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Can you believe this? Asian stars won three top international golf tournaments and in doing so, these wins have helped Asia stamp its excellence in golf and send out a signal that the Continent is beginning to surge on all fronts. Ironically, these three big wins all happened in April, days apart from each other. It could have easily passed off as a big April Fools joke, but let it be made very clear that Asia was in no mood to fool around. The three wins scored by Asian players were all historic and highly significant victories and ASIAN GOLF has decided to proclaim all the wins as milestones in the evolution of the game in Asia.
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SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER
12
EQUIPMENT FOCUS
IT’S SUMMER …. AND IT’S PUTTER BONANZA TIME!
Marking the arrival of Summer 2021, PING has hit the road running with what can be considered as an “arsenal” full of brandnew putters designed to help golfers to hone in on the most critical part of their game – the part that counts; that separates victory from defeat!
BE READY AND PREPARED!
We are now past the one-year mark on the Covid-19 induced pandemic. As this article is written, the global death toll has exceeded the staggering 3-million mark and it continues to grow.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
ROSY DAYS AHEAD FOR GOLF IN ASIA
American golf course architect Brian Curley, with 63 courses built in Asia to his credit is confident that the pandemic experience has shown that there is and will continue to be a strong market for golf to get outdoors. In an exclusive interview with ASIAN GOLF, he explained that the habit will not change when things return to normal, and people realize what an important role that golf can play in their mental and physical well-being.”
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48 TOURISM CONTINUES TO REEL The latest UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations in place in 217 destinations worldwide. The latest report shows that the persistent seriousness of the epidemiological situation has caused governments to adopt a more cautious approach.
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WORLD GOLF EXPO – SIMPLY THE BEST!
As part of the build-up to the World Golf Expo, the organisers have been successful in assembling a very powerful set of speakers, perhaps the best group to be assembled for any major international golf conference this year. It is believed that WGE has managed to obtain the services of SIMPLY THE BEST in the industry.
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THE LIFE OF A TOUR PROFESSIONAL IS TOUGH!
Many professional golfers struggle with managing their work-life balance. This revealing information of the battle to maintain everything in equilibrium emerged from a new research project on how touring professionals were coping with the challenge of travelling and being away from family and friends.
PXG – TURBO-POWERED SEX!
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SIMPLY OOZING WITH SEX APPEAL!
TaylorMade Golf has launched the spanking new P•790 Black set of irons. In its launch pitch the brand claims that the new irons give golfers the chance to experience a “new level of elegance and aggression” with the high-powered irons.
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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
We are now past the one-year mark on the Covid-19 induced pandemic. As this article is written, the global death toll has exceeded the staggering 3-million mark and it continues to grow. As the pandemic rages on, there are countries all over the world that are being forced to lock down just as they were looking forward to lifting barriers and returning to normal. There is only one lesson to be learned from this on-again-off-again-on-again saga – DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN. BE PREPARED ALWAYS!
SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER
W
hile it is easy to report on the ravages brought about by the global pandemic, ASIAN GOLF would rather focus on how we, as an industry, can take mea-
sures to safeguard our respective businesses and put on display for all to see, that GOLF is SAFE! The message that we want to send out to governments and legislators alike is that Golf is safe and that now, more than ever, safe outdoor recreational options will be critical to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all people, golfers included. In the absence of any transnational body in Asia that is accountable for golf, let us all come together to show our commitment as an industry to continue to be a leader in providing a safe recreational activity. In the event of new waves and variant attacks, expect governments in the region to take decisions to close golf courses and driving ranges as top safety and priority measures to eliminate any non-essential
activities, including removing access to outdoor recreational amenities. Let us as an industry show that Golf is an important outlet and will continue to observe all safeguards to protect those who use our facilities. Let us make it known to the authorities that we take our responsibilities as a custodian of safety seriously and that we will con-
THE MESSAGE THAT WE WANT TO SEND OUT TO GOVERNMENTS AND LEGISLATORS ALIKE IS THAT GOLF IS SAFE AND THAT NOW, MORE THAN EVER, SAFE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPTIONS WILL BE CRITICAL TO ENSURE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING OF ALL PEOPLE, GOLFERS INCLUDED.
tinue to observe the following: Golf is naturally aligned to physical distancing. It
screened before entering facilities.
takes place in vast outdoor spaces and is played with
Golf has important health benefits – studies are clear
four people or less. Perhaps no other sport is this
about golf - it gets people outside, it is good for the heart,
well positioned against this terrible virus.
it relieves stress, and it can improve mental health.
Our protocols are well established and safe. As an
So, let us take it upon ourselves to continue to push
industry, we proved in 2020 that with the right proto-
for the safe inclusion of golf courses and driving ranges as
cols golf had no COVID outbreaks. We are committed
options that can be open as countries fly into a lock-down
to these (and more) protocols in 2021.
state again! Golf is important to the well-being of so many
Clear and consistent screening procedures –
and it is safe to play.
golfers must book a tee-time, can pre-pay, and are
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COVER STORY
WORLD BEATERS
COVER STORY | WORLD BEATERS
Can you believe this? Asian stars won three top international golf tournaments and in doing so, these wins have helped Asia stamp its excellence in golf and send out a signal that the Continent is beginning to surge on all fronts. Ironically, these three big wins all happened in April, days apart from each other. It could have easily passed off as a big April Fools joke, but let it be made very clear that Asia was in no mood to fool around. It was serious and the wins have resonated throughout the Continent with the loudest and most enthusiastic celebrations staged in Japan and Thailand. Players from Japan and Thailand took on the world’s best and came out tops!
COVER STORY | WORLD BEATERS
T
he three wins scored by Asian players were all historic and highly significant victories and ASIAN GOLF has decided to proclaim all the wins as milestones in the evolution of the game in Asia. For the past few years, in
our annual reviews, we have been rooting for some big wins besides those that have been scored by our champion women golfers from South Korea. And the golfing gods have made
our dreams come true. The one big win that created ripples across the world was the truly epic victory pulled off by Japan’s ace golfer, Hideki Matsuyama. Up against the world’s best golfers, the Japanese superstar put on display his best game to lift the 85th Masters at Augusta National. Matsuyama is the first Japanese man to win the prestigious green jacket and only the second man from Asia to win a Major golf tournament.
I’M REALLY HAPPY … MY NERVES REALLY DIDN’T START ON THE SECOND NINE. IT WAS RIGHT FROM THE START TODAY AND RIGHT TO THE VERY LAST PUTT.
HOPEFULLY, I’LL BE A PIONEER IN THIS (WINNING THE MASTERS) AND MANY OTHER JAPANESE WILL FOLLOW. I’M GLAD TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE FLOODGATES HOPEFULLY, AND MANY MORE WILL FOLLOW ME. (winning the Masters) and many other Japanese will follow.
The first was South Korean Y.E. Yang who beat Tiger Woods in
I’m glad to be able to open the floodgates hopefully, and
2009 to win the PGA Championship.
many more will follow me.”
Matsuyama who is 29 years old, married with a daughter,
The Japanese superstar turned professional in April
first set foot on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National in
2013 and since then, he has won 15 professional events - six
2011 which was a reward for having won the 2010 Asian Ama-
PGA Tour tournaments which has included the 2021 Masters
teur Championship where he went on to record the seventh
and two World Golf Championship events. Matsuyama’s ca-
ever low scoring amateur performance in Augusta National’s
reer earnings stand at US$31,220,951 which does not include
history. Since then, he has not looked back.
the US$2,070,000 for winning the Masters.
