L E T N AT U R E A N D TECHNOLOGY SWING
golf.ecco.com
ECCO BIOM® HYBRID 3 WITH TRI-FI-GRIP ™ AND GORE-TEX ® CONSTRUCTION
R OTAT I O N A L S U P P OR T · S TA B ILITY · DURABILITY
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ECCO Tri-Fi-Grip ® outsole technology
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for excellent grip, stability,
for increased breathability
HYDROMAX® treated leather.
durability & flexibility.
and durability.
ISSUE
14
208
JANUARY 2018
The Asian Golf Awards is the only Continent-wide poll of the golf industry in Asia and as such, this makes it the premier and most sought after awards programme of its kind. The hunt for the crème de la crème in Asia started at the beginning of April 2017 and it took the form of a specially organised on-line poll that was open to the public under 51 categories.
FASHION TREND 56 ECCO HITS THE GROUND RUNNING FOR 2018! Since ECCO GOLF launched the first BIOM modelled golf shoe in 2011, the technology has caught on like wild-fire with golfers and its acceptance globally has been so good that it has introduced the ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3, the latest iteration for this range.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS 68 SEXY!
56
The century-old Wilson Golf has launched its newest driver, woods and hybrids under the label C300. The clubs are red in colour - a very unique hybrid of the colour red but it comes across as a very rich, full bodied burgundy that is tinted with a stylish, satiny finish coat. It catches your eye and forces you to do a double-take like you would helplessly react when a gorgeous lady saunters by. Guys, you get the message!
68
REGULARS 6 EDITORIAL TEAM
|
8 SHARED THOUGHTS: FROM PUBLISHER | GOLF IS NOT OUT OF THE WOODS, YET!
SPECIAL FEATURE
ASIAN GOLF BUSINESS
78 LOOK OUT – HERE COME THE DRAGON GOLFERS FROM THE MIDDLE KINGDOM!
96 GOLF IN ASIA – IT’S FUN AND CHALLENGING IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!
Gary Player, the golf legend who now roams the globe as the game’s roving ambassador, has been waxing lyrical about the prowess of Chinese golfers. Rarely is the man wrong about his gut-feel. His belief in Chinese players making it to the world stage is already beginning to materialise. The PGA Tour’s Chuah Choo Chiang discusses the emergence of world class players from China in a special report.
GAME-IMPROVEMENT 84 GET S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D FOR 2018! Our resident golf guru Tony Meechai is all rested up and ready to rock for another twelve months. We sent him away for a much needed break and he has returned bubbling with new ideas on how to help you improve your game the Tony Meechai way. He kicks off the new season with tips on the importance of STRETCHING.
For the last three years I have been privileged to speak at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit, an excellent event and I recommend attendance to anyone who has not been to it. Since it’s a long way to come to Asia, 29 hours in the air this trip, I was determined to make the most of it and over the last three years I have played almost 20 courses in Asia. The overall experience has been very positive but there are challenges.
90 THE PERFECT 10 Master coach Iain Roberts and golf novice Niall Donnelly have reached the halfway point in their 10-hour project to teach Niall the game. Here, in the sixth installment of this exclusive ASIAN GOLF series, they get serious with the introduction of the driver.
84 90
104 BLAME THE GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY VENDORS! As part of our series “Golf Course Costs Are Destroying the Game – Who Is Responsible?” ASIAN GOLF’S Roving International Editor James Prusa examines the effect that golf course equipment and supply vendors have on the state of golf in Asia.
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]
,DLQ 5REHUWV (7KH 3HUIHFW )
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.
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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.
Another year has come and gone and golf has not had an especially good year. The problems of the past years still persist as the game struggles to ward off the decline in the number of golfers, drop in rounds played and revenue shortfalls for many golf course operators and golf equipment manufacturers.
I
t does not help when the home of golf, Scotland reports that all is not well with the ancient game of golf. At the recent inaugural Scottish Golf National Conference, the 500 delegates in attendance were stunned when told: “We are all on the Titanic if we choose not to do anything.” This shocking revelation was made by Stewart Darling, a Scottish Golf Board member. He highlighted that Scottish clubs had been losing roughly 5,000 full members every year in the last 10 years. He warned that the consequence of not doing anything to try and address that situation was an average annual subscription of £478 rising by 34 per cent in five years’ time and to be 84 per cent higher in 10 years’ time. “That is a fairly challenging prognosis in any walk of life,” he said. Continuing, Darling stressed that golf’s demographic
was its biggest problem. Over 55s make up more than 100,000 of golf club members whereas 24 and unders provide just more than 10,000. He also pointed out that it used to take 20 rounds per year in 2007 for someone to justify their subscription fee and now it is 40. He revealed, too, that only 47 per cent of members submit enough cards (three) to retain a handicap while just 53 per cent play in a formal competition. Having too many courses is one of the game’s problems. “We can’t sustain 600 clubs in 10 years’ time,” he warned. Darling was accused for “a lot of negativity” about the state of the game in its birthplace by delivering that message, but he stuck firmly to his guns. “It’s not negativity – it’s reality,” he said in response. If the home of golf is plagued with challenges, what about us in Asia? Based on our own research (The Asian Golf Profiles 2016/2017), the challenges faced in most of
Asia is not dissimilar to that faced by Scotland. However, there is a silver lining in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia that should offer some hope and promise going forward. Southeast Asia, which is made up of countries within the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) has a large combined population of over 600 million. Of this, a very high percentage are young – according to the United Nations Population Division, by the year 2030, the median age of the region’s resident population is expected to be 32.9 years. This is a very encouraging nugget of statistics and business professionals in the golf and golf club industry should seize upon it to start reaching out to the large critical mass of young people. Reaching out to the young is what the industry needs to do urgently because it can no longer rely upon by-gone generations to keep the industry healthy and
WHAT WE NEED IS TO GET CREATIVE TO ATTRACT THE YOUNG POPULATION THAT IS WAITING TO BE TAPPED.
WE CAN’T DEPEND ON
THE OLD TRIED AND TESTED WAYS OF ATTRACTING PEOPLE TO GOLF.
WHAT IS NEEDED IS A
BUFFET OF BRILLIANT IDEAS TO DRAW YOUNG EYES AND EVERY EFFORT MUST BE MADE TO WHET THEIR APPETITES AND KEEP THEM ENGAGED WITH GOLF.
AFTER ALL, IT IS A
WONDERFUL GAME THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY EVERYONE AS LONG AS THEY REMAIN HEALTHY AND MOBILE.
financially buoyant! Based on projections of the same UN study, the region’s median average by year 2050 will still be a relatively young and active population – the median age will be 37.5 years. We have a thirty year window to work our magic! What we need is to get creative to attract the young population that is waiting to be tapped. We can’t depend on the old tried and tested ways of attracting people to golf. What is needed is a buffet of brilliant ideas to draw young eyes and every effort must be made to whet their appetites and keep them engaged with golf. After all, it is a wonderful game that can be enjoyed by everyone as long as they remain healthy and mobile. It’s time for action stations folks. Let’s get up and do something as opposed to resigning ourselves to the industry’s destiny which seems to be one that is fatalistic and short on ideas to change!
live | play | xcell
Whichever way one looks at the long-standing Asian Golf Awards, it must be acknowledg that it is a one-of-a-kind recognition event that is unmatched at all levels – it is prestigiou enduring and it is the absolute best measure of stature and success in the golf industry in Asia Pacific! In its long and continuing history stretching over eighteen years, the Asian G Awards ranks amongst one of the finest recognition events in the world of golf. It is an ev that lives up to how President Donald Trump describes leadership – the American leader is on record as saying: “You have to think anyway, so why not think big?” And this is the ethos that drives the Asian Golf Awards. Each year, the award ceremony sets new goals and 2017 was no different. Awards were presented on the final day of the 2017 Asia Pacific Golf Summit which was staged at the Sheraton Hotel in Da Nang, Vietnam. The awards went to the best amongst the best in 51 categories which makes the Asian Golf Awards the biggest recognition event of its kind in the world for the golf industry. The Asian Golf Awards is a yardstick of quality and it is a leader when it comes to recognising the quest for excellence and innovation. As such, the first edition of ASIAN GOLF in 2018 is being dedicated to all the men and women and golf clubs that have brought distinction and glory to the Asian golf club industry. It is a celebration of the sights and sounds of success!
asiangolf a asi as sia iangol ng gol go g ollf 206 o 20 2 06 06
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ged us, it’s n the Golf vent
15 15
january jjan an nu n ua arrry ary y2 201 2018 01 018 01 18 8
Host sponsor: BRG Group, Hanoi; Produced by The Asia Pacific Golf Group.
“Many congratulations ful Asia Pacific Golf Sum and I am extremely del experienced a record t delegates and guests. C
Event management on easy task when you con energy and effort that y staging a successful co which country will be t gistics, summit program
THE ASIAN GOLF AWARDS IS A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS WHERE THE VOTING PUBLIC THROUGHOUT
ASIA
CASTS ITS VOTE AND WHERE THE FINAL OUTCOME IS DETERMINED BY THE POPULAR VOTE.
“IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW GOLF CLUBS
ORGANISE THEMSELVES TO PROMOTE AND MARKET THE POLLS TO SECURE AS MUCH SUPPORT AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN AND IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THOSE WITH THE
T
HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES WIN.
he 2017 Asian Golf
win,” explained Alice Ho, the administrator of the award
Awards was the culmina-
programme.
tion of a three-month
“We only accept valid votes which means to say that
search for individuals,
the name and e-mail address of each voter has to be sup-
both men and women and
plied and this data is then used to authenticate and verify
golf clubs that went the extra mile to not only perform well but who took it upon themselves to excel and exceed high benchmarks in all aspects of quality and excellence as it impacts the Asian golf industry. The hunt for the crème de la crème in Asia started
each vote,” Ho said. For the 2017 voting cycle, a total of 100,024 valid votes were cast and this is a new record. “We see this as another measure of the value and importance that the golf industry attaches to the Asian Golf Awards,” Ho pointed
at the beginning of April 2017 and it took the form of a
out. There is no award or recognition event that comes
specially organised on-line poll. As in the past, the on-line
anywhere close to the Asian Golf Awards when it concerns
poll was programmed to run for three months and polling
the diverse categories that are recognised each year.
was opened to the public under 51 categories. The Asian
“The Asian Golf Awards is a polling system whereby
Golf Awards is a democratic process where the voting public
the popular vote is the only measure of who emerges on
throughout Asia casts its vote and where the final outcome
top and given the large number of valid votes that are cast,
is determined by the popular vote. “It’s all about how golf
it cannot be disputed that the poll is anything but popular,”
clubs organise themselves to promote and market the
stated Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia
polls to secure as much support as they possibly can and in
Pacific Golf Group, the owner and producer of the Asian
the final analysis, those with the highest number of votes
Golf Awards.
for hosting a very successmmit in Da Nang Vietnam lighted to see that you turnout of approximately 300 Congratulations!
this scale is by no means an nsider the amount of time, you guys have to put into onference from deciding on he host, venue planning, lom content, speakers and the
awards alone without the politics of our industry. Well, you turned it on and did it again, - bravo! We see that there are several conferences in the industry for club managers in Europe and the Middle East. However, what sets you apart is the quality and attention to detail in your Summit production and the awards are absolutely priceless! As I quoted before, they are the “Oscars of the Golf Industry in Asia Pacific” – nothing else, comes close.” Stacey Walton, general manager, Banyan Golf Club; managing director GLS
“It is a challenge for us to administer such a large programme that is huge both in terms of scope and scale
Perhaps the best way to describe the winners at the Asian Golf Awards is to draw from the famous business
but we think that at the end of the day, the whole effort is
author Tom Peters who said, “Excellent firms don’t believe
really rewarding and worthwhile – to witness the joy and
in excellence - only in constant improvement and constant
celebration that the awards generate is quite a sight to be-
change.” This is pretty much the ethos by which the top golf
hold,” Ho added.
clubs in Asia operate by – there is little change amongst those clubs that stand out as the best every year, and 2017 is no different. These are clubs that fully understand what excellence represents and with each year, their owners and management strive to constantly up the ante to stay ahead of the pack. The Asian Golf Awards is the only Continent-wide poll of the golf industry in Asia and as such, this makes it the premier and most sought after awards programme of its kind. There are four distinct award categories which breakdown as follow: Asian Golf Awards – Best Country by Country Asian Golf Awards - Best In The Asia Pacific Asian Golf Awards – Special Categories Asian Golf Awards – Special Inductees
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF HALL OF FAME AWARD DR. HARUHISA HANDA Honorary President of the International Blind Golf Association and Chairman of the ISPS, Tokyo, Japan Represented by Mr Kevin O’ Brien Country Director of The Handa Foundation
Like every award programme in the world, there is always a category that is reserved to recognise individuals and organisations that are singled out for special mention. The Asian Golf Awards is no exception. Perhaps the most prestigious among the awards is the Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame. For 2017, there were three inductees.
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF HALL OF FAME AWARD STIG NOTLÖV Entrepreneur and owner of Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand
BRG KINGS’ ISLAND GOLF RESORT
Best Course in Vietnam The Gold Edge Award For New Course Best Course in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List
BRG LEGEND HILL GOLF RESORT
Best Course in Vietnam – Top Ten List
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF HALL OF FAME AWARD MADAME NGUYEN THI NGA Chairman, BRG Group, Hanoi, Vietnam
ASIA PACIFIC LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD MOHAMAD J BUAMAIM Former vice-chairman and CEO of Golf in Dubai and currently chairman of Golf Citizen and the MENA professional tour, Dubai
ASIA PACIFIC LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD MOHD NIZAM OTHMAN, CGCS CertiямБed Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by by Golf Course Superintendent of America (GSCAA) TPC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF PIONEER AWARD MR. LE VAN KIEM Chairman, KN Investment Group, Vietnam
GLOBAL GOLF VISION AWARD ROBERT PARSONS Founder and Chairman of Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), USA
BANYAN GOLF CLUB
Best Golf Club Experience in Asia Pacific Best MarComm Manager Of The Year - Bhanujsaya Dangsuwan Best Golf Manager Of The Year - Stuart Daly Best Food and Beverage Experience in Asia Pacific Best Value for Money Experience in Asia Pacific Best Professional Golf Coach in Asia Pacific - John Wither Best Golf Course Superintendent Of The Year - Minachai Srichanya Best Course in Thailand - First Runner-Up Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up Best Club General Manager Of The Year – First Runner-Up - Stacey Walton Best HR Manager Of The Year – First Runner-Up - Kwandee Thanontip Best Caddie Of The Year – First Runner-Up - Sairung Khamnuam Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific –Top Ten List Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List
BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR 2017 BEST COURSE IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 1 The Empire Hotel & Country Club 2 Jerudong Park Country Club 3 Pantai Mentiri Golf Club
Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) Golf Course
BEST COURSE IN CAMBODIA
1 Phokeethra Country Club 2 Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club 3 Angkor Golf Resort
Garden City Golf Club Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club Cambodia Golf & Country Club
BEST COURSE IN CHINA (INCLUDING HONG KONG AND MACAU) 1 Spring City Golf & Lake Resort 2 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou
(Blackstone Course) 3 Xili Golf & Country Club
The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula Mission Hills Golf Club Dongguan (Norman Course) Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club Sheshan International Golf Club Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou (Lava Fields) Pine Valley Golf Resort and Country Club Dragon Lake Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN CHINESE TAIPEI
1 Ta Shee Golf & Country Club 2 Taiwan Golf & Country Club 3 Miramar Golf Country Club
Sunrise Golf & Country Club The Orient Golf & Country Club National Golf Country Club Yung Han Golf Club Nan Fong Golf Club
Linkou Golf Course Kaohsiung Golf & Country Club
BEST COURSE IN INDIA
1 DLF Golf & Country Club 2 Oxford Golf Resort 3 Eagleton - The Golf Village
Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club Delhi Golf Club ITC Classic Golf & Country Club Royal Springs Golf Course Jaypee Greens Golf Course Aamby Valley Golf Course The Royal Calcutta Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN INDONESIA 1Ria Bintan Golf Club
2Rainbow Hills Golf Club 3Riverside Golf Club
Bali Beach Golf Course Pondok Indah Golf Course Royale Jakarta Golf Club Emeralda Golf Club Cengkareng Golf Club New Kuta Golf Club Damai Indah Golf & Country Club (PIK Course)
BEST COURSE IN JAPAN 1Hirono Golf Club
2Kawana Hotel Golf Course 3Yokohama International Golf Club
Ono Golf Club Tokyo Golf Club Kasumigaseki Country Club (East Course) Osaka Golf Course Tokyo Classic Golf Club Nikko Country Club Phoenix Seagaia Resort
BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB
Best Course in Thailand Best Course in Asia Pacific Best Golf Club Experience in Asia Pacific Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific The Gold Edge Award For New Course Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific Best Club General Manager Of The Year - Harald Elisson
Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific – Second Runner-Up Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List
BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR 2017 BEST COURSE IN SOUTH KOREA
1 Sky72 Golf & Resort, Ocean Course 2 Jack Nicklaus Golf Club 3 The Club at Nine Bridges
Anyang Country Club Whistling Rock Country Club Black Stone Exclusive Golf Club Jade Palace Golf Club Woo Jeong Hills Country Club BlueOne Sangju Golf Resort South Cape Owners Club
3 Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Al Mouj Golf Jumeirah Golf Estates (East Course) Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Trump International Golf Club The Els Club Doha Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN MYANMAR
BEST COURSE IN LAOS
1 Pun Hlaing Golf Club 2 Bagan Golf Resort 3 Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club
Luang Prabang Golf Club Lao Country Club DanSavanh Nam Ngum Resort Mekong Golf & Resort Santisuk Lang Xang Golf Club Youth Garden Golf Course KM 14
BEST COURSE IN THE PHILIPPINES
1 Long Vien Golf Club 2 Lakeview Vientiane Golf Club 3 SEA Games Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN MALAYSIA
1 TPC Kuala Lumpur 2 Kota Permai Golf & Country Club
3 Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club
The Els Club Teluk Datai Saujana Golf & Country Club The Els Club Desaru Coast Glenmarie Golf & Country Club The Royal Selangor Golf Club Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club
BEST COURSE IN MIDDLE EAST 1 Yas Links Abu Dhabi 2 Emirates Golf Club
Royal Myanmar Golf Club Yangon Golf Club Shwe Mann Taung Golf Resort City Golf Resort Thayet Golf Club Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort Yay Dagon Taung Golf Club
1 Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club
2 Mt. Malarayat Golf & Country Club 3 Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club
Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate Wack Wack Golf & Country Club Manila Golf & Country Club Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club Southlinks Golf Club Green Island Golf & Beach Resort The Orchard Golf & Country Club
L E T N AT U R E A N D TECHNOLOGY SWING
golf.ecco.com
ECCO BIOM® HYBRID 3 WITH TRI-FI-GRIP ™ AND GORE-TEX ® CONSTRUCTION
R OTAT I O N A L S U P P OR T · S TA B ILITY · DURABILITY
100% waterproof GORE-TEX®
ECCO Tri-Fi-Grip ® outsole technology
ECCO YAK leather upper
construction and
for excellent grip, stability,
for increased breathability
HYDROMAX® treated leather.
durability & flexibility.
and durability.
