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ISSUE
12
237
JULY 2020
The eagerness to get everything charged up and moving was perhaps best seen in how golf clubs, shut down for some months, opened for business, teed up golfers and re-launched the game of golf. While there is a general perception that golf is a “safe” business because of its perceived appeal to a more affluent segment of society, it is therefore shielded against any adverse impact caused by a financial downturn. Sad to say, this is generally not the case and the pandemic did not show a gentle hand to the golf industry. The forced shutdown has wreaked havoc on golf clubs operating in Southeast Asia resulting in losses running into the millions. As a tribute to the golf club industry, ASIAN GOLF is dedicating its July edition to the BIG BOUNCE BACK.
6 SHARED THOUGHTS: FROM THE PUBLISHER This report is being written in the context of the current pandemic which has amplified the importance and need for a regional institution to represent the golf and club industry in Southeast Asia. The region made up of 10 distinct countries accounts for a population of 600 million and over 800 golf clubs. It goes without saying that the critical mass is there which in turn, fully justifies the creation of a special bloc to serve as an alliance for golf in the region.
52 WINNING WITH SUBPAR PERFORMANCES Why are the 5% winning 95% of the competitions and sometimes doing it with lackluster performances? What are the reasons why these individuals and teams continue to win? Shawn Humphries, ranked amongst the top golf coaches in the world, shares his thoughts on this topic in an exclusive analysis for ASIAN GOLF.
GAME-IMPROVEMENT 36 VOKEY’S MISSION IS PERPETUAL! Titleist has launched the Bob Vokey SM8 family of wedges, an iteration of a long line of wedges that have come out from his famous design lab. His latest in the successful SM8 series is the “Low Bounce K Grind”, a tour-proven, versatile wedge.
FASHION TREND 60 THE HOTTEST GOLF SHOES JUST GOT A LOT HOTTER! FootJoy has launched its latest iteration in the FJ Flex series. It’s called the FJ Coastal and available right now in stores throughout the region.
SPECIAL FEATURE 26 ARE WE WINNING OR ARE WE LOSING? This is the double-edged question that many people are asking ever since the Coronavirus pandemic brought nations big and small, crashing down to their knees. Tourism is a key contributor to the Asia Pacific as a whole and it constitutes a good proportion of the GDP of many countries on the Continent. For an expert view, we reached out to HotelPlanner.com and spoke with Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder of the company.
68 PGA TOUR | MATSUYAMA – THE SILENT SAMURAI!
44 PGA TOUR | ALMOST 40 – SCOTTIE’S COME A LONG WAY! If Adam Scott had not made the grade as a top-notch professional golfer, his striking good looks may have sent him off to Hollywood for a career in movies. But that was not to be. The Australian superstar went on to become one of the top international golfers on the PGA Tour and at one point he was the No. 1. The PGA TOUR’s Chuah Choo Chiang looks at the Australian star’s career to date as he prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday.
Ever since Japanese golf phenom Hideki Matsuyama broke onto the world stage of topflight professional golf, he has maintained a sort of self-imposed silence. Was there any reason behind this stoic behaviour? Yes! And the answer is a simple one – Matsuyama simply did not speak any English and till today, he keeps whatever conversation he has to the absolute minimum.
Mike Sebastian
INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR
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It is hard to rationalise why a multi-billion-dollar club industry in Southeast Asia is not represented by an institution that it can call its own. In Asia, the industry has the China Golf Association which is the umbrella organisation for golf in the Middle Kingdom. In Japan, the world’s second largest market for golf, there is the Japan Golf Association and in South Korea, arguably the third most important single market for golf, there is the Korean Golf Association. Then, when one moves down the geography of the region into Southeast Asia, the presence of national golf associations diminishes somewhat with perhaps the Thailand Golf Association being the most prominent.
T
his report is being written in the context of
industry by surprise, exposed various challenges that pretty
the current pandemic which has ampliďŹ ed
much forced clubs to resort to their own devices. Suddenly,
the importance and need for a regional
many in the industry found themselves in the position of
institution to represent the golf and club
orphans, abandoned and lost! There was no central body
industry in Southeast Asia. The region made
to help counsel, draw up guidelines on how to prepare and
up of 10 distinct countries accounts for a population of 600
cope for the lockdowns imposed by the pandemic. There was
million and over 800 golf clubs. It goes without saying that
no ofďŹ cial voice to speak to the authorities and to make a
the critical mass is there which in turn, fully justiďŹ es the
case for the industry.
creation of a special bloc to serve as an alliance for golf in the region. After all, the ten nations that go to make up Southeast
For many governments in the region, there is scant awareness of how much the golf industry contributes towards their respective economies. More importantly, the golf
Asia are already represented by a regional alliance called
industry provides employment to thousands in Southeast
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Asia. Now, without a united voice to speak for the industry,
The pandemic, which caught everyone in this golf
the challenges during a period like the pandemic becomes acute. There is no need to get into the details, but it is very apparent that the industry needs a voice of its own and it needs it soon. For years, the industry has looked to the R&A in Britain, the self-anointed governing body of golf in the
THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE OWNERS OF GOLF CLUBS IN THE REGION TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND HELP FORM THIS VITAL BODY. IT’S TIME TO END THE RELIANCE ON ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO HELP WHAT IS EFFECTIVELY A LARGE INDUSTRY IN THE REGION. world, ex-North America. This is fine but relying on a body
the formation of an ASEAN golf industry bloc.
like the R&A alone cannot go on. The time has come for a
The time has come for the owners of golf clubs in the
regional golf association to be established to cater for the
region to step up to the plate and help form this vital body.
industry in Southeast Asia.
It’s time to end the reliance on organisations which are not
Once there is a formalised institution owned and operated by the golf club industry, it can help develop a myriad of services which the industry is deprived of now. It
equipped to help what is effectively a large industry in the region. Let us not wait for another pandemic to build up our
can take charge of its own human resource training rather
own resources to face whatever eventualities emerge. Let’s
than depend on unstructured and ad hoc training provided
collectively agree to cut the apron strings and become self-
by organisations bent on profiteering from the industry. It
reliant and independent!
