support@golfcitizen.com
ISSUE
249
AUGUST 2021
With the first decade of the New Millennial behind us, the TIME IS NOW to get cracking on providing better access to customized club fitting services in Asia. The region has been a laggard in this vital area of the game, and it is time to set it right! Speaking about setting things right, ASIAN GOLF approached PING, the brand universally regarded as the company that first invested in custom club fitting to see what measures it has taken to spread the good word of custom fitting across the Continent. We were fortunate to grab hold of Jeffrey Bose, a master fitter trained at PING’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1983 and is attached with WINGOLF, PING’s distributor in Southeast Asia. Bose is an out and out professional on club fitting. Besides knowing the art like the back of his hand, he is also a very cerebral sort of chap who has deep, intellectual insights on golf. He is a good golfer and used to be a competitive golfer in his junior days which was a long time ago!
14
XREAD MORE
SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER EQUIPMENT FOCUS
DO YOU SMELL WHAT’S COOKING?
6 XREAD MORE Is the world of golf on the cusp of witnessing a major development that could lead to the formation of a unified global tour? Talk about the creation of a global tour has been on the wagging tongue of the gossipy golf industry for a long while with this reportedly being the common goal of what used to be once two competing tours – the giant PGA Tour headquartered in America and the European Tour. It is believed that both tours had thoughts of their own to create a global tour, but this seems to have become a shared vision with the mellowing of the once competitive relationship between the two tours. What could have prompted this change most probably can be explained by two developments – the first being a very bold undertaking by a renegade group that call themselves the Premier Golf League (PGL), based in London and widely reported to be working with the backing of the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
68 XREAD MORE
A “LITTLE FELLA” THAT PACKS A WALLOP!
TaylorMade Golf has launched the all-new Mini Driver from the 300 series. In fact, this latest mini has a heritage that tracks back to 1979 when the first “little fella” entered the market. TaylorMade describes the latest itinerant as “a merger of past and present,” resulting in the “reinvention of the iconic 300 Series in an all-new Mini Driver form.”
COLLIN MORIKAWA – THE CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL
SPECIAL FEATURE
MINJEE HAS DONE IT!
Australia’s Minjee created history by winning the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and claiming the crown at Europe’s only Major. With the win and US$675,000 richer, the 25-year-old has joined Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson and Hannah Green as female Australian major champions.
28 XREAD MORE
34 XREAD MORE The inaugural World Golf Expo has been impacted by the raging global pandemic for two years but this does not mean that the high-level business summit on golf and the accompanying exhibition is over for good. Far from it – in fact, the WGE is bouncing back with renewed vigour, vitality and a brand-new vision that is bigger and bolder than it was at the beginning.
THE PHILIPPINES – A REVOLUTION SET TO EXPLODE! Filipino women golfers have arrived on the world stage – to get a better understanding and appraisal of the state of the women’s professional game in the Philippines., ASIAN GOLF reached out to Daniel J. Sais, President of the Manila-based Esquire Golf Management company. Sais is somebody who has an in-depth insight to the young talent that is bubbling in this Asian nation and obliged by providing an impressive guide on the rising talent.
48
XREAD MORE
At age 24, how is he thought to be a consummate golfer – a player who displays great skills and flair? Well, Morikawa is not a professional who takes short cuts to executing his game. He is anything but wishy-washy and has a highly meticulous routine when it comes to his golf clubs. He demands the best from the tools of his trade and knows precisely how to critique them when they do not work for him.
CLUB INDUSTRY IN TAKES YOUTHFUL IMAGE ON A Y
A golf club in Singapore, one of the island nation’s oldest and smallest, has taken the bold step forward to engage a younger general manager with a wellrounded track record in all aspects of operating a golf club, a club that is vibrant, active and social with the focus being on delivering a holistic service package and a fun experience for its members. That young man is Paul Giovanni Decipeda who manages the Changi Golf Club which is way older than him.
XREAD MORE Wonder how many golfers and golf fans in Asia know Asian women professionals have been the runaway leaders in the Women’s World Golf Rankings since it was started in 2006. Chances are many have been unaware of this. This leadership position became very apparent at the 2021 DOW Great Lakes k Bay B Invitational where the final count of Asians who made the cut stood at 27 – far greater than any other Continent!
THE GIANT KILLER!
What a way to make a statement! What a way to announce one’s arrival on the big stage of professional golf! The 23-year-old Min Woo Lee challenged the world on the hallowed grounds of golf’s birth and is now the proud winner of the Scottish Open title – a trophy that was once lifted by golfing greats like Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie, Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose and others.
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
James Cronk
Raquel Arcega
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 www.asiapacificgolfgroup.com 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
Is the world of golf on the cusp of witnessing a major development that could lead to the formation of a unified global tour? Talk about the creation of a global tour has been on the wagging tongue of the gossipy golf industry for a long while with this reportedly being the common goal of what used to be once two competing tours – the giant PGA Tour headquartered in America and the European Tour. It is believed that both tours had thoughts of their own to create a global tour, but this seems to have become a shared vision with the mellowing of the once competitive relationship between the two tours. What could have prompted this change most probably can be explained by two developments – the first being a very bold undertaking by a renegade group that call themselves the Premier Golf League (PGL), based in London and widely reported to be working with the backing of the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER
T
his upstart is said to be planning the launch of a US$350 million “tour” in January 2023 – this is to feature 18 tournaments targeting the top 48 male players in the
world with each event offering prize money far exceeding those currently on the PGA Tour. The other development being a landmark partnership
The PGA Tour was quick to kick in when its Commis-
between the European Tour and South Africa’s Sunshine Tour
sioner Jay Monahan said: “We are thrilled to see these two
which has been described as a celebration of “their already
leading golf organizations come together for the benefit of
long-term relationship of over a quarter of a century”.
the global game, players and fans. The European Tour and
In a statement, the European Tour says that it has
Sunshine Tour each have rich histories, celebrated events
committed to help further develop the Sunshine Tour, thus
and a proven record of developing some of the world’s
improving the existing international pathway between the
best players. This new partnership further illustrates
two tours that has seen countless South African players
the strengthening ecosystem of professional golf that we
benefit from over the years, and to recognise the sustained
have all worked together to build for the betterment of the
contribution of South Africa’s professionals in the develop-
game.”
ment and growth of the game worldwide. The PGA TOUR – the European Tour’s Strategic Alliance
The Sunshine Tour has produced world-beating stars like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oost-
partner – is fully supportive of this new development in
huizen, Trevor Immelman and Gary Player and with the tie-
global golf.
up, it guarantees the continuous stream of young, new talent
The flamboyant and change-driven Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour, said: “We have been proud to stand
coming out of Africa and headed for global recognition. With the South Africans on board this “strategic alli-
shoulder to shoulder with the Sunshine Tour on this pathway
ance”, it only makes sense to bring on board Australasia
for over a quarter of a century and we very much look for-
which comprises the PGA Tour of Australasia which anyway
ward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
is already partnered with the European Tour via a strategic
WE HAVE BEEN PROUD TO STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH THE SUNSHINE TOUR ON THIS PATHWAY FOR OVER A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AND WE VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THIS PARTNERSHIP FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
– KEITH PELLEY
SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER
WE ARE THRILLED TO SEE THESE TWO LEADING GOLF ORGANIZATIONS COME TOGETHER FOR THE
BENEFIT OF THE GLOBAL GAME, PLAYERS AND FANS.
