ParGolf Magazine (November 2016)

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ARNOLD PALMER

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FEATURES 18

Arnold Palmer

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Khao Yai, Thailand

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Ernie Els

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Langkawi, Kedah

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The Els Club Desaru Coast

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Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club

Kingly Tribute

The Big Easy Speaks

Southern Swing

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Insider Tips For Travellers

Psst … Got A Pen?

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KINGLY TRIBUTE FOR ARNOLD PALMER

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Dominican Republic

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Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands

Caribbean Bliss

Head To The Mountain More Than Meets The Eye

Real Value

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Dan Stone VP, Titleist Golf Club R&D The Titleist Way

Cool Crisp Highlands

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Contents

NOVEMBER 2016 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

EVENTS 78 85

Par Wars Causeway Cup

COLUMNS 24 63 77

Reading The Lines Asian Angles Almost OB

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: 34 CARIBBEAN BLISS

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Contents

NOVEMBER 2016 ● www.pargolfmagazine.com

KHAO YAI, THAILAND: 46 HEAD TO THE MOUNTAIN

DEPARTMENTS 8 10 12 14 60 62 67 75 76 80 80 81 82 86 88 90 94

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

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from the pargolf team I'm Leaving On A Jetplane ...

Don't know when I'll be back again …

Well we all know how that John Denver song goes, and in this Travel Special, we're all about discovering some amazing destinations – locally as well as across the seas – that will certainly help you get that much-deserved relaxation to recharge the mind, body and spirit.

But before we get to these hot vacation spots, join Jonathan Ponniah on page 28 as he gives us the lowdown on the newly opened The Els Club Desaru Coast in Johor, following an interview with Ernie 'The Big Easy' Els himself about his second project in Malaysia after The Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi.

Now let's get on the magic carpet and let it take us on a wild ride. First stop – an exotic Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west, Dominican Republic. Known for its pristine beaches, five-star resorts, rainforest and highlands, the Spanish-speaking country packs a punch in terms of leisure and sporting activities fit for the whole family, including a number of topnotch golf courses! Flip to page 34 for an enticing dose of 'Caribbean Bliss'.

Next, jet-set to the African continent and discover Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands, which stretches along the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. These cooler regions, sparsely populated, offer a refreshing strip of mountain country that reels holidaymakers – as well as avid golfers – back for more. Check out the full story on page 40!

We then return to Asia, and explore Khao Yai in Thailand, one of the most picturesque regions that the Land of Smiles has to offer.

Located a short three hours’ drive away from Bangkok, Khao Yai is blessed with a lush, mountainous landscape, verdant valleys, majestic waterfalls and rich biodiversity, making it a year-round getaway destination. Plus there's the spectacular golf courses for you to take on, as well as the exciting theme parks and vineyards. Flip to page 46 to 'Head To The Mountain'.

Also, join Jonathan as he reviews the Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club, located in Negeri Sembilan. Get the scoop on page 56!

Plus there's a whole lot more in this issue, folks. Better get busy!

FACTS & STATS POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

PLAYER Dustin Johnson Jason Day Adam Scott Rory McIlroy Patrick Reed Jordan Spieth Russell Knox Kevin Chappell Hideki Matsuyama Jimmy Walker Justin Thomas Phil Mickelson Brandt Snedeker Paul Casey Matt Kuchar Ryan Moore William McGirt Bubba Watson Kevin Na Kevin Kisner

NO OF EVENTS 22 20 20 18 28 21 25 27 23 25 28 22 27 22 26 23 28 19 26 27

WINNINGS (US$) $) $9,365,185 $8,045,112 $6,473,090 $5,790,585 $5,679,575 $5,538,470 $4,885,906 $4,501,050 $4,193,954 $4,148,546 $4,126,366 $4,022,628 $3,960,142 $3,885,560 $3,819,678 $3,701,034 $3,614,972 $3,492,842 $3,441,291 $3,424,354

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2015-2016 PGA TOUR MONEY LIST (FOLLOWING THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP) IONSHIP)

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FREEZE FRAME

Rory

Atlanta, USA, September 25: Rory McIlroy lets it all out after winning the season-ending Tour Championship, coming out tops in a three-way playoff for the title at East Lake.

McIlroy made a 15-foot birdie on the fourth playoff hole to beat Ryan Moore, after Kevin Chappell had dropped out on the first extra hole.

The three men had finished regulation play tied on 12-under-par, McIlroy making up a three-shot deficit with three to go by finishing eagle, par, birdie.

The win was worth a whopping US$11.53 million as McIlroy not only claimed the winner’s cheque of US$1.53 million but also the US$10 million FedExCup bonus.

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©Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ROARS! ROAR

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FIRST TEE

Ryder Cuppers bid farewell to The King USA captain Davis Love III and several of his victorious team members brought the Ryder Cup to the public memorial for Arnold Palmer at Saint Vincent College in Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe on October 4.

Acting on a request by Palmer’s daughter Amy, Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson arrived at the Saint Vincent Basilica with the Ryder Cup. The coveted trophy was left on a table in the

“I loved the Ryder Cup, because it simply wasn’t about playing for money.

It was about playing for something far grander and more personal.”

©Hunter Martin/Getty Images

©Hunter Martin/Getty Images

ARNOLD PALMER

back of the church for the whole service. It was a fitting tribute to the King whose love for the team event was legendary.

“Arnie loved competition so much. He loved the Ryder Cup,” said Love, who captained his team to an emphatic 17-11 victory at Hazeltine National, the first American triumph since 2008.

“The family delayed the service until Tuesday; they didn’t want to get in the way of the Ryder Cup. It’s what Arnie would’ve wanted, for us to go on and play.

“Arnie would’ve loved to see the trophy. It’s a sad day, but it’s also part of a celebration,” he added.

Love noted that one of his great memories was Palmer visiting him after he was named captain.

“He was adamant that I win the tournament and bring back the Cup. He said I’m the right man for the job.”

Palmer passed away on September 25 at age 87.

In 32 matches over seven editions from 1963 to 1975, he amassed 23 points which still stands as the best American success rate.

Johnson’s hockey connection

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Bridgestone Invitational and the BMW Championship.

“Obviously with all the success I’ve had this year with everything that I accomplished, I have a lot of confidence. The biggest thing for me and what gives me the most confidence is knowing the work that I’m putting in is working, so that drives me to work harder,” noted Johnson, notorious for his near misses in the Majors until his US Open breakthrough.

“Obviously my expectations going into next year are going to be very high, and that’s going to drive me to keep continuing to work hard and keep doing exactly what I’m doing because it’s working,” he stressed.

Johnson and Gretzky got engaged in 2013 and have a son, Tatum, who is approaching two years old.

©Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Dustin Johnson has credited his superb 2016 season – well partly at least – to his fiancée Paulina’s father, ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

“Just having his support and his belief, just telling me how good I am and things like that, it definitely helps.

It helps with confidence, helps with everything. Just being able to talk to him sometimes and pick his brain about things that are going on with the golf has been unbelievable,” said Johnson, who was voted PGA Tour Player of the Year for the 2015-2016 season by his peers.

2016 was a milestone season for Johnson as he bagged three titles, including his maiden Major at the US Open – and the two other wins weren’t exactly in pattycake events, coming in the World Golf ChampionshipsParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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FIRST TEE

Tears flowed freely as Korean legend Pak Se Ri played her last competitive round during last month’s LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship, fittingly in her home city of Seoul.

Pak, 39, had made known her intention to hang up her clubs early this season and played her final tour event on American soil in the US Women’s Open in July. She however saved her final hurrah for the Korean event, shooting a first round 80 and withdrawing as persistent shoulder problems – and emotions – got the better of her.

“I will have to say that during the game it was an emotional roller coaster for me. When I reached the 18th I was on the tee box and I felt like I couldn’t make the shot. I think I cried all throughout the 18th hole. Actually there was a flood of emotions that I really didn’t expect to feel,” said Pak, who won two of her five Majors in an amazing rookie season in 1998, catalysing the ‘Korean invasion’ of the LPGA Tour.

“I could see the gallery and the fans

“If there’s one thing that I want to be remembered for, it’s as someone who greatly impacted the game beyond just what happens inside the ropes.”

PAK SE RI

and there was just a lot of love and support. I’ve had a lot of victories in my career, and I have to say they were some of the best, happiest moments of my career,” she added.

Asked what she would want to be remembered for, Pak answered: “If there’s one thing that I want to be remembered for, it’s as someone who greatly impacted the game beyond just what happens inside the ropes. As you’ve seen with Mr Arnold Palmer, who unfortunately passed away not too long ago, I want to be remembered in a way that everybody cherishes and respects what I’ve done, whether that’s from all the little girls who are watching and playing golf today or anybody else that I love and ever loved me,” she said.

©Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

End of an era

Danny Willett may have had an awful Ryder Cup debut, failing to pick up a single point and suffering the brunt of the backlash from his brother’s comments about unruly American fans, but the Englishman seemed to recover pretty fast.

Speaking after the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Masters at St Andrews, just a few days after Europe’s 11-17 mauling by the Americans at Hazeltine National, Willet said: “I think you look at the team atmosphere and the team environment was fantastic.

FAST FACT Rory McIlroy’s playoff victory in the Tour Championship made him the first player from Northern Ireland to win the PGA Tour’s season-ender, and the seventh non-American to do so – joining Mike Weir (2001, Canada); Vijay Singh (2002, Fiji); Retief Goosen (2004, South Africa); Adam Scott (2006, Australia); Camilo Villegas (2008, Colombia) and Henrik Stenson (2013, Sweden).

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Clarkey did a great job and unfortunately the golf wasn’t – my golf wasn’t up to standard.

The American team played very, very good. They holed the putts when they had to hole the putts and unfortunately the European team didn’t but the week as a whole, and how the guys bonded and the friendships you make and how you do after are all great.”

Wonder if Willett will be a captain’s pick if he doesn’t qualify automatically for the next edition in France. ©Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

©Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Memorable Ryder Cup debut for Willett

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ARNOLD PALMER

Kingly Tribute

ŠDavid Cannon/Getty Images

He seemed immortal but Arnold Palmer is no longer with us. Mike Wilson looks back on the amazing life and career of the King, while wondering if anyone can ever inherit his crown.

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here was a rich and inimical irony that, on the very day Arnold Palmer passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another golfing superstar, Rory McIlroy, was enriching himself to the tune of US$11.5 million – US$10 million for winning the FedEx Cup, topped up by the US$1.5 million loose change that came with winning the season-ending Tour Championship.

The irony is that, at a similar stage of his career, the late, great Arnold Palmer had won less than US$4 million on course during a career spanning 52 years, subsequently relying on his name, brand and business acumen to die a very rich man. Some estimates suggest Palmer had a net worth of US$875 million, his world-famous signature golf umbrella a hallmark of success, his golf course design company creating over 300 courses worldwide including the first ever in China, Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan which opened for play in 1984.

All in all, 113 tournament wins across a dozen different countries, seven of them Majors; the stylish, swashbuckling devil-may-care attitude of Palmer coincided with the vision of a young Ohio lawyer, Mark H McCormack, who packaged Arnie with his two other drawcards, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, to create the ‘Big Three’. All this synchronised with the rise of golf as a televisual sport – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Before McCormack’s influence and marketing flair, there was an apocryphal tale that US food giant Heinz had signed Palmer, no money involved, just as much as their famous tomato ketchup as he could use. But, before long, Palmer had deals with Rolex and MasterCard, surpassing the legends of the pre-TV era of Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Byron Nelson, thanks in large part to the small TV screen in the corner of the ‘babyboomer’ generation.

I met Palmer just the once, at a Rolex function in Geneva, the ‘Big Three’ all ambassadors of the Swiss horologist, and he was the ‘real deal’.

During an all-too-brief encounter, Palmer exuded charm, sincerity, humility, magnetism, the firmest of firm handshakes and a piercing look straight into the eyes of every one of the 50-plus people he met that day. Just another routine meet-and-greet but, if there is such a thing as charisma, Arnold Daniel

On the set of the film 'Call Me Bwana' in 1962

Arnold Palmer was to golf what Clarke Gable, Clint Eastwood and Marlon Brando were to the movies, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to music.

Palmer was the very epitome of it.

The son of the greenkeeper-cumprofessional at Latrobe Golf Club in Pennsylvania, which he subsequently bought along with the Bay Hill Country Club where he has hosted the Arnold Palmer Invitational every year since 1979, Palmer was to golf what Clarke Gable, Clint Eastwood and Marlon Brando were to the movies, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to music.

Player and Nicklaus may have won more Majors than the seven claimed by Palmer, nine and 18 respectively, but let there be no doubt – of the ‘Big Three’ Palmer was first amongst equals. He was the man the galleries – ‘Arnie’s Army’ – stood 10-abreast to watch as he dropped a cigarette on the ground before smacking his golf ball with a prodigious force far in excess of his somewhat slight 5’10”, 185lb frame and with far greater accuracy than a somewhat unconventional swing with the infamous ‘helicopter finish’ from his follow-through.

Palmer was ruthless on the golf course, mild-mannered and famously philanthropic off it. With the British Open dying on its feet having fallen off the radar of American professional golf,

it was Palmer’s decision to cross the Atlantic to play in the 1960 Open that breathed new life into a moribund event, starting the process of making it what it is today.

Just a year before, at Muirfield in 1959, no American golf pros were in the field. The reason was simple – it was a long way away and the prize money, US$1,250 to the winner compared to the US Open's US$14,400, made it less than a compelling proposition.

"Looking out the window of Rusacks [Hotel] and looking at the golf course and all the people this morning and having breakfast and relaxing and enjoying it, I saw all the things I saw and thought about in 1960," Palmer said. "I suppose most of the week when I came here the first time, I didn't understand well enough to respect the kind of golf I was going to have to play to do good at the Open Championship.

It took me a while to begin to understand what this golf course and what European golf and what the links golf was really all about. So it was quite a thrill."

Unlike his two adversaries in the Big Three and many a mediocre golfer – Rich Beam, Jason Dufner, YE Yang

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©Evening Standard/Getty Images

ARNOLD PALMER

Golf's Big Three – Nicklaus, Palmer & Player

©Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Palmer married Kathleen Gawthrop in 2005

©Stephen Munday/Getty Images

With first wife Winnie, who passed away in 1999

and Bobby Nichols spring readily to mind – before and after him, Palmer never won the USPGA Championship.

So the Grand Slam eluded an authentic man who travelled widely, piloting his own plane well into his eighties, played hard but fair. Without question, he was box office, an original, a trailblazer who was in the right place at the right time with film-star good looks, a personality to match them and the game to back it all up.

Without question, all 48 PGA Tour players who banked in excess of US$2 million this season owe a huge debt of gratitude to Arnold Palmer – the man who found the combination for the cash machine that is contemporary golf. The

PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP In a deal brokered by the late IMG founder Mark McCormack, Palmer was the first golfer to become a Rolex Testimonee in 1967 and remained so until his passing – in fact, he was active in his duties until recently.

“Rolex and Arnold Palmer maintained a privileged and warm relationship for nearly 50 years, working side by side to develop the game as it opened up to the world. He was an exceptional friend, a true sportsman and a real gentleman,” said Bertrand Gros, chairman of Rolex.

“Arnold Palmer was always an inspirational partner and we are forever grateful for the standard of excellence he set,” he added.

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©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

In a statement issued following Palmer’s death, the bespoke Swiss watchmakers paid tribute to his “inestimable impact on the game of golf and the defining role he played as an enduring ambassador for the brand”.

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sportsmen – never mind golfer – of all time.

The irony of the timing of his death on the eve of the 41st Ryder Cup, a passing many believe played a considerable part in the revival of a US team that took Europe to the cleaners at Hazeltine, Palmer remains America’s most successful player with 22 wins in seven appearances, never on the losing side, twice a captain, combining

captaincy with playing at the Atlanta Athletic Club in 1963.

The King is indeed dead, but is there anyone out there fit to inherit the crown?

Only time will tell, but Palmer will not only be a huge loss to global golf, to America, but also a very hard, almost impossible act to follow, a fusion of star quality, talent, tenacity and humility. I, a champion sports-writing cynic, salute him and mourn his passing. PG

©David Cannon/Getty Images

received wisdom is that today’s professionals, many unknown out of their own state or country, owe their good – and substantial – fortune to Tiger Woods. Whilst this may be true in part, the argument that Woods owes an even greater debt of gratitude to Palmer is a compelling one. Arnie did it first, with class, in style and with a sincerity that marks him out as one of the greatest

THE PALMER LEGACY During the memorial service for Palmer on October 4 in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, numerous tributes were paid by a veritable ‘who’s who’ in golf and beyond. The most poignant and meaningful speech, however, came from Palmer’s grandson Sam Saunders, a professional golfer now in his second season on the PGA Tour.

The son of Palmer’s younger daughter Amy, Saunders was asked later how it felt being always known as Arnold Palmer’s grandson.

“I’m so proud to be Arnold Palmer’s grandson. That’s something I’m never going to shy away from. I take great pride in carrying on his legacy and that’s my main focus,” he replied.

“I’m going to work my hardest to have a successful professional career, but I will never be able to achieve what he did on the golf course or really off the golf course. None of us really will,” added the 29-year-old.

In action at the 1967 World Match Play at Wentworth

©Keystone/Getty Images

Saunders learnt the game from his grandfather and never really had another coach until his college days.

“I’m trying to soak up everything he ever told me about how to play this game – not only on the golf course but how I carry myself off and the way I treat the media and the few fans that I have,” he stressed.

“I’d like to try to make sure that maybe they can see a little bit of him in me. I’d be very proud if that comparison was ever made.”

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ARNOLD PALMER

ARNIE THRU THE YEARS

©Hulton Archive/Getty Images

QUICK CATCH-UP WITH THE 2015 CIMB CLASSIC CHAMPION

1965 US Ryder Cup team – (L to R) Byron Nelson, Tommy Jacobs, Billy Casper, Don January, Johnny Pott, Tony Lema, Ken Venturi, Dave Marr, Gene Littler, Julius Boros and Arnold Palmer

1929

1955

1962

Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Milfred and Dorris Palmer

Plays in first Major as professional at the Masters, finishes 10th.

Wins Masters for the second time in three years.

1933

Wins first professional title in the Canadian Open by four shots.

Loses 18-hole playoff to Jack Nicklaus at the US Open.

Gets first self of clubs from dad, the greenkeeper cum club pro at nine-hole Latrobe Country Club.

1956

Defends British Open title with six-shot win at Royal Troon, carding a 276 total for lowest 72-hole score in Open history.

1941

Wins two titles on the PGA Tour.

Starts to caddie at Latrobe at age 11.

1942 Plays first tournament at age 12.

1947 Enrols at Wake Forest University.

1948 Makes first PGA Tour start – as an amateur – at Greater Greensboro Open, misses cut.

1949 Makes first PGA Tour cut at Dapper Dan Open in Pittsburgh while still an amateur, finishing 54th.

1950 Joins the US Coast Guard, serves for three years.

1953 Plays in first Major at the US Open, misses cut.

1954 Wins US Amateur Championship at The Country Club of Detroit.

Turns professional, signs endorsement deal with Wilson Sporting Goods.

Marries Winifred Walzer.

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Daughter Peggy is born.

Wins outside the US for the first time at the Panama Open.

1958 Wins first Masters and first Major by one shot over Doug Ford.

Daughter Amy is born.

Tops the PGA Tour money list for the first time with US$42,608.

1959 Shoots his lowest PGA Tour score, a final-round 62, to win the Thunderbird Invitational.

1960 Signs representation deal with sports marketing pioneer Mark McCormack.

Appears on Time Magazine cover as player “boldly ushering in” golf’s new era.

1963 Wins seven times on the PGA Tour to lead earnings for fourth time.

Loses 18-hole playoff to Julius Boros at the US Open.

Captains US Ryder Cup team to 23-9 win.

1964 Wins Masters by six shots over Jack Nicklaus and Dave Marr for fourth Green Jacket, seventh and final Major.

1966 First golf course design project, Indian Lake Golf Course in Central City, Pennsylvania, completed.

1968 Becomes first PGA Tour player to reach US$1 million mark in career earnings.

Arnold Palmer Enterprises incorporated.

1969

Wins Masters and US Open, plus six other PGA Tour events.

Named as the Associated Press’ Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s.

1961

1971

Named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

Receives the USGA’s Bob Jones Award.