can represent the industry to obtain more favourable rates for golf course equipment, appliances, accessories, and agronomy products. There are many benefits to be had by
MISSION HILLS GROUP
www.missionhillschina.com
ASIA PACIFIC GOLF GROUP ZZZ DVLDSDFLÆ“FJROIJURXS FRP
The scourge of the Coronavirus pandemic rages on and as this article is being written, the infection rate globally has ballooned to over 10 million and growing. At the same, the total number of deaths registered has hit the 500,000 and keeps surging. The worst regions ravaged by the pandemic continues to be the Americas and Europe which together account for over 6.7 million affected case. In comparison, Southeast Asia lags at around 580,000 cases and on the scale of what is happening elsewhere, the region seems to have the spread relative to the size of population under control. Regardless of the numbers being substantially lower than most other regions, it is regrettable that the pandemic has taken a huge toll on Southeast Asia. Worst hit by the virus onslaught have been the pork bellies of the countries in Southeast Asia – the pandemic has taken savage bites of the respective economies resulting in widespread damage that is going to take time to recover. Worst hit are business organisations which have been forced to cut back on their operations and pare down their workforces. Painful as it may seem, the combined resolve of governments and businesses have been able to maintain a semblance of normalcy albeit on the cautious side. The silver lining is that there is hope and signs of recovery are already evident with some nations rapidly getting their economies gunned up to get moving on the road to recovery. he eagerness to get everything charged up and moving was perhaps best seen in how golf clubs, shut down for some months, opened for business, teed up golfers and re-launched the game of golf. While there is a general perception that golf is a “safe” business because of its perceived appeal to a more affluent segment of society, it is therefore shielded against any adverse impact caused by a financial downturn. Sad to say, this is generally not the case and the pandemic did not show a gentle hand to the golf industry. The forced shutdown has wreaked havoc on golf clubs operating in Southeast Asia resulting in losses running into the millions. Given the tough times that industry had to endure, it is totally understandable why it was fast out of the starting blocks when the green light was granted to open for play. It must be noted that the rush to open was led by a very thorough programme designed to ensure that all protocols of safeguards in force were carefully observed and strictly implemented. There was no short cuts and compromises as each club made certain that safety and the health of both golfers and their staff were of prime importance.
THE PANDEMIC
If there was a downside to the shutdown and opening of golf clubs in
HAS NOW MADE IT
of their own that went beyond the limits set by official governmental
OF PARAMOUNT IMPOR-
guidelines.
institutional guidelines provided by a body representative of the industry. Unlike
TANCE THAT THE OWNERS
by since the game of golf has
to have a responsibility for the region) and
AND OPERATORS OF GOLF
region are reporting overwhelm-
North America, which has the United States
CLUBS IN THE REGION HELP
the region, it would be the lack of any
Europe which has the R&A (which purports
Golf Association (USGA), Southeast Asia is sadly lacking in such body to serve as a guardian of golf. While there is a motley collection of national golf associations (most of which are just an office, desk and a ‘phone), there is no organization of power within the region to help set guidelines, rules and
Weeks have since gone returned and clubs throughout the ing response from local members
ESTABLISH AN INDEPEN-
and golfers. There has been no
DENT GOVERNING BODY TO
ity due to the various travel and
OF THE INDUSTRY.
the golf club industry has bounced
CARE FOR THE WELL-BEING
international golf tourism activquarantine restrictions. What is most important is that back. Each club in the region
support for golf clubs. The pandemic has now made it of
deserves plaudits of praise and support for the manner in
paramount importance that the owners and operators of golf
which they stoically took heavy body blows and refused to go
clubs in the region help establish an independent govern-
down. Instead, against huge odds, the clubs showed incred-
ing body to care for the well-being of the industry. It would
ible valour to stand up and battle the pandemic and it is
not be a misnomer to say that all golf clubs swung back into
heart-warming to see them back in business. The road ahead
action on their own by observing whatever guidance provided
is not going to be any easy one as there will be the contagion
by their respective governments. Some of the clubs showed
aftermath brought about by many factors, namely the eco-
incredible leadership by creating various safety advisories
nomic recovery of the countries that make up Southeast Asia.
Looking at the bright side, the courageous men and women who faced the challenge of the pandemic head-on, have proven that they possess the will to battle on and survive! As a tribute to the golf club industry, ASIAN GOLF is dedicating its July edition to the BIG BOUNCE BACK. To tell the story of this triumphant return, we selected a spokesman for the club industry and the choice was Stacey Walton, the general manager of the multi-award-winning Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand. The following are excerpts from an interview conducted with Walton just days before publication:
ASIAN GOLF: THE PAST THREE MONTHS MUST HAVE BEEN A VERY TRYING PERIOD FOR THE CLUB. HOW DID YOU COPE WITH THE LOCK DOWN WHICH PERHAPS HAS BEEN THE WORST PERIOD IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE CLUB? STACEY WALTON: The C-19 events and its impact on the entire golf club, tourism, hospitality, and leisure industry across the world is unprecedented. Indeed, it has been a learning curve for governments, management, and industry leaders to operate during a pandemic situation. It takes great leadership to engage, involve and motivate teams to have a positive outlook and build a culture of solidarity when there is anxiety and fear of the worst from the news about the Pandemic in the social media.
Fortunately, our management team has decades of experience in managing through crisis situations before with
the authorities that golf is a health enhancing physical activity with safe social interaction in a low risk environment. If golf clubs could have just closed the clubhouses and
SARS, MERS, financial crisis, terrorism, and military coups. However, nothing comes close to the size and scale of the
restricted play to members and their guests only with clear
C-19 situation and the impact it has on all businesses and
safety protocols in place, I think the governments may have
operations.
kept the golf courses open. We have since established the
Prior to the government’s final announcement to close
Banyan Covid-19 Preventative Protocol Manual and visualiza-
all golf courses in Thailand we worked pro-actively with our
tions to promote the health and safety of members, guests,
local golf association, as well as the Be Well Medical Centre
and their employees.
located in our residential development in collaboration with
We view the protocols that we developed at Banyan
other provinces which included Bangkok to try and convince
Thailand – Hua Hin for the golf club, residences, and village
THE C-19 EVENTS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENTIRE GOLF
CLUB, TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND
LEISURE INDUSTRY ACROSS THE WORLD IS UNPRECEDENTED. INDEED, IT HAS BEEN
A LEARNING CURVE FOR GOVERNMENTS, MANAGEMENT, AND INDUSTRY LEADERS
TO OPERATE DURING A PANDEMIC SITUATION. IT TAKES GREAT LEADERSHIP TO
ENGAGE, INVOLVE AND MOTIVATE TEAMS TO HAVE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK AND BUILD A CULTURE OF SOLIDARITY WHEN THERE IS ANXIETY AND FEAR OF THE WORST FROM THE NEWS ABOUT THE
PANDEMIC IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA.
as best practice procedures. We are fortunate to have the Be
Our mission is to ensure that Banyan Thailand - Hua
Well Medical Centre located on the property at the Banyan
Hin which includes our golf club, residences and village is as
Residences and their doctors and consultants were able to
safe as possible with our protocols in place. Customers will
provide sound advice. Furthermore, we now position our golf club, residences,
put safety first and we are proud to say that we used our time well in discussing and developing plans on how to handle the
and rental villas to be a safe environment to stay, play and
situation and build a road map for recovery.
work. We have since appointed a Covid -19 compliance
ASIAN GOLF: YOUR CLUB IS KNOWN TO HAVE A VERY LOYAL TEAM OF EMPLOYEES RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD – HOW DID YOU ASSIST THE EMPLOYEES DURING THE SHUTDOWN AND HOW DID THEY ALL HOLD UP?
manager at the golf club and residences with a team of inspectors to conduct physical checks to ensure the safety protocols are always operation. We are now finalizing the SHA (Safety and Health Administration) process of becoming
WALTON: We were shut down from 26th March – 3rd May
certified as C-19 safe in association with the Tourist Authority
and our loyal employees understood the situation was be-
of Thailand. It is the new normal for protecting a golf club
yond our control. We knew that our team would be in fear of
and resort from any risk of contracting the virus now or in
losing their jobs and it was the responsibility of our board of
the future.
directors to make reassurances that Banyan would not make
The new normal will be with us for some time until there is a vaccine or cure for the virus which will take time. In the meantime, the economy can not afford to keep its doors closed and were just going to have to live with it being around for a whilst.
any redundancies. We held regular communication meetings with our heads of department and team members announcing that we will ensure job security as “we are in this together” by promoting solidarity and teamwork to survive the
WE NOW POSITION OUR GOLF
CLUB, RESIDENCES, AND RENT
VILLAS TO BE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT T
will become popular with local and domestic golfers living in
WE HAVE SIN APPOINTED A COVID -19 COMPLIANC
Bangkok and will be well supported by our members.
