If there’s one golf business event you
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k GLOBAL GOLF CONFERENCE k GLOBAL GOLF TRADE SHOW k GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS k GLOBAL AGRONOMY SYMPOSIUM k GOLF TOURNAMENTS k GOLF TOURISM WORLD GOLF EXPO OCTOBER 14 - 16, 2020 MISSION HILLS, HAIKOU, HAINAN, CHINA
A GOLF BUSINESS CARNIVAL LIKE NEVER BEFORE. SIMPLY THE BEST!
u must attend in 2020, make it WGE!
GOLFEXPO.COM
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MISSION HILLS GROUP
www.missionhillschina.com
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP ZZZ DVLDSDFLƓFJROIJURXS FRP
ISSUE
18
233
MARCH 2020
The World Golf Expo will be golf’s permanent home in Asia. Its mission is to serve as a mega showcase for the golf industry in terms of industry developments, products, both hard and soft and wide access to effective ways of propagating golf and to also provide timely and heretofore hard to get expert information on various aspects of golf course agronomy and maintenance. WGE will be the vehicle to help golf reach its big hopes and targets. It will help propel Asia towards growing the population of golfers to 25 million in this decade. p p g
64 FJ HAS PUSHED THE ENVELOPE FURTHER! FootJoy’s new Pro|SL is a highly innovative and advanced product. It’s a product that delivers more stability, more traction, more comfort and more choice, setting the standard in performance footwear, again.
FASHION TREND 26 PRETTY SOLES FOR LADIES Leading Danish footwear company ECCO Golf has just hit the market with its latest – the all-new ECCO S-THREE for women. It is the next-generation of shoes with its proprietary zonal support, a pioneering midsole technology.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS 34 HOT PUTTERS AND HOT BALLS FROM TAYLORMADE! Hot on the heels of the highly successful launch of its all new family of SIM drivers, woods, hybrids and irons, TaylorMade is back on deck to launch some more exciting products for 2020. The Carlsbad-based brand has launched a range of flat-sticks and new golf balls.
44 VOKEY’S DONE IT AGAIN! Just when you thought that Vokey wedges had hit its optimum performance limit, out comes a new family of wedges that has raised the bar to a whole new level. Bob Vokey has produced the Vokey Design SM8 models, the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedges yet.
52 70 YEARS …. STILL GOING STRONG!
SPECIAL FEATURE 74 PGA TOUR : ASIA’S BEST TAKE ON TPC SAWGRASS CHALLENGE! The famous Players Championship is just around the corner. It started back in 1974 and since then, it has grown to become one of the greatest tournaments on the PGA TOUR’s annual calendar. ASIAN GOLF is proud to present a preview of the big showdown with a special report from the PGA TOUR’s Chuah Choo Chiang.
Introducing the new Heppler family of putters from PING. The Heppler putters are an eye-catching, nine-model family of blades and multi-material mid-mallets and mallets differentiated by solid- face technology and extremely high inertia properties. A major feature of the Heppler range involves the use of high-pressure aluminum casting for the first time in the manufacturing of PING putters.
34
12 SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER
44
Most golfers have always known that a round of golf is both mentally stimulating and physically challenging. Golf may not be considered a physically demanding sport, but one round will likely mean you are outside and moving around, walking at a pace of 6-7km, for several hours at a time and constantly using your brain for the many mental challenges you face. There are many stated health benefits of golf, from scientific and anecdotal sources, but just how good is the game for the body and mind?
52
©202 2 0 Acushn Ac ushn hnet ett Compa C ompa omp ny. n All righ rights tts r eserved. eser ser ved. ve foo ootjoy tjoy tjoy.com oy.com.sg .com com .sg .s Foot o joy oy SEA SE foot ootjoy. joy. oy sea se
MORE STABILITY. MORE TRACTION. MORE COMFORT. MORE CHOICE.
SETTING THE STANDARD. AGAIN.
The search for the best amongst the best has commenced. For the next three months, clubs all over the world will vie for top honours in the Global Golf Awards, a progression of the Asian Golf Awards, an event with a proud twenty-year heritage of excellence. Start your marketing push to get your members, guests and supporters to vote. Identify your favoured award category and chalk up the votes. Only votes cast on-line will be valid. Award winners will be recognised at the Global Golf Awards Gala Banquet in Haikou, Hainan on October 16, 2020 Start your engine and roar to the ďŹ nish line!
MISSION HILLS GROUP
www.missionhillschina.com
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP ZZZ DVLDSDFLĆ“FJROIJURXS FRP
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 Cronk
Raquel Arcega
Executive Creative Art Director [raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
President, Cronk Group
Digital Services Tech-Know Integrators
Alice Ho
Business Executive [alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Alice Ho
Email: alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com
Myra Paras
Accounts Executive [myra@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.
SERENE SANCTUARY FOR LEISURE SEEKERS An extraordinary view of sweeping valley and calming lake, Parahyangan Golf Bandung is the perfect spot to elevate and indulge your golďŹ ng experience.
Parahyangan Golf Bandung T. (022) 2110 2878 | www.parahyangangolf.com
Parahyangan Golf
@parahyangangolf
©2020 Acushnet Company
REAL DISTANCE | REAL CONTROL | REAL PERFORMANCE
THE BETTER SOFT. NEW TITLEIST TOUR SOFT
Longer off the tee with increased short game spin, and a new alignment stamp.
Most golfers have always known that a round of golf is both mentally stimulating and physically challenging. Golf may not be considered a physically demanding sport, but one round will likely mean you are outside and moving around, walking at a pace of 6-7km, for several hours at a time and constantly using your brain for the many mental challenges you face. There are many stated health beneďŹ ts of golf, from scientiďŹ c and anecdotal sources, but just how good is the game for the body and mind?
