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Meet the GENiUS golf ball! A golf ball that is embedded with electronic sensors to track data. Without a doubt, a golf ball with the highest IQ in the world! A golf ball so smart that if Einstein were to play golf, the Genius ball would be the only ball that he would pick! An exclusive to ASIAN GOLF.
SPECIAL FEATURE
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The 2017th Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS 2017) marked the staging of the eleventh in the series and it also heralded the start of the second decade for what is effectively Asia’s leading golf conference on the business of golf.
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42 JUNIOR GOLF SET TO SCALE NEW HEIGHTS IN ASIA
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A far-sighted initiative has been established and it will see the launch of the Junior Golf Tour of Asia (JGTA). It has already received the blessings of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) which is the organization that has provided the pathway for numerous junior golfers to go on and achieve great success in golf.
48 ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL COMES TO THE GOLF COURSE! The “Shark Experience,” is an innovative and disruptive new golf technology that enhances the on-course experience. The Greg Norman Company is set to deliver unprecedented connectivity, content and customization to the course through a connected golf car experience.
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58 PGA TOUR’S ASIAN SWING IS HERE TO STAY! The last quarter of 2017 proved to be a treat for golf fans in Asia as the world’s most powerful professional golf tour paraded its stars through Asia. After three successful tournaments in three Asian cities and a cash bonanza of some US$26 million in prize money, it is hoped that the PGA Tour’s Asian Swing will continue to grow.
64 ADD THE SWISS BALL TO YOUR GOLF GAME Our resident golf guru Tony Meechai is onto a huge health and fitness regimen. Besides a set of exercise routines, he is now big into using the Swiss Ball as a key exercise tool. In this month’s Black Hat Tips, he explains the benefits that you can gain by using this terrific exercise tool. Take it away Tony!
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74 In this exclusive Asian Golf Monthly series, respected coach Iain Roberts is teaching golf novice Niall Donnelly to play the game in 10 one-hour sessions. This week, Niall learns about “magic hands”.
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]
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INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Alice Ho Business Executive [alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Alice Ho
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FROM THE PUBLISHER SHARED THOUGHTS
ASIAN GOLF called it at the beginning of 2017 – in a special cover story, it predicted that 2017 would be the year when Asians would show their true mettle on golf’s world stage. As expected Asian women dominated on the LPGA Tour and kept the 2016 record when Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn captured the world number one spot. This season, China’s Shanshan Feng rose to the occasion and has been crowned the world’s best professional female golfer while Sung Hyun Park was voted 2017 Rookie of the Year. On the LPGA’s Order of Merit for 2017, six of the top ten spots are occupied by Asian stars and there is no more rock solid evidence than this to validate the strength and power of women golfers from Asia.
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sian men did not let down the Continent. Although Asia’s top star Hideki Matsuyama of Japan had a relatively slow year, he still managed to secure his 5th position on the world golf rankings. The Japanese super-star got married and is now a father of a new born baby. While Matsuyama fell out of the spotlight on the world’s most powerful tour, the PGA Tour, other Asians emerged to show the world that Asia had more to offer. India’s Anirban Lahiri, ranked 24th on the PGA Tour’s Money List had a good year and based on his performance in 2017, he has set himself up for an even better year in the new PGA Tour season. Other Asian stars who did well on the PGA Tour are Whee Kim, Si Woo Kim and Sung Kang, all from asiangolf asia sia ang gol go gol olf 206 20 2 06
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ARIYA JUTANUGARN
South Korea. These are all young players who possess an incredible talent that should be good enough to see them continue to challenge for top honours on the world stage in the 2018 season. Elsewhere in Asia, an Asian professional has moved to the top of the Order of Merit on the Asian Tour. Gavin Green, the youngster from Malaysia stamped his authority on the Asian Tour when he surged to the top of the table and in the process, he has demonstrated that his journey on the professional tour is just beginning. Watch Green as he powers himself to greater heights in the new year. While Green dominated on the Asian Tour, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat made a name for himself on the European Tour. All told, 2017 was a good year for golf, especially in Asia. The professional game is growing and the PGA Tour has grown the number of its high-profile tournaments to four in 2017. If this is anything to go by, expect the tour to grow and add a few more stellar events in Asia in 2018 and beyond. The Asian Tour, after languishing for years, has begun to show signs that it is awakening from its deep slumber. Our only hope is that Asian multi-nationals throw their support behind the Asian Tour and help it grow its footprint on the Continent. It’s about time corporate Asia – get up and do something for Asian golf!
Speaking about corporate Asia, a quick glance at the state of Asian economies would be a worthwhile exercise. Most economies in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia are on a bound. Exports are booming and mega infrastructure projects are humming along at a cracking pace. The star performer is Vietnam which is bounding towards a 6.7 per cent growth in 2017 and is by far the best-performing economy in the region. Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are holding their own with projected 2017 growth rates of 5.1, 3.6 and 5.7 per cent respectively. The Philippines is also looking good for growth in 2017 at 6.5 per cent while Singapore is looking at a growth rate of between 3 to 3.5 per cent in 2017. All the indicators are looking good for golf in Asia. The player production lines in South Korea, China and Thailand are busy producing bright new talents; entrepreneurs are investing in building new golf courses while others are re-investing in upgrading old courses. Against all of these positive signs, expect Asians to continue to grow in strength on the world tours. Their performance not only will drive the growth of the game in Asia but it will be good for golf all round in Asia. Here’s to a terrific 2018!
