If there’s one golf business event you
WWW.WORLDG
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 MARCH 15 - 19, 2021 MISSION HILLS, HAIKOU, HAINAN, CHINA
A GOLF BUSINESS CARNIVAL LIKE NEVER BEFORE. SIMPLY THE BEST!
u must attend in 2021, make it WGE!
GOLFEXPO.COM
MISSION HILLS GROUP
www.missionhillschina.com
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP ZZZ DVLDSDFLÆ“FJROIJURXS FRP
ISSUE
20
236
JUNE 2020
Most of the region is in a state of some sort of lockdown due to the surge of the coronavirus pandemic. The golf industry has not been spared the wrath and the fury of this deadly virus. ASIAN GOLF takes a positive outlook to help steer the industry to look for game changing solutions to overcome the current challenges. What is needed is a paradigm shift - a whole new mindset to break away from the norm and adopt new ways to operate the club business and to come out of the pandemic with a new feeling of hope to grow the game of golf! We can do it so long as there is a resolve to act together with a single-minded focus to grow a new game for the emerging generations!
12 SHARED THOUGHTS: FROM THE PUBLISHER A very poignant and highly profound statement. A statement that evokes deep soul searching and sadness on the part of humans when it comes to the way lesser creatures on this Planet are treated.
ISSUE
236
JUNE 2020
50 ASIAN GOLF’S special “Power Hitters” list for 2020 is out! The compilation of this annual series has been quite a challenging task given the fact that many of the truly powerful people in business in Asia tend to maintain a low profile. Like in previous years, ASIAN GOLF conducted its search with the following criteria in focus: ■ Scale of involvement with golf; ■ Measurable investments in golf projects; ■ Commitment to grow the game of golf; This criteria has helped sharpen the selection process and the 2020 list is both representative and reflective of the men and women who are known to be making major contributions towards the development and growth of golf throughout Asia.
SPECIAL FEATURE 40 WANT TO BE ANY ELITE PLAYER – LOOK FOR A TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH! Before you dive into this article, which is really a special article, we would like to establish the difference between a transformational coach and a transactional coach. Is there a difference you may ask? You bet your life that there is a difference and the difference is like the size of a massive chasm! Our resident master coach, Shawn Humphries, ranked amongst the top 100 coaches in the world lays out his case explaining why aspiring elite players must make it a point to seek out a transformational coach.
74 PGA TOUR : THE PATRIARCHAL FACTOR IN CREATING CHAMPIONS How important is a father in the development of a champion sportsman? If one was to do a quick scan, more often than not, there’s always a dad behind the success of champion sportsman. A great example of a father-son relationship starts with the famed Earl Woods, the father of Tiger Woods and the role he played in transforming his son into one of the greatest golfers ever. Using the special relationship between Earl Woods and his son, we explore how this special patriarch and ward relationship pans out in Asia. For the full report, here’s Chuah Choo Chiang of the PGA Tour.
40 74
MISSION HILLS GROUP
www.missionhillschina.com
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP ZZZ DVLDSDFLÆ“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 Prusa
Raquel Arcega
Executive Creative Art Director [raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
President, James Graham Prusa Associates
James Cronk President, Cronk Group
IT Consultant
Alice Ho
Tech-Know Integrators
Business Executive [alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Alice Ho
Myra Paras
Email: alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com
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.
SM AR T DIS ER TA N CE. NEW
OUR LONGEST IRON. SO FAR.
SLEEK LOOK EXCEPTIONAL FORGIVENESS AND HIGHER LAUNCH Highly flexible, maraging steel face with metal-wood style design elevates ball speed and max height for more distance and stopping power.
Stealth, hydropearl chrome finish improves performance from rough and wet conditions.
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
TWO PATHS TO THE HOLE. FEEL THE DIFFERENCE. Two putter families strikingly different in look and feel, yet equally amazing at getting the ball in the hole. Get your hands on them today; start making putts tomorrow.
INVISIBLE TECHNOLOGY Simple to use and concealed under the grip, the putters adjust 32” to 36” to fit your stroke and posture.
©2020 PING | P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071
A very poignant and highly profound statement. A statement that evokes deep soul searching and sadness on the part of humans when it comes to the way lesser creatures on this Planet are treated.
THROUGH WWF AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS WHICH HAVE ALREADY COMMENCED IN
ASIAN GOLF,
THE AIM IS TO
HELP EDUCATE INDIVIDUALS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE ON HOW A SIMPLE ACTION CAN ADD UP TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAFEGUARD THE WORLD’S BIODIVERSITY.
corded to wildlife, our response to you would be
I
tion, ASIAN GOLF are proud to announce that we have
why not? We are in an industry that reaches mil-
partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help
lions of educated and well-heeled people. People
promote greater awareness for this deserving organisa-
who have the understanding to be able to comprehend
tion amongst the millions of golfers in the Asia Pacific
the challenges and needs faced by the lesser creatures
region.
n case you are wondering what business has a golf magazine got to do with the treatment ac-
in life – creatures of the wild that are under constant
transformed into communities and golf courses. The Asia Pacific Golf Group and its flagship publica-
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most
pressure to the loss of natural habitats and the threat of
experienced independent conservation organisations.
inconsiderate slaughter and poaching to satisfy the greed
Established on 29 April 1961, it was the product of a deep
of a clandestine industry.
concern held by a few eminent people who were worried
Furthermore, as an industry, we occupy a relatively
by what they saw happening in our world at that time.
large potion of land which once used to be natural
Since then, WWF has grown to become one of the largest
habitats for creatures of the wild but have since been
environmental organisations in the world.
WE URGE INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS ALIKE TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND TO HELP GENEROUSLY SO THAT OUR TIGERS,
OUR ELEPHANTS, OUR RHINOCEROS, OUR ORANG UTANS AND OTHER THREATENED AND ENDANGERED CREATURES ARE PROTECTED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Today, WWF has more than
to help educate individuals from all walks of life on
5 million supporters worldwide;
how a simple action can add up to make a big differ-
and it is present in more than
ence to the environment and safeguard the world’s
100 countries to conserve and
biodiversity.
protect the Planet’s natural environment. Headquartered in Switzerland, WWF International is governed by a Board of Trustees under its President, Pavan
We are proud to play our part to bring about greater awareness for the urgent need to protect our natural environment and all life that it helps to sustain. We urge individuals and corporations alike to
Sukhdev. And its President Emeritus, HRH The Duke
step up to the plate and to help generously so that our
of Edinburgh.
tigers, our elephants, our rhinoceros, our orang utans
We hope to work with WWF to engage individuals and organisations towards making a positive change in their lives and business operations. Through WWF awareness campaigns which have already commenced in ASIAN GOLF, the aim is
and other threatened and endangered creatures are protected for generations to come. After all, the golf industry in the Asia Pacific is a multi-billion-dollar industry that is perfectly poised to play its role to help WWF get its job done.
WE HOPE TO WORK WITH WWF TO ENGAGE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS TOWARDS MAKING A POSITIVE CHANGE
IN THEIR LIVES AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS.
WHAT IS NEEDED IS A PARADIGM SHIFT -
A WHOLE NEW MINDSET TO
BREAK AWAY FROM THE NORM AND ADOPT NEW WAYS TO OPERATE THE CLUB BUSINESS AND TO COME OUT OF THE PANDEMIC WITH A NEW FEELING OF HOPE TO GROW THE GAME OF GOLF!
