ParGolf Magazine (January 2017)

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JANUARY 2017

SEASON PREVIEW

MASTER-FUL EVENT

LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL

ENHANCED REIGN OF EXPERIENCE THE ROOSTER

NEWS & VIEWS! > ALMOST OB > ASIAN ANGLES > AROUND ASIA > BUNKER MENTALITY > IN THE SPOTLIGHT > POT SHOTS > READING THE LINES > YOUNG GUNS Cover Jan17a.indd 1

TASIK PUTERI

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Jordan Spieth h

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1

2016-12-21T12:52:59+08:00

Adam Scott

Henrik Stenson

Rafa Cabrero-Bello

IT ALL ADDS UP TO TRUST.

Jimmy Walker

Rickie Fowler

2016 WORLDWIDE BALL COUNT

23,450 Nearest Competitor

3,989

Ariya Jutanugarn

Gaganjeet Bhullar

2016 WORLDWIDE WIN COUNT

188 Nearest Competitor

36

Louis Oosthuizen

Thongchai Jaidee

©2016 Acushnet Company. Source: Darrell Survey, Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. Northmountain International. Based upon results through 11/12/16 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, PGA Tour Champions, Web.com, South African, Asian, Korean, OneAsia, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours

Justin Thomas

PARGOLF_2016_Print_

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IINTRODUCING N T ROD UCI NG

N E W T I T L E I S T 9 1 7 D R I V E R S . M A X I M U M D I S T A N C E, F O R G I V E N E S S A N D P R E C I S E A D J U S T A B I L I T Y. E x p e r i e n ce 9 1 7 d r i ve r s . Vi s i t t i t l e i s t .co m . my/9 1 7 to l e a r n m o re .

©2016 Acushnet Company.

Contents JANUARY 2017 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

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PREVIEW

18

LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL: REIGN OF THE ROOSTER

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER DOLLAR

FEATURES 18

2017 Preview

26

Lunar New Year Special

34

Saujana Golf & Country Club

Another Year, Another Dollar Reign Of The Rooster

Glory Days

38

Maybank Championship

59

IAGTO Awards

60

Damai Laut Food Trail

64

Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club

Master-ful Event

Golf's Best Feted Eat, Golf And Be Merry

Enhanced Experience

74

BDB-Firefly Golf Tournament Northern Swing

MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP: MASTER-FUL EVENT

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Contents JANUARY 2017 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

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SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB: GLORY DAYS EVENTS 76 78

Laksamana Trophy Drive To Dubai Challenge

INSTRUCTIONS & GOLF TIPS 68

Golf Foreladies With Kuriko Tsukiyama Reverse L

COLUMNS 24 32 42 72

60 D A EATMAI LA , GO UT F LF & OO BE M D TRA ERR IL: Y

Reading The Lines Bunker Mentality Asian Angles Almost OB

E TH IP T S ANSH O R O

A

E B TE AY

M

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I EP P TH AM !

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Contents JANUARY 2017 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

DEPARTMENTS 8 10 12 14 44 48 58

Editorial Line-Up Freeze Frame First Tee Around Asia In The Bag Essentials

64

70 71 73 80 80 81 82

Young Guns Pro News The Golf Scene Potshots Subscription Calendar Of Events In The Spotlight

86 88 90 94 96

Style Lounge Cars + Pars Golf Course Directory Final Tee Flashback

TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB: ENCHANCED EXPERIENCE

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from the pargolf team Ready … Re-Set … Go! Happy New Year, fellow golf fans! Ready or not, 2017 has arrived, bringing along with it sweet promises of new opportunities and endless possibilities as the ‘re-set’ button goes off. Of course this also means golf fiends can look forward to exceptional golfing action – whether in our own backyard or across the seas.

Kicking things off is our European correspondent Mike Wilson, who unloads his 2017 season outlook – what can we expect from the sport’s luminaries, who’s going to rock world golf, which dark horse is going to spring sweet surprises, will Tiger Woods return as a force or is he spent? ‘Another Year, Another Dollar’ unravels on page 18.

If you don’t already know by now, the highly-anticipated Maybank Championship tees-off next month at Saujana Golf & Country Club, promising riveting, worldclass action by some of golf’s superstars, including reigning Masters champ Danny Willett and South African might Charl Schwartzel. Find out what’s in store on page 38 (oh, and ticketing details, of course). Also, if you’re keen to find out how Saujana is prepping for this European Tour and Asian Tour co-sanctioned

tournament, you’re in luck. Join Jonathan Ponniah on page 34 as he speaks to the general manager SA Nathan and club manager Ken Kudo to get the lowdown.

(If you want to win an opportunity to tee up alongside the world’s top golfers during the Maybank Championship pro-am, don’t miss the contest on page 37!)

But before that, we highlight golf’s brightest, most fiery Roosters as the fowl takes the reign this Lunar New Year from the 28th of this month right up to February 15th next year. In this very special feature, we also get Feng Shui master Dato’ Joey Yap to let us in on this year’s outlook for all 12 Chinese zodiacs, so don’t miss ‘Reign of the Rooster’ on page 26!

A little later, get re-acquainted with Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club. Join KP Waran on page 64 as he revisits the parkland course and gets smitten by it all over again.

Oh, do we have a real treat for all die-hard foodies. Now, you’ve all heard Perak natives

bragging about their home state’s unparalleled food, right? And you’ve always been in absolute denial (unless you’re a Perakian, that is)? Well, we challenge you to ‘Eat, Golf and be Merry’ as you go on the Damai Laut Food Trail – and judge for yourself! Your mouthwatering journey to gastronomic nirvana begins on page 60.

FACTS & STATS ASIAN TOUR ORDER OF MERIT 2016 Pos Player 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Scott Hend (AUS) Marcus Fraser (AUS) Jeunghun Wang (KOR) Chan Shih-Chang (TPE) Miguel Tabuena (PHI) SSP Chawrasia (IND) Sam Brazel (AUS) Soomin Lee (KOR) Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA)

Events Played

Earnings (US$)

Pos Player

11 10 14 11 19 13 18 13 19 9

1,004,792 730,023 546,193 542,820 525,926 517,467 432,394 378,373 368,737 243,408

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Events Played

Earnings (US$)

15 16 20 14 10 18 16 14 11 16

220,166 219,439 218,381 215,523 207,980 190,389 188,834 187,142 176,621 170,542

Lu Wei-Chih (TPE) Nicholas Fung (MAS) Carlos Pigem (ESP) Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) Piya Swangarunporn (THA) Siddikur Rahman (BAN) Rahil Gangjee (IND) Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) Shaun Norris (RSA) Jbe Kruger (RSA)

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Submit your work or simply drop us an email at info@pargolfmagazine.com * All material published in ParGolf becomes the sole intellectual property of Write Track Publishing & Communications Sdn. Bhd.

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THE NEW

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FREEZE FRAME

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Hong Kong, December 11: Australia’s Sam Brazel is doused with champagne by compatriot Scott Hend after winning his first international title in the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The 37-year-old birdied Hong Kong Golf Club’s tough finishing hole from eight feet to finish on 13-under-par in the joint Asian Tour and European Tour event,

edging Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello by one shot.

Malaysia’s Danny Chia finished as the top Asian in joint eighth place on seven-under-par.

Hend himself had reason to celebrate as his 51st-place finish was enough to secure the 2016 Asian Tour Order of Merit title with just over US$1 million in season earnings.

Images lal/Getty ©Arep Ku

©Arep Kulal/Getty Images

AUSSIE AUSSIE!

ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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FIRST TEE

Room for improvement for Stenson Henrik Stenson had a landmark year in 2016 with his first Major, the Olympic silver medal and his second Race To Dubai title … but the Swede still thinks he has room to improve.

“Golf is a game where you’re never finished. You can always keep improving. I’m no different,” said Stenson after carding a final round 65 in the DP World Tour Championship, securing ninth place in the seasonender and top spot in the Race To Dubai rankings ahead of Danny Willett.

“Given the competition that comes up every year, it gets harder every time and you’ve always got to keep on trying to become a better player and keep on moving forward – otherwise you’re going to get run over and run past,” added Stenson, who also won the Race

To Dubai and the PGA Tour’s FedExCup in 2013.

He figures he has a good chance of another Major. “I know that if I get my game in good shape and if every

department is working, I’ve got game enough to compete with the best and beat the best. Winning another Major would be nice.”

©Francois Nel/Getty Images

“Golf is a game where you’re never finished. You can always keep improving.

I’m no different.”

Birthday cheer for Ariya bonus, the bubbly golfer said: “We plan to go to Disney World next week, so maybe can spend a little bit on that!”

Ariya won five titles in 2016 including the Ricoh Women’s British Open, which made her the first Thai golfer to win a Major. She noted that there will be more golfers from Thailand attempting to qualify for the LPGA Tour.

“You already have many lady golfers in Thailand and they are such great golfers. I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a lot more Thai players on tour,” said Jutanugarn, who has risen to No 2 in the Rolex World Rankings.

©Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images

Ariya Jutanugarn gave herself an early birthday gift – well a few actually – when she clinched the 2016 Rolex Player of the Year award, the seasonlong Race to the CME Globe title and the 2016 LPGA Money Title following a joint fourth finish in the CME Group Tour Championship.

Jutanugarn turned 21 on November 23, just three days after the final round of the LPGA’s season-ender. Asked how she was planning to celebrate the occasion and use the US$1 million CME Globe title

Denmark’s win in the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf last November was the first for the Scandinavian nation. Soren Kjeldsen and Thorbjorn Olesen teamed up to win the team event with a 20-under-par total at Kingston Heath in Melbourne, four shots ahead of the South African duo of Trevor Immelman and Rory Sabbatini.

The Danes’ victory was highlighted by an amazing 12-under-par 60 in the second round fourballs. The previous best finish by Denmark was runner-up in 2001 through the duo of Thomas Bjorn and Soren Hansen.

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©Paul Crock/AFP/Getty Images

Danish delight

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KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Chinese New Year Golf Promotion RM 198.00 nett Validity: 28th January till 13th February 2017 Package inclusive of green fee per pax, buggy and caddy (twin sharing) and golfer’s insurance Rate is inclusive of 6% Goods & Services Tax Terms & conditions: -Weekdays only - Not applicable on public holidays

HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2016 - 2018 REGIONAL SERIES

2015

Danau Permai Resort Berhad (379138-V) No.1, Jalan 31/100A, Section 31, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: +603-5122 3700 Fax: +603-5122 3702 Email: kpgcc@kotapermai.com.my Facebook: Kota Permai GPS Coordinate: 2.006592,101.534421

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FIRST TEE

Wang cashes in on European Tour World Tour Championship, Dubai.

“I still can’t believe how this year has gone. I want to keep improving and learning in the big tournaments and from the great players. Playing on the

European Tour has been a great experience for me,” said Wang.

Asked about his target for 2017, Wang quipped: “Next year? I want to win more than twice maybe!”

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Jeunghun Wang capped a remarkable maiden season on the European Tour by winning the 2016 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year title – the second South Korean to take the honour in successive years following compatriot Byeong Hun An in 2015.

With back-to-back titles at the Trophée Hassan II and AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the 21-year-old banked in €1,586,995 (approximately US$1.7 million) on the European Tour and finished the season in 16th position on the Race to Dubai rankings. He pulled ahead of his closest challengers for the rookie award with a strong finish, claiming second place at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and joint 17th at the DP

Down Under lift for Spieth ©Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

There’s something about Australia that Jordan Spieth loves. The American has now won the Emirates Australian Open twice and plans on returning each year despite cutting down on overseas travel.

“We love coming here. I certainly plan on coming back ... how can you argue with coming here and getting the confidence we get out of this event,” said Spieth after winning a three-way playoff at Royal Sydney last November.

“I have cut out a lot of overseas travel this year but we still came here. That’s how important this event is to us. I haven’t gone anywhere else. Even if overseas travel is trimmed down, we still like coming here and plan to,” added the 23-year-old, who edged local hopes Cameron Smith and Victorian Ashley Hall on the first extra hole after the trio finished regulation play tied on 12-under-par.

Spieth’s win in the 2014 event at The Australian Golf Club provided the impetus for his remarkable 2015 season when he won two Majors.

The battle for the LPGA’s Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average came down to the final hole of the final event of 2016, the CME Group Tour Championship.

Korea’s In Gee Chun clinched the title after a closing two-under-par 70 gave her a 69.583 season average – just 0.013 ahead of World No 1 Lydia Ko. 2016 LPGA SCORING AVERAGE Chun is only the second rookie to win the scoring award, joining In Gee Chun (KOR) 69.583 American legend Nancy Lopez who Lydia Ko (NZL) 69.596 had the best average of 71.76 in 1978.

Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 69.870 This is the first time in LPGA history Shanshan Feng (CHN) 69.877 that five players had a sub-70 scoring Ha Na Jang (KOR) 69.976 average.

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©Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Chun pips Ko

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HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Chinese New Year Golf Promotion Local - RM 599.80 nett International - RM 688.90 nett Saturdays Afternoon - RM 1140.10 nett

Pay for 3 pax, 4th pax play for free!

Validity: 24th January till 24th February 2017 Rate inclusive of 6% Goods & Services Tax

Package inclusive of green fee per flight, caddy and buggy (twin sharing) and golfer’s insurance Terms & conditions: - Weekdays (Tuesdays to Fridays) and Saturdays afternoon only - Single surcharge apply for flight of 3 balls at RM 74.20 nett - Not applicable on public holidays - Applicable for flight of 4 balls only

2015

HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2016 - 2018 REGIONAL SERIES

Horizon Hills Resort Berhad (769101-H)

No.1, Jalan Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia Tel: +607-232 3166 Fax: +607-232 3919 Email: general@hhgcc.com.my Facebook: Horizon Hills GPS Coordinate: 1.452196,103.638829

Rory McIlroy

Dustin Johnson

©Scott Halleran/Getty Images

©David Cannon/Getty Images

©Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Jason Day

2017 PREVIEW

18

Jordan Spieth

©Andy Lyonsz/Getty Images

Henrik Stenson

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER DOLLAR

ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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In a year that will see well over half a billion dollars of prize money on offer on the main pro circuits, there’s really not much new on offer to engage fans as golf strives to halt an undeniable decline in its popularity. But the game trudges on and Mike Wilson surveys the 2017 season and makes his predictions for the year ahead.

N

otwithstanding the fact that the 2017 PGA Tour and the European Tour actually began in the fall of 2016 and in Asia, the festive break gives the professional players – and those of us who will follow their progress over the next 11 months – a break from the unrelenting momentum of the professional circuits which each year leave one with something of a sense of déjà vu.

Of course, in life as in sport, there’s not much new and the human condition ensures that innovation and the change it brings tends to be evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary – and a conservative, traditional game like golf is the very epitome of that.

When the two global governing bodies, the R&A and the USGA, take

centuries to consider, agree and implement a simple rule change such as the recent dropping of a penalty stroke against a player whose ball – inadvertently and through no fault of their own – moves following address on the putting surface, it’s unlikely that those running the professional tours, accountable to their members and their vested interests, are likely to move much faster than a geriatric snail’s pace either.

The Asian Tour’s new CEO Josh Burack is an unknown quantity, who may indeed view transformation as the answer to the Asian Tour’s on-going under-performance, while LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan has steered an outward-looking and forward-thinking path towards the creation of what is, in effect, a global circuit for the elite of the ladies game.

Whilst North America continues at the heart of the LPGA season, new events in New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, China and Scotland are four of 16 tournaments taking place outside the USA – creating an authentic worldwide circuit with an Asia-Pacific top and tail, which bodes well for the future of the girl’s game and builds on the momentum achieved from fully embracing the five rings of the Olympics in Brazil last year.

And, with seven different nationalities – not one of them currently from the USA – in the top-10 of the LPGA order of merit, and youngsters such as Lydia Ko, In Gee Chun, Brooke Henderson and 21-yearold Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn setting the pace, there is genuine competition with global, regional and national

3

HIGHLY PROBABLES FOR 2017

• A Korean will win at least one of the LPGA’s five Majors and Lydia Ko will end 2017 in the same position on the Rolex Rankings as she ended 2016, #1.

©Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

• Despite losing his lucrative contract with Nike as the Swoosh pulls out of golf, Irishman Rory McIlroy will still earn in excess of US$15 million in prize money, appearance fees and endorsements and won’t be relying on a food bank in 2017.

• Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama will win at least three times on the PGA Tour in 2017, including either a WGC event or a maiden Major.

Hideki Matsuyama

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2017 PREVIEW

3

IMPOSSIBILITIES IN THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

• Tiger Woods will shake off the shackles and win all four Majors in 2017, thus equalling the Jack Nicklaus record of 18 before going on to retain the Masters in 2018.

• The R&A will relax their code of conduct ahead of the Open Championship following a heatwave at Royal Birkdale, insisting players wear shorts and collarless tee shirts and drink the official beer, Stella Artois, in order to avoid dehydration.

©Christian Petersen/Getty Images

• Bernhard Langer and Kevin Na will break the PGA Tour fastest round record by playing Augusta National in under three hours in the final round of the 2017 Masters.

interest throughout. And there are hopeful signs that prize money is creeping upwards too.

Having covered many events on the Asian, European and LPGA Tours, the former and the latter are, by far, the most accessible, friendly and – this is important as golf is part of the sports entertainment industry – fun circuits where the players actually appear.

It’s hugely encouraging to see some Asians, at last, beginning to flourish on the global stage. Surely Hideki Matsuyama will win a Major soon and with 17% of the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking from Asia; Byeong Hun An, Anirban Lahiri, Jeunghun Wang, SSP Chawrasia, Soomin Lee and Thongchai Jaidee join the young Japanese as players to be reckoned with. The last two winners of the Volvo China Open, Wu Ashun and Li Haotong, suggest that at long last Shanshan Feng may soon have male company in the upper 20

echelons of the game.

Were I fortunate enough to be granted a single wish for 2017, it would be that an overarching benefactor such as ISPS Handa would invest in the Asian Tour and give it the leg-up it so badly needs and richly-deserves.

The European Tour has done well to squeeze more cash out of a Swiss luxury watchmaker to create the Rolex Series, but other than the Open Championship, the European Masters with the Alps as its backdrop, the unique French Open, the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, the Mauritius Open and the DP World Championship (if the Race to Dubai was still up for grabs by then), there’s not much to get the pulse racing, the juices flowing.

But the Ricoh Women’s British Open, Solheim Cup, Lorena Ochoa Match Play, Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, HSBC Women’s Champions, UBS Hong Kong Open, Sime Darby

LPGA Malaysia and CIMB Classic (because I love Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia), count me in.

Meanwhile, on the amateur scene, the magnificently-named American Maverick McNealy and Australian Curtis Luck – first and second on the amateur rankings respectively – offer a look into the future. And it may well be that an amateur, probably from the US Collegiate system, could win a Major this year.

Two girls from the tiny island of Ireland, Leona Maguire and Olivia Mahaffey, first and third on the women’s amateur rankings, are as exciting as are statisticallyimprobable.

Meanwhile, the 2017 Walker Cup, the biennial amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup, which will see Great Britain & Ireland (no need yet to call in European reinforcements) defend the crown they won last time at Royal Lytham & St. Annes at the Los Angeles Country Club in September, excites me

ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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In Gee Chun

©Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images

Shanshan Feng

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

©Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images

©Tony Marshall/Getty Images

©Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Lydia Ko Ariya Jutanugarn

Lexi Thompson

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2017 PREVIEW

WOMEN’S MAJORS 2017 Date

Tournament

Venue

Prizemoney

Defending Champion

Mar 30-Apr 2

ANA Inspiration

Mission Hill Country Club, California

US$2,700,000

Lydia Ko (NZL)

Jun 29-Jul 2

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Olympia Fields Country Club, Illinois

US$3,500,000

Jul 13-16

US Women’s Open

Trump National Golf Club, New Jersey US$5,000,000

Ricoh Women’s British Open

Kingsbarns Golf Links, Scotland

US$3,250,000

Ariya Jutanugarn (THA)

Evian Championship

Evian Resort Golf Club, France

US$3,350,000

In Gee Chun (KOR)

©David Cannon/Getty Images

Aug 3- 6 Sep 14-17

2017 Ricoh Woman's British Open venue – Kingsbarns Golf Links

22

Brooke Henderson (CAN) Brittany Lang (USA)

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light of what President Trump has said about the host nation’s citizens.

Meanwhile, you would not put money on a successful Masters defence by Danny Willett, even though he appears to be regaining his equilibrium after a dizzying year wearing the fabled Green Jacket. But I would put money, serious money on Henrik Stenson not only mounting a successful defence of the Claret Jug, but adding to it and finishing World No 1 at the end of 2017.

I do not care much who wins the President’s Cup, a saccharine-coated match between the USA and the rest of the world, although dual standards must

be confessed to as the biennial EurAsia Cup intrigues me as a gauge of how Asian players are progressing compared to their more fêted European rivals.

But, for sure, there will not be a dry eye in the house in one PGA Tour event this term – the Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill in March, six months after the great man’s death, and it is to be hoped the event will be suitably marked, the legend properly remembered and the tournament named in his honour in perpetuity.

So, 2017, here we come – more, much more of the same but, hopefully, some seeds of change may be sown? PG

©David Cannon/Getty Images

far more than, for example, the Waste Management Open or the Valspar Championship.

It will be interesting, if only mildly so, to see whether Jordan Spieth can rediscover the form of two years ago, starting with his defence of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions this month – but not half as intriguing as whether or not a supposedly fully-fit and properlyrehabilitated Tiger Woods can fulfil his ambition of playing a full schedule, let alone win again.

It will also be intriguing to see how the World Golf Championships event in Mexico works out, especially in

2017 US Open venue – Erin Hills

MEN’S MAJORS 2017 Date

Tournament

Venue

Prizemoney

Apr 6-9

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia

US$10,000,000

Danny Willett (ENG)

Jun 15-18

US Open

Erin Hills, Wisconsin

US$10,000,000

Dustin Johnson (USA)

Defending Champion

Jul 20-23

The Open Championship

Royal Birkdale Golf Club, England

US$8,450,000

Henrik Stenson (SWE)

Aug 10-13

PGA Championship

Quail Hollow Club, North Carolina

US$10,500,000

Jimmy Walker (USA)

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reading the lines jonathan ponniah Vision 2017

No Olympics or Ryder Cup this year but there are some intriguing scenarios for golf in the Year of the Fire Rooster

W

ow … another year has sped past, seemingly faster than the Millennium Falcon in

hyperdrive!

After an eventful and congested 2016 season with the Rio Olympics and Ryder Cup, 2017 looks like it’s going to be rather tame in comparison. But there are a few things to look out for this season, both on the home front and international stage.

Gavin Green Gavin’s first full season on the Asian Tour will be interesting to watch as the young prodigy continues his rise up the ranks.

He’s won on the development tour before and will be looking to break through for his first big pro title. My money’s on him doing that … and perhaps even more.