THAI COUNTRY CLUB
Best Golf Club Experience in Asia Pacific Best Food and Beverage Experience in Asia Pacific Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific Best Golf Course Superintendent Of The Year – First Runner-Up - Brian Distel Best Club General Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up - John Blanch Best Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up - Jintanna Zinn Best Course in Thailand - Second Runner-Up Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List
BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR 2017 BEST COURSE IN SINGAPORE
1 Sentosa Golf Club 2 Tanah Merah Country Club 3 Marina Bay Golf Course
Singapore Island Country Club NSRCC Kranji Sanctuary Golf Course Raffles Country Club Orchid Country Club Warren Golf & Country Club Laguna National Golf & Country Club Seletar Country Club
BEST COURSE ON THE SUB-CONTINENT (INCLUDING BANGLADESH, NEPAL, PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA) 1 Karachi Golf Club, Blue & Red
Courses (Pakistan) 2 Royal Colombo Golf Club (Sri Lanka) 3 Kurmitola Golf Club (Bangladesh)
BEST COURSE IN THAILAND
2 Banyan Golf Club
3 Thai Country Club
Amata Spring Country Club Laguna Golf Phuket Siam Country Club Thana City Golf & Sports Club Lotus Valley Golf Resort Alpine Golf & Sports Club Nikanti Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN VIETNAM
1 BRG Kings’ Island Golf Resort 2 Montgomerie Links 3 Ba Na Hills Golf Club
FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links FLC Sam Son Beach & Golf Resort The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Laguna Golf Lang Co BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort Long Thanh Golf Course Vinpearl Nha Trang Golf Resort
1 Black Mountain Golf Club
A Ǧ Ǥ B Ǧ Ǥ C Ǥ ǯ ABC Ǥ Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club Ȃ Ǥ
HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2016 - 2018 REGIONAL SERIES
Horizon Hills Resort Berhad (769101-H)
Tel: +607-232 3166
Email: general@hhgcc.com.my
Website: www.hhgcc.com.my
HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Asia Pacific Golf Personality Of The Year Award - Ong Seng Kiat Best Course in Malaysia - Second Runner-Up Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Golf Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up - Mohd Yusri Bin Mat Isa Best Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year – First Runner-Up - Kamisah Binti Sukran Best HR Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up - Evelyn Wong
KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Best Course in Malaysia - First Runner-Up Best MarComm Manager Of The Year – Second Runner-Up - Nick Loh
BEST IN ASIA PACIFIC FOR 2017 Amata Spring Country Club (Thailand) Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club (Philippines)
BEST GOLF DESTINATION IN ASIA PACIFIC 1 Vietnam 2 Thailand 3 Indonesia
BEST GOLF RESORT IN ASIA PACIFIC
1 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou,
Malaysia China Philippines Abu Dhabi Cambodia Dubai South Korea
Blackstone Course (China) 2 Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club
(Philippines) 3 Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf
BEST COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC
1 Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand) 2 TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 3 Tianma Golf & Country Club (China)
Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course (China) BRG Kings’ Island Golf Resort (Vietnam) Sky72 Golf & Resort, Ocean Course (South Korea) FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links (Vietnam) The Els Club Teluk Datai (Malaysia)
and Spa Resort Hotel (Cambodia) FLC Sam Son Beach & Golf Resort (Vietnam) Trump International Golf Club (Dubai) Bali Beach Golf Resort (Indonesia) Jumeirah Golf Estates, East Course (Dubai) The Els Club (Malaysia) Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) Jangsu Golf Resort (South Korea)
Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ
Ǥ Kota Permai Golf & Country Club Ȃ Ǧ Ǥ
R
HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2016 - 2018 REGIONAL SERIES
Danau Permai Resort Berhad
(379138-V)
Tel: +603-5122 3700
Email: kpgcc@kotapermai.com.my
Website: www.kotapermai.com.my
A truly stunning golf vista that undulating landscape.
White frothy lined waves rolli onto a brilliant white sandy b gently rolling hills.
Running through this gift from ticulously manicured green tu and native shrubbery. A mast
KN Royal Golf Links Ca Hotline: (+84) 0989 79787
t rises and falls in an almost never-ending
ing in from the South China Sea lapping each set against a distant backdrop of
m the heavens are verdant pathways of meurf carefully punctuated by pockets of sand terful tapestry of a classic work of art.
The artist behind this spell-binding creation is one of golf’s greatest legends – champion golfer and golf course architect extraordinaire Greg Norman. One look at this landscape was all that Norman needed to transform it into Asia’s only true links golf course. A course that is already destined to earn its right to be ranked amongst the world’s best. KN Royal Golf Links Cam Ranh – now open for play. The game the way it should be played in the true traditions of links golf.
am Ranh - Long Beach, Northern Peninsula Cam Ranh - Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. 78 | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Camranhlinks/
BEST IN ASIA PACIFIC FOR 2017 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC
ASIA PACIFIC LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR JUNIOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT
1 TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 2 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course (China) 3 Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand)
Tenniel Chu, Group Vice Chairman, Mission Hills Group, China
Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore) Thai Country Club (Thailand) Sky72 Golf & Resort, Ocean Course (South Korea) Siam Country Club, Old Course (Thailand) DLF Golf and Country Club (India) Sheshan International Golf Club (China) Saujana Golf & Country Club, Palm Course (Malaysia)
MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB DONGGUAN (NORMAN COURSE) Best Course in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) - Top Ten List
MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB HAIKOU (BLACKSTONE COURSE)
Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific Best Pro-Shop in Asia Pacific Best Course in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) - First Runner-Up Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific – First Runner-Up Best Course in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Managed Golf Club in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List Best Locker Room (Male & Female) in Asia Pacific – Top Ten List
MISSION HILLS GOLF CLUB HAIKOU (LAVA FIELDS) Best Course in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) - Top Ten List
BEST CLUBHOUSE IN ASIA PACIFIC
1 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course (China) 2 TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 3 Bali National Golf Club (Indonesia)
Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand) Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (UAE) Thai Country Club (Thailand) BRG Kings’ Island Golf Resort (Vietnam) The Els Club Teluk Datai (Malaysia) Laguna Golf Lang Co (Vietnam)
Mission Hills Haikou "EST 'OLF 2ESORT IN !SIA 0ACIlC
Blackstone Course, Mission Hills Haikou "EST #HAMPIONSHIP #OURSE IN !SIA 0ACIlC &IRST 2UNNER 5P Best Course in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) &IRST 2UNNER 5P
Golf & More
Relax
2017 Asia’s Most Powerful People in Golf Dr. Ken Chu and Mr. Tenniel Chu
Mission Hills Haikou "EST #LUBHOUSE IN !SIA 0ACIlC "EST 0RO SHOP IN !SIA 0ACIlC
◆
Rejuvenate
!SIA 0ACIlC ,EADERSHIP !WARD Mr. Tenniel Chu
◆
Revive
Mission Hills Haikou is a fully-integrated resort destination offering a variety of experiences. Our all-in-one resort provides world-class sports, leisure entertainment and wellness facilities for the whole family. Golf enthusiasts can explore the many first-rate golf courses while others in search of a relaxing getaway can experience premium pampering at the Spa and Mineral Springs. Families are invited to step back in time and discover the thrill of cinema in the authentic Movie Town. Whatever your interest, Mission Hills Haikou allows you to pursue your passions and relax in a truly unique setting.
