ParGolf Magazine (May 2016)

WIN A TRIP TO OMAN FOR THE MUSCAT GOLF CHALLENGE! Page 56 www.pargolfmagazine.com

MAY 2016

TRIED ‘N’ TESTED

TAYLORMADE M2 DRIVER

GOLF IN OMAN

MUSCAT LOVE BUKIT UNGGUL

PARGOLF PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS: THE PEOPLE’S PICKS Cover_01.indd 1

SRIXON BALLS

THE MAKING OF West Malaysia RM11.60 East Malaysia RM12.60 Singapore/Brunei S$7.90 Thailand THB150

(Including 6% GST)

AFTERMARKET SHAFTS

WHERE EAGLES STILL FLY

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P A R G O L F _ P r i n t _ N o n _ N

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1

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MY GOLF BALL HAS TO DO EVERYTHING.

AND IT DOES. MICHAEL WATSON AMATEUR

IT HAS TO BE LONG OFF THE TEE. IT HAS TO BE CONSISTENT.

JORDAN SPIETH

IT HAS TO STOP ON A DIME.

IT HAS TO BOR RE THROUGH A HE EADWIND.

ADAM SCOTT

HOLD ITS LINE IN A CROSSWIND D. JAKE FINN AMATEUR

AZAHARA MUNOZ

JUSTIN THOMAS

IT HAS TO HAVE SOFT FEEL.

I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FLIGHT IT.

IT HAS TO BE DURABLE.

RICKIE FOWLER

LYNN CASSADY AMATEUR ©2016 Acushnet Company.

titleist.com.my

P A R G O L F _ P r i n t _ N o n _ N

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MY GOLF BALL HAS TO DO EVERYTHING.

AND IT DOES. MICHAEL WATSON AMATEUR

IT HAS TO BE LONG OFF THE TEE. IT HAS TO BE CONSISTENT.

JORDAN SPIETH

IT HAS TO STOP ON A DIME.

IT HAS TO BOR RE THROUGH A HE EADWIND.

ADAM SCOTT

HOLD ITS LINE IN A CROSSWIND D. JAKE FINN AMATEUR

AZAHARA MUNOZ

JUSTIN THOMAS

IT HAS TO HAVE SOFT FEEL.

I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FLIGHT IT.

IT HAS TO BE DURABLE.

RICKIE FOWLER

LYNN CASSADY AMATEUR ©2016 Acushnet Company.

titleist.com.my

Contents MAY 2016 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

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KLGCC 25TH ANNIVERSARY: CELEBRATING PRESTIGE

FEATURES 18

Aftermarket Shafts

22

Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club

64

Bentong Golf Club

28

Srixon Golf Balls

66

ParGolf People's Choice Awards

34

Interview: John Solheim, Ping Chairman & CEO

The Right Fix

Celebrating Prestige Bola Srixon Pak

Of Ansers & Dragonflies

38

60

Bukit Unggul Country Club Where Eagles Still Fly Cowgrass Charmer

The People’s Picks

74

Duncan Moodie End Of An Era

Tried 'N' Tested: TaylorMade M2 Driver Coming Together

52

Muscat, Oman Muscat Love

18 THE RIGHT FIX

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N E W VO K E Y D E S I G N S M 6 W E D G E S .

PROGRESSIVE DESIGN. PRECISION PERFORMANCE.

HIGH CG: 58°-62°

MID CG: 54° AND 56°

LOW CG: 46°-52°

PROGRESSIVE CG FOR SUPERIOR DISTANCE CONTROL AND FEEL. Precision in your wedge game requires precise technology in your wedges. New Vokey SM6 wedges feature an innovative, progressive center of gravity that’s placed in the optimum position for each loft to provide players with more consistent distance, trajectory control and better feel. Available in three finishes: Jet Black, Steel Gray and Tour Chrome. Visit Vokey.com to learn more about new SM6 wedges.

46 – 52 – 56 – 60 –

JORDAN SPIETH

©2016 Acushnet Company.

08 F 08 F 10 S 04 L

Grind Grind Grind Grind

52 – 12 F Grind 56 – 14 F Grind 60 – 12 K Grind

JASON DUFNER

48 – 08 F Grind 54 – 08 M Grind 60 – 04 L Grind

JIMMY WALKER

titleist.com.my

Contents MAY 2016 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

INSTRUCTIONS & GOLF TIPS 68

Golf Foreladies With Kuriko Tsukiyama Get A Grip

70

Spinal Scoop

72

Health Chat

Golfer’s Elbow Too Neck-ered For Golf?

EVENTS 78

World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship

COLUMNS IM: 34 SOLHE JOHN ANSERS & S OF NFLIE DRAGO

26 32 37 50

Reading The Lines Bunker Mentality Almost OB Asian Angles

MUSCAT 52 LOVE

56

W in A Tri 5D p T /4 o N Om Mu Gol an sca fing t, !

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Contents MAY 2016 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

THE MAKING OF SRIXON GOLF BALLS

66 THE PEOPLE'S PICKS

DEPARTMENTS 8 10 12 14 40 47 57 77 80

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

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Subscription Calendar Of Events The Golf Scene In The Spotlight Style Lounge Cars + Pars Golf Course Directory Final Tee

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TRIED 'N' TESTED: TAYLORMADE M2 DRIVER

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from the pargolf team As you can see on our spiffy cover, shafts take centre stage in this issue.

Find out why aftermarket shafts are increasing in popularity and how they can help improve your game – get the unadulterated lowdown on page 18 with ‘The Right Fix’.

While we’re on the topic of equipment, learn how the golf ball is painstakingly constructed for your golfing pleasure. Join Loo Keng Yip as he travels to the Srixon golf ball

t h g i R e h T Stuff Hola golf fans! May has rolled in and have we got a mouth-watering edition of ParGolf just for you! Now sit back and relax as we give you a little taste of what you can expect within our pages.

factory in Jakarta, Indonesia, and gets schooled about the ins and outs of the little white ball.

A few pages in, golf specialist and pro golfer Lim Eng Seng rounds up his golfing ‘kakis’ and take the TaylorMade M2 driver for a spin. And what’s the verdict? Flip to ‘Tried ‘N’ Tested’ on page 38 to find out!

A little later, join Jonathan Ponniah as he revisits Bukit Unggul Country Club,

a Ronald Fream layout located in Selangor about 30 minutes’ drive away from the KL city centre. Find out how the course fares following some recent improvements – review on page 60.

But before that, get ready to fall madly in love with golf in the Middle East, namely Muscat, the vibrant heart of Oman. Join Kavin Martinus on a golfing journey as he experiences three of the sultanate’s most captivating courses – all on page 52. (And don’t miss the contest on page 56 where you stand a chance to win a 5D/4N golfing trip to Muscat!)

Also in this issue, we bring you highlights from the ParGolf People’s Choice Awards presentation ceremony, held at the Carlsberg Brewery in Shah Alam on March 30. Find out if your favourite golf establishments made the coveted Top 3 list in any of the 10 categories, including Best Overall Golf Experience, Best F&B, Best Greens and Friendliest Golf Course. Flip to page 66 for all of ‘The People’s Picks’!

All this and plenty more, folks, so get busy!

FACTS & STATS YOUNGEST GOLFERS, MALE OR FEMALE, TO WIN A MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER

MAJOR

Young Tom Morris (17 years, 5 months, 8 days)

1868 Open Championship

Lydia Ko (18 years, 4 months, 20 days)

2015 Evian Championship

Morgan Pressel (18 years, 10 months, 9 days)

2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship

Yani Tseng (19 years, 4 months, 6 days)

2008 LPGA Championship

Johnny McDermott (19 years, 10 months, 14 days)

1911 US Open

Inbee Park (19 years, 11 months, 17 days)

2008 US Women’s Open

Sandra Post (20 years, 19 days)

1968 LPGA Championship

Jiyai Shin (20 years, 3 months, 6 days)

2008 Women’s British Open

Pak Se Ri (20 years, 7 months, 19 days)

1998 LPGA Championship

Pak Se Ri (20 years, 9 months, 7 days)

1998 US Women’s Open

Tiger Woods (21 years, 3 months, 14 days)

1997 Masters

Seve Ballesteros (22 years, 3 months, 12 days)

1979 Open Championship

DON'T BE A STRANGER! Think you can write golf? Or feel a need to rant about the game? Here's your chance to do just that! 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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PUBLISHER SUZANNAH GUN PALMER sue@pargolfmagazine.com EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JONATHAN E. PONNIAH jonathan@pargolfmagazine.com ASSISTANT EDITOR SYAMA RAMASAMY syama@pargolfmagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS KP WARAN, MIKE WILSON, MELVIN POI, DAVID BOWDEN, PETE WONG, STANLEY SAW, DR. GLENN CAMERON, LOO KENG YIP, NATHAN HAUSER, K.H. WAN, CHUAH CHOO CHIANG, IDA FAHANY, NICK GOH CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONALS DANNY CHIA, STEVEN GIULIANO, KURIKO TSUKIYAMA, ANDREW MYLES STUDIO ART DIRECTOR CHEE CHIN MIN chinmin@pargolfmagazine.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER R. SUJATHA MALAR sujatha@pargolfmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER KHAIRUL ADNI ABD RANI khairul@pargolfmagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHIC CONSULTANT LOO KENG YIP (Light & Sound Advertising Photography) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER TOHA DOL MARKETING & ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TERRENCE LOH terrence@pargolfmagazine.com ASST. MARKETING & JOSHUA E. RODRIGUES SALES MANAGER joshua@pargolfmagazine.com SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASRI JAAFAR (SUBSCRIPTION & EVENTS) asri@pargolfmagazine.com EVENTS EVENTS MANAGER GURDEV SINGH gurdev@pargolfmagazine.com EVENTS ASSISTANT HANIZAM HAIZI nizam@pargolfmagazine.com OPERATIONS P.A. & ADMIN. MANAGER LINDA JOSEPH CONSULTANT DATO’ RA. PARAM, DIMP, AMP PRINTER MAXIMA COLOUR SDN BHD Lot 1314, Kg. Lembah Kinrara, Batu 8 1/2 Jalan Puchong, Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

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FREEZE FRAME

New English Master Augusta, Georgia, April 10: Danny Willett holes out at the 18th in the final round of the 2016 Masters, becoming only the second Englishman to win the title after three-time champion Nick Faldo.

The 28-year-old Willett upstaged the favourites on an eventful Sunday to claim the coveted Green Jacket, closing with a 67 to edge Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood by three shots.

Defender Spieth looked to be cruising to victory until an inexplicable meltdown at the par-three 12th, when he hit two shots into Rae’s Creek to wind up with a quadruple bogey.

Willett had contemplated skipping the event as wife Nicole was expecting their first child on tournament week, but baby Zachariah obliged by being born a week early.

Malaysia enjoyed a fair share of the limelight as Willett had the Saujana Golf & Country Club logo embroidered on his shirt and golf bag, being an ambassador of the club.

WHAT'S IN THE BAG Driver Fairways Irons

©David Cannon/Getty Images

Wedges

12

Putter Ball

Callaway XR 16 (9°) with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana W-Series 60X shaft Callaway XR 16 #3 (15°) and #5 (19°) with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana W-Series 70X shaft Callaway Apex UT #2 and #4 with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 Superlite shafts Callaway Apex Pro #5-#9 with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 Superlite shafts Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (47°, 54°, 58°) with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 Superlite shaft Odyssey Versa #1 Wide Callaway Speed Regime 3

ParGolf MAY JANUARY 2016 2015

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FIRST TEE

Ko with the flow

Lydia Ko once said she intends to retire by age 30 and become a psychologist.

At the rate she’s going, the Kiwi teen could do that and still surpass Patty Berg’s record of 15 Majors.

Ko’s dramatic win in the ANA Inspiration made her the youngest twotime women’s Major winner at age 18 years, 11 months and 9 days, as well as the youngest male or female with two Majors since Young Tom Morris in 1869.

With women’s golf offering five Majors per season, she could even conceivably challenge Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 Majors.

“Obviously it makes it extra special

that I’m the youngest to win two Majors, but just to win any event is special and just to know that the hard work that you’ve put in as a team kind of paid off. All the stats and everything come at the end. Just to embrace this win, I think that’s the special part, more than the youngest something,” said Ko. Ko birdied the last hole after stiffing her approach to a foot and a half to get to 12-under par – good enough for a one-shot win over Charley Hull and In Gee Chun. Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn had led by two shots at the 16th tee, but bogeyed her last three holes to settle for fourth on 10-under par.

©David Cannon/Getty Images

©David Cannon/Getty Images

Ko and co. take the traditional plunge into Poppy's Pond

“Obviously it makes it extra special that I’m the youngest to win two Majors, but just to win any event is special and just to know that the hard work that you’ve put in as a team kind of paid off.”

LYDIA KO

The two gold medallists in this year’s Olympic golf competition in Rio will both receive one-year exemption into the game’s Major championships.

The announcement was made by the game’s governing bodies at Augusta National Golf Club on the week before the Masters. The men’s champion will be exempt into the Masters, US Open, Open Championship and US PGA Championship in 2017, while the women’s exemption begins with the 2016 Evian Championship this September and includes the ANA Inspiration, Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open and Women’s British Open in 2017.

While the likes of Jordan Spieth and Lydia Ko would be exempt for the Majors regardless of the Rio results, the

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nature of Olympic qualifying could produce an unheralded winner.

“We use the world rankings as a big part of who gets into the US Open Championship and the US Women’s Open Championship and certainly you think that at the Olympics, you’re going to have hopefully most of the top ranked players there,” said USGA executive director Mike Davis.“But clearly, given the way that qualification system is to the Olympics, where countries are limited on how many players they can have, you could have some lower ranked players, relatively speaking.

“So the idea is that if you’re good enough to win that gold medal, and it only happens once every four years, we want you in our national championships.”

©Tyler Lecka/Getty Images

Major boost for Olympic winners

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FIRST TEE

One of the hardest tournaments to win in golf is the World Golf Championships – Dell Match Play. You need to beat seven opponents, playing seven match play rounds in five days including two each on Saturday and Sunday.

Jason Day not only won it but did so with a bad back. The Aussie star played through the pain of a disc bulge to power his way to the title on Easter Sunday, ousting Rory McIlroy in the semis and obliterating Louis Oosthuizen 5&4 in the final at Austin Country Club in Texas.

“I wanted to win so bad that I felt with how I was playing and if I kept playing the way I was, I would be holding the trophy at the end of the week. That’s what kept me going,” said Day, who also won the event in 2014.

After his back started acting up during his first round robin match against Graeme McDowell, Day underwent therapy before and after each match – which added up to around 10 hours of treatment. He acknowledged that at times he felt like throwing in the towel.

©Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Easter joy for Day

“When I was warming up, I was on the border of checking out. I was going to go, okay, my back is sore, I came off a great week last week, everyone will know I’m injured and then I can just take the rest of the

week off,” said Day, referring to his win the previous week in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

“But I didn’t want to do that because I knew if I could get through seven guys, I could get to the trophy.”

©Ian Walton/Getty Images

Golf industry pulls together for Shaaban The Malaysian golf fraternity has come out in full support of touring pro Shaaban Hussin, whose left leg was amputated following injuries sustained in a motorbike accident in late March.

One of the first to respond was Seri Selangor Golf Club, who organised a collection campaign to raise funds for Shaaban. The club also staged a charity tournament for him on April 26, with slots sold out within a few days of being publicised on social media. Shaaban, who is married with two young children, has been Seri Selangor’s touring pro since 2003.

Shaaban suffered horrific injuries on March 31 when his superbike skidded on the Guthrie Highway as he tried to avoid a stationary car. The 36-year-old was on his way to practise at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club when the accident occurred.

One of the stalwarts of the national team during his amateur days, Shaaban helped Malaysia win the team gold in the 2001 SEA Games golf event. He turned professional in 2003 and has won numerous titles on the local circuit, most recently in the 2016 PGM Sime Darby Harvard Closed barely a month before the accident.

Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jiménez has only played in 10 Champions Tour events since he turned 50 two years ago but already has three wins on the senior circuit – the third coming at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic in early April.

“I am really happy with my performance and hope that I can continue to play so well.

It was particularly special that my son, Miguel Angel, was with me to celebrate the win together,” said the cigar and wine-loving Spaniard, who has 21 European Tour titles to his name.

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©Ian Walton/Getty Images

JUMPING JIMENEZ!

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©Daniel Tan/Golfworks

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The

Right FixC AFTERMARKET SHAFTS

Getting the correct shaft will do wonders for your game

BY RAJA MUNED

ustom club-fitting was almost unheard of when I started golfing in the mid-90s. Back then you would buy a set of golf clubs, go get some lessons and head out for that first game on a golf course. You didn’t have to think much about the golf set – it was, after all, just a golf set that had a driver, fairway woods, irons and a putter.

Since then, so much has changed.

Golfers were introduced to more variety in golf equipment. Many new brands were brought in and in different specifications. We now hear words like cavity back, blades, midsize, oversize,

deep pocket cavity, forged, cast, low spin, mid torque, high kickpoint, bend point – and the list goes on.

Yes, we are now surrounded by endless technical jargon, which makes buying golf clubs not quite as simple as before. This is mainly due to technological advancements in the golf industry. The design of golf equipment is now so high-tech that a certain golf company has collaborated with an aircraft manufacturer to bring better golf clubs to us.

Of particular interest would be the advancements in golf shaft technology.

There are now many golf shaft

Photoshoot conducted at Golfworks Fitting Studio, Kelana Jaya.

For more information, call 03-7887 7517 or email mygolfworks@gmail.com

©David Cannon/Getty Images

The vast array of shafts available today ensures that there is an ideal performance shaft for each individual, based on the type of swing he or she possesses.

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AFTERMARKET SHAFTS

©Daniel Tan/Golfworks

Using a frequency analyser to measure shaft frequency will reveal flaws in manufacturing tolerances

manufacturers in the world, each with a wide array of different models with different specifications for all types of swings. Names such as Graphite Design, Fujikura, True Temper, Project X, NS Pro, Dynamic Gold, UST, Attas, Mitsubishi, Quadra and Ajapa are just some of the brands out there.

What this means for golfers is that there is likely to be a shaft suited to each swing and all you have to do is find that shaft – with the help of an experienced custom clubfitter. Let’s try to make this process a little easier by understanding more about shafts.

Clubs today are fitted with shafts that are deemed suitable for a certain demographic in a certain market. Golf equipment manufacturers understand the differences in their various markets and therefore they introduce clubs with Asian specifications and/or US specifications in these markets.

How they come to decide which specifications to introduce in a particular market is based on the tests they run with a sample of the demographics. For example in deciding shaft flex, a group of golfers will try various shaft flexes and the data collected will then be used to determine what a regular flex should be or what a

stiff flex should be. In most instances, the difference is mainly due to the difference in physical build between Caucasians and Asians. That’s why an Asian specs regular flex shaft plays softer and is lighter than a US specs regular flex shaft.

The types of shafts that are fitted with off-the-shelf clubs are determined by the club manufacturers and this is based on performance and to a certain extent costing. As larger manufacturers deal in bigger volumes, it is essential that the cost of materials or components is kept to a minimum so as to maximise profits while ensuring performance is not compromised. The specifications are also decided based on market suitability, as mentioned above.

Don’t get me wrong. A shaft is still a shaft, much like a car’s rims or sound system is a car’s rims or sound system.

Why do we upgrade to 18” sports rims or an 8-speaker car sound system?

For better performance!

The same concept applies to aftermarket shafts. The vast array of shafts available today ensures that there is an ideal performance shaft for each individual, based on the type of swing he or she possesses. Having the ideal shaft means tighter dispersion, better

launch angles, better spin rates and ultimately more distance and accuracy!

Aftermarket shafts are made with higher grade materials to tighter manufacturing tolerances, therefore the higher price point. Some are even handmade. Would you believe there is a shaft in the market that sells for 12 million Japanese Yen, which is equivalent to about RM432,000? This shaft is made using space technology carbon materials and it’s the ultimate in golf shafts for sure.

Another reason why aftermarket shafts are worth considering is that they are more stable and offer more consistency. This will allow you to square the clubface at impact more often and generate better ball speed.

Your smash factor will improve and so will your distance and accuracy. The right shaft for you lies in the getting the right combination of shaft flex, torque, kickpoint, balance and weight.

When you see an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) shaft labelled the same as an aftermarket shaft, you can be assured that they are not the same. The OEM shaft is a cost conscious product and made for a particular company in big quantities, while the aftermarket shaft is made with higher grade materials and in lower quantities. If you take 10 OEM shafts of the same make/model and have them measured for the flex frequency in CPM (cycles per minute) versus 10 aftermarket shafts of the same specifications, you will see the difference. The manufacturing tolerance will be the biggest factor. An aftermarket shaft will play true to flex.

Now we are not saying that the standard or original OEM shafts do not play well. They will do the job – but the point to note is that you can get better.

