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 NOVEMBER 4 - 6, 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
ASIAN GOLF ZZZ DVLDSDFLÆ“FJROIJURXS FRP
ISSUE The year 2020 is over and what many had thought would be a year destined to propel the second decade of the New Millennium to new heights never quite had the chance to make it. Instead, the year with so much of hope placed on its broad shoulders, collapsed, and was totally decimated by a plague of biblical proportions – the dreaded Covid-19 virus. ASIAN GOLF has selected to kick off the new year by seeking out whatever silver linings there are in a postpandemic era. Quite naturally, the focus will be on the greater golf industry in Asia and we promise not to delve into economic doublespeak and tell it like it is!
242
JANUARY 2021
XREAD MORE
8 EQUIPMENT FOCUS
6 SHARED THOUGHTS 58 As the longest established pan-Asian golf magazine, we have been awarded the citation as the Best Asia Pacific Golf News Publication for 2021.
XREAD MORE
XREAD MORE
Cobra Golf has taken the lead to produce the innovative KING Supersport-35, a limited edition, fully 3-D printed putter design. The KING Supersport-35 putter is the product of two years of collaboration between Cobra engineers and teams at Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Parmatech.
XREAD MORE
20 ASIA’S TRAIL-BLAZER! Hoiana Shores Golf Club in Vietnam has received the prestigious GEO Certified® Development certification. What is especially notable about the GEO Certification is that Hoiana Shores is the first and only golf property in the Asia-Pacific to achieve this designation, and one of only half a dozen worldwide.
XREAD MORE
38 The inaugural World Golf Expo (WGE)
is now re-scheduled to be staged in November and the dates are locked-in.
XREAD MORE
50 MR. RIO COMES TO ASIA!
34 GOLF’S NEW IRON LADY!
The man who earned the right to stake his claim to the Rio Olympic Games golf course was American golf course architect Gil Hanse. The famed architect is currently putting the finishing touches on his maiden project in Asia, the Ban Rakat Club located in the Thai-capital city of Bangkok, which has being modelled along the lines of a great American club, The Lido Club.
The person who fits this title is none other than golf legend Annika Sorenstam. The former Swedish ace has been elected president of the International Golf Federation.
XREAD MORE
80 IS THE STAGE SET FOR A GLOBAL TOUR?
74 BIG BOOST FOR ASIAN GOLF The giant HSBC Bank, a long-time supporter of golf has thrown its support behind three major events to be staged in Asia for 2021.These three events form the pillars of HSBC’s commitment to its golf programme in Asia.
With just four weeks to go before the end of a tumultuous 2020, hammered by the ravages of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the golf world received notification that the two forces of professional golf had reached across the Atlantic to formalise a landmark agreement which brought the PGA Tour, the world’s richest and most powerful professional golf in tour in the world into a “strategic alliance” with the European Tour.
44 The full of the results for the inaugural Global Golf Awards are ready and the listing of the top three performers in each category is published in this edition of ASIAN GOLF. 86
68 This is really cool! It’s the all new MyTP programme which provides golfers with a comprehensive online platform for designing putters to their taste. XREAD MORE
The year that has just gone by, saw Asian dominance continue especially in the women’s professional game. Both the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour ran truncated schedules caused by the pandemic, but this did not stop Asia’s hell-bent stars from scoring big.
Mike Sebastian
INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR
Alan Campbell (China/Middle East)
Editor/Chief Executive Officer [mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Correspondent
GLOBAL EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL
Angela Raymond
President [angela@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Gregg Patterson
President, Tribal Magic Inc.
Andrew Wood Founder/President, Legendary Marketing
Raquel Arcega
James Cronk
Executive Creative Art Director [raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
President, Cronk Group
IT Consultant Tech-Know Integrators
Alice Ho
INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Business Manager [alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com]
Alice Ho
Email: alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com
ASIAN GOLF Singapore Post Centre Post Office, P.O. Box 532, Singapore 914018 Tel: +65 6323 2800 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.
SHARED THOUGHTS FROM THE PUBLISHER
SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS
It would be an understatement to describe the year just ended as a tough year. It was more than tough. It was devastating and the twelve months that got lost in the windmill of time, will always be remembered as a
period that wiped out and crippled many organisations. Many have disappeared from the business landscape never to return, while some are still clinging on to the precipice swinging like a pendulum between the
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. – ARISTOTLE, GREEK PHILOSOPHER
F
or many of us, there is very little cause to look ahead with some degree of optimism, let alone to celebrate. At ASIAN GOLF, we have been presented with a reason to celebrate and this came packaged in an
industry award. As the longest established pan-Asian golf magazine, we have been awarded the citation as the Best Asia Pacific Golf News Publication for 2021. This prestigious award has been bestowed upon the magazine by the London-based APAC Insider. The sought-after award recognises all-round excellence, commitment and dedication of the publication to its industry. “This is really a humbling experience to be recognised as the best in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mike Sebastian, CEO and Publisher of ASIAN GOLF. “This is the second time we have been recognised and it comes as validation of the good work that the team does day in and day out!” As we start-off a new year, the team at ASIAN GOLF would like to express its appreciation for all the support that we received from our advertisers and readers with-
gory prospect of death or the shining hope of survival. As dramatic as it may sound, it is a realistic representation of the rout created by the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic which continues to ravage the Planet.
out which, life would have been a huge struggle. We have made it and we hope to continue with our mission to tell golf’s story with an Asian perspective! ASIAN GOLF is an international golf magazine produced in English and enjoys a worldwide circulation. Its social media following, especially on Facebook is more than 100,000 followers.
SPECIAL FEATURE WORLD GOLF EXPO
COVER STORY | ASIA RISES AGAIN!
The year 2020 is over and what many had thought would be a year destined to propel the second decade of the New Millennium to new heights, never quite had the chance to make it. Instead, the year with so much of hope placed on its broad shoulders, collapsed, and was totally decimated by a plague of biblical proportions – the dreaded Covid-19 virus. The unthinkable ravages unleashed by this pandemic is now history and continues to be recorded as the worst global tragedy of its kind. While it continues to take its toll globally, it serves no purpose to get into the details of the gloom and doom brought about by this scourge to nations, corporations and communities, but instead to dwell on how the Planet can rebuild and get its journey of growth back on the rails. Months of despair has forced everyone to look for solutions and there is new hope coming although the problem is not one that can be brought to its knees in one fell swoop. Success and recovery will come earlier to some while others may have to withstand further attacks from the virus for extended periods. Much has already been written about the catastrophic challenges created by the pandemic. Economist of all shades have spoken their piece but at the end of the day, what matters most is how all of us come out from this pandemic and how quickly we can get our feet ďŹ rmly on the ground to confront the unknown boundaries of the NEW NORMAL!
COVER STORY | ASIA RISES AGAIN!