MANAGER AT THE GOLF CLUB AND RE
crisis. We reassured our team as an award-winning golf club we are confident of a rebound that once Banyan reopened, it
ASIAN GOLF: HOW WAS THE DOWNTIME UTILIZED BY THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE CLUB? WALTON: We conducted our annual golf course maintenance programme which included aeryfying tees, greens and fairways as well as improving on landscaping. After six weeks, there was not a divot in sight and the course was in immaculate condition. The crew worked full time during this period. We also launched a new concept called “Terrace at Home” which enabled our kitchen and service team to be working on a rotation system. As we are anticipate that the domestic market will be the only market for the time being, we developed a variety of attractive golf club promotions and packages. The Banyan Golf Academy concept is a new programme that we designed to encourage people who may like to learn how to play golf. We also worked hard on developing the Covid -19 safety protocols with Be Well Medical Centre, its implementation, and the training of our team.
STAY, PLAY AND WORK.
DENCES WITH A TEAM OF INSPECTORS CONDUCT PHYSICAL CHECKS TO ENSU THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE ALWAYS OPERATION.
WE ARE NOW FINALIZING THE SHA (SAFETY AND HEALTH AD MINISTRATION) PROCESS OF BECOMING CERTIFIED AS C-19 SAFE IN ASSOCIAT WITH THE TOURIST AUTHORITY OF THAILAND. IT IS THE NEW NORMAL FO
PROTECTING A GOLF CLUB AND RESOR
FROM ANY RISK OF CONTRACTING THE VIRUS NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.
F
TAL
TO
NCE
CE
SI-
S TO
RE
G
-
G
TION
OR
RT
E
ASIAN GOLF: HOW DID YOU MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH YOUR MEMBERS AND REGULAR GOLFERS?
and this proved to be a smart way to communicate this service. Our reputation for a quality dining experience
WALTON: We sent our members and regular golfers
and service made Terrace @ Home a popular choice for
frequent newsletters and updates on club operations and
members and people living locally. Signature Thai and
course maintenance. We were active on our social media
popular favourites such as our Banyan Burger was made
with photos being taken of the landscape, nature and
available every day and delivered to the comfort of our
hero shots of the golf course and clubhouse. Facebook
customers’ homes It was indeed a success, and we do
is still the number one social media channel in Thailand.
not intend to close down this service now that the hotels
We were delighted that several members visited the golf
and restaurants are open as we receive more requests for
course for a walk, and some were coming to cycle along
private dining at people’s homes.
the cart path of our golf course.
ASIAN GOLF: NOW THAT YOU ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS, WHAT’S BUSINESS LOOKING LIKE?
ASIAN GOLF: BESIDES OFFERING A TERRIFIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE YOUR CLUB IS ALSO NOTED FOR THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE THAT YOU DELIVER TO MEMBERS AND GOLFERS ALIKE – ONE AREA THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE HIT IS YOUR WONDERFUL F&B SERVICE. DID YOU KEEP YOUR KITCHEN BUSY WITH TAKE-OUTS?
WALTON: The month of May was a bonus. We did not expect that we would be open so soon after closure. In June, the number of rounds is increasing daily and the outlook for July is even more positive. Golf in Thailand is
WALTON: Our innovative “Terrace @ Home” offered
a mature market and a popular game played across the
a full a la carte menu to all residents living in the local
country. Next month, we will resume our club events and
communities nearby and as restrictions were being less-
social calendar such as our signature “Golf and Wine”
ened, we did several outside catering events at private
dinner. Also, since the recent launch of the Banyan Golf
homes. We ran commercials on a local radio station,
Academy this has been encouraging as we have seen
more interest from Thailand residents wanting to start
WALTON: Indeed, it will take quite some time to match 2019
playing the game. Bangkok has a population of 8 million
levels. However, in the short term we will focus on sustain-
people and with the coastal town of Hua Hin being located
ability not just on revenue but also control of operation costs
just 2.5hrs South of Bangkok, Hua Hin is in high demand.
without compromising on quality. We are fortunate that a
Golf courses, hotels, water theme parks, shopping malls,
project on the size and scale of Banyan Thailand – Hua Hin
restaurants, spa’s and massage are open so the resort town
we are diversified with residences, village and now with Be
of Hua Hin is returning back to normal although there are
Well Medical Centre we are experiencing more interest in our
temperature checks on arrival and social distancing is be-
real estate and residents have the privilege of becoming a
ing practiced as the new normal. The Tourism Authority of
member of the golf club. Our sales and marketing plans are
Thailand is actively promoting domestic tourism and we are
targeted at local and Bangkok residents both Thai and expats
in discussions on our plans how golf courses can benefit.
through online advertising and social media campaigns. We
ASIAN GOLF: ARE YOU SEEING ANY SIGNS OF A RETURN
have also set up affiliations with the Chambers of Commerce,
BY FOREIGNERS?
International schools, and reputable real estate agencies.
WALTON: It really depends on the opening of the borders
Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin has always been popular with the
and the relaxation of travel restrictions. Hua Hin is a very
local golf community and we have experienced high demand
popular retirement destination with wellbeing, health and
since we opened for tee times during peak periods. We also
an active lifestyle combined with our tropical climate, I think
hope to see a return in corporate golf days and events. We
we will see this as a growing segment in the future. There
still have several tentative group bookings later in the year
is a vision for the future and investments are being made by
which have not been cancelled. However, it is still too early
improving the infrastructure. The double track railway with
to predict the situation on whether they will still go ahead
modern trains will make it quicker to commute to Bangkok
this year.
from Hua Hin and the Rama 2 highway widening is currently
ASIAN GOLF: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU ENVISAGE AS YOU WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE COME-BACK?
on-going and will develop an elevated expressway which are all indicative that we are using this period to prepare for the future. As a destination, plans are being made to promote
WALTON: The challenges will be in providing hospitality
Hua Hin as the Thailand Riviera as investments in property
and a high-level of customer service experience as against
developments are continuing in anticipation of future demand.
the backdrop of the safety measures needed. We need to
ASIAN GOLF: DO YOU FEEL THAT GETTING BACK TO THE POST-PANDEMIC PERIOD IS GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME AND IN VIEW OF THIS, DO YOU PLAN TO TRY AND FILL THE VOID WITH MORE LOCAL PARTICIPATION?
make every effort to keep protocols in place always and to ensure that it is enforced without affecting the total experience of our members and customers alike. It will be our responsibility to guarantee that customer expectations over
THE CHALLENGES WILL BEE IN PROVIDING HOSPITALITY AND ND A
HIGH-LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE E
EXPERIENCE AS AGAINST THE BACK KDROP OF THE SAFETY MEASURES NEEDED.
