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ISSUE

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JUNE 2017

Have you heard of Topgolf? If you’ve not, you are about to hear about it now.Topgolf is a revolutionary new way of playing golf and it is spreading like wild-fire in North America. TopGolf is an innovative derivative of the game of golf - it’s a game where you chip, sip and chomp – what can be better than being able to play some golf, have your favourite drink, eat some delicious food and be in the company of your friends with one common objective – to have fun. Find out more inside.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

REGULARS

32 GOLF GEAR – IT’S MORE THAN JUST GOLF CLUBS AND BALLS

10 EDITORIAL TEAM

There’s a major shift taking place with regards to how golf equipment manufacturers are marketing their wares these days. While most of the manufacturers have begun dabbling with on-line stores, the shift relates to how they are promoting all of their products packaged under the all-encompassing generic term that is being referred to as “golf gear”.

14 GOLF’S EPIPHANY – DON’T LET THE MIRACLE FADE!

90 SHOW ME THE MONEY! Well, if you can rustle up US$650, it’ll get you a truly expensive wedge. Maybe the most expensive commercially available wedge there is! And guess who is behind the wedge? It’s none other than PXG Golf, the golf company headquartered in the Arizona desert and powered by the vision and capital of American billionaire philanthropist Bob Parsons.

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After years of long drawn out and often painful talks to try and restructure the format of competition in golf, the folks who manage professional golf tournaments have come up with some brilliant ideas which recently played out to incredible spectator enthusiasm.

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46 SPECIAL FEATURE 46 WHERE TIGERS AND BOARS ONCE ROAMED Tucked away in the southern tip of the Malaysian state of Johor is a world class golf course designed by former world number one, Vijay Singh. It’s called the Valley Course in Desaru and it is part of The Els Cub Desaru Coast. ASIAN GOLF visited the course but was unable to play due to inclement weather. Check out our report.

56 GOLF COURSE COSTS ARE DESTROYING THE GAME – WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? High costs of golf course maintenance are now fused with the high development costs of golf courses in a flat market, all to form a perfect storm that’s driving costs forever higher for golfers everywhere and further feeding the negative public perception of golf.

64 ASIAN PLAYERS HIT NEW THRESHOLD While only four Asians won PGA Tour tournaments between the formation of the PGA Tour in 1916 and 2007, 10 different players have won in the intervening 10 years. In all, players from Chinese Taipei, India, Japan and

72 106 South Korea have won official PGA Tour tournaments. With countries like China, India and Thailand strengthening their focus on golf and producing world-class players, and more and more Japanese and South Korean players making their way to the PGA Tour, expect this trend to continue -and then some.

company headquartered in Thailand celebrated its 20th anniversary in May. Over the last twenty years, it has grown to be become arguably the biggest operation of its kind in the region. It was launched in 1997 as an adjunct to a golf guide to Thailand and since that time, the company has expanded remarkably.

72 DRAGON’S LAIR IS OPEN!

102 KIM SWIPES PGA TOUR’S CROWN JEWEL

Warren Golf and Country Club in Singapore has just finished a complete course renovation exercise. The club got a make-over with a tight budget that was completed in record time. ASIAN GOLF is highlighting this project as it feels that it serves as an excellent template for other courses in the region considering renovation works.

Just 21 years of age, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim maintained a sharp focus and a stoic face to win the tournament and become the youngest player ever in the history of The Players Championship. You’ve just got to give it to him – it was his day and he worked like a gladiator determined to deliver the final killer blow.

82 DUBAI GOES ON A GLOBAL GOLF OFFENSIVE

106 THAILAND – A DYNAMIC GOLF FACTORY

Spearheading this programme is Falcon Golf that works closely with key local stakeholders and with more courses in the pipeline to complement the worldclass choices already available, and initiatives such as a new website, there is huge potential for the sport to help Dubai hit its target of 20 million visitors by 2020.

Of late, women professional golfers have been stealing the lime-light on professional golf tours throughout the world. In America, in Europe and in Asia, Thai women golfers are a major force.

98 GOLF TOURISM IN ASIA IS ON A TEAR! Golfasian, the specialist promotions

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Put it all down to the “Jutanugarn Factor” – this is what has fired up women in Thailand to take up professional golf as a career. Golf guru Tony Meechai predicts that dozens of talented young ladies will come down the production line of Thailand’s Golf Factory.

GAME-IMPROVEMENT 114 GAME IMPROVEMENT: GETTING SQUARED IN GOLF Getting squared? What the heck does it mean? It simply means proper alignment – that’s all! Our golf guru and master teaching professional Tony Meechai has some thoughts about how you can get squared with your swing.


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Mike Sebastian Editor/Chief Executive Officer [mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]

INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITORS

James Graham Prusa Correspondent

Angela Raymond President [angela@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]

Alan Campbell (China/Middle East) Correspondent

Andy Stangenberg Club Services Advisor

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Raquel Arcega

Tony Meechai (Black Hat Golf Tips -Thailand)

Executive Creative Art Director [raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]

(Pro Tour College)

David Milne & Lawrie Montague

INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Alice Ho Business Executive [alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]

Alice Ho

Email: alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com

ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP(2014) PTE LTD

Wayne Lwee Head, Digital Network/Video Editor [wayne@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]

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

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Myra Paras Accounts Executive [myra@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]

No part of Asian Golf may be reproduced in any other publications, printed or published without the written permission of the publisher. Opinions in Asian Golf are the writers’ and are not necessarily endorsed by Asian Golf. Asian Golf accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage.



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FROM THE PUBLISHER SHARED THOUGHTS

After years of long drawn out and often painful talks to try and re-structure the format of competition golf, the folks who manage professional golf tournaments have come up with some brilliant ideas which recently played out to incredible spectator enthusiasm. Within a time-span of just a few weeks, two events across both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, forever changed how competition golf will be played henceforth.

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he PGA Tour led the charge for change and under the leadership of its newly minted commissioner Jay Monahan, a bold decision was taken to adopt an exciting new two-man team format for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans which feature two rounds each of Foursome and Four-Ball competition. It was great to watch – the

spectacle of team spirit with the players playing for each other and the thousands of spectators were dragged into the thick of action so typical of any team sport. A normally staid and conservative golf course was transformed into 18 stadia pulsating with excitement, energy and adulating support for the teams. A week later, the European Tour stepped up to the plate

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and hit one right out of the park with its adrenaline-charged GolfSixes which provided enough justiďŹ cation to make this into a mainstay in competition golf. The guy who took the huge gamble to push the envelope for change to its outer limit was the Canadian CEO of the European Tour, Keith Pelley. He bucked tradition by being fearless in adopting an idea of a shortened and more spectator participative form of golf.

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THERE’S NO DOUBT THIS WILL BE BACK -WE’RE GOING TO TAKE WHAT WE’VE LEARNT AND BUILD ON THIS. THE KEY IS TO GET THE MIX RIGHT, MAKING IT ENTERTAINING AND PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF THE GAME. Pelley, who is no newcomer to the promotion of sports, drew from other forms of competitive sports where the game has been shortened to make it more appealing to spectators and more competitive for the players. The European Tour’s top honcho calls it GolfSixes and the inaugural event staged in England created an atmosphere that was charged with excitement similar to the Ryder Cup, albeit on a smaller scale. The one thing that was very obvious with GolfSixes was the element of national support. As teams represented their respective countries, it got the spectators fired up. It was quite a spectacle to see people wearing tee shorts emblazoned with the colours of their nation and flags being waved and twirled as the golfers soaked in the support

and delivered performances to match. We believe that both formats, that touted by the PGA Tour and the European Tour’s GolfSixes are here to stay. If anything at all, both these exciting formats will help grow sagging television audiences and hopefully, this will help spin-off more new-comers to try the game of golf. Will the new formats, especially GolfSixes come back? Well, according to Pelley, “There’s no doubt this will be back -we’re going to take what we’ve learnt and build on this. The key is to get the mix right, making it entertaining and preserving the integrity of the game.” The PGA Tour also seems to be on board with the new format that it introduced at the Zurich Classic. “We are thrilled to bring this new format to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and to introduce an annual team event to the PGA TOUR,” said Andy Pazder, chief of Operations for the PGA TOUR. “We have seen the growth of popularity with the biennial team competitions like the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup and World Cup and the excitement that they produce. We believe the fans will love to see this sort of competition as a regular part of our season.” Well, it seems that both professional tours have decreed that the new formats are here to stay. Good job guys – just grow it!

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TOP GOLF COVER STORY

Imagine a setting where a bunch watching a Netix Original series serious boredom that has plunged the setting by quick-marching the nightclub with pulsating music an cious buffalo wings, burgers and f adrenaline and in the mood for so and starting a competition that ge


of twenty-somethings are slouched on couches feeling and looking bored after binge mixed in with a few bouts of the League of Legends computer game. We are talking about d these young bodies into a state of both physical and mental lethargy. Now, let’s change se same tired bodies into an environment where they can have some real fun. Fun like in a d flipping exotic cocktails and drinks at a bar while satiating the pangs of hunger with delifries. Man, this is the sort of awesome stuff that will get young millennials to pump up their me real action. What if a game was thrown into the mix – like hitting golf balls into a target ets everyone to join in? It’ll be a party and a big one at that!


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t sort of captures what Topgolf is but no matter how descriptive the editorial is, there’s nothing like experiencing Topgolf in real life. Before we dive into the topic proper, we’d like to share with our readers what our resident golf guru, Tony Meechai has to say about the phenomenon that is sweeping the United States of America and soon, the world. Tony who is a very expressive person simply lit up at the very mention of Topgolf. “It’s awesome! The food is delicious. The feeling is like going to Disneyland mixed in with a Cardinals or St. Louis Blues hockey game with a Hooters restaurant like feeling.” Sounds like BIG TIME FUN alright! Thanks Tony, spoken like a true-blue Chicagoan (Tony is Thai but born and raised in Chicago). “Hey, and

before I forget, it’s a terrific place for the entire family!” It’s hard to shut Tony up when he is on a roll! Welcome to actions galore. It is the land of Topgolf, a recreational activity centred on golf. Unlike golf as the purists know it, Topgolf has wrapped a whole experience around the game in what has become a social experience that is proving to have an instant appeal to a multi-generational demographic mix with its widest appeal being to the younger tiers. Topgolf is trying to position itself as an entertainment alternative for younger generations of potential golfers, and those looking for different ways to enjoy the game. Millennials are a big part of that target audience: A whopping 67 percent of its visitors are under the age of 34, and 37 percent are non-golfers.