W
ell, a brand-new report reveals that scientists have discovered that golfers “face half the risk of premature death because it helps alleviate stress”. The lead author of the study, Professor Adnan Qureshi said golf can provide benefits such as stress reduction and is easy to maintain regularly because it is not exhausting. Professor Qureshi, a neurologist at the University of Missouri in Columbia, said: ‘Our study is perhaps the first of its kind to evaluate the long-term health benefits of golf, particularly one of the most popular sports among older people in many countries.” When comparing mortality rates between golfers and non-golfers over a ten-year period, it was significantly lower in the former group. Around one in seven (15 per cent)
died, compared to a quarter (25 per cent) of those who never picked up a club. Playing golf can provide benefits such as stress reduction and is an exercise that is easy to keep up, explained Professor Qureshi. Due to its social nature and controlled pace, people often maintain motivation and the ability to continue playing in older age - even after suffering a heart attack or stroke. Professor Qureshi said: ‘While walking and low intensity jogging may be comparable exercise, they lack the competitive excitement of golf. Regular exercise, exposure to a less polluted environment and social interactions provided by golf are all positive for health. Another positive is that older adults can continue to play golf, unlike other more strenuous sports such as football, boxing and tennis. Additional positive aspects are stress relief and relaxation, which golf appears better suited for than other sports.’ Other research projects have found that playing golf has helped older people with balance and muscle endurance and was also likely to improve cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic health.
PLAYING GOLF CAN PROVIDE BENEFITS SUCH AS STRESS REDUCTION AND IS AN EXERCISE THAT IS EASY TO KEEP UP.
DUE TO ITS
SOCIAL NATURE AND CONTROLLED PACE, PEOPLE OFTEN MAINTAIN MOTIVATION AND THE ABILITY TO CONTINUE PLAYING
- EVEN AFTER SUFFERING A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE. IN OLDER AGE
– PROFESSOR ADNAN QURESHI Golfing could also help those who suffered chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer and stroke, as well as helping reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and dementia, the researchers found. The study found golfers typically burnt a minimum of 500 calories over 18 holes and those walking the course could cover four to eight miles. Golf is played by roughly 25 million Americans and approximately 15 million in Asia. It is one of the most popular participation sports in the England with around two million people playing at least twice a month.
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A SMARTER WAY TO PLAY YOUR BEST. 90-DAY FREE TRIAL The new G710 irons are custom built with Arccos Caddie Smart Grips. You’re entitled to 8 additional sensors at no cost* and a free trial to the award-winning Arccos Caddie platform.** *with purchase of 6 or more G710 irons. ** $99.99 annual subscription after 90-day trial ©2020 PING P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071
What is the future of golf in Asia? This is a tough question to answer especially in light of the fact that there are no industry-wide statistics to show any trends on the current state of affairs as it relates to the game, the number of golf courses in operation or the number of players. It’s like any other marketing proposition – without the facts, where does one start? Over the past two decades, the future of golf has been left pretty much in the hands of one group of professionals in the industry, namely golf course architects. These are the only people who have been able to provide any tangible proof of how golf’s doing in Asia. The measurement gauge that was used was the number of new golf courses signed up for development, under development or developed and open for play. This in no way reflects the actual state of affairs of the industry. In recent years, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was the “flavour of the day”. Golf course architects were literally camped in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City waiting to pick up a slice of the Vietnamese golf boom. That boom seems to have plateaued and the new flavour of the month looks to have drifted right across the Asian Continent to the desert sands of Saudi Arabia. The point is simple – about the only measure of the state of the health of golf in Asia looks like it is all about the money invested in building new golf courses. Put bluntly, this is not a good measure of the state of golf and its future in Asia!
I
n the absence of scientifically-based research data,
try, both trade and consumer alike, to come together to help
perhaps the only way to look at the potential for the
identify challenges and opportunities and to devise effective
future of golf in Asia would be to examine the vari-
measures to overcome the challenges and to develop the
ous megatrends that provide reliable statistics on
opportunities in the greater interest of all concerned.
how the Continent has progressed in the past two
The two organisations that are driving this event are
decades of the New Millennium and how it is poised to grow
the giant Mission Hills Group of China, the world’s largest
over the next decade or so.
golf resort and the Asia Pacific Golf Group (APGG), the
Megatrends are the socio-economic, demographic and
publisher of ASIAN GOLF and the owner/producer of the
technological shifts that will dictate the ways in which we
highly successful Asia Pacific Golf Summit and the long-
live, work, and play in the future. These trends help shed
running Asian Golf Awards, the “Oscars” for the Asian
light on the demands of future consumers and workers,
golf industry.
identify potential areas of future growth, and, if used cor-
With effect from 2020, WGE will be staged annually in
rectly, it can help propel businesses across Asia into a new
bustling Haikou, the capital city of Hainan in China. It is the
era of productivity, innovation and economic opportunity.
intention of the organisers to transform Haikou into the
Against this backdrop of megatrends, the potential for
“mecca” for golf in Asia. Given its prime location, Haikou is
golf’s growth in Asia looks promising and its future also
very accessible to all nations in Asia and is also easily ac-
looks encouraging. This being the case, some serious stake-
cessible to the rest of the world.
holders in golf have decided to invest to serve as the beacon for the industry going forward. That beacon is the World Golf Expo (WGE), a hybrid business summit cum trade show and forum for the indus-
The expansive spread of the Mission Hills Golf Resort in Haikou is ideally equipped with world class exhibition, conference, hotels and staging facilities. The key components of WGE will be:
A global golf trade exposition;
growing. From a math-standpoint, Asia should easily be able
An international golf business summit;
to attain the 25 million target in this decade. After all, mature
An international agronomy symposium;
markets with substantially smaller population bases like
An international symposium on golf tourism,
North America, have a population of 23 million golfers (+/-)
A series of professional and amateur golf tournaments;
and Europe with 4 million plus golfers.
