AG195 DEC2016 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

IINTRODUCING NTROD UCI N G

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

SPECIAL FEATURE 44 APGS 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Verdict This year the 2016 Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) celebrated its 10th anniversary as one of the leading business conferences in the world of golf. Anyone who was unable to attend truly missed one of the best APGS programmes to date.

64 No One Struts It Out Better Than Mission Hills Mission Hills staged its fourth edition of the World Celebrity Pro Am Tournament, and it wowed the world. Asian Golf was in Haikou, Hainan to witness the spectacle unravel and is proud to present a special report from International Roving Editor James Graham Prusa.

6 Asian Golf Editorial Team

44 8 Shared Thoughts From the Publisher

ISSUE EQUIPMENT FOCUS 48 Discover A New Friend! What you are about to read is a real-life revelation by a golfer who has lived all of his golfing life with a sense of intimidation. An intimidation that has pre-vented him from experiencing some of the best golf lf equipment technology in the industry. The “fear facctor” was not dissimilar to the fear that heavyweight boxers used to feel when they came face to face in a ring with the once indomitable Mike Tyson. Well, it may be an exaggeration, but you get the point.

194

NOVEMBER 2016

56 Revolutionary Bite And Venom For COBRA! A! It was only a matter of time before some smart guyy decided to pump the power of technology and thee global positioning system (GPS) into a golf club. Well, it has happened and guess who has seized the opportunity to be amongst the early adopters? It is none other than the assertive and bold COBRA Golf lead by its visionary president, Robert Philion.

74 Anser Putter Turns 50 – A True Classic! PING’s Anser putter is a classic and ranks as the mostt successful putter design ever. Given this unique status, PING has launched a limited edition of the Anserr in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The limitededition version of the iconic model is made from thee original molds, assembled with components made in n the U.S.A., and supplied by the vendors used in 1966. 6.

74 64

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)

[ wayne@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

MYRA PARAS Accounts Executive

[ myra@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

Contributing Professionals

[ lawrence@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

ALICE HO Marketing Executive

[ alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

TONY MEECHAI, DAVID MILNE & LAWRIE MONTAGUE (PRO TOUR GOLF COLLEGE), JEFFREY BOSE, JIM PRUSA (INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR)

Correspondents Printer

ROBIN BARWICK (EUROPE), RISHI NARAIN (INDIA), ALAN CAMPBELL (MIDDLE EAST) UNUSUAL PRINT MEDIA PTE LTD [ 231 Bain Street, #02-83 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231 ]

Address

ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP (2014) PTE LTD

1 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #07-23 A’posh Bizhub, Singapore 768160 Tel: +65 6323 2800 | Fax: +65 6323 2838 Company Registration No: 201405689G

INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Contact: Mike Sebastian Email: mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com or Mobile No: +65 9152 8162

To Subscribe MVY WYPU[ VY KPNP[HS PZZ\LZ VM (ZPHU .VSM LTHPS HSPJL'HZPHWHJPÄJNVSMNYV\W JVT or register for a free preview at ^^^ HZPHWHJPÄJNVSMNYV\W JVT (33 90./;: 9,:,9=,+ 5V WHY[ VM (ZPHU .VSM TH` IL YLWYVK\JLK PU HU` V[OLY W\ISPJH[PVUZ WYPU[LK VY W\ISPZOLK ^P[OV\[ [OL ^YP[[LU WLYTPZZPVU VM [OL W\ISPZOLY 6WPUPVUZ PU (ZPHU .VSM HYL [OL ^YP[LYZ» HUK HYL UV[ ULJLZZHYPS` LUKVYZLK I` (ZPHU .VSM (ZPHU .VSM HJJLW[Z UV YLZWVUZPIPSP[` MVY \UZVSPJP[LK THU\ZJYPW[Z [YHUZWHYLUJPLZ VY V[OLY TH[LYPHSZ 4HU\ZJYPW[Z WOV[VNYHWOZ HUK HY[^VYR ^PSS UV[ IL YL[\YULK \USLZZ HJJVTWHUPLK I` HWWYVWYPH[L WVZ[HNL

THIS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PRINTED ON PAPER WHICH IS DERIVED FROM 100 PER CENT SUSTAINABLE PLANTATION FIBRE AND MANUFACTURED IN A FACILITY THAT HAS BEEN CERTIFIED TO ISO-14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STANDARDS.

™

THE PLAYERS' SPIKELESS

Pro/SL men’s golf shoes provide superior feel with Fine Tuned Foam for supple cushioning and a perimeter weighted outsole design for superior stability. FJ, The #1 Shoe in Golf. www.footjoy.com.sg

FootJoy SEA

SHARED THOUGHTS From The Publisher

016 has been a tough year for the industry as a whole with more haemorrhaging occurring and bottom-lines being drained of profits. Industry observers feel that the worst is over, and that the industry will stabilise itself going forward. Will this happen? It is really 8

9 ASIAN GOLF

anyone’s guess. You know what pundits and “experts” are worth these days – just look at what happened at the recent U.S. Presidential elections – virtually all the experts, pundits and polls got it wrong! The industry has been scared badly – golf equipment manufacturers are all struggling (at least most of them), and are nowhere

close to the halcyon days when they raked in the cash with multi-product launches. 2016 has already put up tombstones to mark the end of a number of iconic names in golf – Nike Golf is no more. One of the largest golf retailers in the world, Golfsmith has pulled down its shutters and TaylorMade is still looking for a suitor to buy it out

ISSUE 195

from the mother-ship, Adidas. If anything at all, 2017 will see a year where product inventory is kept down to its minimum and hopefully, this will help stabilise the golf equipment industry. The golf club industry is also not looking too healthy, especially in the developed world where both private country clubs and public courses continue to close while rounds played are generally down. In Asia, it is difficult to keep track of business trends as there are no facilities to monitor the health of the club industry. However, based on a simple straw poll, most of the tier one clubs report good business while many amongst the rest report otherwise. Another measure of the state of golf is the health of the professional tours which for all intents and purposes have little or no bearing on how well golf is doing in general. In the United States of America, the cash-rich PGA Tour is going through a major transition phase as the all-powerful commissioner Tim Finchem retires and passes on the baton to his successor, Jay Monahan. Monahan takes over the tour with a tournament schedule that is plump and worth more than US$300 million. The new commissioner’s task will be to keep the PGA Tour growing and he seems to have already embarked on a plan to grow the tour’s presence globally. The PGA Tour now has alliances in Asia in Japan, China

and South Korea and offices in Malaysia, Korea and Japan. The Asian Tour, the premier tour on the continent has been going through some major structural changes and it seems that with a new board of directors in place and a new chief executive officer helming the operation, some major developments for the better can be expected from the tour. No review of the year can be complete without any mention of the Rio Olympics where golf made an appearance for the first time in over a century. After all the hype about how the Olympics would impact the growth of golf positively, everything seems to have gone absolutely quiet. In fact, most everybody can’t even recall which player won the gold medal! Let’s hope that the powers that be at the International Golf Federation and its allies get their act together in time for the Tokyo Games and that they come up with a format that will be both entertaining to watch and have the desired effect in attracting more people to take up the game. Speaking about growing the game, there are some initiatives already in place that seem to been enjoying some good traction – one such operation is Topgolf which has spread rapidly in the United States and is expected to make an appearance in Australia in due course. No word yet of this sensation making its presence felt in Asia as yet.

DECEMBER 2016

What is Topgolf? The best way to describe Topgolf is that it is a venue where the competition of sport meets your favourite local bar. You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone can play all year-round. It is fun but whether it will help grow the game of golf in terms of equipment and accessories sales and more round of green grass golf remains a big question mark. As we prepare to enter 2017, let us hope that the “Make America Great Again” call by U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump has a positive effect on golf. Trump is an avid golfer (2.5 handicap) and his organisation, which he will cease to control once he assumes office, is committed to creating the world’s finest portfolio of golf courses and their accompanying amenities. From Scotland to Palm Beach, Trump golf courses offer a whole new level of challenge, luxury, service and performance that have become synonymous with the Trump brand experience. Let’s hope as he makes America shine again, that golf will be able to ride on the coat-tails of that Nation’s success and show some positive all round signs of growth! Finally, ASIAN GOLF, would like to thank all of our readers and business associates for their support in 2016. We expect to get a lot better in 2017 and watch this space as we launch our January 2017 NEW LOOK edition of ASIAN GOLF. We think you’ll like it!

HIGH DRAW

BABY FADE

LOW CUT

ATTACK FLAG

SWEEPING HOOK

OBEYS YOUR EVERY COMMAND.

NEW

EVERY CLUB’S A SCORING CLUB

PING engineers designed the new iBlade iron for golfers who rely on the workability, precision and control to execute the most demanding shots in the game. Precision cast from 431 stainless steel, the compact head delivers the softest, purest feel ever in a PING iron. The thin face accelerates ball speeds for added distance, and tungsten weighting provides forgiveness when you need it. Visit a PING Authorized Clubfitter today and get fit for technology that rewards your 100% commitment to every shot. ©2016 PING P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071 XXXXXXX

NEW

SERIES

TO BREAK THE MOLD. TO

ANSER 2

VOSS

BERGEN

OSLO

MORE CONSISTENCY. FEWER 3-PUTTS. The new PING Vault putters are engineered to exacting standards and fully machined to the tightest tolerances for improving your touch, consistency and speed control. Patented True-Roll technology offers a precision-milled face design that speeds up off-center impacts, leading to fewer three-putts. Get fit for your stroke type today with a clean, classic blade model or a stable, forgiving mallet in platinum or slate. You’ll be better for it.

