Asian Golf Issue 251 : October 2021 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

ISSUE The dates for WGE 2022 have been set and the mega event will be staged from November 12 – 16, 2022. The venue will be the sprawling multi-billion-dollar Mission Hills Golf Resort in Haikou, Hainan. The organising team behind WGE 2022 is made up of the Mission Hills Group, ASIAN GOLF and the AIT Events Company Limited. The events to be included under the WGE 2022 umbrella will include the following: z World Golf Expo Trade Exhibition – 12- 14 November

251

OCTOBER 2021

12 XREAD MORE z World Golf Expo Summit – 14 -16 November z Global Golf Awards – 16 November Aside from these three major events, there will be a few other activities which are currently in an advanced planning stage. Details should be forthcoming before December 2021.

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER SPECIAL FEATURE

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THE FORCE OF POWER!

We are going to go out on a limb and declare that the Asia Paciﬁc region is on the cusp of a new era in golf, especially as it relates to the professional game. For too long, Asia has been regarded as a bit player on the global scene of professional golf ruled over by the Goliath and David combination of the powerful American-based PGA Tour and its new bedfellow across the Atlantic, the European Tour. There is no denying that these two make for a behemoth of sorts and possess the power and wield the inﬂuence to dominate on the global golf stage. We do not fault them for this – in fact, we pay tribute to the fact that they have been able to grow to the stage that they are at today and as the old saying goes – MORE POWER TO YOU GUYS!

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AUDI’S GIFT TO HERMES, THE GOD OF SPEED

Starting with this issue, ASIAN GOLF is launching a brand-new life-style section to introduce the golﬁng community to a highly innovative revolution that is taking place right now – the evolution of the electric vehicle. Golfers, known to belong to a demographic of the well-heeled and well-monied, make up a prime target group for electric cars. With this inaugural section, we are proud to train the spotlight on an e-car that is the epitome of everything this is great about this new genre of vehicles.

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GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS – THE BEST HAVE BEEN REVEALED!

The on-line polling for the 2021/22 Global Golf Awards is over! After two extensions, ASIAN GOLF is happy to report that 76,276 valid votes were received. Due to the on-going global pandemic, no ﬁrm decision has been taken as to when the awards for the 2021/22 cycle will be presented.

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THE BIG HINT – PGA TOUR EYES GLOBAL GROWTH!

In its annual state of the tour press conference, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan declared that the “PGA TOUR EYES GLOBAL GROWTH IN 2022 AND BEYOND”. This hints at work in progress about the birth of a GLOBAL GOLF TOUR. The hint took on greater importance when Monahan pointed toward the burgeoning partnership with the European Tour, a commitment to diversity and continued commitment to international growth as signs of the PGA Tour’s growing presence on the global stage.

THE ASIAN TOUR – THE RENAISSANCE HAS STARTED! Just two weeks ago, the beleaguered Asian Tour entered what it regards as a “historic partnership”. It is a partnership involving Golf Saudi, an organization charged with growing the game of golf in the oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Golf Federation. This partnership will see the highly vaunted threeyear-old Saudi International, presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers, brought into the Asian Tour’s fold of tournaments. Given its lofty stature and the big prize money offered, Saudi International will automatically be positioned as the Asian Tour’s ﬂagship. This is a massive boost for the tour and for the overall morale of all those involved with it. In one fell swoop, a profes-

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sional tour that has been languishing in golf’s limbo for some time and with no activity for almost two years due to the pandemic crisis, the world is witnessing the renaissance of a tour that is going to witness a total re-imagining of what will hopefully become the showcase of the Asian professional game.

UNCLE SAM’S KIDS DELIVER THE BIG ONE!

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ATTHAYA TITIKUL – HEADED FOR THE PINNACLE!

With three more tournaments to go (at the time of writing) on the Ladies European Tour, AtthayaThitikul ranks Number One in the Order of Merit, Number One in the Rookie Of The Year standing and Number Three on the Money List. All this while still a teenager! And she has done it against world class talent – talent that beat Team USA at the 2021 Solheim Cup to bring the title back to Europe. It does not get better than that!

Not only did Team America render a hammering but it did it in grand style to set a new Ryder Cup record with the highest points victory! The ﬁnal score was 19-9. The Americans never lost a session. It set a record for most points earned in a Ryder Cup since 1979, when the format changed to USA vs. Europe.

ISSUE

251

PING has launched the PING i59 – a set of irons that takes forged irons to a whole new level. In the launch hoopla, PING declared that the newbie was a forged blade that “delivers the look, feel and trajectory control preferred by better players with forgiveness unprecedented in blade-style designs.”

OCTOBER 2021

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THIS IS ROCKET SCIENCE!

PING has launched a ball-fitting application known as Ballnamic. The on-line service offers unbiased golf ball brand and model recommendations for golfers of every skill level. The software is powered by PING’s proprietary ball-specific flight models and algorithms developed by its engineers and data scientists. More than 40 ball models are housed inside the application, which is periodically updated to seek to ensure the current designs are considered.

TO HELL WITH EGO – PLAY FROM THE RED TEE!

Ten years ago, the PGA of America and the USGA announced a joint initiative encouraging golfers to play from tees that best suited their game. They named the programme “Tee It Forward” and it was inspired by the thinking of Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf. Barney argued that many golfers were playing from tees that were too long given how far they hit their drives. The concept and the campaign were well received.

ASIAN GOLF, the longest running pan-Asian golf magazine has been awarded the citation as the Best Asia Pacific Golf News Publication for 2021. This prestigious award has been bestowed upon the magazine by the Londonbased APAC Insider. This sought-after award recognises all-round excellence, commitment and dedication of the publication to its industry. “This is really a humbling experience to be recognised as the best in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mike Sebastian, CEO and Publisher of ASIAN GOLF. “This is the second time we have been recognised and it comes as validation of the good work that the team does day in and day out!” ASIAN GOLF is an international golf magazine produced in English and enjoys a worldwide circulation. Its social media following, especially on Facebook is in excess of 103,000 followers.

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

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

ow, with the Asian Tour awakening from its

pean Tour and the Professional Players Association followed

long slumber and providing new hope for the

suit by putting some serious distance between its members

professional game on its geographic footprint,

and the renegade tours’ overtures. In short, the proposed Su-

perhaps we should re-examine everything.

per League and the PGL have been shown the exit. Whether

For those still in the dark, the Asian Tour has

this whole proposition is toast is yet to be known.

spun-off a ten-year deal with Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf

While that debacle festers, we thought we would like to

Federation to be the home to the multi-million dollar Saudi

have some fun. The PGA Tour, together with the European

International, effectively making this tournament its ﬂagship.

Tour and its “alliance partners” are giants in the game. In

As of now, very few details are available as to how this

comparison, the Asian Tour is a tiny presence but perhaps

partnership will pan out over the span of the ten years but

this is all now set to change. With the Asian Tour throwing

we would be kidding ourselves if we stopped at just the Saudi

in its lot with Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation and

International gaining a new home after giving the “boot” to

cutting that decade-long partnership for the Saudi Inter-

the European Tour which sanctioned the event for three years.

national tournament, the Asia Tour has suddenly bulked

No matter what is said, there must be an element of bad

up. In an instant ﬂash, it has roped in power players into its

blood that exists between the European Tour and the Saudi

corner – power players with inﬂuence and arsenals of cash to

golf powerhouses. Add to this the feud between the people

really develop, support and grow an alternative professional

behind the Saudi Super League and the Premier Golf League

tour. If we hear a snicker of doubt and pessimism from some

who have tried to disrupt the control of the PGA Tour and the

quarters, let it be so. The Asian Tour’s new partners pack

European by providing more exciting options and alternatives

serious ﬁre-power and command sufﬁcient clout to create an

for the professional game. This affront, perceived to be Saudi-

exciting schedule of tournaments with the right combination

backed has drawn the ire of the big boys resulting in the PGA

of riveting new tournaments and cash rewards to turn the

Tour’s big boss, Jay Monahan taking stern measures to both

professional golf circuit on its head!

suspend and ban any of his players jumping the fence to go to

Just for a moment, visualise what a force this new alli-

the other side. This action was quickly supported by the Euro-

ance can be. The Asian Tour, with its new stature, can draw in all the lesser tours in the Asia Paciﬁc bloc, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa to come together to form a giant professional tour. The size of this geographic group will be humongous, accounting for slightly over 6 billion people versus 1.4 billion for all of Europe and North America combined. It has the critical mass in terms of population which spells an inordinate talent pool to draw from and help create top world class players to compete at the highest level of the game. As it

now stands, Asia is already proving its mettle on the LPGA by dominating that tour with its superstars from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, China and the Philippines. The same holds true for the Ladies European Tour where the Order of Merit leader for 2021 is an 18-year-old protégé from Thailand. We feel that the case has been made. The dream for a major professional tour is no longer a dream. The revitalised Asian Tour for the ﬁrst time in its existence is super-charged. It has access to real power – the sort of power that can help it become a truly major force on the global stage of golf. Its partners have a vision to play their part to not only grow the game of golf in their neck of the woods but to use the assets at their disposal to become true global players. We would not be wrong to describe them as big thinkers with the necessary resources to go the distance and some! The way we see it, even though it is all speculative in nature, the stage is set for a battle to break the stranglehold and to give professional golf a new lease in life – a life that will be more balanced, more commensurate and laser-focused on helping to make golf a global game. Asian Tour – the force is with you. Draw down on the power and get a move on. It’s your time!