After being crowned as the 2021 Masters Champion,
Matsuyama belongs to an elite corp of top Japanese pro-
Matsuyama said, “I’m really happy … my nerves really didn’t
fessional golfers, men who have paved the way for stars like
start on the second nine. It was right from the start today and
him to take on the best players in the world. Those Japanese
right to the very last putt. Hopefully, I’ll be a pioneer in this
greats who preceded Matsuyama include the likes of Isao
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA
COVER STORY | WORLD BEATERS
I HOPE IT WILL AFF WAY. NOT ONLY T
BUT HOPEFULLY THE YOUN THINKING ABOUT PLAYING
VICTORY AND THINK IT’S C FOOTSTEPS.
UNTIL NOW, W PION IN JAPAN, AND MAY GOLFERS, TOO, THOUGHT, BILITY. BUT WITH ME DOIN EXAMPLE FOR THEM THAT
SET THEIR MIND TO IT, THE
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA
FECT GOLF IN
JAPAN IN A GOOD
THOSE WHO ARE GOLFERS ALREADY,
NGSTERS WHO ARE PLAYING GOLF OR GOLF,
I HOPE THEY WILL SEE THIS
COOL AND TRY TO FOLLOW IN MY
WE HAVEN’T HAD A MAJOR CHAM-
YBE A LOT OF GOLFERS OR YOUNGER
, WELL, MAYBE THAT’S AN IMPOSSING IT, HOPEFULLY THAT WILL SET AN IT IS POSSIBLE AND THAT, IF THEY EY CAN DO IT, TOO.
golf in Japan in a good way. Not only those who are golfers already, but hopefully the youngsters who are playing golf or thinking about playing golf, I hope they will see this victory and think it’s cool and try to follow in my footsteps. Until now, we haven’t had a major champion in Japan, and maybe a lot of golfers or younger golfers, too, thought, well, maybe that’s an impossibility. But with me doing it, hopefully that will set an example for them that it is possible and that, if they set their mind to it, they can do it, too.” A fitting and glowing compliment came from golf’s greatest legend, Jack Nicklaus who reacted: “I’ve been blessed to spend a lot of time in Japan, and I know they love the game of golf. They’re also very proud people and they’re even prouder today! Hideki will now forever be a hero to his country. I was able to watch every shot and Hideki played beautifully. He
Aoki, Jumbo Ozaki, Tommy Nakajima, Shigeki Maruyama
kept cool and calm … the day and moment belong to Hideki
and Shingo Katayama. When asked in a post tournament
Matsuyama! This is a great day for him, for Japan, and for the
press interview about how he compares with the greats
global game of golf!”
of Japan, Matsuyama said, “You know, I can’t say I’m the
Like Matsuyama, who provided Asian golf fans a thrilling,
greatest. However, I’m the first to win a major, and if that’s
nail-biting experience at The Masters, a similar experience
the bar, then I’ve set it.”
was had when a young Thai golfing sensation turned on
He believes that his win at Augusta National will have a very positive effect on golf in Japan. “I hope it will affect
the heat at the LPGA’s first Major of the year, the 2021 ANA Inspiration.
COVER STORY | WORLD BEATERS
THE ENVIRONMENT I GREW UP IN, IT WAS ASIA, IT WAS THAILAND, IT WAS TRADITIONAL AND CONSERVATIVE
… THERE WAS NOT A LOT OF INDIVIDUALITY OR EXPRESSIVENESS OUTSIDE THE NORMS IN THAT ENVIRONMENT.
I GOT TO
CALIFORNIA AND REALIZED THAT IT IS VERY DIVERSE. THERE WERE A LOT OF ASIANS (IN LOS ANGELES AND AT UCLA) BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO BE THEMSELVES, BE WHO THEY REALLY WANTED TO BE OUTSIDE THE CULTURE.
PATTY TAVATANAKIT It’s been a long time since golf fans had that special experience of sitting at the edge of the chair with clenched fists and the air of extreme anticipation painted on their faces – only to either erupt in jubilation or to collapse in total disappointment. This was what many golf fans went through when the great golf legend Tiger Woods was in action. These were very special moments that the hard core amongst golfers still store and cherish in their recalls. Oddly, the Tiger sensation seemed to re-emerge at the LPGA’s ANA Inspiration that was played under very hot and windy conditions. Like all Majors, this event was no different with the LPGA’s finest competing for the rights to claim the winner’s trophy.
From amongst a field of stellar big names, one name emerged to stage a performance that no one was quite prepared for. That performance came from an upstart, a
packed into a 5ft 5inch frame of Thailand’s sizzling new red hot golf star. Patty Tavatanakit is not really a surprise to golf watch-
rookie at that and she was set to take on the field and show
ers especially those who have kept track of the American
them all that she had the right stuff to make it to the finish
college circuit. She went to UCLA where she excelled and
line. And did she ever! She was the first rookie to win the
then moved onto to the Symetra Tour after which, she ar-
ANA Inspiration since Juli Inkster pulled off that feat in 1984
rived at the toughest women’s professional golf tour on the
and the first since Karrie Webb to win the tournament in a
Planet – the LPGA Tour. What she has achieved in her young
wire-to-wire finish back in 2000.
life would mark the start of a whole new odyssey in golf and
She played with such confidence, that her experienced
who would have ever thought that she would become a star
and established peers had a tough time just trying to keep
when she first set eyes as a young child on Tiger Woods back
pace with the 21 year old. That is the talent and power that is
in Thailand.
COVER STORY | WORLD BEATERS
P PATTY HAS SIGNALLED A NEW ERA IN THE WOMEN’S GAME. SHE REPRESENTS THE ALL-AROUND ATHLETE; A PLAYER WHO PUTS A PREMIUM ON HER PHYSICAL AS WELL
AS MENTAL FITNESS, HAS A SURGICAL SHORT GAME AND A MYSTIFYING LONG GAME. PACKAGE.
SHE IS THE WHOLE
PATTY TAVATANAKIT
It’s hard to believe that the world of golf would have never come to hear of Patty had her parents had their way in moulding her life. They were interested in Patty taking up dance and drama as a child and not sports. However, the youngster shaped her own destiny in January 2008 at age eight when she saw Tiger Woods on television, and how he played, how he carried himself, everything he did. That’s when she told her father: ‘Dad, I want to be like that,’ and according to Patty, “It changed my perspective. It really changed my life.” If there’s one thing going for Patty is her mental strength and as she puts it: “The environment I grew up in, it was Asia, it was Thailand, it was traditional and conservative … there was not a lot of individuality or expressiveness outside the norms in that environment. I got to California and realized that it is very diverse. There were a lot of Asians (in Los Angeles and at UCLA) but they were able to be themselves, be who they really wanted to be outside the culture.” That liberation allowed Patty to find her own identity, to grow and become confident in who she is and where she wants to be. “I found myself during my time at UCLA,” she said. “It took a while. But now it’s very clear who Patty is.” The fact that the Thai youngster is different was immediately apparent to former world number one and Chinese superstar Shanshan Feng who was surprised to see Patty not only send her tee shots sailing past Feng’s, but also make the necessary chips and putts needed to score. Patty has signalled a new era in the women’s game. She represents the all-around athlete; a player who puts a premium on her physical as well as mental fitness, has a surgical short game and a mystifying long game. She is the whole package. As Patty has begun writing a new chapter in women’s golf, another youngster from Asia was beginning to stir on the world stage.