A
SIAN GOLF has selected to kick off the new year by seeking out whatever silver linings there are in a post pandemic era. Quite naturally, the focus will be on the greater golf industry in Asia and we promise not to delve into economic doublespeak and tell it like it is! There is no denying that Asia and its golf industry took some hefty blows to
the solar plexus which left many temporarily stunned and groggy while some went down for the count and there were others that never quite recovered. While we all had front row seats to watch the mayhem meted out to national economies in the Asia Pacific, we keep hearing a lot of positive reports. A high percentage of golf clubs, both members only facilities and pay and play clubs have been reporting buoyant golf rounds with many clubs experiencing the envious position of having to turn away business. Most likely this big demand is attributable to the lock-down status of golfers who have been forced to work from home thus resulting in a stepped-up demand for rounds of golf. The demand seems to be universal with club equipment manufacturers and golf operators in North America, Europe and Australia reporting record sales and rounds played. Listed companies like Callaway Golf, Acushnet (parent company of Titleist and FootJoy) have reported strong quarters in 2020 and the same holds true for the other big brands like TaylorMade and PING.
MANY AREAS OF A GOLF CLUB’S OPERATIONS CAN BE CONVERTED TO DIGITAL APPLICATIONS AND THE
BENEFITS WILL INCLUDE REDUCTION AND BETTER UTILISA-
TION OF MANPOWER, MORE EFFICIENT CUSTOMER SERVICE, BETTER CONTROLS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, SAVINGS ON EXPENDITURE AND IMPROVED BOTTOM-LINES.
Now, the big poser staring at all of us in the industry
golf club industry in Asia do? We don’t want to play the role
is whether this positive trend is sustainable. Looking at our crystal ball, we see an immediate fuzziness but with signs of things becoming distinctly clearer and focused with time.
of the recovery guru but would like to proffer some sugges-
It is our contention that the recovery will not be a V-shaped change for the better although some sectors will experience
experienced stack up as follows:
a quick turnaround. Most, we believe will regain colour in the skin over an extended two-to-three-year period. Keep in
tions that we believe have some merit. The three areas that we want to look at where possible positive impact can be
Ì Course upgrading. Ì Engaging technology.
mind that many golf clubs have been forced to live off their fat and it is not surprising to note that many have already lost
Ì Tourism
their pre-pandemic fat and are surviving on tight budgets. Granted that the challenges are extreme – what can the
diture for a golf course relates to agronomy and turf mainte-
Course Upgrading – the single major recurrent expennance. It is a cost that cannot be overlooked and compro-
COVER STORY | ASIA RISES AGAIN!
mised and once corners are cut, there are consequences relating to course conditions especially in matters concerning the quality of turf. Older turf species require high levels of water, nutrients, pesticides, and maintenance procedures. With the cost crunch threatening golf clubs, the time has come to bite the bullet and upgrade. This should not be viewed as a cost item but more as an investment that will pay-back in savings over the long term. Today, modern turf hybrids have come a long way and are substantially more robust and real misers on costly upkeep procedures. Put simply, years of research and development have been heaped upon these hybrids resulting in much needed cost saving attributes being engineered into the turf. One such example which is proving to be very popular with new golf courses in Asia are the new Zoysia strains with ZEON being the top choice. It is understood that courses planted with ZEON have been successful in reducing overall maintenance cost by as much as 70% and that in any financial controller’s tabulation would be a gigantic savings that come courtesy of reduced water usage, nutrients in the way of fertilisers and pesticides. There is a strong case for courses to work with their agronomy departments to explore ways of upgrading their courses to bring down costs while giving a whole new lease in life to otherwise tired and dollar-sucking golf courses. Engaging Technology - Golfers are beginning to return to their jobs and to their business and
THE YEARS AHEAD CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE GOOD YEARS FOR THE ASIA PACIFIC AND WITH CHINA RANKED AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST ECONOMY IN 2019, THIS AUGURS WELL FOR THE FUTURE. CHINA CONTRIBUTED US$22.5 TRILLION, OR 17.3%, OF THE WORLD’S US$130 TRILLION IN GDP, ACCORDING TO ESTIMATES BY THE WORLD BANK.
it would not come as a surprise that many may face the grim
this new normal where the contactless mode of conducting
prospect of job losses and business closures. This is inevitable and this is when the industry may be forced to face the
business is the wave of the future, the time to play catch-up has arrived!
real consequences of the pandemic – a sort of delayed reaction. It is not a doomsday scenario, but credence must be paid to it and measures need to be taken to ensure that everyone
Golf clubs should work with service providers and launch themselves into the new world of SMART APPS and ON-LINE SERVICES which can be used to promote speedy,
is ready for the BIG BOUNCE BACK in the NEW NORMAL! If there is one massive change brought about by the
efficient and contactless activities. Examples of these activities can include:
pandemic, it must be the rapid surge in the engagement of technology, especially digitally based applications. The
Ì On-line tee-time bookings. Ì Food and beverage services. Ì Marketing and promotions to members and golfers.
golf club industry, it must be said, has been generally slow in adapting and adopting digital technology. However, in
Ì Electronic news bulletins.
COVER STORY | ASIA RISES AGAIN!
Many areas of a golf club’s operations can be converted to digital applications and the benefits will include reduction and better utilisation of manpower, more efficient customer service, better controls and most importantly, savings on expenditure and improved bottom-lines. Tourism – The Asia-Pacific has been hit hard by the pandemic and the recovery outlook varies by country depending on infection rates and containment measures, policy responses, reliance on contact-intensive activities, and external demand. The World Tourism Organization, a United Nations specialized agency, predicts that international tourist numbers could plunge by as much as 80% for all of 2020. Southeast Asia, home to some of the most tourism-reliant countries in the world, is reeling from the coronavirus-induced global lockdowns - and many of the region’s travel industries are struggling to survive. Even though other regions like Europe have seen travel-related activities lifted, Southeast Asia’s borders have remained largely closed. A May report by the UNWTO showed that Asia and the Pacific saw the “highest impact in relative and absolute terms” in the first three months of 2020 year, with visitor arrivals falling some 33 million. The challenges for the tourism trade are expected to remain tough for a few years but there
is hope that any easing of travel restrictions or the implementation of the so-called green lanes of air travel - which allow visitors from specific countries to enter- would not be premature, as policymakers and the tourism industry alike juggle to balance public health with the economic growth. There is no denying that golf tourism has been badly impacted and a turn around is not to be expected in the immediate future. For this sector to pick up, the golf club industry, working in tandem with hotels, airlines and travel agents should look at innovative packages that deliver real value for money to attract golf tourists to make the trip to Asia. The Post Pandemic Future – The Asia Pacific is changing. The era of passive growth is over. It is now time to act. The Asia Pacific must build a resilient future on five pillars:
IF THERE IS ONE MASSIVE CHANGE BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PANDEMIC, IT MUST BE THE RAPID SURGE IN THE ENGAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY, ESPECIALLY DIGITALLY BASED APPLICATIONS. THE GOLF CLUB INDUSTRY, IT MUST BE SAID, HAS BEEN GENERALLY SLOW IN ADAPTING AND ADOPTING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY. HOWEVER, IN THIS NEW NORMAL WHERE THE CONTACTLESS MODE OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE, THE TIME TO PLAY CATCH-UP HAS ARRIVED!
COVER STORY | ASIA RISES AGAIN!