Kelly Tan With three full LPGA seasons under her belt, Malaysia’s top lady golfer could spring a few surprises as she dukes it out with the best golfers on the planet. I say Batu Pahat boleh lah!

FANTASTIC

Tiger Woods Tiger made his return to competitive golf in the Hero World Challenge, showing glimpses of his old, dominating self in a second round 65. Will he be able to compete with the big boys and is he capable of another Major? I think not, but hope he proves me wrong as the game needs him – case in point, when he switched to the Bridgestone Tour B330S ball, the model sold out here in double quick time!

Lydia Ko vs Ariya Jutanugarn This could be a great rivalry in the making between two players of vastly contrasting styles – the thoughtful golf and short game skills of Lydia versus the flamboyant golf and ‘mai pen rai’ (Thai for ‘never mind’) attitude of Ariya.

I pick the Thai to end 2017 as the new World No 1.

KL SEA Games OK, so it may not be the Olympics but the regional meet is an arena where we can win bucketloads of medals. The last

time it was staged in Malaysia in 2001, our golfers took the men’s team gold at Sungai Long GCC through Airil Rizman, Shaaban Hussin, S. Siva Chandran and Sahal Saedin who beat the formidable Thai quartet of Prom Meesawat, Wisut Artjanawat, Ronnachai Jamnong and Pariya Junhasavasdikul in the matchplay final.

Can we strike gold again in this year’s golf event at The Mines? Nur Durriyah Damian looks to be the best bet as our top lady amateur is playing really well, winning international titles in Thailand and India in late 2016.

The Asian Tour With a new man at the helm in CEO Josh Burack and influential Indonesian businessman Jimmy Masrin adding his considerable clout as chairman, 2017 could well be a watershed year for the tour. It’s about time the tour gets the recognition, respect and rewards it deserves.

Happy 2017 and may the Year of the Rooster give us reason to crow! PG

5

Here I go again … five things which I hope to achieve this year but, if track records are anything to go by, will probably not!

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

1 Break 85 ... I’ll need to purge myself of the tendency to rake up eights and nines on at least two holes per round to achieve this.

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2 Go on a real golf holiday ... I do get to travel and play a lot but it’s all work-related. For once, I want to fly somewhere with a few mates, preferably to a place where beer is cheap, and enjoy worry-free golf.

3 Lose 10kg ... which means no nasi lemak or char kuay teow, so FAT chance!

4 Visit Perlis … the only Malaysian state I have not been to. And while I’m there, the Thai border beckons.

5 Drink less … NOT!

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LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL

Reign of the

ROOSTER ROOSTER People born in the Year of the Rooster are said to have numerous commendable characteristics, including honesty and wit. They're sociable, generous and fiercely independent as well as driven. Here's a look at golf's most prolific Roosters and our fortunes according to Chinese astrology, courtesy of Feng Shui expert Dato' Joey Yap.

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

As we come together and usher in the auspicious Lunar New Year, the cheeky Monkey bids adieu as the Rooster, the 10th animal in the Chinese zodiac, takes control of the reins from January 28, 2017 right up to February 15, 2018.

SEVE BALLESTEROS Birthdate : April 9, 1957 – May 7, 2011 Birthplace : Pedreña, Marina de Cudeyo, Spain One of golf's most gifted and charismatic players of all time, Severiano Ballesteros Sota was known for his competitiveness, creative shot-making and flair for drama. Born in the village of Pedreña, Spain in 1957, Ballesteros claimed 87 titles in his career, winning The Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988, and became the first European to win the Augusta Masters in 1980, repeating the feat in 1983.

Even more than his individual achievements, Ballesteros was known for his role in invigorating the Ryder Cup, which he competed in eight times, leading Europe to its first win on US soil and captaining a victory in his home country. He teamed with Jose Maria Olazabal to become the most formidable partnership in Ryder Cup history, producing an 11-2-2 record.

His daring and flamboyant style and fiery personality made Ballesteros special, transforming the image of golf and bringing a whole new audience to the sport.

In the summer of 2011, the legendary Ballesteros succumbed to a long battle with a cancerous brain tumour at age 54, leaving behind three children, former wife Carmen and a legion of superstar golfers and fans mourning his demise.

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ERNIE ELS Birthdate : October 17, 1969 Birthplace : Johannesburg, South Africa

©David Cannon/Getty Images

Ernie Els, or The Big Easy, is hard to miss on the course due to his imposing 6’3” physical stature and fluid golf swing. As an athletic young South African boy, Els dabbled in tennis, cricket, soccer and rugby, and eventually turned his focus to golf by age 14, joining the paid ranks in 1989. He won his first pro tourney in 1991 on the Southern Africa Tour – and would go on to bag 70 more victories, including four Majors in the US Open (1994 and 1997) and The Open Championship (2002 and 2012).

In 1999, the World Golf Hall of Famer formed the Ernie Els Foundation, which provides full support to disadvantaged children. Then in 2009, he set up the Els for Autism Foundation, inspired by son Ben, who is autistic.

Apart from designing courses under his Ernie Els Design, the 47-year-old is also passionate about wine-making, with the 2000 Engelbrecht-Els wine (released by Ernis Els Wines) receiving the highest rating yet given to a South African wine in 2002.

ÁNGEL CABRERA Birthdate : September 12, 1969 Birthplace : Córdoba, Argentina

©Stanley Chou/Getty Images

Nicknamed icknamed ‘El Pato’ (Spanish for ‘the duck’) for his waddling gait, Ángel Cabrera’s love affair with golf began at age 10 when he became a caddie at the Córdoba Country Club and learnt the game playing with the other caddies for money.

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oted for having one of the biggest swings in the Noted game, the 47-year-old has to date amassed 52 professional titles. He and wife Sylvia have two sons, Federico and Angel Jr, both of whom are also golfers with the latter playing on the Canadian Tour.

ges

He is a two-time Major champ with wins at the US Open in 2007 and the Masters in 2009; he was the first (and only) Argentine to win either, and is one of three active PGA Tour members who have won both the US Open and the Masters as of 2015 (the others being Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth).

NICK FALDO Birthdate : July 18, 1957 Birthplace : Hertfordshire, England N Sir Nicholas Alexander Faldo, MBE, took up golf when he was 14 after seeing Jack Nicklaus land the 1971 Masters title on TV (his introduction to the sport). Three years later, he won the 1975 English Amateur and the British Youths Championship – the rest, as they say, is history.

©Harry How/Getty Images

The young lad from Hertfordshire, England, was the youngest player ever to compete in the Ryder Cup, and has won 41 professional tournaments including six Majors (Masters in 1989, 1990 and 1996; and The Open Championship in 1987, 1990 and 1992) and was ranked No 1 on the Official World Golf Ranking for a total of 97 weeks.

Faldo established the Faldo Series in 1996, which provides opportunities to young golfers under the age of 21 from around the world, and is also involved in golf design (under Faldo Design).

The 59-year-old father of four became lead golf analyst with CBS Sports in 2006 and has since become a TV pundit for the Majors.

SUZANN PETTERSEN Birthdate : April 7, 1981 Birthplace : Oslo, Norway Adept at many sports growing up, including skiing, Norwegian golfer Suzann Pettersen played her first tournament at the tender age of six.

As an amateur, the Oslo native won the British Girls Championship in 1999 and the 2000 World Amateur Championship, and won the Norwegian Amateur five consecutive years. Young Pettersen also represented Europe twice in the Junior Ryder Cup. The 5’7” lass, known to her friends as ‘Tutta’, turned pro in 2000, and earned her first victory at the French Open the following year, as well as being named Ladies European Tour’s Rookie of the Year.

One of the fittest, most athletic players in women's golf, the 35-yearold Pettersen has 11 pro wins to date, including two Majors – 2007 Women’s PGA Championship and the 2013 Evian Championship (the tournament's first year with Major status).

Pettersen, who lists keeping fit and music as her other hobbies apart from sports, settled for second spot in last year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, and is currently ranked at No 18 in the world.

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LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL

AARON BADDELEY

FAMOUS ROOSTERS IN SHOWBIZ & SPORTS

Birthdate : March 17, 1981 Birthplace : Lebanon, New Hampshire Frequently ranked as one of the best putters on the PGA Tour, Aaron Baddeley holds dual American and Australian citizenship and to date has won eight professional victories, including four on the PGA Tour – 2016 Barbasol Championship, 2011 Northern Trust Open, 2007 FBR Open and 2006 Verizon Heritage.

Daniel Day Lewis Actor April 29, 1957

After being introduced to golf at age eight by his grandmother, Baddeley (nicknamed ‘Badds’) became the youngest player ever to represent Australia in the Eisenhower Trophy and won the Holden Australian Open as an amateur in 1999 and retained his title in 2000, turning pro the same year.

Roger Federer Tennis Player August 8, 1981

Music Producer March 14, 1933

Jennifer Lopez Singer July 24, 1969

Cate Blanchett Actress May 14, 1969

The Aaron Baddeley International Junior Championship, which kicked off in 2001, is one of the leading junior events in the world and is the only junior tournament that gives an exemption to the men's and women's Australian Open, Australian Masters and the Australian Ladies Masters.

The devout Christian, whose non-golf passions include fitness, reading, gokarting and fishing, has four children (Jewell, Jolee, Jeremiah and Josiah) with wife Richelle.

LORENA OCHOA Birthdate : November 15, 1981 Birthplace : Guadalajara, Mexico Lorena Ochoa Reyes is considered the most successful Mexican pro golfer and best Latin American female golfer of all time, ranked No 1 in the world for 158 consecutive weeks up to her retirement in 2010 at age 28.

Rapper December 4, 1969

Matthew McConaughey Actor November 4, 1979

Tom Hiddleston Actor February 9, 1981

Jessica Alba Actress April 28, 1981

Hans Zimmer

Music Composer September 12, 1957

Picking up golf at age five, Ochoa’s journey in golf advanced quickly – winning her first state championship a year later. Since 1989, the 5’6” Mexican has won 30 professional tournaments, including two Majors (2007 Ricoh Women’s British Open and 2008 Kraft Nabisco Championship).

Each year, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational receives the world's top 36 players at the Guadalajara Country Club, while the Lorena Ochoa Foundation, established in 2004, helps hundreds of marginalized children to reach a balanced life through educational programmes, sports, healthy living and self-esteem seminars.

In 2012, Ochoa released an autobiography, Memoirs (released in 2012), which tells her story, successes and failures and reasons for retirement. She and her husband, Aeroméxico’s CEO Andres Conesa, have one son, Pedro.

©Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Jay Z

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©Michael Cohen/Getty Images

Quincy Jones

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CANDIE KUNG

FAMOUS ROOSTERS IN SHOWBIZ & SPORTS

Birthdate : August 8, 1981 Birthplace : Kaohsiung, Taiwan Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Candie Kung started playing golf at age 13. As a young teen, she uprooted to the United States, and enjoyed a fantastic amateur career, becoming a three-time American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) AllAmerican and was named 1999 AJGA Player of the Year.

Y While at the University of Southern California, Kung was a two-time NCAA All-American.

Serena Willia ms

Tennis Player September 26, 1981

Since turning pro in 2001, the 5’6” has amassed plenty of top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship, where she crossed the US$2 million mark in career earnings.

Adriana Lima

To date, Kung has amassed five pro wins, including three on the LPGA Tour which all came in 2003 – and in 2008, she landed her fourth LPGA Tour win at the Hana Bank-Kolon Championship.

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Natalie Portman

Actress June 9, 1981

©Jam

Though the 35-year-old has never won a Major championship (came close to winning the US Women’s Open in 2009), she continues to enjoy a remarkable career, and credits her father, mother and brother as the most influential people in her life.

Supermodel June 12, 1981

MATTEO MANASSERO

Helen Mirren

Birthdate : April 19, 1993 Birthplace : Negrar, Italy Matteo Manassero spent his early teens working under the tutelage of Italian national golf coach Alberto Binaghi, before cementing his place as one of the brightest upand-coming stars in golf. A huge fan of the great Seve Ballesteros, he topped the World Amateur Golf Rankings on December 30, 2009 – a week shy of age 17 – and remained No 1 for 18 weeks.

Actress July 26, 1945

Spike Lee Film Director March 20, 1957

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

In 2010, Manassero was the youngest player ever to make the cut at the Masters at 16 years and 11 months and 22 days (beating Bobby Cole’s record which had lasted since 1967).

The Verona resident turned pro after his 17th birthday, and went on to win the 2010 Castelló Masters Costa Azahar at 17 years and 188 days, making him the youngest winner in European Tour history. That was followed by wins in the 2011 Maybank Malaysian Open, the 2012 Barclays Singapore Open and the biggest title of his career in the 2013 BMW PGA Championship.

Peter Dinklage Actor June 11, 1969

Renee Z ellweger

A lover of links golf, the 5’11” Manassero lists football as his other biggest passion, naming AC Milan and Italy as his favourite teams.

Actress April 25, 1969

JORDAN SPIETH Birthdate : July 27, 1993 Birthplace : Dallas, Texas

Terrence Howard

All-American-boy Jordan Spieth’s rise to golf superstardom can be traced back to his athletic parents – dad was a college baseball player and mom a basketballer.

Claiming baseball as his sport of choice then, the Texan swapped his leather mitts for a driver at age 12, with the intention of focussing solely on golf.

He quickly became one of the most heralded junior players, winning two US Junior Amateur Championships, only the second player ever to win multiple times (Tiger Woods is the other).

2015 was indeed a historic season for Spieth with five victories (including two Majors – the Masters and the US Open) and 15 total top-10s at age 22 – which led to him topping the Top Earners List (raking in US$50 million), crushing Woods’ 13-year streak as numero uno.

Z latan Ibrahimovic Football Player October 3, 1981

©Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Turning pro in 2013, Spieth would go on to win his first professional tournament, the John Deere Classic, becoming the youngest PGA Tour winner in 82 years – capping off an incredible season by being unanimously named 2013 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.

Actor March 11, 1969

Beyonce K nowles

Singer September 4, 1981

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LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL

CHINESE ZODIAC HOROSCOPE FORECAST FOR 2017 BY DATO JOEY YAP As we draw the curtains close on the Fire Monkey, we kick off the Year of the Fire Rooster in 2017. From business deals to health and relationship matters, this Lunar New Year is expected to take a turn for many of us – and the onus is on us to make necessary changes to yield the best results.

Just like in the game of golf – if there is a change in head or tail wind, a golfer must adapt to the angle of the shot and administer appropriate power in the shot to produce a fine score. If adjusted to suit the wind properly and launched with the perfectly calculated swing, there could be a strong chance of a hole-in-one.

The same methodology can be applied to essential life matters such as health, wealth, relationships and career. Using that same application, let’s go through the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals along with their projections for the Year of the Fire Rooster in 2017.

ROOSTER

1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

A great increase in prosperity and fortune is on the horizon, opportunities are abound.

Your investments and endeavours will run smoothly, thanks in part to the support and advice available to you from trustworthy peers. Continue to strengthen bonds with those who can be relied on and who positively influence your life. That being said, there’s a chance of family disputes which may result in stress and moodiness. Don’t let this affect you too much as such negative energy may have an adverse effect on your health.

Be more patient and understanding in dealing with arguments; don’t shy away from talking things out as these people have been by your side your entire life and no dispute is worth losing them over.

RAT

1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Balance is the main theme of your new year. If there are obstacles in your way, deal with them swiftly and calmly. If there are opportunities in your career or personal life, seize them whilst exercising prudence and wisdom to significantly improve your life.

If you’re single or newly married, studying or involved in academia or research, look forward to positive developments in your life. You still need to be wary of rumours and arguments as you don’t want to be involved in someone else’s problems. Look out for dubious investments and conduct thorough investigations and solicit a second opinion before making life-changing decisions. Take good care of your health to ensure that 2017 will be a thoroughly positive year for you.

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DOG

1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

You’ll be met with positive developments in your life this year as new opportunities open themselves up to you, such as a business opportunity or job offer – and good fortune could be in terms of assistance from the men in your life. Look for ways to strengthen those relationships and collaborate with them as there are some vindictive people out there seeking to ruin you. When dealing with the plethora of new options in your life, carefully weigh all the pros and cons before making life-changing decisions. Remain prudent and vigilant even in the face of growing fortunes.

You could be in a poor emotional state due to trust issues, so try to connect with some self-reflection and not get overwhelmed by emotions.

OX

1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

New avenues for growth are there for you to advance your career as long as you prepare for minor distractions and solve these problems promptly. You’ll receive plenty of assistance from Noble People which will be a neutralising force on potential undesirable events. Resolve conflicts amicably. As a result, you’ll be more focused at work and could get a promotion or pay raise. Be more adventurous and creative with your business endeavours. Be wary of emotional turmoil and take time to rest and enjoy doing what you love. There’s a risk of lawsuits and legal entanglements, as such exercise caution and sharpen your skills of discretion. There’s a possibility of injuries due to overconfidence.

Managing your challenges and opportunities will help you move ahead.

PIG

1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Be more vigilant and take stock of your actions this year. There’s a possibility of accidents or a financial loss – you may even lose someone dear to you. To avoid accidents, exercise a bit more caution than usual and be mindful of your surroundings. Rashness on your part could also lead to the loss of money or the tarnishing of your reputation.

As such, negative feelings of depression and loneliness may haunt you, but your strong problem-solving skills could help you turn a bad situation around. There may even be business-driven travel opportunities which can help you regain a tidy sum of money.

Reach out to your loved ones to mitigate negative feelings, and appreciate those around you before it’s too late.

TIGER

1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Overcoming new challenges will open up new opportunities that can propel you forward in your career. Be vigilant in discerning who has your best interest in mind and who does not. Learning to accept help from others will give you the upper hand in any situation, so despite being cautious with certain people, having an open mind when someone offers sincere help will be of great benefit. Work towards maintaining a balance between business and pleasure, particularly in terms of finance and investments, where you may find yourself getting carried away with spending or distracted by foolhardy endeavours. Also, elderly males in the family could experience some health issues. The key to your year will be prevention, which can help your year go from unmanageable to a fulfilling learning experience.

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RABBIT

DRAGON

1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Being prepared for possible challenges and exercising caution in everything you do will help you stay ahead of the curve and avoid unnecessary problems. Try not to be too hard on yourself as challenges are meant to be vital learning experiences that help you emerge as a better person in life. Be aware of your goals and don’t overestimate your capabilities as overconfidence can lead to negative outcomes, especially in terms of finances. There’s a temptation to spend extravagantly, so practice self-restraint. There could be a breakdown in communication with people close to you, resulting in damage to your reputation; counter this by being open-minded and humble. Even when faced with lawsuits or unfavourable situation, your prudence and perseverance will help you pull through.

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

2017 will be a year of achievements for you with few problems standing in your way.

Approach challenges with the right attitude and you’ll find yourself equipped with the power to turn negative occurrences into positive ones. The time is ripe for you to venture into new business endeavours.

Your social circle will be expanded, even travelling to visit friends and family; however, having a big social circle will naturally bring about the possibility of arguments, so stand your ground sensibly and tactfully.

Don’t let potential delays divert you from your goals this year. Prepare backup plans especially when it comes to finances. There’s the potential for minor accidents to occur, therefore, vigilance and care will do you immense favours.

HORSE

GOAT

1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Plans may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, leading to anxiety and emotional turmoil. The key to dealing with this issue is to think of ways to turn bad situations into good ones by seeking the help of noble individuals and making the most of good opportunities. Good luck will also bless your personal life as finding a partner or getting married is in the cards for you. This luck will also carry forward to platonic or business relationships, but be careful of gossip and temptation. Hold true to your principles in order to avoid damaging your relationship. Rumours may cause legal troubles if they go unchecked. These problems can be avoided if you keep your head down and stay out of other people’s scandals.

1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

There’s a possibility of financial troubles or relationship issues plaguing your year.

Avoid carelessness and don’t be afraid to take it slow in terms of investments/ spending. However, your relationship problems aren’t too serious; patience, tact and honesty will help you improve communications dramatically with others and settle disagreements amicably. Preparation and attentiveness will help you deal with challenges ahead. These issues may make it difficult for you to connect with others as the stress would get to you, so find someone to confide in for emotional support and wisdom.

Keep your distance from funerals as their negative energies can unfavourably affect your physiology. If you’re able to see past this bulk of negativity, opportunities will open up to you.

SNAKE

1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

2017 should be approached with prudence and caution as there’s a possibility of setbacks. Good management and patience in dealing with unfortunate events will take you far. Don’t allow such challenges to get to you as unrestricted frustrations could lead to misunderstandings at the workplace. Be sincere with your intentions and seek out a trusted confidant or mentor if things get too heavy. Take extra precaution with your physical wellbeing and steer clear of reckless activities. There’s also the possibility of theft or the loss of important personal belongings/ documents. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, so remember to face your challenges with a positive attitude and be open-minded to life lessons while maintaining a careful maturity in your decisions.

MONKEY

1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

2017 looks like a challenging year for you, particularly in terms of your personal life.

There’s the possibility for entanglement with legal issues which could drag on for quite some time. Furthermore, you may be in a rather fragile state this year especially in regards to your mental and emotional health. The best advice would be to maintain a low profile and focus instead on inward development rather than allow yourself to be dragged into the problems of other people.

The aforementioned problems could have a negative impact on your wellbeing in terms of mental health and physical welfare. Stop yourself from worrying too much. Tell yourself that a positive state of mind will help you move forward better.

For most of us, planning for the year without any clear indication of obstacles or opportunities ahead is like taking a swing at the golf ball whilst blindfolded and hoping for it to land on the fairway. To learn more about what you stand to face in the Year of the Fire Rooster in detail, visit www.joeyyap.com and wonder no more.

ABOUT DATO’ JOEY YAP

Dato’ Joey Yap is the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics, a global organisation devoted to the teaching of Feng Shui, BaZi, Qi Men Dun Jia, Mian Xiang and other Chinese Metaphysics subjects. He is also the Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Consulting Group, an international consulting firm specialising in Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology services. He is the bestselling author of over 160 books on Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology (BaZi), Qi Men Dun Jia, Face Reading and Yi Jing, all of which have sold more than three million copies to date.

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bunker mentality mike wilson

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

Three Key Questions For 2017 This month’s 'Bunker Mentality' looks into its crystal ball and asks three intriguing questions facing the game of golf 1. Will President Trump be good for golf?

Of course he will, regardless of the PGA Tour, the R&A, the USGA and the toothless WGC distancing themselves from candidate Trump and his more extreme campaigning rhetoric.

Witness politicians worldwide, including senate speaker Paul Ryan, holding their collective noses and offering warm congratulations to the candidate-turned-President, within hours of an election victory that was not such a shock as many outsiders thought.

Trump’s US golf resorts will be coining it in, wealthy recreational players revelling in playing courses owned by Mr President, hoping some of his stardust might stick.

Meanwhile, the cache of having the most powerful man on the planet pop in for the final day of this year’s Senior

PGA Championship within spitting distance of the White House or, for that matter – and irrespective of all he said about women during an ugly election campaign – this year’s US Women’s Open at Trump, Bedminster.