THE ASIAN TOUR, AFTER LANGUISHING FOR YEARS, HAS BEGUN TO SHOW SIGNS THAT IT IS AWAKENING FROM ITS DEEP SLUMBER. OUR ONLY HOPE IS THAT ASIAN MULTINATIONALS THROW THEIR SUPPORT
ASIAN TOUR AND HELP IT GROW ITS FOOTPRINT ON THE CONTINENT. IT’S ABOUT TIME CORPORATE ASIA – GET UP AND DO SOMETHING FOR ASIAN GOLF! BEHIND THE
live | play | xcell
A BRAINY GOLF BALL COVER STORY
The story that is about to unravel in front of your very eyes is a real-life tale about a company whose very existence is steeped in disruption. Disruption so extreme that it has caught a slow-tochange industry to lazily open its eyes from a deep state of slumber to drowsily take notice. When this brash, irreverent and bold Buffalo-based New York upstart received the thumbs up from the USGA for a revolutionary hollow metal core The general reaction from the golf industry could be summed up as one that was la game-changing innovation it did not rock the market. Six years later, and with a string box, this same little company that punches way above its weight class, has hit the m It has come out with a product that possesses the wow-factor to rise above the com comp excellence by this refreshingly inspiring company can be best summed up by this quote Simon Sinek who said, “All the great and inspiring leaders and organizations all think exact same way ….. every single organization on the planet knows what they do, 100 they do it …. but very few people and organizations know why they do it …. and by purpose, what’s your cause, what’s your belief. Why does your organization exist?” T know why they exist and this is why OnCore Golf is still around in the ruthless and high dog business of golf balls. Understanding their existence and their role, the men and wom set to launch a golf ball packed full with technology that it is going to revolutionise ho asiangolf 206
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golf ball, no one really quite bothered. ackadaisical at best. Although it was a g of innovations locked up in its patent market with another knock-out product. petition – to be a leader! The quest for e from author and marketing consultant k, act, and communicate in the 0 percent. Some know how why, I mean what’s your These guys from Buffalo hly competitive dog-eatmen behind OnCore are ow everyone plays golf! 15
december mb 201 mber 2017 7
THE LOW DOWN ON THE GENiUS What you can expect by using the GENiUS golf ball – it will collect and transmit the following information: GPS location within 1-foot accuracy; G-force at impact; Initial velocity (Off the tee and average); Carry flight within 1 foot; Degree of draw or fade; Spin rate (back, side, front); Time in the air; Angle of descent; Height apex; Roll distance;
Players will be able to track and view their ball flight characteristics with historical overlay and the mobile app will also provide a player’s history on every course. With the use of a Bluetooth 4.1 connection, the Genius Ball will pair with a user’s mobile phone (iOS, Droid, Windows and Browser) through a small device that’s about the size of a pager and can be placed in or on a player’s bag, pocket or belt. In other words, the phone doesn’t have to stay in the pocket – simply within the range of the Bluetooth connection. asiangolf 206 16
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eet the “GENiUS” golf ball! OnCore Golf
BRET BLAKELY: Yes, we think that the real time analyt-
is embedded with electronic sensors to
ics that this ball will arm golfers and teaching pros with
track data. Without a doubt, a golf ball
is a game changer. If this ball only had GPS it would be a
with the highest IQ in the world! A golf
smart ball but ours provides so much more and is indeed a
ball so smart that if Einstein were to play golf, the GENiUS ball would be the only ball that he would pick! The GENiUS golf ball, which is more than just a smart ball, was issued a U.S. patent covering the construction of a high-strength and high-stiffness core that can house sensitive electronics and withstand the high-speed impact of a golf club. What is really unique about the GENiUS ball is that
GENiUS ball.
ASIAN GOLF: We are very familiar with your hollow core technology – you have come a long way since then. How did this odyssey towards this incredible new technology start. Talk us through the whole process.
BLAKELY: This is really a full circle culmination for On-
Core Golf. We started our journey into the golf ball industry
it will capture and transmit data directly to a mobile
with our hollow core technology and have since produced
device – in real time. The GENiUS ball will track the ball’s
nothing but high performance, innovation driven and award
performance and statistics on every shot, from distance and
winning golf balls. Throughout this journey we have been
height to ball velocity and course location that is accurate to
working toward an offering of a full suite of golf balls that
within a foot.
will address every skill set and desired performance. Now
Wow! That’s like having a launch monitor, range finder,
that we have done that we wanted to push the boundar-
a GPS and a whole lot of other gizmos built into a tiny
ies and reshape the definition of true innovation within the
little dimpled wonder! “We’re confident that what a launch
golf ball space. So, six years later we have gone back to
monitor can do for a golfer on the driving range is what
our roots and figured out a new way to leverage our hollow
the GENiUS ball will do on every hole and for every shot,”
core technology by using it as a way to protect advanced
says OnCore Golf co-founder Bret Blakely. “Golfers crave technology and information, and our new ‘Ball with a Brain’ will deliver both,” he declared. ASIAN GOLF which has kept in touch with OnCore Golf ever since the company launched its first hollow metal core
electronics inside the golf ball.