Ì Advancing the digital economy. Ì Enabling regional enterprise growth. Ì Rebalancing supply chains and fostering innovation. Ì Future-proofing the labour force. Ì Building towards a net-zero economy. There are positive trends already emerging to help strengthen the Asia Pacific region. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade agreement will foster greater operational performance, product and process innovation, and go-to-market excellence with regional expansion in the services sector and growing digitalisation being highpotential areas. The years ahead can be expected to be good years for the Asia Pacific and with China ranked as the world’s largest economy in 2019, this augurs well for the future. China contributed US$22.5 trillion, or 17.3%, of the world’s US$130 trillion in GDP, according to estimates by the World Bank.
Looking further ahead to 2050, according to PWC Global, six of the seven largest economies in the world are projected to be emerging economies led by China (1st), India (2nd) and Indonesia (4th). So, barring major catastrophes, the Asia Pacific, although scarred by the Coronavirus pandemic, looks certain to come back strong and stay strong going forward. For the golf industry in the region, the positive signs of growth are there, and it is up to all of us in the industry to identify, recognise and exploit the opportunities to grow the industry.
T
he international tourism trade has faced a huge blow with International arrivals falling by 72% over the first ten months of 2020. The massive drop has been exacerbated by restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence and a global struggle to contain the COVID-19 virus, all contributing to the worst year on record in the history of tourism. According to the latest tourism data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), destinations saw 900 mil-
national arrivals to decline by 70% to 75% for the whole of 2020. In this case, global tourism will have returned to levels of 30 years ago, with 1 billion fewer arrivals and a loss of some US$ 1.1 trillion in international tourism receipts. This massive drop in tourism due to the pandemic could result in an economic loss of US$ 2 trillion in world GDP. Asia and the Pacific, the first region to suffer the impact of the pandemic and the one with the highest level of travel restrictions to date, saw an 82% decrease in arrivals in the
lion fewer international tourists between January and October 2020 when compared with the same period of 2019. This translates into a loss of US$ 935 billion in export revenues from international tourism, more than 10 times the loss in 2009 under the impact of the global economic crisis. Based on the current evidence, UNWTO expects inter-
first ten months of 2020. The extended scenarios for 2021-2024 presented by the United Nations specialized agency for tourism point to a rebound by the second half of 2021. Nonetheless, a return to 2019 levels in terms of international arrivals could take between two-and-a-half and four years.
BETTER
BY EVERY MEASURE. At PING, we measure success in the lab and on your scorecard. Led by our most forgiving driver ever, the G425 Max, big performance gains were achieved across the new G425 family. The proven innovations engineered into G425 clubs deliver score-lowering results off the tee, from the fairway and into and around the green so golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the game more.
CUSTOM BUILT WITH ARCCOS CADDIE SMART GRIPS
3 DISTINCT DRIVERS Available in MAX (highest MOI), LST (low spin), or SFT (draw bias) models to fit your game.
OUR MOST FORGIVING DRIVER. EVER. Total MOI pushes 10,000 in the G425 Max, a new standard in long and straight. A 26g tungsten CG shifter increases MOI an average of 14% across the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings.
SPECIAL FEATURE HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
SPECIAL FEATURE | HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
Things have not been the same since Hoiana Shores Golf Club opened for play in the idyllic Vietnamese city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The golf club, part of a massive US$4 billion integrated resort development has not only transformed the ‘The City of Lanterns’ but it has also created a global buzz as home to one of the most spectacular new golf courses in the world. In the short time-span of one year since it opened for play, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Hoiana Shores has harvested top international awards and the latest recognition has earned it a lofty spot in an extremely exclusive collection of golf clubs globally.
SPECIAL FEATURE | HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
T
he new recognition is the prestigious GEO Certified® Development bestowed upon the club by the Scotland-based GEO Foundation, considered an industry standard-bearer for sustainable course
design and construction practices.
WHAT IS ESPECIALLY NOTABLE ABOUT THE GEO CERTIFICATION IS THAT HOIANA SHORES IS THE FIRST AND ONLY GOLF PROPERTY IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC TO ACHIEVE THIS DESIGNATION, AND ONE OF ONLY HALF A DOZEN WORLDWIDE.
What is especially notable about the GEO Certification is that Hoiana Shores is the first and only golf property in the Asia-Pacific to achieve this designation, and one of only half a dozen worldwide.
Recalling the factors leading to the granting of the certification, Hoiana Shore’s General Manager Ben Styles was quick to point out that the certification was the result of a concerted team effort involving tremendous commitment and dedication by the club’s staff working in tandem with a myriad of partners and vendors, including the course designers at RTJ II. “It’s an extraordinary process to have undergone these past three years. GEO compliance involves so many aspects of course creation and operation, it really does come to inform one’s larger ideals for the property,” Styles said.
BEN STYLES
SPECIAL FEATURE | HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
“In the end, as we had hoped, it allowed us to create something more than an environmentally sustainable golf club. Through sound hiring, sustainable landuse, and all manner of vegetative, carbon-reduction and design initiatives, plus dozens and dozens more component initiatives that remain ongoing here GEO helped us create a golf course landscape and experience that is uniquely and necessarily Vietnamese.” The scale and scope of the certification exercise was comprehensive, and it included many items ranging from waste disposal to hiring practices to energy efficiencies at the clubhouse. It took into consideration that the process of development saw Hoiana Shores restore 23 hectares of degraded former fish farms to native coastal shrub vegetation, without importing any growing materials.
SPECIAL FEATURE | HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
BACKED BY CAREFUL AND EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT METHODS MEANS THIS GOLF COURSE AND ITS WIDER ENVIRONMENT REMAIN RESPECTFUL TO THE NATIVE SETTING
AND CREATE A MEMORABLE, GENUINE EXPERIENCE FOR GOLFERS FOR YEARS TO COME.
The vegetation on site today is 100 percent native
“Backed by careful and experienced management methods
and locally sourced, while an additional 44 acres of native
means this golf course and its wider environment remain
landscape habitats, plus 6 acres of coastal dunes, were
respectful to the native setting and create a memorable,
established in and around the golf course.
genuine experience for golfers for years to come.”
Commenting on the certification, Sam Thomas, Director of Golf Development at the GEO Foundation said, “The
The GEO Certification is validation of the APEX Award for Environment Leadership in Golf which was presented
result is a golf links wrapped in the dynamic eco-tones of
to Hoiana at the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Gurgaon,
an authentic Vietnamese coastal landscape.” He added,
India.
SPECIAL FEATURE | HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
THE GREENS MAINTENANCE TEAM AT HOIANA SHORES.
SPECIAL FEATURE | HOIANA SHORES GOLF CLUB
THE GOLF OPERATIONS TEAM AT HOIANA SHORES.
SPECIAL FEATURE ANNIKA SORENSTAM
SPECIAL FEATURE | ANNIKA SORENSTAM
How does the golf industry honour and recognise the greatest female golfer in history? Especially, someone who has arguably the biggest number of professional wins and the best playing record of any female golfer alive? Simple – place her in a position that is a mark of international recognition. A recognition for a woman who has been a super-star athlete, a fantastic role model, a mother, wife and a businesswoman. The person who fits this is none other than golf legend Annika Sorenstam.