The Global Golf Awards; Now that golf has a permanent home in Asia, its next
As it now stands, the projected number of golfers in Asia hovers at around 13 to 14 million (with Japan having the
mission will be to serve as a mega showcase for the golf
most golfers). And with some years to go yet, reaching the
industry in terms of industry developments, products, both
25 million target by the end of this decade looks like a good
hard and soft and wide access to the effective way of propa-
bet! Unlike the Western hemisphere, a more mature market
gating golf and to also provide timely and heretofore hard
where the number of players is dwindling, this is not the
to get expert information on various aspects of golf course
case in Asia. Again, to qualify, this is just a projection – given
agronomy and maintenance. WGE will be the vehicle to help
that the game is still new in many of the emerging nations,
golf reach its big hopes and targets.
including China, aspiration is a major driver and it should
So, what then are the megatrends that favour the growth of golf in Asia? To begin the examination, let us set a target and that target is the magical number of 25 million golfers to
generate a lot of new golfers to take up the game in the years to come. Take note that Asia has more than 5,000 golf courses
be achieved sometime during the third decade of the current
in play with some 150 new courses in various stages of
Millennium. This is not too far-fetched a projection given that
development and opening. It is believed that this number
fact that Asian countries constitute the largest concentra-
represents close to 30% of all new projects in the world and
tion of the world’s population which stands at 4.6 billion and
this speaks well for golf’s future in the region.
NOW THAT GOLF HAS A PERMANENT HOME IN ASIA, ITS NEXT MISSION WILL BE TO SERVE AS A MEGA SHOWCASE FOR THE GOLF INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS, PRODUCTS, BOTH HARD AND SOFT AND WIDE ACCESS TO THE EFFECTIVE WAY OF PROPAGATING GOLF AND TO ALSO PROVIDE TIMELY AND HERETOFORE HARD TO GET EXPERT INFORMATION ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF GOLF COURSE AGRONOMY AND MAINTENANCE.
WGE WILL BE THE VEHICLE TO
HELP GOLF REACH ITS BIG HOPES AND TARGETS.
Next, let’s take a peek at the real megatrends that we
Engagement with the new emerging market is where
believe will get golf on the fast track in Asia. Our research
there is a huge opportunity. Successful engagement with
indicates that by 2050, countries in Asia are projected to
young Asians may not just require new products, but new
double Asia’s overall share to 52% of global GDP. There
business models. There is dwindling hope in the new Asia
are also firm indications that by 2030, two-thirds of all
for old-school global business models. On the golf front,
middle-class spending power will be concentrated in Asia.
the golf industry must learn to be faster, nimbler, and to
Per capita income is expected to increase 600% in terms of
take localised decisions on the ground in Asia so as to
purchasing power parity.
recognize and optimize how to respond with specific needs
This projection is so impressive that a keen Asia watcher, journalist Michael Shuman recently wrote: “The
and demands to different countries and cities. For those of you who have read this article to this
newly wealthy Asian family is becoming more important
stage, it would not be incorrect to conclude that you do
to the world than the American middle-class household
realise that there is huge potential in Asia and that to be
…. there is no underestimating what that shift means. It is
successful in actualising this potential, a region-specific
reshaping the global economic order as we’ve known it.”
action plan has to be put in place. Past broken models
With advancements in countries of all sizes and
from elsewhere cannot be brought to Asia – Asia is too
stages of development, Asia is emerging as a prosperous
dynamic and diverse, and this dynamism demands new age
“super-continent”. Much of Asia’s spending power will be
thinking.
concentrated in cities across the region. Megacities (those
This demand from Asia to be different has been the mo-
with a population of at least 10 million) are expected to see
tivating factor behind the staging of the World Golf Expo. As
the greatest rise in income and GDP growth. These thriving
it now stands, with the exception of a very minimal number
urban centres will be home to Asian workers who have seen
of Asia-specific golf events, everything is conceptualised,
their average household disposable income more than triple
packaged and shipped to Asia to be staged. Asia is too big a
between 2001 and 2015. They will have different expecta-
market to be treated this way.
tions — whether it be for more flexible work life or more
The major players in the golf industry – producers,
localized services and products, and recreation — and busi-
manufacturers, marketers etc. have to start looking at Asia
nesses will need to deliver.
NOW. This is going to be the growth engine for the FUTURE
ON THE GOLF FRONT, THE GOLF INDUSTRY MUST LEARN TO BE FASTER, NIMBLER, AND TO TAKE LOCALISED DECISIONS ON THE GROUND IN
ASIA
SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND OPTIMIZE HOW TO RESPOND WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS AND DEMANDS TO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND CITIES.
– and by this, it is meant the IMMEDIATE FUTURE. One of the biggest challenges that the golf industry is faced with (bulk of the industry is based in the Western hemisphere), is a lack of knowledge of the lay-of-the-land
regions known for their business-friendly policies. (Learn more about the Hainan FTZ - http://www.chinadaily.com. cn/china/2018lookathnzone/index.html Planners hope that Hainan’s geographic position in the
in Asia. This lack of market information has probably led
south of China near the Pearl River Delta mega-region and
most of the players to play safe and to stick to their age-old
Vietnam will make it an important port to connect China
business models and pay scant attention to a market that is
with South and Southeast Asia.
in a far-flung land. We live in an age of instant communica-
It will become the new window into China for compa-
tions and sophisticated sub-sonic air travel. There is really
nies wanting to do business with that country and Southeast
no excuse for Asia to be treated as a second-class consumer
Asia. Combined with all of the incentives, foreign inves-
and just given lip service!
tors are being encouraged to set up manufacturing and
The world’s fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and
distribution facilities in Hainan and to fast track the import
Prada and great brands like Mercedes, Rolex and Ferrari
and export processes and to streamline doing business.
have long recognised Asia’s penchant for the best and
Golf companies which choose to invest and hub their Asia
have established beachheads throughout the Continent
businesses in Hainan will qualify for a range of special
to soak up the seemingly never-ending demand for their
subsidies.
products. This will all change with WGE. It is intended to create
Finally, American, European and Japanese golf and golf equipment manufacturers can take advantage to set
a level playing field for the golf industry to come out, get a
up business units to start tapping the massive Chinese golf
sense for the market, its potential and to network with the
market in particular and the Asian market in general.
people who make Asia tick! The WGE is being sited in Hainan because steps are
A great way to look at the new emerging Asia would be to participate and exhibit in the 2020 World Golf Expo. It
actively underway to transform the island into a free trade
will be staged at Haikou on October 14 – 16, 2020.
port. China’s economic planners envision the Hainan Free
Details will be announced in April and for enquiries, please
Trade Port to be an economic area with trade and invest-
contact Ms. Alice Ho at alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com
ment incentives akin to Hong Kong and Singapore – two
or Tel: +65 63232800.
©2020 Acushnet Company.