Mission Hills Haikou Hainan, China | (86 898) 6863 3388 www.missionhillschina.com | info@missionhillschina.com
Mission Hills Movie Town Most Visited Movie Theme Park in China
BEST IN ASIA PACIFIC FOR 2017 TPC KUALA LUMPUR
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BEST PRO-SHOP IN ASIA PACIFIC
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BEST IN ASIA PACIFIC FOR 2017 BEST MANAGED GOLF CLUB IN ASIA PACIFIC 1 Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand) 2 Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 3 TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Thai Country Club (Thailand) Rainbow Hills Golf Club (Indonesia) Tanah Merah Country Club (Singapore) Tianma Golf & Country Club (China) Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course (China) Sky72 Golf & Resort (South Korea) The Els Club Teluk Datai (Malaysia)
BEST RENOVATED COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC Warren Golf & Country Club (Singapore)
THE GOLD EDGE AWARD FOR NEW COURSE Black Mountain Golf Club, West Course (Thailand) KN Royal Golf Links Cam Ranh (Vietnam) BRG Kings’ Island Golf Resort, Kings’ Course (Vietnam)
BEST NEW COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC The Els Club Desaru Coast, Valley Course (Malaysia)
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THE ELS CLUB DESARU COAST, VALLEY COURSE Best New Course in Asia Pacific
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Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou (China) Ria Bintan Golf Club (Indonesia) Horizon Golf & Country Club (Malaysia) Amata Spring Country Club (Thailand) Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand) Nikanti Golf Club (Thailand) The Els Club Teluk Datai (Malaysia)
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Marina Bay Golf Course (Singapore) The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course Limited (Hong Kong) Southlinks Golf Club (Philippines)
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TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) Thai Country Club (Thailand)
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BEST CLUB GENERAL MANAGER IN ASIA PACIFIC
1 Harald Elisson, Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand) 2 Stacey Walton, Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 3 John Blanch, Thai Country Club (Thailand)
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1 Stuart Daly, Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 2 Farroul Hossey Abdullah, TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 3 Mohd Yusri Bin Mat Isa, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club (Malaysia)
BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
1 Ramiriz Osman, TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
2 Kamisah Binti Sukran, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club (Malaysia) 3 Jintanna Zinn, Thai Country Club (Thailand)
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2 Tony Meechai, TMG Group Asia (Thailand) 3 Travis van Dijk, TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
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1 Minachai Srichanya, Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 2 Brian Distel, Thai Country Club (Thailand) 3 Raja Patchamutho, Warren Golf & Country Club (Singapore)
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1 Bhanujsaya Dangsuwan, Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 2 Loh Chyi Jen, TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
3 Nick Loh, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club (Malaysia)
BEST HR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
1 Azhan Abdul Kadir, TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 2 Kwandee Thanontip, Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 3 Evelyn Wong, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club (Malaysia)
MOST POPULAR GOLF EQUIPMENT BRAND (DRIVER, WOODS/ HYBRIDS, PUTTERS)
MOST POPULAR GOLF APPAREL/GOLF SHOES/ ACCESSORIES
3 TaylorMade
3 Adidas
1 Titleist 2 PING
Callaway Cobra Srixon Mizuno Honma PXG Wilson
MOST POPULAR GOLF BALL 1 ProV1 & ProV1x 2 Srixon 3 Bridgestone
Wilson TaylorMade Callaway Volvik Pinnacle Oncore
1 Footjoy 2 ECCO
Nike PUMA Under Armour Callaway Mizuno Oakley Yonex
Goes Where No Driver Has Gone Before. The new G400 driver’s streamlined shape advances aerodynamics and stability to our highest levels ever. A speed-inducing forged face and MOI-raising tungsten sole weight deliver greater distance and fairway-finding forgiveness.
Forged Face Tungsten Sole Weight With a combined MOI over 9,000 and the deepest CG location in golf, there’s no more forgiving driver available.
Engineered to increase face flexing and deliver a powerful sound and feel, the forged face is precision machined to produce hotter ball speeds across the entire face.
ALTA CB (Counter-Balanced) Shaft
Color-Shift Paint Technology The premium copper shaft paint transitions to black as you address the ball to reduce distractions. © PING 2017
Hydropearl Chrome Finish 40% less friction through the turf improves launch and spin in wet conditions and rough.
Hyper 17-4 Stainless Steel Increases strength 40% for thinner face.
COR-Eye Technology ®
Innovative face-flexing technology launches the ball faster and higher to give you tour-player-type distance and stopping power with the forgiveness and feel expected in a PING iron.
Toprail Undercut Cavity Combines with COR-Eye Technology to amplify and expand face flexing to increase ball speed and launch the ball higher.
© PING 2017
It was a few years ago when the Danish shoe manufacturer ECCO showed ASIAN GOLF around its massive shoe factory in the ancient Thai city of Ayutthaya. That was when we were introduced to a technology that is unique to ECCO – it’s called BIOM. It is a technology that is applied to shoes, especially golf shoes and it enables the human foot to move naturally while providing protection and anatomical support. BIOM uses anatomical structures that mimic the barefoot, and guides the foot to move in the comfortable, efficient motion it was born for. A good test to understand BIOM technology is to place your hand in any other shoe, then do the same with an ECCO BIOM shoe. You’ll notice that BIOM is like a nuanced mould of a foot. This is because BIOM is constructed on an anatomically precise platform that is based on foot scans of 2,500 athletes. BIOM literally fits the foot like a second-skin.
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Before we proceed to the product drill-down, we would like to establish the importance of the feet relative to the human anatomy and why it is important to pay very careful attention to the shoes you wear. Did you know that the foot contains 26 bones, 133 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles? The average wear and tear on a foot is equivalent to the distance a person covers in a lifetime, which is about 115,000 miles. That’s one heck of a lot of work and to a golfer, it means special care has to be taken to protect the feet.
A
gainst this backdrop ECCO’s BIOM
been ignored by most accessories manufacturers
technology is a perfect fit for a
when it comes to range, style and colours).
golfer’s feet! Since the company
was given a preview of the new range for 2018 and
golf shoe in 2011, the technology
the stand-out product is ECCO’s latest innovation, the
has caught on like wild-fire with golfers and its ac-
ECCO BIOM® Hybrid 3 featuring the groundbreaking
ceptance globally has been so good that ECCO Golf
new TRI-FI-GRIP™ outsole.
has introduced the ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3, the latest iteration for this range. The acceptance to date has been so encourag-
59
In a specially arranged session, ASIAN GOLF
launched the first BIOM modelled
So what’s so hot about the BIOM Hybrid 3. There’s a lot that is hot with this new shoe and it starts with the TRI-FI-GRIP™. This feature ensures
ing that ECCO Golf has not just introduced one new
multi-purpose zonal performance through three
model but two new shoes – one for men and the
segments:
other for women. (ASIAN GOLF FOOTNOTE: It is re-
One for stability.
ally heartening to see a major brand pay attention to
Another for durability.
women golfers, a group that for too long a time has
And a third for rotational support.
january 2018
The zonal structure is a product of intensive research and data analysis in the ECCO GOLF Lab. Each is formed from ultra-durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), meaning the shoes can be worn on and off course without affecting performance. Just imagine, you can start your day with the BIOM Hybrid 3, drive to work, put in a full day on the job, drive to the golf course, play a round of golf and drive back home without ever having to take off your shoes. That’s how versatile the ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3 is! What about the TRI-FI-GRIP™ Zonal Performance? Well, these are some of the advantages of the technology, and it is engineered into both the men’s and women’s models: Zone 1 centres on delivering outstanding lateral stability throughout the swing. Zone 2 forms the middle of the outsole and is designed to guarantee walking comfort through the round and beyond. It also features a durability region in the heel where shoes can be prone to wearing. Zone 3 is a specially engineered rotational section designed to optimise the movement in the forefoot through slim, rounded lugs which promote fast and easy rotation through the swing.
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WE APPROACHED THIS PROJECT WITH THE QUESTION; HOW CAN WE MAKE THE BEST, BETTER? BY COMBINING OUR NEW TRI-FI-GRIP™ INNOVATION WITH THE SAME TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES CREATED BY THE
BIOM® LAST, I BELIEVE WE HAVE ACHIEVED OUR GOAL.
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january 2018
Commenting on the BIOM Hybrid, ECCO’s Lead De-
An ECCO Racer Yak leather upper with supreme
signer Andrzej Bikowski said, “We approached this project
breathability and durability.
with the question; how can we make the best, better? By
100% GORE-TEX® waterproof protection, guaranteed
combining our new TRI-FI-GRIP™ innovation with the
for three years.
same technological features created by the BIOM® last, I
The option of a BOA® closure system for optimum fit
believe we have achieved our goal.”
ECCO Freedom Fit mixing a snug heel setting with a
Bikowski went on to add, “The fact that all ECCO
roomier forefoot area that allows toes to move naturally.
BIOM® Hybrid 3 models offer complete waterproof GORETEX® construction further exemplifies our commitment to progress and excellence.” The additional features of the BIOM® Hybrid 3 include:
asiangolf 206
62
JUST IMAGINE, YOU CAN START YOUR DAY WITH THE BIOM HYBRID 3, DRIVE TO WORK, PUT IN A FULL DAY ON THE JOB, DRIVE TO THE GOLF COURSE, PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF AND DRIVE BACK HOME WITHOUT EVER HAVING TO TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES.
THAT’S HOW VERSATILE THE ECCO BIOM HYBRID 3 IS!
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january 2018
BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® technology brings the
SURROUND® technology, first introduced in ECCO COOL.
player closer to the ground while offering an anatomi-
This new design represents the ultimate blend of form
cal last shape with superb cushioning and advanced
and function. This unique combination of innovations
support.
provides outstanding walking pleasure and stability in all
Removable Ortholite® inlay soles, offering long-term
conditions, as well as unparalleled climate comfort and
cushioning, enhanced breathability, moisture manage-
exceptional protection from the elements.
ment and the option of extra width. Besides the flagship BIOM® Hybrid 3 ECCO has also
Commenting on the ECCO SPYDR-GRIP outsole, Ejnar Truelsen, Chief Designer ECCO Concept Lab, said,
launched the new COOL PRO and the women’s version of
“Engineered for optimal traction at the foot’s natural pivot
the popular CAGE PRO model.
points, the ECCO SPYDR-GRIP outsole incorporates an
The new COOL PRO combines the performance focused ECCO SPYDR-GRIP™ outsole, which debuted in ECCO CAGE PRO, with the pioneering GORE-TEX®
organic design that is easy on the green and minimises clogging of dirt in the sole.” “The design of ECCO COOL PRO represents the
asiangolf 208
64
OUR DESIGNERS HAVE DONE A FANTASTIC JOB OF INTEGRATING THE VAST ARRAY OF TECHNOLOGIES IN
CAGE PRO INTO A STYLISH DESIGN THAT WILL APPEAL TO FEMALE GOLFERS OF ALL AGE RANGES.