THE
EUROPEAN TOUR AND SUNSHINE TOUR EACH HAVE RICH HISTORIES, CELEBRATED EVENTS AND A PROVEN RECORD OF DEVELOPING SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYERS. THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP FURTHER ILLUSTRATES THE STRENGTHENING ECOSYSTEM OF PROFESSIONAL GOLF THAT WE HAVE ALL WORKED TOGETHER TO BUILD FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE GAME. – JAY MONAHAN
NOW, IT BECOMES CLEARER THAT A RING FENCE MAY BE IN THE MAKING TO STRANGLE THE BOLD AIMS OF THE
PGL AND THEIR PARTNERS. IT
WILL TAKE TREMENDOUS TESTICULAR FORTITUDE ON THE
PGL TO TAKE ON THE “UNITED FRONT” MADE UP BY PART OF THE
THE COMING TOGETHER OF THE
“STRATEGIC ALLIANCE” PARTNERS. VARIOUS
making to strangle the bold aims of the PGL and their partners. It will take tremendous testicular fortitude on the part of the PGL to take on the “united front” made up by the coming together of the various “strategic alliance” partners. Just imagine the sheer physical size of the collective force, the playing talent on offer and the PICTURE OF GLOBAL PLAYERS | PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
geography covered which will serve as a major attraction to sponsors and advertisers alike.
alliance. The same applies to the Asian Tour which has a similar tie up with the European Tour. Now, this leaves only two other major tours to tie-up
Add to this the declared affront that the PGA Tour has put in place which will result in the suspension and banning of registered players jumping the fence to
with – the Japan Tour and the Korean Tour. Both these tours
join the PGL. Unless the PGL is on a suicide mission,
are said to enjoy good relationships with the PGA Tour which
it should be apparent to them that the two big boys of
stages the rich ZOZO Championship in Japan and the CJ Cup
global golf – the PGA Tour and the European Tour – have
@ Nine Bridges – tournaments with huge multi-million-dollar
consolidated their vision and built a straight pathway
prize purses. Given the fact that a working relationship is al-
that is well on its way to the creation of a unified and rich
ready in place, it can be assumed that a formalised “strategic
global tour that leaves no room for any other player to
alliance” with Japan and Korea would not prove to be a big
squeeze in for a share of the global pie!
challenge to broker for the PGA Tour. Now, it becomes clearer that a ring fence may be in the
Boy, the aroma of what’s cooking surely smells good!
Engineered for more forgiveness and more fun. There’s one to fit your eye and stroke. Available in 11 score-lowering models.
MULTI-MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION Strategic use of various materials, including tungsten, steel and aluminum, provide the forgiveness and accuracy golfers expect from a PING putter. | P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071
Shallow, uniform-depth grooves provide a soft feel and consistent roll. The softer front layer of the dual-durometer insert provides precision on shorter putts; firmer back layer ensures distance control.
COVER STORYE
CUSTOM FITTING
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
PHOTO CREDIT: LOVEPIK.COM
WITH THE FIRST DECADE OF THE NEW MILLENNIAL BEHIND US, THE TIME IS
NOW TO GET CRACKING ON PROVIDING BETTER ACCESS TO CUSTOMIZED CLUB FITTING SERVICES
ASIA. THE REGION HAS BEEN A LAGGARD IN THIS VITAL AREA OF THE GAME, AND IT IS TIME TO SET IT RIGHT! IN
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
that I knew in golf then were TaylorMade (which I he year was 1995 and I had just thought made bespoke custom suits) and Callaway, sold my business and opted for simply because I had been reading about a set of early retirement. Like a lot of clubs named after a big lady called “Big Bertha”. people who retire, they have a The decision was made – Big Bertha was the lot of things to do on their buckbrand of choice! “Would you like your clubs to be et list and I was no different. custom-fitted,” asked the professional attending to Besides a whole bunch of mustme and like the smart aleck that I was, I responded, do activities, I had jotted down “What the heck, I am not getto buy TELL YOU THIS ting measured for a suit am I?” myself a great set of golf clubs even though I did not play the STORY BECAUSE IT He looked at me quizzically and set out to explain, “Sir, I game. Like many Singaporeans HAS A WHOLE LOT OF was talking about a session to of that era, I belonged to four have you fitted with customgolf clubs but the objective of BEARING ON ized clubs so that you can play being a member was not to AND and enjoy a better game.” To play golf. You get the message! which I shot back, “No buddy, Anyway, the set of clubs were I know how to play the game bought at a specialist golf shop T IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO and I don’t need no fitting, in the American city of Fairfax, PERIOD!” The professional Virginia where I was visiting. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY A shifted his gaze to my left hand The professional who attended BETTER GAME AND ENJOY and immediately knew that I to me asked if I had any set in was a damn liar – remember mind and the only two names PLAYING IT
I
CUSTOM CUSFITTING TOM FITTED CLUBS! I !
that while I belonged to golf clubs, I had never played golf PERIOD! I sprung out my credit card, gave it to him and said, “Thank you young man, you’ve just scored a sale!” He smiled, got a new set of Big Berthas, a matching golf bag and placed the clubs in my friend’s car. The clubs flew all the way back to Singapore and then to my retirement home in Sabah, East Malaysia. This is going to shock you – the clubs never saw the light of day and remained in the storeroom for close on 16-months. When I finally took it out to play, I made a mockery of myself at the country’s premier golf course and put the blame squarely on the golf clubs. A loaded local politician (they all are) saw the clubs and offered to buy it off me and I dumped it on him for a nice profit! Now that I regarded myself as a golfer, I set out to buy some more new clubs that I hoped would work, and every time I put these clubs to play, I would mess up! Thousands of dollars later (thank god for loaded politicians ready to part with their
cash), I kept on buying the latest and the “best” clubs and woefully, the results were always the same – disappointing and dismal! I even went to see a top professional coach in Australia to help me with my game and guess what, this wise guy, suggested a custom fitting session (back when they used lead tape on clubs) and sent me packing with a set of socalled custom-built Anthony Armour irons with steel shafts (my handicap then was in the high 30’s – what a rip!). To add insult to injury, this same guy custom-fitted my wife with a complete set of Henry Griffiths which cost the lady a tidy sum. It did not help her game and I quipped that she should have them converted into jewelry! I tell you this story because it has a whole lot of bearing on CUSTOM FITTING and CUSTOM FITTED CLUBS! It is the only way to go if you want to play a better game and enjoy playing it!
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
U
nlike North America and other developed
company that first invested in custom club fitting to see
parts of the golf world, many countries in
what measures it has taken to spread the good word of
Asia (apart from Japan and South Korea),
custom fitting across the Continent. We were fortunate to
access to club fitting and the services of pro-
grab hold of Jeffrey Bose, a master fitter trained at PING’s
fessionals who know what they are doing, is
headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Ari-
limited. With the growth of the game in Asia, there has never
zona State University in 1983 and as he puts it: “When I went
been a better time for equipment manufacturers and service
to work for PING in Phoenix, Arizona, later the same year,
providers to start looking seriously at the art of custom
I realized the scenario was completely different. Without
fitting. It has been ignored for far too long and the industry
exception, all PGA Tour professionals would only play cus-
owes it to amateur golfers to help them play better golf.
tom fitted clubs. What is more, golfers of virtually all skill
As an aside, even our professional golfers are not provided
levels there were already becoming aware of the benefits of
with the sort of high-quality service that their counterparts
proper club fitting then.” Bose is attached with WINGOLF,
receive in America, Europe and Japan where professional
PING’s distributor in Southeast Asia and he is an out and out
golfers have access, even on site at tournaments, where
professional on club fitting. Besides knowing the art like the
they can get their clubs checked and fitted in Tour Trucks.
back of his hand, he is also a very cerebral sort of chap who
With the first decade of the New Millennial behind us,
has deep, intellectual insights on golf. He is a good golfer
the TIME IS NOW to get cracking on providing better access
and used to be a competitive golfer in his junior days which
to customized club fitting services in Asia. The region has
was a long time ago!
been a laggard in this vital area of the game, and it is time to set it right! Speaking about setting things right, ASIAN GOLF approached PING, the brand universally regarded as the
Anyway, we sat Bose down for a chat on custom fitting – and we covered a whole laundry list of issues relating to a topic which we hope all amateur golfers in Asia wake up to and start paying some serious attention.
I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY INDUSTRY-WIDE SURVEYS DONE LOCALLY, BUT WE KNOW MOST PING CLUBS PURCHASED IN SINGAPORE TODAY ARE CUSTOM FITTED. INITIATIVES LIKE OUR PING PERFORMANCE CENTRES, PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLF ACADEMIES AND MORE THAN 50 LOCAL GOLF COACHES HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN EDUCATING SINGAPORE GOLFERS, RELENTLESSLY, ONE AT A TIME OVER THE YEARS.
WHEN I WENT TO WORK FOR PING IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA, LATER THE SAME YEAR, I REALIZED THE SCENARIO
WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.
WITHOUT EXCEPTION, ALL PGA TOUR PROFESSIONALS WOULD ONLY PLAY CUSTOM FITTED CLUBS.
WHAT IS MORE, GOLFERS OF VIRTUALLY ALL SKILL
LEVELS THERE WERE ALREADY BECOMING AWARE OF THE BENEFITS OF PROPER CLUB FITTING THEN.
– JEFFREY BOSE
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
The following are excerpts from the discussion with Bose:
ASIAN GOLF: Have you seen a growing acceptance of custom ¯tting in the region in which you operate?
ASIAN GOLF: You have been involved with custom ¯tting for golf clubs for almost all your professional career. Give us an assessment as to what is the general perception in the market with regards to custom ¯tting?