ONE GIANT SHIF T
FORWARD SM8 features a center of gravity that is pushed forward from the face, through the use of high density tungsten, producing a more consistent, pure strike that helps you hit your target more often. Learn more about the new SM8 at www.Vokey.com
Golf shoes for ladies have certainly come a long way in the past twenty years. There was a time when feminine appeal for golf shoes was not something that really mattered and added to the poor design appeal, choice was also a challenge, especially in Asia. Flash forward two decades and this has all since changed. Today, women golfers are spoilt for choice and every major brand in golf shoes offers a range of designs to select from. One of the brands is the leading Danish footwear company ECCO Golf. It has just hit the market with its latest – the all-new ECCO S-THREE for women.
E
CCO GOLF is calling the S-THREE its nextgeneration of shoes with its proprietary zonal support, a pioneering midsole technology. This innovation is a breakthrough in direct injection known as ZONAL FLUIDFORM™ TECHNOLOGY. This new-fangled technology creates a moulded midsole with three distinct zones of softness to ensure the right balance of cushioning and stability exactly where a golfer needs it. A revolutionary hybrid model blends on-course per-
formance with off-course style and is a game-changing design that delivers dynamic comfort and modern looks from the tee box to the clubhouse and beyond. The heel of the midsole is engineered for medium softness to ensure the right amount of cushioning and comfort, while the central part of the midsole has higher levels of rigidity to deliver outstanding lateral stability throughout the swing. The forefront of the midsole comes with the highest level of softness for exceptional walking comfort.
ZONAL FLUIDFORM™ IS A GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGY FOR ECCO GOLF AND THE SHOE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.” HE WENT ON TO ADD, “DUE TO THE ADVANCED MULTI SECTION INJECTION PROCESS, THE MIDSOLE OF EVERY PAIR OF S-THREE SHOES WILL HAVE EXCLUSIVE FEATURES AND UNIQUE COLOUR TRANSITIONS BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS. THIS GIVES EACH PAIR OF SHOES A DISTINCTIVE LOOK, PERFECT FOR GOLFERS WHO ENJOY AN INDIVIDUAL STYLE.
THE S-THREE IS AN EMBODIMENT OF ECCO GOLF’S DEDICATION TO INNOVATION THROUGH A PIONEERING SET OF FEATURES AND BENEFITS, WHICH OFFER COMFORT, STABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY.
Commenting on the S-THREE, ECCO’s Sales Manager Carl Sahetapy said, “ZONAL FLUIDFORM™ is a groundbreaking technology for ECCO GOLF and the shoe industry as a whole.” He went on to add, “Due to the advanced multi section injection process, the midsole of every pair of S-THREE shoes will have exclusive features and unique colour transitions between the different sections. This gives each pair of shoes a distinctive look, perfect for golfers who enjoy an individual style.” The shoe’s uppers are crafted from thicker ECCO SOFT CALF NAPPA leather, made in ECCO’s own tanneries, with 100% waterproof GORE-TEX® technology that keeps feet dry and comfortable in all conditions. A double layer of neoprene (a form of synthetic rubber) in the collar and heel provides increased padding for additional wearing comfort throughout the swing while ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology ensures a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound; this creates an integral, flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with conventionally stitched and/or glued assemblies. “The award-winning ECCO DYNAMIC TRACTION SYSTEM™ outsole design provides more than 100 traction bars and 800 traction angles for excellent grip in all playing conditions,” Sahetapy pointed out. The S-THREE is an embodiment of ECCO GOLF’s dedication to innovation through a pioneering set of features and benefits, which offer comfort, stability and flexibility. Ladies drop into your nearest ECCO GOLF store and check out the all-new S-THREE.
Hot on the heels of the highly successful launch of its all new family of SIM drivers, woods, hybrids and irons, TaylorMade is back on deck to launch some more exciting products for 2020. The Carlsbad-based brand has launched a range of at-sticks and new golf balls. ASIAN GOLF examines these new products and presents the highpoints.
T
RUSS – that’s the name of the new putter range from TaylorMade. In launching the putters, the company described the uniquely shaped family of putters as providing an answer for golfers seeking the performance of a high-MOI mallet in a more traditional shape. In building the Truss putters TaylorMade collected data
on 40,000 putts hit by golfers of various skill levels and tracked the most common area of the face where strikes occur. Results showed that more than half of the strikes occurred on the toe-side of centre, which causes deflection and can lead to offline putts. Armed with this information, TaylorMade engineers set out to create a twist-resistant putter that offered greater torsional stability while maintaining a traditional shape.
THE TRUSS HOSEL DESIGN DERIVES ITS STABILITY AND STRENGTH FROM A GEOMETRIC SHAPING THAT’S WIDELY USED ACROSS VARIOUS FORMS OF ARCHITECTURE, FROM HOME BUILDING TO BRIDGES, TO CREATE FOUNDATIONAL STABILITY.
THE COMPANY’S ENGINEERS USED THE SAME DESIGN ELEMENTS WITH ITS TRUSS PUTTERS, ADDING STRONGER HORIZONTAL SUPPORT ACROSS THE TOPLINE. HAVING DUAL CONTACT POINTS ON THE TOPLINE PROVIDES GREATER INTEGRITY ON STRIKES ACROSS THE FACE, DELIVERING THE PERFORMANCE OF A HIGH-MOI PUTTER WITH THE LOOK OF A BLADE OR TRADITIONAL MALLET.
The Truss hosel design derives its stability and strength from a geometric shaping that’s widely used across various forms of architecture, from home building to bridges, to create foundational stability. The company’s engineers used the same design elements with its Truss putters, adding stronger horizontal support across the topline. Having dual contact points on the topline provides greater integrity on strikes across the face, delivering the performance of a high-MOI putter with the look of a blade or traditional mallet Truss is being offered in four distinct models.
