ISSUE Another year is about to enter the annals of history and if an audit is to be done on the health of the golf industry now, it will be hard to dispute that it will end up as a flat liner on a medical monitor. It is not dead, but it is not showing signs of jumping with life either. With half the year gone, Callaway’s top honcho, Chip Brewer, was reported as saying that market conditions for global equipment sales have varied widely.“The U.S. market is roughly flat,” Brewer recently told Wall Street analysts. “Japan was down about 8%. We look at the markets kind of broadly; I’d characterize them, as roughly flat which is roughly consistent with my expectations going into the year.” The flattening trend of the market can also be seen at Acushnet, the parent company of Titleist and FootJoy. It reported its second quarter financial results for 2019 and the numbers are down. On a geographic basis, sales outside the United States were down and the same held true for Japan, Europe, Middle East and Africa except for Korea. Combined with these not too encouraging financials, golf courses continue to close, including some in the home of golf, Scotland!
228
SEPTEMBER 2019
14 32
SPECIAL FEATURE 32 THE 2019 ASIA PACIFIC ORDER OF ZENITH The Asia Pacific Order of Zenith, is the highest and most prestigious award reserved for a select few golf clubs in Asia. It is a spin-off from the long running Asian Golf Awards, the only pan-Asian recognition award programme for the golf industry. It was first presented to the inaugural batch of thirteen golf clubs at the awards ceremony in 2018.
34 GOLF CITIZEN ON FAST-TRACK EXPANSION! GOLF CITIZEN has since beefed up its operation to cover one of the most dynamic growth markets in Southeast Asia. It has expanded its
94
42
72
78
84
EQUIPMENT FOCUS 72 GOLF CLUBS ARE GETTING SMARTER! PING has entered into a collaboration to offer smart grip sensor technology on all its golf clubs. The collaboration is with industry leader Arccos Golf.
78 US$650 FOR ONE IRON! The latest from PXG is the 0311 ST (Super Tour) blade irons. For those of you who have the game, PXG is accepting advanced orders in the next few weeks for fulfilment in 60 days.
90
84 TAYLORMADE – SIMPLY SPOILT FOR CHOICE! TaylorMade has just launched its latest iteration to its P-700 series irons, the second generation so to speak – the P-790. Its a set of irons that according to TaylorMade “are a meticulously crafted set combining performance, feel and aesthetics.”
90 IT’S PUTTER DIVERSITY! TaylorMade has launched the TP Patina Putter Collection, which is made up of seven models. The new offerings are said to feature “refined aesthetic paired with unparalleled craftsmanship. global footprint to cover Vietnam by formalising an agreement with the UniGroup Service and Commercial Company Limited (UniGolf). This exclusive arrangement is designed to provide unparalleled service and support for golfers when they visit Vietnam.
FASHION TREND LUXURY – IT DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN PETER MILLAR! Peter Millar has unveiled its Fall 2019 menswear collection, designed for golfers who demand the finest quality fabrics and superior craftsmanship as well as proven performance technologies – from casual to formal and from club to course.
42 GOOD-BYE SCOTLAND – HELLO HOIANA! Hoiana Shores is now open for play and set to delight, challenge and inspire golfers of all skill levels. Forget about experiencing world class links golf in Scotland. You can now do it at Hoiana Shores where links golf has never been better!
54 A PUBLIC GOLF COURSE BONANZA! Having designed the first public facility in South Korea in 1982, and led the country’s second wave of public golf development during the 1990s, golf course architects Golfplan-Dale & Ramsey are trail-blazing a multi-course project with one stand-alone public project newly opened, and another three in various stages of development.
94 A FROTHY IRISH STOUT VICTORY! Matched against the world’s best, Rory McIlroy showed that there was none better than him as he charged to the finish line with a total score of 18-under par to win US$15 million and the FedExCup Playoffs.
98 PGA TOUR: CHRISTMAS HAS COME EARLY! After a PGA TOUR season filled with thrills, spills and excitement, world number one Brooks Koepka has emerged victorious in the inaugural Aon Risk Reward Challenge, earning US$1 million in prize money.
62 SHARED THOUGHTS FROM PUBLISHER A TALE FROM FANTASY LAND The venue for the 2019 British Women’s Open, the last major for the current year was swarming with some of the world’s best women golfers who were being pampered by their caddies and given last minute tips by their coaches.
Mike Sebastian
INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR
Editor/Chief Executive Officer [mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Alan Campbell (China/Middle East) Correspondent
GLOBAL EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL
Angela Raymond
President [angela@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Gregg Patterson
President, Tribal Magic Inc.
Andrew Wood Founder/President, Legendary Marketing
James Prusa
Raquel Arcega
Executive Creative Art Director [raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
President, James Graham Prusa Associates
James Cronk President, Cronk Group
Digital Services
Alice Ho
Tech-Know Integrators
Business Executive [alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
Tony Meechai (Black Hat Golf Tips -Thailand Myra Paras
INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Accounts Executive [myra@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Alice Ho
Email: alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP(2014) PTE LTD Singapore Post Centre Post Office, P.O. Box 532, Singapore 914018 Tel: +65 6323 2800 | Fax: +65 6323 2838 Company Registration No.: 201405689G
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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.
HINAKO SHIBUNO
The venue for the 2019 British Women’s Open, the last major for the current year was swarming with some of the world’s best women golfers who were being pampered by their caddies and given last minute tips by their coaches.
A
s the circus played out to the thrill, awe
no one paid scant notice to a young Japanese lass who
and excitement of thousands of fans, the women who were the bookies “hot gals”
was playing for the first time outside her country, let alone in one of the game’s historic majors!
set to win, went through their warmup routine to see who had the best chance of lifting the 2019 trophy and title. Amidst all this fussing,
She travelled thousands of miles to get to England to try her luck at the Women’s British Open, an event that no bookie gave her a chance to even sniff at making the
cut line. Her name was Hinako Shibuno – an absolute unknown entity before the tourna-
Japanese youngster has launched herself on a fascinating journey to international stardom.
ment started. There was nothing glamourous about this 20-year old rookie from Japan. About the only
“Now that I’ve won, I think a lot of the Japanese people will know me, but in actuality, I just wanted to live a quiet life,” Shibuno said.
stand-out feature about her was her crazy manager who showed up every day dressed in strange outfits to give his ward the best mo-
Golf needs more lovely young ladies like Shibuno. Warm, friendly and simple. She has done Japan and Asia proud! Hail
rale support he could muster. Although it all seemed like good comic relief, no one thought
to Shibuno! In pace with Shibuno was an emerg-
that the outfits would conjure up a magical touch to boost Shibuno to race to the top of the pinnacle to stake her claim to the Women’s
ing young star from Thailand. Teenage amateur sensation Atthaya Thitikul finished as the leading amateur at the
British Open. Jest and laugh as much as you want, but that wacky manager is the guy who’s laughing all the way to the bank with Shibuno.
same tournament. This is the second year in a row that Thitikul has claimed the low amateur
His goofy outfits did the trick, or at least he thinks so!
honour. The 16-year old finished the championship in a tie for 29th place on 4-under
Shibuno is the first Japanese golfer to win the Women’s British Open since Ayako Okamoto won it in 1984, and with her win, she
par 284 to earn The Smyth Salver. Thitikul, the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific champion, was one of two ama-
claimed the winner’s check for US$675,000. It was the biggest check in her young life and when asked what she planned to do with
teurs to make the cut at the year’s final major. The other was the current Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific champion Yuka Yasuda
the pot of gold that she earned, she replied in almost childish innocence, “Eat a lot of
of Japan, who earned her place in the field this week thanks to her victory in April.
sweets.” Now that she has won on English soil, the
Yasuda finished the championship on 2-over par 290 and tied 59th place.
GOLF
NEEDS MORE
LOVELY YOUNG LADIES
SHIBUNO. WARM, FRIENDLY AND SIMPLE. SHE HAS DONE JAPAN AND ASIA PROUD! HAIL TO SHIBUNO! LIKE
CRAFTED WITH PRECISION. FOR PRECISION. Spectacular in every way, the Blueprint iron is for shotmakers who rely on pinpoint accuracy. The tour-inspired, fully forged design puts a premium on workability and trajectory control. Every detail is extremely precise and carefully calculated to fit your eye and give you the feel to attack any pin with confidence.