Yes, the trend has been increasing in all countries we oper-
JEFFREY BOSE:
able in all the countries where we have a presence. Almost
The regional market for custom-fitted and custom-built
all the major golf brands have incorporated club fitting into
clubs has grown and matured substantially over the four
their programmes, in some shape or form over the last two
decades since I began my working career in this industry.
decades.
When I played the Singapore Open in 1979, less than half the
ASIAN GOLF: Is custom ¯tting in greater demand amongst more avid and serious golfers?
professionals and elite amateurs in the field played custom fitted clubs. In the early 1980’s, less than five percent of
BOSE: ate in, viz. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Brunei. Professional clubfitting services are currently avail-
the equipment purchased in Southeast Asia were fitted.
BOSE:
Today it is probably above twenty-five percent. More mature
Inevitably so. Avid and more serious golfers tend to read,
markets have passed forty percent. So, there is plenty of
research and pay more attention to trends and what Tour
potential growth left for custom-built, custom-fitted clubs
professionals do. More golfers are becoming aware that
in Southeast Asia. Knowledge of the benefits of proper club
Tour professionals will only play fitted clubs. Over the last
fitting at the consumer level here was low up through the
decade, major manufacturers have invested unprecedented
1980s. It has steadily grown over the years. I am not aware
amounts of money and resources to set up Tour Depart-
of any industry-wide surveys done locally, but we know most
ments, Tour Trucks and Tour Reps to support their Tour
PING clubs purchased in Singapore today are custom fitted.
Staff equipment needs. As more golfers show interest and
Initiatives like our PING Performance Centres, partnership
follow these developments, mainstream and social media
with golf academies and more than 50 local golf coaches
are also doing their part to make more news and informa-
have been instrumental in educating Singapore golfers,
tion about Tour equipment trends available to the public.
relentlessly, one at a time over the years.
AT
OUR
PING PERFORMANCE CENTRES,
WE REGULARLY SEE GOLFERS COMING IN
TO BE FITTED FOR THEIR FIRST SET OF EQUIPMENT, SOME BEFORE LEARNING TO HOLD A GOLF CLUB.
THERE IS A GROWING NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL GOLF COACHES WHO KNOW THAT GOOD COACHING AND PROPERLY FITTED CLUBS WILL HELP THEIR
STUDENTS LEARN AND IMPROVE FASTER THAN STUDENTS PLAYING WITH ILL-FITTED EQUIPMENT.
THE BEST
COACHES WILL ALMOST ALWAYS ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS TO GET PROPERLY FITTED SO THAT THEY WILL ENJOY THEIR LESSONS AND GOLF BETTER.
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
PROPER CLUB FITTING OFFERS GOLFERS AT ANY SKILL LEVEL THE ABILITY TO MINIMIZE THEIR WEAKNESSES, INCONSISTENCIES AND SWING FAULTS, THEREBY AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAXIMIZE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL AND ENJOY THE GAME WITH LESS ANGST AND FRUSTRATION. WITH ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY, GOOD CLUBFITTERS CAN HELP GOLFERS GAIN UNPRECEDENTED DISTANCE, CONSISTENCY AND LOWER SCORES. ASIAN GOLF: With advanced design, technology and engineering of golf clubs and the use of new materials, do you feel that custom ¯tting is the way to go for golfers to take full advantage of these advances across the board for golf clubs?
Without a doubt. Millions of golfers, from beginners to Tour
BOSE:
Professionals, who have benefitted from proper club fitting
Absolutely. Many manufacturers, including PING, do not
and enjoying better golf lay testimony to this.
charge a premium for custom fitted equipment. Knowing
ASIAN GOLF: There is no denying that playing with clubs that are custom ¯tted will help a golfer play a better game, regardless of his or her skill level. Your thoughts?
the benefits and advantages of properly fitted equipment, why would any golfer NOT want to be properly fitted for their next set of equipment?
ASIAN GOLF: Would you say that the notion that custom ¯tting is only for serious and better players is a misnomer and that in fact it should be for all golfers, period! BOSE:
BOSE:
BOSE:
At our PING Performance Centres, we regularly see golfers
The most common reasons I encounter:
coming in to be fitted for their first set of equipment, some before learning to hold a golf club. There is a growing
z Bad advice from friends with good intentions;
number of professional golf coaches who know that good coaching and properly fitted clubs will help their students
z Bad experience/s. You will notice I like to use the term,
learn and improve faster than students playing with ill-
“proper club fitting.” I emphasize “proper” because in
fitted equipment. The best coaches will almost always
my four decades of fitting golfers, I have come across
encourage their students to get properly fitted so that they
many who were not properly fitted and suffered or missed
will enjoy their lessons and golf better. In fact, Golf Digest
out on the benefits of properly fitted equipment. Some
magazine did a survey of the Top 100 Coaches in America
get confused or disillusioned and spread the word that
a few years ago. One of the questions asked was, “If you
custom fitting is of little or no value. Unfortunately, many
could give your students only ONE piece of advice, what
golfers have been mis-lead, by club fitters no less, to
would it be?” 95% responded, “Get properly fitted for your equipment. So. As I was saying, in turn, these satisfied and happy students will spread the word and send their friends for lessons with these coaches. It is a win-win scenario.
ASIAN GOLF: What in your opinion is holding back golfers in general from playing with custom ¯tted clubs?
think custom fitting is putting together a club head, a shaft and grip without hitting the combination and assessing ball flight. Poor results then create disillusion about the usefulness of fitting. z Many local golfers think they need to reach a higher skill level to benefit from properly fitted equipment.
ASIAN GOLF: At the end of the day, playing with custom ¯tted clubs is all about playing better golf and isn’t that what all golfers aspire for – to play a better game more consistently? BOSE: Golf is not an easy game at any level. Most golfers I meet are realistic and just want to enjoy their game more. Proper club fitting offers golfers at any skill level the ability to minimize their weaknesses, inconsistencies and swing faults, thereby an opportunity to maximize their own potential and enjoy the game with LESS angst and frustration. With advances in knowledge and technology, good clubfitters can help golfers gain unprecedented distance, consistency and lower scores.
ASIAN GOLF: Let us look at the accessibility to custom ¯tting services in Southeast Asia – how well is the industry set-up to handle increased demand and fast turn-around? BOSE: The growth and proliferation of club fitting facilities has grown impressively in the last two decades in the region.
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
Singapore is a good example. Most major brands each have
fitted driver on the day of fitting. However, fitted irons are
more than one clubfitting facility. Many of them have the
more complicated and have more permutations. Though we
latest fitting systems and trained/qualified club fitting staff.
carry a good array of different models and specifications,
Local golfers are not short of choices where and who to go
about 75 percent of the iron sets we fit need to be custom-
to. Setups and fitting charges do vary, so it’s best for golfers
built at the factory in Japan and FedExed to Singapore. Most
to call ahead or go online to find out more before showing up.
of our customers know the value and benefits of custom-
ASIAN GOLF: We have heard of the custom ¯tting process taking weeks for the ¯nished product to be sent to a customer. If this is so, how can this phase be streamlined with the emphasis on a faster turn-around?
engineered, custom-fitted and custom-built irons and quite
BOSE:
readily accept the 3- to 4-week lead time for iron sets.
ASIAN GOLF: Is all PING’s custom ¯tted clubs ¯tted with ARRCOS Caddie and what is customer reaction like to this arti¯cial intelligence platform?
Lead times have generally improved over the years. With
BOSE:
increased demand for fitted equipment, our inventory of dif-
Currently, the entire G425 family and G710 irons come standard
ferent specifications has grown tremendously. For example,
with ARCCOS grips. In time, we expect more models from
we currently keep over thirty different specifications of the
PING to come standard with ARCCOS technology. Studies done
PING G425 driver in inventory. More than 60 percent of the
have shown that golfers using the ARCCOS Caddie system will
golfers we fit for driver will be able to walk away with a new
improve their golf scores by an average of four strokes per
SMART MOBILE DEVICES ARE ALREADY BEING USED INDIVIDUALLY OR ALONGSIDE OTHER DEVICES TO PROVIDE DATA USED FOR CUSTOM
FITTING.
AN EXAMPLE IS THE IPING 2.0 APP, WHICH IS LOADED ONTO A SMARTPHONE AND USED FOR PUTTER FITTING, INDOORS AND OUTDOORS. TABLETS AND SMARTPHONES ARE ALREADY COMMONLY USED ALONGSIDE LAUNCH MONITORS LIKE TRACKMAN 4 TO PROVIDE FITTERS LAUNCH DATA TO FIT OR FINE TUNE EQUIPMENT FOR GOLFERS INDOORS, OUTDOORS AND EVEN ON THE GOLF COURSE. round within the first 12 months. The combined benefits of custom PING equipment fitted with ARCCOS technology are
engaging with this technology to further streamline its custom ¯tting process?
now being enjoyed by more and more golfers on the planet.
