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Finally, something really big has happened for golf in Asia. The biggest and most prestigious professional golf tour in the world, the PGA Tour has selected Malaysia’s KLGCC golf club to be anointed and elevated to the lofty status of being recognised as a “Tournament Players Club”. This is a huge deal because what this means is that KLGCC’s all-round status as a premier Asian golf club has been granted the highest honour and distinction by the PGA Tour, a professional body that knows a winner when it sees one.
SPECIAL FEATURE 20 Ha Long Bay – Golf’s Heaven Discovered! A brand new golf course in Vietnam that is part of a massive master-plan that calls for the development of twenty world class golf courses. It is the brain-child of the FLC Group headquartered in Hanoi. The Ha Long Bay golf course is being undertaken by the award-winning Schmidt-Curley Design company.
24 Book A Tee-Time On-Line – It’s The Way To Go!
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How do you book yourself a tee-time at a golf course in your home country or somewhere in Asia? Have you thought about using an on-line tee-time reservation service? One provider that is beginning to make some serious in-roads into Asia is the Dubaibased Golf Citizen. Asian Golf sat down with its Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Juma Buamaim for an insight to Golf Citizen and its growth plans for Asia.
30 Golf In The Olympics – Did It Score? After 112 years, golf has returned to the Olympics. It’s return cannot be described as mind-numbing or historic. It was just ho-hum! It is our hope that the gate-keepers of golf pull up their jock-straps and shock their brains to come up with something that is a whole lot better for the 2020 Tokyo Games if golf has plans to remain in the five-ring arena of sports.
34 An Ode And A Requiem
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The passing of Nike Golf is not something to be taken lightly especially at a time when the golf industry is experiencing its toughest days. While the Nike Corporation has its reasons for shutting down Nike Golf and throwing in the towel on the manufacture and sale of golf equipment, the company’s demise is nonetheless foreboding. Asian Golf pays a special tribute to a great company and a great loss to the industry.
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FASHION TREND 46 FJ’s Pro/SL – Time To Turn Pro? FootJoy, the number one name in golf shoes has launched a new performance spikeless shoe called Pro/SL.
56 ECCO Cage Evo – These Shoes Are Made For Walking! ECCO, the world-class Danish golf shoe manufacturer has really been stepping up the pace in the Asian marketplace. Headquartered in Singapore, ECCO is hell-bent on gaining market recognition and acceptance that the Brand rightfully deserves. In this context, ECCO has launched two exciting product lines – the ECCO Cage Evo for men and the ECCO Speed Hybrid for women.
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GAME-IMPROVEMENT 62 Wanna Be A Shot Maker – Read On! Our resident golf instructor Tony Meechai is back in Bangkok after a teaching assignment in Chicago, his home town. While, there, he worked with students and in the weeks to come, he will share his experiences on his coaching sessions. In this month’s edition, he talks about shot making.
66 Jim Furyk’s Swing Analysed! The month of August was historic. Historic in the sense that American professional golfer, Jim Furyk shot a round of 58 on the PGA Tour. We had our regular coaching experts David Milne and Paul Montague analyse how Furyk made it. Furyk, at age 46 was also the last golfer to break 60 when he shot a 59 in 2013, making him the only golfer ever to break 60 twice on a recognised professional golf tour.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS 38 New Class Act From PING
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Are you in the market for a new set of irons? Well, if you are, you would be doing yourself a favour by checking out PING’s brand new iBlade irons. PING claims that the new blades are “longer and more forgiving” than the S55 model it replaces. Read all about the new winner from PING.
44 PING Vault Putters Continue Legacy It is a glimmering shrine to success, a treasure trove of golf memories, and the most popular stop for guests to PING’s world headquarters in Arizona. The PING Gold Putter Vault was created by founder Karsten Solheim, in 1975, to commemorate tour wins by dedicating a gold-plated replica of every victorious PING putter to this hallowed room. Today, nearly 2,900 clubs glisten in neatly arranged rows, alphabetized by player.
50 A Putter That Speaks To Your Brain? We kid you not! This is fascinating and revolutionary technology - MLA Golf’s incredible putters. By our reckoning, these putters from Switzerland are going to come as game-changers in the money-end of the game of golf.
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6 Asian Golf Editorial Team 8 Shared Thoughts From Publisher blisher 68 Next Issue
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MIKE SEBASTIAN Chief Executive Officer/Managing Editor
ANGELA RAYMOND President
[ mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]
[ angela@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]
RAQUEL M. ARCEGA Art Director & Ezine Development [ raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]
WAYNE LWEE Social Media/Video Editor
LAWRENCE YOUNG Editor (New Equipment)
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MYRA PARAS Accounts Executive
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Contributing Professionals
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ALICE HO Marketing Executive
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TONY MEECHAI, DAVID MILNE & LAWRIE MONTAGUE (PRO TOUR GOLF COLLEGE), JEFFREY BOSE, JIM PRUSA (INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR)
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SHARED THOUGHTS From The Publisher
T
he focus of our op-ed piece this month falls on the inroads being made into Asia by the world’s largest professional golf tour, the PGA Tour of America. The Asia Pacific Golf Group (APGG) is on record for making a stand resisting these foreign forays into Asia. This resistance was put up primarily to protect and defend home-grown professional golf tours. However, over time, we have discovered that this stonewalling was a waste of time and energy attributable to a whole host of mind-boggling agendas on the part of the Asian-based professional tours. That said, we have now decided to dance to a different tune not because we want to suck up to Commissioner Tim Finchem and his powerful PGA Tour. We have decided to change our stance based on the simple fact that the PGA Tour is
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bringing real “value” to Asia which in turn, we believe will help improve the standard of golf across a wide spectrum. We view the announcement of KLGCC in Malaysia being converted into a TPC facility as a milestone development (read the cover story). TPC Kuala Lumpur will serve as the PGA Tour’s beach-head in Asia and from this base, we hope that the world’s best professional tour will make its quality touch felt in other parts of Asia. We hope that this historic development will lead to a very select group of golf clubs in Asia joining the esteemed TPC brand in the years to come. The positive effects of the PGA Tour’s presence in Asia has manifested itself in the CIMB Classic which has the TPC Kuala Lumpur as its home-course. This fully sanctioned PGA Tour event is without doubt the richest national golf tournament in Asia with US$7 million in prize money. The PGA Tour has
also announced that this prestigious tournament has been extended for a further four years and will be host to some of the PGA Tour’s finest players until 2020. TPC Kuala Lumpur also marks the realization of Finchem’s goal to make golf a global game and he seems to be well on his way towards achieving that vision. Let us not forget to recognise the vision of the board of directors of Sime Darby Property, the owners of KLGCC. Working in the true spirit of “Malaysia Boleh” (a national vision which upholds the belief that Malaysia can do anything it sets its mind to), Sime Darby Property and the PGA Tour have taken golf in Malaysia to the big league in one fell swoop. We can now only hope that with the expert guidance of the PGA Tour, golf is on the right trajectory to grow in Asia and take its rightful place on the global golf stage.