Moreover, why would the World Golf Championships not be lobbying to return their WGC event back to Trump Doral, the R&A to welcome Trump Turnberry back in from the cold for the 2021 Open Championship, with an invitation to Mr President to St Andrews 2020 probably already in the post? Or even the European Tour taking the Scottish Open to Trump’s other magnificent Scottish links course near Aberdeen.

Power, especially where sport and politics meet, is the most powerful aphrodisiac on offer. Perhaps the only (Spanish) fly in the ointment could be in China, where The Donald’s overtures to

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2. Will Tiger ever rule the jungle again?

Over the years, 'Bunker Mentality' has been less-than-kind to one Eldrick Tont ‘Tiger’ Woods – and why not?

Great golfer, yes; the best ever, the jury is out; a force for the future of golf, not a chance.

Wood’s long-awaited and overdue comeback in his own appositely-named, self-congratulatory Hero World Challenge, saw a cameo performance that was once par for the course.

Woods shot a seven-under-par 65 in the second round, an echo of the past but, wearing his Sunday red, carded a 76 to finish 15th out of 17 and a full 14 shots behind arguably the hottest

©Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Tiger Woods

©Michal Wachucik/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump

Taiwan have irked the USA’s bank managers in Beijing – but, all in all, never mind Beijing, it’ll be more a case of Ka-ching!

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Jay Monahan

Monahan has slimmer margins for growth and error than his US compatriot out East.

Finchem grew the PGA Tour prize fund from US$56.4 million in 1994 to over US$300 million in 2016. Whether Monahan, a marketing man to Finchem’s legal and political bent, can achieve double-digit let alone the triple-digit increase in the only statistic that ultimately matters, money, to his bosses – aka the players – in his tenure is open to question. And Finchem’s

©Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

3. Who is the man with the toughest job in golf?

That’s a toss-up between recentlyappointed CEO of the Asian Tour, Josh Burack, and the sinecure handed to Tim Finchem’s deputy Jay Monahan as his replacement as PGA Tour Commissioner.

It’s a tough call between the two Americans. True, the bar is set considerably lower for Burack, who replaced the redoubtable but timeworn Kyi Hla Han, but the capacity for growth is significantly greater and the regional economic outlook brighter.

Having said that, the Asian Tour lacks traction and the financial muscle of the American monolith – and Burack is a relative newcomer to the complex world of professional golf, where keeping multiple stakeholders happy takes a great deal of skill.

Meanwhile, for Monahan, he has the might of the richest circuit in the world behind him, is a known entity to the Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida set-up – which, thanks to its muscle, can do virtually anything it wants, where it wants and when it wants.

But, in purely percentage terms,

Josh Burack

©Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images

property in golf as the new season starts – Japanese wunderkind Hideki Matsuyama.

Will Woods win again? Quite probably. Will he add a 15th Major?

Possibly. Will he equal, let alone break the Jack Nicklaus record of 18 of them?

There’s more chance of me winning the monthly medal!

reign coincided with that of a certain Tiger Woods.

Perhaps Burack’s best bet would be to cultivate Woods in the dying embers of a glittering career, draw him back towards his Asian roots with huge appearance fees and lucrative course design contracts.

All in all, I’d call it a score draw – Burack has much to gain, Monahan much more to lose but, on balance, I’d hand it to Burack after a sudden-death play-off. PG

POST OLYMPIC BLUES? Whilst Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson just about saved the bacon of the first men’s Olympic golf tournament in 112 years, it was a case of ladies first in Rio as the LPGA fully-embraced the Olympic rings, seized their opportunity and rightfully reaped their rewards.

©Michael Dodge/Getty Images

In a report released late last year by Syngenta titled The Global Economic Value of Increased Female Participation in Golf, it was predicted that – despite accounting for only 24% of active golfers worldwide – women’s golf is where future growth lies. 29% of non or lapsed female golfers indicated they were either ‘interested’, or ‘very interested’ in taking up or resuming golf.

From a 14,000 sample across eight markets in North America, Europe and Asia, the study calculated a potential addition towards financial value of US$35 million and that the gentler gender was more likely to encourage their children to play the game too.

Encouraging news in an otherwise bleak outlook at stagnation and decline – and good luck to the girls for picking up the baton whilst we men rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic!

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SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

GLORY DAYS Saujana aims to regain past eminence with hosting of Maybank Championship

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

F

withdrawal from the limelight as it embarked on a long-term renovation of both its Palm and Bunga Raya courses, things changed.

Now, the club is ready to reclaim its place among the elite of Malaysian golf and the staging of the Maybank Championship next month will provide the impetus for its resurgence.

The club’s general manager, SA Nathan, noted that they want to bring back the ‘glory days’.

©ParGolf

ifteen years ago, if you had asked any golfer which the top golf club in Malaysia was, the answer would most likely be Saujana.

Such was the eminence of Saujana Golf & Country Club then, having hosted umpteen highprofile events including nine Malaysian Opens with its Palm Course consistently rated among the top layouts not only in Asia but worldwide.

However, with the rise of other clubs over the last two decades and Saujana’s self-imposed

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Ken Kudo (L) and SA Nathan

©ParGolf

“In the words of the late Ahmad Ramli, we’ve been quiet for too long and it’s time for Saujana to roar again,” he said, referring to the club’s former general manager and CEO, Ahmad Ramli Zakaria, who passed away in early 2016 from a heart attack.

“I’m confident it will be a resounding success … we’ve done it before and we will do it again, even better,” stressed Nathan, who re-joined the club last June after spending close to a decade there in the heady early days from 1990 to 1999.

Nathan should know, having spent much of the time away from Saujana helming other golf clubs as well as a stint with the Malaysian Golf Association.

To prepare the Palm Course for the Maybank Championship, the club’s greenskeeping team is diligently implementing a comprehensive maintenance programme put together by the club’s consultant Peter John Smith and European Tour agronomist Eddie Adams.

Club manager Ken Kudo noted that the work was progressing well and that ‘The Cobra’, as the Palm course is known, will be ready and able to challenge the cream of the Asian and European Tours come tournament week.

“We’ve got a fantastic team at Saujana and they know what needs to be done and will get it done.”

S.A. NATHAN, GENERAL MANAGER, SAUJANA GCC

Hole 18, Palm Course – work on the hospitality marquees began before Christmas

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SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(L to R) Acting course superintendent Mohd Razip Dahalan, consultant Mior Husnan, chairman Tan Sri Razali Abdul Rahman, general manager SA Nathan and club manager Ken Kudo

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field. He played the Palm Course during a visit to KL last November and the Englishman liked what he saw and experienced.

“I had a good look at the course and they’ve made some changes. It’s

looking fantastic and will be even better by the time the tournament comes around,” said the man with golf’s most coveted jacket.

Glory days are coming again indeed. PG

“I had a good look at the course and they’ve made some changes.

It’s looking fantastic and will be even better by the time the tournament comes around.”

DANNY WILLETT

ABOUT SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Saujana Golf & Country Club is one of the true icons of Malaysian golf, setting numerous milestones for the country since the club commenced operations in 1986 as Malaysia’s first proprietary golf club. The club has two equally enticing courses, the Palm Course and the Bunga Raya Course.

Carved out of an oil palm plantation on rugged terrain by American architect Ronald Fream, the Palm Course boasts oil palm-lined fairways, steep ravines and super-fast and tricky greens. Dubbed ‘The Cobra’, the par 72, 6,992-yard course has hosted the Malaysian Open no less than nine times, most recently in 2009. The course underwent a major redesign/ renovation exercise recently and will host the Maybank Championship next month.

Measuring 7,034 yards from the black tees, the Bunga Raya is a parkland style layout which is just as challenging having gone through numerous changes over the years. An extensive redesign by Australian architect Ted Parslow in 2012 has made this a championship course in its own right.

Adjoining the club is The Saujana Hotel, offering five-star accommodation and excellent facilities.

Address: Saujana Resort, Seksyen U2 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7846 1466 / 7625 1466 E-mail: golf@saujana.com.my

Fax: +603-7846 7818 / 7846 2316

Website: www.saujana.com.my

GPS Coordinates: N 3.106278 / E 101.574744

©ParGolf

“We will close the Palm Course on the 2nd of January and the preparations are coming along fine. Eddie Adams has been here three times and he’s pleased with how things are going,” said Kudo, who has been with the club since 2009 – the last year it hosted the Malaysian Open.

“We target to reach a green speed of 10.5 on the Stimpmeter for the Maybank Championship and are confident we will get there. There is absolutely no question of us not delivering,” he added.

Nathan paid tribute to his team, noting that they had a lot of cumulative experience. “We’ve got a fantastic team at Saujana and they know what needs to be done and will get it done.

“The members are very supportive and in fact are excited that the Maybank Championship is coming here. They want the club to regain its past glory and hosting a high-profile event like this creates a lot of worldwide publicity for us,” noted Nathan.

Kudo pointed out that hosting the Maybank Championship was a natural progression from the club becoming a European Tour Destination in 2015 – only the third golf club outside Europe to be accorded the coveted status by the European Tour.

“It’s part of a repositioning exercise after the renovations … we want to be recognised as a top golf club again,” stressed Kudo.

Masters champion Danny Willett, who is the club’s touring professional, will be in the Maybank Championship

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CONTEST

TEE-OFF WITH THE PROS IN THE

MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP!

That’s right folks ... enjoy #golflikeneverbefore by playing in the pro-am of the Maybank Championship at Saujana Golf & Country Club!

Just answer three questions, complete the slogan and mail your entry to us before January 25, 2017!

MAIN PRIZE (x1)

One spot in the pro-am of the Maybank Championship + Two hospitality passes + Two event merchandise

CONSOLATION PRIZES (X5) Two season passes eacH

MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 CONTEST OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM Full Name .........................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................ .......................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................

COMPLETE THE SLOGAN IN NOT MORE THAN 20 WORDS. I love watching the Maybank Championship because .......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................

Email..................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

Tel .............................................. HP ................................................

Mail entries to: MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 CONTEST

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

c/o Write Track Publishing & Communications Sdn Bhd No. KA3-1-6, Kuchai Avenue, No. 39, Jalan Kuchai Maju 13, Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-7987 1889

(tick only one answer)

1. Who won the inaugural Maybank Championship?  Anirban Lahiri  Marcus Fraser  Soomin Lee 2. How many countries are represented in Maybank Championship 2017’s ASEAN category?  4  5  6 3. What is the total prizemoney of the Maybank Championship?  US$2 million  US$2.5 million  US$3 million

Closing Date: January 25, 2017 (Wednesday) TERMS & CONDITIONS • Entries must be completed in full and legibly; unclear and incomplete entries will be rejected.

• Only original entry forms will be accepted. Photocopies will not be considered.

• Entries will be selected based on all correct answers with the slogan as tiebreaker.

• Each person is entitled to win only one prize in this contest.

• The closing date is Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Late entries will not be entertained.

• Employees of Write Track Publishing & Communications, Maybank, GlobalOne, Saujana GCC and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.

• In the event of any dispute, the decision by the organisers is final and binding.

No protests of any kind will be entertained.

• The organizers reserve the right to change the prizes at their absolute discretion.

• Winners will be contacted by phone/email and their names announced on the ParGolf Facebook Group page.

• Winners are required to personally collect their prizes from Write Track Publishing & Communications Sdn Bhd.

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12/27/16 10:50 AM

Master-ful MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP

EVENT Present and past Masters winners headline early confirmations for Saujana showdown

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

T

he Maybank Championship is set to be a real ‘masterstroke’ if you’ll pardon the pun.

Reigning Masters champion Danny Willett and 2011 Green Jacket winner Charl Schwartzel were among the early confirmations for the second edition of the US$3 million event, which brings top-class tournament golf back to Saujana Golf

& Country Club this February 9-12.

Willett was in KL in late November for a golf day with Maybank followed by a press conference – and the Englishman was genuinely excited about returning to Saujana next month.

“It’s always great to be back in Malaysia and I have some great memories of my past appearances here in Kuala Lumpur. I’ve played pretty nicely here in the past, so I will definitely be coming to Saujana with

confidence and aiming to put in a strong performance across the four days,” said Willett, who had a memorable 2016 highlighted by his first Major at Augusta National and an eventful Ryder Cup debut.

“Being here this week has given me a chance to see how the course is playing and it was fun being out there

Charl Schwartzel Danny Willett

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(L to R) Maybank group president and CEO Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, Danny Willett, Gavin Green and Maybank chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor during the November 29 press conference

this morning with some guests from Maybank. I am really looking forward to coming back to compete next year,” added the Yorkshireman, who finished second to Henrik Stenson in the 2016 Race to Dubai Rankings after another four top-10 finishes.

It may be more than six years since Schwartzel won the Masters but the

32-year-old South African is still a potent force with 15 professional titles worldwide, the last being an eight-shot win in the 2016 Tshwane Open on home soil.

“The Maybank Championship is one of the marquee events in Asia for the European Tour, so I am really looking forward to being there.

Indian ace – Anirban Lahiri hopes for more success in Malaysia

Travelling to Asia and Kuala Lumpur is always a favourite trip among the players. Maybank does a great job for the players and I am excited to experience their ‘golf like never before’ for myself,” said Schwartzel.

“The 2017 season has started well for me, so I am feeling good about the year ahead and am excited to see what I can do when I get to Malaysia in February,” added the South African, who finished the 2016 season strongly with a third place finish at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. He took the momentum onto the first event of

©Stanley Chou/Getty Images

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MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP

Ben Leong earned his place by winning the PGM Maybank Players' Championship. Seen here with PGM chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji

the 2016-2017 schedule with a joint fourth finish at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.

Indian star Anirban Lahiri is also set for the Saujana showdown and will no doubt be one of the fan favourites, having won the Maybank Malaysian Open in 2015. That win set the stage for a breakthrough season where he won the Asian Tour Order of Merit and registered the best finish by an Indian golfer in a Major with a joint fifth performance at the 2015 PGA Championship.

“Malaysia has been a very important place for me and my career.

It’s where I got my first European Tour win and I would love to get back to winning ways when I return for the Maybank Championship. The fans gave me a lot of support to help me with that win. I want to get 2017 off to a strong start and I am hoping those winning memories can give me an edge against what will be a very tough lineup,” said Lahiri, who now plies his trade on the PGA Tour but has a soft 40

spot for Asia where he has won seven times.

ASEAN Agenda The joint Asian Tour and European Tour event boasts a new ASEAN category, building on the regional impetus of the inaugural edition when four players from Southeast Asia were given invites. This time around five ASEAN players – one each from Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam – will be given the opportunity to mix it up with the best of Asia and Europe at Saujana’s revamped Palm Course.

The players will be selected by their home professional associations based on the local tour rankings as well as their Asian Tour, Asian Development Tour and World Rankings.

Maybank chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said: “After seeing the rising standards of golf professional excellence in the regional countries we operate in, I am very happy to share the news of our

new ASEAN category for the Maybank Championship 2017. Talents mature faster with opportunities to compete alongside the best, and in this case, more regional golfers will be up against some of the world’s elite. Our joint Asian/European Tour tournament has a proven track record in revealing future world beaters and I expect this year’s version to continue to provide new surprises.”

ONLINE PRESENCES Website: www.maybankchampionship.com.my Facebook: @maybankchampionship Instagram: @maybankchampionshipmalaysia Twitter: @maybankchampio1 Hashtags: #maybankchampionship #golflikeneverbefore

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Gavin Green

Saujana, especially in front of a home crowd,” said Green, who turned pro in 2015 and was the first amateur to win on the Asian Development Tour in 2014.

The resurgent Ben Leong earned a start by edging Green in a playoff at the PGM Maybank Players’ Championship, marking his fourth PGM Tour victory in a row – an impressive feat for the Sabahan, who has been hampered by injury for long spells in his rollercoaster career.

“The Maybank Championship is a big goal for me. As a local player it means a lot to get the opportunity to be a part of it. I am going to spend some time playing at Saujana to work out what my best game plan will be,” said Leong.

The local amateur invite deservedly went to Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz, who was the top Malaysian in the world rankings at position 414 at the cut-off date in early December. This will be the talented youngster’s first appearance at the Maybank Championship, although he is no stranger to playing in professional events – in fact, the Johorian won the Danau Closed Championship in early 2015 to become the PGM Tour’s youngest winner at age 15 years and eight days.

“I am not too nervous as I’ve played

©Stanley Chou/Getty Images

Malaysian Might There could be up to 15 Malaysians in the field come tournament week, with spots allocated for the top 10 Malaysians from the PGM Tour, the winner of the season-ending PGM Maybank Players’ Championship and the top Malaysian amateur based on the world amateur rankings in midDecember.

Nicholas Fung and Danny Chia are certain to get in through the Asian Tour allocation of 67 players, plus possibly Maybank ambassador Gavin Green – depending on whether he did well enough in the season-ending Boonchu Ruangkit Championship to win the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit; Green will be keen to do well at Saujana, having missed the cut in the inaugural event at Royal Selangor Golf Club.

“It has been a great year for me with a couple of wins on the Asian Development Tour as well as representing Malaysia at the Rio Olympics. It has also been a year of learning for me, playing in my first PGA Tour event as well as other Asian Tour and European Tour events. I am also very thankful for opportunities like the Maybank Championship as the experience gained is invaluable. I look forward to building on it next year at

with some top players before, but it depends who I get to play with. I haven’t played Saujana since the renovation, so I am looking forward to that and my caddie is from there, so that will hopefully be an advantage,” said Daeng, who was given an invite to the PGM Maybank Players’ Championship, where he finished in an impressive fourth spot.

Daeng will have illustrious company from the non-paid ranks, with the organisers extending a second amateur invite to 2016 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner Curtis Luck of Australia.

Major winners, the best of the Asian and European Tours, rising regional stars and the cream of Malaysia – it’s certainly shaping up to be a great start for golf in the Year of the Fire Rooster. PG

FACT FILE

Event Maybank Championship Date February 9-12 Venue Palm Course, Saujana Golf & Country Club Defending Champion Marcus Fraser (AUS) Prizemoney US$3 million Winner’s Share US$500,000 Field 156 (Asian Tour – 67 / European Tour – 67 / PGM Tour – 10 / ASEAN – 5 / Invites – 5 / Amateurs – 2)

Daeng Abdul Rahman

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12/27/16 10:16 AM

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 communications director of the Asian Tour, based in Kuala Lumpur.

Exceptional Action On The Cards With a string of fantastic tournaments ready to roll out, 2017 is looking mighty smashing for the Asian Tour

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“It's quite special. Obviously winning any Order of Merit anywhere is very special, and this will stay with me forever,” said Hend after the season-ending UBS Hong Kong Open in December.

“It's just a culmination of a lot of years on the Asian Tour and coming so close and not getting over the line; it's finally nice to reach the top and grab the trophy,” added Hend, whose achievements in Asia include finishing runner-up twice on the Merit list and fourth on three other occasions.

The Asian Tour also celebrated 10 first-time winners and none was more deserving that Australian Sam Brazel, who stunned an elite field in Hong Kong to win his biggest cheque yet. He brilliantly went head-to-head with Ryder Cup star Rafa Cabrera Bello over the weekend rounds and nailed an eight-foot birdie on the closing hole to triumph by one shot.

It was indeed an emotional victory for the 37-year-old Brazel, who started playing on the Asian Tour in 2013 after spending years toiling in Lismore, Australia competing in pro-ams to earn a living and ply his trade.

Other memorable victories were produced by Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-

Scott Hend

©Ross Kinnaird /Getty Images

H

appy New Year, folks! And what a year it promises to be for the Asian Tour in 2017.

There will be plenty of goodies to look forward to over the next 12 months, with top golfing action starting later this month with the SMBC Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club, home of the Asian Tour, and then stretching across the length and breadth of the Asian region and into Europe as well.

However, before we dive into what the future may hold for golf in Asia, it would only be appropriate for us to look back at how 2016 unfolded and for us to take time and pay tribute to the stars and heroes who produced outstanding performances.

First up, take a bow, Scott Hend of Australia, our new Asian Tour Order of Merit champion. At 43, Hend is the first Aussie to become the region’s number one golfer, replacing India’s Anirban Lahiri, and he will have the honour and privilege to fly the Asian Tour flag when he competes both here and abroad in the new season.

Hend joined the Asian Tour in 2007 after his career on the PGA Tour was curtailed by a serious hand injury. It didn’t take him long to establish himself in Asia, first finishing second in Qualifying School behind Malaysia’s Ben Leong and then coming in runnerup again in the season-opening Pakistan Open, this time to another Malaysian, Airil Rizman. Fast forward 10 seasons, and the US-based Hend has emerged as one of the greatest players on the Asian Tour, winning nine times and capping it all by winning the prestigious Merit crown for the first time in his career. He is also by far the most successful international golfer in the region, earning over US$4 million in career earnings in Asia since 2007 and over the past five years, he has notched eight victories which is the most by any golfer during the span of time on the Asian Tour.

chih, who claimed a popular home win at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters which came four years after he underwent brain surgery to remove a nonmalignant tumor.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar also overcame years of frustration from a wrist injury to win twice in Korea and Indonesia while powerful Thai Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, products of the Asian Development Tour, were victorious as well for the first time on the Asian Tour.

In fact, Chan finished an impressive fourth on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit as he later won a second title in Japan.

Other top performers who shone in 2016 include Korea’s 21-year-old Jeunghun Wang. After being picked by captain Jeev Milkha Singh to represent Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia in January, he went on to show his immense potential by winning back-to-back titles in Morocco and Mauritius, eclipsing the record held by the late Seve Ballesteros as the youngest player to win two European Tour titles.

Thai veteran star Thongchai Jaidee continued to show that old is indeed gold with a fine win at the French Open, while China’s Wu Ashun and Li Haotong came close to winning the World Cup of Golf in Australia, raising quite a few eyebrows.

Looking into golf’s crystal ball, the future holds bright indeed for the Asian Tour who entered into a strategic partner alliance with the European Tour in 2016 in a key move to further strengthen and grow the game in Asia and around the world.

With greater playing opportunities, the stage will become bigger for Asia’s top stars to hog the limelight with more great performances to capture the imagination of golf fans, sponsors and television viewers.

It’ll be another heck of a ride in 2017, so buckle up! The Asian Tour, this is #whereitsAT. PG

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AROUND ASIA

Korea’s Song Younghan is looking forward to his title defence in this month’s SMBC Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club.

The second edition of the US$1 million tournament, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour, will be played from January 19-22 on Sentosa’s famed Serapong Course.

Song edged American superstar Jordan Spieth by one shot early last year to claim Singapore’s national Open and his first win as a professional.

“I tend to enjoy new situations. When I turned professional and participated in my first tournament, I tried to just enjoy the moment,” said Song.

“Having won the SMBC Singapore Open allows me to start the new season as a defending champion and I think it will put me in a great frame of mind,” he added.