ASIAN GOLF: Can we do a drill down on the electronics used in this revolutionary golf ball? It’s a fantastic piece of engineering – who is responsible for this development?
golf ball, got in touch with Blakely for an in-depth chat session.
BLAKELY: Our GENiUS Team members consists of tour
The following are excerpts from that exclusive interview:
players, leading golf ball designers, PhD experts in physics
ASIAN GOLF: The GENiUS Golf Ball – this is absolutely 17 1 7
brilliant – a real stroke of genius! Agree?
is back with a vengeance. A golf ball that
december 2017
and software development, and leading IoT (Internet of
Things) hardware engineers along with our partnerships with Arrow Electronics (Certified) and The University at Buffalo Center for Computational Research.
ASIAN GOLF: Obviously the GPS chip placed in the GENiUS ball is extremely robust – given the smashing that the ball is going to be subjected to, how long will the electronics be able to remain stable? BLAKELY: Part of our development programme is to
establish the durability limit of the electronics. We’ve already done some early testing to validate that our protective core delivers enough mechanical stability and “cushioning” of the sensors that they will continue to function after dozens of driver impacts so we are encouraged and confident that the ultimate design will perform for several full rounds of golf, at a minimum.
ASIAN GOLF: A GPS-chipped golf ball is really a no-brainer – given the mindboggling advances in micro-electronics, it is a wonder that no one really jumped onto the idea of a GPS-embedded golf ball. You guys at Oncore have made a startling breakthrough – do you see the floodgate being thrust open as a result?
BLAKELY: I do think that there are
unforeseen applications and ways this technology will open new doors within the golf industry that may only be realized after the initial intended use has started. The value of the data alone can be used and leveraged in a variety of ways but also think that golfers will get really creative and have a lot of fun with all the information they are able to get from this ball. It could make the competition amongst friends be played out in a completely different way. Rather than seeing who has a lower score every hole or every round, now they can challenge and compete on everything in between the tee and the pin. You could do true long drive challenges, see who has the faster ball speed, compete on who creates more spin etc.
ASIAN GOLF: This can also prove to be a godsend for professional golf coaches? asiangolf 206
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WHAT IS REALLY UNIQUE ABOUT THE GENIUS BALL IS THAT IT WILL CAPTURE AND TRANSMIT DATA DIRECTLY TO A MOBILE DEVICE
– IN REAL TIME.
THE GENIUS BALL WILL TRACK THE BALL’S PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS ON EVERY SHOT, FROM DISTANCE AND HEIGHT TO BALL VELOCITY AND COURSE LOCATION THAT IS ACCURATE TO WITHIN A FOOT.
kinds of numbers that the golf industry represents. Finally, the economics of the ball may be heavily influenced by the value of the data and we have not had time to fully explore that with potential partners. It is entirely possible that the ball will sell for a very reasonable price – not too dissimilar to conventional balls – if we can monetize the data that will be collected from millions of golfers annually.
ASIAN GOLF: Just one pair of GENiUS balls in a pack? Wow! Doesn’t sound like a great money-making business model? BLAKELY: Guess this business strategy is based on the
assumption that a golfer will always be able to track the ball down unless it sinks into a watery graveyard. We expect the ball will be playable for an entire round and, as you point out,
BLAKELY: For teaching pros, they can give a client a les-
not get lost unless it is put into the water. So there really
son and then let the client go out and put those lessons into
ASIAN GOLF: So, the GENiUS is not about quantity
practice and come back with real data for the pro to look at to see how the client is progressing on an incremental level. Golfers can now make small improvements in their games which will make learning the game more enjoyable. Golfers may get frustrated if the only way they can measure their improvement is in their handicap, because we all know that going from shooting in the 90’s to in the 80’s can take many seasons of golf but to see if you are driving it farther or getting better spin off your irons or increasing your accuracy, those are things that can be measured in real time and recognizable improvements that the GENiUS ball will provide.
ASIAN GOLF: So, what are the sexy features of the
“GENiUS” golf ball – besides being totally revolutionary, what is it that it will do for a golfer?
BLAKELY: After each stroke, the GENiUS Ball will transmit data to your mobile device showing your location on the course, ball velocity, spin rate and spin axis, height apex, trajectory, carry distance and roll, and even the distance from the green. You’ll see the information using a variety of formats and have the ability to share it to your social media accounts as well.
ASIAN GOLF: It’s priced above any other tier one golf ball in the market and quite understandably so given the fact that it is more than just an ordinary top-end golf ball. What will it retail at and what will a buyer get for the price?