65
january 2018
exciting combination of two key innovations which will
SPYDR-GRIP™ outsole with considered, stylish feminine
provide golfers with increased levels of comfort, breath-
aesthetics.
ability and protection,” said Michael Waack, Head of
“It was a no brainer to introduce a version of CAGE
Global Golf at ECCO.” He continued, “Ultimately the shoe
PRO for women following the success of the new SPYDR-
represents the meeting of two giants of ECCO develop-
GRIP sole,” said Waack. “Our designers have done a
ment, GORE-TEX SURROUND and ECCO SPYDR-GRIP.
fantastic job of integrating the vast array of technologies in
The result is a shoe that raises the bar in every aspect of
CAGE PRO into a stylish design that will appeal to female
performance.”
golfers of all age ranges,” continued Waack.
Finally, the ECCO CAGE PRO for women. This is an
All of the 2018 models are crafted at ECCO’s own
innovative spikeless golf shoe that utilises a revolutionary
factories that utilize the unique FLUIDFORM™ technology
sole design to provide outstanding grip and performance.
to bond the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece
Inspired by the success of the men’s version, this
shoe without the use of glue or stitching and this process
new addition to the women’s collection also combines
offers benefits that include flexibility, durability and a
the ground-breaking new performance focused ECCO
lightweight construction.
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You bet! The four letters that you see screaming across the page does not mean that ASIAN GOLF has gone down the soft core porn route. Far from it! We elected to use the word SEXY simply because we feel that it is the most descriptive word to capture and encapsulate the first impression one gets when curious eyes are set on a family of golf clubs that have just rolled hot off the production line. The clubs – a driver and a full complement of woods and hybrids are absolute attention grabbers. And guess who has claim to these stunning beauties? None other than the centuryold Wilson Golf! So much for having to be young and in lock-step with the changing times – Wilson Golf has debunked that theory and demonstrated that they have the chutzpah and hubris to set golfers’ hearts racing with products that simply ooze SEX APPEAL!
S
o, what’s this about the SEX APPEAL? Well, to start with, the clubheads of Wilson Golf’s newest driver, woods and hybrids have been dunked in a bucket of red paint that is difficult to describe. It is a very unique hybrid of the colour red but it comes across as a very rich, full bodied burgundy that is tinted with a stylish, satiny finish coat. It catches your eye and forces you to do a double-take like you would helplessly react when a gorgeous
lady saunters by. Guys, you get the message!
71
january 2018
IT IS A VERY UNIQUE HYBRID OF
Back to the clubs – tagged as the C300s, the driver,
first developed in th
woods and hybrids have hit the global marketplace and
Power Holes are ure
great things are expected from the new products. While
clubface from the cl
most all of the other club makers grand-stand with
in the sole. Power H
ballyhoo about power-packed technology designed to
a larger area to incr
GUNDY THAT IS TINTED
rocket the golf ball to Herculean distances, Wilson Golf’s
centre hits – one gia
WITH A STYLISH, SATINY
launch pitch has been to focus on colour.
THE COLOUR RED BUT IT COMES ACROSS AS A VERY RICH, FULL BODIED BUR-
In the words of Jon Pergande, Wilson Golf’s Global
“This is the firs
patented Power Hol
FINISH COAT. IT CATCHES
Manager of Golf Innovation, the primary purpose of
alwoods category, “
YOUR EYE AND FORCES YOU
red is simple – to catch your eye and make you reach
technology is based
TO DO A DOUBLE-TAKE LIKE
for it! “Once you grab it and set it down and take a look
around the face of t
at the head shape, can you envision yourself hitting a
tances across the e
YOU WOULD HELPLESSLY REACT WHEN A GORGEOUS LADY SAUNTERS BY.
GUYS,
YOU GET THE MESSAGE!
ball with it …. part of the red is to stand out on the shelf
Pergande went
and look good. It also plays into our heritage.” Makes a
does not need help
whole load of sense in this crowded world of marketing
are placed in the he
slogans. Why scream your lungs out when you can make
out the impact of a d
a powerful statement just with the clever use of colour! Well done Wilson Golf! While aesthetics is central to the new C300 clubs, this does not mean to say that technology has taken a back seat. No way! For over 100 years, Wilson Golf has
Apparently, bas
is said to deliver five
slightly lower spin r higher ball speed. The C300 drive
been known for its technology and innovation which
and 12 degrees. It fe
is why the brand still holds the record for the most
adapter called Fast
number of majors won with Wilson Staff clubs. There’s
and ferrule into a si
a ton of innovations in the C300s and we’ll start with the
can be adjusted one
driver.
½ degree increment
The stand-out feature of the C300 driver is something that Wilson Golf calls Power Hole™ technology,
angle in ½ degree in the face angle the s
he award-winning C200 irons. The
ethane-filled slots that separate the
lub body on the crown and two more
Holes allow the face to flex more over
rease ball speed, especially on off-
ant “sweet spot”!.
st execution of our award-winning
les iron technology in the metsaid Pergande. “This distance on through holes being positioned
he club to generate explosive dis-
ntire face by flexing more at impact.” on to explain that the C300 driver in the centre, hence the Power Holes
eel and toe of the club head to spread
drive.
sed on a player’s skill-set, the C300
e to seven yard increases with a
rate, a slightly higher launch, and a
r is available in three lofts – 9, 10.5
eatures a new aluminium hosel Fit 3.0, which combines the adapter
ngle piece for better durability. Loft
e degree down or two degrees up in
ts. Lofting down will open the face
ncrements while lofting up will close
ame amount.
COMPLETING THE PACKAGE ARE TWO NEW SETS OF C300 IRONS, BOTH DESIGNED TO DELIVER GREATER DISTANCE AND SUPERIOR FEEL.
THESE IRONS HAVE BEEN
ENGINEERED FOR THE MID-TO-HIGH HANDICAP PLAYER SEEKING DISTANCE AND ACCURACY, BUT IN A MORE PLAYABLE, MID-SIZE OFFERING. Unlike many new drivers which feature sliders for weight adjustments, Wilson Golf has opted to stick to simple screw-in weights in the heel, toe, and rear. The stock setup is two 6-gram weights in the heel and toe, and a 2-gram weight in the rear. Moving the lighter weight to the heel or toe provides either a draw or fade bias. Like the big thunder stick, the new C300 woods and hybrids combine the same style in terms of colour and innovative design. The unmatched quality of materials deliver an exciting family with increased face deflection at impact resulting in greater ball speeds and longer drives, round after round. Completing the package are two new sets of C300 irons, both designed to deliver greater distance and superior feel. These irons have been engineered for the mid-to-high handicap player seeking distance and accuracy, but in a more playable, mid-size offering.
Like the driver, woods and hybrids, both C300 iron
WE ARE EXTREMELY EXCITED TO
sets feature Wilson Golf’s revolutionary Power Hole™
INTRODUCE THE NEXT
technology. “We are extremely excited to introduce the
GENERATION OF CROSSOVER IRONS WITH
next generation of crossover irons with Power Hole™
POWER HOLE™ TECHNOLOGY,” SAID PERGANDE, WHO WENT ON TO ADD, “THE DISTANCE, FORGIVENESS, AND FEEL OF THE C300 LINE EXCEEDED EVEN OUR HIGH EXPECTATIONS. IN OUR WILSON LABS PLAY-TESTING, WE ARE SEEING RESULTS
technology,” said Pergande, who went on to add, “The distance, forgiveness, and feel of the C300 line exceeded even our high expectations. In our Wilson Labs play-testing, we are seeing results that far surpass what traditional irons currently offer.” The final word on the C300s is an emphatic “YES” approval rating! Besides looking alluringly tempt-
THAT FAR SURPASS WHAT TRADITIONAL
ing, the new clubs – driver, woods, hybrids and irons
IRONS CURRENTLY OFFER.
deliver user-friendly performance on demand!
THE DRIVING FORCE DEDICATED TO GROWING THE GAME AND YOUR BUSINESS
UNMATCHED TRAINING AND EXPERTISE With a world-class education program, PGA of America Professionals are trained in offering unmatched value and service to their customers and employers. THE MOST TRUSTED INSTRUCTORS IN GOLF From elite players to beginners, PGA of America Professionals are recognized as the global experts in player development.
Hire a PGA of America Professional at PGA.org/globalemployment or by contacting Adam Keable, Colt McKenzie McNair akeable@coltmm.com The PGA of America name, logos, and marks are a trademark of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America
Gary Player has been known to make bold predict which has yielded 165 tournament wins including
When he once foretold that golfers would start d people thought he was mad as the game back th rather than muscles and brawn.
However, a peek into the gym these days will sh weights under the watchful eyes of their pers game, proving Player just right.