On the ball front, the new products are the Tour
delivers effortless compression and Tour-quality perfor-
Response and Soft Response golf balls. These two new
mance at an affordable price. Engineered for effortless
ball lines are the result of feedback and insights gathered
compression and dominant distance, Soft Response uti-
from thousands of assorted golfers about the perfor-
lizes a breakthrough Extended Flight Dimple Pattern along
mance features they expect and need from a golf ball. The
with an ultra-soft ZnO Flex Core™ designed to increase
almost unanimous feedback was: “I want a golf ball that’s
speed.
designed for me.” Golfers asked for it, and TaylorMade responded. Highlighted by a 100% cast urethane cover, Tour Response
The use of cast urethane puts Tour Response a step above other balls in this category and at this price point, as it’s the only non-Tour ball to offer this premium cover
GOLFERS ASKED FOR IT, AND TAYLORMADE RESPONDED. HIGHLIGHTED BY A 100% CAST URETHANE COVER, TOUR RESPONSE DELIVERS EFFORTLESS COMPRESSION AND TOUR-QUALITY PERFORMANCE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. ENGINEERED FOR EFFORTLESS COMPRESSION AND DOMINANT DISTANCE, SOFT RESPONSE UTILIZES A BREAKTHROUGH EXTENDED FLIGHT DIMPLE PATTERN ALONG WITH AN ULTRA-SOFT ZNO FLEX CORE™ DESIGNED TO INCREASE SPEED. from a major manufacturer. It’s a blend of Tour-quality
to keep the ball airborne. With an ultra-low compres-
materials with performance specifically engineered to
sion, Soft Response is engineered to meet the needs of
benefit all golfers.
golfers seeking an extremely soft feel without diminishing
Soft Response utilizes a specialized Extended Flight Dimple Pattern to protect distance in a softer golf ball. The
distance. Both Tour Response and Soft Response are en-
shallow u-shaped dimples promote decreased drag and
gineered to efficiently transfer energy and rebound at
increased lift, ultimately allowing the ball to stay in the air
impact. The Tour Response core has an ultra-low com-
longer at lower spin rates. This design is meant to appeal
pression of 40, while Soft Response is even lower at 35.
to players with average swing speeds, who often struggle
Just when you thought that Vokey wedges had hit its optimum performance limit, out comes a new family of wedges that have raised the bar to a whole new level. This is the mark of distinction that Bob Vokey, the master craftsman brings to the world-famous brand of wedges. Vokey is renowned for his relentless mission to design and craft better performing, better feeling wedges and in this quest for the best, he has produced the Vokey Design SM8 models, the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedges yet.
WATCH VIDEO
A
s soon as this set of new wedges made
In a relatively short period, more than 200 players
their PGA Tour debut in late November
had already made the switch to SM8 professional tours
2019, more than 100 SM8 wedges were im-
around the world, continuing Vokey’s historic run as the
mediately put into play by 37 players. The
#1 wedge on tour since 2004 and counting.
tournament was the RSM Classic which
With such a stunning record from the kick-off, the
was won by Tyler Duncan playing with the SM8 wedges.
SM8 is a worthy successor to its predecessors – the SM6
Two events later at the Sony Open, the first full-field event
and the refined SM7.
of 2020, a total of 167 SM8 models were in the bags of 60
What Vokey has done with the SM8 is to make one
players, supplanting Vokey’s prior generation SM7 models
giant shift forward on the Progressive Centre of Gravity
as the #1 wedge on the PGA Tour. The winner, Cameron
design concept that was featured in the earlier models.
Smith, had four Jet Black SM8’s in play. Success did not
By moving the centre of gravity forward, to a position that
stop there – there were SM8’s in the champion’s bag the
hovers in front of the wedge face, Vokey and his R&D team
following week at The American Express.
have produced a wedge that wants to square every time on
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VOKEY AND HIS R&D TEAM HAVE PRODUCED A WEDGE THAT WANTS TO SQUARE EVERY TIME ON EVERY SHOT. THE RESULT IS IMPROVED DISTANCE AND TRAJECTORY CONTROL, BETTER FEEL AND INCREASED STABILITY FOR MORE CONSISTENT RESULTS. THAT’S THE MAGIC OF THE SM8 WEDGES!
every shot. The result is improved distance and trajectory
place we never would have imagined 20 years ago,” Vokey
control, better feel and increased stability for more consis-
explained.
tent results. That’s the magic of the SM8 wedges! Besides the re-imagined progressive centre of gravity,
A special feature of the SM8’s is its patented Spin Milled Grooves. These grooves are meticulously engi-
Vokey and his team have designed the SM8 to improve
neered and cut to the edge to maximize spin and shot
performance in distance control, shot versatility and spin.
control. The Vokey R&D team continues to improve upon
Vokey is a perfectionist and is very hands on and
its industry-leading groove cutting tolerances, with each
places a great deal of emphasis on watching players use
groove on every head individually cut and 100% inspected
his wedges and obtaining direct feedback from the players.
for conformity to the rules of golf. Micro-grooves are indi-
“I always listen to the sound they’re making at impact,
vidually cut in between grooves, which maximize spin on
and it was phenomenal – ‘solid but soft’ was how they
partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the
described it. They loved it,” Vokey exclaimed.
impact area to double the durability of the groove without
“That means they’re getting the proper feedback that you need to execute every type of wedge shot, whether
impacting feel – making it the most durable groove in golf. Now it becomes abundantly clear why Vokey wedges
you’re in the fairway, in a bunker or around the green. They
are the best in the world and the new SM8’s continue to
also talked a lot about the flight. It’s in a better window, it’s
extend this legacy of excellence.
more consistent, and they have more control of it. Overall,
Vokey SM8 wedges are available in four finishes – Tour
guys just kept telling me how easy it was to hit every type
Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black, plus the tour- pre-
of shot they wanted to hit. They just felt like they were get-
ferred Raw finish (custom order only).
ting more out of the wedge – and that’s because we were able to push that CG forward out in front of the face, to a
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That’s a long time since the founder of PING, the legendary Karsten Solheim developed his ďŹ rst putter back in 1959 in his garage. Over the years, PING has led in putter design and has been generally regarded as being amongst the best in the business. It is for this reason that thousands of professional golfers and amateur club golfers have relied and continue with PING putters. PING’s putters have become an integral part of golf and are associated with some of the biggest wins in PGA golf history. This long history continues, and the latest evolution of PING putters is the Heppler family. ASIAN GOLF is proud to provide an in-depth look at this range of new putters.