Wins British Open for the first time, beating Dai Rees by one shot at Royal Birkdale.

Makes Ryder Cup debut with a 3-0-1 record over four matches.

Becomes president and majority owner of Latrobe Country Club.

Streak of 12 consecutive Ryder Cup match victories ended by Peter Oosterhuis.

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1972

1989

2001

Forms Palmer Course Design.

The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children opens in Orlando.

Shoots his age (71) in fourth round of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Completes first Australian course, The Pines on the Gold Coast.

2004

1992

Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W Bush.

Wins 62nd and final PGA Tour event, the Bob Hope Desert Classic, by two shots over Johnny Miller.

Stops smoking.

1974 Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 1974.

1975 Captains US Ryder Cup team for second time but in non-playing capacity, beats Great Britain-Ireland 21-11.

Scores 16th career hole-in-one in round 1 of the GTE Northwest Classic.

1993 Makes final PGA Tour cut at the Nestle Invitational.

Receives National Sports Award from President Bill Clinton.

1994

Wins Spanish Open and British PGA Championship on the European Tour.

Plays final US Open at Oakmont Country Club.

Pilots his Learjet 36 on around-the-world flight with Bill Purkey and Jim Bir in 57 hours, 25 minutes and 42 seconds, setting a world record.

Plays final PGA Championship, the only Major he never won, at Southern Hills Country Club.

1980

1995

Inducted into PGA of America Hall of Fame.

Plays final British Open Championship at St Andrews.

Wins the Labatt’s International Golf Classic at age 50.

1996

Wins the first of 10 Champions Tour titles at PGA Seniors’ Championship.

Captains US Presidents Cup team to victory.

1981

1998

Wins US Senior Open at Oakland Hills, becomes first player to claim both US Open and a US Senior Open.

1984 Constructs China’s first golf course, Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan.

Doesn’t play in a PGA Tour event for the first time in his career.

2006 Partners with long-time colleague Ed Seay to form Arnold Palmer Design Company.

Plays final competitive round in the Champion Tour's Administaff Small Business Classic.

2007 PGA Tour event at Bay Hill Club and Lodge renamed the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Begins serving as Masters Honorary Starter.

2009 Receives Congressional Golf Medal from President Barack Obama.

2010

Co-authors autobiography, A Golfer's Life, with James Dodson.

2016

Wife Winnie dies after battle with cancer.

Passes away at age 87.

2000 Plays in Bob Hope Chrysler Classic to achieve the distinction of having played in PGA Tour events in each of seven decades.

1988

Betters his age for the first time, shooting 69 in second round of the FleetBoston Classic.

Final Open at St Andrews

Marries Kathleen ‘Kit’ Gawthrop in Hawaii.

1999

Wins Senior Tournament Players Championship by 11 strokes, a Champions Tour record that stood for 12 years.

1995

2005

Plays with Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in The Big 3 for Mountain Mission Kids, a 19-hole charity scramble event that raises more than US$15.1 million – a record for a one-day golf event.

Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from PGA Tour.

1985

Wins 10th and final Senior PGA Tour title at the Crestar Classic.

Plays in 50th and final Masters.

Source: PGA Tour

©Stephen Munday/Getty Images

1973

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reading the lines jonathan ponniah Game of Many Faces

Golf is much more than just a sport ... and it needs to grow on all fronts

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©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

G

olf is a great sport ... but sadly it’s not a growing sport.

Over the last decade or so, the game has taken a bad beating, bleeding numbers profusely as it got pummelled by other, less expensive and less complicated sports and pastimes. Anyone in the golf industry will tell you that golfing numbers, whether in terms of rounds or retail sell-through, have dropped and continue to do so.

Why is this, some may ask, when the professional game seems to be thriving – especially in this part of the world?

Simple answer – there’s more to golf than just its competitive aspect. Much more.

There’s golf at the club level, from high and mighty outfits such as Augusta National to more modest – but equally active – establishments like our very own Royal Kampung Kuantan.

Clubbing is and always will be an important facet of the golf industry, although it will need to find ways to reinvent itself to remain relevant. Many clubs have ageing memberships and – no offence to our elder folk – some are starting to look more like retirement homes.

Then there’s golf tourism, where players travel thousands of miles to indulge in a holiday revolving around their chosen pastime. Not many other sports can boast that. Malaysia has the potential to challenge neighbours Thailand and Indonesia in terms of golfing arrivals but much needs to be done to improve the overall golfing experience here – and that’s a whole other story on its own.

Over the last few decades, another face of golf appeared – that of the ‘homeless golfer’, those who just want to play the game and are not attracted to the frills of memberships and the thrills of competition. It is in this segment that the future of the game lies.

Here’s the deal. Grow the homeless population and the rest of the industry will grow; this is where the grassroots really lie. By homeless I mean schoolchildren as well, as the vast majority are not fortunate enough to have parents who are members of golf clubs.

The key is opportunity to play and these opportunities must be simple and fuss-free, bereft of the intimidating façade that golf often puts on to its own detriment. There have to be places for newbies to play – and by play I mean actually getting in a few holes at least and not just hitting balls at the range.

A disproportionate amount of effort and expense is put into developing the elite part of the game. To be fair, this is where corporate Malaysia prefers to pump dollars into as herein lies the publicity brands crave.

So it is left to the industry to at least initiate a real grassroots programme, where – to paraphrase a certain aviation figurehead – anyone can golf.

The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) recently announced its ‘GoGolf’ programme in partnership with Zurich

Insurance, Bank Simpanan Nasional and Finnexus Group. The programme is designed to open up and grow the game by allowing non-club members to obtain a National Handicapping System (NHS) number, as well as access to golf clubs and other benefits.

It’s much too early to tell how effective the initiative is but a lot will depend on its appeal to the aforementioned segment – the homeless golfer.

What about attracting newcomers to the game, specifically the Gen Y’s aka Millennials? No amount of effort is going to have any effect if golf remains in its current, four-hour-plus 18-hole format. Not when youngsters can get their fun fix in a fraction of the time, through extreme sports or even online.

But that’s another story. Suffice to say for now that golf needs to become younger if it wants to grow. PG

FAST FACT

According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of golfers aged 18 to 34 in the USA declined by 30% over the last 20 years.

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EXPERIENCE GOLFING PAR ADISE Now Open Discover The Els Club Desaru Coast - The Ocean, featuring 27 holes crafted with precision by the hand of four time major champion and former World No.1, Ernie Els. Be amongst the first to tee off with us. Book now at elsclubmalaysia.com or call +607 8780000.

Designed by Ernie Els

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ERNIE ELS

The Big Easy Speaks Ernie Els shares his design philosophy and why he believes The Els Club Desaru Coast will be one of the region’s top golf destinations You’ve been to many of the world’s greatest golf destinations. What sets Desaru Coast apart?

Ernie Els (EE): You have a great location, in close proximity to so many major Asian hubs. You have a corner of coastline that simply takes your breath away and an ownership group dedicated to creating some of the finest tourism attractions in the world. When you add these ingredients together, you have the makings of something very special.

For me, as soon as I stepped foot on the property I could immediately envisage in my mind’s eye how the golf courses would sit. That is always a ‘tell’ for me when approaching a design project. Of course ideas evolve, but what never changes is the power of that initial reaction and the influence it has on the creative process.

Tell us a little bit about The Els Club Desaru Coast course.

EE: This is one of the most unique projects we have undertaken. Firstly, we have two courses – The Ocean Course, which is 27 holes, and The Valley Course, which is 18. We drafted in my close friend Vijay Singh to collaborate on The Valley Course.

We’ve wanted to work together for a while and this presented us the ideal opportunity.

The Ocean Course, as you can tell from the name, sits adjacent to the shoreline and here we have created three distinct nine-hole loops: The Coast, The Lakes and The Ridge. As you would expect from The Els Club brand, the course experience is defined by its high quality and sound strategic values. A mix of strong bunkering and water hazards defend the course, while the greens all have strong strategic value.

The beauty of having three ninehole loops is the variety it gives our guests. You can have three different 26

“For me, as soon as I stepped foot on the property I could immediately envisage in my mind’s eye how the golf courses would sit. That is always a ‘tell’ for me when approaching a design project.

Of course ideas evolve, but what never changes is the power of that initial reaction and the influence it has on the creative process.”

18-hole experiences, as well as a 27-hole day for those looking to make the most of their time in Desaru.

What makes The Els Performance Golf Academy different?

EE: There’s nothing else like this in the region and it will give golfers an opportunity to work on their games in an inspiring environment, somewhere they can improve their golf and also have a bit of fun with friends and family. I can also see it being really popular with PGA teaching pros and federations bringing groups here for tuitional breaks.

In essence, what we’re offering here is the best of the best – a ‘Tour Pro for the Day’ type of experience where golfers can come and get great coaching and have access to

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Tell us about your experience working with Vijay.

EE: To have Vijay on board as a partner for The Valley Course was a positive experience for us. You don’t need me to tell you that Vijay has been one of the world’s best golfers for many years, but he clearly also has a great eye for design. All of us at Ernie Els Design have been impressed with his attention to detail and his willingness to immerse himself across each and every aspect of the design process.

We’ve obviously known each other a long time now. Vijay’s a little older than me – he won’t mind me saying that! (laughs) – but we’re basically of the same generation and we’ve had some good battles over the years and a lot of success between us. He’s one of golf’s good guys and I was delighted he agreed to be part of the design team here.

What do you look for in a destination when you start out your design process?

EE: Quality is what it’s all about for us at Ernie Els Design and we work hard to identify sites that give us the

The Els Club Desaru Coast

potential to create something special, something that excites us and the golfers who play our courses. Initially, we’ll visit sites with the ownership group to understand their vision and appetite for the golf component. From there we’ll then spend time drawing up the plans, looking at the routing and the flow the land allows us, and then we present how we feel the project should be delivered.

I am always keen to be on site and bring all the technical drawings to life.

That’s a team effort; a collaborative journey that we take together with our partners and the team on the ground, all of whom share our passion for delivering a world-class product.

How do you integrate your design with the natural landscape and how do you ensure environmentally sensitive practices?

EE: Every site is different but we’ve proved with some of our past projects that we have the vision and the knowledge to integrate great design into environmentally sensitive areas.

The Els Club Teluk Datai is a perfect example.

We feel it’s one of the big strengths of the Ernie Els Design brand and something that separates us from a lot of our competitors. As golf course designers we have a moral duty to try to leave a soft footprint on the surrounding environment.

You’re a frequent visitor to Southeast Asia and are an ambassador for the Asian Tour. What draws you to this region?

EE: I’ve visited so many great places across Asia and have met so many wonderful people in my travels here over the past 25 years. People have always been so welcoming and the hospitality just makes you feel right at home. Honestly, this region has a special place in my heart and I’m proud to represent the Asian Tour as its international ambassador.

Obviously the growth in the game of golf since I first started coming here has been incredible and it’s been fun for me to witness that. There is a real passion for the game of golf right across Asia and for us players it’s inspiring to experience that whenever we come and compete here.

You’ve achieved so much in this game. What is left for you?

EE: I’m not done yet! (laughs) I still have goals and my love of competition is very much alive and kicking. Majors are what continue to drive me and while it’s true to say that it gets harder to win as you get older, I still believe I have the game to hold my own against these young guns and win on tour. Beyond that I would love to captain the International team in the Presidents Cup – that would be a great thrill. PG

©James Lovett

some tour standard swing technology and facilities. Hopefully we can also inspire the next generation to take up the game and give them the tools that will allow them to enjoy the sport for life.

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THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST

SOUTHERN S Ocean Course opening heralds the birth of Malaysia’s most ambitious golf cum leisure project to date

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

I

t’s been a long time coming … a very long time in fact. And it looks to be worth the wait.

The opening of The Els Club Desaru Coast’s Ocean Course finally took place in late September, with a few ‘special ones’ – media from both sides of the Causeway – privileged to test the Troon-managed 27-hole course a few days before it opened for public play.

Designed by Ernie ‘Big Easy’ Els himself, the Ocean layout is split into three distinct nine-hole loops – the Lakes, Coast and Ridge which play away from and back to a wellconceived and refreshingly unelaborate clubhouse (more on this later). The first two are traditional par-36 affairs while the Ridge plays to par-37 with a 4x4, 2x3 and 3x5 make-up.

Those who are familiar with the original Desaru course, built in the 1980s, will recognise some parts on which the Coast Nine was built – in particular Holes 2 and 3 which take you within a pitch and putt of the waters of

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the South China Sea. But it’s hard to see any other similarities as most of the new 27 is built away from where the original Robert Trent Jones Jnr 18 was – and of course there is the quality of the new layout and the overall experience.

The experience starts from the moment you arrive at the driveway – the staff greet you by name and there are smiles all round as you’re pampered with welcome drinks and ushered to the cozy but luxurious changing rooms.

Take some time, if you have it, to chill at the terrace restaurant as it has a nice al fresco area which opens out onto green turf, beyond which are great views of the course and surroundings.

As with all Troon-managed facilities, the practice area is top-class with golfers hitting off immaculate turf at the site for the soon-to-open first-ever Els Golf Performance Academy in this region. We had a short but intense stretching/warm-up session here with a hefty and rather loud (in a pleasant way) South African pro named PJ Van

Merch and – lo and behold – I actually stiffed my first drive straight down the fairway!

Despite its relative youth, the course looked lush and was in good condition save for some parts of the Tifway 419 fairways which had recently been attacked by legions of armyworms, the scourge of any superintendent. The Tifeagle greens were superb, rolling fast and true for putts yet biting well for approach play – but still firm enough so you don’t get those irritatingly deep pitch marks on some putting surfaces.

While most of the media seemed taken by the Ridge Nine, I actually preferred the Lakes which not only looked the most mature of the three but was also the most fun to play – well, for regular golfers like me anyway.

Els himself has no particular preference for any nine, noting that each has its merits.

“I love the way you can mix it up.

I’m always drawn to the ocean and enjoy nothing better than a view out

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N SWING

©Jam

ine Ridge N Hole 2,

©James Lovett

over the water and the challenge of playing different shots in the wind.

Saying that, The Lakes and The Ridge also represent a good test and you really have to think about your positional play, your shot selection and your distance control going into the greens,” said the man with four Majors to his name.

The ‘Big Easy’ also had short and succinct descriptions of each nine.

“The Coast is the loop that plays adjacent to the ocean, as the name suggests. We have some big, challenging holes with water hazards and strong bunkering. The second hole stands out in my mind; it’s a spectacular par-five that runs straight towards the ocean, often into the prevailing breeze, so it requires two strong hits to get home. The third is a beautiful par-three with the ocean lapping right up against the green. The fifth also deserves special mention; a short par-four that arches around the water from right to left.

tt es Love

Hole 3, Coast Nine

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©James Lovett

THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST

Hole 4, Ridge Nine

“Moving on to The Lakes, where obviously we have an abundance of water features too. The second, in particular, is a tricky par-three where the green sits at an angle against the water, so you can’t get too greedy with your tee shot. Then the third and fourth circumnavigate one of the main water features and there are some interesting challenges off the tee and into the green on those holes.

“Finally, The Ridge reaches to the highest point of the property with some pretty serious elevation changes and a burn that comes into play. I love the 18th, which provides a pretty spectacular climax to the round, heading back up towards the clubhouse with some strong bunkering.”

One of my few peeves about the course is that not many holes bring the ocean into view, let alone into play – but I’m being finicky and overall it’s a great resort layout which accommodates and entertains all levels of golfers. It’s easy to score if you strike the ball well and – this is an important point for me – is not unduly penal of wayward hitting.

The soon-to-open Desaru Valley Course co-designed by Els’ good buddy Vijay Singh, however, will be a real championship layout – but that’s another story.

And all this is very much part of a very much bigger picture. The Desaru Coast project is ambitious not only in style but in scale, covering over 3,900 acres along a 17-km beachfront which is three times the size of Singapore’s Sentosa Island. Once complete, the allin-one destination will not only have 45 30

“We are committed to embedding a new standard for hospitality, service and quality that will set Desaru on course to become one of the top tourism and golf destinations regionally and internationally.”

MUHAMMAD ZAINAL ASHIKIN, CEO - DESTINATIONS RESORTS & HOTEL PORTFOLIO, TAR&H

holes of golf but a water theme park, retail village, convention centre and four upper-tier hotels – Aman Resorts & Villas, The Westin Desaru Resort, Anantara Desaru Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.

The owners, Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels (TAR&H) – the resort and theme park development arm of the Malaysian treasury – are determined to make Desaru Coast one of the region’s flagship golf and tourism destinations.

Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, CEO Destinations Resorts & Hotel Portfolio, of TAR&H, lauded the opening of the Ocean Course as “a major first step in the development of Desaru Coast”.

“We have made considerable strides in bringing the very best partners to Johor, and have set in motion a tourism legacy that will deliver jobs and a world-class experience for all who visit.

Today we have opened The Els Club Desaru Coast – The Ocean, which will

fly the flag for the development and pave the way for a succession of topclass amenity introductions,” he stressed.

“The Els Club brand resonates with excellence and quality. We are committed to embedding a new standard for hospitality, service and quality that will set Desaru on course to become one of the top tourism and golf destinations regionally and internationally,” added Zainal.

Els noted that Desaru Coast has the makings of one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations.

“You have a great location, in close proximity to so many major Asian hubs.

You have a corner of coastline that simply takes your breath away and an ownership group dedicated to creating some of the finest tourism attractions in the world. When you add these ingredients together, you have the makings of something very special,” he said.

And if Ernie says so, you’d better believe it. PG

FACT FILE

THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST PTD 8381, Jalan Desaru, Tanjung Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia Tel: +607 878 0000 Fax: +607 878 0011 Email: reservations.ecdc@elsclubmalaysia.com Website: www.elsclubmalaysia.com www.desarucoast.com GPS Coordinates: Latitude 1.527182 / Longitude 104.267116 Published Rates Weekdays – RM424 / Weekends – RM530 (18-hole green fees and buggy)

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INSIDER TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

Psst …

GOT A PEN? Travelling anytime soon? Be sure to check out these insider tips so that you’re well prepared and stay safe while you go from where you are to where you want to be

BY SYAMA RAMASAMY

“I absolutely HATE going on holidays!” said no one ever.

Yes, we all crave vacations from time to time, that well-deserved break from the daily grind. And year-ends are certainly a popular time for friends and family to escape the dreary monotony of the ‘hamster wheel’ and create lasting memories with each other whilst detoxing the mind, body and spirit.

While the destination is obviously the ‘main event’, the process of getting there – the journey – holds a certain kind of thrill as well, from preparing for your holiday, packing your luggage to checking in at the airport and savouring the glory of Mother Nature from the heavens.

Here are some expert tips on making that journey the sweetest possible ride instead of a stain on your vault of holiday memoirs.

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THE TRAY TABLE Do yourself a huge favour and buy a disposable placemat. Whatever for? Cos’ the tray tables on airplanes don't get cleaned after every flight, according to a flight attendant and travel blogger. Plus, passengers do “everything from diaper

changes to clipping their nails on them”!

Ewww. Unless you don’t mind having your in-flight meals on someone else’s foot rest or diaper holder, it’s highly recommended that you get your own placemats or disinfect the tray table before use.

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FOUR, NOT TWO Before buying that suitcase, make sure it is fitted with four wheels instead of two so that you can spin the bag in a circle in tight places (like the centre of the aisle) and push it in front of you, which is heckuva lot easier than dragging it behind you, where it catches on every corner and knock on strangers’ knees.

PACK A PEN If you’re gonna be crossing country borders, then make sure to bring a pen as you’re likely going to need to fill out a customs form. “But I can always ask the flight attendant, right?”

You could, but remember – the flight crew doesn’t have enough writing utensils for the entire plane. Don’t count on there being an ample amount when you land either.

Your fellow travellers are probably banking on the same thing, so instead of having to delay your vacation because you’re waiting in line to use a pen, bring your own!

BRI BRING YOUR OWN WATER OW You can’t get through security checkpoints at the airport carrying a bottle of water, but you can tote along an empty one. Why? So you can fill it up at a water cooler along the boarding gates or buy bottled water at a convenient store. The water on the airplane – which is also used to make your coffee and tea – is not as clean as you think. It comes from the plane’s water tank, which is located under the plane, and it probably isn’t regularly checked or cleaned. So bring your own water or stick to bottled water.

used by a sea of people each day, and not everyone has good aim, so the floor of the plane is not something you want to step on without shoes – unless you’re a germ-loving freak of nature.