This editorial column has been made possible through a collaboration between the PG largest professional golf tour in the world, we felt that it was incumbent upon us to prov throughout this vast Continent. There is no denying that what the PGA Tour is doing in A tournament golf to every country in the region. As of now, the PGA Tour has very high p Japan and this role is expected to grow progressively in the years to come. The bottom growing the game and uplifting the standard of play are concerned. Only good is goin editorial contribution that looks at how Chinese players are developing into world bea
tions throughout his distinguished career g nine major championships.
doing weight training like never before, hen depended on flexibility and mobility,
how a room full of golfers rigorously lifting onal trainers to stay ahead in the modern JUSTIN THOMAS
GA Tour and ASIAN GOLF. Given the growing presence in Asia of the vide the PGA Tour with its own platform to talk about its activities Asia will go a long way to expose the highest level of professional profile engagements in the ASEAN bloc, China, South Korea and m-line simply points to Asian golf being a huge beneficiary insofar as ng to come out of the PGA’s stake in Asia. The following is the latest aters. The PGA Tour’s Chuah Choo Chiang reports: GARY PLAYER
T ZHANG XINJUN
ZECHENG DOU
he South African oct ian, a fitness fanatic made another proje recently, this time sa that male Chinese g would one day take over the worl order currently dominated by Am superstars, Dustin Johnson, Jord Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler and Koepka, all currently in the world “They’ve got this enhanced d well,” Player said about Chinese Throughout years of his glob as a competitor, entrepreneur and advocate for the game, the energ 82-year-old has seen enough tha will become reality. With the likes of 22-year-old major stage with his stunning thi Championship last July, and 20-y Zhang Xinjung earning 2017-18 P journey which began at PGA TOU about the prospects ahead for the Player is also amazed at how become at a young age although his concern when then 14-year-o Tianlang earned his place at the 2 after winning the Asia-Pacific Am reportedly called Augusta Nationa agreement, for fear that the boy w against the men that he would be As it turned out, Guan proved wrong by making the weekend cu emerging as low amateur. The go “couldn’t have been more wrong His latest remarks about Chi nicely with another Chinese teena earning a dream ticket to the Mas prevailed in the Asia-Pacific Ama lington in late October.
LI HAOTONG
asi asia as a asiangolf siiia sia s an angol ng ngo ngol gol g go ollf 208 o 200 200 20
80 50 5 0
togenarLin said he was amongst E WANT TO c himself, those inspired by countryman Li’s ction DEVELOP MORE ELITE Open exploits, comments which aying point back to Player’s asserHINESE PLAYERS THROUGH golfers tions that the Chinese have the d golfing “enhanced desire” in their DNA to HINA AND erican succeed in golf. THINK YOU LL SEE US CON dan Spieth, Lin’s rise also links to the d Brooks grounding he enjoyed by competTINUE TO COLLABORATE ON d’s top-10. ing on PGA TOUR China, the same THE SPECIFICS BEHIND INSPIR desire to do platform which launched Dou golfers. and Zhang Xinjung onto the PGA ING FUTURE GENERATIONS AND al travels TOUR. The teenager has made DEVELOPING THE GAME d now 11 cuts from 13 starts on PGA etic TOUR China, and finished as low t he is confident his views amateur in seven events throughout 2016 without missing a single cut. Li Haotong bursting onto the They say that in golf, timing is everything and Lin’s vicrd place finish at the Open tory at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship came during ear-old Dou Zecheng and the same week when the PGA TOUR announced it will partner PGA TOUR cards following a with the China Golf Association (CGA) to stage a full PGA R China, Player is excited TOUR China schedule in 2018 in a multi-year commitment. e Middle Kingdom nation. PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan believes PGA w good the golfers have TOUR China can continue to play a driving role towards the back in 2013, he had voiced development of the game. “This is significant, really signifild Chinese amateur Guan cant, for Chinese golf because Zecheng and Xinjun are the 2013 Masters Tournament first two players from China to hold PGA TOUR membership,” mateur Championship. He said Monahan. al Golf Club to extend his dis“They followed the path from PGA TOUR China to the would be so out of his depth Web.com Tour, to the PGA TOUR and they are ideal examples e put off from the game. of what you can do when you have immense talent, you dream d doubters including Player big and you play on PGA TOUR China.” ut at Augusta National and Monahan believes a strong PGA TOUR China will pave the olf legend conceded he way for more Chinese talents to follow in the trail of Dou and about the child.” Zhang. “If we can unlock the largest country and the largest ina’s potential coincided market in the world and we can inspire future generations, ager, 17-year-old Lin Yuxin, and hopefully young people watching these two stars (Dou sters Tournament after he and Zhang) and other stars as we go forward, we think that’s a teur Championship in Welwonderful thing for the best game on the planet,” he said. “We want to develop more elite Chinese players through PGA TOUR China, and I think you’ll see us continue to collaborate on the specifics behind inspiring future generations and developing the game.” Monahan’s optimism for China is also supported by the fact that some of the game’s biggest sponsors have staunchly supported the game over the years.to produce talents such as Li, now ranked 59th in the world, and Lin. Player’s prediction may well be true on this one as well.
W
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81 51 5 1
may m ma january ay a y2 201 2017 20 017 0 01 17 1 2018 7
PGA TOUR CHINA CAN CONTINUE TO PLAY A DRIVING ROLE TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAME.
“THIS IS SIGNIFICANT, REALLY SIGNIFICANT, FOR CHINESE GOLF BECAUSE ZECHENG AND XINJUN ARE THE FIRST TWO
CHINA PGA TOUR MEMBERSHIP. PLAYERS FROM TO HOLD
– JAY MONAHAN
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
Our resident golf guru Tony Meechai is all rested up and ready to rock for another twelve months. We sent him away for a much needed break and he has returned bubbling with new ideas on how to help you improve your game the Tony Meechai way. What he has planned for you for 2018 will absolutely blow you away – it is new and more importantly, it is DIFFERENT! He kicks off the new season with tips on the importance of STRETCHING before you start your game. Take it away Tony!
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t’s great to be back for another season and I am really excited about 2018. As all of you get ready to hit the fairways, I thought I’d spend a few moments with you discussing a very vital part of playing golf and it has to do with stretching.
Golfers all over the world come up with their New
Year Resolutions and oftentimes, the list includes getting fit, exercising or eating healthier. From my experience, after a few weeks, their commitment to a healthier state of being in the New Year falls through! It happens. So, let me give you a very good tip that has worked to answer the “how” to begin and stay on track to a healthier you so that you can play more golf! Believe it or not, this tip works wonders in many other indirect ways.
JUST DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND BEGIN TO STRETCH! IT’S THE BEST GOLF TIP I CAN GIVE YOU TO START THE YEAR OFF PROPERLY!
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S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Yes, I am giving a shout out to something that I truly believe in and it is the simplest starting point for golfers to get onto a good exercise routine. Begin your day with a good STRETCH! If you tell yourself or train yourself to stretch once a day, your body is going to thank you! I’ve witnessed the golfer who runs to the first tee not having properly stretched at all! And, then he wonders why he played so poorly in the first few holes. My point is this - like the first domino, you need to start somewhere and by placing priority to stretching, it’s going to lead you into a habit hopefully. The person who benefits the most is YOU! And, guess what, your golf swinging motion is going to improve, too! Here’s how. At our golf schools, we always strive to simplify such a complicated area. There are millions of stretches you can do, but just start from your HEAD TO TOES routine. Stand erect and begin stretching your head area. Now work down to your shoulders and don’t forget your wrists. From there, stretch your hip area and then your back and knees. Use the golf cart as a support. In Thailand, I make sure students go over to the golf cart and perform some stretches using it as the anchor. It’s such an easy reminder. Most of the stretches you can do with the golf cart will really loosen up your shoulder and back areas! You are not going to remember many stretches, but if you get started, this routine will help create the necessary limbering up that you will need! Just do yourself a favour and begin to STRETCH! It’s the best golf tip I can give you to start the year off properly! For golf club managers and pro shop staff who are reading this, please do me a favour and put reminders in the pro shop, locker room and first tee area telling golfers to stretch! Really, stretching will do wonders to your golf game!
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.
Master coach Iain Roberts and golf novice Niall Donnelly have reached the halfway point in their 10-hour project to teach Niall the game. Here, in the sixth installment of this exclusive ASIAN GOLF series, they get serious with the introduction of the driver.
IAIN INTRODUCES THE DRIVER, NOTE DIFFERENT POSITION OF THE BALL.
BACKSWIN G…
GETTING USED TO THIS NEW CLUB! STANCE …
Iain, me,” says caveman on hen I W on’t go all g. ba e th driver from e th ng lli f stuol pu says: “G means, he ese th ask what he of one eir hands on iate dents get th ed m im their t time and e for the firs ’v ey th ng ythi yards. Ever ash it 300 to try to sm instinct is .” e window view of es out of th d a quick re learned go ercises an ex r p -u m ar er w driv . Afte Following nds on the htc to get my ha ha r ge et ea dg I’m e bu week five, iron and th at is the 7rrari. th Fe a on e lo lik sa feels the family wedge, this the pitching is, I think. th ith back that is w n fu have some to g in go We’re
“D
AFTER SOME TRAVAILS WITH THE DRIVER, BACK TO THE COMFORT OF THE PITCHING WEDGE.