COVER STORY | WORLD BEATERS
TSUBASA KAJITANI
PLAYING AT THE FAMOUS AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB WAS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE FOR KAJITANI, WHO NOW KNOWS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO WALK THE SAME COURSE THAT GOLF GREATS LIKE BEN HOGAN, ARNOLD PALMER, JACK NICKLAUS, TIGER WOODS AND HIDEKI MATSUYAMA AND COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED SPECIAL. Just days before the 85th Masters began at Augusta National Golf Club, Japan’s Tsubasa Kajitani grabbed the
Augusta National Women’s Amateur events. Playing at the famous Augusta National Golf Club was
spotlight in a tournament that showcased the world’s best
a rewarding experience for Kajitani, who now knows what
up-and-coming female golfers.
it feels like to walk the same course that golf greats like
Kajitani won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods
in a sudden-death playoff and the 17-year-old became the
and Hideki Matsuyama and countless others have always
first Asian to capture a title at the home of the Masters.
considered special.
The youngster’s victory even caught the attention of
This kid is most certainly on her way and she comes
the convalescing Tiger Woods. Who tweeted: “Congrats to
fully equipped with the right credentials which includes
Tsubasa Kajitani on winning the Augusta National Women’s
victories at the IMGA World Junior Golf Championships and
Amateur with an amazing playoff finish.”
the Japan Junior Championship in August 2019.
Immediately after the sensational win, the teenager
Three mega stars from Asia – all exceeding expecta-
exclaimed, “I’m really proud to be the first ever Japanese
tions to take on the world’s best and to emerge as cham-
[player] to win here.”
pions in their own right. Well done! All three of you have
Among the perks of winning the Augusta extravaganza,
made Asia proud and it is hoped this is the beginning of a
Kajitani will receive invitations to this year’s U.S. Women’s
new trend of more Asians, men and women shooting for the
Open and Women’s British Open, as well as the next five
stars.
SPECIAL FEATURE
BRIAN CURLEY
SPECIAL FEATURE | BRIAN CURLEY
There is no one who will dispute the fact that the golf industry in the Asia Pacific has been severely disrupted as a result of the raging global pandemic. In more cases than not, golf courses throughout the region have been bleeding red and those courses that were darlings of profitability in the pre-pandemic period, have also joined the suffering legions to weep over their loss of revenue. Speak to any of the thousands of golf clubs in the Asia Pacific and there is a common sense of hope that conditions will become better. However, this is easier said than done especially with most clubs that count on the golf tourist dollar to make their bottom lines glow. At the time of writing, most of the countries in the world had strict travel restrictions in place and if these blockades are in operation for extended periods, no imminent pick-up in business is in sight. Against all this doom and gloom, one wonders if the golf industry will bounce back and how quickly that will happen. It’s the classic sixty-four-dollar question and there is no clear and definitive answer forthcoming. In wide-ranging discussions with golf course architects, ASIAN GOLF was able to garner a sense of hope for the future. The one man who was spontaneous on this matter was Brian Curley, an award-winning golf course architect who has a total of 63 golf courses that he has designed and built in Asia. That makes him arguably the most prolific golf course architect operating in Asia and best placed to talk about the post-pandemic future of golf on the Asian Continent.
BRIAN CURLEY
SPECIAL FEATURE | BRIAN CURLEY
I AM INVOLVED WITH A FEW REMODELS IN THE US WHERE THE PROGRAM “REIMAGINE” A COURSE TO CREATE A FASTER PLAYING COURSE THAT WO INVOLVE A REDUCTION IN LENGTH. HOWEVER, HE LAMENTED THAT THIS WAS NO ASIA. “I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS TO ANY GREAT EXTENT IN ASIA” AND HE WAS QU GENERAL, ASIAN GOLFERS ARE MUCH MORE DEDICATED AND WILLING TO SPEND UNLIKE WESTERN PLAYERS WHO HAVE SOMETHING ELSE TO GET TO WHEN DONE
FLC QUANG BINH, VIETNAM
S
o, what does Curley really think of the future? A man known not to mince his words, the American fired back without hesitation when the topic of the future cropped up. “Absolutely!” was his emphatic and reassuring response. “This Covid experience has shown that there is and will continue to be a strong market for golf to get
outdoors. That habit will not change when things return to normal, and people realize what an important role that golf can play in their mental and physical well-being.” Curley, who knows Asia like the back of his hand is bullish about the
MME IS TO
construction of new golf courses in Asia. “It seems like Vietnam is still holding its own as well as Asia in general”. He explained that several new projects and
OULD LIKELY ALSO
renovation works which have been put off for many years could begin to see
OT THE GENERAL RULE IN
the light of day in a post-pandemic Asia and this, should witness a burst of
D TIME AT A COURSE,
find out if there was a mindset change in design concepts to design and build
UICK TO POINT OUT:
E.
“IN
developmental activity. With the construction of new courses looming, ASIAN GOLF was keen to more playable and affordable courses (from a maintenance perspective). This has been a bugbear for decades as architects have left a legacy of complex and
SPECIAL FEATURE | BRIAN CURLEY
MISSION HILLS, HAIKOU (BLACKSTONE COURSE), CHINA
THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL WILL MISS THE MOVEMENT AND BE LEFT VYING FOR WHAT FEW PLAYERS ARE LEFT, WILLING TO PLAY CHEAP GOLF. HIGHER END EXPERIENCES WILL PROSPER AS GOLF TRANSCENDS THE SPORT AND INFLUENCES LIFESTYLE. PEOPLE WILL GRAVITATE TO AND PAY FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE.
MISSION HILLS, DONGGUAN (ROSE-POULTER COURSE), CHINA
MISSION HILLS, HAIKOU (LAVA FIELDS), CHINA
difficult courses to play on and costly to maintain. This was partly due to owners being insistent on having championship courses being built, more for their bragging rights than for the ease of play for golfers. This controversial topic has been discussed with top architects like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones Jr III who have all agreed with ASIAN GOLF that Asia needed more playable golf courses. To this, Curley replied, “I am involved with a few remodels in the US where the programme is to “reimagine” a course to create a faster playing course that would likely also involve a reduction in length.” However, he lamented that this was not the general rule in Asia. “I have not seen this to any great extent in Asia” and he was quick to point out: “In general, Asian golfers are much more dedicated and willing to spend time at a course, unlike Western players who have something else to get to when done.” It does not answer the question really, but it seems obvious that the bad habits of building difficult and challenging courses in Asia will remain as the dominant trend!
SPECIAL FEATURE | BRIAN CURLEY
SIAM COUNTRY CLUB, ROLLING HILLS IN PATTAYA, THAILAND
On the topic of making golf courses more affordable
opening for renovation work involving a good majority of
and accessible to help grow the game in Asia, Curley has
the older golf courses in Asia. Many of the courses are
some strong points of view to offer – “I have had these
tired and worn out and in need of urgent make-overs.
discussions for years, but they seem to fall on deaf ears.
To this, Curley shot back, “Those who are asleep at the
But I think there are operators and owners who are
wheel will miss the movement and be left vying for what
coming around to offer a different product that will see
few players are left, willing to play cheap golf. Higher end
success and hopefully become the norm.” So, it looks like
experiences will prosper as golf transcends the sport
there is hope after all for more affordable and accessible
and influences lifestyle. People will gravitate to and pay
golf courses!
for a better experience.” It’s visionary thinking but given
Staying on topic and in keeping with growing the game, Curley is optimistic that a huge market will be
the way Asia is growing and prospering, this is not just blue-sky thinking!