BLAKELY: There is a misconception that the ball has been priced. In fact, we have not determined what we will charge for the ball for several reasons. First, until the design is
complete, we won’t know the full production cost. Second, as we all know, costs drop rapidly when volumes increase to the
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december dece ec ece cem mbe ber 201 2017 01 17
isn’t the need for more than one or two GENiUS balls in a golfer’s bag.
and while its price tag is astronomical in comparative terms, the matter of constant ball replacement does not factor into the equation, thus making it a very solid investment. Agree?
BLAKELY: We agree that the value proposition, in our mind, will justify whatever cost is ultimately set and also
ASIAN GOLF: Assuming the ball does not sink in a pond, how long would it last?
want to reiterate that this is not meant to replace your
BLAKELY: While it’s unlikely that you’ll ever lose
everyday playing ball. If you are playing competitively, this
the ball in the rough, given the GPS locator chip, the
would not replace our award winning tour ball, the ELIXR.
lifecycle is still dependent on the life of the golf ball skin.
This would be used when you want to go out and improve
Much like the ELIXR, the GENiUS ball has an advanced
your game via information you are able to gather using this
urethane cover that is highly durable and should last for
ball. Now you can do this on the course instead of having
several rounds of golf. We are designing the battery life
to buy a launch monitor, golf simulator or be stuck inside
to exceed that of the skin of the ball so that should not be
hitting against a screen. We don’t expect people to buy this ball and use it the same way they would one of our high performance golf balls. This is all about the data and offering a new, better, more accurate and more fun way to get that data.
ASIAN GOLF: In one fell swoop, you guys have delivered a death blow to all the fancy tracking gadgetry that is currently available to golfers. With the GENiUS distance, direction and landing is all taken care off and most importantly, it’s super-cool because of the ball’s seek and find tracking feature. The GENiUS is definitely a godsend for all golfers?
an issue.
ASIAN GOLF: You will be previewing the GENiUS at the 2018 PGA Show – it’s most certainly going to be a show-stealer – you guys deserve it! The golf ball industry is dominated by big players and no doubt that has presented real challenges for Oncore but you folks have proved that you are up it. Would it be correct to say that you have now created a pathway that is only going to lead to better times ahead?
BLAKELY:We’d like to think that our perseverance
and commitment to innovation has led to the numerous
BLAKELY: I think it will only accelerate the learning
opportunities that OnCore is beginning to benefit from.
curve of golf. If this proves to be as impactful as we think
energy, and new technologies to golfers of all skill levels
it will be, golfers will only develop at a faster pace and
and hope that the GENiUS ball is just further evidence
be more intelligent about how to take their game to the
that we are not going to sit on our hands!
next level. You see athletes in all sports getting better and
We’ve remained focused on bringing new ideas, new
OnCore Golf is busy at work on the production of the
better at younger and younger ages and that is because
GENiUS Ball and full manufacturing is expected to begin
of new technological innovations and improved equipment
shortly. A commercial launch date is expected to be set as
and training methods.
soon as Father’s Day in June 2018. asiangolf 206
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APGS 2017 SPECIAL FEATURE
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ia PaciďŹ c Golf Summit started back in 2007 and crystallized from an idea to establish a universal rm where the Asian golf industry could meet annually to network and stay connected. Since unch in Singapore, it has grown from an industry-wide annual summit to a more focused and cialized meeting for professionals in the golf club profession – that part of the golf industry that acts golfers the most. There are close to 6,000 golf clubs in Asia which employ thousands of ople who in turn serve thousands of golfers. Next to the hotel industry, the golf club industry perhaps the next largest in the hospitality industry. Golf is not especially experiencing boom mes – to the contrary, times are tough with the older demographics of societies playing less golf hile the younger demographics are not being automatically drawn to the game. The challenge global and the worst hit regions are those that are made up of advanced economies. In Asia, e advanced countries like Japan (with the largest concentration of golf clubs) is experiencing a ecline in golf while new emerging nations like Vietnam are experiencing vibrant growth. Given he economic vitality of Asia as a whole, one would not be incorrect to say that the future of golf n Asia holds more promise than most other parts of the world. 23 23
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mit u e and e, the r sum ets yo befor hat s said in you w I il , s r a c” – t e A v e Pacifi less! n to d Asia price in tentio ly t y e a t r t u d s n ol du e abs olf In ds ar Grathe G awar mes rs of a c s ar, Ja l O “ u g e e r th mmit s are lf & .” o a su 72 Go oes t , Sky close y g s r 7 e o t 1 om abora GS 20 and L on AP hit a urses word o C f l f you o “All o tor, G , c id e a ir s on,d ang c a who Da N Kore e h t h t u t So ith e bes run w g. Th ome therin a ! lam h g ia y s A ustr een in d ind ave s ce an ays ut I h lw o a n s r a ’ tu good s ustry a s wa !” mme shelf rogra our . Top g in d rves n e a s t e d 7 outs 1 0 for S2 iation “APG pprec a d k n ude a h thic gratit hroug t G ISTIN PERS
35
november nove mber b 201 2017 7