Wrong! Because after Iain has shown me how the ball is positioned differently, further forward than for an iron and raised on a tee, I duly go all caveman and try to heave it as far as I can. The ball goes about 20 yards along the ground. Iain resists saying “I told you so” and patiently explains that the driver’s longer shaft and bigger club head will deliver the additional speed, so I just need to swing at the same tempo as with a 7-iron. He demonstrates with a couple of leisurely swings that send the ball whistling away and soaring in textbook fashion. “Remember, effortless power, not powerless effort,” he says.
PITC
H
ICE RACT ING P
NCE
– STA
…
AND PERFECTING THE BACKSWING.
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MORE TIME WITH THE CLIP-ON SWING GUIDE.
And so the next 30 minutes are spent getting to grips with this weird new club. After hours with the 7-iron and pitching wedge, it’s a case of “same same but different”. So far, all my lessons have been about hitting the ball off the floor from halfway between my feet, now I’m trying to hit off a tee with the ball further forward and with a club that’s longer. It’s frustrating. Curbing my caveman instincts, I slow down the swing and, gradually, start to send a few straight and long, if not quite nailing them. All the time Iain remains patient and keeps reminding me of the key points we’ve learned on our journey – posture, stance, pivot, grip and swing. We finish the lesson by reverting to the 7-iron and then pitching wedge to regain confidence and technique. Iain brings out the plastic clip-on swing guide again to further improve use of the wrists. It takes some readjusting but by the end there are more good shots than bad ones. It’s been a steep learning curve today.
ABOUT IAIN ROBERTS A I Iain Roberts has spent a lifetime in golf since first picking up a club at the age of 14. As p player, coach, retailer, administrator and senior executive, he has vast experience in the g game. His outstanding contribution to golf was given the ultimate recognition in 2015 when tthe PGA of Great Britain and Ireland awarded him Master Professional status. Iain is founder a and operator of the Iain Roberts Golf School – www.iainrobertsgolfschool.com – which o operates from three locations in Hong Kong.
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www.iainrobertsgolfschool.com
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For over 20 years Legend ary Marketing has been delivering “Legendary” results for its clients, with Big Ideas and creative golf marketing campaign that generate leads, sale and profits! Legendary enjoys interacting with a wide range of clients in multiple industries and is known as a world leader in the golf marketing, resort marketing and rea estate marketing. The man behind this operation is Andrew Wood, the founder of Legendary Marketing. Special arrangements have been made for Andrew to have his own monthly column in ASIAN GOLF BUSINESS and this is his kick off article:
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or the last three years I have been privileged to speak at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit, an excellent event and I recommend attendance to anyone who has not been to it. Since it’s a long way to come
to Asia, 29 hours in the air this trip, I was determined to make the most of it and over the last three years I have played almost 20 courses in Asia. The overall experience has been very positive but there are challenges. The courses I have played are great layouts and all but one was in superior condition. Places like Black Mountain, Banyan, Laguna Lang Co, Da Nang, Ba Na Hills, Nikanti and Thai Country Club are world class facilities. The caddies add a universal charm to the Asian golf experience with their constant smiles and motivational quips, “Good shot, you strong man, never mind, birdie next!” The food is also universally good and unlike the Western world, seems to be available anytime you want it. There are however some challenges; In general, the marketing of club’s is poor, websites lack basic information, have poor sales copy, few testimonials and no calls to action. Online booking is rare and social media is an afterthought. The front desk experience is generally good as long as you show up with your voucher or printed tee time information in your hands. Ask for anything else and all bets are off, causing at least 20-30 minutes of utter confusion before you are helped to get what you thought you already had arranged. Case in point: Arrived at Siam Country Club, Waterside, Thailand and this is what transpired:
Counter staff: What your time tee time? Andrew Wood: 1:08pm. CS: Who gave you that time? AW: No idea it was via email (no online booking). CS: What was name? AW: No idea it said reservations staff. CS: You have email? AW: No, I did not bring it. I went back and forth 3 times via email they told me I am playing with 2 Koreans at 1:08pm. CS: No, sorry they have gone already. AW: Ok, but it’s
THEIR LACK OF FLEXIBIL-
only 12.15 I guess I will play with someone else? ANOTHER PROBLEM FTER PLAYING CS: Not possible there is no one else you can join, we are very busy! HOLES VERY QUICKLY CAME TO A HOLE WITH AW: Ok, I’ll play on my own. THREE GROUPS ON ONE HOLE HE HOLE COMING CS: We do not allow singles. AW: hmmmmmm… BACK WAS A PAR FIVE WITH PLAYERS WHO HAD NOT YET CS: You can join two Korean players on HIT THEIR THIRD SHOT INCE ONE HAD STRAYED OVER course we take you out. TO MY TEE ASKED IF HE WOULD MIND IF SKIPPED THE CS: No, not when I’ve paid US$150 to play, ask the manager, I will play alone if TWO HOLES AND TEED OFF ON THE NEXT IN FRONT OF there is no one else I can join? THEM E SAID NO PROBLEM SO WALKED THE CS: Ok you have lunch, I ask manager. YARDS OVER TO THE TH TEE AND TEED OFF Y AW: Lunch was great CS: Ok, you can go alone at 1:32pm special CADDIE WOULD NOT COME BECAUSE SHE HAD NOT permission from manager. CALLED THE CADDIE MASTER FOR PERMIS AW: It’s 1:15pm I go straight to the tee and tee it up, I play the front nine in 1.15 there is no one on SION WHICH AM SURE WOULD NOT the course, no one?
ITY ON THE COURSE IS
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I walk to my drive and she eventually drove up in the cart
On the 11th, I catch the field but still finish in 3 hours and have
mad as hell claiming she would be fired. I told her not to worry
to wait an hour for my ride…. (I
I’d take all the blame which there was none as I clearly asked
told him it was very busy). Strange
the group. In the end, I finished the hole before the other group
way to run a tee sheet…My caddie
even got to the tee and played 16 holes in 2 hours which made
was great though and I broke 80
me, the customer much happier than playing behind those
from the back
groups and taking an extra two hours for the sake of two holes. When we got in despite my assurances that everything
Club’s should remember that marketing includes the guest’s
would be fine she ran right up to the caddie master and con-
experience and all the facets that go
fessed her sins. It would have been funny if it were not so sad. I have had this problem several times when I could have skipped
into that experience.
two holes and gone to a wide-open course but the caddies never
Not everyone who plays golf in Asia speaks English but it is the closest thing there is to a universal language. Even basic English is pretty poor at the counter and with the caddies. Every morning I show up at a course and there are 50 caddies sitting around doing nothing. Would it not make sense to do 15 minutes of mandatory English or Korean if that makes more sense every day and reward those who excel? Now I realize this is a double-edged sword and that
allow it. They must be trained to have some judgment and not be scared into absolute compliance or rules that make no sense. If a player wants to go from say the 12th tee to the 14th tee and there is no group on the 13th why should this be so hard? The answer may not always be Yes but it cannot always be NO especially if there is no good reason! Speed of play is a huge issue like it is everywhere but it’s worse in Asia. Golf is a game that should take four hours or less not five hours or more, there must be more education on this. I saw few marshals on any of the courses that I played
once a caddie acquires good English perhaps she would move
at and those I did see made no attempt to speed up play - it
on to a better job. But I think in the long run it would balance
seems it’s just accepted as the norm. This will hurt golf’s
out. With better English, the caddies could suggest the player
growth in Asia especially with visitors from the West. That
books another round, has lunch or buy a souvenir and of
said I love golf in Asia and will be back next year!
course the experience with the player would be better. On the course, the caddies are pretty good at clubbing from the fairway, many are really good at reading the greens but all are terrible when you ask, “How far it is to the water from here?” My last caddie said 160 yards, I killed driver off the deck and had twenty yards to spare as it was at least 280. On another hole, a caddie handed me a four iron to lay up, I hit seven almost in the water. Distance to the hole is not the only distance they need to know. Their lack of flexibility on the course is another problem. After playing 13 holes very quickly I came to a hole with three groups on one hole. The hole coming back was a par five with players who had not yet hit their third shot. Since one had strayed over to my tee I asked if he would mind if I skipped the two holes and teed off on the next in front of them. He said no problem so I walked the 100 yards over to the 15th tee and teed off. My caddie would not come because she had not called the caddie master for permission, which I am sure would not have come anyway.