2016 was a brilliant year for the 25-yearold with runner-up finishes in the Mitsui

Sumitomo Taiheiyo Masters and the Honma Tour World Cup, along with a third placing in the Japan PGA Championship. Song came close to winning his second title in the Honma event last October, losing a marathon five-hole playoff to veteran compatriot Yuta Ikeda.

Three-time champion Adam Scott of Australia and popular Spaniard Sergio Garcia are among the other favourites in the tournament’s 51st edition.

SMBC SINGAPORE OPEN FACT FILE Date January 19-22 Venue Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club Prizemoney US$1 million Winner’s Share US$180,000 Sanctioning Tours Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour Defending Champion Song Younghan (KOR)

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

©Asian Tour

Song seeks second Singapore swing

Serapong Course, Sentosa GC

Philippines Masters set for early 2018 debut

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executive Keith Pelley.

His new Asian Tour counterpart, Josh Burack, added: “This new tournament will extend our long and successful association with professional golf in the country, and on behalf of our members I would like to offer our gratitude to Salvador Zamora for his generous contribution to the game. We will work closely with our strategic alliance partner, the European Tour, to ensure the event’s success for the benefit of the game.”

Zamora described the new event as heralding “very exciting times for golf in the Philippines”. He added: “My personal objective is to promote golf in the Philippines and to introduce the game to as many people as possible, with a special emphasis on the introduction of golf to children. Golf has

been a major part of my life for many years and given me so much, so I now feel it is time for me to give back.”

Fred Couples won the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic in Manila

©Mike Cooper/AllSport

2018 will see a new joint European Tour and Asian Tour event in the inaugural Philippine Masters, promoted by Filipino businessman Salvador Zamora’s Tranzen Group in a threeyear deal through 2020.

The event will be held in the early part of 2018 and will mark the European Tour’s first visit to the Philippines since the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic, won by American Fred Couples at Orchard Golf & Country Club.

“The Philippine Masters further increases the playing opportunities for our members, and strengthens our strategic alliance with the Asian Tour. Salvador Zamora’s vision and support have been instrumental in bringing this new tournament to fruition, so we thank Mr Zamora for his interest and his desire to bring the European Tour back to the Philippines,” said European Tour chief ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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Live worldwide broadcast for Myanmar’s national Open

©Asian Tour

2016 champion Shaun Norris

The 2017 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open will be broadcast live for the first time to a worldwide audience when the tournament tees off at Pun Hlaing Golf Club near Yangon on the 26th to 29th of this month.

The US$750,000 tournament, which will once again be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour, will be broadcast to over 180 countries and territories with an estimated reach of 750 million households.

Eisei Miyama, president of title sponsor Leopalace21, said: “We are looking forward to the staging of the 2017 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open as the tournament will be beamed live for the first time on the Asian Tour’s global television platform. The live coverage is an exciting initiative which will place Myanmar firmly on the global golf map and also raise our corporate profile and solidify our business growth in the region.

“Following a highly successful first year of our title sponsorship in 2016, Leopalace21 remains committed to growing the game in Myanmar and across Asia and I believe we are on the right track in establishing Myanmar’s national championship as a truly prestigious championship in the region,” added Miyama.

The 2016 tournament was won by Shaun Norris of South Africa by four shots from Azuma Yano of Japan and Junwon Park of Korea.

Leopalace21 constructs and manages apartments in Japan and is also involved in the development and operation of serviced apartments and offices across the ASEAN region. It has a threeyear agreement to title sponsor Myanmar’s national open.

Fung close to jackpot in Manila Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung is now more motivated than ever to win his first Asian Tour title, after coming agonisingly close in the Resorts World Manila Masters last November.

Fung lost a playoff to eventual winner SSP Chawrasia of India and American Sam Chien at Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, after the Malaysian birdied his last five holes for a superb closing nine-under-par 63 to set the clubhouse target of 19-underpar.

After Fung bowed out with a bogey at the first playoff hole, Chawrasia triumphed with a birdie on the second extra hole to pick up his fifth Asian Tour title and first outside India.

“I was only at three-under at the turn, so it was really unbelievable when I started to sink in those birdies from the 14th hole. I had several near misses this year and that could be down to me being nervous when I was leading. I started the day so far down the leaderboard and I was telling myself there’s nothing to lose … and I should just go out and enjoy myself. That’s why I did so well today,” said Fung.

“Two of my good friends, Chan Shih-chang and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, have already progressed from being Asian Development Tour winners to winners on the Asian Tour. Their victories have really motivated me,” added the Sabahan.

Rank

Player

Av Distance (yards)

1

Raththee Sirithanakunsak (THA)

314.00

2

Nicolas Paez (USA)

312.50

3

Kevin Techakanokboon (THA)

311.43

4

Johannes Veerman (USA)

309.93

5

Greg Moss (USA)

306.80

6

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA)

305.38

7

Scott Hend (AUS)

304.87

8

Wolmer Murillo (VEN)

04.03

9

Jose Rolz (GTM)

302.75

10

Raphael De Sousa (SUI)

301.68

©Asian Tour

2016 ASIAN TOUR AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE (FOLLOWING THE PANASONIC OPEN INDIA)

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AROUND ASIA

Old is still gold It took 32 years but India’s Mukesh Kumar finally claimed his first international title in the 2016 Panasonic Open India held last November.

At age 51 years and 126 days, the Indian veteran became the Asian Tour’s oldest winner with a wire-to-wire victory in the US$400,000 event at Delhi Golf Club. He finished on 10-under-par after 54 holes as the tournament was shortened due to protracted fog delays, one shot ahead of compatriots Jyoti Randhawa and Rashid Khan.

“I am very proud of myself. I have waited 32 years (since turning professional) for this. This means a lot to me. It is my first international win,” said Kumar, who has won over 120 titles on the domestic circuit since turning pro in 1985.

“Whenever I lead on the local tour, it’s not easy for me to lose it. But it feels very different today because I know there are many good players out here. I am very glad that I managed to stay in the moment and get the job done,” he added.

Kumar’s heroics at the penultimate event on the 2016 Asian Tour season has led to a chorus of praises from his fellow countrymen, who all tipped their hat to the worthy Panasonic Open India champion.

In a Twitter post, two-time Asian Tour No 1 Jeev Milkha Singh applauded Kumar’s achievement. “Mukesh Kumar is an example for all of us to follow. He stayed true to his trade and is reaping rich rewards even at age 51. Well done!” wrote Singh.

Unfortunately, Kumar missed the tour’s final event of 2016, the UBS Hong Kong Open, as he could not get his passport done in time.

©Asian Tour

“Mukesh Kumar is an example for all of us to follow. He stayed true to his trade and is reaping rich rewards even at age 51.

Well done!”

JEEV MILKHA SINGH

Gaganjeet Bhullar

TOURNAMENT RESULTS PANASONIC OPEN INDIA (ASIAN TOUR) December 1- 4, 2016 / Delhi Golf Club, India / US$400,000 206 – Mukesh Kumar (IND) 67-69-70; 207 – Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 67-72-68, Rashid Khan (IND) 67-72-68; 208 – Mithun Perera (SRI) 70-68-70; 209 – Honey Baisoya (IND) 73-69-67 Note: Tournament shortened to 54 holes due to weather delays ADT THONGCHAI JAIDEE FOUNDATION (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR) December 1-4, 2016 / Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand / Baht 4 million (approx. US$115,770) 276 – Chapchai Nirat (THA) 73-71-67-65; 282 – Sorachut Hansapiban (THA) 68-74-70-70; 283 – Peradol Panyathanasedh (THA) 68-70-69-76; 284 – Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 71-69-73-71, Pannakorn Uthaipas (THA) 68-73-70-73 COMBIPHAR GOLF INVITATIONAL (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR) November 23-26, 2016 / Gunung Geulis Country Club, Bogor, Indonesia / US$60,000 ADT event 268 – John Catlin (USA) 70-64-67-67; 271 – Micah Lauren Shin (USA) 69-6770-65, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 67-68-68-68; 273 – Sam Cyr (USA) 70-68-65-70; 275 - Mitchell Slorach (SGP) 70-63-71-71

©Asian Tour

BANK BRI-JCB INDONESIA OPEN November 17-21 / Pondok Indah Golf Course, Jakarta / US$300,000 272 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 71-65-68-68; 275 – Danthai Boonma (THA) 69-7168-67, Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 70-69-68-68, Johannes Verrman (USA) 67-6673-69, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 71-66-66-72 Note: Monday finish due to weather delays

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RESORTS WORLD MANILA MASTERS (ASIAN TOUR) November 10-13, 2016 / Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, Philippines / US$1 million 269 – SSP Chawrasia (IND) 68-64-71-66, Nicholas Fung (MAS) 66-69-71-63, Sam Chien (USA) 74-65-65-65; 270 – Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 69-70-69-62, Chiragh Kumar (IND) 67-70-69-64, Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 64-65-74-67 Note: Chawrasia won on second playoff hole

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EXPERIENCE MALAYSIA THROUGH GOLF

Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club Awana Genting GCR

Horizon Hills GCC

Templer Park Country Club

The Els Club Teluk Datai

www.playmalaysiagolf.com MGTA new Ad3A.indd 1

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IN THE BAG www.xxiousa.com

XXIO Prime Series

OPTIMAL PRIME Launched last December, the latest generation of XXIO’s regal-looking and easy-to-hit Prime Series will appeal to golfers looking for more speed with less effort.

XXIO Prime Driver The latest model has been specifically designed for the swings of regular XXIO Prime users (swing speeds of 37m/s or less), providing further distance with a powerful, draw-biased trajectory.

The Srixon R&D team’s main focus was on designing a longer shaft with less weight to create faster head speed, greater playability and a draw bias.

The newly-developed shaft is 46 inches long and weighs less than 40g, which is 0.25 inches longer and 2g lighter than the previous model. In testing, the new driver generates straighter ball flights and 4.3 more yards of distance compared to the previous generation.

In a comparison study of the main target market using the XXIO Prime and XXIO9 drivers, results showed that the Prime was 3.5 yards longer for golfers with slower swings.

New 46-inch Shaft The unique layered structure and materials utilised for the XXIO Prime SP-900 shaft allowed it to be extended to 46 inches while reducing total weight of the club by 4g (2g reduction in shaft, 2g reduction in grip). These new technologies help golfers achieve faster head speed and better control. Stretch-fill material gives the tip section of the shaft both flexibility and strength, creating a powerful draw bias.

Contoured Clubhead By contouring the toe and back and expanding size and body thickness of the heel area, the shape of the clubhead provides a draw-biased image to the golfer and helps outside-in swingers hit the ball more squarely at impact. It reduces slice spin and minimises loss of distance, promoting straighter and longer drives.

Improved Face Repulsion The Wing Cup Face, developed for the XXIO9 series, along with the expanded toe and heel angles and newlydeveloped sole groove structure, improve the repulsion performance at the toe and heel of the face. The new clubhead design also provides greater forgiveness.

Lower & Deeper CG The lightweight crown enables optimal distribution of excess weight across the head and heel. This facilitates a lower, deeper CG location and higher MOI. This combines with the shallow back shape inherited from the previous model to promote optimal launch and accuracy.

New Cosmetics The traditional gold colouring of the XXIO Prime series is accented by a platinum colour scheme, which gives the new version a feel of added maturity and luxury.

The addition of royal dark purple personifies elegance and complements the platinum gold sole. The threetone shaft is silver at the top, gold in the middle and black at the bottom end, reflecting the flexibility of the top and bottom ends.

Lofts: 10.5°, 11.5°

SRP: RM3,990

THREE'S COMPANY Srixon Sports Asia, Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club and retailer J-Golf have formed a tri-party alliance to help grow the golf market in Malaysia.

Srixon will support Tasik Puteri by sponsoring some of the club’s events, while J-Golf has taken over the club’s proshop and will also run a golf academy at the practice range.

“With the alliance, Srixon Sports Asia will support Tasik Puteri to help grow the golf market and at the same time increase awareness of our brands, namely Srixon, XXIO and Cleveland. With J-Golf as the official proshop and academy, Srixon Sports Asia will leverage on that by introducing our equipment and accessories to golfers in the area,” said Srixon Sports Asia managing director Tommy Ieda.

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XXIO Prime Fairway Woods The new full titanium cup face is thicker by 0.5mm compared to the previous model. This expands the sweet spot to create a larger high COR area and greater flight distance – according to tests, 3.4 yards more compared to the preceding generation fairway.

The shallow-back shape and titanium construction of the clubhead promote a lower and deeper CG for easy-launching shots with optimal trajectories.

Lofts: #3 (15°), #5 (18°), #7 (21°), #9 (24°) SRP: RM2,690

XXIO Prime Utility Clubs The thicker design of the maraging cup face and increased height of the face-side of the crown blade has improved the repulsion performance across the face, resulting in an increase of 2.5 yards over the previous model. Increasing the face height expands the sweet spot, while the shallow-back construction lowers and deepens the CG for easy launches and more distance.

To meet market demand, a new #8 utility club with 32° loft has been added to the line-up.

Lofts: U5 (23°), U6 (26°), U7 (29°), U8 (32°) SRP: RM1,790

XXIO Prime Irons Expanded Titanium Face The latest XXIO Prime irons have an expanded titanium face towards the sole, which improves repulsion performance of the lower portion of the face and across the face. This reduces loss of distance caused by off-centre hits.

Lowest & Deepest CG The new double weight structure – a higher specific gravity tungsten-nickel weight is added to the inside of the existing tungsten-nickel weight sole – results in the lowest and deepest CG in XXIO Prime irons history. This makes it easier to get the ball airborne and, in combination with the enlarged repulsion area of the face, promotes more distance with easy swings.

Cosmetics The weight material has been subtly emphasised with laser engraving, while the combination of gold and violet adds elegance and colour-coordinates the irons with the woods.

SRP: (#5-#9, P, A, S) RM9,200

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IN THE BAG

www.xxiousa.com

XXIO Forged Irons

FORGING AHEAD The latest generation of the XXIO Forged irons boast improved distance performance and playability, while retaining the forgiveness and consistency of the XXIO series.

V.T. Sole Through intensive analysis of the swings of XXIO Forged users, Srixon developed the new V.T. Sole based on the Tour V.T. Sole used for the highly-acclaimed Srixon Z-Series.

In order to better suit the swing characteristics of XXIO Forged users who tend to hit down on the ball (compared to XXIO users), the V-shaped sole has a higher bounce angle which makes it easier to get the clubhead to run through the turf. These irons promote consistent ball speed and distance, helping golfers attack the pin with confidence.

High Repulsion Face By enlarging the thin area behind the clubface at the toe and below the heel, the high repulsion area has been expanded by 5% over the preceding model. The repulsion performance across the face is improved for more consistent distance, even on mis-hits.

New Shaft Technology & Materials Mimicking the technology used for XXIO9, lag is increased by utilising a heavier head and lighter shaft with a higher balance point which moves the CG closer to the grip. In addition, the steel shaft is equipped with newly-developed Multi-Shape Adjustment (MSA) technology, which results in a more lightweight shaft by reducing the thickness of the step.

Manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon, the graphite shaft has a tip section made of a new, highly-elastic and highstrength resin material called Xross-fil, which enhances the overall performance of the shaft.

Cosmetics Straight lines maintain the sharp yet solid looks that are typical of XXIO Forged irons, while a new blue line on the badge adds a dash of style.

SRP (5 -9, P, A, S): NS Pro 930GH DST steel shaft – RM 5,800 (add RM725 for 4-iron) MX-6000 graphite shaft – RM6,900 (add RM862.50 for 4-iron)

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www.cobragolf.com

Cobra Golf King F7 Irons

Cobra’s new King F7 irons provide golfers with distance and how you swing and what your skill level is, you can benefit from the forgiveness along with excellent control – and they come in both simplicity of a constant length set of irons. I am proud to be at the standard, progressive length sets and a one-length set option forefront of this with Cobra as preliminary research has shown that inspired by rising star Bryson DeChambeau. single-length sets can make the game easier and more enjoyable The F7 irons incorporate Cobra’s patented Tecflo technology, for players of all swing types.” which utilises advanced cavity construction to optimise the SRP: Men (5-9, P): Nippon NS Pro 950GH steel shaft – performance characteristics of each iron. A new PWRSHELL face RM3,299 / Fujikura Cobra Speeder has a thinner face and sole structure that increases the sweet zone. graphite shaft – RM3,499 Tecflo, along with a new T.O.P (Thin, Optimized and Ladies (6-9, P, S): Fujikura Pro 55i Personalized) polymer medallion badge, allows the CG to be graphite shaft – RM3,499 lowered to create even more distance and forgiveness.

CNC milling improves groove structures to deliver excellent spin and trajectory control throughout the set.

The King F7 One Length irons are Cobra’s first ever single-length iron set, with constant length irons that have been re-engineered for 7-iron length and weighting throughout. The irons are designed with optimised geometry to produce consistent trajectory and distance gapping.

DeChambeau has a unique single-plane swing and uses a single-length Cobra King Forged Iron set and he explains the advantage of doing so.

“Regardless of how you “I approach the game of golf a lot swing and what your skill differently than most, primarily from a level is, you can benefit from scientific standpoint,” said DeChambeau. “I the simplicity of a constant have a more technical, unique swing than many other players, but there is a length set of irons.” misconception that single-length irons are BRYSON DECHAMBEAU only for a single-plane swing like mine.

“That is simply not true. Regardless of

©Christian Petersen/Getty Images

A QUESTION OF LENGTH

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IN THE BAG

www.taylormadegolf.com

TaylorMade M Metalwoods

NEW & IMPROVED TaylorMade’s next generation of M metalwoods build on the success of the original models, elevating performance once again by focusing on materials and geometry designed to deliver improved launch conditions, increased personalisation and more forgiveness.

M1 Driver A new, lower density titanium alloy called 9-1-1 and an added carbon toe panel that accounts for a total of 43% more carbon composite than its predecessor allows the new M1 460’s mass properties to be optimised to deliver ideal launch conditions, more personalisation and increased forgiveness.

The two-tone crown incorporates a proprietary six-layer carbon composite panel that is precision-fit to the skeletal titanium body.

This saves more weight because the composite is 10% thinner, the bonding ledge is 18% shorter and the adhesive is half the thickness compared to the original M1.

This combines with a composite sole panel and the 9-1-1 titanium for total weight savings of 11g compared to a conventional titanium head and more than twice the weight savings in the first generation M1.

New T-Track System A more aerodynamic T-Track system houses 27g of moveable weight, 12g of which reside in a back track that has been lengthened by 12.7mm resulting in more high-to-low adjustability and 64% more CG movement. The 15g in the front track allows for the weight to be distributed from heel to toe and adjustment to draw or fade bias by up to 25 yards. The extra discretionary weight is used to make the driver’s footprint larger by 4%, leading to a higher MOI for more forgiveness.

The new M1’s CG is lower than that of its predecessor, resulting in a CG projection that is even closer to the centre of the face for a more penetrating trajectory.

The M1 driver also comes with a new 4º ultra-lightweight aluminium loft sleeve (back sleeve compatible).

Options The Asian specs version comes in 9.5° and 10.5° lofts, equipped with the TM1117 Mitsubishi Rayon graphite shaft plus these premium aftermarket shafts – Graphite Design Tour AD TP, MRC Blue Force, Fujikura Speeder Evolution III 661 and UST Attas Punch.

For Global specs, the additional lofts are 8.5° and 12° with three new stock premium shafts – Fujikura XLR8 Pro 56, MRC Kuro Kage Silver Dual Core TiNi 60 and Project X HZRDUS Yellow 65.

More than 30 additional premium custom shaft options will be available at no upcharge through TaylorMade Tuned Performance Fitting partners.

A 440cc model is available with a deeper face and 30g of moveable weight, offered in 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5° lofts.

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M2 Driver Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the new M2 driver generates both distance and forgiveness through the utilisation of a new multi-material construction and advanced shaping by way of a breakthrough design technique called ‘Geocoustic’. The new M2 also houses a newly-designed Speed Pocket that is three times more flexible than its predecessor.

Geocoustic Breakthrough The Geocoustic feature combines geometry and acoustical engineering to unlock more forgiveness and best-in-class sound. The new breakthrough in geometry is the sunken sole portion of the driver. This section utilises an ultralight, thick-thin 9-1-1 titanium, a design that enabled TaylorMade’s engineers to free up volume while not raising the CG. The freed-up volume allowed engineers to make the driver’s head larger, both the visible footprint as well as the club’s face (7%), making the driver not only appear more visibly forgiving, but feel more forgiving at the same time.

The breakthrough in acoustical engineering was achieved by the new sunken sole curvature, making it stiffer and easier to manage vibrations caused at impact. With this added stiffness, minimal sound ribs were needed to create the excellent sound and feel of the M2.

The new lower density 9-1-1 Titanium body, sixlayer carbon composite crown and minimal sound ribs allow 25g of discretionary mass to be relocated low and back in the sole of the club.

These features combine to increase the overall inertia of the M2 driver over the 5,000 g-cm2 barrier, without sacrificing performance.

Options For Asian specs, loft options are 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° (for ladies), fitted with the TM1-217 Mitsubishi Rayon graphite shaft and women’s TM1-317 MRC shaft.

For Global specs, the additional loft is 12° and the stock shaft is the Fujikura Pro XLR8 56.

THE 2017 M METALWOOD FAMILY

M2 Fairway M1 Driver M1 Fairway Note: Available January 27

M1 Rescue M2 Driver

M2 Rescue

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IN THE BAG www.titleist.asia

Titleist 917 Fairways

TOTAL RECOIL The Titleist 917 fairways boast complete performance from both the tee and turf, along with industry-leading adjustability.

Both the 917F2 and 917F3 models feature new Active Recoil Channel 2.0 and SureFit CG technology to produce a combination of distance, forgiveness and trajectory control with tour-preferred looks, sound and feel. Tour-inspired sound and feel is enhanced by the SureFit CG which aligns the CG with the impact position.

Active Recoil Channel (ARC) 2.0 An improved sole channel design featuring a unique elastomer insert with a hollow core produces greater face flexibility for more consistent deflection that increases speed across the face.

A Variable Thickness Face Insert is tuned with ARC 2.0 to deliver greater off-centre ball speed for more overall distance across the face. The high-speed, forged insert is thinner around the perimeter, increasing flexibility for more distance on off-centre hits. The clubhead has a high MOI design and low CG location, which deliver stability and forgiveness by preserving off-centre ball speed.

SureFit Hosel & CG The SureFit Hosel has 16 settings, allowing golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight. Customisation is further enhanced by SureFit CG, an interchangeable weight system that

optimises spin and launch conditions for more consistent trajectory and tighter shot dispersion.

The 917F2 provides all-around playability with forgiveness and more distance in a larger profile, with more spin and higher launch versus the 917F3 for a higher trajectory. The 917F3 meanwhile provides versatility with shot control and more distance in a compact profile, generating less spin for a more penetrating trajectory.