IF YOU HAVE THE GAME, GET FIT TODAY. ©20 019 PING
SS. SPIN. MORE FORGIVENE ing E R O r-winn yersM ts Tou
pla pu nds. A de 3.0 The Gli gy in your ha h the game it lo w o ss e r a d techn f d o ok at a s mance style lo ent perfor 431 stainles e h vem t o , r n p el and se ig s im fe e r d e t -back livers a sof increa cavity e rooves edge d l-cut g steel w ntrol. Whee sults on full en. co gre g re precise troke-savin around the s s t r o fo h s spin esse and fin shots
OUR F IND YDAY. F I T TO t sole
Class
Forgiv le Reliab ti Versa
le
TS SOLE T H IN
© PING
2019
S SN D A R D S TA SOLE
ing
WESS O L E W ID
ic
EYE E 2 SOL
istinc Four d fit your to grinds attack f o le s. g an dition rf con and tu
Another year is about to enter the annals of history and if an audit is to be done on the health of the golf industry now, it will be hard to dispute that it will end up as a flat liner on a medical monitor. It is not dead, but it is not showing signs of jumping with life either. With half the year gone, Callaway’s top honcho, Chip Brewer, was reported as saying that market conditions for global equipment sales have varied widely. “The U.S. market is roughly flat,” Brewer recently told Wall Street analysts. “Japan was down about 8%. We look at the markets kind of broadly; I’d char-
acterize them, as roughly flat which is roughly consistent with my expectations going into the year.” The flattening trend of the market can also be seen at Acushnet, the parent company of Titleist and FootJoy. It reported its second quarter financial results for 2019 and the numbers are down. On a geographic basis, sales outside the United States were down and the same held true for Japan, Europe, Middle East and Africa except for Korea. Combined with these not too encouraging financials, golf courses continue to close, including some in the home of golf, Scotland! The rate of partici-
pation in the game is not showing any signs of encouragement and membership figures are also on a decline. Television viewership – well it’s nowhere close to the days when Tiger Woods was at his peak! A review of the negatives plaguing the game can go on at infinitum but that’s not the objective of this report. While the Western hemisphere may be stagnating, ASIAN GOLF, as a responsible and serious chronicler of golf, feels that Asia is big enough and strong enough to be able to set its own destiny for golf. It has its own super-stars and world beaters in the game. Names like Inbee
Park and Ariya Jutanugarn and Hideki Matsuyama and Kiradech Aphibarnrat serve as both inspirational and aspirational role models to drive a young and economically mobile population towards taking up golf. There is no denying the fact that Asia is the most dynamic and active region in the world especially in economic terms. It is also leading the way in technology – to be specific, in information technology. In many cases, Asia and Asian countries are streaks ahead of their Western counterparts and this trend is only going to keep getting more dominant going forward.
I
n keeping with the general positive outlook for Asia
The scope of what’s possible means any prediction is prob-
and given its healthy economies, young and vibrant
ably understating what’s coming, and the kinds of innovation
labour force and its penchant for bringing about
5G is set to make possible will be completely revolutionary.
change at a pace that is baffling at times, the Con-
Asia has already leaped into 5G technology and it is
tinent is perfectly set for a good future as it relates
destined to be a major player in this field of technology that
to golf.
To realise the growth of the game, Asia needs its own blueprint and that blueprint is taking shape and it will be
is going to be virtually ubiquitous to everything we do, including golf! To help set the stage and to get the job done, APGS 2019
platformed at the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS)
has recruited more than twenty world-class speakers. Some
which is scheduled to be held at the impressive cybercity of
of the speakers have spoken at previous Summits while
Gurugram in India. The dates for the Summit, the thirteenth
others are making their maiden appearance – together, this
in the series is November 4 – 6. The host venue will be the
team of experts will help create a platform that promises to
plush, multi-award winning DLF Golf Club and APGS 2019 is
provide a whole new vision to how Asia can use its abundant
officially sanctioned by Incredible India, the national tourism
resources to give the ancient game of golf a brand-new
organisation of India.
shine.
The theme for the annual conference is “5G Technol-
“We have the know-how, the people, the style and the
ogy – A New Mindset”. This theme has been carefully picked
panache to make golf in Asia an experience that will be hard
as the new 5G technology will be driving the digital and
to match anywhere,” said Sebastian who went on to add, “….
telecommunications age into the future. Asia is a leader in
like our hotels, airlines, universities and corporations, we are
the adoption and implementation of this revolutionary tech-
set to show the world that our golf clubs have everything it
nology, and it makes good sense for the Asian golf industry
takes plus more to be the best of breed in the world!”
to embrace this leading-edge platform as the driving force to take the industry to the next level.
WE
“This is the first time that the Summit is headed to the
HAVE THE KNOW-HOW, THE
PEOPLE, THE STYLE AND THE PA-
Indian sub-Continent and we have every reason to believe
ASIA
AN EXPERI-
that it will be amongst the best staged so far in the series,”
NACHE TO MAKE GOLF IN
said Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer and the owner
ENCE THAT WILL BE HARD TO MATCH ANY-
and producer of the Summit.
considerably faster download and upload speeds, sometimes
SEBASTIAN WHO WENT ON TO “…. LIKE OUR HOTELS, AIRLINES, UNIVERSITIES AND CORPORATIONS, WE ARE SET
as much as 100 times as fast with much more reliability than
TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT OUR GOLF CLUBS
we currently experience. With the unleashing of that sort of
HAVE EVERYTHING IT TAKES PLUS MORE TO BE
Getting back to the theme, we need to understand that 5G means “fifth generation” cellular technology, and the essential thing to know is that it is expected to provide
power, there’s so much more we, the consumers, are going to be doing with 5G. It’s going to impact all aspects of our
WHERE,” SAID ADD,
THE BEST OF BREED IN THE WORLD!
lives! From smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) to true
India is a perfect venue for APGS 2019. What is widely
telemedicine, 5G has the technological capacity to spur inno-
regarded as the greatest democracy on the Planet and a
vation in all those areas of our lives in a connected synergy,
nation at the cutting edge of IT technology, it will play host
something we haven’t quite seen since the invention of the
to the biggest and the best Summit on the business of golf
Internet itself, only on a much larger scale.
anywhere in the world. Like any democracy, it will provide
As it now stands the Internet is largely confined to a box
some of the best brains in the business of golf to speak freely
on your desk or the phone in your hand. 5G will connect every
and with no restraints on how the golf industry in Asia can be
device that can receive a radio signal into a single network.
set on a future path of leadership and growth.
Delegate registration to the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit is now open! Click the button to
It is pertinent to note that India was the first place outside of Scotland where the modern game of golf was first introduced at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in 1829. As the oldest golf club outside the British Isles, its golfing heritage makes India and the club a truly hallowed place for the game of golf. It’s almost 200 years and since then, the game has gone
5G
HAS THE TECHNOLOGICAL
CAPACITY TO SPUR INNOVATION IN ALL THOSE AREAS OF OUR LIVES IN A CONNECTED SYNERGY, SOMETHING WE
on to become a major sport on the giant Asian Continent.
HAVEN’T QUITE SEEN SINCE THE INVEN-
With more than 5,000 golf clubs spread throughout the Asian
TION OF THE INTERNET ITSELF, ONLY ON
landmass, Asia today is a force to be reckoned with – it boasts some of the finest golf clubs in the world; it is home to the world’s largest golf resort in Mission Hills in China; it dominates the women’s professional game with six top ranked players in the Top Ten Rolex World Golf Rankings; and it is home to some of the most powerful people in the business of golf. Asia no longer plays second fiddle to the developed world of golf. It is a key player and it is without doubt the region that holds the future of golf in its hands as the New Millennium unravels. Make a date to be at APGS 2019 and be a part of the beginning of a new era in golf where Asia takes charge of its own destiny.
register
A MUCH LARGER SCALE.
How would you like to take on one of the toughest golf courses in the world? It’s affectionately referred to as the “Beast From The East”. We are reaching out to the best golfers in the golf club industry to come and do battle at the multi-award winning DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, India. This immaculately conditioned course will be the host venue for the only golf tournament specially organized for golf club owners, operators and managers. The Asia Pacific Golf Group together with DLF Golf Club will be hosting the 2019 Asia Pacific Inter-Club Golf Tournament. The tournament will be staged in conjunction with the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit.
It will be played with two-man teams drawn from clubs within the Asia Pacific footprint. This tournament is all about good, clean fun and more importantly, it is about networking. It’s the fifth in the series. The tournament will be run on November 6, 2019. There is no entry-fee to participate in this tournament. To qualify, players need to register as delegates to attend the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit and there are 80 slots available. Entry will be on a first-come-first-serve basis and a two-man team from each club can register on-line through the APGS website.
For more information please visit www.golfconference.org or email to Alice Ho at alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com or call +65 6323 2800 for more details
THE GALLERY
These are the speakers who have T Each one of them is an acknow
INDIA IS APGS 20
REGARDED AS THE G
PLANET AND A EDGE OF IT TECHN THE
HOST TO THE BIGGE
MIT ON THE BUSINES THE WORLD.
LIKE A
PROVIDE SOME OF T BUSINESS OF GOLF
ANDREW WOOD
FOUNDER & MANAGING N DIRECTOR NG LEGENDARY LEGEND E ARY END ARY Y MARKETING MARKE ETIN T G U .A. U.S A U.S.A.
ANDY JOHNSTON GENERAL MANAGER SENTOSA GOLF CLUB SINGAPORE
WITH NO RESTRAINT DUSTRY IN
ASIA
CA
PATH OF LEADERSHIP
Y OF EXPERTS
been booked to speak at APGS 2019. wledged expert in his/her ямБeld.
