Asian Golf 244 : March 2021 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

If there’s one golf business event you

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ISSUE

244

MARCH 2021

The man who master-minded the make-over of Serapong, the multi-award winning golf course of Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind golf business professional. Andy Johnston is an internationally recognised golf course designer and architect, a certiÀed agronomist and a club general manager all wrap up in one – a very rare breed indeed. Commenting on the renovation, he said, “I look upon the renovations with great pride. We have taken one of the world’s Top 100 golf courses and made it even better. And future-proofed the golf course.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER

28 The 23rd of February 2021 will forever be remembered as that fateful day when golf’s greatest legend almost ended his fairy-tale life in a horriﬁc car crash.

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Winners from a total of 56 award categories were recognised for the 2020 edition of the Global Golf Awards. The 2020 Global Golf Awards have been successfully distributed to all the winners throughout the Asia Paciﬁc region.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

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THE FLATSTICK MAESTRO IS BACK!

Scotty Cameron has bolstered the high-tech Phantom X family with four new tour-inspired setups. The updated Phantom X 5 and Phantom X 5.5 replace current in-line models, while the new Phantom X 11 and Phantom X 11.5 - compact wingback mallets add new options engineered for performance.

TAYLORMADE UPS XREAD MORE THE ANTE ON DISTANCE! TaylorMade’s all-new 2021 TP5 and TP5x golf balls continue with the company’s tradition of building the “Most Complete Tour Ball in Golf”.

80 72

FootJoy’s 21st century redesign of the modern classic golf shoe for men and women comes in three distinct designs – the TARLOW, PACKARD and FLINT. Each of these names represent inﬂuential ﬁgures in FootJoy’s history. All these new classics are made from premium leathers and ultra-lightweight material and boast exquisite detailing.

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46 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of Golf Saudi, has launched “The Social Agenda”, an impressive blue-print to use golf as an agent to enrich the country’s environment, beneﬁt the national economy and provide economic opportunities to its people. The programme has been designed to have legs so that it can be sustained and kept going to deliver on all the goals outlined.

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PXG has launched two all new “Battle Ready” putters. - the Mustang and Bat Attack – both 100 percent milled and fully optimized for maximum stability, easy alignment, and outstanding consistency.

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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

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | WHOOP

The 23rd of February 2021 will forever be remembered as that fateful day when golf’s greatest legend almost ended his fairy-tale life in a horriﬁc car crash. For us in Asia, waking up on a quiet Wednesday morning only to be assaulted with the terrifying news that Tiger Woods was involved in a serious car crash and that he was in a trauma centre being operated upon came as a massive shock.

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

or his fans and the millions who were fascinated

to be placed in a hallowed and revered position as one of the

by the phenomenon that he is, the vigil for details

greatest of all sports! He is indeed golf’s GOAT!

on his condition was excruciatingly painful, and it

While Tiger recovers, ASIAN GOLF looks at the beating

developed into a wrenching gut punch when news

that Tiger’s body has taken on his journey to be the best of

got out that he had compound fractures on both

the best.

his legs and a shattered ankle. Terrible news indeed but the

His battle against golf-induced injuries dates to back to

consoling fact was that Tiger’s life was not in a grave state. He

December 2002 when he underwent surgery to his left knee.

was reported to be in a stable condition with no life threaten-

Six years later, in April 2008, the left knee was subjected

ing signs. Thank God!

to arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage. In the

It is too early to speculate on his future especially as it relates to the professional game of golf. Regardless of what the days ahead holds for Tiger, we can all seek gratiﬁcation in the knowledge that he entertained us over the years to the greatest facets of his glorious game and has achieved enough

same year, he again had reconstructive surgery on the ACL in his left knee. Then in May 2010 he had a procedure done on an inﬂamed facet joint in his neck. In 2011 and 2012, Tiger was bugged by problems to

WE CAN ALL SEEK GRATIFICATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HE

ENTERTAINED US OVER THE YEARS TO THE GREATEST FACETS OF HIS GLORIOUS GAME AND HAS ACHIEVED ENOUGH TO BE PLACED IN A HALLOWED AND REVERED POSITION AS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL SPORTS! HE IS INDEED GOLF’S GOAT!

his left knee and Achilles’ tendon. The problem kept him pretty much away from tournament play until March 2014 when he fell to his knees in pain during the ﬁnal round of a tournament. In September 2015, Tiger underwent a second microdiscectomy surgery two days prior to remove a disc fragment that was pinching his nerve. This was followed up by another procedure just weeks later. In April 2017, after an off-and-on playing schedule interrupted by back pains, Tiger announced that he had undergone “successful back surgery to alleviate ongoing pain in his back and leg.” On August 27, 2019, Tiger again went under the surgeon’s knife for arthroscopic surgery to repair minor ligament damage in his left knee. Come January 19, 2021 Tiger reported a ﬁfth microdiscectomy procedure on his back. We have left out all the gory details, but the message is clear – Tiger, at age 45, was already a heavily scarred athlete due to multiple back and knee surgeries. Given all of the surgical procedures, Tiger has been able to display some of his past brilliance in golf, but never in a sustained manner to help win tournaments. With the latest injuries to his two legs and his ankle, he will undoubtedly be repaired, thanks to modern medicine but whether he will be back to his great form again is in doubt. Whatever the outcome, let us all celebrate the great and historic achievements of Tiger. Let what he has done for the game of golf be forever burnt indelibly into the annals of golf. What Tiger gave to golf in particular and sports in general, is more than any one single human being has ever achieved. ASIAN GOLF’s tribute to Tiger is simple – there was only one casting in the mould used to create Tiger and it will never be used again! Get well Tiger! Be free from pain and enjoy the love and warmth of your family and may you live in the memory of Mankind for as long as golf is played!

ASIAN GOLF’S TRIBUTE TO TIGER IS SIMPLE – THERE WAS ONLY ONE CASTING IN THE MOULD USED TO CREATE TIGER AND IT WILL NEVER BE USED AGAIN!

