 232 3166 IMPIAN EMAS GCC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 552 2202 IOI PALM VILLA GCR (27 holes) Tel: 607 - 599 9099 JOHOR GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 223 3322 KLUANG CC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 771 8840 KOTA TINGGI GR (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 883 1162 KUKUP GR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 696 0950 NAM HENG CC (9 holes) Tel: 6019-775 0055 ORCHARD GCR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 897 7934/6470 PALM RESORT GCC (54 holes) Tel: 607 - 599 2000 PERMAS JAYA GC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 388 6155 PONDEROSA GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 354 9999 PORESIA CC (27 holes) Tel: 607 - 510 2033 PULAI SPRINGS RESORT (36 holes) Tel: 607 - 521 2121 SEGAMAT CC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 943 5968 SEBANA COVE RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 826 6655/88 S.T. RHODES CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 926 1209 STARHILL GCC (36 holes) Tel: 607 - 556 6325 TANJUNG EMAS GC (9 holes)Tel: 606 - 952 1550 TANJUNG PUTERI GR (54 holes) Tel: 607 - 271 1888 THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST (45 holes) Tel: 607 - 878 0000 THE LEGENDS GCR (27 holes) Tel: 607 - 652 4388 MELAKA A’FAMOSA GR (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 552 0888 AYER KEROH CC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 233 2000/2001 ORNA GCC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 521 0333 TIARA MELAKA GCC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 231 1111/2366 NEGERI SEMBILAN GEMAS GR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 948 2687 KOTA SERIEMAS GCC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 790 7392 NILAI SPRINGS GCC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 850 8888 PORT DICKSON GCC (18 holes) Tel : 606 - 647 3586/3123 ROYAL PALM SPRINGS GC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 661 9599 ROYAL SERI MENANTI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 497 9600 / 900 SEREMBAN INTERNATIONAL GC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 677 5277 STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 8766 6117/8/9 THISTLE PORT DICKSON RESORT (9 holes) Tel: 606 - 648 2828 UTOPIA GR (FORMERLY ERA GCC) (18 holes) Tel: 017 - 336 0836

PERAK CLEARWATER SANCTUARY GR (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 366 7433 DAMAI LAUT GCC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 685 9333 KINTA GC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 365 2827 KUALA KANGSAR GC (9 holes) Tel: 605 - 776 2396 MERU VALLEY RESORT (27 holes) Tel: 605 - 529 3300/3333 ROYAL PERAK GC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 542 3266 TAIPING GOLF RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 883 7500 TELUK INTAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 623 7421 PULAU PINANG BUKIT JAWI GR (36 holes) Tel: 604 - 582 0759 MOUNTAIN VIEW GR (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 583 3777 PENANG GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 644 2255 PENANG GOLF RESORT (36 holes) Tel: 604 - 578 2022 PENANG TURF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 238 5226 KEDAH BLACK FOREST GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 922 2790 /822 CINTA SAYANG RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 441 4666 DARULAMAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 917 0001 GUNUNG RAYA GR (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 966 8148 HARVARD GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 450 0323 KULIM GCR (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 403 2828 PERMAIPURA GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 459 4000 ROYAL KEDAH GC (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 731 9405/733 0467 SG. PETANI GC (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 422 4894 THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 959 2700 99 EAST GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 955 1153 PERLIS PUTRA PERLIS GC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 976 9660 UUM GOLF & RECREATION CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 928 2684 KELANTAN GUA MUSANG GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 912 0010/11 KELAB REKREASI TENTERA DARAT (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 787 8200 KELANTAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 748 2102 TERENGGANU BUKIT BESI GC (18 holes) Tel: 019 - 956 4760 DESA DUNGUN GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 848 1041 GREEN ACRES GCR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 616 3500 KUALA TERENGGANU GR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 666 6836 KELAB GOLF & REKREASI PETRONAS (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 804 0232 RESORTS WORLD KIJAL (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 864 1188 PAHANG AWANA GENTING HIGHLANDS GCR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6436 9037 BENTONG GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 222 2585 BERJAYA HILLS GCC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 222 8882 KELAB GOLF SULTAN AHMAD SHAH (CAMERON HIGHLANDS GC) (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 491 1256