Tour-Proven Shaft Matrix The stock shaft matrix features five new aftermarket options in the Aldila Rogue M*AX 75 (mid launch), Fujikura Speeder Pro TS 84 (mid launch) and three Mitsubishi Diamana models – Limited D+ White 80 (low launch), Limited S+ Blue 70 (mid launch) and Limited M+ Red 60 (high launch). Golfers can also opt for an industryleading number of custom shafts.

Lofts: 917F2 – 13.5º, 15º, 16.5º, 18º, 21º / 917F3 – 13.5, 15º

SRP: RM1,800

“I think the new 917 fairway metal is Titleist’s best yet. I played with the 3-wood at home after the PGA Championship and loved it.”

JIMMY WALKER, 2016 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER

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www.bridgestonegolf.com

Bridgestone Tour B330 Ball

TIGER’S NEW BALL If you’re wondering what ball Tiger Woods is using, it’s the Bridgestone Tour B330S. The B330S is the softer model in the 2016 Tour B330 family, which features a Tour Core that is 6% larger and utilises a steeper gradient in softness from the inner part of the core to the outer region compared to the previous generation. This results in faster ball speed and less spin off the driver.

According to Bridgestone, its proprietary gradational core compression technology allows them to accomplish in one layer what other ball makers accomplish in two or three layers – leading to a smoother energy transfer and more power.

With a slightly softer cover formulation, the Tour B330S offers increased greenside spin over previous versions, while the B330 offers feel for those players who prefer hit-and-sit short game performance.

Bridgestone’s proprietary SlipRes cover produces increased friction that keeps the ball more stable on the clubface, resulting in more spin on short shots. SlipRes has the opposite effect off the tee, lowering driver spin and generating more distance.

Following Nike’s decision to exit the equipment market, Woods used the Tour B330S during his comeback in the Hero World Challenge and signed a multi-year agreement with Bridgestone

Golf in mid-December.

“Finding the right golf ball is extremely important. It’s an essential part of my equipment, and the Bridgestone B330S ball is hands-down the best for my game,” said Woods.

“Controlling launch and trajectory is critical, and with this ball I feel I have total control to hit all shots accurately. I’m not just here to play – I’m here to win, and the innovative breakthroughs of the Bridgestone B330S ball can help me do that.”

“Finding the right golf ball is extremely important. It’s an essential part of my equipment, and the Bridgestone B330S ball is hands-down the best for my game.”

TIGER WOODS

PRESTIGE GOLF TAKES ON BRIDGESTONE DISTRIBUTORSHIP Prestige Golf has been appointed as the sole distributor for Bridgestone Golf in Malaysia and Singapore.

The distributorship agreement was signed during Prestige Golf’s 22nd Anniversary golf tournament at Templer Park Country Club on November 25.

Prestige Golf will also establish a Bridgestone concept shop at Templer Park.

Established in November 1998, Prestige Golf is one of the most established golf distributors and wholesalers in Malaysia.

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IN THE BAG

www.ping.com

Ping iBlade Irons

PURE PRECISION Golfers looking for precision and control will love Ping’s iBlade irons, designed using extensive tour research and feedback to help them execute the most demanding shots in the game.

The blade-style iron follows the highly popular S55 model, which has amassed more than 50 wins around the world since its introduction over two years ago.

The iBlade body is precision cast from soft 431 stainless steel which has a high strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in what Ping says is its softest, purest feeling iron ever. The compact clubhead allows the workability demanded by golfers who like to shape their shots, while delivering consistent distance and trajectory control.

A thinner top rail, minimal offset, straight lead edge and sharp high toe will appeal to discerning players.

Refined bounce angles and ample heel relief, optimised with the same sole width as the S55 iron, produce a workable sole design for confident shot making. Precision is further enhanced by the milled tour-spec grooves and precision-machined fly-cut face.

The superb feel is also due to an elastomer insert behind the face which increases vibration damping for softer feel and a pleasing sound. A hydropearl chrome finish repels water and helps minimise fliers from wet conditions and the rough.

The thin face helps generate greater ball speeds for increased distance, with higher overall trajectories and more control. Forgiveness is enhanced by nearly ‘pure’ tungsten weights pressed into the toe to increase MOI and consequently forgiveness.

SRP (5-9PW): Steel shaft (AWT 2.0 Lite shaft / NS Pro 950GH / Dynamic Gold S200 / NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 120) – RM5,940 Graphite shaft (Ping CFS J50) – RM6,540

“The iBlade has a really nice, clean look. It has a higher ball flight but not a weak flight and I gained distance into the wind. I just loved the soft feel of the irons immediately. It’s nice to know if you don’t hit it perfect it still goes a distance. It’s easy to control a cut or a draw and that’s what you look for.”

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN

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december 5, 2017

Brandon Stone relied on a G driver, iBlade irons and prototype wedges. He also wore PING apparel.

iBlade

G

iE1

Rhapsody

STONE ROLLS TO VICTORY

Playing on home soil suits South African Brandon Stone to a tee, as the 23-year-old captured his second European Tour title in his native land this calendar year on Sunday. He ran away from the field with a sevenshot win at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. He turned his three-shot 54-hole lead into the winning margin with a final-round 67 to finish at -22 (67-66-66-67). Stone, a PING Apparel Ambassador, rolled in 24

birdies and two eagles at Leopard Creek CC. “I just played some incredible golf the whole week to be fair,” he said.

WHAT’S IN BRANDON'S BAG • G 9° driver • G 14.5° 3-wood • Rapture Driving Iron • iBlade irons 3-PW • Prototype wedges 52SS, 58TS • Ketsch Mid putter

PING DEMO/FITTING DAYS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2017

PING PERFORMANCE CENTER AT KLGCC

PING FITTING DAY EVERY FRIDAY STARTING FROM 8TH JAN 2016

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.

057•PING.custom.Jan17.indd 57

JANUARY

DAY

VENUE

TIME

4 Jan 17

Wed

MST Golf Superstore Subang Jaya (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 7.00pm

6 Jan 17

Fri

TPC Performance Center (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 8.00pm

11 Jan 17

Wed

MST Golf Superstore Subang Jaya (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 7.00pm

13 Jan 17

Fri

TPC Performance Center (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 8.00pm

18 Jan 17

Wed

MST Golf Superstore Subang Jaya (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 7.00pm

20 Jan 17

Fri

TPC Performance Center (PING Short Game Demo) (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 8.00pm

23 Jan 17

Mon

Extreme Park Golf Driving Range Kota Damansara (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

5.00pm to 8.00pm

25 Jan 17

Wed

MST Golf Superstore Subang Jaya (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

11.00am to 7.00pm

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

10.00am to 5.00pm

JANUARY'17 DAILY EXCEPT - Sat, Sun, & Public Holiday

12/27/16 10:51 AM

ESSENTIALS

C2X GRIP CHAMP

The new C2X grip model by Champ is designed with premium rubber that provides a soft feel and excellent durability. Its clean, traditional look is complemented by a debossed repeating surface pattern that helps to increase hand traction in all weather conditions. Available at all MST Golf outlets.

Specifications: colour – jet black • core sizes – 58/60, round or ribbed • outer sizes – standard/midsize/jumbo • weight – 50g (standard), 62g (midsize), 68g (jumbo)

BLUNTLY BEAUTIFUL BROLLY BLUNT

Named after their rounded tips, Blunt Umbrellas – founded in New Zealand in 2009 – are the only kind on the market with fully tensioned canopies. All the mechanisms on the edge are embedded so that the canopy provides the perfect tension every time and will not run the risk of slipping out of their slots for which most conventional umbrellas usually do.

The Blunt Umbrella is also wind-tunneltested and can withstand 100mph winds without flipping over. They are drench-tested, droptested and also loaded-cyclic-tested. Each one goes through a stringent quality control checking and each component comes with a warranty and can be replaced when damaged.

Designed with input from Steve Williams (Tiger Woods’ former caddie), the Blunt G1 umbrellas come with an ergonomic sports handle, fibreglass ribs and shaft and a UV protected canopy wide enough to protect any golfer and his gear in any kind of weather condition.

SRP: RM400

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SRP: RM25

ECCO GOLF RE-SIGNS LEGENDARY COUPLES Ecco Golf has signed a new multi-year agreement extending its partnership with long-time ambassador Fred Couples.

World Golf Hall of Famer Couples will continue to compete with the Ecco Golf logo on the side of his hat, and showcase the Danish company’s awardwinning Hybrid shoes during tournament play. Couples’ relationship with Ecco Golf is widely credited with sparking the hybrid shoe revolution. His performance at the 2010 Masters tournament, where he competed in the company’s pioneering Golf Street model, forever altered the global golf footwear market.

“I’ve competed in Ecco Golf shoes for a decade now, and I can honestly say I can’t see a time where I wear anything else,” said Couples, who has Couples has 15 PGA Tour titles to date, including the 1992 Masters. Since joining the Champions Tour in 2011, Couples has won 11 titles, highlighted by the 2012 Senior Open Championship and 2011 Senior Players Championship.

“Fred Couples is synonymous with Ecco Golf,” said Jesper Thuen, head of Ecco Golf – Asia-Pacific and responsible for sponsorship. “I’m delighted that our agreement has been extended as he’s been an incredible ambassador for us.”

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IAGTO AWARDS

Golf's Best Feted

Laguna Lang Co and Chiang Mai among award winners in Mallorca IAGTO chief executive Peter Walton (L) with Tanes Petsuwan of Tourism Authority of Thailand

Laguna Lang Co

L

aguna Lang Cô in Danang, Vietnam was voted as the IAGTO Golf Resort of the Year: Rest of the World at the 17th annual IAGTO Awards in Mallorca, Spain on November 17.

Held in conjunction with the International Golf Travel Market and organised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the awards gala was staged at Son Termes near the city of Palma with over a thousand golf industry professionals from 70 countries attending.

The best-performing golf resorts in three regions received the resort of the year award, with Greece’s Costa Navarino topping the European category and Barefoot Resort & Golf in South Carolina, USA winning the North American accolade.

South East Asia claimed another award through the Thai province of Chiang Mai, which was named as the Golf Destination of the Year: Asia & Australasia. There are more than a dozen golf courses in Chiang Mai, which is located in the north, offering a cool sub-tropical climate amidst lush mountains.

It was a double win for the Laguna Golf group as Laguna Golf Phuket in Thailand received the 2017 IAGTO Sustainability Award for Community Value. This was the fifth edition of the sustainability awards, run by IAGTO in partnership with the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) to recognise golf establishments that lead the way in sustainability.

IAGTO chief executive Peter Walton said: “For 17 years now we have been recognising a handful of golf courses, golf resorts and golf destinations each year who have excelled in their efforts to deliver the best possible experience to the visiting golf traveller.

“This has become such a special event because the awards are voted for by the world’s golf tour operators and golf travel writers and therefore carry great weight within the industry.”

The golf destination and golf resort awards are voted for by IAGTO’s specialist golf tour operator members that now number over 650 from 61 countries. Criteria considered include customer satisfaction, quality of courses and accommodation, value for money, support from tourist boards and airlines, professional conduct of suppliers and

ABOUT IAGTO Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, comprising more than 2,500 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 96 countries. IAGTO operators control 87% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide with a combined annual turnover of more than €2.1 billion.

accessibility to tee-times.

The undiscovered golf destination award is voted for by members of the International Golf Travel Writers Association, comprising 230 golf travel journalists from 36 countries. PG

2017 IAGTO AWARDS ROLL OF HONOUR Golf Destination of the Year • Africa, Gulf States & Indian Ocean: Western Cape, South Africa • Asia & Australasia: Chiang Mai Province, Thailand • Europe: Andalucía, Spain • Latin America & Caribbean: Los Cabos, Mexico • North America: North Florida, USA Golf Resort of the Year • Europe: Costa Navarino, Greece • North America: Barefoot Resort & Golf, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA • Rest of the World: Laguna Golf Lang Cô, Vietnam IAGTO Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year • Kärnten - Alpe Adria Golf Sustainability Awards • Nature Protection: The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kenya • Resource Efficiency: Pebble Beach Resorts, California, USA • Community Value: Laguna Golf Phuket, Thailand • Outstanding Commitment to Sustainable Golf: Machrihanish Dunes, Scotland • Sustainable Golf Destination of the Year: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

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Damai Laut's signature 15th hole

DAMAI LAUT FOOD TRAIL

EAT, GOLF and be MERRY If you’re looking for a golf getaway with scrumptious, value-for-money cuisine close by, Damai Laut is the place INFORMATION & PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWISS-GARDEN GROUP

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or Asians, food is a huge part of the holiday experience – and golfers are no different.

On-course bets are usually settled with post-golf meals and drinks, while it’s common for golfing groups to include foodstops as part of the itinerary during outstation excursions.

Damai Laut Golf & Country Club near Lumut, Perak, is just the place for a fairway+food fest. There’s loads of great food to be found within half an

hour’s drive of the golf club, which forms part of the sprawling SwissGarden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

Whether you’re a seafood junkie, hawker fare fanatic or just love to eat, it’s all here and at ridiculously cheap prices as well – roughly half, or even less, of what you would pay for an equivalent meal in KL. To make it easy for golfers and guests to – hijacking the title of a popular TV food show – ‘jalan-jalan cari

makan’, the good folk at the resort have put together a Food Trail listing the best restaurants, hawkers and other eateries in the vicinity. Most are located in and around the towns of Sitiawan and Lumut, as well as the rustic fishing village of Pantai Remis.

Here are ParGolf's recommendations from that list, based on our own experiences and feedback from Damai Laut regulars.

Enjoy ... burp!

HORIZON GARDEN RESTAURANT

/ LUMUI MT ANJUNG SER

If you’re looking for halal Chinese and Thai food, this is the place to go. The restaurant is classily furnished and offers a wide range of dishes including steamboat packages. The salted egg crabs and tom yam soup are highly recommended.

Address: No. 7-9, Persiaran PM 3/2, Pusat Bandar Seksyen 3, 32040 Seri Manjung, Perak Business Hours: 12.00pm - 3.00pm / 6.00pm - 11.00pm daily

SILATURAHIM RESTAURANT This popular restaurant serves pre-cooked traditional Malay ‘kampung’ cuisine including favourites such as ikan bakar, tempoyak and ayam masak merah.

There’s loads of ulam (raw local vegetables) to choose from and the sambal selection is superb.

Address: 3A, (Lot 1598), Jalan Teluk Batik, 32200 Lumut, Perak Business Hours: 11.00am - 4.00pm, closed on Fridays

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PANT AI RE MIS

NASI KANDAR PANTAI REMIS In operation for more than 45 years, this restaurant has passed down recipes for three generations.

Each dish is full-bodied and flavourful with the must-try being the chicken curry.

Address: No 18, Jalan Besar, 34900 Pantai Remis, Perak Business Hours: 12.00pm - 3.00pm / 6.00pm - 11.00pm daily

NG CHIN BOON RESTAURANT This popular restaurant is known to locals as Nangka Ka, which in the Teochew dialect translates literally to ‘at the foot of the jackfruit tree’.

Owned by the Wong family, the restaurant serves traditional Teochew dishes such as prawn fritters, cucumber flower crab, oyster omelette and home-made yam (served both as a savoury dish and a sugar-coated dessert).

Address: 305, Jalan Sungai Cina, Pantai Remis, 34900 Pantai Remis, Perak Business Hours: 2.00pm - 9.00pm daily

TONG CHEW RESTAURANT This 80-year-old coffee shop is famous for their local delicacies such as nasi lemak, otak otak and other kuih sourced from locals such as yam cakes and turnip cakes. There are also hawker stalls serving char kuay teow, wantan mee, capfan, Indian rojak and more. The local coffee is excellent.

Address: 29, Jalan Changkat Jering, Kampung Koh, 34900 Pantai Remis, Perak Business Hours: 7.00am - 3.00pm daily

AH PEK LEE KOU HOCK SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

N/ INA A W A I SIT PUNG C KAM

One O ne of the many seafood restaurants in Kampung Cina, Ah Pek Lee Kou Hock stands out for its Hockchew style dishes such as the tangy fish maw soup, steamed scallops and crunchy oyster omelette. There is a small air-conditioned section if you prefer to dine in a climate-controlled environment.

Address: Lot 135, Kampung Cina, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 12.00pm - 10.00pm, closed on Tuesdays

JAMES CENDOL STALL Located in front of the Maha Mariamman temple, James Cendol endol has been in business since the 1970’s and locals swear it’s the best in Perak. The coconut milk is fresh and the gula Melaka (palm sugar) super-fragrant, while you can opt to add pulut (glutinous rice) to offset the sweetness. Look for the trademark red bow-tie.

Address: Jalan Satu Sitiawan Maju, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 10.00am - 6.00pm daily

MERANTI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT A recent addition to the culinary scene in Sitiawan, Meranti Seafood Restaurant offers patrons a chance to catch and eat their own seafood! Anglers are charged RM50 per hour to fish in a huge seawater pond teeming with Groupa, Jenahak and Siakap.

Owner Ee recommends the steamed Tilapia, chilli mud crabs, Foochow-style Sea Groupa and claypot herbal chicken. Meranti also makes its own cakes and pastries.

Address: Lot 13581, Changkat Meranti, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm

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DAMAI LAUT FOOD TRAIL

ROJAK MANJUNG Easily the most populated stall in Plaza D’ Mara come lunch hour. Operating for more than 30 years, they serve the best rojak in town which is a fusion between Indian pasembor and conventional Malay-style.

N/ INA A W A I SIT PUNG C KAM

Address: No 6, Plaza D’ Mara, Jalan Lumut, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 7.30am - 6.30pm, closed on Sundays

SIN EK SEK RESTAURANT This rather unassuming restaurant has been serving locals with their speciality noodles for more than four decades. Must-haves include the loh mee and Foochow konlo mee.

Address: 67, Jalan Besar, Kampung Koh, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 6.30am - 4.30pm, closed on Mondays

SITIAWAN CHEONG CIA GONG PIAN Gong pian is a Foochow 'biscuit' filled with meat or other savouries, eaten by rubber tappers when they worked at the estates during the olden days.

The biscuit is baked in 20-year-old urns with one batch made every 45 minutes.

They don’t take phone bookings and you have to queue up to place your order.

Address: 12, Jalan Tok Perdana, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 10am until last Gong Pian is sold, closed on Sundays

SITIAWAN DINDINGS TEA HOUSE Probably Sitiawan's itiawan's best kept secret, this teahouse has an olden day feel with its traditional design and décor which includes antique items. hew fare such as The owner, Mr Nga, personally cooks traditional Hock Chew duck egg kolok noodles and red wine chicken mee suah.

Address: No 5, Kampung Koh, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 11.00am - 10.00pm, closed on Sundays

YEE SI RESTAURANT This 100-year-old establishment is best known for its unique pau, made using dough that is stickier and sweeter than what most would be accustomed to. The meat, red bean and kaya paus are ready at 3pm, while the famous peanut butter layered pau is only available from 3.45pm. Go early and place your orders to avoid disappointment.

Address: 80, Jalan Lin Chen Mei, Kampung Koh, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Business Hours: 7.30am - 6.00pm daily

ABOUT DAMAI LAUT

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Damai Laut Golf & Country Club forms part of what is arguably the most comprehensive beachside golf resort in Peninsula Malaysia – the Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut, spreading across 425 acres of tropical rainforest and wetlands overlooking the Straits of Melaka.

Designed by American architect Ronald Fream, the par-72, 6,600-metre layout opened for play in 1997 and stretches from the inland hills to the waters of the Straits of Melaka.

The signature hole is the par-four 15th, which plays over the crest of a hill and ends at a palm tree-framed green with the sea providing a spectacular backdrop.

The resort has 300 well-appointed guest rooms, a spa, full sports and recreational facilities, plus a watersports centre and teambuilding activities. There are four F&B outlets with post-dinner entertainment available at the Blue Chip Lounge.

Address Hala Damai 2, Jalan Damai Laut, Off Jalan Teluk Senangin, 32200 Lumut, Perak Telephone Golf Club: +605-685 9333 Hotel: +605-684 3333 Email info@dlgcc.swissgarden.com Website www.swissgarden.com/hotels/sgrdl GPS N 4.263361 / E 100.60261

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Aerial view of Holes 8 and 9, Puteri Nine

TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KP WARAN revisits the ever-popular Tasik Puteri course to learn about its recent improvements and future plans

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©Tasik Puteri GCC

Enhanced Experience ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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©Tasik Puteri GCC

Parkland setting – the Tasik Puteri course has matured well with more trees being planted on the Tasik Nine

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he popular Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club is moving into a more challenging phase as over 200 trees will be planted in the next few months and the existing vegetation matures.

This well-maintained 27-hole course has become a favourite golfing destination for many golfers in the Klang Valley in view of the continuous improvements being undertaken including the contoured quicker greens, wider landing areas and wellmaintained rough that flank the fairways.

As the surrounding Bandar Tasik Puteri, developed by parent company the Low Yat Group, expands into a larger township encompassing residential, commercial, recreational and shopping components spread across 1,080 hectares, the golf club is bound to see increased activities.

Enveloped by lush terrain as well as sparkling lakes, the golf club allowed buggies on the fairways (except during and after heavy thunderstorms) in April 2016, which added to its popularity.

The club’s general manager, Kevyn Lee, said the exciting playing conditions, reasonable rates, availability of caddies and easy accessibility have contributed to the current 5,000 rounds each month, which is a marked increase from the 3,000 monthly rounds during the first quarter of 2016. He added that the club has begun to offer term memberships at RM2,500 per year with no subscription and green fee.

Jumbo flights of up to six players are allowed on the course during afternoons on condition each player hires a buggy and a caddy, while senior golfers get to play on Mondays for only RM68 each. These are among the reasons for the increased crowd.

On the drawing board for the clubhouse are a full Balinese spa with massage and reflexology services, steam rooms, a golf academy, larger proshop and bigger function rooms.

Infrastructural changes and extensions to the clubhouse will start within the next two months.

Golf pro RP Murugan said J Golf, a leading Japanese golf equipment retailer, has taken over the proshop which will now sell new and used golf equipment. They are also in the midst of establishing a golf academy offering lessons from basic to advanced level.

Murugan said the academy will begin operations in February and among the teaching aids that will be used include Skytrack to identify ball flights, clubhead speed and carrydistances and Swing Analysers.