A PERFECT VENUE FOR
019. WHAT
IS WIDELY
GREATEST DEMOCRACY ON NATION AT THE CUTTING
NOLOGY, IT WILL PLAY
EST AND THE BEST
SUM-
SS OF GOLF ANYWHERE IN
ANY DEMOCRACY, IT WILL
THE BEST BRAINS IN THE TO SPEAK FREELY AND
TS ON HOW THE GOLF IN-
AN BE SET ON A FUTURE
P AND GROWTH.
ANDY STANGENBERG CEO/PRESIDENT CEO/PRESIDEN E T Q-P Q -PRIN -PRIN NCIP I LE, INC. IN NC. Q-PRINCIPLE, U .A. U.S A U.S.A.
DAVID DOGUET
PRESIDENT BLADERUNNER FARMS, INC. U.S.A.
THE GALLERY
These are the speakers who have Each one of them is an acknow
IT IS PERTI DIA WAS T
OF SCOTLAND WHER
GOLF WAS FIRST INT
CALCUTTA GOLF C
OLDEST GOLF CLUB
ISLES, ITS GOLFING
AND THE CLUB A T
ELISA GAUDET
PRESIDENT T GOLF EXECUTIVE V GO OLF F INTERNATIONAL INTERN NATI ATIONA ONA AL U .A. U. U.S A U.S.A.
JAMES CRONK PRINCIPAL CRONK GROUP CANADA
FOR THE GAME OF G
Y OF EXPERTS
been booked to speak at APGS 2019. wledged expert in his/her ямБeld.
INENT TO NOTE THAT IN-
HE FIRST PLACE OUTSIDE
RE THE MODERN GAME OF
ROYAL CLUB IN 1829. AS THE B OUTSIDE THE BRITISH HERITAGE MAKES INDIA
TRODUCED AT THE
TRULY HALLOWED PLACE
GOLF.
JAMES G. PRUSA
PRINCIPAL L R HAM RA AM M PR P USA AS SSOC SO O IAT ATES AT E JAMES GRA GRAHAM PRUSA ASSOCIATES U U.S .A. A U.S.A.
JEREMY DALE FOUNDER JEREMY DALE UNITED KINGDOM
THE GALLERY
These are the speakers who have T Each one of them is an acknow
ASIA
TOD
RECKONED
OF THE FINEST GOL IT IS HOME TO THE RESORT IN
MISSIO
DOMINATES THE W
GAME WITH SIX TO
THE TOP TEN ROLE
INGS; AND IT IS H
JOHN MCNAIR
VICE PRESIDENT – GOLF F OPERATIONS JC J RESORTS RES SORTS U .A. U. U.S A U.S.A.
MAJED AL-SOROUR
CEO SAUDI GOLF FEDERATION SAUDI ARABIA
MOST POWERFUL PE OF GOLF.
Y OF EXPERTS
been booked to speak at APGS 2019. wledged expert in his/her field.
DAY IS A FORCE TO BE
D WITH – IT BOASTS SOME
LF CLUBS IN THE WORLD;
WORLD’S LARGEST GOLF
HILLS IN CHINA; IT WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL N
OP RANKED PLAYERS IN
EX WORLD GOLF RANK-
HOME TO SOME OF THE
EOPLE IN THE BUSINESS
DR. MEAGAN FALLONE
PRESIDENT/CEO PRESIDENT/CE /C O T COLLEGE COL OL LLEG GE INTERNATIONAL INTERNA RNA NA AT TIO ONA N NAL BAREFOOT IN IIA IN IND A INDIA
MICHAEL LEEMHUIS MANAGING DIRECTOR THE COLLECTION CLUBS U.S.A.
THE GALLERY
These are the speakers who have T Each one of them is an acknow
ASIA
NO
FIDDLE
WORLD OF GOLF. IT
IT IS WITHOUT DO
HOLDS THE FUTURE AS THE
ROSS NICHOLAS
SVP PR & COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE C RPORATE MARKETING CO WYNDHAM DESTINATIONS WYN NDHA D M DEST D E INA ATIO TII NS N AUS A US STRA RA ALIA A AUSTRALIA
SIMON YANG
DIRECTOR OF CLUB OPERATIONS MISSION HILLS GROUP CHINA
NEW MILLE
Y OF EXPERTS
been booked to speak at APGS 2019. wledged expert in his/her ямБeld.
LONGER PLAYS SECOND
TO
THE
DEVELOPED
T IS A KEY PLAYER AND
OUBT THE REGION THAT
E OF GOLF IN ITS HANDS
ENNIUM UNRAVELS.
STEPHEN BERNHARD EXECUTIVE CHAIR CHAIRMAN AI MAN AI BER E NHA ER ARD D & CO. LTD. LTD LT T . BERNHARD U UNI NIITED TE TED T ED KINGD ED KI INGD NGD DOM M UNITED KINGDOM
V. VIJAYKUMAR
MANAGING DIRECTOR CLOUD WEAVERS PTE LTD SINGAPORE
GET THE APP
T
his special category is intended to be similar
for greater levels of excellence and it is in this regard that
to some of the most prestigious awards in
the three selected clubs have been specially inducted to be
the world. Some examples include The Nobel
members of the The Asia Pacific Order of Zenith.
Prize, The Booker Prize, The Pulitzer Prize and The Grammys to mention a few.
The Asia Pacific Order of Zenith, is the highest and
Commenting on the special award, Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner of the Asian Golf Awards said, “The launch of this
most prestigious award reserved for a select few golf clubs
special programme last year was very well received by the
in Asia.
initial recipients and all of them consider this award as a
The 2019 recipients of this award are: YAS LINKS ABU DHABI (UAE) KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (MALAYSIA) TANAH MERAH COUNTRY CLUB (SINGAPORE)
great mark of distinction and as the ultimate recognition of their never-ending quest for excellence.” “It is time for us in the industry to establish a Hall Of Fame for the best amongst our golf clubs – clubs that have
These three clubs have distinguished themselves over
strived to deliver the best all round experience for golfers,”
the years by winning numerous awards. Their successes at
Sebastian explained. Asia needs to develop a benchmark to
Asia’s topmost recognition event has spurred them to strive
measure excellence and the best way to do this is to create a
YAS LINKS ABU DHABI (UAE)
KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (MALAYS
Last year, the Asia Pacific Golf Group (APGG) launched a revolutionary initiative to create a world class elite group of Asian golf clubs and courses. This was deemed a natural development that after twenty years of the Asian Golf Awards, the golf industry’s annual recognition event regarded as the industry’s equivalent of the motion pictures’ “Oscars”, was needed in Asia. As a result, APGG introduced the ZENITH AWARDS.
SIA)
peer group of clubs renowned for their commitment to excel-
12. BRG Kings’ Island Golf Resort (Vietnam)
lence to serve as the yardstick for others.
13. Long Thanh Golf Resort (Vietnam)
The first batch of golf clubs to be honoured at the 2018
Each of the premier clubs on the award list has
Asian Golf Awards in Bangkok were:
distinguished and excelled itself in terms of operating
1. Banyan Golf Club (Thailand)
a golf club noted for the quality of its golf course, its
2. Black Mountain Golf Club (Thailand)
club house facilities and services and its commitment
3. DLF Golf & Country Club (India)
to deliver a quality golfing experience to both members
4. Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course (China)
and guests alike. The official induction of the select group of golf
5. Ria Bintan Golf Club (Indonesia) 6. Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore)
clubs will take place during the 2019 Asian Golf
7. Sky72 Golf & Resort, Ocean Course (South Korea)
Awards Gala Banquet that will be staged in Gurugram,
8. Thai Country Club (Thailand)
India on November 6 at the multi-award winning DLF
9. TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Golf Club. The award ceremony will be part of the 2019
10. Hirono Golf Club (Japan)
Asia Pacific Golf Summit which will be staged from
11. Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club (Philippines)
November 4 – 6, 2019.
TANAH MERAH COUNTRY CLUB (SINGAPORE)
On-line tee-time reservation services have been available for quite sometime and it would difficult to argue against the value of such services. While setting up such an on-line service is no big deal, providing access to a good mix of golf clubs is what becomes the differentiating factor between these services. Having access to an on-line booking App that has limited course accessibility is really of no use to a golfer. Unfortunately, many of these services fall into this category. On the other hand, there are services that strive hard to provide a good cross-sectional mix of clubs in different parts of the world, and these are services that get the job done and provide an excellent service to both the golfer and golf club. That said, one such service that is growing exponentially in Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East is GOLF CITIZEN. It was set up with the aim of creating a one-stop shop for all golfing needs. Golfers from any part of the world can register as a ‘GOLF CITIZEN’ for free and avail the services offered at several its partner courses and golf facilities around the world.
WE SHARE THE SAME VISION OF BRINGING A SUPERIOR AND CONVENIENT GOLFING EXPERIENCE TO GOLFERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE, WHILE BEING COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE MOST COMPETITIVE PRICES BACKED UP BY EXCELLENT SERVICE AND THE BEST LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.