FRASER’S HILL GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 362 2888 / 03 - 2691 6633 KELAB GOLF KEM UNGKU NAZAMUDDIN (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 312 2901 KELAB REKREASI SRI MAHKOTA (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 277 7831 KELAB REKREASI TUDM KUANTAN (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 538 4282 LANJUT GOLDEN BEACH & GR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 414 5113 LIPIS VALLEY GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 312 1963/4/5 MAHKOTA GCC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 573 9595 MARAN HILL GR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 468 9187 ROYAL PAHANG GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 567 5811 ROYAL PEKAN GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 422 4139 SELESA RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 233 0039/42 TIOMAN ISLAND GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 419 1000 SABAH BORNEO GOLF RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 861 888 DALIT BAY GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 791 333 HOT SPRING GC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 765 555 KENINGAU GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 331 113 KINABALU GC (9 holes) Tel: 6088 - 251 615 KUDAT GOLF & MARINA RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 611 002 LAHAD DATU GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 867 288 MIMPIAN JADI GC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 787 122 MOUNT KINABALU GC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 889 445 NEXUS GOLF RESORT KARAMBUNAI (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 411 215 SABAH GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 247 533 SANDAKAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 660 557 SHAN-SHUI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 916 888 SIBUGA GC (9 holes) Tel: 6013 - 854 9668 SUTERA HARBOUR GCC (27 holes) Tel: 6088 - 318 888 SIGALONG GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6016 - 830 3657 TAWAU GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 6089 - 765 990 TAMBUNAN GC (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 773 114/115 SARAWAK BINTULU GC (18 holes) Tel: 6086 - 253 213 BORNEO HIGHLANDS RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 6019 - 828 0790 DAMAI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6082 - 846 088 EASTWOOD VALLEY GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6085 - 421 010 KELAB GOLF SARAWAK (36 holes) Tel: 6082 - 444 791/440 966 MIRI GC (18 hole) Tel: 6085 - 416 787 PRISONS GC (9 holes) Tel: 6082 - 613 544 SAMARAHAN CC (18 holes) Tel: 6013 - 816 1876 SIBU GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 6084 - 228 119 LABUAN LABUAN GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 6087 - 412 711 LABUAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 468 468

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MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE MALAYSIAN AMATEUR GOLFER OF THE ATEUR GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE  MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEM MALE  BEST OVERALL GOLF EXPERIENCE  BEST MAINTAINED GOLF  BEST N NEW GOLF COURSE  BREAKTHROUGH GOLFER OF THE UTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO UTSTANDIN GOLF MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE MALAYSIAN AMATEUR GOLFER OF THE EAR – FEMALE  MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE  BEST OVERALL GOLF EX XPERIENCE EW GOLF COURSE  BREAKTHROU BREAKTHROUG ONTRIBUTION TO ONTRI GOLF MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE YEAR EAR – FEMALE MALAYSIAN EAR – FEMALE  MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE BEST OVERALL GOLF EW GOLF COURSE  BREAKTHROU ONTRIBUTION TO ONTRI GOLF MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE EAR – FEMALE MALAYSIAN FEMALE  F MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE BEST OVERALL GOLF EX E COURSE  C BREAKTHROU BUTION TO B GOLF 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ARE YOU MALAYSIA’S

BEST? ALL WILL BE REVEALED ON

MAY 4, 2018

Malaysian Professional Golfer of the Year – Male

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Malaysian Amateur Golfer of the Year – Male

best overall golf experience

n Malayiosiran breakthrough ia s y la a M Jun golfer of Malaysian nior Ju e th f o er Amateur Golfer of the YGeaolfr – feMale the year Golfer of the Year – Male

Year – feMale

Best New Golf Course

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AND MORE...

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FINAL TEE

Sentosa unveils Champions Grove at New Tanjong Singapore's Sentosa Golf Club celebrated its hosting of the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in February by unveiling ‘The Champions Grove’, a legacy project which also reflects the club’s dedication to sustainable practices.