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COVER STORY

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

Golf experienced somewhat of a boom in Southeast Asia in the mid-1980’s. The ascendency of the game was a direct result of stepped-up economic activity in the region with countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia experiencing new golf course construction activity. A good percentage of these new golf clubs came on stream as “membership facilities” which catered to the well-monied and well-heeled sections of society in these emerging nations. Many of these clubs carried the illustrious brand names of the industry’s best known marquee designers like Robert Trent Jones Jr, Ronald Fream

of Golfplan and Jack Nicklaus, the champion golfer. The highly vaunted brand names of these designers were sought after by golfers who did not bat an eyelid to fork out princely sums of cash to become members of an exclusive golf club. Since the boom of the 80’s and the mid-90’s the number of golf courses has grown exponentially in Southeast Asia with the total population currently standing at over 800 clubs. It would be fair to say that the median average age of clubs in the region would be between 20 to 25 years. Like all man-made facilities, age does take its toll on a club’s physical facilities like its buildings and

THE ICONIC 5TH HOLE PROVIDES SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF METROPOLITAN SINGAPORE

the golf course which is the revenue generator for clubs. With time, many of these courses require upgrades, partial renovation or in some cases a total revamp. One such course is the “grand dame” of Singapore, Sentosa Golf Club. It was conceived in the early 1970’s and it was carved out of mangrove swamps and villages and transformed into rolling greens that became the Tanjong Course which was opened in July 1974. It’s sister course, the Serapong opened in 1982. This phase was the creation of world-renowned golf course designer Ronald Fream and it underwent its ﬁrst major makeover in 2006. It has built itself a

global reputation as a world class golf course. Its most recent renovation was completed just a few months ago and while it has won major international awards since its opening, it was felt that the masterpiece that it is, required some additional ﬁne-tuning and upgrading. The revitalised Serapong is now open for play and looks gorgeous with beautiful undulating and fast greens, trademark mounds and contours, mammoth lakes with stone-lined walls all complementing the breath-taking scenery of the Singapore skyline that serves as its backdrop.

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

he man who master-minded the make-over

What Johnston has achieved with the most recent

of Serapong is a one-of-a-kind golf busi-

renovation of Serapong is a lesson for the industry in

ness professional. Andy Johnston, an Amer-

Southeast Asia. The lesson simply being that a golf

ican national with a proven international

course must always be maintained in a pristine condition

track record in the industry, is a sort of

to ensure the best playing experience for its members

“man for all seasons”. He is an internationally recognised

and visitors. Serapong is an excellent example of how a

golf course designer and architect, a certiﬁed agronomist

major, world class golf course was renovated and made

and a club general manager all wrapped up in one – a very

even better with a relatively small investment of S$5

rare breed indeed. He has been with Sentosa Golf Club

million.

for a good stretch of time and in that period, has acquired

To ﬁnd out more about this major renovation, ASIAN

a very intimate understanding of the club’s members, its

GOLF sat down with Johnston to get a ﬁrst-hand under-

culture and what the environment has to offer to help keep

standing of the scale and scope of the “Re-Imagination Of

the two courses at Sentosa at the cutting edge always.

A Masterpiece”.

WHAT JOHNSTON HAS ACHIEVED WITH THE MOST RECENT RENOVATION OF SERAPONG IS A LESSON FOR THE INDUSTRY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. THE LESSON SIMPLY BEING THAT A GOLF COURSE MUST ALWAYS BE MAINTAINED IN A PRISTINE CONDITION TO ENSURE THE BEST PLAYING EXPERIENCE FOR ITS MEMBERS AND VISITORS.

SERAPONG IS AN

EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF HOW A MAJOR, WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSE WAS RENOVATED AND MADE EVEN BETTER WITH A RELATIVELY SMALL INVESTMENT OF

S$5 MILLION.

EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE FAIRWAYS ON THE SERAPONG HAS BEEN REJUVENATED

ANDY JOHNSTON

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

ANDY JOHNSTON HAS OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE GOLF COURSE DESIGN INDUSTRY

The following are excerpts from the interview:

ASIAN GOLF: The renovation project was undertaken right during the onset of the pandemic. What sort of challenges were you subjected to? ANDY JOHNSTON: With the renovations on The

golf courses at one time. For the renovations, our contractor had employed 150 foreign workers and operators, but just 25 days before the works started the majority the contractor’s staff about 140 of them were quarantined for over four months due to the pandemic.

go into the ‘Circuit Breaker’, there were many challenges

ASIAN GOLF: How long did the renovation project take to complete?

faced. The Club had to be nimble and remain aligned with

JOHNSTON: The renovations commenced in March

the changing restrictions throughout the pandemic. The

2020 and took a total of nine months to complete, with The

rules of operation were fast changing in the early stages

Serapong ofﬁcially opening again for Members’ play on 19th

from wearing masks, testing protocols and limited staff al-

December 2020. A little over a month behind the original

lowed on site, to quarantining and working from home.

schedule, which I do not mind saying was a heroic effort

Serapong commencing just as Singapore was about to

A major challenge that we faced during the renovations was attempting to keep up with the tight construction deadlines, while still meeting all the Safe Management Measures in Singapore. As many of our staff were working from home, we normally only had a handful of staff on the

from all involved.

ASIAN GOLF: Was the entire course re-turfed and what turf did you use? JOHNSTON: The grass on all the fairways was replaced

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

A NEW SERRATED-EDGING STYLE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE BUNKERS ON THE SERAPONG NO STONE WAS LEFT UNTURNED DURING THE SERAPONG RENOVATIONS

THE SERAPONG’S ICONIC 5TH HOLE HAS SEEN EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS TO ITS BUNKERS

THE SHOWSTOPPER IS THE NEW BUNKERING SYSTEM THAT HAS GIVEN THE SERAPONG A FRESH NEW LOOK WITH CREATIVE SERRATED EDGING. A FEW NEW BUNKERS HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDED TO REALLY DRIVE THE IMPACT OF THE SERAPONG’S CHARACTER AND SET THE SCENE WHEN YOU ARRIVE ON THE PROPERTY. with a fresh, clean layer of Zoysia Matrella to improve the

serrated edging. A few new bunkers have also been add-

draining infrastructure and enhance percolation rates

ed to really drive the impact of The Serapong’s character

during intense downpours. We also updated the grass on

and set the scene when you arrive on the property.

the tee boxes to Platinum Paspalum. Our award winning

All the tee boxes were re-lasered to reinstate a

greens and the rough were not replaced. An extensive

tabletop flat finish and returned to their original size, as

program was unleashed on the roughs to clean the con-

well as the grass updating which will allow the tees to

tamination while the greens went through a deep coring

be maintained at a super low moving height of 3mm.

programme.

The greens were improved with a drill-and-ﬁll process

ASIAN GOLF: What were some of the major features of the renovation?

that saw machines injecting a pre-made sand mix solution,

JOHNSTON: The course saw several new key features as

next decade. With an enhanced air ratio, it will see the put-

part of the renovations process.

ting surfaces stand the test of time and our climate over

The showstopper is the new bunkering system that has given The Serapong a fresh new look with creative

to rebuild and enhance soil structure condition over the

the next decade.