T
he Heppler putters are an eye-catching, nine-model family of blades and multimaterial mid-mallets and mallets differentiated by solid- face technology and extremely high inertia properties. A major feature of the Heppler range involves the use of high-pressure aluminum casting for the first time in the manufacturing of PING putters. “We’ve chosen a very precise manufacturing process that’s significantly advanced our ability to create high-MOI mid-mallets and mallets by combining aerospace-grade aluminum with steel. The contrasting copper and black finish provides alignment cues and a visually appealing, premium look that’s attracting a lot of interest on tour,” explained John K. Solheim, president of PING. The new putter family is named in honour of Rick Heppler, a longtime PING employee who began his career with the company as a teenager in 1966. The son of a General Electric co-worker of PING Founder Karsten Solheim, Rick was hired by Karsten to help John A. Solheim build putters in the family garage. Rick eventually held several management positions at Karsten Manufacturing Corporation before passing away in a motorcycle accident in 2013.
HEPPLER PUTTERS | NINE DIFFERENT MODELS
Tomcat 14 Airport runway lights inspired the alignment dots in the highest-MOI model in the Heppler family. The dots get closer together front to back to simulate motion, help with eye tracking, and frame the ball. The back ballasts are cored out and steel filled in this ½ steel, ½ aluminum putter. Putter Type: Mallet
“Rick was part of the PING family for almost 50 years,” said John. “He was a dear friend who contributed greatly to our success in all that he did. Naming this putter series after him is a tribute to his dedication to our company and its employees.” “With the Heppler series, we’re providing golfers a firmer-feeling putter in highly forgiving models to ensure a choice that fits their stroke and eye,” Solheim explained. “Fitting continues to be an important part of our putter technology as well,” Solheim said. “We’ve made improvements to the feel of our adjustable-length shaft technology, and the new putters are available to fit every stroke type so golfers can find a putter to match their stance and stroke.” A firmer feel and sound is the result of the machined, flat face. The face material – either aluminum or steel – varies by model, depending on the placement of the materials, which is strategically positioned to maximize forgiveness and optimize the center of gravity. Extensive testing revealed the auditory feedback of the flat metal face had a positive effect on the player’s confidence by providing a distinct impact experience without compromising performance. “We saw a high percentage of testers improve their ‘Strokes Gained’ results with a Heppler model, indicating that many golfers prefer the firmer sound and feel of a
WITH THE HEPPLER SERIES, WE’RE PROVIDING GOLFERS A FIRMER-FEELING PUTTER IN HIGHLY FORGIVING MODELS TO ENSURE A CHOICE THAT FITS THEIR STROKE AND EYE.
– JOHN K. SOLHEIM solid-face design,” said Solheim. “We see the new putters as an appealing alternative to our Sigma 2 series, which offers a softer feel and sound through its dual-durometer insert and TR face technology. Our primary goal is to provide golfers a custom-fit putter with their desired feel and sound while delivering the performance and consistency they need to hole more putts.” Commenting on the revolutionary aluminum casting process, Solheim said, “The advantage of pressure casting is we can achieve highly precise design details while allowing our engineers much greater freedom to position weight where it benefits the putter’s performance the most.” “As a result, we improved the performance of existing models and developed two entirely new designs. Golfers will also find a variety of alignment features to help ensure accuracy and match their preferred look,” Solheim added.
Piper C Players who prefer centershafted putters will find the Piper C gives them a performance edge. Relative to other center-shafted models, the CG is lower, and MOI is higher because of steel heel and toe weights integrated with the aluminum body. Putter Type: Mid-mallet
Piper Armlock A mid-mallet is the predominant putter style among armlock players for its desirable head shape, and this Piper relies on the same low-CG, high-MOI, heel-toe weighted Piper C head. The difference is a double-bend shaft (std. length 41 ½”) and it attaches heel-side as opposed to the center, a 21-inch grip, and standard loft is 6°. Putter Type: Mid-Mallet
Ketsch Its sole is steel, which also wraps the perimeter, a big reason this ½ steel, ½ aluminum Ketsch nearly doubles the MOI of the PING Vault 2.0 Ketsch. Like all the Heppler mallets, it effectively utilizes multi-material construction, and is the only putter in the family with three alignment lines, which frame the ball. Putter Type: Mallet
Floki The strong-arc mallet is enjoying popularity, and the Floki expands a player’s fitting options while boasting the second-highest MOI in the Heppler line, owing to its 2/3 steel, 1/3 aluminum construction. Significant steel around the perimeter prevents twisting and its copper color contrasted against the black aluminum is designed to inspire confidence. Putter Type: Mallet
Anser 2 Bearing the same heel-toe weighting that helped make the original Anser 2 so popular, the Heppler version also shares the original’s angled heel ballast. The all-steel Heppler Anser 2 stands apart with color blocking that creates its own eye-pleasing alignment assistance. Putter Type: Blade
ZB3 A larger section of the cavity was carved out and the heel-toe ballasts are larger than those in the ZB 2 to achieve a high MOI in this strong-arc blade. The alignment dot is a product of our research showing this cue makes aiming easier for strong-arc players. Putter Type: Blade
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Tyne 3 At address, the ratio of aluminum to steel appears to be 50/50; in fact, steel accounts for 2/3 of the weight, created by a thick back ange, resulting in a lower, much deeper CG and a higher MOI. Putter Type: Mallet
Fetch To elevate MOI over the Sigma 2 Fetch, which has steel bordering the center cutout, designers used aluminum, then steel in the heel-toe ballasting for increasing forgiveness. The color contrasting helps golfers focus on the alignment lines, causing the holed-out section to fade and not be the primary focus. Putter Type: Mallet
PP60
PP61
PP62
Another feature of the Heppler range relates to the adjustable-length shaft technology “We’ve taken a very complex technical challenge and simplified it for the benefit of golfers,” said Solheim. “It allows you to experiment with various lengths and ultimately fit yourself. You simply adjust it until you’re comfortable, ideally with your eyes directly over the ball or slightly inside the line. The performance improvements with a putter fit to the proper length are significant. We strongly encourage golfers to take advantage of this innovative feature.”