W
ith a high profile in the Asian marketplace, GOLF CITIZEN has since beefed up its operation to cover one of the most dynamic growth markets in Southeast Asia. It has
expanded its global footprint to cover Vietnam by formalising an agreement with the UniGroup Service and Commercial Company Limited (UniGolf). This exclusive arrangement is designed to provide unparalleled service and support for golfers when they visit Vietnam. Commenting on the ground-breaking partnership, Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Founder and CEO of GOLF CITIZEN said, “According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) annual report on global travel and tourism last year, Vietnam was the third fastest growing tourism destination in the world with an increase of 29.1 per cent in the number of visitors.” Vietnam has become one of the most favoured
EASE OF ACCESS AND SERVICE
tourist destinations in the world and with several award-winning golf courses and new developments constantly being added, it is rapidly proving to be a favourite with golfers. In 2017, Vietnam was honoured at the Asia Pacific Golf Awards in Danang with the “Best Golf Destination In The Asia Pacific” Award by the Asia Pacific Golf Group. UniGolf, which is now Golf Citizen’s exclusive agent
ARE CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING
- UNLIKE MANY OF OUR COMPETITORS, WE’D LIKE OUR MEMBERS THAT WE DO
TO HAVE THE COMFORT OF KNOWING THEY CAN SPEAK TO A PERSON IN CASE THEY
for Vietnam has been in operation for more than six
WANT ANYTHING EXTRA OR AMEND THEIR
years and specializes in golf booking and golf travel
BOOKING
operations. It is the leading partner of some 50 golf courses across the country and is constantly adding new
represents a tremendous value to both of us in providing
golf courses to its list. UniGolf was named ‘Vietnam’s
an innovative, industry-leading platform for the promo-
Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator’ for four years in row
tion of golf tourism.” He went on to add, “We share the
from 2015-2018 and ‘Vietnam’s Best Inbound Golf Tour
same vision of bringing a superior and convenient golfing
Operator 2015’ by the World Golf Awards.
experience to golfers from across the globe, while being
Jamie Bao Nguyen, founder of UniGolf, commented: “This collaboration between UniGolf and GOLF CITIZEN
committed to providing the most competitive prices backed up by excellent service and the best local knowledge.”
THE AIM IS TO FIND AN AGENT FOR EACH COUNTRY OR MORE THAN ONE IF THE COUNTRY IS VERY LARGE AND OUR INTENT IS TO HAVE ALL DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS OPERATIONS TO BE HANDLED BY AND THROUGH OUR RESPECTIVE COUNTRY AGENTS.
man designed courses – The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip and the BRG Da Nang Golf Club. Several other well-known designers and legends of the game have created their masterpieces in the country, including Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo. “Ease of access and service are central to everything that we do - unlike many of our competitors, we’d like our members to have the comfort of knowing they can speak to a person in case they want anything extra or amend their booking,” Buamaim
“They have a proven track record and it is for this
said.
reason that we selected to partner with them …. they
“As we expand our offerings in the future, we
have plenty of experience as golf tour operators in the
will be looking to appoint more agents who have first-
region and we are confident that they will provide a
hand knowledge of the region in which they operate
highly dedicated and experienced team to look after our
in,” he pointed out.
GOLF CITIZEN members,” declared Buamaim. Among the various golf courses that have caught the attention of golfers the world over are two Greg Nor-
As part of its international expansion programme GOLF CITIZEN, has moved into Morocco. Its entry into this key North African market is marked by the ap-
pointment of Master Golf Solutions (MGS) as its agents in Morocco. “The Northern African nation, with its proximity to Europe and its rich history, traditions, wonderful weather and natural beauty, is known as one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the world. Called “a cold country with a hot sun”, said Buamaim. MGS is established by three partners – Majid Bennis, Nabil ElFadili and Kacemi Yassine – all very passionate golfers who are committed to bringing cutting-edge digital technologies and to enhance the digital customer experience to the golfing industry in Morocco, North-Africa and Europe. The partnership has started with the signing up four leading courses in the country – The Tony Jacklin Casablanca, The Tony Jacklin Marrakech, and The Montgomerie Rabat and The Montgomerie Marrakech. Many more golf courses will be added to the portfolio in the near future. “By becoming a GOLF CITIZEN member, golfers can enjoy hassle-free games in some of the leading golf courses in the UAE, Thailand, Oman, Cambodia and Laos, apart from Vietnam. Many other courses in different countries, including China, are about to join that list soon,” Buamaim added. “The aim is to find an agent for each country or more than one if the country is very large and our intent is to have all day-to-day business operations to be handled by and through our respective country agents,” Buamaim said. The pioneering work of GOLF CITIZEN has been recognised through its many awards among which are the prestigious ‘Best Innovation Award’ which was bestowed upon the company at the 2018 Asian Golf Awards at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit.
BY BECOMING A GOLF CITIZEN MEMBER, GOLFERS CAN ENJOY HASSLE-FREE GAMES IN SOME OF THE LEADING
UAE, THAILAND, OMAN, CAMBODIA AND LAOS, APART FROM VIETNAM. MANY OTHER GOLF COURSES IN THE
COURSES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, INCLUDING
CHINA, ARE ABOUT TO JOIN THAT LIST SOON.
Finally, a management software created exclusively for club management. It’s hassle-free and so very user-friendly that you’d want to hug it and smack a sloppy kiss on it. It takes the mystique out of all computer operations in a club and integrates it into a seamless package. Put simply, every operational aspect of a club talk to each other. It’s a total results-oriented package that keeps on producing the goods minus the headaches. It places control in your hands and not in the hands of your IT department. It is driven by easy to understand graphic navigation icons that most can handle with ease. It’s an empowerment tool like none other!
Ezy Pzy – If Only Adam Had
A GAME-CHANGING INNOVATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLOUD WEAVERS PTE LTD | 10 KAKI B
Customization is in your hands. Make changes without having to call the supplier. It’s a dream come true for clubs. Most importantly, its very versatile and won’t break the bank. Pricing is affordable and maintenance won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Finally, your club can be liberated from the shackles of IT bondage! That’s why we call our club management software Ezy Pzy – results with no pain! Check us out for a no obligations demonstration. It’ll be the best business decision you’ll take, and you may just about get a raise from your club’s board of directors!
Consulted Us, We’d All Be In Paradise!
BUKIT AVENUE 4, #06-63, SINGAPORE 415874 | TEL: +65 6745 5002 | WEB: CLOUDWEAVERS.SG
In early 2017, ASIAN GOLF got wind of news that a new golf course was going to be built in Vietnam. More speciďŹ cally, the course was to be set in Central Vietnam, a fast-emerging hot tourist destination. The site was Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage location. It was reported then to be the location for a giant US$4 billion
integrated resort venture. ASIAN GOLF visited the selected site and discovered that it had a spell-binding vista composed of views of the Eastern Sea and Cham Islands. It was just rolling real estate, but we were unable to visualise the outcome of this massive development in its pre-development state.
T
wo years have since gone by and we are
new life into the otherwise sparsely vegetated patch of
now able to see the materialisation of
coastline. The artist responsible for this creation is none
what the developers had in mind as part of
other than the legendary golf course architect Robert
their transformation of this ancient Viet-
Trent Jones Jr.
namese coastline. Part of the sprawling
Renowned the world over for having designed truly
integrated resort is taking shape and the first of many
great golf courses, including the classic Chambers Bay
projects to be completed is the Hoiana Shores Golf Club.
public golf course at Puget Sound in North America,
This 18-hole all-links golf course has been brilliantly
Jones has once again delivered a course that is in a class
carved out of the bare landscape that we visited some
all its own. ASIAN GOLF had the opportunity of visiting
two years ago. It’s simply magical how this golf course
Hoiana Shores Golf Club just weeks before its official
has risen from the coast – it is a great, living tribute to
opening and in its eyes, the Jones’ creation is “a master
the man who dreamt up the scheme to inject a whole
stroke – a tour de force – a knock out!
SYMPHONIES BEGIN WITH ONE NOTE; FIRES WITH ONE FLAME; GARDENS WITH ONE FLOWER; AND MASTERPIECES WITH ONE STROKE.” THANK YOU, MR. JONES, FOR PRESENTING VIETNAM AND ASIA WITH A TRUE MASTERPIECE! With a visually mind-numbing seaside setting, a thoughtfully and luxuriously appointed clubhouse and 18 of some of the best holes in golf anywhere in Asia or for that matter in the world, Hoiana Shores is Jones’ “magnum opus” – a course that will most definitely go down as one of the great man’s legacy to golf! When Jones finished the now legendary Chambers Bay course, one writer said, “It immediately elicits intense, symphonic, even operatic tinglings. At different moments the course resonates like a Mozart aria, a Hendrix guitar riff, an orchestra playing Wagner, and a crooning Hank Williams ballad.” While Chambers Bay is a classic, Hoiana Shores is a celebration of Jones who is now 80-years old. ASIAN GOLF looks at Hoiana Shores this way: “Symphonies begin with one note; fires with one flame; gardens with one flower; and masterpieces with one stroke.” Thank you, Mr. Jones, for presenting Vietnam and Asia with a true masterpiece!