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Andrew Wood is the world’s leading expert in golf, resortt ting. He is the author of over 40 books and destination marketing. rketing Bible, The Hotel & Resorts including; The Golf Marketing endary Advice, Advice Golf Marketing Bible, The Golf Sales Bible, Legendary Marketing Strategy and Making Your Business the One They Choose. He speaks and consults worldwide and can be reached @ 1 352 266 2099 or Andrew@LegendaryMarketing.com
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“He who sacrifices his conscience to ambitious profits burns a picture to obtain the ashes.” – Chinese Proverb
Golf club members and public golfers in Asia and everywhere are ultimately the ones who must pay for the high price of golf that results from ignorance, incompetence and waste in golf course operations. In this exposé series on how out-of-control costs are destructive to golf, we now turn to examining an apparent overpricing by golf course venders and suppliers of every type. 105
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GOLF COURSES ARE RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN TODAY, WITH MANY BECOMING INCREASINGLY UNSUSTAINABLE FROM BOTH AN BE ECOLOGICAL AND BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE. EC
NEXT TO
LABOUR COSTS, THE LARGEST COSTS OF GOLF COURSE LA MAINTENANCE BY FAR ARE THE EXPENSES OF MATERIALS, MA SUPPLIES AND CAPITAL EQUIPMENT. SU
WHEN EXAMINING
THE PRICES PAID FOR SUCH OVER THE DECADES SINCE THE TH
1970 19 S IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE WITH AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE THAT THE INCREASED PRICES CHARGED BY GOLF LIG INDUSTRY VENDORS NOTICEABLY EXCEED REAL DOLLAR IND INCREASES IN OTHER INDUSTRIES. INC JAMES PRUSA
DIRECTOR, GOLF COURSES AND LABORATORY | SKY72 GOLF & RESORT | SOUTH KOREA |
W
ithout a doubt lofty prophets of ages past have proclaimed wise proverbs regarding moral responsibility in trade. The ancients wisely knew that all the generations and cultures of humankind have perpetually had a subliminal propensity
What you are about to read is the latest installment on ASIAN GOLF’s on-going in-depth probe into what is causing the cost of operating golf courses in Asia to keep on rising. Controversial as the truth may be, it has to be uncovered and told because the future of the game and the industry is contingent on how these outof-control costs can be checked. So, who is responsible for the out-of-control golf course costs that golfers around the world are ultimately forced to pay for? What can the average golfer and club member do to reverse the waste, incompetence and costly mistakes that make golf courses such expensive operations? Can we reduce golf course operating costs while concurrently improving play conditions and access? We assigned ASIAN GOLF’S Roving International Editor, James Graham Prusa to look into this matter and the following is his report:
to be deceptive and greedy in trade of products and
supplies. Contrary to virtues taught by golf, such predisposition in all of us remains even in the golf business today – ultimately golfers and club members must reach into their own purses to pay for an epidemic of overpriced supplies. Golf courses are ridiculously expensive to establish and maintain today, with many becoming increasingly unsustainable from both an ecological and business perspective. Next to labour costs, the largest costs of golf course maintenance by far are the expenses of materials, supplies and capital equipment. When examining the prices paid for such over the decades since the 1970s it is obvious to anyone with average intelligence that the increased prices charged by golf industry vendors noticeably exceed real dollar increases in other industries. Comparative analysis of the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) data collected both internationally and in occidental
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countries for related farm equipment and supplies suggest
those of the 1970s – and nothing that can justify such obscene
that golf maintenance is being gouged on prices. It’s a joke
price increases. Fact: prices of machines and equipment in
amongst many in the golf course business that all one needs
general agriculture increased far, far less than those in golf.
to do is take an existing product or material from the agri-
The US Federal Reserve’s Producer Price Index (PPI)
culture industry and add ‘golf’ to the name to instantly get a
reveals that the Farm Machinery and Equipment index com-
higher price for the same product. Go check it for yourself.
piled at the end of 1981 was equal to 100 and increased to
In Asia the 2017 price of a mainline manufacturer’s 21-inch, walk-behind, greens mower costs about USD $
an index of 179 as of August 2017 – a factor increase of less than 2. Additionally, the US government’s Consumer Price
9,000. Compare that to prices in the late 1970s when such
Index (CPI) calculates an accounting for inflation increase
high-quality mowers sold for about USD $ 800 – an increase
for US$800 in 1975 today equals US$3,800 as of August 2017
factor of over 11 times to what golf courses pay today for such
– a factor increase of less than 5. So, how is it that vender
machines! Except for a few bells-and-whistle features, there
prices for a golf course green mower from 1975 to 2017
is very little difference between today’s 21-inch mower and
have increased by a factor of “11?” Why is no one examining these egregious costs to golf courses? Once great occidental associations, like the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), expend countless resources and energy marketing how great they are, yet, including other pernicious failures, they do nothing to track real cost indexes and comparative ratios on golf course machinery, chemicals, equipment, materials or supplies. While for most businesses, financial ratios are their lifeblood; these conflicted associations fail to assess real costs to golf courses – and golf consumers. Comparative maintenance cost analysis for the golf industry is a badly needed mainstay for those who are supposed to be true members of groups like the GCSAA. Such associations tout themselves as professional membership organizations, yet none can tell you how maintenance prices for essential expense and capital items globally compare per annum to historical industrial cost indexes, rounds played, participation growth, and golf revenues. Why should they? Is it not their interests? The answers may be that today they primarily cater to interests of big manufacturers and non-competitive distribution channels rather than golf course members.
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It seems their ‘superintendent governance’ cares little about
Golfers and golf course managers need to simply take a
menacing conflicts of interests; are simply ignorant of such
look at how these association organizations have now come
troubling business matters; or they are now completely
to advertise contrary interests as their business “partners.”
controlled by supply vendors.
Commercial venders are now elevated to ‘partner levels’ far
Today the elected governance of professional organiza-
above members’ interests. They now even publish ranks of
tions that were once sustained, driven, and directed by eth-
their vendor partners with Platinum, Gold and Silver status
ically-motivated, volunteer governance, are now found sub-
– implying precious metals values apropos to the amount
stantially remunerated by unfettered monetary perquisites
of loot these vendors pay over for influence on association
including massive individual travel allowances for them-
policy. How can such associations objectively first serve the
selves, their family members and even associates at their
interests of golf courses and their professional members
clubs. Rationalized off as just reward for services rendered,
when they are under such onslaughts of commercial cash?
such governance are absolutely no longer volunteers, but
What one master do the associations really serve? More
rather paid politicians feathering their own nests and feeding
importantly, who really pays the price tag on all of this?
in the lucrative trough of perks. They’ve become a self-
In American slang it would be said that the ‘small guy’
perpetuating travel club all while ignoring the global needs
and the ‘average Joe & Jane’ golfers are the ones hurt the
of golf courses to reign in costs. Like monstrous growth of
most by having the least access to golf due to price barriers –
oligarchic bureaucracies globally, these once great ‘service’
a game that has roots in civilizations from China to Scotland!
organizations have simply become ‘self-serving.’ It takes
For countries like China, India, Japan, Korea and many in
more and more money to support the perks trough. Therein
Southeast Asia who purport to provide for the benefit of the
lays the problem – a reasonable person may commonsensi-
proletariat and common citizens, they should demand more
cally conclude that it is all just a bunch of cash corruption
competitive pricing for maintenance golf supplies and capital
swaying association governance policies quite detrimental to
equipment so that the price of the great “peoples game” of
the virtues of the game and good business sense!
golf can be attainable and sustainable for all. Golf never was intended to be, nor ever should be, a game solely for a rich oligarchy – it’s been the most natural game of humanity from the dawn of civilization. Golfers need to reclaim the ancient game from those who have hijacked it via high priced supplies. It’s time to stop letting anti-competitive forces and selfish incompetency of human nature spoil the fun and enjoyment for the many. Vendors who heap high, usurious costs on golf courses are not golf’s partners – nor friends. What golf course associations need today are audacious leaders educated in economics and able to analyze business conditions to expose the true realities of golf course machine and supply costs. Comparative data analysis needs to be researched and published to expose the outrageous price goug-
asia as asiangolf sia s ia an angol ngol ng ngo gol g go ollf 208 o 206 20 2 06
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ing to golf courses by too many venders. Golfers and golf courses need ADVOCATES! One can safely wager that the big OEMs and supply companies in golf have a plethora of expertise massaging their own data mining to maximize their anti-competitive pricing – to the detriment of golfers everywhere. Golf courses and clubs must demand that their manag-
WHAT GOLF COURSE ASSOCIATIONS NEED TODAY ARE AUDACIOUS LEADERS EDUCATED IN ECONOMICS AND ABLE TO ANALYZE BUSINESS CONDITIONS TO EXPOSE THE TRUE REALITIES OF GOLF COURSE
ers proceed to always protect the interest of the golf course
MACHINE AND SUPPLY COSTS.
or club first and put it clearly in writing as a duty of employ-
DATA ANALYSIS NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND
ment for managers. This is a FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION of
COMPARATIVE
governance – and it’s only human nature that cozy interests
PUBLISHED TO EXPOSE THE OUTRAGEOUS
with vendors lead to serious conflicts of interest. Have no
PRICE GOUGING TO GOLF COURSES BY TOO
doubts about it that vendors will always promote their inter-
MANY VENDERS.
est over those of golf courses in most circumstances. As an example in but one case in Southeast Asia, a well-known vendor was actually contracted to ‘consult’ on equipment maintenance and provide written reports to ‘Club X.’ This ‘consulting’ equipment vendor then provided written reports reflecting serious deterioration of the maintenance – routed to the very operational managers who were causing the serious failing management and then allowed them to pigeonhole the reports. For years this vendor never saw fit to report the seriously failing management directly to the CEO or the club governance. When the maintenance mess was finally exposed this vendor defended his inaction by claiming he was following the ‘letter’ of the reporting instructions; added that he did not want his name used out of fear it would damage his ‘sales relationships with other superintendents, and exclaimed it was no worse a disaster than all the other neighbouring clubs. So much for the best interests of the ‘Club X’ and the game of golf! Fair, competitive prices of machinery and supplies will still provide venders a good profit – allowing golf courses to survive and grow the game. With the ongoing growth contraction in golf today, it is past time for golf course venders to give up their overly ambitious profits and share in stimulating development – or their overpricing will turn the great game of golf to ashes.
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COURSES NEED
GOLFERS AND GOLF ADVOCATES!