Golfers who had played the Tasik Nine after it opened in 2005 had often

PUTERA NINE HOLE BLACK BLUE 1 402 383 2 347 344 3 372 343 4 442 413 5 143 125 6 370 347 7 498 488 8 212 191 9 333 318 TOTAL 3,119 2,952

TASIK NINE HOLE BLACK 1 424 2 512 3 444 4 218 5 397 6 181 7 388 8 427 9 498 TOTAL 3,489

CARD OF THE COURSE PUTERI NINE HOLE BLACK BLUE 1 362 344 2 392 365 3 150 139 4 450 432 5 359 335 6 388 363 7 465 450 8 192 188 9 329 324 TOTAL 3,087 2,940

WHITE RED PAR INDEX 311 4 324 5 1 4 342 325 17 3 122 102 9 5 416 400 11 4 312 294 13 4 330 305 15 5 422 386 3 3 155 130 7 4 315 290 2,738 2,543 36

WHITE RED PAR INDEX 4 365 351 3 5 4 327 312 9 4 322 305 15 5 386 366 13 92 3 116 17 4 327 307 1 5 443 416 11 152 3 169 7 4 302 288 2,757 2,589 36

BLUE 410 486 431 197 375 146 368 401 485 3,299

WHITE RED PAR INDEX 4 370 357 11 5 5 467 445 1 4 400 371 9 3 186 168 13 4 361 348 17 118 3 134 15 4 351 336 3 4 383 358 7 5 476 466 3,128 2,967 36 * All distances in metres ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

©Tasik Puteri GCC

Panoramic view of the course

SIGNATURE HOLE

complained of the heat due to the lack of trees and lamented that the course was playing too long especially from the black and blue tee boxes. In recent years these issues have been rectified with an additional 200 trees planted to provide additional shade and the tee boxes realigned to offer realistic distances for golfers of varying skills.

With another 200 saplings planned to be planted on the landscape of the Tasik and the other two nines in the next three months, the requirement to stay on the fairways and not veer into the vegetation will be sound advice to those not wanting to get into trouble.

The Tasik Nine continues to be the nine of choice for the low-handicappers and those swinging for challenging times on the course. With wide fairways, undulating ground, water encroaching into six of the nine holes and every green

large enough to accommodate a studio apartment, it offers long drives, water, sand and jungle hazards along with long putts than need to meander through contoured carpets.

The exciting holes on the Tasik Nine include the index 1 third hole, which stretches along the perimeter fence of the course. The tee shot needs to be straight and not hop over the OB marked fence on the left nor too long to find the large lake which is on the right of the narrow landing area. Bunkers on the left and the water on the right tend to insist on a lofted shot to the green for a smooth putt.

The par-three fourth hole is 218 metres from the black tee and it is uphill all the way to a plateau green. A pond is on the right to catch wayward shots and a slope on the left interspersed with shrubs and patches of grass spells trouble for those who do not hit the green from the tee.

Note: Graphics courtesy of ‘Golfing Guide’ by Golf Info Network, an easy-to-use app that provides complete distances with yardage-book quality graphics of thousands of golf courses in South East Asia and beyond. To download the app, scan this QR code and use the promo code MSBS to enjoy a 20% discount.

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©Tasik Puteri GCC

HOLE 4, TASIK NINE BLACK 218 BLUE 197 WHITE 186 RED 168 This long par-three plays 218 metres from the black tees and uphill to a plateau green.

A pond on the right will punish bad slices, while a slope on the left will catch under-hit shots and channel them into a bunker. Many will have to use the driver here.

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On the ball – general manager Kevyn Lee

©Toha Dol/ParGolf

Shots that do not reach the green tend to roll down the slope and may land on a hard bunker, adding to the troubles.

A permanent hole-in-one prize of a Swiss-made Titoni automatic timepiece valued at RM4,000 is on offer on this hole, so long as the feat is witnessed by two golfers and a caddy.

The finishing par-five on this nine needs a long drive which avoids the water on the left and the slope on the right so that the second shot can cross the water that cuts through the fairway.

Short tee shots would require a lay-up while the approach shot has to be solid to find the large green guarded by a fairway trap and three greenside bunkers.

The Putera and Puteri Nines, opened in 1999, are mainly carved out of an oil palm plantation, with the palm trees all over the course sometimes catching golf balls in their fronds or soft tree trunks. Most fairways are wide but the greens vary in size and are not as large as those on Tasik Nine.

On the Puteri Nine, the second hole, which is an index 1, is a slight dog-leg left with trees flanking the fairway, a pond emerging on the right close to the green and a bunker in front of the elevated green.

The par-three eighth hole has a large lake on the right and jungle on the left requiring an accurate shot to the green. It measures 180 metres from the tee box. A permanent hole-in-one prize of a full Srixon Z355 golf set awaits an ace. The prize includes a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, a full set of irons, a Cleveland putter and a golf bag – all valued at RM9,290.

The Putera Course is cut out of

rolling terrain thus requiring golfers to ensure the correct stance to hit shots from the undulating lies. The second hole is an index 5 uphill par-four where golfers need to carry a water hazard from the teebox. The uphill approach shot has to avoid the front bunker and onto a rolling green where reading the putting line needs extra care.

The downhill par-three eighth hole measures 200 metres with a pond on the right and trouble on the left. The green is also mostly surrounded by water thus requiring relatively lofted shots to keep the ball on the green and not hop and skip into the drink.

Travelling via the North Klang Valley Expressway and the Latar Highway has made it quicker for golfers to get to Tasik Puteri. The opening of the Latar’s Bandar Tasik Puteri Interchange in mid-2017 will further

reduce travelling time.

A public golf course with challenging holes, easy accessibility, reasonable rates and good food is definitely a boon to golfers and Tasik Puteri certainly ticks all the boxes! PG

TASIK PUTERI GCC Address Bandar Tasik Puteri, 48020 Rawang, Selangor Tel

03-60344721/22

Fax

03-60344723

E-mail

info@tasikputerigolf.com

Website www.tasikputerigolf.com GPS Coordinates Latitude 3.285143 Longitude 101.48869 Published Golfing Rates Green fee, buggy & insurance: Weekdays – RM153.70 / Weekends – RM259.70 Note: Contact the club for on-going promotions

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! The delicious food served at Tasik Puteri is one of the reasons why golfers and families flock to the Golfers’ Terrance and an increasing number of people opting to host parties at the function rooms.

Calling the shots in the kitchen is Chef Chan Kok Keong, who has over 32 years’ experience including a five-year stint in New Jersey, United States, and restaurants all over Malaysia.

In addition to the a la carte menu, set meals with a combination of dishes for between three to 10 persons are available and popular with families and golfing groups. On weekends, golf packages inclusive of buffet lunch are offered.

The signature dish at Tasik Puteri is the Spring Chicken, available during dinner.

Served with spiced salt and black pepper sauce, the chicken is tasty and tender with crispy skin.

“I don’t believe in immersing the whole chicken in hot oil as this tends to overcook the meat. I literally bathe the chicken in hot oil to

make the skin crispier. Many regulars order the Spring Chicken even before they sit down as it is usually snapped up early,” said Chef Chan.

The Chicken Satay is another popular dish, served with special groundnut sauce made in the clubhouse kitchen.

All-day dining includes Seafood Kway Teow which comes in Cantonese style (wet) and Hokkien style (dry), Kampung Fried Rice, Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang, hot plate dishes, burgers and more.

Popular lunch dishes include Chicken Rice with roasted or steamed chicken, and Curry Mee with really thick and spicy curry.

Chef Chan

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RAISE YOUR GAME

GOLF FORELADIES WITH KURIKO TSUKIYAMA

REVERSE L How to create more clubhead speed with less effort

Most golfers will try to use their upper body strength to create clubhead speed. This can lead to the left arm bending, creating a ‘chicken wing’ which makes is actually counter-productive and will most likely result in the slowing down of the swing.

To maximise clubhead speed, the clubhead actually has to move faster than the hands, not at the same speed. By bending the left elbow after impact, we are limiting the speed of the clubhead to the speed of the arms and hands.

We can make the clubhead travel faster by creating a reverse L with the arms and club after impact. If the releasing (aka closing) of the clubhead is done correctly during the downswing, this position should be easy to accomplish.

A half swing utilising the wrists to create the correct release and follow-through will result in a lot more clubhead speed – and with less effort!

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We can make the clubhead travel faster by creating a reverse L with the arms and club after impact.

Based at the K’s Island Golf Academy in Kuala Lumpur, Kuriko Tsukiyama was born and raised in the United States and took up golf at age seven. She has worked with renowned coaches such as David Leadbetter, David Glenz and Don Law and was a prolific junior golfer with an impressive record – including a victory in the 2010 New Jersey Women’s Amateur.

Kuriko still dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour and continues to work towards her goal while teaching in both English and Japanese at K’s Island, utilizing the proven teaching methods of one of Japan’s top tour coaches, Keita Uemura. For more information, call 03-6411 6656 or log on to ksisland.asia.

Using too much upper body strength can lead to the left arm bending, creating a ‘chicken wing’ which will most likely result in the slowing down of the swing.

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YOUNG GUNS

Kim tops Faldo Series Singapore to earn ticket to Danang Desmond Kim continued his rich vein of recent form with a wire-to-wire victory in the Faldo Series Singapore Championship, held at Jurong Country Club on November 22-25.

Fresh from outstanding performances in the Laguna National Match Play Championship and Singapore National Amateur Championship, Kim proved too strong for his rivals in the 17th leg of the record-breaking 2016-17 Faldo Series Asia season. Despite a couple of late lapses of concentration, the 17-year-old carded rounds of 72, 72 and 80 for a five-stroke victory over Donovan Lee Zhi Peng in the overall standings.

Kim thus earned the right to represent Singapore at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Lang Co in Danang, Vietnam this March. As winner of the Boys’ Division, Lee will also be flying the flag for Singapore in the finale, along with Erika Layson who won the Girls’ Division on countback from Denise Wong Mei Yan. The Singapore qualifier was notable on a couple of counts.

Firstly, the Faldo Series Singapore Championship was one of the final competitive tournaments at the Jurong course before it closes its doors at the end of the year to make way for the terminus of the Singapore-Malaysia high-speed rail and a mixed-use development.

Secondly, the 55-strong field included four junior golfers from the Moscow Golf Federation who were invited to participate in the tournament. They were part of a delegation that was in Singapore for an economic conference called the ‘Days of Moscow’, organised by the government of Moscow.

Six-time Major champion Faldo said: “Any initiatives that promote friendship through golf are to be applauded. Golf is a truly international sport that can break down many barriers.

I thank the Singapore Golf Association for their continued efforts to develop the game and I’m sure the golfers from Moscow as well as the Singapore youngsters who played with them will not forget the experience.”

Victory was the culmination of a fine spell from Kim. Now in his first year at junior college, Kim represented Singapore at the 2016 Asean School Games in the Philippines. As well as placing fourth in the 36-hole strokeplay segment at the Singapore National Amateur Championship, Kim had the distinction of winning Laguna National Match Play Championship for the second time.

FSA Singapore champ Desmond Kim (R) with Singapore Golf Association vice-president Kong Choong Soon

Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Qualifiers Faldo Series India Championship (Nov 28-Dec 1, Oxford Golf & Country Club) Overall Champion – Karandeep Singh Kochhar, Boys’ Under-16 Champion – Kartik Sharma, Girls’ Under-21 Champion – Tvesa Malik, Girls’ Under-18 Champion – Amrita Anand Faldo Series Singapore Championship (Nov 23-25, Jurong Country Club) Overall Champion – Desmond Kim, Boys’ Champion – Donovan Lee Zhi Peng, Girls’ Champion – Erika Layson Faldo Series Japan Championship (Nov 17-19, Shizu Hills Country Club) Overall Champion – Keita Nakajima, Boys’ Under-21 Champion – Ryo Katsumata, Boys’ Under-18 Champion – Yusuke Sakamoto, Girls’ Under-21 Champion – Anna Kono, Girls’ Under-16 Champion – Minori Nagano Faldo Series Korea Championship (Nov 10-12, Hyundai Sollago Country Club) Overall Champion – Ryu Hae-ran, Boys’ Under-21 Champion – Oh Se-young, Boys’ Under-18 Champion – Park Hyung-wook, Boys’ Under-16 Champion – Yun Gyung-sik, Girls’ Under-21 Champion – Uhm Kyu-won

About The Faldo Series Asia The 2016-17 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months with more than 20 tournaments in 18 countries – one each in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, along with two events apiece in China, India and Thailand.

The 11th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final will be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Lang Co in Danang, Vietnam, this March. The Faldo Series was established in 1996 and expanded to Asia in 2006, with 40 Faldo Series tournaments now taking place in 30-plus countries worldwide.

Matthew Faldo (3rd from R) with the FSA Korea winners

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MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Ben Leong chalked up his fourth PGM tour title in a row and fifth of the season in the seasonending PGM Maybank Players’ Championship in early December but he did it the hard way – in a playoff against Gavin Green after the latter made up a nine-shot deficit on the final day at TPC Kuala Lumpur’s East Course.

The in-form Leong was on fire the first three days, carding rounds of 64, 64 and 65 to distance himself from the pack. Many expected the Sabahan to run away with the title as he had won the previous tour event, the PGM Tiara Melaka Championship, by a whopping 20 shots. However, this time around the longhitting Green forced extra holes with a closing 65 to Leong’s uncharacteristically erratic 74.

But Leong was not be denied and he secured the title with a par on the first playoff hole as Green sent his approach shot into the water at the par-four 18th.

“I couldn’t find my rhythm today but I’m happy it worked out okay in the end,” said Leong, who secured himself a place in next month's Maybank Championship with the win.

Green paid tribute to Leong, saying: “Ben played good golf over the first three days – 64, 64 and 65 – and while he hit a couple of stray shots coming down the home stretch, all I

©ParGolf

Four on the trot for in-form Leong

could do was try my best and that’s what I did.

I gave it my all but came up just short.”

Kim Leun Kwang was third, a massive 10 strokes off the top two, while amateur Daeng

Tun Ahmad Sarji (L) and Jimmy Masrin

Abdul Rahman gave notice of what he is capable of when he carded a closing six-underpar 65 to finish fourth.

2017 PGM Tour Schedule unveiled

TOURNAMENT RESULTS PGM MAYBANK PLAYERS' CHAMPIONSHIP December 7-10, 2016 / TPC Kuala Lumpur / RM275,000 267 – Ben Leong 64-64-65-74, Gavin Green 65-72-65-65; 277 – Kim Leun Kwang 67-69-67-74; 278 – Daeng A Rahman (A) 73-72-68-65 *Leong won on first playoff hole

©PGM Tour

©ParGolf

The 2017 PGM Tour Schedule will offer total prizemoney of more than RM4.4 million and will include 11 Asian Development Tour co-sanctioned events.

PGM chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji unveiled the schedule with Asian Tour chairman Jimmy Masrin following the conclusion of the PGM Maybank Players’ Championship on December 10 at TPC Kuala Lumpur.

New ADT events on the 2017 schedule include the RM250,000 PGM Panasonic Malaysia Championship at Templer Park in February, the RM200,000 PGM GlobalOne Championship at Saujana in August and two events sponsored

by EurAsia – the RM200,000 PGM EurAsia Championship at Sabah GCC in August and the RM200,000 PGM EurAsia Perak Championship at Royal Perak in November.

PGM SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP November 22-24, 2016 / Seriemas Golf Club, Negeri Sembilan / RM200,000 215 – P. Gunasagaran 72-74-69; 224 – Mohd Musa Fakir 77-73-74; 229 – Zailan Wan Chik 81-73-75; 235 – Periyono Dolsalim 77-8276; 237 – A. Arulnathan 79-79-79, M. Ramayah 78-80-79, Amir Abdullah 76-79-82 PGM TIARA MELAKA CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP November 9-12, 2016 / Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club / RM 180,000 268 – Ben Leong 67-65-68-68; 288 – M. Sasidaran 71-67-76-74; 289 – Tan Chien Hau 68-74-74-73, R. Nachimuthu 74-71-71-73; 291 – M. Azman Basharudin 74-71-74-72, Solomon Emilio Rosidin 7474-71-72, Airil Rizman Zahari 70-72-76-73, Hans Jamil 75-72-70-74

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12/27/16 10:29 AM

almost ob loo keng yip

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

Safety Last If you can’t move faster than a speeding bullet and aren’t from Krypton, don’t take on-course safety lightly

H

ave you ever been hit by a golf ball?

A couple of weeks ago, and for the first time ever – after one other near miss over the years – I got nailed. It was on the inside of my right forearm.

I had been waiting to take my shot, standing over my ball about 30 metres in front of and roughly 45 degrees to the right of a flight-mate who was attempting a pitch to the green from about 70 metres out.

Fortunately I was looking back at him as he took his shot. The amazing thing is that time does apparently slow down during a life-threatening event! I could clearly see the ball shank off the hosel and head towards me. Like in a golf version of the slow-motion Matrix movie bullet dodge, I attempted to pull my right arm out of the way. In fact if I had not been slowed down by the inertia of holding my sand-wedge (the heaviest club in most people’s bag incidentally) I think that I may have indeed escaped unscathed. Of course it helped greatly that my flight-mate was attempting to lob a 70-metre approach and not crushing a drive, or launching a long lay-up on a par 5. As it turned out, my arm was moving in the same direction as the ball and this lessened the blow.

Still, a dark perfectly round bruise emerged that lasted about a week in spite of putting on a cold towel as soon as I could, applying some minyak angin ointment (care of a sympathetic caddy, thank you) and gently massaging the area to encourage blood flow.

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Profuse apologies followed, and repeated at every opportunity – but the reality is that by standing in front of the shot made it pretty much my fault. My flight-mate was merely guilty of a shank. And that is not something anyone has ever intentionally tried to do in all the history of golf ... as far as I know at least.

Tell someone you got injured whilst playing golf and more often than not they would assume it is something minor – muscle fatigue, strained elbow, wrist or finger. Nothing really life threatening. Nothing to worry about.

More sympathetic souls might offer a few words of comfort, but all would be privately thinking you should have known better. You shouldn’t have overindulged; hitting and chasing that little dimpled sphere over and over again for hours at a time. You’d pretty much be dismissed as being a whinger with a frivolous complaint. It’s a bit like the sports’ equivalent of victim blaming.

But golfers really do get hurt. We regularly break stuff hitting from impossibly steep lies, under trees and in super thick rough. We get run over by golf carts. We slip and fall wearing spiked shoes on polished stone floors.

We get sunburnt. We get upset tummies from ingesting one too many hardboiled eggs! Jokes aside, the injuries sustained can be serious.

The lesson to take away is that virtually every one of these incidents is avoidable. So unless you have the superhuman strength and reflexes of a computer-generated movie hero, please play safe folks.

Drive long and prosper. PG

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12/27/16 10:37 AM

THE GOLF SCENE

Royal launch for The Els Club Desaru’s Ocean Course The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, officially launched The Els Club Desaru Coast – Ocean Course on November 26, prior to the start of the inaugural Laksamana Trophy.

The official launch of the 27-hole course, designed by four-time Major winner Ernie Els, was presided over by Desaru Development Corporation (DDC) chairman Dato’ Ahmad Pardas Senin, Laksamana Trophy organising chairman and DDC board member Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ar. Esa Mohamed and Datuk Hisham Hamdan, the executive director, investments and head of Khazanah research & investment strategy for Khazanah Nasional.

“We are honoured His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim blessed us with his presence and launched our 27-hole championship golf course signalling an exciting new era for the region’s tourism sector,” said Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, executive director and CEO of DDC. “We are inspired by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim’s vision to welcome visitors from all over the world that will spur positive regional impact for Johor. The Els Club Desaru Coast – Ocean Course is one of the many experiences we are offering in Desaru Coast, which will also include resorts and hotels, a water park and retail outlets.”

The launch also saw the announcement of the Little Easy Young Athlete Scholarship

Program, designed to encourage local children to take up the game and benefit from the expertise at The Els Performance Golf Academy. Endorsed by the Johor Golf Tourism Association, the programme will offer two-month golf tuition classes to 100 primary school students in Johor throughout 2017.

The Troon-managed Ocean Course features three distinct nine-hole loops: the Coast, Ridge and Lakes. The 18-hole Valley Course, designed by Fijian legend Vijay Singh, is scheduled to open early this year.

The multi-faceted Desaru Coast project sprawls over 3,900 acres along a 17km beachfront.

Mizuno Golf School returns to Cinta Sayang The highly-rated Mizuno Golf School has returned to Cinta Sayang Resort in Sungai Petani, Kedah, offering golfers cutting edgeinstruction utilising the latest equipment and technology.

The school is equipped with swing and flight analysis devices such as Flightscope Xi Tour and OptiShot Golf, along with training aids like Explanar, TOMI putting system,

Focus Band and Boditrack analysis.

“We are truly excited with the establishment of our latest school in Sungai Petani as we believe there is great potential in the region and our location at Cinta Sayang Resort is perfect to capture the golf enthusiast in northern Malaysia. Our Mizuno Golf School would provide the perfect opportunities for golfers especially the

juniors to further develop their skills in a fun and motivating environment,” said Edmund Tan, head of golf instruction & custom fittings, Mizuno Golf School, during the official re-launch on November 12.

This is the second Mizuno Golf School in the country following the one at Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club which opened in April 2016. Both offer comprehensive programmes ranging from junior development and corporate sessions to elite training, developed by founder Joe Thiel, who is one of the world’s most respected golf teachers.

“It is important that the junior players are given the right development module with the right encouragement and environment to grow as successful golfers.”

JOE THIEL, FOUNDER, MIZUNO GOLF SCHOOL

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12/27/16 4:12 PM

BDB-FIREFLY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Northern Swing

Inaugural event a huge success in promoting Kedah as a golfing destination

BY LOO KENG YIP

T

he Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB)-Firefly golf tournament saw more than 120 golfers take to the lush fairways of Darulaman Golf & Country Club in Jitra, Kedah on November 26, 2016.

While the contest for top honours was keenly fought at this inaugural event, the participation of junior and women club members made this a friendly tournament as well. The fun was palpable, helped in no small part by holding the lunch and prizegiving ceremony in the well-designed splitlevel clubhouse restaurant. It gave everyone an excellent view of the proceedings in a comfortable, cosy atmosphere without being literally on top of each other. Traditional uninspired four-square banquet halls should take note.

Rowin Morthy scored 40 nett Stableford points in the System 36 format to top the standings, one point ahead of runner-up Amir Benno. Ismail Ibrahim took third place with 38 points, edging 11 other golfers on countback.

BDB held a separate ‘open category’ Masters edition several weeks later (December 9-11).

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Kedah may be a rice farming state but anyone thinking that the Darulaman course is flat and featureless may be surprised. There is not a paddy

field in sight, in fact flat and level fairways were the exception. The few that are present run beside lakes. The rest are built on slopes with a couple

(L-R) Darulaman GCC club manager Ilias Ismail, BDB group MD Dato' Izham Yusoff and champ Rowin Morthy

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Kedah MB Dato' Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah (2nd from L) sharing a light moment with BDB group MD Dato' Izham Yusoff (2nd from R)

rising fairly steeply to boot. The fairways and first cut are axonopus compressus. Yes, even the humble ‘cowgrass’ has a scientific name. All the holes play pretty straight, even the doglegs are mild. Visually they are a treat, cumulating in the beautiful 18th which is lined by huge rainforest trees.

Bunkers were relatively shallow. The challenge here is putting.

Successfully landing your approach on the correct level of the deep, multitiered greens is a must for scoring well.