BOSE:
ASIAN GOLF: Do you see a role for smart mobile devices playing a role in custom ¯tting and if so, how do you see PING
Smart mobile devices are already being used individually or alongside other devices to provide data used for custom fitting. An example is the iPING 2.0 App, which is loaded onto a smartphone and used for putter fitting, indoors and outdoors. Tablets and smartphones are already commonly used alongside launch monitors like Trackman 4 to provide fitters launch data to fit or fine tune equipment for golfers indoors, outdoors and even on the golf course. I am seeing more affordable smart mobile devices being used by local golfers in practice areas. I see this as a positive development for golf and expect to see personal launch monitors becoming more commonplace like the distance finder in the last decade. A lot of development is being done in this area and we will see more and more usage of smart mobile devices in the custom fitting process in the coming months and years.
COVER STORY | CUSTOM FITTING
JEFFREY BOSE RECEIVING THE ASIAN GOLF AWARD FOR BEST CUSTOM FITTER FROM ANGELA SEBASTIAN, PRESIDENT OF ASIAN GOLF.
SPECIAL FEATURE
2021 AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
SPECIAL FEATURE | 2021 AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Ever since she was a teenager in her hometown of Perth, Australia, Minjee Lee has dreamt of becoming a world superstar in golf. Her dream started when she became the number one ranked amateur golfer in Australia in February 2014 after winning the Oates Victorian Open. Armed with the knowledge of being her country’s best golfer, a young Minjee turned professional in September 2014. Since then, Minjee who is of South Korean descent has gone on to win eight professional tournaments, five of which have been on the world’s toughest women’s tour, the LPGA.
SPECIAL FEATURE | 2021 AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
MINJEE CREATED HISTOR CROWN AT EUROPE’S ON WIN AND US$675,000 RICHER JOINED KARRIE WEBB, JAN STE GREEN AS FEMALE AUSTRALIAN
H
er big pay-off came when she put on her
After her victory, Minjee declared, “I’m speechless. I’ve
game-face and charged up the leaderboard
been waiting for this for so long. It just feels unreal to have
in the final round of the 2021 Amundi Evian
won …. just even in the playoff, and all throughout today, I
Championship to force a play-off and lift
played really well to get myself in that position, and I’m just
her maiden Major victory.
really happy.”
The world had a front row seat to witness the thrill of
This reaction is totally understandable when one takes
victory and the agony of defeat play out right in front of their
into consideration that she has been winless on the LPGA
eyes as Minjee duked it out blow for blow in the final round
Tour for two years.
to force a play-off. That gladiatorial challenge pitted the
Minjee is the older sister of Min Woo Lee, the youngster
spunky Australian against the 54-hole leader, South Korea’s
who took on the world’s best at the 2021 Scottish Open to
Jeongeun Lee6 whom she destroyed in just one extra hole.
win in a play-off.
Minjee created history by claiming the crown at Eu-
You are simply magnificent Minjee and ASIAN GOLF
rope’s only Major. With the win and US$675,000 richer, the
together with its thousands of readers are proud of your
25-year-old has joined Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson and
fantastic achievement!
Hannah Green as female Australian major champions.
RY BY CLAIMING THE
MAJOR. WITH THE R, THE 25-YEAR-OLD HAS EPHENSON AND HANNAH MAJOR CHAMPIONS.
NLY
SPECIAL FEATURE | 2021 AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
I’M SPEECHLESS. I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
THIS FOR SO LONG. IT JUST FEELS UNREAL TO HAVE WON
….
JUST EVEN IN THE
PLAYOFF, AND ALL
THROUGHOUT TODAY,
I PLAYED REALLY
WELL TO GET MYSELF IN THAT POSITION,
I’M JUST REALLY HAPPY. – MINJEE LEE AND
WATCH VIDEO
SPECIAL FEATURE
WORLD GOLF EXPO
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
The inau gural W orld Gol has been f Expo impacte d b y the ragi global p ng andemic f o r two yea but this rs does no t mean t high-lev hat the el busin e s s s u golf and mmit on the acco m p anying exhibiti on is ov er for go od.
SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD GOLF EXPO
F
ar from it – in fact, the WGE is bouncing back with renewed vigour, vitality and a brandnew vision that is bigger and bolder than it was at the beginning. The organising team behind the revolutionary golf summit and trade show made
up of the giant Mission Hills Group and ASIAN GOLF are back at the drawing board and what is being looked at for 2022 is nothing short of being a game-changer.
“Sure, we took two solid body blows but it has only served to strengthen our
combined resolve to recoil and return with gusto!” declared Mike Sebastian, the Publisher of ASIAN GOLF and the Executive Producer of WGE 2022. Chipping in, Tenniel Chu, the Chairman of the WGE Organising Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Mission Hills Group said, “Our vision for WGE is a longterm undertaking and it is our intention to make up for lost time by staging the biggest and the best event of its kind in 2022.” While work on WGE 2022 is in full swing, the entire Asian Continent and most parts of the world are battling the spread of the global pandemic. “This has served as a tremendous source of motivation for us to put on a bold front and aim high because we can’t afford to sit back and wait for everything to return to normal,” said Sebastian. “The pandemic has turned our industry on its head and we need to re-evaluate our messaging and design a show that is purpose-built to address the new challenges and opportunities that a post-pandemic era will bring with it.” The venue for WGE 2022 will be the capital city of Haikou in Hainan and the host will be the sprawling multi-million dollar Mission Hills Golf Resort. The dates have not been decided as yet but according to Chu, “We are looking at either the third or fourth quarters of next year.”
THIS HAS
SERVED AS A
TREMENDOUS SOURCE OF MOTIVATION FOR US TO PUT ON A BOLD FRONT AND AIM HIGH BECAUSE WE CAN’T
AFFORD TO SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR EVERYTHING TO
RETURN TO NORMAL.
THE PANDEMIC HAS TURNED
OUR INDUSTRY ON ITS HEAD AND WE NEED TO
RE-EVALUATE OUR MESSAGING AND DESIGN A SHOW THAT IS PURPOSE-BUILT TO ADDRESS THE NEW CHAL-
LENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT A POST-PANDEMIC ERA WILL BRING WITH IT.
– MIKE SEBASTIAN
OUR VISION FOR WGE IS A LONG-TERM UNDERTAKING AND IT IS OUR INTENTION TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME BY STAGING THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST EVENT OF ITS KIND IN
2022.
– TENNIEL CHU
“As explained earlier, WGE 2022 will be a product of a total re-think – it will be designed to serve as a beacon for our industry as we chart a new course for its growth and success going forward,” said Chu. “It will be completely re-imagined and we will build the show based on feedback that we obtain from the ground so as to ensure that we put together content that is going to be relevant and driven by market forces,” explained Sebastian. As planning work swings into progress, meetings are being held with prospective new partners in the hope of injecting new and focused ideas to help make the event the “biggest and the best” in the region. Details will be forthcoming soon.
SPECIAL FEATURE
COLLIN MORIKAWA
SPECIAL FEATURE | COLLIN MORIKAWA
This guy may be just twenty-four years old but the maturity that he displays on the golf course in competition far exceeds his youthful demeanour. His game face is serious. He does not have extended conversations with his caddy. He is decisive and this characteristic comes busting forth at the pace he executes his game. Once he is locked in on what he wants to do, there’s no procrastination. He is precise and he pulls the trigger the way he visualised the shot. He is iron-willed and has ice running through his nerves. He is totally unflappable! In fact, he gives one the impression that he has blinkers and earplugs on when he is in competition. He is fazed by nothing. No smiles, no spoilt-brat histrionics – just a man on a mission. A mission to win! Put bluntly – he is simply the best!
SPECIAL FEATURE | COLLIN MORIKAWA
T
he whole world now knows that Collin Mori-
second major on his 10th attempt. Jack Nicklaus became a
kawa is the proud winner of the 149th Open
multiple-major champ on his ninth try, Tiger Woods on
which makes him arguably the best golfer
his 18th, so the historic significance of Morikawa’s
on the Planet today. While some may argue
latest victory is as hard to replicate as it is easy to
that there is a long way to go before this lofty
acknowledge. Furthermore, being the proud win-
title can be placed on him, take a moment, and ponder over
ner of two Majors is a feat that he shares with the
these facts.
legendary Tiger Woods. Both claimed two Majors
For a measure of how good a golfer Morikawa is, the young star has bagged two major titles in only eight starts which betters that of Jordan Spieth who won his
before turning 25 years! At age 24, how is he thought to be a consummate golfer – a player who displays great skills and flair?