VISIT PING.COM

ISSUE 195

DECEMBER 2016

No one understood and appreciated the importance of excellence better than the legendary Steve Jobs, the man who built Apple into the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest information technology company. The journey started in a garage but what got Jobs to drive his company to the pinnacle of success was his uncompromising dedication to excellence. Benchmarks at Apple have always been high and the quest for excellence has been a constant pursuit marked by a bar that is perpetually re-set to stay relevant and be ahead of the incessant pace of change.

MR. JOHN SOLHEIM

Mr. John Solheim, Chairman and chief executive officer of PING was inducted into the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame. Mr. Solheim was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the world of golf as well as his achievements, leadership and innovations within the business of golf. He is the son of PING founder, Karsten Solheim and was appointed

President of the parent company in 1995 before becoming the Chairman and CEO in 1997. One of the hallmarks of Mr. Solheim’s commitment to the industry is the Solheim Cup which was created in 1990. Under Mr. Solheim’s guidance, this international tournament has grown to become a major biennial contest. As a further show of support

to the industry, Mr. Solheim expanded the programme in 2002 to embrace the PING Junior Solheim Cup, which is now played in conjunction with the Solheim Cup and offers U18 girls from Europe and USA the opportunity to promote their golfing careers.

DR. KEN CHU

The Asia Pacific’s most powerful man in golf has earned the distinction of being inducted into the prestigious Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame. Dr. Ken Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group, is the youngest inductee at age 42.. Dr. Chu was recognised and honoured for the role that he has played to develop the Mission Hills Group into the largest golf and mixed entertain-

ment empire not only in China but in the world. Under his leadership, the Mission Hills Group has evolved from a golf conglomerate into an integrated cultural, leisure and sustainable tourism destination expanding into urban leisure and commercial developments encompassing shopping, dining, entertainment, health, wellness, meeting, business and residential offerings,

five-star resorts, award-winning spas and volcanic mineral springs, an international convention centre, golf academies, and Asia’s largest tennis facility. To date, Dr. Chu’s Mission Hills Group has invested US$10 billion on all of its multi-faceted ventures in Shenzhen on the Chinese mainland and in Haikou on the island of Hainan.

MADAME NGUYEN THI NGA

Life-Time Achievement For Lady Entrepreneur Madame Nguyen Thi Nga who is widely recognized as Vietnam’s top woman entrepreneur and the wealthiest businesswoman in the country. She is the chairman of the Hanoibased BRG Group which is taking a big stake in the growth and development of golf in Vietnam.

Besides being one of the country’s top banker, real estate developer and industrialist, she owns some of the best golf courses in Vietnam including the award-winning Kings’ Island Golf Resort. Looking ahead, she has signed a landmark brand exclusivity contract for golf course design with Nicklaus Design, which covers 22 provinces in

key regions of Vietnam. The contract binds the two companies’ long-term commitment to each other and to the game of golf in Vietnam. For her vision, contributions and commitment to grow golf in Vietnam, Madame Nga is being recognized with the 2016 Asia Pacific Life-Time Achievement in Golf Award.

MR. DAVID LEADBETTER

David Leadbetter is globally renowned for his coaching techniques as it relates to the golf swing. Among some of the great champions that he has mentored are six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, Nick Price and Charles Howell III.

Of late he has coached Hawaiian super-star Michelle Wie and the current LPGA world number two, Lydia Ko. Leadbetter runs an international chain of golf academies headquartered at the ChampionsGate Golf Club in Florida. He also has branches

elsewhere in North America, Europe and Asia. Leadbetter himself concentrates on teaching tour professionals and on instructing other coaches in his methods, who then teach his ideas at his academies.

ISSUE IS SSU SS SSU UE E 19 19 195 95 5

he yardstick of quality and the pursuit of excellence is the ethos of the Asian Golf Awards, an industry recognition event that has served as the barometer to measure the best amongst the best in the Asia Pacific golf industry. It is the longest standing award programme of its kind anywhere in the world and its inexhaustible push to set high industry standards over the years has met with industrywide acceptance. It is the golf industry’s answer to Hollywood’s academy awards – “The Oscars”. The Asian Golf Awards, owned and produced by the Asia Pacific Golf Group (APGG) is staged annually and it is the culmination of a three-month long on-line poll to select the top golf clubs and the individuals operating these clubs. Altogether, the annual awards mecca is made up of 52 categories and it is without doubt, the largest golf industry awards programme in the world.

MR. M R. JOHN SOL SOLHEIM OLH O OL LHEIM

M MADAME AD A DAME DAM AM A ME NG N NGUYEN GUY U YE YE N THI THI N NGA GA G A

DECEMBER DE D ECE CEMB MBE ER 2016 ER 201 016 016

“The Asian Golf Awards Gala Banquet is always a super gala dinner that is well produced and staged - but I’m intimidated by the number of awards that need to be announced – it goes really fast and it’s fun and, selﬁshly, I have a chance to shake each winner’s hand and for me, that’s special,” is how Gregg Patterson, president of Tribal Magic and the master of ceremonies described the Asian Golf Awards. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I like doing the Asian Golf Summit

DR. DR D R.. K KEN EN C CHU HU H U

M MR. R.. DA D DAVID AV VID ID D LE LLEADBETTER EAD A D ET ET ETT TT TER ER

MISSION HILLS GROUP DR. KEN CHU Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame Award

DR. KEN CHU/ TENNIEL CHU Asia Power List

17 ASIAN GOLF

Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific Best Course in China (including

and the Asian Golf Awards! Hopefully my enthusiasm came through in spades and in some way enlarged and enriched the summit journey for the attendees - nothing beats connecting and reflecting with The Tribe!” The 2016 Asian Golf Awards was attended by more than 200 golf course owners, operators and managers. The Asian golf industry’s number one recognition event of the year was staged at the sprawling Hyatt Regency Resort in the royal Thai city of Hua Hin. “The gathering of so many industry players and their peers was a sight to behold and the networking and camaraderie displayed was a momentous display of the industry coming together to honour and celebrate the best of the best in the industry,” remarked Mike Sebastian. chief executive officer of APGG. The city of Hua Hin is not a very accessible place to get to. It takes three hours by road from Bangkok’s international airport to reach its inviting beaches and laid-back life-style. But people came from as far as the United States of America, the Middle East, all of Asia and Australia. This wonderful support from the industry is perhaps the best testimony to the success of the awards and this is how Asia’s most powerful man in golf, Dr. Ken Chu, chairman and chief executive officer of the giant Mission Hills Group had to say about the show:

Hong Kong and Macau) Best Course in Asia Pacific - First Runner-Up Best Golf Manager Of The Year – First Runner-Up (Sam Zheng) Best Caddie Of The Year – First Runner-Up (Lulu Yan) Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific - Second Runner-Up Best Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up (Stanley Law)

Golf

Relax

◆

Rejuvenate

◆

Revive

Mission Hills Haikou is a fully-integrated resort destination offering a variety of experiences. Our all-in-one resort provides world-class sports, leisure entertainment and wellness facilities for the whole family. Golf enthusiasts FDQ H[SORUH WKH PDQ\ ÀUVW UDWH JROI FRXUVHV ZKLOH RWKHUV LQ VHDUFK RI D relaxing getaway can experience premium pampering at the Spa and Mineral Springs. Families are invited to step back in time and discover the thrill of cinema in the authentic Movie Town. Whatever your interest, Mission Hills Haikou allows you to pursue your passions and relax in a truly unique setting.

Mission Hills Haikou Hainan, China | +(86 898) 6863 3388 www.missionhillschina.com | info@missionhillschina.com

19 ASIAN GOLF

“If you ask me, the most thunderous applause should go to you and your incredible team for bringing together such a stellar line-up of golf luminaries of movers and shakers of the industry and for presenting a spectacular show and magnificent dinner for us all. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication towards promoting the game of golf in the Asia Pacific region.” Chu is a man who knows what he is talking about as his group stages some of the world’s biggest golf events bar none! While all winners in the 52 award categories were special, the Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame inductions and the Asia Pacific Life-Time Achievement Award were perhaps the highlights of the celebrations. John Solheim, the chairman and chief executive officer of the PING Corporation and a living golf legend was inducted into the Asia

BRG GROUP MADAME NGUYEN THI NGA 2016 Asia’s Most Powerful People in Golf Asia Pacific Life-Time Achievement Award

KINGS’ ISLAND GOLF RESORT Best Course in Vietnam

LEGEND HILL GOLF RESORT Best New Course in Asia Pacific

RUBY TREE GOLF RESORT Best Renovated Course Of The Year

Pacific Golf Hall of Fame together with Dr. Chu of the Mission Hills Group who at 42 years of age is the youngest inductee of the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame. “Being inducted into the prestigious Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame is extra special to me, as my late father was posthumously honoured with the same award in 2011. Thank you for honouring both of us with this monumental award.” The Asia Pacific Life-Time Achievement Award recipient was “Asia’s Queen of Golf,” the Vietnamese billionaire entrepreneur Madame Nguyen Thi Nga. The owner of top golf courses, hotels and choice real estate in Vietnam, the Hanoibased golf course developer had this to say about her award: “I truly love golf and this award is something that is very special for me as it is recognition of what my company is attempting to do to develop and grow the game of golf in Vietnam.” She is the chairman of the BRG Group which in partnership with Nicklaus Design, expects to develop golf courses throughout the country.