ASIAN GOLF has elected to focus on Top because it is a rapidly growing recreational phenomenon and to not discuss its wide appe would be tantamount to us pulling the blinke over our eyes. Whichever way one looks at it, Topgolf is on its way and we can expect it to b Asia in the not too distant future. Compared to the staid and noble green g game of golf, Topgolf is an innovative derivati of the game only that it is totally in-your-face and absolutely irreverent in a nice sort of way Just imagine – it’s a game where you chip, sip and chomp – what can be better than being a to play some golf, have your favourite drink, e

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some delicious food and be in the company of your friends with one common objective – to have fun. This is precisely the formula that has propelled Topgolf into becoming a multi-billion dollar business which seems to be moving at the rate of an unstoppable runaway caboose. Topgolf had its start in England in 2005 and describes itself as “entertainment” where the competition of sport meets your favourite local bar. In a Topgolf setting, one can challenge friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone can play all year-round. This already beats playing on a golf course that is subject to prevailing weather conditions.

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TOPGOLF IS AN INNOVATIVE DERIVATIVE OF THE GAME ONLY THAT IT IS TOTALLY IN-YOUR-FACE AND ABSOLUTELY IRREVERENT IN A NICE SORT OF WAY! JUST IMAGINE

– IT’S A GAME WHERE YOU CHIP, SIP AND CHOMP – WHAT CAN BE BETTER THAN BEING ABLE TO PLAY SOME GOLF, HAVE YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK, EAT SOME DELICIOUS FOOD AND BE IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR FRIENDS WITH ONE COMMON OBJECTIVE

– TO HAVE FUN.


BESIDES GOLF, A TYPICAL TOPGOLF VENUE OFFERS RANGE OF OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES LIKE POOL, FOOSBALL, SHUFFLEBOARD AND VIDEO GAMES NOT TO MENTION TELEVISION SCREENS, MUSIC AND SOMETIMES A DJ AND LIVE BANDS. MIX THAT IN WITH MULTIPLE BARS AND FOOD OUTLETS, TOPGOLF IS A HARD ACT TO BEAT! Topgolf describes it’s facility as follows: Just picture a 240-yard outfield with dartboardlike targets in the ground. The closer to the centre or “bull’s-eye” you get your microchipped ball, the more points you get. The more accurate your shot and the further the distance, the more points you earn. It’s really simple and while you score points, the results flash onto a display screen which promotes group participation and fun. Besides golf, a typical Topgolf venue offers a range of other recreational facilities like pool, foosball, shuffleboard and video games not to mention television screens, music and sometimes a DJ and live bands. Mix that in with multiple bars and food outlets, Topgolf is a hard act to beat! Besides pulling in crowds, Topgolf is

also proving to be a big hit with corporations. In a special editorial feature in FORBES, an executive of one Topgolf venue (Topgolf Edison) revealed that 23 percent of participation has come from business related events. “When companies realize we’re such a great venue to host their team meeting, a client appreciation event, or a golf tournament, that’s a really big traffic driver for us,” said William Davenport, the chief financial offer of the venue. “It’s no longer: `Keep your shirt tucked in, wear long pants and be quiet the whole time - they want to have fun and this is a great way for them to do it. And at the same time, the ones who really want to play this is going to lead them to a golf course,” Davenport added. So, now that Topgolf is a rapidly growing trend in America, what about taking this asiangolf 201

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GOLF IS POPULAR IN ASIAN COUNTRIES, BUT IT’S INACCESSIBLE TO A LOT OF THE POPULATION. WHEN IT IS ACCESSIBLE, IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE. TOPGOLF HAS THE ABILITY TO BRING THE GAME OF GOLF TO THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE ACCESS OR CAN’T AFFORD IT. WE ALSO OFFER A FRESH WAY FOR FANS TO ENJOY GOLF, AS WELL AS A NEW ENTERTAINMENT OPTION FOR FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS. exciting trend international? For the answers ASIAN GOLF reached out to Zach Shor, the chief operating officer of Topgolf International and the following are excerpts from that discussion: ASIAN GOLF: Now that there is Topgolf International, give us a sense of what the organisation’s plans are to grow Topgolf internationally? ZACH SHOR: Right now, we’re focusing on about 15-20 countries where Topgolf sees the greatest opportunity for international expansion. Our plan is to license the Topgolf concept by identifying local partners in our target territories and working closely with them to bring Topgolf to new regions. ASIAN GOLF: Does Topgolf have a wish list of countries that it would like to be in and if so, which countries would be ideally suited to the Topgolf International business model? SHOR: Yes, and they’re probably all countries you would guess. In Asia, we’re talking with potential licensing partners in the region. We’re also exploring our expansion

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opportunities in Europe, with a huge interest in additional United Kingdom locations because of the region’s deep roots in golf. Additionally, we’re looking at several Pan Asian countries. ASIAN GOLF: What countries is Topgolf International already operational in? SHOR: We currently have venues in the United States and the United Kingdom. Next year, we plan to open venues in Australia and Mexico, with the possibility of additional countries. ASIAN GOLF: Topgolf International has obviously done its homework – with this in mind, does Topgolf International envision problems with taking the brand international and if so, what would the challenges be? SHOR: Our first challenge is finding the right partner to license the Topgolf concept to. Topgolf is unique, so this step isn’t as simple as finding a partner that operates a similar facility or business model. Our partner needs the operational experience, but also needs to fit into Topgolf’s culture. We pride ourselves on interactive experiences, passionate


TOPGOLF IS GROWING EXPONENTIALLY AGAINST A BACKDROP OF NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FACED BY THE TRADITIONAL GOLF INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY AS IT CONCERNS THE DIMINISHING NUMBER OF GOLFERS AND FEWER NEW GOLFERS COMING INTO THE GAME.

THIS TREND HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR SOME TIME AND WHILE NUMEROUS EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ALLEVIATE THE CHALLENGE, THE ENSUING RESULTS HAVE NOT BEEN TOO ENCOURAGING. IT IS HOPED THAT INITIATIVES LIKE TOPGOLF CAN PLAY ITS PART TO BE THE MUCH NEEDED ELIXIR TO HELP GIVE GOLF THE BOOSTER SHOT IN THE ARM! associates and an energetic vibe. We’ve been lucky to find great partners so far, but we’re still searching for the right ones in future markets. Our second challenge is localizing the Topgolf concept to match different environments and cultures. The need to socialize and connect in meaningful ways transcends geography. We aim to connect and grow the global entertainment community, but how Topgolf exists and operates in the U.S. may not be successful in every country. We work very closely with our licensing partners to localize every aspect of the Topgolf experience – including the menu, building design, operational strategies and community initiatives. ASIAN GOLF: What is Topgolf International’s position on expanding into Asia? Where do you see the brand establishing a beach-head? SHOR: Golf is popular in Asian countries, but it’s inaccessible to a lot of the population. When it is accessible, it’s too expensive. Topgolf has the ability to bring the game of golf to those who don’t have access or can’t afford it. We

also offer a fresh way for fans to enjoy golf, as well as a new entertainment option for friends and co-workers. ASIAN GOLF: Is there a short to medium term target on the number of international facilities – what numbers is Topgolf International looking at for say the next five years? SHOR: Honestly, the sky’s the limit. We’re doing heavy market research on a lot of different countries. I think Asia has the potential to have as many venues as the U.S., if not more. Topgolf is growing exponentially against a backdrop of numerous problems faced by the traditional golf industry, especially as it concerns the diminishing number of golfers and fewer new golfers coming into the game. This trend has been in existence for some time and while numerous efforts have been made to alleviate the challenge, the ensuing results have not been too encouraging. It is hoped that initiatives like Topgolf can play its part to be the much needed elixir to help give golf the booster shot in the arm!



GOLF EQUIPMENT

GOLF GEAR



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his is a very positive trend because it helps grow the industry’s revenue streams beyond the traditional big ticket items like golf clubs by enlarging the product base to include a whole slew of products. It’s nice to see the brands pushing out all of their products bundled together under the banner of “golf gear”. What is “golf gear”? Well, it’s everything from golf caps to gloves, to apparel and golf accessories. Makes good sense the way we see it. One brand that is taking a lead role in promoting its golf gear is the powerhouse that we all know as Titleist. The brand best known for its Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, the world’s winningest golf ball on the professional tour circuits is taking a very aggressive stance in promoting its golf gear products and its latest push is directed at its new stand bags.