There is virtually no one who can deny knowledge of the scourge of the raging Coronavirus pandemic. This dreaded virus that ďŹ rst emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan has rapidly spread to become omnipresent throughout the world. The scale of the mayhem and bedlam caused, and the ensuing destruction of human life has been unprecedented in modern times. The wrath of the pandemic has been frightening and continues to impose panic and fear in hundreds of millions all over the world. Over 185 nations on the Planet have been brought to a grinding halt by the silent enemy – an enemy that is minutely microscopic yet deadly and powerful enough to bring the most advanced and powerful nations crashing down to their knees. In the few months that the virus, commonly referred
to as COVID-19, seemingly given free access to roam, the world’s best scientist and public health experts have been working round the clock to arrest its spread. But to date, all efforts to break its back have proven futile. Billions have been invested globally to fasttrack the search for an effective vaccine and medical therapies, but no elixir of hope has yet to be discovered. As this article is being written, some nations are trying to sneak out of months of being in a state of lockdown while being cognisant that the virus is still present and capable of making a second or third strike. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that countries which have lifted coronavirus restrictions and reopened businesses have seen jumps in cases, underscoring the challenges that may lie ahead.
Given the fact that there is no effective vaccine or medical therapy currently available, the immediate conclusion seems to point to the virus being around for an indeďŹ nite period. This being the case, wherever possible, industries and businesses will have to seek out ways to stay open and keep operating or face the grim prospect of staying in a lockdown state or going under for good. For the golf industry, ASIAN GOLF takes a positive outlook to help steer the industry, especially the golf club industry to look for game changing solutions to overcome the current challenges. What is needed is a paradigm shift - a whole new mindset to break away from the norm and adopt new ways to operate the club business and to come out of the pandemic with a new feeling of hope to grow the game of golf!
T
he solutions that ASIAN GOLF has to offer are
In a report released in May by the Tourism Authority of
nothing new. Many have been touted around
Thailand (TAT), the number of foreign tourists in Thailand
for years but these ideas, mostly revolution-
may plunge by almost two-thirds to 14 million this year, the
ary in nature, ran up against mighty walls of
lowest level in 14 years. TAT predicts only 14 million to 16
resistance bolstered by the age-old axiom
million foreign visitors this year, sharply down from 33.8
that if it ain’t broke, do not fix it! Now, with the stealth attack
million projected in March. Last year’s foreign arrivals were a
launched by the mighty little Coronavirus, many in the club
record 39.8 million. Tourism is crucial to Thailand as spend-
industry have been caught with their pants down kicking
ing from foreign tourists amounted to US$59.98 billion, or
themselves for not having kept ahead of the curve. Specifi-
11% of GDP last year.
cally, the adoption of Smartphone Apps is a classic example
Meanwhile, the Coronavirus pandemic is not giving an
where clubs could have been able to keep in touch with
inch as 100% of global tourism destinations continue to have
their members and vice versa during the lockdown periods
travel restrictions in place while 72% have completely closed
instead of being cut-off. Anyway, it serves no purpose to cry
their borders to international tourism. This dismal report
over spilt milk and we will revisit smart technologies later in
was released in May by the United Nations World Tourism
this article.
Organization (UNWTO).
To get us going, let us examine the megatrends in travel
In its latest research report, the UNWTO reveals that out
during this pandemic period as the golf industry is impacted
of all 217 destinations worldwide, 156 (72%) have placed a
by global travel.
complete stop on international tourism according to the data
Southeast Asia which has close to 1000 golf courses is
collected as of 27 April 2020. In 25% of destinations, restric-
badly affected by the slow-down in general tourism. Worth
tions have been in place for at least three months, while in
hundreds of millions of dollars to Southeast Asian nations,
40% of destinations, restrictions were introduced at least two
many golf courses are going to face hard times and many
months ago. Most importantly, the research also found that
jobs will be lost. A good example of the toll on tourism can be
no destination has so far lifted or eased travel restrictions.
seen in Thailand which is a major golf tourism destination.
Depending on when restrictions on travel are lifted,
UNWTO CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO WORK TOGETHER TO COORDINATE THE EASING AND LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS IN A TIMELY AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER WHEN IT IS DEEMED SAFE TO DO SO.
TOURISM IS A LIFELINE TO MILLIONS, ESPECIALLY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD. OPENING THE WORLD UP TO TOURISM AGAIN WILL SAVE JOBS, PROTECT LIVELIHOODS AND ENABLE OUR SECTOR TO RESUME ITS VITAL ROLE IN DRIVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
– ZURAB POLOLIKASHVILI, UNWTO SECRETARY-GENERAL
international tourist arrivals could decline by 60-80% in
back to levels last seen in 2012. Given this downward trend,
2020. This could translate into a decline in export revenues
growth is expected to resume in 2021, returning to forecast
from tourism of between US$910 billion to US$1.2 trillion
levels by 2023. Much of course, depends on how quickly and
and place 100-120 million jobs directly at risk. The social
completely the pandemic is contained and controlled. A more
ripple effect is also feared to be at least equally challenging
optimistic scenario suggests arrivals still falling in 2020 but
for many societies the world over.
by 16% year-on-year while a pessimistic narrative predicts a
“Tourism has been the hardest hit of all the major sectors as countries lockdown and people stay at home. UNWTO calls on governments to work together to coordinate the easing and lifting of restrictions in a timely and
reduction of approximately 44%. Based on PATA’s research, the impacts are expected to be most severe in Asia, especially Northeast Asia, which is now predicted to lose almost 51% of its visitor volume, followed by South Asia with a reduction of 31%, and then
responsible manner when it is
Southeast Asia with a 22% drop in visitor arrivals. West Asia
deemed safe to do so. Tourism is
is projected to lose almost six percent in visitor arrivals, fol-
a lifeline to millions, especially in
lowed by the Pacific with a projected contraction of 18%.
the developing world. Opening the
Combined with these falloffs, visitor receipts are also
world up to tourism again will save
expected to drop by 27% between 2019 and 2020 under the
jobs, protect livelihoods and enable
most likely scenario, reducing to US$594 billion, significantly
our sector to resume its vital role in driving sustainable development,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab
below the original 2020 forecast of US$811 billion. Asia is expected to lose more than US$170 billion (-36%), with Northeast Asia predicted to lose more than
Pololikashvili.
US$123 billion (-48%) under this most likely scenario,
The airline industry, a major contributor to tourism has
followed by South Asia with a US$13.3 billion loss (-33%),
been slammed hard by the lockdowns. Numerous airlines
Southeast Asia with a US$34.6 billion shortfall (-20%) and
have shut their operations and several carriers have gone
the Pacific US$18 billion (-18%).
bankrupt. The latest report indicates that by September this
PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy noted that, “While there
year, more than 8000 commercial jet aircraft will not be flying
are obvious reductions in arrivals, there still remains a
resulting in thousands of pilots, crew and related workers
significant volume of visitors expected into Asia Pacific
being laid off.
through 2020, with just under half-a-billion such travellers
Closer to the region, the Pacific Area Travel Association
still generating almost US$600 billion, with each visitor still
(PATA) is looking at tourist numbers being reduced by 32%
requiring and expecting the attention and service that this
year-on-year – with the volume of arrivals now expected to
region has become famous for delivering,” he added. “Nev-
reduce to fewer than 500 million in 2020.
ertheless, perceptions are difficult to change so recovery
According to PATA, this effectively takes visitor volume
might take longer in the minds of many potential travellers.
