The ClubHouse (Issue 20) March 2013

YOUR CHANCE TO GO LONGER-IER! CONTEST ON PG 28

ISSUE 20 (03/2013)

FU

L

INL R SI EP D O E RT

PP17714/04/2013(032168)

Presented by

High performance 460cc full pear-shaped driver with exceptional forgiveness and control.

High performance 445cc classic pear-shaped driver with forgiveness and Tour-inspired workability.

Join Team Titleist at titleist.com.my

A DREAM COME TRUE A fortnight ago, I put down my pen and camera (literally) and donned the hat of a junior golf tournament host for the first time.

Assuming you’re not in the know already, The ClubHouse organised the inaugural Tournament of Champions on March 2 to mark the launch of our landmark junior initiative dubbed The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist.

Now, while we are a seasoned bunch with a number of top-level corporate golf outings to our name, we rather humbly found out that a junior golf tournament was altogether a new cup of tea.

The monstrosity of the challenge that lied ahead came to dawn a few weeks before the event took place. As we completed our meetings with our partners as well as sponsors and drew up the action plan, we realised that this perhaps could be our Waterloo moment.

Did we bite off more than we could chew? Could we pull off a successful maiden tournament without any major hiccups? Sleepless nights ensued, and I will be the first to admit that my bed felt like a slice of heaven after everything was done and dusted!

We were fortunate that we could bank on the experienced hands at the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence (SportExcel) to get some of the crucial processes moving such as the selection and registration of players.

We also relied heavily on the expertise and professionalism of the able team at Templer Park Country Club (TPCC) led by its general manager Manibalan Kutty, who took the trouble of ensuring that the golf course was ready for the juniors. I can only wish that more golf clubs will emulate TPCC in stepping up to the plate and providing our budding golfers with an opportunity to play on some of our better golf courses.

No tournament is complete without a line-up of rules officials and it would be a shame if I did not congratulate tournament director KH Wan and his officials for an excellent job done. I must personally admit that Wan was a very patient ‘teacher’, guiding a novice like myself in the finer art of drafting tournament documentations and taking the lead in marking the course.

To the players who turned up, we hope that you had an enjoyable round of golf and it is our aim to put on a better show next year. To the parents, who honoured us with their presence during the briefing on the Junior Golf Rankings, I appreciate your concerns, suggestions as well as feedback. I have always believed that parents are among the most important stakeholders in our collective dream of producing future champions, and I admire your continuous commitment.

We owe a big deal of thanks to our presenting partner Titleist and to the other sponsors, namely 100Plus, Milo, Pharmaton, SunPlay, Brahim’s, Starbucks and Krisy Kreme Doughnuts, who helped us realise this dream of hosting our very own junior tournament.

Edward Saminathan Chief Golf Writer news@theclubhouse.com.my

THE TEAM Chief Golf Writer Edward Saminathan Sub-Editors Lina Abdul Wahab, Khalidah Jamil, Evelyn Gan Contributors Andrew Myles, Calvin Koh, Doyle De Costa, Jason Winter, Justine Moss, Martin Vousden, Normas Yakin, Richard Fellner, Samantha Cebrero, Scott Kramer Photography Eddie Putera, T. Ravi Chitty Brand Manager B.N. Murali Art & Design Siva Yoham Jalaguvalan Operations Associate Suzila Afirah Abdul Rauf Advertising: info@theclubhouse.com.my Editorial: news@theclubhouse.com.my Subscription: subscription@theclubhouse.com.my Website: www.theclubhouse.com.my

Editor’s note: Referring to our article ‘Blooming Champion’ in Issue 19(02/2013), Pacific Golf Academy has since clarified that they have not approached Cempaka Ladies’ International College on providing their golf curriculum for CILC students.

is published by

INPRESS MEDIA SDN BHD (937122-A) A-3-1 Jalan PJS5/30 Pusat Perdagangan PJ Selatan 46150 Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 7772 2201 Fax: +603 7772 2210 Printed by: TANKOH PRINT SDN BHD (889517-W) No. 5 & 7, Jalan Industri PBP 11, Taman Industri Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan

© INPRESS MEDIA Sdn Bhd. All material in The ClubHouse is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

Every care has been taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefore. All information is correct at press time.

1

2

IN YOUR ISSUE 20

SPOTLIGHT 15 THE FUTURE STARTS HERE 19 CHIANGMAI GOLF CLASSIC

COLUMNS

29

GOLF INVEST

11

BANKING ON GOLF

REGULARS

10 21 23 38 40

INSIDE THE ROPES AROUND THE GLOBE IN THE BAG TEE BOX GOLF DIARY

TRAVEL FEATURE

34

GOLFING IN HUA HIN

CHA YOUR N LON CE TO GO GER -IER !

P

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY BY JUSTINE MOSS 30 COVERING CARLSBAD

BY SCOTT KRAMER 31 GOLF DOWN UNDER

BY RICHARD FELLNER 32 RARE BIRDIE

BY MARTIN VOUSDEN

G2

8

GET MORE GOLF ONLINE

golf news at theclubhouse.com.my updates at facebook.com/theclubhousemy tweets at twitter.com/theclubhousemy digitalmag at issuu.com/theclubhousemy

J

ames Bowen of the United States savoured a memorable week when he closed with a one-under-par 71 to claim his Asian Development Tour (ADT) breakthrough at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Sime Darby Harvard Masters on February 23.

Victory, which came courtesy of his four-day total of 18-underpar 270, was especially sweet for Bowen as he had earlier suffered the agony of missing the cut at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage last month.

It was a four-way tie for second place after Thailand’s Wasin Sripattranusorn, Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Jakraphan Premsirigorn and Canada’s Lindsay Renolds closed their campaigns with matching 274s at the RM 200,000 (approximately US$65,000) co-sanctioned event, which was staged at the Harvard Golf and Country Club.

10

Defending champion Shaifubari Muda stumbled after coleading the tournament on the first day but finished as the best placed Malaysian with an 11-under 277 total.

Bowen has been in commanding form all week. Since taking over the lead after the second round, the American was a figure of consistency as he was determined to erase the heartbreak of last month where he slipped up and lost his chance to earn his Tour card on the region’s premier Tour.

GLENMARIE CROWN FOR CHIA

D

© Arep Kulal/PGM

BOWEN STEERS CLEAR FOR HARVARD WIN

© Arep Kulal/PGM

INSIDE THE ROPES

anny Chia saw off a resilient Nicholas Fung with a birdie on the closing hole to win the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Northport Glenmarie Masters on March 9.

Holding a three-shot overnight lead, Chia posted a battling one-under-par 71 to complete a sensational wire-to-wire victory and claimed his second victory in three starts on the burgeoning domestic tour this year.

Reigning PGM Order of Merit champion Fung, who was defending his title at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, charged back with a 69 courtesy of three straight birdies from hole two but had to settle for second at the RM 200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour co-sanctioned event.

James Bowen (70) of the United States extended his lead on the ADT Order of Merit with a third place result while Malaysian M. Sasidaran (72) and Lindsay Renolds (70) of Canada shared fourth place.

After turning in 35 for a slim one-stroke advantage, Chia endured a nervous back nines as he double-bogeyed the 12th which he later erased with two birdies. He was tied with Fung after bogeying 17th but calmly held his nerve to sink a clutch six-footer on the last for a hard-fought victory.

“I would not rank it as my best ball-striking round of the tournament but I think it came down to which one of us was going to be the last man standing,” shared Chia, who totalled eight-under-par 280 and won US$11,375.

“This is my first professional win since I turned pro in 2008.

It’s definitely a great confidence builder and made up for my disappointment of missing out on my Asian Tour card at Qualifying School,” said Bowen.

“I struggled to read the greens over the final two rounds, so it was about staying mentally strong and nursing my slim advantage over the final stretch. I was relieved with that birdie on the closing hole because Nicholas [Fung] played fantastic today and he really pushed me hard for this win,” added the 40-yearold.

Bowen’s final day scorecard was marked by three birdies and two bogeys. It was however his second round performance that gave the American the most satisfaction.

Chia admitted that months of hard work at the driving range with his swing coach Steven Giuliano has given him that extra confidence to go out and start winning regularly.

“The turning point this week was my second round. I played really well then. My only mistake was a double-bogey on the fourth hole but apart from that, I was on fire. That helped my confidence a lot and started the momentum for me,” said Bowen.

“Things are taking a turn for the better in my career. I have been hitting the ball very much better and I’m generally delighted with that. Personally, I set much higher goals to achieve, which pushed me towards making these changes to my swing regiment. I am on the right track but there’s still some way to go because I don’t want to raise my expectations too high and achieve nothing in the end,” said Chia, whose win elevated him to 496th on the Official World Golf Rankings.

Leading final round scores 270 – James Bowen (USA) 66-65-68-71 274 – Wasin Sripattranusorn (THA) 70-68-68-68,

Lindsay Renolds (CAN) 65-70-69-70,

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 68-63-72-71,

Jakraphan Premsirigorn (THA) 71-64-66-73 276 – Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) 70-69-68,

Ratchapol Jantavara (THA) 69-69-66-72 277 – Shaifubari Muda 65-73-70-69 278 – Grant Jackson (ENG) 68-71-72-67,

Wolmer Murillo (VEN) 71-70-70-67,

Darren Tan (AUS) 73-70-66-69,

S. Sivachandhran 69-66-71-72

Leading final round scores 280 – Danny Chia 67-68-74-71 281 – Nicholas Fung 73-69-70-69 285 – James Bowen (USA) 68-71-76-70 287 – Lindsay Renolds (CAN) 73-73-70-71, M. Sasidaran 74-71-70-72 288 – Jakraphan Premsirigorn (THA) 73-68-74-73,

Mohamad Azman Basharudin 71-70-71-76 289 – Grant Jackson (ENG) 70-71-77-71,

George Gandranata (INA) 71-73-74-71 290 – Mitsuhiko Hashizume (JPN) 71-74-72-73,

Park Il-hwan (KOR) 71-71-73-75,

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70-72-73-75

GOLF INVEST

BANKING ON GOLF G

olf sponsorship continues to be an important investment tool for blue chip corporations all over the world to grow and sustain their businesses and brand awareness. Golf’s surging popularity in Asia is matched only by the number of companies falling over themselves to sponsor the game.