With the right clubfitter and the technology available now, I can bet my last ringgit that there will be an aftermarket shaft out there that can bring you better performance.

Visit a clubfitter and find out more about aftermarket shafts. It’s worth your time and you’ll enjoy your golf a whole lot more! PG

The early golf clubs had wooden shafts, usually made of hickory which is a tree native to North America and some parts of Asia. While hickory-shafted clubs were resilient and flexible enough for the golf swing, they required more skill to master.

Steel shafts began appearing in the 1930s, which proved more consistent and stable than hickory. The first graphite shaft was introduced during the 1970 PGA Merchandise Show but only became popular in the 1990s.

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©Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

DID YOU KNOW?

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KUALA LUMPUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Celebrating

Prestige Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club celebrates Silver Jubilee with a week of festivities

BY SYAMA RAMASAMY

T

here’s simply no denying that when it comes to superlative golf clubs in the country, in fact the entire region, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) sits high up there amongst the most prestigious golf and country clubs – in a gratifying swirl of awards and recognitions that sing its praises.

With the month of March 2016 marking the club’s 25th anniversary of providing golf aficionados with superior service, unrivalled facilities and warm hospitality, KLGCC organised a week-long Golf Festival with MST Golf from March 21 to 27. The festival showcased a spectrum of fun-packed golf tournaments such as the Double Pin Challenge, Golf Marathon, KLGCC Texas Scramble, Member’s Guest Day and Parent-Child Competition.

There were also a new golf equipment showcase as well as special promotions on golf memberships, golf equipment and apparel, alongside other entertaining activities such as Beat the Pros, Longest Drive, Putting and Nearest to Pin competitions.

Established in 1991, KLGCC was acquired by Sime Darby Property in 1997 which marked a turning point for the club, paving the way for major reconstruction of its West and East Courses in 2008 and 2010 respectively, as well as the transformation of its 250,000 square feet clubhouse into an opulent architectural marvel.

Of course, its superbly manicured fairways have played the gracious host to world-class tournaments over the past years such as the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, CIMB Classic and Maybank Malaysian Open, stamping KLGCC as the only club in the world to have successfully hosted the European, Asian, LPGA and PGA Tours all within one year between 2013 and 2015 – attracting some of golf’s crème de la crème to display their wizardry on our shores such as Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Adam Scott, along with the world’s top-ranked lady golfers such as Lydia Ko, Shanshan Feng, Jessica Korda, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie. We speak to KLGCC Chief Executive Officer Steven Thielke about the club’s Silver Jubilee celebrations and what this mighty feat means to the club as a whole.

“We have very dedicated, passionate and excellent talent here who contribute to the world-class standards of service and facilities that KLGCC has to offer today.

Without their effort and commitment, we may not be able to be where we are now. And of course, not forgetting our members, patrons of the club and our dear media friends who have been supporting us all the way.”

STEVEN THIELKE, CEO, KLGCC

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KUALA LUMPUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Congratulations on KLGCC’s 25th anniversary! What is the secret of KLGCC’s success?

STEVEN THIELKE (ST): Thank you! I am very honoured and very much fortunate to be part of the club’s 25th anniversary celebrations. First of all, the success of the club started with the foresight and leadership of Sime Darby when they acquired the club back in 1997, with the club undergoing major transformations in 2008 and 2010, specifically the West and East course respectively.

In addition to that, the success of the club is owed to its employees themselves. We have very dedicated, passionate and excellent talent here who contribute to the world-class standards of service and facilities that KLGCC has to offer today. Without their effort and commitment, we may not be able to be where we are now.

And of course, not forgetting our members, patrons of the club and our dear media friends who have been supporting us all the way.

How has the club evolved since you took over the helm as General Manager back in 2013?

ST: When I took over the club, KLGCC was tasked with a challenging responsibility to host three major international tournaments in one single year, from 2013 to 2015, namely the Maybank Malaysian Open, Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and CIMB Classic – and most recently the WTA (World Tennis Association) BMW Malaysian Open.

We are the first golf club in the world

that has had the privilege for such experience and that shows how fantastic our staff are in delivering a world-class experience to everyone.

But the club has since evolved more than just on the golfing side, we aim to make KLGCC a commercially successful family-orientated club not only for avid golfers to enjoy the immaculate greens but their spouse and children can also enjoy the other facilities, activities and services available within the clubhouse.

We will also be focusing on families, junior development and other sports apart from golf, such as tennis.

KLGCC is one of the most distinguished golf and country clubs in the region. Are there any aspects of it – be it facilities, service, etc – that you would like to see further improved?

ST: We are constantly upgrading our services and facilities from time to time.

The feedback from our members and patrons of the club is very important for us in determining the current level of service. For instance, recently we brought in and trained a new squad of caddies in order to enhance our members and guests’ golfing experience and the response has been positive.

Services within our F&B areas constantly receive attention to improve.

KLGCC is the host venue of major golf tournaments such as the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and CIMB Classic, as well as the Maybank Malaysian Open till 2015. And this year it hosted the BMW Malaysian

Open, bringing world-class ladies tennis to Malaysian shores. These are impressive feats, to say the least.

How have these achievements benefitted the club and its members?

ST: To be chosen as host venue for such major events is truly an honour for us and it serves as a testament to our utmost commitment in delivering worldclass standards in all aspects.

The recognitions that KLGCC gained through hosting major events is absolutely remarkable and indirectly elevate our brand internationally and add more value to our membership.

Hosting such major events keeps the management on its toes and ensures we are constantly focusing and improving our service levels and facility standards.

The international exposure is also excellent for KLGCC as a whole.

Moving forward and beyond, what’s in store for KLGCC? Personally, what would you like to see more of, and what are your aspirations for the club?

ST: We would like to achieve the Top 100 in the world status; this is a very ambitious goal but also very achievable.

We would like to continuously improve service standards as we are not yet at the level that we want to be in certain areas, but we are committed to improving and being recognised as a world-class international club.

We aspire to see a good mix of membership demographics and more international memberships in the future. PG

Hole 5, West Course

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reading the lines jonathan ponniah Love Life Recent incidents remind us to treasure life - and the privilege of playing golf

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who make it to a certain level who can continue to make a living from the game into their 40s and beyond. With a solid playing career and astute investments, financial security beyond professional golf is attainable.

For the rest, there has to be a – for want of a better word – ‘back-up’ plan.

There’s been an increasing number of young golfers opting to join the paid ranks in recent years, with the PGM Tour providing ample playing and reasonably lucrative opportunities. But for those who fail to break through to the regional circuits, financial reality will set in sooner or later – especially when they see their non-golfing peers advancing in life.

Education of course is a good thing to fall back on, but not all have the means and opportunity to pursue tertiary qualifications. A career in teaching is an option but there are only so many coaches the golf industry can absorb.

Getting a job in the golf industry is a logical way to go, but to do that without qualifications would require the acquisition and cultivation of

certain skills – language for one, computers is a must in this day and age, and, most importantly, people skills.

What I’m trying to say is, don’t take playing golf for a living for granted – anything can happen, so while you do need to focus on your playing career, use whatever opportunities you have to grow outside golf. Pro golfers get to meet lots of people and it’s no harm building relationships with those who could help you once your playing days are over.

But back to the gist of this prose – life and health are things that we must never take for granted. Both can be lost in the blink of an eye, so treasure the time we have with health on our sides.

And for those of us who golf, remember that we are privileged to be part of the 0.08% of the world’s populace that has the means, ability and opportunity to play the game.

In the words of the great German writer Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, “Live each day as if your life had just begun.”

And play golf that way too ... PG

©David Cannon/Getty Images

ometimes it takes a few hard knocks to push things into proper perspective.

And it has been a painful time for Malaysian golf, which lost two industry stalwarts in Saujana Golf & Country Club general manager Ahmad Ramli Zakaria and Sabahbased Australian coach Duncan Moodie in the space of just over two months.

I’ve known both men for a long time and will miss them both.

Then came the sad misfortune of touring pro Shaaban Hussin, who had his left leg amputated following a horrific motorbike accident in late March. While it’s heart-breaking that one of our most talented and entertaining golfers will no longer be able to play competitively, it was heartening to see the golf industry react quickly to Shaaban’s plight with a number of initiatives and events put together to help him weather the storm.

The incident brings to light the need for sportsmen to think beyond their playing careers. While you can play golf professionally for much longer compared to other sports, it’s only those

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bola SRIXON pak ...

SRIXON GOLF BALLS

Sneak a peek into golf ball manufacturing as LOO KENG YIP visits Srixon’s factory near Jakarta, Indonesia

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rixon Sports Asia Sdn Bhd is the Southeast Asian sales affiliate of Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI). The first three letters of SRIXON are selfexplanatory. X and ON apparently stand for ‘no boundaries‘ and ‘ever onwards‘. The Sumitomo Group has a rich history and has owned or owns, partnered or has shared ventures with a number of well-known international brands including Goodyear and Dunlop.

There are several divisions. Of particular interest is SRI Sports Limited, the subsidiary responsible for sports equipment. It owns XXIO, Cleveland Golf and has regional control over the Dunlop brand.

It is through its involvement with Dunlop that Sumitomo began manufacturing golf balls in Kobe, Japan 28

in the 1930s. SRI introduced various innovations such as a latex core coating and the first utilization of a urethane mid layer in three piece balls. The 1995 Kobe earthquake adversely affected SRI and the following year a factory exclusively for golf ball manufacturing was built in Ichijima. It joined the existing Golf Science Centre that had been set up in 1994.

Whilst golf ball design and R&D is still based in Japan, rising demand saw the commencement of the golf ball and tyre manufacturing plant, P.T. Sumi Rubber Indonesia, on the outskirts of Jakarta in 1998. Currently Srixon’s Indonesian golf ball factories run 24/7 at up to 95% utility. A hundred and fifty production staff take turns to work three shifts every day. The lines fall silent for just two weeks in a year.

Upwards of 50 million balls are produced annually. Some chemical additives are sourced locally and some of the packaging comes from good ol’ Malaysia. The synthetic rubber core material however is sourced from Japan. Interestingly, about 10% of the finished balls are shipped back to Japan. Srixon has a greater than 30% share of the golf ball market in Japan and the UK, and almost 40% in Australia.

It may be a mature industry but there are apparently some hard won secrets Srixon wants to keep away from prying eyes. Photography along the production line is strictly prohibited. SRI runs two golf ball manufacturing facilities at the industrial estate at Cikampek, Kabupaten Karawang, Jawa Barat, about 65km and two hours east

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Aerial view of the P.T. Sumi Rubber Indonesia factory

MANUFACTURING PROCESS (TWO-PIECE BALL) MIXING (Synth. rubber, chemicals)

EXTRUDING

MIXING (Ionomer, chemicals)

EXTRUDING

SEAM BUFF

PRINTING

CORE MOULDING

INJECTION

PAINTING

from. A Srixon staffer called it the ‘engine’ of a ball. Srixon claims to employ the thinnest covers in golf. This maximises core size. As always the devil is in the details and I was informed that proper maintenance of the moulds and associated equipment is critical for ensuring perfect centering of the cores, the release of the pins and opening of the mould at the optimum

INSPECTION

PACKING

time thus ensuring blemish free covers, uniformity and good spherical balance.

Any moulding flash is again trimmed off, then the Srixon name, ball model and other markings are applied.

The top models get an additional coating of ‘Spin Skin’ that purportedly increases friction by 20%. The balls are then machine-inspected for size and weight compliance but the final

©Srixon Sports Asia

of central Jakarta. Multi-layer balls are produced in Factory #2. We visited the two-piece ball production line in Factory #1.

Srixon’s two-piece ball starts out by combining synthetic rubber compounds and chemical additives. The mix is then portioned into small marshmallow-like cylinders. It is then placed between hemispherical forms and moulded into the core. Out comes a sphere with a thin seam of excess material along the equator. This moulding ‘flash’ is trimmed off and buffed away. It’s highly likely an important bit of secret Srixon “magic” takes place at the core moulding stage regarding their proprietary EGG technology.

Understandably the staff I talked to were reluctant to elaborate on the process details. (More on this later.)

Next, slender pins hold the smooth core spheres precisely at the three dimensional centre of the final ball moulds whose surfaces are covered in the negative form of the characteristic golf ball dimples. The cover material or outer-most layer is injected and occupies the space between the core and the mould cavity. The colour of the ball is also determined at this stage. All things being equal, thinner covers are better. Think of the core as where most of the performance of a ball comes

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inspection is done by hand. Women apparently fare better than men at this task. It’s good to know humans are still more efficient than machines in some cases. Print smudges and other imperfections that somehow managed to evade the automated inspection stages are caught by human sight and touch. The balls are sleeved and boxed, then shipped – they eventually end up at your local proshop.

Traditional white balls make up 80% of all Srixon ball sales, coloured balls make up the remainder. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Srixon’s ‘Soft Feel’ EGG technology enabled two-piece is a favoured ball.

Speaking in general terms and about the average golfer it implies that many Srixon golfers are making informed choices and playing a ball entirely compatible with their abilities and swing speeds. At the inspection stages I also took a good look at the reject hoppers of the machines and human work stations. I discovered that relatively few balls had not made the grade. Moulding ‘flash’ is also ground up and reused. There is minimal wastage. It is good to know that each Srixon ball leaving the factory today is nigh on perfect. I guess that’s only to be expected from a manufacturing process that has been continually improved and refined over more than eight decades. PG 30

High-end balls have as many as four individual layers of varying density, stiffness and elasticity that help designers obtain a desired balance between spin, feel and distance performance. They go through additional moulding stages, thus have a production cost up to three times that of a two-piece. Within limits, more layers indicate better balls. But Srixon also have a unique technology they call EGG (Energetic Gradient Growth). It helps bring the performance of the humble two-piece closer to that of the top multi-layer models and in one respect, it may even best them.

Think of the layers in a multi-layer golf ball as the individual lenses found in old school bi-focal or tri-focal spectacles.

Each component layer, or lens, performs a specific function which improves the overall performance, but like where the individual component lenses meet and abruptly jump from one focal length to another in bi or

©Srixon Sports Asia

©Srixon Sports Asia

©Srixon Sports Asia

SRIXON GOLF BALLS

tri-focals, the inherent boundary effects are also present in multi-layer balls. EGG technology mimics the multi-layer balls by varying the density within a single core. By having varying density EGG is also like a pair of modern multifocal glasses with seamless transitions between the different component lenses (ie the ‘layers’ in the case of a multidensity golf ball core).

I’ll hazard a guess and say that at least part of Srixon’s secret EGG ‘magic’ is related to paying careful attention to mould surface temperatures, and the rate and duration of the curing and annealing of the cores.

Simulated-leather automotive steering wheels with dense outer shells yet have a soft spongy layer beneath that ‘gives’ when squeezed are moulded in one piece. They are made in this manner. Whatever the case, EGG would appear to give Srixon a performance edge over two-piece balls with a homogeneous single density core.

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bunker mentality mike wilson

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

WGC - Weary Golf Concept?

High time to revamp the stale and US-centric World Golf Championships

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privileged few excluded unless they get lucky. It has been said that the only thing that’s harder than getting into the WGC fold is to get out of it again; it is estimated that, in recent years, around 25% of players have played 75% of the WGC events – nice work if you can get it!

Meanwhile, and forgive me for being pedantic, but for this observer at least, the term ‘World Championship’, is a singular as opposed to a plural concept – ideally, neither four each year or every single year, diluting the brand, spreading the cream too thinly on the cake.

And when Woods, who quaintly described himself as ‘an independent contractor’ and free to choose where and when (and for how much) he played, skipped the US$7.5 million WGC HSBC Champions in Shanghai in 2013 and was followed by Rory McIlroy to a US$5 million winner-takes-all exhibition at Mission Hills, the early writing was on the Great Wall, player power exercised with impunity, the WGC concept holed below the waterline.

Indeed, the only two vaguely imaginative developments the WGC has conjured-up was to embrace the ailing World Cup of Golf between 2000 and 2006, eventually forced to drop that by PGA Tour player power as there was – shock, horror – no individual prize money

©Hunter Martin/Getty Images

W

riting what amounts to an obituary for the ill-fated World Golf Championships (WGC) during the mid-point of the Masters makes your ‘Bunker Mentality’ correspondent realise just how magical the Majors are, and considering how little I am looking forward to the 60th WGC event, since it all began in 1999, how worn out the WGC concept is.

Of the 60 WGC events staged over the past 16 years, 53 of them have been staged in the USA and more than half have been won by American golfers – Tiger Woods all-powerful with 18 wins in all, two of them as recently as 2013, a staggering victory-to-appearances ratio of 32%.

The inexorable rise and subsequent fall of the man who has spent 683 weeks at No 1 on the world rankings – a remarkable 281 of them unbroken between June 12, 2005 and October 20, 2010 – has gone hand-in-glove with the WGC concept, which has earned him a cool US$26 million in prize money alone.

But, apart from the HSBC Champions in China, which was accorded WGC status from 2009, the WGC concept – which started life as the showcase for the PGA Tour-dominated International Federation of PGA Tours – has become a self-serving and largely self-selecting vehicle for the PGA Tour elite, the prize funds on offer in the US all but guaranteeing a place in the four multimillion-dollar events for its members.

Qualification criteria almost assure a place in the three US-based WGC events for the top 50 on the OWGR, alternating Ryder Cup or President’s Cup team members, tournament winners with an OWGR ‘rating’ of 115 or more, plus one token tournament champion from each of the Japan Tour Championship, the Australian PGA Championship, the Dimension Data Pro-am and the Thailand Golf Championship.

A meritocracy it may appear, but a heavily-loaded one, with all but a

on offer, and the ill-fated US$10 million Tournament of Hope, scheduled for South Africa from 2013 onwards but which never saw the light of day as it was to clash with Woods’ vanity project, the Chevron World Challenge.

PGA Tour supremo Tim Finchem has repeatedly said the World Championships are meeting their aim of enhancing “the competitive structure of professional golf worldwide while preserving the traditions and strengths of the individual tour and their events,” adding that “the secondary mission was to grow interest in the game by focusing on the global aspects of the game. I think that mission is being met as well. We would like to see World Golf Championships played around the world and we have seen that.”

Try telling that to golf fans in all of Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, Japan, Canada, South America and Australasia.

So insipid and predictable has the three stroke-play and one match-play series become that the FedEx Final Series looks dramatic and dynamic by comparison. And the Majors with their authenticity, history, heritage and competitive edge are not so much the jewel in golf’s crown, but the crown itself.

So, what’s to be done with the stale and male World Golf Championships?

That’s way beyond this correspondent’s pay grade, but reform of the obsolete and undemocratic International Federation of PGA Tours would be a start, perhaps hand the WGC concept over to the International Golf Federation, possibly even using them for Olympic qualification. Consider the recently trumpeted closer collaboration between the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour as an agent for change.

But, in a country where its domestic baseball league play-offs are called the ‘World Series’, the definition of, ‘World’ in World Golf Championships differs significantly from the rest of the world and, besides, turkeys have a habit of not voting for Christmas. PG

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Of

Ansers & Dragon fl INTERVIEW: JOHN SOLHEIM, PING CHAIRMAN & CEO

Ping chairman & CEO John Solheim shares his thoughts on the company’s groundbreaking innovations as well as the future of the game

What in your opinion was the most significant moment in Ping’s history that has helped make the company what it is today?

JS: It’s hard to pinpoint just one because there have been so many, but the Anser putter is near the top because of the timing of it and the fact it is still so relevant today.

When it was introduced, we were still working out of our garage. Karsten had designed several putters that had success but he was looking for something bigger. The Anser putter proved to be the innovation that really 34

validated Ping as a major player in the putter market. The fact that it is still the dominant design 50 years later is unheard of, regardless of the industry.

Tell us more about how a dragonfly inspired the new G Series.

JS: I was taking pictures on vacation

With dad Karsten (L) in 1967

several years ago in Yellowstone Park when a dragonfly landed within a few feet of me on a wooden path. It was amazing. It just sat there and allowed me to take close-up pictures of it.

In looking at the images, I was intrigued by the wing structure so I shared some of the pictures with our

©Ping

It’s been five decades since your father handcrafted the original Anser. What do you remember most about working with him in the family garage?

John Solheim (JS): Those were very special times that I often think about.

Taking those rough sand castings to a finished putter head wasn’t easy. I learnt so much from him. His approach to problem-solving was genius and his work ethic and determination had a tremendous impact on me. Working side by side with him prepared me to lead the company as I do today.

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©Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images

n flies

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INTERVIEW: JOHN SOLHEIM, PING CHAIRMAN & CEO engineering team to see what they could learn. After several experiments and prototypes, we were able to incorporate the designs into drivers that led to improved performance.

We’ve seen major innovations in club technology in terms of materials, MOI, weighting and aerodynamics.

What do you think is the next technological ‘frontier’ for the equipment industry?