WE NEED TO MAKE EVERY ERY
EFFORT TO KEEP PROTOCOLS IN PLACE LACE ALWAYS AND TO ENSURE THAT IT IS S ENFORCED WITHOUT AFFECTING THE HE TOTAL EXPERIENCE OF OUR MEMBERS ERS AND CUSTOMERS ALIKE.
time are matched – we will need to find the right balance nce in the future as social trends, attitudes and behavior will change due to the safety protocols. Thailand is well known nown for the Thai “smile” - it is what differentiates the total hospitality experience from other countries. The bottom line for every industry or business leader is sustainable cash ash flow and to have enough funds for capital improvements nts and investments in the future. In a resort location it iss more seasonal and as such, the income generated in the high gh season carries you through the low season. Therefore, e, if Q4 does not come back as expected, it will have a knock-on ck-on effect on what we can plan to invest or improve on in the following year. However, we are confident that Thailand d will bounce back in time and we have the full support of our ur shareholders.
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THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY HAS ARGUABLY BEEN
HIT HARD BY THE PANDEMIC.
AN
INDUSTRY THAT GENERATED OVER ONE BILLION TRIPS ANNUALLY HAS JUST COLLAPSED.
VARYING REPORTS POINT
TO THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY SUFFERING A GLOBAL LOSS OF OVER
75 MILLION JOBS AND TRILLIONS OF U.S. DOLLARS IN REVENUE.
This is the double-edged question that many people are asking ever since the Coronavirus pandemic brought nations big and small, crashing down to their knees. For the past three months, hundreds of millions have been living in a state of uncertainty not knowing when the dreaded killer virus would release its vise-like grip on businesses and lives. Its raging attack has resulted in virtually the entire world being thrown into an indefinite lockdown and as this report is being written, there are countries that are gradually trying to creep back into the old normal. However, while these cautious attempts to get everything back to status quo is in progress, there are foreboding warnings of a second wave of the virus lurking, waiting to launch an attack. Given the lack of any firm convictions as to what the immediate future holds, perhaps the most prudent action to take is to plan for a phased return to the post pandemic period. Many have threaded carefully on this pathway and the golf and travel industries are amongst those that have embarked on re-starting.
T
he travel and tourism industry has arguably
out of the company’s Singapore office and the following are
been hit hard by the pandemic. An industry
highlights of the interview:
that generated over one billion trips annually
ASIAN GOLF: AS A MAJOR GLOBAL PLAYER IN THE HOTEL ROOM RESERVATION BUSINESS, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE IMPACT AND EFFECT THE CORONAVIRUS HAS ON THE HOTEL INDUSTRY?
has just collapsed. Varying reports point to the travel and tourism industry suffering a global
loss of over 75 million jobs and trillions of U.S. dollars in revenue. “The impact on travel is six or seven times greater than
TIM HENTSCHEL: Early 2020, the prognosis for the COVID-19 impact on the hospitality industry was
the 9/11 attacks,” says Roger Dow, president and CEO of the
relatively optimistic. The positive perception drew
U.S. Travel Association, which promotes travel to and within
on statements from the authority of the World
the country and represents an industry that generates US$2.6
Health Organization (WHO) and extrapolated
trillion in economic output and supports 15.8 million jobs in
from China’s delayed updates about the situa-
the U.S.
tion at ground zero of the virus outbreak. By
Much of the tourism industry built its financial strategy
the time COVID-19 spread to Europe and
around a trouble-free future, planning for eternal blue skies,
the rest of the western world, it sufficed
open borders, high tourism demand, a US$8 trillion industry
to say that this crisis is unprecedented,
that was thought to defy the ups and downs of the market.
and one that was akin to, if not worse
Tourism is a key contributor to the Asia Pacific as a whole and it constitutes a good proportion of the GDP of many coun-
than 9/11 and SARS. Travel, as we know it, will
tries on the Continent. As some of the countries are gradually
never be the same. For in-
lifting the lockdown, ASIAN GOLF decided to place the spot-
stance, HotelPlanner foresees
light on what is in store for the future of tourism in the Asia
a post-COVID-19 hospitality
Pacific. For an expert view, we reached out to HotelPlanner.
industry being predomi-
com which was founded in 2002. As a global player, it services
nantly staycation-based
over US$10 billion in group hotel sales. It has expanded its
bookings. Having
presence in Southeast Asia with a view to help bolster the
just come out of
industry’s growth in the region.
a pandemic like
ASIAN GOLF spoke with Tim Hentschel, CEO and cofounder of the company who now heads up the operations
such, people will seek safety in their
TRAVEL, AS WE KNOW IT, WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. FOR INSTANCE, HOTELPLANNER FORESEES A POSTCOVID-19 HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY BEING PREDOMINANTLY STAYCATION-BASED BOOKINGS. HAVING JUST COME OUT OF A PANDEMIC LIKE SUCH, PEOPLE WILL SEEK SAFETY IN THEIR TRAVELS AND HEAD TO MOUNTAINS, LAKES, AND BEACH RESORTS THAT THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH. travels and head to mountains, lakes, and
wave hits. On top of that, it takes time to implement
beach resorts that they are familiar with.
new procedures and safety measures as a collective
Business travel will be reduced signifi-
industry to restore consumer faith and safeguard
cantly – a result of an increased tech-sav-
against future similar crises.
viness during the lockdowns. Of the hardest
ASIAN GOLF: WHAT SORT OF RECOVERY DO YOU EXPECT AND HOW LONG DO YOU THINK THAT THE RECOVERY PROCESS WILL BE?
hit, group events and corporate conferences will bear the brunt of the damage. Without a vaccine or guarantee, event coordinators will be reluctant to risk large losses if a second
HENTSCHEL: With the opening of the economy, the prospect of recovery improves. June revenues might
bounce back from March, April and May lows, and on top of
However, this trend will not be consistent throughout
that, we expect summer travel revenues moving forward to
all Southeast Asia. For instance, Thailand and Indonesia are
grow as high as 70% year-on-year and decline back to 50%
expected to do better than places like Singapore. They are
year-on-year in winter in the final quarter.
cheaper, have better beaches and less lockdown rules. On
The industry will not embark on a path of a V-shaped
top of that, Singapore is a city state, and people are avoiding
recovery, but instead, one that is slow and competitive.
densely populated urban areas.
ASIAN GOLF: GIVEN THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE A VERY WIDE GLOBAL REACH AND THE ABILITY TO OFFER SOME OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE RATES, DO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE WELL POSITIONED TO DRIVE THE RECOVERY OF THE INDUSTRY IN A POST-PANDEMIC PERIOD?
ASIAN GOLF: WHERE DO YOU SEE THE QUICKEST RECOVERY (IN TERMS OF COUNTRIES IN THE REGION) TAKING PLACE IN AND HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE FOR THE REGION TO GET BACK TO ITS PRE-PANDEMIC HIGHS? HENTSCHEL: North America is showing the quickest recov-
HENTSCHEL: Yes, we are already seeing a steady rebound
ery, followed by Europe, and soon Asia will be enjoying sunny
in North America with our partners LPGA starting to make
days. We believe the recovery should be global by 2021.
bookings again.