tial f essen u do is F o y t a s A ia. wh ors in ce of perat ortan o p d n im a e sses in. Th usine B usa. and th RSE b ed Pr 2017. U u O in C t n F APGS o L c O , G !� U of ost to s O h it Y t c h K fe try wit THAN e per indus heart yed th has m pla ed the a ir n p t s ie ietnam V o in ntry. V u , it als o it ew c m n sum in the r–a to the aim fo to el ia s s in A he top d by t te c , e id  a re ho s odin w a h e Seth G ink w e. I th e choic h t ise , to ra rules y it be la p and to p eve is to beli 2 S APG s a a as it h le past e
asiangolf asiangol g lff 206 206
36
lth e hea for th of my ttom the bo m o r F
s untrie 21 co from lf o s g te f a o g h g dele growt k the lcomin c e a r w t s t e to fas Besid desire r golf y and fo g r k e r n a e enchm b w e best an hich is s set hift w s er m s writ adig sines w par an bu ic r e y m ve an lling A we ha think ge the ’t n n a o h d c “I tion to me, obliga ent ga ave an differ a t y la y righ to p as an e bar, one h y n a than etter er le.� ib s r high pos he ba t t e s e will for th 2018 doing been s y a alw ! years even
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november mberr 201 20 2017 01 0 17
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JUNIOR GOLF SPECIAL FEATURE
While it is often said that junior golf holds the key to developing a core group talented golfers, both professional and amateur, not enough is done to really s tain the growth of a viable junior development programme in most parts of As It is a part of the game that receives tremendous attention in developed mark like North America, Europe and Australia which explains why these regions h a steady ow of top rated young talent constantly coming through the pipe-lin Asia has been a laggard in this respect but that is all set to change with the launch of the much-awaited Junior Golf Tour of Asia. asiangolf asia a as sia iangol ng gollf 206 2 206
42 4 2
of susia. ets ave ne.
F
inally junior golfers in Asia can aspire to great things in golf. A far-sighted initiative has been established and it will see the launch of the Junior Golf Tour of Asia (JGTA). It has already received the blessings of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) which is the organization that has provided the pathway for numerous junior golfers to go on and achieve great success in golf.
The JGTA will serve as the sanctioning body in Asia for the AJGA and its Performance Based
Entry (PBE) status through which junior players in Asia can build their AJGA PBE status to qualify for rankings on the JGTA’s Junior Order of Merit. Commenting on this historic development, the founder-director of the JGTA Kyi Hla Han said,
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november nove nov n ovember mb be 2 201 2017 017
THE MISSION OF THE JGTA IS TO PROVIDE A REGIONAL PLATFORM OF ELITE COMPETITION FOR
ASIA’S RISING STARS OF JUNIOR GOLF THAT CAN ACTUALLY HELP THOSE PLAYERS ACHIEVE HIGH-LEVEL AMERICAN COLLEGE GOLF OPPORTUNITIES, WHERE THEY CAN ACHIEVE A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION WHILE TAKING THEIR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL WHILE PLAYING IN THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION EVENT. – KYI HLA HAN
asiangolf 206
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“The mission of the JGTA is to provide a regional platform
The newly-minted junior tour is set to take off with
of elite competition for Asia’s rising stars of junior golf that
its first event which will be staged at JGTA Bintan Lagoon
can actually help those players achieve high-level American
Junior Championship on December 20-22 at the Bintan
College golf opportunities, where they can achieve a Uni-
Lagoon Resort, on the Indonesian island of Bintan. The
versity education while taking their game to the next level
three-day event will be a 54-hole/stroke play tournament
while playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association
and will include seminars to provide advice to young golfers
event.”
vying for admission into the top University golf programmes
The former executive chairman of the Asian Tour continued, “By aligning with the AJGA - which has produced the vast majority of college and professional golfers - and giving juniors an opportunity to build their AJGA PBE Status without having to travel to the U.S., the JGTA strives to make a real difference here in Asia.”
45
november 2017
in the USA.
SHARK EXPERIENCE SPECIAL FEATURE
asiangolf asi asia as a sia s iia iangol an ngo ngol go olf ol lf 206 20 2 06
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The days when golfers used to bitch and moan about not having access to news and information while on the golf course is about to come to an end! And the man who will be putting an end to it is the legendary golf great, Greg Norman aka “The Great White Shark”. Arguably the most successful athlete-turned-businessman in the world, Norman is known as much for his entrepreneurial spirit in the boardroom as his dominance on the golf course. Always on the look-out for innovative ways to grow the game of golf, he has launched a dynamic new venture called the “Shark Experience” and ASIAN GOLF now presents all you need to know about this exciting revolution.
T
he “Shark Experience,” is an innovative and disruptive new golf technology that enhances the on-course experience. Partnering with Club Car, a world leading golf transportation manufacturer and GPSi, a global leader in golf GPS technology, Verizon and The Greg Norman Company are set to deliver unprecedented connectivity, content and customization to the course through a connected golf car experience.
Leveraging Verizon’s leading 4G LTE and Multicast network technology, the connected golf cars will
include a high-definition touchscreen display and built-in speakers with Bluetooth connectivity – all exclusive to Club Car golf cars. Golfers will enjoy curated content from Verizon including streaming music via Slacker Radio, live sports and highlights, news and entertainment in addition to Greg Norman golf tips, dynamic yardage information, and more. The Shark Experience enables a seamless, cashless experience from course to clubhouse.