SPECIAL FEATURE | ANNIKA SORENSTAM
AS AN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER, HAVING GOLF BACK IN THE OLYMPICS MEANS SO MUCH TO ME AND TO OUR SPORT. I VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE BOARD, THE
IOC AND THE GOVERNING BODIES
OF GOLF IN THEIR EFFORTS TO CONTINUE TO GROW THE GAME GLOBALLY.
T
he former Swedish ace has been elected president of the International Golf Federation. The 72-time winner on the LPGA Tour and former world
No. 1, Sorenstam will take up the position on Jan. 1. She was elected during the IGF’s virtual board meeting and her first
major task will be to help oversee the federation’s strategic planning for next year’s Tokyo Olympics. The 50-year-old Sorenstam was a leading ambassador for golf’s bid to become an Olympic sport at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. “As an international player, having golf back in the Olympics means so much to me and to our sport,” Sorenstam said. “I very much look forward to working with the board, the IOC and the governing bodies of golf in their efforts to continue to grow the game globally.” An honoured member of the global golf industry she had won 90 international tournaments as a professional, making her the female golfer with the most wins to her name. She tops the LPGA’s career money list with earnings of over US$22 million. The winner of a record eight Player of the Year awards, and six Vare Trophies given to the LPGA player with the lowest seasonal scoring average, she is the only female golfer to shoot a 59 in competition. With her incredible record of achievements, we can only expect great things from Sorenstam. You go girl!
SPECIAL FEATURE WORLD GOLF EXPO
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
We would not be wrong to declare that we are glad, like millions the world over, that 2020 is over and behind us. As we prepare for the New Year, there is no absolute certainty that we are out of the woods. While some parts of the world, and more speciďŹ cally, some countries should be free of the dreaded Covid-19 early in the New Year, based on expert accounts, the pandemic could still be around in other countries. We have had enough doom and gloom and for a change, we are going to take on a positive posture as we move forward into 2021.
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
T
he inaugural World Golf Expo (WGE) was one
as a multi-dimensional show with something for everyone –
of the industry’s major events that had to be called off. It was scheduled for March of this
I would not be off the mark if I said that the new show format will address the interests of those engaged in the business of golf, the golf trade, professional and amateur golfers and
year but after careful evaluation and given the
emergence of the second wave of the virus, it was deemed that the event should be re-scheduled to be
families to come and enjoy a weeklong calendar of golf and golf related events.”
staged in November and the dates are locked-in. The new dates are November 4 – 7, four solid days making WGE one of the most comprehensive golf business events in the world!
WGE is being jointly organised and produced by the Mission Hills Group and the Asia Pacific Golf Group. The original show was confined primarily to a major
“The re-scheduling of WGE has come as a real blessing because although we had originally planned for the event to be a grand show, with the extra time that we have been
international business summit on golf and a golf trade show and exhibition. “While the original concept was a good one, the new format is totally re-imagined and we are excited
granted, it now allows us to think bigger and better,” said Tenniel Chu, Chairman of the WGE Organising Committee.
about it – it will most certainly be a milestone of an event and the first of its kind in the world,” declared Chu.
Chu who is also the Group Vice Chairman of the giant Mission Hills Group explained, “The WGE is now being planned
include the following:
The key components of the re-imagined WGE 2021 will
THE RE-SCHEDULING OF WGE HAS COME AS A REAL BLESSING BECAUSE ALTHOUGH WE HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR THE EVENT TO BE A GRAND SHOW, WITH THE EXTRA TIME THAT WE HAVE BEEN
GRANTED, IT NOW ALLOWS US TO THINK BIGGER AND BETTER.
– TENNIEL CHU
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
A major international two-day business summit. A one-day symposium on golf course agronomy. A three-day golf trade show and exhibition. The Global Golf Awards gala banquet and prize presentation. Golf tournaments. Launch of the exclusive Golden Circle Club programme. Antique motor show. Connoisseur wine and cigar exhibition.
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
THE SUMMIT COMPONENT WILL BE THE MAIN ATTRACTION WITH MORE THAN 20 WORLD CLASS INDUSTRY EXPERTS EXPECTED TO SPEAK. WE HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN LINING UP BIG
NAMES FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE GOLF INDUSTRY AND DELEGATES CAN REST ASSURED THAT IT WILL BE THE ONE EVENT WHERE THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY MAVENS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE. “The objective is to stage an event that will mark the start of an annual golf show that will establish itself as the go-to and must attend networking showcase for not only the Asia Pacific region but for the world,” Chu pointed out. The summit component will be the main attraction with more than 20 world class industry experts expected to speak. “We have been very successful in lining up big names from various sectors of the golf industry and delegates can rest assured that it will be the one event where the biggest industry mavens will be in attendance,” revealed Mike Sebastian, Executive Producer of WGE and the CEO of the Asia Pacific Golf Group. The venue for WGE will be the multi-award-winning Mission Hills Golf Resort in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan. The Mission Hills Golf Resort is the world’s largest golf resort. The full line-up and details of the various speakers will be finalised by the first quarter of 2021. All details relating to the various activities of WGE will be released via its web site at www.worldgolfexpo.com
– MIKE SEBASTIAN
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
SPECIAL FEATURE GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS
SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS
The year just passed has been a very difďŹ cult period for all of us in the golf industry. With lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed by the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic, normal-day business was thrown on its head. Regular work schedules were disrupted and continue to be disrupted by
golf clubs forced to observe various safety protocols including work-from-home directives. We at ASIAN GOLF were also affected especially with conducting the annual Asian Golf Awards which took on a new identity for 2020 - the Global Golf Awards. Because of the pandemic, the
Global Golf Awards was run over 5 months instead of the normal three-month duration. On-line polling covered ďŹ ve distinct award categories covering all parts of the world. All results were carefully tabulated and veriďŹ ed, and we are happy to bring the full results of the top three winners.
SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS
F
or twenty years, golf clubs in the Asia Pacific
on July 31, our computer system had confirmed that we had
have been rated for excellence by the people
received a total of 107,360 valid votes,” Ho said. “Just so that there is no confusion, it is important to
who use the facilities and who generate the
note that the outcome of the on-line voting is determined
business.
by the number of valid votes cast. “This poll is a quantitative
According to the administrator of the on-
line poll, Alice Ho, Business Manager of APGG, “Normally,
poll where the popular vote matters – the highest number
we run the on-line poll for a period of three months, but
of valid votes cast will determine the top three winners in
due to the pandemic, we had to extend the polling to cover
each voting category,” Ho explained. Besides the control measures in place, an e-mail was
a period of five months because a good number of courses
sent to every “nth” respondent to ascertain the validity of
were subjected to a state of lockdown.”
the name and e-mail address.