In conjunction with the need for make-overs, it must also be noted that technologies relating to cultural and maintenance practices and new hybrid grass species have improved vastly over the years making a strong case for old courses to seriously consider embarking on renovation to help invigorate the bottom-line. “Absolutely! This is a no-brainer for the many multi-course facilities that exist in Asia where a shut-down does not mean a total shut-down of operations and revenues,” agreed Curley. Curley is perhaps best known for the work he has done in creating the multi-award winning, multi-billiondollar Mission Hills Golf Resort in China, a project that has no match in the world. The sprawling resort located on the mainland and on the island of Hainan, features a total of 22 courses designed and built by Curley.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEED FOR MAKE-OVERS, IT MUST ALSO BE NOTED THAT TECHNOLOGIES RELATING TO CULTURAL AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES AND NEW HYBRID GRASS SPECIES HAVE IMPROVED VASTLY OVER THE YEARS MAKING A STRONG CASE FOR OLD COURSES TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER EMBARKING ON RENOVATION TO HELP INVIGORATE THE BOTTOM-LINE.
“ABSOLUTELY! THIS IS A NO-BRAINER FOR THE MANY MULTIASIA WHERE A SHUT-DOWN DOES NOT MEAN A TOTAL SHUT-DOWN OF OPERATIONS AND REVENUES. COURSE FACILITIES THAT EXIST IN
SPECIAL FEATURE | BRIAN CURLEY
The resort is now in its 29th year of business and ASIAN
In wrapping up the interview, Curley sounded a very
GOLF took the opportunity of asking Curley to assess his
optimistic outlook for golf in Asia. As the seasoned Asia-
showpiece and he gladly responded: “I actually feel they have
watcher that he is, the American said, “Asian golf course
held up well. We did a lot of this work prior to the recent
owners and operators need to realise that the megatrends
movement to do more natural courses with rugged looks,
on economic, political and social perspectives are all very
but most of these courses are on sites that are better suited
healthy for the future.”
to formal, cleaner designs. There certainly would be a good
“I also feel that there will be growth in not just golf but
basis to consider some changes which could include turf
golf communities where people are content to leave the city
types, especially new species of Zoysia grasses that use less
centres to find the peaceful environments that golf creates,”
water, fertilizers and offer an overall lower cost to maintain.”
Curley noted as his parting shot!
ASIAN GOLF COURSE OWNERS AND OPERATORS NEED TO REALISE THAT THE MEGATRENDS ON ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES ARE ALL VERY HEALTHY FOR THE FUTURE. I ALSO FEEL THAT THERE WILL BE GROWTH IN NOT JUST GOLF BUT GOLF COMMUNITIES WHERE PEOPLE ARE CONTENT TO LEAVE THE CITY CENTRES TO FIND THE PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENTS THAT GOLF CREATES,
A 36-HOLE COURSE CURRENTLY IN CONSTRUCTION IN CAMBODIA (ANIMATION CREDIT: HARRISKALINKA)
REDEFINING GOLF IN INDONESIA 2020 BEST GOLF CLUB EXPERIENCE
2020 BEST COURSE IN INDONESIA
(+62 22) 2110 2878 | www.parahyangangolf.com Parahyangan Golf
@parahyangangolf
A 5 star championship golf course located in Indonesia's idyllic city of Bandung. Parahyangan Golf is set admist pictureque lakes, rolling hills and lush paddy fields.
SPECIAL FEATURE
WORLD GOLF EXPO
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
The countdown clock to the World Golf Expo (WGE) has started and with six months to go, planning is hitting a fever pitch for the staging of one of the most important business summits in the golf industry. For well over a year, the entire golf industry has been kept apart by the raging global pandemic which has virtually shut down all travel between countries. Most of the industry players have kept in touch via the ubiquitous ZOOM conference hook up. All things being equal and with the stepped-up campaign by most of the developed world to mass vaccinate, there are positive signs that travel restrictions will be lifted in many countries by the start of the third quarter.
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
T
he opening up of the world should fit in well with the scheduled staging of the WGE in Haikou, Hainan on November 4 – 7, 2021. The WGE, jointly organized and staged by the Mission Hills Group of China and ASIAN GOLF will
be held at the sprawling Mission Hills Resort in Haikou. “Our engines have been fired up and we are putting the finishing touches to the WGE and we are hopeful that this major event will happen as scheduled,” explained Tenniel Chu, Chairman of the WGE Organizing Committee and Group Vice Chairman of Mission Hills. “Our peers in the industry have been forced into a state where face to face contact has been totally curtailed in most cases and being in the people business, it is imperative that we provide a safe and solid meeting space for everyone to come together and work towards getting our industry into top gear and moving,” Chu said. “Given the fact that the industry has been cast into the doldrums, it makes good business sense to bounce back and bounce back in a forceful and committed manner,” declared Chu.
He went on to explain that the global pandemic has had both a destructive and disruptive effect on many businesses and the golf industry was not spared this devastative impact. “It is no use to lament over what has happened but to take positive lessons learnt and move ahead to build a stronger business that is embedded in firm bedrock that can withstand future shocks to our industry.” In the move to rebuild, WGE has adopted a revolutionary theme which is ideal for the industry’s comeback. The theme for the 2021 event is GOLF – BEYOND THE PANDEMIC.
OUR PEERS IN THE INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN FORCED INTO A STATE WHERE FACE TO FACE CONTACT HAS BEEN TOTALLY CURTAILED IN MOST CASES AND BEING IN
THE PEOPLE BUSINESS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE PROVIDE A SAFE AND SOLID MEETING SPACE FOR EVERYONE TO COME TOGETHER AND WORK TOWARDS GETTING OUR INDUSTRY INTO TOP GEAR AND MOVING.
– TENNIEL CHU
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
IN THE MOVE TO REBUILD, WGE HAS ADOPTED A REVOLUTIONARY THEME WHICH IS
IDEAL FOR THE IN-
DUSTRY’S COMEBACK.
THE THEME FOR THE 2021 EVENT IS GOLF – BEYOND THE PANDEMIC. “WE BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A PERFECT PLATFORM UPON WHICH TO BUILD A BUSINESS GET TOGETHER THAT WILL HELP SHARE NEW THOUGHTS AND IDEAS TO HELP US BUILD AN EVEN MORE ROBUST AND RESILIENT POST
PANDEMIC INDUSTRY.
– MIKE SEBASTIAN
“We believe that this is a perfect platform upon which to build a business get together that will help share new thoughts and ideas to help us build an even more robust and resilient post pandemic industry,” said Mike Sebastian, CEO of ASIAN GOLF and the executive producer of WGE. “Basically, we are looking at inculcating a whole new vision for a new era because many of the pre-pandemic business practices have been more or less voided by this sudden disruption,” Sebastian pointed out. According to him, the disruption has brought about a paradigm shift where digital technologies will play an increasingly larger role in the day-to-day operations of all aspects of the golf and golf club industry. “Over the next weeks leading up to the Summit, we will be unravelling the programme details and how we will be addressing the changes that are coming and how we should all prepare to meet these changes and put them to good and effective use,” said Sebastian. As part of the build-up to the programme, WGE has been successful in assembling a very powerful set of speakers, perhaps the best group to be assembled for any major international golf conference this year. “It is normally quite a challenge to assemble a high-powered international line-up of elite speakers, let alone in a difficult year like this year,” explained Sebastian. “However, I am pleased to announce that we have managed to obtain the services of SIMPLY THE BEST in the industry!”
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
WITH THE ADVENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES DESIGNED TO HELP STREAMLINE CULTURAL AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES ON GOLF
COURSES, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW HYBRID TURF SPECIES, WE
FEEL THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO SHOWCASE THESE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT COLLECTIVELY AIM TO BRING ABOUT BETTER MAINTENANCE RESULTS TOGETHER WITH REDUCED COSTS. The top speakers have been drawn from a cross sec-
– MIKE SEBASTIAN
WGE will be a mini-agronomy summit. “With the advent of
tion of the golf industry and amongst the star-studded cast
new technologies designed to help streamline cultural and
are:
maintenance practices on golf courses, and the introduc-
MR. DAVID ABELES, President of TaylorMade Golf, the
tion of new hybrid turf species, we feel that there has
brand that boasts some of the best professional golfers
never been a better time to showcase these products and
in the world as brand ambassadors.
services that collectively aim to bring about better main-
MR. MARTIN SLUMBERS, Chief Executive Officer of the
tenance results together with reduced costs,” according to
R&A, the international governing body of golf.