In an instant flash, it has roped in power players into its corner – power players with influence and arsenals of cash to really develop, support and grow an alternative professional tour. If we hear a snicker of doubt and pessimism from some quarters, let it be so. The Asian Tour’s new partners pack serious fire-power and command sufficient clout to create an exciting schedule of tournaments with the right combination of riveting new tournaments and cash rewards to turn the professional golf circuit on its head!

COVER STORY

WGE 2022

COVER STORY | WGE 2022

Planning for a major international summit and trade exposition is a huge undertaking that requires a lot of strategic work which involves identifying target markets, emerging business trends and forces on the horizon that could either positively or adversely impact an industry. This has been the case for the last twenty-four months as our operations room has swung into action to create the foundations for the biggest and best golf business event to be staged in the Asia Pacific. Just as the first twelve months approached the launch date of World Golf Expo 2020, it had to be urgently called off because of the outbreak of the global pandemic. It was back to the drawing board to re-imagine World Golf Expo 2021. The new event was handled with new vigor and gusto and once again, a super programme with incredible expert speakers was lined up only to be suddenly called off. Once again, it was due to the raging global pandemic which by this time had registered more than 210 million infections worldwide and more than 4.5 million deaths. This is catastrophic by any measure and in the best interest of the global golf industry, the very difficult decision to call off the show had to be taken.

ot only did it cause tremendous pain to the

As we look ahead in these trying times, we must learn to ac-

organisers, but it also presented the team

cept that there are no old roads to new directions. Our minds

with a new challenge – the challenge of cop-

are like parachutes – they work best when open! This will

ing with CREATIVE BURN-OUT! The team had

form the ethos of our plans as we work towards mapping out

to re-group and not just try and re-think the

the shape and direction of WGE 2022.

event but to re-conﬁgure a whole new concept built on new paradigms that were going to be faced by the golf industry.

To help set the tone for WGE 2022, it is important to

While many speak about a “NEW NORMAL”, we would rather

recognise the hugely changed environment that most busi-

think in terms of a whole new ball game with the boundaries

nesses will have to conduct themselves in and this includes

and rules changed for a new tomorrow. The organizing team

the multi-billion golf industry in Asia. Prior to the onset of

has already ﬁred its engine to plan for a totally new show that

the global pandemic, the golf industry was in a relatively

is in sync with the changed business environment. To reﬂect

healthy state with all sectors reporting growth trends. The

the new business parameters and paradigms that are begin-

golf club industry, made up of over 5000 golf clubs in the

ning to shape the business landscape that is emerging, the

Asia Paciﬁc region were all experiencing steady increases

organisers have decided to work on a thematic platform that

in rounds played and general revenue generated. The club

best represents the days ahead. The theme that has been

equipment manufacturers including those who supply golf

selected for the World Golf Expo 2022 is “THE CULTURE OF

apparel and accessories also saw steady growth in their

CHANGE!”

respective sectors.

The journey ahead in planning for WGE 2022 is ﬁlled with

Activity on the construction of new golf courses,

many unknowns – the future is not going to be what we origi-

especially in Vietnam was humming along at a steady pace.

nally thought it would be. Numerous practices that the world

According to the R&A, the governing body that overlooks the

has grown accustomed to over the years will be turned on

state of golf in the world, the number of golf courses under

their heads. Coping with these upheavals is not going to be a

development, under planning and under construction in Asia

simple task and quick ﬁxes are not going to get the job done.

and the Middle East numbered over 153. A number of these

The great management guru, Peter Drucker once wisely counselled when he said, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” What Drucker said is profound and speaks for itself.

projects have either been slowed down or rescheduled due to the pandemic. There is no denying that the golf industry has been affected by the pandemic, but it does not mean to say that the

As a team, we are pulling out all stops to ensure that WGE 2022 is the biggest and best show of its kind – we need to think big to help boost the industry to a fast start and to make up for all the lost time. – TENNIEL CHU, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE MISSION HILLS GROUP AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WGE 2022 ORGANISING COMMITTEE

COVER STORY | WGE 2022

industry is down and out. Far from it –

will play a big role in how reservations

In the move to rebuild, WGE 2022 has adopted “The Culture Of Change” that is seen to be a revolutionary theme which is ideal for the industry’s comeback. “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.

are made for golf tee-times, how the

– MIKE SEBASTIAN, CEO OF ASIAN GOLF AND THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF WGE

golfers are still playing, and equipment sales have been at a steady high. All the positive indicators are there but the golf industry needs to be cognizant of how other industries have been affected. The golf industry cannot adopt an attitude whereby it feels that the industry will return to its pre-pandemic heydays. Many things have changed in the past two years, and it will continue to keep changing until a full adjustment is made. The changes that are expected will be sweeping and, in many regards, it will be technology driven. For the golf industry, digitalisation

game is played and tracked digitally, how food and beverage services are supported digitally and

procedures to a more dynamic and universally

even how maintenance and agronomy cultural procedures

acceptable digital platform.

are conducted. Most of the digital technologies are already

As this report is being written,

available but acceptance and usage by the golf club indus-

most parts of Asia are facing the

try has generally been slow. In a post-pandemic environ-

ever-strengthening force of the

ment, the adoption and application of digital services is

pandemic with infection rates on

going to rapidly become common place in the golf club

the rise. Although the attack

industry.

continues, the govern-

The digitalisation of the golf club industry is going to

ments of the region have

mean more streamlined services, reduced costs in the provi-

united to come up with

sion of essential services for the industry and the deploy-

a common resolution to

ment and more efﬁcient utilisation of manpower. When put

ward off the pandemic

together, it will all add up to be a win-win proposition for

body blows delivered as

owners, operators and golfers. It will result in an all-round

these have a direct and

better experience for golfers and a more efﬁcient back-end

adverse effect on the

operation for golf clubs.

economies of the countries in the region. Many of the

To better understand the sweeping changes that are

countries, which include Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand

going to take place in the golf industry, just look at what

and the Philippines have decided to try and avoid lock-

governments are planning to do in a post-pandemic era. A

downs. Instead, they have chosen to emulate Singapore’s

high-level committee of Economic Ministers from the As-

strategy to learn to live with the virus. While this strategy

sociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is working on

is being pursued, steps are also underway to try and ac-

establishing a digital framework to enable the smooth ﬂow

celerate the rate of vaccinations and to attempt to get the

of goods, services and data to help ensure that the region

bulk of each country’s population vaccinated.

continues to draw global trade and investments and better

The concerted effort to defeat the pandemic serves

position itself for future growth. This will represent a colos-

as a very encouraging impetus for the staging of WGE

sal transformation from old ways of conducting daily work

2022 which is being very carefully planned to serve as a

COVER STORY | WGE 2022

general guide for a steady and sustained comeback for the golf industry in Asia. The dates for WGE 2022 have been set and the mega event will be staged from November 12 – 16, 2022. The venue will be the sprawling multi-billion-dollar Mission Hills Golf Resort in Haikou, Hainan. The organising team behind WGE 2022 is made up of the Mission Hills Group, ASIAN GOLF and the AIT Events Company Limited. The events to be included under the WGE 2022 umbrella will include the following: z World Golf Expo Trade Exhibition – 12- 14 November z World Golf Expo Summit – 14 -16 November z Global Golf Awards – 16 November Aside from these three major events, there will be a few other activities which are currently in an advanced planning stage. Details should be forthcoming before December 2021. “As a team, we are pulling out all stops to ensure that WGE 2022 is the biggest and best show of its kind – we need

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. come together and work towards getting our industry into top gear and moving,” Chu said. He went on to explain that the global pandemic has had

to think big to help boost the industry to a fast start and to

both a destructive and disruptive effect on many businesses

make up for all the lost time,” declared Tenniel Chu, Vice-

and the golf industry was not spared this devastative impact.