“When the on-line polling deadline expired at midnight
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
-
B
Y
-
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
BEST COURSE IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BEST COURSE IN INDIA
BEST COURSE IN LAOS
1 The Empire Hotel & Country Club 2 Jerudong Park Country Club 3 Pantai Mentiri Golf Club
1 Eagleton - The Golf Village 2 Oxford Golf Resort 3 Prestige Golfshire Club
1 Long Vien Golf Club 2 Lakeview Vientiane Golf Club 3 SEA Games Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN CAMBODIA
BEST COURSE IN INDONESIA
BEST COURSE IN MALAYSIA
1 Angkor Golf Resort 2 Vattanac Golf Resort 3 Phokeethra Country Club
1 Parahyangan Golf 2 Rainbow Hills Golf Club 3 Riverside Golf Club
1 Kota Permai Golf & Country Club 2 The Els Club Desaru Coast 3 Saujana Golf & Country Club
BEST COURSE IN JAPAN
BEST COURSE IN MYANMAR
1 Kasumigaseki Country Club 2 Kawana Hotel Golf Course 3 Hokkaido Brooks Country Club
1 Pun Hlaing Golf Club 2 Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club 3 Bagan Golf Resort
BEST COURSE IN CHINA (INCLUDING HONG KONG AND MACAU) 1 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course 2 Evergrande Shadow Creek Beijing 3 Shanqin Bay Golf Club
BEST COURSE IN CHINESE TAIPEI 1 Ta Shee Golf & Country Club 2 Miramar Golf Country Club 3 Taiwan Golf & Country Club
BEST COURSE IN SOUTH KOREA 1 Sky72 Golf & Resort, Ocean Course 2 Jack Nicklaus Golf Club 3 The Club at Nine Bridges
BEST COURSE IN THE PHILIPPINES 1 Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate 2 Mt. Malarayat Golf & Country Club 3 Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club
The results published in the following pages are based in the order of merit. Unlike the normal practice of the awards being presented at a gala awards banquet, the pandemic has resulted in a change of plans. “Due to the prevailing restrictions that are in place, all the award winners will be receiving their awards via special delivery which is expected to be fulfilled in the next few weeks", Ho explained. The following is a listing of the top three performers in each country and the Asia Pacific as a region.
BEST COURSE IN SINGAPORE 1 Sentosa Golf Club 2 Marina Bay Golf Course 3 Tanah Merah Country Club
BEST COURSE ON THE SUB-CONTINENT (INCLUDING BANGLADESH, NEPAL, PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA) 1 Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa (Sri Lanka) 2 Karachi Golf Club, Blue & Red Courses (Pakistan) 3 Kurmitola Golf Club (Bangladesh)
BEST COURSE IN THAILAND 1 Banyan Golf Club 2 Thai Country Club 3 Siam Country Club
BEST COURSE IN VIETNAM 1 BRG Kings’ Island Golf Resort 2 Hoiana Shores Golf Club 3 Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. – VINCE LOMBARDI
JUST SO THAT THERE IS NO CONFUSION, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE
ON-LINE VOTING IS DETERMINED BY THE NUMBER OF VALID VOTES CAST.
“THIS POLL IS A QUANTITATIVE POLL WHERE THE POPULAR VOTE MATTERS – THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VALID VOTES CAST WILL DETERMINE THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN EACH VOTING CATEGORY.
B E S T
I N
A S I A
– ALICE HO
P A C I F I C
BEST GOLF DESTINATION IN ASIA PACIFIC
BEST GOLF RESORT IN ASIA PACIFIC
1 Thailand 2 Vietnam 3 China
1 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou (China) 2 Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc (Vietnam) 3 BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Vietnam)
BEST GOLF COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC
BEST GOLF CLUB EXPERIENCE IN ASIA PACIFIC
1 Mission Hills Golf Club Haikou, Blackstone Course (China) Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Vietnam) 2 Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore) 3 TPC Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
1 Banyan Golf Club (Thailand) 2 Parahyangan Golf (Indonesia) 3 Thai Country Club (Thailand)
BEST NEW COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC
BEST CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC
Siam Country Club, Rolling Hills (Thailand)
1 Sheshan International Golf Club (China) 2 Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore) 3 DLF Golf & Country Club (India)
BEST RENOVATED GOLF COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC Seletar Country Club (Singapore)
THE GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS – THE GOLD STANDARD The three awards of the 2020 Global Golf Awards which will be going out to the winners in each award category. The awards are in gold (winner), silver (first runner-up) and bronze (second runner-up). Note: The awards featured are samples.
SPECIAL FEATURE LIDO CLUB
For those of us who followed the battle for the deal to build the golf course in Rio De Janerio to mark golf’s return to the Olympic Games in 2016, you may remember the name of the architect who ultimately won the big prized contract. He beat out legendary names in the business of golf course design to prevail as the man who played a key role in golf’s return to the greatest sporting spectacle ever – the Olympic Games. The man who earned the right to stake his claim to the Rio golf course was American golf course architect Gil Hanse. Four years after handing over the prestigious Olympic project, Hanse has finally made a trek to Asia and soon, this golf-loving Continent will be able to experience the special Hanse touch to a golf course!
SPECIAL FEATURE | LIDO CLUB
HANSE’S FIRST-EVER DESIGN IN ASIA WILL SERVE AS THE CENTREPIECE OF THE BAN RAKAT CLUB, A MEMBER’S CLUB NOW TAKING SHAPE ON LEVEL GROUND JUST 35 MINUTES FROM THE CITY CENTRE OF BANGKOK. – GIL HANSE
T
he famed architect is currently putting the finishing touches on his maiden project
ground just 35 minutes from the city centre of Bangkok. “Normally,” Hanse says, “we feel strongly that a golf
in Asia, the Ban Rakat Club located in the
course should be the product of its surrounds. But in the
Thai-capital city of Bangkok, which is being
back of our minds, my partner Jim Wagner and I have often
modelled along the lines of a great American
wondered what we would do with a completely flat site —
club, The Lido Club. For golf history fans, The Lido Club is a blast from
what can you do to distinguish it? The most famous example of a manufactured golf course from The Golden Age was
America’s golf past and Hanse decided to resurrect this
The Lido. Jim and I had always wanted to do a MacDonald/
historic Long Island golf landmark and give it a new life
Raynor (the designers of the original Lido Club), angular
and whole new meaning in Thailand. The Lido Club has
grass-faced bunker design. We pitched the idea to the
been gone some 80 years now, but never was it forgotten.
owner at Ballyshear and he loved it.”
It closed during World War II. In between, it was considered
According to Ban Rakat Club Chairman Takeyasu Aiya-
the equal of any course on Earth - and like James Dean, its
ma, “The goal has always been to create something entirely
premature demise only enhanced that reputation.
new in the Bangkok market and it’s our strong feeling that
Come August 2021, its spirit will be reborn. As a tribute to its past, Hanse has created a remarkable hole-by-hole
Ban Rakat Club and Ballyshear Links will do exactly that.” “The Ban Rakat Club project will perfectly showcase
homage to The Lido Club at the Thai site. Hanse’s first-ever
Hanse’s skill and expertise, while introducing his work to an
design in Asia will serve as the centrepiece of the Ban
Asian audience for the first time,” Aiyama says. “What’s
Rakat Club, a member’s club now taking shape on level
more, vintage design projects such as Ballyshear have
GIL HANSE
SPECIAL FEATURE | LIDO CLUB
never before been undertaken in Thailand. In these and
specifically inspired by existing holes - some famous,
other ways, Ban Rakat Club will bring something com-
some obscure, some not European at all. Several Lido
pletely unique to the market.”
holes were inspired by those at the National Golf Links
The original Lido Club design was entirely manmade on flat, sandy terrain at seaside. Soil manipulation
of America. During its brief existence, however, The Lido Club
was easy and cheap. The construction effort in Bangkok
was considered the equal of Pine Valley Golf Club, which
proved no such thing. The terrain was appropriately flat
opened in 1919 and is still considered the world’s top-
but proved extraordinarily challenging in other ways. The
ranked course. “I think I’ve played most all of the original
high-water table in Bangkok, for example, required the
templates, those that still exist,” Hanse says.
construction team to drive thousands of concrete pile-ons
Come August 2021 the new club will open for play
into the mucky soil - to support the towering man-made
- full membership will be limited to 400. Phase 1 of
landforms created above the surface.
the clubhouse at Ban Rakat Club is also scheduled for
Each hole at the original Lido Club, for example, was
completion in August 2021.