WE’VE TAKEN A VERY COMPLEX TECHNICAL CHALLENGE AND SIMPLIFIED IT FOR THE BENEFIT OF GOLFERS.
HEPPLER ARM LOCK GRIP
AVS BLACK 21 IN PP59
Titleist T-Series Irons provide a mix of advanced performance and pure playability that lets golfers who get it... get after the course like never before. Find a ďŹ tting and learn more at www.titleist.com.sg
Š2019 Acushnet Company.
Remember that popular idiom – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Or if put in grammatical parlance it is a phrase that means if something is functioning properly, it’s probably best to just leave it alone and not make any changes that could potentially break it. Apparently, it was first used by a gentleman named Bert Lance who worked for U.S. President Jimmy Carter as Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the year 1977. Lance is credited as being the one who popularized this phrase. So, what’s it got to do with golf, and to be more precise, golf shoes? Well, arguably the best-known name in golf shoes, FootJoy has just done that to its most popular shoe – the FJ PRO/SL. It’s made a change to a winning formula!
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H
owever, the change was not something that was rushed into. According to FJ, it consulted its top PGA Tour players to inquire about making changes to Pro|SL, the bestselling shoe in golf and the shoe chosen by more Tour
THE BEST
players than any other. And the feedback was a clear and
emphatic DON’T! But players will always be players and never settle, and neither does FJ. Throughout the years, FJ has always operated with a singular focus on the game of golf and every little thing that golfers need to perform at the highest level. It’s one reason FJ has been the top shoe at every tournament on the PGA Tour since 1945. And it is why the brand spent more than 18 months to develop, test and perfect a new Pro|SL. “As the industry leader, we didn’t tweak or adjust the new Pro|SL, we innovated and advanced and received Tour approval,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “As a result, we’ve developed a product that delivers more stability, more traction, more comfort and more choice, setting the standard in performance footwear,
JUST GOT EVEN BETTER… AND WE RAISED THE BAR EVEN HIGHER WITH THE PRO|SL CARBON OPTION. A TRULY REMARKABLE INNOVATION THAT BRINGS STABILITY AND COMFORT TO A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION.
– TIMOTHY YOONG
again”. “The best just got even better… and we raised the bar even higher with the Pro|SL Carbon option. A truly remarkable innovation that brings stability and comfort to a whole new dimension. “added Timothy Yoong, FJ Regional Brand Manager.
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Pro|SL Carbon
The all-new Pro|SL offers more traction and stability for every single shot. The all-new Infinity outsole configuration provides grip that just won’t quit, with 189 points of traction that deliver superb contact with the ground and the perfect foundation throughout the golf swing. The unique infinity shape optimizes stability, with an 11.5% wider heel and increased forefoot stability. Pro|SL offers just the right amount of comfort with a Dual-Density (D2) Midsole that delivers both stability and cushioning. Its advanced design utilizes two densities of FJ proprietary Fine-tuned Foam (FTF): a firm FTF around the perimeter for support and control, and a softer FTF under the foot for max cushioning and comfort. With multiple layers of comfort and support, along with a super-soft waterproof leather and Power Harness to hug your feet, the all-new Pro|SL provides the comfiest ride in golf with max medial/lateral control and support. For those looking for even more comfort and stability, FootJoy has created an additional option, Pro|SL™ Carbon, integrating a full-length carbon fibre insert into the midsole for off-the charts stability and motion control. Carbon fibre flexes and elastically snaps back to its moulded position with each step recovering more of the energy generated while walking and allowing the body to work less. This will result in less leg and foot fatigue at the end of the round. Pro|SL Carbon shoes provide enhanced wrap-around comfort and no-slip fit with a soft, moulded collar and conforming
AS THE INDUSTRY LEADER, WE DIDN’T TWEAK OR ADJUST THE NEW PRO|SL, WE INNOVATED AND ADVANCED AND RECEIVED
TOUR APPROVAL. AS A RESULT,
WE’VE DEVELOPED A PRODUCT THAT DELIVERS MORE STABILITY, MORE TRACTION, MORE COMFORT AND MORE CHOICE.
– RICHARD FRYER
Pro|SL Core
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I’M SOMEONE WHO LOVES TO BE COMFORTABLE, AND THE NEW
PRO|SL IS THE MOST
COMFORTABLE GOLF SHOE EVER PUT ON MY FEET.
– LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN
I’VE underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite® Impressions FitBed®. “I’m someone who loves to be comfortable, and the new Pro|SL is the most comfortable golf shoe I’ve ever put on my feet,” said South African professional Louis Oosthuizen. “When I tried Carbon for the first time, I wanted to put them in play immediately,” said Charley Hoffman, the American professional. Women golfers have not been forgotten - the all-new Women’s Pro|SL has already been worn to victory on the LPGA by Sei Young Kim. So why did FJ change the Pro|SL? Because as they say at FootJoy, Only Everything Matters. The new shoes are available in Asia now.
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Women’s Pro|SL
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A first class
1997
1998
Tiger Woods
2005
WINNER Shiv Kapur
2006
WINNER Thongchai Jaidee
2007
WINNER
Prayad Marksaeng
Vijay Singh
2008
WINNER Lam Chih Bing
2017
WINNER
Rattanon Wannasrichan
2018
WINNER Panuphol Pittayarat
2019
WINNER John Catlin
The famous Players Championship is just around th
then, it has grown to become one of the greatest tou
endar.The field usually includes the top 50 players in will be several Asian stars playing for top honours.
official “fifth major� due to its prestige. ASIAN GOL
the big showdown with a special report from the PG
he corner. It started back in 1974 and since
urnaments on the PGA TOUR’s annual cal-
n the world rankings and this year, there It has often been considered the un-
LF is proud to present a preview of
GA TOUR’s Chuah Choo Chiang.
It is the gold standard on the PGA TOUR, a championship that ranks “Better than Most” and continues to spark debates if it should be inducted as one of men’s golf majors. Staged on an iconic venue designed by the legendary Pete Dye and boasting the strongest field in the game and a mind-blowing US$15 million prize pot, the 47th staging of THE PLAYERS Championship from March 13 to 16 returns with all the shine, gloss and prestige associated with the PGA TOUR’s flagship tournament.