A new award category this year set out to seek and recognise an organisation that has played a stellar role in promoting golf tourism in Asia. The search led to GolfAsian, a Bangkok-based company helmed by a business visionary who is a pioneer of golf tourism in Asia. He is Mark Siegel, managing director of GolfAsian who had this to say when he was recognised: “For the first time in the history of the Asia Pacific Golf Group Awards, a travel company has been recognized for the outstanding contributions to golf within Asia. Accepting the award in front of the tremendous gathering of industry experts, I remembered one of my favourite quotes,

21 ASIAN GOLF

“T The ultim mate measu ure off a comp panyy is no ot what they do o in n mom mentts of stab bilityy and d grow wth h, bu ut ratther how w theyy actt durring tiimess of cha allen nge and crisiis”. Siegel and GolfAsian received the Asia Pacific Golf Tourism Pioneer Award. Golf course architects have been relatively quiet over the past few years as the development of new courses has been slow and this has been part of a global trend. However, one company that bucked this trend especially in Asia, was the award-winning firm of Schmidt Curley Design, the organization that built all of the 22 golf courses at Mission Hills China. Its quality work was once again recognized when the company walked away with the Best Golf Course Architect award for 2016. “The Asian Golf Awards create an opportunity for the golf industry to showcase the best in the business but, more importantly, it creates a platform for the entire industry to come together in a common quest to promote, expand, and improve. We are very honoured to be associated with this effort and have been, and will always remain, ardent supporters of these valued recognitions,” was how SCD’s president Brian Curley reacted upon being told of his firm’s success. SCD is currently

building 10 golf courses in Vietnam for the FLC Group. One of golf’s great legends, David Leadbetter of the famed Leadbetter Academy was a special guest at the 2016 Asian Golf Awards. The man who has been coach to some of the greatest players on the Planet was honoured with the Global Golf Legends Award and in accepting the award, Leadbetter said, “I rarely have time to stop and reflect on my career but with this award I can both celebrate my successes as well as look forward to continuing my work to grow the game. With Leadbetter Kids we hope to have a lasting impact on developing golf in Asia and across the world.”

THAI COUNTRY CLUB

Best Food and Beverage Experience in Asia Pacific Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific Best Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year (Jintanna Zinn) Best Course in Thailand - First Runner-Up Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific - First Runner-Up Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up Best Club General Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up (John Blanch)

From golf legends to the men and women who spend all their working hours striving to create excellent conditions for playing golf - the best in Asia were all in attendance at the Asian Golf Awards. One club that has been a proud contender for honours annually has been the Thai Country Club which was represented by its general Manager John

“The Assian Golf Aw ward ds are the gre eatesst accola ade in ourr indu usttry an nd so it is a trrue e honou ur forr us to receive one of these e award ds. To be recognized am mong g the best in the Asian golf ind dusttry makes ou ur me embers, stafff and ownerrs very proud. The ese aw wards highligh ht the e bestt of bre eed an nd sure ely inﬂu uencce golfers in theirr choice e of where e to pla ay,” said Blanch.

23 ASIAN GOLF

Blanch.

For 2016 Proud to Accept Awards for Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific Best Food and Beverage Experience in Asia Pacific Best Course in Thailand – First Runner-Up Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up

From all of us at Thai Country Club,

Thank you Owned and Managed by the Peninsula Hotels Thai Country Club www.thaicountryclub.com | Tel. +66 (38) 570-234 | inquiry@thaicountryclub.com

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

Best Golf Club Experience in Asia Pacific Best Course in Singapore Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up

THE GOLD EDGE AWARD

25 ASIAN GOLF

Tanjong Course, Sentosa Golf Club

These sentiments were shared by Andy Johnston, general manager of the world-renowned Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

hese Commenting on the Asian Golf Awards, Johnston said, “Th awards set th he golld sta andard of the be est of th he be est in n Asia. We are hu umb ble ed to o have e bee en re ecognized d ass the Bestt in Siingapo ore as we ell as the e Besst Golf Exxperi-ence e in Asia Paciﬁc. We are hono oured to be in the compa anyy of such gre eat go olf courrses and to be co onssid dered as one of the Bestt Cha ampion nsh hip p Coursses in Asia Paciﬁc and we are e grrattefful to o be recog ghe high sta andardss we e have e nizzed for th achiieved in th he upgrrade e and elo opmentt off our new w redeve anjo ong coursse with the Ta d Edge Aw ward d.” Gold

Another star-performer at the awards celebration annually is the Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin. This year was no exception as the club scored another sweep of awards. Commenting on Banyan’s performance, its general manager and director Stacey Walton said,

27 ASIAN GOLF

“The e Asian n Go olf Aw ward ds iss a tesstam ment to exce ellencce. Itt is the e vo ote er’s cho oice on which h clubs and d ind dividua als de ese erve the re ecog gnition for opera ating at extrraordinaryy leve els in orrder to be e voted besst in the eir counttry and region. The aw wardss acknow wled dge ou utstanding g perfforman nce e and are a re eward d forr dedicate ed lea aders who o are succcesssfu ul. The awarrds are worth the eirr weightt in gold for both h mo otiivattional and d commercia al valu ue. Our sharreholders, membe ers, visito ors and d team m me embe ers are ve eryy proud to be parrt of an n aw ward-w winnin ng club b and thiss is ab bsolutelly prriccele ess”.

BANYAN GOLF CLUB

Best Golf Club Experience in Asia Pacific Best Food and Beverage Experience in Asia Pacific Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific Best Caddie Of The Year (Ployprapa Silawong) Best Golf Manager Of The Year (Stuart Daly) Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up Best Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year - First Runner-Up (Sumeth Intarai) Best Club General Manager Of The Year – First Runner-Up (Stacey Walton) Best Professional Golf Coach in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up (John Wither) Best Golf Course Superintendent Of The Year – First Runner-Up (Minachai Srichanya) Best MarComm Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up (Bhanujsaya Dangsuwan) Best HR Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up (Kwandee Thanontip) Best Course in Thailand – Second Runner-Up Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up

BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB Best Course in Thailand Best Course in Asia Pacific Best Golf Club Experience in Asia Pacific Best Food and Beverage Experience in Asia Pacific Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific Best Club General Manager Of The Year (Harald Elisson) Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up

MR STIG NOTLOV 2016 Asia’s Most Powerful People in Golf

A regular high achiever on the Asian Golf Awards list of winners over the past few years has been Black Mountain Golf Club located in Hua Hin, Thailand. It is a facility renowned for maintaining excellent conditions all year round, including the dry season. Commenting on the club’s success at the awards, Harald Elisson, the club’s general manager said,

29 ASIAN GOLF

“The e Assia an Golf Awarrdss is a verry im mporttantt partt of ourr glo obal bran nding g exerrcise e and d I am m ple eassed to o sa ay tha at soon n affter Black Mo ountain starrted operratin ng itts busine ess, we bega an re--

ceiving re ecog gnitio on frrom m the e Assia an Golf Awa ards.. Sincce the e ve eryy ﬁrst awa ard, we have e no ot loo oked bacck an nd evveryy yearr sincce, ou ur brrand hass pro oven to be hig ghlyy succcessfful an nd thiis is va alidatted by the num mberr of awardss tha at we re eceivve. This year, Black Mountain’s founder, Mr. Stig Notlov was honoured with the “Most Powerful In Golf In Asia” award and together with our “Best Championship Golf Course in Asia Pacific,” award we have some very high standards to live up to.”

The Banyan Tree’s Laguna Golf properties is no new-comer to the ranks of the Asian Golf Awards. However, this year was special as the group, which operates in Vietnam, Thailand and Bintan in Indonesia received the highly sought after Asia Pacific Custodian Of The Environment Award which is given out in recognition of sustainable environmental practices. This award was received by Paul Wilson, vice president and group golf director who said, “The Asia Pacific Golf Group’s annual summit and awards, brings the golf industry together like no other comparable event. Each year the connections and relationships you develop at these events make the summit a fantastic networking opportunity and learning experience.” 2016 was a landmark year for the Asian golf club industry as the former Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club took on a new identity. The premier tier-one Malaysian club became Southeast Asia’s first TPC club and this was made possible by its partnership with the PGA Tour of America. The man who made this happen is Steven Thielke, chief executive officer of TPC Kuala Lumpur who said, “It has been a most exciting jour-

31 ASIAN GOLF

TPC KUALA LUMPUR

Asia Pacific Pinnacle Award Of Excellence Best Course in Malaysia Best Golf Course Superintendent Of The Year (Mohd Nizam Othman) Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific - First Runner-Up Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up Best MarComm Manager Of The Year - First Runner-Up (Loh Chyi Jen) Best HR Manager Of The Year – First Runner-Up (Azhan Abdul Kadir) Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up

ney for TPC Kuala Lumpur this year together with the staging of the PGA TOUR-sanctioned CIMB Classic and the Sime Darby

Alll the ha ard work k thatt the e team m hass putt in cerrtain nly pa aid off with h the trem men ndo ous reccogn nition n by the presttigiouss Asiian n Gollf Aw wardss whe ere we diid well in nine categ gorie es inclu udin ng th he high hlyy coveted d Assia a Pa aciﬁcc Pin nnaclle Awa ard ds of Excelle ence. The e awa ards are a grea at sourrce off mo otiva ation n forr TPC C Kuala Lumpur to contin nue on our journ ney to o be am mong g the besst in n the worrld d.” LPGA Malaysia consecutively.