EARPHONES, BLANKETS & PILLOWS Long flights are great for catching up on blockbusters that you’ve missed; however that’s not the only thing you’ll catch.

You see, foams on earphones are almost always never replaced (unless you request for new ones), so you may just end up catching someone's earwax as you finally enjoy that amazing high-octane car chase in ‘Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation’ mid air. Also, you may also wanna keep away from those blankets and pillows as they tend to get reused over and over again, though that depends on how cheap the airline is – but we recommend that you bring your own, just to be safe.

MIND YOUR MANNERS MI Flying can be an ordeal for some, especially if you’re not a fan of flying or have to endure a long flight.

Naturally you’re exhausted and stressed, and your neck and shoulders are killing you! But still, it wouldn’t hurt to be nice to each person you encounter on your way to your destination – because no matter what happens you'll feel a lot better about yourself and your trip if you treat your fellow humans with respect and kindness.

DIDC HA Accord KNO head t ing to expe W? rts, va o the

ca air while busine port on we tioners to fly ss trav ekend on s, e and F Mondays, llers prefer r T id hursda ays – Tuesd wh ys a those y and Wed ich leaves in the nesda y fo kno great about w. What’s r so it ,y Shorte r lines ou ask. a cheap er fare nd s!

KEEP YOUR SHOES ON! First of all, you’re not THE ONLY passenger on the aircraft, so don’t ever subject another human being to the horrid stench of your feet. Second, never ever walk around barefoot – or even in your socks. The restrooms are

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Caribbean DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Bliss

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Boasting the world’s best beaches, lush nature, fascinating history, culture, modern accommodations along with a myriad of recreation and entertainment options – including golf – Dominican Republic is a destination like no other TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF TOURISM

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T

he second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, Dominican Republic is situated just two hours south of Miami, less than four hours from New York and eight hours from most European cities. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south and boasts nearly 1,609km of coastline featuring the world’s top beaches dotted with magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options.

Discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, the country, known for its warm and hospitable people, overflows

with fascinating history, museums and exciting cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.

Not only does it offer awe-inspiring natural settings such as gorgeous waterfalls, breathtaking coasts and idyllic accommodations, Dominican Republic also delights holidaymakers with 25 designer golf courses amid breathtaking coastlines with mountain backdrops and lush green fairways as the No 1 destination for golf in the Caribbean and Latin America1.

Picture-Perfect Beaches Punta Cana, Dominican Republic’s most well-known destination, offers multigenerational groups something everyone can agree on: picture-perfect beaches. The east coast’s languid azure waters lap at the area’s pristine white sands, dotted with an array of familyoriented hotels and resorts offering a playground for guests of all ages. Many of the accommodations here have highquality onsite kids clubs and excursions catering to children as well as spas, designer golf courses, nightlife opportunities and more for adults, making it one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for family vacations.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

One of three most beautiful waterfalls in Dominican Republic

Punta Cana’s off-resort excursion offerings range from cenote swimming, dolphin encounters, parasailing and moonlight ziplines to educational day trips to historic Santo Domingo, tours into Punta Cana’s countryside, snorkeling at La Romana’s offshore islands and more, with the majority of tour operators providing free transport and convenient pickup from guests’ hotel lobbies.

Whale spotting

Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures With nine distinct ecological zones, Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of terrain for many types of adventure activities, with the northern coast and northeastern Samaná Peninsula historically the most popular.

The north coast’s Puerto Plata is an active destination especially well-suited for families and multigenerational groups with a love of sports and

adventure. The choppy Atlantic waves along the shore make Puerto Plata’s beaches hotspots for water sport enthusiasts of all ages, with the province’s town of Cabarete known as the Kiteboarding Capital of the World.

Those looking for a unique day-trip in Puerto Plata can visit parks offering everything from ziplines to interactions with small native monkeys, or take teens and tweens on a canyoning, rappelling or ATV tour in Puerto Plata’s geographically-diverse natural playground. Other popular adventure destinations include mountainous Jarabacoa, offering access to the highest peak in the Caribbean and some of the Caribbean’s best whitewater rafting.

Exciting Eco-Travel The country’s robust ecological diversity makes it a haven for multigenerational groups looking to reconnect with nature and marvel at Caribbean flora and fauna – areas like Jarabacoa, Constanza, Bayahibe and Samaná each offer a distinctive picture of the island’s natural beauty. The Samaná Peninsula in the country’s northeastern corner is a widely untouched area of Dominican

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Republic, ideal for eco-travel, providing opportunities for families to have a quiet Caribbean escape. The area is sprinkled with some of the best resorts and seafood restaurants on the island, tucked between private coves and bays, and specializes in nature activities.

Families will find plenty to explore here, such as visiting the 618 square miles of caves, mangroves and islets in the famous Los Haitises National Park, viewing the thousands of humpback whales wintering in the Samaná Bay, and enjoying a refreshing post-hike dip in the pool of the peninsula’s breathtaking Salto el Limón waterfall.

In the opposite corner of the island, the southwestern province of Barahona offers a more arid climate – families looking to observe nature can find everything from American crocodiles to endemic birds in this region.

Urban Explorers For groups preferring the familiar comfort of bustling cities, city centers such as downtown Santiago, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo offer numerous options for culture and entertainment. As the most cosmopolitan city in Dominican Republic, and also the oldest city of the New World, Santo Domingo offers both modern amenities as well

as a rich background.

Founded in the late 1400s, Santo Domingo is a city of firsts – explore winding cobblestone streets and charming ruins in the city’s Colonial City, enjoy a variety of high-end cuisines and convenient day-trips to other areas of the country, with numerous plazas, museums, live music, parks and much more just steps from one another in the capital city.

Golf, Golf & More Golf!

Named Latin American & Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year for 2016 during the IAGTO Awards – the third time it has been recognized in the golf tourism industry’s prestigious annual honour roll – Dominican Republic offers many courses designed by some of the best in the business, including luminaries such as Pete Dye, PB Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, Nick Price and Robert Trent Jones Sr. Of the 18 tourist-friendly golf courses, seven are included in Golfweek’s Best Caribbean and Mexico Courses for

Altos de Chavon, a replica 16th century Mediterranean village

'Mangu' or plaintain mash

Food, Glorious Food Since the Dominican Republic was formerly a Spanish colony, many traditional Spanish dishes are enjoyed in the Dominican Republic, some with a twist. Breakfast can consist of eggs or meat and mangú (mashed plantain).

The most important meal of the day is lunch, with the most typical form, nicknamed La Bandera (‘The Flag’), consists of rice, red beans, meat (any kind) and salad.

Mangú, or plantain mash, is possibly the food that is most associated with Dominicans. Usually eaten at breakfast, it can also be enjoyed for lunch and dinner since it goes well with meat, eggs, vegetables, etc.

Habichuelas Guisadas, or stewed red beans, is a savoury dish of seasoned beans, usually accompanied by rice.

Pollo Guisado, a dish of braised chicken, is one of the staple meat dishes of Dominican Republic, usually served with white rice.

Habichuelas con Dulce, or sweet cream of beans, is traditionally served during Lent. Pureed red kidney beans are cooked with coconut milk and evaporated milk, sweetened with sugar and spiced with cloves and cinnamon to make a thick, creamy dessert.

Habichuelas Guisadas

Habichuelas con Dulce

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2016, which recognises the region’s top 50 courses. Three of them are in the top dozen, with the Nicklaus masterpiece Punta Espada at Cap Cana maintaining the No 1 spot every year since 2009, when it took over from veteran Pete Dye design, Teeth of the Dog. The recently-revamped Playa Grande course also returned to the rankings this year in the No 21 spot.

Dye kick-started the Dominican Republic golf revolution in 1971 with his magnificent Teeth of the Dog course, which he followed up with The Links, Dye Fore and La Romana Country Club (a private club for villa owners) – all at Casa de Campo resort

in La Romana on the south coast – in addition to creating the initial design for Las Lagunas, near Santo Domingo.

Jones Sr designed both the Playa Dorada Golf Club course in Puerto Plata and Playa Grande Golf Course, his penultimate design. Widely regarded as his finest creation and known as the ‘Pebble Beach of the Caribbean’ for its spectacular cliff-top setting, it was laid out in 1995 and reopened in November 2015 after a revamp by his son, Rees Jones, also a noted golf architect.

Fazio laid out the Corales course at Puntacana Resort & Club, while PB Dye (Pete Dye’s youngest son) was responsible for Puntacana Resort’s

27-hole La Cana course as well as The Lakes Bárcelo Golf Course and the course at Iberostate Bávaro Golf Club.

The Dominican Republic also bears the stamp of three multiple Major championship winners, now acclaimed golf course designers, among them 18-time Major champion Nicklaus.

Besides designing the celebrated Punta Espada Course, his Nicklaus Design company created the Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay. Three-time Major winner Price laid out the Punta Blanca Golf Club course at nearby Macao, and Player, with nine Majors under his belt, designed the Guavaberry Golf & Country Club course at Juan Dolio.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure the Dominican Republic is on your ‘bucket list’! PG www.GoDominicanRepublic.com 1 The Dominican Republic is the country most recognised in the Latin American & Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year IAGTO Awards category, having won three times including in 2016.

FAST FACTS Getting There As there are currently no direct flights to Dominican Republic from Malaysia, the best way is to get to Santo Domingo Airport from Miami, Florida via any of the major airlines flying to the USA. The Caribbean nation is situated just two hours south of Miami, less than four hours from New York and eight hours from most European cities.

Dye Fore

When To Go Because it is located in the Caribbean, the weather in the Dominican Republic is excellent all year round. During the summer, the temperature can range from 32°C at midday to 21°C at dawn.

The warmest months are June through September.

Where To Stay Many of the world’s top brands are here including Accor, AM Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Embassy Suites, Hard Rock Hotels, Hilton, JW Marriott, Palladium, Sheraton, Westin and Viva Wyndham. But the charm of the Dominican Republic is also in its small unique hotels, including Tortuga Bay (Punta Cana) and Peninsula House (Samaná) that made the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. As well as a range of expensive boutique hotels, an even more personalised service can be found at the many affordable small hotels and eco lodges in beach and mountain areas or historical heritage centres like Santo Domingo’s Colonial City.

Playa Grande

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Useful Links Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (www.godominicanrepublic.com)

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ZIMBABWE'S EASTERN HIGHLANDS

Cool,Crisp

HIGHLANDS

Discover Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, locked in a colonial time warp with refined hotels and guesthouses from another era, log fireplaces, gracious service – and some very decent golf courses to savour

BY DAVID BOWDEN

Nyangombe Falls at Nyanga National Park

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T

he cool weather of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands was what initially attracted settlers to the mountainous region located in the east of this land-locked African nation, situated along the border with Mozambique. Like the early colonialists in Malaya and other parts of Asia, the early settlers to what was then called Southern Rhodesia sought the cool relief of the mountains and Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands have been popular as an escape from the warmer weather of the lowlands around Harare, its capital.

The cool weather provides the ideal setting for outdoor activities like fishing,

bushwalking, mountain climbing and, of course, golf.

Like the Cameron Highlands, Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands are locked in a colonial time warp with refined hotels and guesthouses from another era, log fireplaces, gracious service and, some very decent golf courses to play.

A golfer’s visit to these highlands should include the finest accommodation and golf including Aberfoyle Lodge and Troutbeck Resort near Nyanga National Park, La Rochelle Country House at Penhalonga, and Leopard Rock in the Bvumba Mountains. During winter from June to August the evenings can be quite cool with log fires being common.

Tea plantation at Aberfoyle

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ZIMBABWE'S EASTERN HIGHLANDS

Eastern Journeys There is no shortcut to travelling to Africa but my 21-hour flight was made more enjoyable on Emirates which offers superior in-flight meals and beverages and has what is considered one of the best entertainment systems in the air. Upon arriving in Harare, we spent a night at Meikles Hotel, Zimbabwe’s finest property and one of the grandest in Africa.

On the way to the highlands, we stopped at Bushman Rock Winery near Melfort and stocked up on some rather creditable and affordable wines at what is Zimbabwe’s only recognised winery.

We didn’t stay long but accommodation and game drives are offered here as are wine tasting meals that include estategrown wines such as Pinotage, Semillon and Moscato.

Aberfoyle Lodge After a four-hour drive from Harare we reached the vast expanse of the Honde Valley and passed tea plantations around Aberfoyle Lodge where we were staying for two nights and couldn’t help but think how similar it was to Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands. The carpeted foothills looked exactly like the summit of the Malaysia’s own highlands where tea has been grown as long as it has in Zimbabwe.

Aberfoyle Lodge is remote and staying for two nights makes good sense as the surrounding tea plantations and forests make it an extremely tranquil escape. The kitchen produces excellent food, the bar is stocked with cold Zambezi beer and a challenging golf course winds through the montane forests.

Aberfoyle looks very much like accommodation quarters for an estate manager with all the rooms having been recently renovated. Some have open fireplaces and verandahs for making the most of the refreshing mountain air while a swimming pool is the place to cool off in summer.

The nine-hole course here is well maintained and equipment is available for hire. It weaves between forests and tea plantations and helpful caddies are available. There is a puttputt course and other facilities in the lodge such as a squash court and snooker table make this an essential place to relax in the fresh mountain air. Serious walkers should enquire about the Turaco Trail over several nights in the great Zimbabwean outdoors.

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Elevated tee at Aberfoyle course

1st tee at Troutbeck

Troutbeck Resort Troutbeck Resort appeals as it is a larger hotel with good facilities including a golf course, atmospheric bar with fireplace and trout fishing in a lake. Built in 1951 by Major Robert

Mcllwaine, Troutbeck is located in the mountainous area of Nyanga, approximately four hours’ drive from Harare. Named after the Hamlet of Troutbeck in Scotland, the weather patterns here are typical of the Eastern

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Sadza

Food, Glorious Food Quaint chapel at Leopard Rock course

Highlands in being generally much cooler than the rest of the country, and in winter mists drift in along the valley and settle for periods over the Troutbeck Lake.

Troutbeck has a well-maintained and very picturesque nine-hole golf course which is quite challenging. It offers a variety of interesting walking trails, horse riding, biking and is very popular with bird-watchers. There is also a squash court, tennis courts, swimming pool, billiards, volleyball, bowling greens and canoeing.

It was built in such a way to ensure all rooms afforded a good view of the lake, the surrounding forests and mountains. Also available are the wellappointed, spacious Blue Swallow Lodges which are ideal for small groups of travelling golfers. These are selfcatering lodges but guests can use all the facilities in the resort.

Legacy Hotels from South Africa have taken over the management contract for Troutbeck and an upgrade is expected. Troutbeck has several comfortable lounge spaces in which to relax and there is also the Hare and Hound Bar which is spacious and features a roaring log fire. Apparently, the welcoming log fire in the reception is noted for having burning non-stop since 1951.

Leopard Rock Considered one of Africa’s classic golf courses, the 18-hole Leopard Rock is not to be missed although it’s the most distant course from Harare – and the 6,164m, par 71 course didn’t fail to impress.

The hotel has just 58 rooms, superb

Food in Zimbabwe is based on mieliemeal, a cornmeal and water porridge eaten alone or with gravy, vegetables such as spinach, greens, beans, sour milk, dried fish or peanut butter.

Peanut and tomato-based stews are also a common staples. Due to British colonisation, rice, pasta, melon, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and potato-based dishes along with porridge and tea are enjoyed by many.

Zimbabwe’s safari camps and lodges serve high-quality European-style food.

Their chefs are adept as coping with shortages, and most visitors will never be aware of any!

The traditional diet of local Zimbabweans is mainly based on a corn-meal dish called sadza, which is powdered maize, mixed with water and cooked to the consistency of thick mashed potatoes. This is supplemented with relishes, or sauces, which might include beans, squash, pumpkins, yams, peanuts, mapopo (papaya), kapenta (a small, dried fish) – and meats from chicken and beef to biltong (dried meat) and game meats (kudu and impala).

Sosaties are grilled kebabs usually made up of cubed meat, onion and apricot marinated in a spicy sauce.

18-hole Leopard Rock course

facilities and welcoming staff.

Napoleon’s Cocktail Bar is a bar that you know you belong in and the food served in La Roche Restaurant is outstanding.

Being winter, the evenings of our two nights here were chilly but the roaring log fireplace just outside the bar was a most welcomed sight. After a superb meal I returned to my warm room and a bed containing a hot water bottle.

Once the mist cleared over the course, it was a most magnificent setting for an 18-hole round on what was ranked by CNN Travel Magazine as one of Africa’s top 10 courses.

Designed by Peter Matkovich, it opened in 1993 and its kikuyu fairways and bent grass greens are well maintained

Sosaties

with surrounding bushland overlooking a vast valley and the border with Mozambique.

Three par threes on the second, seventh and 16th holes are the biggest test on the course although there are several other challenging holes.

One of the feature holes is the ninth that plays mostly across a lake. The

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ZIMBABWE'S EASTERN HIGHLANDS 14th has a water protected green that is 35 metres below the tee box. Just off the 18th and with superb views of the valley is a stone wedding chapel that is a very popular venue to exchange vows.

La Rochelle Country House While there isn’t a golf course at La Rochelle Country House, its style, elegance and sumptuous food means that it warrants at least an overnight stay. The former estate of the late Sir Stephen and Lady Courtauld is now an elegant retreat in the countryside with Climbing Mt Ngangani

vast and manicured gardens.

Meals such as butternut pumpkin soup and local sirloin steak are served and the small but classy bar is popular for pre-dinner cocktails and a post-dinner glass of port in front of the open fireplace.

Accommodation is excellent with each room being different to every other but stylishly furnished. Visitors will spend most of their time outdoors taking in the picturesque gardens and the beautiful display of orchids.

Parks and Wildlife Much of the Eastern Highlands are now protected as national parks or reserves but the abundance and variety of wildlife is not as prolific as in other parts of Zimbabwe. While Zimbabwe is superb for wildlife in vast parks such as Hwange and Manu Pools, the national parks in the Eastern Highlands such as Nyanga and Mtarazi offer limited wildlife sightings but there are zebra, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and waterbuck for the really observant visitor. The birdlife is particularly good and this too attracts keen birders.

The closest I came to wild animals was in the private game sanctuary that is part of Leopard Rock. On a guided game walk, I saw impala, ostrich, giraffe and monkeys.

Nyanga National Park includes the highest peak in the country with a demanding four-hour return, guide-led journey to the summit of Mount Nyangani at 2,592m for those who are

fit enough and feeling adventurous.

There are several waterfalls to admire as well with the easiest to reach via a short walk being the picturesque Nyangombe Falls.

Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands cover a vast area in extending over 300k from north to south, so being mobile is important. Hiring a car is possible and a self-driving holiday is a mode to consider but having someone else drive and do the guiding is a better proposition. Nyati Travel and Tours (www.nyati-travel.com) offers a comprehensive service and a range of vehicles.

Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands is indeed a very surprising region that caters to adventurous golfers who appreciate the finer things of a lesshurried lifestyle – so if you’re unsure where to head for your next vacation, you just found it! (And you’re most welcome.) PG

FAST FACTS Getting There There are no direct flights from Malaysia to Zimbabwe with Emirates (www.emirates. com) providing the best and fastest connection with its daily service to Harare via Dubai and Lusaka in Zambia.

When To Go Temperate conditions prevail all year round in Zimbabwe as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season runs from August through October, and the rainy season from November through March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September when it is drier and cooler, however at night temperatures can fall below freezing.

Where To Stay Aberfoyle Lodge (www.aberfoylelodge. com), La Rochelle Country House (www.larochellecentre.com), Leopard Rock (www.theleopardrock.com), Meikles Hotel (www.meikles.com) and Troutbeck Resort (www.troutbeckinn.net).

Tips Malaysians don’t need a visa to enter Zimbabwe but some other nationalities are issued visas upon arrival for a fee of US$30 plus a passport photograph. The local currency was suspended years ago and everything is now priced in US dollar.