This however gives us time to reconsider the position we had
sures, but the situation remains critical. Airlines could burn
created up to 2019; if numbers return only slowly, the obvious
through US$61 billion of cash reserves in the second quarter
imperative will be to offer travellers such incentives that they
alone. That puts at risk 25 million jobs dependent on aviation.
remain in the destination longer and see more of what it has
And without urgent relief, many airlines will not survive to
to offer. The metric should therefore shift from the numbers
lead the economic recovery” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s
of arrivals, to time spent in any one destination and the
Director General and CEO.
dispersion across it. Receipts will then follow.”
Now that the megatrends influenced by the pandemic
Another important international travel organisation is
are clear, it is important for the golf club industry in Asia to
the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Based on a
wake up and start looking inward to grow the game. Interna-
recent analysis, it predicts that the pandemic will see airline
tional travel is going to be retarded for some time to come
passenger revenues drop by US$314 billion in 2020, a 55%
which presents a terrific opportunity to start developing and
decline compared to 2019.
devising ways of attracting new players to the game. This
As of March 2020, IATA estimated US$252 billion in lost
infusion of new blood is so vitally important to the game of
revenues (-44% vs. 2019) in a scenario with severe travel
golf all over the world and Asia is no exception. With a rapidly
restrictions lasting three months.
greying population, the void being created by older golfers
Full-year passenger demand (domestic and interna-
giving up the game, the club industry needs to seriously
tional) is expected to be down 48% compared to 2019 with the
look at opening its facilities to attract younger players, more
two main reasons being global recession and tighter travel
women golfers, and more juniors. Never has the time been
restrictions.
more conducive to golf in Asia embracing the family ap-
“The industry’s outlook grows darker by the day. We could see more than half of passenger revenues disappear.
proach towards golf. We must admit that the restrictive and elitist members
That would be a US$314 billion hit. Several governments
only business model will no longer work in this new age. For
have stepped up with new or expanded financial relief mea-
years numerous calls have been made to make golf more
NOW’S THE TIME FOR CLUB OWNERS, GENERAL MANAGERS AND GOLFING MANAGERS TO DRAW UP BLUEPRINTS FOR CHANGE – LET THESE PLANS BE DYNAMIC AND READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION ASAP BECAUSE THE CLUB INDUSTRY NEEDS TO BUILD ITS OWN CRITICAL MASS OF PLAYERS FOR EACH COUNTRY IN THE REGION. DELAY!
THE VOID NEEDS TO BE FILLED WITHOUT
SO, HERE IS A BROADSIDE TO GOLF COURSE SUPPLIERS - DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE POOR KNOWLEDGE OF GOLF COURSE AGRONOMICAL PRACTICES ON THE PART OF LOCAL STAFF AND ABUSE THIS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE BY CHARGING EXORBITANT PRICES.
affordable, more playable, and more accessible and for the
that many national golf associations in Asia are organisations
introduction of new formats of play to cut down on the time
in a deep state of slumber and with no active plans in place to
taken to play 18-holes. All these pleas fell on deaf ears, but it
grow the game. It is time to give these organisations a big jolt
is not too late to take a good look at bringing about the chang-
and get them to step in-line to play their part to grow golf.
es that have been bandied about for years. Now’s the time
Suppliers have a key role to play in this effort to grow
for club owners, general managers and golfing managers to
the game but oftentimes they are faced with insurmount-
draw up blueprints for change – let these plans be dynamic
able challenges imposed upon them by golf clubs. Those
and ready for implementation ASAP because the club industry
especially affected are golf club equipment manufacturers
needs to build its own critical mass of players for each coun-
who have a tough time conducting equipment demonstra-
try in the region. The void needs to be filled without delay!
tions at golf club premises. One way to grow the game is to
The challenge to change is not an initiative restricted
open driving ranges for equipment manufacturers to come in
only to golf clubs. For total impact, a universal effort will be
and conduct club demonstration days. It is the only way golf-
required, and it should involve a three-way alliance made up
ers can experience first-hand new equipment and how these
of golf clubs, national golf associations and equipment and
can be put to work to help improve their game. For whatever
accessory suppliers. National golf associations need to wake
reasons clubs restrict manufacturers to conduct demonstra-
up and get proactive and work hand in glove with golf clubs to
tion days, let it be known that the time for change has come.
grow the game. ASIAN GOLF would not be wrong to maintain
Get out of the dark ages and partner with manufacturers to grow golf through access to a larger universe of players. It is a no-brainer! Still on the topic of equipment suppliers, there are those who provide turfgrass, fertilisers, pesticides, and maintenance equipment. The majority are American suppliers, at
THESE SMARTPHONE APPS ARE THE WAY TO GO TO HELP PROMOTE CONTACTLESS BUSINESS PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES INCLUDING EVERYTHING FROM ON-LINE TEE-TIME
RESERVATIONS, ON-LINE PAYMENTS, FOOD AND BEVERAGE CATERING AND A MYRIAD OF OTHER SERVICES.
least the principals are – again, the plea is to reduce costs for golf course operators to help them be more viable. For the uninitiated, most of the golf courses in the region are turfed with grass that are hybrids alien to these geographies. To keep them looking good, requires specialised maintenance practices and nutrients. All this adds to the cost of operating a golf course. This is now changing as new variants of turfgrass are being produced that reportedly can save as much as 70 percent on maintenance cost! Keep in mind that maintenance costs on a golf course is a recurrent expenditure and if this cost item can be substantially reduced, it helps to keep a golf course going. So, here is a broadside to golf course suppliers -
do not take advantage of the poor knowledge of golf course
and golfers and help maintain two-way communications.
agronomical practices on the part of local staff and abuse
These Smartphone Apps are the way to go to help promote
this lack of knowledge by charging exorbitant prices. There
contactless business procedures and practices including
is nothing wrong with making a profit but keep it fair. Also,
everything from on-line tee-time reservations, on-line pay-
train local staff to utilise new maintenance practices and
ments, food and beverage catering and a myriad of other
equipment so that clubs reap optimum benefits from these
services. One such service provider is Golf Citizen that
savings and do not have to be overly burdened with worrying
has been operating in this region for more than 14 years.
costs!
The Golf Citizen club management app is a very versatile
Finally, the time to engage with technology has never been greater for golf clubs than in this age of the pandemic. For years, international business conferences on golf
software package and it is available for FREE – check it out at https://golfcitizen.com/play/home The golf club industry is entering an exciting phase. An
have extolled the importance and benefits of Smartphone
era where new opportunities to grow the game are emerging.
Apps. The Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS), produced by
While the challenge posed by the pandemic has been a mas-
the Asia Pacific Golf Group, has for years promoted the use
sive one so far, we in the industry cannot afford to sit back
of these programmes but sadly, the uptake has been slow.
and wait for it to blow away. Based on what the experts are
However, with golf clubs being thrown into lockdowns, both
saying the virus is here to stay and we must learn how to live
club management and members and golfers were com-
with it. So long as we must live and work in co-existence with
pletely cut off from each other. With the lockdowns came a
the virus, let us seek out new opportunities to change how
total communications black-out with golfers being pitched
we manage the game of golf. Let us seize these opportunities
recorded messages when they call. This should not be the
and take the lead to help breathe new life into the game of
case if golf clubs had adopted Smartphone club manage-
golf. We can do it so long as there is a resolve to act together
ment apps – programmes that work 24/7 on smartphones
with a single-minded focus to grow a new game for the
and help push all forms of messages out to members
emerging generations!