First ground was broken by two of the tournament’s 83 participants, South Korea’s A-Yean Cho and China’s Wenbo Liu. The grove has five native Pulai trees and is located adjacent to the 7th hole of the New Tanjong Course. Reaching up to 40 metres tall, the Pulai trees will highlight the club’s status as one of the world’s most environmentallyfriendly venues while complementing its recently-launched #KeepItGreen campaign.

“It is with great pride that we were chosen as host venue for the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, and so we wanted to celebrate in a way that memorialised this landmark while championing our #KeepItGreen campaign.

We could think of no better way than by creating The Champions Grove which will become a symbol of two very important issues right at the heart of the club and serve as a reminder of this momentous

(L to R) Sentosa’s Andrew Johnston, A-Yean Cho, Wenbo Liu and The R&A’s Dominic Wall

occasion for years to come,” said Sentosa’s general manager and director of agronomy Andrew Johnston.

Environmental protection was integral to the New Tanjong redesign, completed in November 2016. Through the construction of six interconnected lakes across the new

World Golf Awards returns to La Manga The 2018 World Golf Awards will be staged at the five-star La Manga Club in southern Spain this November 1-4.

The awards programme returns to the famous venue in Murcia for the second consecutive year and will include three days of networking opportunities, dinners and golfing experiences.

The awards gala takes place on November 3 at La Manga Club's Hotel Principe Felipe where the 2018 winners will be announced.

“It is an honour to be returning to the awardwinning La Manga Club for our fifth gala ceremony.

With every continent represented, the event is going to be truly global and we’re looking forward to having a weekend to remember at one of golf’s most iconic resorts,” said World Golf Awards managing director Chris Frost.

Set across an area of 1,400 acres, La Manga Club boasts three golf courses along with other superb sports, leisure and dining facilities.

Voting for the 2018 World Golf Awards can be done at worldgolfawards.com from now until September 20.

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layout, the course is completely selfsufficient when it comes to irrigation.

Johnston and his design team also embarked on a tree-saving initiative, which saw over 300 different species extricated from the Old Tanjong and replanted on the New Tanjong.

Phuket stop for Junior Golf Tour of Asia

Laguna Golf Phuket

The Junior Golf Tour of Asia (JGTA) will stage the third event of its inaugural season at Laguna Golf Phuket in Thailand on April 17-20.

The JGTA Phuket Junior Open will be a three-day strokeplay event featuring 78 of the top junior golfers in Asia. The field is expected to include AJGA champions and players who have already signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) to play collegiate golf with an American university.

The JGTA is the sanctioning body in Asia for American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Performance Based Entry (PBE) status. The first two events

of the 2017-2018 season were held in Bintan, Indonesia and Miaoli, Taiwan. A player’s ranking on the JGTA Order of Merit at the end of the season in May will dictate their PBE status.

“We are delighted to welcome the Junior Golf Tour of Asia to Laguna Phuket, which will be the first JGTA tournament in Thailand. Laguna Golf Phuket strongly supports junior golf with our specialist junior memberships and several tournaments each year,” said Paul Wilson, assistant vice president and group golf director of Laguna Golf For more information, visit jgta.org.

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FAM Fun in the Philippines for golf tour operators More than 200 golf tour operators from around the world will participate in a series of golf familiarisation (FAM) tours when the Philippines hosts the Asia Golf Tourism

Convention (AGTC) on April 22-25.

AGTC is organised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), whose chief executive Peter Walton commented: “One of our objectives with AGTC each year is to ensure that the destination benefits directly from the event in a really significant way.

“As an emerging golf destination, only 21% of our 424 golf tour operators selling golf vacations to Asia feature the Philippines, so we were determined to get as many tour operators to Boracay really experience golf in the

Philippines first-hand either before or after the convention itself. I am delighted to announce that as a result of these efforts, sponsored by the country’s Tourism Promotions Board, 215 golf tour operator delegates from 35 countries have already committed to the AGTC FAM Tours making this the largest to have ever taken place in Asia.”