While golf sponsorship offers valuable marketing opportunities, it is nonetheless a decision fraught with risks. Tough economic climate, bad timing, movement of people, morality clauses and even the simple case of deciding that a sponsorship just doesn’t fit anymore are but among reasons given to bow out.

As a number of banks and financial services companies, among professional golf’s biggest supporters, review their sponsorships amid the current global financial crisis, regional banking powerhouse Malayan Banking Berhad or Maybank remains as committed as ever to the future of golf in the country.

© Getty

Turn to next page

© Bloomberg / Getty

GOLF INVEST

12

In our maiden Golf Invest interview, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor shares his thoughts on an increased prize purse for the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 and a number of new initiatives that will see the banking conglomerate through 2016, when its current sponsorship term of the national Open expires.

The ClubHouse: This marks the eighth year that Maybank is associated with the nation’s premier golf tournament – the Malaysian Open. How does Maybank see the growing value of sports sponsorship especially in terms of golf?

Megat Zaharuddin: Companies get associated with selected sports for various purposes.

Maybank’s main focus here is to reach its different target audiences for branding and image building.

For golf, our sponsorship of the Maybank Malaysian Open has enabled us, especially through television and other platforms, to reach a worldwide target audience of well over 500 million households.

Our audience would generally be in the middle to higher income bracket. Brand awareness leads to tangible and intangible benefits, and the returns come in various forms ranging from preferred partnerships with certain companies to immediate brand recall for people visiting or in countries where we have an operating presence.

Beyond the Malaysian Open, Maybank has also extended its support to the domestic Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour.

You are also involved with corporate golf

initiatives as well as junior development camps organised by the Malaysian Golf Association. More recently, Maybank has taken a gigantic step forward with the unveiling of the Champions Academy.

It must be said that this is an entirely wholesome involvement in golf?

When we went into supporting Malaysian golf, we felt that the Maybank Malaysian Open would always be the culmination of efforts that we make to promote this sport as well as the country. We also wanted to play a role in ensuring the sustainability of efforts to achieve excellence for Malaysian golfers, hence the other development activities mentioned.

So, if a Malaysian one day wins the Maybank Malaysian Open, that day will be a day of joy not just for us but all Malaysians. Even if a Malaysian does not win our Open but succeeds in winning significant events overseas on a world tour later, then we feel our efforts would have been fruitful, because their experience in our Open has raised the standard of their games. To excel, we feel a broader approach is essential and we do our bit.

Is there an element of national service with Maybank’s sponsorship of the Malaysian Open?

No. We started doing it because it made business sense for the target audience we have in mind.

What do you see as the main benefits to Maybank as a result of golf sponsorship, as opposed to say badminton, which you are also heavily involved in?

The Maybank Malaysian Open reaches a

worldwide audience, as said, of more than 500 million households, especially in those countries where we do not even have an operating presence. That’s not a small number, but a very cost-effective way of reaching out.

How much does it cost Maybank (in terms of percentage of your overall sponsorship allocation) to put up this tournament?

The money spent is within best-in-class benchmarks for corporations like us and is a small portion of our annual budget.

The growth of a professional golf tournament is sometimes wrongly gauged from whether there is an increase in the prize purse. Is that something that bothers Maybank and what are the key factors that are taken into consideration when the issue of raising the prize purse is on the table, especially like this year?

We engage with our partners involved in the Maybank Malaysian Open to do what is right in terms of prize money. That’s why we have increased this year’s prize money to US$2.75 million, for example.

It is one of the oldest (and consecutively run each year) golf open tournaments in Asia, and we are proud that we are able to maintain its prestige through the combination of prize money, star player presence and the other ways we are organising the event.

How do you measure the return of investment (ROI) or sponsorship value from the event? Is there set criteria or is it a case of how successful the event was, the big names that you managed to attract or is it

“Official Office Solution Provider� of Maybank Malaysian Open, a world class tournament.

Enough said...

RICOH (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD Axis Plaza, Ground Floor & Level 3, No.5, Jalan Penyair U1/44, 40150 Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Customer Hotline: 1-300-88-8228 www.ricoh.com.my

Advocating the concept of office automation since 1977, helping organizations realize their true potential; encouraging joy of discovery, new business paradigms and smarter working processes.

A company with beliefs, A moving forward company, A truly global company that serves the modern office, A total solutions provider.

GOLF INVEST

EVENT AT A GLANCE Date: March 21 -24, 2013 Sanctioning Bodies: Asian Tour, European Tour & Malaysian Golf Association Venue: West Course, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club Total Purse: US$2,750,000 Winner’s Share: US$458,330

Maybank’s involvement in golf outside of the Maybank Malaysian Open starts at the grassroots level all the way to the domestic professional circuit.

Defending Champion: Louis Oosthuizen - not returning Website: www.maybankmalaysianopen.com Field: 156 - European Tour (65), Asian Tour (65), Malaysian Golf Association (6) & Sponsors’ Exemption (20)

from the feedback of your esteemed clients who attend the event?

14

As said, ROI comes in various forms, and we have some criteria to measure success. These days, a world class golf tournament is also like any other world-class event. The spirit of competition at the highest level must be there – so when there is a world-class name in the field and since the event carries a lot of world ranking points, other golfers are inspired to do their best.

That’s why for example in the last few years, we have had teenagers, whom I think would be future world stars, win the tournament – they managed to beat their idols! And last year, almost everyone was rooting for Louis Oosthuizen to win our Open after he narrowly lost out at the Masters Tournament the week before.

All this, creates excitement and buzz, not just for those fortunate enough to be at the course, but also for those watching television back home in places like Korea and Italy when the teenagers won. Imagine the buzz if a Malaysian won this year – we will probably get a public holiday?

Has being part of the Malaysian Open increased your brand standing and awareness in the region and perhaps in Europe, taking into consideration the advent of the European Tour’s media and television coverage?

Yes, definitely. I have heard it said in places like Korea, Australia, Japan and the United States of America that Maybank did a great job with the Maybank Malaysian Open. Many people I meet when I travel overseas are able to recall our event when I say I am from Maybank.

Is there a chance that Maybank might be involved with an event of this scale outside Malaysia, perhaps in South East Asia?

We are always looking to see how we can further reach out to our target audience

through golf. Last year, we did something in Indonesia on a small scale, supporting an Asian Development Tour event (Bii Maybank ADT Championship) there. There were some lessons we learnt. At the moment, we are reviewing various possibilities, but we have no firm plans to venture into another country on the scale of the Open yet.

Two years ago, the Maybank Malaysian Open celebrated its 50th anniversary, dishing out one of its most memorable editions. What is the pressure or challenge like for Maybank to deliver another good show? What are your own thought processes after each event?

Yes, we were very happy the 50th edition was very successful. We always try to excel each time. That means we take lessons, not just from what we have done, but seeing how other world-class events are done elsewhere, we try something different which would show new value to our stakeholders.

After each event, I review all aspects and ascertain what went well, and areas that possibly need improvement. A common question arising each time is why we did not see Malaysian players do better. Then we talk to our key partners like MGA and GlobalOne, for them to also do their bit for the next year’s event.

Your hopes for the 2013 event?

Need I say the obvious – for a Malaysian to win?

No, apart from that, I pray for good weather, for good rounds of golf to be played in keen competition, which will provide enjoyment to us amateur golfers who always have our heroes to support.

I am sure many keen amateurs go home after each tournament with his or her own take on how the winner did it, and when he or she plays the course again, many golfers, when in the situation that Noh Seung-eul was in near 18th green on the last a few years ago, would try the wonder shot that won it for Noh.

Marquee Names Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel, Matteo Manassero, Padraig Harrington Asian Tour contenders Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant, Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Juvic Pagunsan, Liang Wen-chong, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Arnond Vongvanij, Anirban Lahiri, Chawalit Plaphol, Siddikur Rahman Malaysians in the field Danny Chia, Nicholas Fung, Sukree Othman, R. Nachimuthu, Airil Rizman Zahari, Shaaban Hussin, Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari, Md Rashid Ismail, S. Murthy, S. Sivachandhran, Mohd Azman Basharuddin and Kenneth De Silva Amateurs Gavin Kyle Green, Muhammad Arie Irawan Ahmad Fauzi, Low Khai Jei, Abel Tam, Mohammad Afif Mohd Razif and Solomon Emilio Rosidin Tickets Thursday & Friday - RM10 (per day) Saturday & Sunday - RM20 (per day) Season Pass (Thurs thru Sun) - RM40 * 50% discount for senior citizens aged 55 and above * free entry for juniors 16 aged 16 and below # not inclusive of ticketing fee imposed by TicketPro

Park & Ride Inner shuttle service from Sime Darby Convention Centre & Stadium Juara Bukit Kiara Outer shuttle service from Publika Solaris Dutamas & Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur Sentral

THE FUTURE STARTS HERE

The ClubHouse joins forces with SportExcel, Titleist and Templer Park Country Club in a landmark collaboration for development of junior golf in Malaysia Photos by Arep Kulal

A

fter months of meticulous planning, The ClubHouse demonstrated its commitment to the game by unveiling two major initiatives to further spice up the domestic junior golf circuit at Templer Park Country Club on March 2.

First was the introduction of The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist, which aims to provide an objective and independent national comparison and ranking system for Malaysia’s top male and female junior golfers that will enable the golfers to compare themselves with their counterparts across the country.

The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist, which is a firstof-its-kind effort in the country, will not only help promote healthy competition among the existing pool of junior golfers in the country and spur them on to greater heights but also encourage more young golfers to participate competitively in the growing number of junior meets locally.

Players will be accorded ranking points based on their finishes at tournaments on the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence (SportExcel) National Junior Golf Circuit and Malaysian Junior Premier-Elite Golf Circuit as well as other junior tournaments sanctioned or organised by the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA) as well as state golf associations.

The rankings is open to citizens and permanent

residents of Malaysia between ages of seven to 18 years with five age-group categories, namely 10 years and under, 12 years and under, 14 years and under, 16 years and under as well as 18 years and under, for boys and girls respectively.

Administered by The ClubHouse in partnership with United States-based junior golf tour solutions provider ShotStat, the Rankings will be accessible for viewing via www. theclubhouse.com.my from March 30.

Crowning the introduction of the new rankings system was the Tournament of Champions.

The by-invitation championship, which made its debut with a field of 83 selected players, will serve as the recognition event for the The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist in future years and will take its place as the season-opening event on the SportExcel calendar.