Typical was the green of the par-three 11th hole, used for the hole-in-one prize. This especially technical test falls steeply over 35 metres or so from back to front through at least four separate tiers. It is also relatively narrow with a touch of dogleg right as seen from the front. There is a local tale about a golfer who launched his putter into the trees after taking four putts from close range.

Club manager Ilias Ismail (L) and Dato' Izham Yusoff (centre) with the top three finishers

The hole-in-one prize by the way was a RM800,000 bungalow sponsored

by BDB. Not to be outdone, Firefly’s prizes for the top three were tickets for two and tour packages to its local and international destinations. The tie-up aims to promote Kedah as a golf and holiday destination.

Getting to the tournament was hassle free. There are daily Firefly flights from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang) to Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Setar) and back that take roughly an hour each way. The taxi ride between the airport and the course takes a further 15 minutes. If so inclined, one can comfortably make playing at Darulaman a day trip.

Being surrounded by nature and agriculture more than by factories or heavy industry, the air seems fresher up here in the north. The sunrise and sunsets are more vivid, the greenery more lush, even the roads and buildings look cleaner. With Thailand close by giving inspiration to the local restaurants, getting good food was also a non-issue. Staying on longer?

Conveniently, there is a decent hotel

attached to the golf course.

Going by the broad smiles of the participants, the Bina Darulaman Berhad-Firefly golf Tournament was a great success and we look forward to future editions! PG

FIREFLY Lot R-01, 3rd Floor, CITTA Mall No 1, Jalan PJU 1A/48, Ara Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel: Malaysia +603-7845 4543 / Singapore +65-3158 8279

DARULAMAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

DARULAMAN SUITES

Bandar Darulaman, 06007 Jitra, Kedah

Tel: +604 917 2008 Fax: +604 917 2668

Tel: +604-917 0001 Fax: +604-917 7890 Email: dgrb@tm.net.my

Email: darulaman_suites@bdb.com.my

Website: www.darulamangolf.bdb.com.my

7th hole

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12/27/16 10:14 AM

LAKSAMANA TROPHY

When Golf Matters

Inaugural event sees more than RM3.8 million raised for Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation

L

iving up to its tagline of ‘When Golf Matters’, the inaugural Laksamana Trophy Charity Golf Tournament succeeded in raising more than RM3.8 million for cancer treatment.

Organised by the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA) at The Els Club Desaru Coast on November 26, 2016, the tournament was graced by the presence of the Sultan of Johor, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

A full field of 120 golfers comprising industry captains, corporate heads and senior government officials teed-off on the highly-rated Ocean Course, which was designed by four-time Major winner Ernie Els and opened for play in September.

The beneficiary of the event was the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, which – like the tournament – is named after the late Tunku Laksamana of Johor, HH Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim, who passed away of liver cancer in December 2015. The foundation was set up by Sultan Ibrahim to assist cancer patients who need financial aid for treatment.

The funds raised came from corporate sponsorships, led by principal sponsor the Weststar Group, as well as entry fees, pledges and an auction during the prizegiving lunch emceed by popular comedian Harith Iskander – who was born in Johor Bahru. The highlight of the auction was a Harley Davidson motorcycle donated by Sultan Ibrahim

76

which saw the hammer go down at a whopping RM2.1 million.

Tournament organising committee chairman Tan Sri Esa Mohamed voiced his gratitude to the donors and participants for their generosity.

“We are deeply touched by the generosity of the many corporations and individuals in Johor and outside of Johor, including Singapore, that have shown their compassion and commitment towards this noble cause. We hope the Laksamana Trophy will grow and generate more funds for the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation,” said Tan Sri Esa. JGTA president Col. Mohd Jamal Salleh noted that the tournament will be an annual event at The Els Club Desaru Coast.

The tournament was played as a team event based on the best two scores on each of six ‘blind’ holes. The top three teams went home with crystal trophies with a 3-D image of the handsome challenge trophy, donated by Sultan Ibrahim and handcrafted in London.

Team Mahabuilders, comprising Amir Shariffuddin A. Raub, Mohd Ali Mohd Salleh, Normiza Shahman A. Aziz and

Sazali Adan, amassed a total score of 27 gross Stableford points to emerge as the inaugural champions.

Prizes were also given out for various novelty contests, while the Weststar Group donated two Porsche Macan SUVs and two Maxus G10 MPVs as hole-in-one prizes – unfortunately no one managed to score an ace on the four par-threes. PG

ABOUT THE JOHOR GOLF TOURISM ASSOCIATION (JGTA) Established in early 2016, the JGTA is a non-profit organisation made up of golf tour operators, golf clubs, tour operators, hotels, transport companies and other related entities based in the state of Johor.

The objective of the association is to promote Johor as a golf tourism destination for the domestic and international markets, while providing a forum for its members to discuss ways to advance the industry. The association actively promotes the state’s golf and travel facilities through the dissemination of information, participation in trade shows and other activities.

www.jgta.org.my

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DRIVE TO DUBAI CHALLENGE 2016 FINALE

Dubai High

Inaugural series culminates in unforgettable experience at Jumeirah

P

Stableford points. Lam Kong Foo was support the event got over the five laying at the Jumeirah Golf runner-up just a point back, while Lee qualifying rounds. As a result, we will Estates in Dubai is something Pak Hong finished third with 76 points. endeavour to run it again next year. any golfer would die for – even In the plate medal for non-finalists, We’ll make an announcement either more so if the round was at John Lim scored 77 points to top the way in due course,” said Bunn.

Jumeirah’s famed Earth Course just a few standings by one from Eric Foo with The tournament itself was based on days after it hosted the DP World Tour S. Sasi Kumar settling for third place two rounds, one each at the Fire and Championship. with 74 points. the Earth, with Tan Leng Hin emerging That was exactly what the finalists Foo and Sasi, both regular champion with a total score of 78 of the inaugural Drive to Dubai participants in amateur Challenge 2016 enjoyed at the “This was our first season and we are tournaments, were full of praise series finale last November, delighted with the support the event got over for the trip. playing not only the Earth but the five qualifying rounds.”

“This is the sort of thing that also the Fire Course of Jumeirah really helps the sport and if we while enjoying the many sights ANDREW BUNN EMIRATES COUNTRY MANAGER FOR SINGAPORE, could get a few more companies and sounds of Dubai.

MALAYSIA AND BRUNEI to follow Emirates’ lead it A total of 33 golfers went on would be most welcome. For the 6D/4N trip, comprising the Emirates to bring three players winners of five legs of the from each qualifying leg to an challenge along with paying event such as this grand final is participants who booked the clear illustration of just how attractive package offered by important they consider golf organisers Letz Travel. Many and help with its growth,” said also took the opportunity to Foo. bring their families along, Sasi added: “The organisers making it a 56-strong left nothing out in arranging the contingent that enjoyed visit. And to top it off, the two numerous outings including a courses we played were in desert safari and several sightreally fine condition. seeing stops in Dubai and “My own preference between neighbouring Abu Dhabi. the two was the Earth. Of course, Emirates’ country manager playing it just days after it hosted for Singapore, Malaysia and the DP World Tour Championship Brunei, Andrew Bunn said they was also a nice touch. And like were pleasantly surprised with all the other players on the trip, the reception the tournament we do hope that Emirates will received. continue to run the event.” PG “This was our first season and we are delighted with the

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POTSHOTS

©Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Having worked on more than 400 course designs, Jack Nicklaus has indeed travelled to some pretty fascinating places all over the globe – and he’s about to add another interesting destination to his portfolio, Turkmenistan, located in the western portion of Central Asia. The country’s president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is eager to bring golf to his people and has engaged Nicklaus to build as many as 10 courses in the next few years.

“He’s a really nice man,” said Nicklaus of Berdymukhamedov.

“He has about 2,500 expats who live in Ashgabat (the capital) wanting golf – and he knows that golf has become an Olympic sport.” The first course (Ashgabat Golf Club) is scheduled to complete in April and playable a few months later. “First one, he wanted a championship golf course to start with. Next, a learning golf course, which we talked about last time I met with him,” added the 18-time Major winner.

According to Nicklaus, Turkmenistan (a former Soviet republic) – 80 percent of which is Karakum Desert and has a warmer climate – is very difficult for outsiders to enter. “You talk about interesting places, well that’s an interesting place.”

RORY’S BIG LITTLE INTERVIEW He was once World No 1 and is a larger-than-life name in golf, but we’re pretty sure Rory McIlroy wished the earth had opened up and swallowed him whole during his ‘Big Little Interview’ with nine-yearold reporter Billy at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai on the eve of the DP World Tour Championship last November.

Talk about putting someone in a spot! The cheeky little Billy grilled the Northern Irish star on subjects reporters wouldn’t dare ask – from hairstyle choices to golf to girls to weddings to Tiger – even asking McIlroy, “If you’re so tough, how come you’re so scared of a tiny mosquito?” taking a jab at his absence during the Rio Olympics. Absolutely nothing was off limits, and McIlroy tried his best to keep a straight face.

Billy saved the best for last. “You’re getting married, so I got you a wedding present,” said Billy as he handed McIlroy a large white box. “Box of socks … what’s all this about?” asks an amused McIlroy. And Billy goes, “Just in case you get cold feet again!”

Aah yes, don’t we all know how McIlroy's last wedding plans turned out!

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©Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

It’s no secret that Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg is nuts about golf – he’s even had his backyard transformed into a golfer’s paradise complete with artificial turf, bunkers and putting green. If that doesn’t get you all green with envy, dig this – the rapper/model-turned-actor can wrap up a round of 18 holes in a little more than an hour! (Say what!?)

That’s right, slowpokes.

Since Wahlberg doesn’t have a lot of free time between filming, family and keeping his physique in shape, the man has found a way to slide in his favourite pastime.

While shooting the next Transformers movie in Detroit, he got up at 3.30am, worked out for 90 minutes, then headed to the nearest course at a private club, teeing off at the crack of dawn.

“We’d hit a drive and then just sprint to the ball and then the [caddies] would come with the carts,” said Wahlberg. “We'd grab a club, hit again and then sprint again. We played all 18 in about an hour fifteen, maybe 1:20.

“I can’t wait to get back,” added the 13-handicapper. “Maybe without the running, though … regular rounds, with some beers in the cart.”

NICKLAUS TAKING GOLF TO TURKMENISTAN?

©Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 MALAYSIAN AMATEUR EVENTS Jan 10 – 12

World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship Grand Final

Sungai Long GCC, Selangor

Feb 16 – 19

Perlis Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Putra GC

Feb 27 – Mar 2

KL Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam

ASIAN TOUR Jan 11 – 14

Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage

Suvarnabhumi GCC, Thailand

–

Jan 19 – 22

SMBC Singapore Open

Sentosa GC

US$1,000,000

Jan 26 – 29

Leopalace21 Myanmar Open

Pung Hlaing GCC, Yangon

US$750,000

Feb 2 – 5

Bashundhara Bangladesh Open

Kurmitola GCC, Dhaka

US$300,000

Feb 9 – 12

Maybank Championship

Saujana GCC, Selangor

US$3,000,000

Feb 16 – 19

World Super 6 Perth

Lake Karrinyup CC, Perth, Australia

TBA

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

PGM Impian Closed Championship

Impian GCC, Selangor

RM185,000

Jan 18 – 21

PGM CCM Championship (ADT)

Seriemas GCC, Negeri Sembilan

RM220,000

Jan 30 – Feb 5

PGM Matchplay Championship

Kinrara GC, Selangor

RM185,000

Feb 7 – 9

PGM Qualifying School – Leg 1

Kinrara GC, Selangor

RM15,000

Feb 15 – 18

PGM Panasonic Malaysia Championship (ADT)

Templer Park CC, Selangor

RM250,000

Jan 5 – 8

Tournament of Champions

Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, USA

US$6,000,000

Jan 12 – 15

Sony Open in Hawaii

Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

US$6,000,000

Jan 19 – 22

Careerbuilder Challenge

PGA West TPC Stadium Course, La Quinta, California, USA

US$5,800,000

Jan 26 – 29

Farmers Insurance Open

Torrey Pines GC, San Diego, California, USA

US$6,700,000

Feb 2 – 5

Waste Management Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

US$6,700,000

Feb 9 – 12

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Pebble Beach GL, Pebble Beach, California, USA

US$7,200,000

Feb 16 – 19

Genesis Open

Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, California, USA

US$7,000,000

Feb 23 – 26

The Honda Classic

PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

US$6,400,000

PGA TOUR

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LPGA TOUR Jan 26 – 29

Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic

Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas

US$1,400,000

Feb 16 – 19

ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open

The Royal Adelaide GC, South Australia

US$1,300,000

Feb 23 – 26

Honda LPGA Thailand

Siam CC, Old Course, Chonburi, Thailand

US$1,600,000

EUROPEAN TOUR Jan 12 – 15

BMW SA Open

Glendower GC, City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa

ZAR15,000,000

Jan 19 – 22

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Abu Dhabi GC, United Arab Emirates

US$2,700,000

Jan 26 – 29

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

Doha GC, Doha

US$2,500,000

Feb 2 – 5

Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE

US$2,650,000

Feb 9 – 12

Maybank Championship

Saujana GCC, Selangor

US$3,000,000

Feb 16 – 19

World Super 6 Perth

Lake Karrinyup CC, Perth, Australia

TBA

Feb 23 – 26

Joburg Open

Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Johannesburg, South Africa

ZAR16,500,000

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

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Saigon, here we come!

The inaugural Malindo Air Saigon Trophy is certainly a series with a difference, played in a four-person team format with a twist – two teams from each leg win places in the grand final in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) this March, one as the overall winner and the other as the grand lucky draw winner!

The first of six legs was held at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club (SAASGCC) in Shah Alam, Selangor, last September 27, with 100-odd players taking to the fairways for a fun round of golf – including some rather cute and cuddly on-course photo opportunities thanks to organisers Letz Travel.

The quartet of 13-handicapper Mohd Zaid Mohd Nor, Abu Sufian Mokhtar (15), Hassan Ali Beharom (14) and Budaya Budi Abdullah (15) earned their trip to Vietnam when they topped the standings with a combined score of 110 Stableford points.

“We are very happy to have made the

cut here,” said team captain Zaid. “As this is a team tournament, it was nice to see that we came through with good team effort.

And now we look forward to visiting Ho Chi Minh in March.”

Also on the plane to Ho Chi Minh will be the lucky quartet of S. Sasi Kumar, Selvan, SP Maniam and Manibalan Kutty, who won the grand lucky draw prize.

The two hole-in-one prizes of Dubai golf

packages worth RM7,800 each went unclaimed.

“So far the response has been good and it is our aim to make sure the participants enjoy themselves here in the qualifiers and at the grand final from March 8-10,” said Chriss Chia of Letz Travel.

MALINDO AIR SAIGON TROPHY GRAND FINAL QUALIFIERS Round 1 – Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club, September 27 CHAMPIONS: Mohd Zaid Mohd Nor, Abu Sufian Mokhtar, Hassan Ali Beharom, Budaya Budi Abdullah GRAND LUCKY DRAW WINNERS: S. Sasi Kumar, Selvan Subramaniam, SP Maniam, Manibalan Kutty Round 2 – Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club, October 25 CHAMPIONS: Mohd Rashid Superi, Saiful Bahri Mohd Salleh, Asman Bakar, Mohd Izzuan Ismail GRAND LUCKY DRAW WINNERS: Lesmond Tan, Ricky Chin, Ho Chen Fatt, Lee Sui Hong Round 3 – Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club, November 29 CHAMPIONS: Zul Fadli Rozi, Affendy Mohamad, Aidi Ahmad, Shahril Jusoh GRAND LUCKY DRAW WINNERS: Lee Pak Hong, Dato’ Hen Yet Keow, Chew Kek Kuen, Tan Ngee Hiong Round 4 – Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club, December 15 CHAMPIONS: Richard Lim Yeow Leng, Yong Saul Pin, Gimmy Goh Boon Hee, Alex Lim Beng Hor GRAND LUCKY DRAW WINNERS: Danny Kam Chee Kong, Ang Bee Soon, Kon See Cheang, Kelvin Yeoh Chin Chye

Local and Pinoy cheer in Penang National team stalwart Daeng Abdul Rahman added to his growing credentials with an impressive victory in the Penang Amateur Open men’s event, played on November 17-19 at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

The 16-year-old carded rounds of 67, 70 and 72 for a three-day total of 209, eight shots clear of fellow national golfer Muhammad Afif Muhammad Razif (76, 73, 68). Tiago Lobo from Abu Dhabi was in the mix after consecutive 72s but a third round 81 forced him to settle for third on 225.

The Philippines dominated the ladies’ event with Pauline Del Rosario taking the title with a total of 210 after rounds of 69, 70 and 71 – just one shot ahead of compatriot Mikhaela Fortuna (69, 70, 72).

Malaysia’s Geraldine Wong managed to take third place on 219 (70, 76, 73).

This was the 50th edition of the men’s event and 45th for the ladies.

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Seaside fun at Swiss-Garden Challenge The inaugural Swiss-Garden Challenge held on November 19 was a huge success with more than 100 golfers from all over the nation taking to the fairways of the beachside Damai Laut Golf & Country Club in Lumut, Perak.

The tournament proper was preceded by a media and partner game the day before, which culminated in a superb dinner at the scenic beachfront of the Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

“Our immediate objective is to share the beauty and facilities of this resort as well as the golf course with the general public to create an awareness that Swiss Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut together with Damai Laut Golf & Country Club is a place where an individual, a couple, a family and even a group of people can come and have fun,” said the resort’s general manager Patrick Tee during the prizegiving lunch.

“Fun will be the experience that we want our guests to bring home with them and to return again for more of it.”

“The tremendous response that we got for the Swiss-Garden Challenge proves that the Damai Laut golf course is not only the most scenic golf course but can also be the most popular golf course.”

Champion Ling Ching Chong (L) receiving his prizes from Izudin Merican, group GM, Swiss-Garden International

Ling Ching Chong (5) emerged as the inaugural gross champion with a superb score of 77, winning himself a return ticket to Europe (courtesy of Oman Air), Samsonite Tru Frame Cabin Bag and a 3D/2N stay at Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan.

The nett title went to Endy Norhisham (22), who carded a nett score of 64 to win a Samsonite Tru Frame Cabin Bag and a

Nett winner Endy Norhisham (L) with resort general manager Patrick Tee

3D/2N stay at Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Melaka.

Event partners for the Swiss-Garden Challenge 2016 included TM, Oman Air, Samsonite, Heineken, Nippon Golf Tech, MST Golf and Atria Shopping Gallery.

Car and cash for charity at Ponderosa The eighth edition of the Southern Lot Charity Golf 2016 not only raised more than RM188,000 but also saw a Toyota Hiace being donated by one of the participants.

Held at Ponderosa Golf & Country Club last month, the event raised funds for a variety of charitable bodies in Johor.

“In 2015, we considered ourselves lucky in the midst of tough economic times to collect RM157,932. This year has sprung yet

Organising chairman Lew Kim Soon (R) hands the ‘key’ of the Toyota Hiace to representatives from Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Terencat Akal Johor Bahru

another surprise and is easily the highest in our fund-raising record. In terms of monetary value, the charity golf has achieved a collection of almost RM300,000 this time around,” said organising chairman Lew Kim Soon.

Ponderosa general manager Ivan Teo said the van will be outfitted as an ambulance and will be donated to Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Terencat Akal Johor Bahru (Society for the Care of MentallyHandicapped Children Johor Bahru) who also received RM84,000 cash. The remainder of the collection was disbursed to the

Palliative Care Association Johor Bahru (RM45,661), Persatuan Kebajikan Amal Lexin (RM43,700) and to a bursary programme managed by Financial Assistance for Children’s Education (FACE), a project by the Lions Club of Tanjung Petrie (RM15,000).

Lee Piah Heng carded a round of 77 to win the gross title, while the handicap division titles went to Albert Ng (A Division – nett 67), KL Gan (B Division – nett 67) and Listar Nguyen (Ladies Division – nett 67).

Brian Lim scored a hole-in-one at the second hole to win a limited edition three-litre bottle of Louis Royer VSOP.

10 needy students received RM1,500 each via the contribution to FACE ParGolf JANUARY 2017

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Etiqa enhances corporate camaraderie at Palm Garden Etiqa played host to the eighth edition of the Etiqa & Friends Golf Tournament on November 17 with 116 of its corporate clients teeing-off at the popular Palm Garden Golf Club in Putrajaya.

The tournament was played in System 36 Stableford format and the top three finishers each recorded 38 points. Following a countback, Johan Aly Rais from Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) emerged as champion and walked away with the challenge trophy, TaylorMade M2 iron set and a golf bag. Ann Wan Tee, also from MRCB, claimed the runner-up spot whilst Justin See Koh Wah of Semangat Anggun finished third.

This year’s event featured a ‘Beat the Pro Challenge’ at the par-three 17th hole, where all players had the chance to take on two lady professionals – Michele Low and Kuriko Tsukiyama. Those who managed to hit their tee shots closer to the hole than the professionals each won a prize.

A fuel-efficient Honda HRV was up

for grabs for a hole-in-one at the demanding par-three 7th hole, which unfortunately went unclaimed. The Longest Drive contest at Hole 6 was won by Nor Hisyam Mansor from KSDC Insurance Brokers with a 244metre effort. Abdul Raof Hussain from Omnia Risk Management secured the Nearest-to-Line prize at Hole 3 with a tee-shot that stopped two feet from the line, whilst Ahmad Suhaimee Ismail from Tabung Haji topped the Nearestto-Pin competition at Hole 12 with a 17-foot effort.

Zaharudin Daud, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Berhad, said: “We believe that this game, one of which demonstrates professionalism, integrity, courage, and empathy amongst players, is very much associated with our brand promise of humanising insurance and takaful. It has always been one of our platforms to bring everyone together, in an enjoyable environment to network and to get better acquainted with one another.”

Champion Johan Aly Rais (L) with Etiqa chairman Datuk R. Karunakaran

20th anniversary golf at Bukit Unggul In conjunction with its 20th anniversary celebrations last November, Bukit Unggul Country Club organised a gettogether golf game on the 26th of the month for members, regular patrons and partners.

Despite some showers after the afternoon shotgun start, the game progressed smoothly and ended with a feisty poolside prizegiving dinner. The tournament was played using the Peoria system with six blind holes used to compute handicaps of the day.

Mohd Zairi emerged as the A Medal champion with 38 nett Stableford, edging runner-up Azman Effendi on countback. Third place went to Azman Mahmood with a score of 37 points.

Club member Osman Sanib grabbed the B Medal title with a score of 36 points, one ahead of runner-up Mohd Nor Puasa. Ahmad Khan also

scored 35 points but settled for third place after a countback.

Both the A and B Medal champions walked away with a crystal trophy and a 32” LED TV. “Since its inception in 1996, the club has gone through good times and many challenges akin to a roller coaster ride in maintaining the golf course condition,” said the club’s general manager May Wong. “Your unwavering and continued support has given us the courage to undertake an extensive and holistic make-over resulting in tremendous improvements in the course condition.”