Useful Links • Bushman Rock (www.bushmanrock.com) • Nyati Travel and Tours (www.nyati-travel.com) • Zimbabwe Tourism (www.zimbabwetourism.net)

Impala spotting

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KHAO YAI, THAILAND

Head To The

Mountain Whether it’s arresting nature, exquisite wines or scenic golf you’re into, Khao Yai certainly does not disappoint

BY DAVID BOWDEN

T

he area around Khao Yai National Park has long been a weekend escape for residents of Bangkok, and being located in a misty mountain range less than three hours’ drive northeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, it’s now garnering the attention of international travellers.

The recent opening of the dusitD2 46

Khao Yai property provides another excellent reason for golfers to head to the cool hills of Khao Yai for a pleasant retreat with a handful of golf courses to play in the district and other fascinating recreational and sightseeing possibilities.

Big Mountain Retreat at dusitD2 Khao Yai (or ‘big mountain’), best

known for its national park which was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, is popular with locals who enjoy the cool mountain air, nature, two new latitude wineries and of course golf.

The newly-opened dusitD2 Khao Yai property of 83 rooms offers a chic take on a modern-rustic theme. All rooms include a balcony with deluxe

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©David Bowden

Pool Bar

rooms being 36m2, the two D’corner suites at 72m2 and the two duplex suites at 69m2.

Guests enjoy the finest facilities including complimentary wi-fi and dining outlets such as Musi Grill (allday dining), Cocoon Tree-pod (private treetop dining), Gourmet de Khaoyai, The Lounge and Pool Bar. Musi Grill features an open kitchen where

©David Bowden

Khao Yai Golf Club

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Golfing at Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa

Tom Yam Goong

The Tuscan-inspired VinCotto Restaurant at GranMonte is the place to relax over a leisurely lunch of Italian and Thai cuisines with dishes such as pumpkin and mustard seed soup, burrata with pesto and grilled tomato, smoked pork sausages, pan-seared foie gras and verjus sauce, braised pork in apricot and prune, rib eye steak and panna cotta with grape preserve. Thai selections include tom yam goong, fried chicken with tamarind sauce, and spicy fish with grape salad. All the estate’s wines are offered by the bottle or glass.

©David Bowden

Food, Glorious Food

18th fairway, Kirimaya

©David Bowden

©David Bowden

Great Hornbill Grill at PB Valley Estate specialises in Thai and international dishes with each dish matched with a wine. Sweet belly pork wrapped in vine leaves served with Chenin Blanc is one of the popular dishes. All the waiters have worked in the winery and then with the chef on matching wines with the food. During lunch or dinner guests can enjoy the wonderful panoramic views of Asoke Valley and the winery.

©David Bowden

Pad Thai

Massaman Chicken Curry

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Western and local Thai favourites are offered. Choose from dishes such as antipasto, lobster bisque, steaks pizza and pasta on the Western menu and Pad Thai, Massaman Chicken Curry and Mango with Sticky Rice from the Thai menu.

Recreational facilities include the pool, gym and rock climbing wall, while dusitD2 is located close to attractions that include vineyards, golf courses, an adventure park and the national park with waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife observation zones.

Taking its cues from the surrounding natural landscape, visitors can experience nature the D2 way at the dusitD2 Khao Yai.

The course at Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa is in excellent playing condition after it was rebuilt into what some claim to be one of Thailand’s best-designed courses.

Golfers can use dusitD2 as a base to play on several nearby golf courses including Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa, Toscana Valley Golf Course, Khao Yai Golf Club, Bonanza Golf and Country Club, Forest Hills Country Club, Korat Country Club Golf and Resort, Mountain Creek Golf Resort and Residence, and Panorama Golf and Country Club.

Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa (www. kirimaya.com) features the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course that is complemented by a range of family holiday experiences. The mild mountain weather ensures that being outdoors is more enjoyable than the hot and humid central plains of Thailand.

The course is in excellent playing condition after it was rebuilt into what some claim to be one of Thailand’s bestdesigned courses. It previously operated as The Country Club Khao Yai and being an older course, the vegetation lining the fairways is mature and well developed.

The fairways are almost as lush and smooth as the greens and the female

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16th hole, Khao Yai

©David Bowden

Entrance to Khao Yai Golf Club

Toscana Valley Golf Course For some, there is a sense of the Tuscan countryside in Khao Yai and places such as Toscana Valley Golf Course (www.toscanavalley.com) reinforce the notion. The 18-hole course here was designed by golf architect Bob McFarland with it occupying a prime location on this 332ha property. The residential community offers a Tuscan lifestyle that’s complemented by lakes, villas, spa, pool, restaurants, shops and a hotel. There is a town square or piazza that acts as the heart of the village.

The 7,007-yard course looks like a scene from the Tuscan countryside to which tropical palms have been added.

This isn’t a course for the fainthearted though as its raised and undulating greens and deep bunkers provide a challenging dimension. The fairways have distinct drop-offs too. The par four second hole has multi-tiered teeboxes and an elevated view across water to the green. It is challenging enough just getting across the water let alone dealing with the elevated green.

Pinpoint accuracy is required for the sloping green as there are bunkers behind the hole.

The clubhouse is of classic Italian design and includes an Italian

restaurant, lobby lounge and expansive verandah with panoramic course and rugged limestone mountain views. Carts are compulsory.

Khao Yai Golf Club This 18-hole Khao Yai Golf Course (www. khaoyaigolfclub.com) is surrounded by rolling limestone hills and as it was once branded Mission Hills and designed by Arnold Palmer some 20 years ago, golfers are assured of a high standard.

Every hole is surrounded by mountains and while undulating, the fairways are wide and scenery is beautiful. The mountainous backdrop of limestone hills weathers to a rich red soil which means the once yellowsand bunkers are now stained clay red. The 407m-long par four 16th is ranked as the most interesting and picturesque on the whole course.

There are plans for a major renovation in the near future with the possibility of on-course housing and a hotel as there is sufficient space for such a development. Currently, there is a small restaurant serving Thai and Western favourites as well as beer and wine, a small shop and a locker room.

Club and shoes rentals are available as are golf carts, which are compulsory at weekends. It is especially popular with expatriate Japanese golfers who live in Bangkok with Fridays and Saturdays being the busiest days (Sundays are surprisingly quiet).

The course is 25 minutes from

©David Bowden

caddies, in their bright orange uniforms, make for a colourful addition to the course.

While it is a resort, there’s no time for golfers to relax as they continually need to be on top of their game. Five tee positions make it easier for high handicappers and those new to the game but water is a continual hazard for wayward balls. The ladies’ course is 4,875m long while the tournament course is 7,115m.

dusitD2 and transfers can be arranged if required.

The Wilds of Khao Yai In addition to golf and other recreational activities, visitors to dusitD2 Khao Yai can explore the surrounding countryside. Established in 1962, Khao Yai was Thailand’s first national park and this year, UNESCO recognised the park and associated forests as the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex World Heritage Site.

Covering 2,168km2, the park is home to diverse flora and fauna and while spotting animals is rarely easy in the forests of Asia, day and night safaris make this a little easier thanks to the rangers’ trained eyes.

Several ‘salt licks’ encourage animals to congregate and drink around these waterholes and it’s here that wildlife spotting is the easiest. Visitors need to be patient if they are to get a glimpse of deer, squirrels, civet cats, gibbons, monkeys and birdlife such as hornbills.

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KHAO YAI, THAILAND

the weather becomes cooler (park headquarters are reached at 1,000m above the lowlands). Jungle trekking is pleasantly refreshing and much more enjoyable than walking through lowland forests.

Wine production here is an emerging industry and recreational activity developing close to dusitD2 Khao Yai with GranMonte and PB Valley Estate wineries being two of Thailand’s best known new latitude estates, producing some very creditable wines.

The park’s trails are well-signposted and there’s an informative Visitors’ Centre with a helpful selection of trail notes for self-guided walks. Waterfalls are abundant and popular especially with photographers; one of the most accessible is Haew Suwat Falls and their beauty explains why they were used in the filming of the Hollywood movie The Beach.

Khao Yai Wine Wine production is an emerging industry and recreational activity developing close to dusitD2 Khao Yai with GranMonte (www. granmonte. com) and PB Valley Estate (www. khaoyaiwinery.com) wineries being two of Thailand’s best known new latitude estates. While Khao Yai isn’t yet on the world’s wine map, both wineries are producing some very creditable wines.

Grape varieties such as Chenin

Blanc, Tempranillo and Shiraz thrive in the climatic conditions of Khao Yai. GranMonte grows these varieties and several other new ones for the region including Durif, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

A Dairy for the Diary A must-visit location while in the district is Farm Chokchai (www. farmchokchai.com) covering over 3,000ha and with 5,000 head of beef and dairy cattle. Ironically, it’s located along the Friendship Highway at Nongnamdaeng, Packchong near Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat).

Visitors can get a real farm and cowboy experience with fresh milk, the opportunity to make ice cream, milk cows and see a cowboy show all on offer. There is also a cowboy museum for those with some time on their hands.

Other attractions in Khao Yai include Patio Village Shopping Complex, Pak Chong walking street and Khao Khen night bazaar. With all this and more to offer holidaymakers, you can be assured of an absolutely unforgettable trip that’s just a short plane-ride away. PG

FAST FACTS Getting There Thai Airways (www.thaiair.com) flies from KLIA to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport). Limousines or van transfers can be arranged by the resort (three hours or 190km away).

When To Go The best time to visit Khao Yai would be between November and February, the coolest months of the year.

Where To Stay Dusit D2 Khai Yai (www.dusit.com/dusitd2/khaoyai) Useful Links Tourism Authority of Thailand (www.tourismthailand.org)

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also able to resist sweat and water up to four hours and its high SPF of 120 and PA++++ also helps to protect against the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Apart from its ability to actively adhere to wet skin, the SunPlay Sport UV is also designed with Solarex-3 Technology that provides a unique 3-in-1 UV defence system to protect against sun damage and premature aging while keeping the

skin, leaving your skin feeling cool and refreshed. The SunPlay Sport UV Lotion

skin hydrated at all times. It contains

SPF 120 (35g), meanwhile, has a

eight UV filters that do not break

lightweight, non-greasy lotion-type texture

down or degrade easily under the sun,

that spreads easily on the skin and

thus ensuring long-lasting protection

absorbs instantly without leaving any

for the skin.

sticky feeling or white splotches.

The SunPlay Sport UV range includes

The SunPlay Sport UV Body Mist is priced

the Sunplay Sport UV Body Mist SPF

at RM58.90, while the SunPlay Sport Lotion

120 (165ml) which can be applied

retails at RM43.50 (all prices inclusive of

conveniently at any time as it instantly

GST), and are available in leading

cuts through and absorbs into the

pharmacies and hypermarkets nationwide.

1 Based on Nielsen ScanTrack for the Suncare Category from 2010-2014 for Peninsular Malaysia (Copyright©2014, The Nielsen Company)

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LANGKAWI

More than

MEETS THE EYE Langkawi is not just about sand and surf

BY JONATHAN PONNIAH

I

’m always by surprised by the number of people who tell me there’s nothing much to do in Langkawi.

These folk have probably not been there since the 1990s as nothing could be further from the truth today. The island has progressed immensely over the last two decades and there’s so much more to experience now, aside from the usual tourist spots such as Mahsuri’s Tomb, Underwater World and Kuah Jetty with its recently controversial eagle statue.

One of the ‘new’ must-dos (actually this was built back in 2002) is the Langkawi Cable Car – now known as Langkawi SkyCab – that takes you to the top of the Machinchang mountains at more than 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level. Once at the top, those who scoff at heights can walk over (or take an inclined elevator called SkyGlide) to the spectacular SkyBridge – a 125-metre cable-stayed bridge that straddles a deep gorge, truly one of the great engineering marvels in this part of the world.

The base station is not just a departure point but is an attraction in its own right – so don’t worry about

acrophobic folks in your group as they will be well occupied at ground level.

There’s a 360-degree cinema, cinemotion ride, 3D art museum, F1 simulator, themed tram ride, boating, F&B and more.

Langkawi is pure paradise for those who love the outdoors. Water sports are available extensively at most beaches and, for something a bit more posh with

One of the ‘must-dos’ is the Langkawi Cable Car – now known as Langkawi SkyCab – that takes you to the top of the Machinchang mountains at more than 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level.

that special someone or just for the heck of it, book a sunset cruise to the outlying islands and back. Mangrove excursions, eagle-watching, jungle treks, canopy walks, rock climbing, paintball, go-karting, helicopter tours … the list of outdoor activities goes on.

And there’s great golf too in the award-winning The Els Club Teluk Datai, voted the World’s Best New Course in 2014, and the pleasant Gunung Raya Golf Resort near Kuah; although unfortunately the problemplagued 99 East Golf Cub is currently closed.

Come nightfall and you’ll really appreciate Langkawi’s duty-free status.

Drinks are reasonably priced everywhere, including the bars in the tourist hotspot of Cenang beach. In the main town of Kuah, Charlie’s Place at Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is a cool

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©Tourism Malaysia

©Panorama Langkawi

3D Art Museum, Panorama Langkawi

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Did Y ou K now?

• Langkawi is made up of 99 islands

with a total land area of 478.5 square kilometres (184.7 square miles).

• The island’s population is approaching 100,000, of which almost 10% is made up of non-Malaysians working or domiciled there.

have originated from the Malay word for eagle, ‘helang’, and ‘kawi’ which is a red chalk used to mark goods. Some historians connect the name to the ancient Hindu kingdom of Langkasuka, originating from the Sanskrit words ‘langka’ which means ‘beautiful’ and ‘wi’ which means ‘many’.

©Panorama Langkawi

• The name ‘Langkawi’ is thought to

Sky Bridge, Panorama Langkawi

• The legend of Mahsuri tells the tale of

a beautiful maiden who was wrongly accused of adultery. As she was executed, Mahsuri cursed the island for seven generations. Her tomb about 12km from Kuah is a popular tourist attraction.

• Langkawi was accorded duty-free

status in 1987. Most of the duty-free shops are located in Kuah and Cenang.

• Langkawi receives over three million tourists each year, with the peak period running from November to March.

SkyCab, Panorama Langkawi

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The Datai Langkawi

Then of course there’s the duty-free shopping for shopaholics, plus some excellent seafood in Kuah and Cenang.

The famous Laksa Kaw Ikan Sekoq along a beach-fronting road (Jalan Kuala Muda) near the airport is a must for ‘laksa-holics’ – but it’s probably best not to try this just before departure, just in case the ‘kaw-ness’ does not agree

with weak tummies.

Nothing to do? You’ve got to be kidding. PG

FAST FACTS Getting There Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Firefly, Malindo Air and AirAsia fly regularly into Langkawi International Airport from Kuala Lumpur, while Firefly and AirAsia also operate direct flights from Penang. There are direct flights from Singapore on MAS, AirAsia, Tiger Air and Silk Air. Connecting flights from other cities via Kuala Lumpur International Airport are plentiful.

Langkawi is also accessible via ferry from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and Satun (Thailand); travel time ranges from one to two hours.

Getting Around While there are cab services, the best way to get around in Langkawi is to rent a car (from as low as RM50 per day during offpeak periods). There are rental counters at the airport or you can make arrangements later via your hotel or on you own. Most rental companies allow you to return the car at the airport.

The Els Club Teluk Datai

©Thirstday

©The Els Club Malaysia

place to hang and boat-watch.

Our favourite haunt is Thirstday, an al fresco establishment in Cenang which stretches into the white sandy beach. Best time to come here is late evening and watch the sun go down over the sea in a blaze of colours. It’s a full bar and the cocktails are excellent, while beers are smartly served in individual ice buckets. They have a decent food menu as well and the service is superb – two nights in a row we stayed well beyond the published closing time of 1am and none of the staff left until they made sure we were OK. Of course there are more ‘happening’ places too, one of which is Sunba Retro Bar in Pantai Tengah when you can enjoy excellent ‘live’ music interspersed by deejay spins in a rustic, wooddominated setting. The crowd – a nice mix of locals and tourists – streams in after 11pm and the place is usually packed till the wee hours.

©The Data Langkawi

LANGKAWI

Where To Stay Langkawi has accommodation of all shapes, sizes and prices. From superluxury resorts like The Datai Langkawi (www.thedatai.com), The Andaman (www.theandaman.com) and The Danna Langkawi (www.thedanna.com) to B&Bs, value-for-money apartments and quaint homestays, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.

When To Go Langkawi is a year-round tropical destination. Even the monsoon season from September to October is not too severe as the island is shielded by Peninsula Malaysia on the east and Sumatra to the west.

Thirstday Bar & Restaurant, Cenang

54

Useful Links • Langkawi Development Authority – naturallylangkawi.my • Kedah Tourism – www.visitkedah.com.my • Panorama Langkawi – www.panoramalangkawi.com

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CONTEST

WIN A FLIGHT AT NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB! That’s right, folks … just answer three simple questions, complete the slogan and mail the entry form to us before December 10, 2016!

Five winners will each receive one complimentary flight for four* at Nilai Springs, one of the best courses in the country! *Terms and conditions apply

NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB CONTEST OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM Full Name .........................................................................................

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

COMPLETE THE SLOGAN IN NOT MORE THAN 20 WORDS. I would love to play at Nilai Springs because .......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................

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

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

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

Mail entries to: NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB CONTEST

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS CORRECTLY.

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

Tel: 03-7987 1889

(tick only one answer)

1. How many holes are there at Nilai Springs?  18  27  36  45 2. Which state is Nilai Springs located in?  Selangor  Perak  Negeri Sembilan

Closing Date: December 10, 2016 (Saturday)

 Melaka

3. What grass is used on the new Nilai Springs greens?  Satiri  Tifdwarf  Tifeagle  Paspalum

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 Saturday, December 10, 2016. Late entries will not be entertained.

• Employees of Write Track Publishing & Communications, Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.

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

No protests of any kind will be entertained.

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

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

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

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COU COUNTRY CLUB

REAL

VALUE As its name implies, Nilai Springs gives you more than your money’s worth

©Toha Dol/ParGolf

TEXT BY JONATHAN PONNIAH PHOTOS BY TOHA DOL

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©Toha Dol/ParGolf

Hole 17, Island Nine

Club manager Zainal Mohamad

©Toha Dol/ParGolf

I

t’s an appropriate name indeed, albeit by chance.

‘Nilai’ in Malay means ‘value’ and that sums up a round at Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club.

With the completion of renovations to its Mango and Island nines, Nilai Springs has elevated itself to one of the best layouts in the country. And there’s more to come with the upgrading of the Pines Nine scheduled to start next March.

The course was in excellent condition when we played, the fairways nicely manicured and the greens rolling true.

The putting surfaces on the Mango and Island tracts were reshaped and returfed with a locally-bred superdwarf grass called Satiri, developed specifically by Universiti Putra Malaysia for our harsh tropical conditions (and used with equal success at Templer Park).

The championship 18 of Mango-Island plays to a total yardage of 6,099 metres from the tips and makes for an excellent golfing experience. There are a number of tough holes, but these are tempered by forgiving affairs which allow golfers to grab a breather and build up confidence before the next big test comes along.

Mango starts off with an easy dogleg right par-four with OB on both sides, but the hill on the left does tend to kick drives back into play. The two par-threes on this nine are quite challenging, with the 158-metre third playing to a two-tier green with significantly higher back level, and the 154-metre sixth traversing a ditch to a broad putting surface.

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NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Hole 9, Mango Nine

©Toha Dol/ParGolf

Bird's eye view of the golf course

The ninth hole, a par-four of 359 metres, is a good test of ball-striking.

You’ll need a really good draw off the tees to avoid getting stymied by the mango trees on the right and the second shot has to cross a ditch to reach one of the toughest greens on the course. Club up if in doubt for the approach as it’s uphill to the green, which slopes sharply against play.

The Island Nine opens with an interesting par-five bisected by water at the 18-metre mark, so for most golfers it’s positional play with a long-iron or hybrid off the tee. You’ll need a solid second shot to set up a short approach.

Two relatively easy par-fours follow before the par-three 13th, playing a hefty 173 metres over water.

The drive on the sharp dogleg-left sixth is ‘blind’ and long-hitters can take the tiger line to set up a wedge approach to the green. The 16th is the longest par-three on the course at 192 metres off the blues and plays go a comical green that slopes a fair bit to the right.