The top-ten ranked players from each category at the end of the year will earn the right to tee off at the exclusive championship, which will be hosted by Templer Park Country Club for three consecutive years through 2015.

Speaking during the official unveiling of The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist on Saturday, The ClubHouse chief golf writer Edward Saminathan noted that the Rankings was a key component to support the junior golf development efforts undertaken by the Malaysian Golf Association as well other private-driven initiatives.

“One of the founding objectives of The ClubHouse is to raise the profile of the domestic junior golf scene, and we believe that the setting up of The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist is a timely and critical move.”

“There is no shortage of junior tournaments, grassroots development programmes or even academies for young golfers in the country, but there is a clear void for an objective and independent system to rank the existing pool of players and identify exactly the cream of the crop.”

“We hope that the introduction of this rankings system will further enhance the level of play on the domestic junior circuit as well as provide vital information to be utilised by various stakeholders of the game such as parents,

15

coaches, university scouts as well as the administrators of the Royal & Ancient sport in the country.”

He also lauded the initiative as a coming together of the various industry players to intensify the effort to produce world-class golfers from Malaysian soil. “We are pleased that our initiative has received tremendous backing from Acushnet Company, the brand owners of Titleist, SportExcel as well as Templer Park Country Club.”

“This landmark co-operation represents a step forward for Malaysian junior golf as for the first time industry players from the various facets of golf - junior golf foundation (SportExcel), golf equipment manufacturer (Titleist), golf club

(Templer Park Country Club) as well as golf media specialists (The ClubHouse) have come together with one goal in mind and pooled their resources and expertise to realise these initiatives.”

continue to engage the Association in their initiatives as we are always all ears for ideas on junior golf development in the country,” said MGA vice-president Low Teck San, who was the guest-of-honour during the launch.

In welcoming the initiative, the Malaysian Golf Association called on The ClubHouse to further engage with governing body for golf in the country to further enhance the rankings system.

This initiative marks Acushnet Company’s first foray in supporting junior golf rankings outside of the United States of America and mainland Europe.

“We welcome such private-driven initiative as they compliment the Malaysian Golf Association’s own mission and programme of identifying and developing young talents in the country. We hope that The ClubHouse will

“Acushnet South East Asia is proud to be associated as the presenting partner of The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings. Building on our support for the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence (SportExcel), we hope that the introduction of The ClubHouse Junior Golf

Rankings presented by Titleist will spur junior golf in Malaysia to greater heights,” said the company in a statement.

SportExcel executive director Sivanandan Chinnadurai expressed his hope that The ClubHouse Junior Golf Rankings presented by Titleist and Tournament of Champions will add further value to existing efforts undertaken by the Foundation.

member of SportExcel while The ClubHouse has been one of our strongest supporters in the media circles, so we are generally delighted to be part of this endeavour,” said Sivanandan.

Dubbed the Home of the Tournament of Champions, the management of Templer Park Country Club were proud in playing their part in this maiden initiative.

“This is definitely a new step for us but based on the early commitment shown by the various parties involved, we are confident that the Rankings will inject the much needed excitement and enthusiasm to the SportExcel golf programme.”

“We are pleased to do our part in this threeyear venue sponsorship and we see value in providing these future champions with a topnotch golfing experience to further hone their abilities as they progress through the junior ranks,” said its general manager Manibalan Kutty.

“In Titleist, we have a long-standing charter

“To show our continued commitment to the

growth of golf at the grassroots level, I am pleased to announce that starting in 2014, the Tournament of Champions at Templer Park Country Club is set to be a two-day, 36-hole affair,” he added.

The inaugural Tournament of Champions itself was well-contested with the former Malaysian Open venue providing a stern yet fair challenge for the juniors. Aside from the attractive goodie bags jointly sponsored by 100Plus, Pharmaton, SunPlay, Brahim’s, Starbucks and Krisy Kreme Doughnuts for all participants, the winners - as well as the best dressed duo - walked home with splendid prizes sponsored by Titleist and Milo.

All in all, it was a great start for a landmark initiative to pave a better future for the domestic junior scene.

Winners of the inaugural Tournament of Champions at Templer Park Country Club.

Best dressed pair Geraldine Wong and Izzat Syazmin Amirul Syazwan receive their prizes

Nur Syazani Amalia Mohd Shahzan receives her hole-in-one prize from Templer Park Country club general manager Manibalan Kutty

18 Results from the inaugural Tournament of Champions - Templer Park Country Club 18 years and under Boys’ 1st Muhammad Asyraf Hj Rosli........................69 2nd Muhammad Afzal Mihd Zubir...................72 3rd Paul San Weng Yau........................................75

16 years and under Boys’ 1st Danial Hj Sidek...............................................74 2nd Sazanur Iman Salenin..................................78 3rd Sim You Jin.......................................................84

Girls’ 1st 2nd 3rd

Girls’ 1st 2nd 3rd

Nyca Khaw Wen Huei...................................81 Nuralissa Abdullah........................................93 Ho Jo Yee..........................................................95

Warda Amira Abdul Rawof.........................78 Chong Yong.....................................................82 Nasrin Nazifa Haris Bashah.........................93

14 years and under Boys’ 1st Aaerishna Shahshty Balakrishan..............81 2nd Daeng Abdul Rahman Abd Aziz..............82 3rd Muhammad Muhazim Bakhtiar...............82

12 years and under Boys’ 1st Adam Arif Madzri...........................................79 2nd Victor Ng Yu Kai..............................................80 3rd Imran Muqri Iwan Harman.........................81

Girls’ 1st 2nd 3rd

Girls’ 1st 2nd 3rd

Natasha Andrea Oon....................................77 Winnie Ng Yu Xuan.......................................87 Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser...........................92

Girls’ 1st 2nd 3rd

Jeneath Wong.................................................93 Kokoro Ouchi..................................................94 Sarah Madzri...................................................102

Nur Syazani Amalia Mohd Shahzan .......74 Siti Zulaikhaa Shaari.....................................82 Junie Khaw Wen Jun.....................................83

10 years and under Boys’ 1st Feirish Nor Feizal Nor...................................92 2nd Roshan Elayappen.........................................94 3rd Foo Tee Jui........................................................102

© Getty

© Getty

© Asian Tour

The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT may be making its debut on the Asian Tour schedule but the event will nonetheless pack a heavyweight punch with its glittering line-up

20

Local hopes will be shouldered by the illustrious pair of Thongchai Jaidee, a three-time Asian Tour number one and reigning Order of Merit champion Thaworn Wiratchant who will go head-to-head against a host of stars from the Land of The Rising Sun including the likes of Tetsuji Hiratsuka, Kenichi Kuboya and last season’s Rookie of the Year Masanori Kobayashi, as well as other Asian representatives.

T

he inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT later this month marks another major positive development which underscores the strength of the joint venture inked between Asian Tour and IMG Media two years ago.

The towering Els, who goes by the nickname “Big Easy, is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game and will make his appearance in Chiangmai as part of the Asian Tour’s milestone 10th anniversary celebration in 2013.

PTT Group Company Limited, one of the largest corporations in Thailand, has come onboard as the presenting sponsor of the US$750,000 Asian Tour tournament which makes its debut at the magnificent Alpine Golf ResortChiangmai from March 28-31.

“This is a landmark moment for golf in northern Thailand and I am proud to be a part of it. I look forward to seeing you all at the end of March.

I’ve had great experiences when visiting the Kingdom of Thailand in the past and I have especially enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Thai people and their wonderful cuisine.

I really encourage all the golf fans to support the event and experience live all the highly talented players on show.”

The resort designed by Ron M. Garl is located in a valley between mountain ranges in the heart of the Chiangmai’s San Kampaeng natural forests and boasts of natural beauty.

Organisers have assembled a showcase of 144 players with the leading 99 Asian Tour players featuring in the elite field alongside 10 players from the top-200 of the Official World Golf Ranking, 20 players from Thailand and 15 sponsor’s invitations.

“I am really looking forward to playing at The Alpine Golf Resort in Changmai. I hear that the layout of the course is fantastic and is set within a valley surrounded by hills. It is the first major golf event to be staged in Northern Thailand and the field will include many of the stars from the Asian Tour, which is gaining strength every year,’ commented Campbell.

© Khalid Redza / Asian Tour

© Khalid Redza / Asian Tour

The highly decorated pair of South African Ernie Els and Michael Campbell of New Zealand have lent their credentials to event as has history-maker Y.E. Yang of Korea to make it a power-packed trio of Major winners.

An honorary member of the Asian Tour, Yang said: “It will be fun to compete in a full-field Asian Tour event as this was the Tour where I started my golf career. I am happy to see that the Asian Tour is growing immensely with the addition of new tournaments such as the Chiangmai Golf Classic and I will always support the Tour for what it has done in my career.”

Thongchai will spearhead an expected 30-man strong local contingent, which includes proven winners such Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Chawalit Plaphol and Chapchai Nirat as well as upand-coming names in Arnond Vongvanij and Thitiphun Chuayprakong.

“The launch of the Chiangmai Golf Classic is another positive development for professional golf in Thailand and Asia. By playing in big tournaments, Thai golfers will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level on the Asian Tour and this will shape their golf careers,” said Thongchai.

Thailand’s newest golf event has also drawn the support of other premier sponsors including PTT Public Company Ltd, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Advanced Info Service Plc, Siam Commercial Bank PCL, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Provincial Government of Chiangmai, Chiangmai Provincial Administrative Organisation, CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd, TOT Public Company Ltd, Thai Airways International Public Company Ltd, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Samart I-mobile PCL , Loxley Wireless Co Ltd, Forth Corporation Public Company Ltd, J.R.W Utility Plc, Standard Tour Co Ltd, Advanced Information Technology Public Company Ltd, Fenix Apparel and Accessories Co Ltd and Sports Authority of Thailand.

AROUND THE GLOBE LPGA

Jiyai Shin wins Australian Women’s Open South Korean Jiyai Shin outdueled Lydia Ko and held off a surging world number one Yani Tseng to capture the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at Royal Canberra Golf Club on February 17.

© Getty

Shin was tied with teenage star Ko at 16-under coming into the 14th but effectively clinched her victory when she holed an incredible pitch from deep rough for a birdie as the young New Zealander dropped a bogey.

A further birdie on the 15th for Shin meant

that Ko, eyeing for back-to-back win in professionals tournaments, would wound up in third place as the leading amateur with a three-over 76 for the day and 14-under for the tournament. Shin topped the leaderboard with a closing one-under 72 for 18-under-par overall.