THE NEW COURSE IS GOING TO BE SO DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING THAT EXISTS THERE TODAY, IT’S GOING TO BE FASCINATING TO SEE HOW THE COURSE IS RECEIVED. THE REACTIONS COULD BE ALL OVER THE MAP. IT COULD BE A LANDMARK PROJECT FOR THE COUNTRYAND IT COULD BE THAT PEOPLE DON’T GET IT OR LIKE IT ALL! IT COULD BE FAIRLY POLARIZING, WHICH IS FINE SO LONG AS THE OWNER IS HAPPY, AND THE CLUB THRIVES.” SEEMS HANSE IS PREPARING HIMSELF FOR WHATEVER COMES HIS WAY IN TERMS OF REACTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE AFTER THE CLUB THROWS OPEN ITS GATES FOR PLAY.
“The new course is going to be so different from anything that exists there today, it’s going to be fascinating to see how the course is received,” Hanse says. “The reactions could be all over the map. It could be a landmark project for the country- and it could be that people don’t get it or like it all! It could be fairly polarizing, which is fine so long as the owner is happy, and the club thrives.” Seems Hanse is preparing himself for whatever comes his way in terms of reactions and acceptance after the club throws open its gates for play. Regardless, given the proven Hanse magical touch, his first foray into Asia is destined for success!
THE BAN RAKAT CLUB PROJECT WILL PERFECTLY SHOWCASE HANSE’S SKILL AND EXPERTISE, WHILE INTRODUCING HIS WORK TO AN
ASIAN AUDIENCE FOR THE FIRST TIME. WHAT’S MORE, VINTAGE DESIGN PROJECTS SUCH AS BALLYSHEAR HAVE NEVER BEFORE BEEN UNDERTAKEN IN
THAILAND. IN THESE AND OTHER WAYS, BAN RAKAT CLUB WILL BRING SOMETHING COMPLETELY UNIQUE TO THE MARKET.
– TAKEYASU AIYAMA
support@golfcitizen.com
EQUIPMENT FOCUS COBRA LE 3D PRINTED PUTTER
The manufacture of golf equipment has always featured innovations which utilize new production and manufacturing technologies and processes. This trend has been especially pronounced in the past decade with the use of new materials designed to make golf clubs lighter, faster and more accurate. And now, the latest technology to be harnessed by the industry is 3-D printing. Cobra Golf has taken the lead to produce the innovative KING Supersport-35, a limited edition, fully 3-D printed putter design.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | COBRA LE 3D PRINTED PUTTER
T
he KING Supersport-35 putter is the product of two years of collaboration between Cobra engineers and teams at Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Parmatech. The revolutionary putter features a fully
3D printed metal body with an intricate lattice structure to optimize weight distribution and deliver the highestpossible MOI in a blade shape. In addition to the 3D printed design, the KING Supersport-35 Putter features a face insert designed in partnership with SIK Golf, which utilizes their patented Descending Loft Technology (DLT) to create the most consistent and accurate roll on every putt. “At Cobra Golf we strive to deliver high-performance products that help golfers of all levels play their best and enjoy the game,” said Jose Miraflor, Vice President of Marketing. “To do that, it’s critical to use the most effective manufacturing processes to design, develop, and achieve optimal results, and we’ve certainly done that with this new putter. To continue innovating and transforming the way equipment is manufactured, we worked with HP and Parmatech to take advantage of the benefits of Metal Jet technology.”
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | COBRA LE 3D PRINTED PUTTER
THIS FIRST OF ITS KIND PUTTER IS
DISRUPTIVE DESIGN AND PRODUC
METAL JET 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY.
INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE EXCELLEN
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND LEADERSHIP F
BREAKTHROUGH DESIGN WIN FOR GOLF F
S A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE
CTION CAPABILITIES OF
HP
COBRA’S COMMITMENT TO
NCE COMBINED WITH THE
PARMATECH HAS LED TO A FANS AROUND THE WORLD.
FROM
“During the development of the KING Supersport-35 Putter, we saw immediate benefits from this process, including design freedom, rapid design iteration, and highquality parts that meet our economic demands. 3D printing is accelerating design innovation, and this breakthrough putter will help usher in a new era for the sporting equipment industry at large,” Miraflor added. Reinvention plays a crucial part in innovation and Cobra’s LE 3D-printed Supersport-35 Putter represents a revolutionary advancement in the way golf clubs are designed and manufactured. Born out of a forward-thinking philosophy, Cobra selected HP as its partner to pioneer 3D printing in golf due to the advantages that their Metal Jet Technology presented over traditional manufacturing and other 3D printing methods.
WATCH VIDEO
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | COBRA LE 3D PRINTED PUTTER
“The power of personalization enabled by 3D printing delivers completely reimagined consumer products and experiences,” said Uday Yadati, global head of HP Metal Jet, HP Inc. “This first of its kind putter is a shining example of the disruptive design and production capabilities of HP Metal Jet 3D printing technology. Cobra’s commitment to innovation and competitive excellence combined with the technical expertise and leadership from Parmatech has led to a breakthrough design win for golf fans around the world.” In addition to this launch, the brands are working together on a strategic, multi-year product roadmap, that leverages the design and manufacturing benefits of HP’s additive technologies to deliver future golf equipment that raises performance and golfer satisfaction to new levels. This is just the first foray into what promises to be a significant element in future Cobra golf clubs. Cobra has plans to launch two additional products in 2021 that feature 3D printed technology.
GOLF EQUIPMENT TAYLORMADE MYTP
This is really cool! One of the most important clubs in your golf bag can now be personalised to ďŹ t your game and personal style. This exciting innovation has been launched by the TaylorMade Golf Company. It’s the all new MyTP programme which provides golfers with a comprehensive online platform for designing putters to their taste.
GOLF EQUIPMENT | TAYLORMADE MYTP
he TaylorMade TP line of putters is rooted in tradition, with classic shapes that offer clean lines, beautiful aesthetics and the performance demanded by purists of the game. The MyTP programme brings a new level of contemporary design to these classic offerings. “More and more golfers want equipment that not only performs at a premium level on course, but speaks to who they are off it,” said Bill Price, Senior Director of Product Creation at TaylorMade’s putter and wedge division. “The MyTP programme gives them the chance to do just that and we’re bringing an extensive level of personalisation to a traditional line of blade putters, delivering an ideal blend of the classic and the modern,” he added.