ASIAN GOLF: YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN PROMOTING SPORTS TRAVEL – WHAT SPORTS ARE YOU ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN PROMOTING?
ASIAN GOLF: ONE OF THE HARDEST INDUSTRIES HIT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, AFFECTING ALL THE MAJOR PLAYERS AND THE RELATED SUPPORT INDUSTRIES. IN A POST PANDEMIC ERA, DO YOU SEE A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF HOW PEOPLE TRAVEL, WHERE THEY STAY AND THE FREQUENCY OF TRAVEL?
HENTSCHEL: The hotels and travel companies should expect a predominantly staycation-based business once the
HENTSCHEL: We have always been strong supporters of Golf. It’s a natural as golf and golf resorts have been strong attraction for travellers for over 100 years.
ASIAN GOLF: LOOKING AHEAD, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE GROWING GOLF TOURISM MARKET IN THE REGION?
economy opens and begins its path on recovery. With that in
HENTSCHEL: We see ourselves looking to extend
mind, strategies should revolve around this prediction and
more partnerships and sponsorships with sporting
bank on local tourism. We see 2020 being the year where
events including golf, as well as providing hotel
people drive to mountains, lakes, beach resorts, or their
stays for sports teams and sportsmen looking to
go-to friendly place - essentially places they are familiar with
travel in large groups. We are committed to ex-
and feel safe in times of crisis.
panding HotelPlanner’s presence in Southeast
ASIAN GOLF: WITH ANY MAJOR DISRUPTION, THERE IS ALWAYS CHANGE THAT FOLLOWS. IN THE CASE OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, WHAT SILVER LININGS DO YOU SEE?
Asia. We have set up in Singapore because
HENTSCHEL: We have all learned to work remotely more
ings, for the first time in nine years,
effectively, which means more teleconference calls from the
Singapore surpassed the United
golf course in the future.
States and Hong Kong as the world’s
ASIAN GOLF: SHIFTING GEARS AND LOOKING AT SOUTH-
most competitive economy. And,
according to Swiss-based business school IMD’s 2019 World Competitiveness Rank-
EAST ASIA, WHICH IS A MAJOR NEW MARKET FOR YOU, HOW DO YOU SEE THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY MOVING AHEAD?
due to its world-class business
HENTSCHEL: Southeast Asia should start seeing a boost
safety and security, travel
in travel, as it has a smaller amount of COVID-19 infections
and tourism policies, and
compared to other destinations. Furthermore, it’s cheaper
overall infrastructure,
in terms of cost, and due to the fact that we are in a world
it remains among the
recession, people will look to money-saving options.
region’s most com-
Additionally, the region offers stunning beaches and natural landscapes that are a good reprieve from their homes post-lockdown.
environment, labour market,
petitive travel and tourism country.
THE HOTEL S AND T RAVEL C EXPECT OMPANIE A PREDO S SHOUL BUSINES MINANT D S ONCE LY STAYC THE ECO ATION-B ITS PATH NOMY O ASED PENS AN ON REC OVERY. D BEGIN STRATEG W S ITH THA IES SHO T IN U MIND, LD REVO DICTION LVE ARO AND 2020 BEIN BANK ON LOCAL TO UND THIS PREURISM. G THE Y WE SEE EAR WH MOUNTA ERE PEO INS, LAK P L E DRIVE ES, BEA GO-TO F TO CH RESO RIENDLY R T S , O P R THEIR LACE - E THEY AR SSENTIA E FAMIL LLY PLA IAR WIT CES OF CRIS H AND FE IS. EL SAFE IN TIME S
WEAR IT YOUR WAY
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TESTIMONIALS JOHN BLANCH GENERAL MANAGER THAI COUNTRY CLUB
VICKY JONES CHAMPIONSHIP DIRECTOR EUROPEAN TOUR
WANIDA IMPHRAI PRESIDENT OFFICE MANAGER RICOH
STEVEN O'CONNOR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BLUESCOPE
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In this day and age of mass production and the throw-away culture, it is most heartening to see that there are still master craftsmen around who believe in striving for excellence. A level of excellence that keeps pushing the envelope. A craftsman with this special quality is golf’s Bob Vokey – his very name is a moniker that represents the constant pursuit of seeking out the best. Earlier this year, Vokey launched the SM8 family of wedges, an iteration of a long line of wedges that have come out from his famous design lab. His latest in the successful SM8 series is the “Low Bounce K Grind”, a tourproven, versatile wedge.
ADAM SCOTT WAS USING THE ORIGINAL VOKEY DESIGN 200 SERIES (260.08) WEDGE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. AS FAR BACK AS 2012, WE STARTED TESTING THE NEW K GRIND WITH HIM AFTER HE MENTIONED HE WAS LOOKING TO IMPROVE HIS BUNKER PLAY. HE WAS SEEKING MORE FORGIVENESS IN HIS SAND/LOB WEDGE, AND AFTER SOME BLIND TESTING - ADAM WAS BLOWN AWAY BY HOW SIMPLE BUNKER PLAY COULD BE WITH THIS GRIND. WE STARTED WITH A 60.10 K, AND AS CONDITIONS FIRMED UP, ADAM MENTIONED THAT A LITTLE LESS BOUNCE COULD BE THE KEY. THE 60.06 K WAS BORN AND HAS BEEN IN HIS BAG EVER SINCE. – AARON DILL
T
he Vokey SM8 K grind is among the most
ing a lower bounce version.” In response to this, Vokey
popular of all the available Vokey options,
pointed out: “As a result, we crafted a sole with 6° of effec-
especially with amateur golfers who favour
tive bounce, while maintaining the wide camber that makes
its wide, cambered sole, providing maxi-
the K design so effective for a wide variety of players. As
mum forgiveness on greenside shots and
soon as we brought it out on tour, it was immediately ac-
out of the bunker. The new model is available in 58- and
cepted and in the bags of multiple players as soon as they
60-degree lofts.
had a chance to test it.”
Based on feedback from tour players, Vokey explained, “Several players preferred the K grind sole but were seek-
Like most Vokey Design wedges, the new Low Bounce K grind was born out of Vokey’s and long-time Vokey tour
BOB VOKEY & ADAM SCOTT
representative Aaron Dill’s collaboration with players on the PGA Tour and across the worldwide professional tours. The
whom gravitated to the 60.06 K grind. “Adam Scott was using the original Vokey Design 200
pool of input runs deep, as Vokey Design models account for
series (260.08) wedge for several years. As far back as 2012,
more than half of all wedges at a PGA Tour event during any
we started testing the new K grind with him after he men-
given week. Vokey and Dill take that extensive feedback to
tioned he was looking to improve his bunker play. He was
consistently deliver new, tour-validated designs.
seeking more forgiveness in his sand/lob wedge, and after
Among those choosing the play the Low Bounce K for
some blind testing - Adam was blown away by how simple
its combination of performance and aesthetics are Adam
bunker play could be with this grind. We started with a 60.10
Scott, Webb Simpson, Ben An and Bud Cauley, all four of
K, and as conditions firmed up, Adam mentioned that a little
THE 60.06 K MADE ITS WAY INTO WEBB’S BAG EARLY 2018 AFTER HE PLAYED A ROUND WITH A FELLOW COMPETITOR. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON ON TOUR FOR A PLAYER TO SEE WHAT SOMEBODY ELSE
- ESPECIALLY WITH WEDGES. WEBB SAID TO ME WHEN ORDERING HIS 60.06 K THAT IT GAVE HIM WHAT HE WANTED, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHAT HE NEEDED. THE GROUND HUGGING LOOK AND THE FORGIVENESS IN THE IS HAVING SUCCESS WITH AND THEN ASK TO GIVE IT A TRY
BUNKER WAS WHAT HE NEEDED TO FREE UP HIS WEDGE ACTION AND BUILD FURTHER CONFIDENCE.