Tseng fired the low round of the day, a 66, to shoot up to second position. She was still in the hunt coming down the 18th but needing an eagle, she could only hit her approach into the trees left of the green for a closing par.

ASIAN TOUR

Lahiri retains Sail Open title

The 25-year-old Lahiri birdied the last in regulation play to force extra holes and then claimed his third Asian Tour victory with a fourfoot birdie conversion on the same hole in front of a large gallery at the Delhi Golf Club.

Khan gave himself a great chance of a maiden title on the region’s premier Tour with a superb final round of six-under-par 66 which included a closing birdie but he could not prevent a dominant Lahiri, who signed off with a 68, from

grabbing the winner’s cheque of US$54,000.

Overnight leader Siddikur of Bangladesh closed with a disappointing 73 to finish third, four shots behind the play off duo while Shiv Kapur of India settled for fourth place after a 70.

“It’s not sunk in. I’m still in disbelief that I made the putt in regulation and got into the play-off.

After that, in the next 15 minutes, I didn’t know what happened. Unfortunately for Rashid, it didn’t work out for him. I feel bad for him as he doesn’t have a card on the Asian Tour. He’s got a bright future ahead of him,” said a gracious Lahiri, who ended the week on 15-under-par 273 with Khan.

© Asian Tour

India’s Anirban Lahiri successfully defended his title at the SAIL-SBI Open presented by Incredible India following a thrilling play-off victory over young countryman Rashid Khan on March 9.

ASIAN TOUR

Asia’s John Daly leads Open march

K © Paul Lakatos / Asian Tour

iradech Aphibarnrat, Hideki Matsuyama, Daisuke Maruyama and Wu Ashun earned dream debuts at the Open Championship in July after making the grade at the International Final Qualifying – Asia on March 1.

Thai rising star Kiradech topped the two-day qualifying with a flawless nineunder-par 63 while Japanese amateur Matsuyama, a two-time Asia Pacific Amateur Championship winner, finished

four shots back following a 69 at the Amata Spring Country Club.

Another Japanese Maruyama and China’s Wu closed with a 65 and 68 respectively for tied third to clinch the final tickets to the Open Championship as first round leader Siddikur agonisingly missed out on the top-four spots after sending his tee shot into the water on the par-three 17th for a double bogey.

ASIAN TOUR

T

hailand’s Chawalit Plaphol dashed Mithun Perera’s hopes of claiming his Asian Tour breakthrough when he birdied the last two holes to win the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on February 24.

Chawalit closed with a three-under-par 69 while Mithun, aiming to be the first Sri Lankan to win on the Asian Tour, fought bravely with a sensational 65 at the US$300,000 event, which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season.

Fifty-four hole leader Chawalit was tied with Mithun on 17-under heading into the last hole but the Thai set up a three-foot birdie putt with an exquisite approach shot at the par five 18th for a 18-under -par 270 total and his fourth Asian Tour title at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

There was heartbreak again for Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who lost in a play-off last year, as he settled for third following a 70.

Hwang In-choon (67) of Korea, Darren Beck (69) of Australia and Angelo Que (70) of the Philippines were a further shot back in fourth.

© Khalid Redza / Asian Tour

Classy Chawalit triumphs in Yangon

21

AROUND THE GLOBE LPGA

© Getty

© Asian Tour

Park wins as Jutanugarn breakdown

GOLF BUSINESS

I

nbee Park of South Korea took advantage of local darling Ariya Jutanugarn’s triple bogey on the last hole to secure a one-stroke victory in the Honda LPGA Thailand on February 24.

A near-flawless Park carded a closing five-under 67 to set the clubhouse lead at 12-under 276 but little did she predict that her young Thai challenger will blow up what seemed like a convincing two-stroke advantage coming into the 18th.

22

Jutanugarn’s troubles on the par-five closing hole started when she landed in a bunker and had had to take a drop for an unplayable lie. She then overshot the green before missing a three-footer, which would have forced a playoff to leave the strong local crowd in shock.

Top-ranked Yani Tseng of Taiwan shot a final-round 63 to finish another stroke back in joint third with Beatriz Recari of Spain (70) and So Yeon Ryu of South Korea (68).

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR

Pettersen comes top in Hainan

N

orwegian Suzann Pettersen came from two shots behind Inbee Park to claim a one-stroke victory at the Mission Hills World Ladies Championship in China on March 10.

Pettersen fired a bogeyfree six under 66 to finish with a 18-underpar total at the Sandbelt Trails course of Mission Hills Haikou in tropical Hainan.

Park fell behind early in the round and rallied with four birdies in five holes around the turn but the Seoulite’s charge stalled with a bogey on 15th which gave Pettersen a two-stroke advantage, which the latter nursed en-route to a her sixth Ladies European Tour title.

There was nonetheless a slice of joy for Park as she teamed up with fellow Korean Ha-Neul Kim to win team event ahead of Norway.

Canon powers ahead with Asian Tour Canon has signed a three-year agreement to become the Asian Tour’s Official Imaging Partner. Through the new partnership, Canon will enjoy various benefits including the creation of the Canon Power Play segment on the Asian Tour Golf Show.

Bali Five join Golf Wonderful Bali’s top golf properties have committed en masse to the new golf travel co-operative, Golf Wonderful Indonesia. The five include the Greg Norman-designed Nirwana Bali Golf Club at Tanah Lot, New Kuta Golf, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, Bali National Golf Resort, Nusa Dua and Grand Bali Beach Golf Club. More information on custom golf travel packages in Indonesia, visit www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com World Golf Rankings points for two Tours The China LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET) Access Series will be incorporared into the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as their respective seasons tee-off this month. The official events from each tour will be taken into account and points will be awarded according to the home tour and world strength of field.

Laureus honour for European Ryder Cuppers The European Ryder Cup Team has been named Laureus World Team of the Year following the remarkable final day fightback to win the Ryder Cup in Chicago in the so-called ‘Miracle at Medinah’.

The coveted Laureus World Team of the Year Award was presented to Ian Poulter and team members Nicolas Colsaerts, Peter Hanson, Paul Lawrie and Francesco Molinari during the Laureus World Sports Awards in Rio de Janerio on March 11.

New headphone deal for McIlroy Bose Corp have announced that world number one Rory McIlroy will be a global brand ambassador for the company’s headphones, portable speakers, and home and automotive systems. The four-year deal, which terms were not disclosed, will be the Ulsterman’s first endorsement involving a consumer electronics brand.

IN THE BAG

THE RIGHT LIGHT Wilson Staff introduces the D-100 family, incorporating its own Right Light™ technology, which balances the correct weight distribution across the clubhead, shaft and grip for the best performance in terms of distance, power and ball flight penetration.

FAIRWAY WOODS • • •

Low profile design with sleek black PVD finish sits square and delivers ultimate confidence at address Progressive head design and face sizes throughout the lofts deliver maximum forgiveness on all turf conditions.

Repositioned weight with an undercut cavity, moves 35% of the weight to the heel, sole and toe to promote forgiveness on off-center hits.

RRP: RM 790 HYBRIDS •

Progressive bulge and roll for optimized forgiveness while rounded sole design increases playability from all lies.

RRP: RM 699

DRIVER •

•

•

Next-generation Superlight technology optimally distributes mass across the grip, shaft and newly engineered head for combined club weight of 269gm, promoting the ability to swing faster.

Enhanced cup face design helps maximise speed off the face while Variable Thickness technology in the large, deep face creates an immense sweet spot for more forgiveness on offcenter drives.

The crown of the driver (and fairway woods) is chemically etched for precision and lightness while an optimised weight further lowers the center of gravity to heighten launch angle and increased forgiveness

RRP: RM 1,390

IRONS • • •

A larger yet thinner stainless steel face delivers faster ball speeds and unsurpassed distance.

Exoskeleton technology coupled with an undercut cavity allows 35% more mass to be moved to the sole, heel and toe areas for extreme perimeter weighting and forgiveness Progressive head proportions throughout the iron set deliver ideal launch angles, ball speeds and spin rates for each loft.

RRP: RM 2,850 (Graphite)

RM 2,650 (Steel)

IN THE BAG

Select GoLo5 Putters www.scottycameron.com

Compact, elegantly rounded profile with a racy soleplate and Select Weighting technology for modern balance and stability l CNC milled soft 303 stainless steel body with deep milled face that contributes softer, tour-preferred feel and sound. l Refined head design - shaves off 10% from the popular Select GoLo and GoLo S models to provide a more compact setup that instills confidence and control. l Features a slightly asymmetric back profile with a pulled in heel and the contained cavity sight lines encourage a flowing stroke along the ideal arc. l Two neck configurations – GoLo 5 with a single bend shaft and GoLo S5 with a straight, near center shaft – provide options for appearance and dynamic feel, and toe flow. l A rich, dark, glare-free look courtesy of a tour-validated Black Mist finish with race-car inspired cherry dot graphics for a modern but timeless look. l Black Pistolero Grip with dancing Cameron logo for a stable feel.

RRP: RM1,550 / S$645

24

COBRA BAFFLER HYBRID IRON COMBO www.cobragolf.com

Super game improvement clubs aimed at players that are looking for easy to hit hybrids and irons that deliver maximum forgiveness, higher launch and improved distance l Hybrids have a wide, railed sole and shallower face for easy launch with a top-line alignment system for added confidence. l Similarly , the irons also feature the traditional Baffler railed sole – which are designed specifically for irons – to reduce turf drag and improve contact from all lie conditions. l Progressive, oversized face profile on the irons improves their forgiveness and lowering the center of gravity helps get the ball up in the air. l Variable thickness face, which progresses from the short to the long irons, enhances ball speeds and distance on off-center hits. l Hybrids 3 through 7 are available with lightweight graphite shafts while irons are available with either lightweight graphite or steel in 4-iron through sand wedge.

RRP: RM3,490

IN THE BAG SCOTTSDALE® TR™ PUTTERS www.ping.com

Features two industry-first innovations – an insert with variable-depth grooves and the option of an adjustable-length version for truer roll l Standing for True Roll, the TR putters features Ping’s proprietary groove inserts which are deeper in the middle and shallower toward the perimeter. The variable depth grooves promotes near identical ball speed across the entire face for better distance control and improved consistency. l Available in standard fixed-length models or optional adjustable length version which adjust from 31 to 38 inches through a locking ring below the grip for optimised fit and maximum performance.