Chairman of the Mission Hills Group and Chairman of the

“It is no use to lament over what has happened but to take

WGE 2022 Organising Committee.

positive lessons learnt and move ahead to build a stronger

“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

business that is embedded in ﬁrm bedrock that can withstand future shocks to our industry.” In the move to rebuild, WGE 2022 has adopted “The Culture Of Change” that is seen to be a revolutionary theme which is ideal for the industry’s comeback. “We believe that

We have had extensive experience in staging golf shows in China for many years and we are delighted to be part of WGE to help organize a show of international stature. – FRANK XU, CEO OF AIT EVENTS

this is a perfect platform upon which to build a business

get together that will help share new thoughts and ideas

trade shows and exhibitions in China. Frank Xu, the CEO

to help us build an even more robust and resilient post

of AIT Events said, “We have had extensive experience in

pandemic industry,” said Mike Sebastian, CEO of ASIAN

staging golf shows in China for many years and we are

GOLF and the executive producer of WGE. “Basically, we

delighted to be part of WGE to help organize a show of

are looking at inculcating a whole new vision for a new era

international stature.”

because many of the pre-pandemic business practices

In the coming weeks, the speaker line-up and pro-

have been more or less voided by this sudden disruption,”

gramme for WGE 2022 will be announced and the ofﬁcial

Sebastian pointed out. According to him, the disruption

website will launch for delegate and exhibition registration

has brought about a paradigm shift where digital technolo-

by November 1, 2021.

gies will play an increasingly larger role in the day-to-day

“If there is one golf industry event that industry profes-

operations of all aspects of the golf and golf club industry.

sionals should attend, WGE 2022 is it,” exclaimed Chu. “Not

In keeping with the general theme, the WGE 2020

only have we gone to great lengths to produce the best

Trade Exhibition is being designed to serve as the

event in the best in the industry, but we will also work on

industry’s window to golf equipment, apparel and golf

a terriﬁc programme that will ensure excellent entertain-

accessories. The company organizing the exhibition has a

ment, food and networking opportunities,” Chu added.

twenty-year track record in organizing and staging large

SPECIAL FEATURE

GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS

SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS

The on-line polling for the 2021/22 Global Golf Awards is over! To say that it was a challenging undertaking to embark on during the raging pandemic, would be a total understatement. To start with, as organisers of this recognition event, ASIAN GOLF experienced problems communicating with golf clubs because a good percentage of them were either in total lockdown or in some state of reduced business activity. Those that were totally locked down were at a disadvantage as they could not access golfers as there was either reduced patronage or none. The period for polling was extended on two occasions to allow clubs the ﬂexibility to use the time to reach out to their members and golfers in general.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL GOLF AWARDS

fter the two extensions, ASIAN GOLF

decision has been taken as to when the awards for

is happy to report that 76,276 valid

the 2021/22 cycle will be presented. “We expect to

votes were received. “This does not

announce the results in January 2022 and all things

represent a record number of votes

being equal, the award presentation ceremony will be

but given the fact that it was conducted

held on November 16, 2022, at the Gala Awards Din-

during a difﬁcult period, the ﬁnal number of votes cast

ner which will culminate the World Golf Expo,” said

is most encouraging indeed,” said Mike Sebastian, the

Sebastian.

publisher of ASIAN GOLF. The Global Golf Awards is a continuation of the longest running award programme for the golf industry in the Asia Paciﬁc – the Asian Golf Awards. The

The Gala Awards dinner is currently planned to be held at the multi-billion-dollar Mission Hills Golf Resort in Haikou, Hainan. Details relating to the results will be com-

Global Golf Awards is jointly organized by ASIAN GOLF

municated directly to the parties who have been

and the Mission Hills Group of China and it is part of

successful in the on-line polls.

the World Golf Expo. The valid votes that have been cast involve a total of 55 categories. The countries that were most active in the voting cycle were Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Due to the on-going global pandemic, no ﬁrm

“On behalf of the organising committee, I would like to thank all those who participated in the 2021/22 Global Golf Awards. It is your support that has helped this recognition event attain a very prestigious stature in the golf industry,” said Sebastian.

After the two extensions, ASIAN GOLF is happy to report that 76,276 valid votes were received. This does not represent a record number of polls but given the fact that it was conducted during a difﬁcult period, the ﬁnal number of votes cast is most encour– MIKE SEBASTIAN aging indeed.

SPECIAL FEATURE

GLOBAL TOUR

SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL TOUR

Asian Golf received a press release on September 1, 2021, from the PGA Tour that kicked off with this headline: “PGA TOUR EYES GLOBAL GROWTH IN 2022 AND BEYOND”. This is fantastic news, and is about as close as it gets to the world’s richest and most powerful professional men’s golf tour hinting that it’s elves are busy in the workshop patching together a GLOBAL GOLF TOUR. There has been a lot of talk over the years of the establishment of a global tour to be spearheaded by either the PGA Tour or the European Tour. No one quite knew which of the two would take the lead because until recently, both these tours were in a very competitive state, and one would not have described the relationship as being friendly and cordial. However, in the last two years, things have changed and there has been a sort of “kiss and make up” kumbaya session where both tours have begun working together. With this as background and the September 1 press release, ASIAN GOLF feels that the materialisation of a global tour is not too far-fetched an idea after all.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GLOBAL TOUR

he big hint came in the annual State of the

“The golf industry is working together like never

TOUR press conference on August 31, 2021,

before,” Monahan said. “And despite the challenges of the

when the PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Mona-

pandemic, the continued growth we have seen in recre-

han pointed toward the burgeoning partner-

ational participation and in growing and diversifying our

ship with the European Tour, a commitment to

sport, our global game has never been stronger.”

diversity and continued commitment to international growth

But before the landmark alliance comes to fruition next

as signs of the PGA Tour’s growing presence on the global

summer, Monahan said the PGA Tour will ﬁrst set its sights

stage.

on continued growth across Asia, an opportunity sorely

The “strategic alliance” between the PGA Tour and the European Tour seems to be in a very healthy state with three

missed this season as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the globe.

tournaments being co-sanctioned and counting towards both the FedExCup and European Tour’s Race to Dubai. For

FOOTNOTE: The Asian Tour has been in a state of malaise for

the ﬁrst time, the player ﬁelds will be split among members

nearly two years with no tournament activity anywhere on

of the two Tours at the Barbasol Championship, Barracuda

its geographic footprint. Perhaps the time has come for this

Championship and Genesis Scottish Open.

new expanded partnership between the PGA Tour and the

This collaboration is a huge step forward from the days

European Tour to take the lead in Asia and grow the profes-

when there were tournament date clashes which pointed

sional tour schedule. This seems to be the best option open

towards a not too healthy situation between the two tours.

for the future of the professional game in Asia and when and

In reference to the alliance, the press release said, “While

if this happens, one wonders what will come of the Asian

remaining coy on future partnership opportunities, Monahan

Tour? We will leave this in golf limbo for the time being.

stressed that the alliance is still in its infancy with more exciting announcements still to come.” According to the release, Monahan said, “This is just

The PGA Tour already has three mammoth events in Asia in the form of the WGC Championship in Shanghai,

the start …. it’s a demonstration of what we can and will do

China, the CJ Cup in Jeju, South Korea and the ZOZO Cham-

together, and we’re spending a lot of time together thinking

pionship in Tokyo, Japan.

about what those opportunities might look like, what a future

Amidst all this talk about growth and expansion, Mona-

product model might look like, and I’m excited to get to work

han also revealed that ofﬁcial prize money will increase by

with European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley and the

approximately US$35 million and the FedExCup and Com-

team.”

cast Business Tour top-10 bonus pools combined will grow by US$15 million to US$85 million.