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PLAYERS 5 StaDry® STAND BAG HIGH PERFORMANCE WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY 1 Proprietary stand system with internal foot mechanism and engineered curved hinge for optimal leg position and stable width 2 Double-to-single convertible strap system with quick- release buckles 3 Waterproof seam sealed construction

Titleist golf club inspired design and finish

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5-way top-cuff


PLAYERS 4 STAND BAG DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT ENGINEERING FOR THE DEDICATED GOLFER 1 Proprietary stand system with internal foot mechanism and engineered curved hinge for optimal leg position and stable width 2 Double-to-single convertible strap system with quick-release buckles 3 Waterproof valuable pocket 4 Lighter weight stand design

Titleist golf club inspired design and ďŹ nish

4-way top-cuff

4 Marketed under the banner of the new Titleist Players Collection line of stand bags, the range features thoughtfully designed bags with a special focus on the performance requirements of the dedicated golfer. Designed in-house by the Titleist Golf Gear Team and manufactured using proprietary components for ultimate durability, every bag in the new Players Collection incorporates features and design elements that have been validated by insights from dedicated golfers of all levels. The bags feature new lightweight designs with advanced stand and strap systems and the Players Collection combines proprietary engineering with premium materials. The Titleist Players Collection includes the Players 4, Players 5 and Players 14 stand bag models, identiďŹ ed by organizational preference in 4-way, 5-way and 14-way top-cuff



PLAYERS 5 STAND BAG OPTIMAL BLEND OF ORGANIZATION AND LIGHTWEIGHT ENGINEERING FOR THE DEDICATED GOLFER 1 Proprietary stand system with internal foot mechanism and engineered curved hinge for optimal leg position and stable width 2 Double-to-single convertible strap system with quick-release buckles 3 High-density foam strap 4 Protective waterproof valuables pocket

Titleist golf club inspired design and finish 5-way top-cuff

5 configurations. A Players 5 StaDry model is also available for golfers seeking advanced waterproof protection. In a nutshell, each of the four models in the Players Collection provides golfer-validated performance and quality through advanced stand bag engineering and materials which include: New performance stand system engineered for superior stability; Double-to-single convertible strap system with quickrelease buckles;

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Premium cushioning foam strap for ease of use and comfort; A protective and waterproof valuables pocket; Well, looks like “golf gear” is here to stay and anything that helps the golfer look good, play better and play more golf is good for the game.

PLAYERS 14 STAND BAG VERSATILITY, ORGANIZATION AND PERFORMANCE 1 Proprietary stand system with internal foot mechanism and engineered curved hinge for optimal leg position and stable width 2 3-way handle in top-cuff 3 Protective waterproof valuables pocket 4 Double apparel pocket

Titleist golf club inspired design and finish

VIEW THE CATALOGUE

14-way top-cuff


I am THONGCHAI JAIDEE and my life revolves around Black Mountain. As a professional golfer, I have constant access to a world class golf course that helps me stay at the top of my game. I love life and Black Mountain offers the ideal setting for quality living in a perfectly managed and well-balanced environment. As a family man, Black Mountain is safe and a perfect place to grow my family. What more can I ask for? Come and be part of Black Mountain. Black Mountain Golf Club – a small piece of heaven on earth.

Black Mountain Golf Club – Asia’s Winningest Golf Club

Petchakasem Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand Tel: +66 32 618 666 | Email: proshop@bmghuahin.com | www.blackmountainhuahin.com



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ore than most industries, the golf industry has had its fair share of doom and gloom stories. The golf business landscape has been inundated by news about golf course closures, declining incomes, equipment manufacturers shutting down and a litany of such dismal news. The time has come to put this all behind and look ahead. Asia has entered an exciting era of dynamic growth with most of the Continent’s economies reflecting good health. More Asian corporates are moving up the ladder of success on the For-

tune and Forbes list of billion-dollar conglomerates. This is an excellent measure of the powerhouse that Asia is. Populations are becoming better educated, more affluent and ready for new and exciting experiences. While the Baby-Boomers may be on the decline, the younger population demographics including the much talked about Millennials have matured and moved up the consumer pyramid. There has never been a better time than NOW for the golf industry to take stock of all the positives and prepare itself to tap into new opportunities for improved business and greater earnings.

New technologies like Mobile Ap to be brought on board to improve t member experience. New and exciti of play need to be introduced that is consuming, more fun and more affo Service standards need to be stepp fold. New and improved ways of ren efficiently maintaining golf courses fast-tracked. It’s all about NEW DIRECTIONS b herein lies the future of golf and its g in Asia. There’s a NEW AGE of oppor awaiting the golf club industry in Asia

|1| ADAM HARRIS |2| ANDREW WOOD |3| ANDY STANGENBERG |4| PAUL STRINGER |5| STEVEN FREUND |6| GREGG PATT |8| ROBERT PARSONS |9| ZACH SHOR |10| BILL SANDERSON |11| TODD RHINEHART |12| DR. MILTON ENGELKE |13| DAVID D

ASIA PACIFIC GOLF

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because growth path rtunities a and early

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adopters of the emerging changes will be set and ready to reap harvests brought about by the paradigm shifts. Be part of the ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY and be at the 2017 Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS 2017). No other golf business event in the world can offer you a road map to prepare for the exciting times ahead. Come and listen to the architects of change who will be piloting Asia’s thrust forward.

TERSON |7| TENNIEL CHU DOUGET |14| BRAD BURGESS

F GROUP (2014) PTE LTD.

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DESARU GOLF SPECIAL FEATURE

I remember being transported on the broad shoulders of one of my father’s porters as he and his friends trudged through the underbrush of the rainforests on hunting expeditions in Johor, the southernmost Malaysian state. I was about six years old and this was more than sixty years ago. The area in question was Desaru which runs along the coast of the south-eastern tip of the Malaysian state. During some of the expeditions, I used to be frightened right out of my skin by the deep, guttural roar of Malaysian tigers although I never saw one. Wild boar was plentiful and these beasts were the targets for the hunters on the expedition. „ By Mike Sebastian asiangolf asi as asia a sia s i ng ngo ngol gol go g ollf 201 o 20 2 01

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east did I envision that someday in the future, the very land that I traversed straddled on the shoulders of porters would be transformed into world class golf courses. Well, time is such where the rich, verdant rainforest has had to give in to progress and share some of its acreage with the architectural works of two champion golfers, namely the easy going South African Ernie Els and the big hitting Fijian, Vijay Singh. For this special report the focus will be on the course that Vijay dreamt up, the Valley Course which is part of the sprawling spread known as the Els Club Desaru Coast.

I had the opportunity of visiting the Valley Course when it was in its completion stage and Vijay was on hand to give me an insight into the design concept for the course. Vijay is no stranger to the Malaysian State of Johor having lived in the country for a number of years. The one-time world number one and a man worth many millions over, stood on one of the recently completed greens, dressed in a white polo and khaki shorts as he scanned the wide expanse of land and declared, “When completed, this course will rank amongst the great courses of the world.� He meant it because the terrain is spectacular and the natural landscape makes for a spell-binding vista

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that very few golf courses can claim to have. “What we have here is land and the varied elevations that we have to work with provides me with interesting challenges to work on so many routing opportunities – in fact, I believe that the finished product will be truly unique,” was Vijay’s predication. And as forecast, the Valley Course is a tribute to Vijay’s vision to build a course that allows golfers of all skill levels to see how best they can take on and beat the challenges that each of the 18 holes presents. When I revisited the completed project, it looked totally different to the images that I had stored in my recall. I was able to stand at the club-house and soak in a visual panorama that resembled an artist’s palette made up of varying shades of blue and green – a true representation

of the lush and vibrant environment. Although the view from the club-house is very pleasing to the eye, let this not lull you into a state of complacency. With its wide, rolling fairways punctuated by large bodies of water, the Valley Course is deceptive. A lot of thought had obviously gone in to its design and one gets the impression that Vijay studied every inch of the topography before he embarked on the design. Recalling my site discussions with Vijay, I remember him explaining that the topography was such that it called for the layering of bunkers at different elevation points and the Valley Course does live up to this statement because some holes have numerous bunkers. Again, it is apparent that Vijay wants to challenge golfers – playing his course really calls for good course management and

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WITH ITS WIDE, ROLLING FAIRWAYS PUNCTUATED BY LARGE BODIES OF WATER, THE

VALLEY

COURSE IS DECEPTIVE. A LOT OF THOUGHT HAD OBVIOUSLY GONE IN TO ITS DESIGN AND ONE GETS THE IMPRES-

VIJAY STUDIED EVERY INCH OF THE TOPOGRAPHY BEFORE HE EMBARKED ON THE DESIGN. SION THAT

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strategy with regards to placement of shots. I did not get a chance to play the course because the course was closed due to inclement weather. However, this did not stop me from driving the entire course. I stopped at every hole to conduct a visual scan of what it would be like playing from the different tee-boxes. From most of the white tee-boxes, I had a wide grin on my face, indicating that a player of my skill-set could handle the challenge. Moving back to the blue tee-boxes, the grin gave way to a sense of uneasiness - a very different course emerged from each of the blue tee-boxes that I found very foreboding for a 22-handicapper. What about the black tee-boxes? These were absolutely cruel as it was very obvious that

Vijay was out to scare the living daylights out of those who dared to take on the challenge from the black tees. Even for professionals, most of the black tee positions would be a challenge and a club official who was with me said, “I have seen professionals breakdown and almost cry.” It will be difficult to deny the fact that the Valley Course is without doubt a real tournament ready golf course. But by the same token, it can also be an experience for golfers of all skills and as Vijay puts it, “This course will reward golfers for good play but penalise wayward shots.” The master has spoken – what he and his buddy Ernie Els have achieved in Desaru is a package made up of one 27-hole course, known as the Ocean

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Course which has a very resorty feel about it and the 18hole hole Valley Course. Collectively, the 54-hole spread that meanders through lush rain forests and skirts the South China Sea, is a treat for golfers. Now, this is where it all gets very exciting – when I was at the golf course, I saw very few golfers and my natural query was, “Where are the golfers – you’ve got world class facilities here but the golfers are not here?” I am glad that I asked because the Els Desaru Golf Courses are really part of a larger project – an alarmingly large development that runs into hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars and it is called the Desaru Coast

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WHAT ABOUT THE BLACK TEE-BOXES? THESE WERE ABSOLUTELY CRUEL AS IT WAS VERY OBVIOUS THAT

VIJAY WAS OUT TO

SCARE THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF THOSE WHO DARED TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE FROM THE BLACK TEES.


Development undertaken by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the national sovereign wealth fund of the Malaysian Government. The Desaru Coast Development includes a blend of globally renowned hotels and resorts such as The Westin Desaru Resort, a conference centre, a themed water park and a retail village. There will also be a new addition of Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and resort lifestyle residences.The whole development which spans over 3,900 acres facing the South China Sea, will take approximately 15 to 20 years to complete.