Looking back at the beginning of the project, Ben Styles, Vice President of Golf at the integrated resort said, “Given the quality of the site, it required a design partner with certain qualities that would help elevate this project to the fullest of its potential. We are glad that we selected to go with the Robert Trent Jones Jr. team and Mr. Jones has delivered something very special and unique to Vietnam with this partnership.” Jones who has designed over 280 golf courses in 40 countries said, “We always strive to finish with a crescendo in our designs to keep people coming back …. and there will be few that can rival what we have created with this closing stretch, which completes a great symphony of golf.” Hoiana Shores is now open for play and set to delight, challenge and inspire golfers of all skill levels. Forget about experiencing world class links golf in Scotland. You can now do it at Hoiana Shores where links golf has never been better! Experience the symphony for yourselves!
WE ALWAYS STRIVE TO FINISH WITH A CRESCENDO IN OUR DESIGNS TO KEEP PEOPLE COMING BACK
…. AND THERE WILL BE FEW THAT CAN RIVAL WHAT WE HAVE CREATED WITH THIS CLOSING STRETCH, WHICH COMPLETES A GREAT SYMPHONY OF GOLF.
PICTURES COURTESY OF GARY LISBON
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
DAVID DALE
When it rains, it pours! In keeping with the true meaning of the proverb, South Korea, a golf-mad nation is being treated to a new wave of public golf courses. Unlike the developed world of golf in North America, Europe and Australia, public golf courses in Asia are an absolute rarity. Even though there are a few public courses, the charges that are levied for a round of golf can be as costly as those charged by private country clubs! So, one can understand why there is such great excitement when South Korea steps up to the plate and hits a home run in support of public golf courses. What’s happening in that country is a drive being spearheaded by Golfplan, an American golf course design and architectural firm that has a pioneering quality engineered into its DNA. It’s a company that has always dared to break away from convention and stick its foot into uncharted territories. Well, it’s done it again and ASIAN GOLF applauds Golfplan for having the fortitude to take the public golf course route!
H
A
,
aving designed the first public facility T LONG LAST THE ECONOMICS OF in South Korea in 1982, and led the PUBLIC GOLF DEVELOPMENT HAS country’s second wave of public golf development during the 1990s, golf course FOUND SOME REAL TRACTION EVELOPERS architects Golfplan-Dale & Ramsey are HAVE ALSO REALIZED THAT ONLY ATTRACTIVE trail-blazing a multi-course project with one standSTRATEGIC DESIGNS WILL BE EMBRACED BY alone public project newly opened, and another three in various stages of development. OUTH OREA S EVER MORE SOPHISTICATED The first to market, Keun Wi O’Phel Golf Club, PUBLIC GOLFER HE ECONOMICS AND THE opened for play outside Daegu in early 2018. It set a scorching record of a startling 120,000 rounds during ARCHITECTURE WORK TOGETHER its first season of operation, according to Golfplan partner David Dale. The companion course, Iris O’Phel, Yet it’s exactly this demand and lack of public tracks that also from the hand of Dale, will open nearby this Septemhave traditionally obliged folks to play all their golf at the ber, while two more public tracks — Sehyeon Golf Club and range or jet off to Thailand or Vietnam to play.” Solseado Golf Club (the country’s first senior golf-residential Dale went on to explain: “At long last, the economics project), are now under construction. of public golf development has found some real traction. Until 1982, there wasn’t a single public course in South Developers have also realized that only attractive, strategic Korea. Today, there are some 485 golf facilities and the pubdesigns will be embraced by South Korea’s ever-more solic/private mix is about 50-50. Over the course of 35 years, phisticated public golfer. The economics and the architecture Golfplan-Dale & Ramsey has played an extraordinary role in work together.” developing those public courses, while also developing the Golfplan got the ball rolling when it designed the very case for public golf. first public course in South Korea back in 1982. It was a “It’s taken many years but the broader attitude toward 9-hole, double-green, dual-tee track at Yong Pyong. This and public golf is finally changing,” said Dale. “The irony is, there a handful of subsequently developed public courses proved have always been millions of enthusiastic public golfers extraordinarily popular according to Dale. Unfortunately, here. This is the land of triple-decker driving ranges filled developers were making too much money developing private with players who’ve never played golf on an actual course! clubs.
.D
,
S
K
’ .T
-
.
“These initial public projects set the table for Stage II, which began in the 1990s,” Dale explains. “The government did not want for the game to be such an aristocratic, exclusionary sport. So, it encouraged private club developers to add 9-holes of public golf, in order to get permitting for 18 private holes. “This was the model deployed at The Club at Nine Bridges,” Dale pointed out, citing the 1999 Golfplan design that today plays host to the U.S. PGA Tour’s CJ Cup. “But we’ve designed some 25 private club projects in South Korea, and I’d say 10 of them feature this additional 9-hole public component.” The 2008 financial/real estate collapse hit South Korea hard and changed the equation yet again. Golf development
ground to a near halt — as it did worldwide. In 2014, when Korean banks started encouraging private clubs to convert to public play, Stage III got underway. “Membership sales had stopped. Existing memberships were hugely devalued. Some two dozen courses went into high-profile bankruptcy. Development companies went bankrupt. Contractors went bankrupt,” Dale recalls. “But some contractors and engineers attached to these projects had enough capital to finish the golf courses, assume ownership of them (at greatly reduced pricing), and operate them as public courses. Re-permitting them as entirely public courses was difficult; it remains an extremely difficult thing to do in Korea, but the banks got behind it. They said, Hey, this debt needs to be serviced.”
Many of the finest public courses operating in Korea today were born in this fashion, including Golfplan-designed Island Country Club, which opened in 2011, southeast of Seoul. “Island was designed to be a private club; it got looked at pretty long and hard as the host site for the 2015 President’s Cup,” Dale notes. “Playing there might set you back US$200, but it’s a superb public course.” This remains the Stage III public golf model in South Korea: Find an abandoned private club project where permits are in place, but things aren’t moving forward - then convert to public golf, for which there remains extraordinary demand. “The public courses being developed on these properties, where a proper course architect has been engaged, are much more respectful of the terrain. We were able to save 30 percent more forested area on the Iris O’Phel project for example, while delivering a far more enjoyable, aesthetically pleasing golf experience.” On the peninsula’s southwestern tip, near Haenam, Golfplan has broken ground on a 7,100-yard public course that will form the core of Solaseado, South Korea’s first senior golf-residential community. At one time, seven separate courses had been planned for this massive property, all located on land reclaimed 60 years ago near
the town of Mokpo. It’s not clear that all seven will be designed and built — but what is developed will be public, Dale says. “This land was reclaimed for agriculture, but the soil has salinity issues, which is good news for the public golfer,” Dale says. “We know the developers here, as well. We’ve already designed two projects for them, including Pine Beach Golf Links down the road.” Pine Beach is an ultra-scenic, cliff-top stunner many rank among the country’s Top 5. It was designed and built on the 18-private, 9-public model. The broader market for an all-public project wasn’t there 10 years ago. “Today, the market is there. Look at our Sehyeon Country Club project set to open in Yongin next year. That’s a pretty pure public development, not a failed or stalled private project. The owner develops shopping malls and condos — but he loves golf. He found a gorgeous property 15 minutes from his home, a secluded little valley. It’s going to be a spectacular track. “Yongin is a suburb of Seoul, but there’s no public golf for miles and miles in any direction. When that place opens, our client is going to be immensely successful.” Well, looks like public courses are set to become a mainstay in South Korea. Well done Golfplan!
It is no idle boast! Black Mountain Gol By being manifested with the prestigi exclusive member of an elite gr
The Zenith Award, presented to us at of our all-round standard of e
At Black Mountain we deliver da are judged b
We are The Ultim
Black Mountain G
565 Moo7, Nong Hieng Road, Hin L Tel: +66 (0) 32 618 666 or Email: sa
www.blac
f Club has reached the ultimate pinnacle of excellence. ious Asia PaciÅc Order Of Zenith, our club is now an rouping of the best golf clubs in the Asia PaciÅc. the “Oscars” of the golf industry is acknowledgement xcellence in all operational aspects of the club.
ay after day, a standard of excellence by which we by our members and patrons. ate GolÅng Experience, Bar None!
Golf Club. Nothing Gets Better!
LekFai, Hua Hin, Prachaubkirikhan 77110, Thailand ales@bmghuahin.com | realestate@bmghuahin.com
ckmountainhuahin.com
Peter Millar – it’s an upmarket, luxury brand in the golf and leisure-wear market. Its pedigree is American and it enjoys a respected status amongst golfers who demand the feel and look of luxury. This is something that is the hallmark of Peter Millar. The brand is beginning to make in-roads to Asia and it is bound to carve an important niche amongst discerning golfers. It has just launched its 2019 Fall collection and ASIAN GOLF is proud to present a peek at what is on offer.