JS: We’re confident there is a lot of room for improvement. We continually look for new materials and manufacturing methods which will allow our design engineers to develop better products. There is so much material technology being developed today but most of the time you have to follow it for years until it is commercialised.

Fitting is another area that offers significant opportunities to help golfers hit the golf ball farther, straighter and more consistently. Tools to help in that area are just coming of age.

The golf equipment industry is facing some serious challenges with many major brands sizing down their operations worldwide. How has Ping managed to ride the storm?

JS: We’re very fortunate to work in a wonderful industry and to be part of a great game. We choose to look positively on the game’s future and will continue our efforts at growing its

©Struat Franklin/Getty Images

The G Series includes a new category, the Crossover. Do you think this will be a major development for the game?

JS: We’re very excited about the Crossover. It’s a great example of the innovative-thinking that drives our engineering team. The early feedback to the Crossover has been very favourable. We’re seeing tour validation as well as consumer acceptance.

“We need to communicate the positive benefits of the game to the younger generations.” popularity by designing products that help make the game more rewarding and enjoyable.

Ping is a strong supporter of the ladies game. Do you think that lady professionals deserve more parity in terms of prizemoney?

JS: Television has a large impact on value and it’s great to see how strong the ladies tours are on Japanese and Korean television. The LPGA, LET and other women’s tours continue to grow in stature around the world and we fully support their efforts.

We’re especially proud of the popularity and growth of the Solheim Cup. It brings the women’s game significant exposure which provides a platform to communicate all the wonderful things golf has to offer.

The game has seen a drop in participation in recent years. What do you think needs to be done to make golf more relevant to the younger generation?

JS: We need to communicate the positive benefits of the game to the younger generations. There’s no easy answer, but we need to look for ways to get them involved so they can experience the game and learn for themselves what it has to offer. Some of the programmes implemented by the PGA of America, 20/20 and other groups are starting to show results but it will take time.

It’s great to have golf in the Olympics. With teams from so many countries represented, it will be a huge help in bringing more awareness to golf. PG

THE ANSER STORY In January of 1966, Ping founder Karsten Solheim designed the Anser putter. The idea came to him, as inspiration often does, in a flash and he sketched the design on the dust jacket of a 78rpm record.

The putter’s design was the first of its kind, featuring an offset hosel that provided golfers a clean view of the face.

The cavity back putter also featured a low centre of gravity and lines parallel to the face to help golfers in squaring the putter. It was clearly a revolutionary putter.

All he needed now was a name. Since it was the answer to a particularly vexing problem – putting – his wife Louise suggested they name it ‘Answer’. Karsten liked the name, but felt it would be too long to fit on the putter.

With a deadline looming to get the design to the engraver’s shop, Louise then suggested the 'w' to be dropped, which is what they did. The Anser went on to become the ‘winningest’ putter in golf with more than 500 tour wins.

Today, the innovations introduced in the Anser putter can be found in almost every putter on the market – making it not only the most popular design, but the most copied.

©Ping

www.ping.com

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almost ob loo keng yip

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

Madonna & 100 Hits

Musing over the life and times of the little white ball

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There are several points of view here. A hundred hits is quite a large number … if you’re a physicist or a golf pro (or a singer!). Fahmi says he has felt changes in performance in as few as nine holes, but almost always as a result of external factors such as cuts and scuffing. It is a common sight to see pros carefully inspecting their ball throughout a round, especially at tee boxes. If in doubt, change out.

Studies have put the force involved on impact at between 3,000 and 18,000 newtons. How much potential for carnage is that? Lots. Large enough that we should all be very thankful to be on the grip side of the equation when club meets ball. It’s a minor miracle that golf balls don’t disintegrate more often.

On the other side of the coin, 100 hits is not much at all. It amounts to just one horrible round for a low handicapper, or a fairly decent score for a high handicapper. For many it’s a typical day out. The durability rating of 100 hits counts only full bore driver strikes. Going from 3 down to the wedges, irons would put progressively less stress on the core and more wear on the cover of the ball. From a golf

ball’s point of view, the kindest golfer would be one who uses a putter all the way round the course. Perhaps knowing just how limited peak performance lifespans are should push common hackers, this scribe included, to practice more and lower our scores. We might then manage to bring home a round before even the ball cries enough and stops trying.

Madonna? Oh yes, the ‘Material Girl’. She’s probably had close to a 100 hits herself including ‘Keep It Together’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’, which funnily enough would seem fitting if sung in the context of golf ball longevity, but I assure you her salty lyrics were not the only thing that made an impression in Indonesia. The image below is of a hole at Klub Golf Imperial Karawaci, Jakarta. For obvious reasons, a pair of them actually, it is also unofficially yet fondly known as the Madonna hole. I didn’t get to check it out for myself but I hear that there are distance markers placed at the very top of the twin peaks. You gotta appreciate the sense of humour of the golf course architect.

Thank you, Srixon Malaysia.

Drive long and prosper. PG

©Loo Keng Yip/ParGolf

ff the tees, we literally try to beat the cover off ‘em and yet expect our golf balls to present themselves for more lashes further up the fairway.

They often take the blame, almost always unfairly, when a shot goes astray. When the one we have been currently abusing sustains an injury through no fault of its own, the Rules of Golf no less allow us to unceremoniously discard it at the start of the very next hole and substitute it with a fresh new example that continues to receive punishment in its place. The thankless life of a golf ball is destined to be short and harsh.

How long does a golf ball last?

Srixon Malaysia presented me with the answer on a recent trip to Jakarta.

I asked the people who really ought to know – a golf ball manufacturer and a touring professional. In this case, Srixon’s head of production at their Indonesian plant and 24-year-old Indonesian pro Fahmi Reza. Srixon balls are made to consistently deliver peak performance for a minimum of 100 hits (more in the case of range balls).

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TRIED 'N' TESTED > TAYLORMADE M2 DRIVER

Coming Together Former touring pro Lim Eng Seng and friends check out the new, multimaterial TaylorMade M2 driver

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D ‘N’ IE

T N T D

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aylorMade has been known to be super aggressive in launching their driver lines hard and fast. The M2 emerged in February almost right after the M1 was introduced.

The M2 is no little brother to its predecessor. It has the exact same cosmetics and head shape at the top with the carbon composite crown. However, the soles for both the models differ in terms of customisability, with the M2 lacking the customising options offered by the M1.

Two options were offered to the testers – a 9.5° driver with Mitsubishi Rayon stiff flex shaft and a 10.5° with the same shaft but with regular flex. Swapping of shafts and adjustments of lofts (+/-2 degrees) were made possible with the loft sleeve using the Allen wrench.

Three amateur golfers of different skill levels were invited to put the M2 to the test – Ron Ang, 65, who plays to a handicap of 24, his son, Ang Hao Sern, age 25, who is a 15-handicapper and 25-year-old Bryan Ng, who plays off a 20 handicap.

They were asked to rate the M2 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best, focusing on playability, feel, distance, ball flight, accuracy and cosmetics.

All three golfers liked the shape with its traditional pear head design although one of them preferred the head to be all black rather than a combination of white and black. Feel-wise, all three rated the M2 highly and said it felt better than previous TaylorMade drivers.

Consistency was the name of the game when it came to ball flight although a slight loss of distance was recorded on hits that were low on the face.

One tester even gained a remarkable 30 metres in distance, although he was comparing it with his current 3-wood as he doesn't own a driver. They all rated accuracy and consistency as the same or with a slight improvement compared to their current drivers.

When asked what they liked about the M2, one replied that it sounded and felt better than the previous models. Another tester commented that it feels reminiscent of the TaylorMade Burner family.

Here’s a summary of their views on the M2 driver.

TR

BY LIM ENG SENG

T E ST

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THE TESTERS

Ron Ang (Handicap 24)

Ang Hao Sern (Handicap 15)

Bryan Ng (Handicap 20)

THE VERDICT PLAYABILITY It is a very forgiving driver as the centre of gravity has been placed at the back end of the club and is good for golfers who are looking for reliability on offcentre hits.

Rating: Birdie DISTANCE The higher initial launch should dish out a little more carry distance for most golfers, while the lighter material allows for quicker swing speed and thus more distance.

Rating: Birdie

FEEL The different materials complement each other although the carbon composite dampens the usual loud 'boom' from the titanium. The M2 feels solid at impact.

Rating: Par COSMETICS The M2 has more black than white compared to its predecessors and the carbon composite crown gives it a tad of a futuristic look. The contrasting colours actually complement each other.

Rating: Par

To nutshell everything, the TaylorMade M2 is designed for golfers seeking forgiveness on off-centre hits and a higher ball flight at impact. It's well suited for middle to high handicap golfers looking to outdrive their weekend 'kakis'!

M2 TECHNICAL SPECS The carbon composite crown design in the M2 driver results in a significant decrease in overall crown weight which allows the CG to be lowered considerably. The total weight savings of 5g creates enough discretionary weight savings to generate a powerful trajectory with maximised forgiveness.

Whereas the savings in weight in the M1 was used to develop the revolutionary T-Track System, the combination of the carbon crown with titanium casting technology in the M2 driver has enabled engineers to move the CG into an ideal position for speed and forgiveness.

The M2 driver utilises inverted cone technology (ICT) to increase the size of the high-COR area of the clubface. A redesigned Speed Pocket allows for greater face flexion than with a traditional, more rigid connection, resulting in greater energy transfer at impacts made low on the face.

The MOI of the M2 driver is among the highest of any TaylorMade club ever produced, thus resisting twisting at impact for farther and straighter shots when struck off-centre.

The 12-position loft sleeve driver provides up to four degrees of loft adjustment.

Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° SRP: Asian Specs (TM1-216 Mitsubishi Rayon graphite shaft) – RM2,190 / Global Specs (Fujikura Pro shaft) – RM2,190

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lim Eng Seng enjoyed a stellar amateur career during which he raked up numerous titles including two Malaysian Closed Championships. He has represented the country in a host of events, highlighted by the 2002 Asian Games, the 2000 and 2002 World Amateur Golf Team Championships (Eisenhower Trophy) and the 2005 SEA Games.

Eng Seng turned professional in 2007 and played on the local and regional circuits, winning two professional titles in the 2010 Clearwater Classic and 2014 PGM-ASEAN PGA Port Dickson Championship. The latter performance won him the Breakthrough Golfer of the Year award in the 2014 Malaysian Golf Awards. Eng Seng is currently attached to Golf Partner as a golf specialist but still plays on tour when his schedule permits.

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IN THE BAG www.taylormadegolf.com

TaylorMade M2 Fairways & Rescues

SPEED DEMONS M2 Fairway Like the driver, the M2 fairway utilises multi-material construction and a new Speed Pocket design to create a fast and forgiving club.

The Carbon Composite Crown shifts weight low for optimal launch and spin conditions, while the redesigned open channel Speed Pocket promotes a larger sweet spot and reduced spin for more distance.

The combination of fluted hosel and internal acoustics engineering manages vibrations and pitches to produce a solid, hot and crisp sound and great feedback at impact.

Lofts: 3 (15º), 3-HL (16.5º), 5 (18º), 5HL (21º), 7HL (24º) SRP: RM1,390

M2 Rescue

SRP: RM1,190

©Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The M2 rescue boasts a confidenceinspiring shape and technologies to promote speed, distance and forgiveness.

The redesigned, open-channel Speed Pocket creates a large sweet spot and helps generate distance from any lie, and combines with the low CG to create an easy launch with higher trajectories.

Like the fairway, the fluted hosel and internal acoustics results in a crisp sound and excellent feedback at impact.

Lofts: 3 (19º), 4 (22º), 5 (25º), 6 (28º)

LONG DAY World No 1 Jason Day first put an M2 fairway into play at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, but eventually took it out – because it was going too far!

Day likes to hit his 3-wood 275 to 280 yards off the deck and the M2 was going 285 to 295 yards. The increased length made it difficult for him to hit full shots into par-fives and off the tee Day was hitting it 295 to 305 yards – which isn’t much less than his driver!

The Aussie pit the M2 3-wood back into his bag during the RBC Heritage in mid-March, using it and occasionally his two-iron off the tee at the narrow Harbour Town course. He averaged more than 280 yards in driving distance over four rounds!

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www.ping.com

Ping G Irons

FAST & FORGIVING Ping’s new G irons utilise revolutionary COREye Technology (introduced in the GMax irons), which activates the sole, face and top rail in flexing for consistently faster ball speeds across the face.

The entire set is heat-treated using a specialised process that creates Hyper 17-4 alloy, which is 40% stronger than traditional 17-4 stainless steel. Metallurgical advancements combined with COR-Eye Technology provide four times the face flexing with improved

stability.

Weight saved from the face was allocated to the low toe and perimeter, creating a high MOI for extreme forgiveness.

Connecting the Custom Tuning Port to the sole creates a deeper CG that helps elevate launch angle while increasing MOI. At address, the iron’s refined look is created by a thin top rail, satin-blast finish and appropriate offset. An enlarged multimaterial damping badge in the cavity works with COR-Eye Technology to provide exceptional sound and feel.

Ping’s proprietary Ascending Weight

Technology (AWT) shafts get lighter as they progress from the short irons and pitching wedge to the long irons. Lighter long-iron shafts help square the clubface to increase clubhead speed and optimise flight for distance and accuracy, while the heavier short iron shafts improve trajectory control and feel.

SRP (5-9, P): NS Pro 950 GH /NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 105 – RM4,170 CFS J50 Graphite – RM4,710

PING G TOPS THE US CHARTS In less than a month on the market, the new Ping G drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons were the top sellers (units and dollars) in their respective categories in the USA for February. The statistics were released by Golf Datatech LLC, which tracks equipment sell-through data via on- and off-course retail channels.

“We’re very appreciative that golfers continue to put their confidence in our latest technology,” said Ping chairman & CEO John A. Solheim about the G Series, which reached retail shelves on February 11. “To be the top seller in all four categories is very rewarding and another testament to our engineering and manufacturing teams that ensure our products deliver the innovation and quality that Ping was founded on more than 55 years ago.”

Tour acceptance for the G driver and fairway woods has been swift, with the majority of Ping staff players switching to them immediately – including Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen, who have both won with the new clubs in their bags.

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IN THE BAG www.pan-west.com

Honma BeZEAL

GET ZEALOUS! Honma’s new BeZEAL range is set to be the rage as the easy-to-use clubs sit between the premium Japanese clubmaker’s Tour World range for professionals and the game-improvement Beres clubs.

‘BeZEAL’ is short for ‘Be Zealous For Golf’ and that sums up the range perfectly, as it targets ‘average serious golfers’ who are passionate about improving their scores.

According to Honma, the BeZEAL is for golfers “whose average score is in the 90s but who hits 100 on crucial moments” and who are “unsure which club fits best for them”. The entire range – covering driver, fairways, utilities and irons – is designed to generate distance with forgiveness, using feedback from the tour players but laced with a higher element of forgiveness.

Driver Headlining the range is the BeZEAL 525 driver, a full titanium club with two interchangeable weight screws. The high repulsion face, shallow back design and deep CG placement help golfers generate high ball speed and ideal trajectories for more distance. The profile of the clubhead facilitates easy alignment and also increases confidence at address.

Fairways & Utilities The BeZEAL fairways and utilities feature SUS360 steel bodies with custom steel rolled faces, and are also designed for easy launch, distance and forgiveness. Both feature sole designs that help golfers hit off the turf with ease.

Irons The BeZEAL Irons have a large titanium face insert, tungsten weight and strong loft design that combine to increase MOI and distance. The clubhead has a triple grind sole of medium thickness that is easy to hit through turf.

The BeZEAL range comes fitted with Honma’s own high-specs Vizard shafts, each designed to match the clubhead for optimal performance on all shots.

SRP: Driver, Fairways (#3 and #5), Utility (#3), Irons (#5-#11, S), Honma HP Putter, BeZeal Golf Bag – RM13,599 Available at selected Pan-West outlets

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www.mikadogolf.com

Mikado JSP-700 Irons

EASY PERFORMER Described as an ‘easy high-performance’ club, the Mikado JSP-700 iron has a two-piece structure which concentrates the weight distribution on the sole. This creates a low CG which helps generate a high trajectory, which in turn allows golfers to attack pins and stop the ball.

The MOI is optimised by distributing the weight across the heel and toe in a balanced manner, which increases forgiveness. The high-COR maraging forged face method increases the repulsive power for more distance, while the large face area minimises the probability of mishit shots.

The stock graphite shaft by UST Mamiya adds to the performance of the set.

ABOUT MIKADO Mikado provides high-end handmade golf clubs from Japan at competitive prices, focusing on non-conforming clubs for recreational golfers who are in their 40s to 70s. ‘Mikado’ means ‘Emperor’ in Japanese.

Mikado’s drivers generate exceptionally long carry distance as a result of its Hexagon dimple system, which consists of a series of circles around the sweet spot. The circles expand the sweet spot area to increase forgiveness and create a trampoline effect that enhances power on impact.

Mikado Golf has distributorship partners in South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. The Malaysian distributor is J-Golf based at Publika Mall in Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.

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IN THE BAG

www.cobragolf.com

Cobra Golf F6+ Driver

ROYAL PLUS

Cobra’s King F6+ driver boasts improved material innovation with a stronger, lighter CarbonTrac structure that creates the optimal combination of adjustable low CG and high inertia.

The revolutionary CarbonTrac weighting system consists of a sliding weight with five front-to-back, low CG positions encased in a carbon fibre shell. By creating additional discretionary weight through the use of a carbon fibre crown, new Ti 811 titanium body and forged face, the 18-gram weight on the sole of the driver creates ultra-low CGs and ball flights ranging from towering to penetrating.

The F6+ also features Forged E9 Zone Face technology that removes weight from

key areas behind the face and in the hosel to increase the size and speed of the Sweet Zone for more distance on off-centre hits. The visible Speed Channel technology, an engineered trench around the perimeter of the face and toe, creates additional discretionary weight to minimise face thickness for even more distance.

Colour Options: Black, Blue, Grey Turbulence MyFly8 Loft Range: 9°, 9.5°, 9.5°D, 10.5°, 10.5°D, 11.5°, 11.5°D, 12° SRP: Cobra UST Mamiya ATTAS shaft – RM2,299

DECHAMBEAU SIGNS ON WITH COBRA PUMA GOLF American phenom Bryson DeChambeau has signed on with Cobra Puma Golf, using a full bag of Cobra equipment and donning Puma apparel and accessories during his professional debut at the RBC Heritage in mid-April.

The 22-year-old plays with a unique single plane swing, which works amazingly well as the whole world witnessed when DeChambeau secured top amateur honours at The Masters in joint 21st place. In 2015, he became only the fifth golfer ever to win the NCAA Men’s Individual Championship and US Amateur in the same calendar year.

“The Cobra and Puma brands complement my style, attitude and desire to be innovative, while allowing me to continue to be myself, and think outside the box. I’m really thrilled to be part of this cutting-edge and creative company,” said DeChambeau, whose irons all measure 37.5 inches in length.

WHAT’S IN THE BAG Driver Fairway Utility Irons Wedges

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Cobra King F6+ Pro (7°) with Oban Kiyoshi Tour Limited 70X shaft Cobra King F6 #3 (14.2°) with Oban Kiyoshi Tour Limited 70X shaft Cobra King Utility Iron (18.5°) with Project X HZRDUS Black Hybrid 6.5 105x shaft Edel Prototype (3-P) with KBS Tour C-Taper Lite 115X shaft Cobra King V Grind (50°, 55° and 60°)

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www.mstgolf.com

Mizuno JPX EIII SV Series

TURNING POWER

Mizuno’s new JPX EIII SV driver builds on the success of the previous generation, using tests with thousands of golfers to create a club that makes it easy to rotate the head through impact and hit powerful draws.

The driver features a removable weight in the sole to adjust the CG angle, help rotate the club head and control the ball flight depending on the swing type. The shaft is firm on the butt end to promote a stable swing and better impact.

Mizuno has designed a lighter head toe side and heel side.

Together with the removable sole weight at the sole (10g), the wider CG angle (28°) and shorter CG distance (37mm) help golfers turn the clubhead during the swing and square the face at impact.

Fast Track Technology enables golfers to control the draw bias.

By moving the sole weight to the three weight port options, it is possible to adjust the CG position to suit swing types and flight preferences for optimal performance.

The stock shaft is the new Orochi Light shaft, which is stiffer on the butt end and softer on the head side to create more whip. The heavier grip side helps golfers achieve a stable swing and solid impact.

The Quick Switch hosel allows golfers to adjust the loft angle, choosing from eight options between 8.5° and 12.5°.

The JPX EIII SV Forged irons are designed for better golfers looking for the traditional soft feel of Mizuno forged irons. The new irons are also designed to be forgiving, with weight distributed more to the sole and the top line. The New Crystal Shape Wavy Cavity adds to the soft feel of the Mizuno grain flow forged iron, despite the thin face.