In a nutshell, the giant Desaru Coast Development is being developed as a premium integrated development - it aims to provide a complete destination package, especially for discerning travellers in this region. Well, now I can see the justiďŹ cation for a 54-hole golf spread. Given the size and scope of the Desaru Coast Development, the Els Club Desaru is set to become a major golf attraction and a money spinner. Before the crowds start arriving and if you have the time, go check out Vijay’s Valley course. You won’t be disappointed. There are no more tigers around though but the wild boars are still there!

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Spring/Summer 2017 Collection

KIR AD

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Tel :- 65-6455-5868


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COLUMN

SPECIAL FOCUS


What you are about to read is the start of a series that trains the spotlight on maintenance costs and how this is placing huge challenges across the shoulders of golf course owners, operators and club management. It is a problem that is having a very painful effect on most of the less profitable golf courses (which happens to be in the majority) and very little is being done to help alleviate this matter. ASIAN GOLF feels that this is an issue that affects all of us in the business of golf and that includes all golfers because at the end of the day, they are the ones who bear the brunt of poor and shoddy course maintenance brought about by high maintenance costs. To tell the story, warts and all, the assignment was given to our International Roving Editor, James Graham Prusa to investigate. There is no one better qualified than Prusa to undertake this tough assignment – he comes from a long and distinguished lineage of professionals who have both a passionate and intimate understanding of golf course upkeep. This is his first report: 57

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JAMES GRAHAM PRUSA


Checking on-course superintendent evaluations: Mr. Ben Crenshaw and Mr. David Stone, CGCS, The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee

GOLF’S HIGH FIXED COSTS SINK REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS AS REVENUES DRY UP…

THE BUSINESS

MODEL OF RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES BUILT AROUND GOLF COURSES ISN’T WORKING ANY MORE.

FOR MANY DEVELOPERS WITH NO PLAN B, BANKRUPTCY REMAINS THE ONLY OPTION. – TOBY TOBIN, GOLF BUSINESS ANALYST, GOTOBY.COM

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Ask anyone involved with golf in 2017 and you can hear true tales of woe about its stagnating growth and decline worldwide. At a time when the term ‘sustainability’ has entered the vogue lexicon, many golf courses have become anything but economically sustainable and more are likely to falter. Such failure is inexcusable and it’s time that many in golf management self-improve or be replaced with brighter, well-paid business and science minds. Contrary to self-assured adulation by trade associations and media in golf, we have a management competency crisis fueling a microeconomic golf course crisis.

H

igh costs of golf course maintenance are now fused with the high development costs of golf courses in a flat market, all to form a perfect storm that’s driving costs forever higher for golfers everywhere and further feeding the negative public perception of golf. This perfect storm has fomented obscene expense for both public and private course golfers alike – and it has regional planners taking action throughout Asia and Oceana. The Dailey Telegraph recently reported in Sydney, Australia on a 25-year plan vision by the Botany Bay Council to reclaim and convert the regions golf courses for other recreational usage. High costs are driving away potential golfers and putting unsustainable golf courses out of business! Golf’s now long past decades of unbridled growth have inbred its current demise. It’s really why GOLFERS pay exorbitant prices to play and the golf course industry is paralyzed from dealing with this – only golfers can now put a stop to it. After years of endless development supported by

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expanding demographics, minions rushed into golf course management becoming addicted to the boom years’ mentality of spending money like drunken sailors of old. A throw-away-and-replace attitude has replaced skilled repair, rebuild & maintain practices of four decades ago. Therein is the crux of the problem. It’s time to lay bare the real blame for this mess on the people who have caused it – those who were paid to manage golf courses worldwide along with those owner developers who hired, outsourced, or permited them to remain in golf course management. POTENTIAL GOLF CONSUMERS will no longer tolerate the resulting high price of golf driven by out of control wasteful costs coupled with poor course conditions.

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Shakespeare, Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 222–230 Before a loud defensive hue and outcry from golf


OPERATING A MODERN GOLF COURSE IS NOT YOUR GRANDPARENTS ‘GARDENING’ AS SOME WHO PURGED OUT COMPETENCE THINK – IT’S A BUSINESS AND SCIENCE OF GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT! THE GOLF COURSE IS THE FUNDAMENTAL ASSET OF THE GAME AND WORTH MILLIONS MEASURED IN BY CURRENCY. THE INCOMPETENT PRACTITIONERS NEED TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT THEM FROM DESTROYING GOLF’S GREATEST ASSETS. course managers or superintendents rises up from such bold assertions, let’s start with a few caveats. First, golfers should not give a hoot about any puffed-up, defensive protestations, or excuses, because it’s time to demand accountability, reason and rational verification. Secondly, before people protest with feigned insult, it’s advised that a mirror is the best tool needed – introspection and selfimprovement should be the first actions that golf course managers need to take. The inescapable responsibility for the economic crisis golf now finds itself in worldwide is rooted in a motivation of greed combined with incompetence that must be placed at the feet of all those developers, designers, suppliers, course owners, operators, golf course superintendents, and trade associations who, like a bunch of notorious carpetbaggers after the American Civil War, spilled into the great game of golf during the boom. In recent boom years, poorly prepared people swelled into all aspects of golf course development and management – lacking formal education, proven professional experience, multiple

operating skills, and fundamental competencies. Since the 1970s too many golf course developers invested only to collect fast returns and did not care about the long-term impacts to either environment or the sport – their hallmark was get-rich-quick and they’d be long gone before the collapse. Now starving for work, too many designers also arose during the boom with all the smooth marketing buzzwords, but many simply lacked any experiential grasp of what it really takes to operate a golf course efficiently for business sustainability. Campfollower suppliers plied their trade selling overpriced, over-complex equipment and endless provisions of the latest-and-greatest gimmick filled products to unqualified golf course superintendents, operators and owners – too few of whom today could hold a candle to the competencies of their predecessors from four decades ago.

“He who will not economize will have to agonize.” Confucius asiangolf 201

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Golf is now in agony in many regions and it is far past time to economize. Amateur golfers and consumers need to start holding the many feet to the fire of those managing golf courses today. Facing dwindling revenues, reducing the high costs of course maintenance in real dollar terms is a good place to start, all without reducing play quality and it can be done. Spending and high quality are neither mutually inclusive nor exclusive. Due to deficiencies and inefficiencies built into golf course designs during the boom years, course maintenance is now loaded with expensive waste. Waste is built in from using the wrong grasses, wrong time-in-motion layouts, wrong fertilizers, wrong maintenance shops, wrong chemical use, wrong equipment, lack of training, and wrong, ignorant PEOPLE. Reigning in maintenance costs, inefficiencies, and waste means demanding that golf course superintendents be skilled, competent, examined, verified and, once again, well paid to attract the best. The games only hope is for you, today’s amateur golfer and consumer, to speak up knowledgeably at your local golf course to DEMAND better management. Prospective new golfers won’t just keep paying the price for all too common waste, stupidity and incompetence. Most importantly, golf needs to practice proven Kaizen Japanese management that always asks five (5) questions in a row, like a great prosecutor, to get to the real truth of any matter – even if you see a golf course manager squirming uncomfortably or objecting with false indignation! What do golf course owners need to demand? What can be done at your golf course or club? What do you, the golf-

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ers, need to ask questions about? Here’s a short primer for starters to be followed by more articles: First, according to resources such as USGA Agronomists, Club Resources International, The McMahon Group, and others, the costs of fertilizers and chemicals alone account for 15%+ of the total operating costs for a golf course. That is a massive amount of expense for any golf course and most surely needs competent management.

“Double, double toil and trouble Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.” Shakespeare, Macbeth Act 4, scene 1, 10–11 Shakespeare’s witches in Macbeth would be quite at home in today’s golf course management. In my wellobserved opinion, a majority of golf course operations worldwide are ignorant of basic agricultural chemistry, basic soil science and fertilizer use. The use of chemicals and fertilizers seem shrouded in mystery to most people (frankly including far too many golf course superintendents) that a witches brew mentality exists. Fertilizers and turf grass pharmaceuticals are concocted to maximize profits, not plant growth, and are intentionally ‘packaged’ in complex combinations that thwart most users from readily assessing their true costs! This leads to insane waste expenses, unhealthy turf grass conditions, serious damage to the environment and can even threaten your own health from exposures to misused, potent chemicals! However, professionally qualified and licensed golf course


superintendents can readily see through all of this and, with some simple algebra and basic chemical knowledge, easily calculate the costs. Many businesses do ‘flash’ financial analysis, so why not do flash competency analysis in golf course maintenance? Anyone can pour expensive fertilizers on grass wasting money with poor results. But can your golf course superintendent pass a simple college level test to calculate fertilizer application rates, explain what is really in the bag, determine empirically what’s effective, or calculate the precise true-cost of a single gram of each plant nutrient? Likely not! Too few superintendents are even willing to voluntarily take a written test, let alone pass one. So, just how are these fertilizer and chemical products that account for 15% of golf course expenses purchased and used? Perhaps we need Macbeth’s witches to provide an explanation. A better idea is for owners and golfers to conduct simple, written exams on their superintendents (Here’s a link to such a sample test: http://prusaassociates.com/ exams/QPCAT/QPCAT_Fertilizers_Exam_A.pdf ) and demand demonstration / evaluation plots be created on your course to perpetually test fertilizers and prove their actual worth. The turf grass will quickly provide visual, observable growth responses to fertilizer application comparisons – and test plots can be established and maintained by even an average high school student. Your superintendent should be doing this, without excuses, so that everyone (including the superintendent) can see factual comparative results on your specific property before wider application are made. Finally, the ridiculously low salaries for course superintendents today (brought about substantially by the rise of management companies since the 1980s – that’s how they make their profits) DO NOT attract or motivate

the best and brightest people in the market who can save your course! In the 1970s the position of golf course superintendent was highly valued by golf clubs and sought after by the best and brightest college graduates. The job also came with a very attractive benefit and perquisite package. An average ‘Class A’ superintendent in 1970 could expect a salary of about USD $30,000+ per year and even more at the top 25% tier courses. The value of a 1970 $1 US Dollar (USD) is the equivalent of about USD $6.40 in 2017 according to DollarTimes.com and other sources. So based on the 1970 US Dollar value, today’s average golf course superintendents should have 1970 parity of an annual salary in 2017 real dollar terms of over USD $190,000! It is factual to state that the real dollar salary level for golf course superintendents has eroded terribly and the once appealing employment packages have been gutted. Golf is reaping what it has sown – a cheap management individual, providing mediocre play conditions, and exponentially increasing operating expenses that exceeds revenues. Operating a modern golf course is not your grandparents ‘gardening’ as some who purged out competence think – it’s a business and science of golf course management! The golf course is the fundamental asset of the game and worth millions measured by any nations currency. The incompetent practitioners need to be replaced to prevent them from destroying golf’s greatest assets.