– AARON DILL
less bounce could be the key. The 60.06 K was born and has
ging look and the forgiveness in the bunker was what
been in his bag ever since,” according to Dill.
he needed to free up his wedge action and build further
Continuing, Dill said, “The 60.06 K made its way into
confidence.”
Webb’s bag early 2018 after he played a round with a fellow
The WedgeWorks Low Bounce K incorporates all the tech-
competitor. It is not uncommon on tour for a player to see
nology that sets Vokey Design SM8 wedges apart, including:
what somebody else is having success with and then ask
■ Progressive CG pushed forward of the face for increased
to give it a try - especially with wedges. Webb said to me
MOI, improved consistency, and softer, more solid feel.
when ordering his 60.06 K that it gave him what he wanted,
■ Spin Milled grooves cut with a level of precision that is
and more importantly, what he needed. The ground hug-
unique by finish, producing maximum spin.
If Adam Scott had not made the grade as a top-notch professional golfer, his striking good looks may have sent him off to Hollywood for a career in movies. But that was not to be. The Australian superstar went on to become one of the top international golfers on the PGA Tour and at one point he was the No. 1. Scott has been very successful on the PGA Tour having won 14 PGA Tour events, including the 2013 Masters. He is also won 11 European Tour, six PGA Tour of Australasia, four Asian Tour, and one Sunshine Tour event. The PGA TOUR’s Chuah Choo Chiang looks at the Australian star’s career to date as he prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday. Pictures by Getty Images.
TO
LUCK.
ACHIEVE WHAT
ACHIEVE,
I
I
WANT TO
CAN’T LEAVE IT UP TO
THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO GET THERE, BUT I FEEL LIKE I AM ON THE RIGHT TRACK. THERE ARE LOTS OF ADJUSTMENTS THROUGHOUT MY PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE THE LAST FEW YEARS. TOOK ME SOME TIME TO JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO BALANCE EVERYTHING OUT. A GOOD TRACK NOW.
I
THINK
I’M
ON
F
rom the outside, Adam Scott looks much the same as he did in 2000 when he opted to leave college and become a professional golfer. He still has the same boyish good looks and perpetual smile. And his smooth textbook swing remains the envy of aspiring youngsters around the world.
But Scott is no longer just another handsome guy who can square up
a clubface as well as anyone in the world. He has grown dramatically as a person and a player. Now, as he prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday on July 11, the Australian has become one of the game’s international leaders, in words and deeds. He is a family man with a wife and two young children. And Scott, with his continued success, has thrust himself into the conversation when it turns to inclusion in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Right now, Scott is willing to let others determine his legacy. He is only interested in winning golf tournaments, particularly major championships.
WINNING
TOURNAMENTS IS ALWAYS MY GOAL AND WE PUT A
HUGE FOCUS ON THE MAJORS.
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN ANY OF THE OTHER MAJORS LATER THIS YEAR. MY GOAL IS TO KEEP MY GAME IN A SPOT WHERE THAT IS REALISTIC. … I WOULD LIKE TO GET MYSELF BACK QUICKLY IN THAT POSITION AND SEE IF I CAN ADD TO THAT TALLY THIS YEAR. “Winning tournaments is always my goal and we put a
OF
COURSE,
“I would like to think most of my achievements are
huge focus on the majors,” Scott said. “Of course, I would
still to come,” Scott said. “For me it’s about winning major
love to win any of the other majors later this year. My goal is
championships. That is the measure of a career, really in
to keep my game in a spot where that is realistic. … I would
this game, but it is always the process of getting there.
like to get myself back quickly in that position and see if I can
You do not just show up and win majors randomly. Maybe
add to that tally this year.”
it can happen once. You can luck into one, but not multiple
Scott was back in form earlier in 2020 when he ended a four-year winless streak by claiming a two-shot victory at the
majors. “To achieve what I want to achieve, I can’t leave it up to
Genesis Championship at Riviera Country Club outside Los
luck. There is a lot of work to get there, but I feel like I am
Angeles. The win enabled the former Players Championship
on the right track. There are lots of adjustments throughout
winner to climb back into the top-10 rankings after falling as
my professional and personal life the last few years. Took me
low as 82nd in July 2018. It was the 14th victory of his PGA TOUR career – tied for
some time to just figure out how to balance everything out. I think I’m on a good track now.”
65th all-time – but his first in 74 starts. The only active play-
Scott is tied with Bruce Crampton as the third-win-
ers with more wins are Tiger Woods (82), Phil Mickelson (44),
ningest Australian on the PGA TOUR. Only Greg Norman (20)
Dustin Johnson (20), Rory McIlroy (18) and Jim Furyk (17).
and Jim Ferrier (18) have more.
Scott admitted that the long drought – although not as
However, a second major championship would elevate
serious as the bad stretch he endured in 2009 in the after-
Scott into a different sphere. There have been 223 major
math of a surfing-related knee injury – took a toll on him. He
championship winners, but only 82 players – including Nor-
cited frustration and said he was pushing himself too hard in
man – have won multiple majors.
the wrong direction. The Genesis victory acted as both as a salve and form of encouragement. The win helped point him back in the right direction. “My big goal is to be a multiple major winner and I think the habit of winning is good for that,” Scott said. Although his lone major championship remains his
So how does that frame Scott’s credentials for eventual enshrinement in the Hall of Fame? His current numbers mirror those of American Hal Sutton. Each has won The Players Championship and one major championship. But Sutton had only eight top-10 finishes in 68 major championship appearances and endured an inex-
historic victory at the Masters in 2013 – when he became
plicable stretch of nine consecutive winless seasons during
the first Australian to earn the green jacket – Scott has an
the prime of his career. Sutton was a finalist for inclusion in
exemplary record in the big events. He has 19 top-10 finishes
the World Golf Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 and will almost
in 74 starts in majors.
certainly be inducted soon.
In 2019 he tied for eighth at the U.S. PGA Champion-
Sutton has one item on his resume that Scott does not –
ship, tied for seventh at the U.S. Open Championship and
captaincy of an international team. Sutton was the captain of
won the Australian PGA Championship for the second time
the losing 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup team and is still remembered
in his career. He was trending in the right direction when the
for the ill-fated pairing of Woods and Mickelson on the first
COVID-19 pandemic forced competition to temporarily cease.
day of competition.