RRP: RM950

588 RTX WEDGES

www.clevelandgolf.com Larger grooves, a rougher surface and unique mill marks to help you create more spin and control around the greens l Inspired by the CG15 wedge, the S sole which is wider near the heel and narrower closer to the toe improves bunker performance without sacrificing versatility. l Directionally milled Rotex face pattern adds roughness and imparts maximum spin on open-face wedge shots. l Based on Tour feedback, U grooves are more precise and 16% larger to maximize spin on critical scoring shots - especially out of the rough, sand and in wet conditions.

RRP: RM490

VRS COVERT IRONS www.nikegolf.com

High-speed cavity back irons designed to maximize distance, control and forgiveness l A high-speed cavity back design allowed Nike Golf engineers to move the weight of the club to the corners, raising the Moment of Inertia (MOI) to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots. l NexCor variable face thickness design produces faster, longer shots across a wider area of the face, creating more speed at impact that increases the ball speed off the clubface, especially on the bottom half where players are most likely to make contact. l New X3X groove pattern brings more grooves closer together for maximum flight control and shot-to-shot consistency. l Thin, no-weld dual-bevel sole allows the club to sit low to the golf ball for better interaction with the ground and less digging.

RRP: RM3,620 (NS Pro) & RM3,100 (True Temper Dynalite)

25

TOO HOT TO HANDLE IN THE BAG

Callaway Golf’s new range promises unprecedented distance gains and improved all-round performance DRIVERS

Faster ball speeds, explosive distance and enhanced adjustability for a wide range of swings • Lightweight titanium drivers with OptiFit technology which allows the face angle to be set in an Open, Square or Closed position to fine tune the trajectory and appearance you’re looking for at address.

• Ultra Thin Wall Casting creates a lighter club configuration with an optimised CG designed to help you rip if off the tee.

• SpeedFrame Face creates incredibly fast ball speeds all across the face for longer, more consistent distance, optimising the CG for more forgiveness and consistent sidespin.

• Available in lofts of 9.5° and 10.5°

RRP: RM 1,390 (US Spec) RM 1,490 (Asian Spec) FAIRWAY WOODS

Longer from everywhere • Unique design feature lowers the CG by pushing the weight as close to the Forged SpeedFrame face cup, borrowed from the drivers for increased distance and ball speeds from across the face of the fairway wood.

• Modern Warbird sole delivers increased versatility from everywhere with an updated design for versatility.

• Available in 3W and 5W

RRP: RM 990 (US Spec) RM1090 (Asian Spec) HYBRIDS

Longer distances and more playability from a variety of lies • Loft, length, CG height and thinner face are all designed to optimize distance and trajectory while the taking on the SpeedFrame technology and modern Warbird sole utilised in the fairway woods.

• All models feature square face angles at address with the Pro models offers smaller heads, less offset and shafts that are 0.75-inches shorter • Available in 3H, 4H and 5H

RRP: RM 590 (US Spec) RM 690 (Asian Spec) IRONS

Delivering increased distance and performance for both amateur and professional golfers • Industry leading deep undercut cavity moves the hottest part of the face lower down to the area where most golfers connect with the ball for higher ball speeds.

• Speed frame technology - previously utilised in Callaway drivers - create more efficient energy transfer by optimising face stiffness, facilitating increased ball speed and consistent distance even if the ball is struck outside the sweet spot.

• Feel Management Technology fine tunes sound by promoting a crisp and dynamic feel.

• Pro versions created for lower handicappers with J-Face Dynamics for great power and feel as well as Callaway’s most precise 20° Close Spaced V grooves, which offer more backspin from the rough.

RRP: RM 3,080 (Steel) & RM2,800 (Steel) - US Spec

RM3,185 (Graphite) & RM2,975 (Steel) - Asian Spec

IN THE BAG

EFFECT

TaylorMade’s new premium golf ball offering combines penetrating, wind-defying flight with the kind of greenside feel and spin that Tour professionals demand

B

uilding on its immensely popular Penta franchise, TaylorMade set out to create a golf ball with all-round performance, in all conditions, for players of all standards.

The result: Lethal - a tour performance ball that delivers remarkable results and in Justin Rose’s case, a winning formula.

“How good is Lethal? I put it in play straight away, and within a month I’d won a tournament and helped my team win the Ryder Cup. Can’t get better than that, right?” stated Rose.

Understanding that modern-day clubs are designed to launch the ball higher, TaylorMade engineers set out to ensure that these higher launch conditions do not cause the ball to balloon or become more affected by the wind.

The refined 232-dimple design offers maximum distance, extending the second stage of flight for longer and straighter shots while offering better spin control.

Utilising Progressive Velocity technology, each of the five-piece construction are used to their full potential regardless of the player’s swing speed, helping the average golfer improve on his or her scoring.

INSIDE THE LETHAL 1. Thin yet durable, cast Sta-White Urethane cover with Low Drag Performance (LDP) dimple pattern reacts with the firm outer mantle layer to minimise distance loss on low spin shots.

2. Firm and fast outer mantle layer works with the cover to generate low-launch, high spin conditions off short irons and wedges.

3. Semi-firm middle mantle layer works with outer layers to combine controllable spin with softer feel off mid irons.

4. Soft inner mantle layer reduces long-iron spin for a penetrating low trajectory that will not balloon and carry far.

5. The soft core produces low driver spin that increases distance off the tee.

TaylorMade Lethal are available in standard dozens with a recommended retail price of RM228 per box.

BURNER

ROCKETBALLZ URETHANE

RRP: RM 68

RRP: RM 148

Outstanding performance, extreme durability and excellent value make Burner the ideal option for golfers seeking an extraordinary allaround golf ball that won’t to burn a hole in the pockets.

Tour-validated, three-piece construction with urethane cover promotes added spin off the irons for higher, longer approach shots that land soft and stop fast, as well as penetrating and distance-enhancing driver flight.

27

You’ve heard about it, read about it and now, here’s your chance to have a new Rocketballz™ Stage 2 fairway wood in your bag! Answer the two easy questions below and gives us your most creative TaylorMade signature to stand a chance to go longer-ier!

Contest

PRIZE

ONE Grand prize

One (1) TaylorMade Rocketballz™ Stage 2 fairway + one (1) TaylorMade cap

ONE Main prize

One (1) TaylorMade Rocketballz™ Stage 2 rescue + one (1) TaylorMade cap

FIVE Consolation prize One (1) dozen TaylorMade Lethal™ golf balls + one (1) TaylorMade cap

Answer the following TWO questions:

1

How much longer (in yards) does the all new TaylorMade RocketBallz™ Stage 2 3-wood promise to be compared to its immediate predecessor?

q

2

Which of the following technologies is not present in the new TaylorMade RocketBallz™ Stage 2 fairway wood?

q

7

q

10

q

17

Loft-Sleeve Technology

q RocketSteel Face Technology q RocketPocket Technology

Pen your most creative TAYLORMADE signature

Mail your entries to

ROCKETBALL-ZIER CONTEST

c/o Inpress Media Sdn Bhd A-3-1 Jalan PJS5/30 Pusat Perdagangan Petaling Jaya Selatan 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Name: ...........................................................................................

Address: ....................................................................................... ...................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................

Email: ...........................................................................................

Telephone: ...................................................................................

Handphone: .................................................................................

Current fairway wood brand used: ......................................................................................................

TERMS & CONDITIONS l Contest is open to permanent residents of Malaysia ONLY. l No purchases required. Making a purchase will not increase your chance of winning a prize. l Employees of TaylorMade-adidas Golf Malaysia and Inpress Media Sdn Bhd and their immediate families, as well as employees of advertising agencies and suppliers of good and services to TaylorMade-adidas Golf Malaysia are not eligible to participate in this contest. l To qualify for participation in this contest, complete this form and mail it to the address above. No other method of submission will be accepted. l Incomplete entries and entries with illegible handwriting will be disqualified. l Each person is only entitled to win one prize in this contest. l The closing date date for entries is Friday (April 26, 2013). l Prize won is strictly non-transferable and non-exchangeable. l Winners release TaylorMade-adidas Golf Malaysia from any and all liability, loss or damage incurred with respect to the possession, use or misuse of any prizes. l In the event of any dispute, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Malaysia’s decision is final and no correspondence whatsoever will be entertained. l TaylorMade-adidas Golf Malaysia reserves the right to amend any part of the terms and conditions without prior notice. l The contest and terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of Malaysia.

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY

Growing up in a golfing family with a grandmother who was

© Getty

an amateur champion golfer,

American Stacy Lewis overcame a shaky finish to emerge triumphant at Sentosa Golf Club

W

hen the new venue for the US$1.4 million 2013 HSBC Women’s Champions was announced last October, many golfing pundits as well as the players themselves were no doubt wondering just how the field would handle the tough Serapong layout.

Sentosa Golf Club’ tight and narrow course, which has plenty of challenging holes, has been the venue of the Singapore Open for the past eight years, and during this time has proven to be quite a handful for some of the Open participants.

Yet, a number of women brilliantly carved up the course with a wonderful display in this no-cut strokeplay event which is dubbed ‘Asia’s Major’. In fact almost half of the field of 63 finished their four rounds with sub-par scores.

While near perfect conditions and the preferred-lie ruling may have contributed, the power and accuracy coming off the clubs were a delight for spectators.

“The challenges presented by [the] Serapong have created keen competition and given spectators four days of great golfing action. In addition, the low scores by the players is testament to the quality of the putting surface,” commented Sentosa Golf Club president Low Teo Ping as the competition drew to an end on March 3.

The field was impressive, with 17 out of the top 20 players in the world making an appearance. Yet it was world number four Stacy Lewis of the United States who triumphed on the final day over her two determined flightmates - compatriot Paula Creamer and South Korean Na Yeon Choi.

The Lewis camp had double reason to celebrate with Caddy of the Year’ at the 2013 HSBC Women’s Champions being awarded to Travis Wilson who has caddied for Lewis during her whole career.

On a cloudy closing day, Lewis carded one-under-par 71 for an aggregate score of 15-under 273 to finish one clear of Choi. The gutsy American paved the way for victory with a moment of brilliance at the seventh hole, when her approach from the fairway landed just a few inches from the hole to set up an eagle three.