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COVER STORY TPC Kuala Lumpur
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ISSUE 192
SEPTEMBER 2016
COVER STORY TPC Kuala Lumpur
T
his is a huge deal because what this means is that KLGCC’s all-round status as a premier Asian golf club has been granted the highest honour and distinction by the PGA Tour, a professional body that knows a winner when it sees one. KLGCC, the revered 36-hole golf course located in the heart of the Malaysian capital city of bustling Kuala Lumpur is now known as TPC Kuala Lumpur. The Tournament Players Club (TPC) is a chain of public and private golf courses operated by the PGA Tour. The flagship Tournament Players Club for the PGA Tour includes the internationally famous TPC
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Sawgrass in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida. TPC courses are designed to accommodate the large crowds attracted to high profile tournaments. There are currently more than 30 very exclusive golf clubs, both private and resort courses on the TPC list. TPC Kuala Lumpur is the only course outside of North America, Mexico, Bahamas and Columbia and this says a lot for the Malaysian club and its standing with the PGA Tour. TPC Kuala Lumpur has been home to the Asia Pacific’s richest national golf tournament, the CIMB Classic which last offered a total of US$7 million in prize money. It’s pedigree in staging high profile world-class events include tournaments like the prestigious MayBank Open and
Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. The launch ceremony for the name change was presided over by the Queen of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah binti Hamidun. This being both a prestigious occasion and a historic milestone event for golf in the Asia Pacific, ASIAN GOLF attended the function in Kuala Lumpur. While there, we met with T PC Kuala Lumpur’s general manager, Steven Theilke and conducted an exclusive interview with him. Being one of the key architects behind this development, he was naturally very proud to talk about his club’s new status. The following are excerpts from that discussion:
ISSUE 192
ASIAN GOLF: Making it to the exclusive and lofty company of a TPC club – how did this happen. Walk us through the journey? STEVEN THIELKE: As one of the largest conglomerates in Malaysia, Sime Darby Property‘s vision as a committed proprietor of this Club is to consistently exceed expectations in maintaining an exclusive country club with world class golf and lifestyle experiences. While KLGCC may already be at the summit among golf clubs in Malaysia, we are not content to rest on our laurels. Instead, we are committed to continuously improve and exceed our stakeholder’s expectations.
SEPTEMBER 2016
TPC courses are designed to accommodate the large crowds attracted to high profile tournaments. There are currently more than 30 very exclusive golf clubs, both private and resort courses on the TPC list.” The numerous discussions with PGA TOUR on having the TPC brand on board has taken more than two years to finally come to live. However, the saying, “Rome was not built in a day” is so true for us. In fact, preparations at KLGCC began years ago in
every aspect of the club starting with the golf courses. The East and West Courses went through extensive renovations upon its acquisition by Sime Darby Property in the late 90s. Numerous improvements have been introduced to course conditions, golf
COVER STORY TPC Kuala Lumpur
We also envision TPC Kuala Lumpur as a catalyst to further promote Malaysia as a tropical paradise for golfing and leisure to the world. We do hope too that the recognition will inspire other Malaysian and regional clubs to aspire to achieve similar world class standards and recognition.” operations and club facilities. KLGCC’s clubhouse also underwent a major makeover and is today an opulent architectural marvel equipped with some of the best facilities. KLGCC’s journey in propagating golf has defined new standards for Malaysia’s golf and country clubs. Now, KLGCC is ready to embark on a quantum leap. We are ready to be among the world’s best. We are ready to become the very first Tournament Players Club (TPC) in the Asia Pacific.
AG: ;7* 2\HSH 3\TW\Y PZ [OL ÄYZ[ JS\I V\[ZPKL VM [OL (TLYPJHZ [V IL NP]LU [OPZ WYP]PSLNL ¶ `V\Y [OV\NO[Z ST: Without a doubt, the club has successfully established a strong presence within Malaysia and we’ve had some good international exposure through hosting major golf tournaments. The next step is to further elevate the club to global recognition and standards. Partnering with PGA TOUR as a TPC is a win-win combination. TPC Kuala Lumpur will be the only golf club in Asia under the TPC brand and this reinforces our position as a world class and tournamentstandard golf course with world class facilities and services. For PGA TOUR, TPC Kuala Lumpur may be a stepping stone for more TPCs to emerge in Asia. 16
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With the global recognition and direct association with a renowned brand like PGA TOUR, TPC Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding realty would naturally attract more international investors. One can expect the value of TPC Kuala Lumpur membership to appreciate due to the massive international brand associations. Also, our members will enjoy additional access to 34 clubs including the renowned TPC Sawgrass, PGA West and TPC Harding Park.
AG: Being recognised as a TPC facility is not only a feather in TPC KL’s cap but it is also recognition of the premium standards that the club operates under. This is indeed an excellent example for others to follow. Agree?
ST: Yes indeed, and we are very much honoured to be recognised for such exceptional recognitions. Being the only PGA TOUR- operated TPC in Asia definitely helps to uplift TPC Kuala Lumpur’s status to a whole new level internationally. We are proud to be endorsed by the biggest brand in golf which is none other than – PGA TOUR. This is again I will say a clear winwin combination for both parties. TPC Kuala Lumpur will gain internal capabilities development and competencies through direct access to the latest international operational and management expertise and standards. TPC Kuala Lumpur will adopt the best practices in the golfing industry ie. golf operations, club management, human capital development food and beverage, and leisure management services. These best practices will further raise that standard of our golf club to be among the best in the world. We also envision TPC Kuala Lumpur as a catalyst to further promote Malaysia as a tropical paradise for golfing and leisure to the world. We do hope too that the recognition will inspire other Malaysian and regional clubs to aspire to achieve similar world class standards and recognition. AG: The TPC rating is also recognition that the spotlight on golf is gradually enlarging its aperture to bring golf in Asia into focus. This can only mean good for the future of golf in Asia wouldn’t you agree?
ST: Yes, definitely. Being the only TPC outside North America serves as a solid standing point that the development game of golf in Asia is as established as the rest of the world. TPCs are built for the capacity to accommodate large crowds during
SEPTEMBER 2016
COVER STORY TPC Kuala Lumpur
Putting Green Area
Bowling centre with kiddy lane
Gym
Executive Lounge
Karaoke Lounge
Theatrette
TPC Kuala Lumpur will be the only golf club in Asia under the TPC brand and this reinforces our position as a world class and tournament-standard golf course with world class facilities and services.� major tournaments and TPC Kuala Lumpur certainly fits the TPC/ PGA TOUR tournament standards and has even exceeded the requirement by successfully hosting three international tournaments in one single year. While golf in Europe and North America is struggling to come out of its slumber, Asian golf has been thrust into the international spot-light through the launch of TPC KL. Asian golf courses and facilities are truly world-class but the recognition or rather awareness of the quality in Asia has been slow. We do hope that TPC Kuala Lumpur will be a catalyst to encourage and drive more attention to the region.
AG: You are now home to the richest national golf [V\YUHTLU[ PU [OL (ZPH 7HJPĂ„J PZ [OLYL HU L_[LUZPVU [V the CIMB contract? ST: We are very pleased that PGA TOUR has announced a fouryear extension contract until the year 2020 for the CIMB Classic. You will see all the PGA TOUR star players in action again at TPC Kuala Lumpur from 19 to 23 October 2016. We are very proud of our association with the PGA TOUR and the TPC Network. 18
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Swimming Pool
SPECIAL FEATURE New Golf Course
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SEPTEMBER 2016
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T
he new course, part of a massive master-plan that calls for the development of twenty world class golf courses, is the brain-child of the FLC Group headquartered in
Hanoi. The Ha Long Bay golf course is the company’s second project and it is being undertaken by the award-winning Schmidt-Curley Design company.
“Ha Long Bay will soon have one of the most photogenic courses in the world,� said Brian Curley, co-principal of the firm. “We are very fortunate and honoured to continue our maiden efforts into the Vietnam golf market with the FLC Group, a team with enormous vision that has its sights set on creating fantastic golf on world-class properties that will soon be at the forefront of the travelling golfer’s list of must-play destinations,� said Curley who
will be leading the project. The course is uniquely situated high above the town centre on a mountain property that offers epic, sweeping views of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering, vegetated vertical rock formations that rise from the calm blue waters of Ha Long Bay. The course will offer numerous green sites with the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay viewed from high above, framed
Ha Long Bay will soon have one of the most photogenic courses in the world. We are very fortunate and honoured to continue our maiden efforts into the Vietnam golf market with the FLC Group, a team with enormous vision that has its sights set on creating fantastic golf on world-class properties that will soon be at the forefront of the travelling golfer’s list of must-play destinations.� – Brian Curley
SPECIAL FEATURE New Golf Course
by rock outcrops and mature native vegetation punctuated with pines. “The site and its dramatic terrain offers a drastic departure from the sandy dunes of many Vietnamese sites along the coast,” said Curley. He went on to add, “I grew up in Pebble Beach where the short par-three seventh hole has become a hole recognised around the world. I believe we have the same opportunity here.” The creation of world-class golf on difficult terrain is of no concern for the experienced design team that has been responsible for the creation of numerous courses on similarly difficult sites during its many years of work in Asia. These courses include the massive Mission Hills resort in China where a difficult property was transformed into world-class courses that have hosted some of Asia’s greatest professional championships.