MARINA BAY GOLF COURSE Best Value for Money Experience Best Public Golf Course In Asia Pacific Best Course in Singapore - Second Runner-Up

Another club that shares this same vision is one of Asia’s top public golf courses. It is a course that is known for constantly pushing the envelope, a characteristic that is not a common practice with public courses. Singapore’s Marina Bay Golf Club has the pursuit of excellence burnt into its DNA and as its general manager, Choo Wee Khiang is proud of this quality. “We

ap pplau ud the efffortts of the Asia Paciific Golf Gro oup p in bringiing to ogeth her the indu usttry playerss in n the e Asia Pacifi fic region n and offerrin ng existing g and d new go olf course es, membe er and d publicc cou urses the uniityy to sh hine within opportu esp pective awa ard catttheirr re egories.”” He went on to add, “As the com-

33 ASIAN GOLF

petition will only get tougher year on year, Marina Bay Golf Course will continue to strive towards delivering the best value-for-money experience to our guests and to be truly deserving of the support and recognition that we have gained.”

The Philippines was very well represented at the Asian Golf Awards this year and the giant Ayala Group’s flagship golf property won top honours. Anvaya Cove, the spectacular golf resort in the region of Bataan was voted in as the best golf course in the Philippines and the award was received by Jose Dagdagan, general manager of Southlinks, another Ayala-owned property. He said,

35 ASIAN GOLF

“In my honest op pin nion n, The Asian Golff Aw wards is th he most crrediible golff awa ardin ng body in the regio on iff nott the worrld. It evo oke es pride and d hon nour and d mo otivates peo ople in the golf indu ustrry to get to a grreate er he eightt off achiieve emen nt.”

ANVAYA COVE GOLF & SPORTS CLUB

Best Course in the Philippines Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific - First Runner-Up

SOUTHLINKS GOLF CLUB (PHILIPPINES) Best Value for Money Experience Best Public Golf Course In Asia Pacific

The Asian Golf Awards besides being highly sought after also serves as a very powerful motivator for those in the business of golf. A newcomer to the Asian golf scene is the multifaceted FLC Group of Vietnam, and attending the awards for the first time, Dang Tat Thang, deputy general director said, “The Asia Pacific Golf Awards is truly a great and prestigious award event for the whole of Asia. It has inspired us to become the top

investor in golf in Vietnam and Southeast Asia and we expect to become the owner of the largest number of quality golf courses. Our target is to finish 10 more golf courses in the next three years and being recognized by the Asian Golf Awards is strong motivation to push us to aim higher.” Another newcomer to the awards programme was Ba Na Hills Golf Club in Vietnam. As the new kid on the block, Jack Hedges, general manager of the club was elated to be recognised in the “Best New Course In Asia Pacific” and said, “The Asian Golf Awards has become the Oscars of the golf industry with a long list of well-known winners from all over the region. For Ba Na Hills Golf Club to pick up two awards in our first year is a fantastic achievement and will no doubt strengthen our brand and reputation as we continue to establish ourselves in the region as one of the leading courses. To join a long list of iconic courses from around the region as a winner of an Asian Golf Award is a honour and a pleasure”. Aside from recognising the best golf courses in Asia, the Asian Golf Awards also seeks out those who play a major role min growing the game of golf and this includes golf coaches. The Best Golf Coach Of The Year Award was won by the top coaching duo of David Milne and Lawrie Montague, owners of the Pro Tour College in Perth, Jakarta

and Thailand. The winning pair had this to say about their award: “There’s truly nothing better than being recognised for the work you do - especially growing the game of golf, and the Asian Golf Awards is the premier event of its kind in Asia recognising the work people like us are doing for the golf business in the Asia/Pacific region. This recognition means a lot because it highlights our work building a long-term junior development programme in Indonesia and getting many more junior golfers playing this wonderful game.” As the winners of the 2016 Asian Golf Awards celebrate their success, let us not forget that the commitment to maintaining excellence is a never-ending task. In the words of the legendary American football player Ralph Marston, “Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude.” This is something that resonates with Banyan Golf Club’s Stuart Daly, winner of the Best Golf Manager of The Year award who said, “It also reminds us not to rest on our laurels and to strive for further improvement in facility preparation, presentation and most importantly, our attitude and service towards our customers.” The last word on the Asian Golf Summit and Asian Golf Awards goes to a man who has been associated with golf in Asia for a very long time. He is none other than Steven Hsu who represents PING and this is what he had to say:

“Ano othe er grreat Sum mmit and d aw ward ds cere emo ony! The atm mospherre fe elt lik ke everryon ne was pa art of a big fam mily.””

37 ASIAN GOLF

Said with great eloquence and on that note, work has started for the 2017 Asia Pacific Golf Summit and Asian Golf Awards. The venue for 2017 will be the exotic Vietnamese city of Danang. Stay tuned!

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB R

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Winner - Malaysia’s Best Golf Course – World Golf Awards 2016

Top 10 Best Golf Course in Malaysia – US Golf Digest 2016

Winner - HAPA Golf Course of The Year - Exhilarating Experience – Hospitality Asia Platinum (HAPA) Regional Series Awards 2016 - 2018

Excellence Award for Best Golf Experience – Expatriate Lifestyle Awards 2016

Winner - Best Course in Malaysia – Golf Magazine Awards 2016

Top 3 Best Maintained Golf Course, Best Greens, Best Corporate Tournament Venue, Best F&B - Halfway Hut In Malaysia – ParGolf People’s Choice Awards 2016

1st runner up Best Course In Malaysia – Asian Golf Awards 2016 7RS %HVW 0DLQWDLQHG &RXUVH LQ $VLD 3DFL¿F – Asian Golf Awards 2016

HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2016 - 2018 REGIONAL SERIES

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

www.kotapermai.com.my

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Best MarComm Manager Of The Year (Kong Ai Lin) Best Course in Malaysia – First Runner-Up

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

39 ASIAN GOLF

Best Course in Malaysia – Second Runner-Up Best Golf Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up (Mohd Yusri Bin Mat Isa)

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Winner - HAPA Golf Course of The Year - Exhilarating Experience - Hospitality Asia Platinum (HAPA) Regional Awards 2016-2018 2nd runner up - Best Course in Malaysia – Asian Golf Awards 2016

Top 10 Best Golf Course in Malaysia – US Golf Digest 2016 5th runner up - Best Golf Course in Malaysia – Golf Magazine Awards

Top 3 Best Overall Golf Experience in Malaysia – ParGolf People’s Choice Awards 2016

HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2016 - 2018 REGIONAL SERIES

Horizon Hills Resort Berhad (769101-H) No.1, Jalan Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia Tel: +607-232 3166 Fax: +607-232 3919 Email: general@hhgcc.com.my www.hhgcc.com.my GPS Coordinate: 1.452196,103.638829

41 ASIAN GOLF

IS IS ISS ISSUE SS SUE UE 195 195 95

DECE DE DECEMBER CEMB MBER MBE ER 2016 201 016

SPECIAL FEATURE APGS 2016

iJohn Solheim with James Graham Prusa

This year the 2016 Asia 7HJPÃ&#x201E;J .VSM :\TTP[ (7.: JLSLIYH[LK P[Z [O HUUP]LYZHY` HZ VUL VM [OL SLHKPUN I\ZPULZZ JVUMLYLUJLZ PU [OL ^VYSK VM NVSM (U`VUL ^OV ^HZ \UHISL [V H[[LUK [Y\S` TPZZLK VUL VM [OL ILZ[ (7.: WYVNYHTTLZ [V KH[L by James Graham Prusa jKen Chu

45 ASIAN GOLF

jAndrew Wood

r. Ken Chu, the chairman and chief executive officer of Mission Hills Group China kicked off the gathering as the keynote speaker and raised the presentation bar to a new level. The information that he provided attendees on golf in China and Asia, and how to attract Chinese golf tourists was a complete revelation even for those of us who take pride in being ‘in the know.’ He painted an impressive statistical overview of the golf tourism market and its projected growth both domestically in China and throughout the Asia-Oceania region with an insightful understanding from one of the world’s most powerful people in golf. One of the tidbits provided by Chu was a complete shocker that most outbound Chinese golfers who plan golf forays to other Asian nations do not use the traditional Internet search engines such as Google for their travel preparation research. While Google is blocked in many regions of China, it does, as with other western search engines, provide a number of ‘hits’ when a simple search is done for “Golf Courses” in specific Asian nations. However, Chinese people predominantly use the Chinese search engine BaiDu. Chu then gave a demonstration on how searching BaiDu for golf destinations outside of China produced from zero to only a few hits. This was evidence of a serious

ISSUE 195

barrier for international golf destinations trying to reach the massive, outbound Chinese tourism market. The lesson in all of this was that golf tourist destinations must assure going forward that they are listed in the BaiDu search engine and that they are well promoted in China. In doing so, golf courses will surely gain a comparative marketing advantage in reaching hundreds of millions of outbound tourists. He also went on to explain how Mission Hills Haiku was established and more precisely how ‘Golf and More’ is now fueling its exponential growth by delivering what China and the local community wants. Chu emphasized that Mission Hills Group is restoring golf as the true ‘people’s game’ for the People’s Republic of China. The remaining speakers then reinforced marketing concepts that Chu well outlined in his presentation. Andrew Wood, founder and president, Legendary Marketing, was next up and revealed valuable secrets for using social media for marketing of clubs and tourism. Everyone in attendance agreed that the Wood’s technical methodology that directly markets down to the individual level via social media was cost effective and productive. Gregg Patterson, president of Tribal Magic, was then up to bat and provided a passionate presentation with innumerable specific examples of how to deliver the best experience for club members, guests and customers. With decades of successful experience as the general manager of the famed Los Angeles Beach Club, Patterson mesmerized everyone with his energy, humour and showmanship on Delivering Memorable Experiences to build membership and grow the club’s member ‘tribe.’ The afternoon kicked off with