WITH THE LOCKDOWNS CAME A TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS BLACK-OUT WITH GOLFERS BEING PITCHED RECORDED MESSAGES WHEN THEY CALL.
THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE IF GOLF CLUBS HAD ADOPTED SMARTPHONE CLUB MANAGEMENT APPS – PROGRAMMES THAT WORK 24/7 ON SMARTPHONES AND HELP PUSH ALL FORMS OF MESSAGES OUT TO MEMBERS AND GOLFERS AND HELP MAINTAIN TWO-WAY COMMUNICATIONS.
THE NEW COMMANDMENTS OF GOLF! Golf has now ofƂcially entered a new era – the era of social distancing. Surprisingly, given the nature of the sport, golf lends itself very well to social distancing. While it is a social game, it is very much individually driven. This being so, the new protocols that allow golf to be played during the pandemic period are very easily enforceable. Brieƃy, these are the new golf protocols: Wear face masks always. Ensure that you maintain the recommended distance between players at all times. Make sure that you keep your hands clean and sanitized always. No touching the ƃag. No-one should be allowed to touch the ƃagstick to help prevent transmission of the virus. Putting into an empty cup is no longer an option. Smooth sand with your feet. Rakes located to smooth footprints in bunkers pose another risk and will be removed from courses. The ball will not drop. This now becomes the absolute norm, even for the best putts, because courses will need to use hole-Ƃlling devices (such as a piece of foam) that prevent holed putts from dropping beneath the surface of the green and makes it easier to pick up the ball without touching any other surface. Your ball will get dirty. Ball washers, usually located next to teeing grounds, are to be taken out of use. The same applies to benches and seats dotted around courses, which now become a form of out of bounds. The above are just some of the protocols in place. They vary from country to country and its best that local rules relating to the new protocols are consulted by golfers before getting out on the course.
1997
Tiger Woods
č wÀÃÌ V >ÃÃ
1998
Vijay Singh
2019
WINNER John Catlin
2018
WINNER Panuphol Pittayarat
2017
WINNER
Rattanon Wannasrichan
2005
WINNER Shiv Kapur
2006
WINNER Thongchai Jaidee
2007
WINNER
Prayad Marksaeng
2008
WINNER Lam Chih Bing
Tradition 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 Ì i 1 Ì >Ìi w } Ý«iÀ i Vi° For registered guests of The Peninsula Bangkok, we are happy to arrange a Ìii Ì i >Ì > ÃÕLÃÌ> Ì > Ài`ÕVÌ vÀ ÕÀ À > 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 °
Tel: +66 (38) 562-700
THAI COUNTRY CLUB www.thaicountryclub.com
inquiry@thaicountryclub.com
THE PENINSULA BANGKOK Tel: +66 (2) 861-2888 www.peninsula.com pbk@peninsula.com
SHAWNHUMPHRIES.COM SHAWN HUMPHRIES
Before you dive into this article, which is really a special article, we would like to establish the difference between a transformational coach and a transactional coach. Is there a difference you may ask? You bet your life that there is a difference and the difference is like the size of a massive chasm! Our resident master coach, Shawn Humphries, ranked amongst the top 100 coaches in the world lays out his case explaining why aspiring elite players must make it a point to seek out a transformational coach.
A
s I have studied the habits and attributes of
but more importantly they teach the athlete knowledge-
the ultra-elite athlete I have also become
based skill, the “why’s” behind the sport. These coaches are
well acquainted with the methods of their
focused on establishing a plan for these athletes to reach
coaches. Coaches typically fall into one of two
their goals and the steps needed to accomplish the goals.
categories: transactional or transformational.
The day to day becomes about the steps and getting lost in
Let us dive into the differences and what method most ben-
the process of performing the steps, with the byproduct being
efits high performers so they can reach their goals.
the outcome.
Transactional coaches are solely focused on outcome
A great example of an athlete who was influenced by
and meeting the needs of the staff or the organization. Was
transformational coaching is the late Kobe Bryant. The story
the match, game, or tournament a success? What did the
of Kobe’s rookie season in the NBA illustrates his singular
team or individual score? What did the athlete or team win
focus on the steps of performing and is illustrative relative
by? Results are the bottom line.
to these concepts of transactional and transformational
In contrast, transformational coaches provide athletes
coaching. If you can recall, Kobe did not have a very suc-
an opportunity to focus on the steps of performing while
cessful rookie year. When interviewed about his first NBA
developing into the person and athlete they aspire to be.
season Kobe was clearly lost in the steps of performing, not
Transformational coaches teach the X’s and O’s of their sport
concerned about the outcome in that first season.
WE THINK OF KOBE AS A TREMENDOUS ATHLETIC TALENT BUT WHAT WE SELDOM RECOGNIZE IS HIS HIGH LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE. HE ASKED QUESTIONS OF HIMSELF THAT PUSHED HIM TO FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS AND RUNNING THE STEPS OF PERFORMING. WIN OR LOSE HE WAS ABOUT THE PROCESS AND FIGURING OUT HOW HE COULD PLAY HIS BEST AND PLAYING TO LEARN.
The year was 1996. No social media. Less distrac-
ditioning. In high school he played very few games and
tions with the ability to block out the noise from the
by the end of his first professional season he simply did
city of Los Angeles and all his critics. Less distractions
not have the stamina and conditioning to be competitive
than today but Kobe did have to manage the expecta-
down the stretch.
tions of his fame and playing for a franchise where
So, Kobe got to work. He used his tactical mindset
they expected him to be a difference maker. Kobe
to put solutions in place and to continue to train strate-
goes through the season and the Lakers end up in the
gically so to overcome his temporary setback. Relative to
playoffs versus the Utah Jazz. The game moves into the
that experience Kobe speaks about advice he would give
fourth quarter and it is tied with just eleven seconds
to a young athlete who is trying to overcome a setback.
on the clock. Kobe has the ball as the clock is working
His advice? Ask why. Ask questions. Seek solutions. Do
down and he fires from 3-point range. Air ball. Not
not focus on the problem, rather stay focused on the
even close, 5 feet short. The game remains tied and
solutions.
goes into overtime. Kobe continues to possess the ball
We think of Kobe as a tremendous athletic talent
in overtime and has 3 more opportunities to score - all
but what we seldom recognize is his high level of knowl-
airballs. 4 in a row to be exact.
edge. He asked questions of himself that pushed him to
Years later Kobe is interviewed about his perfor-
focus on solutions and running the steps of performing.
mance in this game. Was Kobe disappointed? Did he
Win or lose he was about the process and figuring out
think in his own mind that he sucked? Nope. When
how he could play his best and playing to learn.
asked about it, Kobe states that he was thinking about
And Kobe is asked a specific question: does he love
why the ball was not going in. He was thinking tactically
to win or hate to lose? His answer: neither. The reason?
about the outcome of his shots and not emotionally. He
If you are truly focused on getting better, winning, and
explained that he was focused on solutions and finding
losing is outcome based and not focused on the process
out why he was not able to convert these shots.
or the steps of performing. Remaining less fixated on
He remains reflective, unemotional but curious,
the results allows the athlete to stay focused on the
and he begins to uncover answers. As a curious learner
steps of performing and learning through those steps.
he considers his high school experiences relative to his
His focus on what the next step or the next strategy had
first professional season. Was it the pressure of being a
kept him solutions based and positive through setbacks.
professional? No, pressure was invigorating to Kobe and he was not nervous. The key was his endurance and con-
As the interview with Kobe wraps up the discussion turns to failure and why Kobe appears to be fearless.