While remaining coy on future partnership opportunities, Monahan stressed that the alliance is still in its infancy with more exciting announcements still to come.

The roughly US$633 million in comprehensive earnings up for grabs this coming season, marks an 18 percent increase year over year. It’s all looking good for the new season and to end on a super positive note, let’s sit tight and watch as the global game is set to grow like nothing before. Can you already smell a “Global Tour” cooking?

This is just the start …. it’s a demonstration of what we can and will do together, and we’re spending a lot of time together thinking about what those opportunities might look like, what a future product model might look like, and I’m excited to get to work with European Tour. – KEITH PELLEY

support@golfcitizen.com

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE RENAISSANCE HAS HAPPENED

SPECIAL FEATURE | THE RENAISSANCE HAS HAPPENED

Whichever way one looks at the Asian Tour sanctioning the Saudi International golf tournament, it will face the wrath of certain quarters who harbour strong feelings and certain misgivings which are for all intents and purposes highly politically motivated. ASIAN GOLF has no intention whatsoever of going down that explosive route and instead would like to focus on the game of golf and how this “new partnership” to bring the Saudi International tournament under the wings of the Asian Tour, is going to be a tremendous boost to the professional game in Asia. It is perhaps very important to note that this partnership, based on what ASIAN GOLF understands, does in no way imply the tour has been “sold” to Saudi interests. In fact, it has been impressed upon us that the integrity of the tour remains intact. Now that this has been cleared, we hope, we can start examining how this win-win partnership is going to work out for all parties concerned.

SPECIAL FEATURE | THE RENAISSANCE HAS HAPPENED

ust two weeks ago, the beleaguered Asian Tour

lated in so many words, ASIAN GOLF ﬁrst broke news of this

entered what it regards as a “historic partnership”. It

development when it came into possession of a communique

is a partnership involving Golf Saudi, an organization

from the Asian Tour’s Commissioner, Cho Minn Thant to its

charged with growing the game of golf in the oil-rich

members in which he set out to apprise the members of his

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia together with the Saudi

“continuing dialogue with potential Middle Eastern investors

Golf Federation. This partnership will see the highly vaunted

and various other Tour related business”.

three-year-old Saudi International, presented by SoftBank

In that document, Cho said, “Our discussions with

Investment Advisers, brought into the Asian Tour’s fold of

investors from the Middle East have, in fact, been ongoing

tournaments. Given its lofty stature and the big prize money

for at least six months, with the aim of signing a long-term

offered, Saudi International will automatically be positioned

partnership. This would see our partners become a key

as the Asian Tour’s ﬂagship. This is a massive boost for the

sponsor, while also adding numerous new full-ﬁeld tourna-

tour and for the overall morale of all those involved with it. In

ments for our members. In addition, there would also be the

one fell swoop, a professional tour that has been languishing

potential of some highly lucrative limited ﬁeld events in our

in golf’s limbo for some time and with no activity for almost

region which would attract top players from across the world.

two years due to the pandemic crisis, the world is witnessing

It has been an engaging and exciting period of dialogue which

the renaissance of a tour that is going to witness a total re-

involves the kind of partnership that would be monumental

imagining of what will hopefully become the showcase of the

for the Asian Tour.”

Asian professional game. The new milestone became reality in September after

Cho went on to add, “We are, indeed, in a unique situation, unlike any other faced before in the history of our

months of protracted talks between Golf Saudi/Saudi Golf

Tour. Our position right now is to do our due diligence and

Federation and the Asian Tour. Although it was not articu-

gather as much information as we can. Rest assured that our

The importance and potential of Asia’s role in world golf is undeniable, not least due to its position as a global economic powerhouse. This partnership will unlock many opportunities for players, sponsors and fans of the game. Most importantly, we are eager to help build a more inclusive game for all eligible professional golfers that spans borders and cultures by fostering collaboration with major tours – MAJED AL-SOROUR and see this as an exciting ﬁrst step on that journey.

SPECIAL FEATURE | THE RENAISSANCE HAS HAPPENED

number one priority is to ensure the long-term sustainability

commented, “This marks a signiﬁcant development for our

and growth of the Asian Tour, along with the best interests of

ﬂagship golf event and our vision to strengthen the depth of

the members.”

world-class golf events on the international stage.” Majed

The due diligence is done, and the partnership is up and expect it to soar like a falcon!

who was one of the key architects of the tournament when it was launched in 2018 added, “The importance and potential

The newly minted partnership will be for a period of ten

of Asia’s role in world golf is undeniable, not least due to its

years and the duration of this deal clearly indicates the long-

position as a global economic powerhouse. This partnership

term commitment of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation.

will unlock many opportunities for players, sponsors and

Both organisations have put their money where their mouth

fans of the game. Most importantly, we are eager to help

is and have signed on to stage the Saudi International at

build a more inclusive game for all eligible professional

the plush, multi-million-dollar Royal Greens Golf Club, near

golfers that spans borders and cultures by fostering col-

Jeddah on February 3 – 6, 2022. Part of the historic deal will

laboration with major tours and see this as an exciting ﬁrst

involve the beeﬁng up of the tournament prize money from

step on that journey.” This positive positioning augurs well for the future of

US$3.5 million to US$5 million. The driving force behind the deal, Majed AlSorour, CEO of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation

the Asian Tour. With the Saudi International as the ﬂagship, it comes as a much needed shot in the arm for the Asian Tour to pluck up a ton of chutzpah and start hunting down sponsors who are going to be prepared to plonk their cash down and help make the Asian professional game grow to a whole new level! What is most encouraging is the refer-

This is an outstanding development for the Asian Tour that will create significant benefits for our membership, key stakeholders, and fans alike. We are thrilled that it will be the showcase event of the Asian Tour’s season, spearheading our expansion into new frontiers.” Strong fighting words indeed and it’s about time that the Asian Tour blossomed into its full potential to take the Asian professional game to levels unseen and unexperienced before! – CHO MINN THANT

ence to a “revitalised strategy” that is intended to elevate the

partnership is going to help give the Asian Tour a massive

well-established Saudi International in signiﬁcant emerging

boost. However, the landscape in which it operates is not

markets around the world. This is especially pertinent when

one that can be necessarily described as being a smooth

considering that one of the challenges faced by the Asian

and easy surface upon which to navigate. Based on what

Tour has been to line up enough tournaments with decent

is known, it is going to be fraught with major challenges.

budgets to not only offer good prize monies for the players

To start with, how is the European Tour going to react to

but to also generate a strong revenue stream for the Tour.

this new partnership because it was the original partner

This has been a perennial problem for the Tour and what is

and sanctioning authority of the Saudi International. At

needed to ensure the sustainable viability of its existence is

the time of writing, there has been no reaction from the

access to good funding.

European Tour and based on speculations ﬂying about,

The charge of renewed conﬁdence in the Asia Tour is

the Asian Tour is on its own and there is some talk that

very apparent as reﬂected in the reaction of Commissioner

the relationship between the two tours has crashed on

Cho who said, “This is an outstanding development for the

the rocks. To this, a spokesman for the Asian Tour said,

Asian Tour that will create signiﬁcant beneﬁts for our mem-

“This announcement should not have any impact on our

bership, key stakeholders, and fans alike. We are thrilled

relationship with the European Tour. We have been in

that it will be the showcase event of the Asian Tour’s season,

regular dialogue with them about our plans and we

spearheading our expansion into new frontiers.” Strong

look forward to maintaining strong ties.” In

ﬁghting words indeed and it’s about time that the Asian Tour

this context, in a ﬂashback to 2015,

blossomed into its full potential to take the Asian profes-

the European Tour and the

sional game to levels unseen and unexperienced before!

Asian Tour announced

So far, this report has examined how the new-found

an innova-

ROYAL GREENS GOLF CLUB

SPECIAL FEATURE | THE RENAISSANCE HAS HAPPENED

tive joint vision for the future of professional golf. Back

If there is no change of heart and no kiss-and-make up

then, it was reported that the vision would see the business

kumbaya session, how is the Asian Tour going to give the

element and the membership portfolios of both Tours com-

2022 Saudi International the shine that it once enjoyed? In

bine, reinforcing the combined strengths of the two Tours

the past three tournaments, very attractive appearance fees

by maximising global opportunities, as well as increasing

were paid to certain top players to show up and this gave the

playing opportunities and prize funds for the respective

tournament a star-studded line-up.

memberships.