Sebastian.
MR. KEITH PELLEY, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour, one of the world’s top professional golf
Some of the best hands-on experts in the field of equipment technology, agronomy and turf have already committed to making the mini summit a true state-of-the-
tours. MR. JOSEPH BEDITZ, President of the National Golf Federation from the USA. “These speakers form the crème de la crème of the global golf industry and we are indeed very fortunate to be able to have their services at the WGE,” said Chu. A total of some 20 international speakers have confirmed they will be coming from North America, Canada, Europe
art knowledge experience. Details will be announced on the WGE website by May 20, 2021. “If there is one golf industry event that industry professionals should attend, the WGE is it,” exclaimed Chu. “Not only have we gone to great lengths to bring in the best in the industry, but we will also work on a terrific programme that will ensure excellent entertainment, business and networking opportunities.” All of this will be delivered against one of the best backdrops in the resort world – the multi-billion-dollar
and Asia. One of the special features of the
Mission Hills Resort in Haikou.
IF THERE IS ONE GOLF INDUSTRY EVENT THAT INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SHOULD ATTEND, THE WGE IS IT. NOT ONLY HAVE WE GONE TO GREAT LENGTHS TO BRING IN THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY, BUT WE WILL ALSO WORK ON A TERRIFIC PROGRAMME THAT WILL
ENSURE EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT, BUSINESS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES.
– TENNIEL CHU
SPECIAL FEATURE
PANDEMIC
SPECIAL FEATURE | PANDEMIC
There is no denying that the global tourism industry has taken a hefty gut punch due to the raging Covid-19 pandemic. Most badly hit are those countries that are heavily dependent on tourism for their revenue and a good number of these nations are in the Asia Pacific region. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) one in three destinations worldwide are now completely closed to international tourism. This is further compounded by the emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus which has prompted many governments to reverse efforts to ease restrictions on travel, with total closures to tourists most prevalent in Asia and the Pacific and Europe. ASIAN GOLF is featuring this report because the golf industry in the region is heavily impacted by a massive decline in golf tourism.
SPECIAL FEATURE | PANDEMIC
T
he latest UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations in place in 217 destinations worldwide. While previous editions had shown a movement towards easing or
lifting restrictions on travel, the latest report shows that the persistent seriousness of the epidemiological situation has caused governments to adopt a more cautious approach. As of the beginning of February, 32% of all destinations worldwide (69 in total) are completely closed for international tourism. Of these, around just over half (38 destinations) have been closed for at least 40 weeks. At
GROWING NUMBERS OF DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE NOW REQUIRE INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS TO PRESENT A NEGATIVE
PCR OR ANTIGEN
TEST UPON ARRIVAL AND PROVIDE CONTACT DETAILS FOR TRACING PURPOSES.
THIRTY-TWO
PERCENT OF ALL WORLDWIDE
the same time, 34% of worldwide destinations are now
DESTINATIONS NOW HAVE THE
partially closed to international tourists.
PRESENTATION OF SUCH TESTS AS
Travel restrictions have been widely used to restrict the spread of the virus. Of the 69 destinations
THEIR MAIN REQUIREMENT FOR
where borders are completely closed to tourists, 30
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS OFTEN
are in Asia and the Pacific, 15 are in Europe, 11 are in Africa, 10 are in the Americas and three are in the Middle East. Growing numbers of destinations worldwide now require international tourists to present a negative PCR or antigen test upon arrival and provide contact details
COMBINED WITH QUARANTINE,
WHILE THE SAME AMOUNT HAVE MADE TESTS A SECONDARY OR TERTIARY MEASURE.
for tracing purposes. Thirty-two percent of all worldwide destinations now have the presentation of such tests as
arrivals in January. Europe and
their main requirement for international arrivals often
Africa both saw a decline of 85%
combined with quarantine, while the same amount have
in arrivals, while the Middle East
made tests a secondary or tertiary measure.
recorded a drop of 84%. International arriv-
As the world is working towards restarting tourism
als in the Americas decreased by 77% in January,
it must be noted that an analysis of the top ten tourism
following somewhat better results in the last quarter of
source markets currently advising against non-essential
the year. This made 2020 the worst year on record for
travel abroad, found they generated 44% of all interna-
tourism.
tional arrivals in 2018.
With many global destinations completely closed
Meanwhile, latest statistics received point to inter-
to international tourists one can only conclude that
national tourist arrivals for January 2021 being down by
2021 will continue to be very challenging for global
87%. When compared to 2020, the outlook for the rest of
tourism.
the year remains cautious. Following a difficult end to 2020, global tourism suffered further setbacks in the beginning of the year. Asia and the Pacific (-96%), the region which
Based on current trends, UNWTO expects international tourist arrivals to be down about 85% in the first quarter of 2021 over the same period of 2019. This would represent a loss of some 260 million interna-
continues to have the highest level of travel restrictions
tional arrivals when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
in place, recorded the largest decrease in international
Looking ahead, UNWTO has outlined two scenarios for
SPECIAL FEATURE | PANDEMIC
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN WIDELY USED TO RESTRICT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.
OF THE 69 DESTINATIONS WHERE BORDERS ARE COMPLETELY CLOSED TO TOURISTS, 30 ARE IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, 15 ARE IN EUROPE, 11 ARE IN AFRICA, 10 ARE IN THE AMERICAS AND THREE ARE IN THE
MIDDLE EAST.
2021, which consider a possible rebound in international travel in the second half of the year. These are based on several factors, most notably a major lifting of travel restrictions, the success of vaccination programmes or the introduction of harmonized protocols such as the Digital Green Certificate planned by the European Commission. The first scenario points to a rebound in July, which would result in a 66% increase in international arrivals for the year 2021 compared to the historic
lows of 2020. In this case, arrivals would still be 55% below the levels recorded in 2019. The second scenario considers a potential rebound in September, leading to a 22% increase in arrivals compared to last year. Still, this would be 67% below the levels of 2019. Whatever the outcome, the international community needs to take strong and urgent action to ensure a brighter 2021. Many millions of livelihoods and businesses are depending on it. Improved coordination between countries and harmonized travel and health protocols are essential to restore confidence in tourism and allow international travel to resume safely.
SPECIAL FEATURE
MENTAL DEPRESSION
SPECIAL FEATURE | MENTAL DEPRESSION
And you always thought that the guys that we see playing tournaments week in and week out for big bucks were on to a good thing. We do not want to generalise but some of the playing professionals have confessed to having to struggle with managing their work-life balance. This revealing information of the battle to maintain everything in equilibrium emerged from a new research project on how touring professionals were coping with the challenge of travelling and being away from family and friends and how this has led to loneliness and relationship difficulties.
SPECIAL FEATURE | MENTAL DEPRESSION
T
he research was conducted by Dr John Fry,
Citing an example, Dr Fry said one golfer who had won
Research Lead at the International Insti-
six European Tour events told him: “I do not see my kids
tute for Golf Education at University Centre
that much – they are too old to travel now, to be able to skip
Myerscough in Lancashire, working with Dr
school. I miss my wife, my kids, my parents. I don’t see them
Daniel Bloyce, Head of Sport at the University
enough, and that’s what is difficult.”
of Chester. Together, they interviewed 20 tour professionals to study mental health issues.