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At Ha Long Bay, Schmidt-Curley Design has once again teamed up with Flagstick Golf Construction Management headed up by Martin Moore, another veteran of transforming difficult terrain into stunning designs. Schmidt-Curley has cemented its presence in Vietnam with the establishment of new offices in Hanoi. “Our past success
in China was intrinsically tied to a strong customer service effort with local offices and hands-on attention,” said Curley. “We intend to bring the same effort, drive and professional service to our Vietnamese clients in the same manner in order to fully execute the most successfully designed and constructed courses possible.”
The course will offer numerous green sites with the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay viewed from high above, framed by rock outcrops and mature native vegetation punctuated with pines.”
SPECIAL FEATURE On-Line Reservations
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ISSUE 192
SEPTEMBER 2016
SPECIAL FEATURE On-Line Reservations
H
ow big a business is selling third-party online tee times? Last year (2015), 13 million rounds were booked in North America via just one agency, GolfNow alone. Now, that’s big by any measure! One provider that is beginning to make some serious in-roads into Asia is the Dubaibased Golf Citizen. It has one simple ambition which is to get more people to play more golf by using technology to present them with more options. Asian Golf sat down with its Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Juma Buamaim for an insight to Golf Citizen and its growth plans for Asia. The following are excerpts from that interview:
ASIAN GOLF: What is the primary mission of Golf Citizen?
MOHAMED JUMA BUAMAIM: Being one of the fastest growing on-line teetime booking engines, Golf Citizen aims at realising huge golf potential by collectively promoting a richly-diverse array of golf courses on its network and help boost in-bound tourism. Golf Citizen has recently introduced an easy-to-use iPhone app that enables golfers from any part of the world to organize and manage their tee times on its network. 26
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AG: How long have you been in the “on-line” tee-time reservation business?
MOHAMED: Golf Citizen was set up in 2011 with the aim of creating a one-stop shop for all golfing needs. Golfers from any part of the world can register as a ‘GOLF CITIZEN’ for free and book rounds at a number of courses around the world. Its features allow members to make and confirm a tee time from anywhere.
AG: >OH[ PZ P[ [OH[ THRLZ `V\ KPɈLYent from other similar operations?
MOHAMED: Incentives for becoming a GOLF CITIZEN are not just restricted to preferred tee times and discounted green fees - they go beyond the greens and fairways. GOLF CITIZENs, as the members of the portal are referred to, are invited to join an exclusive series of tournaments during the year with winners earning VIP invitations to watch the ‘Major of the Middle East,’ as the Omega Dubai Desert Classic is fondly referred to.
AG: Is Golf Citizen operational outside of the Middle East and if so, where?
MOHAMED: We have expanded in a big way into the South East Asian market as there has been a huge growth in the num-
ber of users based in the region. Most of the listed clubs on the GOLF CITIZEN’s network are located in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. GOLF CITIZEN is working to further expand its network globally with the ultimate aim of becoming the market leader in tee-time bookings. More announcements are due soon, incorporating some more clubs in Malaysia, China and Singapore.
AG: How are your Asian operations performing? MOHAMED: Overall, there has been a steady and marked rise in the number of golf rounds booked and played, using our portal, especially in Thailand. At the moment there are 33 clubs listed on www.golfcitizen. com The number is expected to grow rapidly as future growth seems unlimited for the South East Asia region that offers an impressive portfolio of world-class courses, many of them designed by the world’s leading architects and famed golfers.
AG: Which country in the region would `V\ JOHYHJ[LYPaL HZ VɈLYPUN [OL ILZ[ business potential? MOHAMED: Thailand. Because the Kingdom is blessed with a stunning landscape varying from wide, sandy beaches to green hills, one that resonates well with golf enthusiasts keen to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery that only nature can inspire. Golf
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Citizen offers attractive packages to play golf on major courses in Thailand and that has also contributed to attracting in-bound tourists. We have appointed Chayuda Singhsuwan, a refreshing new face of Thailand Golf, as a brand ambassador of Golf Citizen. She will attend a number of events on the Thailand Series calendar during the year and will conduct golf clinics to entice new talent to the sport and encourage them to join the portal.
AG: You are operational in Vietnam which many in the golf industry feel is going to be the next big thing in golf. How well set-up are you in Vietnam to take advantage of the growth?
MOHAMED: Vietnam is fast emerging as a premier golf destination in south-east Asia. With Bluffs Ho Tram Strip and Montgomerie Links on its network, Golf Citizen has already set its footprint in the country, named as the “Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year” in 2012 by the International Association of Golf Travel Operators. It’s just a matter of time before you see Golf Citizens teeing off on the other courses as well, but we are not in hurry to beat rush in a country where the number of golf courses is rising every year. AG: In terms of your customer base, how would you describe the breakdown in terms of international versus
regional (meaning from Asia versus Europe and the rest of the world)?
MOHAMED: Golf Citizen has close to 13,000 members, representing different nationalities who book and play their rounds at 33 different courses on its network. For us the number of Golf Citizens matters - and not their nationalities.
SEPTEMBER 2016
offers a seamless booking process while helping participating clubs and their operators leverage the service to market their courses effectively and generate more revenue from visiting golfers. Availability of tee time bookings 24/7, discounted rates for registered users and protection against ‘no- shows’ are some of the other attractive features of the website and the mobile app.
AG: Would you subscribe to the general belief that on-line tee times and bookings has been a “sleeper” in Asia?
AG: Do you think that the moment has arrived where on-line tee-time reservations is the way to go?
MOHAMED: Agreed. Despite the conti-
MOHAMED: The golf industry is evolv-
nent’s huge potential for digital commerce, golf included, the on-line marketplace is still small compared to the U.S. and other western countries. But it is also a fact that the people in the Philippines send more texts than any other country and Jakarta is the world’s No. 1 city for tweets. The Asian economy is growing at a faster pace than anywhere else in the world and it’s just a question of time before the continent becomes an e-commerce wonderland - it only has room to grow.
ing and accepting new ways for golfers to access courses. Walking up to a pro’s shop and scheduling your tee time or placing a telephone call to make such an arrangement are things of the past. The digital age has changed that — and for good reasons.
AG: What do you have to say to clubs ^OV ULLK [OH[ ÄUHS W\ZO [V [HRL [OL plunge and go with an on-line reservation service? MOHAMED: With on-line payment and instant email confirmations, Golf Citizen
AG: Do you feel given the sophistication of on-line software, organizations like Golf Citizen are in a position to cut out the “middle-men” PU [OPZ I\ZPULZZ HUK VɈLY H ZLY]PJL more akin to “concierge golf” where you provide everything on a turnkey basis – hotels, ground transport, etc? MOHAMED: Golf Citizen is driven by a passion for golf. Making it your one-stop shop for all your golfing needs is the ultimate aim, but step by step.
his is the new paradigm for golf. It is the beacon that will drive the growth of golf in Asia in the years to come. It is all Asian – conceived, conceptualized, implemented and working like a dream in Asia. *ROI $QG 0RUH LV WKH WKHPH IRU WKH $VLD 3DFLʖF Golf Summit. It is a theme that is tried and tested and it’s all about helping to make golf clubs in the region successful. It draws from the success of the world’s largest golf complex in the world – Mission Hills China. Over one million rounds of golf played a year. A sensational
blueprint on how to operate a golf club that will keep members and guests coming back for more. Come and listen to Dr. Ken Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group share his thoughts about how Golf And More keeps twenty-two golf clubs in his complex humming like a precision machine. Never before has anyone been given a look at the inner workings RI 0LVVLRQ +LOOV ɇ QRW XQWLO WKH $VLD 3DFLʖF Golf Summit. If you are a golf course owner, operator or general manager, this is a once in a life-time opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most powerful men in golf.