FOR ME IT’S ABOUT WINNING MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. THAT IS THE MEASURE OF A CAREER, REALLY IN THIS GAME, BUT IT IS ALWAYS THE PROCESS OF GETTING THERE. YOU DO NOT JUST SHOW UP AND WIN MAJORS RANDOMLY. MAYBE IT CAN HAPPEN ONCE. YOU CAN LUCK INTO ONE, BUT NOT MULTIPLE MAJORS. Scott has not yet been asked to be the captain of the International Presidents Cup team – largely because he is still pivotal in the team’s chances as a player. He has made the team nine times and acted as an unofficial vice-captain for Ernie Els at the 2019 competition at Royal Melbourne in Australia. Scott was heartsick when the team squandered a big lead and watched the American team come back for a victory on his home soil. He is currently more concerned with helping the International team win the event than he is serving as captain. “It will be incredibly disappointing if I played all these and never won a Presidents Cup,” he said. “I feel I’d be missing something. The last few years, I have put more of myself out there for the team, and so far, it has not yielded much of a result. It’s never fun leaving on Sunday with not having won the trophy.” South African Trevor Immelman, also a Masters champion, has already agreed to be the team captain for 2021. Scott would likely be next in line to lead a team, possibly as soon as 2023. In the meantime, he has been helping add a touch of normalcy to his homeland during the COVID-19 shutdown. In May he hosted a live-streamed nine-hole match on Instagram against local professional Wayne Perske at Maleny Golf Club in Queensland. The match – with a $5 wager in the balance – ended all-square when Perske missed a putt on the final hole. The stakes will be higher when Scott returns to the PGA TOUR later this summer. The amended 2019-20 schedule will conclude at the TOUR Championship, Sept. 4-7 at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. He just wants to be in the discussion. And he is ready. “I have a sense of calm, which has always suited me on the golf course,” Scott said. “I definitely walk on the course with a calmness. Maybe it is confidence, but I say calmness.”
SHAWNHUMPHRIES.COM SHAWN HUMPHRIES
There is an interesting trend we are seeing in sport. We see it in the highest levels of competition, amateur and professional, and it is not exclusive to any one sport. Why are the 5% winning 95% of the competitions and sometimes doing it with lackluster performances? What are the reasons why these individuals and teams continue to win? These athletes put in the work physically and mentally but there are additional factors that allow them to repeatedly experience winning performances, with less than their best. Shawn Humphries, ranked amongst the top golf coaches in the world, shares his thoughts on this topic in an exclusive analysis for ASIAN GOLF:
O
ne critical factor is the self-image (SI). For the rest of this article we will refer to the selfimage as the “SI.” Your SI is the sum of your habits and attitudes and the area of comfort that you prefer to operate in. The SI controls your skill set and will not allow you to have a performance that you cannot picture or be comfortable performing. For better understanding let us relate this to a scenario in golf: you are a 75 shooter. You are having a great day technically, hitting the shots you plan and picture, and you are coming down the stretch with an under-par round. You have a few holes left and your under-par round turns into a 75. Down the stretch you begin to realize potential outcomes and your level of discomfort turns into less committed plans and tentative swings. What just occurred was that your SI adjusted to its area of comfort. Your SI would not allow you to overcome the hurdle of shooting one of your personal best rounds. What differentiates the ultra-elite is their skill and SI have grown at the same rate and the systems they adhere to in their training allows them to have winning performances under pressure. However, there is good news for the athlete who aspires to grow
into a better performer! An athlete, through solutions-based training, can begin growing and building his SI. This defined and deliberate training aids the athlete in controlling his thoughts through a consistent mindset system which allows him to respond versus react in competition. Solutions based training enables the athlete to focus on what he wants to accomplish, not what he does not. This changes the athletes talk and mental picture. The training has more consequences and sense of urgency and the athlete is growing his knowledge and SI concurrent with his skills. We picture what we do want: hitting the fairway, the green or making the putt, for example, so the focus is always on what he wants to accomplish not what he does not want to happen. In addition to the growth of the SI there are several traits that we consistently see in the ultra-elite who have implemented high stakes training. We can learn from these traits and incorporate them into our training. First, we see that these athletes trust and commit to their system and strategies. Second, these athletes train very deliberately and get in a lot of physical reps as well as reps in their knowledge and understanding of their systems. In this phase everything is defined, measured, and timed. Third, there is someone subsidizing the opportunity. The athlete under-
stands the privilege to train and be supported and there is a mutual understanding between coach and player that this is an exceptional opportunity, one not to be taken lightly. Finally, these athletes prepare adequately for the task, execute the task under pressure and respond appropriately and proportionately to the outcome, no matter if the outcome was desired or not. The ultra-elite have incorporated these traits into their training and the biproduct becomes consistent winning performances. Their self-images are off the chart because of all the deposits they have made into their SI. All these positive reinforcements help the self-image to grow, like a deposit would help a checking account to grow in value. The ultra-elite go from an attitude of “I think I can accomplish this” to “I can accomplish this.” They begin to trust and commit all the time, regardless of the situation or circumstance. Winning happens as a biproduct of the athlete trusting in his performance. He does not go out with the goal to win but to simply trust and commit to each component of his performance. Winning happens to him. So, how can we emulate the ultra-elite and see changes in our outcomes? Though the process of imprinting we can begin to see our performances change. To begin changing
these habits and attitudes we begin with 4-foot putts. We help the athlete to trust and commit to the system and run the mindset program. Everything is timed, measured, and defined. The athlete begins making putt after putt and he begins to believe that it is like him to do these things. All this physical training places actual imprints on the athlete’s SI and the SI begins to change. When the athlete struggles in the training the next steps are always solutions based. If the training and outcome is great it grows the self-image and if the performance needs work the solution is put in place so not to shrink the SI. These approaches insulate and protect the SI. The second type of imprints are imagined ones. We do this all the time: thinking about excelling in a performance or failing in one. Just like actual imprints, imagined ones can grow or shrink the SI. With young athletes we see them worrying about a performance, a shot, or a play and all this worrying shrinks the SI. The goal is to imagine what you want to do and the solutions so that you imprint what you need to do. The key is to ask the athlete about the performance, what he did, what he learned and the solutions. Great athletes never imagine performing poorly. To solidify these imagined imprints the
ultra-elite, spend a few minutes at the end of every training session writing down and unpacking their day, keeping a solutions-based focus. The third type of imprints are environmental. The environment contains the things we do not have control over our competitors, the course conditions, parents, and social media, for example. A lot of these factors can influence the athlete to be drawn to what they did wrong that day, versus being focused on the solutions. Our discussion has highlighted the traits of the ultraelite-those who have winning performances even with less
than their best. The traits we see in these individuals: they cultivate their SI’s, they manage their imprints, thoughts and routines and they know how to prepare for competition deliberately. These athletes write down what they have learned so to control their thoughts and imprints with a solutions-based focus. The exciting thing for the young or growing athlete: the habits of the ultra-elite can be applied to the mindset and training of an athlete at any stage in his development. Implementing solutions-based training with systems, a mindset program and positive imprinting will help an athlete grow his skills and performances will begin to change.
THE ATHLETE UNDERSTANDS THE PRIVILEGE TO TRAIN AND BE SUPPORTED AND THERE IS A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
COACH AND PLAYER THAT THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, ONE NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.