My favourite hole is the par-five 17th, hailed by many as the signature hole. It’s a short par-five but will be a three-shot hole for most, as the final destination is a pretty island green – so unless you’re long enough off the tee to be hitting an iron into the green, the best option is to lay up before the water 58

With the completion of renovations to its Mango and Island nines, Nilai Springs has elevated itself to one of the best layouts in the country. and attack the flag with a wedge.

Finishing off the championship 18 is a long, uphill par four of 374 metres, where you’ll need two solid shots to reach the green in regulation.

Having enjoyed the two nines immensely, we decided to make it a 27-hole outing by playing the Pines.

There are more trees here but there’s lots of space to hit all out from the tees and the greens were much easier.

However, note that this is prerenovation and golfers can expect a tougher putting challenge once the work is completed.

“We hope to finish the work on the Pines by August 2017. Right now we keep the green speed on the Mango and Island at around nine on the Stimpmeter for normal play but they can be rolled to reach 10 for tournaments,” said club manager Zainal Mohamad.

And it’s not just the golf course that is superb. Zainal is an energetic character and that has rubbed off on his

team, with hustle being the name of the game when it comes to customer service – from the bagdrop and reception to the terrace and starters.

The full-facility clubhouse is wellkept from the changing rooms to the open golfer’s terrace, which is a great place to grab a quick pre-golf bite or to hang around after to count the spoils of a game. Prices are reasonable and the food pretty darn good.

And it’s a good option for those looking for a corporate getaway that’s not too far away as the adjacent 183room Nilai Springs Resort Hotel offers MICE and team building facilities.

For those who need some swing tweaks, the driving range is home to a full-fledged golf academy run in partnership with the highly-rated Mizuno Golf School. Launched in April, the academy is helmed by Korean teaching professional Lee Kyu Ho who has two highly-respected Malaysian pros, Riduan Harisa and Hilmi Abdul Rahman, in his team.

Although Nilai Springs is located in Negeri Sembilan, it’s a popular hangout for golfers from the Klang Valley due to its easy accessibility. From Petaling Jaya, traffic willing, it takes around 40 minutes to get there and it’s much faster for those living to the south of KL. And trust me, it’s well worth the trip. PG

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©ParGolf

Dawn breaks at Nilai Springs

FACT FILE Address

PT 4770, Nilai Springs 71800 Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

GPS Coordinates Latitude 2.834275 / Longitude 101.768795 Tel

+606-850 8888

Fax

+606-850 3388

Email

club@nilaisprings.com.my

Website

www.nilaisprings.com.my

Designer

David Lim

Year Opened

1996

©Toha Dol/ParGolf

PUBLISHED RATES Green Fees

Weekdays – RM120 Weekends – RM200

Buggy

RM85

Caddie

RM55

Note: Contact the club for ongoing promotions and packages

CARD OF THE COURSE MANGO HOLE BLUE WHITE RED PAR INDEX 5 3 1 510 486 457 2 362 308 290 4 13 3 158 142 122 3 7 4 336 290 253 4 5 5 368 345 313 4 11 6 154 132 107 3 15 7 490 426 372 5 9 8 317 276 261 4 17 9 359 338 308 4 1 TOTAL 3,054 2,743 2,483 36

ISLAND HOLE BLUE WHITE RED PAR INDEX 5 2 10 488 461 437 11 367 323 282 4 16 12 354 319 291 4 8 13 173 153 136 3 10 14 380 355 297 4 4 15 322 295 275 4 18 16 192 142 114 3 12 17 427 394 349 5 14 18 371 352 334 4 6 TOTAL 3,045 2,777 2,499 36

PINES HOLE 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TOTAL

BLUE 340 480 165 328 464 333 385 142 385 3,022

WHITE RED PAR INDEX 4 320 290 9/10 455 434 5 7/8 154 123 3 15/16 287 256 4 3/4 410 395 5 13/14 300 275 4 11/12 358 313 4 1/2 140 98 3 17/18 350 310 4 5/6 2,774 2,494 36 ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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AROUND ASIA

Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid has accepted an invitation to become a patron of the Asian Tour.

Sarji, who was formerly chief secretary to the government of Malaysia, has driven the growth and development of the PGM Tour since its creation in 2010. He also played an instrumental role in the successful launch and staging of the EurAsia Cup in 2014 and 2016, a Ryder Cup-style match between Team Asia and Team Europe.

Asian Tour commissioner Kyi Hla Han said: “We are honoured and grateful that Tun Ahmad Sarji has accepted our invitation to become a patron of the Asian Tour. He has played a significant role towards the success of the EurAsia Cup while the development of professional golf in Malaysia has indeed flourished through his vision and passion for the game.

“Tun Ahmad Sarji will add an incredible amount of knowledge and sporting expertise to the Asian Tour through an ambassadorial capacity and I am convinced his patronage and support will positively impact the growth and development of Asian golf.

Sarji, 78, has been involved with other sports such as cricket and lawn bowls in Malaysia but golf holds dear to his heart. He

©Asian Tour

Ahmad Sarji becomes patron of Asian Tour

Tun Ahmad Sarji (R) with Irfan Hamid of the Asian Tour

was recently awarded the ‘Tokoh Sukan Negara’, which is the nation’s sports leadership award.

“I am honoured and proud the Asian Tour has invited me to become a patron.

With the way professional golf is growing so rapidly in Asia, I hope to contribute towards the betterment of the game in

the region,” said Sarji.

“I intend to engage with the board of directors to offer my views so that the Asian Tour continues to drive forward with the expansion of the game to impact the careers of its members, further raise the standard of Asian golf and grow the sport in emerging nations.”

Thongchai to host second ADT event in December

©Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee will be hosting the second edition of his own tournament, Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, once again as part of the Asian Development Tour (ADT) this December 1-4.

A total of 144 players will head to the award-winning Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, for the four million baht (approximately US$115,770) event,

which will be the tour’s first stop in Thailand this season. The field will consist of 24 invitational spots, which includes the man himself, while the remaining 120 spots will be split equally between the Asian Tour’s secondary circuit and the All Thailand Golf Tour.

Besides aiming to create more playing opportunities and unearth more talents, Thongchai also hopes to draw attention to his Thongchai Jaidee Foundation through the event. The foundation, created in 2009 to help under-privileged golfers in his hometown of Lopburi, also supports professional golf for men and women.

“At the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, we help kids by giving scholarships, golf

lessons and accommodation. The aim is to provide them with the knowledge of the game which could probably earn them a living one day. We received an official letter from Thailand Ministry of Finance recently to certify that the foundation has been exempted from tax thanks to our contributions to the society over the years. It was a great milestone for us,” noted the 46-year-old.

All ADT events offer world ranking points with the winner receiving six points, while the top six players and ties also earn points based on a sliding scale. The top-five finishers on the final 2016 Order of Merit will secure their Asian Tour cards for next year.

“At the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, we help kids by giving scholarships, golf lessons and accommodation.

The aim is to provide them with the knowledge of the game which could probably earn them a living one day.”

THONGCHAI JAIDEE

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Boom for Poom in Jakarta Baby-faced Poom Saksansin of Thailand cruised to his first Asian Tour title with a comfortable five-shot victory in the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich, played at Royale Jakarta Golf Club on October 6-9.

The 23-year-old held a two-shot lead at the start of the final round and stayed ahead of the chasing pack by shooting six birdies against one bogey to finish on 18-under-par 270. His teenage compatriots Phachara Khongwatmai and Suradit Yongcharoenchai, both aged 17, tied for second with Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura in the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.

Poom dropped only two shots in 72 holes as he played solid golf throughout the week and stayed calm under pressure.

“It feels great to be a champion. Honestly, I was only hoping to make enough money to keep my Asian Tour card. This victory exceeded my expectations,” said Poom, who won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title in Malaysia last year.

“I didn’t get into trouble in the first place, so that’s why I only dropped two shots this week. My putting really saved me as well,” he added.

The US$135,000 winner’s cheque catapulted Poom from 101st to 21st position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with total winnings of US$150,635.

“This win opens up so many doors and opportunities for me.

I get to play in the big events now and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s still a lot of room for improvement for me and before I step up into the big events, I need to work even harder on my game,” noted Poom.

It’s been a long wait for Ganganjeet Bhullar but the Indian star is finally a winner again.

The 29-year-old ended a title drought that dated back to 2013 with a narrow victory in the Shinhan Donghae Open in Incheon, Korea. Bhullar was in superb form as he carded four rounds in the 60s to finish on 15-under-par 269, just a shot ahead of Asian Tour rookie Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe and Korea’s Taewoo Kim in the KRW1.2 billion (approximately US$1 million) event.

With rain pelting down relentlessly on the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club during the final round on October 2, Bhullar kept his composure and survived successive bogeys on 16 and 17 as Vincent and Kim – playing in the last group – failed to force a play-off.

“I was not in contention when I started the round but I was very certain I was going to win this week and I was full of confidence.

“I kept telling myself I was going to win this trophy. There was lots of dedication and will power to do that,” said Bhullar.

Australia’s Scott Hend increased his lead atop the Asian Tour Order of Merit by finishing in joint fourth place with Sweden’s Malcolm Kokocinski.

©Asian Tour

©Asian Tour

Bhullar’s Back!

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

BNI INDONESIAN MASTERS PRESENTED

BY ZURICH (ASIAN TOUR) October 6-9 / Royale Jakarta Golf Club / US$750,000 270 – Poom Saksansin (THA) 69-69-65-67; 275 – Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 67-71-69-68, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 67-74-66-68, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 66-71-68-70; 276 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 66-73-70-67 MERCURIES TAIWAN MASTERS (ASIAN TOUR) September 29-October 2 / Taiwan Golf & Country Club, Taipei / US$800,000 283 – Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 70-72-71-70; 284

Curtis Luck – Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 70-70-74-70; 285 – Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 70-71-74-70, Danthai Boonma (THA) 73-67-74-71; 287 – Lu Wen-teh (TPE) 72-71-75-69 SHINHAN DONGHAE OPEN (ASIAN TOUR / KOREAN PGA) September 29-October 2 / Yards Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club / KRW1.2 billion (approx. US$1 million) 269 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 68-66-68-67; 270 – Scott Vincent (ZIM) 69-64-68-69, Taewoo Kim (KOR) 66-66-67-71; 271 – Scott Hend (AUS) 70-65-68-68, Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) 68-67-68-68 ASIA-PACIFIC DIAMOND CUP (ASIAN TOUR / JAPAN GOLF TOUR) September 22-25 / Ibaraki Country Club, Osaka / ¥150,000,000 (approx.

US$1,300,000) 270 – Chan Shih-chang (TPE) 71-68-69-62; 272 – Ippei Koike (JPN) 67-67-69-69; 273 – Kazuhiro Yamashita (JPN) 69-67-69-68; 274 – Shugo Imahira (JPN) 65-69-74-66, Katsumasa

©AAC

ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP October 6-9 / Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, Incheon, Korea 276 – Curtis Luck (AUS) 70-69-70-67; 277 – Brett Coleta (AUS) 67-67-68-75; 279 – Luke Toomey (NZL); 281 – Cameron Davis (AUS) 65-70-69-77; 283 – Junya Kameshiro 68-69-71-75

Miyamoto (JPN) 70-72-66-66, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 66-67-69-72 KOLON KOREA OPEN (ONEASIA) September 8-11 / Woo Jeong Hills Country Club, Seoul / KRW1.2 billion (approx. US$1 million) 268 – Lee Kyounghoon (KOR) 65-67-68-68; 271 – Choi Jinho 65-69-68-69; 272 – Kang Kyungnam (KOR) 68-66-67-71; 274 – Lee Changwoo (KOR) 70-63-69-72; 275 – Kim Dohoon (KOR) 73-64-68-70, Kim Yeongsu 65-68-71-71

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MALAYSIAN PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Locals rule in Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Qualifier Malaysian golfers made a clean sweep in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Qualifying Tournament at TPC Kuala Lumpur’s East Course in late September.

Professional Aretha Pan won the qualifier with a two-day total of 144 (69-75) to earn a start in the US$1.8 million Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, played at the same venue on October 27-30. Malaysian amateurs Nur Durriyah and Ashley Lau finished second and third respectively to claim the two local qualifying places. Durriyah finished with a total of 147 (74-73) with teenager Lau three shots further back on 150 (75-75).

“I had a good run on the back nine yesterday but I struggled a bit towards the end with my putting,” said the 22-year-old Pan. “My putting was still a little bit off today, but it’s definitely something that I will be working hard to improve on now that I have officially qualified!”

Malaysian juniors Winnie Ng and Natasha Oon finished fourth and eighth respectively to secure the two spots available in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia

via the new Junior Amateur Category.

“It’s a total dream come true for me to be playing in a world-class tournament alongside the world’s best players,” said Ng, who finished with a respectable total of 151, just one stroke behind Lau. “I actually just scored my first ever hole-in-one here last week, and to now be able to play in my first

LPGA tournament here as well, is just a dream come true!”

With professionals Kelly Tan, Michelle Koh, Ainil Bakar and Jean Chua awarded sponsor invitations to the main event, this year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia featured its largest local representation with nine Malaysians in the field.

(L to R) Natasha, Durriyah, Aretha, Ashley and Winnie

Green earns CIMB Classic start Rising star Gavin Green earned his debut in the CIMB Classic when he edged title holder Ben Leong in a playoff to win the SapuraKencana National Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur’s West Course.

The duo finished regulation play tied on four-under-par 212 and returned to the 18th hole where Green emerged victorious with a birdie on the first extra hole. Leong settled for second after missing a close range birdie on the 54th hole, while Khor Kheng Hwai finished a further shot back in third place.

The 22-year-old Green was delighted to add another feather to his cap after a superb season where he won two titles on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and

represented Malaysia in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“Playing in the CIMB Classic will be a huge achievement for me this year. It has been a good year so far and this will be another positive in my career. I can’t wait to play in my first PGA Tour event on home soil,” added Green, who won RM22,000.

Leong hit a super chip into the par-five 18th hole in regulation play but missed the birdie putt for the outright win.

“Obviously I was nervous. I read it left but pulled it. I’m disappointed but this is all part of the process. Good for Gavin, he was cool and composed under pressure and played good golf today,” said Leong.

Sukree Othman

TOURNAMENT RESULTS PGM PERLIS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP October 5-8 / Putra Golf Club, Kangar / RM180,000 283 – Sukree Othman 72-70-69-72; 284 – R. Nachimuthu 71-73-69-71; 286 – Wilson Choo 72-71-68-75; 288 – Khor Kheng Hwai 75-72-69-72; 290 – Lam Yu Shuen, M. Amli Mohiyadeen 72-73-71-74

SAPURAKENCANA NATIONAL CLASSIC September 20-22 / West Course, TPC Kuala Lumpur / RM150,000 212 – Gavin Kyle Green 71-73-68, Ben Leong 71-72-69; 213 – Khor Kheng Hwai 72-71-70; 219 – Low Khai Jei 73-70-76; 220 – Mohd Sukree Othman 71-74-75

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©PGM Tour

SIME DARBY LPGA MALAYSIA NATIONAL QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT September 26-27 / East Course, TPC Kuala Lumpur 144 – Aretha Pan (MAS) 69-75; 147 – Nur Durriyah (MAS) (a) 74-73; 150 – Ashley Lau (MAS) (a) 75-75; 151 – Winnie Ng (MAS) (a) 75-76, Kim Seon Ryeong (KOR) 73-78

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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.

Stars On The Horizon

The face of Asian golf is now becoming so much younger with each passing season that the future is very bright indeed for the game

F

rom Jeunghun Wang to Thititphun Chuayprakong, Poom Saksansin to Chan Shih-chang, Miguel Tabuena to Soomin Lee, a new breed of golfing stars from across the region is slowly establishing themselves firmly on the Asian Tour.

With the exception of Tabuena, 22, who won the Philippine Open last December, the other five players, all aged 30 and below, broke through for their career first victories in Asia this season and pundits believe it will open the floodgates to more golfing success in months and years to come.

The slightly-built Chan, the oldest amongst the lot at 30, has been the most successful to date with wins at the King’s Cup in Thailand and Asia Pacific Diamond Cup in Japan, while 21-year-

old Wang has been victorious in Morocco and Mauritius, both European Tour-sanctioned tournaments.

Another first-time winner emerged at the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich in October when baby-faced Poom Saksansin of Thailand, 23, romped to a five-shot victory against a stellar field that included Asian legend Thongchai Jaidee and Australia’s Marcus Fraser.

Interestingly, two other 17-year-olds, Phachara Khongwatmai and Suradit Yongcharoenchai, also from Thailand, finished tied second in Royale Jakarta as the young guns unleashed their massive potential with measured performances that had Thongchai admiring in awe.

Thongchai, the only man to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles

©The Asian Tour

Poom Saksansin

and who has four wins on European soil, has paved the way for Thai golf with his trailblazing feats and must take credit for providing the inspiration for the youngsters to shoot for the sky.

“We have a very good generation of golfers coming from Thailand and Asia.

Poom played so well. I’m so happy to see so many good players coming from my country. I know the Thai boys are playing well at the moment, so it is good for them,” said the veteran Thai.

“I’m very proud because they all look up to me. Now I see so many young golfers coming up and more players will break through the ranks soon. In future, you will see more Thai players on the Asian Tour.”

With looks that golf fans could mistake for a schoolboy, Poom represents an exciting new front for Thai and Asian golf.

“I know we are all still young but I just want to play golf. My win proves that if you be yourself and play your own game, you can be successful,” said Poom, who only had one top-10 prior to his breakthrough in Indonesia.

Like most Thai kids, Poom started swinging a golf club when he was 10 years old and subsequently joined the national amateur squad. With support from his parents, he turned professional when he was 20, which Thongchai believes is the right age to join the play-for-pay ranks unlike the time when he took the plunge at the ripe age of 30.

Suradit said: “Thongchai is our Thai legend. He is one of the players I look up to growing up. It was an honour to play with him (in Jakarta). It has been a great week.”

With other upcoming stars like India’s Chikkarangappa S and Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung showing signs of coming of age, the pipeline of young talents seems to be unending which only bodes well for the future of Asian golf. PG ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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DAN STONE, VICE PRESIDENT, TITLEIST GOLF CLUB R&D

The

TITLEISTWay Titleist’s top R&D man Dan Stone shares the company’s product philosophy and the technology behind the new 917 metals What do you think makes Titleist such an iconic golf brand with so many loyal followers?

Dan Stone (DS): Golfers can trust that we are focused purely on performance and making products that will help them play their best, and that level of trust in performance has led players to turn to Titleist across not only the worldwide tours but also any time that someone tees it up in a meaningful round.

Titleist as a company was founded on a commitment to providing golfers with superior performance and quality, and that’s never changed.

Over the years, Titleist has revolutionised the game with numerous innovations such as the Pro V1 ball and the SureFit hosel. In your opinion, which were the most significant and why?

DS: The way we work in R&D, the most significant innovation for our team is always the next one. I feel very fortunate to work for a company that prioritises performance and allows us the time and resources to continually push the boundaries. It’s that environment which has allowed us to make such significant leaps in recent years as the SureFit hosel and now SureFit CG weight technology.

Unlike other brands, Titleist follows a strict two-year cycle for new product launches. What are the main reasons for this and do you think it will ever change – for instance if a new R&D development is ready for implementation well before the end of a cycle?

DS: At Titleist, we will not introduce a new product unless it’s absolutely finished and we are confident that it’s discernibly better than the prior 64

generation. Innovation does not happen overnight. It takes time, and maintaining a two-year product cycle we feel gives us the appropriate amount of time to identify, develop and iterate new technologies so that we are delivering a product to the golfer that’s truly better.

Tell us about the key innovations in the new Titleist 917 drivers and fairways, in particular the SureFit CG technology.

DS: 917 is about complete performance.

It’s about providing golfers with the best combination of distance, forgiveness and an optimal trajectory in a package that has great looks, sound and feel. There are several key technologies that drive that performance.

Active Recoil Channel 2.0 reduces spin and increases speed across the face. It also works in combination with our face insert technology to deliver greater off-centre ball speed for more overall distance.

The club’s high-MOI design helps preserve all of that off-centre ball speed for exceptional forgiveness. Our adjustable technologies then take us to another level in terms of optimising spin and maximising distance potential.

The SureFit hosel allows for independent loft and lie adjustment, while SureFit CG allows the CG to be moved from a back, heel position to a forward, toe position through interchangeable weights. Now, not only are we able to dial in a player’s ball flight, but we can also moderate and control spin in the draw and fade positions for a more consistent trajectory and shot shape.