DECEMBER 2016

a very personal ‘fireside chat’ featuring John Solheim, chairman and chief executive officer of Ping. Solheim narrated his poignant memories from a lifetime in the game of golf, gave equipment technology views, shared his father’s contributions to golf, and shared his optimism for both life and the future of the golf business. The day’s programme wrapped up with an invaluable unlocking of a demographic market that has baffled most everyone in golf with a great presentation by Gabriel Aluisy, President of Shake Creative. Aluisy, a professed member of the Millenial Generation himself educated all in attendance on the subject of Tapping the Millennial Market and simplifying an oft confusing market demographic niche that few have understood – until now. After concluding the day’s fast moving conference, a huge crowd gathered in Oscarstyle excitement for the formality of the evening’s gala dinner and the much-awaited presentations of the Asian Golf Awards. The fabulous dinner was at once a great social event and but an even wider networking opportunity for people attending from around the globe. Anyone who missed the 2016 APGS lost out on an historic event of great fun and friendships. It was a fast-moving program this year that was chocked full of non-stop value. Everyone in attendance was complimenting the new format, the terrific atmosphere where everyone could informally network with the speakers, and all were pleased with the venue. The food alone was worth the price and all complimented the chef! Finally, the night was capped off by the huge announcement that the 2017 APGS will land in DaNang, Vietnam next October. You can absolutely count me in for 2017 and I expect it’s a sure bet that attendance next year will blossom in booming Vietnam!

gGregg Patterson

jGabriel Aluisy

EQUIPMENT FOCUS Titleist 917

What you are about to read is a real-life revelation I` H NVSMLY ^OV OHZ SP]LK HSS VM OPZ NVSÄUN SPML ^P[O H sense of intimidation. An intimidation that has prevented him from experiencing some of the best golf equipment technology in the industry. The “fear factor” was not dissimilar to the fear that heavyweight boxers used to feel when they came face to face in a ring with the once indomitable Mike Tyson. Well, it may be an exaggeration, but you get the point. 48

49 ASIAN GOLF

he brand that I am talking about is Titleist, a name that I hold in very high regard and respect. One of the reasons that made me shrivel up was all the talk about Titleist being a brand for serious golfers – the better player so to speak. I just did not fit the bill! At least not until I laid my hands on the newest generation of the Titleist 917 – a line of golf clubs that gained victory and validation on the PGA Tour before it hit the market. I had to try the 917 for myself and to hell with all of the fear and trepidation that I have held for clubs bearing the Titleist name for the last 20 years. I picked up a 917D2 driver (darn handsome looking driver) and a com-

ISSUE 195

DECEMBER 2016

EQUIPMENT FOCUS Titleist 917 panion piece, a 917F2 fairway wood with a 15-degree loft. Let me state that while I have tried Titleist clubs before, it was only on demonstration hits at driving ranges. Never had I taken out Titleist clubs for a full 18-hole game and this was a first time for me. Also, I would like to point out that this article is written for the average golfer in mind and not for the better player although the clubs in question are perfectly suited for the better player. With the preface done, let’s do a quick drill-down on the 917s. My 917D2 driver had a neutral setting made possible by the easy-to-understand no-nonsense SureFit CG technology. This technology takes the mystique right out of club adjustability. I kid you not because you don’t need a double-degree with a Ph.D. to figure out how Titleist’s SureFit CG works. Trust me because I have seen more golfers than I care to remember who

We are making the most forgiving equipment in the marketplace, equipment that can help players at every level of the game play better golf.

51 ASIAN GOLF

have struggled with their toggle adjusters to try and get their desired settings for their clubs. This is definitely not the case with the Titleist 917D driver – the SureFit CG, working in tandem with the SureFit Hosel, is a work of genius and it is truly taking adjustable technologies to a whole new level where a golfers has access to club customization which previously was available only on the Titleist Tour Van. How cool is this! The 917F2 3-wood was also calibrated at a SureFit CG setting of neutral. Fully equipped with a brand new 917D2 driver and a 917F2 I embarked on my journey of discovery. Out came the driver on the first tee box and the sight of the 917D2 lined up against a teed-up NXT golf ball surprisingly was not intimidating. Instead, it was more confidence inspiring especially with the rays of the bright morning

sun bouncing off the driver’s gleaming head. I was determined to prove to myself that I could handle a Titleist driver and prepared myself to take a perfect swing. The execution was exactly the way I had imagined it and on impact, I knew I had hit a doozy! It was pure exhilaration to see the NXT ball take off, hold a perfect trajectory and to ultimately land smack in the middle of the fairway. Eureka! Not only did I experience a “sweet-spot” moment in my game but I also had discovered a new friend in golf clubs – the Titleist 917s. I can go on waxing lyrical about these new clubs but I thought it would be better if I got in to talk to the man responsible for the development of the stunning 917 series. He is Dan Stone, vice president, Titleist Golf Club R&D. Stone’s a 20 year veteran in

ISSUE 195

the golf industry and came from the famed aerospace company McDonnell Douglas. The following are excerpts from an exclusive interview with Stone:

ASIAN GOLF: There seems to be no

denying that the launch of the 917 family of drivers and fairways has been very positive and well received in the golf market. When you look at the global validation that Titleist has received from professionals across the global tours winning multiple tournaments with their 917 metals, including a Major title, can you talk about how [OPZ SH\UJO ^HZ KPɈLYLU[ HUK HSZV how tour professionals have played their part?

DAN STONE: From day one, the response from our tour staff across the globe has been overwhelmingly positive. When we first introduced 917 drivers on the PGA Tour at the Quicken Loans National, we had 70 percent of our players in the field take it to the first tee that week. To introduce the product to them and immediately see guys pick up ball speed, optimize their spin, take their dispersion pattern and really tighten it – those are the types of things that give them more confidence and help them play better golf. There’s nothing like the launch of a new product on tour especially when you see such rapid adoption. At this point about 80 percent of our players on the PGA Tour have now converted to 917, which we are very proud of.

DECEMBER 2016

Titleist has always been a strong advocate of club fitting and each year we look to increase the number of fitting sessions available to golfers across the globe, as the importance of every golfer who purchases a Titleist golf club to first get properly fit cannot be overstated. When it comes to playing your best, it’s such a crucial part of the equation.” AG: With regards to the adjustability

featured in the new 917 drivers, it’s almost as if all the customization you ^V\SK ÄUK VU [OL ;P[SLPZ[ ;V\Y =HU which services the top professionals in the world, is now all in one club. Can you speak to how this is the case and also how this level of adjustability ILULÄ[Z HSS WSH`LYZ&

DS: 917 is about complete performance and our adjustable technologies take us to another level in terms of optimizing spin and maximizing distance potential. Two key technologies that allow for that precise adjustability are the SureFit hosel and the new SureFit CG. The SureFit hosel allows for independent loft and lie adjustment, while SureFit CG allows the CG to be moved from a back, heel position to a forward, toe position through interchangeable weights. Now, not only are we able to dial in a player’s ball flight, but we can also moderate and control spin in the draw and fade positions for a more consistent trajectory and shot shape.

SureFit CG can also do a great job of combating a player’s typical miss and taking one side of the golf course out of play. We’ve also seen through our extensive player testing that when you determine the appropriate CG for a player, the club squares up and times up more consistently for them. They hit the center of the face more often, they gain club head speed and ball speed, and their shot dispersion tightens significantly. What’s also notable is that because of those results and that feeling of being dialed in, we’re seeing players gain more confidence and swing more aggressively, which creates even more ball speed and more distance.

AG: We see this as a game-changing KL]LSVWTLU[ PU [OH[ [OPZ ZPTWSPÄJH[PVU VM JS\I Ä[[PUN JVTIPULK ^P[O [OL challenge faced in certain markets ^P[O [OLYL ILPUN SPTP[LK JS\I Ä[[PUN services available, more golfers are going to be able to play with clubs better suited to their game. Is that a correct assumption?

EQUIPMENT FOCUS Titleist 917

Titleist Research and Development has an unwavering commitment to explore and incubate new technologies, which will bring additional performance to each product category. This formula has worked well for us in the past and will give us success in the future.” DS: Titleist has always been a strong advocate of club fitting and each year we look to increase the number of fitting sessions available to golfers across the globe, as the importance of every golfer who purchases a Titleist golf club to first get properly fit cannot be overstated. When it comes to playing your best, it’s such a crucial part of the equation. Every single element of the golf club affects the shot. The type of clubhead, the shaft flex, the length and lie, swing weight, overall weight. Not to mention any adjustable technologies, like SureFit Tour and SureFit CG. If you don’t have all of those elements precisely fit to your swing, you’re not taking full advantage of the technology. Fortunately, more and more golfers are realizing the benefits of an expert fit and our team is committed to providing golfers more and more opportunities to do so.

AG: Regarding the technology behind the SureFit Hosel and the new SurefFit CG, is it safe to say that the technology improvements within the 917 family bring these drivers and fairways to a level not previously reach by Titleist drivers? And with that being said, do you worry about ÄUKPUN UL^ HYLHZ MVY VWWVY[\UP[` 52

53 ASIAN GOLF

within future models?