The former world number one told him that “the hardest part of tour life is being away from the family”.
Amongst the respondents were Ryder Cup players and a former world number one.
Another European Tour winner said: “The more kids I had, the harder it got to say cheerio at the airport. I made
According to Dr Fry, “Professional golfers are spending
sacrifices in terms of family life – I missed out on a lot of
more time on the road, which leads to a range of stresses
family activities and a school event. It affected my kids in the
and insecurities that can impact negatively on their mental
school – I think they missed out on me being there, school
health and wellbeing.” He explained that players increas-
sports days and stuff like that.”
ingly spend large periods away from friends and family, and
A player who had won three European Tour events and
struggle to form anything but superficial relationships with
a Major championship said: “Golf can be the most wonderful
others on tour.
life in the world, but it can also be the most difficult. It can
“Pro golfers needed each other’s help to alleviate the
just be a lonely game. It can be gut wrenching, furious at
stresses of life on tour, but at the same time, relationships
times. It can get to a point where you don’t like who you are.”
were often tainted by tension, conflict, and rivalry,” he
Another leading European Tour player said: “I am not
pointed out.
surprised that so many professional golfers get divorced
In his research, Dr Fry discovered that many golfers
because it can put a lot of pressure on partners.”
experience loneliness, isolation, low social support, high
Dr Fry also found that while the income of the top
psychological demands, and high job insecurity during vari-
European Tour professionals had increased over the past
ous points of their career. “They often feel they can’t talk
few years, the players on the Challenge Tour, the second tier
openly about these concerns. Beyond the glitz and glamour
of European professional golf, were earning less, leading to
is a reality where many pro golfers experience a variety of
even more stress.
mental health and well-being problems.”
As an example, a player who finished 50th at the end
IN HIS RESEARCH, DR FRY DISCOVERED THAT MANY GOLFERS EXPERIENCE
LONELINESS, ISOLATION, LOW SOCIAL SUPPORT, HIGH PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS, AND HIGH
JOB INSECURITY DURING VARIOUS POINTS OF THEIR CAREER.
“THEY OFTEN FEEL THEY CAN’T TALK OPENLY ABOUT THESE CONCERNS. BEYOND THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR IS A REALITY WHERE MANY PRO GOLFERS EXPERIENCE A VARIETY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING PROBLEMS.
– DR JOHN FRY
of the 2019 Challenge Tour earned £29,000 in prize money,
Another Challenge Tour player said: “Unless you’re
more than 20% lower than the £37,000 earned in 2014 by a
winning, or in the top five or 10 every week, you’re not
player in the same position. Travelling expenses could wipe
really making a huge amount of money. I would say that
out any profit from this.
more than half the players who are playing, it has cost
One Challenge tour player said: “I’ve been through financial ruin as a result of my commitment to continuing
them money.” While the image projected about professional golf may
to play, and how I was, and still am, unwilling to give up my
be one that creates an impression of the good life, it comes
dream. It has cost me my marriage as well. So that is the
with its problems and challenges. It is a tough trade and at
price that I have paid to continue playing golf. I would not
least now the general public can have a better appreciation
change it for anything, I really would not. It is upsetting that
of the sacrifices that professionals must make to play the
it led to the breakdown of my marriage, but would I do it all
game.
again? Yes – I’d always planned to be a golfer or die in the process.”
support@golfcitizen.com
EQUIPMENT FOCUS
PING PUTTER
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PUTTER
What you are about to read is the latest chapter in the evolution of the legendary heritage behind PING putters. The odyssey started back in 1959. After more than five decades, the legacy and design principles laid down by the founder of PING, Karsten Solheim, continues to inspire and drive great new innovations in putter technology.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PUTTER
WE’VE ENGINEERED A LOT OF
SCORE-LOWERING TECHNOLOGY INTO THE
2021
PUTTER LINE THROUGH EXTENSIVE RESEARCH
AND TOUR PLAYER FEEDBACK.
– PING JOHN K. SOLHEIM
ALL OF THE MODELS ARE DEVELOPED
MOI THROUGH STRATETHR GIC USE OF VARIOUS MATERIALS, INCLUDING TUNGINC STEN, STEEL AND ALUMINIUM, TO PROVIDE THE FORWITH HIGHER WIT
GIVENESS AND ACCURACY GOLFERS EXPECT FROM A
PING PUTTER.
M
arking the arrival of Summer 2021, PING
signs and minimizing the frustra frustration that comes with missed
has hit the road running with what can be
putts.” Wow! This should plaster on big, broad smiles on all
considered as an “arsenal” full of brand-
golfers – just imagine putters that give you a good chance of
new putters designed to help golfers to
slam-dunking putts!
hone in on the most critical part of their
In unveiling the eleven new offerings, PING’s President,
game – the part that counts; that separates victory from
John K. Solheim said, “We’ve engineered a lot of score-low-
defeat!
ering technology into the 2021 putter line through extensive
In most cases, a brand releases one or two models of a
research and tour player feedback.”
new putter at a time but it seems to have become a custom-
“All of the models are developed with higher MOI
ary practice with PING to release a slew of flat sticks in one
through strategic use of various materials, including tung-
fell swoop. In the latest exercise of new releases, PING has
sten, steel and aluminium, to provide the forgiveness and
launched eleven new putters which it describes as a launch
accuracy golfers expect from a PING putter.”
“with a focus on maximizing MOI through multi-material de-
Solheim went on to explain, “The dual-durometer insert
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PUTTER
THE DUAL-DUROME-
features uniform, shallow grooves to give golfers a soft,
TER INSERT FEATURES
with the precise touch they need to hole more putts.
UNIFORM, SHALLOW
responsive feel for more consistent distance control We’ve also advanced the visual cues depending on the
GROOVES TO GIVE GOLFERS
model to help make alignment easier and more natural
FOR MORE CONSISTENT
a putter to fit every golfer’s eye and stroke type. The
A SOFT, RESPONSIVE FEEL DISTANCE CONTROL WITH THE PRECISE TOUCH THEY
NEED TO HOLE MORE PUTTS.
WE’VE ALSO ADVANCED THE VISUAL CUES DEPENDING ON
when addressing a putt.” The eleven options offered ensures that there is line-up features new designs created through PING’s Tour-focused PLD (Putting Lab Design) programme, including versions inspired by PING professionals like Norway’s Viktor Hovland (DS 72) and Cameron Champ (Tyne 4). “We have done it all - from blades to mallets and for straight, slight arc and strong-arc stroke types, it’s a complete line engineered to lower scores and increase
THE MODEL TO HELP MAKE
enjoyment,” Solheim pointed out.
ALIGNMENT EASIER AND
PING’s bold new approach to design – all the eleven
MORE NATURAL WHEN ADDRESSING A PUTT.
Visually, the putters look striking, and it marks models feature a dark, stealth PVD finish on the heads, the shine of metal with distinct bold red accents to make a very arresting and attractive package!
WE HAVE DONE IT ALL
- FROM BLADES TO MALLETS AND FOR
STRAIGHT, SLIGHT ARC AND STRONG-ARC
STROKE TYPES, IT’S A
COMPLETE LINE ENGINEERED TO LOWER SCORES AND INCREASE ENJOYMENT.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PUTTER
VISUALLY, THE PUT-
TERS LOOK STRIKING, AND IT MARKS
PING’S
BOLD NEW APPROACH TO
– ALL THE ELEVEN MODELS FEATURE A DARK, STEALTH PVD FINISH ON THE HEADS, THE SHINE OF DESIGN
METAL WITH DISTINCT BOLD RED ACCENTS TO MAKE A VERY ARRESTING AND ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE!