P
eter Millar has unveiled its Fall 2019 menswear collection, designed for golfers who demand the finest quality fabrics and superior craftsmanship as well as proven performance technologies – from casual to formal and
from club to course. Featuring a modern colour palette, including shades of blue, grey and green, the company’s design team has fashioned a seasonal offering that embodies the timeless style
THE MAIN INSPIRATION BEHIND THE FALL 19 COLLECTION WAS THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING LUXURIOUS LAYERING PIECES THAT OUR CUSTOMERS CAN WEAR ON THE GOLF COURSE BUT ARE ALSO PERFECTLY VERSED FOR TRAVEL AND OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
and modern flair that the world’s leading retailers, golf resorts and clubs have come to expect from Peter Millar. Spearheading the Fall 19 collection, the brand’s Crown
performance sportswear with a renewed and heightened sense of style.
Crafted capsule is unlike anything Peter Millar has ever
With the ability to perform in the most extreme
done before. Worn on tour by Peter Millar ambassadors,
weather conditions, Peter Millar continues to innovate in
Lee Westwood, Brandt Snedeker and Branden Grace
the outerwear category, with an array of technical layering
amongst many others, the line features luxury Italian yarns
garments, including reversible vests, fleeces, softshell
blended with cutting-edge technology and is offered in
jackets, full-zip hybrids, packable windbreakers and the
more tailored silhouettes that appeal to golfers seeking
ultimate 3-layer waterproof rain suit.
CARTER PRINT TIMEPIECE JERSEY POLO
JUBILEE STRIPE PERFORMANCE POLO
DROUGHT ENGINEERED STRIPE PERFORMANCE POLO The brand introduces a new collection of Natural Touch products for fall 2019 that features a unique blend of polyester-tencel which provides the perfect balance of performance, breathability and natural comfort. “The main inspiration behind the Fall 19 collection was the importance of developing luxurious layering pieces that our customers can wear on the golf course but are also perfectly versed for travel and other leisure activities, commented Mark Hilton, Peter Millar’s International Managing Director. “Our focus each and every season is innovation and our team are constantly researching and developing new proprietary fabrics that will provide our customers with optimal performance benefits—such as shape retention, comfort stretch, breathability and weather resistance. In addition, our attention has turned to elevating the style quotient through new details, new silhouettes, new hardware, new linings and an approach to building total lifestyle looks for the Peter Millar gentleman,” added Hilton. Peter Millar has become the standard bearer in luxury golf lifestyle clothing for individuals who demand the best in fit and performance.
CROWN CRAFTED HINES STRIPE PIQUÉ MESH POLO
CROWN CRAFTED COLLECTION
OUR FOCUS EACH AND EVERY SEASON IS INNOVATION AND OUR TEAM ARE CONSTANTLY RESEARCHING AND DEVELOPING NEW PROPRIETARY FABRICS THAT WILL PROVIDE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE BENEFITS—SUCH AS SHAPE RETENTION, COMFORT STRETCH, BREATHABILITY AND WEATHER RESISTANCE. IN ADDITION, OUR ATTENTION HAS TURNED TO ELEVATING THE STYLE QUOTIENT THROUGH NEW DETAILS, NEW SILHOUETTES, NEW HARDWARE, NEW LININGS AND AN APPROACH TO BUILDING TOTAL LIFESTYLE LOOKS FOR THE
MILLAR GENTLEMAN.
PETER
Pacific Links Golf Network
Signature Clubs / Global Access / Great Golf
GENERATE REVENUE FROM CONTROLLED INBOUND PLAY
NO ENROLMENT FEES FOR THE CLUB OR YOUR MEMBERS
450+
140,000+
19,000+
50,000+
NETWORK CLUBS
INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS
NETWORK GOLFERS
ROUNDS PROJECTED IN 2019 IN 30 COUNTRIES
• Our Links2Golf call centre is open 24/7 for tee time requests • A global reciprocal program, offering valuable benefits to participating clubs pacificlinks.com | plgolf.cn | plgolf.co.kr | pacificlinks.tw
#PacificLinks
CLASS BEST IN ing than
rgiv More fo of its size. n any iro set and a off s s le 10% length r blade shorte aner, more a cle create d shape with refine MOI. higher an 8%
T A E . V T H LO G I L F T FIRS istance other d om all fr s it t e r a that giv iron ap ddress tion w G410 a a e r t n e a e n k h e o ets t next g lean lo e c h s t it What s e in h p s eds it e. Add er ball Start w f a blad rs fast o irons? e l a w hile e o w p p ual ap y that hts. All the vis hnolog ball flig s c it g e t o in t r e e e -Ey ess du nd tow of COR rgiven ok tance a fo is lo e l d r il o e r w rm hots for mo MOI fo . Your s ing the system aighter. g in increas t h r sel weig her and fly st toe-ho fart travel r, e bett TM
Y. T TODA
GET FI © 20 19
PI N G
X P.O. BO
820 0 0
PH O EN
IX
071 , A Z 85
G LEXIN FACE F er flexing R E T S FA a larg re g and for mo
ingin eeds es. Face h ball sp jectori crease her peak tra in e n o z hig ce and distan
BLE MOVA HT IG E W LOGY ECHNO
T
ter of ns cen l Positio contro to y it grav flight – ll a b r you vel tour-le putting hands. r u o y in fitting
g to swin fidence n sing o is c m e f h u had t t fear o o u y o h e it im w It’s t weight ee box n the t ovable ots to away o new, m r your sh u e O p . a y y. h a s w o ir t is u fa s tenc o the nd con llows y a a l y o r g t lo con techno ce and ay with distan e fairw wer. all the find th h it it w w h po comes o play t d e e And it un ness yo forgive
Y T TODA
GET FI ©
NG 20 19 PI
X P.O. BO
8200 0
PH O EN
85071 IX , A Z 219 PGA
With almost all modern appliances getting smarter (from a technology standpoint) by the day, it’s only a matter of when golf clubs and other golf related accessories would follow suit and get brains to help all golfers play a better game of golf. It’s really a no-brainer! With smartphones getting smarter by the day, and vehicles becoming autonomous, why should golf equipment be a laggard? Thanks to some smart manufacturers, measures have been taken for golf clubs to show some smarts and amongst the first to dive into this high-tech arena is industry leader PING. Very few amongst us know that PING (yes, the company associated with golf equipment) is really a high-tech organisation. It has an interest in a leadingedge company that is in avionics and that’s as high-tech as one can get. With a proven heritage in technology, PING has entered into a collaboration to offer smart grip sensor technology on all its golf clubs.
T
he collaboration is with industry leader Arccos Golf. In announcing the initiative, PING President John K. Solheim said, “With our long-time focus on data collection and the ability to improve product performance and custom-fitting techniques through expert analysis of a golfer’s tendencies on the golf course, it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to join with Arccos to help bring more visibility to the benefits of playing ‘smart’ golf.” This is the deal - the grips, which will be supplied exclusively by Golf Pride, will be embedded with sensors that automatically record and analyse every shot taken during a round of golf when paired with the Arccos Caddie smart app. Solheim explained: “Arccos pioneered the game-tracking category and are recognised as the clear leader when it
TION
comes to providing on-course ‘caddie advice’, performance tracking and post-round analysis. Now golfers can realise the benefits of the Arccos technology on PING clubs through our custom-order programme, which offers both the Smart Grip and Smart Sensor technologies.” Sal Syed, Arccos CEO chipped in by stating: “Our teams have a shared vision about the importance of on-course data, which through ShotLink has already made a massive impact on the PGA Tour. The benefits of this data span the golf equipment spectrum: from smarter club selection decisions in play, to a more intelligent custom-fitting experience by augmenting the data captured in a hitting bay.” The agreement includes a 90-day free trial of the Arccos Caddie app, widely recognised as golf’s leading performancetracking software application and the game’s first artificial-
BY EQUIPPING ALL OUR CLUBS WITH AN ARCCOS SMART GRIP OR SMART SENSOR, GOLFERS CAN ACCESS VALUABLE INFORMARELATING TO THEIR PERFORMANCE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A
ROUND THAT WILL LEAD TO LOWER SCORES AND MORE ENJOYMENT ON THE GOLF COURSE.