“That was probably the best shot I ever hit,” said Lewis,

Justine Moss developed a love of golf at an early age. After moving to Singapore in 1998

who wobbled down the stretch with bogeys on 15th and 17th but held on for her sixth LPGA title.

“That was so nerve-wracking. This golf course is so hard and then you had the pressure. Paula and NaYeon were just so good today,” added the relieved 28-year-old.

It has been an excellent start to the season for Lewis – she finished tied for third with Yani Tseng, Beatriz Recari and So Yeon Ryu at the Honda LPGA Thailand the week before. Last year, she won four LPGA events and became the first American since Daniels in 1994 to end the season as the tour’s Player of the Year. Having been diagnosed with scoliosis as a child, just being able to play top-level golf is almost a miracle in itself.

“There’s really no timetable on what I’m going to be able to do and how long I’m going to be able to play because there’s nobody else doing with this with a rod and five screws in their back”, she explains, adding, “There’s no guarantee how long my back holds up so I’m thankful for the time that I have and it makes me just go work hard every day.”

World number two Choi, a runner-up for the second straight year after losing in last year’s four-woman playoff, was naturally disappointed yet gracious.

“I really wanted to win this week after last year, but second place is still a good position. Everyone knows Stacy is a good player and she has that kind of experience, so she deserved it,” shared Choi.

Creamer who was looking to end a 33-month winless streak had a share of the lead for a brief spell but her inferior putting on the back nine proved her undoing. “I wish I could go back in time a couple of times out there, but I putted really well. I had some good long efforts and they just didn’t fall in.”

Seventeen-year-old Thai sensation Ariya Jutanugarn, who came under intense scrutiny after blowing a two-shot lead on the final hole at the Thailand event, finished fourth on 10-under-par alongside Taiwanese Candie Kung with Americans Danielle Kang and Jessica Korda a further stroke back.

from Sydney, and opening her own communications company a year later, Justine expanded the writing side of her business and currently writes for a number of golfing and lifestyle publications in the region, with her finger on the pulse of local golf happenings in the Lion City

Stacy Shines on Sentosa’s Fairways

29

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER great his new Callaway Razr Fit Xtreme driver helped resurrect his game this year.

Onlookers also pointed out, however, that Mickelson keeps using a TaylorMade fairway wood in competition, as well. TaylorMade and Callaway are fierce rivals with one another – their respective Carlsbad headquarters are two blocks from each other. A Callaway representative acknowledged that his company is feverishly working with Mickelson to get him fairway woods that work for him.

Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf

TaylorMade and Bridgestone have been club winners on Tour so far in 2013.

Bridgestone’s been riding victories and stellar play from Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar – each of who has endorsed the brand for years.

equipment capital of Carlsbad, California. In his 20-plus years covering the golf industry, the former senior editor of GOLF Magazine

has

lowered

his

playing index to 5.1, raised his IQ on the sophisticated technology used to make golf clubs, and stayed even keel on his propensity to miss short putts.

30

But he always brings game to his columns.

M

erely three months into the year and yet much has happened with golf equipment on Tour.

Controversy. Suspense. Positives. They all happened.

First off, Rory McIlroy jumped full force into a bag of Nike clubs and has yet to find his groove. As I proposed in this column a few months back, Nike had little to gain from inking McIlory to a contract. He was on top of the golf world last year, using Titleist clubs.

So if he keeps winning, no one recognises that Nike clubs had anything to do with it. Worst-case scenario, he starts playing horribly and it’s any PR’s nightmare.

This is exactly what has happened. You rarely see sportscasters on the likes of ESPN discussing golf beyond who wins Tour events. However this year, many have wondered aloud on national TV if Rory’s new Nike clubs have anything to do with his poor performance. When McIlroy suddenly withdrew from the Honda Classic in February allegedly because of an aching wisdom tooth – despite the fact that he was seen happily chowing down a sandwich just an hour before he announced his decision – the speculation continued to escalate.

GOLF’S HOTTEST BRAND?

Then Jack Nicklaus told NBC Sports three days later that he spoke with McIlroy. “He has a set of golf clubs that he’s having trouble getting used to,” said Nicklaus. “He was struggling a little bit with his irons.

But he felt confident of it.”

I said, “Don’t worry about it. You are such a good player. Your clubs will not make that much difference.’”

In other words, Nicklaus pretty much revealed more than McIlory, who has continuously downplayed any incompatibility with his new sticks.

McIlroy will eventually improve back to his old playing form, no doubt about it. However, this can’t have been a good time for the folks at Nike.

Of course, that hasn’t been the only controversy.

When Callaway poster boy Phil Mickelson won at Phoenix in February, he continually raved over how

“We’ve been with Kuch and Sneds for a long time, since they were playing on the Nationwide Tour,” said Dan Murphy, Bridgestone Golf’s vice president of marketing. To see them having the success they are enjoying is incredible.

I’m confident neither the brand nor the guys are done growing. We are excited to see what the future holds for them.”

For TaylorMade, Tour success - the company wins many weekly club usage counts - has translated to consumer-level sales. “If we aren’t No. 1 in a given product category, there’s room for improvement,” avers TaylorMade president and chief executive Mark King.

“That’s not meant to sound arrogant, it’s simply the kind of thinking that drives us to work harder and smarter and better, which is the reason our metal wood and iron business is currently very strong. The United States makes up about 50% of global golf sales, and we were No. 1 in metal wood and iron market share in terms of dollars. In fact, we set a new industry record in metal woods at 47 percent of the U.S. market.”

So far in 2013, King says TaylorMade’s the secondmost-used ball brand on the PGA Tour.

“The tour is still the ultimate proving ground, and if that many tour pros think our new Lethal tour ball is good enough to trust their games with, we believe more amateurs should be playing it,” he says.

“We know that when golfers experience a product that performs better than what they have, they usually buy it. That’s why we have to get stronger at what we call experiential marketing, which involves creating more and better opportunities for consumers to try our products. We feel we make the best-performing equipment in every category, and the proof is in the performance.

“We like to say that ‘products don’t lie,’ which means that no matter what you claim a product will do, the truth comes out when you try it. The more people we get to try our wedges, putters and balls, the faster we’ll get to No. 1 in those categories.”

GOLF DOWN UNDER Callaway rocks Albert Park with its X Hot Party as world long drive champion and Callaway ambassador Joe Miller smashes a drive through a watermelon (below).

Richard Fellner is the Group Editor of Inside Golf Magazine – Australia’s most regularly read golf publication. Hailing from the United States but now a proud resident of Melbourne,

I

f you ever had any doubts about golf keeping up with the times (and appealing to the Generation-Y set) you can put your mind at ease. In Australia, at least, golf is thriving on the cutting edge.

Fellner is a true golf tragic having played the game for over 35 years but never getting any

The Victorian Open last month wowed the fans by combining the men’s and women’s competitions into one all-encompassing mega-tournament.

Played at the beautiful 13th Beach Golf Links on Melbourne’s Ballarine Peninsula, the men and women battled it out on the facility’s two 18-hole courses, with Matt Giles taking top spot for the men while young Aussie sensation Stacey Keating taking home the women’s trophy – and proving that she is indeed a name to watch in the future.

Both the players and fans were full of praise for the unique event, with many wondering why it isn’t done in more tournaments around the world. Bigger fields translate to larger crowds, which translate to more sponsorship money and bigger exposure. It’s a winwin for everyone.

If the major tours did something like this, for example, it could be massive. Imagine if the PGA and LPGA combined a tournament on the one facility. You could see players like Rory McIlroy playing the same course as, say, Yani Tseng. Or, what about Tiger Woods playing alongside his niece Cheyenne?

Of course, it wasn’t just events that were on the cutting edge in Australia. On the equipment side, a pair of manufacturers was also in the spotlight last month, with local launches of new gear taking centre stage.

First up was Nike, which launched their new VR_S Drivers and Fairways in a unique location: an indoor golf simulator. Invited guests, sports celebrities and VIPs put the Nike gear to the test on some of the world’s most advanced golf simulators at the X Golf facility in Melbourne. With long-drive contests, full rounds on simulated golf courses and even nearestto-the-pin competitions, it was a fun evening and an interesting way to showcase new gear.

A few weeks later, Callaway hosted a launch party of their own, introducing their new X Hot woods and irons in Melbourne. Held at night, under floodlights at the Albert Park Golf Course with the Melbourne skyline

better at it.

31

in the background, VIPs and celebrities pounded massive 300-yard bombs into the night sky.

World Long Drive Champion Joe Miller made the trek from the United Kingdom to attend the event and he did not disappoint—smashing huge drive after huge drive with the new gear. He even blasted one drive through a watermelon!

Afterwards, the event turned into a bit of a houseparty-style celebration, with a live DJ, dancing and plenty of food and drinks to keep the guests entertained. All the while, the event was “broadcast” via Twitter, with guests adding the #CallawayTeeParty hashtag to their tweets, and their tweets appearing on large TV screens at the event.

Of course, no event these days would be complete without a YouTube video, and Callaway did not drop the ball on that one either.

See it at: tinyurl.com/ba2mcjf.

These types of events are not new to Australia. In recent times we’ve seen experimental events like the Surf Coast Knockout (which was a combination stroke and matchplay event) and even multi-sport events that have had golf, skateboarding and surfing. Now that’s creative!

It’s these types of events that will see golf make its way from the stodgy and stuffy game of the past into the vibrant and exciting game that today’s youngsters crave. With young talented players like Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson making waves on the course (and off the course with their own videos like “Golf Boys” which had its sequel surface recently) golf—especially here in Australia-- appears to be entering a new era.

Now if we can just get an Aussie to win a Major...

Coming of (a new) Age

RARE BIRDIE

Martin

Vousden

is

© Khalid Redza / Asian Tour

Don’t expect Rory McIlroy to follow in the footsteps of perennial culprit John Daly

an

experienced golf writer and editor, equally at home in print publications or online content. A former editor of Today’s Golfer, he now freelances from Scotland, near Carnoustie. His Ryder Cup book With Friends Like These, was published in 2006.

“Never get into an argument in a tent – it’s difficult to storm out and slam the flap”

I

32 Quote of the Month

t’s time to give Rory McIlroy a break. Yes, he walked off the course during the Honda Classic and then lied about the reason. His ‘sore tooth’ story was never going to fly after he ate a large sandwich walking up the 18th, and then told a group of reporters that he was not in a good place mentally. But his subsequent apology was sincere and we have to believe him when he says he will never again withdraw simply because he’s playing badly.