Against this backdrop, ASIAN GOLF posed the inevitable

Since that landmark announcement, a lot has changed,

question – how the Asian Tour will attract the best talent

with the European Tour jumping into bed with the giant PGA

from the PGA Tour, the European Tour and the lesser af-

Tour to form a muscle-bound partnership to grow the pro-

ﬁliated tours to play in the 2022 Saudi International. The

fessional game globally. Considering this, it at least seems

response from the Asian Tour’s spokesman was: “The event

that the Asian Tour will have to sail on its own.

will welcome players from all over the world. Categories

To further compound the challenge, the PGA Tour has laid its cards on the table and declared that it will suspend and ban all its members from participating in the Saudi In-

are being ﬁnalised and conﬁrmed soon.” It’s a sort of nonanswer – neither here nor there! But if one is to read between the lines, the Asian Tour

ternational tournament next year, a tournament that world

is on a good wicket. Its partners, wield huge inﬂuence in

number two Dustin Johnson has won twice. It is believed

the global corporate and ﬁnancial worlds which means

that the European Tour has concurred on this decision.

to say that there is a lot in the arsenal that has not been

In case you are wondering, all this is due to the brouhaha against the Saudi government, which once attempted to launch the idea of a Super Golf League which aimed to lure elite players from the traditional tours. The Saudi International has been heavily criticised

brought to bare yet! All ASIAN GOLF can say is to WATCH THIS SPACE! Anyway, in this screwed up world that we all live in where mutual agreement and uniﬁcation are back-breakers to reach, it is hoped that the power-mongers in the profes-

and judged to be an event used by the Riyadh regime to

sional game of golf act as thinking adults and allow the

‘sportswash’ its human rights record.

Asian Tour some room to grow. There is a lot out there and

BROOKS KOEPKA

But if one is to read between the lines, the Asian Tour is on a good wicket. Its partners, wield huge inﬂuence in the global corporate and ﬁnancial worlds which means to say that there is a lot in the arsenal that has not been brought to bare yet! All ASIAN GOLF can say is to WATCH THIS SPACE!

MATT WALLACE

there really is no need to encroach into cross border battles to conquer and rule. Perhaps this is what Commissioner Cho meant when he described the talks that linked to this partnership as presenting a “unique situation”. ASIAN GOLF sees this unique situation as an opportunity that the Asian Tour can use to build a powerful, muscular and well-funded tour. Now, let us all sit back and watch developments unravel while we witness the renaissance of the Asian Tour and the birth of a professional tour worth its place on the global stage.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

A 5 star championship golf course located in Indonesia’s city of Bandung. Parahyangan Golf is set admist picturesque lakes, rolling hills and lush paddy ﬁelds.

SPECIAL FEATURE

ATTHAYA THITIKUL

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | AT T H AYA T H I T I K U L

ASIAN GOLF has a very vivid recollection of a 13-year-old burning up the fairways with laser-guided drives and golf balls that seemed to be tracked by GPS sensors to score birdies. We were simply spellbound to see so much skill packed into a tiny body. Over the years, we have seen a load of youngsters influenced by Tiger Woods and without over-stating the case, all of them were good. But this little girl had something special which at that time, we could not really fathom. Good, that she was! But she was better than good. She seemed to tower over her peer group, and she also projected an air of incredible confidence for a kid who had just become a teenager – call it an aura of teenage abandon. She displayed no fear whatsoever. It was like she had a generous portion of stardust that had been sprinkled on her by the gods, which predestined her to reach stardom. Least did we realise that we had just been given a sneak peek at a super-star in the making. We left Bangkok and never quite thought any further about this precocious thirteen-year-old or even keep track of her development. It was not until 2017, when this teenager burst forth on the international golf landscape, that the alarm went off. She was barely 14, and she had notched up her first win on the Ladies European Tour. The teenage phenom was born and she had embarked on a journey that was mapped to take her the highest level of the professional game of women’s golf.

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | AT T H AYA T H I T I K U L

hat little girl has since blossomed into a lovely

With three more tournaments to go (at the time of writing) on the Ladies European Tour, Thitikul ranks Number One in the Order of Merit, Number One in the Rookie Of The Year standing and Number Three on the Money List. All this while still a teenager! And she has done it against world class talent – talent that beat Team USA at the 2021 Solheim Cup to bring the title back to Europe. It does not get better than that!

young lady who is simply lethal on the golf course. She is Thailand’s “princess of golf”, Atthaya Thitikul and if you’ve not heard the name yet, you better start bucking up on this

kid’s background. She is now 18-years old and with 2021 fast approaching to an end, Thitikul is well on her way to claim glory as a world star on the Ladies European Tour. With three more tournaments to go (at the time of writing) on the Ladies European Tour, Thitikul ranks Number One in the Order of Merit, Number One in the Rookie Of The Year standing and Number Three on the Money List. All this while still a teenager! And she has done it against world class talent – talent that beat Team USA at the 2021 Solheim Cup to bring the title back to Europe. It does not get better than that! To mark her journey to success, ASIAN GOLF has decided to pay tribute to Thitikul by recounting the key milestones in her young playing career. The bubbly teenager signalled her imminent arrival on the world stage back in 2017 with her victory at the Ladies European Thailand Championship. She had already appeared, 3 days after her 14th birthday, in the Honda LPGA Thailand on the LPGA Tour, where she ﬁnished 37th out

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | AT T H AYA T H I T I K U L

of the 66 competitors. She had earned her place in the field when she finished runner-up in the Thailand Amateur Open the previous August when she was just 13 years and 6 months old. Also in 2017 , she won the Ladies European Thailand Championship becoming the youngest person ever to win a professional golf tour event at age 14 years 4 months and 19 days old. The previous record belonged to Canadian Brooke Henderson who won the 2012 Canadian Women’s Tour aged 14 years, 9 months, and 3 days. Her amateur status meant that she could not claim the 1st prize of 45,000 euros for winning but it did get her an entry into both the Women’s British Open and The Evian Championship in France. In 2018 Thitikul, just turned 15, she competed in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in Singapore where she went on to win the title. Her victory earned her a place in the HSBC Women’s Champions on the same course, plus entries into the ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills, California and for a place in the British Open, for a second year running. At the HSBC event, she finished in eighth place. At the Woman’s British Open, she was the low amateur, and the only one to make the cut. In the same year, she broke the course record at the World Junior Girls Championship in Ottawa, with a score of 12-under-par 60 in the final round to win by 2 strokes. At the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, Thitikul teamed up to win the mixed team gold medal.

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E | A T TT HH AAYYAA TTHHI TI TI KI KU U LL

On 24 June, Thitikul won the Ladies European Thailand Championship for the second time in three years. Following her win, Thitikul was ranked 1st in the world on the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking on 26 June and then again from October 2019 until January 2020 before turning professional. In 2020 Thitikul turned professional and finished the season with five Thai LPGA wins and was on the top of the money list on the Thai LPGA Tour. In May 2021, Thitikul received a sponsor’s exemption to play in the Honda LPGA Thailand on the LPGA Tour, in which she finished second, one stroke behind former world number one Ariya Jutanugarn. Later, she began playing on the Ladies European Tour. On 27 June, Thitikul claimed her third Ladies European Tour title, her first as a professional, at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open. This win made her eligible to play in European major tournaments, the Evian Championship and the British Open in 2021. On 12 July, she moved into the top 100 on the Women’s World Golf Rankings for the first time with a rank of 89, after finishing second at the Aramco Team Series – London. On 25 July, Thitikul recorded her best-ever finish at a major championship with fifth place at the 2021 Evian Championship, having a score of 14-under par 270, and boosting her world ranking to its highest ever position of 61st place. On 15 August, she achieved her seventh consecutive top-five place on a Ladies European Tour event by finishing tied for second in the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open at Dumbarnie Links. Following the event, her world golf ranking moved to 35th place. As of 29 August, she had recorded ten top-10 finishes in 12 events during 2021 on both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. She is still a work in progress and don’t be surprised if “princess” Thitikul does not make it to the lofty position of World Number One in the not-too-distant future.