The clubhead is bigger compared to the JPX-850 FGD, thus boosting confidence for average golfers, and has more offset to help prevent slices.

The JPX EIII SV range includes fairways and utilities.

SRP: JPX EIII SV Driver: Orochi Light Shaft – RM2,850 JPX EIII SV Fairway: Orochi Light Shaft – RM1,490 JPX EIII SV Utility: Orochi Light Shaft – RM1,390 JPX EIII SV Forged Irons: Orochi Light shaft – RM5,900 / NS Pro 950GH shaft – RM5,500

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APRIL 11, 2015

Lee Westwood finished T2, his fifth top 10 in his past seven Masters.

Louis Oosthuizen enjoyed the par-3 contest with daughter Jana.

masters gallery

GMAX

G

iE1

PING’s week at the Masters was highlighted by a late Sunday charge by Lee Westwood, who finished T2. His eagle chip-in on the treacherous 15th hole Sunday put him within a shot of the lead. It was the 18th top 10 in a major for the 42-year-old, who had a new G LS Tec driver in the bag. Westwood also gamed a new prototype PING putter at the Masters, as did Louis Oosthuizen, who supplied a memorable shot of his own on Sunday.

He recorded an unusual ace at the 16th hole, his ball caroming off a competitor’s before dropping in the cup.

Rhapsody

1

2

3

4

1 - Angel Cabrera and son, Angel, Jr. 2 - Son Caleb was along for the ride with Bubba Watson.

3 - Masters rookies Andy Sullivan (left) and David Lingmerth (right) each had a hole-in-one during the par-3 contest.

4 - Miller Mahan got a lift from dad Hunter.

PING DEMO/FITTING DAYS SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2016

PING PERFORMANCE CENTER AT KLGCC

PING FITTING DAY EVERY FRIDAY STARTING FROM 8TH JAN 2016

MAY

DAY

VENUE

TIME

6/May/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

11/May/16

Wed

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

5.00pm to 8.00pm

13/May/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

17/May/16

Tue

Monterez Golf & Country Club Driving Range (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

5.00pm to 8.00pm

20/May/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

25/May/16

Wed

Danau Golf Club Driving Range (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

5.00pm to 8.00pm

27/May/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

31/May/16

Tue

Tropicana Golf Country Club Driving Range (Custom Fitting with latest nFLIGHT Fitting System)

5.00pm to 8.00pm

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

10.00am to 5.00pm

MAY'16 DAILY EXCEPT - Sat, Sun, & Public Holiday

Sole Distributor:

WINSTON’S SDN BHD (15202-W)

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

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

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ESSENTIALS

STYLISH VERSALUXE FOOTJOY

The new FootJoy VersaLuxe shoes are designed to provide luxurious comfort on and off the golf course by utilising golf’s finest leathers, stunning details and a fashionable yet versatile spikeless outsole.

From the rich, super-soft premium SuppleLuxe leather by Pittards of England and fine-grade stitching to the cork covered fit-bed and suede inner heel pocket, every detail has been meticulously considered in

order to deliver a shoe that is the pinnacle of style, comfort and craftsmanship.

Features & Benefits • Premium super soft SuppleLuxe waterproof leather by Pittards of England • Suede inner-heel pocket, no slip comfort fit • Full leather linings for mould-to-feet custom fit • Genuine cork-covered soft, ultra-

comfortable fit-bed • Versatile spikeless outsole • New Lane last features a rounded toe character, full fit across the forefoot allows toes to spread and grip • Contrasting and Tonal lace options included Colours: Off White, Antique Grey, Brown, Black SRP: RM840

DASHING POLOS NIKE GOLF

The new Nike Golf Apparel for Spring/Summer 2016 fuses trendy aesthetics and function handsomely – with bold new polo designs, advanced legwear and radical footwear that takes tailored performance to a whole new level for the modern golf athlete. Its polo designs feature modern cuts and collars that come in distinct designs: blade, roll and traditional; while fit options range from standard – for a relaxed, comfortable fit – to modern slim, which offers maximum mobility and modern style.

As Rory McIlroy explains, “I wanted a polo I didn’t have to think about. Something that fit so well I could put it on at the beginning of a round and not touch it until after my last putt.”

The Nike MM Fly Blade Polo’s new blade collar design provides comfort with a minimal rib design and a refined, modern look, while the Nike MM Fly Roll Polo shows off an ergonomic design made from similar Dri-FIT fabric, with a polished roll collar. The MM Fly Framing Commander Polo, meanwhile, has a perforated collar stand atop breathable Dri-FIT fabric.

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TITLEIST 2016 CUSTOM GOLF BALLS

A Lasting Impression!

Titleist custom golf balls make the perfect gift

In golf and in business, it’s wise to choose a strong partner. That’s why week in and week out more of the world’s best players trust the tour-proven performance and consistency of Titleist golf balls – and you can share this with your clients and business partners!

You can choose to personalise your Titleist golf balls with names as well as logos for corporate giveaways. For a strong and lasting impression, you can even enhance the custom golf balls with custom packaging.

• PackEdge by Titleist makes it easier than ever to create your own custom packaging. This template based programme cuts lead-times in half from traditional printed custom packaging, reduces the minimum order quantity and lowers custom packaging surcharges.

• The Titleist Pro V1 Collection offers an array of distinctive packaging options featuring the best-selling Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls.

• Titleist also offers an unmatched array of traditional custom packaging options that will meet nearly any requirement.

Whether you are looking to create a special gift for your next tournament, a memorable corporate gift, or a package to commemorate a special holiday or life event, Titleist’s experienced team of packaging engineers and graphic designers will help develop the ideal configuration for your specific needs.

For more information on the 2016 line of Titleist Custom Golf Ball options, email salessg@acushnetgolf.com or contact any Titleist authorised retailer. www.titleist.asia

Note: Logos shown are for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily imply endorsement or sponsorship of Titleist products

THE MOST TRUSTED BALL IN GOLF! Titleist #1 Worldwide Ball Count #1 Worldwide Wins

22,773 167

Nearest Competitor 4,030 37

Source: Darrell Survey, Sports Marketing Surveys, LTD. Based upon results through Nov 20, 2015.

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asian angles chuah choo chiang

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

Rio On Their Minds … Not?

It’s surprising to see some stars snubbing the chance to be Olympians

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©Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

et’s do a quick straw poll – how many of you would drop everything and clear up your schedule to represent your country in golf at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this August?

This scribe would imagine almost everyone reading this month’s issue of ParGolf will be ready to sacrifice anything for the rare opportunity and privilege to wear your nation’s flag on your shirt at the Olympics.

The honour to march alongside other international athletes in the opening ceremony which will include Olympic icons such as Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps would be a thrill and I assume that fighting with 59 other golfers for the gold, silver or bronze Olympic medal will be enough reason for those eligible to jump on a plane to Rio.

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The opportunity to be involved with the Olympic Games, touted as the greatest sporting event ever, is a dream for many aspiring sportsmen, especially if they are from emerging nations, and it serves as an inspiration for them to reach for the stars.

But inexplicably, some of golf’s global stars have chosen to shy away from the greatest sporting spectacle as golf makes a comeback into the Olympic programme following a 122year lapse.

For a very long time, Australian Adam Scott, one of my favourite personalities in the game, was adamant in his intention to skip the Olympics which I truly found difficult to digest.

He said: “It’s not really a priority of my scheduling and I’ll still base my schedule around the Majors,” said the former world No 1. “Looking at the schedule some time off looks quite good actually.

“That’s nothing to take away from the Olympics but I’m just not sure that they have got it quite dialled in for the format and might have missed an opportunity there to do something pretty special for golf.”

Subsequently, Scott officially withdrew from consideration to play in the Olympic Games through a statement sent out in mid-April, citing: “My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional.”

Scott, however, isn’t the only big name who is snubbing the Games.

The Golf Channel’s website reported in April that Fijian ace Vijay Singh has already informed officials that he would not participate in the Games when men’s golf takes place from August 11 to 14.

Well into his 50s but still very capable of holding his game on the PGA Tour, Singh said: “The timing

of it, you know I have to focus over here (the PGA Tour). I would like to play the Olympics, but the Zika virus, you know, and all that crap.”

Singh added that it did not take him long to make his decision. “It wasn’t that difficult,” he’d said. “I feel bad, I wanted to play and finally decided against it. It’s in the middle of the tour over here and I’m trying to figure out my game.”

Zika virus? Figuring out my game?

Surely, there must be a better excuse. A different and eligible golfer would have loaded his luggage with mosquito repellent and boarded the first flight to Rio! Seemingly, veteran Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez has also pulled out his name from the Olympics hat even though he’s only listed as an alternate for Spain at the present time.

All I can say is that Singh’s snub will be someone else’s gain as the rankings will then allow the next highest ranked golfer from the Olympic qualifying system to get to Rio when the cut-off is made on July 11.

As of April 14, 2016, the 60th and last man in the Olympics golf programme is Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman, a twotime winner on the Asian Tour. It would be a fantastic honour for Siddikur to play in Rio as he grew up in poverty and earned money by picking up balls at his golf club. All year long, the affable Siddikur has been talking about how important it is for him to get to Rio. “It would be a great honour if I can qualify,” he said.

A total of 17 Asian golfers are currently within the top-60 to qualify for the Olympics, including Malaysia’s Danny Chia, Thai duo Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Asian Tour No 1 Anirban Lahiri of India.

Thankfully, none of them have cited feeble excuses to skip the Olympics.

And it would certainly be a dream come true if one of the Asians won the gold, if not a medal of any colour in Rio. PG

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ParGolf Ad May Issue.pdf 1 24/4/2016 5:01:10 PM

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Muscat MUSCAT, OMAN

LOVE

Discovering the Middle East’s best-kept golfing secret

BY KAVIN MARTINUS

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©David Cannon/Getty Images

he last time I was in Muscat, our four-wheel drive vehicle burst a tyre – our driver/ guide had pushed the vehicle a bit too hard in the sweltering heat of the Omani desert on one of our off-road adventures.

The year was 1996 and tourism wasn’t a big deal then but moments like these remain etched in your memory forever. Muscat has since changed with the times, not as quick as its neighbouring cities, but that’s what makes it such an interesting city to visit – even Lonely Planet voted Muscat among the top 10 cities to visit in 2012.

For Malaysians running out of destinations in the Middle East, and if you’re looking for a holiday with great landscapes but with less concrete walls, Muscat is an attractive proposition.

Aptly headlined ‘Beauty has an address – Oman’, the Sultanate’s official tourism website (www.omantourism.gov.om) offers ample information about the country.

Among the main attractions are the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which is one of the most magnificent places of worship you’ll ever see, and the Royal Opera House where you will find possibly the only combination of classical music and opera with modern Islamic architecture.

Muscat also shares historical ties with the city of Melaka, as the Portuguese invaded Muscat a few years before they conquered Melaka and left historical remnants such as the Al Mirani and Al Jalali forts. This is a city that takes great pride in its heritage, quite oblivious to the modernisation of other cities around it.

For those inclined towards more active pursuits, you can go on the 4WD desert safari, charter a boat for scuba diving excursions, go on a dolphin watching tour or even indulge in an overnight desert trip.

I was on a mission with a few travel colleagues to see how golf in this city stacked up compared to Dubai and Abu

Dhabi, which are both a few hours’ drive from Muscat. While the sport is new to the country, the quality of the golf courses is excellent and able to match any of the top golf clubs in this region.

There are three 18-hole golf courses in Muscat, all within 15 minutes of each other – Almouj, Muscat Hills and Ghala.

All three courses have different layouts, making it a complete golf affair if you are here for a short break.

As the number of golfers in Oman is relatively small and since it is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, you will find it a pleasure playing on all three courses as the fairways and greens are in excellent condition.

Ghala Golf Club (www.ghalagolf.com) The most recently renovated course in Muscat is the Ghala Golf Club.

Originally created as a sand course in 1971 by Bill Longmuir, Ghala opened the first nine holes of its grass course in December 2010 and the back nine was

Hole 6, Almouj Golf ParGolf MAY 2016

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MUSCAT, OMAN

©Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

While the sport is new to the country, the quality of the golf courses is excellent and able to match any of the top golf clubs in this region.

Ghala Golf Club

completed in 2012.

Although a members club, it is open to the general public subject to prior booking. Measuring close to 6,550 yards, this par-72 course looks easy at first glance but a closer inspection of the course indicated some narrow landing areas which will be a test for long-hitters as the wasteland comes into play for those not too accurate off the tee. The fairways and greens are immaculate and the shorter length holes will tempt long-hitters to go for the green.

It would not be a surprise to me if most golfers find this to be the toughest

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course among the lot as you have to negotiate the tricky terrain that surrounds the fairways and greens.

Manage your game well here and you’ll do fine.

Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club (www.muscathillsgolf.com) The Paul Thomas-designed Muscat Hills Golf & Country is completely different from Ghala. As the name implies, it is hilly but has wide fairways and ample greens, making it enjoyable to play.

The course measures almost 6,600 yards from the blue tees with the tees,

fairways and rough featuring Bermuda Princess 77, while the greens are of Bermuda Tifdwarf. Sergio Garcia set the course record of 67 here in 2013.

Thanks to the GPS navigator on our buggies, we had no problem finding the greens, which is important for first-time visitors here. Personally, I feel this is the perfect course to add to your itinerary with its gorgeous sunset views.

Almouj Golf (www.almoujgolf.com) Finally, the seaside links course of Almouj Golf traverses over 2.5 kilometres of pristine sandy Arabian coastline. Golf legend Greg Norman is responsible for the magnificent design of this par-72 championship golf course.

After carefully studying the topography and weather conditions of the site, Norman and his associates from Greg Norman Design produced

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FAST FACTS Getting There National carrier Oman Air operates daily non-stop services between Kuala Lumpur and Muscat. The 6½hour flight departs Kuala Lumpur at 9.35am and arrives in Muscat at 12.20pm, which allows ample time for a tour on the day of arrival. The return fight to Kuala Lumpur departs Muscat at 9.50am and arrives at KLIA at 8.45pm. Enjoy the awardwinning flat-bed business class seats or the generous 34-inch legroom in economy.

Oman Air flies to London, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, and Zurich and recently commenced their first Dreamliner service to Milan.

The carrier will soon be introducing holiday packages from Kuala Lumpur. For more information, contact the Oman Air KL office at 03-21456123 or log on to www.omanair.com.

Muscat Hills

A 10-day tourist visa at OMR5 can be obtained on arrival.

When To Go

an inspiring plan and were mindful of maintaining the panorama of the ocean and the spectacular vistas of the Hajar Mountains.

The course offers a truly diverse experience with each hole having its own unique characteristics.

At 7,300 yards from the blue tees, the fairways are turfed with Paspalum Sea Dwarf TE, a salt tolerant grass which can accommodate sea water watering once established. The opening hole in some ways gave us a glimpse of the character of the course, which was tricky but manageable. The par-three second hole plays 150 metres into the ocean wind and is one of five holes that play into the sea.

The course reminded me a lot of the Kittocks course in Fairmont St Andrews with its open views of the ocean. A mustplay in my book! PG

TAKE THE MUSCAT GOLF CHALLENGE! Play Almouj and Muscat Hills in the Muscat Golf Challenge! The unique event is played over three rounds of golf and is priced from RM4,990 inclusive of four nights’ accommodation, airfare and return transfers.

The best time for golf in Oman is in autumn/winter (October to March), when the weather is moderate and pleasant with average daily temperatures ranging from 210C in January to 290C in October. It can get really cold at night in winter, so bring some warm clothes.

Where To Stay Muscat offers a wide range of accommodation ranging from five-star properties such as The Chedi-Muscat and Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah to three-star hotels.

What To Eat A must-try food in Muscat is Shuwa, ie slow-cooked lamb served over aromatic basmati rice. This Omani delicacy is usually enjoyed by the locals during festive occasions like Eid Mubarak but can easily be found daily in Muscat.

While Oman is a Muslim country, alcohol is available at all golf clubs and selected hotels.

Currency

Win great prizes such as air tickets to Europe by Oman Air and free golfing holidays in Muscat, with scoring based not only on how you play but on a 'Selfie' contest as well.

The Omani Rial (OMR) is pegged to the US dollar at OMR1 = US$2.6. There are 1,000 Baisas in each Rial.

Departures on the first Saturday in the months of October, November and December. Call 03-21456123 or email kul@gsa.omanair.com for details.

www.destinationoman.com www.omatourism.gov.om www.tourismoman.com.au

Useful websites

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CONTEST

WIN A 5D/4N GOLFING TRIP TO MUSCAT, OMAN!

Yes, that’s right, folks. All you have to do is answer a couple of questions and complete the slogan ... and you stand to win a spot in the Muscat Golf Challenge this October!

So get to it pronto and you may just be on your way to the Middle East’s best-kept golfing secret!

1st Prize

One (1) slot in the Muscat Golf Challenge* inclusive of return air tickets, three rounds of golf, four nights’ accommodation and all transfers in Oman 2nd prize

Two (2) return air tickets to Singapore Consolation Prizes (x5)

One (1) Oman Air merchandise each *October 1-5, 2016. Dates subject to change.

OMAN AIR CONTEST OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM Full Name .................................................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

Mail entries to: OMAN AIR 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 for each question)

1. Which golf course in Oman is designed by Greg Norman?  Almouj Golf  Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club  Ghala Golf Club 2. How frequently does Oman Air fly to Muscat from Kuala Lumpur?  Once a week  Twice a week  Daily

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COMPLETE THE SLOGAN IN NOT MORE THAN 20 WORDS. I would love to play golf in Muscat because …

Closing Date: July 8, 2016 (Friday) 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 Friday, July 8, 2016. Late entries will not be entertained.

• Employees of Write Track Publishing & Communications, Oman Air and their immediate families are not eligible to take part in this contest.

• 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 notified via email/phone and their names will be announced on the ParGolf Facebook page.

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

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AROUND ASIA

Shinhan Donghae Open re-joins Asian Tour of golfers from over 20 different nationalities,” said Han. “The tour is also grateful to the Korean PGA, who has been a strong partner of the Asian Tour. Both organisations share the common goal and vision to promote the game at the highest level while also creating playing opportunities for our members,” he added.

Korean PGA chairman Hwee Boo Yang

noted: “We look forward to welcoming back the Asian Tour to Korea as it has been over two years since it was involved with professional golf in our country. I would like to express our fullest appreciation to Shinhan Financial Group for its sterling support of golf in Korea and Asia and I am sure the Korean golfers will be very eager to compete well against the stars from the Asian Tour.”

©Asian Tour

The long-established Shinhan Donghae Open will join the Asian Tour schedule this September in a new co-sanctioning agreement with the Korean PGA. Inaugurated in 1981, the KRW1.2 billion (approximately US$1 million) tournament will be staged at the Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon on September 29 to October 2. The event has been won by some of Korea’s top stars such as KJ Choi, Charlie Wi, Bae Sangmoon and last year’s champion Byeonghun An, while international winners include England’s Paul Casey, Seiji Ebihara of Japan and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh.

The event was part of the Asian Tour previously in 2001 and 2002.

Asian Tour commissioner Kyi Hla Han lauded the return of the tour to Korea following a two-year lapse, saying the addition of the Shinhan Donghae Open was a significant development for the game in Asia.

“Those in golfing circles will readily acknowledge that the Shinhan Donghae Open is one of Korea’s premier golf tournaments. We are also delighted to return to Korea to showcase the talents of our eclectic membership, which comprises

Player hails golf development in Vietnam South African golf legend Gary Player has hailed Vietnam as one of the leading lights in the development of golf in Asia.

The nine-time Major champion and

acclaimed course architect was in Hanoi in March at the invitation of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, whose golf division Vinpearl Golf is working with the Gary Player

Design on multiple projects.

“The focus of new course construction in the Far East has no doubt shifted to Vietnam,” said Player. “I think a lot of the credit belongs to the Vietnamese government, which has established an environment conducive to golf-centred realestate development and tourism.

“We are privileged to work with Vingroup, a company known for producing first-class properties. The development of playable courses throughout Asia is essential to boost the popularity and accessibility of the sport to amateurs in this part of the world,” he added.

Vingroup owns and operates two golf clubs, Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang and Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc, as well as a number of luxury hotels, resorts and amusement parks.

Its next golf facility opens this October on the island of Vu Yen in Haiphong.

“There is no question that Vietnam has the potential to become one of the world's great golf destinations,” said Niklas Robinson, Vinpearl Golf’s director of sales and marketing. “We at Vinpearl see it. Gary Player sees it. With a bit of sustained effort, we believe we'll get there in five years.”

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AROUND ASIA

Lee Jung-Min

©Victor Fraile/Power Sport Images

Koreans rule at Mission Hills Koreans dominated the World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Resort Dongguan in China, with Lee Jung-Min storming to a one-stroke victory over compatriots Lee Seung-Hyun, Kim Bo-Kyung and Ji Han Sol in the earlyMarch event.