MORIKAWA IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL WHO TAKES SHORT CUTS TO EXECUTING HIS GAME. HE IS ANYTHING BUT WISHY-WASHY AND HAS A HIGHLY METICULOUS ROUTINE WHEN IT COMES TO HIS GOLF CLUBS. HE DEMANDS THE BEST FROM THE TOOLS OF HIS TRADE AND KNOWS PRECISELY HOW TO CRITIQUE THEM WHEN THEY DO NOT WORK FOR HIM.
SPECIAL FEATURE | COLLIN MORIKAWA
Well, Morikawa is not a professional who takes short cuts
his mid and short irons on the firmer and tighter links turf.
to executing his game. He is anything but wishy-washy and
According to TaylorMade, their brand ambassador “felt as if
has a highly meticulous routine when it comes to his golf
he was mis-hitting his irons but he couldn’t understand why”.
clubs. He demands the best from the tools of his trade and
Another issue that affected Morikawa’s performance on
knows precisely how to critique them when they do not work
a links course had to do with slower links greens and this
for him.
was evident when he struggled to get the ball to the hole at
A good example of his “fussy” approach to golf clubs can be seen after his dismal showing at the 2021 Scottish Open
the Scottish Open. TaylorMade swung into action, thoroughly examined
where he struggled on the links course and finished tied 71st
the problems plaguing their star player and came up with
at 3-under par. This performance was totally unacceptable
the solutions. They tweaked and got the changes made just
to the young player. It was back to the drawing board and the
in time for Morikawa to get his game right and to turn in a
folks at TaylorMade were charged with examining the poor
sterling performance at Royal St. George’s.
performance of the clubs used by Morikawa and to get it all right for The Open. Morikawa was looking to improve his centre strikes on
This simply goes to illustrate the point that Morikawa is an absolute perfectionist. He knows what he wants. He knows how to communicate this to the people who support
THIS SIMPLY GOES TO ILLUSTRATE THE POINT THAT MORIKAWA IS AN ABSOLUTE PERFECTIONIST. HE KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS. HE KNOWS HOW TO COMMUNICATE THIS TO THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT HIM, AND THIS IS A VITAL QUALITY WHICH SETS THE SUPERSTAR PERFORMER APART FROM THE REST OF THE PACK.
SPECIAL FEATURE | COLLIN MORIKAWA
WITH AN IRON-CLAD MENTAL MAKE-UP AND SKILLS TO MATCH PLUS HAVING THE PERFECT SET-UP OF EQUIPMENT, MORIKAWA IS DESTINED FOR A LONG AND LUCRATIVE CAREER AT THE TOP-END OF PROFESSIONAL GOLF. AFTER THE OPEN, NEXT ON HIS AGENDA IS TO GO FOR GOLD AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS WHERE HE WILL PLAY FOR AMERICA, AND THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CHANCE TO GRAB ANOTHER US$15 MILLION IN THE RICH SEASON-ENDING FEDEX CUP PLAY-OFF AND THE LOOMING RYDER CUP.
him, and this is a vital quality which sets the superstar performer apart from the rest of the pack. Armed with properly set up clubs, Morikawa took on all
such stretch ever posted by an Open champion. With an iron-clad mental make-up and skills to match plus having the perfect set-up of equipment, Morikawa
the challenges thrown at him by a golf course determined to
is destined for a long and lucrative career at the top-end
dash the hopes and dreams of all who took it on. While the
of professional golf. After The Open, next on his agenda
majority struggled, including his playing partner, Louis Oost-
is to go for gold at the Tokyo Olympics where he will play
huizen of South Africa, the spunky Californian was stubborn
for America, and this will be followed by a chance to grab
and refused to be overwhelmed. Instead, he played a final
another US$15 million in the rich season-ending FedEx Cup
round that was bogey-free for a winning score of 15-under
Play-Off and the looming Ryder Cup.
par and add to that the fact that he played bogey-free golf over the final 31 holes at Royal St. George’s - the longest
Collin Morikawa – You Are Simply The Best!
SPECIAL FEATURE
PINOY PRINCESSES
SPECIAL FEATURE | PINOY PRINCESSES
Suddenly, golf pundits are beginning to show some interest on golf in the Philippines – more specifically, women’s professional golf. Hey guys, you are over a 100-years late on this score because to start with, the Philippines was one of the earliest golf playing nations in Asia. For the historians amongst us, golf has been played in the sprawling Republic for more than a century. The Philippine Open ranks as one of the oldest world competitions in the field of golf. It is also the oldest national sporting event in Asia that is related to golfing. The first Philippine Open was held in 1913. So, it is only natural that it has the pedigree and experience to produce world beating talent. This became abundantly so when a 19-year-old shocked the world by coming from behind to grab the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open. That youngster who created a sensation and banked in a winner’s check for US$1 million was Yuka Saso. She has gone down in history as the first women from the Philippines to ever win a Major on the world’s top women’s professional Tour, the LPGA Tour. Her victory has now kicked off a boost in women’s golf and do not be surprised to see more Filipinas begin to pop up to challenge the likes of the South Koreans, Japanese and the Thais soon – this special report will unravel some of the ladies who are on the wings, just waiting to explode on the big stage of golf.
SPECIAL FEATURE | PINOY PRINCESSES
T
he Filipino odyssey of women’s golf started way back in the early 20th Century – to be more precise, the world came to know about the prowess of Filipino women in golf in 1938. It was during the 1938 Philippine Women’s Golf Championship when a humble Filipino laundry-worker by the name of Dominga Capati, took some time-off to play in this elite
tournament which was dominated by American and European women. Although, she did not win, she broke the glass ceiling and opened the gate for locals to compete in this prestigious national event. It was Capati who created a pathway that saw Filipino greats like Dorothy Delasin and Jennifer Rosales blaze a trail of glory for Filipino golf on the world stage. In fact, Rosales was the first female golfer from the Philippines to win on American soil – this was at the 2005 SBS Open in Hawaii. It was not until sixteen years later when Pauline Del Rosario won on U.S. soil at the WLN Central Arkansas Open. The 22-year-old Del Rosario, is also the first Filipina to win on the LPGA of Taiwan Tour in her rookie season in 2017. Filipino women golfers have arrived on the world stage – to get a better understanding and appraisal of the state of the women’s professional game in the Philippines., ASIAN GOLF reached out to Daniel J. Sais, President of the Manila-based Esquire Golf Management company. Sais is somebody who has an in-depth insight to the young talent that is bubbling in this Asian nation and obliged by providing an impressive guide on the rising talent. “There is no doubt that with the success and rise of Yuka Saso, this will inspire many young Filipinas to start playing and enjoying the game.” Speaking about instant impact and effect, Sais added, “Less than two weeks after Saso’s win, her former ASEAN Games teammate Abby Arevalo (21 years) who also just turned professional, won on the Cactus Tour in Las Vegas.” Arevalo carded a total 197 for an eye-popping 11-shot win over a Swede and an American to claim her first victory since turning pro early last year. Arevalo, a psychology major from San Jose State, played a central role to help Team Philippines to win the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 2019.
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WITH THE SUCCESS AND RISE OF
YUKA SASO, THIS
WILL INSPIRE MANY YOUNG
FILIPINAS TO START PLAYING AND ENJOYING THE GAME. – DANIEL J. SAIS
SPECIAL FEATURE | PINOY PRINCESSES
Next on the deck of rising stars is Princess Mary Superal – she is the first Filipina to win a USGA championship, the US Girls’ Junior in Arizona in 2014. She comes from a golf playing family and she describes herself as the best of the brood. The 24-year-old hopes to achieve many goals in her professional career. “One of my goals is to win my first big pro event in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.” Another Filipina to watch is 20-year-old Samantha Bruce, 20. Studying in Seattle, Sais describes Sam as an extremely hard-working young woman with a clear vision. The former Assumption High School student from Makati is currently one of the best performers among Filipina golfers in US colleges. Bruce is said to be a long hitter with a 105-mph swing speed and a carry of upwards of 260 and averages 280+ with her drives. She is expected to turn professional in the 2022-23 season in America.