The upcoming Asian Golf series of articles for golfers will continue to examine just why you are paying more for your golf rounds due to effects to golf courses from lack of management competence, competition (or the lack thereof), management companies, maintenance equipment, design & construction.

On-course superintendent evaluations by: Mr. David Stone, CGCS, The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Two sheets of plywood cover grass to provide a simple ’non-applied’ comparison for the chemical application.



PGA TOUR IN ASIA COLUMN

This editorial column is made possible through a collaboration between the PGA Tour of America and ASIAN GOLF. Given the growing presence in Asia of the largest professional golf tour in the world, we felt that it was incumbent upon us to provide the PGA Tour with its own platform to talk about its activities throughout this vast Continent. There is no denying that what the PGA Tour is doing in Asia will go a long way to expose the highest level of professional tournament golf to every country in the region. As of now, the PGA Tour has very high profile engagements in the ASEAN bloc, China, South Korea and Japan and this role is expected to grow progressively in the years to come. The bottom-line simply points to Asian golf being a huge beneficiary insofar as growing the game and uplifting the standard of play are concerned. Only good is going to come out of the PGA’s stake in Asia. The following is the latest editorial contribution in the series:

FLASHBACK: Hideki Matsuyama had just won the World Golf Championships, celebrating by triumphantly hugging his caddie, Daisuke Shindo, on the 18th hole at Shanghai’s Sheshan International Golf Club. Moments later, Matsuyama was kissing the Old Tom Morris Trophy, confetti falling all around him. Everybody was cheering, and Japan’s Matsuyama was the most popular person on the property. And with that, an Asian player had reached another PGA Tour threshold.

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Y.E. YANG asiangolf 200

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TODAY, THE PGA TOUR IS AS COSMOPOLITAN AS EVER, AND PLAYERS FROM ASIA ARE MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO THAT GROWTH THAT HAS TURNED

PGA TOUR

GOLF INTO A MELTING POT OF TALENT.

P

rior to the Matsuyama’s 2016 victory in China, no Asian player had previously won a World Golf Championships event, a group of four tournaments played annually since 1999. For Matsuyama to accomplish the WGC feat in his home continent somehow seemed fitting. The win also moved Matsuyama into select company, along with countryman Isao Aoki and South Korea’s Y.E. Yang and K.J. Choi. Those three players all attained firsts in their categories, the first Asian player to win a PGA TOUR event (Aoki, at the 1983 Hawaiian Open), the first Asian to win a major championship (Yang, at the 2009 PGA Championship) and the first Asian to win The Players Championship (Choi, in 2011). Matsuyama had a first of his own. In mid-May, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim established a mark of his own when he joined Choi as a South Korean winner of The Players Championship. In the process, Kim became the youngest Asian-born player in history – at age 21 – with at least two PGA Tour titles. This international impact the PGA Tour is currently enjoying hasn’t always been this way, for Asians or others not from the United States. As recently as 1990, the PGA Tour counted a mere 18 non-

U.S. players on its roster. Aoki was the lone Asian in a group dominated by Canadians (six) and Australians (five). Today, the PGA Tour is as cosmopolitan as ever, and players from Asia are major contributors to that growth that has turned PGA Tour golf into a melting pot of talent. This season, there are 85 international players from 22 countries counted as full-time Tour players, including Matsuyama, Hiroshi Iwata and Ryo Ishikawa from Japan, Choi, Byeong Hun An, Sangmoon Bae, Sung Kang, Si Woo Kim, Whee Kim, Seung Yul Noh and S.J. Park from South Korea and C.T. Pan of Chinese Taipei. On the Web.com Tour, where 75 percent of today’s PGA Tour players previously played, there are 12 Asians, representing China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. Of all these players, though, none has had a larger impact than Matsuyama. Matsuyama’s victory in China was also significant in that it made him the winningest Japanese player in Tour history. The World Golf Championship was his third PGA Tour triumph, and he added a fourth, in February, when he successfully defended his Waste Management Phoenix Open crown. The 25-year-old from Ehime, whose capital is – fittingly - Matsuyama is the highest-ranked Asian player in history, checking in at No. 4 on the Official World Golf Ranking. Shigeki Maruyama previously held the record for Japanese

WITH K.J. CHOI WINNING HIS FIRST TOURNAMENT IN THE OH-SO-TOUGH PGA TOUR, THAT ALSO INCREASED THE POPULARITY OF GOLF,” SAID YANG AFTER HE SECURED HIS PGA CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE. “I HOPE THIS WIN WOULD BE AS—IF NOT AS SIGNIFICANT—SOMETHING QUITE PARALLEL TO AN IMPACT BOTH TO GOLF IN KOREA AS WELL AS GOLF IN ASIA SO THAT ALL THE YOUNG GOLFERS, KOREAN AND ASIAN, WOULD BUILD THEIR DREAMS AND EXPAND THEIR HORIZONS A BIT WITH THIS WIN. 51

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IF YOU LOOK BACK WITH ASIAN GO WITH THE WOMEN’S GOLF, WHERE REALLY CREATED A HUGE BOOM IN KOREA,

UP CLUBS INSTEAD OF TENNIS RACQUETS AN IN HISTORY, NOT ONLY FOR

KOREA BUT FOR

players, with three victories. He had also reached the highest ranking by a Japanese player prior to Matsuyama when Maruyama ascended to No. 19 in the OWGR in 2004. “Shigeki is a good friend of mine, and he always said that I was going to pass his records,” Matsuyama explained. “That is a great honor because I have great respect for him.” Choi, a three-time Presidents Cup International team member and a vice-captain in 2015 when South Korea hosted the Presidents Cup, has never forgotten where he’s from. “I have been living in the United States for the past 16 years, but I think of myself as a Korean citizen,” said Choi, who has observed certain benchmark achievements that have helped golf grow in his country and throughout Asia. “If you look back with Asian golf,” Choi continued, “I think it was in ’96 with the women’s golf, where Se Ri Pak won the U.S. [Women’s] Open. That really created a huge boom in Korea, golf-wise, where everybody started picking up clubs instead of tennis racquets and baseball bats. Golf is now very important in history, not only for Korea but for the rest of the world.” Yang, who came from behind in the final round at the 2009 PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota to defeat Tiger Woods, is quick to point out the importance of Choi’s success as another reason golf in South Korea and Asia, in general, has taken off. “With K.J. Choi winning his first tournament in the oh-so-tough PGA

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OLF,”

CHOI CONTINUED, “I THINK IT WAS IN ’96 SE RI PAK WON THE U.S. [WOMEN’S] OPEN. THAT GOLF-WISE, WHERE EVERYBODY STARTED PICKING ND BASEBALL BATS. GOLF IS NOW VERY IMPORTANT R THE REST OF THE WORLD. Tour, that also increased the popularity of golf,” said Yang after he secured his PGA Championship title. “I hope this win would be as—if not as significant—something quite parallel to an impact both to golf in Korea as well as golf in Asia so that all the young golfers, Korean and Asian, would build their dreams and expand their horizons a bit with this win,” Even with Matsuyama’s recent run of success, PGA Tour victories by Asian players is still a small number, with 25 total wins by 11 players. It’s telling, though, that of those 25 victories, 14 have come since 2008. While only four Asians won PGA Tour tournaments between the formation of the PGA Tour in 1916 and 2007, 10 different players have won in the intervening 10 years. In all, players from Chinese Taipei, India, Japan and South Korea have won official PGA Tour tournaments. With countries like China, India and Thailand strengthening their focus on golf and producing world-class players, and more and more Japanese and South Korean players making their way to the PGA Tour, expect this trend to continue—and then some.

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RENOVATION SPECIAL FEATURE

What you are about to read is dedicated to a mission to revit old golf course a new life. Over the past 30 odd years, many g built throughout Southeast Asia and regrettably, over the years have fallen into neglect and have failed to endure the test of major factors holding back any effort to rejuvenate these cour funds required to renovate. Giving an old course a make-ov to be an easy undertaking but all is not lost. ASIAN GOLF a golf course that has earned a new and glorious lease going extensive renovations without having to throw

HOLE 3

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talise and give an olf courses were s, a good number f time. One of the ses has been the ver is never going has come across e in life by underw itself into debt.

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WARREN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB IN SINGAPORE HAS PROVED BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT A GREAT DEAL CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH METICULOUS PLANNING, CAREFUL IMPLEMENTATION AND TEAMWORK.

WHAT

WARREN HAS DONE IS AN EXCELLENT TEMPLATE FOR GOLF COURSES IN THE REGION TO EMULATE FOR ANY RENOVATION EXERCISE. WARREN HAS ALSO MANAGED TO PROVE THAT WHILE BUDGETS ARE NEEDED, THERE IS REALLY NO NEED FOR EXTRAVAGANT BUDGETS THAT RUN INTO THE MILLIONS.