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THE “SHARK EXPERIENCE,” IS AN INNOVATIVE AND DISRUPTIVE NEW GOLF TECHNOLOGY THAT ENHANCES THE ON-COURSE EXPERIENCE. ING WITH
PARTNERCLUB CAR, A WORLD LEADING
GOLF TRANSPORTATION MANUFACTURER
GPSI, A GLOBAL LEADER IN GOLF GPS TECHNOLOGY, VERIZON AND THE GREG NORMAN COMPANY ARE SET TO AND
DELIVER UNPRECEDENTED CONNECTIVITY, CONTENT AND CUSTOMIZATION TO THE COURSE THROUGH A CONNECTED GOLF CAR EXPERIENCE. Shark Experience is currently in a pilot phase and will preview at the 2018 PGA Show in Orlando. The new technology will be featured on Club Car vehicles and will roll out at select golf courses across the U.S. throughout 2018. In addition to the curated content available at launch, features including hole-in-one technology, food and beverage ordering, Shot Tracer and more will become available as the platform evolves. “The golf industry has been starved for real innovation that encourages real change for real growth and we believe Shark Experience is the answer,” said Norman. “This solution enhances the golfer experience and is customizable to each individual’s preference – whether you are a Baby Boomer, Millennial or Gen Z, Shark Experience has something to keep you entertained, connected and having fun.” Now, all that is left is for the Shark Experience to go global. Stay tuned!
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november no n nov ove vem v mber be 201 2 2017 01 017
THE GOLF IINDUSTRY HAS BEEN EN S STARVED TARVED F FOR REAL INNOVATION THAT ENCOURAGES REAL CHANGE FOR REAL GROWTH AND WE BELIEVE
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PGA TOUR IN ASIA COLUMN
The last quarter of 2017 proved to be a treat for golf fans in Asia as the world’s most powerful professional golf tour paraded its stars through Asia. After three successful tournaments in three Asian cities and a cash bonanza of some US$26 million in prize money, it is hoped that the PGA Tour’s Asian Swing will continue to grow. BY CHUAH CHOO CHIANG - PGA TOUR
This editorial column has been made possible through a collaboration between t presence in Asia of the largest professional golf tour in the world, we felt that it w platform to talk about its activities throughout this vast Continent. There is no den way to expose the highest level of professional tournament golf to every country engagements in the ASEAN bloc, China, South Korea and Japan and this role is ex line simply points to Asian golf being a huge beneficiary insofar as growing the g good is going to come out of the PGA’s stake in Asia. The following is the latest ed
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA
JUSTIN THOMAS
the PGA Tour of America and ASIAN GOLF. Given the growing was incumbent upon us to provide the PGA Tour with its own nying that what the PGA Tour is doing in Asia will go a long y in the region. As of now, the PGA Tour has very high profile xpected to grow progressively in the years to come. The bottomgame and uplifting the standard of play are concerned. Only ditorial contribution from the PGA Tour:
PAT PEREZ
DUSTIN JOHNSON
S
tarting in Malaysia with the CIMB
I’M NOT GOING TO CHANGE ANYTHING.
I’M STILL
Classic and extending to the inaugural CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES in South Korea and concluding with the World Golf Championships
in China, the buzz generated across some of
NOT GOING TO WORK
Asia’s finest fairways served to reinforce the
OUT.
game’s growing expansion in the Far East.
I’LL STILL HAVE A BAD DIET AND I’M GOING TO ENJOY MYSELF. I DON’T GET AHEAD OF MYSELF, I DON’T LOOK IN THE PAST, I’M JUST KIND OF DOING IT. I THINK I’M THE LAST GUY THAT EXPECTED TO WIN THIS WEEK, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU. I DID NOT THINK I WAS GOING TO WIN. – PAT PEREZ
The three events produced three worthy, if not, contrasting champions. American Pat Perez, who endured doubts over his golf career following a shoulder surgery nearly two years ago, emerged triumphant in Malaysia as he celebrated a third PGA TOUR title at TPC Kuala Lumpur. Beating a top field which included newly crowned FedExCup winner and two-time CIMB Classic defending champion Justin Thomas and Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, the 41-year-old is a self-confessed, happy-go-lucky golfer which is in stark contrast to today’s new generation of stars who observe strict fitness and diet regimes and have the ability to propel the golf ball
asiangolf 207
60
JUSTIN ROSE
to mile-long distances. With a winning total of 24-under-
“It’s an unbelievable honour to win the inaugural CJ
par 264, he also became the tournament’s oldest winner
CUP. For these last three days, it was extremely difficult
at 41 years of age.
conditions but I’ve stayed really patient. It’s a great way
“I’m not going to change anything. I’m still not going to work out. I’ll still have a bad diet and I’m going to enjoy myself. I don’t get ahead of myself, I don’t look in the past, I’m just kind of doing it. I think I’m the last guy that
while,” said the 24-year-old. Thomas picked up US$1.66 million for his exploits and earned a trophy which features the names of every
expected to win this week, to be honest with you. I did not
player in the field in Korean language. As the tournament
think I was going to win,” said Perez.
champion, his name was painted in gold.