We now know that these new putters are very user friendly and possess the kind of looks that golfers would be proud to show off! Shifting gears, let’s look at the technology behind PING’s latest game finishers. According to PING, each model in the series is built using aerospace-grade materials in a variety of shapes and sizes to achieve new levels of forgiveness. The three Anser versions (Anser, Anser 2, Anser 4) combine a stainless-steel head with tungsten heel and toe weights to elevate the popular design’s MOI to its highest ever. In the Kushin 4, DS 72 and Tyne 4, a steel weight is used in the heel and tungsten is applied to the toe to better optimize the CG location for higher performance. The Fetch and Oslo H join a cast 304 stainless steel body with an aluminium sole plate to position mass around the entire perimeter to create highly forgiving mallet-style designs. In the new CA 70, a dense stainless steel sole weight lowers the CG of the aluminium body for more forgiving results.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PUTTER
THE SOFT, RESPON NSIVE FACE IN EVERY RY MODEL IS THE RESULT OF THE INNOVATIVE DUAL-
DUROMETER INSERT WHICH H ENSURES THE PRECISION
NECESSARY FOR SHORTER, DELICATE MUST-MAKES.
The Harwood delivers the highest MOI in the he line due to its 6061 aluminium body and 93g tungsten weights in all four corners of the fully machined chined design. Common to each model is the Dual-Durometer al-Durometer Insert in every model. This PEBAX insert sert material provides for uniform and shallow grooves rooves for a soft and solid feel. “The soft, responsive ve face in every model is the result of the innovative ive dual-durometer insert which ensures the precision ion necessary for shorter, delicate must-makes. The firmer back layer offers the solid feedback and distance control required for holing longer-range ge putts and improving overall consistency,” Solheim explained. He continued, “By combining ing the two hardnesses of the PEBAX material we’re providing a feel preference that appeals to a large segment of golfers while delivering the consistency golfers need to improve their ‘strokes gained: putting’ results …. it is designed for the golfer who prefers a putter on the softer side of the feel spectrum but with the response of a firm face.” Here is ASIAN GOLF’s quick sneak peek into each putter model:
KUSHIN 4 A steel weight in the heel and tungsten in the toe elevate MOI, and this “deep blade” model’s parallel and perpendicular visual cues make alignment easier. Its geometries fit the eye, and for strong-arc players the Kushin 4 promotes a confident, consistent putting stroke.
ANSER ANS The timeless tim Anser is heel-toe tungsten weighted for forgiveness, and the rounded corners, softer ballast forgive surfaces and centre line help make alignment easy. surface slight-arc stroke types, the Anser makes squarFor slig ing the face to the target line easy and natural.
ANSER 2 ANS Differs from the Anser with a slightly longer and narrower profile, and sharper corners, but shares narrow its clean clea geometries and centre alignment line to making aiming easy. Heel-toe tungsten weighting provides stability, forgiveness and accuracy. provide
ANSER 4 ANS Designed for players who love the classic look and Designe feel of the t Anser-style putter and benefit from a strong-arc model. With heel-toe tungsten weighting strongfor forg forgiveness and slight variations in its longer, narrower profile and sharper corners. narrow
DS 722
CA 70
This mid-mallet utilizes a steel weight in the heel and
Fits either a slight-arc or straight stroke type, the CA
tungsten in the toe to stabilize the head and create high
70 offers a full-width alignment line and contrasting
forgiveness, and the clean lines with perpendicular and
surfaces help frame the ball. An aluminium body and
parallel visual cues combine to simplify alignment. The
stainless-steel sole plate position the CG low-back to
classic Anser-style hosel promotes a slight rotation.
ensure a high MOI.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PUTTER
BY COMBINING THE TWO HARDNESSES OF THE
PEBAX MATERIAL
WE’RE PROVIDING A FEEL
PREFERENCE THAT APPEALS TO A LARGE SEGMENT OF GOLFERS WHILE DELIVERING THE CONSISTENCY GOLFERS NEED TO IMPROVE THEIR
‘STROKES GAINED: PUTTING’ RESULTS …. IT IS
DESIGNED FOR THE GOLFER WHO PREFERS A PUTTER ON THE SOFTER SIDE OF THE
HARWOOD
FEEL SPECTRUM BUT WITH
vanced model in the line, delivering d stability
THE RESPONSE OF A FIRM FACE.
The Harwood is the most technically te echnically adand forgiveness by utilizing ng an aluminium alum body and tungsten weighting at each corner to drive up the MOI, while a trio of alignment lines simplify aiming from a model that can be fit for two stroke types.
TYNE 4 The distinctive design provides a balanced look ook at address while allowing for a steel weight in the heel nd make and tungsten in the toe to ensure stability and it highly forgiving and accurate. The “flow neck” eck” hosel promotes a strong-arc stroke rotation. n.
TYNE C Centre shafting provides a balanced, symmetrical etrical ightaddress view and allows the head to fit straightsistent stroke-type players to promote a more consistent stroke. Heel-toe tungsten weighting stabilizes zes the head to ensure a high MOI for forgiveness.
HARWOOD ARMLOCK Armlock players are set-up for success with this mallet, which generates high forgiveness from its lighter aluminium body paired with dense tungsten weighting at each corner to create extreme MOI. Ball-framing alignment cues focus the eye and make aiming natural. That about sums up PING’s 2021 arsenal of putters. All eleven models will be available as custom-built putters for pre-order with immediate effect at authorized PING golf shops around the world.
FETCH A unique round cut-out is concealed underneath for retrieving the ball with the head, and the weight saved with the cut out moved to the perimeter to increase MOI. The stainless-steel body and aluminium sole plate increase the perimeter weighting for added forgiveness, and this model fits players with a straight stroke.
OSLO H A long, clean alignment line, thicker top rail, and soft ballasting focus the eye for easier alignment. The Anser-style hosel fits a slight-arc stroke, and the stainless-steel body and aluminium sole plate expand the perimeter weighting to elevate forgiveness.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS
PXG GEN4
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG GEN 4
If the late publisher of PLAYBOY Magazine was around today, he would most likely have splashed PXG’s GEN4 line of golf clubs on the cover of his magazine. And, he would have even honoured the GEN4 driver with a centre-fold spread! And for a truly raunchy treatment, the late Larry Flynt, publisher of HUSTLER would have taken it a couple of notches higher with a saucier, eye-popping cover and an even more torrid centre-fold! We do not say this in jest – we mean it as a sincere compliment because what PXG has done with its latest line of clubs is to show total irreverence to conventional golf club design and technology. The company that was set-up six years ago by a man who was “tired and bored” with what was available on the market, has rocked the world yet again with a package that pushes the envelope of technology like only PXG can. Put simply – it is TOTALLY SEXY!
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG GEN 4
T
OUR GEN4 GOLF CLUBS ARE, FAR AND AWAY, THE
here is no denying the fact that Bob Parsons, the multi-billionaire philanthropist and founder of PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) spoke with tremendous bravado about his brand of clubs but he also set his products apart
from the industry by slapping on a hefty price tag to his golf clubs. It was a gamble he took, but it helped create a very special niche market for PXG and the new upstart got a big buzz going amongst golfers, many of whom did not bat an eyelid on the asking price for a set of Parsons’ golf clubs. All that is now on the back burner as the brand that Parsons built has entered a whole new evolutionary phase – a phase that the visionary billionaire calls GEN4!
BEST STICKS WE HAVE EVER MADE
… THEY ARE PACKED WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES, OUR LINE-UP OF DRIVERS, FAIRWAYS, HYBRIDS, AND IRONS DELIVER ABSOLUTELY EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE AND DROP-DEAD SEXY LOOKS.