The prizegiving dinner saw the presentation of certificates of appreciation and plaques to the club’s sponsors and business partners, as well as members of more than 15 years and liaison committee members.

“Your unwavering and continued support has given us the courage to undertake an extensive and holistic make-over resulting in tremendous improvements in the course condition.”

MAY WONG, GENERAL MANAGER, BUKIT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB

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THE LOBBY Adv PNB PerdanaKL

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NILAI SPRINGS RESORT HOTEL PT4770, Nilai Springs, 71800 Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Tel: +606-850 2288 Fax: +606-850 2299 A 4-star resort hotel offering 183 spacious guest rooms and suites with full amenities, five F&B outlets, a grand ballroom and 13 meeting rooms to cater to your business requirements, private functions or even for a weekend escapade.

It's the perfect destination for: • Airline transit passengers • Meetings and seminars • Teambuilding/Family Day/Telematch/Mini Amazing Race • Challenging 27 Holes Golf Course

resort hotel P U T R A

N I L A I ,

M A L A Y S I A

★★★★

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STYLE LOUNGE

DRAMATIC INTENSE BALENCIAGA

SUPREME ALTIPLANO PIAGET

B. Balenciaga Intense celebrates the portrait of a woman as she unveils her darker, most essential self. She defines the modern woman’s profound power, confidence and freedom to express emotion and sensuality, revealing a dramatic depth of emotion and raw femininity.

A deeper interpretation of the original fragrance, B. Balenciaga Intense is a vibrant and lavish mix that lures with an addictive, fruity hook of green tea, blueberry and edamame, ultimately evolving to darker, dry woody notes of cedar, mahogany and queen of the night. This combination of ingredients combines for an elegant and addictive fragrance concocted by perfumer Domitille Bertier.

Every year since 2012, Piaget has staged that year’s zodiac sign on the dial of one of its ultra-thin Altiplano watches, masterfully handcrafted in the great Grand Feu cloisonné enamelling tradition. In 2017 the Rooster joins the limited edition collection.

World-renowned master enameller Anita Porchet breathes life into the exuberant Rooster with creative virtuosity, achieving textures so elaborate and detailing so intricate that its luscious plumage seems to glisten as the beautiful creature poses majestically on the dial of the watch.

Its comb and wattle beneath its chin stands out in a vibrant red, evoking the way in which the Rooster shows the world the shimmering facets of its personality. The enamel is enhanced by 78 brilliant-cut diamonds set on the watch’s white gold case.

INSPIRED STRIDES COLE HAAN Featuring individualistic styles, Cole Haan introduces the latest rendition in its 2.ZerøGrand line with a new collection of Laser Wingtip Oxford, which seamlessly integrates craftsmanship with athletic innovations that rival top-of-the-line running shoes.

Designed to mimic the natural motion of the human foot, each element of 2.ZerøGrand promotes flexibility and cushioning. An anatomically-contoured Grand.ØS energy foam footbed cradles the foot for better weight distribution and cushioning, while airflow channels and moisture-wicking material assist in keeping feet comfortable.

Available in Ivory, Black and Magnet Pebble Brown (at Pavilion KL Shopping Mall and The Gardens Mall).

For added comfort, the footwear comes in wide widths.

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AUSPICIOUS ROOSTER MONTBLANC Following the introduction of the Monkey as the first Montblanc Legend of Zodiacs, 2017 sees the arrival of the Lunar New Year with Rooster Limited Edition 512.

The hand-engraved representation on the silver cap symbolises the Rooster’s attributes: confidence, courage and hardworking nature. Contrasting with the sliver cap, the black lacquer barrel of the writing instrument represents the ‘king of colours’. The zodiac symbol is elegantly etched on the rhodium-coated Au750 solid gold nib, while the top of the cap features the birth years relevant for the Rooster. Crowning the limited edition, the cone is set with a faceted citrine, the yellow birthstone of the Rooster.

INFINITELY MAGNETIC BENTLEY

SPORTY STURDY PILOT EPOS The Epos 3434OH Pilot veers away from the archetypal pilot’s watch with an open-heart designed dial and also an altitudeindicator-inspired small second dial at 9 o’clock. However, this timepiece still shares a common attention to aviation timepieces, a clean design for optimal legibility.

Resembling a plane’s dashboard counter, 3434OH Pilot boasts a 43.5mm diameter stainless steel case and a black dial with prominent white vintage-style numerals, accompanied with luminescent hands, which make it easy to read the time even under low light conditions.

Powering this timepiece from within is a mechanical hand-wound movement Unitas 6497, engraved and decorated with blued steel screws. Besides the visible balance wheel at 12 o’clock, Epos 3434OH also offers a transparent see-through back.

Designed exclusively for Harrods by Bentley Fragrances, Infinite Rush White Edition is designed for a man who is always intent on getting the most out of life.

In the opening notes, a sunny burst of mandarin splashes sparkling light on clean, bracing lavender.

These give way to a magnificent olfactory rush of adrenaline, boosted by a bold dash of aromatic white thyme and the crisp green bite of basil and rich Turkish rose. Finally, the fragrance glides into its thrilling base notes on a perfect storm of potent white musks. Warm, polished cashmere wood exudes confidence and sophistication as sleek sandalwood adds a scorching touch of sensuousness.

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CARS+PARS

SLEEK SPORTY DYNAMISM JAGUAR F-PACE

Promising striking performance with unrivalled dynamics, the all-new Jaguar F-Pace comes in two variants – Prestige and R-Sport, both equipped with a 340PS 3.0litre supercharged V6 petrol engine from the

F-Type matched to an eight-speed electronic automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift. This allows the all-new F-Pace to accelerate from 0-100kph in just 5.8 seconds (250kph top speed).

The F-Pace seats five adults with generous head and knee room with a spacious, 508-litre luggage compartment. It comes with Jaguar’s InControl Touch infotainment system as standard in Prestige.

Featuring an 8" capacity touchscreen, intuitive user interface and crisp clear graphics, it supports smartphone and tablet gestures such as ‘swipe’ to move from one page to another.

The premium InControl Touch Pro system, available in the R-Sport variant, is based around a 10.2” touchscreen, with a powerful quad-core processor and solidstate drive, and runs on ultra-fast Ethernet.

The fully-imported F-Pace 3.0-litre Supercharged Prestige is priced at RM598,800 while the higher-spec R-Sport retails at RM658,800 (prices inclusive of 6% GST but excluding road tax, registration and insurance).

A new package of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is available which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking.

With the adoption of the Luxury package, the Ghibli’s cabin is even more refined thanks

to the Zegna Edition Silk and Premium Leather upholstery, while the Sport package reflects the legendary racing heritage of every Maserati thanks to the new sports seats and sports steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles.

The 2017 Ghibli and Ghibli S retail from RM618,800 and RM708,800 respectively (prices include local duties and taxes).

STELLAR PERFORMER MASERATI GHIBLI & GHIBLI S

The Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S (both petrol engines) feature the acclaimed, Ferrari built, Euro 6, Twin-Turbo 3.0-litre V6 powerplant paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Ghibli now delivers 350hp, a top speed of 267km/h, and a 0 to 100km/h time of just 5.5 seconds, while the Ghibli S boasts a power output of 410hp (century sprint in 5.0 seconds; 285km/h top speed).

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CE I O H C S ’ E PEOPL AWARDS 2017

CAST YOUR VOTES AND HAVE YOUR SAY! ONLINE VOTING ENDS FEBRUARY 28 The popular ParGolf People’s Choice Awards returns for its second edition, offering YOU the opportunity to help select the best golf courses in Malaysia!

Have your say by voting and stand a chance to win great prizes from Srixon!

Log on to www.pargolf.my to vote.

CATEGORIES Best Overall Golf Experience

Best F&B – Golfer’s Terrace

Best Maintained Golf Course

Best F&B – Halfway Hut

Most Improved Golf Course

Best Corporate Tournament Venue

Most Challenging Golf Course

Best Championship Layout (NEW!)

Most Scenic Golf Course

Best Clubhouse (NEW!)

Best Greens

Best Customer Service (NEW!)

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

Surprising Amverton

The Golfers Paradise

AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT

A‘FAMOSA GOLF RESORT

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 Designer: Jason Winter, E&G Parslow Description: 18 holes, 5,875m

Tel: +606-552 0555 Fax: +606-552 8751 Email: operations.golf@afamosa.com Website: www.afamosa.com Designer: Ross C. Watson Description: 27 holes, Rocky - 3,182m, Crocodile - 3,154m, Palm - 3,215m

Play the Best

Never Too Far From Anywhere

BUKIT JALIL GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT

The Jungle Serenity

AYER KEROH 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 Designer: Tun Dr. Abdul Ghafar Baba Accommodation: AKCC Hotel Resort Description: 27 holes - Governor, Tunku & Ghafar

DAMAI LAUT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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 Designer: Max Wexler Description: 18 holes, 6,228m, par 72

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 Designer: Graham Marsh & Ross Watson Description: 27 holes, Championship Course

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 Designer: Ronald Fream Description: 18 holes, par 72

Golfing At Its Very Best

Johor’s Hidden Jewel

Play Exciting Golf

KELAB DARUL EHSAN 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 Designer: Ronald Fream Description: 9 holes

BUKIT BANANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 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 Designer: Michael Coates & Associates Description: 18 Holes Championship Course

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 Description: 18 holes, 6,340m, par 72 Managed by: Saujana Scape & Greens S/B

BOOK YOUR ULTIMATE GOLF GETAWAY AT

SWISS-GARDEN DAMAI LAUT! 90

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In Pursuit of Perfection

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Pride Of Nusajaya

Malaysia’s Best

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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 Designer: Max Wexler Description: 18 holes Valley Course (6,412m, par 72) & 18 holes Garden Course (6,404m, par 72, Night Golfing) Accommodation: Holiday In Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie

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 Designer: Ross Watson Description: 18 holes, 6271m, par 72 Maintenance: Mon

Batu 14, Jln Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Tel: +603-8734 4195/96/97 Fax: +603-8734 8133 Website: www.igcc.com.my Designer: Ross C. Watson & Tze To Kok Yia Description: 18 holes, par 72 Maintenance: Mon

Pride Of The Civil Service

A New Era In Golfing

Serene Beauty

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM Bukit Kiara, Off Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-7957 3344 Fax: +603-7957 7821 Website: www.kgpagolf.com Designer: Ronald Fream Description: 27 holes - Hill, Lake, Forest

KOTA SERIEMAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB No. 1, Persiaran Seriemas Golf, Kota Seriemas, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Tel: +606 790 9339 E-mail: reservation@pnbdevt.com Website: www.seriemasgolf.com Designer: Nigel B Douglas Description: 18 holes, Blue 6,188m, par 72

Call 05-684

KELAB GOLF SERI SELANGOR

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Persiaran Damansara Indah, Off PersiaranTropicana Indah 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-78061111/1666 Fax: 03-78061777 Email: marketing@seriselangor.com.my Website: www.seriselangor.com.my Designer: Ross Watson Description: 18 hole Championship Golf Course

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 Designer: Ross Watson Description: 18 holes, 6,396m, par 72 Maintenance: Mon

Tee Off With Mother Nature

Where Living & Leisure Come Together

LABUAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF 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 Designer: Parslow & Winter Golf Course Design Owned by Labuan Corporation, managed by SSGSB Description: 18 holes, 6,182m, par 72

MONTEREZ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB No. 1, Jalan Merah Kesumba, U9/18, Seksyen U9 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +603-7846 5989 Fax: +603-7846 7881 E-mail: mgcc@monterez.com.my Website: www.monterez-golf.com Description: 18 holes, 5,699m, par 71

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

A Golfer’s Paradise

NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Pristine Surroundings

ORNA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Oasis For Golfing And Family Leisure In Johor

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 Designer: DL Golf Development Sdn Bhd Description: 27 holes, Mango, Island & Pine Course

Batu 16, Jln Gapam, Ladang Gapam 77200 Bemban, Melaka Tel: +606-521 0333 Fax: +606-521 0222 Website: www.ornaresort.com.my Designer: Andy Dye Description: 27 holes, par 72 - East, West & North Course

Jalan Persiaran Golf, Off Jalan Jumbo, 81250 Senai, Johor Tel: +607-599 6222 Fax: +607-599 6001 E-mail: golfbooking@palmresort.com Website: www.palmresort.com Designer: Hiromasa Inagawa Description: 54 holes, Allamanda Course 6,855m, Cempaka Course 7,156m, Melati Course 7,205m

Great Golf, Great Food

Excellent By Nature

The Family And Golfer's Paradise

PENANG GOLF CLUB

PALM GARDEN GOLF CLUB

(formerly Bukit Jambul Country Club)

IOI PALM VILLA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

No. 2 Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Tel: +604-644 2255 Fax: +604-644 9345 E-mail: reception@penanggolfclub.com.my Website: www.penanggolfclub.com.my / www.facebook.com/penanggolfclub Description: 18 Holes, 5,846m – Par 72

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 Designer: Ted Parslow Description: 18 holes, Eugenia Course 2,960m, Bismarck Course 2,820m

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 Designer: Rick Robbins Description: 27 holes, Palm Nine 3,012m, Putra Nine 3,097m, IOI Nine 3,253m

Jewel Of The North

Close To You ...

An Oasis Of Relaxation

PENANG GOLF RESORT BHD No 1687, Jalan Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas S.P.U, Penang Tel: +604-5782050 / +604-5782022 Fax: +604-5750226 E-mail: pgrb@tm.net.my Website: www.penanggolfresort.com.my Facebook: PGRB Kepala Batas Designer: Graham Marsh Description: 36 Holes, West Course 6,247m – Par 72, East Course 6,324M – Par 72

PONDEROSA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PULAI SPRINGS RESORT

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 Description: Designed by Max Wexler; 18-holes; 6,467 meters Par-72

20km, Jalan Pontian Lama, 81110 Pulai, Johor Tel: +607-521 2121 Fax: +607-521 1818 E-mail: golf@pulaisprings.com Website: www.pulaisprings.com Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jnr & Peter Dalkeith Scott Description: 36 holes, Pulai Course 6,230m, Melana Course 6,019m

BOOK YOUR ULTIMATE GOLF GETAWAY AT

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The Ultimate Challenge

SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Borneo's Golfing Haven

SHANGRI-LA'S RASA RIA RESORT & SPA DALIT BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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 Designer: Ronald Fream & Ted Parslow Description: PC 6,992 yds, BRC 7,034 yds

Pantai Dalit, PO Box 578, 89208 Tuaran, Sabah Tel: +6088-791 188 Fax: +6088-792 128 Website: www.dalitbaygolf.com.my Designer: E & G Parslow (M) Sdn Bhd Description: 18 holes, 6,369m, par 72

Play Where The Pros Play

Still the Best Golfing Experience in Johor!

SUTERA HARBOUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

SULTAN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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 Designer: Thomson, Wolveridge & Assoc.

Description: 27 holes - 9,565m, par 72

Princely Charm

TANJONG PUTERI GOLF RESORT

TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: +60-088-243 471 Fax: +60-088-308 194 Email: golfadmin@suteraharbour.com.my Website: www.suteraharbour.com Designer: Graham Marsh Description: 27 holes, par 72, Lakes Courses 3,140m, Heritage Course 3,176m, Garden Course 3,176m

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 Description: 54 holes, Plantation Course 6,454m, Village Course 6,414m & Straits Course 6,163m

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

Description: 27 holes

Golf With Nature

Experience The Best Golfing

Because Life Is To Be Enjoyed!

TEMPLER PARK COUNTRY CLUB KM 21 Jalan Rawang, 48000 Selangor Tel: +603-6091 9111/9630 Fax: +603-6091 9807 E-mail: mani_sp@tpcc.com.my Website: www.tpcc.com.my Designer: Jumbo Ozaki & Kentaro Sato Description: 18 Holes 6,725 Yards

Call 05-684

TIARA MELAKA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Jalan Gapam, Bukit Katil, P.O Box 473, 75760 Melaka Tel: +606-231 1111 Fax: +606-231 4122 E-mail: tmgcc1@gmail.com Website: www.lion.com.my Description: 27 holes, Lake Course 3,107m, Meadow Course 3,215m, Woodland Course 3,291m

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT Jalan Kelab Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: +603-7804 8888 Fax: +603- 7804 3688 Email: gm@tropicanagolf.com Website: www.tropicanagolf.com Redesigned: E&G Parslow Description: 27-hole championship golf course

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FINAL TEE

John Karsten Solheim has been named president of Ping, succeeding Doug Hawken on the 1st of this month, following the latter’s retirement after a distinguished 45-year career with the company.

John K, as he is known, is the son of Ping chairman and CEO John A. Solheim and the grandson of Ping founder Karsten Solheim.

“It fills me with great pride to name my oldest son, John K, to the role of president of our family-owned company,” said John A. Solheim.

“He’s been preparing for this role for the last several years and he’s ready to take the next step.”

A mechanical engineer by training, John K served as an executive vice president for the last two years after a four-year assignment as president of Ping Japan. Prior to Japan, he oversaw Ping’s new product development efforts as vice president of engineering. As a high-school student he worked summers in the engineering department, which gave him a chance to observe and absorb his grandfather’s passion for the brand he created in his garage in 1959.

“I am grateful for this opportunity,” said John K. “I have aspired to this for most of my career. Such responsibility is something I don’t believe you can ever be completely ready for, but I am certainly prepared.”

John K’s brothers Andy (executive vice president) and David (vice president) and his cousin Stacey (executive vice president) comprise the Solheim family executive leadership team.

Club management summit to supplement SMBC Singapore Open A three-day club management mini summit will add a new dimension to this month’s SMBC Singapore Open.

Scheduled for January 20-22, the summit is organised by the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) in partnership with Lagardère Sports, the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), Sentosa Golf Club and The Els Club Malaysia.

Club managers from around the region will attend the event that incorporates presentations from prominent speakers, a field day at the newly-opened Els Club Desaru Coast and hospitality at the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open.

“The federation is committed to offering educational platforms aimed at improving overall standards in club management in Asia,” said AGIF chief executive Eric Lynge. “We thank Lagardère Sports and Sentosa Golf Club for providing this opportunity, in conjunction with the SMBC Singapore Open. With CMAA credits being awarded for attendance, we are hopeful of a strong response from those within club management in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.”

The theme for the mini summit is ‘Suggestions and Solutions for Adapting to the Evolving Club Business Model in Asia’.

The Els Club Desaru Coast

©James Lovett

John K named president of Ping

Birkdale starts for Korean Open top two

Royal Birkdale GC

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strong golfing nation and these new exemptions will create added incentive for the golfers competing in this historic tournament.”

Korea Golf Association president Kwang-soo Hur noted: “These exemptions for The Open will be vital in rapidly raising the level of the Korea Open and Korean men’s golf in general to the level of our women. All Korean golfers will be very proud of and grateful to The Open for this most welcome decision.”

The 2017 Kolon Korea Open will be played from June 1-4 at Woojeong Hills Country Club, located in the South Chungcheong province.

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

The winner and runner-up of the 2017 Kolon Korea Open will receive exemptions into the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale this July.

“We are delighted to offer places in The Open for the winner and runner-up of the Kolon Korea Open beginning with 2017's Championship at Royal Birkdale,” said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director – championships of The R&A. “The Open brings together the best players from around the world and is a truly global celebration of golf. Korea is a

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Abu Dhabi captain’s task for McGinley ©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley will lead a host of star names at the 2017 Abu Dhabi Invitational at the award-winning Yas Links on January 28-29.

The Irishman, who played in three consecutive victories for Europe and famously led the side to glory in 2014, will captain a professional golfers’ team against a celebrity team in an exciting change of format for the second edition of the invitational event. The tournament will comprise an amateur championship on Saturday with invited sponsor and stakeholder guests before the main event on Sunday.

The invitational will see each professional and celebrity paired with a VIP guest and the teams will compete against each other in a Ryder Cup Fourball format. They will be playing to raise money for the captains’ charities, which in McGinley’s case is the McGinley Foundation.

“I have enjoyed playing Yas Links on many occasions and look forward to being there again for what promises to be another wonderful occasion. I hope we can raise a lot of money for charity over the weekend as well as having a huge amount of fun,” said McGinley.

©Arep Kulal/Getty Images

DANNY WILLETT ©Mohd Rasfan/Getty Images

©Don Emmert/Getty Images

The R&A and USGA have introduced a new Local Rule that eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting green, effective January 1.

The Local Rule will be available for any committee in charge of a competition to use and it will be adopted by The R&A and the USGA in all of their championships, qualifying competitions and international matches.

“For the past several years, as part of The R&A and USGA’s Rules Modernisation initiative, we have considered the penalty for a ball that is accidentally moved on the putting green. Both Rules Committees agreed that it needed to be changed and decided that in this particular case it was important to act now, through a Local Rule, rather than wait for the next overall set of revisions to the Rules of Golf,” said David Rickman, executive director – governance at The R&A. The Local Rule has been welcomed by all of the major tours and the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America and the Masters Tournament are among the golf organisations that will implement it for all future events.

The second edition of the US$3 million event brings top-flight golf back to Saujana Golf & Country Club. Find out what lies in store for fans in the event tagged ‘Golf Like Never Before’.

In this exclusive interview, the Masters champion shares his thoughts on an eventful 2016 season, fatherhood and winning more Majors.

GAVIN TAKES ON THE COBRA

Find out how Malaysia’s rising star Gavin Green aims to tackle Saujana’s Palm Course, venue for the Maybank Championship.

ASIA ON MY MIND

©Anthony Wallace/Getty Images

Penalty eliminated for ball accidentally moved on green

We talk to the Asian Tour’s new American CEO, Josh Burack, on his plans to take the tour to greater heights and the obstacles in the way of that task.

MAKE A DATE WITH PARGOLF’S FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE!

CONTEST RESULTS NILAI SPRINGS GCC (NOVEMBER 2016 ISSUE) WINNERS (1 complimentary flight at Nilai Springs GCC each) Teo Hui Yee, Batu Pahat, Johor Chan Han Hee, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Lee Tock Yeow, Shah Alam, Selangor Willis Chee Weng Foo, Cheras, Selangor

TEE TO GRIN

I know it's the Year of the Rooster but isn't this taking things a bit too far?

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NEXT ROUND

MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP

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©Jeff Haynes/Getty Images

FLASHBACK

THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT 1997

DAWN OF THE TIGER

Augusta, Georgia, April 13 1997: Tiger Woods won the first of his 14 Majors with a recordshattering victory at Augusta National.

©Stephen Munday/Getty Images

Woods set a host of tournament records en route to becoming the first ‘coloured’ player to don the Green Jacket, including three that stand till now – youngest winner (21 years, 3 months, 14 days), lowest winning total (270 – matched by Jordan Spieth in 2015) and largest victory margin (12 strokes over Tim Kite).

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