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

A SIGNATURE SOFT CART PATH RUNS AROUND THE LAKE TO THE GREEN ON THE PAR 3 14TH ON THE SERAPONG, AS PINS HANG OVER THE SERRATED EDGES ON THE BUNKER TUCKED AGAINST THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

ASIAN GOLF: Were any of the physical features of the course changed and if so, give us a description of the changes?

of your vision and takes the player on a continuous journey

JOHNSTON: The Serapong Lagoon, an area of the

holes and, ultimately, in Sentosa’s story.

property that lends itself to a bigger part of The Serapong storyline, was altered. It all started with the realignment of the tee complex

all the way up to the green. This small adjustment enhances the coastal theme and plays a big part over the next ﬁve On the 6th hole, we again realigned the tee complex. By moving all the tees to the right of the cart path, we changed the alignment and visual corridor of golfers down

on the 4th hole. We moved the tee complex next to the wall

to the water at the edge of the rock wall. Additionally, we

sitting adjacent to the lagoon. This opened the visual align-

added in a big new waste bunker that borders the left side

ment of how the serpentine shoreline and walls lay in front

of the hole and frames up how the 6th hole is positioned.

The waste bunker also allows for cart path access. This

and replanted trees. This false front to the green has been

is important because it allows for play without a typical

created using the grass from the Old Tanjong 3rd green

concrete cart path to interfere, therefore taking away the

(we’ve called it the ‘Dragon’s Tongue’). Hole 6 now aligns

unnecessary bounces or advantage gained, all while still

with the shore with views of Pulau Brani delivering a reoc-

allowing golfers to get closer to the fairway. The addition

curring visual experience.

of 60 palm trees to the left side of the 6th hole closes the ability to play the hole from the left of the bunker. The mounding in the ﬁnal fairway bunkers on the right-

New bunkers have been added to the 8th hole. A new centre bunker has been added with a deceptive visual feel that makes one think it is tucked up to the putting

hand side has been lowered. We removed the palm trees,

surface, but it is still 20 metres from the green. The

lowered the mound to open a new false front to the green

concept is to guard the front of the green, but still allow

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

for some space with the greens running at 14 on the stimp to stop the ball in the front pin position. The balance of the new bunkers is only a visual enhancement and should not be in play. Finally, a notable adjustment has been made to the

ASIAN GOLF: All the bunkers look totally different. Can you talk to the serrated edges of the bunkers? JOHNSTON: The serrated edging style of the bunkers has been introduced to transform them into a stronger element

fairway drainage on the 12th. The new fairway has been

than previously. They look deeper, larger and truly capture

lifted nearly one metre higher than the old fairway. Lifting

a golfer’s imagination when they are lining up their next

the elevation of this fairway has allowed us to create the

shot. All the liners were replaced, and new white sand was

necessary hydraulics in the drainage infrastructure to move

introduced to reinstate consistency, texture and tournament-

the water out of the hole. The old fairway was too low and

ready compaction for improved playability.

would not allow the removal of surface water when we reach

ASIAN GOLF: Are the new-look bunkers subjected to sand being washed away during heavy downpours?

lake capacity, as the fairway was only inches higher than the water levels in the reservoir lakes.

THE MASSIVE SERPENTINE BUNKER GUARDS THE 13TH GREEN ON THE SERAPONG

JOHNSTON: The shaping of The Serapong’s bunkers creates visually stunning high ﬂashed faces of sand. But even in

edge been brought into play for most of the frontnine?

the most severe downpours, the sand on these bunkers does

JOHNSTON: We have enhanced the shoreline features of

not move.

the golf course. This starts on the 4th tee box with the new

This is directly attributed to the overall design of the bunkers to manage rainwater. None of The Serapong bunkers or any bunker on Sentosa Golf Club’s property allow

tee complex opening the entire Par 5 4th hole to panoramic views of its shoreline from tee to green. The same visual feast reoccurs again on the 6th with

surface drainage/rainwater to run through the bunker and

its new alignment using the shoreline. It is also interesting

wash sand away. This special design technique maintains

to point out that the reshaping of the 6th landing area has

the sand in the bunker and eliminates the painful and labo-

allowed for the Par 5 7th hole to be seen over the deck of the

rious effort of pushing up sand every time it rains.

6th green enhancing the shoreline feel.

ASIAN GOLF: The front of the course seems to have been re-built somewhat – has the water’s

ASIAN GOLF: The ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ sounds like quite a threatening feature – tell us more about this?

COVER STORY | SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

A NEW FALSE FRONT NAMED ‘THE DRAGON’S TOOTH’ NOW FEATURES ON THE SERAPONG’S 6TH GREEN

JOHNSTON: The ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ is the nickname given to the new false front on the 6th green. It has been named this because it ﬁts with the rock which protrudes out of the bunker and has been known as the ‘Dragon’s Tooth’. It also plays to the name of that stretch of holes which is known as the ‘Dragon’s Tail’. The grass taken from the old Tanjong 3rd green was reused here as part of value engineering.

ASIAN GOLF: What was the cost of the project? JOHNSTON: The overall construction value was around S$5M. It is amazing what an impact we have made with The Serapong’s design, planning and implementation of the work.

ASIAN GOLF: Was the re-designing of the course done as a total in-house exercise? JOHNSTON: In terms of the actual renovations, the designs were formulated by me and a shaper, Steven Page, to help bring the project to life. Steven is a third-generation shaper and is fast approaching his 50th design project having been putting designer’s dream into reality for 30 years. A small part of his CV reads Memorial, Muirﬁeld Village and Tanah Merah Country Club.