“If I miss a shot I just think what a beautiful day it is.

And what pure fresh air I’m breathing. Then I take a deep breath. I have to do that. That’s what gives me the strength to break the club” ~ Bob Hope

As for his slump in form, what many still fail to appreciate is that he’s a streak player. Early in his career, Tiger Woods made the mistake of saying that he managed to win without having his ‘A’ game. He was roundly condemned for belittling the rest of the pros in the field but what really hurt them is that he was right – if he played poorly he would still contend, if he played well he would win and if he played to his potential he would win with ease.

Of Rory and walkouts

And of course, there’s the change of equipment. He will adapt, and Nike will move heaven and earth to make sure his clubs are exactly what he needs them to be but it takes time and anyone who thought he could make such a switch and immediately find his best form was deluding themselves.

Rory’s a different animal. Like Tiger, when he’s at his best there’s no-one who can touch him. Unlike Tiger, when his game’s a little off, he can’t yet scramble a score that keeps him in the hunt.

Incidentally, though, Nike must be wondering if there’s a sporting god who doesn’t like the company very much, or at least, the sports stars on its roster. Tiger, of course, has endured a mass of bad publicity because of his messy divorce, cyclist Lance Armstrong is exposed as a serial cheat and now blade runner Oscar Pistorius is charged with murder.

It takes a particular kind of marketing genius to sign the three most notorious sports stars in the world before they implode in a sea of damaging headlines.

We need to remember, too, that Rory is not alone in seeking solace off the golf course halfway through a round. I remember being at the 1991 US Open at Hazeltine, following Craig Parry, who at the time was one of the teaching pros signed to the magazine for which I worked. He was alongside Corey Pavin and Northern Irishman Ronan Rafferty. After nine very uninspired holes, Rafferty told his playing partners that he was going to the toilet but he didn’t return and by the time we realised he never would, he was probably in a cab to the airport.

Even Bobby Jones, the man regarded by many as the template of good manners and sportsmanship in golf had his own meltdown. When he first played the Open Championship at St Andrews in 1921, he found the bunker called Hill, which is about 12 feet below the putting surface of the par three 11th. After four attempts to get out (and anyone who has found that particular sandtrap will sympathise), he picked up his ball, tore up his scorecard and effectively withdrew from the tournament.

But pride of place in this rogues gallery of withdrawals has to go to John Daly, who is golf’s most prolific offender. Unlike most of the others, who try to hide their transgressions behind a sudden and unexpected onset of illness, Big John just heads for the car park.

In September 2011 during the Austrian Open he was slapped with a two-stroke penalty for an incorrect drop, said: ‘I’m done’, shook hands with his playing partners and took off. Two months later, this time in Australia, he was again penalised, on this occasion for hitting the wrong ball from a bunker. The two-stroke penalty put him seven-over par after 10 holes.

He seethed for a few minutes and then on the 11th, hit his remaining golf balls into a water hazard, making no effort to do anything but lose them. He then withdrew, on the grounds that he had no more ammunition. It’s difficult to keep count with John but over a decade of poor form he has withdrawn from at least 24 events.

In comparison, Rory’s moment of despair is pretty small beer.

KGPA quarter.pdf

1

4/19/12

6:33 PM

103mm width

C

141mm height

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

We care for your business needs!

For advertising opportunities and enquiries call us at

+603-77722201

or email to info@theclubhouse.com.my

CMY

K

Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) is situated within Bukit Kiara, about 18km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

A 27-hole layout designed by renowned American course architect Ronald Fream. The championship course (Hills and Lakes) is a classic par 72 golf course measuring 5,989 metres with landscaped lush fairways culminating in manicured verdant greens. The third nine (Forest), measuring 2,711 metres is equally scenic and challenging, playing around the natural jungle environment.

www.kgpagolf.com

Call us to book your tee time: Bukit Kiara, off Jalan Damansara, Peti Surat 12137, Jalan Pantai Baru, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur 50768, Malaysia

Tel: 03-7957 3344 Fax: 03-7957 7821

TRAVEL FEATURE

34

Hua Hin: Thailand ’s Golfing Playground

TRAVEL FEATURE

World class golfing facilities with some of the lowest green fees in Thailand makes this seaside resort a must visit for avid golfers.

For a lucky few who have ventured beyond their usual golfing haunts in Bangkok and Pattaya, Hua Hin and its twin city Cha-Am boasts a dozen or so of championship and first-class golfing tracts that circle the many excellent resorts, restaurants and crystal-clear beaches that this royal city has to offer.

While Hua Hin used to be a comfortable yet bothersome two-hour drive from Bangkok, direct flights by Berjaya Air from Subang Skypark thrice weekly has paved the way for more Malaysians to explore this hidden

treasure, once regarded and still very much a Nordic favourite. recently got the opportunity to enjoy a golfing experience like no other, from seaside to mountain courses, with coconut trees to the odd pineapple in the rough during a short layover in Hua Hin. Here’s our six top picks for an ideal golfing vacation that will leave you wanting for more.

35

WH

EN

TO Ann u GO of T ally, the ?

Tou Pra hailan r chu i d s m an a Ass pKhiri d Phe Author Hua ociati Khan tchab ity o u G taki Hin Go n orga olf Co rito S ng pla lf Fest nises t urse c club eptem e betw ival. Us he b sw ill o er, par een Au ually as B ffer g ticipa gust ting HT8 reen go fe 00 p er r es as lf low oun d!

TRAVEL FEATURE BANYAN GOLF CLUB www.banyanthailand.com

I

nternationally acclaimed for its high standard of course management, the exquisite Banyan Golf Club is built across a valley surrounded by mountains by Thailand’s leading golf course designer Pirapon Namatra.

The 18-hole championship layout, which opened for play in 2008, features a large number of elevated tee boxes which offers a good view of the hole being playing.

Offering a fair challenge to all levels of golfers, the course as it usual share of lakes, streams and pot bunkers with pineapple patches, bougainvillea beds and predictably, Banyan trees providing the essential Thai flair.

The club’s signature par-three 15th is anything but a given. With stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and Koh Sai in the distance, coupled with a shallow green guarded by deep sand traps, the hole could either make or break your round going into closing stretch.

Getting There: A mere 12 kilometers southwest of Hua Hin town or just a mere five-minutes shuttle away from Banyan Resort Hua Hin, which offers 86 luxuriously-appointed villas.

ROYAL HUA HIN

Tel: +66 (0) 32 531070, 512 475

D

ating back to 1924, the Royal Hua Hin is steeped in history as the first golfing tract built in the Kingdom.

Designed by Scottish railway engineer O.A. Robbins, the 18-hole parkland course, which received a facelift in the 1980s, is constructed on natural terrain and is set between some spectacular rocky hills.

36

While there are no real water hazards, the fairways are lined with hundredyear-old trees with the greens slightly elevated providing a shady, private round of golf. Several holes offer excellent views of the Gulf of Thailand and the city center with abundance of fauna such as macaques and owls can also be seen.

Getting there A par-three away from the infamous Hua Hin railway, Royal Hua Hin is only five kilometres away from the laid-back city centre.

PALM HILLS GOLF CLUB & RESIDENCES www.palmhills-golf.com

L

ocated between Hua Hin and Cha-Am and close to Hua Hin airport, Palm Hills Golf Club & Residences was among the first of a new generation of courses to open in early 90s.

The 18-hole championship course crafted by Max Wexler is spectacularly laid out on a long strip of undulating terrain 80 metres above sea level with the imposing Petchburi mountain ranges in the background. Hundreds of palm trees line the wide Bermuda fairways with the calming vista of mountains, lakes and sea making this golf course a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Its well-manicured greens are among the fastest in Hua Hin and holes 10th through 14th , including their signature long uphill parthree 11th, provides a much needed challenge after a relatively easy opening nine.

Getting there: Fifteen minutes by car or taxi northeast of Hua Hin’s city centre

TRAVEL FEATURE BLACKMOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB www.blackmountainhuahin.com

A

n award-winning championship course, the Black Mountain Golf Club stands as one of the premier golfing destination in Hua Hin. This challenging yet playable Phil Ryan designed 18-hole layout lies in the stunning terrain, features interconnected waterways, undulating fairways and greens with the breathtaking natural landscape.

Elevated tee boxes, rolling fairways and mountain breezes promise a tough assignment with plenty of risk and reward opportunities on offer, requiring good strategy and careful placement of approach shots.

A unique feature of the course is the native red grass landscaping which not only frames the holes and adds to the stunning landscape but also penalises errant shots.

Getting there: Just 15 minutes northeast of Hua Hin city centre

IMPERIAL LAKE VIEW RESORT & GOLF CLUB www.imperialhotels.com

W

ith a dramatic mountain forming a stunning backdrop, the Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club is Hua Hin’s first 36-hole golfing layout with four contrasting nines.

Inland through small farms & pineapple plantations, the Roger Packard and Ronald Fream designed course conveys a sense of adventure as hidden greens, mature palm trees, well-defined

fairways and numerous water hazards come into play in a idyllic landscape.

Getting there: Located just 15km from the heart of Hua Hin or just a stroll away from one of 72 luxurious room on-site

SPRINGFIELD ROYAL COUNTRY CLUB www.springfieldresort.com/golf

A

masterpiece of Jack Nicklaus as well as Schmidt & Curly Gold Design, this championship course presents the golfer with 27 beautifully landscaped holes, each providing a challenge of its own.

The combination of the Mountain and Lake nines, which stands at just above 7,000 metres, naturally means that there are some long carries as you tee-off in the shadows of the mountains and dramatic lush landscape.

Birdie chances are aplenty for the good golfer and no where is that true than on the 500-yard, par-five ninth, which features an island green.

Due to conservation efforts undertaken during the construction of the resort, golfers will be captivated by more than 100 species of birds, including ducks, owls, cormorants, sparrows, bluebirds, herons, egrets, quail and hawks that have made the golf club their permanent home.

Getting there: Located in Cha-am, Springfield is located half-an-hour away from city centre of Hua Hin.

37

TEE BOX

PRUDENTIAL ASTRO MASTERS Siem Reap awaits grand finalists

Sign up now for

* RM38 Magazine at only

per year

Why pay more when you can stay on the beat of what’s happening in the world of golf for less than RM4.00* a month with The ClubHouse Magazine.