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF SUMMIT
Asia Takes The Lead In Golf October 29-30, 2016
Hyatt Regency Hotel | Hua Hin | Thailand PRESENTED AND PRODUCED BY
STAGING AND CONCEPT BY
OFFICIAL VENUE & HOTEL
ALBATROSS SPONSORSHIP
BIRDIE SPONSORSHIP
SPECIAL FEATURE Rio Olympics 2016
After a long and sustained absence of 112 years, golf made a return to the Olympic community. We searched for suitable adjectives to use to describe the game’s return to the Olympic fold but unfortunately, none of the superlatives were appropriate. In fact, the tournament was lack-lustre and just did not qualify to be described as anything but just ho-hum. The highpoints of the tournament was the focus paid to the giant capybaras, reptiles and owls. And talk about spectators – if this event was to spur the growth of the game in Latin America and the rest of the world – dream on guys!
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olf is back in the Olympics (we hope) and all that has been said and done is now water under the bridge. To use a Clintonism, the “time has come to move on”. Golf’s gate-keepers need to start working on a new template for the 2020 games in Tokyo and as one of them (the International Golf Fededration’s Peter Dawson) has said; “Golf needs to be a very good and supportive member of the Olympic family - we’re playing our part in the Olympic family, not just trying to do something well once every four years.” The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will consider the viability of every event in every sport next year. Television ratings and quality of field are only two of many factors involved, but they are big. “The IOC will have a very specific methodology. What we have to do is make sure golf 30
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sticks as high up those criteria as possible,” Dawson said. “What would make these two weeks a success would be very high quality golf watched by people around the world on television. What we’re hoping for is an exciting golf competition watched by millions of people,” Dawson added. We doubt if golf did get the “millions” in viewership and we doubt if we will ever know. Nonetheless, moving on, golf missed a great opportunity to make a massive impact in the Olympics. Let’s not see this happen again. Veteran professional golfer and TV commentator Scott Barr said, “The Olympic committee really needs to come up with their own different format that appeals to any viewer. Here is a chance to create a style of golf that is quick, result oriented and possibly played on a smaller course. Maybe they should also include a long drive competition for a medal. That would be what the Olympics is about!”
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Another observer, the general manager of an Indonesian golf club, Kurt Michelsen lashed out and offered a litany of valid suggestions that will help golf get some real traction at the Olympics. Here are his suggestions: Have a global initiative to leverage off the return of golf to the Olympics. Create a multi-country golf association strategy to grow the game internally via some “Race to the Olympics” type programme across schools. Launch on-line programmes or competitions to get people to try golf in order to win a trip to watch the tournament at the games. Consider combined PGA, 5 Tours, LPGA and the utilization of the Olympic Rings to promote the game. Create global inter-club “Mini Olympics” events over the four years leading up the games to hype interest. Have coordinated manufacturers programmes to promote the game at the Olympics. Golf’s gate-keepers – we hope you are paying attention because what was done for Rio will not work – the Olympics is not a quick fix to arrest the decline of golf and to get it back on a healthy track. You’ve got four years before Tokyo and we hope that matters are not screwed up again!
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PHOTO CREDIT: LPGA
SPECIAL FEATURE Rio Olympics 2016
Who would have ever thought that after a 112 year absence from the Olympics, a young lady from South Korea would climb up the winner’s podium to claim the coveted gold medal for the women’s game of golf.
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ore than a century ago, Korea was under the control of its colonial masters, Japan, and no one had ever heard of golf. Fast forward a whole century and some, and the nation has emerged to produce a great golfer in the form of Inbee Park. The 28-year-old Park, is the LPGA’S youngest hall of fame qualifier and grand slam winner and by winning gold at the Rio Olympics, she has capped off an exceptional performance after recovering from injuries that kept her off the course for two months this year. She shot a five-under par 66 on the final day, ending the tournament at sixteen under par. “I feel extremely honoured and proud that I get to win a gold medal in the Olympic Games. It feels truly unreal. I have won many tournaments but I have never felt this before. I really enjoyed being out here. Even if I hadn’t won a gold medal this week, it would have been a fantastic week. There was nothing guaranteed because I hadn’t played well this season. I had to overcome a lot of obstacles,” Park said, referring to her comeback from injury. With this win, more than a 100 years later, Park follows in the footsteps of American Margaret Abbott, who won the first and only women’s golf tournament at the Olympic Games, at the Paris 1900 Olympic Games, where USA also took silver and bronze. The silver medal at Rio went to New Zealand’s reigning world number one Lydia Ko and the bronze was claimed by China’s Shanshan Feng.
Finally club managers get to play and compete in a tournament all their own. 7KH $VLD 3DFLŹF *ROI *URXS LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK WKH VWDJLQJ RI WKH $VLD 3DFLŹF *ROI 6XPPLW ZLOO EH RUJDQL]LQJ WKH $VLD 3DFLŹF ,QWHU &OXE *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW ,W ZLOO EH SOD\HG ZLWK WZR PDQ WHDPV GUDZQ IURP FOXEV ZLWKLQ WKH $VLD 3DFLŹF IRRWSULQW
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7KLV WRXUQDPHQW LV DOO DERXW JRRG FOHDQ IXQ DQG PRUH LPSRUWDQWO\ LW LV DERXW QHWZRUNLQJ ,WŎV WKH second in the series. 7KH WRXUQDPHQW ZLOO EH UXQ RQ 2FWREHU DW WKH DZDUG ZLQQLQJ %ODFN 0RXQWDLQ *ROI &OXE in Hua Hin, Thailand. 7KHUH LV QR HQWU\ IHH WR SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKLV WRXUQDPHQW 7R TXDOLI\ SOD\HUV QHHG WR UHJLVWHU DV GHOHJDWHV WR DWWHQG WKH $VLD 3DFLŹF *ROI 6XPPLW DQG WKHUH DUH VORWV DYDLODEOH (QWU\ ZLOO EH RQ D ŹUVW FRPH ŹUVW VHUYH EDVLV DQG D WZR PDQ WHDP IURP HDFK FOXE FDQ UHJLVWHU RQ OLQH WKURXJK $3*6 ZHEVLWH )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH YLVLW www.golfconference.org or email to Alice Ho at DOLFH#DVLDSDFLŹFJROIJURXS FRP or call +65 6323 2800 IRU PRUH GHWDLOV
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SPECIAL FEATURE Nike Golf
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The passing of Nike Golf is not something to be taken lightly especially at a time when the golf industry is experiencing its toughest days. While the Nike Corporation has its reasons for shutting down Nike Golf and throwing in the towel on the manufacture and sale of golf equipment, the company’s demise is nonetheless foreboding. If a US$700 million plus corporation cashes out and bolts, it sends out ominous signals of more crashes to come. We don’t want to be the pundits of doom – we will leave that to the scythe-bearing Grim Reaper to deliver whatever bad news there is to be delivered.
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e were naturally very saddened when the US$30 billion Nike Corporation slashed the umbilical cord which sent Nike Golf to the corporate graveyard. Asian Golf was very bullish about Nike Golf going back to its early days. It was a company that had spunk and a special swagger about it that made it very unique in the golf industry. It was staffed by some of the brightest people in the industry – people who had dreams and visions to make only the best in golf equipment. I had a chance of meeting up with Bob Wood, the first president of the company. During a discussion in his office at Nike’s sprawling campus in Beaverton, Oregon,
Wood asked me how I viewed the future of Nike Golf. It was a test to see how much I knew about the company especially in terms of its worth and I told him that I expected Nike Golf to break the US$1 billion revenue mark by 2011. Wood bellowed back across his desk in a tone as though he was admonishing me for my lack of confidence and said, “We will hit the US$1 billion mark well before that date!” In fact, we bet a few bottles of Dom Perignon which I have yet to collect from Wood as he is no longer with Nike Golf. I bring this up only to show the sort of bubbling confidence that prevailed at the company. Everybody at Nike Golf was gungho, starry-eyed and bushy-tailed about the company, its products, its brand ambassadors and its future.