I
rish superstar Rory McIlroy will defend the prized trophy with the sole aim of becoming the first man in history to repeat as PLAYERS Champion, remarkably a feat never achieved previously by so many other greats before him. THE PLAYERS has also become a symbol of inspira-
tion to many golf stars from across Asia, with Korea’s K.J. Choi, who famously coined the phrase “To be the best, you’ve got to play with the best”, and Si Woo Kim emerging victorious in 2011 and 2017 respectively. Choi, arguably the most successful Asian golfer with eight PGA TOUR victories under his belt, said: “THE PLAYERS victory was one of the most significant and dramatic moments for me. A lot of Korean fans cried and cheered that day and I remember it perfectly.”
MCILROY’S VIEWS ON THE PLAYERS’S STATURE IN THE GAME IS CERTAINLY NOTE-WORTHY. “IT MEANS A LOT BECAUSE IT IS OUR TOURNAMENT AND I THINK YOUR PEERS RECOGNIZE YOU FOR THAT ACHIEVEMENT. IT’S AN EVENT THAT EVERYONE WANTS TO WIN.
VERY PROUD, VERY HONOURED TO CALL MYSELF A PLAYERS CHAMPION. – RORY MCILROY
SI WOO KIM
K.J. CHOI
ANOTHER STRONG ASSEMBLY OF ASIAN STARS WILL JOIN THE WORLD’S BEST THIS MONTH INCLUDING PRESIDENT CUP INTERNATIONAL TEAM MEMBERS SUNGJAE IM, BYEONG HUN AN, BOTH FROM KOREA, CHINESE TAIPEI’S C.T. PAN AND JAPANESE ACE HIDEKI MATSUYAMA WHO HAS TWO TOP-10S AT THE PLAYERS IN 2017 AND 2019 AND STRONGLY TIPPED AS A POTENTIAL PLAYERS CHAMPION. Nicknamed “The Tank” for his single-minded purpose
from Korea, Chinese Taipei’s C.T. Pan and Japanese ace
in the game, Choi’s vast success in America continues to
Hideki Matsuyama who has two top-10s at THE PLAYERS
pave the way for other aspiring Koreans and Asians such
in 2017 and 2019 and strongly tipped as a potential PLAY-
as Kim to dream big. Three years ago, the 24-year-old
ERS Champion.
stunned an elite field at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at
McIlroy’s views on THE PLAYERS’s stature in the game
TPC Sawgrass following a three-shot win “I feel a sense
is certainly note-worthy. “It means a lot because it is our
of pride any time I’m at TPC Sawgrass. It’s a very special
tournament and I think your peers recognize you for that
place for me,” said Kim.
achievement. It’s an event that everyone wants to win. Very
Another strong assembly of Asian stars will join the
proud, very honoured to call myself a PLAYERS Champion,”
world’s best this month including President Cup Interna-
said the 30-year-old, whose victory last year propelled him
tional Team members Sungjae Im, Byeong Hun An, both
to a second FedExCup title.
AS THE BALL REACHED A SLOPE ABOUT 20 FEET FROM THE HOLE, IT VEERED HARD RIGHT AND THE MASSIVE CROWDS AROUND THE STADIUM-LIKE ATMOSPHERE BEGAN TO BUZZ. GOES ON TO SAY
KOCH
“... BETTER THAN MOST ...” AGAIN
AND WHEN THE BALL DRAMATICALLY DISAPPEARS INTO THE CUP, HE LETS OUT A THIRD AND FINAL BETTER THAN MOST!” SHOUT-OUT AS
“…
TIGER BROKE INTO AN UNBRIDLED UPPERCUT CELEBRATION. THE GOLF LEGEND WOULD GO ON TO WIN HIS FIRST
PLAYERS TITLE BY ONE SHOT.
TIGER WOODS
Australia’s Jason Day, a former World No. 1 and 2016 PLAYERS Champion, thinks the event should take its rightful place alongside the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and Open Championship. “I want it to have major status. It would be good. When you come to an event like this and you’re playing in a tournament on a large scale, it feels like a major.” Retired NBC golf commentator Johnny Miller provided a slightly different twist. “There should only be maybe five championships in golf, PLAYERS Championship, and then the majors … and the rest of them can be tournaments.” Even for the newcomers in the game, the stature of THE PLAYERS is not lost on them. Thai rising star Jazz Janewattananond, who is poised to make his debut, chimed in: “Everyone says it’s the fifth major. It’s a big event. I have heard the golf course is tough. I’m also excited to play that 17th hole,” said the 24-year-old. Jazz should be wary for what he wishes for as the iconic par 3, 17th hole has delivered high drama and defining moments since THE PLAYERS was first played there in 1982. Countryman Kiradech Aphibarnrat suffered at the infamous hole, finding water twice en route to a quadruple bogey during the final day in 2018. It was also on this very green that another TV pundit, Gary Koch immortalised a moment of magic that would become “Better than Most” during the 2011 PLAYERS. Tiger Woods, who was chasing leader Jerry Kelly then, was faced with a monster 60-foot birdie putt in the third round which he needed to negotiate a triple break. As the ball left Woods’ putter and tracked towards the hole, Koch began his play-by-play commentary - “Johnny (Miller, his co-commentator) that is … better than most …” As the ball reached a slope about 20 feet from the hole, it veered hard right and the massive crowds around the stadiumlike atmosphere began to buzz. Koch goes on to say “... better than most ...” again and when the ball dramatically disappears into the cup, he lets out a third and final “… better than most!” shout-out as Tiger broke into an unbridled uppercut celebration. The golf legend would go on to win his first PLAYERS title by one shot. Whether THE PLAYERS is “Better than Most” or should enjoy major status, the views shared by Justin Thomas, the 2017 FedExCup champion, probably makes the most sense. “I don’t care what it is, if I win it, I’ll be pleased,” he said. “I mean it has all the characteristics, if you will, but to me THE PLAYERS is the PLAYERS. Everybody knows it’s a huge event, everybody knows it’s a major. Can you go wrong calling it one or not calling it one? THE PLAYERS is THE PLAYERS. There’s every person in this field who would be very, very content with holding the trophy at the end of the week.”
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