As of 29 August, she had recorded ten top-10 ﬁnishes in 12 events during 2021 on both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. She is still a work in progress and don’t be surprised if “princess” Thitikul does not make it to the lofty position of World Number One in the not-too-distant future.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PINGi59

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING I59

Whenever PING puts word out about a new product, there is always an air of expectation. There’s excitement and special interest groups, especially the golf media, goes poking around to ﬁnd out more about the product,

the technology involved and for a possible sneak peek at the innovation which is always a highpoint with PING’s new products. In the case of its newest irons, the marketplace was rife with talk about a new set of irons, but information was very slow in coming from PING’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. When it ﬁnally came, albeit a little delayed, it proved to be worth the wait!

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING i59

he product is launched, and it is the PING i59 – a set of irons that takes forged irons to a whole new level. In the launch hoopla, PING declared that the newbie was a forged blade

that “delivers the look, feel and trajectory control preferred by better players with forgiveness unprecedented in blade-style designs.” Wow! That’s saying a lot and when PING, a brand not necessarily given to big hype makes such a bold statement about a product, you can put your money it! “There’s been a lot of anticipation for the i59 iron since we took them out on tour a few months ago, so we’re very excited to bring them to golfers around the world,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “It’s a true forged blade on the outside, but inside it’s like

The combination of the look, feel and forgiveness ‘when you need it’ sets it apart from anything else in the industry. Once golfers hit it, they’ll be pleasantly surprised by its versatility. The i59 will clearly appeal to better golfers but the combination of forgiveness and clean appearance will attract golfers of all skill levels.

nothing ever engineered in golf equipment.” What did we tell you – it is revolutionary in design! “Our team took on the challenge of disrupting an iron category that traditionally has lacked a lot of performance

golfers but the combination of forgiveness and clean appearance will attract golfers of all skill levels.” From a validation standpoint, the i59 had already

innovation and they developed an iron unlike any other,”

proven itself at the highest level of the game when PING’s

Solheim explained.

brand ambassador Viktor Hovland put it to play and went

“The combination of the look, feel and forgiveness

on to become the ﬁrst Norwegian to win on the European

‘when you need it’ sets it apart from anything else in the

Tour. That winning performance was matched by another

industry. Once golfers hit it, they’ll be pleasantly surprised

PING ambassador, Johannes Veerman who went out with

by its versatility,” declared Solheim. And to drive the point

the i59s in his bag to claim victory at the European Tour’s

home, he stressed, “The i59 will clearly appeal to better

Czech Masters.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING i59

“The players really like the distance control and

perimeter using toe and shaft tip weights. Our player test-

the ability to consistently ﬂight the ball to the precise

ing shows tighter dispersion throughout the set and very

yardages required to succeed at the professional levels,”

high marks for feel.”

Solheim added. Now, here’s the skinny on the technology that makes

The precision-machined face has new MicroMax grooves for tighter spacing and a geometry that results in

the i59s so hot! An aerospace-grade aluminum insert is

an average of four extra grooves on each club to reduce

used, and this allows approximately 30 grams of material

ﬂiers in the short irons and preserve spin in the long irons

from the centre of the club to be redistributed to the pe-

for greater control and consistency.

rimeter. By so doing, it helps elevate the Moment of Inertia

“We love the challenge of improving groove perfor-

(MOI) to match that of the larger PING i210 iron (an older

mance,” Solheim said. “When golfers address the i59 iron,

model of blades).

they’ll notice more grooves. We were able to accomplish

Each iron in the set requires a different size of alu-

this through our continuous research and experiments

minum core, adding to the precision and complexity of the

with different conﬁgurations to deliver the spin perfor-

manufacturing process to ensure quality and performance

mance required for consistency and predictability from all

in every iron. The result is a forgiving, forged iron with a

conditions.”

crisp, solid feel at impact that delivers lower launch and

Commenting on the manufacturing process used

trajectory control with the precision expected from a blade

to manufacture the i59s, Solheim said, “The i59 project

design.

pulled in our expertise from multiple disciplines within our

“We know this type of player might not put forgive-

engineering and innovation groups …. once we had the idea

ness at the top of their list when considering their iron

to join the three parts together, we were challenged with

choice, so we engineered it in a way that increased the

scaling the complicated process within the manufacturing

MOI in a clean and impactful way,” said Solheim. “At

process. In collaboration with our suppliers, we developed

address, it’s perfectly sized and shaped with a thin top

highly precise procedures that make the i59 the most tech-

line and the right amount of offset. It has a narrow sole

nologically advanced iron we’ve ever manufactured.”

to move smoothly through the turf and ensure a pleasing

Well, you have heard it straight from the mouth of

impact experience. Inside, the AlumiCore technology

PING’s President. Time for you to go get the new i59s

allows us to increase the MOI by moving the weight to the

checked out, custom-ﬁtted and enjoy your game!

We love the challenge of improving groove performance. When golfers address the i59 iron, they’ll notice more grooves. We were able to accomplish this through our continuous research and experiments with different conﬁgurations to deliver the spin performance required for consistency and predictability from all conditions.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | GLIDE FORGED PRO WEDGE SERIES

a new face blast to improve

It sets up perfectly behind the ball, giving you the conﬁdence to pull off most any shot. It has the all-around performance that will lead to lower scores for a lot of different types of players. – JOHN K. SOLHEIM

friction for increased spin and trajectory control.” PING’s engineers designed the Glide Forged Pro for golfers who focus on saving shots into and around the green. “We know golfers are very particular about the look of their wedges. That ﬁrst impression when they look down at it is vitally important to whether it makes

Timed together with the launch of the i59s, PING

it into their bag,” said Solheim. “It sets up perfectly behind

also launched the Glide Forged Pro wedge series. These

the ball, giving you the conﬁdence to pull off most any shot.

are tour-inspired, high-spinning wedges available in two

It has the all-around performance that will lead to lower

grind proﬁles and multiple loft options to ﬁt players who

scores for a lot of different types of players.”

rely on precision and control to shoot lower scores. “When you look at the Glide Forged Pro wedge,

“As great as these clubs look, it comes down to performance off the face,” said Solheim. “The new Emery blast

everything about it stands out,” said Solheim. “It’s a

makes a huge difference. The added spin and lower launch

great-looking club with amazing feel that performs beau-

overall give shot makers the control they need to play at the

tifully. It has the versatility to attract and beneﬁt a lot

pin on full shots or take on the tough shots around the green.”

of different skill levels. Our engineers focused on every

Glide Forged Pro wedges are available to customize

design attribute. Its slightly smaller heel-to-toe with a

in a variety of ways and consumers can custom design

rounded proﬁle to allow players the ability to control the

their wedge and purchase direct at ping.com using the

club and play any shot with precision. We’ve also applied

company’s product designer application.

It’s a great-looking club with amazing feel that performs beautifully. It has the versatility to attract and beneﬁt a lot of different skill levels. Our engineers focused on every design attribute. It’s slightly smaller heel-to-toe with a rounded proﬁle to allow players the ability to control the club and play any shot with precision.

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.

GOLF EQUIPMENT

BALLNAMIC

GOLF EQUIPMENT | BALLNAMIC

Gotcha! We knew that the headline would grab your attention and since you are on this page, we suggest you read on. What we are about to unravel is a development that we believe will beneﬁt golfers of all skill levels and we would not be amiss if we said that all golfers have one aspiration when it comes to playing golf. And that one wish is to play a darn sight better game of golf, always!

GOLF EQUIPMENT | BALLNAMIC

ow, onto that eye-grabbing headline – it has to do with ball-fitting. Ball-fitting? Yes, don’t get all pessimistic suddenly. You see, the concept of ball fitting has been bandied around for several years. Some five to six years ago, there was one manufacturer that tried to bring the idea across to the market but here in Asia, it seemed that the initiative got a bucket of ice-cold water thrown at it.