Everybody at Nike Golf was gungho, starry-eyed and bushy-tailed about the company, its products, its brand ambassadors and its future.”
Nowhere was this confidence more pronounced than at the sacred sanctuary of Nike Golf’s research and development facility located in Dallas, Texas. Affectionately known as “The Oven” where all of Nike Golf’s revolutionary products were “baked”, this sprawling multi-million dollar centre of invention was home to the brainiest and brightest inventors in the trade. The legendary Tom Stithes orchestrated all of his strokes of genius from here and he led his team to produce some of the most innovative golf equipment ever. He told me, “This is the setting that inspires me and my team to create the best golf clubs for the best golfer in the world (Tiger Woods) and for our growing legion of fans worldwide”. It was from this R&D facility that Nike Golf gave the world products with such imaginative names like Ignite, SUMO, Sasquatch and Covert amongst others. Nike Golf was unique and it is a pity that a bold business decision had to be taken to turn off the lights at the company. However, we have good memories of a great company that made equally great products. Thanks for the memories Nike Golf!
T
he gala event is slated to take place on October 21-23. This year’s gathering of the stars is expected to bring together 30 internationally famous celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment. They will be paired with eight professional golfers over three days of competition that will be centred around fun for the participants and fans. The line-up for the 2016 event includes Academy Award-winning actor and producer Michael Douglas, superstar singer and actor Jay Chou, basketball giant Yao Ming and tennis great Boris Becker, the six-time Grand Slam winner. Legendary football stars will also be at the event and will include the De Boer twins, Frank and Ronald from Holland, English internationals Robbie Fowler, Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham, Liverpool great Ian Rush, Scotland’s Gary McAllister and former Manchester United stars Dwight Yorke, David May and Lee Sharpe. The golfing greats will include the legendary Gary Player, a ninetime Major winner, big-hitting John Daly, a two-time Major winner, Mark O’Meara, the Masters and Open Championship winner in 1998 and Rich Beem, the 2002 PGA Championship title holder. They will be joined by an equally impressive foursome of ladies in Solheim Cup star Suzann Pettersen, the Norwegian former World No. 2, Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, runner-up at the recent US Women’s
Open, American Paula Creamer, the 2010 US Women’s Open champion, and Natalie Gulbis, the glamour girl of the LPGA Tour who won the 2007 Evian Masters. Much like the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and Alfred Dunhill Championship that for years have brought together celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment, the introduction of the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am in 2010 filled that championship gap in the Asia-Pacific, creating an indelible mark on China golf. The participation of Michael Douglas for the 2016 edition is a particular coup as the golf fanatic is making his first visit to China for the event. “I’ve heard great things about the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am so I’m very much looking forward to taking part in this year’s tournament,” said the two-time Oscar winner. “Playing golf alongside some of the best players in the world is going to be a tremendous experience and to be doing so at a resort like Mission Hills will make it even more memorable.” An appearance by Chinese superstar Jay Chou will undoubtedly add to the excitement at the Mission Hills Celebrity Pro-Am and raise fan fervor to a fever pitch. The Taiwanese singer and actor has served as a promotional ambassador for the event. The World Celebrity Pro-Am continues its long-standing partnership with some of the world’s leading brands including global services company, American Express; sophisticated Belgian beer, Stella Artois; leading premium bottled mineral water, Tibet 5100 and world renowned Swiss chocolate, LINDT. Asian Golf is a principal media partner of the event.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS PING iBlade Irons
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Are you in the market for a new set of irons? Well, if you are, you would be doing yourself a favour by checking out PING’s brand new iBlade irons. PING claims that the new blades are “longer and more forgiving” than the S55 model it replaces. If you recall, the PING S55 has been a sort of gold standard and since its launch in 2013, it has been the company’s most compact and workable iron in its range. The S55 has also been popular among competition ball strikers seeking Ping’s signature forgiveness and reliability. So, what do you do to replace an iron that has proven to be so successful. Nevertheless PING has gone ahead to launch the new iBlade to continue the successful reign of the S55.
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EQUIPMENT FOCUS PING iBlade Irons
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he inspiring new iBlade iron is distinguished by the softest, purest feel PING has ever achieved in an iron, with the workability and control to shape shots on command. Through extensive research and observation of leading tour professionals, PING engineers designed the clean, compact iBlade iron to surpass the expectations of skilled golfers who rely on the precision and control to execute the most demanding shots in the game. The blade-style iron follows the highly popular S55 model, which has amassed more than 50 wins around the world since its introduction over two years ago. “The iBlade project was a fun challenge for our engineers,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “They approached the design with the mindset of what the best players in the world demand and need from their irons. They incorporated tour player feedback and created a beautiful club that delivers amazing performance. The iBlade has a simple shape, clean cavity
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design and incredible feel. It’s already our most-played iron on tour as players around the world have quickly converted to the new design.” The body is precision cast from soft, high strength-to-weight ratio 431 stainless steel. The result is the softest, purest feel ever in a PING iron. With the workability to shape shots on command, the compact iBlade iron head delivers consistently precise distance and trajectory control that surpass skilled players’ expectations. A thinner top rail, minimal offset, straight lead edge and sharp high toe will appeal to the eye of the discerning player. Refined bounce angles and ample heel relief, optimized with the same sole width as the S55 iron, produce a workable sole design for confident shot making from all conditions. Further precision comes from the milled tour-spec grooves and precisionmachined fly-cut face. The unprecedented feel is achieved through a combination of the soft stainless steel and a larger surface area behind the face that houses an elastomer insert. The
insert is “activated” at impact, which results in more vibration damping in the player’s hands and a softer feel and pleasing sound. A hydro-pearl chrome finish repels water for more control and helps minimize fliers from wet conditions and lies in the rough. The engineering team ensured every club in the iBlade set delivers exceptional distance while improving overall gapping. The thin face (half the thickness of S55), yields greater ball speeds for increased distance throughout the set with higher overall trajectories and precise control. “Consistency is the key to strong iron play, and that includes being able to hit the ball farther than before,” said Solheim. “The iBlade delivers ample distance and height, but it’s important that we engineer irons with control and proper gapping. We’ve designed this club to give skilled players the confidence to play any shot and know exactly how far the ball will go.” Forgiveness is also factored into the design. Nearly “pure” tungsten weights (netting a 70% increase in mass relative to the S55 iron) are pressed into the toe of every head
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They approached the design with the mindset of what the best players in the world demand and need from their irons. They incorporated tour player feedback and created a beautiful club that delivers amazing performance. The iBlade has a simple shape, clean cavity design and incredible feel. It’s already our most-played iron on tour as players around the world have quickly converted to the new design.” – John A. Solheim to increase the MOI – a key factor in the precision of the iron. “Even players at this level need forgiveness,” added Solheim. “The iBlade continues our long-held practice to engineer every
PING iron with maximum stability for its size. In this case, we used high-density tungsten in the toe which we’ve subtly concealed to maintain the clean head design. It has a very high MOI for an iron its
size, making the iBlade our most forgiving blade-style iron to date.” The iBlade iron is available for pre-order at authorized PING golf shops around the world.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS The PING Vault
It is a glimmering shrine to success, a treasure trove of golf memories, and the most popular stop for guests to PING’s world headquarters in Arizona. The PING Gold Putter Vault was created by my grandfather, founder Karsten Solheim, in 1975, to commemorate tour wins by dedicating a gold-plated replica of every victorious PING putter to this hallowed room. (A second replica goes to the golfer.) Today, nearly 2,900 clubs glisten in neatly arranged rows, alphabetized by player. BY JOHN K. SOLHEIM | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, PING
S
ince returning to the United States from PING Golf Japan two years ago to run our golf club division, a primary focus of mine has been putters -- continuing the decades of engineering advancements that have made the PING Gold Putter Vault brim with an infinite variety of models.