PERSONAL PARTICULARS

38

Name: ________________________________________________________________

A

hole-in-one prize of a brand new Lexus CT 200h luxury sedan worth RM202,899 as well as 20 Sure-To-Win Panasonic LED televisions awaits avid amateurs during the Prudential Astro Masters 2013, which tees off on March 14 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club.

Four new venues will be introduced to its 20-leg roster with Meru Valley Golf & Country Club, Resorts World Kijal, Penang Golf Club and Pulai Springs Golf Resort taking their places alongside perennial favourites Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Shan Shui Golf & Country Club and Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

(please print prefix e.g. Tan Sri/Dato’/Mr/Mrs/Miss) Designation : ___________________________________________________________ NRIC /Passport No.______________________________________________________ Delivery Address : _______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Postcode : ________________________ State : _______________________________ Telephone : __________________________ Handphone : _______________________ Email address : _________________________________________________________

Please tick where applicable YES! I wish to subscribe to a 12-month subscription of The Clubhouse Magazine.

RM38.00 (PEN. MALAYSIA)

RM48.00 (EAST MALAYSIA)

Payment Method Charge to my

MasterCard

Visa

FPX/MEPS

Card No. : _____________________________________ Expiry : __________________ Signature :

Enclosed

Cheque

Bank Draft

Cheque/Bank Draft Order No. : ___________________________________ Please make cheques/bank draft payable to “INPRESS MEDIA SDN BHD” Fax to 03 7772 2210 or mail to The ClubHouse Subscription Department, INPRESS MEDIA SDN BHD (937122-A) A-3-1 Jalan PJS5/30, Pusat Perdagangan Petaling Jaya Selatan, 46150 Petaling Jaya

For payment by credit card / online payment contact us at 03-7772 2201 or email: subscription@theclubhouse.com.my TERMS & CONDITIONS Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing from date of receipt of payment.

All correspondence and receipts will be sent via email.

Please ensure that you provide us with an active email address.

Subscriptions are non-refundable on receipt.

The best gross and nett finishers in each leg will be invited to the grand finale at the historic temple-city of Siem Reap in Cambodia from September 29 to October 2 with two rounds of golf at the awardwinning Angkor Golf Resort and Angkor Lake Resort respectively.

Astro customers will be entitled to a special registration fee of RM 250 while non-Astro customers will charged RM350. Entry forms are available online on www.astro.com.my/astrocircle or get in touch with Golf People at 03-7803 6226.

Prudential Astro Masters 2013 - Schedule Mar 14 (Thu) Kota Permai GCC, Selangor Mar 20 (Wed) Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Selangor Mar 30 (Sat) Cinta Sayang GCR, Kedah Apr 6 (Sat) Resort World Kijal, Terengganu Apr 13 (Sat) Meru Valley GCC, Perak Apr 20 (Sat) Orna GCC, Melaka Apr 25 (Thu) Templer Park CC, Selangor May 2 (Thu) Bukit Jawi GR, Penang May 11 (Sat) Damai Laut GCC, Perak May 18 (Sat) A’ Famosa GR, Melaka May 23 (Thu) Staffield CR, Negeri Sembilan Jun 12 (Wed) Tasik Puteri GCC, Selangor Jun 15 (Sat) Eastwood Valley GCC, Sarawak Jun 20 (Thu) Kota Permai GCC, Selangor Jun 26 (Wed) Penang GC, Penang Jun 29 (Sat) Shan-Shui GCC, Tawau Jun 30 (Sun) Shan-Shui GCC, Tawau Jul 6 (Sat) Pulai Springs Resort, Pulai, Johor Aug 17 (Sat) Dalit Bay GCC, Sabah Aug 28 (Wed) Horizon Hills GCC, Johor Sep 29 - (Sun) Siem Reap, Cambodia (Grand Finals) Oct 2 (Wed)

TEE BOX

ETIQA & FRIENDS GOLF TOURNAMENT Takaful provider regales partners and clients

BECAUSE YOU DESERVE MORE!

The #1 Golf Card Just Got Better ore than 80 corporate associates, clients and business partners M of Etiqa took part in the fourth annual Etiqa & Friends Golf Tournament at Kelab Golf Seri Selangor recently.

The tournament was keenly contested with participants rivaling each other for the attractive prizes that were up for grabs. In the end, 17-handicapper Zulkarnain Tamam of Bank Rakyat topped the standings with an impressive 38 Stableford points to walk home with the challenge trophy and a golfing holiday to Phuket.

Nazerin Omar from the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) (12) and Eric Quah (20) of Semangat Anggun emerged victorious in the A Medal and B Medal respectively.

Etiqa Insurance and Takaful chief commercial officer Shahril Azuar Jimi, who doubled up as the tournament host, said: “This is just another one of our gestures to thank our clients and business partners for their continuous support all this while. A lot of them are avid golfers and we felt that this would be a good way to connect with them on a nonbusiness level.”

MERCEDESTROPHY

Greater swings at 23rd edition

With the AGSSG Golf card, the doors swing open for you at more than 70 golf clubs throughout Malaysia.

Enjoy preferential golfing rates, be it on a weekday or a weekend.

THE #1 GOLF CARD is now MORE than just a golf card!

much awaited MercedesTrophy returns with its Malaysian Theselection set to tee-off at Saujana Golf & Country Club on April 24.

Eight qualifying legs will be staged with the top three winners from each of the three handicap categories as well as the ladies’ division at every preliminary round earning a return to Saujana Golf & Country Club for the Malaysian Final on June 25.

The top two finishers in each handicap categories and the winner of the ladies’ division at the Malaysian Final will earn an all-expenses paid trip to Sanctuary Cove, Australia for the Asian Final from August 14-16 with a chance of qualifying for the World Final in Stuttgart.

In addition to the hole-in-one prize of a Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI which is on offer for the first taker at any of the designated par -three holes at each venue, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia are also offering the winner of The Straightest Drive in the Malaysian Final with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the 142nd Open Championship in Muirfield, Scotland.

The competition is open to Mercedes-Benz owners only with an entrance fee of RM350. The marketing partners for the MercedesTrophy 2013 include Crestlink, Taylormade, Epos, DBC Physiotherapy, Carlsberg and The Edge.

• MORE than just a plastic card – it’s a bio-energy health card!

• MORE than just golfing in Malaysia. Now you can golf in Indonesia too!

• MORE tournaments in 2012; the first ever to have its own premium series of golf tournaments exclusively for cardholders.

• ALL-IN PRICE which includes Golfer's Insurance and 1-touch S.O.S Auto Assist Service 24/7 ... NOTHING more to pay!

PRODUCT PREMIER NEW PREMIER RENEW EXCELLENT 1 NEW EXCELLENT 1 RENEW 1 UTARA NEW/RENEW EX 1 FAMILY PACKAGE

*NEW PRICE RM 899.00 RM 850.00 RM 488.00 RM 438.00 RM 299.00 RM 750.00

NON-M’SIAN RM 899.00 RM 850.00 RM 548.00 RM 498.00 RM 330.00 RM 800.00

* Inclusive of mandatory 6% govt. tax

AGSSG LINKS SDN BHD

HQ: No. I-2-5 Block I, Jalan PJU 1A/1, Taipan Damansara 2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: 603-7842 6911 Fax: 603-7842 6858 www.agssglinks.com.my Operations Office: 1st Floor, A01-1, Block A, Garden City Business Centre, Jalan Dagang Besar, Taman Dagang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 603-4270 2926/3198/7670 Fax: 603-4270 2925

Agssg Links Sdn Bhd

GOLF DIARY

Mar 21 - 24 Maybank Malaysian Open

Kuala Lumpur GCC, Kuala Lumpur

Mar 26 - 28 Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) National Championship

Karambunai GR & Dalit Bay GCC, Sabah

Apr 6 - 8 Sabah Amateur Open

Sabah GCC, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Apr 16 - 18 Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open

Royal Selangor GC, Kuala Lumpur

Mar 21 - 24 Maybank Malaysian Open

Kuala Lumpur GCC, Kuala Lumpur

US$2,750,000

Mar 28 - 31 Chiangmai Golf Classic

Alpine GR, Chiangmai, Thailand

US$750,000

Apr 4 - 7 Panasonic Open India

Delhi GC, New Delhi, India

US$300,000

Apr 10 - 13 Johor Masters (ADT)

Johor CC, Johor Bahru, Johor

RM200,000 (US$65,000)

Mar 21 - 24 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

US$6,200,000

Mar 28 - 31 Shell Houston Open

Redstone GC, Humble, Texas

US$6,200,000

Apr 4 - 7 Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

US$6,200,000

Apr 11 - 14 Masters Tournament

Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia

US$8,000,000 Apr 18 - 21 RBC Heritage Mar 25 - 28 Borneo Ladies Challenge Labuan GC, Labuan

40

Apr 9 - 11 Malaysian Ladies Amateur & Junior Girls Closed C’ship Glenmarie GCC, Shah Alam, Selangor

Harbor Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.Carolina

US$5,800,000 Mar 21 - 24 Maybank Malaysian Open

Kuala Lumpur GCC, Kuala Lumpur

US$2,750,000

Mar 28 - 31 Trophée Hassan II

Golf du Palais Royal, Agadir, Morocco

€1,500,000

Apr 11 - 14 Masters Tournament

Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia

US$8,000,000 Apr 10 - 13 Johor Masters (ADT)

Apr 18 - 21 Open de España

RM200,000 (US$65,000)

€1,500,000

Johor CC, Johor Bahru, Johor

Parador de El Saler, Valencia, Spain

Mar 21 - 14 Kia Classic

Aviara GC, Carlsbad, California

US$1,700,000

Apr 4 - 7 Kraft Nabisco Championship

Mission Hills CC, Rancho Mirage, California

US$2,000,000

Apr 17 - 20 LPGA Lotte Championship presented by J Golf Ko Olina GC, Kapolei,Hawaii

US$1,700,000 Apr 11 -13 Yumeya Dream Cup

Hirao CC, Nagoya, Japan

¥20,000,000

Mar 28 - 31 Lalla Meryem Cup

Golf de l’ Ocean, Agadir, Morocca

€325,000

Apr 19 - 21 South African Women’s Open

Southbroom GC, Hibiscus Coast, South Africa

€290,000 Mar 28 - 31 Indonesia PGA Championship Emeralda GC, Jakarta, Indonesia

US$1,000,000