DS: There isn’t another adjustable driver in the market in the market that can maximize a golfer’s total driving performance like 917. Ultimately, it’s our goal with every generation to provide golfers of all skill levels with the best combination of distance, forgiveness, trajectory, looks, sound and feel. And with 917 we’ve been able to significantly improve that overall package without making any sacrifices. One of the reasons SureFit CG is such a big step forward is because of how lean and efficient we were able to engineer the structure. We’re saving a bunch of weight compared to “track systems” used by many of our competitors. As a result, we’re able to deliver really meaningful CG movement to the golfers while preserving our high-MOI design for stability and forgiveness. As for the future? Titleist Research and Development has an unwavering commitment to explore and incubate new technologies, which will bring additional performance to each product category. This formula has worked well for us in the past and will give us success in the future.

AG: To many golfers, Titleist has come across as a bit of a daunting brand, in the sense that can be a perception

that the brand only makes golf clubs for the “better” or the “serious” player. Can you talk to this perception?

DS:

These days, that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. We are making the most forgiving equipment in the marketplace, equipment that can help players at every level of the game play better golf. We’re doing that in the iron category through the use of high density tungsten and multi-material constructions. With AP1 and AP2, there’s no better iron performance that you can find in a given chassis for each target audience. In the metals category, we maintain the highest MOI properties, while still delivering really cool technologies like SureFit CG. The notion that a player that doesn’t always hit it on the centre of the face is going to be disappointed in our product is simply false. They’re going to be absolutely thrilled with the performance they get, with the technologies that we’re using in our products across the line.

AG: We gather that the C16 is a “concept” club with design features that are considered “futuristic”. Were some of the C16’s cutting-edge technologies used in the design platform for the 917s and if so, can you elaborate? DS: The Concept C16 driver was the first product where we utilized the adjustable weighting technology that we now call SureFit CG. It was a great test run for that innovation, as well as several others. One reason the Concept Products initiative is so exciting for our team is that it provides us a level of knowledge and experience in the development, manufacturing, performance and fitting of new technologies that you can only get by actually bringing a product to market. That’s invaluable information and a huge benefit to our future in-line offerings.

OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE PENINSULA HOTELS

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

GY. O G L O N I N C ODU LY TECH dragonfly, R T IN GONF of a m o s t s g n A i r DR the w ed ou ever.

t ed by e r s c r e a n t d r i v e r driver r i p s In n g i n e s i s t e he G e t on ad PING ng and c gy makes e clubhe s o vi fo r g i technol ing increa i s t a n c e . y d c a p Vorte ster, hel for more et fit tod a G f . s even ll speed ry golfer e a v and b a G for e . â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s There ping.com it or vis TM

nced s. Adva ynamic y d g Aero â&#x201E;˘ technolo tors

. R E T FAS E . R G O M GIVIN R O F AR. F Y B

e. Gam ard, r u o Fit Y le in Stand ght) or i b l Availa (Straight F . c SF Te (Low Spin) c LS Te

es n sav w o r c to -thin the MOI . a r t l U e cy ally. k and rais consisten r u t ac d Na ing. CG low / b iveness an v i g r Fo forg n the More to positio for more ls ht weig new leve

c la Vorte wn turbu ics ro am and c e aerodyn d v ea impro er clubh igh for h ll speeds. a and b

HER G I H T ance t CH I HER. s i N d U LA FART ivers more ur bag. AND series del e top of yorway woodsre

fai mo ew G at th The n nsistency ng edge, G aunch and rnal sole l te o di and c lower lea for higher e tiered in d and . h a ll ee With er the ba hybrids, t d ball sp r ping.com o G de nd get u ontact. In ing for ad Specialist x c g solid es face fle ING Fittin t P activa e. Visit a c n dista

E . S S O CL R GAP U O Y

. sign e D e Sol nding

ding e face be a c s Ca s mor .

eds uce Prod t ball spe s for fa

y. olog t and n h c en Te ator rove alignm l u b Tur s imp lator e. Turbu confidenc e inspir

SPECIAL FEATURE COBRA Golf

The COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos system communicates at shot impact with a golfer’s smartphone, which must be carried in a user’s front pocket. It then uses a proprietary shot detection algorithm and sensors on a user’s smartphone to identify the location of their second shot, allowing driving distance and accuracy to be recorded in real time.

57 ASIAN GOLF

ISSUE 195

DECEMBER 2016

It was only a matter of time before some smart guy decided to pump the power of technology and the global positioning system (GPS) into a golf club. Well, it has happened and guess who has seized the opportunity to be amongst the early adopters? It is none other than the assertive and bold COBRA Golf led by its visionary president, Robert Philion.

hilion has led his team at COBRA Golf to power the company’s latest line of drivers with a spanking new tech-juice called COBRA CONNECT. This revolutionary game-changer is a tracking and GPS system that’s part of the new 2017 driver line-up. The new big sticks are said to be COBRA’s longest and smartest drivers – KING F7 and KING F7+. The F7 and F7+, provide golfers with a choice between oversized performance or traditional shaping while delivering playable distance and unmatched feel with extreme forgiveness. So, what’s the big deal about the new tech-juice that powers these drivers? The COBRA CONNECT (that’s the new tech-juice) powered by the Arccos system features an ultralight sensor that’s embedded in the grip, allowing golfers to automatically track the distance and accuracy of every drive. COBRA CONNECT users simply pair their club with the free Arccos Driver smartphone app to receive their performance data, access rangefinder GPS distances for 40,000 courses and compete in the King of the Hole virtual long drive competition. Players will also be able to access exclusive COBRA content within the Arccos Driver app, including product tech videos and golf tips from COBRA coaches and PGA TOUR Pros. How cool is this! “We are really excited to introduce our longest and smartest drivers with the new F7 and F7+ products,” said Tom Olsavsky, VP of Research & Development, COBRA Golf. “By incorporating the best

SPECIAL FEATURE COBRA Golf Creating Smart Clubs by adding the COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos technology allows us to satisfy that appetite and provide our consumers with direct access to the type of data that’s used by Tour pros.” zonal weighting technologies, we created the perfect combination of low CG and high MOI to give golfers the best in distance, forgiveness and precision. That, combined with the use of COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos, make for some of the most exciting clubs we’ve ever created.” On the course, the COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos system communicates at shot impact with a golfer’s smartphone, which must be carried in a user’s front pocket. It then uses a proprietary shot detection algorithm and sensors on a user’s smartphone to identify the location of their second shot, allowing driving distance and accuracy to be recorded in real time. At the end of a round, golfers can review their overall driving performance, track improvement and share pictures, longest drives or key stats directly with their friends or other COBRA CONNECT users.

59 ASIAN GOLF

“Golfers appetite for data is certainly growing as more and more attention on Tour is paid to player statistics from Shotlink®,” said Olsavsky. “Creating Smart Clubs by adding the COBRA CONNECT Powered by Arccos technology allows us to satisfy that appetite and provide our consumers with direct access to the type of data that’s used by Tour pros. We believe seeing these insights will help golfers of all skill levels improve their performance and have more fun.” Complementing the driver range is the all new F7 collection of COBRA fairway woods and hybrids which utilize COBRA’s iconic Baffler Rail System, first introduced in the brand’s original Baffler woods more than 40 years ago, blended with today’s front-to-back weighting systems for the perfect combination of personalization, distance, control and forgiveness from any lie. “Rails on our fairways and hybrids create a more forgiving and efficient turf interaction when hitting from any lie,” said Jose Miraflor, senior. director Product Marketing

COBRA Golf. “Proven though Rickie’s performance with his current Baffler fairway wood, the Rail Technology allows him to be aggressive when attacking greens. These same tour-proven technologies will provide all golfers with the perfect blend of distance and control.” With the launch of these new clubs, ASIAN GOLF reached out to discuss COBRA’s success to date and its future plans. The following are excerpts from an exclusive interview with COBRA’s president Robert Philion:

ASIAN GOLF: Looking back at the past 12 months, how would you describe the period for COBRA? Has it been a good business year? ROBERT PHILION: While the golf industry certainly has faced its share of hurdles and uncertainties, COBRA GOLF has shown sales growth year-to-date along with market share gains in key markets around the world. With some

ISSUE 195

new introductions on the near horizon, we continue to be optimistic about the balance of the year and into 2017. The return of KING products to our COBRA line-up has resonated globally and is a platform we’ll continue to develop. With some of our competitors exiting the golf equipment space, we feel like we have the strongest 360 portfolio of footwear, apparel and equipment, along with the ability to provide the best service to our retail partners and ultimately our consumers.

AG: In terms of equipment success, your drivers have been acclaimed by many quarters as being the best or amongst the best on the market. This must come both as a gratifying experience and a tremendous source of validation for your technology? Your thoughts. PHILION: It does. While we don’t have the biggest R&D team, we have some of the most innovative, creative and dedicated individuals, who are continuing to deliver game-changing, technology-rich products for golfers of all levels. I’m very proud of the KING product we launched this year and given the growth we’ve seen in our market share we know it’s resonating with the consumer.

AG: 2016 has been a trying year for the golf club industry with brands seeking new ownership, pulling out altogether and reduced earnings. Do you think that the worst is over or do you feel that there has to be more blood-letting before the industry stabilizes itself?

PHILION: I believe the industry is continuing to go through a reset phase, and in doing so getting healthier for the future. Coming off some of the challenges in 2016, we are seeing more of our golf accounts looking to play smart offense moving forward which includes a growing business with COBRA GOLF.