ASIAN GOLF: How do you look upon the renovation – has it met your expectations? JOHNSTON: I look upon the renovations with great

doubles when located in the subtropics and nearly on the equator, like we are. We realised that, to maintain The Serapong’s

pride. We have taken one of the world’s Top 100 golf

reputation as one of the world’s best golf courses,

courses and made it even better. And future-proofed

it was time to renovate, and by doing so we have

the golf course.

now provided it with the consistency and texture to

With Singapore being in a warm climate, the conditions on our golf courses move quicker than

become even more well-renowned amongst golfers around the world.

those on an ordinary course. The ageing process

I LOOK UPON THE RENOVATIONS WITH GREAT PRIDE. WE HAVE TAKEN ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP 100 GOLF COURSES AND MADE IT EVEN BETTER. AND FUTURE-PROOFED THE GOLF COURSE. NEW BUNKERS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO PROTECT THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SERAPONG’S 8TH GREEN

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SPECIAL FEATURE GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS

he 2020 Global Golf Awards have been successfully distributed to all the winners throughout the Asia Paciﬁc region. It was quite a massive undertaking to have the

awards manufactured in China and then individu-

ally shipped out to the winners via courier. “The exercise was well worth it because while the raging pandemic messed up all events in the last twelve months, we resolved that no pandemic would set back our plans to ensure that all winners received their awards and due recognition that they so rightfully deserve,” said Angela Raymond, President of the Asia Paciﬁc Golf Group, the joint owners of the Global Golf Awards with the giant Mission Hills Group of China. The 2020 Global Golf Awards was the 20th edition of the highly successful Asian Golf Awards. Winners from a total of 56 award categories were recognised for the 2020 edition of the Global Golf Awards. “We received more than 107,000 valid votes on the on-line poll, and we are happy to report that the on-line polling went off without a hitch despite the pandemic,” said Alice Ho, Business Manager and project coordinator for the Global Golf Awards.

Normally, the award presentation is a very grand recognition affair staged during a gala dinner. “This was not possible this time around, but we nevertheless are delighted that some of the award winners have come forward to celebrate their success in a special supplement in ASIAN GOLF,” said Ho. The clubs who are commemorating their success in the 2020 Global Golf Awards include the following:

Eagleton - The Golf Village Kota Permai Golf and Country Club Marina Bay Golf Course Seletar Country Club Sentosa Golf Club Sky72 Golf & Resort Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate Preparations are now underway for the staging of the 2021 Global Golf Awards on-line poll. Details will be announced in the next few weeks. The 2021 Global Golf Awards presentation is currently planned to be held in conjunction with the World Golf Expo in Hainan, Haikou on November 7.

THE EXERCISE WAS WELL WORTH IT BECAUSE WHILE THE RAGING PANDEMIC MESSED UP ALL EVENTS IN THE LAST TWELVE

MONTHS, WE RESOLVED THAT NO PANDEMIC WOULD SET BACK OUR PLANS TO ENSURE THAT ALL WINNERS RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS AND DUE RECOGNITION THAT THEY SO RIGHTFULLY DESERVE.

– ANGELA RAYMOND

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2020

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Displaying total sensitivity to the environment, the golf course is designed by renowned golf Pacific Coast Design, Australia. Eagleton has been listed in the Rolex Top 1000 Golf Courses of the World and has been the proud host of the first-ever Ladies European Golf Tour in India and numerous other prestigious golf events in India. Eagleton – The Golf Village is destined for a privileged group of discerning people, looking for a very special way of life. We welcome them with pride and pleasure. “Clean living – luxury style”. This epithet describes Eagleton in a nutshell. It is a visionary space designed for you and your family to live, work and relax in a tranquil, pollution-free ambience, surrounded by the inimitable beauty only nature can create and complimented by International standards in comfort and convenience.

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Tucked in the heart of a thriving township just 25 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur's CBD, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club (KPGCC) is an international championship course designed to accommodate all skill levels and one every golfer must play to appreciate the hype that revolves around this Ross Watson gem, the hallmark of which are the fast greens that are always in excellent condition. Established in 1998, KPGCC has played host to numerous local and international tournaments most recent being the 2020 Bandar Malaysia Open, marking the second time the National Open has been held on its grounds. The Club has received regional and global recognition from Tour players, and raked in numerous awards via peak achievements at notable ceremonies such as the World Golf Awards, Global Golf Awards, Asian Golf Awards and Malaysian Golf Awards. Recently cemented strategic partnerships with the Asian Tour as a prestigious Asian Tour Destination and IMG as part of the exclusive IMG Prestige Network sees .A ŉ ŉl «sŉ± s«ŉ½ ± ŉ ± sªŉªs§µ±^j sŉl µj«ŉ ŉ± sŉ Ç ŉ½ ª oħ KPGCC sets high standards on its products and services, with continuous enhancements to the golf course, facilities and service excellence.

The newly-renovated RM13.5million Golf Win design concept of ‘Tropical Elegance’ with a E Çl^ ±ŉ µ§ ª^os«ŉ «ss«ŉ ± sŉ ^ sŉ l ^ ŉ s^±µª ŉĎĔČŉ l sª«ŉ^ oŉ^ŉ½ §§ ŉĐčŉµ ±«ŉ room has been increased from 1,905ft2ŉ ± ŉ ĎĢď shower cubicles. Other key highlights include starting point, two new storage rooms for even and two new air-conditioned waiting lounges.

With several F&B offerings, KPGCC has recen specialises in both local and international cui recently made its debut in February 2021. Corp regular appearances in KPGCC, plus a parade o royals alike.

KPGCC’s passion, pride and persistence remain everyone to sample a truly one-of-a-kind exp Malaysian hospitality.

nce.

ng unveiled in April 2018 features an interior a total overall expansion measuring 7,265ft2. ª ŉ « Ãsŉ lªs^«soŉ ª ŉ ĐĢČďĒ ±2 to 6,975ft2, ª ŉ± sŉ§ªs» µ«ŉčĒĢŉ½ sŉ± sŉ s ^ sŉl ^ ŉ ďčĐ ±2 with 122 lockers (previously 88) and 12 three VIP rooms, a new fully-covered golfers’ nt organisers, a new locker access card system

ntly welcomed a new operator on-board that isine, plus a newly-constructed Sushi Bar that porate tournaments and banquet events make of notable individuals spanning celebrities and

ns its driving force for excellence, and welcomes perience, laced with the renowned warmth of

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ONE YEAR LATER A full year has passed since Sentosa Golf Club launched its new sustainability campaign, GAME ON, at the 2020 SMBC Singapore Open. By uniting the game’s key VWDNHKROGHUV ZLWK WKH ZLGHU JROĺQJ FRPPXQLW\ 6HQWRVDpV aim has been to educate and inspire the golf industry to introduce modern sustainability practices, therefore reducing a golf club’s environmental impact.

However, this was not the end of Sentosa Golf Club’s VXVWDLQDELOLW\ MRXUQH\ LQ )ROORZLQJ WKH 81 announcement, the Club will be securing two waste GLJHVWHUV WKURXJK 7KH 5 $pV *ROI 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ )XQG PDNLQJ LW WKH ĺUVW FOXE LQ $VLD ZLWK WKH DELOLW\ WR JULQG down food and horticultural waste to reuse as fertiliser on its golf courses. Savings of up to 30% on monthly waste disposal are estimated over a one-year period.