SureFit CG can also do a great job of combating a player’s typical miss and

taking one side of the golf course out of play. We’ve also seen through our extensive player testing that when you determine the appropriate CG for a player, the club squares up and times up more consistently for them. They hit the centre of the face more often, they gain clubhead speed and ball speed, and their shot dispersion tightens significantly.

What’s also notable is that because of those results and that feeling of being dialled in, we’re seeing players gain more confidence and swing more aggressively, which creates even more ball speed and more distance.

Seeding of the 917 prototypes began in June. How has tour response been to the new clubs?

DS: Right from the start, the response from our tour staff has been overwhelmingly positive. When we first introduced the 917 drivers on the PGA Tour at the Quicken Loans National, we had 70 percent of our players in the field take it to the first tee that week.

To see guys pick up ball speed, optimise their spin, take their dispersion pattern and really tighten it – those are the types of things that give them more confidence and help them play better golf. There’s nothing like the launch of a new product on tour especially when you see such rapid adoption. At this point about 80 percent

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DAN STONE, VICE PRESIDENT, TITLEIST GOLF CLUB R&D of our players on the PGA Tour have converted to 917.

The AP1 irons have always been Titleist’s most forgiving irons and the design of the 716 model has been changed significantly to increase distance. Was that well received by players? How forgiving is the AP1 for regular golfers?

DS: We know that golfers looking to improve their games need the best technology available and that’s what we delivered in 716 AP1. They’re longer and more forgiving than ever, and we were able to do that without sacrificing performance into the green, which really is what iron play is all about.

AP1 technology gives players the tools to not only hit the ball farther, but also with the proper flight to stop the ball on the green closer to the pin with more consistency. Additionally, we also believe Titleist has a competitive advantage in how all of our irons feel at impact.

In the AP1 category, we often see irons that exhibit a harsh feel at impact.

Our team has pushed the envelope with regards to allowing the face to provide additional ball speed while at the same time creating a feel and sound which is best in class.

The 716 AP2 irons have been a great success on tour by merging feel with forgiveness in an industry-leading design. How has the reception been from amateur golfers?

DS: Outstanding. There isn’t a tourplayed iron with better technology than AP2. The forgiveness that we’ve been able to engineer into that blade size while still providing players workability is off the charts. Distance control is such a crucial detail when it comes to iron play, so maintaining that control, that distance consistency, even when you hit it off centre is something that every player appreciates.

Titleist recently tweaked the launch cycle to introduce new hybrids in tandem with irons. How has this been received by consumers and tour players?

DS: It’s been a welcomed change across the board. Thinking of hybrids as rescue clubs is a thing of the past. We consider our 816H hybrids as scoring clubs. You can launch them high and far and they have a steep angle of descent that helps players stop the ball on the green closer to the pin.

They are really just an extension of the iron set, and our fitters both on tour and in the market quickly learnt the benefits of fitting players for hybrids and irons at the same time. It was a natural shift.

Titleist has been a strong advocate of club-fitting and conducts regular fitting sessions in all markets. Has the fitting market grown significantly in recent years and do you think we will reach a stage where virtually every golfer will be fitted?

DS: We’d love nothing more than for every golfer who purchases a Titleist golf club to first get properly fit. When it comes to playing your best, it’s such a crucial part of the equation. Every single element of the golf club affects the shot. The type of clubhead, the shaft flex, the length and lie, swing

“Titleist as a company was founded on a commitment to providing golfers with superior performance and quality, and that’s never changed.”

weight, overall weight. Not to mention any adjustable technologies, like SureFit Tour and SureFit CG. If you don’t have all of those elements precisely fit to your swing, you’re not taking full advantage of the technology. Fortunately, more and more golfers are realising the benefits of an expert fit and our team is committed to providing golfers more and more opportunities to do so.

You were once involved in R&D for the aerospace industry. Has that had any influence on your approach to golf club technology?

DS: In addition to myself, there are several members of our R&D staff who also worked in the aerospace industry.

Many of the tools that we use today are a direct result of incorporating technologies used to build some amazing aircraft. For example, the CAD (Computer Aided Design) system we use to design golf clubs is identical to the system used to build aerospace products.

Also, many of the exotic metal alloys used in golf today, particularly titanium, were first industrialised in the aerospace industry and then found their way into the golf industry. We continue to research and use new materials from aerospace as well as other industries.

How’s your golf game? What’s in your bag at the moment?

DS: Well, I’m currently doing some prototype testing, as usual. They’re Titleist clubs, I can tell you that. Stay tuned!

ABOUT DAN STONE Dan Stone has been in the golf industry for more than 20 years and holds a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Pacific and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining the golf industry, he was employed by aerospace manufacturing corporation McDonnell Douglas for six years.

Stone arrived at Titleist in 2007. Since then, with the company’s investment, the Titleist R&D department has tripled in size which showcases their commitment to best-in-class products.

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IN THE BAG www.titleist.asia

Titleist 917 Drivers

COMPLETE YOUR GAME Just when you thought the bar was set as high as possible, Titleist’s new 917 drivers set a new standard for complete performance off the tee.

Both the 917D2 and 917D3 models provide maximum distance and forgiveness, along with precise adjustability to benefit golfers of all levels.

The 917D2 has a large 460cc full pear profile, generating more forgiveness and a higher peak trajectory with 250rpm more spin versus the 917D3. The 917D3 has a traditional, tour-inspired 440cc pear profile, providing more workability and 250rpm less spin versus the 917D2.

Active Recoil Channel (ARC) 2.0 A long, wide, deep sole channel flexes and recoils at impact to launch the ball with higher speed and lower spin for more distance. Refined thickness areas, including thinner heel and toe regions, produce greater flexibility for more consistent deflection across the face.

Radial Speed Face 2.0 This high-speed forged face insert is tuned with ARC 2.0 to promote greater off-centre ball speed for more overall distance.

High-MOI Design A precise high-MOI design with low and deep CG location delivers stability and forgiveness by preserving off-centre ball speed for more distance, more often.

SureFit Hosel The proprietary 16-setting SureFit Hosel allows golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight for improved shot control and more distance.

New SureFit CG Titleist’s industry-leading SureFit CG allows precise adjustability through an efficient interchangeable weight system, optimising spin and launch conditions. The SureFit CG is oriented at an angle deep on the sole, which enables the CG to be moved from Neutral to a back, heel position (Draw) or a forward, toe position (Fade). Each position affects dynamic face closure and gear-effect sidespin, enabling golfers to enhance their preferred ball flight and shot shape through more consistent impact and spin.

Lofts: 917D2 – 8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º, 12º 917D3 – 8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º SRP: RM2,850

TITLEIST THURSDAYS Itching to try out and find out more about the 917 range and other Titleist products? Then make a date with Titleist’s product experts during one of four ‘Titleist Thursdays’ this month.

During the sessions, Titleist personnel will answer any questions you may have and help you compare options using a Trackman flight monitor. And you can try out the entire Titleist club line-up!

Days:

Every Thursday – November 3, 10, 17, 24

Host Facilities:

Malaysia – Tropicana Golf & Country Club, 5pm to 9pm Singapore – Orchid Country Club, 5pm to 9pm Thailand – Bangplee Driving Range, 4pm to 8pm

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IN THE BAG

www.taylormadegolf.com

TaylorMade Gloire F2

NEW & IMPROVED TaylorMade’s new Gloire F2 range is designed for golfers looking for the highest quality and latest technology in golf club design.

The next iteration of the successful Gloire F franchise is engineered to provide distance and incredible forgiveness for golfers of all abilities and swing speeds. The Gloire F2 is also crafted for exceptional feel, resulting in a premium experience for the golfer looking for easy distance.

When compared to the original Gloire F, the new F2 is equipped with advanced technologies to increase distance performance and to provide more forgiveness while maintaining the confidence-inspiring look at address and great feel expected with the Gloire F series. Through advances in TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket technology and a sophisticated head design with new CG position and expanded sweet spot, Gloire F2 not only generates more distance but also gives more control of the ball. This is reflected in the numerous successes that Gloire F has garnered on the Japan Women’s and Senior Golf Tours.

Gloire F2 Driver The new sophisticated clubhead design in which the 911 titanium body and dimpled crown saves 7g allows for a slightly larger address shape than the previous generation. This creates a precise CG location that is higher and further back to improve playability.

Additionally, a tuned CG weight of 5.5g increases MOI and promotes high launching distance with the added benefits of increased forgiveness. By utilising tour-proven high launch and low spin benefits from previous TaylorMade drivers, the advanced technologies in Gloire F2 provide more distance.

New Speed Pocket The new larger and deeper cut-thru Speed Pocket and optimally designed CG placement expands the sweet spot by 20% compared to the previous Gloire F. This Speed Pocket coupled with the redesigned CG position increases MOI by 12%. The Speed Pocket is expanded to 50mm in length or 12% longer to increase the flexibility of the toe and face areas, and is cut thru to 8mm or 266% deeper to increase the sweet spot vertically on the area of the club face.

Individually Forged Face and Inverted Cone Technology The Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is an individual alpha beta titanium forged face that provides improved feel and faster ball speed across the clubface. Specifically, the ICT increases ball speed across and up on the clubface for more distance on off-centre hits. The 68

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combination of Speed Pocket and forged face ICT increases ball speed on more horizontal and vertical impact locations than original ICT. Loft Sleeve Adjustment Loft Sleeve adjustability has 12 settings and +/-1.5° for a total loft range of 3°, which allows the golfer to adjust to the optimal loft and face settings.

Exclusive Shaft Design The exclusive GL6600 shaft by Fujikura employs specific layering technology to improve speed, stability and feel at impact. In the R flex, a light and thin ‘hoop’ layer optimally placed in the design of the shaft produces a responsive and ‘easy to feel’ bending of the shaft which promotes improved timing at impact.

In the S and SR flexes, the layers are slightly heavier which increases the rigidity and firmness of the shaft to produce a stronger trajectory, more distance and better accuracy.

Gloire F2 Irons The new Gloire F2 irons combine a new Speed Pocket, new forged ICT face and a new L-shaped face design in an elegant and playable package. The cut-thru Speed Pocket, paired with the smaller and thinner forged ICT face, expands the sweet spot, making the irons faster and more forgiving across the clubface.

The soft iron cast body (8620) and ultra-high strength carbon steel forged face (4140) design provides excellent feel that surpasses other distance irons.

The new irons have a more modern shape, instilling more confidence at address and increasing playability on all shots. The top line edge promotes easier aiming and the new camber sole design allows the club to be easily addressed behind the ball and to glide through the turf easily. A progressive CG design for each individual iron optimises trajectory and playability, while fine-tuning sound and feel in each iron.

The tour-inspired shapes and forged soft carbon (1025) for the short irons complete the set with the exact look and feel preferred by discerning golfers.

Specifications DRIVER Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5° Shaft: GL6600 by Fujikura FAIRWAYS

Lofts: #3 (16°), #5 (19°), #7 (22°) Shaft: GL6600 by Fujikura

RESCUES

Lofts: #3 (19°), #4 (22°), #5 (25°), #6 (28°) Shaft: GL6600 by Fujikura

IRONS

Set: 5-9, P, A, S Shaft: GL6600 by Fujikura

Note: Prices not fixed at press time

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IN THE BAG

www.ping.com

Ping G Crossover

CROSSING OVER Forming part of the highly-successful Ping G Series is a club which created a new category in itself – the Crossover.

Designed to combine the precision, workability and control of an iron with the ball speed and forgiveness of a hybrid, the Crossover has revolutionised the way golfers look at their set make-up.

The clubhead has a high-strength Carpenter 455 steel face which is precision machined to an optimal thickness for greater face flexing, faster ball speeds and distance. The flat face, narrow top rail and appropriate offset deliver iron-like accuracy and workability.

The cascading internal sole engages the entire face, sole and top rail in flexing to maximise distance, while extreme heel-toe weighting creates a low-back CG and expands the perimeter weighting for a high MOI and more forgiveness.

“People love the look and feel of the Crossover because they haven’t seen anything like it,” said Ping chairman & CEO John A. Solheim. “It shouldn’t be confused with a driving iron; it’s higherlaunching and much more forgiving, and offers a lot of versatility.

Our extensive player testing has revealed this to be a very attractive option.”

Lofts: #3 (18°), #4 (21°), #5 (24°) SRP: Ping Alta J50H shaft – RM1,450

BADDS JOINS TEAM PING Four-time PGA Tour winner Aaron Baddeley, whose most recent victory came in July with a Ping G LS Tec driver and G 3-wood, has signed an agreement to play Ping equipment.

“Aaron has shown a great deal of talent over the years, he has a positive attitude, and he has a home in Scottsdale, so we’ve gotten a chance to know him and his family,” said Ping chairman & CEO John A. Solheim. “He has played Ping equipment at times in his career, so he feels like a natural fit for our brand on and off the course. He’s had star quality since his successful amateur days, and he has a set of values that are in line with ours. We’re excited to be associated with Aaron.”

Nicknamed ‘Badds’, Baddeley was born in New Hampshire, USA but was raised in Australia since age two and he has dual US and Australian citizenship.

“I know from first-hand experience how good Ping equipment is, and I’m excited to be part of the Ping family. This feels like a really good step in my career and I’m extremely motivated for the upcoming season to continue the success I enjoyed last season. With Ping clubs I have a lot of confidence I can do that,” said Baddeley, who has since added the Ping iBlade irons and a Ping prototype putter to his bag.

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www.mizuno.asia

Mizuno JPX900 Iron Series

TRIPLE TREAT

For the first time in its history, Mizuno has released a three-tier family of irons under the JPX name to enable golfers of all skill levels to put in play the same technology the world’s best players rely on.

The JPX900 Tour, JPX900 Forged and JPX900 Hot Metal irons offer golfers the opportunity to find the right set of clubs for their games. Each model utilises a different metal composition, marrying it with cutting-edge technology to deliver distance, control and forgiveness.

“The JPX900 family of irons represents an exciting new chapter in Mizuno’s rich history,” said Ryan Ellis, Mizuno’s associate brand manager for golf. “The JPX900 family enables each player to find the best clubs to fit their style of play, from the weekend golfer to the grind-it-out gamer who squeezes nine holes in after work. By combining cutting-edge technology with our unyielding desire to produce the best clubs in the industry, we have assembled a complete family of clubs that will connect with players of any skill level.”

JPX900 Tour Meshes the best attributes of Mizuno’s grain flow forged player’s irons with advanced weighting techniques and the clean styling of the JPX series. The 900 Tour is forged from 1025E mild carbon steel to deliver a soft, solid and consistent feel. The power frame design pushes more mass to the corners of the clubhead, helping to maintain ball speed on off-centre hits for surprising forgiveness.

JPX900 Forged Built on the foundation of the JPX850 Forged, the JPX900 uses Boron steel to enhance feel and boost distance. Infusing Boron during the forging process creates a material that is 30% stronger than 1025 steel, allowing Mizuno to create a new multi-thickness face which is the thinnest forged face they have ever made. A reshaped pocket cavity expands the sweet spot for higher ball speeds across the face.

JPX900 Hot Metal Boasts the thinnest clubface in Mizuno history, utilising Chromoly 4140M material. The series was designed like a metalwood, adding thickness by using offset geometry and employing discretionary weight to optimise performance. The cup face design delivers a larger COR area, while mass is pushed to the extreme corners for excellent stability and forgiveness.

All three models are customisable through Mizuno’s Performance Fitting System (PFS), which utilises the proprietary technology of the Mizuno Shaft Optimiser to pinpoint club specs for optimal performance.

SRP: JPX-900 Forged (5-9, P): Project X LZ shaft – RM5,190 / NS Pro 950 shaft – RM4,850 JPX-900 Hot Metal (5-9, P): Project X LZ shaft – RM3,850

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www.srixon.com

Srixon Z Series Drivers

Z POWER

The new Srixon Z Series drivers are designed for golfers who like to strike the ball aggressively but with highly stable trajectory with minimal vertical and horizontal variance. There are two models to suit playing styles and course management approach – the Z565 and Z765.

The Z565 has a 460cc clubhead designed for higher launch and more forgiveness, due to the increased lateral MOI which further stabilises control. The overall roundish shape inspires confidence at address and allows higher launch with more forgiveness and a slight draw bias.

The Z765 is a 445cc model and will suit golfers with higher swing speeds who prefer more penetrating trajectories.

Compared to the previous model, the clubhead has an 18% higher lateral MOI and is 15cc larger.

Both models are designed with a new Power Wave Sole, a new Stretch Flex Cup Face and a thinner, lighter crown. These features combine to create a lower CG and more flexible lower face, along with a sweet spot that is 10% larger than the previous models.

New Power Wave Sole The multiple ridges in a wave pattern greatly enhance the flexibility of the lower portion of the face, resulting in increased COR on low impacts and improved flight performance as a whole.

Since the Power Wave Sole allows the whole sole to flex, there was no need to increase the thickness of any particular area. This design helps maintain a lower CG and promotes reduced spin off the tee.

New Stretch Flex Cup Face To provide increased distance, Srixon’s engineers increased the size of the high COR area by expanding the sole and crown flares of the cup face. This increased ‘stretching’ of the face improves off-centre impact distance over a greater area.

This result is a higher COR area, maximising forgiveness by increasing ball speed on low impacts.

New Lightweight Crown The new head design removes about 4g of weight from the crown and strategically repositions the surplus mass to increase the clubhead MOI, which improves directional control. This also lowers the CG location to promote less spin off the tee.

Miyazaki Kaula shaft The newly-developed Miyazaki Kaula shaft features a new stiffness distribution that is softer on both the butt and tip ends compared to the previous generation’s Miyazaki Kosuma shaft. The result is increased directional stability and an easier launch.

Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5° SRP: RM2,490

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www.wilsonstaff.com

Wilson Staff C200 Irons

HOLES OF POWER The distinctive-looking Wilson C200 irons will plug the holes in your game with its FLX Face Technology, hailed as a true innovation that will change the way irons will be judged.

The visible FLX Face features ‘Power Holes’ that wrap entirely around the face to increase face flex at impact, thus increasing the amount of time the ball gathers energy before it launches down the fairway. The result is more distance with feel and forgiveness.

FLX Face Technology Wilson’s new technology minimises contact points between the thin face and clubhead for maximum face flex upon impact and more distance. Contact is limited to only 24% of the perimeter as 76% of the topline, toe and sole perimeter is freed from contact to the body.

Power Holes The Power Holes allow the face to flex upon impact for extreme distance. Featured in all C200 irons, it also allows mass to be redistributed low, back and to the heel/toe to increase forgiveness and optimise launch conditions. The centre of gravity (CG) is moved back by 0.030” to 0.060” due to the Power Holes, while the MOI is increased by about 7%.

TE031 Urethane TE031 Urethane fills Power Holes and provides vibration dampening properties, resulting in a notable improvement in sound and feel.

According to the Rules of Golf, the clubhead must be generally plain in shape.

Features that are deemed to be in breach of this requirement are therefore not permitted and these include holes through the face and holes through the head – the urethane thus also makes the C200 a USGA/R&A conforming club.

F-C-D Player Profiling System Wilson Staff has developed the F-C-D system to meet the technology needs of every golfer. Defining players into three categories – Feel, Crossover and Distance – this system matches club features and benefits with individual playing styles.

SRP (5-9, P): Steel (NS Pro 950GH) – RM3,550 Graphite (Aldila Rogue) – RM3,950

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october 17, 2016

iBLADE IRONS OUT IN FORCE

Miguel Ángel Jiménez has enjoyed success with his iBlade irons iBlade

G

iE1

Rhapsody

When the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs begin next week on the PGA Tour Champions, Miguel Ángel Jiménez will be in prime position, sitting second on the money list. In his bag will be iBlade irons, the most popular PING model with nearly 50 sets in play worldwide. iBlade irons have factored into three recent victories on the Web.com and

Korean LPGA tours. At last weekend’s Safeway Open, new PING Pro Aaron Baddeley was among eight players who relied on the iBlade, making it PING’s most popular model at the PGA Tour’s season opener. “Badds”, Louis Oosthuizen and Angel Cabrera are among the PING pros who play iBlade irons.