PRECISION MILLED: I’m proud to say the new PING Vault putters carry on the winning tradition of innovation that continues to exceed our customers’ expectations. We kept this series simple in design and in purpose: To make more putts, of course, but more
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PING Vault putters feature a new True Roll (TR) face pattern, precision-milled to varying depths for speeding up off-centre hits.
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By elevating ballspeed consistency, the innovative new elliptical milling pattern blends art and science to supplement putting touch and reduce threeputts.
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I’m proud to say the new PING Vault putters carry on the winning tradition of innovation that continues to exceed our customers’ expectations.” – John K. Solheim pointedly to minimize three-putts. How good would your scores be if you reduced your number of three-putts? Trim one or two from your round and we’re talking about a 79 instead of 80 or 81. PING Vault putters’ most distinctive feature is a new True Roll (TR) face pattern, precision-milled to varying depths for speeding up off-center hits. By elevating ball-speed consistency across the face, the innovative new elliptical milling pattern blends art and science to supplement putting touch and reduce three-putts.
The PING Gold Putter Vault is home to nearly 2,900 gold-plated winning putters.
BLADES, 2 MALLETS: There are four models -- three new designs, and of course a variation of the Anser, the winningest model in the history of golf. Head shapes, alignment lines and graceful machining marks vary between the models, but the common denominator is they’re pleasing to the eye and easy to aim for getting your ball started on the proper line. Each is available in a rich Platinum or Slate finish. The Anser 2 and Voss blade options utilize fully machined 303 stainless steel from a forged billet and offer an uncomplicated, contemporary look at address, where a confident stroke begins. In the Oslo and Bergen mallets, fully machined 6061 T-6 aluminum bodies are paired with cast 17-4 stainless steel sole plates for extreme weighting to increase forgiveness and improve accuracy. They, too, are remarkably easy to aim. CUSTOM FITTING: PING Vault putters are highly customizable to make them uniquely yours and fit to your game. Lie angles in the Anser 2 and Voss are adjustable plus/minus 4°; in the Oslo and Bergen, adjustability is plus/ minus 2°. You also can choose an adjustable-length shaft that telescopes from 31” to 38”. (A standard fixed-length shaft is 35”.) The blade models fit a Slight Arc putting stroke. The mallets can be adjusted to fit either a Straight Stroke or Slight Arc. Color-coded shaft labels indicate stroke type.
Voss Slate
PING Vault putters are remarkably easy to aim and are available in a Slate or Platinum finish.
Oslo Platinum
ADVANCED GRIP: The PING Vault putter technology story doesn’t end with the heads. A key contributor to the putters’ effectiveness is the PING Pistol PP62 grip. The contoured, oversized pistol shape fits naturally into the palm and fingertips, promoting a consistent grip pressure. It’s made from a soft, tacky polymer to ensure a comfortable feel, the UV coating resists fading, and it weighs 68 grams. Part of the PING Vault inspiration was driven by our tour pros. We have been very pleased with how quickly some of the best players in the world have started using them and we hope to add PING Vault putters to the PING Gold Putter Vault. I encourage you to visit your favourite authorized PING golf shop soon to experience PING Vault putters for yourself. Their precision-milled faces will help you be more consistent, and by three-putting less, you’ll enjoy this great game a whole lot more.
FASHION TREND FootJoyPro/SL
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ootJoy, the number one name in golf shoes has launched a new performance spikeless shoe called Pro/SL. The Pro/SL uses a unique blend of comfort and spikeless Tour-caliber performance that is a proprietary polymer outsole material called Fine-Tuned Foam (FTF). FTF is 10% lighter than conventional EVA foams, FJ said, providing enhanced cushioning and shock absorption for added comfort. “FTF is a material that took years to develop, and even longer to determine what shoe construction could truly unlock the benefits of the material,” said Doug Robinson, VP of Golf Footwear Worldwide. Many Tour players have already chosen to wear the Pro/SL. Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Kevin Na, Andrew “Beef” Johnston, Bernd Wiesberger, Lee Westwood, and around 50 other players on the PGA and European Tours have opted for the comfort and spikeless performance of Pro/SL. “I tested Pro/SL initially in the very dry, hard conditions of Chambers Bay then in the soft, wet conditions at St. Andrews and the traction was fantastic on both surfaces,” said Adam Scott. “I also felt like my feet had more surface contact with the ground and for a longer time during my swing, so competing in this shoe is a no-brainer.”
I also felt like my feet had more surface contact with the ground and for a longer time during my swing, so competing in this shoe is a no-brainer.” – Adam Scott
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Thai Country Club www.thaicountryclub.com Tel: +66 (38) 570-234 inquiry@thaicountryclub.com The Peninsula Bangkok www.peninsula.com Tel: +66 (2) 861-2888 pbk@peninsula.com
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FIRST CLASS TRADITION
Owned and managed by The Peninsula Hotels and often voted as possessing the “Best Clubhouse in Asia” and “Best Course in Thailand”, Thai Country Club is less than 45 minutes from KV^U[V^U HUK PZ YLUV^ULK MVY OH]PUN [OL MYPLUKSPLZ[ Z[HɈ VM WYVMLZZPVUHSZ PU [OL 2PUNKVT JVTTP[[LK [V WYV]PKPUN [OL <S[PTH[L .VSÄUN ,_WLYPLUJL For registered guests of The Peninsula Bangkok, >L HYL OHWW` [V HYYHUNL H [LL [PTL H[ H Z\IZ[HU[PHS YLK\J[PVU MYVT V\Y UVYTHS ]PZP[VY»Z YH[L ,_[LUK `V\Y I\ZPULZZ [YPW PU )HUNRVR VY IVVR H NL[ H^H` NVSÄUN WHJRHNL >OLU P[ JVTLZ [V L_JS\ZP]L NVSÄUN ^P[O PTWLJJHISL OVZWP[HSP[` ¶ ^L WSH` VɈ ZJYH[JO
1997 Winner: Tiger Woods
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2005 Winner: Shiv Kapur
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Thai Country Club www.thaicountryclub.com Tel: +66 (38) 570-234 inquiry@thaicountryclub.com The Peninsula Bangkok www.peninsula.com Tel: +66 (2) 861-2888 pbk@peninsula.com
EQUIPMENT FOCUS MLA Putters
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Sounds incredulous right? Wrong! What we are going to unravel will blow your mind because we have tried this uncanny putter that speaks to your brain and it works! Allow Asian Golf to introduce you to a “brainy” Swiss company that responds to the name MLA Golf. What does MLA stand for? We gather that it means “multiple line-detector activation”, which really is in direct reference to its range of putters. The company in fact produces a full range of golf equipment and accessories but our spotlight falls on its putters.
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et’s get the story started by telling you how MLA’s putters talk to your brain. It’s an amazing story that has its roots in neuroscience and the particular discipline involved is based on twenty years of research founded on the “field of visual perception”. So, what’s this field of visual perception? According to the brainy guys at MLA it is “an alignment system that acts upon multiple line detectors that is a key to obtain veridical motion perception and a perfect in-line stroke surface.” The study was conducted by Dr. Lennart Högman, who has studied the perceptual process for more than 20 years and has
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EQUIPMENT FOCUS MLA Putters
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performed studies that have refined the science between a human’s perceptions and the human’s motor skills. According to Dr. Lennart, we all have internal guides to compare and analyze sensory information that control pace and direction of putts. Working with MLA, the partnership has patented multiple linedetector activation processes that MLA declares will revolutionize a golfer’s putting. This is where it gets complex and complicated but nonetheless, we have to give you the details and if you understand this science-speak, let us know. “The brain consists of 100,000 line detectors that are divided into a number of groups that help us decide what is straight. A simple line, for example, activates a group of detectors. When several groups of detectors are activated, these help the brain to make correct judgments,” we are told. (Now you understand why putting is such a darn difficult part of the game of golf. The brain plays tricks on you!)