– JOHN K. SOLHEIM
intelligence platform. To access the PING version of the Arccos Caddie app, golfers will need their entire set, including a putter, equipped with Smart Grips, Smart Sensors or a combination of both. After the free trial period, golfers can purchase a one-year subscription through Arccos. “We’re very focused on helping golfers improve performance with every club in their bag,” declared Solheim. “By equipping all our clubs with an Arccos Smart Grip or Smart Sensor, golfers can access valuable information relating to their performance before, during and after a round that will lead to lower scores and more enjoyment on the golf course. In addition to providing exact distances from any point on the golf course plus club recommendations, the app collects thousands of data points that can be analysed to uncover opportunities for further improvement through set makeup or other equipment refinements.” Solheim sees the collaboration with Arccos as a natural extension of PING’s long-standing research into ball-flight tracking – first started by his grandfather, Karsten Solheim, back in the early 1970s with the invention of PING Man, the company’s robot. “We’ve been tracking and studying ball-flight data since the early days of PING Man through a variety of methods,” said Solheim. “We were the first golf company to purchase a TrackMan and now with Arccos, average golfers have access to data previously only available to tour professionals. The app collects true distances from actual shots hit on the course, tracking your best and average shots while being smart enough to ignore your extreme misses. This ‘intelligence’ leads to club recommendations that give you the best opportunity to play your best.”
WWW.PRIVATEESTATEFX.COM
WWW.PRIVATEESTATEFX.COM
WEAR IT ANYWHERE. This is Private Estate - A new brand created with luxury at the forefront, but also convenience and versatility. Whether you’re doing battle on the golf course, lounging at home or roaming around town, rest assured you’ll always look tasteful and stylish in Private Estate.
You damn well better believe it! In the five years that PXG has been in existence, it has turned the golf club industry pretty much on its head with its derring-do, out-of-the-box production and marketing tactics. In its short life in the dog-eat-dog world of golf equipment, this gutsy Scottsdale, AZ. outfit has taken on the lumbering big boys of the trade and showed them a thing or two about livening up the otherwise moribund industry. When PXG was set up in 2014 by billionaire and GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons, he made it abundantly clear to all his critics and naysayers that he wanted to prove he could get more out of his golf equipment. Five years later, the decorated Vietnam war veteran and serial entrepreneur has delivered just that! Parsons has done it with revolutionary patented technology, the world’s finest materials, zero cost or time restraints – and the end result has been PXG golf clubs without compromise!
T
he latest from PXG is the 0311 ST (Super Tour) blade irons. Reflecting Parson’s quest for product excellence, these new irons are an embodiment of everything that Parsons set out to do five years ago. Before the official launch of the revolutionary PXG 0311 ST, Parsons declared, “Please meet our new 0311 ST irons. The ST stands for Super Tour. We couldn’t help ourselves. We just had to make a pure tour blade. But instead of forging it, us being PXG, we took it up another big level. Our pure tour blades, like our wedges are 100% milled, The result is precision exemplified. To this add our proprietary weighting system and the result is something only PXG would make. For those of you who have the game, we will be accepting advanced orders in the next few weeks for fulfilment in 60 days. PXG. Nobody makes golf clubs the way we do. Period.” The man has total belief in his products and we at ASIAN GOLF have no reason to doubt him because we have met with him, had him keynote at our internationally renowned Asia Pacific Golf Summit, we have honoured him at our Asian Golf Awards and spent quality time with him in Vietnam. A striking example of precision engineering, PXG 0311 ST Irons are 100% milled from a triple-forged billet of 8620 soft carbon steel. The strong, yet “soft” alloy helps prolong the life of the grooves and enhances the appearance of the irons over time. Using a CNC mill, every surface, curve, and angle are produced
PLEASE MEET OUR NEW 0311 S FOR SUPER TOUR. WE COULDN HAD TO MAKE A PURE TOUR BLADE. BUT BEING PXG, WE TOOK IT UP ANOTHER BI BLADES, LIKE OUR WEDGES ARE 100% M SION EXEMPLIFIED. TO THIS ADD OUR PRO AND THE RESULT IS SOMETHING ONLY PX OF YOU WHO HAVE THE GAME, WE WILL B
ORDERS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS FOR FU
NOBODY MAKES GOLF CLUBS THE WAY W
to exacting specifications for consistent performance and advanced shot-making. A pure tour blade, 0311 ST Irons feature PXG’s signature Perimeter Weighting Technology, a narrow sole design, and compact blade length. These attributes support the performance characteristics desired by better players, including lower launch, more spin, and exceptional control. Each clubhead is NiCr plated for corrosion resistance and presents an anti-glare finish to eliminate distractions at address. A prototype of these new irons was put into play by Ryan Moore, a PXG brand ambassador and five-time winner on the PGA Tour. “When we invited Ryan to try our new milled irons as part of the development process, we couldn’t pry them out of his hands,” Parsons said. “Based on his response, the response of several other outstanding golfers, and our testing, we knew we had achieved our goal. We created a 100% milled, pure TOUR blade that’s money if you’ve got the game,” exclaimed Parsons. “I love the new PXG milled irons ….. they feel incredible, and I have the ability to work the ball exactly how I want to on every shot,” Moore said in a press release. So, there you have it. The 0311 ST (Super Tour) - 100 percent machined from single blocks of steel just like the wedges! At $650 a pop per iron!
ST IRONS. THE ST STANDS WE JUST INSTEAD OF FORGING IT, US IG LEVEL. OUR PURE TOUR MILLED, THE RESULT IS PRECI-
N’T HELP OURSELVES.
OPRIETARY WEIGHTING SYSTEM
XG WOULD MAKE. FOR THOSE
BE ACCEPTING ADVANCED
60 DAYS. PXG. PERIOD. – BOB PARSONS
ULFILMENT IN
E DO.
TaylorMade fans have had a great time with the highly successful P700 series of irons. Things have just got better with these irons as the brand has just launched its latest iteration, the second generation so to speak – the P-790, a set of irons that according to TaylorMade “are a meticulously crafted set combining performance, feel and aesthetics.”
T
o improve on an iron as suc-
support and damping properties that make the
cessful as the original P·790, its
performance of the P·790 unlike any other iron in
engineers faced the challenge of
the TaylorMade family.
taking everything learned from its design, refining and emphasizing
Inside the P·790, a larger mass of tungsten – 15% more than the first generation P·790 – has
MADE’
TO DAT
many of the unique design elements that made it
been reshaped to deliver a deeper centre of gravity.
so successful without drastically changing its DNA.
The new tungsten design helps to lower the CG and
CONSTR
The result is a forged iron that continues to deliver
increase the launch angle of the new 2019 model.
PURPOS
remarkable distance and playability combined with
The topline shaping was refined by increasing
exceptional feel in a medium-compact head design
the face height in the toe for a cleaner progression
with a refined topline, more compact blade length
through the set. The result is a visually appealing
AND FE
and reduced offset preferred by discerning players.
shape preferred by better players without being
HEAD,
Behind the face of the new P·790 is one of TaylorMade’s most advanced technologies to date - SpeedFoam, a proprietary construction which
visually intimidating for those who appreciate the forgiving nature of the P·790 design. Complementing the P·790 irons is the P·790
serves a dual purpose of generating ball speed as
UDI. One of its features is the Thru-Slot Speed
well as the management of sound and feel. Injected
Pocket which is engineered to increase ball speeds
into the clubhead, SpeedFoam provides the face
and forgiveness for exceptional playability for those
WELL A
SUPPOR
MAKE T
UNLIKE
MADE
BEHIND THE FACE OF THE NEW P·790 IS ONE OF TAYLOR-
’S MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TE - SPEEDFOAM, A PROPRIETARY
RUCTION WHICH SERVES A DUAL
SE OF GENERATING BALL SPEED AS
AS THE MANAGEMENT OF SOUND
EEL. INJECTED INTO THE CLUB-
SPEEDFOAM PROVIDES THE FACE
RT AND DAMPING PROPERTIES THAT
P·790 E ANY OTHER IRON IN THE TAYLORFAMILY.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE
ROUNDING OUT THE NEW INTRODUCTIONS IS THE
P-790
TI WHICH IS DESCRIBED AS “A TRIUMPH OF ENGINEERING AND THE MOST PREMIUM
TAYLORMADE HAS EVER CREATED. IRON LINE
desiring additional options off the tee or fairway. Rounding out the new introductions is the P-790 Ti which is described as “a triumph of engineering and the most premium iron line TaylorMade has ever created.” The P·790 Ti was designed from the ground up to be an extreme performance P·790; a game improvement iron loaded with technology packed into an aspirational player’s preferred shape while maintaining the critical ratios between blade length, offset and topline width.
20
19 9-15 December
T H E R O Y A L M E L B O U R N E G O L F CL U B VICTORIA,AUSTRALIA
TICKETS AND HOSPITALITY NOW ON SALE PRESIDENTSCUP.COM
Seems like TaylorMade has been bitten by a putter bug. The visible symptoms of this “infection” manifests itself in a seemingly uncontrollable urge to spin off an almost limitless number of putters in one fell swoop! We have taken the liberty and literary license to have some fun at TaylorMade’s expense and we hope that it is all taken in the right spirit. Anyway, ragging aside, TaylorMade has released some stunning new putters worthy of notice by all golfers.