As Perez earned the plaudits in Malaysia and denied
“The trophy is really cool. It’s very unique. When I first
Thomas a crack at a third straight Malaysian victory, the
saw it earlier this week when I did a photo call with Adam
latter headed to the CJ CUP pretty much low on gas for
(Scott), we both thought it was a really cool trophy. I’m
his final tournament of a 2017 campaign during which he
glad that my name is in gold so I know where it is. At least
claimed five wins, a maiden major victory and was part of
now I can memorize how to write my name in Korean. It’s
the victorious United States team in the Presidents Cup.
awesome and a great memento,” he said.
Running purely on adrenaline, the slender but power-
During a week which was highlighted by a stunning
ful Thomas forced his way into a two-man playoff with
photo call overlooking Shanghai’s famous skyline and the
Australia’s Marc Leishman where a closing birdie for a 72
“Bund”, world No. 1 Dustin Johnson seemed poised to be-
saw both players tying on nine-under-par 279. After halv-
come the first man to win three World Golf Championships
ing the first extra hole played over the par five 18th hole
events in the same calendar year at the WGC tournament.
with pars, Thomas made a stress-free birdie to bag his career seventh PGA TOUR victory.
61
to cap off the year. I’m really excited to do nothing for a
december 2017
Following three exquisite rounds of 68, 63 and 68, the long-hitting American opened up a six-shot lead only
to collapse in the final round. England’s Justin Rose, seeking a first victory since winning the Olympic Games gold medal in Rio in 2016, seized full advantage of Johnson’s mishap, to triumph over Brooks Koepka,
THE TROPHY IS REALLY COOL. IT’S VERY UNIQUE. WHEN I I DID A PHOTO CALL WITH ADAM (SCOTT), FIRST SAW IT EARLIER THIS WEEK WHEN WE BOTH THOUGHT IT WAS A REALLY COOL TROPHY.
I’M GLAD THAT MY NAME IS IN GOLD SO I KNOW WHERE IT IS. AT LEAST NOW I CAN MEMORIZE HOW TO WRITE MY NAME IN
KOREAN.
Henrik Stenson and Johnson. It matched the third-best comeback victory in PGA TOUR history as Rose had started eight shots back of Johnson. “The beginning of the day, I was playing for second,” conceded Rose, whose triumph was his second in the World Golf Championships following the 2012 Mexico Championship. “Obviously my back nine was just amazing. It was one of the best back nines I’ve played in a long, long time, and to do it at the right time was amazing. Whenever you beat the top players in the world, that gives a tournament victory so
IT’S AWESOME
much more meaning,
AND A GREAT
leaderboard like we
MEMENTO.
had today with Dustin,
– JUSTIN THOMAS
and obviously with a
Brooks, Stenson, I take a lot of pride in winning this tournament.”
asiangolf 207
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GAME IMPROVEMENT
BLACK HAT GOLF TIPS
Our resident golf guru Tony Meechai is onto a huge health and fitness regimen. Besides a set of exercise routines, he is now big into using the Swiss Ball as a key exercise tool. In this month’s Black Hat Tips, he explains the benefits that you can gain by using this terrific exercise tool. Take it away Tony!
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december 2017
T
his golf tip is very important to me because I’ve seen so many golfers improve just by giving them some advice on daily lifestyle improvements for their health. I’ve been making it a point to start my days with at least some stretching exercise routine followed with breathing exercises. Why? Because I’m
not getting any younger! And, neither should you if you want to live longer and play better golf period! I have no qualms about going out and celebrating with friends, especially if you had just made a hole-in-one or played a good round! Go for it! But, don’t forget to add some sort of physical exercise to your daily routine. It can be as simple as meditating. No joke! This tip is very SIMPLE to begin with. Get yourself a SWISS BALL. Yes, those big balloon-like inflated balls
THE BIGGEST BENEFIT THAT I HAVE SEEN IS IN THE POSTURE AND STANCE POSITION.
NORMALLY, WHEN A GOLFER’S
CORE IS WEAK OR THE GOLFER IS IN SUBSTANDARD PHYSICAL CONDITION, HE WILL SLOUCH HIS BACK WHEN HE SETS-UP TO THE BALL.
THIS IS NOT GOOD BECAUSE IT
CAUSES AN INCONSISTENT SWINGING MOTION.
that every fitness gym has. Why not just have one in
4.
your home? Wake up and start using it. Just have fun picking it up moving with it and bouncing it around. And, take it a step further by researching ways to exercise properly with it.
If you feel you can do more, great! Now, also experiment with the Swiss Ball by moving it side to side for more flexibility.
What’s the point? Simple! This exercise tool will make you stronger and more flexible. Yes! Work on a few exercises that strengthen the core. Trainers always have you start with the basic squats. 1. Simply take the ball in both hands. 2. Raise it up over your head. 3. Begin squatting.
Do it until you get tired. Aim to do 15 squats.