ATHLETES PERFORM THEIR
Kobe says failure does not exist. He says: if you have a poor
BEST WHEN THEY FOCUS ON
do not learn from it. So, on Tuesday, solutions should be in
performance on a Monday the only way it is a failure is if you
THE STEPS OF PERFORMING AND
place if you take that mindset. He never believed that his
HAVE COACHES WHO CONTINUALLY
never a failure.
PUSH THEM BACK TO THAT PLACE.
WILL YOU BE THE COACH WHO
HELPS TRANSFORM YOUR ATHLETES’ PEFORMANCE OR WILL YOU SEEK THE TRANSACTION THAT LAYS IN THE OUTCOME?
inability to reach goals was a failure-disappointing, yes but As coaches we can learn from Kobe’s experiences and reflections. We need to be the voice that points our players
back to the steps of performing and encouraging the athlete
leaderboard? Yes, she was. But to an athlete who is seeking
to remain curious about performance in unemotional ways.
to transform her game the leaderboard does not exist. The
I recently was talking to a player who had a personal
leaderboard is for the people at home following online or the
best round. She typically shot in the high seventies and she
spectators in the crowd. Athletes perform their best when
carded a 71. We discussed her experience and I asked her
they focus on the steps of performing and have coaches who
to tell me about her round. What she did. What solutions
continually push them back to that place. Will you be the
she needed. What she did great. We reinforced all those
coach who helps transform your athletes’ peformance or will
things in addition to the steps of performing. Was she on the
you seek the transaction that lays in the outcome?
PEOPLE WHO ARE GUIDED BY THE AXIOM TO “NEVER GIVE UP … DON’T EVER GIVE UP”. THEY ARE FIGHTERS WHO HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO OVERCOME NUMEROUS OBSTACLES AND WHO
DNA, STAMINA, AND RESOURCES TO RETURN STRONGER THAN EVER. THESE ARE THE MAGNUM FORCES BEHIND THE ASIAN GOLF INDUSTRY – TRUE POWER HITTERS WHO HAVE TAKEN ON POSSESS THE
THE CALL TO HELP NAVIGATE THE GOLF CLUB INDUSTRY THROUGH THE STORMY TIMES AHEAD.
FOR ANY INDUSTRY TO GROW, THERE IS A NEED FOR RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
– THERE IS A NEED FOR
HEROES TO HELP SET STANDARDS AND WITH THIS LIST, WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE PLAYED A
ROLE IN HELPING TO BUILD GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS OF THE
ASIAN GOLF INDUSTRY.
T
– MIKE SEBASTIAN
he last few months have been a very trying period for the global golf industry brought about by the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic. As countries went into lockdown, numerous golf courses followed suit. The challenge for many of the courses was the immediate accompanying shortfall in revenues, the lifeblood of the business. As the world comes out of the disruptive pandemic, it goes without saying that there will be some bloodletting resulting in golf course closures. It is already happening, and this will continue for some time to come as owners and operators are forced into taking tough decisions as to whether they stay open or succumb to the pandemic pressures and collapse. Unfortunately, this is the name of the game and the industry is in a period where only the tough will survive. Asia is not spared by the pandemic and the Continent will sadly witness the loss of golf courses. Amidst this culling, Asia will recover and pick up the pieces and continue on a growth path which is both representative and reflective of the will of the nations and its people to strive hard and recover as rapidly as possible. Leading this thrust for a post-pandemic revival will be a special group of men and women noted for their vision and business acumen. People who are guided by the axiom to “Never Give Up … Don’t Ever Give Up”. They are fighters who have been known to overcome numerous obstacles and who possess the DNA, stamina, and resources to return stronger than ever. These are the Magnum Forces behind the Asian golf industry – true Power Hitters who have taken on the call to help navigate the golf club industry through the stormy times ahead. Over the past seven years, ASIAN GOLF has created a prestigious platform to celebrate these pantheons of the industry. In almost all walks of life and especially in the world of business, it is an accepted practice to celebrate high achievers and those who wield power. Awards are a way to recognize their achievements and in the business world, the most credible and outstanding awards are The Stevie International Business Awards, The Fortune Global 500 listings and The Forbes Global 2000 listings for the World’s Largest Companies amongst many others. For the world of sports
there is the prestigious Laureus awards. Collectively, these awards are conducted annually to recognise the best of breed and being recognised is the ultimate measure of achievement and excellence. Like these awards, the Asian golf industry has been recognising its best of the best annually for the past seven years. While conservatives in the golf industry refer to this award programme as the annual search for “Asia’s Most Powerful People In Golf”, the official name of the recognition event is “Asia’s Power Hitters”. ASIAN GOLF launched the programme in 2014 to recognise the men and women driving the growth of golf on the giant Continent of Asia. Over this period, ASIAN GOLF has kept track of the accomplishments of the kingpins of golf and is proud to release its latest list of golf’s high achievers for 2020. The compilation of this annual series has been quite a challenging task given the fact that many of the truly powerful people in business in Asia tend to maintain a low profile. The golf industry is no different especially when it comes to identifying corporations or individuals behind major investments and developments in the industry. Like in previous years, ASIAN GOLF conducted its search with the following criteria in focus:
SCALE OF INVOLVEMENT WITH GOLF; MEASURABLE INVESTMENTS IN GOLF PROJECTS; COMMITMENT TO GROW THE GAME OF GOLF; This criteria has helped sharpen the selection process and the 2020 list is both representative and reflective of the men and women who are known to be making major contributions towards the development and growth of golf throughout Asia. “For any industry to grow, there is a need for recognition and acknowledgement – there is a need for heroes to help set standards and with this list, we are glad to have played a role in helping to build global recognition for the movers and shakers of the Asian golf industry,” said Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner of the programme.
THE COMPILATION OF THIS ANNUAL SERIES HAS BEEN QUITE A CHALLENGING TASK GIVEN THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE TRULY POWERFUL PEOPLE IN BUSINESS IN LOW PROFILE.
ASIA TEND TO MAINTAIN A
THE GOLF INDUSTRY IS NO DIFFERENT ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO IDENTIFYING CORPORATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS BEHIND MAJOR INVESTMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY.