AG: As the industry stabilizes itself, do you feel that the new normal for the industry will be fewer new product releases with longer shelf-lives thereby making it easier for distributors and dealers to have more LɉJPLU[ HUK LɈLJ[P]L JVU[YVS V]LY inventory? PHILION: I definitely think that’s a part of it. The reality is that the golf industry wasn’t going to continue to support the faster, more aggressive launch cycles so something had to change. I believe the industry, for the most part, is finding a good balance of newness for the consumer without overloading them with a lack of innovation.

AG: You are now gearing up for the launch of your 2017 products – how would you describe the characteristics of your new products – is the focus going to be on trying to grow the game by launching even friendlier clubs so as to attract more people to take up the game?

DECEMBER 2016

PHILION: COBRA has always been about doing things differently – and 2017 will be no different. We have announced our 2017 irons and these are some of our most innovative and exciting to date. We are bringing back the KING Oversized irons – that were first introduced to the marketing in 1994 – and we are also bringing to market for the first time two sets of ONE Length irons to complement our variable length sets. The ONE Length irons – inspired by our relationship with rising PGA TOUR star Bryson DeChambeau – along with our variable length sets – allow us to provide an innovative iron solution for any golfer of any skill level and swing type. So while the industry clearly is yearning for a more inclusive and fun approach, I’m happy to say that COBRA GOLF is doing something to bring game enjoyment to more golfers. AG: Two years ago you told us that you wanted to inject an element of fun into the COBRA philosophy towards golf. Your products are dynamic, vibrant and seem to have a KLÄUP[L HWWLHS [V H `V\UNLY KLTVgraphic. Have you succeeded in making the golf experience more fun, especially with COBRA gear on board?

SPECIAL FEATURE COBRA Golf

PHILION: We feel that we have – through our gamechanging products and our dynamic athletes we are certainly injecting fun into the game and helping golfers of all levels and ages, Look Better. Feel Better and Play Better. When you play better you are certainly going to have more fun. AG: Speaking about younger demographics, more than any other brand, you have young players like Rickie Fowler and Lexi Thompson as your brand HTIHZZHKVYZ /V^ OH]L [OLZL WSH`LYZ HɈLJ[LK and impacted your business especially as far as younger golfers are concerned? PHILION: Rickie and Lexi continue to help spur excitement around the game and our brands. I saw their impact most recently during the Olympics. I can tell you first hand that regardless of their scores, they were both THE main attractions in Rio. They continue to be positive ambassadors for our brand and we are excited about some of the new things we are doing with them next year. AG: One of your biggest signings has been Bryson DeChambeau and now that he has his card to play on the PGA Tour, what are your expectations from him? PHILION: Signing Bryson was a huge win for COBRA GOLF. From day one he has created tremendous buzz in the industry and has continued to bring added excitement to our equipment, apparel and footwear. His recent win and earning his PGA TOUR card with our new irons in the bag was an added bonus and really exciting for the brand.

AG: In conclusion, you’ve had a good year in 2016 – what’s in store for 2017 and beyond? Look into your crystal ball and share with us what you see for COBRA in particular and for the golf industry in general?

AG: DeChambeau is both a tinkerer and scientist

tage of the opportunities that exist in the industry. We have the right game-changing equipment, footwear, accessories and apparel, along with the right team, athletes and brand ambassadors to continue growing the game and creating buzz for COBRA GOLF.

and an out-of-the-box operator. Do you see him PUÅ\LUJPUN OV^ *6)9( KLZPNUZ HUK I\PSKZ P[Z clubs? Do you see COBRA putting a DeChambeau set of clubs with equal-length shafts on the market?

PHILION: This week we announced our first two sets of ONE Length irons – KING F7 ONE Length and KING Forged Tour ONE Length – which will be available to consumers in January. While we don’t feel like this iron is for every golfer, there are certainly golfers out there who can benefit from ONE length. Our research has shown that it can help improve accuracy, with tighter distance variation from shot-to-shot, which can lead to increased consistency and better iron play. The ONE Length also simplifies the set-up for one swing through the set. We are looking for ways to make the game easier and more fun for golfers of all levels and we feel that adding ONE Length sets to our variable length line-up will certainly help do that.

61 ASIAN GOLF

PHILION: At COBRA GOLF we are in a position to take advan-

golf.ecco.com

Introducing

ECCO CAGE PRO

A NEW DIMENSION OF PERFORMANCE.

NEW SPYDR-GRIP® SPIKE-LESS

DIRECT INJECTED PU HEELCAGE, FOR

OUTSOLE OFFERING UNPARALLELED GRIP.

ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT AND SEAMLESS WELDING.

Built for stability, flexibility and power, the new

naturally. ECCO HYDROMAX® technology keeps your

ECCO CAGE PRO provides our new revolutionary

feet dry and comfortable, round after round.

SPYDR-GRIP outsole with the same optimal on-course performance our CAGE-shoes are known for.

The ECCO CAGE PRO - a spike-less shoe with exceptional grip and precision - is comfort and flexible

The ECCO CAGE PRO’s organic design and spike-

stability without compromise. It is a new dimension of

less outsole ensures stability from backswing to follow-

performance.

through. Engineered for optimal traction at the foot’s natural pivot points – the ECCO CAGE PRO ensures unparalleled grip and is easy on the green, with no clogging of dirt in the sole. The unique Direct-Injection Process (DIP) cast that fuses the midsole and heel cage as one, makes the ECCO CAGE PRO incredibly light, durable and flexible. The midsole-heel cage fusion adds stability and keeps the heel in place while allowing the forefoot to move

SPECIAL FEATURE Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am

Allen Iverson

Suzann Pettersen and her boyfriend Christian

Gary Player

Paul Scholes

65 ASIAN GOLF

Boris Becker

Ken Chu

ISSUE 195

DECEMBER 2016

If there is one thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a trade-mark characteristic about the Mission Hills Group in China, it is its tremendous penchant for staging and hosting extravaganzas that are monumental in scale and massive in adrenaline-charged emotion. Time and time again, Mission Hills, the largest golf resort in the world and now a titan in the provision of multi-faceted entertainment that matches the best that Hollywood has hit another home-run. This time, it wowed the world with the staging of its World Celebrity Pro Am Tournament, the fourth in the series. Asian Golf was in Haikou, Hainan to witness the spectacle unravel and hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a special report from International Roving Editor James Graham Prusa.

SPECIAL FEATURE Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am Boris Becker plays basketball at the 17th hole during the World Celebrity Pro-Am

Jeremy Renner tees off at the 1st hole during the World Celebrity Pro-Am

Paula Creamer tees off at the 1st hole during the World Celebrity Pro-Am

67 ASIAN GOLF

or those of us who recall visiting Orlando, Florida back when Disney was opening shop in 1971, the first impression upon landing in Haikou, on the beautiful tropical island Hainan Province is its striking familiarity to that earlier time in Orlando. And after arriving at Mission Hills Haikou Resort the parallels with Orlando, Florida, Disney, and Universal Studies are a flashback. Take note folks, that Mission Hills Haikou resort is BIG – as in ‘China-sized big’ – and it’s going to provide China a new level with a highly-respected world tourism brand! Dr. Ken Chu, group chairman and chief executive officer and his sibling Tenniel Chu, group vice-chairman, Mission Hills Group, are seriously pursuing a trajectory to achieve the creation of a new, world-entertainment destination right here in Asia that will surely be ranked as one of the top-5, must visit places on the planet for families everywhere. Trust that their creation is an

epic ‘long march’ in grand style even beyond golf. Mission Hills Haikou’s “Golf and More” truly emphasizes an instantly apparent ‘MORE!’ These guys aren’t implementing a strategy to buoy up golf, but rather synergizing on their powerful golf achievements with a renewed ‘great leap forward’ for China’s global tourism appeal. Amongst other big attractions the ongoing development of this massive resort destination is pulling in the global motion picture industry with their new state-of-art film studios – now with near certainty of collaboration with Hollywood, and likely Bollywood too. With its completed film studios and massive movie sets in Movie Town Haikou, Mission Hills Haikou is not some Asian imitation of an existing occidental destination – it’s an original real deal 100% reflecting an exhilarating future for China. Great destination success stories prophesizes the future for Mission Hills and Haikou. Not unlike the tiny Hainan Province island just a few years ago, Orlando was

Promoting the world’s newest, must-visit, family-mega-destination, the Chu’s are attracting long-deserved attention to Haikou by growing the World Celebrity Pro-Am. Now in its 4th edition, this biennial extravaganza began in 2010 and attracts the world’s top golfers, sports athletes, Hollywood stars, and movie producers. The opening Red Carpet event displayed an A-list of global celebrities and showed a marketing genius. The World Celebrity Pro-Am is already touting a ‘top-tier’ place in the firmament of celebrity golf events too. Yao Ming tees off at the 1st hole

ISSUE 195

also a sleepy Florida hamlet not-so-long-ago that only began to develop in 1967-68 when the US Navy located its then-new training base there quickly followed by Walt Disney acquiring a massive track of land on the town’s outskirts. Then Disney’s momentum became the ‘little mouse that roared’ when Disney World opened in 1971. Disney built Disney World on its California success, just as the Chu’s are building Mission Hills Haikou on their Shenzhen success! Another similarity to Orlando is not lost on this proud US Navy veteran; Hainan also serves as a strategic location for China’s modern Navy. The Orlando parallels have caught others’ attentions too. Academy Award winner Michael Douglas was on hand for the 2016 4th World Celebrity Pro Am in October and noted, “Meeting in the film forum today I got an understanding of what your plans are for your studios and film production. This is a very exciting time for Hainan. “I think the point they are at now is extraordinary. It reminds me a lot of the early days of Orlando, Florida - thinking about Disney World and Universal tours. Just seeing the facilities here I have so loved the [resort and studio] tour. Originally I came here for golf, but now seeing the movie studios and Centerville – showed what commitment they have not only to make Mission Hills Haikou a success, but also the whole Hainan Province. I think the future will be spectacular. The weather is gorgeous!” Promoting the world’s newest, mustvisit, family-mega-destination, the Chu’s are attracting long-deserved attention to Haikou by growing the World Celebrity Pro-Am. Now in its 4th edition, this biennial extravaganza began in 2010 and attracts the world’s top golfers, sports athletes, Hollywood stars, and