Since launching the campaign, the Club has taken further steps with its environmental commitment – agreeing a collaboration with international sustainable golf nonSURĺW *(2 )RXQGDWLRQ WKDW ZLOO VHH *(2pV LQGXVWU\ leading OnCourse® SURJUDP DQG *(2 &HUWLĺHG ODEHO integrated with Sentosa’s ‘green-culture’. A pivotal role ZLOO VHH *(2 )RXQGDWLRQ VXSSRUW WKH &OXE RQ WKHLU MRXUQH\ to reaching carbon neutrality by gathering, verifying and reporting credible results. The Club followed this by making history in becoming WKH ĺUVW JROI FOXE LQ WKH ZRUOG WR VLJQ WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQpV Sports for Climate Action Initiative, a global campaign that aims to guide sports organisations and their communities on a path to achieving the global climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement. Prestigious sporting organisations to already pledge their support include the New York Yankees and the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon).

Sentosa Golf Club General Manager, Andrew Johnston, talks to Henrik Stenson about sustainability in golf course design

The highlight of Sentosa’s year saw them awarded the WLWOH RI o:RUOGpV %HVW (FR )ULHQGO\ *ROI )DFLOLW\p DW WKH World Golf Awards, that coincided with the launch of WKHLU PXFK DQWLFLSDWHG *$0( 21 'RFXPHQWDU\ 7KH ĺOP hopes to serve as golf’s response to climate change and help clubs around the world to understand the importance of reducing their carbon footprint by showcasing a number of key measures that can be implemented, such as the creation of bee colonies and banning of single-use plastics. With over 61 million golfers and 39,000 golf courses ZRUOGZLGH JROI KDV WKH DELOLW\ WR PDNH D VLJQLĺFDQW LPSDFW on climate change. It’s not game over...it’s GAME ON!

World's Best Eco Friendly Golf Facility

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

www.sentosagolf.com

Home to two of the world’s greatest championship golf courses. Host to world-renowned tournaments. @SentosaGolfClub

STA. ELENA GOLF CLUB RAISING THE BAR HIGH FOR GOLF COURSES IN THE PHILIPPINES

he vision Bienvenido Tantoco Jr. had for Sta. Elena Golf Club was simple: create a playground that ensures the enjoyment of members and their families. With that mindset, Sta. Elena was able to establish a working culture that has laid a solid foundation for its existence. After many years of raising the bar high for Philippine golf clubs in terms of service and maintenance, Sta. Elena Golf Club remains the happy place that it has always been for members and guests. In the course of time, Sta. Elena became a favorite venue for major corporate events and the top choice of CEOs and people in authority.

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PHOTOS BY: MARTY ILAGAN

INQUIRER GOLF

Sta. Elena which was included twice LQ *ROI 'LJHVWnV SUHVWLJLRXV OLVW RI WRS 100 courses outside the United States and a consistent winner of the Asian Golf Monthly awards, has always been IXWXUH SURRǍQJ WR JXDUDQWHH WKDW LWV legacy will grow even bigger. Because the best can only get better. Holes that appear to be perfect already were tweaked to enhance their character and are always being updated with the latest concepts in design and architecture. The trees have matured and the landscape is maintained to near perfection. Golf rounds at Sta. Elena will surely be treasured even more.

The surroundings will portray creative artistry that can never be seen anywhere, a masterpiece where D FRPPXQH EDVNV LQ WKH JORU\ RI ǎRUD DQG IDXQD 6WD (OHQD DOVR RǌHUV RQH RI the best if not the best cuisines amongst all golf clubs, reason why members and their families as well as guests keep coming back not just for golf.

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STA E L E NA G OL F A N D C OU N T RY E STAT E , C I T Y O F S T A R O S A , INQUIRER L A G U N A ,GOLF PHILIPPINES

SPECIAL FEATURE

GOLF SAUDI

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To most of the world’s people, this is a land known for its rich historic, cultural and tribal heritage going back through the Ages. It’s a land that conjures up spectacular and yet intriguing images of vast spreads of arid desert topography made up of lowland, steppe and mountains punctuated by the spell-binding Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. It possesses all the natural features for the setting of the production of stupendous movie-sets of classic tales. An inspiring and stimulating backdrop for writers, poets and artists to dream up of yet untold and unseen masterpieces. This is what Saudi Arabia represents to the uninitiated. Its economy is the largest in the Middle East and it is said to have one of the world’s youngest populations, with approximately 50 percent of its population of 34.2 million being under 25 years old. There’s a lot more that can be said about this fascinating country but who would have ever thought that this ancient land would embark upon one of the most ambitious programmes in modern times to introduce golf to the country and its people. As incredulous as it may sound, Saudi Arabia is spearheading both an expensive and expansive campaign to not only bring the game of golf to its shores, but it also wants to take its place on golf’s global stage as a force committed to the growth of the game.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

ver the past three decades, there have been many initiatives to “grow” golf especially in Asia with countries like China and Vietnam leading

the thrust to open golf courses. The “growth of

golf” in Asia was driven by mega-rich real estate developers and businessmen who just opened new golf courses that featured the signatures

of the legends of golf. Oftentimes, most of these developments were real estate plays. However, the Saudi Arabian approach to developing golf is totally different – it is unique in the sense that there is a masterplan in place to pilot the growth of golf in the Kingdom. Central to its programme, conducted

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE SOCIAL

NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY. WITH THE ROLLOUT OF THE SOCIAL AGENDA, WE HAVE CREATED AN EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK, INCLUDING THE GOLF SAUDI INTERNSHIP COMPONENT OF OUR

PROGRAMME TO ACCOMMODATE THE FORMULATION OF A SKILLED DOMESTIC WORKFORCE, CREATING THE PATHWAY

SAUDI COMMUNITY TO EMBARK ON A RANGE OF CAREERS IN AND AROUND GOLF, WITH THE FOR MEMBERS OF THE

AIM TO CREATE AN ABUNDANCE OF NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES.