PING DEMO/FITTING DAYS SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER 2016

PING PERFORMANCE CENTER AT KLGCC

PING FITTING DAY EVERY FRIDAY STARTING FROM 8TH JAN 2016

NOVEMBER

DAY

VENUE

TIME

2/Nov/16

Wed

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

11.00am to 7.00pm

4/Nov/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

9/Nov/16

Wed

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

11.00am to 7.00pm

11/Nov/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

16/Nov/16

Wed

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

11.00am to 7.00pm

18/Nov/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

23/Nov/16

Wed

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

11.00am to 7.00pm

25/Nov/16

Fri

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

11.00am to 8.00pm

30/Nov/16

Wed

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

11.00am to 7.00pm

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

10.00am to 5.00pm

NOVEMBER'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

UBER-UMBRELLA BLUNT

Cheekily named after their rounded tips, Blunt Umbrellas are the only kind on the market with fully tensioned canopies.

Coupled with its Radial Tensioning System, the umbrellas can withstand wind strength far beyond weather conditions that users would feel comfortable using an umbrella in.

Other features include an approved 38-point quality control check and fibreglass ribs, and have gone through aerodynamic handling, wind tunnel testing and storm resistance.

Models available online (www.bluntumbrella.com/my) in Malaysia include the Golf G1 (the first dedicated golf umbrella developed with input from professional caddie Steve Williams), Golf C1 (developed later to be a lighter weight version of the golf umbrella with carbon ribs) and Golf C1+ (with up to 99.9% UV protection).

SRP: Golf G1 – RM400 Golf C1 – RM460 Golf C1+ – RM560

NEXLITE BOA 003 MIZUNO

The lightweight Mizuno Nexlite Boa 003, weighing just 285g, has a synthetic leather upper and resin sole, fitted with a Boa System (Wave, IG 4, Fast Twist). D Flex Groove Sole helps the foot to twist properly and efficiently during the swing while helping to hold the ground in various lies.

SRP: RM590

NEXUS II CART BAG WILSON

Weighing approximately 2.5kg, the Wilson Nexus II Cart Bag comes with 4 full-length dividers for club organisation and 10 sections with 14 s-lock placeholders. The 10”x8.5” cart bag (pull cart not included) has 9 pockets for accessibility of belongings, along with external front putter well for easy access (fits oversized grips) and external tee, pen and divot tool sleeves for easy retrieval.

SRP: RM750

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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10/26/16 10:59 AM

YOUNG GUNS

Cool Amir tops Faldo Series Malaysia in Kota Kinabalu Amir Nazrin Jailani fuelled his ambitions to join the ranks of the professionals with a thrilling victory in the 11th edition of the Faldo Series Malaysia Championship, staged at the challenging Sabah Golf & Country Club in Kota Kinabalu on September 28-30.

Five shots off the pace heading into the third and final round, the two-time Malaysian Junior Open champion posted a closing 73 to emerge from a congested leaderboard and eke out a tense triumph in the 12th leg of the record-breaking 2016-17 Faldo Series Asia season. Amir’s 54-hole total of 227 gave him a one-stroke success over Lim Beng Keat and overnight leader Fazley Chua. A further shot back in joint fourth overall were Geraldine Wong, Casper Loh and Bryan Tan. For Amir – runner-up in the Under-18

category last year – there was the satisfaction of topping the standings in the Boys’ Under21 segment as well as overall. He can now look forward to showcasing his talents in the 11th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Lang Cô in Vietnam next March. There he will be able to gauge whether he’s ready to relinquish his amateur status and try to make a living from playing the game.

“I have not decided whether to turn pro just yet,” said Amir. “I just want to enjoy playing golf, that’s all. I might consider turning professional if I can be consistently under par.”

Although he did not better par over the notoriously difficult Sabah layout, Amir put the experience he has gained from participating

in a handful of Asian Development Tour events to good use, remaining calm while his rivals faltered. Chua came a cropper at two of the short holes, running up double-bogey fives at the eighth and 17th en route to a 79 that left him one shot shy of forcing a play-off.

For Lim, the 601-yard 14th, rated the hardest hole on the course, proved to be his nemesis. A triple-bogey eight there meant he signed for a 77. Nonetheless, he still took top honours in the Boys’ Under-16 category, one shot ahead of Tan. The best round of the tournament belonged to Wong, who was a model of consistency in returning a closing 71 which was the only sub-par score of the week and ensured she was a runaway winner in the Girls’ Under-16 division.

Sabah Golf & Country Club

Prize winners with officials at the 2016 Faldo Series Malaysia Championship

ABOUT THE FALDO SERIES ASIA The 2016-17 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months with championships staged in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, along with two events apiece in China, India and Thailand.

The Faldo Series was established in 1996 and expanded to Asia in 2006, with 40 Faldo Series tournaments now taking place in 30-plus countries worldwide.

The 11th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final will be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Lang Cô in Danang, Central Vietnam, next March.

Laguna Lang Cô hosts the 11th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final next March

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ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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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

Aces That Aren't When is an ace not also a hole-in-one? Anything’s possible when monkeys, courts of law and big money prizes collide

A

t this year’s Masters Davis Love III, Shane Lowry and Louis Oosthuizen each conjured up one of golf’s most celebrated and highly rewarded achievements, the hole-in-one.

Apparently a rare feat, the assumption is that a sizeable chunk of good luck accompanies each success. After watching examples such as Oosthuizen’s ace which caromed in off JB Holmes’ stationary ball, most will agree luck is clearly a factor. The true odds of making a hole-in-one however may surprise you.

The chance of an amateur golfer sinking one on a par 3 is roughly 1 in 12,500. For pros it’s about 1 in 2,500.

Assuming the average amateur tournament has 100 players, and the average golf course has four par 3 holes, the chances of someone making an ace dips to roughly 1 in 32.

Assuming pro tournaments field 144 players, the probability that a hole-inone is made during a typical day on tour is roughly 1 in 4.5. The odds of one being made during a standard four-day pro event on any par 3 can approach 1 in 2! The stats are from US Hole In One, a leading provider of hole-in-one insurance for golf outings and tournaments. They probably know what they are talking about.

From a statistical point of view at least the easy bit apparently is putting the ball in the hole! The ‘lucky’ bit in this case may be to do so without getting caught out by the terms and conditions surrounding a legal hole-inone. Each event will have subtle differences. So who and what determines a valid ace? The USGA, perhaps wisely so, do not address the issue directly. It is left to individual tournament organisers and golf club committees. Most will accept that a ball coming to rest on the green, then blown in by a gust of wind counts, but a ball carried or knocked into the cup by an

animal does not. Shucks! There goes my trained monkey scheme. The USGA does have a few recommendations though, such as they should be made during a round of at least nine holes, an ace made on a hole with a temporary tee and/or putting green does not count, nor does one made whilst playing the better ball format (foursomes).

Interestingly and flying in the face of the last recommendation, three holesin-one have been recorded during Ryder Cup foursomes, ie Peter Butler in 1973, Muirfield 16th hole (Butler/Barnes vs Nicklaus/Weiskopf); Constantino Rocca in 1995, Oak Hill 6th hole (Rocca/Torrance vs Love III/Maggert); and Paul Casey in 2006, The K Club 14th hole (Casey/Howell vs Cink/ Johnson).

There’s probably a neat little caveat regarding holes-in-one scored as a team versus as an individual (I hope!). If nothing else, this illustrates the difficulty of attempting to uphold any set of rules that profess to be fair in every conceivable situation – and why occasionally we see updates and amendments. You don’t have to be a crowd control expert to realise that raucous Ryder Cup fans would riot if aces scored during foursomes were disqualified on a technicality.

When holes-in-one do not involve national pride and/or the threat of large angry mobs, legal nit-picking can sink to perverse new lows. Jake Warner aced a 202-yard par 3 at Haverhill GC, Suffolk. During the event a high-spec Vauxhall Corsa worth £14,000 emblazoned with ‘Win This Car If You Get A Hole In One’ was prominently displayed but Warner was presented a base model worth £6,500 instead. He went to court but lost having failed to notice the fine print specs of the actual prize prior to the tournament. I can’t say I know anyone who actually reads the fine print beforehand. Do you?

In the USA, Martin Greenberg didn’t get the full value of his US$1,000,000 prize either. He aced the 13th hole at Donald Trump’s National GC in Westchester County, New York, but the insurer determined that the hole had played a few yards less than the 150-yard minimum stipulated in their policy and refused to pay!

So be advised. Without a savvy lawyer, a devious plan-B and of course a lot of luck, having your name engraved on the clubhouse hole-in-one plaque might be all you get. Okay, see ya. Gotta meet some people about training a monkey to operate a really powerful fan …

Drive long and prosper. PG ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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10/26/16 11:02 AM

At Templer Park

PAR WARS

Par-Excellence

Inaugural series concludes with third leg at Templer Park

T

he inaugural Par Wars 2016 presented by Srixon, which kick-started in July, concluded with the third and final leg at Templer Park Country Club, Selangor on September 29. The first two legs were played at Staffield Country Resort, Negeri Sembilan on July 28 and at Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, Johor on August 25, with winners receiving fantastic prizes.

Two-man teams were ranked based on total score using the unique Par Wars scoring format, with two points awarded for par or better, one point for bogey and zero for double bogey or worse.

“We’re giving away some awesome prizes. The top five teams took home great Srixon golf items. Prizes are also given out for the Most Fashionable Team, Nearest to Flag and Sure to Win – as well as lucky draw prizes,” said ParGolf Magazine publisher Suzannah Gun Palmer.

“It was good to see amateurs teaming up and playing in this inaugural golf tournament. This has helped build the development of amateur golf in the country. We plan to increase the number of legs next year,” added Gun, who also extended a big ‘thank you’ to sponsors who had come forward to make this event a dream come true, namely Srixon, Crest Link, Gemfive, iBIS Styles, Mazda, Titoni, Ogawa, Carlsberg Malaysia, Liberty Golf Services, Staffield Country Resort, Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, Templer Park Country Club and Air Mauritius, who gave away a grand lucky draw prize.

78

(L to R) ParGolf publisher Suzannah Gun Palmer, Lee Pak Hong, Dato Hen Yet Keow and Air Mauritius sales & marketing manager Dan Lay

Champions

The grand lucky draw was done using scorecards accumulated over the three legs. The lucky winners were the team of Dato Hen Yet Keow and Lee Pak Hong, who won two air tickets to Mauritius along with four nights’ stay at the luxurious Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort.

“I’m a lucky man today,” said an elated Hen. “I never expected to win.

Lee is also excited about going to Mauritius,” he added.

Participants at all three

1st runners-up

battlegrounds, designed by notable course designers, teed off at 1.30pm.

This was followed by dinner cum prizegiving at 7.00pm onwards, which had everyone present enjoying a jolly fun time mingling with one another over great food and drinks. PG RESULTS Placing Champions 1st Runners-Up 2nd Runners-Up

Players S Sasikumar / Zulkifli Ibrahim Allan Yap / Ellyza Lee Keith Tan / Chen Yet You

Points 58 51 ocb 51

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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Presented By

Partners

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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POTSHOTS

©Harry How/Getty Images

BILL MURRAY DEBUTS 'FUNNER' GOLF APPAREL If you're ever in need of a legend among comedians, a Hollywood icon AND a talented golfer all rolled into one, who ya gonna call? Bill Murray, of course!

The avid golfer loves the sport so much he's even launched a line of golf apparel with his five brothers called William Murray Golf, which takes inspiration from the comedian's onand off-screen pursuits.

Patterns offered include one that's speckled with tiny highball glasses (a reference to Murray's love of cocktails) and bunker rakes like the kind used by Carl Spackler (the deranged greenskeeper Murray played in Caddyshack).

“The golf industry needs to be more fun and exciting,” said Joel Murray, the youngest of the brothers and chief executive officer of Murray Brothers LLC. “(Jack) Nicklaus and (Arnold) Palmer were wearing 'funner' stuff in the 70s than golfers are wearing now.”

Rickie Fo showing

BUBBA ADDS CHEVY TO BIZ PORTFOLIO

How did 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods occupy his time while recovering from multiple back surgeries this past year? Apparently by taking out “enemies” during 'Call of Duty', as he revealed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recently.

"I like to practice and compete all day, that's one of my things, I like to grind it out. The thing is, I wasn't able to do it on the golf course, so I applied my same intensity and my craft, my focus to 'Call of Duty',” said the 40-year-old Woods.

“Don't laugh! I would spend eight hours a day, I would get a 30-minute lunch break, I would be in my reclined grandpa chair, playing, and then I thought I was good, cause I got through the campaigns, no big deal. And then I went online … and when seven-year-olds are beating you from around the world ... humbling."

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©Rob Carr/Getty Images

TIGER ANSWERS CALL OF DUTY

Long-hitting American Bubba Watson has been keeping himself very busy on course – as well as off it, recently adding a Chevy dealership to his off-course portfolio (which currently comprises his co-ownership of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a minor league baseball team, and Bubba's Sweet Spot, an ice cream and candy store).

The two-time Masters champion has partnered with a car dealer in the Pensacola area, Florida, Sandy Sansing, in Sandy and Bubba’s Milton Chevrolet.

“I've purchased 37 cars in 12 years, which I’m not proud of, I guess,” said Watson, whose most famous vehicle purchase was in 2012 – that of the original General Lee, the Dodge Charger (featured on Dukes of Hazzard) for US$110,000.

“I hope to bring in different ideas, different events, whatever that comes down to,” said the 37-year-old.

One of the longest hitters on tour, the flamboyant Watson is well-known for his attacking play and uses a pink Ping G driver.

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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1116

10/26/16 11:02 AM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2016 MALAYSIAN AMATEUR EVENTS Nov 6

Carlsberg Golf Classic

Sandakan GC, Sabah

Nov 6

Carlsberg Golf Classic

Kinabalu GC, Sabah

Nov 7 – 9

MGA & SGA Annual Match

A’Famosa GR, Melaka

Nov 10 – 13

Malacca Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

A’Famosa GR, Melaka

Nov 12

Carlsberg Golf Classic

Sabah GCC

Nov 13

Carlsberg Golf Classic

Palm Resort GCC, Johor

Nov 13

Carlsberg Golf Classic

Kelab Golf Sibu, Sabah

Nov 15 – 17

World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship – Grand Final

TBA

Nov 16 – 19

Penang Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Bukit Jawi GR

Nov 21 – 24

Sarawak Chief Minister Cup

Kelab Golf Sarawak

Nov 22 – 24

Nilai Springs Amateur Open Golf Championship

Nilai Springs GCC, Negeri Sembilan

Nov 26

Laksamana Trophy Charity Golf Tournament

The Els Club Desaru Coast, Johor

Nov 30 – Dec 4

Malaysian Amateur Closed

A’Famosa GR, Melaka

Dec 1 – 4

M'sian Amateur Closed & Perak Amateur Open (Men & Ladies)

Royal Perak GC

Dec 6 – 10

TSM Golf Challenge

Seri Selangor GC

PROFESSIONAL GOLF OF MALAYSIA (PGM) TOUR Nov 2 – 5

PGM Malaysia-Indonesia Invitational Championship

Seriemas GC, Negeri Sembilan

RM250,000

Nov 9 – 12

PGM Tiara Melaka Closed Championship

Tiara Melaka GCC, Melaka

RM180,000

Nov 14 – 16

PGM Development Circuit – Q-School

Tiara Melaka GCC, Melaka

RM15,000

Nov 22 – 24

PGM Seniors Championship

Seriemas GC, Negeri Sembilan

RM200,000

Dec 7 – 10

PGM Players’ Championship

TPC Kuala Lumpur

RM275,000

ASIAN TOUR Nov 3 – 6

Panasonic Open India

Delhi GC

US$400,000

Nov 10 – 13

Resorts World Manila Masters

Manila Southwoods GCC, Philippines

US$1,000,000

Nov 24 – 27

WGC World Cup of Golf

Kingston Heath GC, Australia

US$8,000,000

Dec 1 – 4

Panasonic Open India

Delhi GC

US$400,000

Dec 8 – 11

UBS Hong Kong Open

Hong Kong GC

US$2,000,000

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR Nov 23 – 26

Combiphar Golf Invitational

Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis Golf Resorts, Indonesia

US$60,000

Dec 1 – 4

ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation

Black Mountain GC, Thailand

4,000,000 Baht

Nov 3 – 6

Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

US$6,400,000

Nov 10 – 13

OHL Classic at Mayakoba

El Camaleon GC, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

US$6,300,000

Nov 17 – 20

The RSM Classic

Sea Island Resort (Seaside), Georgia, USA

US$5,700,000

Nov 24 – 27

WGC World Cup of Golf

Kingston Heath GC, Australia

US$8,000,000

Dec 1 – 4

Hero World Challenge

Albany, New Providence, Bahamas

US$3,500,000

Dec 8 – 10

Franklin Templeton Shootout

Tiburon GC, Naples, Florida, USA

US$3,100,000

PGA TOUR

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LPGA TOUR Nov 10 – 13

Lorena Ochoa Invitational

Club de Golf México

US$1,000,000

Nov 17 – 20

CME Group Tour Championship

Tiburón GC, Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Florida, USA

US$2,000,000

EUROPEAN TOUR Nov 3 – 6

Turkish Airlines Open

Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, Antalya, Turkey

US$7,000,000

Nov 10 – 13

Nedbank Golf Challenge

Gary Player CC, Sun City, South Africa

US$7,000,000

Nov 17 – 20

DP World Tour Championship

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

US$8,000,000

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR Nov 2 – 5

Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open

Saadiyat Beach GC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

€550,000

Nov 11 – 13

Hero Women’s Indian Open

DLF GCC

€400,000

Nov 23 – 26

Qatar Ladies Open

Doha GC

€500,000

Dec 2 – 4

The Queens presented by Kowa

Miyoshi CC, Aichi, Japan

€750,000

Dec 7 – 10

Omega Dubai Ladies Masters

Emirates GC, UAE

€500,000

Dec 9 – 12

2017 Lalla Aicha Tour School Pre-Qualifier B

Mohammedia GC, Morocco

–

Dec 17 – 21

2017 Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Qualifying

Samanah CC & Amelkis GC, Morocco

€15,000

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

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Audi aces at Palm Garden The 2016 edition of the prestigious Audi quattro Cup tournament culminated in a thrilling finale at Palm Garden Golf Club on September 8.

Aidi Ahmad and Shahril Jusoh emerged as the champion team with a combined score of 44 Stableford points to earn an all-expensepaid trip to the Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona, where they will represent Malaysia in the Audi quattro Cup World Final. The biggest cheers however were reserved for SP Maniam, who scored a hole-in-one at the parthree 7th to drive off with the new Audi A3 1.8 TFSI quattro worth RM239,900.

“I’ve been playing golf for 15 years and I’ve never once scored a hole-in-one, so you could say that I picked the right time to do so,” said Maniam. “I’ve only ever dreamed about it, and I remember telling my friends this morning that I’ll be getting my hole-in-one today. I'm extremely excited at having won the Audi A3 1.8 TFSI quattro and you can be sure that I’ll be participating in next year’s Audi quattro Cup!” Sridheevan Sivanantham, sales director of Audi Malaysia, said: “The 2016 Audi quattro Cup has been a thrilling competition from start to finish and I am immensely proud to see the level of participation and contestants continue to improve year on year, and I am also very happy for all the

champions, Aidi Ahmad and Shahril Jusoh, who I’m sure will do us proud in Barcelona as well as the hole-in-one winner, SP Maniam, who has certainly displayed the power and precision necessary to bag a

fantastic prize. Truly, Malaysia Boleh!”

The 80 finalists were selected based on their scores in two qualifying rounds held in late August at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club.

Son-sational win at Prudential Astro Masters National Final

The qualifying stage of the Prudential Astro Masters 2016 reached its climax at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort on September 28 when six more golfers earned their tickets to the Grand Final in Pattaya.

Led by Datuk Son Tong Leong who emerged as the national final gross champion, the quintet joined 42 finalists who qualified through 21 legs nationwide.

Representing Tiara Melaka GCC, Son played brilliantly to card an excellent 76 despite the tough pin placements and

82

speedy greens. Joining him as qualifiers from the gross category were Ng Loong Fah of Sabah Golf & Country Club (80) and Yap Chin Tong of Templer Park Country Club (81).

In the nett category, 18-handicapper Yee Kon Sin of Glenmarie Golf & Country Club was an easy winner when he returned a fiveunder-par 67. Wan Azhari Wan Hassan and Chow Chee Tat finished second and third with nett scores of 72 and 73 respectively.