DECEMBER 2016

(L-R) Yao Ming, Gary Player, Tenniel Chu, Michael Douglas at the 1st hole of the World Celebrity Pro-Am Dwight Yorke during the World Celebrity Pro-Am

John Daly throws a basketball during the World Celebrity Pro-Am

SPECIAL FEATURE Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am

Tenniel Chu and Allen Iverson

Suzanne Pettersen

Actor Jeremy Renner walks the Red Carpet event at the World Celebrity Pro-Am 2016 Mission Hills

LPGA Tour star Paula Creamer joins her husband on the red carpet during the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am

69 ASIAN GOLF

Robbie Fowler

ISSUE 195

DECEMBER 2016

movie producers. The opening Red Carpet event displayed an A-list of global celebrities and showed a marketing genius. The World Celebrity Pro-Am is already touting a ‘top-tier’ place in the firmament of celebrity golf events too. Douglas said, “The celebrity amateur golf tournaments already exist all over the world, I see that you are already [equal] with Pebble Beach and the Dunhill Cup, which I have done before. I think this week is an extraordinary opportunity to bring the world together, for us, Jeremy and I, to meet so many Chinese actors and directors and, for me, to combine golf and cinema – my two loves.” Hollywood star Jeremy Renner who plays superhero ‘Hawkeye’ in Marvel’s Avengers movie series was more confident about Hawkeye’s archery skills than with shooting par, “The only way for me to act tough on the golf course would be to use the club to hit somebody with, instead of the ball. I hope, instead of beating anyone up I will be listening and learning. Or maybe I should just watch and have a beer, how does that sound? It sounds pretty good to me. I’d be happy to be the caddie! Just let me drive around the golf course and I will have a great time experiencing some of the most beautiful greens that I have ever seen here at Mission Hills Haikou.” Much has been written about the Chu family, but in getting to know Ken and

The only way for me to act tough on the golf course would be to use the club to hit somebody with, instead of the ball. I hope, instead of beating anyone up I will be listening and learning. Or maybe I should just watch and have a beer, how does that sound? It sounds pretty good to me. I’d be happy to be the caddie! Just let me drive around the golf course and I will have a great time experiencing some of the most beautiful greens that I have ever seen here at Mission Hills Haikou.” – Jeremy Renner

Jessica Jung

Tenniel one taps into their group’s inner sanctum of exponential success. These brothers reveal a foreshadowing of China’s future tourism akin to a Hollywood script. To know them is to see the future. While having different personalities they share common bonds of vigorous youth, an effortless aplomb, wizardly intelligence, and both are gregariously friendly to everyone they meet. They warmly greet all including workers and the A-list celebs – but don’t underestimate that they are all business. The Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro Am is Asia’s first and only pro-celebrity golf event. It is viewed on more than 26 television channels in Greater China and over 200 countries worldwide. The event aims to help grow the game of golf in China, whilst also promoting Hainan Island as a tourist destination and supporting local charities. Proceeds are being donated to The Nature Conservancy and the Hainan United Youth Association. Nine great professional golfers competed in two rounds with an individual Stableford format for a prize purse of USD $1.0 million – with USD $ 250,000 going to the winner. Pro golfers also played alongside their celebrity partners for the team title on the world renowned Mission Hills Blackstone Course – designed by Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley Design. Tennis legend Boris Becker and his wife walk the red carpet during the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am

SPECIAL FEATURE Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am

Winning Team of the World Legends Cup

It was fun man! I had a great time all weekend. It was beautiful,” said the Basketball Hall of Famer. “I would love to come back, but with my family. The experience was so great, that I want my family to be a part of something like this. I will cherish and remember this for the rest of my life!”

– Allen Iverson

Li Hao-tong, 21-year old winner of the European Tour’s Volvo China Open joined in to round out the field of pros – and walked away with a fat cheque for USD $250,000 holing a birdie on the final green to thrill the hometown crowd. The 2016 Pro Am field included golfing greats Gary Player, John Daly, Mark O’Meara and Rich Beem – winners of 14 Major Championships between them – plus an equally impressive foursome of LPGA stars Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Suzanne Pettersen and Anna Nordqvist. Hollywood legends Michael Douglas and Jeremy Renner were just two of the movie stars playing alongside elite golfers in a separate bid for the prestigious pro-celebrity team title. Icons from the world of sport include three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker and basketball Hall of Famers Allen Iverson and Yao Ming. They were joined by a host of footballing icons, including Manchester United stars Paul Scholes, Dwight Yorke, Lee Sharpe and David May – and Liverpool greats Fowler, Luis Garcia and

John Daly

Rich Beem

71 ASIAN GOLF

Gary McAllister. NBA superstar Allen Iverson best summed up the 2016 World Celebrity Pro-Am in China, “It was fun man! I had a great time all weekend. It was beautiful,” said the Basketball Hall of Famer. “I would love to come back, but with my family. The experience was so great, that I want my family to be a part of something like this. I will cherish and remember this for the rest of my life!” So heeding Iverson’s summary, before you pack up the family for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, chart out plans for Mission Hills Haikou Resort as your destination. With many attractions, Hainan has also become recognized as a world-class scuba diving destination with abundant, pristine coral reefs. And if you missed out on buying real estate in Orlando in 1971, you can still get into Mission Hills Haikou on the ground floor before it’s completely built out and priced out of reach. Go for the golf, stay for the fun – it’s great ‘golf and more.’ Li Haotong of China poses with the trophy after winning the World Celebrity Pro-Am

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

SPECIAL FEATURE PING ANSER - 50th Anniversary

75 ASIAN GOLF

S MIKE SEBASTIAN

S JOHN SOLHEIM

S KEN CHU

ISSUE 195

DECEMBER 2016

It brought back a lot of great memories from the days in our garage near Scottsdale. The Anser is the most successful putter design ever and its place in history is unquestioned. Who could have imagined 50 years after its invention it would still be the most dominant design on tour? It seems like golfers of all abilities have used an Anser putter at some point.” PING’s Anser putter is a classic and ranks as the most successful putter design ever. Given this unique status, PING has launched a limited edition of the Anser in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The limited-edition version of the iconic model is made from the original molds, assembled with components made in the U.S.A., and supplied by the vendors used in 1966.

ach putter’s sole is also hand ground by PING Chairman & CEO John Solheim, just as he did 50 years ago in his family’s garage.

“This has been a fun project and to be able to make it entirely in the United States is extra special,” said Solheim. “It brought back a lot of great memories from the days in our garage near Scottsdale. The Anser is the most successful putter design ever and its place in history is unquestioned. Who could have imagined 50 years after its invention it would still be the

most dominant design on tour? It seems like golfers of all abilities have used an Anser putter at some point. This limited-edition version is a tribute to that success and a look to the future with some of the technology we’ve added in the form of tungsten in the heel and toe to bring it to modern-day weights.” The original concept for the Anser putter was sketched on a 78-rpm record sleeve by PING founder Karsten Solheim in early 1966. It was patented the next year. The name was inspired by his desire to find an “answer” to the popular putter at the time. His wife, Louise, suggested he call it “Answer” but Karsten was concerned it was too long to fit on the toe. She told him to leave out the “w” and the rest is history. It went on to become the winningest (and most copied) putter model in golf, with more than 500 tour titles to its credit, including 19 men’s major championships. Its first win came in 1966 at the Florida Citrus Open. The Anser’s first major victory was at the 1969 Masters. “Most people don’t realize the amount of hand work that went into the original Anser putters 50 years ago,” added Solheim. “The radiuses on both of the hand-machined tools were finished with a file and sandpaper by Karsten. I built most of the original Ansers in the garage, starting with machining and grinding the raw castings and continuing on through final assembly. My brother Allan machined the second mold, which is slightly different and often referred to as the ‘slope-side’ mold. We wanted to bring that hand crafted approach back as part of the Anser’s 50-year celebration and its remarkable contribution to golf.” PING will produce and serialize 1,550 right-handed 50th anniversary Ansers, 775 from each mold. The putters will be distinguished by either a “K” (Karsten’s mold) or “A” (Allan’s mold) in the serial number on the inside of the hosel. Solheim presented one of the Anser putters to Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, publisher of ASIAN GOLF.

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 KVÛ[VÛ HUK PZ YLUVÛLK 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

VOLVO MASTERS

ASIA

2005 Winner: Shiv Kapur

2006 Winner: Thongchai Jaidee

2007 Winner: Prayad Marksaeng

2008 Winner: Lam Chih Bing

1998 Winner: Vijay Singh

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

BIRDIE EVERY BOX ON YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT LIST.

GIVE THE #1 GIFT IN GOLF.® This holiday, give the golfers in your life the gift of total performance. Maybe wrap up a dozen for yourself, too. Pro V1® and Pro V1x,™ they’re sure to keep spirits high and scores low.