THE MYTP PROGRAMME GIVES THEM THE CHANCE
TO DO JUST THAT AND WE’RE
BRINGING AN EXTENSIVE LEVEL OF PERSONALISATION TO A TRADITIONAL LINE OF BLADE
PUTTERS, DELIVERING AN IDEAL BLEND OF THE CLASSIC AND THE MODERN.
GOLF EQUIPMENT | TAYLORMADE MYTP
How does the MyTP programme work? Golfers start by selecting either a Juno or Soto blade model, both with heel-toe weighting for optimized balance, control and feel. The Juno (which debuted at Hazeltine for the 2016 Ryder Cup) features longer squared off contours with fine linear machined lines. The Soto retains short, rounded and soft edges for a smooth appearance at address. Both heads feature two moveable weights in the sole to customize swing weight. With thousands of different combinations including model, colours, engraving and more, golfers can build a putter that’s as unique as their swing. In all, the company offers 11 separate areas of personalization – not including length and grip – with a variety of colour options each step of the way. So, give MyTP a try and add an exciting new touch to your putting game!
MORE AND MORE GOLFERS WANT EQUIPMENT THAT NOT ONLY PERFORMS AT A PREMIUM
LEVEL ON COURSE, BUT SPEAKS TO WHO THEY ARE OFF IT.
SPECIAL FEATURE HSBC BOOST HSBC-WOMENS-WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIP-2018
ASIAN GOLF has been a strong advocate of corporate support to grow the game of golf in Asia and when a big organisation steps up to the plate to give the game a boost, it’s time to pop the champagne! The corporation that has come forth is the giant HSBC Bank, a long-time supporter of golf.
SPECIAL FEATURE | HSBC BOOST
THE CGA-HSBC CHINA JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMME IS TO HELP NURTURE FUTURE
TALENT, AS WELL AS TO BRING THE SPORT TO MORE YOUNG PEOPLE.
SINCE ITS LAUNCH, THE INITIATIVE HAS ATTRACTED OVER 110,000 CHILDREN ACROSS 25 CITIES AND 18 PROVINCES IN CHINA.
T
he giant financial institution has thrown its
Association’s HSBC China Junior Golf Programme launched
support behind three major events for 2021
in 2007, is a highly respected junior development pathway
and the events are:
which has produced such stars like Haotong Li, Zecheng
Ì The HSBC Women’s World Champion-
(Marty) Dou, Yu Liu and Xiyu Lin.
ship in Singapore.
The primary thrust of the CGA-HSBC China Junior
Ì The World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in
Golf Programme is to help nurture future talent, as well as
Shanghai.
to bring the sport to more young people. Since its launch,
Ì The CGA-HSBC China Junior Golf Programme.
the initiative has attracted over 110,000 children across 25
These three events form the pillars of HSBC’s commit-
cities and 18 provinces in China. Over the next five years,
ment to its golf programme in Asia. What is especially sig-
the initiative promises to unearth more Chinese talent and
nificant about these multi-year title sponsorship renewals
will enable thousands more children to learn and play the
is that it secures the future of one of the most successful
game of golf.
grassroots golf programmes in the world and two of the biggest golf events in Asia. The HSBC Women’s World Championship will be
President Zhang Xiaoning of China Golf Association commented, “Golf has been developing rapidly in China. For over ten years the CGA-HSBC China Junior Golf Programme
returning to its familiar venue at Sentosa Golf Club in
has trained and developed a large number of excellent
Singapore while the World Golf Championship will renew its
players in China with many of them getting to realise
links with Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.
their dream on the stage of Asia’s Major, the WGC–HSBC
In terms of junior golf development, the China Golf
Champions.”
GOLF HAS BEEN DEVELOPING RAPIDLY IN CHINA. FOR OVER TEN YEARS THE CGA-HSBC CHINA JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMME HAS TRAINED AND DEVELOPED A LARGE NUMBER OF EXCELLENT PLAYERS IN CHINA WITH MANY OF THEM GETTING TO REALISE THEIR DREAM ON THE
ASIA’S MAJOR, THE WGC–HSBC – PRESIDENT ZHANG XIAONING, CHINA GOLF ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONS. STAGE OF
T. (+62-22) 2110 2878 | www.parahyangangolf.com Parahyangan Golf
@parahyangangolf
SPECIAL FEATURE GLOBAL FORCE
SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL FORCE
For those of you who have been keen watchers of the major professional golf tours in the world, the thought of the formation of a global tour was not something too far-fetched. At frequent intervals, talk about the coming together of the US-based PGA Tour and the European-domiciled European Tour, has been making the headlines. But that was about all that happened – talk and headlines and nothing more. However, after years of speculation, the two major tours have finally brokered a deal to come together in what has been referred to as a “strategic alliance”. Interpret this any which way you choose to, but the writing seems to be becoming more legible on the wall and all indications point to the birth of a global force in golf!
SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL FORCE
W
ith just four weeks to go before the end of a tumultuous 2020, hammered by the ravages of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the golf world received notification that the two forces of professional golf had reached across the Atlantic to formalise a landmark agreement which brought the PGA Tour, the world’s richest and most powerful professional golf in tour in the world
into a “strategic alliance” with the European Tour. This alliance will see the two Tours explore all facets of collaboration, working together on strategic commercial opportunities including collaborating on global media rights in certain territories. This will come through part of the agreement which sees the PGA TOUR acquire a minority investment stake in European Tour Productions (ETP), the European Tour’s Media Production company, which produces and distributes content internationally. The Tours will also work in partnership on several other areas including global scheduling, prize funds and playing opportunities for the respective memberships. Further details of these areas are expected to be announced in due course. Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “This announcement is the formalisation of a closer working relationship between the Tours in recent years. It was one which was crystalised earlier this year when both Jay (Jay Monahan, PGA Tour’s Commissioner) and I were part of the working group containing representatives of the four Majors and the LPGA, a group
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS THE FORMALISATION OF A CLOSER WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE
TOURS IN RE-
CENT YEARS. IT WAS ONE WHICH WAS CRYS-
JAY (JAY MONAHAN, PGA TOUR’S COMMISSIONER) AND I WERE PART OF THE WORKING TALISED EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN BOTH
GROUP CONTAINING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOUR
MAJORS AND THE LPGA, A GROUP
WHICH HELPED SHAPE THE REMAINDER OF THE GOLFING CALENDAR FOR UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.
EXECUTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN TOUR
2020 DURING
– KEITH PELLEY, CHIEF
SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL FORCE
which helped shape the remainder of the golfing calendar for 2020 during unprecedented times.” Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said, “We are thrilled to announce this further strengthening of our partnership with the European Tour, and we look forward to working together for the benefit of the men’s professional game and for golf fans around the world.” Now, is this a prelude to the announcement of a global tour? ASIAN GOLF does not rule it out. It makes a lot of good golf sense! We think that the pathway has been established for the formation of a global tour. A global tour will become a win-win proposition for all quarters – namely the PGA Tour and the European, the players, sponsors, and the fans. The merits of a global tour will far outweigh anything else and will go a long way to ensuring the success and viability of all parties involved. So, although it may be perceived as being premature, ASIAN GOLF congratulates all the forces that have made this “strategic alliance” become a reality and it is hoped that this will lead to bigger and better things to come.
WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THIS FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EUROPEAN TOUR, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE MEN’S PROFESSIONAL GAME AND FOR GOLF FANS AROUND THE WORLD. – JAY MONAHAN, COMMISSIONER OF THE PGA TOUR
GLOBAL TOUR STARTS TAKING SHAPE! J
ust weeks after the announced “strategic alliance” between the PGA Tour and the European Tour, the
Sources have also revealed that the Scottish Open, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the DP
latter has swung into action by identifying four tourna-
World Tour Championship in Dubai will also have US$8
ments that will begin the formation of a “global circuit”.
million prizes, completing the foursome becoming co-
The four tournaments are expected to include this month’s Abu Dhabi Championship having its prize fund boosted to US$8 million to help align it with the PGA Tour’s prize money level.
sanctioned tournaments with the PGA Tour in 2022. So, it looks like the much-talked about “Global Tour” is taking shape and it can only mean good things for golf!
SPECIAL FEATURE ASIA RISES
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIA RISES
The giant Asian Continent has come a long way since South Korea’s Y.E. Yang and Se Ri Pak blazed a trail for Asia by smashing through the perceived invincibility of the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. Yang stunned the world when he brought down the legendary Tiger Woods to win Asia’s first major at the 2009 PGA Championship. Yang created history for Asian golf while a 20-year old Pak shocked the world by winning two majors in a row – the McDonald's LPGA Championship and the U.S. Women's Open which she snatched and earned the honour of becoming the youngest-ever winner of the U.S. Women's Open. Both Pak and Yang threw open the gates to the highest level of professional golf in the world and since then, stars have emerged from South Korea, Japan, China and Thailand to join the ranks of world beaters!
T
he year that has just gone by, saw Asian
Asian women and their superiority can be best measured
dominance continue especially in the wom-
by the fact that the three majors that were played in 2020,
en’s professional game. Both the PGA Tour
all were won by Asian players.
and the LPGA Tour ran truncated schedules
Ì Mirim Lee (South Korea) – ANA Inspiration
caused by the pandemic, but this did not stop
Asia’s hell-bent stars from scoring big. On the LPGA Tour, more tournaments were won by stars from Asia than any other continent. The measure of
Ì Sei Young Kim (South Korea) – KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Ì A Lim Kim (South Korea) – US Women’s Open
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIA RISES
THE PRODUCTION LINES ARE BUSY NURTURING AND DEVELOPING NEW PLAYERS ALL THE TIME AND THEY ARE ALL BEING INSPIRED BY PAST AND REIGNING CHAMPIONS.
ASIAN
Another yardstick to measure Asian dominance is the 2020 Rolex LPGA World Rankings. Of the top twenty positions, thirteen are held by Asian players. The lead players are: Ì Jin Young Ko (South Korea) Ì Sei Young Kim (South Korea) Ì In Bee Park (South Korea) For the men, the spotlight fell on the 22-year-old Sungjae Im of South Korea. Im pulled off a spectacular runner-up spot at the 2020 Masters Tournament when he produced Asia's best finish at the Masters with an impressive joint runner-up outing in his debut appearance at the fabled Augusta National. Last year’s PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year, the South Korean closed with a final round of 3-under 69 for a 15-under 273 total. He finished five strokes behind winner Dustin Johnson (68), who earned his maiden Masters victory and second Major title with a tournament-record 20-under 268. ASIAN GOLF predicts that Im will claim a victory at one of the Majors in 2021. Looking at 2021, there is a large and promising contingent of young players from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand and the Philippines ready to ply their game on the world tours. The one youngster who is all set to go is Japan’s Takumi Kanaya, the winner of the prestigious Mark H. McCormack Medal for 2020. Just turned professional, Kanaya had a successful amateur career, winning the 2015 Japan Amateur Championship and the 2018 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. Kanaya also won team gold medals at the 2017 Summer Universiade and at the 2018 Asian Games and great things are expected of him. Many believe that he will follow in the footsteps of his good friend and super-star Hideki Matsuyama.
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIA RISES
ASIAN GOLF HAS GOT ITS MONEY RIDING ON THE PHILIPPINE’S BIANCA PAGDANGANAN. AFTER AN ILLUSTRIOUS COLLEGE CAREER, PAGDANGANAN HAS TURNED PRO AND MADE HER DEBUT ON THE LPGA TOUR LAST YEAR. KNOWN AS A HUGE DRIVER OF THE BALL, THE 23-YEAR-OLD SHOWS GREAT PROMISE OF BECOMING AN LPGA SUPER-STAR. Shifting to rising women players, ASIAN GOLF has got its money riding on the Philippine’s Bianca Pagdanganan. After an illustrious college career, Pagdanganan has turned pro and made her debut on the LPGA Tour last year. Known as a huge driver of the ball, the 23-year-old shows great promise of becoming an LPGA super-star. Another youngster to watch is the 21-year-old Choi Hye-jin from South Korea. She has had an outstanding amateur career and in fact finished second at the 2017 U.S. Women's Open at the age of seventeen. She was attempting to become the second amateur to win the U.S. Open. Bringing up the rear of the league of emerging young stars from Asia is the Shanghai teenager Yin Ruoning who made history by winning three successive tournaments at the start of her professional career on the China LPGA Tour. The 17-year-old, who has turned professional has her eyes set on scoring big on the LPGA Tour. Similarly, Thailand’s golf protégé Teenage sensation Atthaya Thitikul, aged 18 years, has turned professional and is ready for a new challenge. The champion of the inaugural Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in 2018, Thitikul is all set to join forces with the highly talented Thai squad on the LPGA Tour led by Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn. Asia certainly has some very impressive talent ready to take on the global challenge. While these youngsters carve a name for themselves on the world’s leading professional golf tours, Asia is not resting on its laurels. The production lines are busy nurturing and developing new players all the time and they are all being inspired by past and reigning Asian champions.
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIA RISES
W
omen golfers from Asia once again proved their om ome mettle m et on the world’s toughest professional tour – the LPGA Tour! The Asian force was simply invincible on the
world stage and put on display the Continent’s wor
dominance away ominance ce by walking wa aw with two season-ending titles – the prestigious CME Championship and the 2020 Rolex Player Of The Year title. South Korea’s Jin Young Ko effortlessly eased up onto the winner’s rostrum to capture the 2020 season-ending CME Championship. With a convincing 18-under par total, the reigning world number one lifted the prestigious CME Trophy and a US$1.1 million winner’s check. Ko played only four LPGA events in 2020 - she competed six times on the Korean LPGA tour while riding out the coronavirus pandemic at home. But her superiority was good enough to be declared the world’s best player. The win wrapped up a wire-to-wire year in the No. 1 spot for Ko, who has held the ranking since July 29, 2019. She moved to US$5,600,824 in career earnings, making her the 71st player in LPGA history to cross the US$5 million mark. South Korea’s Sei Young Kim did Asia proud when she came into the CME six points behind Inbee Park in the Player of the Year competition, an award Park won in 2013. Kim needed a finish of fifth or better
to win the title. Kim finished tied second and that finish was good enough for her to win the title. A 12-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Kim has long been a great, though largely obscure player. Until 2020, Kim was the highest-ranked player in the world without a major championship. She took care of that by winning the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
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