HOLE 9

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T

he club in question is the Warren Golf

fifteen or more good years, there was a need to give the

and Country Club, always referred to as

entire golf course a make-over.

one of the smaller clubs in Singapore. It

When a decision to renovate is taken, the ensuing

may be smaller in size relatively speak-

challenge normally concerns the scope of the job and

ing but is certainly knows how to get a

the size of the budget required to get the job done. This

good job done in grand style without busting its bank

responsibility fell squarely on the broad shoulders of the

account!

renovations chairman and greens convenor, Bryan Ong

Warren has a history that exceeds half a century and it has occupied its current grounds in land-scarce Singapore since 2000. Like most courses that have seen

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who worked tirelessly with the club’s general manager, Jinder Aujla and his staff. The final budget approved was US$2 million which


WHEN A DECISION TO RENOVATE IS TAKEN, THE ENSUING CHALLENGE NORMALLY CONCERNS THE SCOPE OF THE JOB AND THE SIZE OF THE BUDGET REQUIRED TO GET THE JOB DONE.

THIS RESPONSIBILITY FELL SQUARELY ON THE BROAD SHOULDERS OF THE RENOVATIONS CHAIRMAN AND GREENS CONVENOR, BRYAN ONG WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY WITH THE CLUB’S GENERAL MANAGER, JINDER AUJLA AND HIS STAFF.

is not a princely sum considering that the job at hand

turfed with TifEagle, a Bermuda grass hybrid that was

involved an 18-hole course that called for new tee-boxes,

created to withstand a lot of abuse and maintain putting

total re-build of greens and bunkers and the complete

speeds in the 9 to 10 range on the Stimpmeter. The

re-turfing of all the fairways. That’s a lot of work for a

fairways were replanted with Zoysia and it must be noted

pretty tight budget but with careful planning and the

that while professional builders undertook the build-

effective management and utilisation of resources avail-

ing of the greens and the bunkers, the fairways were

able, the renovation team took on the job and turned it

replanted by the club’s agronomy staff headed up by Raja

around under budget and in record time. Work started

Patchamutho.

on 6 June 2016 and was completed by 30 April 2017 and open for general play on May 1, 2017. The greens were partially re-shaped, re-built and

Warren Golf and Country Club in Singapore has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that a great deal can be achieved with meticulous planning, careful

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implementation and teamwork. What Warren has done is an excellent template for golf courses in the region to emulate for any renovation exercise. Warren has also managed to prove that while budgets are needed, there is really no need for extravagant budgets that run into the millions. To the team at Warren Golf and Country Club – you guys have done a sterling job with your renovation. The course looks terrific, the greens are beautiful and your bunkers are supreme. When ASIAN GOLF visited the course, there was a heavy downpour and hardly a grain of sand was washed away and there was no ponding. The bunkers, built in accordance to USGA specifications, were inspired by Alister MacKenzie, the man who was the brains behind Augusta National in America. The job’s done. The members are pleased. Now, may your population of dragons (iguanas, a long-time environmental feature of the club) grow – a true landmark of the course! HOLE 12

VIEW PHOTOS


HOLE 13


THE JOB’S DONE. THE MEMBERS ARE PLEASED. NOW, MAY YOUR POPULATION OF DRAGONS

(IGUANAS, A LONG-TIME ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE OF THE CLUB) GROW

–A

TRUE LANDMARK OF THE COURSE!

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GOLF IN DUBAI SPECIAL FEATURE

Pre-1989, who would have ever thought that someday, the oil-rich desert city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates would become a major force in golf. Like everything associated to Dubai, this Middle Eastern city has the wherewithal to make dreams become reality and that’s precisely what Dubai has done over the years in golf.

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THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

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oday, besides many one-of-a-kind landmarks, Dubai is home to some of the world’s finest golf clubs and golf courses, the latest being the opulent Trump International Golf club. In slightly less than three decades, Dubai has grown into a spectacular paradise for golfers, with its rich style for beautifying the golf courses, making them very similar to the class and professionalism to the top courses in the United States and Europe. While the beauty and charm of Dubai’s golf courses are universally renowned, the city has set its sights on sharing its treasures with golf’s global community. Europe, because of its geographical proximity, is more familiar with the splendours of Dubai’s golf courses but the same does not hold true for the teeming millions of golfers in Asia. This is all set to change because the Middle-eastern city has launched an ambitious programme via a new website to enhance awareness of all it’s got on offer. The oil-rich city has launched Golf In Dubai, a tell-all website designed to enhance awareness of what the city has to offer, especially when it comes to experiencing golf in Dubai. Spearheading the programme is Falcon Golf that works closely with key local stakeholders such as golf clubs and tournament sponsors, the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce

WITH MORE COURSES IN THE PIPELINE TO COMPLEMENT THE WORLD-CLASS CHOICES ALREADY AVAILABLE, AND INITIATIVES SUCH AS THIS NEW WEBSITE, THERE IS HUGE POTENTIAL FOR THE SPORT TO HELP US HIT OUR TARGET OF 20 MILLION VISITORS BY 2020. asiangolf asia a sia s ian ngo g go ollf 201 o 201 20

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THE ELS CLUB, DUBAI TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB DUBAI

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NOT MANY PLACES IN THE WORLD CAN SO READILY OFFER THE ACCESS TO WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF

TIGER WOODS, RORY MCILROY, SERGIO GARCIA AND SHANSHAN FENG WHILE PLAYING A ROUND OF GOLF DURING YOUR HOLIDAY OR BUSINESS TRIP. DUBAI CAN, AND THANKS TO THE NEW WEBSITE, FINDING OUT HOW HAS BECOME A LOT EASIER, CHAMPIONS LIKE

Marketing (DTCM) and the Emirates Golf Federation. The goals are lofty and according to Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DTCM, “With more courses in the pipeline to complement the world-class choices already available, and initiatives such as this new website, there is huge potential for the sport to help us hit our target of 20 million visitors by 2020.” Hitting the target is not going to be a pipe-dream especially when you consider that the former top honcho of the R&A, Peter Dawson, is now the chairman of Falcon Golf and with him at the driver’s seat, results can be expected to be forthcoming soon. “Not many places in the world can so readily offer the access to walk in the footsteps of champions like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Shanshan Feng while playing a round of golf during your holiday or business trip. Dubai can, and thanks to the new website, finding out

how has become a lot easier,” Dawson added. To obtain a better understanding of Golf in Dubai, ASIAN GOLF reached out to Dawson who agreed to answer some of our questions. The following are excerpts from that interview: ASIAN GOLF: What distinguishes Dubai as a golf destination? PETER DAWSON: Home to 11 of the finest courses on the planet and with a subtropical climate, year-round blue skies and sunshine, Dubai is perfect for a golf holiday. Not only that, visitors can play courses designed by greats such as Thomas Bjorn, Ernie Els, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Greg Norman, and enjoy hospitality and practice facilities that are second to none. For many golf fans, though, the idea of teeing up at the courses that they have seen on TV is the biggest draw. As the host of three professional tournaments, Dubai has a rich history as a stage for the world’s greatest players to shine. Visitors have easy access to the courses that have seen famous victories for Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Rory McIIroy and Sergio Garcia. ASIAN GOLF: Dubai is described as an ‘extraordinary’ golf destination. What best illustrates this in your eyes? DAWSON: It is the combination of having a vision that pushes the boundaries and then realising it. This is what makes Dubai truly extraordinary. It is hard to conceive how far Dubai has come in such a short period of time, and I think it is only really apparent when you arrive here and experience the city first-hand. The clearest illustration for me is when you see early photos of locations that have since been transformed into world-renowned landmarks. I have also been impressed by the vibrancy of the city and the quality of lifestyle enjoyed by its residents. There is such positive energy and a ‘can-do’ attitude. ASIAN GOLF: How significant is Dubai’s professional golf event network to i) the world of golf ii) Dubai as a destination?

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DAWSON: Dubai has been a significant catalyst for the global growth of the professional game in the modern-era. Running since 1989, the Omega Dubai Desert Classic was the first European Tour event to be staged outside European borders and paved the way for the Tour’s transformation into a year-round global competition, while The Race to Dubai provided the European Tour a springboard to connect its profile internationally, culminating in Dubai for the season-ending finale. Without the vision of those behind creating new ways for the professional game to flourish, I don’t think we would have quite the wealth of playing opportunities and great golf events we see week-in, week-out on the European Tour. Golf unquestionably has played a role in putting Dubai on the world map, attracting international visitors and long-term residents, while also spurring real estate development and investment. The task at hand is to realise the full potential for growth that golf can unlock. ASIAN GOLF: What does the future have in store for Golf in Dubai? DAWSON: We are making good progress. The introduction of our new brand and website will give trade and consumers a focal point and ignite renewed interest in Dubai.

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We are looking at the best ways with which we can refine aspects of The Omega Dubai Desert Classic and The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, which have both been hugely successful and p paved the wayy for Dubai in the world of g golf. There are also new developments that will strengthen the city’s golf offering. New courses in the pipeline, including a Tiger Woods design, will increase capacity and also encourage more golfers to visit Dubai.


STS SPORTS TURF SOLUTIONS CO., LTD

290 Jareonpattana Rd, Bangchan, Klongsamwa, Bangkok, Thailand, 10510 Tel: +66 2-540-3180 | Fax: +66 2-540-3181 | e-mail: Brad@sportsturfsolutions.com | www.sport


tsturfsolutions.com


PXG GOLF GOLF EQUIPMENT

Wel expe non ered

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l, if you can rustle up US$650, it’ll get you a truly expensive wedge. Maybe the most ensive commercially available wedge there is! And guess who is behind the wedge? It’s e other than PXG Golf, the golf company headquartered in the Arizona desert and powd by the vision and capital of American billionaire philanthropist Bob Parsons.

S

o, what’s the low-down on this new PXG wedge? It starts really with a 11-pound block of 8620 carbon steel. It is forged into the basic shape of a wedge, then milled on a CNC machine. The computer-controlled milling process takes more than four hours per club, gradually shaving

away ribbons of steel until the wedge’s shape is completed. Now you have a better understanding as to why the wedge is pegged at US$650 per club. The process in itself is darn expensive! The entire PXG family is excited about the new addition to the growing product line at the company. The new wedge is tagged as the PXG 0311T and this is what Mike Nicolette, PXG’s senior designer had to say about the product, “I’ve always wanted to design an entirely milled wedge, but it’s a time consuming and expensive process - with Bob Parsons’ support and commitment to exploring new processes and materials, we’ve been able to develop a collection of milled wedges that are nothing short of incredible.”