GEN4 which encompasses a full arsenal of technology-packed features includes drivers, woods, hybrids and
win could not have come at a better time and provided
irons. In fact, shortly after the global christening of
proof testimony to the knock-out power of PXG’s GEN4
the new family of clubs, brand ambassador Lydia Ko blazed a trail of incredible power and precision to
clubs! Matching Ko’s incredible win, PXG pulled off a global
deliver a stunning comeback victory at the LPGA
launch with its own gut punch. So typical of Parsons, details
Lotte Championship after having been in golf limbo
of the new GEN4 clubs were kept highly confidential and
for three years. The former world number one’s
leaked out in tiny, tantalising teasers. When he was finally
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG GEN 4
ready to make a total dump, the world got to see the full attack line-up made up of the GEN4 drivers featuring the 0811 XF, 0811 X, and 0811 XT, along with the new Gen4 0341 X fairway woods, and 0317 X hybrids. Before we dive into the products, let us give Parsons the stage to set up his products the way that only he can. Take it away Bob! “The GEN4 collection has pinpoint accuracy, explosive sound and pure sex appeal and the price is worth every cent. Nobody makes golf clubs like us!” Hey Bob, you are on a roll! How about a few more power shots?” And the big man graciously obliged by saying: “Our GEN4 golf clubs are, far and away, the best sticks we have ever made … they are packed with new technologies, our line-up of drivers, fairways, hybrids, and Irons deliver absolutely explosive performance and drop-dead sexy looks.” “We’ve held nothing back, spared no expense, and poured every ounce of innovation, and every lesson learned into these babies. The result – clubs that are amazing and expensive. Everything you would expect from PXG and more!” Well, there you have it – PXG’s “Science of Sexy!”
PXG has long said that it will not deploy product until it
mission to deliver the world’s finest equipment. “We want everyone to experience PXG’s killer patented
is ready - balking industry convention in favour of taking its time and leaving nothing on the table. Products are simply
technology, so we’ve expanded our offerings to support a
ready when they are ready.
wider audience of golfers,” Parsons explained. “Whether you
Informed by years of unbridled research and develop-
prefer the latest technology and most advanced fitting op-
ment, PXG’s new flagship GEN4 Golf Clubs are the apex of
tions or simply want a sexy set of sticks that deliver incred-
the company’s club lineup.
ible performance, we’ve got you covered, and we’re proud to
Everything the company understands about perfor-
count you among our PXG Troops.” With the Big Man having spoken let us conduct a quick
mance is featured in these golf clubs. Presenting significant advancements in materials innovations, combined with pre-
check on the Gen4 series of drivers – these thundersticks
cision engineering and personalized performance. The GEN4
have been re-engineered from the top down to boost the mo-
drivers, fairways, hybrids, and irons firmly align with PXG’s
ment of inertia (MOI) and ball speed with the most noticeable
WE
PXG’S WE’VE
WANT EVERYONE TO EXPERIENCE
KILLER PATENTED TECHNOLOGY, SO
EXPANDED OUR OFFERINGS TO SUPPORT A WIDER AUDIENCE OF GOLFERS.
“WHETHER
YOU PREFER THE
LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND MOST ADVANCED FITTING OPTIONS OR SIMPLY WANT A SEXY SET OF STICKS THAT DELIVER INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE, WE’VE GOT YOU
COVERED, AND WE’RE PROUD TO COUNT YOU AMONG OUR
PXG TROOPS.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PXG GEN 4
change being the two-tone crown comprised of carbon fibre with an aluminium vapor (AV) coating. This is the first time this type of material and process has been used in clubhead design. According to Brad Schweigert, PXG’s Chief Product Officer, “The AV technology (in the crown) adds a big performance element thanks to the stiffening of the carbon fibre and mass savings.” The PXG Gen4 fairway woods and hybrids feature much of the same technology and design philosophies as the Gen4 driver, but in packages optimized for their unique functions using materials better suited for the job - the most noted being HT 17170 maraging steel face inserts. And finally, a quick word about the GEN4 irons. “Our goal is always to excel at the process of building the best clubs possible. We start with a target and we’ll do anything to reach that performance goal – we’ve
WHETHER
YOU
PREFER THE LATEST
TECHNOLOGY AND MOST ADVANCED FITTING OPTIONS OR SIMPLY WANT A SEXY SET OF STICKS THAT DELIVER INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE, WE’VE GOT YOU
COVERED, AND WE’RE PROUD TO COUNT YOU AMONG OUR
TROOPS.
PXG
actually overachieved with the new Gen4 iron,” according to Parsons. PXG GEN4 Irons introduces the company’s proprietary new XCOR Technology. The result of a multi-year research and development project, XCOR was engineered specifically for use in PXG’s GEN4 Iron line-up. The material is incredibly soft and has high C.O.R., supporting more face movement and a colossal sweet spot. Coupled with PXG’s ultra-thin face – the thinnest in golf – GEN4 Irons offer a powerful combination of unbelievable forgiveness, explosive distance, and an incredible sound and feel. Well, there you have it! An arsenal ready to fly into action and as Parsons would have it – PXG has something truly special to offer!
support@golfcitizen.com
EQUIPMENT FOCUS
TAYLORMADE P•790
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE P•790
If you want to turn heads at your golf club, we think TaylorMade has come up with just the package for you. It is a set of lethal irons finished in black and one look at it, you know that it is the total package to not only help you play better golf, but it will also help add to the “glam” factor!
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE P•790
T
aylorMade Golf has launched the spanking new P•790 Black set of irons. In its launch pitch the brand claims that the new irons give golfers the chance to experience a “new level of elegance and aggression” with the highpowered irons.
The sex appeal of the P•790 comes with the premium high-gloss
aesthetic that delivers a daringly unique look that is achieved via an advanced PVD (physical vapor deposition) process. First, solid metal is vaporized into plasma before it is used to precisely coat the iron, producing a completely new look. Commenting on the P•790, TaylorMade’s Matt Bovee from the Product Creation Division said, “This set is elegant aggression. The bold aesthetic blends perfectly with the powerful performance, delivering a daring look and irons that are made to take on daring shots. Packed with all the technology of the original chrome finish, this set will stand out in the bag and on the course.” The P•790 is an industry leader in the players distance iron category. It offers power, speed and forgiveness within a player-inspired shape with exceptional feel. It is the ultimate combination of iron performance. The defining features include a hollow body construction filled with a lightweight SpeedFoam material. This technological pairing allows for better perimeter weighting (increased forgiveness), as well as an ultrathin face for fast ball speeds with maintained feel. A low-profile tungsten weight is engineered to deliver a lower CG and higher launch. The iconic Thru-Slot Speed Pocket is designed to maximize ball speed and provide added forgiveness on strikes low on the face. At the same time, Progressive ICT intends to improve accuracy and protection of off-centre ball speed. The new set is available at all leading golf stores right now.
THIS SET IS ELEGANT AGGRESSION. THE BOLD AESTHETIC BLENDS PERFECTLY WITH THE POWERFUL PERFORMANCE, DELIVERING A DARING LOOK AND IRONS THAT ARE MADE TO TAKE ON DARING SHOTS. PACKED WITH ALL THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE ORIGINAL CHROME FINISH, THIS SET WILL STAND OUT IN THE BAG AND ON THE COURSE. – MATT BOVEE
THE P•790 IS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN THE PLAYERS
DISTANCE IRON CATEGORY. IT OFFERS POWER, SPEED AND FORGIVENESS WITHIN A PLAYER-INSPIRED SHAPE
WITH EXCEPTIONAL FEEL. IT IS THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION OF IRON PERFORMANCE.