Spring 2020 NEW COLLECTION
POLO SHIRT STYLE: PONCE DE LEON COLOR: NAVY PRICE: $80
SHORTS COLOR: BRIGHT NAVY PRICE: $80
PRESENTS
Private Estate launched in January 2019, with over 40 golf and country clubs across America signing up as stockists in our first year, as well as several high profile clubs across Asia including Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club in Hong Kong, Al Mouj Golf in Oman, and Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand. The brand is represented on a global stage by brand ambassadors Kiradech Aphibarnrat (PGA Tour) and Scott Hend (European and Asian Tour). The first time the brand was ever worn on Tour was the 2019 Maybank Championship in Malaysia, where Scott Hend came through a dramatic playoff to secure the biggest win of his career and his 3rd European Tour title. The Private Estate Spring 2020 Collection features some classic striped and chequered polo shirts such as Ponce De Leon (pictured), as well as a selection of plain solid polos and exciting new prints. The premium look and feel to this collection makes it incredibly versatile, and is suitable for outdoor sports such as golf and tennis, as well as smart-casual functions or dinner with colleagues or friends.
POLO SHIRT STYLE: PONCE DE LEON COLOR: CRANBERRY PRICE: $80 SHORTS COLOR: ALMOND PRICE: $80 WWW.PRIVATEESTATEFX.COM
THE FOLLOWIN “POWER HITTE
S
ince the programme was first initiated, the most dominant name on the “Power Hitters” list has been the Mission Hills Group of China. One cannot overlook the continuing success of Mission Hills, arguably the biggest showcase of golf anywhere in the world. The Mission Hills dream started nearly three decades ago in China when the visionary Chinese entrepreneur Dr. David Chu set out to create the world’s largest golf resort in China. Today, Dr. Ken Chu and Tenniel Chu operate a total of 22 world class golf courses in Shenzhen on the Chinese Mainland and the offshore island of Hainan. The Chu brothers have transformed their facility in Haikou, Hainan into a veritable world class entertainment, shopping, dining, sports, lifestyle, and golfing complex. They have created a multi-faceted fantasy land that would outstrip anything, anywhere in the world. Ken and Tenniel have done their father proud. What they have achieved since taking over is monumental in scope and scale. Their wonderland in the once waste lands of Haikou ranks amongst the new wonders of the world. Ken and Tenniel are blessed with incredible vision and a special DNA that makes them dreamers on a scale with virtually no match. They possess tremendous foresight and a bold business aptitude to bring together the best to deliver the best and what they have built in Haikou is a showcase to the world of what can be done when there is a strong human will to drive a multi-billion mammoth project, spanning over some 44 square miles, to fruition.
DR. KEN CHU
GROUP CHAIRMAN & CEO, MISSION HILLS GROUP, CHINA
ASIA’S RS” FOR 2020
NG ARE
THEY POSSESS TREMENDOUS FORESIGHT AND A BOLD BUSINESS APTITUDE TO BRING TOGETHER THE BEST TO DELIVER THE BEST AND WHAT THEY HAVE BUILT IN
HAIKOU IS
A SHOWCASE TO THE WORLD OF WHAT CAN BE DONE WHEN THERE IS A STRONG HUMAN WILL TO DRIVE A MULTI-BILLION MAMMOTH PROJECT,
SPANNING OVER SOME
44 SQUARE MILES, TO FRUITION.
TENNIEL CHU
GROUP VICE CHAIRMAN, MISSION HILLS GROUP, CHINA
M
r. Pawan Munjal is a major financial sponsor of golf events in India and has almost single-handedly made professional competitions possible. He heads up what is the largest motor-cycle company in the world and as a leading industrialist, he has flexed his industrial muscle and has actively undertaken to promote the game of golf all over the country. As a renowned industry leader, he has provided powerful leadership that is needed for golf development to succeed against other sports such as the all-popular game of cricket. Besides India, Dr. Munjal plays a very prominent role in the growth of golf internationally and amongst the top global golf events that Munjal supports is the annual Hero World Challenge that is held under the auspices of Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.
DR. MUNJAL PLAYS A VERY PROMINENT ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF GOLF INTERNATIONALLY AND AMONGST THE TOP GLOBAL GOLF EVENTS THAT
MUNJAL
SUPPORTS IS THE ANNUAL
HERO WORLD CHALLENGE THAT IS HELD UNDER THE
TIGER WOODS IN THE BAHAMAS. AUSPICES OF
DR. PAWAN MUNJAL
CHAIRMAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO OF HERO MOTOCORP., INDIA
BHIROMBHAKDI WAS THE CHIEF FOUNDER OF THE
THAI
PGA AND HAS SERVED AS ITS PRESIDENT. HE IS ALSO THE PATRON OF THE ASIAN TOUR, THE REGION’S PREMIER PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR.
S
anti Bhirombhakdi is the President of Singha Corporation Co., Ltd, the company behind the world-famous Singha Beer. He is one of the most influential personalities in the business of golf in Thailand and is engaged in golf course ownership, player development and the sponsorship of golf tournaments in Thailand, the ASEAN region and throughout East Asia. Bhirombhakdi was the chief founder of the Thai PGA and has served as its President. He is also the patron of the Asian Tour, the region’s premier professional golf tour.
SANTI BHIROMBHAKDI
PRESIDENT & CEO, SINGHA CORPORATION, THAILAND
M
adame Nguyen Thi Nga owns a few golf courses including the award-winning Kings’ Island Golf Club in Hanoi. The powerful lady who has extensive business interests in Vietnam has entered an exclusive business partnership with Nicklaus Design, the company owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Under this agreement Madame Nga’s BRG Group is expected to develop a total of ten world class golf courses in Vietnam. This will effectively make her the owner of arguably the most number of golf courses in the country.
MADAME NGA’S BRG GROUP IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP A TOTAL OF TEN WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSES IN
VIETNAM.
MADAME NGUYEN THI NGA
CHAIRMAN, BRG GROUP, VIETNAM
THE COMPANY HAS MORE THAN 30,000 SIMULATORS AT 5,500 SITES IN 48 COUNTRIES. IT HAS OVER 2 MILLION MEMBERS WORLDWIDE AND ACCOUNTS
545 MILLION ROUNDS OF GOLF PLAYED. GOLFZON IS ALSO THE LPGA TOUR’S OFFICIAL GOLF SIMULATOR PROVIDER. FOR MORE THAN
K
im Young-chan is the founder and chairman of Golfzon, headquartered in South Korea. This company commands the largest share of the global golf simulator market. The Golfzon simulator allows everyone to easily enjoy indoor golf. The simulator provides realistic rounds of golf from tee shot to hole-out thanks to advanced 3D graphics technology that reproduces actual golf courses. Golfzon has been producing golf simulators since 2000 in Korea and now enjoys the biggest market share in the global golf market. The company has more than 30,000 simulators at 5,500 sites in 48 countries. It has over 2 million members worldwide and accounts for more than 545 million rounds of golf played. Golfzon is also the LPGA Tour’s official golf simulator provider.
KIM YOUNG-CHAN
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN, GOLFZON NEWDIN GROUP, SOUTH KOREA
H
e leads a multi-billion-dollar organisation which operates high-end golf courses, five-star luxury resorts and an airline. Amongst his flagship properties are the FLC Ha Long Golf Club & Luxury Resort and the multibillion-dollar integrated resort in Quang Ninh province which includes an 18-hole golf course, five-star hotels, high-end villas, and a large-scale casino. Quyet’s vision calls for the construction of 10 golf courses and resorts, 5,500 condotels, 3,500 villas and 6,000 hotel rooms by 2020 and he aims to becoming the leading resort developer in Vietnam. He is also the owner of Bamboo Airlines which aspires to become a major international carrier.