Now, the venerable brand PING, known for its quality drivers, woods, hybrids, irons and put-

ters has come up with an innovation which smacks of rocket science. For a company that does not make golf balls, the Phoenix, Arizona- based organisation has brought together its engineers and scientists to brew up a game-changing application designed to help match a golfer with the best suited combination of golf balls. This is truly ingenuous especially when you consider that it is a “universal” package that is brand neutral in the sense that it does not involve one brand trying to pitch just its golf balls to a golfer. This is what makes the application special and unique. So, what’s the skinny on this revolutionary application? It all begins with the philosophy of custom fitting of which PING is a pioneering proponent. In line with its proven track record in club fitting, PING has introduced a virtual ball-fitting experience based on a golfer’s launch conditions and performance preferences. Known as Ballnamic™, the on-line service offers unbiased golf ball brand and model recommendations for golfers of every skill level. The software is powered by PING’s proprietary ball-specific flight models and algorithms developed by its engineers and data scientists. More than 40 ball models are housed inside the application, which is periodically updated to seek to ensure the current designs are considered. “Ballnamic represents our neverending quest to innovate every variable

of the custom-ﬁtting experience,” said John K. Solheim,

balls. Utilizing the PING Man swing robot, doppler radar and

PING President. “We’ve been studying golf balls since the

carefully monitored weather conditions, PING’s researchers

early days of PING when my grandfather, Karsten Solheim,

have measured ball performance across a comprehensive

quickly recognized the ball was the ‘tuning fork’ for golf

span of driver, iron, and wedge shots – in both wet and dry

equipment.”

conditions. The results generated data approximating how

“Our extensive knowledge library and engineering

golf balls perform across a range of speeds and lofts; a

expertise led us down the ball-ﬁtting path, and we’re excited

low-spin ball on drivers can generate high spin around the

to bring it to both ﬁtters and consumers. The access golfers

green and vice versa.

have to their data through launch monitors and other tools

“One of the most exciting advancements with Ballnamic

continues to grow and make advancements like Ballnamic

is that, for the ﬁrst time in the golf industry, we decouple

possible. Since we’re not in the golf-ball business, we’re

and approximate a ball’s initial launch conditions with its

able to conduct independent testing and offer this unbiased

aerodynamic performance. It’s counterintuitive, but we’ve

tool as another service for golfers to help improve their

seen low-launch, low-spin golf balls that ﬂy high, and high-

enjoyment of the game,” said Solheim

launch, high-spin balls that ﬂy low,” said Marty Jertson,

Testing conducted at the PING Proving Grounds has generated anticipated performance characteristics of golf

Vice President of Fitting and Performance, who oversaw the creation and development of Ballnamic.

Our extensive knowledge library and engineering expertise led us down the ball-ﬁtting path, and we’re excited to bring it to both ﬁtters and consumers. The access golfers have to their data through launch monitors and other tools continues to grow and make advancements like Ballnamic possible. Since we’re not in the golf-ball business, we’re able to conduct independent testing and offer this unbiased tool as another service for golfers to help improve their enJOHN K. SOLHEIM, PING PRESIDENT joyment of the game,” said Solheim

GOLF EQUIPMENT | BALLNAMIC

“It does not factor in traditional ball-selection criteria, such as construction and number of layers. Instead, Ballnamic strictly focuses on tested performance characteristics,

a user’s estimated launch conditions based upon a user’s data such as their driver and 7-iron ﬂight. For golfers who have been on a launch monitor

algorithmic equations and mathematical approximations,”

recently, they can enter their exact ball speed, launch angle,

Jertson explained.

and spin rate for even more personalized results. Employing

Let’s see how Ballnamic works. Once logged into the

the player’s data inputs, Ballnamic recommends the top ﬁve

site, golfers create a proﬁle by completing a questionnaire

balls identiﬁed based upon a calculated Overall Match Score,

that guides them to think about aspects of ball performance

factoring in the ball’s projected initial launch conditions and

just like a Tour player. Golfers enter performance preferences

aerodynamic properties with the intent of closely matching

for their long game, irons, wedges, short game, and putter.

the golfer’s proﬁle.

Even without access to a launch monitor, Ballnamic employs

Users can view approximated ball-ﬂight comparisons

One of the most exciting advancements with Ballnamic is that, for the first time in the golf industry, we decouple and approximate a ball’s initial launch conditions with its aerodynamic performance. It’s counterintuitive, but we’ve seen low-launch, low-spin golf balls that fly high, and high-launch, high-spin balls that fly MARTY JERTSON, VICE PRESIDENT OF FITTING AND PERFORMANCE low. https://ballfitting.com

Using Ballnamic we’ve seen optimization beneﬁts in players achieving greater distance while using a higher-lofted driver with better-matched golf balls. Our goal is to help golfers in working to match the best ball to their game, so they can have the most success on the golf course. for both calm (zero wind) and windy conditions, which are

greater distance while using a higher-lofted driver with

estimated from their trajectory and geographic location,

better-matched golf balls. Our goal is to help golfers in

using the Explore feature. Once ﬁnished, users can share

working to match the best ball to their game, so they can

their top-matched ball through Twitter and Facebook.

have the most success on the golf course.”

“We’ve been using Ballnamic to custom ﬁt our guests

So, there you have it – a special application that has

at the PING Proving Grounds for the last several months,”

brought together top engineers and scientists to develop a

said Jertson. “It’s been eye-opening to see the impact that

ball-ﬁtting application that really works!

different balls have on dialing in someone’s fitting recommendations. While Ballnamic provides useful information as a stand-alone tool, we’ve also seen the benefits of combining club and ball fitting. For example, using Ballnamic we’ve seen optimization benefits in players achieving

https://ballﬁtting.com/library

To understand how different conditions and elements affect the performance of a golf ball, check out the Ballnamic library at: https://ballﬁtting.com/library This service will be available in Asia in 2022 and details will be announced when it is ready for launch. For a sense of the application, visit https://ballﬁtting.com/

SPECIAL FEATURE

RYDER CUP 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE | RYDER CUP 2021

Before the start of the 2021 Ryder Cup “Clash of the Titans”, there were many pundits, including ASIAN GOLF who felt that camaraderie, experience and passion were good enough qualities to help Team Europe retain the coveted Ryder Cup. However, the young guns in Team USA thought differently and showed an ageing European side that team spirit, experience and passion were not daunting enough to hold them back from handing them a hiding!

SPECIAL FEATURE | RYDER CUP 2021

he defeat of Team Europe has gone down the annals of golf history as a record, and the drubbing handed to the Europeans will linger on in everyone’s memory as a nightmare! Not only did Team America

render a hammering but it did it in grand style to set a new Ryder Cup record with the highest points victory! The ﬁnal score was 19-9. The Americans never lost a session. It set a record for most points earned in a Ryder Cup since 1979, when the format changed to USA vs. Europe. Team USA, with perhaps one of the strongest lineup of players on its side, drew from its deep reservoir of talent to annihilate the defending champions, Team Europe. It was a total slaughter and provided a great insight to what was to come in future trans-Atlantic clashes – Team USA has unveiled a new team for a new era while Team Europe must return to the drawing board to come up with a changing of the old guard to replace an ageing force that has fought well for Europe for many years. The U.S. claimed only its third victory since 1999 to improve to 27-14-2 all-time in the event. Team USA captain Steve Stricker, commenting on the win declared, “This is the greatest team of all time.”

The defeat of Team Europe has gone down the annals of golf history as a record, and the drubbing handed to the Europeans will linger on in everyone’s memory as a nightmare!

A TOTALLY DISTRAUGHT RORY MCILROY LAMENTS THE LOSS OF TEAM EUROPE.

SPECIAL FEATURE

GOLF & FUN

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF & FUN

The perennial rant often heard amongst amateur golfers is one that relates to having fun playing the game. Oftentimes, it is not uncommon to hear a golfer gripe about having missed a birdie or being set back by a bogey or two, purely because he did not have the distance in his game. When this gets repeated, week in and week out, it will ultimately have a telling effect on the frustrated

golfer. Now, just pause for a moment and ask if there is a solution to this? You bet! And the solution is darn simple – forget about being macho and tee up your ball forward. No one said that you can’t do that! To hell with struggling from playing from the black tee-box when you can have so much fun playing from a tee that better suits your driving distance capability.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF & FUN

BARNEY ADAMS

Certainly not everyone needed to make a jump, but the ones who did, and followed the campaign’s advice, have almost unanimously enjoyed the beneﬁts. Three-quarters say their scores improved, and even more (80%) say they’ve had more fun.

en years ago, the PGA of America and

who did, and followed the campaign’s advice, have almost

the USGA announced a joint initiative

unanimously enjoyed the beneﬁts. Three-quarters say

encouraging golfers to play from tees that

their scores improved, and even more (80%) say they’ve

best suited their game. They named the

had more fun.