– MAJED AL SOROUR, GOLF SAUDI AND SAUDI GOLF FEDERATION CEO

under the auspices of Golf Saudi, is “The

500 veterans and disabled individuals, along

Social Agenda”, a part of the newly-launched

with their children, complimentary member-

National Sustainability Strategy (NSS). It has

ship and lessons, as well as a pathway to begin

been conceived with three distinct pillars which

regularly playing golf. This is part of Golf Saudi’s

places particular focus on the enrichment of

plans to remain fully committed to making golf

the country’s Environment (The Green Agenda),

inclusive for all in the Kingdom.

delivering beneﬁt to the national economy (The

The complimentary membership will

Economic Agenda) and providing opportunities

include a digital “Introduction to Golf” education

to the domestic population (The Social Agenda).

pack, which will provide monthly seminars out-

The programme has been designed to have

lining the key aspects of golf for beginners. All

legs so that it can be sustained and kept going

courses operated by Golf Saudi will offer clinics

to deliver on all the goals outlined under the

for participants of the scheme on a monthly

NSS.

basis. Led by a certiﬁed Golf Saudi coach, the

Everything that is planned is designed to

programme will conclude with an on-course

impact the community at large and one of the

induction for all participants and a chance to

ﬁrst is an internship programme that will offer

play an 18-hole round.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

ALONGSIDE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE

In conjunction with this internship a country-wide mass participation programme, titled ‘Let it Fly’, will be

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME, WE ARE

rolled out to provide men, women and children the oppor-

THRILLED TO BE ONE STEP CLOSER

The ﬁrst of these took place on the beachfront at King

TO LAUNCHING OUR FULL

Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) during the staging of the

MASS PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME, LET IT FLY, WHICH WILL SEE THOUSANDS OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN BE INTRODUCED TO THE GAME ACROSS THE

KINGDOM.

tunity to learn golf through a number of unique activations.

Saudi International tournament, to introduce people to golf in a new and exciting way. Further activations will follow in parks and shopping malls as soon as it is safe to do so, with consumers being invited to register their interest in taking part. Another central component of ‘Let it Fly’ is the roll-out of a schools programme which will see tens of thousands of children given tuition as part of the physical education curriculum when schools re-open. A pilot programme has already achieved close to 18,000 participants.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

IT IS REALLY ENCOURAGING TO SEE THE INITIATIVES OF SAUDI ARABIA TO GROW THE GAME OF GOLF IN THE

Majed Al Sorour, Golf Saudi and Saudi Golf Federation CEO, commented: “We are delighted to turn our attention to the social component of our National Sustainability Strategy. With the rollout of the Social Agenda, we have created an educational framework, including the Golf Saudi

KINGDOM. IT IS A WELL THOUGHT-UP AND HOLISTIC PLAN

internship programme to accommodate the formulation

AND KNOWING THE COMMITMENT

of careers in and around golf, with the aim to create an

AND VISION OF ITS LEADERS, IT IS WELL ON ITS WAY TO SINKING DEEP AND LASTING ROOTS.

of a skilled domestic workforce, creating the pathway for members of the Saudi community to embark on a range abundance of new job opportunities. “Alongside the announcement of the internship programme, we are thrilled to be one step closer to launching our full Mass Participation programme, Let it Fly, which will see thousands of men, women and children be introduced to the game across the Kingdom,” Majed disclosed. It is really encouraging to see the initiatives of Saudi Arabia to grow the game of golf in the Kingdom. It is a well thought-up and holistic plan and knowing the commitment

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

and vision of its leaders, it is well on its way to sinking deep and lasting roots. Golf Saudi has shown the world that it can stage a world-

GOLF SAUDI HAS

class golf tournament as witnessed by the recent 2021 Saudi

SHOWN THE WORLD

International that showcased some of the best professional golf-

THAT IT CAN STAGE A WORLD-

ers in the world. Another measure of the Kingdom’s commitment to golf has

CLASS GOLF TOURNAMENT AS

taken the form of its support for the launch of four fully-sanc-

WITNESSED BY THE RECENT

tioned Ladies European Tour (LET) tournaments set to take place

2021 SAUDI INTERNATIONAL THAT SHOWCASED SOME OF

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS IN THE WORLD.

in 2021. The Aramco Team Series will be held in New York, London, Singapore and King Abdullah Economic City (near Jeddah), with each tournament carrying a USD$1 million prize fund. The series is looked upon as a signiﬁcant step forward for both Saudi and women’s sport. Saudi Arabia – welcome aboard as a new and powerful force to grow the game of golf!

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PHANTOM PUTTERS

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PHANTOM PUTTERS

One of the most prolific designers of putters has certainly got to be Scotty Cameron. More often than not, it’s his impeccably crafted putters that can be found in the hands of some of the best professionals in the world. Besides the professionals, many amateurs and club golfers swear by flatsticks that bear his imprimatur. After all, Scotty is the “Michelangelo” of the highly refined art of putter design!

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PHANTOM PUTTERS

WITH THE PHANTOM X 11 AND 11.5, I WAS ABLE TO DESIGN A MORE COMPACT WINGBACK MALLET WITH A STAINLESS-STEEL FACE IN CONJUNCTION WITH 6061 AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM FOR A LOOK AND FEEL THAT JUST PERFORMS WHILE BEING VERY STABLE AND FORGIVING. THIS LINE EXTENSION ADDS FOUR NEW OPTIONS THAT WILL MOST DEFINITELY PIQUE THE INTEREST OF MALLET PLAYERS. – SCOTTY CAMERON

ameron has hit the road running for 2021 and he has kicked off the Year of the OX with four new tour-inspired putters. The new arrivals have all landed in the highly acclaimed Phantom X family stable.

Of the four putters, the Phantom X 11 and the Phantom

X 11.5 are hot off the production lines while the Phantom X5 and Phantom X 5.5 replace current in-line models. In a nutshell, all the new arrivals have been meticulously engineered for performance. The new Phantom X 11 and Phantom X 11.5 were developed based on player requests for a slightly smaller setup in the spirit of the Phantom X 12 and 12.5 models while the Phantom X 5 and Phantom X 5.5 models have been completely revamped.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PHANTOM PUTTERS

“With the Phantom X 11 and 11.5, I was able to design a more compact wingback mallet with a stainless-steel face in conjunction with 6061 aircraft aluminum for a look and feel that just performs while being very stable and forgiving. This line extension adds four new options that will most deﬁnitely pique the interest of mallet players,” said Cameron. Central to the new Phantoms is the new neck and shaft conﬁgurations. The Phantom X 5 and Phantom X 11 were designed with a stepless steel shaft engineered to minimize face rotation during the putting stroke by incorporating a single “mid-bend” aimed directly down the target line.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PHANTOM PUTTERS

The Phantom X 5.5 employs the small slant neck made famous on tour with its seamless shaft-over conﬁguration. The Phantom X 11.5 has a stepless steel shaft with a single “low-bend” aimed down the target line to promote an arc path for more toe ﬂow or a more “blade-like” feel in the putting stroke. The new putters will be on the market in late March.