ASIAN GOLF HAS ONLY FEATURED SOME OF THE RISING STARS FROM THE PHILIPPINES BUT ACCORDING TO SAIS, “THERE’S A LOT MORE TALENT FROM WHERE THESE KIDS HAVE COME FROM”.
HE SHOULD KNOW AS HE IS ON THE
GROUND AND HAS HIS HANDS ON THE PULSE OF
HOW THE GAME IS PULSATING AND GROWING ESPE-
CIALLY AT THE PINNACLE OF THE WOMEN’S GAME IN THE
PHILIPPINES.
Finally, there is the teenage, Rianne Mikaela Malixi, who just turned 14. Malixi is the reigning national stroke play champion and in her last tournament, the youngster placed second behind Arevalo at the Philippine Ladies Amateur Championship. She has what it takes to reach the top – watch her grow! ASIAN GOLF has only featured some of the rising stars from the Philippines but according to Sais, “there’s a lot more talent from where these kids have come from”. He should know as he is on the ground and has his hands on the pulse of how the game is pulsating and growing especially at the pinnacle of the women’s game in the Philippines. While the production line keeps pumping out new talent, let us not forget the Filipinas who are already on the LPGA Tour and playing top golf at the highest level of the game. These include Dottie Ardina, Bianca Pagdanganan and Clariss Guce. And of course, the queen herself – Yuka Saso!
THREE DISTINCT DRIVERS Available in MAX (highest MOI), LST (low spin), or SFT (draw bias) models to fit your game.
OUR MOST FORGIVING DRIVER. EVER. Total MOI pushes 10,000 in the G425 MAX, a new standard in long and straight. A 26g tungsten CG shifter increases MOI an average of 14% across the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings.
At PING, we measure success in the lab and on your scorecard. Led by our most forgiving driver ever, the G425 MAX, big performance gains were achieved across the new G425 family. The proven innovations engineered into G425 clubs deliver score-lowering results off the tee, from the fairway and into and around the green so golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the game more.
©20021 PIN P G | P.O. BOX 82000 PHOOENIX, AZ 85071
SPECIAL FEATURE
PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
SPECIAL FEATURE | PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
Back in 2007, at the inaugural Asia Pacific Golf Summit staged in Singapore, there was a presentation on the role of a general manager in operating a golf club. This module was staged because there was a feeling, especially amongst club general managers that their role was to be closeted in an office and to orchestrate the day-to-day management of a club from that “seat of power” so to speak. During the presentation, the speaker looked out at the delegates and asked a series of questions. The first was for a show of hands on the number of delegates who were owners of golf clubs. There were none. He then proceeded to ask for those who were club general managers to raise their hands – 42 hands were raised. The speaker looked very encouraged and his next question was a simple one – “How many of you know your members by name?” Goodness, almost all the hands came crashing down!
SPECIAL FEATURE | PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
T
he point that the speaker was trying to make is that the golf club business is in the hospitality trade with one difference – the customers are members and that it was imperative for a general manager and his front line staff to know all members by their names. “There is no excuse for a general manager to keep addressing
members with gender neutral and non-binary salutations – he plays the host of the club and it’s his duty to welcome members and make them feel like they are part of a community.” Oftentimes, general managers are never seen on club premises and make the rare appearance when committee members of the club show up. This is somewhat of a generalisation but it is pretty much the case out there in the club world.
One school of thought maintains that the majority of club general managers are not professionals of the trade and from the trade. “Many are retired members of uniformed organisations like the police force, government, the armed forces or friends of the owners – people who do not possess the finer skillsets of the hospitality industry.” With time, greater exposure and the gradual influx of younger and better educated executives, there is now a better understanding that the management of a golf club is a business, like any other business. Success comes to those who deliver the total experience package. That said, a golf club in Singapore, one of the island nation’s oldest and smallest, has taken the bold step forward to engage a younger general manager with a well-rounded track record in all aspects of operating a golf club, a club that is vibrant, active and social with the focus being on delivering a holistic service package and a fun experience for its members. That young man is Paul Giovanni Decipeda who manages the Changi Golf Club which is way older than him. This nine-hole club has a history that dates to 1949 when the then British Royal Air Force built and maintained the facility. ASIAN GOLF met up with Decipeda for a chat session to find out how young blood is making an old club buzz its way into a rapidly changing business environment. The following are excerpts from that discussion.
SPECIAL FEATURE | PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
ASIAN GOLF: How does it feel to be the youngest general manager of a golf club in Singapore and at the same time, managing the oldest golf club in the Republic?
General Manager, I think I certainly have paid my dues. That
PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA:
whom I credit for starting me in the golf industry in the first
Wow! At 50 years old, that made me feel a lot younger! Well, I guess age does not really matter if you have the experience and know how to manage a Club. With the knowledge I have gained through the years, managing one of the oldest golf clubs in Singapore is a welcome challenge.
ASIAN GOLF: You have certainly come a long way in the golf club management industry having served in different clubs and in different capacities. You are without doubt a man who has paid his dues to get to where you are today. How do you re°ect upon this – quite an achievement would you not say? DECIPEDA: From starting out as a Golf Course Marshal back in the 90’s,
being said, I would like to thank all the people who gave me the opportunity to grow in this industry. None so more than Warren Golf Club’s current General Manager, Jinder Aujla place.
ASIAN GOLF: After having been at larger golf clubs, what was it like coming to Changi – did it feel like you were coming down the scale so to speak? DECIPEDA: Well, I feel like that scaling down does not mean that the job gets easier. Every club has its own set of intricacies and funnily enough, getting back into Club Management after almost 5 years away, I felt that Changi Golf Club was a perfect fit at the perfect time.
ASIAN GOLF: What is it that you like about managing a smaller golf club?
to being a Golf Executive then a Golf Manager and finally a
AGE DOES NOT REALLY MATTER IF YOU HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOW HOW TO MANAGE A
CLUB. WITH THE KNOWLEDGE I HAVE
GAINED THROUGH THE YEARS, MANAGING ONE OF THE OLDEST GOLF CLUBS IN SINGAPORE IS A WELCOME CHALLENGE.
PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA (LEFT) WITH FILIPINO ACTOR JOHN ESTRADA
SPECIAL FEATURE | PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
WE ARE THE ONLY GOLF COURSE IN SINGAPORE THAT GOLFERS HAVE TO CROSS A MAIN ROAD WHILE PLAYING A ROUND! ALSO, WE ARE A 9-HOLE GOLF COURSE, BUT WE HAVE 12 GREENS! FINALLY, ONCE YOU REACH THE STRETCH FROM HOLE 5-7, YOU DO NOT FEEL THAT YOU’RE GOLFING IN SINGAPORE BECAUSE THERE ARE HARDLY ANY EXTERNAL BUILDINGS VISIBLE AT THIS POINT.
DECIPEDA:
DECIPEDA:
Small club, small problems, big club, big problems?
Fortunately for us, our land lease has been extended till 2040
Hahaha. Jokes aside, managing Changi Golf Club has been
which is a significant development for us. We certainly have
great and being a smaller club, I have managed to meet
seen a jump in demand for membership not only in Changi,
more members in my time here than I ever did at any of
but across the board in all clubs. We have the capacity to take
the other bigger clubs. Also, I have realized that being a
in new members and the Club has gradually opened and sold
smaller club, members do not really send feedback/com-
new memberships to cope with this demand.
plaints through email, but instead come personally to me
ASIAN GOLF: What does it cost to be a member at the club and what is your membership population like?
which I prefer. Instant engagement with members makes it easier to understand what they truly need.
ASIAN GOLF: Given that Changi is a small club, do you ¯nd that there is a strong esprit de corp and sense of camaraderie amongst the members?
To date Changi Golf Club has close to a total of about
DECIPEDA:
in instalments. Alternatively, our memberships can be also
Most definitely. It has a very warm feel, and everyone seems
purchased through brokers on the open market.
to know everyone at the club. This helps especially when a
ASIAN GOLF: Let us talk about your course – it is a relatively short nine-hole course – there was a point in time when you had a hole that featured the narrowest fairway in the world. Is that still the case?
mug of beer is all you need to settle any misunderstandings on the golf course.
ASIAN GOLF: Considering that there has been some attrition in the number of golf courses in Singapore, has this placed a greater demand on membership at Changi and if so, how have you coped with it?