QUYET’S VISION CALLS FOR THE
10 GOLF COURSES AND RESORTS. CONSTRUCTION OF
TRINH VAN QUYET
CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, FLC GROUP, VIETNAM
HE IS ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS AND SERVES AS
PILIPINAS GOLF TOURNAMENTS INC.,
THE CHAIRMAN OF
WHICH IS THE COMPANY
THE PHILIPPINE GOLF TOUR, THE COUNTRY’S PREMIER GOLF TOURNAMENT CIRCUIT. BEHIND
R
anked as one of the top power players and billionaires in the Philippines, Enrique K. Razon, Jr., is an avid golfer who holds key interests in the country’s top golf courses. He is actively engaged in the sports and entertainment business and serves as the chairman of Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., which is the company behind The Philippine Golf Tour, the country’s premier golf tournament circuit. Razon’s grandfather began with a port in Manila in 1916. Razon’s dad rebuilt the business after World War II. Razon started out in the port business with his dad in Manila and transformed it into a global giant. His hospitality firm, Bloomberry Resorts Co., includes its crown jewel, the Solaire Casino and Resort in the Philippines.
ENRIQUE ‘RICKY’ K. RAZON JR.
CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF THE MANILA-LISTED COMPANY INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL SERVICES, INC., PHILIPPINES
HIS COMPANY’S GOLF COURSES AND RESORTS ARE ROUTINELY RANKED AMONG THE BEST AND BUSIEST GOLF COURSE COMPLEXES IN THE WORLD.
K
im Young Je has worked very hard to ensure that his company’s golf courses and resorts are routinely ranked among the best and busiest golf course complexes in the world with consistent play conditioning and customer service. He has also taken the lead to develop professional training and continuing education for golf course management and is noted for demanding and setting very high standards.
KIM YOUNG JE
PRESIDENT & CEO, SKY72 GOLF & RESORTS, SOUTH KOREA
L
e Van Kiem is a top industry leader in Vietnam who has played a pivotal role in growing golf in Vietnam. Already an owner of three mega golf complexes in Vietnam and Laos, he has embarked on development plans that include a large multi-billion-dollar upscale development set on a stunning 800ha site with 5km of ocean frontage set on Cam Ranh Bay. The resort will feature multiple 4 and 5-star hotels, a world class entertainment zone, upscale marina, polo club, theme park, luxury villas and many more attractions including the recently opened Greg Norman designed 18-hole golf course in Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam.
HE HAS EMBARKED ON DEVELOPMENT PLANS THAT INCLUDE A LARGE MULTI-BILLIONDOLLAR UPSCALE DEVELOPMENT SET ON A STUNNING
800HA SITE
5KM OF OCEAN FRONTAGE SET ON CAM RANH BAY. WITH
LE VAN KIEM
CHAIRMAN, KN INVESTMENT GROUP, VIETNAM
HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CON-
STRUCTION OF THE BRAND
ROBERT TRENT JONES II DESIGNED HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB, WHICH IS PART OF THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR HOIANA INTEGRATED RESORT. NEW
D
on Lam is a founding partner of VinaCapital, a leading investment management and real estate development firm in Southeast Asia, with a diversified portfolio of nearly US$2 billion in assets under management. Over the past 14 years, VinaCapital has invested nearly US$5 billion in Vietnam, one of which was Danang Golf Club. As Chairman of the Board of Hoi An South Development Ltd., and the Board of HOIANA project, he is responsible for the construction of the brand new Robert Trent Jones II designed Hoiana Shores Golf Club, which is part of the multi-billion dollar HOIANA Integrated Resort. He is also the Chairman of the Grand Ho Tram Golf Resort.
DON LAM
CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF VINACAPITAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, HOI AN SOUTH DEVELOPMENT LIMITED, VIETNAM
A
s Chairman of the Tokyo based Japan Professional Golf Tour (JPGT), Masahiro Kuramoto runs an organization that is the third largest professional men’s tour in the world. The organization has a membership comprised of over 5,000 professional golfers including its tour players and teaching professionals. In addition to operating its professional tour, the organization supports golf course and player development throughout Japan and Asia.
MASAHIRO KURAMOTO RUNS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE THIRD LARGEST PROFESSIONAL MEN’S TOUR IN THE WORLD.
MASAHIRO KURAMOTO
CHAIRMAN OF JAPAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS ASSOCIATION, JAPAN
HE IS AN AVID GOLFER AND THE
OWNER OF THE WORLD’S FIRST INDOOR GOLF
FACILITY IN THE SUNCITY VIP CLUB AT THE CITY OF DREAMS IN MACAU.
A
lvin Chau is a renowned entrepreneur in the operation of VIP clubs and related entertainment services including casino ownership and management services. In conjunction with Don Lam, Chau is a part owner of the US$4 billion Hoiana Shores Integrated Resort which operates the newly opened Robert Trent Jones II designed Hoiana Shores Golf Club. He is an avid golfer and the owner of the world’s first indoor golf facility in the Suncity VIP Club at the City of Dreams in Macau.
ALVIN CHAU
CHAIRMAN, SUNCITY GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED, CHINA
Visit www.womensgolfday.com on June 2nd for VIRTUAL WOMEN'S GOLF DAY Digital Celebration. Ways to engage for golf locations and consumers include social media, video content and charity auction to support Doctors Without Borders. Women's Golf Day is an international community dedicated to engaging, empowering and supporting women through golf. Registration for both events is FREE to help our global community participate and unite. Use code WGDUNITES for FREE registration. TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER YOUR GOLF LOCATION TO PARTICIPATE VISIT
WOMENSGOLFDAY.COM
How important is a father in the development of a champion sportsman? If one was to do a quick scan, more often than not, there’s always a dad behind the success of champion sportsman. Sometimes, there’s a mon also but since the focus of this article is on Father’s Day, and as such, we’d like to look at how dads have played and continue to play a major role in the development of their champion wards. Our story starts with the famed Earl Woods, the father of Tiger Woods and the role he played in transforming his son into one of the greatest golfers ever. Using the special relationship between Earl Woods and his son, we explore how this special patriarch and ward relationship pans out in Asia. For the full report, here’s Chuah Choo Chiang of the PGA Tour:
The late Earl Woods epitomises the role of a father to a tee in raising his son, Tiger into becoming a living sports legend. Earl, a U.S. infantry army officer who served in two tours of duty in Vietnam, spotted his son’s talent early on and put a putter in Tiger’s hands even before he could walk. The elder Woods subsequently devoted his life in moulding his son’s talent and character during practice sessions, teaching Tiger the art of concentration amidst unconventional distractions created by his old man.
H
older of a record-tying 82 PGA TOUR victories following his win at the inaugural ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan last October, Tiger said: “My dad was always the person who would plant seeds and give me encouragement. He was very worldly and deep in his thinking. He was instrumental in a lot of the guidance he gave me before I
turned pro. It was neat to have that opportunity to have dad help me.” With most of the world celebrating Father’s Day in June, Asia’s golf stars have their own stories on how their fathers have shaped them into successful athletes. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was introduced to golf at the age of four when his father took him to the local driving range, C.T. Pan’s dad was so dedicated that he would drive him and his brother all around Chinese Taipei in their “moving hotel” for competitions while Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat said his father introduced him to the game to keep him on the “right path”. Byeong Hun An is another PGA TOUR rising star who has his father to thank for providing guidance and a labour of love that only a parent knows how best to dispense. A former Olympic Games medallist in table tennis, An’s father, Ahn Jae-hyung caddied for his son in the early years and offered insights in coping with the pressure of competition.