The National Final saw the champions and representatives of clubs from all over the

country competing. The biggest winner in the lucky draw was Chew Kek Kuen of Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, who won a oneyear Tropicana term membership worth RM20,000.

This is the 19th year of the Prudential Astro Masters, one of Malaysia’s biggest and most popular amateur golf series. The overall gross and nett winners from the Grand Final in Pattaya will compete in the World Golfers Championships in Durban, South Africa later this year.

ParGolf NOVEMBER 2016

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Fantastic Five set flight for Durban

The National Final of the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) Malaysia presented by Perodua teed-off at Sungai Long Golf & Country Club, Kajang on September 22, with 56 finalists competing over two days to decide the five category winners to represent Malaysia in the World Final in Durban, South Africa.

At the end of two days of exciting golf, Faridzuan Che Hamid emerged as Category A champion with a nett total of 144 (75-69).

He will be joined in Durban by the four other category champions namely Rastam Arrifin (B, 139 – 69, 70), Mohd Fazli Ramlan (C, 137 – 70, 67), Azizul Borhan (D, 145 – 80, 65) and Gerald Jemandan (E, 128 – 65, 63).

The qualifying rounds for this year’s WAGC Malaysia were played at 12 golf clubs throughout the nation, with one invitational round solely for Perodua vendors, business partners and financiers. Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) celebrated their

Carlsberg cheer at Ponderosa The Ponderosa Golf & Country Club in Johor staged a qualifying leg of the popular Carlsberg Golf Classic series on September 24, with a full house of 124 golfers teeing off at the club in Johor Bahru.

Vincent Gan emerged as the gross champion with an excellent score of 74, three shots ahead of runner-up Alan Tan. Paul Ng shot a 79 to claim third place.

Gan will thus represent the club in this year’s national final, to be held next month.

Also qualifying for the national final was Calvin Wong, who won the nett title with a nett score of 68. He edged runner-up Roger Lau and third-placed Ng Jit Seng on countback.

“We look forward to this every year as it is played in the spirit of camaraderie – and not so much for the win – between Carlsberg and their fans as well as Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort,” said Ivan Teo, the general manager of Ponderosa.

fifth year as the title sponsor of the WAGC Malaysia and the country's leading car manufacturer looks set to continue its support in 2017.

Established in 1995, the World Amateur Golfers Championship now has 42 participating countries with each staging their own national qualifying event to select the five representatives. Malaysia are the defending champions of the World Final, having won the 2015 edition in Turkey.

French Flair in Stuttgart

France emerged as the champions of the MercedesTrophy World Final 2016, beating 31 other national and regional teams in an exciting finale at the Nippenburg Palace and Solitude Course near Stuttgart in early October.

The French team combined for a score of 142 Stableford points to emerge victorious by two points over South Korea, while the team from South Asia claimed third spot with 138 points.

Malaysia’s Chuah Kooi Peng, representing South Asia, won the Category A title with a two-day score of 71 Stableford points.

The five-day finale featured numerous other activities and contests as well, including a ‘Beat Martin Kaymer’ competition and the coveted ‘Drive to the Major’ contest which was won by Stephane Lejoly of Belgium who earned a trip to next year’s British Open at Royal Birkdale.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Merdeka cheer for Amirudin at Nilai Springs Amirudin Ali had a great national day celebration, albeit a bit late, when he won the annual Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club Merdeka Golf Challenge on September 3.

Eight-handicapper Amirudin carded a solid 77 to win the gross title by two shots from Ahmad Shahrul Aimee and Abdul Rahman Haron. Ahmad took runner-up honours after a countback.

Meanwhile the nett title was claimed by 10-handicapper Saiful Anwar Mat Yajid, who carded a nett 68 to finish two strokes clear of runner-up Azizul Borhan and third-placed Aznan Abdul Aziz who had to be separated by a countback.

Ibrisam Abdul Rahman won the Nearest-To-Pin novelty contest at Hole 6 with a tee shot that settled 12 feet and four inches from the flag, while George Wee hit the longest drive of the day with a 239-metre effort.

Roslan regains Danau club championship Roslan Abdullah emerged as Danau Golf Club champion for the second time, winning the gross title in the event staged over two days in early October.

Winner of the title in 2013, Roslan claimed top honours again with a two-day total score of 154 – two strokes ahead of defending champion Amir Benno who settled for second place. It was sweet revenge for Amir having lost a playoff in last year’s championship to Amir.

The nett category saw a surprise winner in 18-handicapper Suhaimi Suliman, who came in with a two-day nett total of five-under-par which was one better than runner-up Hamzah Abdul Aziz.

After the 18th hole, the championship flight was ushered back to the clubhouse by students of the Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia association in honour of their hard-fought battle.

Captain’s Day at Kota Permai A total of 120 golfers took part in Kota Permai Golf & Country Club’s annual Captain’s Trophy held on September 11, enjoying a great day of golf with the greens running at 11.5 on the Stimpmeter.

Twelve-handicapper Richard Lim claimed the top prize after amassing an

Richard Lim (L) with club captain Dato' Setia Mohd Adzib

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impressive score of 41 nett Stableford points, taking the title by two points from runner-up Dato Azlina Abdul Aziz (7). Third place went to Chang Heng Voen (7) who accumulated 38 points.

The best gross score of 74 was signed in by Kota Permai stalwart Jimmy Chia,

who plays off handicap one.

Kota Permai club captain Dato Setia Mohd Adzib Mohd Isa, Gamuda Land Clubs group general manager Tang Meng Loon and the club’s golf committee chairman Ng Say Hoe presented prizes to the winners.

Jimmy Chia (R) with golf committee chairman Ng Say Hoe

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CAUSEWAY CUP

Cause for Celebration Ninth edition at The Els Club Teluk Datai a huge hit

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ld bonds were rekindled and new relationships made in the 2016 Causeway Cup presented by CIMB, staged at The Els Club Teluk Datai on October 5-7.

This was the ninth edition of the Ryder Cup-style event, played annually between Malaysian media and their Singaporean counterparts.

More than 40 players, representing a broad spectrum of print, electronic and digital media outlets from both sides of the Causeway, competed over three matchplay rounds at the awardwinning Teluk Datai course designed

by South African legend Ernie Els. The first round consisted of eight fourball matches with the score tied at 4-4 after the end of play, while the second round saw eight foursomes matches being played with Singapore emerging tops by 4½ to 3½. The third and final round of 16 singles matches was an exciting affair with Malaysia chalking up 9½ points to Singapore’s 6½, putting the final score at 17-15 in Malaysia’s favour.

The event culminated in a grand prize-giving dinner at The Datai Langkawi, during which the trophy was presented by Singapore team captain

Leow (L) and Ponniah with the Causeway Cup

Thomas Leow to his Malaysian counterpart Jonathan Ponniah.

While many participants flew back home on October 7, some took the opportunity to stay back in Langkawi over the weekend to enjoy the sights and sounds of the duty-free island.

“We would like to express our utmost appreciation to all the sponsors who helped make the 2016 Causeway Cup a huge success,” said Ponniah.

“Both sides enjoyed this year’s event tremendously, especially since it was staged at a stunning venue like The Els Club Teluk Datai.

“Win or lose, we all had an amazing time and look forward to next year’s Causeway Cup which will mark the 10th anniversary of the event.”

Apart from presenting sponsor CIMB Group, the 2016 Causeway Cup was supported by Malaysia Golf Tourism Association (MGTA), Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels (TAR&H), The Els Club Teluk Datai and The Datai Langkawi. TAR&H are the owners of The Els Club Teluk Datai and The Datai Langkawi.

The team sponsors for Malaysia were PG Performance Gear (Transview Golf) and Srixon, while Singapore were sponsored by BCLN Golf, TaylorMade and Apexlynx.

Following the country rotation, next year’s 10th anniversary edition of the Causeway Cup will be hosted by Singapore. Malaysia currently leads the series 5-4.

Alternating between Singapore and Malaysia, the event has been hosted by some of the top golf clubs in both countries including Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Tropicana Golf & Country Club, Palm Garden, Golf Club, Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club, Orna Golf & Country Club, Sentosa Golf Club, Tanah Merah Golf & Country Club and Laguna National Golf & Country Club. PG

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CARS+PARS

SPEED DEMON FERRARI GTC4LUSSO T

The new Ferrari GTC4Lusso T, the first fourseater in the marque’s history, effortlessly marries elegance, outstanding occupant comfort and sportiness.

Delivering heightened performance for a sporty everyday drive, the model’s 3.9-litre V8 turbo produces a maximum power output of 610cv at 7,500rpm, while maximum torque of 760Nm is available at between 3,000 and 5,250rpm.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T’s dynamic control systems include the 4WS (rear-wheel steering), integrated with Side Slip Control (SSC3), which makes for more rapid response to steering wheel inputs entering and exiting corners. The feeling of longitudinal performance in this new model has been enhanced at low speeds by Variable Boost Management and underscored by throttle response with zero

turbo lag.

The cabin is a melding of distinctive Ferrari styling and the luxurious elegance, featuring the unique Dual Cockpit architecture and the latest infotainment system complete with a 10.25” HD capacitive touchscreen.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T is tagged at RM1,088,000 (excluding duty and customisation options).

model has an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission that transfers the engine’s power to the quattro permanent AWD system – and completes the century sprint in 7.1 seconds (top speed of 233km/h).

Standard kit essentially mirrors that found on the 3.0 litre, and includes adaptive air suspension, LED headlamps and DRLs,

heated and auto anti-glare wing mirrors, powered tailgate and park assist with surround view. Inside, the cabin includes an Audi sound system featuring a nine-channel amplifier and 10 loudspeakers.

The fully-imported Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro retails at RM524,900, OTR without insurance (the 3.0 litre is RM589,900).

EXCEPTIONAL RIDER AUDI Q7 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO

The new Audi Q7 2.0 quattro is identical to its 3.0 litre sibling in terms of looks, with different wheels being the only visible change for the seven-seater SUV; it rides on 19” five V-spoke design alloy wheels.

Powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI four-pot offering 252hp at 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 370Nm between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm, the

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THE LOBBY Adv PNB PerdanaKL

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

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

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

resort hotel P U T R A

N I L A I ,

M A L A Y S I A

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STYLE LOUNGE

HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPACT Panasonic A premium compact travel camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 boasts performance typically associated with expensive interchangeable lens models. It is the first in its series to incorporate a F2.8-5.9 Leica DC lens, which allows you to achieve true-to-life images with stunning depth of field. The lens also features a versatile 10x zoom range of 25mm-250mm (35mm camera equivalent), making it ideal for photographing birds and other elusive wildlife.

Another new addition to the Lumix ZS range is the Post-Focus feature, which allows you to choose the focal point of any picture, even after it’s taken.

The DMC-ZS100 offers smooth, high quality video recording in 4K 3840x2160 at 24 and 30fps in MP4, as well as high-resolution Full HD 1920x1080 60p videos in MP4.

STUNNING LUMINOSITY ' Hermes Médor Secrète by Hermès radiates exquisite opulence with its 10 white diamond-set pyramids. The largest of them conceals a watch, revealed by means of a locking system that is opened via a push-button hidden beneath the gemsetting.

To create a pleasing contrast, the edge of each pyramid base is accentuated with a line of gems. All in all, the Médor Secrète is adorned with 4,379 diamonds totalling 13 carats.

Nestling inside this articulated bracelet, the secret watch appears when a special push-button is pressed to unlock its lid. The pyramid pivots to one side to reveal the white lacquered dial also featuring four pyramid-shaped hour-markers. The timepiece houses a quartz movement and displays the hours and minutes.

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ANIMAL INSTINCT Cartier A dazzling interpretation of Cartier’s 2014 La Panthère fragrance, the new La Panthere Edition Soir is described as remarkably sophisticated and feminine, reflecting a liberated, passionate woman. The floral fragrance, a creation of perfumer Mathilde Laurent, is born out of radiant, delicate gardenia coming together with velvety notes of powdery musk.

The floral fragrance’s bottle retains the shape and style of the original – a thick, square in glass and the face of a panther, this time in darker shades, more distinct lines and with an elegant black cap. It is available as a 50 and 75ml Eau de Parfum.

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POLO PLUSH Piaget Featuring an ingenious shape-within-shape that is Piaget’s distinctive hallmark, the Piaget Polo S collection displays the unique association of a cushion-shaped dial within a round 42mm case.

The automatic Piaget Polo S (available with a blue, silvered or slate-gray dial) is equipped with the 1110P movement, while the Polo S Chronograph (silvered or blue dial) is equipped with the 1160P movement – which can be seen through a sapphire case-back.

A bracelet of meticulously hand-assembled links alternatingly polished and with a satin finish completes the experience.

ALLURING BLACK Bulgari Created by perfumer Alberto Morilas, Bulgari Man Black Orient is a luxurious oriental fragrance for the season. The new fragrance for the sophisticated and mysterious, which is the latest addition to the Bulgari Man Black collection, has a spicy aromatic opening thanks to the rich notes of rum and peppery cardamom. The opulent floral heart includes lavish tuberose and oriental Taif rose, laid on the intensive masculine basis of oud and leather.

The Bulgari Man Black Orient comes in 60ml and 100ml versions of Eau de Parfum formulation housed in the familiar bottle of the series, featuring rose gold accents for the stopper.

SENSATIONAL SEVEN Versace Seven distinct and dramatic cities – Milan, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Paris and New York – have inspired Versace’s seven new uniquely stylish handbags, featuring a range of pictures of monuments and landmarks representing each city on a gradient backdrop.

The Palazzo Empire handbag forms the canvas for the city-inspired designs, and have been seen on the arms of celebrities such as Rosie Huntington Whitely, Lady Gaga, Alessandra Ambrosio and Gigi Hadid. The limited edition bags come with a cross body strap and feature black top handles as well as the black Medusa flip-clasp closure.

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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

Combiphar Golf Invitational to make ADT debut The Combiphar Golf Invitational will make its Asian Development Tour (ADT) debut at Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis Golf Resorts in Indonesia this month.

The US$60,000 ADT event, which will be the tour’s second stop in Indonesia this season, is slated to take place from November 23-26 in Bogor about 60 kilometres from national capital of Jakarta.

A 144-man field, made up of 80 players from the ADT, 50 players from the Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia (PGTI) and 14 invitees, will feature in the tournament which will be the 22nd leg of the 2016 ADT season.

Michael Wanandi, CEO of Combiphar, Indonesia’s leading consumer healthcare company and title sponsor of the event, said: “As part of our 45th year anniversary in celebrating health in Indonesia, we are very delighted to announce the inaugural

Combiphar Golf Invitational and look forward to a successful tournament by working with the ADT. “One of the reasons why we are hosting this new tournament is to showcase emerging talents from our country as well as from across the region and provide them with the platform

Laksamana Trophy to tee-off at The Els Club Desaru Coast The Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA) will stage the inaugural Laksamana Trophy Charity Golf Tournament 2016 at The Els Club Desaru Coast this November 26.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has consented to participate in the tournament, named after the late Tunku Laksamana of Johor, HH Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim.

Proceeds from the tournament will be channelled to the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, which assists cancer patients in need of financial aid.

The theme of the tournament is ‘When Golf Matters’, reflecting the opportunity it provides for corporate citizens and the golf fraternity to support a worthy cause through golf.

“As we all know, cancer treatments are not cheap and the number of cancer patients, young and old, are increasing. The Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation relies on the kind generosity of corporations, industry captains and community to help sustain the funding of cancer patients,” said JGTA president Col. Mohd Jamal Salleh.

“This is a great opportunity for responsible organizations or individuals to support a worthy cause.”

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to escalate their careers onto the Asian Tour,” Michael added.

All ADT events offer Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points to the top six players and ties, while the top five finishers on the final Order of Merit will secure their Asian Tour cards for 2017.

Tune Labs boost for Golfreserv

The Golfreserv team

Online tee-time reservation portal Golfreserv (www.golfreserv.com) has secured an investment by Tune Labs, a start-up incubator backed by AirAsia founders Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.

Golfreserv is Malaysia’s leading provider of online tee times and cloudbased club management solutions, covering close to 80 golf courses in Malaysia with plans to expand its network across South East Asia.

“We are very excited to be part of the Tune Group family as it offers Golfreserv an exciting opportunity to build off our fast-growing Malaysian operations and expand regionally,” said Prathib Sooria, founder and CEO of Golfreserv.

“The Tune Group ecosystem offers a unique channel to drive inbound tourists into Golfreserv’s Malaysian partners and an opportunity to build ancillary income streams through tailored travel and accommodation solutions. Building a business across ASEAN is a non-trivial challenge and a strategic partnership with Tan Sri Tony and the Tune Group elevates exposure of our platform and provides a sizeable channel to golfers across the region,” he added.

Gareth Lim, co-managing partner of Tune Labs, noted: “Over a short sixmonth period, Golfreserv has on-boarded almost 80 clubs across Malaysia and built a loyal following with 1,000 golfers booking rounds monthly. We like the segment as it is a discrete, easily identifiable and addressable market with green fees alone accounting for a US$500 million per annum market in South East Asia. We look forward to extending Golfreserv’s presence across ASEAN and integrating Tune Group’s travel and hospitality assets into the platform in order to develop mutually beneficial ancillary revenue opportunities.”

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Swiss-Garden Challenge set for November 19

SEASON REVIEW Mike Wilson looks back on one of the most eventful years in golf, highlighted by the sport’s return to the Olympic fold in Rio.

NEXT ROUND

In this ParGolf exclusive, we speak to the Queen of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah, about her passion for golf and charity.

©Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club has been selected as the host venue for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in 2018 – the 10th anniversary edition of the tournament.

“We are proud to join the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the Masters Tournament and The R&A in this tremendous endeavour as host of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2018,” said Sentosa president Low Teo Ping.

“The opportunities afforded to the amateurs who compete in this event are truly life-changing. It will be an honour to welcome young players from across the region to Sentosa Golf Club, where we believe their talents will be appropriately displayed and challenged.”

The 2018 AAC will take place from October 4-7 over the Tanjong Course, originally designed by Frank Pennick in 1972. The Tanjong was redesigned in 2016 by Andrew Johnston and Matt Swanson and is in its final stages of redevelopment.

This will be the second time that the AAC has been held in Singapore. In 2011, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama emerged triumphant at Singapore Island Country Club.

The AAC champion receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National and, along with the runner(s)-up, a spot in The Open Qualifying Series for the British Open.

New Zealand’s Royal Wellington Golf Club will act as host in 2017.

QUEEN OF CLUBS

RICKIE FOWLER Robin Barwick catches up with the American hotshot as he trades his boyband image for a more mature look – and approach to life.

©Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Asia-Pacific Amateur heads to Sentosa in 2018

THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI We revisit Ernie Els’ award-winning course in Langkawi and find out that it’s getting even better two years after opening for play.

MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS PARGOLF’S DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE!

TEE TO GRIN

Damai Laut GCC

Golfers looking for a weekend excursion with a tournament thrown in should consider the inaugural Swiss-Garden Challenge, which takes place this November 19 at Damai Laut Golf & Country Club near Lumut.

The tournament offers golfers the chance to win great prizes including a return air ticket to Europe on Oman Air as the main prize, along with a brand new Mercedes-Benz A180 for a hole-inone at the designated par-three.

The entry fee for the morning event is RM250 including goodies and prizegiving lunch, while golfers can also opt for the RM350 package which includes one night twin-sharing accommodation at Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut.

For more information, call 05-685 9333 / 9332 or email info@dlgcc.swissgarden.com for more information.

I still think we have a chance against these guys.

Maybe they can't putt ...

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CE I O H C S ’ E PEOPL AWARDS 2017

COMING SOON! The popular ParGolf People’s Choice Awards returns for its second edition, offering YOU the opportunity to help select the best golf courses in Malaysia!

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

Stay tuned for details!

CATEGORIES Best Overall Golf Experience Best Maintained Golf Course Most Improved Golf Course Most Challenging Golf Course Most Scenic Golf Course Best Greens Best F&B – Golfer’s Terrace Best F&B – Halfway Hut Best Corporate Tournament Venue Best Championship Layout (NEW!) Best Clubhouse (NEW!) Best Customer Service (NEW!) www.pargolfmagazine.com

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