DECIPEDA: 1000 members. As mentioned, we have been selling new memberships at S$10,800 (before GST) which can be paid
DECIPEDA: Being a short course, proper golf management is required to navigate our tight fairways and small greens. Many golfers, both professionals and amateurs have underestimated
SPECIAL FEATURE | PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
Changi and have been left to lick their wounds after their
DECIPEDA:
round. Our 8th Hole was at one time listed in the Guinness
We recently had an influx of new ladies’ members and
Book of Records as the narrowest fairway in the world but
though we do not have a specific programme for them, we
has since been widened. It is still a tough fairway to hit with
have recently allocated a separate day for them to have
Out of Bounds on both the left and right of the fairway.
their monthly medals due to their rising numbers.
ASIAN GOLF: Talk to us about some of the special features of the course?
ASIAN GOLF: How has Changi coped with the challenges of change and the demand for more playing slots?
DECIPEDA:
DECIPEDA:
For starters, we are the only golf course in Singapore that
Firstly, the change from a manual booking system to an on-
golfers have to cross a main road while playing a round!
line booking system was a challenge. Many teething issues
Also, we are a 9-hole golf course, but we have 12 greens!
surfaced not only for us, but with many other clubs who had
Finally, once you reach the stretch from hole 5-7, you do
switched to online booking. With the borders being closed,
not feel that you’re golfing in Singapore because there are
the demand for tee-times have increased exponentially.
hardly any external buildings visible at this point.
There were expected rumblings from those who were not
ASIAN GOLF: As one of the older clubs in the nation, what role is the club playing to help grow the game generally?
very tech savvy but eventually many of our members have
DECIPEDA: Changi has always been supportive of local golf and as you know, Changi does not have a driving range and thus not
since embraced this new normal.
ASIAN GOLF: Finally, you were attached to the Asian Tour for some time. What have you learnt at the Tour that has helped you with managing Changi?
feasible to have a proper junior golf programme. However,
DECIPEDA:
we do support Singapore Golf Association in providing our
I started event managing on the Asian Tour in 2010 on an
venue for their Junior Development training and co-organ-
event-to-event basis and finally worked full-time for them in
ise SGA Junior shootout which is held in Changi.
2016 till last year. While working for them, I was constantly
ASIAN GOLF: Do you have a programme to promote greater female participation, and if so, give us a sense of your programme?
dealing with General Managers and Heads of Departments of various club’s hosting Asian Tour events. They constantly provided insights to their constraints and challenges of running and managing their respective clubs. The feedback and input from them over the years certainly helped me in decisions that I make while managing and running the club.
PAUL GIOVANNI DECIPEDA
I STARTED EVENT MANAGING ON THE ASIAN TOUR IN 2010 ON AN EVENT-TOEVENT BASIS AND FINALLY WORKED FULL-TIME FOR THEM IN 2016 TILL LAST YEAR. WHILE WORKING FOR THEM, I WAS CONSTANTLY DEALING WITH GENERAL MANAGERS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS OF VARIOUS CLUB’S HOSTING ASIAN TOUR EVENTS. THEY CONSTANTLY PROVIDED INSIGHTS TO THEIR CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES OF RUNNING AND MANAGING THEIR RESPECTIVE CLUBS.
THE
FEEDBACK AND INPUT FROM THEM OVER THE YEARS
I MAKE WHILE MANAGING AND RUNNING THE CLUB. CERTAINLY HELPED ME IN DECISIONS THAT
EQUIPMENT FOCUS
TAYLORMADE 300 SERIES MINI DRIVER
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE 300 SERIES MINI DRIVER
What you are about to read provides for an excellent script for an action-packed, punch‘em-up movie. Just visualise in your mind’s eye how a strapping, muscle-bound he-man of a hunk kicks sand into the face of a little guy just to embarrass him in front of his girlfriend. Can you see the little guy cowering from the spray of sand flying into his face as his girlfriend shrieks out in terror only to see the big bully bellowing in mocking laughter and walking away only to be shocked as the little fella recoils and comes flying into his face with the power and fury of a thousand tornadoes to crush him to the ground – a gripping reenactment of the biblical battle between Goliath, the giant and David, the slingshot slayer! Well, we hope that this graphic tale can serve as a prelude to the introduction to a brand-new driver that has hit the market. It is from the guys at TaylorMade who are renown for dreaming up and producing some of the best drivers in the golf business.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE 300 SERIES MINI DRIVER
W
hile the brand’s pedigree has been
Well, there you have it! Before we take a dive into the
anchored in drivers that pack heads
product, allow ASIAN GOLF to share its experience with the
that measure up to the maximum al-
Mini Driver. We have one in our possession that is slightly
lowable limit of 460 cubic centimetres,
over ten years old (circa 2000 AD) and it has seen a lot of
the company’s latest offering is a big
action in that time. In fact, this big little stick shares a very
stick that comes equipped with a comparatively smaller
exclusive space in ASIAN GOLF’s private collection of great
head – only 307 cc which is a whopping 153 cc smaller than
clubs over the years, including Callaway’s priceless “Seven
the industry’s big bombers.
Heaven”. The Mini Driver has been in retirement for a few
Hence, the ASIAN GOLF moniker – the ‘LITTLE
years now, and although battle-scarred, it brings back fond
FELLA”! For the record, the new arrival is the all-new
memories of an extremely forgiving distance club that was
Mini Driver from the 300 series. In fact, this latest mini has
very playable and easy to hit.
a heritage that tracks back to 1979 when the first “little
Now, let us get back to the new product. In the words
fella” entered the market. TaylorMade describes the latest
of Tomo Bystedt, Director of Product Creation, Metalwoods,
itinerant as “a merger of past and present,” resulting in
“It’s been 20 years since we last made a metalwood this
the “reinvention of the iconic 300 Series in an all-new Mini
size. We blended the throwback look with modern carbon,
Driver form.”
titanium and steel construction to produce a club that
ALTHOUGH THE MINI DRIVER IS SMALL, BUT WHEN COMPARED WITH SOMETHING CLOSER TO ITS SIZE, LIKE A 3-WOOD, ITS FACE IS MUCH DEEPER. RECKON THIS HELPS PROMOTE GREATER CONFIDENCE ON ADDRESS AND A GREAT DEAL MORE OPPORTUNITY TO STRIKE THE CENTRE OF ITS FACE WITH A BALL.
WHILE COMPARING THE MINI DRIVER WITH TAYLORMADE’S 3-WOOD, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT IT IS 45 PERCENT LARGER THAN THE STANDARD SIM2 3-WOOD. FROM A LENGTH PERSPECTIVE, THE CLUB’S 43.75 INCHES ALSO FALLS BETWEEN A DRIVER’S TYPICAL LENGTH OF 45.5 AND A 3-WOOD’S LENGTH OF 43.25.
EQUIPMENT FOCUS | TAYLORMADE 300 SERIES MINI DRIVER
IT’S BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE WE LAST MADE A METALWOOD THIS SIZE.
WE BLENDED
THE THROWBACK LOOK
WITH MODERN CARBON, TITANIUM AND STELL
CONSTRUCTION TO PRODUCE A CLUB THAT SPEAKS
TAYLORMADE LOYALISTS WHILE DELIVERING DISTANCE FROM THE TEE AND THE FAIRWAY. WELL, IT CERTAINLY LOOKS LIKE NOSTALGIA HAS MIXED IN WELL WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO COME UP WITH A DRIVER, WHILE SMALL IN SIZE, BUT NEVERTHELESS, LOADED WITH THE TO
POWER TO LAUNCH A GOLF BALL TO AS FAR AS A PLAYER CAN HIT IT!
– TOMO BYSTEDT
speaks to TaylorMade loyalists while delivering distance
performance and high MOI forgiveness. It is a truly unique
from the tee and the fairway.” Well, it certainly looks like
design that is powerful off the tee and playable “off-the-
nostalgia has mixed in well with innovative technology to
deck.” What it lacks in stature, it makes up for in speed
come up with a driver, while small in size, but nevertheless,
using the combination of a high-strength titanium face
loaded with the power to launch a golf ball to as far as a
and TaylorMade’s proprietary Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ to
player can hit it!
deliver ball speed. The proven corrective performance of
Although the Mini Driver is small, but when com-
Twist Face® adds another level of playability, while a rein-
pared with something closer to its size, like a 3-wood, its
vented V-Steel™ soleplate adds to the low CG properties
face is much deeper. Reckon this helps promote greater
and promotes improved turf interaction and versatility when
confidence on address and a great deal more opportunity to
played off the deck.
strike the centre of its face with a ball. While comparing the
The TaylorMade 300 Series Mini Driver is available in
Mini Driver with TaylorMade’s 3-wood, it becomes apparent
11.5 and 13.5-degree versions. In this Olympic year, Tay-
that it is 45 percent larger than the standard SIM2 3-wood.
lorMade likens the launch of the Mini Driver to taking the
From a length perspective, the club’s 43.75 inches also falls
baton and unleashing the next level of distance, forgiveness
between a driver’s typical length of 45.5 and a 3-wood’s
and playability for a club this size. Or think of it as a fairway
length of 43.25.
wood on steroids for accomplished golfers and players who
The 307cc head delivers a blend of distance, forgiveness and control, relying on advanced multi-material construction to provide the optimal combination of low-CG
want more accuracy off the tee while sacrificing as little distance as possible. Slip a Mini Driver in your bag and let it rip!