programme “Tee It Forward” and it was in-

It’s telling that a strong majority of Core golfers (over

spired by the thinking of Barney Adams, founder of Adams

80%) believe that golfers playing from inappropriate tees

Golf. Barney argued that many golfers were playing from

is a “big problem.” NGF’s analysis would seem to support

tees that were too long given how far they hit their drives.

this sentiment – to a certain extent, at least – with as

The concept and the campaign were well received.

many as a third of core golfers in America currently play-

Recently, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) surveyed Core golfers in America and learned that 73% could

ing from tees that are too long for them. So why don’t more golfers move up? Why hasn’t a

recall Tee It Forward, but only 30% had moved up in the

great idea like Tee It Forward caught on more than it has?

past 5-10 years – most of them over the age of 50. Cer-

Because behavioural changes in consumers and opera-

tainly not everyone needed to make a jump, but the ones

tors require a lot of time, effort and intervention. On-going

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF & FUN

Behavioural changes in consumers and operators require a lot of time, effort and intervention. On-going promotional and educational efforts help to create needed awareness, but is insufﬁcient to overcome the inertia of ego, convenience and conformity, which golfers – virtually all of them – willingly admit stand in the way.

promotional and educational efforts help to create needed awareness, but is insufﬁcient to overcome the inertia of ego, convenience and conformity, which golfers – virtually all of them – willingly admit stand in the way. When the Tee It Forward campaign was launched, Barney Adams said that success would be a long and arduous process. He got the arduous part right. But like some other well-intentioned industry initiatives, this one was, unfortunately, too short-lived. Come on golfers and golf course operators – Tee It Up so that everyone can have fun playing golf!

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.

SPECIAL FEATURE

AUDI E-TRON GT

SPECIAL FEATURE | AUDI E-TRON GT

If you have a favour to ask of Hermes, the god of speed, one way to be sure of getting your request granted is to present him with a set of wheels that comes fully packed and gift-wrapped with some of the most exciting technological advances in auto engineering. If the god who reigns over the thrill and adrenalin rush of speed can be awed by this marvel of unrivalled power, then who are we as mere mortals to stand and judge this chariot that is the personiﬁcation of rolling thunder!

SPECIAL FEATURE | AUDI E-TRON GT

tarting with this issue, ASIAN GOLF is launching a brand-new life-style section to introduce the golﬁng community to a highly innovative revolution that is taking place right now – the evolution of the electric vehicle. Golfers, known to belong

to a demographic of the well-heeled and well-monied, make up a prime target group for electric cars. With this inaugural section, we are proud to train the spotlight on an e-car that is the epitome of everything this is great about this new genre of vehicles. We launch this section with a preview of the paradigm shifting Audi e-tron GT – a bold-looking, slinky car that comes ﬁtted with a cutting-edge, power-packed engine that provides for faster charging and helps ensure performance stays consistent. Unlike conventional, combustion motors, the e-tron GT has dual electric motors, which produce between 522 (regular model) and 637 horsepower (RS Model) depending upon the model selected and an innovative two-speed transmission with eye-popping take-offs. This reviewer is a die-hard fan and owner of the brute from Nissan, the GTR which has blindingly fast launch speeds, but the e-tron leaves it for dead. This new package from Audi is grease-lightning fast to the factor of ten (literary license to exaggerate)! Every e-tron GT features an 85.0-kWh lithium-ion battery, and Audi claims it will offer up to 238 miles of driving range. The e-tron GT can also be recharged from 5 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger. And typical of Audi, the e-tron is meticulously ﬁnished and trimmed on the inside and it offers a level of drive comfort and performance that lives up to the manufacturer’s claim of delivering only the very best. For an insight into how the e-tron will serve as Audi’s drive into the future, ASIAN GOLF sat down with Markus Schuster, Managing Director, Audi Singapore and here are some of the excerpts from that conversation:

SPECIAL FEATURE | AUDI E-TRON GT

ASIAN GOLF: The e-tron GT is being referred to as the brand’s °ag-ship – does this imply that it features the best of the best in terms of state-of-the-art features? Give us a sense of some of the special features of the e-tron as it relates to driveability, performance and safety? MARKUS SCHUSTER: The Audi e-tron GT really continues the traditions of our brand. It is all about the spirit of progressiveness, which is our constant drive to innovate and ﬁnd novel solutions that enhances the customer’s lives. It stands as our ﬂagship because it also hints at where we are going as a brand: which is to offer sustainable mobility in a way that is not just technologically advanced, but also in a way that’s extremely

the e-sport sound, which is an innovative, high-quality, and

emotional and appealing.

progressive sound that completely transforms the experi-

Its status is not expressed in terms of speciﬁc attributes

ence of driving an electric vehicle. It’s completely different

but the total concept. In terms of design, the e-tron GT

from the sound signature of a traditional combustion engine

showcases a new evolution of the look of the brand. Our

performance car yet it’s just as emotional.

ﬁrst-ever fully electric production model, the Audi e-tron,

In the RS e-tron GT form, the car delivers 475kW (646

has the form of a premium SUV. The GT shows how we envi-

PS), making it the most powerful car we have ever offered.

sion a low-slung gran turismo should be in the EV age. The

ASIAN GOLF: Audi has always been regarded as a manufacturer of

driving experience is also utterly incredible. The car features

The Audi e-tron GT really continues the traditions of our brand. It is all about the spirit of progressiveness, which is our constant drive to innovate and ﬁnd novel solutions that enhances the customer’s lives. It stands as our ﬂagship because it also hints at where we are going as a brand: which is to offer sustainable mobility in a way that is not just technologically advanced, but also in a way that’s extremely emotional and appealing. –MARKUS SCHUSTER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUDI SINGAPORE

quality high performance vehicles – that said, how does the e-tron measure up against similar fuelpowered vehicles from your stable? SCHUSTER: The Audi RS e-tron GT is the fastest model we have ever offered. With its 3.3 seconds 0-100km/h timing, it’s even faster than the mighty Audi RS 6 Avant. Combustion engine cars are integral to our total portfolio offering as a premium car brand. The discipline and

ethos of creating Audi cars all the years set the bar for our e-tron portfolio. You can say that the e-tron GT is an electric interpretation of our best combustion cars, but for us, it is simply an Audi, 100%. In all areas, we demand and deliver at the highest possible level.

ASIAN GOLF: What is the range of the e-tron in terms of travel mileage and how long does it take for a full battery charge?

SPECIAL FEATURE | AUDI E-TRON GT

The e-tron GT showcases a new evolution of the look of the brand. Our first-ever fully electric production model, the Audi e-tron, has the form of a premium SUV. The GT shows how we envision a low-slung gran turismo should be in the EV age. The driving experience is also utterly incredible. The car features the e-sport sound, which is an innovative, high-quality, and progressive sound that completely transforms the experience of driving an electric vehicle. It’s completely different from the sound signature of a traditional combustion engine performance car yet it’s just as emotional. SCHUSTER: Depending on driving conditions, the Audi e-tron GT can travel up to 480km between charging. In local terms, the average driver in Singapore will only need to recharge the car over a week of use. As for charging speed, there’s a key piece of knowledge about EV ownership that we have all learnt since introducing the first Audi e-tron SUV last year. The buyer will nearly always have a base charging set-up, usually at home. As we do with our smartphones when we habitually plug in at the end of the day, picking up a fully charged device the next morning. This is even more convenient than filling up a combustion engine car at the station. But as you’d expect from an Audi, and a flagship at that, the etron GT has the highest charging speed capability, bar none. With its advanced 800V charging system, it can potentially gain 100km of range within 5 minutes of plugging into an advanced high speed DC charger. So, in the time it takes to grab a coffee at the clubhouse after your morning game, the car will be ready for more than a week of motoring.

ASIAN GOLF: How do you see the demand for e-tron in the immediate region – namely ASEAN? SCHUSTER: We believe that Singapore has the potential to be the leading position and set the bar for the adoption of electric vehicles, as well as to embrace the Audi e-tron. The government’s clear commitment and the island state’s compact size make the transition relatively easy while the afﬂuent and tech-savvy population are already very receptive to what we have to offer. Electriﬁcation is a hot topic in the other economies in the region. Once the conditions are right, you can expect the Audi e-tron to make its appearance also in other ASEAN markets.

SPECIAL FEATURE | AUDI E-TRON GT

MARKUS SCHUSTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUDI SINGAPORE