L
aunched under the TP Patina Putter Collection, which is made up of seven models, the new offerings are said to feature “refined aesthetics paired with unparalleled craftsmanship. All seven models are built with TaylorMade’s patented, Tour-proven
Pure Roll insert. The TP Patina Putter Collection is built for golfers who
favour a smooth and traditional putter shape that is backed by unrivalled performance and technology. Each model has a unique name and the names seem to complement the looks. The names are Soto, Juno, Del Monte (all blade style putters) and the Ardmore 1, Ardmore 2, Ardmore 3 and DuPage (are all mallet style putters). “All in, TP Patina is a look from the past that plays like the future and by combining black nickel and copper properties, we have created a unique reveal on the edges and sole of the putters,” said a company spokesman. One of the stand-out features of this third-generation release is the new signature TP screws that securely fasten the Pure Roll insert to the putter face. Through this process, voids and air pockets beneath the insert are minimized, creating an improved and solid feel on impact. The three blade-style putters in the TP Patina Putter Collection, Soto, Juno and the new Del Monte all feature a clean build with a single sightline on the back cavity. Each blade
ALL IN, TP PATINA IS A LOOK FROM THE PAST THAT PLAYS LIKE THE FUTURE AND BY COMBINING BLACK NICKEL AND COPPER PROPERTIES, WE HAVE CREATED A UNIQUE REVEAL ON THE EDGES AND SOLE OF THE PUTTERS.
putter is complete with a Pure Roll insert designed to give golfers optimized stability, control and feel. The mallet putters have been constructed with a Pure Roll insert designed to give golfers optimized stability, control and feel. New to the TP Patina Putter Collection, is the TP adjustable weight system that enables the TP sole weights to be unique to each stock length to hit a speciďŹ c swing weight. So, if you on the hunt for a new putter, check out the TP Pattina Collection. You have quite a choice waiting for you!
He may not be the world number one but does he care? We bet he doesn’t give a damn! He took on the best in the world and whipped the field with a convincing victory. After languishing in the doldrums of golf for quite a while, he emerged as the man who was always proclaimed to be one of the game’s true greats. Rory McIlroy is back and he is back in grand style!
A
ll of Ireland celebrated with gallons of frothy Irish stout. There’s simply no better way to celebrate a victory and there’s none better than that of McIlroy who staged a decisive win at the multi-million dollar FedExCup Playoffs! Matched against the world’s best, McIlroy showed that there was none better than
him as he charged to the finish line with a total score of 18-under par, a full four strokes
ahead of second placed Xander Schauffele. Now, if that’s not a convincing trouncing, what else is? As the luck of the Irish would have it, this win at the Tour Championship was McIlroy’s second, having first won the FedExCup title three years ago. Thirty golfers started out in the final phase of the playoffs with a total of US$45 million on the line. McIlroy, as the winner took home a preposterous US$15 million, considered the largest prize pool every handed out at a single PGA Tour event. The total purse for the FedExCup (including for golfers who were ousted in the first two rounds of the playoffs and those who finished in the top 10 in the regular season) was US$70 million. On his way to the historic win, the Northern Irishman fired a 4-under 66 marking the end to an incredible year. It will boost him to No. 2 in the world behind Brooks Koepka. After the spectacular win, McIlroy told reporters, “I’m going to enjoy this one tonight.” Drink up buddy – Stout’s good for you!
BROOKS KOEPKA AND ERIC ANDERSEN (CO-PRESIDENT OF AON PRESENTS AON RISK REWARD CHALLENGE)
When you’re a winner, winning just becomes a way of life. This is exactly what’s happened to the world’s top ranked professional golfer Brooks Koepka. After a PGA TOUR season filled with thrills, spills and excitement, Koepka has emerged victorious in the inaugural Aon Risk Reward Challenge, earning US$1 million in prize money.
A ROUND OF GOLF IS A SERIES OF TOUGH STRATEGIC DECISIONS, AND THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD STAY A STEP AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION BY MAKING BETTER DECISIONS WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.
BROOKS USED HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONDITIONS, WHERE HE STOOD IN THE FIELD AND KNOWLEDGE OF EACH AON RISK REWARD CHALLENGE HOLE TO TAKE CALCULATED RISKS THAT MAXIMIZED HIS PERFORMANCE. – ANDY WEITZ, AON’S CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
K
oepka was victorious in this unique programme which is designed to test the ability of players and their caddies to analyze risk and make strategic decisions on some of the most challenging
holes in golf. During each week of the regular season, players were challenged to look at the Aon Risk Reward holes in a new way, using their previous experience to develop insights and take calculated risks that would allow them to outperform their competitors. “I’m really proud of the work we did this year and
I’M REALLY PROUD OF THE WORK WE DID THIS YEAR AND AM GRATIFIED TO WIN AN AWARD THAT RECOGNIZES A CONSISTENTLY HIGH-LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE OVER THE ENTIRE SEASON, PARTICULARLY ON SOME OF THE TOUGHEST HOLES IN THE GAME.
am gratified to win an award that recognizes a consistently high-level of performance over the entire season, particularly on some of the toughest holes in the game,” said Koepka. The season-long programme authentically builds on the idea of “risk reward” decision-making and has successfully engaged players, caddies and fans by providing an in-depth look at the designated holes and asking them to consider what level of risk they should take to maximize their performance and receive the US$1 million reward.
– BROOKS KOEPKA
KEVIN KISNER IS WITH STEVE GOULART, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER FOR METLIFE, AND PRESIDENT OF METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
“A round of golf is a series of tough strategic decisions, and the best players in the world stay a step ahead of the competition by making better decisions when it matters most. Brooks used his understanding of the conditions, where he stood in the field and knowledge of each Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole to take calculated risks that maximized his performance,” said Andy Weitz, Aon’s Chief Marketing Officer. Meanwhile, PGA Tour star Kevin Kisner has been
WORDS CAN’T EXPLAIN THE JOY BRITTANY AND I FEEL AFTER WINNING THE METLIFE MATCHUP. I AM GRATEFUL TO MY FANS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR THE SUPPORT
named the 2019 MetLife MatchUp champion. MetLife, on
WE RECEIVED IN WINNING THE ONLINE
behalf of Kisner, will be donating US$750,000 to The Kevin
FAN VOTE.
and Brittany Kisner Foundation, which serves children by supporting child health, education and youth sports organizations. “Words can’t explain the joy Brittany and I feel after winning the MetLife MatchUp,” said Kisner. “I am grateful to my fans, friends and family for the support we received in winning the online fan vote. The donation from MetLife
THE DONATION FROM
METLIFE WILL HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF MANY CHILDREN THROUGH THE GOOD WORK OF OUR FOUNDATION.
– KEVIN KISNER
Now in its third year, the MetLife MatchUp is a
will have a profound impact on the lives of many children
season-long competition across 18 select PGA TOUR
through the good work of our foundation.”
events. More than US$3 million has been donated since
Founded in 2016, The Kisner Foundation has donated
the launch of the initiative and over 25 different charities –
nearly $200,000 in grant funds to help various community
from animal welfare to children’s health – have benefited
programmes that reach thousands of children.
from the donations.
A first class
Tradition
1997
1998
Tiger Woods
2005
2006
2007
2008
Vijay Singh
2017
2018
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Shiv Kapur
Thongchai Jaidee
Prayad Marksaeng
Lam Chih Bing
Rattanon Wannasrichan
Panuphol Pittayarat
Owned and Managed by The Peninsula Hotels Thai Country Club www.thaicountryclub.com Tel: +66 (38) 562-700 inquiry@thaicountryclub.com
For 2018 Thai Country Club is proud to accept awards for
The Zenith Award The 101 Sustainability Citation Best Food & Beverage Experience ƂÃ > *>V wV Best Locker Room (Male & Female) ƂÃ > *>V wV (1st Runner Up) Best Managed Golf Club ƂÃ > *>V wV (1st Runner Up) Best Pro-Shop ƂÃ > *>V wV (2nd Runner Up) À > v ÕÃ >Ì / > Õ ÌÀÞ ÕL°°° / > 9 Õt
Owned & managed by The Peninsula Hotels & often voted as possessing the “BEST CLUBHOUSE IN ASIA” & “BEST COURSE IN THAILAND”, Thai Country Club is less than 45 minutes from downtown Bangkok and is renowned for having the friendliest staff of professionals in the Kingdom committed to providing the 1 Ì >Ìi w } Ý«iÀ i Vi°
Tel: +66 (38) 562-700
For registered guests of The Peninsula Bangkok, we are happy to arrange a tee-time at a substantial reduction from our normal Û Ã Ì À½Ã À>Ìi° ÝÌi ` Þ ÕÀ LÕà iÃà ÌÀ « > } ] À L > }iÌ >Ü>Þ } w } «>V >}i° 7 i Ì V iÃ Ì iÝV Õà Ûi } w } Ü Ì «iVV>L i ë Ì> ÌÞ q Üi « >Þ vv ÃVÀ>ÌV °
Thai Country Club www.thaicountryclub.com
Tel: +66 (2) 861-2888
inquiry@thaicountryclub.com
The Peninsula Bangkok www.peninsula.com pbk@peninsula.com