SPECIAL FEATURE
ASIAN POWER
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIAN POWER
Wonder how many golfers and golf fans in Asia know Asian women professionals have been the runaway leaders in the Women’s World Golf Rankings since it was started in 2006. Chances are many have been unaware of this. This leadership position became very apparent at the 2021 DOW Great Lakes Bay Invitational where the final count of Asians who made the cut stood at 27 – far greater than any other Continent!
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIAN POWER
N
ot only did Asian players dominate the weekend of this team tournament but it was won convincingly by the crack duo from Thailand, the Jutanugarn sisters – Moriya and Ariya. There was no catching these superstars and the Americans, Canadians, South Americans, Europeans or Australians and New Zealanders had a sniff at taking the top place.
What was glaringly obvious was that the top six placings at the end of the final round
were claimed by Asian teams or mixed teams made up of one Asian playing partner. Whatever way one looks at the way the tournament ended, it spoke heaps for Asian talent and dominance. Amongst the Asians who were at the top of this tournament are: • Ariya Jutanugarn (Thai)
• Nasa Hataoka (Jpn)
• Moriya Jutanugarn (Thai)
• Bianca Pagdanganan (Phil)
• Jasmine Suwannapura (Thai)
• Eun-Hee Ji (Kor)
• A Lim Kim (Kor)
• Hyo Joo Kim (Kor)
• Pajaree Anannarukarn (Thai)
• In Gee Chun (Kor)
• Aditi Ashok (India)
• Na Yeon Choi (Kor)
• Yuka Saso (Phil)
• Inbee Park (Kor)
• Haeji Kang (Kor)
• So Yeon Ryu (Kor)
• Amy Yang (Kor)
• Wei-Ling Hsu (Tai)
• Mi Jung Hur (Kor)
• Min Lee (Tai)
• Jeongeun Lee6 (Kor)
• Dottie Ardina (Phil)
• Hee Young Park (Kor)
• Kelly Tan (Mal)
ONE CANNOT DENY THE PLAYING SKILLS, PROWESS AND TALENT OF ASIAN GOLFERS, NOT TO MENTION THEIR DIVERSITY. THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE AS MORE YOUNGSTERS IN ASIA ARE INSPIRED
JASMINE SUWANNAPURA (THAI)
PAJAREE A
AND MOTIVATED TO FOLLOW THEIR ROLE MODELS AND WITH MORE GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE BACKING COMING FORTH, THERE
WILL BE NO CURTAILING THE GROWTH OF THE
ASIAN WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL GAME.
ADITI ASHOK (INDIA)
NASA
MORIYA JUTANUGARN (THAI)
ARIYA JUTANUGARN (THAI)
ANANNARUKARN (THAI)
YUKA SASO (PHIL)
BIANCA PAGDANGANAN (PHIL)
DOTTIE ARDINA (PHIL)
A HATAOKA (JPN)
WEI-LING HSU (TAI)
MIN LEE (TAI)
KELLY TAN (MAL)
SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIAN POWER
No Chinese golfers were involved but China has a former world number one in Shanshan Feng and rising stars like Lin Xiyu. And let us not forget young rising super-stars like Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and the 18-year-old teen wunderkind, Atthaya Thitikul. One cannot deny the playing skills, prowess and talent of Asian golfers, not to mention their diversity. This trend will continue as more youngsters in Asia are inspired and motivated to follow their role models and with more government and corporate backing coming forth, there will be no curtailing the growth of the Asian women’s professional game. Another impressive measure of Asian dominance amongst women can be seen in the World Golf Ranking started in 2006. The player with the second longest staying power in the number spot was Taiwan’s legendary Yani Tseng who occupied the top spot for an incredible 109 weeks (Feb. 14, 2011 to March 17, 2013) For a complete sense of how Asian players have been the dominant force on the LPGA Tour, click on this link and you will be astonished at how Asian women have been the force to reckon with on the world stage of professional golf. LIN XIY
CLICK TO VIEW
EUN-HEE JI (KOR)
A LIM KIM (KOR)
HAEJI KANG (KOR)
HYO JOO KIM (KOR)
NA YEON CHOI (KOR)
AMY YAN
IN GEE CH
ATTHAYA THITIKUL
PATTY TAVATANAKIT
U
SHANSHAN FENG
NG (KOR)
MI JUNG HUR (KOR)
JEONGEUN LEE6 (KOR)
HUN (KOR)
INBEE PARK (KOR)
SO YEON RYU (KOR)
HEE YOUNG PARK (KOR)
SPECIAL FEATURE
MIN WOO LEE
SPECIAL FEATURE | MIN WOO LEE
What a way to make a statement! What a way to announce one’s arrival on the big stage of professional golf! The world of golf saw this spectacle unravel at the recently concluded 2021 Scottish Open – the 49th staging of this prestigious tournament. Unlike previous years, this tournament, the pride of the home of golf, saw a stellar line-up of some of the world’s best players – stars like Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and a host of others that included men who had Major titles against their names.
SPECIAL FEATURE | MIN WOO LEE
T
his gathering of what could have
win the 2021 Scottish Open title after four days of
easily passed as a line-up of Who’s
gruelling battle.
Who in the world of professional
The youngster who challenged the world on the
golf did not in any way present
hallowed grounds of golf’s birth is now the proud
itself as a foreboding deterrent
winner of the Scottish Open title – a trophy that was
to a 23-year-old youngster, just barely over two
once lifted by golfing greats like Ernie Els, Colin
years as a professional. He was undaunted in the
Montgomerie, Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose and
company of big-name stars, the majority of whom
others. The young gun who shocked the world was
perhaps did not even know who he was, let alone
Australia’s Min Woo Lee, a baby-faced talent who
know his name. Again, this must have emboldened
played like an assassin on a mission to wipe out the
the youngster to take them all on and to go on to
competition.
SPECIAL FEATURE | MIN WOO LEE
Lee who turned professional in 2019 won a three-way playoff in the Scottish Open against Matt Fitzpatrick and Thomas Detry to clinch his second European Tour title. The win was worth US$1.3 million. He is the kid brother of the accomplished LPGA star Min Jee Lee with whom he won the 2016 U.S. Junior Amateur, becoming the first brother/sister pair to win the USGA’s junior championships. The fact that he was destined for stardom was clear when he won the ISPS Handa Vic Open in 2020, an event co-sanctioned with by the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia. He has played a few events on the European Tour and had early success, finishing 4th in the Saudi International and tied for 5th in the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth. Last October he was tied for 6th in the Genesis Championship on the Korean Tour and at the end of last year he was solo 3rd in the AV Jennings NSW Open and tied for 3rd in the Australian PGA Championship. Min Woo Lee – most certainly a giant killer and a man destined for greater success in professional golf! Oi! Oi! Oi! Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!
WATCH VIDEO
HE WAS UNDAUNTED IN THE COMPANY OF
BIG-NAME STARS, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM
PERHAPS DID NOT EVEN
KNOW WHO HE WAS, LET ALONE KNOW HIS NAME.
AGAIN, THIS MUST HAVE
EMBOLDENED THE YOUNGSTER TO TAKE THEM ALL ON AND TO GO ON TO WIN THE
2021 SCOTTISH
OPEN TITLE AFTER FOUR
DAYS OF GRUELLING BATTLE.
SPECIAL FEATURE | MIN WOO LEE
THE YOUNGSTER WHO CHALLENGED THE WORLD ON
THE HALLOWED GROUNDS OF GOLF’S BIRTH IS NOW THE PROUD WINNER OF THE
SCOTTISH OPEN TITLE – A
TROPHY THAT WAS ONCE LIFTED BY
ERNIE ELS, COLIN MONTGOMERIE, PHIL MICKELSON, JUSTIN ROSE AND OTHERS. THE YOUNG GUN WHO GOLFING GREATS LIKE
SHOCKED THE WORLD WAS
AUSTRALIA’S MIN WOO LEE, A BABY-FACED TALENT WHO PLAYED LIKE AN ASSASSIN ON A MISSION TO WIPE OUT THE COMPETITION.