Then, my favourite is strengthening the core muscles by sitting on the ball and performing crunches. Do this while you are watching the Golf Channel or checking your social media! Now you can see why the Swiss Ball can be a very important aid in your lifestyle - not because it’s good for you, but because it will make you stronger and healthier, period! It is probably the simplest and easiest way to be-
gin some sort of training routine that is between going to your local gym or hiring a personal trainer to come to your home. What are the benefits? First of all, you will feel a lot better when you go for a round of golf. You won’t be huffing and puffing so much walking 18 holes. The biggest benefit that I have seen is in the posture and stance position. Normally, when a golfer’s core is weak or the golfer is in sub-standard physical condition, he will slouch his back when he sets-up to the ball. This is not good because it causes an inconsistent swinging motion. When you have a stronger core and feel a bit stronger, at address position, your back will have a more natural erect position thus resulting in the swinging motion to be more natural and smooth! Trust me, I try to keep tips and lessons as simple as possible and to fit everyone’s everyday activities and this tip simply works with fast results! Implementing and owning a Swiss Ball and having it around the house will allow you to commit to a healthier lifestyle! I recommend that you to try it. Go to your golf club or talk to your pro and make an agreement to work on a healthier lifestyle! See how it works!
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 PGA Professional Golf Management, he has made a name for himself in Asia over the past decade, during which 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 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 Club-Focused Instruction curriculum and teaching philosophy. Voted 2015 and 2016 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 tony@tmggroupasia.com. Like Black Hat Golf Tips page on facebook.
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PREVIEW GAME IMPROVEMENT
In this exclusive Asian Golf Monthly series, respected coach Iain Roberts is teaching golf novice Niall Donnelly to play the game in 10 one-hour sessions. This week, Niall learns about “magic hands”.
IAIN INTRODUCES THE CONCEPT OF “MAGIC HANDS” …
asia asiangolf s ngo sia ngol n gol go o f 206 203 2 20 03 3
7 74
ACHIEVING DISTANCE SEEMINGLY WITHOUT EFFORT.
EXPLAINING HOW THE HANDS WORK SEPARATELY, BUT TOGETHER!
A
fter our usual warm-up and review, Iain picks up a 7-iron and clips the ball 150 yards with minimal backlift. “See that?” he says.
“It’s all in the wrists.” And so I
begin to learn about what he calls “magic hands”. Many amateur players, he points out, try to obtain greater distance by turning their shoulders more and swinging faster, inevitably with frustrating results. But if you have good basics – posture, stance and a sound swing that is initiated by correct movement of the feet, legs and hips – then it is the hands and wrists that provide the “whip” that will generate greater power and, hence, more distance.
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“You have to understand that the hands work separately but together,” he laughs. What he means is, each hand is doing something different but, at the same time, they are complementing each other. And so we begin a series of drills designed to get the hands doing their own jobs but working in unison. First, the right hand grips the left forearm while the left wrist turns the club to vertical. Then the left hand grips the right bicep and the right wrist turns to keep the club on the correct plane with the ball. Finally, we try the “split grip” whereby I hold the club almost normally but with the hands an inch apart. Iain says this helps educate the hands in what each one should be doing.
COCKING THE WRISTS AT THE TOP OF THE BACKSWING.
asiangolf asi as a siiia sia s ang ng f 203 ngo ngol 20 2 03
76 7 6
AND INTRODUCING “WHIP” AT POINT OF IMPACT.
MANY AMATEUR PLAYERS, HE POINTS OUT, TRY TO OBTAIN GREATER DISTANCE BY TURNING THEIR SHOULDERS MORE AND SWINGING FASTER, INEVITABLY WITH FRUSTRATING RESULTS. BASICS
BUT IF YOU HAVE GOOD
– POSTURE, STANCE AND A SOUND SWING
THAT IS INITIATED BY CORRECT MOVEMENT OF THE FEET, LEGS AND HIPS
– THEN IT IS THE HANDS AND WRISTS THAT PROVIDE THE “WHIP” THAT WILL GENERATE GREATER POWER AND, HENCE, MORE DISTANCE.
AFTER MUCH PRACTICE, NIALL TRIES IT – BACKSWING …
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august aug augu au a ugu ug g st st 2 2017 01 017 0 17 17
After this, we revert to normal grip and I hit a few shots. The results are impressive. The practice drills have induced added whip just before and after the point of impact and the ball is travelling significantly further. Iain is grinning broadly. “What you have there is effortless power,” he says. “Many weekend golfers just have powerless effort.”
FOLLOW-THROUGH …
AND FINISH. EFFORTLESS POWER!
ABOUT IAIN ROBERTS Iain Roberts has spent a lifetime in golf since first picking up a club at the age of 14. As player, coach, retailer, administrator and senior executive, he has vast experience in the game. His outstanding contribution to golf was given the ultimate recognition in 2015 when the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland awarded him Master Professional status. Iain is founder and operator of the Iain Roberts Golf School – www.iainrobertsgolfschool.com – which operates from three locations in Hong Kong.
www.iainrobertsgolfschool.com
A
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