Rather than try and sit down to analyse Dr. Lennart’s explanation, we instead decided to field-test two demo units drawn from the MLA Tour Series. One was the classic, flat-stick design and the other a mallet-shaped putter. Both putters come with an interchangeable weight system that makes customizations easy to fit the weight of the putter to a golfer’s desired needs. This is cool and really revolutionary! Unlike most top-performing putters in the market that come equipped with alignment markers that take the form of straight lines, circles or squares, the MLA putters are different. All models have a white bar that runs right across the head of the putter and a closer look will reveal “multiple lines” pointing towards a target. This is where the magic of Dr. Lennart’s work comes to play. It is an ingenuous alignment aid that really works! That bar across the head of the putter (both putters) helped to produce the “perceptual perfect alignment” on each
SEPTEMBER 2016
and every putt. We matched both putters against some top-shelf putters from different brands and guess what – on test putts taken from the same spot, the MLA won hands down! It slam-dunked more putts than all of the other featured putters. Take it from us – we have had a handson trial and both the putters are in our possession and we are having putting orgasms with MLA’s incredible marvels of science and technology. These putters most definitely “speak to your brains”. MLA Golf is fast establishing itself as a global player in high-performance golf clubs and equipment, with a strong reputation for innovation and quality. From its headquarters in Switzerland – a country renowned for precision engineering – MLA Golf is planning an expansion into the U.S. in 2016. And with world-class products it is preparing to enter Japan and China in the coming years.
It’s What’s on the Inside that Counts
The new OnCore Avant is a low, 65 compression distance ball with SoftCell technology that creates the distance and feel players want off the club face and around the greens. The proprietary chemistry technology incorporated into the core composition combines softness with a high coefficient of restitution, making the Avant “the best low compression ball in golf”. The next generation of golfers want MORE, and that is exactly what OnCore Golf delivers with every one of its innovative golf balls. M.O.R.E. stands for: Maximum performance, Optimal trajectory, Revolutionary technology and Explosive velocity!
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
The Caliber is the most radical departure from solid rubber construction in nearly 30 years. This ball is ideal for the golfer who puts an emphasis on accuracy. Designed for swing speeds under 100 mph and is our softest version of the hollow metal core technology to date. The ball features a 392 dimple pattern, an 80 compression, that comes from the unification of our .9 inch hollow metal core and our SoftCell technology around the mantle layer.
We have been optimizing our innovative hollow core technology for several years to be able to offer a product that truly does what it was created to do and will lead to better performance on the course. As a result of our .9 inch hollow metal core, when the ball is struck you get significant rifle spin while reducing sidespin, allowing the ball to travel along a straight trajectory similar to a bullet leaving the barrel.
OnCore Golf Balls - Available at all leading golf outlets in Asia
FASHION TREND ECCO Cage Evo
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ECCO, the world-class Danish golf shoe manufacturer has really been stepping up the pace in the Asian Marketplace. 2016 heralds a big push in the región and this drive is being spear-headed by one of ECCO’s senior executive, the former European Tour star Jesper Schmith Thuen and /LHK VM ,**6 .VSM (ZPH 7HJPÄJ
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eadquartered in Singapore, the former golf profesional is hell-bent on gaining market recognition and acceptance that the Brand rightfully deserves. In this context, Thuen is carefully orchestrating the launch of two exciting product lines – the ECCO Cage Evo and the ECCO Speed Hybrid for women. The ECCO Cage Evo is an iteration of the ECCO Cage which was launched in 2015. When it was launched, the ECCO Cage was hailed as a design that was developed to promote increased stability, flexibility and cushioning. The hallmark of the Cage Evo continues ECCO’s tradition and commitment to engineer golf shoes that provide tremendous ease in walking comfort. Highlighted by the unique combination of a fully-integrated Direct-injection Process (DIP) wrap system and a multimaterial upper, ECCO Cage Evo features a performance, PU-structured textile bonded with polyurethane webbing.
FASHION TREND ECCO Cage Evo “Created specifically for ECCO Cage Evo, this promotes an incredibly comfortable fit while also delivering outstanding protection from the elements,” explained Thuen. Symbolising the brand’s spirit of innovation, ECCO Cage Evo extends the limits of stability, flexibility and cushioning via its unique set of properties which include: A special, one-piece, DIP stability cage that wraps from the heel through the midsole and across the toe box. An anatomical outsole design that aligns and moves in unison with the foot’s essential ligaments and muscles. ECCO Freedom Fit which combines a snug heel setting with a roomier forefoot area that allows toes to move naturally.
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We’re extremely passionate about the women’s game at ECCO Golf. As a result we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of comfort, performance and aesthetics.” – Jesper Schmith Thuen “With the original ECCO Cage having been so well-received internationally, we’re extremely excited about the introduction of this lightweight and eye-catching addition
to our cleated family,” Thuen pointed out. Exceptionally water-repellent as a result of ECCO’s proprietary HYDROMAX® treatment, ECCO Cage Evo also boasts a lightweight, low-to-the-ground construction, as well as the CHAMP SLIM-Lok cleat system. An integrated, TPU shank that matches the
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foot’s natural shape provides superior levels of comfort and fit, while a removable inlay sole offers extra width for those who need it. As is the case with all of the shoes in ECCO Golf’s 2016 Collection, ECCO Cage Evo is crafted at company-owned factories that utilise the DIP to bond the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece shoe without the use of glue or stitching. Benefits include a firm, water-tight seal. ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Peter Hanson, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjørn, Thongchai Jaidee, Will Wilcox, Ben Evans, Jim Renner, Minjee Lee, Caroline Masson, Gerina Piller, Jennifer Johnson, Kendall Dye, Pernilla Lindberg, Therese Koelbaek and Liz Young, among others. For women golfers, ECCO Golf, has launched the ECCO Speed Hybrid, as well as an addition to the ECCO Casual Hybrid range. The women’s ECCO Speed Hybrid
combines vintage sneaker aesthetics with an array of cutting-edge comfort technologies and it expands the horizons of hybrid footwear styling with a sporty design that incorporates a Tour-proven hybrid outsole. With a direct-injected polyurethane midsole that provides exceptional cushioning and flexibility, ECCO Speed Hybrid also incorporates ECCO Freedom Fit which offers a snug heel setting with a roomier toe box to enable the forefoot to move naturally. Joining the existing range of brogue and sneaker options, the new women’s ECCO Casual Hybrid utilises a range of premium knitted performance textiles to effectively balance fashion and comfort. “We’re extremely passionate about the women’s game at ECCO Golf. As a result we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of comfort, performance and aesthetics,” said Thuen. “Both the new ECCO Speed Hybrid and
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Created specifically for ECCO Cage Evo, this promotes an incredibly comfortable fit while also delivering outstanding protection from the elements.” the expansion of our ECCO Casual Hybrid family are designed to put more variety into the market through punchy colourways and innovative materials. We’re sure women golfers internationally will be equally as excited by these new designs as we are,” added Thuen. All the new ECCO models are now available throughout Asia.
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GAME IMPROVEMENT
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housands of golfers go to the driving range to practice, but most of those golfers have a difficult time bringing what they learned to the actual golf course. These golfers need to understand how to divide their practice time. We’ve had success by having players divide their thought process while hitting balls into two categories: 1. Technique Improvement and; 2. Shot-Making Technique improvement is that time spent improving the understanding and execution of setup and swing. This is often referred to as “building the swing”. Players will hit ball after ball working on a certain technique or understanding. This type of practice is very common and many golfers think this is a good effective way to improve. Here’s what they should do to really improve.