Despite dropping two strokes on the last three holes, eight birdies in a final round 66 was just enough for Lee to claim her eighth professional title as her closest challengers blew their chances in damp and testing conditions on Mission Hills’ Olazabal Course.

There was double cause for celebration as the 24-year-old Lee also won the concurrent team competition with partner Ko Jin-Young. An aggregate score of

Grand win for Gandranata

12-under-par put the South Korean pair 15 strokes ahead of the French duo of Gwladys Nocera and Céline Herbin, with Chinese Taipei’s Lin Tzi-Chi and Kuo Ai-Chen five strokes further behind in third.

“I was very surprised to win because I didn’t feel that I played my best and I wasn’t in the leading group,” said Lee, who earned three titles on the Korean LPGA Tour in 2015, having turned professional in 2009. “My main goal this year is to get my best ever score on the KLPGA Tour.”

Malaysia’s Michelle Koh saved her best for last with a closing 68 for joint 33rd place on two-over-par. The other Malaysian in the field, Ainil Johani Bakar, missed the cut.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS CHARMING YEANGDER ADT (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR) March 31-April 3 / National Golf & Country Club, Miaoli, Taiwan / US$150,000 268 – Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 69-66-66-67, Lin Wen-tang (TWN) 6371-65-69; 269 – Chikkarangappa. S (IND) 68-65-66-70; 272 – Johannes Veerman (USA) 67-68-68-69, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 71-67-65-69 SINGHA ESAN OPEN (ASEAN PGA TOUR) March 24-27 / Singha Park Golf Club, Khon Kaen, Thailand / US$100,000 275 – Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 71-69-67-68; 277 – Chapchai Nirat (THA) 64-70-75-68; 281 – Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 7068-72-71, Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 65-74-67-75; 284 – Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 72-70-77-65

©Asian Tour

PGM LADA LANGKAWI CHAMPIONSHIP (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR) March 23-26 / Gunung Raya Golf Resort, Malaysia / RM200,000 (approx. US$46,600) 270 – George Gandranata (INA) 65-68-67-70; 272 – Danny Chia (MAS) 67-68-68-69; 274 – Jordan Sherratt (AUS) 67-69-71-67, Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) 64-69-68-73; 275 – John Michael O'Toole (USA) 7070-70-65, Chan-woo Kim (KOR) 67-70-72-66

Rising star George Gandranata made history when he became the first player from Indonesia to win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) at the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship in late March.

The 30-year-old finished with a battling 71, recovering from a double bogey at the second hole to finish on 14-under-par 270 at the Gunung Raya Golf Resort and claim the title by two shots from local hero Danny Chia.

“It was really special. The win means a lot to me. To win my first international title on my birthday week makes it even more special. I am overwhelmed with joy,” said Gandranata, who celebrated his 30th birthday one day before the event started.

“I got off to a rough start. I hit a bad approach shot on second which resulted in a lost ball and a double-bogey but I told myself to keep calm as there are still a lot of birdie opportunities,” he added.

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HERO INDIAN OPEN (ASIAN TOUR / EUROPEAN TOUR) March 17-20 / Delhi Golf Club / US$1.66 million 273 – SSP Chawrasia (IND) 67-67-68-71; 275 – Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-74-66-68, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 68-71-67-69; 276 – Angelo Que (PHI) 70-71-70-65, Adilson Da Silva (BRA) 72-66-69-69 TRUE THAILAND CLASSIC PRESENTED BY CHANG (ASIAN TOUR / EUROPEAN TOUR) March 10-13 / Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin / US$1.75 million 270 – Scott Hend (AUS) 68-64-70-68; 271 – Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68-68-72-63; 273 – Thomas Pieters (BEL) 73-66-66-68; 274 – Peter Uihlein (USA) 64-71-69-70; 275 – Pelle Edberg (SWE) 65-67-73-70 MISSION HILLS WORLD LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP (LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR / KOREA LPGA / CHINA LPGA) March 10-13 / Mission Hills Dongguan, China / US$800,000 279 – Lee Jung Min (KOR) 69-74-70-66; 280 – Lee Seung Hyun (KOR) 71-70-68-71, Kim Bo Kyung (KOR) 73-66-72-69, Ji Han Sol (KOR) 68-7269-71; 281 – Oh Ji Hyun 70-72-68-71 PGM CLEARWATER MASTERS (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR) March 9-12 / Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort, Malaysia / RM200,000 (approx. US$46,600) 269 – John Michael O'Toole (USA) 68-66-65-70; 271 – Poom Saksansin (THA) 67-71-65-68; 272 – R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 68-69-6768; 273 – Sattaya Supupramai (THA) 69-69-66-69; 274 – Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA) 71-72-66-65, Jay Bayron (PHI) 69-72-65-68

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Feel Privileged At Bukit Unggul!

059•Ad.BukitUnggul.May16.indd 59

Play as many rounds of golf with the Unggul Privilege Card!

For only RM280 per month, you are entitled to unlimited rounds of golf any day of the week – including weekends and public holidays!* To find out more, give us a call at 03-8920 2006! *Terms & Conditions apply

Bukit Unggul Country Club (Co. No. 159782-T)

Lot PT 2180 - 2182, Mukim Dengkil, Daerah Sepang, 43807 Dengkil, Selangor.

Tel

Golf Booking +603-8920 2888 / +603-8920 2188 / +6019-600 8682 Sales & Marketing +603-8920 2006 Fax +603-8926 7870 / +603-8926 7879 / +603-8920 2999 (Golf Booking) Email info@bukitunggul.com / golfbooking@bukitunggul.com Website www.bukitunggul.com

4/27/16 11:32 AM

BUKIT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB

Where EAGLES Still FLY

Recent course improvements thrust Bukit Unggul back into the spotlight

W

hat makes a golf course stand out? While there are numerous elements in the summation of a course’s net worth, one of the most important ingredients is character.

And if there’s one thing that Bukit Unggul Country Club has in abundance, it’s character. Carved into a valley and routed into the surrounding hills, the par-71 5,858metre course features some of the most spectacular holes in the Klang Valley and indeed in Malaysia. Ronald Fream must have had a ball when he crafted the layout back in the mid-1990s, being given such an amazing canvas to work with – and the results are there for all to see and enjoy both in terms of play and scenery.

“It was a rugged site and we tried to retain nature, respect the environment.

The design concept was intended to

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

Spectacular view from the 12th green

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“The natural surroundings offered a tranquil setting, with existing rock outcrops and specimen trees utilised in the design. This produced a visually attractive experience.”

the world’s most prolific and respected golf course architects.

“The natural surroundings offered a tranquil setting, with existing rock outcrops and specimen trees utilised in the design. This produced a visually attractive experience,” added the Johorbased American.

The next element that plays a large part in public perception is condition.

For any golf course, age takes its toll.

Bukit Unggul’s popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s was both a boon and a bane, as the course suffered greatly

from wear and tear compounded by wild boar intrusions.

Now, as the club moves into its third decade, things are taking a turn for the better. Slightly over a year ago, the management contracted out the maintenance to turfcare product specialists Greencare Services. Given the short time, the results were impressive when we played the course with the most marked improvement being the greens.

“We focused our attention first on the greens as they are old – more than

©Bukit Unggul

provide a distinct playing condition on each hole with individual greensite appearances, singular putting surface contouring and ample teeing surfaces to offer playing lengths for every level of golfing ability,” recalled Fream, one of

RONALD FREAM, GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT

©ParGolf

©Bukit Unggul

Bukit Unggul's efferverscent general manager, May Wong

Great place to chillax – the airy Pavilion Golfer's Terrace

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BUKIT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB of the course, with work already well in progress on the bunkers, teeboxes and fairways. The enhancements have not gone unrewarded as golfing traffic has picked up markedly in the last few months.

“We did about 4,700 rounds in January which is a record for the club, and we’re averaging close to 4,000 a month so far this year,” said May, adding that the new Southville City interchange from the North-South highway (due to open in 2018) will cut travel time to the club considerably.

The improved greens have made play at Bukit Unggul much more rewarding, as good ball-striking is now rewarded with birdie chances on putting surfaces that not only roll true but have decent bite as well. This is especially important on the downhill holes where the last thing you want is for the ball to roll off the green into trouble.

One of my favourite holes is the 5th, a short par-four which plays from

©ParGolf

Hole 1, Par 4

we followed up with another round of hollow-tining during the fasting month.

“Now the greens are true and we keep the speed at around 8.5 on the Stimpmeter for normal play – but we can get it up to 9.5 for tournaments.”

Attention has now shifted to the rest

©ParGolf

20 years – and there was a lot of thatch and patches of foreign grass on the Bermuda,” said Bukit Unggul’s effervescent general manager May Wong. “We did a lot of hollow-tining on all 18 greens and by May last year the greens showed huge improvement and

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hillside tees to a narrow dogleg left fairway trapped by water on the left. This is a classic risk-and-reward Fream creation, as the more you flirt with the water (and stay dry), the shorter the approach into the longish green. Long hitters can even try to drive the green.

Elevation changes are aplenty at Bukit Unggul, so make sure you factor the uphill or downhill gradients into clubbing choices – and pay heed to your caddie’s advice. One good example is the tough par-four 17th, which plays downhill into a valley-like landing area and then climbs steeply onto a tricky, plateau green. A solid drive and the right club for the approach are imperative to score well here, or you risk winding up with a big number on this index one hole.

Being in a valley, wind is seldom a factor at Bukit Unggul – which is both a good and a bad thing. While you seldom have to factor wind direction into distance and direction calculations, it can get quite muggy in the afternoons, so make sure you stay well-hydrated.

It was my first round at Bukit Unggul for quite a while and I can honestly say I had a good time. And the Golfer’s Terrace is a great place to chillax after a round,

especially in the late evenings as the sun goes down beyond the verdant hills.

And keep your eyes peeled for eagles – both the golfing and feathered type! PG

FACT FILE Address

Lot PT 2180-2182, Mukim Dengkil, Daerah Sepang, 43807 Sepang, Selangor

Tel

603-8920 2888 / 2188

Fax

603-8926 7870 / 79

Email

info@bukitunggul.com / golfbooking@bukitunggul.com

Website

www.bukitunggul.com

GPS

N 2.887237 / E 101.748891

Designer

Ronald Fream

Golfing Fees

Weekdays: Monday & Tuesday – RM78 nett / Wednesday to Friday – RM98 nett Weekends: Saturday & Sunday AM – RM180 nett / Saturday PM – RM130 nett / Sunday PM – RM110 nett Inclusive of green fee, buggy, insurance and GST Caddy Fee: RM60

Note: Contact the club for latest rates and promotions

CARD OF THE COURSE HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 OUT

BLUE 330 150 445 365 270 366 168 375 355 2,824

WHITE 313 134 428 329 240 333 135 348 333 2,593

RED PAR INDEX 4 17 281 115 3 15 395 5 5 299 4 9 214 4 11 305 4 7 113 3 13 335 4 1 298 4 3 2,355 35

HOLE 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 IN

BLUE WHITE 495 476 405 375 335 307 340 317 120 98 470 446 329 315 160 142 380 355 3,034 2,831

RED PAR INDEX 5 10 454 339 4 2 284 4 14 294 4 6 80 3 18 430 5 8 287 4 12 119 3 16 323 4 4 2,610 36

TOTAL 5,858 5,424 4,965

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ALL DISTANCES IN METRES

A FAIRER PERSPECTIVE IDA FAHANY When I heard that Bukit Unggul Country Club was the talk of the town again because of recent improvements, I said to myself, “I have to try my luck again at this course!”

It’s never been a bed of roses for me hacking away at this par-71 layout, which plays 4.965 metres from the reds.

And here I was back at Bukit Unggul hoping to play my best golf at one of the hilliest layouts in Malaysia. A pair of eagles flew majestically above me as I drove into the premises, welcoming us with their majesty. “It will be a Hole 18, Par 4

wonderful day,” I thought to myself as I walked into the ladies changing room to get ready.

One thing that many female golfers often lack, including myself, is a good warm-up before a round of golf. At Bukit Unggul, a minimum 10 minutes of warming-up at the range is needed to ensure a smooth take-off and a good finish. As we started on Hole 10, a par-five dogleg left that finishes on an uphill-sloping green, I regretted not being thorough in my warm-up regime. As a result, I pushed my tee shot way right, topped my second shot to 150 metres from the green, under-clubbed my third shot, thinned my chip and three-putted for a double bogey!

The challenge continued until the end of my first nine. The 18th hole, an uphill par-four of 298 metres, played long for a medium hitter like me.

Luckily as the weather was hot and the ground was extremely dry, my tee shot gained 10 metres and I managed to put the ball on in two.

After a two-putt for par, my streak of luck started with a short par-four first hole, a dogleg left and downhill affair with a small kidneyshaped green tucked nicely beside a small pond.

“Great!” I thought to myself.

©ParGolf

And it continued till the end of the game. I wound up with a decent score despite the intense undulations on certain holes, coupled with many other challenges that Bukit Unggul presents to us ladies.

This piece of property could very well be THE venue for ladies golf tournaments, local or international. Just a few adjustments in terms of facilities and infrastructure, and Bukit Unggul’s good to go.

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Cowgrass Charmer BENTONG GOLF CLUB

64

by Azm

for the first nine and as a par five for the back nine. A river runs the entire length of the right side and is designated as OB, while the left side of the fairway is protected by trees and a bunker. A huge Angsana tree right at the dogleg leaves the golfer with two choices off the tee.

The safe way to play the hole would be to tee off with either a long iron or a fairway wood with a slight fade to the left, leaving a long approach to the green. If the golfer is feeling adventurous, a high drive to the right of the tree with at least a 200-yard carry should be enough to clear the OB and leave only a short iron to the green. The green is guarded by overhanging trees and a solitary bunker on the left side.

KGB has had a change of guard during its election of office bearers in

Photo by Azmi Hj Arshad

Photo

K

elab Golf Bentong (or KGB as it is affectionately known as by its members) is located less than an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak highway.

Located in Bentong town in the Titiwangsa mountain range, KGB provides an interesting option for golfers looking for a unique and interesting challenge. Although the nine-hole course is located in the highlands, it is quite flat. In fact, holes 3, 4 and 5 were formerly used by the adjacent army camp as a landing strip for aircraft.

The par-36, 3,361-yard layout plays more like a nine-plus-nine-hole golf course due to the different tee positions for the front and back nines, which vary not only in distance but direction and occasionally par. KGB thus provides the golfer with a wide variety of challenges.

KGB is also unique as the course has some of the last remaining cowgrass greens in Malaysia. Don’t let this variety of grass fool you as the greens are smooth and faster than you would imagine. This unique feature and the varied and challenging nature of the golf course make every round of golf at KGB an unforgettable one.

The signature hole is the fifth, a dogleg right which plays as a par four

i Hj Ars

had

Photo by Azmi Hj Arshad

Golf with a unique twist just an hour’s drive from KL

March, who will hold office for the next two years. The new faces are the captain, vice-captain and four of the five committee members. In accordance with the club’s constitution, the president is the district officer who will appoint an honorary secretary and treasurer from the public sector.

For those keen golfers who would like to experience the last remaining cowgrass greens, KGB is a good choice.

Green fee for weekends is RM45 for 18 holes and only RM30 for weekdays.

Turfmates are available for rent at RM30 per 18.

And if you want to join as a member, ordinary membership is still open at RM3,000! PG

BENTONG GOLF CLUB Batu 2, Jalan Tras, 28700 Bentong, Pahang Tel: +609-222 2585 / Fax: +609-222 4760 Email: kelabgolfbentong@gmail.com GPS: N 3.552207 / E 101.895558

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PARGOLF PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

THE

People'sPICKS Top clubs feted in

inaugural awards ceremony at Carlsberg Brewery

T

he inaugural ParGolf People’s Choice Awards presentation ceremony at the Carlsberg Brewery in Shah Alam on March 30 proved to be a big hit with more than 60 representatives of the winning clubs attending.

The late evening ceremony saw the top three clubs in each of the 10 categories receiving certificates, with the placings based solely on online voting on www.pargolfmagazine.com by the public from January to March 2016. With free flow of beverages and high tea provided by Carlsberg, guests took the chance to mingle and relax in a rare industry gathering.

“The purpose of the ParGolf People’s Choice Awards is to recognise excellence and achievements in the Malaysian golf course industry based solely on public voting. All the award recipients are deserving winners as the votes were cast by the end-users themselves, the golfers,” said Suzannah Gun Palmer, the publisher of ParGolf.

“We hope that the awards will spur golf clubs to continue improving in all aspects of their operations, thereby elevating the overall standard of the golf industry in Malaysia,” she added.

The event was also attended by the winners of a voters’ contest, who received prizes from Srixon and Cleveland Golf.

“We would like to thank everyone who voted and also Srixon Sports Asia for sponsoring the voters’ contest. Stay tuned for updates on the next ParGolf People’s Choice Awards, which will expand on the existing categories in response to feedback from the clubs and golfers,” said Jonathan Ponniah, the managing editor of ParGolf. PG 66

Best Overall Golf Experience

Wefie time!

“All the award recipients are deserving winners as the votes were cast by the end-users themselves, the golfers.”

SUZANNAH GUN PALMER, PUBLISHER, PARGOLF

Voters' Contest winner (L) receiving his prize from S. Raj Kumar of Srixon

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Best Corporate Tournament Venue

Most Scenic Golf Course

Best Maintained Golf Course

Best F&B – Golfer's Terrace

Most Improved Golf Course

Best Greens

Best F&B – Halfway Hut

Friendliest Golf Course

PARGOLF PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2016 WINNERS (Top 3 in each category listed in no particular order) BEST CORPORATE TOURNAMENT VENUE • Kota Permai Golf & Country Club • Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club • Palm Garden Golf Club

BEST GREENS • The Els Club Teluk Datai • Kota Permai Golf & Country Club • Palm Garden Golf Club

BEST F&B – GOLFER’S TERRACE • Kelab Golf Negara Subang • Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia • Saujana Golf & Country Club

MOST IMPROVED GOLF COURSE • Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort • Bukit Unggul Country Club • Ponderosa Golf & Country Club

BEST F&B – HALFWAY HUT • Glenmarie Golf & Country Club • Kota Permai Golf & Country Club • Tropicana Golf & Country Resort

MOST CHALLENGING GOLF COURSE • Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam • Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia • Sabah Golf & Country Club

FRIENDLIEST GOLF COURSE • Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort • Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Resort • Ponderosa Golf & Country Club

BEST MAINTAINED GOLF COURSE • The Els Club Teluk Datai • Kota Permai Golf & Country Club • Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club

MOST SCENIC GOLF COURSE • Borneo Highlands Resort • Damai Laut Golf & Country Club • The Els Club Teluk Datai

BEST OVERALL GOLF EXPERIENCE • The Els Club Teluk Datai • Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club • Palm Garden Golf Club

Most Challenging Golf Course

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RAISE YOUR GAME

GOLF FORELADIES WITH KURIKO TSUKIYAMA

GET A GRIP

It’s important to start off with the correct grip to develop a good swing

How you hold the golf club or in other words, how you grip it, is one of the most defining factors in the swing.

Grip it in a ‘strong’ manner and you risk hooking the ball, while with a ‘weak’ grip you could end up slicing it. Not correcting an incorrect grip can lead to compensations in the swing to forcibly make the ball travel straight. However, these compensations can only work so

many times before the misses start re-appearing.

In this issue I'll introduce three types of grips and I'd like for you to try each one out to see which suits you the best.

The left hand position will be consistent for all three types of grips. I like to see a slightly stronger grip with the left hand, so feel like you have the club more in your fingers.

After taking your address, you should be able to see at least two knuckles or two and a half knuckles without craning your neck.

Also, imagine an arrow made by your thumb and hand. This arrow should be pointing at your right shoulder. If it's pointing straight up, turn your hand slightly inwards while keeping the club in the same position.

TEN FINGER GRIP This grip is best for new golfers with small hands, usually juniors and women.

First, place the golf club on the ground and, while keeping the club face square, grip the club with your left hand.

Next, place all five fingers of your right hand on the club. The right hand should be covering the left thumb and there shouldn't be much space between the fingers.

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INTERLOCKING GRIP This grip is one of the most common with juniors, women, men and pros alike using it.

If you have larger hands, I would suggest you skip over this grip and go straight to the overlapping grip.

Place your left hand on the grip and, while keeping the pinky

off the grip, hook the index, middle and ring finger of the right hand onto the underside of the grip. Covering the left thumb, place your right thumb onto the grip.

Finally, cross the right pinky with the left index finger. This promotes good connection and the hands will have a smaller chance of slipping and changing positions during the swing.

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.

OVERLAPPING GRIP This grip is very similar to the interlocking grip except, instead of crossing the pinky and the index finger together, you will simply place the right pinky on top of the left index finger in a comfortable manner.