Tour operators will visit three major golf destinations: Tagaytay Highlands, ClarkAngeles City and Boracay Island. They will also experience golf in Manila itself at the iconic Southwoods and Wack Wack golf clubs during the AGTC Golf Tournament, which will follow two days of meetings and networking.

Centara returns as title sponsor for Thailand World Masters Centara Hotels & Resorts, one of Thailand’s leading hotel operators, returns as main sponsor and host of the Thailand World Masters tournament, which takes place in the resort town of Hua Hin this June 10-16.

The 2018 Centara World Masters will mark the fifth year of the amateur tournament, which attracts golfers from over 50 countries.

Participants will enjoy one round each at the Springfield Royal, Black Mountain, Banyan and Imperial Lake View courses. The tournament is open to men and women over 35 years of age.

“We look forward to welcoming many more golfers, friends and families not only to Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, Hua Hin, for the acclaimed Centara World Masters event next year, but also to our array of city and tropical beachfront locations year round”

said Centara’s chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirativat.

Tournament co-director Mark Siegel described the event as the ultimate tournament and holiday experience. “Don’t take our word for it . . . 88% of participants rated the tournament experience as excellent, while 91% considered the event to be good or excellent value. We have made further

Bangkok date for Asia Pacific Golf Summit The 2018 Asia Pacific Golf Summit will be staged in the Thai capital of Bangkok this November 1-3 at the new Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The 12th edition of the summit will feature three main components, namely the summit session itself, the presentation ceremony for the 2018 Asian Golf Awards and the inaugural Asian Golf Tourism Symposium “There is no denying that golf tourism in Asia is on the

upward trend and we felt that there is an urgent need to get the club industry to hone up on the 101 of golf tourism. Expect some top speakers to show up for this special half-day session that is specially being programmed for the club industry,” said Mike Sebastian, CEO of the Asia Pacific Golf Group which owns and runs the summit.

For updates, log on to www.golfconference.org.

enhancements to the 2018 event programme to ensure it is even more enjoyable. The event is Thailand’s richest with US$30,000 in prizes and lucky draws guaranteed to be won,” said Siegel, who is the managing director of Bangkok-based golf travel specialists Golfasian.

For more information and to register, go to www.thailandworldmasters.com.

Black Mountain GC

TEE TO GRIN

Why can't we find a course where ALL the holes are WITH the wind!

ParGolf APRIL 2018

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FINAL TEE

New Vietnamese venture for Faldo Faldo Design, the golf course design firm headed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, has entered into an agreement to design a 27-hole golf course in Long An, Vietnam.

The site is located 60km from Ho Chi Minh City and is currently agricultural land, which will be transformed into a world-class golf course with villas and hotel.

“This site presents us with a very interesting opportunity to design a highquality golf course by creating our own features that will include lots of water and landscaping,” said Faldo.

Phan Dinh Tan, general director of owners Hoan Cau Group, noted: “Hoan Cau is committed to a high-quality development in Long An and expect this will become the best golf course in the greater Ho Chi Minh area.”

Faldo Design’s current golf course in Vietnam, Laguna Lang Co, has received many awards and accolades since opening in 2013. Hoan Cau’s existing golf properties are Diamond Bay Golf & Villas in Nha Trang and Dalat Palace Golf Club in Dalat.

NEXT ROUND

SIR NICK FALDO

PUTTER SPECIAL Andrew Redington/Getty Images

An intriguing and insightful interview with the legendary Englishman during his return to Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam for the Faldo Series Asia grand final.

Rick Currin dissects the new swing of the resurgent Tiger Woods and postulates how and why he made some crucial postsurgery changes.

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

THE NEW TIGER

It’s not how you drive, it’s how you arrive – the old golfing adage certainly holds true. To help golfers select the ideal tool to hole those pesky putts, we take a look at some of the latest flat sticks in the market.

SHOWCASING SENTOSA

With four high-profile events on its roster this season, Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club continues to build its reputation as one of Asia’s premier clubs. We catch up with general manager Andy Johnston to find out what it’s like to fly at such heights.

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