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WEDGE

AND EX

PARSO

TO EXP

MATER

DEVELO

WEDGE

INCRED

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The new line of 100% milled wedges come in four distinct

I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO

sole designs. The names on their own are worth the price tag

DESIGN AN ENTIRELY MILLED

of US$650 per piece. Just imagine having wedges known as

E, BUT IT’S A TIME CONSUMING

XPENSIVE PROCESS

- WITH BOB

ONS’ SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT

PLORING NEW PROCESSES AND

RIALS, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO

Sugar Daddy, Zulu, Romeo and Darkness. Just awesome! The Sugar Daddy, is currently in play with world number one Lydia Ko and according to PXG, it serves as the one-sizefits-all wedge. It incorporates a moderate initial angle with a blended sole design. It can be used effectively from a wide variety of turf and sand conditions, allowing the golfer to use it for virtually any shot. Romeo, inspired by PXG’s Tour professional Ryan Moore,

OP A COLLECTION OF MILLED

incorporates a mild initial angle with minimal heel relief, al-

ES THAT ARE NOTHING SHORT OF

lowing the lead edge to stay close to the ground. This creates

DIBLE.

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MIKE NICOLETTE

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an extreme amount of bounce when the face is open, making it ideal for playing from high rough or soft sand.


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EQUIPMENT EQUIPM PMENT P ENTT FO EN FOCUS CUS BET BETTINARDI BE TIN TI INARRD DI G GOLF OLF LF LF


THE NEW LINE OF 100% MILLED WEDGES COME IN FOUR DISTINCT SOLE DESIGNS.

THE NAMES ON THEIR

OWN ARE WORTH THE PRICE TAG OF

US$650 PER PIECE. JUST

IMAGINE HAVING WEDGES

SUGAR DADDY, ZULU, ROMEO AND DARKNESS. JUST AWESOME! KNOWN AS

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Zulu, inspired by Zach Johnson, incorporates a steep initial angle with aggressive heel and toe relief. This type of wedge is conducive to playing from tight turf or firm ground as it keeps the lead edge close to the ground from both a square and open-faced position. The Darkness wedge was inspired by PXG’s founder, Bob Parsons. The sole design incorporates a moderate initial angle with moderate heel relief, coupled with a slightly larger head size for forgiveness. Darkness is part of a special collection of black clubs and gear that feature a skull insignia and the number 26, representing the 26th Marine Corps Regiment that Parsons served with during the Vietnam War. So, if you want to be different and are prepared to invest US$650 on a wedge, the PXG 0311Ts won’t let you down!


T


The only go an excitin lf tournament sp eci g, fun-fille d event w ally organized for here golf g The Asia club execu olf club owners, o Pacific G pe tives get olf Group to play an rators and manag Tournam d compete ers ent. The to together with the in a tourn . It’s back again – B urnamen ament all t will be st RG Group will be their own hosting th It will be aged con . played w junction with the e 2017 Asia Pacific ith two-m This tourn 2017 Asia an teams In te ament is rClub Golf Pacific G drawn fro all about olf Summ m clubs w good, cle it. ithin the an fun an The tourn Asia Pacif d more im ament wil ic p fo o rtantly, it otprint. l be run o is about n n Novem There is n etworkin ber 14 at o entry-f g. It’s the the Danan ee to par third in th g G ti o ci lf p & Countr ate in this to attend e series. y Club in tourname the 2017 Danang, Asia Pacif nt. To qual Vietnam. ic Golf Su if y, p la yers need mmit and Entry wil to there are l be 144 slots register as delegat from eac on a first-come-fir available es h club can st-serve b . re as g is ister on-l For more ine throu and a two-man te informat gh the AP am GS websi alice@asi ion please visit w te. apacificg ww.golfco olfgroup n fe re nce .com or ca ll +65 632 .org or email to A li 3 2800 fo r more de ce Ho at tails. VENUE:

PRESENTED BY:


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SPECIAL FEATURE

ASIAN GOLF TOURISM


ASIAN GOLF recalls naming golf tourism as a major growth sector in tourism way back in 2007. It broke the news at the inaugural Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) which was held in Singapore. APGS has since gone on to its second decade with its 2017 edition planned for November in the Vietnamese city of Danang. Since 2007, golf tourism has grown and has come across as the single most vibrant sector of the multi-faceted global golf tourism market. Asia is having a good share of the action with hundreds of thousands of golfers visiting the region annually and spending billions of dollars in the process. Perhaps the best manifestation of this growth can be seen in the growth of one of the pioneers in golf tourism promotion – Golfasian, headquartered in what is often referred to as the golf capital of Southeast Asia. Last month, Golfasian celebrated its 20th anniversary which is a strong testimonial to the good work that it is doing to promote the sector. ASIAN GOLF pays special tribute to Golfasian on this significant milestone – the company’s 20th anniversary!

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O

ver the last twenty years, Golfasian has grown to be become arguably the biggest operation of its kind in the region. It was launched in 1997 as an adjunct to a golf guide to Thailand and since that time, the company has expanded remarkably. Since those early days, the company has established itself as one of Asia’s major golfing success stories. “As we have evolved so too has the game in this part of the world,” said Mark Siegel, owner and managing director of Golfasian. “When the company started in 1997 there were just a handful of international standard layouts: most of them in Thailand. Now there are over 100 with great courses to be found in virtually every country in the region.” Siegel, a former IT expert from New York who initially came to Thailand to enjoy the country’s lifestyle perks and improve his golf game, has been a key driver of the company’s success. Since buying the firm in 2005 he has worked

tirelessly to build the business and share his passion for Asia and its golf scene with visitors from across the globe. In addition to organizing golf events and bespoke itineraries in the region for thousands of visitors each year, its destination marketing efforts have helped facilitate the growth of golf in nations such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. When Siegel bought the company, he was something of a one-man-band: running the business from his apartment, driving clients between courses and engaging in all the marketing activities himself. Now Golfasian has dedicated teams throughout the region devoted to providing its clients with the very best in bespoke golf experiences. “I’m very proud of what we have achieved,” he says. “I fell in love with this region and its golf courses very early. It’s

Mark Siegel being presented the Asia Pacific Golf Tourism Pioneer Award by Angela Raymond, President of the Asia Pacific Golf Group.


safe, easy, the weather is great and the lifestyle benefits are out of this world. Therefore, it is particularly pleasing for me to be able to share this passion with golfers from all over the world.” With championship and standard courses continuing to proliferate around the region, the golf scene in Southeast Asia is as healthy as it has ever been. And as Golfasian marks 20 years at the top of its game, Siegel sees no reason why the next two decades won’t be just as successful. “It’s so great to see these destinations evolve,” he says. “Take Danang in Vietnam for instance. It has gone from nothing to an internationally renowned golf destination. That gives me confidence that this region will continue to go from strength to strength.” Well done Golfasian – only greater things can be expected from the company that gave golf tourism its first big push in Asia!

AS WE HAVE EVOLVED SO TOO HAS THE GAME IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD,” SAID

MARK SIEGEL, OWNER GOLFASIAN. “WHEN THE COMPANY STARTED IN 1997 THERE WERE JUST A HANDFUL OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD LAYOUTS: MOST OF THEM IN THAILAND. NOW THERE ARE OVER 100 WITH GREAT COURSES TO BE AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF

FOUND IN VIRTUALLY EVERY COUNTRY IN THE REGION.

BACKGROUND GOLF COURSE: LEFT: BRG LEGEND HILL GOLF RESORT MIDDLE: BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF RESORT HUA HIN RIGHT: BANYAN GOLF CLUB


ASIA ON THE RISE SPECIAL FEATURE

Before B Be efo ffore ore re tthe he h e 201 22017 017 Pl 01 P Play Players ayer ay yer ers rs Ch C Cham Championship ha ampi ampi am p on pion onsh onsh ship hip pg got ot u ot was al wa was a l ab all aabout abou bou out ho out how th how tthe he e ““s “stars” sta t rs rs”” of o tthe he h eP PGA GA TTo GA o sparkle and excitement to what is generally major” in golf. Names that were bandied ab num nu umb mber er oone, ne e, Du D Dust ustitin J Jo ohnson ohns oh on, and an nd th tthose thos hos ose ra ose rran an number Dustin Johnson, Ja J aso sson on D Da ay, ay y, R Ror Ro o y Mc ory or McIl cIllro roy oy an aand nd Jo JJordan ord rddan rdan an nS Sp p et piet pi eth e th Jason Day, Rory McIlroy Spieth

E

ven the bookies were frothing at the prospect of a great battle between the stars and bets were being placed at a frenetic pace. There was a battle alright but it did not feature the fancied stars. To start with, the famed TPC Sawgrass home to the tournament was in a bad mood from the outset and seemed bent on just gobbling up the stars and spitting them out as hapless worn out warriors. Johnson was eight off the pace; Masters champion Sergio Garcia, eleven off the top and Rory McIlroy, twelve off the pace. Last year’s winner, Jason Day was languishing a whole 17-strokes off the leader and Jordan Spieth got booted out after the second round. Sawgrass was a thug and beat up on most of the stars

mercilessly but one guy managed to draw on his muscles and inner strength to overcome the daunting challenges that the golf course kept flinging at him. And that man finally emerged as the indisputable conqueror. Just 21 years of age, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim maintained a sharp focus and a stoic face to win the tournament and become the youngest player ever in the history of The Players Championship. You’ve just got to give it to him – it was his day and he worked like a gladiator determined to deliver the final killer blow. This victory was no fluke. Kim signalled way back in 2012 that he was on his way when he made Q school but was deemed too young to play on tour. The minimum age limit to play on the PGA Tour is 18. So, he marked his time and developed a deadly game in the meantime. He played on the Web.com Tour and won his first Web. com tour event in 2015 (the Cleveland Open) to become the tour’s second-youngest winner in its history. He burst onto the big stage with a spectacular win last asiangolf as asia ngol go f 201 20 01

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underway, the buzz our were going to add y de ddescribed eesc scrri scri sc r bbe ribe bed ed ass tthe he ““fi he fift ffth th out included world kked ed bbeneath ed eenea en nea e th th hhim im m llike ike ik ke ke too nname am am mee a fe ffew. few w. w.