MY
DAD WAS ALWAYS THE PERSON
WHO WOULD PLANT SEEDS AND GIVE
ME ENCOURAGEMENT.
HE
WAS VERY
WORLDLY AND DEEP IN HIS THINKING.
HE
WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN A LOT OF THE GUIDANCE HE GAVE ME BEFORE
IT
I
TURNED PRO.
WAS NEAT TO HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY
TO HAVE DAD HELP ME.
– TIGER WOODS
TIGER WOODS HUGS HIS FATHER EARL AFTER THE 1999 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP. PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES
Countryman Sung Kang called his father immediately after securing his breakthrough PGA TOUR triumph in last year’s AT&T Byron Nelson, saying aloud “I did it” as his father had the vision to send him to the U.S. as a teenager to pursue his dreams in golf. Matsuyama, a five-time PGA TOUR winner, looks back with fondness at how his father, Mikio, influenced his career with regular trips to the local range. “Although I started to watch quite a bit of golf, my dad was my biggest inspiration. He was my golfing hero as a youngster – he was probably a plus-two handicap when he was playing a lot and I dreamed of being as good as him,” said Matsuyama, 28. “Since I was a little guy, my father was my swing coach, up until high school. And after that I’ve just been on my own.” An did not quite follow in his dad’s footsteps in picking up a ping pong bat. At five, he tagged along to the driving range and despite using a one iron, which is one of the hardest clubs to hit, the young boy got hooked to golf. Like Kang, he was sent to Florida at 15 to pursue the American dream and won the prestigious 2009 U.S. Amateur.
DAD
CADDIED FOR ME
WHEN
I
TURNED PRO
AND BEING WITH HIM HELPED.
WE
FOUGHT A BIT AS YOU
CAN IMAGINE BUT IT WAS FUN.
IT
WASN’T EASY AND IT WAS
ALWAYS SMALL ARGUMENTS.
I’LL
LISTEN TO HIM, OR PRE-
TEND LIKE HIM!
I’M
LISTENING TO
– BYEONG HUN AN
BYEONG HUN AN
ALTHOUGH I
STARTED TO WATCH QUITE A BIT OF GOLF, MY
DAD WAS MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION. HERO AS A YOUNGSTER
–
HE
HE WAS PROBABLY A PLUS-TWO HANDI-
CAP WHEN HE WAS PLAYING A LOT AND
I
SWING COACH, UP UNTIL HIGH SCHOOL.
AND
GOOD AS HIM.
SINCE I
WAS MY GOLFING
DREAMED OF BEING AS
WAS A LITTLE GUY, MY FATHER WAS MY
JUST BEEN ON MY OWN.
AFTER THAT
I’VE
– HIDEKI MATSUYAMA
“Dad caddied for me when I turned pro and being with
As a PGA TOUR champion and a debutant at the
him helped. We fought a bit as you can imagine but it was
recent Presidents Cup, Pan, the youngest amongst six
fun. It wasn’t easy and it was always small arguments. I’ll
siblings, beams with pride at how his late father would
listen to him, or pretend like I’m listening to him!,” laughs
diligently drive him and his brother around in their family
the 28-year-old An, who himself is now a father following
van for junior golf tournaments.
the birth of son, Sunwoo Stanley An in February. “He didn’t know too much about the technical side of
He also recalls how his father, who was an elementary school teacher, would make them earn breakfast
the game. But they (his mother is also an Olympic medal-
every morning. “My father was strict actually,” recalled
list in table tennis) were athletes and know an athlete’s
Pan. “He’d drop us off before breakfast at the gate, and we
mind and what it takes to be a champion. The important
would have a one kilometre run straight uphill. He would
thing was they didn’t push me and said I’ve got to work
tell us to finish this run to earn our breakfast. It was a way
hard to be good in golf. So, I had that in my mind.”
to make me physically and mentally stronger.”
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA | PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES
MY
FATHER WAS STRICT ACTU-
ALLY,” RECALLED
PAN. “HE’D
DROP US OFF BEFORE BREAKFAST AT THE GATE, AND WE WOULD HAVE A ONE KILOMETRE RUN STRAIGHT UPHILL.
HE
WOULD TELL US TO FINISH THIS RUN TO EARN OUR BREAKFAST. IT WAS A WAY
TO MAKE ME PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY STRONGER.
– C.T. PAN
After teaching them the basics, Pan’s father brought them to the public library to rummage through golf magazines for golf tips. They would also hit balls from the roof top into rice fields and go to the beach for bunker shots practice. “He learned the game six months before I did and taught me the grip, stance and how to swing the club and then we would go to the library and read up lessons from magazines. That’s how we learned,” said Pan, who will defend his RBC Heritage title in June. “So many memories of the three of us driving around for tournaments in our van. We would sleep in the van. There would be many mosquitoes and the police would also chase us away. It was our moving hotel.”
BYEONG HUN AN | PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES
KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT WITH HIS FATHER (
For Kiradech, the first Thai to hold a PGA TOUR card, his businessman father, Panupong diligently sat in a permanent spot at the local range in Bangkok and shouted out instructions. “I started playing when I was eight, just followed my dad to the range. My dad will always sit in the same chair and he’ll shout, “aim left, aim right” and when he eventually took me out to the course, I just went “Wow”. He’s the most important guy in my golf career. He’s the guy who keeps pushing me and always saying someday, it’s going to be my day.”
DAD
AND MUM STARTED ME ON THIS, LOTS OF
MOTIVATION FROM THEM WHICH IS HUGE BECAUSE
YOU CAN ALWAYS TALK TO THEM ON ANYTHING.
THEY
ARE
THE ONES WHO SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO HELP ME GET BETTER, WHETHER IT IS TAKING ME TO THE RANGE WHEN
I
WAS YOUNGER OR FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING ME TO PLAY GOLF IN THE
U.S.
WHEN TIMES WERE HARD.
– GAVIN GREEN
(HIS LEFT) AND FAMILY
I
STARTED PLAYING WHEN
I
WAS EIGHT, JUST
FOLLOWED MY DAD TO THE RANGE. WILL ALWAYS SIT IN THE SAME CHAIR AND SHOUT,
“AIM
LEFT, AIM RIGHT” AND WHEN HE EVEN-
TUALLY TOOK ME OUT TO THE COURSE,
“WOW”.
MY DAD HE’LL
I
JUST WENT
– KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT
Malaysia’s Gavin Green, 26, had his father, Gary, by his side during his formative professional years as he graduated from the Asian Tour to the European Tour. He is eyeing the PGA TOUR as his ultimate destination. A graduate from the University of New Mexico, Green said: “Dad and mum started me on this, lots of motivation from them which is huge because you can always talk to them on anything. They are the ones who sacrificed everything to help me get better, whether it is taking me to the range when I was younger or financially supporting me to play golf in the U.S. when times were hard. We won a couple of Asian Development Tour events together, so he’s definitely played a massive role in my career.”
GAVIN GREEN | PHOTO CREDIT ASIAN TOUR
Premium Women’s Technology
Lighter Takes You Farther.
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