I recommend this grip for those who have larger hands or those who find the interlocking

grip too uncomfortable to maintain.

Regardless of the type of grip you go with, you want to make sure that you practice it enough so that it becomes a natural part of your swing.

Anytime you adjust your grip, expect it to feel uncomfortable for two to three hours of practice.

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spinal scoop dr. nick boden

A column on golf-related injuries by chiropractor Dr Nick Boden, CEO of the Spine&Joint group of clinics. Based in Mont Kiara, he is currently the only Level 1 Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified chiropractor in Malaysia and can sometimes hit a golf ball straight. For more information, log on to www.spineandjoint.asia

Golfer’s Elbow

H

ave you ever had that feeling when your club hits the ground, and a terribly jarring pain travels up the club ending in your elbow? Welcome to the world of golfer’s elbow, also known as tennis elbow.

The main muscle of the forearm allows us to be able to bend and straighten the joints of the fingers, thumb and wrist in various directions.

The muscles on the outside part of the arm and hand form a common tendon that attaches to the bone at the outside of the elbow. In medical terms this is called the lateral epicondyle. The muscles on the inside of the elbow help to flex or bend the wrist/hand and they attach onto the medial epicondyle.

Traditionally it’s always been accepted that a painful ‘inside’ elbow is called a golfer’s elbow and elbow pain on the outside is called a tennis elbow. As a golfer, you will most likely suffer from both!

As confusing as this may sound, wherever the pain is, it’s the on-going micro-damage to the tendon, causing a restructuring and thickening of the tendon, a build-up of scar tissue, inflammation and what is commonly referred to as a tendinopathy. It becomes very difficult to play with a sore elbow, and they can be difficult to treat. Luckily we have some new technologies that can help treat these injuries.

Treatment Rest and ice are the two simplest treatments for a sore and inflamed elbow; however, if the elbow pain has been there for some time, this alone may not be the solution. Ice is an excellent natural painkiller and takes some of the sting away from a sore elbow. Rest is also a very important part of the recovery process, but for golfers, it’s impossible to rest from the game we love!

Anti-inflammatory creams and elbow straps can be very helpful at 70

treating a sore elbow. Topical creams containing natural or medical antiinflammatories can reduce the inflammation in the tendon and give some relief. Tennis elbow straps are excellent at splinting the tendon and taking pressure off the point where the tendon attaches to the bone.

Medication taken orally such as voltaren, arcoxia or celebrex help to reduce the inflammation, but they don’t specifically target the tendon and there can be side effects to taking the medication.

Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new tool used to treat many types of tendinopathy such as golfer’s elbow. Studies have been done showing its effectiveness in treating tennis elbow, and some studies show it’s as effective as a steroid injection. ESWT involves pulsing very powerful sound waves into the tendon, resulting in a reduction in chronic pain, and encouraging healing. It only requires three to five sessions and takes around five minutes per treatment, making it a really fast and effective therapy.

In cases where conservative treatment fails, steroid injections and even surgery are other options. Steroid injections are great at reducing inflammation but can have other side effects, like osteoporosis of the surrounding bone, and breakdown of the actual tendon and muscle fibres.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a safer and effective alternative to steroids.

PRP is taken from your blood whereby the blood is spun in a special tube and the plasma containing stem cells and the body’s own anti-inflammatories are injected into the tendon.

In rare cases where the tendon does not respond at all, or there is an entrapment of a nerve, surgery is needed to treat the elbow.

Spine and joint clinics have physiotherapists and chiropractors that treat golfers/tennis elbow and we have Shockwave therapy machines too! Call us at 03-62049100. PG

©Mike Ehmann/Getty Images

Causes and cures for one of the most common golfing injures

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health chat dr. glenN cameron

Glenn Cameron D.C (doctor of chiropractic) (USA) is a chiropractor formerly with the Tonik Asia Group of Malaysia.

He is currently based in Miri, Sarawak. Email: homewhereibelong@gmail.com

Too Neck-ered To Golf?

Shedding light on chiropractic treatment of the neck (and back) for phases 1 to 4

A

pparently between 40% and 70% of you suffer from neck pain. How unfortunate, as this really affects your game. It affects mainly those with osteoarthritis and can be a factor in how they observe their ball, where the hole is and everything in between, such as your trajectory, the club you have chosen, your practice swing and your actual swing.

Osteoarthritis or OA is also known as cervical spondylosis. The hallmark of it is pain but it can involve the following: swelling or puffy enlargement, redness, heat and, of course, dysfunction. In short, it hurts, likely doesn’t work as it should and may appear red, swollen and hot.

There is a very low grade inflammation.

OA/Cervical spondylosis comes in many varieties; in chiropractic these are frequently referred to as ‘phases’.

There are four distinct phases: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

I’ll first address Phase 4. People only want what I offer if it promises to return them to normal. With a diagnosis of Phase 4 there is no chance of again being normal. The bones have come together/fused and there’s nothing that can be done.

There may be joints of a lesser involvement that fall under a category of Phase 1 to 2 or Phase 3. These can be helped.

I’ve only been doing this for 40 years and the computer I use has been active for much less time but I’m often heard stating that the computer must have been in practice for 80 years (twice as long as me) as it chooses the vertebrae to treat/adjust that I never would have.

Phase 1 – This is the beginning of OA (hey, it has to begin somewhere!).

Frequently there is a change in the alignment either on the anteriorposterior (AP) or on the lateral view of the imaging. There may be subtle

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findings related to thinning of discs, osteophytes (beginning bony spurs or other findings that only you and your chiropractor may discuss) as a harbinger of what’s to come ultimately. It’s fairly common for a Phase 1 to return to normal.

Phase 2 – There are more advanced findings such as larger osteophytes and obvious thin discs.

The hallmark of Phase 2 is one major thin/bulging/prolapsed/herniated disc although with concise and complete care I’ve never seen a Phase 2 that did not return to Phase 1 or normal within around two years of corrective care administered about twice monthly.

Phase 3 – This is the biggie. These folks commonly have some advanced age (commonly 50+) and may be sick with any number of other diseases such as diabetes mellitus. They have the highest expectations, the worst hormones and the most diseases.

Commonly they have advanced cervical spondylosis, advanced disc bulges/herniations/prolapses, either one or all four extremities in pain grade 3 (which means to the hand or foot), possibly some consequence of healing (like a worse reaction [pain] elsewhere and very possibly some neurological sequelae/outcome such as a weak muscle or a drop foot), years of involvement and quite possibly this person does not speak English, making explanation of their condition challenging.

Often they want to recover completely even after scar producing surgery and a long history of drug usage (but commonly there is relief) or one must consider the fact that there are three distinct treatment courses: relief, correction and control.

Commonly they mistake relief treatment as something else – quite commonly correction, failing to realise some important items: 1) it could

take three to five years for corrective care for Phase 3 (after relief care); 2) this involves total dedication and a weekly treatment over this time; 3) I’ve only been at this for 40 years and the number of full recoveries that I’ve seen numbers closer to zero than any other phase.

My question for you is this: Do you know a treatment for ageing? The best doctors on the planet have not discovered one and I’m no exemption.

After the age of 55 (restabilisation) there is NO likelihood of correction at all (but commonly there is still relief) as the body prepares itself for old age regardless of your beginning condition. Commonly Phase 3 involves a lot of discs with some in the neck and some in the lower back. One area may respond better than both.

There you have it – chiropractic treatment of the neck (and back) for Phases 1 to 4, and no, it does not hurt especially if you’ll be golfing soon. PG

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Barakah Iftar PAR GOLF May 2016•FA.pdf

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End of an Era DUNCAN MOODIE

Remembering Duncan Moodie, a man whose love for the Royal & Ancient game was only surpassed by his amazing passion for life

BY GURDEV SINGH @ SANDAKAN EAGLE

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Duncan Moodie July 11, 1958 – March 2, 2016

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dark, gloomy undertone blanketed the Malaysian golfing scene in early March as it mourned the passing of one of its greatest advocates, Duncan Moodie.

The Australian was 58 years old at the time of his demise, which came rather abruptly on March 2 after he’d contracted leptospirosis and malaria – leaving behind fiancée Augustina Yabai, daughter Nicolle and brothers Ross (elder) and Gregory (younger). Moodie was laid to rest at Jubili Light House in Penampang, Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sabah.

His late father (Duncan Moodie Sr) had died many years ago; upon hearing about the death of her son, Moodie’s mother Valerie suffered a stroke 30 days later and passed away as well.

The Melbourne native had arrived in KK back in 2008 upon ending a two-year contract as head golf coach for the Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA).

He met Augustina (Tina) not long after and set up the Pacific Golf Academy at the Likas Driving Range with the support from a few keen parties.

During his time in Sabah, the flamboyant

Aussie built great rapport with his students who adored and respected his unique teaching methods and occasionally over-the-top style. The man became a source of inspiration to many golfers and non-golfers alike because of his dedication and they looked up to him. For the woman he loved so dearly, he became her everything!

“He was loving, caring and a funny man. He made me smile and always inspired me. He remembered little things about me that touched my heart. He loved me, my family and our friends too,” said Tina during a phone interview. “There was a strong feeling of love and a bond between us – he’d even proposed to me.”

Not long before his passing, I had made a call to Moodie informing him of my trip to KK in July. I wanted to film him for a new coaching video, which would have been my fourth video shoot with him. Sadly, it will now never take place.

I still remember meeting Moodie for the fisrt time in 2012 at the Likas Driving Range. A group of juniors had gathered around the affable man that morning around 9.30am. I figured he hailed from the land Down Under by his unmistakable accent.

I had my camcorder switched on.

He suddenly threw a question at one

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had achieved in their lives. Ben Hogan survived a car accident, and later made a remarkable comeback.” He then raised his right arm and placed it on his heart and continued, “He was a fighter and the man had a great golf swing.”

He spoke briefly about the power of ©ParGolf

of his students. “Do you know who Ben Hogan is?” The student replied with a ‘no’. He then asked another junior.

Same answer.

Moodie upped his pitch just a tad higher. “You’ve got to learn golf’s history and know what these champions

visualization. “Learn to look at good pictures. You mentally take that on.”

He then started with some golf drills.

“Number one – keep it parallel and check your position. Two – club raised to the top and ready to strike the ball.

Shift – the swing is taken.”

Winnie Ng, one of Moodie’s many students, was introduced to the man in 2012 by her dad, Dato Kenny Ng. “I will miss Duncan, especially his onetwo-shift golf drill during practice sessions. That made him special.

“I found him to be strict but he was also a generous man. His passing came as a shock. I was in China when my dad informed me. I will miss him,” added Winnie.

Ng recalls his meeting with Moodie.

“I used to observe his teaching methods at the Likas Driving Range. He was strict and had a unique teaching style. I then decided to enroll both my children, Winnie and Victor, in his golf programme. I was happy as my children made ample progress under his tutelage. His passing is a great loss to our country. The children will miss him.

May his soul rest in peace,” said Ng.

During his time in Sabah, the flamboyant Aussie built great rapport with his students who adored and respected his unique teaching methods and ocassionally over-the-top style.

Moodie surrounded by his adoring students a few years back

Moodie had trained students from various states across Malaysia, some even as far as Indonesia, who have been with him since the Pacific Golf Academy was formed – such as Kelly Tan, Celeste Lo, Suzairi Iqmah, Raeysha Surendran, Fazley Chua, Albright Chong and Wilson Saw. Cheryl Lo, Francesca Yong and Dianne Luke are a few more names that can be added to the list.

Moodie cherished the simple life – he enjoyed living in Borneo, he loved the Sabah people, the food and the lifestyle. He always told Tina that Borneo was his paradise.

“We normally spend time chilling out together for some drinks in the town area. As long as he’s happy, I’m happy.

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DUNCAN MOODIE ©Photo courtesy of Augustina Yabai

With Victor and Winnie Ng back in 2012

“Moodie cherished the simple life – he enjoyed living in Borneo, he loved the Sabah people, the food and the lifestyle. He always told me ‘Borneo is my paradise’.”

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With fiancée Augustina ©Photo courtesy of Dato Kenny Ng

These memories will always be close to my heart,” reminisced Tina. “Once he followed me to my hometown in Sarawak to celebrate Christmas and he met my parents and siblings, which made me very happy.

“He was an easy-going person and was loved by many. On New Year’s Eve, we would stay at our favorite resort, Langkah Syabas, and usher in the new year. We always watched AFL matches on weekends when his favourite team Collingwoods-The Pies played,” added Tina.

Moodie first met MALGA executive director Dato Rabe’ahtul Aloya Abbas – Raby for short – in 2005 at Miri Golf Club, Sarawak. Raby, who was then the tournament coordinator of MALGA, had a discussion with him on how they could further develop ladies junior golf in the country.

Raby vividly recalls this first meeting. “He was specific with his ideas and plans. We spoke about the ‘Golf for Girls’ programme in schools.

At the same time, MALGA was on the lookout for a full-time golf coach to train and build the Elite Girls golf programme.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports agreed to support us then and we signed Moodie on as a full-time golf coach for MALGA and started the ‘Golf for Girls’ programme. The fundamentals of golf were then introduced and taught to school children and teachers.

“In a short span of time, the programme became popular and successful. I found him (Moodie) to be a very serious golf coach and was resultoriented too. The girls who have turned pro under his tutelage are Kelly Tan, Aretha Phang and many more,” added Raby.

However, Moodie’s stint with

©Photo courtesy of Dato Kenny Ng

AUGUSTINA YABAI

Showing students the ropes at the Likas Driving Range

MALGA was short-lived – his contract was not renewed after the second year due to lack of funding. The burly Cancerian then decided to travel to KK to make a living.

“Moodie’s passing is a great loss to the Malaysian golf industry,” said Raby.

“He was detailed and disciplined. He was one of a kind. We have travelled together to remote places in Sabah introducing the ‘Golf for Girls’ programme. I will miss him.”

Moodie was a man with great vision – he wanted to produce players who will represent Sabah and the

country at the international level, but his untimely death got in the way of his dreams.

Like many others, I will surely miss Duncan Moodie. The time I’d spent with him taught me a few lessons on life. He taught me that life is about sharing and giving … it’s about giving hope and inspiring those who come into contact with you. I saw integrity, honesty, persistence and faithfulness in him. He was always driven to achieve success. Meeting and knowing him was a blessing.

Rest in peace, buddy. PG

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YOUNG GUNS

Kevin and Samantha rule at RSGC Indonesia’s second-ranked amateur Kevin Akbar retained the Boys Under-18 title easily in the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) AmBank Junior Amateur Open held in late April, winning by a massive nine shots from Malaysia’s Adam Madzri.

Kevin was in superb form as he carded rounds of 72, 74 and 70 for a total of even-par 216, leaving the other players trailing in his wake.

Adam, who won the Boys Under-15 title in the 2015 event, did well to claim runner-up position in the main event after rounds of 75, 76 and 74.

The Kelab Golf Negara Subang (KGNS) player finished three shots ahead of compatriot Danial Durisic of Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.

It was a close tussle, however, in the Girls Under18 category with Samantha Martirez of the Philippines claiming top honours after a playoff with Malaysia’s Kelie Kan (Bukit Jalil Golf Resort) and Warda Amira (KGNS). The three girls finished three rounds of play tied on seven-over-par 223 and it was Martirez who prevailed on the first extra hole.

100Plus to power Myanmar golf The Myanmar Golf Federation has signed a two-year agreement with Fraser and Neave, Limited (F&N) for 100Plus to be the Official Hydration Partner for all amateur events organised by the federation.

The partnership will kick off with the staging of the inaugural 100Plus Junior Golf Tournament this month at Yangon Golf Club, a two-day tournament which will serve as a qualifier for the 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open, to be played on August 15-18 at Penang Golf Club, located in the north of the Malaysian peninsula.

The male and female champions of the Myanmar qualifier will represent the country in the Malaysian event, which features top Asian juniors and carries World Amateur Golf Ranking points. Flights and accommodation for the two Myanmar players will be sponsored by 100Plus.

100Plus’ involvement with golf in Myanmar began in February as the Isotonic Drink Partner of the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open, a joint Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour event at Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club.

Faldo Series Asia set to grow more opportunity, more education. I’ve always harped on about the knowledge of this game and how you need to understand the technique and the mental side and the physical element. Everybody has certainly woken up to the physical and dietary side,” he added.

“We have been speaking with all of the highest powers in this game from the Tours to the PGA of America and the Masters Foundation. I’ve just got to take the Faldo Series to another level.”

SIR NICK FALDO

©Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo has pledged to continue his drive to grow the Faldo Series Asia with the upcoming 11th season of the junior series set to feature a minimum of 21 events in 17 countries.

“Everybody knows what we’re doing.

We have been speaking with all of the highest powers in this game from the Tours to the PGA of America and the Masters Foundation,” said the English golf legend.

“I’ve just got to take the Faldo Series to another level. We want every event we stage to be better and to offer the kids

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WORLD AMATEUR INTER-TEAM GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Smashing Johor Swing

Brunei conquers first leg of WAITGC as 23rd edition kicks off in the south of the peninsula

Gross champions Team Mentigal of Brunei with Tourism Malaysia's Saidi Bundan and GCMAM's Mohd Rom Muslim

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he highly-anticipated World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) 2016 kicked off with the first of six qualifying rounds at two of Johor’s best courses, Ponderosa Golf & Country Club and Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.

The four-day qualifying leg of the series' 23rd edition saw 25 teams taking part – nine teams from Australia, two from Brunei, 10 from Singapore and four from Malaysia.

The golfers first took on Ponderosa GCC’s superb 18-hole layout, originally designed by Max Wexler and remodelled by Ronald Fream. The par 72 course measures 6,467 metres from the tips and features many sand traps and water hazards as well as tricky and undulating greens, making the course a stimulating challenge for the golfers.

The tournament then continued at Horizon Hills GCC, showcasing the par 72, 6,271-metre course that is a masterpiece of risk-reward golf, designed by renowned course architect Ross Watson. The course winds its way through upmarket housing and challenges golfers with undulating fairways, gleaming flashed-up bunkers and huge, deceptive greens.

In the end, Team Mentigal from Brunei emerged gross champions with a total score of 974, thanks to the quartet of Pg Basheer, Johari, Pg Musa and Qazzri. Coming in second with a score of 1,023 was Team Copper Heads from Down Under, comprising Paul Hibberd, 78

Dato Micheal Yong, Michael Sleer and Alvin Chai. Another Australian team, Koala GC – made up of Denis Goodman, Rayoni Goodman, Yoshio Ishida and Machi Ishida – settled for third place with a score of 1,076.

Meanwhile in the Stableford category, Bruneians once again showed who’s boss as they edged all competition aside to claim top spot; Team Ten Ten emerged victorious with a total of 440 points over four days, thanks to Yussop Daud, Momin Syawal, Suhaini and Syed Isnizam. Trailing by a mere eight points were Andy Wong, Alan Wong, Joseph Ho and George Chong of Team Donuts, representing Australia.

The following leg took golfers across the South China Sea to Borneo as they played two of Sabah’s celebrated courses, Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club and Borneo Golf & Country Club, from April 18 to 21.

The WAITGC Grand Final, to be played in November, will bring together the top two gross, top nett and top two senior teams from each leg to enjoy a

fully-hosted experience.

Played in Strokeplay format for the gross category and Stableford for the nett and senior categories, the WAITGC is Tourism Malaysia’s initiative to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind golf destination in the region. Since its debut in 1994, WAITGC has emerged as a well-regarded tournament and one of the most anticipated golfing events on the avid golfer’s calendar, having attracted more than 500 participants every year.

Apart from testing golfers’ fairway chops, the annual series also allows them to discover the various cultures and traditions in Malaysia, as well as the country’s unique, mouth-watering cuisines and its fascinating attractions with their families.

The WAITGC is managed by the Golf Club Managers’ Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) and sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA).

For more information, contact the WAITGC Secretariat at 03-56332079/ 56342078 or visit www.waitgc.com. PG

WORLD AMATEUR INTER-TEAM GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2016 SCHEDULE Round

Date

Location

1

Mar 7 – 10

Johor – Ponderosa GCC & Horizon Hills GCC

2

Apr 18 – 21

Sabah – Dalit Bay GCC & Borneo GCC

3

May 30 – June 2

Penang – Penang GC & Bukit Jawi GR

4

Aug 1 – 4

Selangor/KL – Kota Permai GCC, Templer Park CC

5

Sept 19 – 22

Sarawak – Kelab Golf Sarawak & Damai GCC

Grand Final

Nov 15 – 17

TBA

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An event managed by

Partner Up For A Dream Team Event!

BATTLEGROUNDS Templer Park Country Club (Selangor) - 28 July 2016 Staffield Country Resort (Negeri Sembilan) - 25 August 2016 Palm Resort Golf & Country Club (Johor) - 29 September 2016 Watch this space for updates!