THE NEW PHANTOM X 11 PHANTOM X 11.5 WERE

AND

DEVELOPED BASED ON PLAYER REQUESTS FOR A SLIGHTLY SMALLER SETUP IN THE

PHANTOM X 12 AND 12.5 MODELS WHILE THE PHANTOM X 5 AND PHANTOM X 5.5 MODELS HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY REVAMPED. SPIRIT OF THE

FASHION TREND

FOOTJOY PREMIERE SERIES

FASHION TREND | FOOTJOY PREMIERE SERIES

The designers at FootJoy, the name associated with the best golf shoes on the Planet, deserve to be singled out and congratulated for taking a big, bold step to introduce a range of classic golf shoes that have their roots in the distant past. FootJoy has stepped out onto the tee-boxes of the world’s golf courses to show off its latest range of golf shoes – the PREMIERE SERIES and it’s the perfect ﬁt for a brand-new posh look for the 21st Century. Many of us who over the years have enjoyed playing in classic looking all-leather FootJoys are in for a treat with the new PREMIERE range. What a relief to be able to wear shoes that have the distinct “golf-look” after being subjected to wearing golf shoes that look like dime-a-dozen track shoes! ASIAN GOLF salutes FootJoy for bringing the past into the future!

FASHION TREND | FOOTJOY PREMIERE SERIES

ootJoy’s 21st century redesign of the modern classic golf shoe for men and women comes in three distinct designs. The three standout designs have been tagged as TARLOW, PACKARD and FLINT. Each of these names represent inﬂuential ﬁgures in FootJo oy’s history. histo hi s ry. All these new classics are made from premium leathers and ultraFootJoy’s lightw weig eight material and boast exquisite detailing. lightweight

deep-d dive iv into t each of the new shoes, starting with the Tarlow – this model is Here’s a deep-dive

Dic Tarlow, who bought the FootJoy business in 1957 and focused the brand inspired by Bill and Dick e Tarlow T primarily on golf. The collection, a modern interpretation of the timeless cap toe design, uses a natural grain leather in the vamp and the quarter, complemented by a coordinated croc

TARLOW

toe o and eyestay. The midsole is complemented by a natural leather welt and print in the heel, cap toe i h contrast stitch.

THE THREE STANDOUT DESIGNS HAVE BEEN TAGGED AS TARLOW, PACKARD AND FLINT. EACH OF THESE NAMES REPRESENT INFLUENTIAL FIGURES IN FOOTJOY’S HISTORY. ALL THESE NEW R REP CLASSICS ARE MADE FROM PREMIUM LEATHERS AND ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT C CLA MATERIAL AND BOAST EXQUISITE DETAILING. M MA

FASHION TREND | FOOTJOY PREMIERE SERIES

Next, we take a look at the Packard range. This line is inspired by Frederick Packard, FootJoy’s founder and a shoe pioneer who drove the adoption of many modern manufacturing and design innovations still employed today. The Packard collection features exquisite detailing and a pebble grain leather in both the vamp and the quarter. The collection uses a calfskin croc print accent in the saddle area, complemented by a natural leather welt and contrast stitching.

THE PACKARD COLLECTION FEATURES EXQUISITE DETAILING AND A PEBBLE GRAIN LEATHER IN BOTH THE VAMP AND THE QUARTER. THE COLLECTION USES A CALFSKIN CROC PRINT ACCENT IN THE SADDLE AREA, COMPLEMENTED BY A NATURAL LEATHER WELT AND CONTRAST STITCHING.

PACKARD

FASHION TREND | FOOTJOY PREMIERE SERIES

Finally, the Flint range – this is inspired by Perley ng Harvard graduate and avid golfer who Flint, a young ootJoy’s first golf shoe in the 1920’s. This designed FootJoy’s only collection is clean and refined. A smooth spikeless-only ChromoSkin n leather is used in the upper, highlighted ed detailing on the saddle area, a refined FJ by embossed ornament as well as piping on the side. Inside the shoe, premium lambskin ambskin linings are featured and a new fitbed for exceptional onal comfort, while an all-new VersaTrax+ ovides grip for any lie or angle. outsole provides dels will be available in Asia midAll models March and will be offered in a choice d BOA closures, and a of laced and variety of colours, olours, including black, white, e, grey, white/ avy/red. navy and navy/red.

FLINT

THIS IS INSPIRED BY

YOUNG

PER ERLEY LEY FLINT, A HAR ARVARD RVARD GRADUATE

AND AVID GO GOLFER OLFER WHO

FOOTJOY’S FIRST GOLF SHOE IIN THE 1920’S. THIS SPIKELE SPIKELESS ESS-ONLY DESIGNED

COLLECTION IS CLEAN AND REFINED.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

TAYLORMADE GOLF BALLS

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE GOLF BALLS

Just when you thought that the gate keepers of golf were closing in on strapping cuffs onto the wrist of golf ball manufacturers, TaylorMade Golf has made a bold and fearless break to buck the trend on the on-going saga to rein in the distance golf balls travel. It’s really encouraging to see a major manufacturer put the interest of golfers over that of the game’s bureaucrats who seem obsessed with cutting back on the distance that golf balls ﬂy and roll. In its drive to push the envelope on technology and new thresholds, TaylorMade’s newest golf balls are guaranteed to smack on broad smiles on the faces of golfers who just want to see their drives eke out more distance.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE GOLF BALLS

aylorMade’s all-new 2021 TP5 and TP5x

been engineered for a new level of aerodynamics and

golf balls continue with the company’s

carry distance.

tradition of building the “Most Complete Tour Ball in Golf”. These new balls are arguably the

The revolutionary new dimple design has a unique dual-radius shape that decouples dimple volume from depth to optimize airflow around the golf ball

most technologically advanced in that the products

during flight, ultimately reducing drag and promoting

feature an all-new tour ﬂight dimple pattern that has

distance.

WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HFM (HIGH FLEX MATERIAL) IN 2019 AND NOW THE TOUR FLIGHT DIMPLE PATTERN, WE’VE EXAMINED EVERY COMPONENT OF THE GOLF BALL TO ENSURE THAT EACH LAYER IS FUNCTIONING AT ITS HIGHEST POSSIBLE LEVEL AND WORKING IN UNISON TO DELIVER UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE ON EVERY SHOT.