August at the Wyndham Championship. Last month, he wrapped up his campaign with a T-22 at the Valero Texas Open. At age 21 and to have won two PGA tour events just says one thing – Kim is a “phenom” and expect great things from this young man who seems destined to walk along the path that his fellow country-man, K.J. Choi pioneered years ago. Watch this kid go – he will do both South Korea and Asia proud!

KIM IS A “PHENOM” AND EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM THIS YOUNG MAN WHO SEEMS DESTINED TO WALK ALONG THE PATH THAT HIS FELLOW COUNTRY-MAN, PIONEERED YEARS AGO. 103 03 3

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K.J. CHOI


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WOMEN’S GOLF SPECIAL FEATURE

TONY MEECHAI

Thailand is a land of extreme contrasts. As one of the world’s major tourist destinations, it is a Nation that describes itself as the “land of a thousand smiles” and unlike any promotional or advertising boast, it certainly lives up to the claim. It is an ancient land where absolute peace, beauty and tranquility are juxtaposed against some of the fiercest forms of ferocity known to mankind. Amidst the haunting chime of bells and chants that waft through a Buddhist temple and the serenity of a breath-taking sunrise across the wide and seemingly never-ending vista of padi fields, is the never-say-die spirit of the bloody

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sport of Thai boxing and the gruesome duels between battling Siamese fighting cocks and the bite, rip and kill force of destruction that is the power of the Siamese fighting fish – arguably the most lethal ounce for ounce fighting machine on this Planet. This is the living tapestry that serves as the backdrop for the creation of some of the best women professional golfers in the world – the quietly charming golfing assassins of Southeast Asia. Famed professional golf coach Tony Meechai was assigned to explore what makes the Thai Golf Factory work. This is his report:

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KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT

ATIWIT JANEWATTANANOND

I

s it because Thai women are more motivated towards attaining success? Is it because Thai women have a better network of support to back them up locally and internationally? Or is it because Thai women are more aggressive than their male counterparts? These are all questions that have a bearing on why Thai women have burst forth onto the international professional tours in Asia, Europe and America. The country seems to have a “factory production line� that has started to put out new stars at quite a bewildering rate. Something is evolving in the female Thai golf psyche for this to be happening and I will try and shed some light on this. What is it that is making Thai Women golfers more successful in professional golf? The quick answer really lies in one word - Experience, experience and more experience! Remember when the great legendary Roger Bannister smashed through the four-minute barrier for the mile? A distance that no one thought could be covered in less than four minutes. However, once Bannister shattered that belief, many other distance athletes followed in quick succession to match and beat his feat.

ROGER BANNISTER

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ARIYA JUTANUGARN

There is a parallel to be drawn here between Bannister’s success and that of the Thai female professional golfer. The first glimpse of a Thai woman going for glory on the professional tour came more than ten years ago when an eleven year old Thai junior golfer shocked the golfing world by challenging for top honours in the LPGA Honda Classic in Thailand. That was the first signal that something was beginning to quiver on the Thai golf landscape – the little girl that was the cause of this seismic change was Ariya Jutanugarn. She never looked back from that day and in a time span of a decade, she has arrived on the world stage as one of the game’s top super-stars. The thought that a little girl from a very rural upbringing could make the grade on the toughest professional tour for women is in itself quite baffling but to challenge for the tour’s highest honours, has given Thai people the impetus, motivation and hope that more young girls from the country could shoot for the stars. Ariya Jutanugarn has helped open the floodgates. Let me now examine the pipeline that leads to the floodgates and I believe that its origins are firmly rooted in these foundations:

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MORIYA JUTANUGARN

OUT THERE IN THE PRACTICE FIELDS IN THAILAND, THE GIRLS DISPLAY TALENT AND HAVE A PLAN TO REALLY WANT IT.

THEY WANT TO GET ON TOUR AND BELIEVE THEY CAN BECAUSE THEIR ELDERS ARE DOING IT. IT IS ALSO PART OF THE INTRINSIC

THAI

QUALITY OF NEVER-SAY-DIE THAT IS

THAI BOXING, THAI COCK FIGHTING AND THAI FISH FIGHTS. VERY APPARENT IN


An unbelievable sense of determination; A rock solid mental attitude; And an unshakeable believe in “karma” or good fortune; I believe that these three pillars set the Thai female golfer apart from the others. Besides natural talent, strong national support systems, financial, parental and coaching support, Thais have the special X-factor on their side – the three pillars of support - determination combined with the right attitude and good fortune. As a professional golf coach, I have had the opportunity to have a front row seat to observe the POSITIVE ATTITUDE that Thai female golfers are able to muster and maintain on an almost on-demand basis. This is truly wonderful to witness. This positive attitude often manifests itself on the field of tough competition – Ariya is a perfect example of this display of a positive attitude - the characteristic smile after a bogey which she often follows up with a birdie and another smile. Never do you see a Thai golfer publicly display anger, frustration or disgust. It is not part of their positive attitude make-up. And this is what keeps them from falling apart under extreme pressure. There is always that amazing support from fellow

Thai golfers who seem to have a sister-like support network always ready to cheer, console and advise. This support culture was started by Virada Nirapathpongporn, a former US Women’s Amateur and NCAA champion. She helped set the foundations with the Thailand Ladies Golf Association and it’s this foundation that is now producing world beaters. The passion to succeed amongst Thai women golfers on the world stage is perhaps best articulated by Coach Nam (Piyathida Chaiyapan), a full scholarship college golfer at the University of Toledo in Ohio. She said, “Out there in the practice fields in Thailand, the girls display talent and have a plan to really want it. They want to get on tour and believe they can because their elders are doing it. It is also part of the intrinsic Thai quality of never-say-die that is very apparent in Thai boxing, Thai cock fighting and Thai fish fights.” This was not the case say some 20 years ago because Thailand did not have the stepping stone - this has all changed as I now see how little girls as young as 7 years old are already setting their goals to play on the LPGA. This process to make it to the big time normally has college golf as the initial target. This focus is stoutly supported by the very well organized and results-oriented

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Thailand LPGA which has its heart and soul set on supporting young lady golfers. Combined with this fervor is the extremely supportive network of parents who are ready and willing to open up their wallets to prepare their young wards to play quality golf on their passage towards a golf college scholarship and beyond. From my personal viewpoint, the understanding of the value of obtaining a golf college scholarship is all important to both the parents and the kids. They know that a college scholarship is the key to opening the door to success for those who have the talent, commitment, drive and determination to make it to the absolute pinnacle of success in professional golf. With that said, Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister, Moriya together with others like them, have done wonders for golf in Thailand. These are the trail-blazers who have created a ‘path’ for Thai women golfers to realise their dreams for stardom and success. Put it all down to the “Jutanugarn Factor” – this is what has fired up women in Thailand to take up professional golf as a career and be prepared to see dozens of talented young ladies come down the production line of Thailand’s Golf Factory.

« Emerging young Thai golfers under the watchful eye of Thailand’s super-star golfer Thongchai Jaidee.

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PUT IT ALL DOWN TO THE “JUTANUGARN FACTOR” – THIS IS WHAT HAS FIRED UP WOMEN IN

THAILAND TO TAKE UP PROFESSIONAL GOLF AS A CAREER AND BE PREPARED TO SEE DOZENS OF TALENTED YOUNG LADIES COME DOWN THE PRODUCTION LINE OF

THAILAND’S GOLF FACTORY.




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GAME IMPROVEMENT

BLACK HAT GOLF TIPS


Getting squared? What the heck does it mean? It simply means proper alignment – that’s all! But, it is really important in golf because poor alignment can result in a lot of lost balls and tremendous personal distress to say the least. Without proper alignment, your body receives mixed signals from your brain, with regards to your body position and your intended target. If your eyes are looking towards the target but your body and club face are actually aligned to the right or left of it, you’ll need to make adjustments in your swing, which affects its plane and path. Our golf guru and master teaching professional Tony Meechai has some thoughts about how you can get squared with your swing. GET SQUARED!

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etting squared is a big thing with me because I see this issue as a huge challenge to golfers whom I teach every day. It is especially true with junior golfers who constantly try to adjust their stance to a target. The methods employed range from the sublime to the most ridiculous – put simply each junior does what he or she thinks works. When I see something like this happening,

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I move with grease lightning speed to snap them out of this bad habit. Last week, I was conducting a golf school for eight students and every single one of them had a tendency to align their body to the right of the target. So, if they make a good swing, the ball is going to the right of the target no matter what. This happens very often with many golfers. So, instead of confusing matters, I got the

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kids into a huddle and shared a simple tip that can be used to check their alignment and in the process GET SQUARED! Essentially, my only goal is to help golfers avoid wasting time and wasting a good swing! With that said, it’s important to avoid being out of alignment and if this becomes problem that proves to be a nagging issue with you, try out my tip. It has


proven to be a terrific hit with junior golfers and I think it may just do the trick for you: Here’s how the tip works: Get set up to the ball like you would do normally. Now, take your golf club and lay it across your shoulders. You will be able to see right away if your golf club is pointing in the direction that is parallel to your target line. Most of my students end up pointing the club to the ‘right’ of the target line. And what does this result in when they take the shot? The golf ball invariably goes way right of their target. To correct this, all that is need is to re-align again and reposition correctly. Not too difficult isn’t it? Once you are set up properly, take a look at the target line, and you should see part of your shoulder in your peripheral vision (left for right handed players). How much you can see your shoulder in your peripheral vision will determine if your alignment is spot on! If you notice too much of your left shoulder, that’s usually a sign that you are aimed too much to the right. In summary, focus to GET SQUARED! If you are not set up properly, you will be disappointed even if you hit a good shot! I don’t want that to happen to you! Trust me, this is a priceless piece of advice!

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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1,430

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