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POTSHOTS

©Chris Trotman/Getty Images

ty Images nnon/Get ©David Ca

Sitting atop the Rolex World Rankings with 12 LPGA Tour wins, including two Majors (the most recent being the ANA Inspiration early last month), Lydia Ko has probably seen it all – been there, done that – but turns out the 19-year-old still got a huge kick out of her time at the recent Masters before receiving the Female Player of the Year award from the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA).

It seemed like the ever affable Kiwi snapped pictures with almost every golfer in the field, including Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth (who received the GWAA Male Player of the Year award), posting on Instagram: “It’s not every day you get the chance to meet some of the best male golfers! Thank you very much for taking the time to talk and take a picture with me!”

Describing the Masters as an “amazing experience”, Ko even caddied for Kevin Na at the Par 3 tournament, and played the ninth hole.

©Harry How/Getty Images

KO’S ‘AMAZING EXPERIENCE’ @ MASTERS

GOLF & MUSIC COME TOGETHER English golfer Justin Rose and One Direction star Niall Horan, an avid golfer who even caddied for Rory McIlroy at last year’s Masters, will be hosting an exclusive two-part charity event to raise awareness and funding for Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens.

“Every penny we raise will go towards saving another child's life,” says Rose. “As a father myself to two kids, I couldn't think of a more worthwhile cause.”

Horan echoed, “It’ll be great to raise as much money as possible,” adding, “As a golf fanatic teaming up with Justin, a Major winner, Ryder Cup hero and a great friend, is just so exciting.”

The duo are even penning a song together ahead of the event evidenced by a picture of Rose, pen and paper in hand, alongside Horan on the piano, posted on Rose’s Instagram account.

WILLETT COSTS FERGUSON £8,000 Danny Willett’s Masters win sure came as a surprise for many with practically the entire world expecting Jordan Spieth to snatch the Green Jacket – including former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, who was on hand to greet Willett at the after-party on Sunday evening.

As the two Englishmen shook hands, Ferguson confessed, “I had £8,000 on Spieth!”, to which Willett jokingly apologised. The MU icon quickly added, “I'm so delighted. I'm so delighted honestly. Happy to throw it away.”

“I looked at Danny, who was on the 16th tee, and he went to the toilet – unbelievable,” recalled Ferguson. “It was a fantastic moment because he has his own thoughts and at that very moment he goes to the toilet and he is on his own. What was he thinking about?”

Ferguson has been a regular at golf events since retiring as manager of Manchester United and even spoke to the Europe Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles in 2014.

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“I had £8,000

on Spieth!”

ParGolf MAY 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY - JUNE 2016 MALAYSIAN AMATEUR EVENTS May 4

Prudential Astro Masters – 4th Leg

Palm Resort GCC, Johor

May 5 – 8

Perlis Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Putra GC

May 11

Prudential Astro Masters – 5th Leg

Templer Park CC, Selangor

May 11 – 14

Kedah Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Darul Aman GCC

May 14

Prudential Astro Masters – 6th Leg

Cinta Sayang GCR, Kedah

May 19

Prudential Astro Masters – 7th Leg

Staffield CR, Negeri Sembilan

May 19 – 22

Malaysian Amateur Open (Men)

Templer Park GCC

May 19 – 22

RSGC Ladies Amateur Open (Ladies)

Royal Selangor GC

May 24 – 26

MPI Saujana Amateur Championship (Men)

Saujana GCC

May 28

Prudential Astro Masters – 8th Leg

Dalit Bay GCC, Sabah

May 30 – June 2

Negeri Sembilan Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Nilai Springs GCC

May 30 – June 2

World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship

Penang GC/Bukit Jawi GR, Penang

PROFESSIONAL GOLF OF MALAYSIA (PGM) TOUR May 2 – 4

PGM Development Circuit – Q-School

Palm Resort GCC, Johor

RM15,000

May 11 – 14

PGM Bukit Jawi Championship (ADT)

Bukit Jawi GR, Penang

RM200,000

May 16 – 18

PGM Development Circuit – Q-School

Bukit Jawi GR, Penang

RM15,000

May 25 – 28

PGM Port Dickson Championship (ADT)

Port Dickson GCC, Negeri Sembilan

RM200,000

June 1 – 4

PGM Penang Championship

Penang GC

RM200,000

ASIAN TOUR May 12 – 15

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

Four Seasons GC at Anahita, Beau Champs

€1,000,000

June 30 – July 3

Yeangder TPC

Linkou International GCC, Taipei, Taiwan

US$500,000

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR May 11 – 14

PGM Bukit Jawi Championship

Bukit Jawi GR, Penang

RM200,000

May 25 – 28

PGM Port Dickson Championship

Port Dickson GCC, Negeri Sembilan

RM200,000

June 1 – 4

PGM Penang Championship

Penang GC, Malaysia

RM200,000

June 8 – 11

Jakarta Invitational

TBA

US$60,000

May 5 – 8

Wells Fargo Championship

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

US$7,300,000

May 12 – 15

The Players Championship

TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA

US$10,500,000

May 19 – 22

AT&T Byron Nelson

TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, Texas, USA

US$7,300,000

May 26 – 29

Dean & Deluca Invitational

Colonial CC, Fort Worth, Texas, USA

US$6,700,000

June 2 – 5

The Memorial Tournament

Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio, USA

US$8,500,000

June 9 – 12

FedEx St Jude Classic

TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

US$6,200,000

June 16 – 19

US Open

Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA

US$10,000,000

June 23 – 26

Quicken Loans National

Congressional CC (Blue), Bethesda, Maryland, USA

US$6,900,000

June 30 – July 3

Barracuda Championship

Montreux GCC, Reno, Nevada, USA

US$3,200,000

June 30 – July 3

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio, USA

US$9,500,000

PGA TOUR

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LPGA TOUR May 5 – 8

Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic

RTJ Golf Trail, Prattville, Alabama, USA

US$1,300,000

May 19 – 22

Kingsmill Championship

Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

US$1,300,000

May 26 – 29

LPGA Volvik Championship

Travis Pointe CC, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

US$1,300,000

June 2 – 5

ShopRite LPGA Classic

Stockton Seaview Hotel & GC, New Jersey, USA

US$1,500,000

June 9 – 12

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Sahalee CC, Sammamish, Washington, USA

US$3,500,000

June 16 – 19

Meijer LPGA Classic

Blythefield CC, Belmont, Michigan, USA

US$2,000,000

June 23 – 26

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship

Pinnacle CC, Rogers, Arizona, USA

US$2,000,000

EUROPEAN TOUR May 5 – 8

Trophée Hassan II

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco

€1,500,000

May 12 – 15

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

Four Seasons GC at Anahita, Beau Champs

€1,000,000

May 19 – 22

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

The K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare, Ireland

€4,000,000

May 26 – 29

BMW PGA Championship

Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England

€5,000,000

June 2 – 5

Nordea Masters

Bro Hof Slott GC, Stockholm, Sweden

€1,500,000

June 9 – 12

Lyoness Open

Diamond CC, Atzenbrugg, Austria

€1,500,000

June 16 – 19

US Open

Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA

US$10,000,000

June 23 – 26

BMW International Open

Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof, Pulheim, Germany

€2,000,000

June 30 – July 3

Open de France

Le Golf National, Paris, France

€3,500,000

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR May 5 – 8

Lalla Meryem Cup

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco

€450,000

May 12 – 15

Buick Championship

Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf, Shanghai, China

US$600,000

Golf Park Pilsen, Czech Republic

€250,000

June 17 – 19 Tipsport Golf Masters Note: Calendar omits unannounced schedules of tours and associations at press time

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THE GOLF SCENE

Pattaya party for Prudential Astro Masters This year’s Prudential Astro Masters will expand on the two-tier qualification system introduced last year, culminating in a grand final in Pattaya, Thailand, this October.

The 19th edition of the popular series will feature 21 qualifying legs for Astro subscribers staged nationwide from April to September, with the gross and nett winners of each leg making it to the finale which will be played at Laem Chabang International

Country Club in Chonburi and Siam Country Club in Pattaya. Three new clubs have been added to the schedule, namely The Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi, Mahkota Golf & Country Club in Kuantan and Hot Springs Golf Club in Tawau.

Invitations will also be sent to clubs affiliated with the Malaysian Golf Association to hold their own selections via their club championships or monthly medals.

Astro and sponsor representatives with the Inifiniti Q50 Turbo 2.0L

Organising chairman P. Jeganathan noted that two players from each of the invited clubs will compete in the National Final on September 29, from which six will advance to join the qualifiers from the 21 legs in Pattaya come October.

“I would like to thank Prudential Assurance Malaysia for their continued confidence and sponsorship, and helping to make this the most popular and biggest amateur golf series in the country,” said Jeganathan.

“There has been a steady increase in participation over the years and this is due not just to our title sponsor Prudential, but also to our other partners like Panasonic, Bridgestone Golf and The Star who have been backing us for quite some time now,” he added.

Among the highlights of the subscriber rounds are a RM275,000 Infiniti Q50 Turbo 2.0L car for a hole-in-one, which will be contested at designated holes in all 21 legs with the car to be shared equally in the event of more than one winner. A Panasonic 55-inch LED TV and a Titoni watch are some of the prizes on offer.

Log on to www.golfpeople.com.my or call 03-78036226 for more information.

Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) rules committee chairman CC Boo will be part of a historic event this August when golf makes a long-awaited return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Boo received an invitation from the International Golf Federation’s Olympic Golf Competition Committee to serve as a rules official for the Olympic golf competition, which take place on August 11-20 at the Olympic Course in the coastal reserve wetlands of Reserva de Marapendi near Rio. “The invitation is an honour for Malaysia and the MGA and is another affirmation that we can produce world-class golf referees qualified to officiate at prestigious golf events,” said MGA president Senator Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor. “Boo is creating a slice of history in the MGA as well as the golfing fraternity in Malaysia at large by officiating at the world’s prestigious multi-sport events, the Olympics.

Our Jalur Gemilang will be flying high in Rio not only from the rules officials but from the athletes as well. Currently, three of our professionals, Danny Chia, Kelly Tan and Michelle Koh, were qualified to compete in the Olympics,” he added.

“I would like to thank MGA, the Johor 82

Boo at the 2014 US Open

Golf Association and my rules mentor Fritz Katzenggruber for their support and guidance since I qualified as rules official in 2007,” said Boo, who has officiated at numerous high-profile events including the 2013 British Open as well as the 2014 and 2015 US Opens.

©Photo courtesy of CC Boo

Olympic honour for MGA rules head Boo

“I first dared to dream about refereeing in the Olympics back in 2008 when the IGF first made the announcement that golf will return to the Olympics, although at that time I was just an MGA apprentice referee. Now my wife can no longer call me a crazy daydreamer!” said Boo.

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Yong game for new challenge at Kota Permai What do you do to improve on an awardwinning club like Kota Permai Golf & Country Club? New senior club manager Sheren Yong hopes to elevate the service standards and take the club to even greater heights.

“Kota Permai is already on a good track and I think we just need to make some enhancements in terms of service, F&B and caddies,” said Yong, who has been with Gamuda Land Clubs for seven years.

“We can improve on the efficiency of our counter people in the way they deal with our members as well as visitors, especially expatriates and tourists. Kota Permai has many reciprocal clubs and we want to create a truly memorable experience for them so they will want to come back for more.

“Of course we’ll also be looking at the business plan and the way we approach corporate business so we can increase golfing traffic during off-peak hours,” she added.

Following a successful career with the Berjaya Group where she was one of the top sales achievers for the golf membership division, Yong joined Gamuda Land in 2009 as club manager of Jade Hills Resort Club and Botanic Resort Club. Her last position before joining Kota Permai was senior manager of Gamuda Land Recreation Clubs.

“Working for a golf club is different from a recreation club as the expectations of the golfing members are higher, but I’m

“Our ultimate goal is to get Kota Permai recognised as a world-class golf club.”

SHEREN YONG, SENIOR CLUB MANAGER, KOTA PERMAI GCC

enjoying the challenge,” said Yong, who is currently taking golf lessons and hopes to get on the golf course soon.

“It’s important for me to play as that will equip me with better knowledge and understanding of golf. When you manage a

golf club, you have to be well-versed in all aspects of club operations,” she noted.

“Our ultimate goal is to get Kota Permai recognised as a world-class golf club and we are looking at hosting more major events here in the near future,” Yong stressed.

Enticing Els Club package at The Datai Langkawi The Datai Langkawi is offering a special 3D/2N golf package with two rounds of golf at The Els Club Teluk Datai.

Priced from US$965, The Datai Els Golf Package includes a two-night stay, two rounds of golf with caddie and lunch at The Els Club Teluk Datai, guided morning or evening nature walks, daily signature breakfast, return airport and golf course transfers, pre-dinner drinks at the Lobby

Lounge or Beach Club, two dinners at the resort restaurant of choice, complimentary mini bar (exclusive of alcohol) and late check-out (subject to availability).

Situated on the northwest tip of the island, The Datai Langkawi is framed by lush rainforest and overlooks the tranquil Datai Bay recognised by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Designed by South African legend Ernie

Els, The Els Club Teluk Datai has won numerous awards since opening for play in late 2014. The course plays between the towering peaks of the Macincang range and the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, featuring a heady mix of hillside and seafronting holes.

For more information and reservations, email reservation@dataihotels.com or call +604-9500 500.

ParGolf MAY 2016

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Fantastic 15th at Damai Laut The 15th edition of the popular Swiss-Garden Cup was held on the weekend of March 19-20 at its perennial venue, the Damai Laut Golf & Country Club in Lumut, Perak.

Seventy-two golfers took part in the twoday event, many opting for the 'play and stay'

tournament packages to enjoy family getaways at Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

Regular participant Nordin Yahya emerged as the overall champion for the second time, having also won the title in 2012. The twohandicapper carded rounds of 72 and 77 for a

Overall champion Nordin Yahya and women’s gross winner Khairunhanisah

CC Chew (R) receiving the Sure-Win Hole-In-One prize of a Titoni watch from Izudin Merican, group general manager of Swiss-Garden International

two-day gross total of 149, beating junior golfer Danial Durisic by three shots. Nordin took home a 43” Panasonic television, 3D/2N stay at Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut and a Samsara Spa Royal Special voucher.

Meanwhile, the ladies gross title was claimed by Khairunhanisah for the second year running. She shot rounds of 80 and 86 for a total of 166 to win a Sharp 32” television and 2D/1N stay at Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

The men’s nett title was won by 14-handicapper BK Arshad with a two-day nett score of 136, while Roxanne Cole Nidd topped the ladies’ nett standings with a total of 134.

The Sure-To-Win Hole-In-One of a Titoni Airliner watch went to CC Chew, who sent his tee shot six feet from the pin at the parthree 13th hole.

“Swiss-Garden Cup 2016 had plenty in store for the participants. The resort provides the perfect getaway for a weekend of golf with friends and family. Golf is not just a game, it’s a lifestyle and our golf course is designed to challenge the players’ techniques and skills,” said Mohamed Elsayeh, general manager of Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

As has become its tradition, the event incorporated a media and guests game, welcome dinner for participants at the seaside Gayam restaurant and grand prizegiving lunch following the conclusion of Sunday’s second round. Sponsors for this year’s edition included Heineken, Srixon, Titoni, AGN, Nippon Golf Tech, Panasonic, Newage and Permanis Sandiland.

Gregory and Princess rule in KL Singapore’s Gregory Foo and Princess Superal of the Philippines won the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open, staged on April 5-7 at Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA).

Foo, 22, ran away with the men’s title with a superb total of 10-under-par 206 after rounds of 69, 71 and 66. Seven shots behind in second place was Malaysia’s Amir Nazrin Jailani with another national team member, Daeng Abdul Rahman, a further two shots adrift.

Superal meanwhile had a harder time in the women’s event as she had to come from a shot back after two rounds to edge Malaysian No 1 Nur Durriyah 84

Damian for the title. The Filipino lass, who also won here in 2014 and showed her love for the course with rounds of 72, 73 and 71 for an even-par 216 total, two better than Durriyah who sandwiched a superb 69 between rounds of 75 and 74.

“It’s very good indeed to see a lot of World Amateur Golf Ranking players playing in the tournament,” said Tan Sri Mohd Noor, the vice president of the Malaysian Golf Association. “It augurs well for the development of amateur golf in the country and the region.”

Staged at KGPA since 2012, the tournament is conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Golf Association and supported by the MGA.

ParGolf MAY 2016

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THE LOBBY Adv PNB PerdanaKL

ol.pdf

1

8/18/15

9:42 AM

C

M

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CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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

EXOTIC CONTEMPORARY Pedro Pedro’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection features a combination of exotic landscapes and contemporary style, with a hint of modernised architecture in play.

The women’s collection brings together a strong colour palette of black and blue, with neutral shades of nude and white, exuding confidence. Expect to see heels in a play of design and colours – snakeprint to the chevron print in all versatility, emanating elegance and poise in every form.

The men’s collection, meanwhile, offers warm hues of beige, brown and maroon. The focal point lies in the detailing – dress shoes accentuated with subtle touches of gold shimmer and wooden textures. Attention is brought to prominent pieces such as the espadrilles designed in floral print, coupled with shades of the season.

UNIQUE TATTOO-DNA Romain Jerome

SWEET BLOSSOMS Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Nectarine Blossom by Elizabeth Arden is the latest in the brand’s series of flankers – ie Green Tea Bamboo, Green Tea Cucumber and Green Tea Jasmine – to the hugely popular 1999 fragrance Green Tea. Green Tea Nectarine Blossom is as refreshing and effervescent as it is flirty, a reminder of endless summer days, gleeful, carefree and unforgettable. Bursts of peach, apricot, fresh bergamot and exotic fruits intermingle with green tea vapours as juicy nectarine is drizzled over a bright floral bouquet. Soft musks wrap the wearer in lasting comfort transporting her back to a warm summer night against a backdrop of fleeting sunlight and animated laughter.

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The new Romain Jerome Tattoo-DNA by Xoil is the meeting of two personalities and the result of genuine collaborative work between the Swiss watchmaker and the tattoo artist. Xoil has applied his art – inspired by the themes of belief, balance, feeling, perception and emotion – on watch straps as an extension of his world. Each of these ‘worlds’ is tattooed onto a board of five leather straps, with the illustrations overlapping from one bracelet to another, making each piece unique.

Its dial has been cut out with a water jet to reveal two separate and opposing parts. A Grand Feu enamel dial, decorated with Roman numerals, leaves room for a contemporary and skeletonised movement. Designed by Romain Jerome, the movement with right-angled bridges reveals the balance wheel at 6 o’clock, while the skeletonised small seconds ring, off-centred at 9 o’clock, link the two worlds.

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PRECIOUS PEARLMASTER Rolex The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39 comes in 18 ct Everose gold and is adorned with the rarest diamonds. Its 39mm case houses the new-generation calibre 3235, backed by 14 patents, incorporating the Chronergy escapement developed by Rolex, offering fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetism, convenience and reliability.

The new Pearlmaster 39 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist. With delightfully rounded solid links in 18 ct gold, the Pearlmaster bracelet contributes to the watch’s distinctive character and offers the wearer maximum comfort. It is fitted with a concealed Crownclasp that is both elegant and functional. An alternative version of the bracelet is available with intermediate links in 18 ct white gold set with diamonds.

HONOURING OUTSTANDING LEGACY Montblanc Montblanc’s Patron of Art Edition 2016 pays tribute to the outstanding legacy of one of the most influential art collectors and exhibitors of 20th century art, Peggy Guggenheim. The Limited Edition 81 (a reference to the age at which she passed away) is made from the finest materials, its design inspired by the art deco style that surrounded the collector as she arrived in 1920s Paris.

The skeletonized Au750 solid champagne gold structure of the barrel mirrors the dramatic entrance gates to the Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and the lion head clip design refers to the Lion of Saint Mark, symbol of the city where Guggenheim chose to house her collection.

The skeleton champagne-gold cap, meanwhile, with its black lacquer underlay captures her penchant for the zebra pattern.

EDGE OF POWER Samsung The new Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a convergence of powerful, sophisticated features and intensely enhanced performance using the latest Android OS Marshmallow. The 5.5” Quad HD Super AMOLED on the Edge is constructed with 3D glass and metal – all in a sleek design with durability and ergonomic curves for a comfortable grip. With the enhanced edge screen, users can access the Edge panel to easily see favourite content and services with just a swipe of the thumb.

The Edge features the first Dual Pixel camera on a smartphone, enabling it to deliver brighter and sharper images even in low light conditions. It is also equipped with IP68 capless dust and water resistance for up to 1.5m of water and up to 30 minutes.

In terms of storage, the Edge is equipped with a microSD card slot that can host up to 200GB of expandable storage; the improved microSD card slot also works as a hybrid SIM card tray.

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CARS+PARS

SUPREMELY STYLISH MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

Now in its third-generation facelift form, the new Mitsubishi Outlander features Mitsubishi’s new ‘Dynamic Shield’ face, equipped with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18" dual-tone alloy wheels, a sunroof and a power-operated tailgate.