– MICHAEL FOX

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE GOLF BALLS

TOMMY FLEETWOOD

RORY MCILROY

“Since 2017, we have blazed a path to distance and speed with TP5 and TP5x – building upon a foundation of Tour-proven performance with the patented ﬁve-layer

The new individual enhancements give golfers performance precisely where they want it the most in both models. The new balls are so markedly improved that Team Tay-

system at its core,” explained Michael Fox, TaylorMade’s

lorMade’s top athletes switched to the new TP5/TP5x faster

Category Director, Golf Ball and Accessories. “With the de-

than any product in the company’s recent history.

velopment of HFM (high ﬂex material) in 2019 and now the

“It’s one thing to test a new ball, it’s another to put it

Tour Flight Dimple Pattern, we’ve examined every compo-

in play during competition with conﬁdence and ease. The

nent of the golf ball to ensure that each layer is functioning

fact that Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and

at its highest possible level and working in unison to deliver

Tommy Fleetwood all switched to the new ball for their ﬁrst

unmatched performance on every shot,” said Fox.

event of the year speaks volumes,” said Keith Sbarbaro,

The improvements are very tangible in that the new

TaylorMade’s Vice President of Tour Operations. He added,

2021 TP5x has a slightly softer cast urethane cover that bet-

“The best players in the world have quickly embraced the

ter grips the grooves on a wedge for increased spin around

performance of the new TP5 and TP5x.”

the greens with lower launch, while remaining the fastest Tour ball in the TaylorMade line-up. Similarly, the 2021 TP5 now has a larger, more reactive

The launch of the TP5 and TP5x is further validation that TaylorMade ranks among the fastest growing golf ball brands of the last several years. Since 2017, the company’s

core that delivers more ball speed while retaining the same

total market share has been on a steady and steep upswing,

feel and spin properties of the prior generation. TP5 still

a growth trajectory that positions TaylorMade among the

provides a softer feel, increased greenside spin and a lower

largest golf ball companies in the world. Golfers at every

launch in comparison to TP5x, which is faster, longer and

level of the game are making the switch to TP5/TP5x, while

higher launching.

Tour adoption continues to happen rapidly.

IT’S ONE THING TO TEST A NEW BALL, IT’S ANOTHER TO PUT IT IN PLAY DURING COMPETITION WITH CONFIDENCE AND EASE. THE FACT THAT RORY MCILROY, RICKIE FOWLER, COLLIN MORIKAWA AND TOMMY FLEETWOOD ALL SWITCHED TO THE NEW BALL FOR THEIR FIRST EVENT OF THE YEAR SPEAKS VOLUMES.THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD HAVE QUICKLY EMBRACED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW TP5 AND TP5X. – KEITH SBARBARO

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE GOLF BALLS

he 2021 TP5 and TP5x offer complete tee-to-green performance thanks to TaylorMade’s

proprietary 5-layer construction. Both models deliver world-class distance off the he tee, with the TP5 having a softer feel and more spin around the greens, while achieving fast ball speeds with a new reactive core that is larger than the priorr generation. ent TP5x is the fastest and longest ball in the current TaylorMade line-up, with a ﬁrmer feel and higher launch on iron shots. In addition, it has more green-side spin than the prior generation with a new and softer cast urethane cover.

support@golfcitizen.com

EQUIPMENT FOCUS PXG

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG

It’s the season when all major golf equipment manufacturers roll out their new, shiny weapons for golf fans to swoon over. It’s everything from drivers, to woods and hybrids, irons and putters. This time around, the spotlight falls on Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) and the “general” at the helm of this golf equipment upstart has unveiled two extremely intimidating looking ﬂat sticks. Like everything about PXG, these newcomers are revolutionary in looks, design and functionality!

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG

oining PXG’s “Battle Ready” force are the Mustang and Bat Attack – both 100 percent milled and fully optimized putters for maximum stability, easy alignment, and outstanding consistency. At the launch, the man leading the charge to battle, Founder

and CEO Bob Parsons said, “What happens on the green can make

or break a round, so we’ve engineered our Battle-Ready Putters to give you the best shot technology to sink more putts. And, like all PXG clubs, they feel incredible and are unbelievably sexy.” The Battle-Ready Mustang is a blade-style putter with tungsten-weighting in the heel and toe, creating an optimal centre-of-gravity (CG) for enhanced stability and forgiveness. Angled heel-toe ballasts and geometry parallel to the sightline make for exceptional easy alignment at address. The Bat Attack is a modified mallet putter with long, contrasting tungsten wings that make for easy, repeatable alignment. This putter offers the moment of inertia (MOI) and CG benefits of a mallet-style putter in a visually smaller package. Both the Mustang and Bat Attack have been fully optimized for maximum performance - from the CG and MOI to stability, balance, and weighting. Each putter features a bi-material construction, integrating aerospace-grade aluminum with high-density tungsten, benefitting both swing and stability dynamics.

BOTH THE MUSTANG AND BAT ATTACK HAVE BEEN FULLY OPTIMIZED PUTTERS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE - FROM THE CG AND MOI TO STABILITY, BALANCE, AND WEIGHTING. EACH PUTTER FEATURES A BI-MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION, INTEGRATING AEROSPACE-GRADE ALUMINUM WITH HIGH-DENSITY TUNGSTEN, BENEFITTING BOTH SWING AND STABILITY DYNAMICS.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG

PXG’s innovative Pyramid Face Pattern supports consistency in all significant factors that affect roll, including initial ball velocity, launch angle, spin rates, and skid distance. Two weights, found in the sole, further help fine-tune the putter to support desired launch conditions. Four hosel configurations – Plumber’s Neck, Heel Shafted, Double Bend, or Armlock – provide additional customization based on a player’s unique stroke style. PXG’s Precision Weighting Technology, in conjunction with the hosel chosen, dictates the overall club head mass. All PXG Battle Ready Putters feature the brand’s iconic Darkness insignia – a skull with the number 26 – a nod to Parsons’ service in the 26th Marine Corps Regiment during the Vietnam War.

WE’VE ENGINEERED OUR BATTLE-READY PUTTERS

TO GIVE YOU THE BEST SHOT TECHNOLOGY TO SINK MORE PUTTS. LIKE ALL

AND,

PXG CLUBS, THEY FEEL

INCREDIBLE AND ARE UNBELIEVABLY SEXY.

– BOB PARSONS

ASIAN GOLF, the longest running pan-Asian golf magazine has 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 Londonbased APAC Insider. This 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!” ASIAN GOLF is an international golf magazine produced in English and enjoys a worldwide circulation. Its social media following, especially on Facebook is in excess of 103,000 followers.