THESE ATHLETES PREPARE ADEQUATELY FOR THE
TASK, EXECUTE THE TASK UNDER PRESSURE AND RESPOND
APPROPRIATELY AND PROPORTIONATELY TO THE OUTCOME, NO MATTER IF THE OUTCOME WAS DESIRED OR NOT.
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Ever since Japanese golf phenom Hideki Matsuyama broke onto the world stage of topflight professional golf, he has maintained a sort of selfimposed silence. He projected an almost hermit-like persona as he went about carving out a name for himself on the world’s most powerful professional tour, the PGA TOUR. The silent image suited the Japanese ace golfer to a tee. Was there any reason behind this stoic behaviour? Yes! And the answer is a simple one – Matsuyama simply did not speak any English and till today, he keeps whatever conversation he has to the absolute minimum. When he speaks, he does so through an interpreter. For a deep dive look into the “Silent Samurai”, ASIAN GOLF turned to the PGA TOUR’s Chuah Choo Chiang for a special report:
S
porting stardom is often attained through
Some 10 years ago, he enjoyed a big break by squeezing
various means. Some athletes are born with
into the field for the 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion-
god given talents that they simply excel at the
ship (AAC) in Japan only because an additional four spots
highest level while others use grit, drive, and
were allocated to the host nation on top of an initial six
determination to master their trade and make
places for the leading Japanese golfers on the World Ama-
a name for themselves. In other instances, fame comes because of fate. Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama is one of those who
teur Golf Rankings. If the tournament, which was launched a year earlier as a joint initiative to develop the game by the Asia Pacific Golf
will look back at his illustrious career and acknowledge that
Confederation, the Masters Tournament and The R&A, was
his rapid rise on the PGA TOUR includes a stroke of good
played in another country, the name ‘Matsuyama’ may not
fortune and luck.
be all too familiar within golf’s circle today.
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA WITH C.T. PAN AND ERNIE ELS AT THE 2019 PRESIDENTS CUP | PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES
I
As it turned out, Matsuyama made full use of his opportunity and secured a stylish five-stroke victory at
WAS VERY FORTUNATE
TO RECEIVE ONE OF THE
Kasumigaseki Country Club. With an invitation to play in the Masters Tournament in 2011, he later emerged as the
ADDITIONAL INVITATIONS TO PLAY
leading amateur at Augusta National to take home the Silver
IN
Cup, thus announcing his arrival on the global stage. Matsuyama acknowledged his success at the AAC, and Masters Tournament was “life changing”. “Winning the 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
2010. I WAS STILL 18 YEARS OLD AND I REALLY WANTED TO PLAY IN SUCH A BIG EVENT. I WAS NERVOUS PLAYING THE FINAL ROUND BUT WAS ABLE TO
STAY FOCUSED JUST HITTING ONE SHOT AT A TIME.
I
WAS THRILLED
MY GAME HELD UP WELL ENOUGH TO WIN.
gave me the opportunity to play in the Masters Tournament. Making the cut that week helped me realize I could actually have a career playing golf,” he said. “I was very fortunate to receive one of the additional invitations to play in 2010. I was still 18 years old and I really wanted to play in such a big event. I was nervous playing the final round but was able to stay focused just hitting one shot at a time. I was thrilled my game held up well enough to win.” While some golfers take a lifetime to secure playing rights on the PGA TOUR, Matsuyama’s transition into the play-for-pay ranks was swift. In seven starts in 2013, he amassed six top-25 finishes, including a T6 at the Open Championship to earn his PGA TOUR card through the non-member category. His star appeal would continue to glow. “I was really happy to earn my card playing only seven events. Was I surprised? To be honest, making the cut at the 2011 and 2012 Masters
MATSUYAMA ROSE TO A CAREER HIGH NO. 2 ON THE OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING IN JUNE 2017 AFTER FINISHING RUNNER-UP IN THE U.S. OPEN FOR HIS BEST OUTING IN A MAJOR. THE WINS HAVE UNEXPECTEDLY DRIED UP FOR
NEARLY THREE YEARS NOW, BUT HE HAS PRODUCED ENOUGH SOLID GOLF IN RECENT TIMES TO INDICATE WIN
NO. 6 IS AROUND THE CORNER. AT THE TIME OF WRITING, MATSUYAMA HAS NOTCHED FIVE TOP-10S DURING THE PGA TOUR’S 2019-20 SEASON, PLACING HIM 10TH ON THE FEDEXCUP POINTS LIST.
was the key in giving me the confidence I needed to know that I could compete someday on the PGA TOUR,” said Matsuyama. “I owe a great debt of gratitude to Augusta National and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to play in the Masters as an amateur and helping me reach my dream to play professional golf. Winning the 2010 AAC was life changing for me.” Significantly, Matsuyama’s first PGA TOUR title was
achieved at the home of a golf legend, Jack Nicklaus. The
He was sort of a combination between Aoki and Jumbo in
Japanese edged Kevin Na at The Memorial Tournament in
that he is a big, strong kid with a marvelous putting touch.
2014 after a nerve-racking playoff and subsequently won
He is got a great golf game. This young man’s going to
four more times through 2017, including two World Golf
win a lot of golf tournaments,” said the 18-time major
Championships titles which made him the first Asian to
winner.
achieve the feat. He also became Japan’s most winningest player on the PGA TOUR with five titles to date.
Matsuyama rose to a career high No. 2 on the Official World Golf Ranking in June 2017 after finishing runner-up
Nicklaus likened the rising star to Japan’s elder
in the U.S. Open for his best outing in a major. The wins
statesmen, Isao Aoki, and Jumbo Ozaki. “Hideki is strong.
have unexpectedly dried up for nearly three years now,
JACK NICKLAUS CONGRATULATION HIDEKI MATSUMAYA AT THE 2015 MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT | PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES
I
STILL HAVE SO MUCH
MORE TO LEARN AND A LOT OF WORK AHEAD TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS
I
HAVE SET
FOR MYSELF WHICH INCLUDE
TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP EVERY YEAR, WINNING ON THE PGA TOUR AND OF PLAYING IN THE
COURSE WINNING A MAJOR TOURNAMENT.
but he has produced enough solid golf in recent times to indicate win No. 6 is around the corner. At the time of writing, Matsuyama has notched five top10s during the PGA TOUR’s 2019-20 Season, placing him 10th on the FedExCup points list. C.T. Pan, who partnered with Matsuyama to deliver two wins in two matches in the Presidents Cup last December, said during Matsuyama’s name was already being talked about during his amateur days. “My early impression of Hideki was he is a great player with so much potential,” said Pan, who is the same age as Matsuyama. “It’s even better to know him in person at the Presidents Cup. His composure and strong focus are very admirable to me. I believe he will be a major champion soon … very soon.” Like his deliberate golf swing which is highlighted by a pause at the top of his backswing, Matsuyama is in no rush to rake in more tournament victories despite the recent winless run. “I still have so much more to learn and a lot of work ahead to achieve the goals I have set for myself which include playing in the TOUR Championship every year, winning on the PGA TOUR and of course winning a major tournament.” With some luck, Matsuyama could well jump onto a winning spree very soon again.
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA | PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES
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