On the inside, standard features include keyless entry with engine push-start button, cruise control, leather seats, dual-zone auto airconditioning, automatic headlamps and wipers

and a 2-DIN touchscreen head unit.

Standard safety features of the sevenseater SUV include seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, along with the brand’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body and a collapsible steering column.

Powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder MIVEC engine, the sole Outlander variant delivers 167ps at 6,000rpm and 222Nm of torque at

4,100rpm. The engine is paired to an INVECS-III CVT automatic transmission that features a Sports Mode, while Mitsubishi’s Multi-Select 4WD system offers three modes: 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.

The new Outlander is priced at an introductory RM166,720 (OTR without insurance), and is available in three colours: Red Metallic, White Pearl and Grey Metallic.

geometry turbo.

The pick-up boasts a new front grille, new-design 17” alloys shod in 265/65R17 tyres, restyled halogen headlamps and tail lamps. There are not many changes on the inside – there’s the standard audio system (with Bluetooth, USB, CD and AUX) with six speakers, a dual zone automatic airconditioning system and fabric-upholstered seats.

In terms of safety features, the BT-50 comes with two airbags, as well as fourwheel ABS with EBD and BA as standard.

Other safety elements include Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System.

The 2.2L variant is tagged at RM105,478, while the 3.2L is priced at RM116,836 (both prices are OTR without insurance).

BRAWNY KNOCKOUT MAZDA BT-50 FL

The face-lifted Mazda BT-50, offered as a double cab, comes with two turbodiesel engine options – the first a 2.2-litre inline four-cylinder that produces 150hp at 3,700rpm and 374Nm at 2,500rpm; the second a 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder that outputs 200hp at 3,000rpm and 470Nm at 2,500rpm. All BT-50s now only come with a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as commonrail direct injection and variable 88

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY KUALA LUMPUR BUKIT JALIL GCR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8994 1600 KELAB REKREASI ANGKATAN TENTERA (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 2141 1113/1881 KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 7957 3344 KELAB GOLF TITIWANGSA PDRM (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 2693 4964 KUALA LUMPUR GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 2093 1111 KELAB GOLF MAKTAB TENTERA DIRAJA (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 9058 7212 ROYAL SELANGOR GC (45 holes) Tel: 603 - 9206 3333 PUTRAJAYA PALM GARDEN GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8213 6333 SELANGOR AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3123 3800 BANGI GR (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 8925 3728 BUKIT BERUNTUNG GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 6028 1841 BUKIT KEMUNING GCR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 5121 7188 BUKIT UNGGUL CC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8920 2888/2188 DANAU GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8925 1010 GLENMARIE GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 7803 9090 GUTHRIE GOLF ACADEMY PITCH & PUTT COURSE (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7846 3505 ILSAS TENAGA NASIONAL RECREATIONAL GC (9 holes) Tel: 012 - 382 7475 IMPIAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8734 4195 KELAB DARUL EHSAN (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 4257 2333 KELAB GOLF NEGARA SUBANG (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 7876 0381/0388 KUALA KUBU BHARU GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6064 2887 KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA MALAYSIA (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 6156 6870 KELAB REKREASI TENTERA UDARA (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7734 5535/45 KINRARA GC (18 holes) Tel: 03 - 8076 2100 KOTA PERMAI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 5122 3700 LEMBAH BERINGIN GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6460 0016 MONTEREZ GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7846 5989 PORT KLANG GR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3176 1323 ROYAL KAMPUNG KUANTAN CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 3289 1069 SAUJANA GCC (36 holes) Tel: 603 - 7846 1466 SERI SELANGOR GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 7806 1111 SULTAN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH GCC (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 5510 5872 SUNGAI LONG GCC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 9076 2233 SRI MORIB GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 3198 1418 TASIK PUTERI GCC (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 6034 4721/22 TEMPLER PARK CC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6091 9617 THE MINES RESORT & GC (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8943 2288 TROPICANA GCR (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 7804 8888 THE CLUB @ BUKIT UTAMA (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 7725 5199 UPM GOLF COURSE (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 8947 1888 VALENCIA GC (9 holes) Tel: 603 - 6156 0021

JOHOR AUSTIN HEIGHTS GOLF & HOTEL RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 352 4300 BATU PAHAT GC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 432 9221 BUKIT BANANG GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 428 5431 DAIMAN 18 JOHOR BAHRU (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 351 6813/353 3100 GUTHRIE GCC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 752 7107 HORIZON HILLS GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 232 3166 IMPIAN EMAS GCC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 552 2202 IOI PALM VILLA GCR (27 holes) Tel: 607 - 599 9099 KLUANG CC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 771 8840 KOTA TINGGI GR (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 883 1162 KUKUP GR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 696 0950 NAM HENG CC (9 holes) Tel: 6019-775 0055 ORCHARD GCR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 897 7934/6470 PALM RESORT GCC (54 holes) Tel: 607 - 599 2000 PERMAS JAYA GC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 388 6155 PONDEROSA GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 354 9999 PORESIA CC (27 holes) Tel: 607 - 510 2033 PULAI SPRINGS RESORT (36 holes) Tel: 607 - 521 2121 JOHOR GCC (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 223 3322 SEGAMAT CC (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 943 5968 SEBANA COVE RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 826 6655/88 S.T. RHODES CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 607 - 926 1209 STARHILL GCC (36 holes) Tel: 607 - 556 6325 TANJUNG EMAS GC (9 holes)Tel: 606 - 952 1550 TANJUNG PUTERI GR (54 holes) Tel: 607 - 271 1888 THE LEGENDS GCR (27 holes) Tel: 607 - 652 4388

PERAK CLEARWATER SANCTUARY GR (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 366 7433 DAMAI LAUT GCC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 685 9333 KINTA GC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 365 2827 KUALA KANGSAR GC (9 holes) Tel: 605 - 776 2396 MERU VALLEY RESORT (27 holes) Tel: 605 - 529 3300/3333 ROYAL PERAK GC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 542 3266 TAIPING GOLF RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 883 7500 TELUK INTAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 623 7421

MELAKA A’FAMOSA GR (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 552 0888 AYER KEROH CC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 233 2000/2001 ORNA GCC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 521 0333 TIARA MELAKA GCC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 231 1111/2366

PERLIS PUTRA PERLIS GC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 976 9660 UUM GOLF & RECREATION CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 928 2684

NEGERI SEMBILAN GEMAS GR (18 holes) Tel: 607 - 948 2687 NILAI SPRINGS GCC (27 holes) Tel: 606 - 850 8888 PORT DICKSON GCC (18 holes) Tel : 606 - 647 3586/3123 ROYAL PALM SPRINGS GC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 661 9599 ROYAL SERI MENANTI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 497 9600 / 900 SEREMBAN INTERNATIONAL GC (18 holes) Tel: 606 - 677 5277 STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT (27 holes) Tel: 603 - 8766 6117/8/9 THISTLE PORT DICKSON RESORT (9 holes) Tel: 606 - 648 2828 UTOPIA GR (FORMERLY ERA GCC) (18 holes) Tel: 017 - 336 0836

PULAU PINANG MOUNTAIN VIEW GR (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 583 3777 PENANG GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 644 2255 BUKIT JAWI GR (36 holes) Tel: 604 - 582 0759 PENANG GOLF RESORT (36 holes) Tel: 604 - 578 2022 PENANG TURF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 238 5226 KEDAH BLACK FOREST GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 922 2790 /822 CINTA SAYANG RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 441 4666 DARULAMAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 917 0001 GUNUNG RAYA GR (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 966 8148 HARVARD GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 450 0323 KULIM GCR (27 holes) Tel: 604 - 403 2828 PERMAIPURA GCC (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 459 4000 ROYAL KEDAH GC (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 731 9405/733 0467 SG. PETANI GC (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 422 4894 THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI (18 holes) Tel: 604 - 959 2700 99 EAST GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 604 - 955 1153

KELANTAN GUA MUSANG GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 912 0010/11 KELAB REKREASI TENTERA DARAT (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 787 8200 KELANTAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 748 2102 TERENGGANU BUKIT BESI GC (18 holes) Tel: 019 - 956 4760 DESA DUNGUN GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 848 1041 GREEN ACRES GCR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 616 3500 KUALA TERENGGANU GR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 666 6836 KELAB GOLF & REKREASI PETRONAS (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 804 0232 RESORTS WORLD KIJAL (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 864 1188 PAHANG AWANA GENTING HIGHLANDS GCR (18 holes) Tel: 603 - 6436 9037 BENTONG GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 222 2585 BERJAYA HILLS GCC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 222 8882 CAMERON HIGHLANDS GC (18 holes) Tel: 605 - 4911126

FRASER’S HILL GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 362 2888 / 03 - 2691 6633 KELAB GOLF KEM UNGKU NAZAMUDDIN (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 312 2901 KELAB REKREASI SRI MAHKOTA (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 277 7831 KELAB REKREASI TUDM KUANTAN (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 538 4282 LANJUT GOLDEN BEACH & GR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 414 5113 LIPIS VALLEY GC (9 holes) Tel: 609 - 312 1963/4/5 MAHKOTA GCC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 573 9595 MARAN HILL GR (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 468 9187 ROYAL PAHANG GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 567 5811 ROYAL PEKAN GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 422 4139 SELESA RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 233 0039/42 TIOMAN ISLAND GC (18 holes) Tel: 609 - 419 1000 SABAH BORNEO GOLF RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 861 888 DALIT BAY GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 791 333 HOT SPRING GC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 765 555 KENINGAU GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 331 113 KINABALU GC (9 holes) Tel: 6088 - 251 615 KUDAT GOLF & MARINA RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 611 002 LAHAD DATU GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 867 288 MIMPIAN JADI GC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 787 122 MOUNT KINABALU GC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 889 445 NEXUS GOLF RESORT KARAMBUNAI (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 411 215 SABAH GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6088 - 247 533 SANDAKAN GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 660 557 SHAN-SHUI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6089 - 916 888 SUTERA HARBOUR GCC (27 holes) Tel: 6088 - 318 888 SIGALONG GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6016 - 830 3657 TAWAU GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 6089 - 765 990 TAMBUNAN GC (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 773 114/115 SARAWAK BINTULU GC (18 holes) Tel: 6086 - 253 213 BORNEO HIGHLANDS RESORT (18 holes) Tel: 6019 - 828 0790 DAMAI GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6082 - 846 088 EASTWOOD VALLEY GCC (18 holes) Tel: 6085 - 421 010 KELAB GOLF SARAWAK (36 holes) Tel: 6082 - 444 791/440 966 MIRI GC (18 hole) Tel: 6085 - 416 787 PRISONS GC (9 holes) Tel: 6082 - 613 544 SAMARAHAN CC (18 holes) Tel: 6013 - 816 1876 SIBU GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 6084 - 228 119 LABUAN LABUAN GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: 6087 - 412 711 LABUAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: 6087 - 468 468

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

Surprising Amverton

The Golfers Paradise

AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT

A‘FAMOSA GOLF RESORT

The Jungle Serenity

AYER KEROH COUNTRY CLUB

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

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

Play the Best

Never Too Far From Anywhere

Public Golfer’s Paradise

BUKIT JALIL GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT

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

Golfing At Its Very Best

Johor’s Hidden Jewel

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

DAIMAN 18 PUBLIC COURSE 18, Jalan Pesona, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel: +607-351 6813 / 353 3100 Fax: +607-351 6823 E-mail: daiman18@daiman.com.my Website: www.daiman.com.my Designer: Golf Oasis Sdn Bhd Description: 18 holes, 5,651m, par 71

DAMAI LAUT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 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

BOOK YOUR ULTIMATE GOLF GETAWAY AT

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Play Exciting Golf

DANAU GOLF CLUB

In Pursuit of Perfection

Pride Of Nusajaya

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY 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

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

Malaysia’s Best

Pride Of The Civil Service

A New Era In Golfing

IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM

KELAB GOLF SERI SELANGOR

Batu 14, Jln Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Tel: +603-8734 4195/96/97 Fax: +603-8734 8133 Website: www.igcc.com.my Designer: Ross C. Watson & Tze To Kok Yia Description: 18 holes, par 72 Maintenance: Mon

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

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

Serene Beauty

Tee Off With Mother Nature

Where Living & Leisure Come Together

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 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

Call 05-684

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

Emirates and Letz Travel are offering golfers a chance to earn a dream golfing trip to Dubai not only to play golf, but also to witness the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates this November.

The Drive To Dubai Challenge 2016 is a five-tournament series which will be staged from May to August at leading Malaysian golf clubs, with the gross champion, nett champion and grand lucky draw winner from each round winning a 5D/3N all-expensepaid golf excursion to Dubai on November 19-23. The package is valued at RM7,800 per person and includes two rounds of golf at the Greg Norman-designed Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The first qualifying round will be at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Kota Kemuning on May 11, one of three legs in Selangor – the other two being at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club in Shah Alam (July 19) and Templer Park Country Club in Rawang (August 25).

©David Cannon/Getty Images

Drive To Dubai with Emirates

The event will move to Penang Golf Club for the fourth qualifying round on September 15 before coming to a close at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Johor on October 12.

The entry fee for the qualifying rounds is RM480 which includes Emirates merchandise.

Prizes for a hole-in-one are a RM50,000 Transview Golf voucher and a RM25,000 golf package to St Andrews.

DRIVE TO DUBAI CHALLENGE 2016 SCHEDULE

May 11 July 19 Aug 25 Sept 15 Oct 12

Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Selangor Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Selangor Templer Park Country Club, Selangor Penang Golf Club, Penang Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Johor

Yeangder TPC set for three more years

Ponderosa’s Teo elected chairman of MAH Johor chapter

The Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) will continue to be part of the Asian Tour for three more years following the Yeangder Group’s commitment to extend its sponsorship of the popular event.

Shaun Norris The seventh edition of the US$500,000 event will return to the Linkou International Golf & Country Club this June 30 to July 3. Last year, South Africa’s Shaun Norris earned himself a dream victory when he clinched the title under challenging conditions in what was his first visit to Taiwan on his rookie Asian Tour season.

“The Yeangder TPC has enjoyed great success since it was inaugurated in 2010 and we look forward to seeing more top-notch golfing action from Asia’s best players,” said Emmet Hsu, chairman of the Yeangder Group.

“It’s also going to be very exciting for players who are battling for a spot at the Olympics. With crucial world ranking points on offer at the Yeangder TPC, aspiring Olympians will have further motivation to do well that week,” he added.

Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort’s general manager Ivan Teo has been elected chairman of the Johor Chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH).

“With the overall soft economic environment expected to worsen in 2016, all travel and tourism businesses need to forge stronger ties and synergize to overcome the increasingly challenging tourism business together,” said Teo. “We need to strengthen our membership before we start to work closely with Johor State Tourism and other government-related bodies to enhance Johor as a tourism destination.

“There are plans to park all travelrelated NGOs and consolidate all their initiatives under one umbrella led by Johor Tourism Association (JTA) that reports to Johor State Tourism. Hence, we can all work together to create a sort of blueprint combining all our products to make travelling in Johor for the stranger more friendly. In the interim, there are discussions for the creation of a pass for tourists coming into Johor – where upon arrival at any central point or terminal, they can

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Log on to www.letztravel.com.my or call 03-5131 8711 / email: golf@letztravel.com.my for more information.

purchase day or multiple day passes that will enable them to be picked up and transported to hotels, to play golf, visit places and theme parks, shop, eat, etc, either for free or at preferential rates,” he added.

The other office bearers are vicechairman Simon McGrath (general manager, DoubleTree By Hilton), honorary secretary Jef Kong (GM, Le Grandeur Palm Resort) and treasurer Stephen Teo (GM, Granada Hotel Johor Bahru), while the committee members are Sunny Soo (GM, Pulai Springs Resort), Zaharuddin Abdul Jalil (GM, Berjaya Waterfront) and Mahadi Mathana (GM, KSL Resort City).

Teo (centre) with fellow committee members

ParGolf MAY 2016

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HEALTH & FITNESS Join some of the industry’s leading experts as they share how we can get and stay healthy to make the most out of our golf games!

US OPEN PREVIEW Who’s hot and who’s not for the 116th staging of the US Open Championship at Oakmont on June 16-19!

NOT TO BE MISSED ...

PARGOLF’S JUNE 2016 ISSUE!

TEE TO GRIN

©Asian Tour

The Mercuries Taiwan Masters will Danny Chia celebrate its 30th anniversary this year by increasing its prize fund to an all-time high of US$800,000.

The long-running Asian Tour event, which is backed by Mercuries Group, returns to Taiwan Golf & Country Club’s Tamsui course from September 29 to October 2.

“We have enjoyed three decades of glorious golf at the Tamsui course and welcomed worthy champions along the way.

The Mercuries Group remains fully committed in promoting professional golf in Chinese Taipei and across Asia and I believe the record prize fund of US$800,000 at this year’s milestone event will ensure another great tournament for fans and television viewers,” said Taiwan Masters Golf Tournament chairman George Wong.

In last year’s event, Malaysia’s Danny Chia triumphed for his second Asian Tour victory, joining an illustrious list of champions at the event which is modelled after the Masters Tournament.

DREAMY DANANG Stanley Saw returns to the windswept beaches of Danang via Jetstar and falls in love with its golf courses, food and people all over again.

©Fred Vuich/Getty Images

More money for Mercuries Taiwan Masters

©Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Zimbabwean golf legend Nick Price will captain the Presidents Cup International Team for the third consecutive time in the 2017 edition of the biennial matchplay event against the United States.

Price will lead his team of 12 against the Americans, captained by Steve Stricker, next September 28 to October 1 at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. The previous match in Korea last year ended in a seventh win for the Americans out of nine editions, but only after a nail-biting finish which went down to the last singles between Korea’s Bae Sangmoon and American Bill Haas.

“The Presidents Cup has meant so much to me and to my career, both as a player and a captain, and I’m excited to have another chance to be a part of this great event,” said Price, who has won 27 titles worldwide including three Majors and was World No 1 in 1994.

“I am so looking forward to leading what I'm sure will be another very strong International Team and having another opportunity to win the Cup, after such a close finish last year.

Steve will be a tremendous captain for the US Team in 2017, as he has always been a tenacious competitor and is respected by so many of us who play the game. I know he will be a tough opponent as well as a very popular captain,” added the Durban native, who played in five Presidents Cups from 1994 to 2003.

Mike Wilson investigates how England Golf’s development initiatives have revived and revved up the English game, culminating in Danny Willett’s win at Augusta National.

NEXT ROUND

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

MAKING OF A MASTER

©Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

©Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Price versus Stricker for 2017 Presidents Cup

Everybody ... STOP! The staff long drive contest is on hold.

There's a small problem with the office across the street.

ParGolf MAY 2016

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www.malaysiangolfawards.com

AND THE NOMINEES ARE ...

MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE YEAR – MALE Danny Chia Nicholas Fung Arie Irawan R. Nachimuthu Sukree Othman

MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE YEAR – MALE Adam Arif Madzri Bryan Teoh Wiyang Daeng Abdul Rahman Rhaasrikanesh Kanavathi Victor Ng Yu Kai

MOST IMPROVED GOLF COURSE Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort Bukit Unggul Country Club Ponderosa Golf & Country Club Sungai Long Golf & Country Club Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club

MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE Kelly Tan Michelle Koh Ainil Johani

MALAYSIAN JUNIOR GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE Ashley Lau Jen Wen Natasha Andre Oon Winnie Ng

BEST NEW GOLF COURSE Mahkota Golf & Country Club

MALAYSIAN AMATEUR GOLFER OF THE YEAR – MALE Amir Nazrin Jailani Galven Kendall Green Muhammad Afif Mohd Fathi

BEST OVERALL GOLF EXPERIENCE The Els Club Teluk Datai Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club Palm Garden Golf Club Templer Park Country Club Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club

BREAKTHROUGH GOLFER OF THE YEAR

MALAYSIAN AMATEUR GOLFER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE Genevieve Ling I-Ryn Nur Durriyah Damian Nur Eliana Ariffin Vivienne Chin

BEST MAINTAINED GOLF COURSE The Els Club Teluk Datai Kota Permai Golf & Country Club Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club Palm Garden Golf Club Royal Selangor Golf Club

NON-VOTED AWARDS COMEBACK GOLFER OF THE YEAR

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR MERIT AWARD FOR SERVICES TO GOLF BEST HANDICAP MANAGEMENT OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO GOLF

WHO WILL BE THE WINNERS? ALL WILL BE REVEALED ON MAY 21!

Note: • Winners in voted categories determined by a panel of golf industry experts appointed by ParGolf and the Malaysian Golf Association • Performance categories based on results in 2015 • Only golfers born on or after January 1, 2000 eligible for junior awards • Winners of non-voted awards determined solely by ParGolf and/or the Malaysian Golf Association

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