If the golfer is trying to work on a certain new technique, go ahead and practice the drills to make the technique better. But, based on his improved understanding, the player should move towards building an improved mental image in all facets. The first is that a player’s improved understanding should include this consideration - is the club swinging in the direction of the target? Then, once the player is comfortable with the club swinging toward the target, he should invest in some quality time practicing holding that image (phase 1) and allow the brain to learn how it must instruct the body to conform to the image (phase 2). It is in phase 2 that the “learning curve” exists. Being able to remember “what” to do, can be accomplished in less than an hour. The brain will almost immediately demonstrate its ability to move the body in conformity with the intention of the golfer! That learning happens unconsciously each time
the player holds the image (which serves as an instruction to the brain) and allows the brain to “practice” directing the body in accordance with the instructions. The effectiveness of a player’s “technique improvement” practice is a function of visualization and the number of repetitions and number of practice sessions that the player gives the brain to do the learning. Therefore, I made sure the high school
GAME IMPROVEMENT
golfers understood that the focus of ‘technique improvement’ is the conformity of the club’s movement to their understanding of what they should be doing with the club! And, then I made sure they understood that ‘Shot-making’ is the key! Training to become a ‘Shot-maker’ can be simple! After I shared with the golfers how to develop the correct swing technique, the second facet of their practice sessions was based on the application of the swing to a particular circumstance – shot making! In this mode of practice, the high school golfers really excelled big time! They were more CONCERNED and maintained INTEREST – having the ball travel on the line chosen and the ball reaching the intended target. When the golfers became more aware of executing shots, their scores improved dramatically and in a very short period of time at that! The quality of practice sessions was amazing! Therefore, I highly recommend you spend quality time on “shot-making” practice! The focus is different and very effective! There is an important division of labour in any and every golf shot. It is the swing’s role to provide the forward energy, whereas it is the clubface’s loft that has the role of creating the trajectory. When a golfer confuses these roles and tries to create the trajectory only in the swing, improvement is slow. All your shots will benefit if you can accept the ‘mental concept’ that the swing you make has the sole responsibility of making the ball go forward like a putt and the club you choose has the responsibility to create the trajectory!
VISUALIZATION It is important to note that the mental image does not include the club. When making shots with the purpose of holding the mental image of the ball rolling on and staying on the line to the target, the image does not include the golf club, just the image of the ball rolling. So always remember – if you want to become a great shot-maker spend your time to practice on making great shots!
ABOUT TONY MEECHAI Born and brought up in the United States, Tony Meechai won his first golf tournament at the age of nine. He began working in the golf industry when aged 15 and competed in various Mini-Tour and PGA Tour qualifiers after turning professional in 1994. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a degree in Marketing and Professional Golf Management, he has made a name for himself in Asia over the past decade, during which time he has served as Director of Instruction at Thailand’s Heartland Golf Schools and Springfield Royal Country Club as well as presenting tips on numerous region-wide golf television shows. His signature Black Hat Golf Camps and Schools offered at various clubs in Thailand, including Lotus Valley Golf Resort, portrays the unique curriculum and teaching philosophy. Recently, he co-founded the International Preparatory Golf Academy at The American School of Bangkok, which combines an academic and golf education program for junior golfers. Voted 2015 Top 3 Best Professional Golf Coach in Asia Pacific, he continues to strive to grow the game of golf in Asia. For further information, please visit www.tmggroupasia.com or email to tony@tmggroupasia.com.
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GAME IMPROVEMENT Pro Tour Golf College
David Milne (left) and Lawrie Montague (right).
When he practices, he is the consummate professional and DOZD\V SUDFWLFHV ZLWK D GHÀQLWH plan and purpose, and this approach to his practice allows him to take his game from the practice fairway and onto the golf course ready to compete.
Do you still believe that focusing only on improving your swing technique will lead to better golf scores? Well you better rethink that belief as Jim Furyk has just shot 58 on the PGA Tour and he was also the last golfer to break 60 when he shot a 59 in 2013, making him the only golfer ever to break 60 twice on a recognised professional golf tour.
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uryk is 46 years old and has been playing on the PGA Tour since 1992, and has a somewhat unorthodox golf swing that has been described by golf commentators amongst other things as an “an octopus falling out of a tree,” or, “a one arm golfer using an axe to kill a snake in a phone booth.” He may not have a golf swing that appeals to the swing purists, but we can assure you it definitely appeals to his bank manager. Since turning professional he has amassed close to US $67 million dollars in on course earnings, and at the time of writing is 4th on the all-time money list. Over the past 22 years he has won 17 times on the PGA Tour, including a major (US
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Open 2003), and has won once on the Web. Com tour, and also won 9 other tournaments around the world. So what can you learn from Jim Furyk that will help you to make progress with your game? Well, the most important thing you can learn is that he has 100 percent trust in his golf swing. He has developed a highly repeatable swing motion—despite the countless times he has more than likely been advised to change it for something more “orthodox.” Since his amateur days he has stuck with his swing through the good times and bad, and in our opinion his swing stands up under the most intense of pressure better than most because his swing does these 3 things consistently.
1. He hits the ball in the centre of the clubface most of the time. 2. He starts the ball on the target line most of the time. 3. His ball flight has very little curvature most of the time. As you can see from the picture on the left Jim takes his club on a scenic route going back and then comes down on what we call The Golf Swing Success Track which is a flatter or more horizontal path compared to his backswing path. This re-routing of his golf club onto The Golf Swing Success Track delivers the club-head into the ball on a path that consistently sets up a straight ball-flight with solid contact and minimal curvature, and this has helped him to be so effective
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PHOTO CREDIT: PGA TOUR
with his shot-making in his career. When he practices, he is the consummate professional and always practices with a definite plan and purpose, and this approach to his practice allows him to take his game from the practice fairway and onto the golf course ready to compete. Remember, like we always say, the sole purpose of golf practice is to play better on the golf course. So you should practice golf as you wish to play golf. The picture on the right shows how his re-route to the ball has the golf club golf club onto The Golf Swing Success Track which enables him to start his ball on his intended target line. Being good at this allows him to hit more fairways, more greens, and hit it close enough to give himself realistic birdie putts. And when his putter is hot, well, we all know that his scores can go real low. Now to build The Golf Swing Success Track into your game, we suggest that you work with a qualified golf instructor who can help you to learn how to build The Golf Swing Success Track into your golf swing. Now if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work with an instructor
here are 3 ways to improve the way you hit your golf shots so you can We suggest that you purchase a small container of talcum powder that you can keep in your bag when for when you are practicing that you take out and sprinkle some onto the face of your driver (or irons) so you can determine how centred your impact is on the clubface.
The ball impacts the club-face it leaves a very clear impression that will help you to understand your contact ability. Next, purchase a 3 metre nylon rope that you can extend out from the ball along the target line like Jim Furyk does. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hitting off mats use an alignment stick instead to create a starting line, and then video your swing from behind the tee straight down the target line to see whether your shots are starting on the target line or not. Finally, you can easily see if the curve on your shots is excessive or not. We suggest that the curve should not be more than 10 meters from start line whether you are hitting a fade or draw, the aim is to reduce it down to a manageable shape of shot that is more consistent and predictable. So if you want to be like Mr 58 then be proud of your authentic golf swing but incorporate The Golf Success Track into it and before too long you might be breaking your scoring barriers just like Jim. Good Golfing!
extended validation of its new drivers, Titleist has finally launched After its power-packed 917D2 and 917D3 big sticks. This twin-pack has been thoroughly tested and validated by the company’s brand ambassadors mbassadors on the worldwide professional tours. In fact, during the “seeding”” exercise, the 917 helped Jimmy Walker bag the 2016 PGA Championship. Not bad at all for a brand new driver!
Asian Golf TheAwards, the measure of the mark of excellence in the golf go industry in Asia, will see substantial growth in 2016. subst annual search for the “best The annua of the best” best in Asian golf has expanded to include new categories and awards. award In its seventeenth Asian Golf Awards is the year, the A pan-Asian recoglongest running run in Asia and is nition programme prog recognized as the “Oscars” widely reco of the golf industry.
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