Asian Golf Issue 252 : November 2021 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

ISSUE

252

NOVEMBER 2021

The month of October 2021 will go down as a monumental period in time which marked tremendous achievements for Asia, achievements that will most certainly go down in the annals of golf’s history. It was in this month that Asian professional golfers put on display the quality of their game and lifted standards to the very highest in the world. This is no idle boast because Asian stars took on the world’s best and went on to prove that they had the right stuff to win! ASIAN GOLF has elected to glorify their achievements because if we do not shout about the wins, don’t expect the world’s media, especially in the Western hemisphere to celebrate. We are stating a fact because this is nothing new and perhaps it is to be expected given the big divide between East and West. Anyway, with that load off our shoulders, let us set out to celebrate and honour our world stars.

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EQUIPMENT FOCUS

NEWSFLASH!

ADAMS GOLF REPRISED!

Adams Golf has a lot of history in the game, and we are excited to re-introduce the “Tight Lies” fairways and hybrids into the market.Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen elevated interest for a recognised brand like Adams that provides great value for golfers looking to reconnect with “Tight Lies” technology, as well as new golfers coming into the sport.

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ARAB VALOUR TO THE FORE!

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Saudi Arabia’s push to become a major player in professional golf has taken a new turn. At the core of the development is the launch of a new 10-tournament series on the Asian Tour which has beneﬁtted from a massive infusion of capital from GOLF SAUDI. It is reported that GOLF SAUDI has invested more than US$200 million in this big drive. And that’s not all – golf legend and international entrepreneur Greg “The Great White Shark” Norman has been engaged to lead this major thrust.

GOLF IS IN A GOOD PLACE!

SHARED THOUGHTS FROM PUBLISHER

COVID-19 – ARE WE WINNING OR LOSING THE BATTLE?

While we are all in the midst of battling the raging global pandemic, many are seeking answers relating to an end-game to this catastrophe. Unfortunately, no government, organisation or institution or experts have been able to offer a clear and precise answer – in most cases, it’s been a lot of waffling and flip-flopping especially by bureaucrats. This is most likely attributable to the fact that everyone is playing the CYA game (to put it discreetly – covering their posterior) against all retributions should their answers prove wrong!

The new man who will set the course for the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) is Jason Straka, a principal with Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design. This is an important leadership assignment for a relatively young man who is now charged to spur the profession to new heights as golf shows continued signs of growth almost on a global scale. Shortly after he took over the reigns of the ASGCA, ASIAN GOLF had a sit-down session with Straka which covered a wide range of topics on the future pathway for golf.

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THE BOOM FALLS ON DRIVER LENGTHS!

The R&A and the USGA, the bureaucrats who govern and preside over golf have gone ahead and announced a new Local Rule which will empower those running professional or elite amateur tournaments the option to limit the maximum length of a golf club. Tagged as the “Model Local Rule G-10”, it will be rushed into force from January 1, 2022.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

From the statistics that have been coming in on the state of golf in China, it may help to have the pandemic raging on indeﬁnitely. We say this to jest because when the number of rounds played in one month are tallied up at Mission Hills Golf Resort, the read-out was staggering.

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ISSUE

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252

NOVEMBER 2021

As paradoxical as it may seem, it took a brutal hammering from the global pandemic for the ASEAN region, a bloc of ten countries to wake up and come to their realisation that the digital age was finally upon them. The World Economic Forum (WEF) conducted an extensive survey of 86,000 people from six ASEAN countries to get down to ground zero to gauge the views of the population on what they expected to see in a post pandemic world. ASIAN GOLF reviewed the findings to understand how the golf club industry in the region could benefit from it.

THE MONAHAN MOOLAH EXPRESS ROLLS ON!

Just a few weeks ago, the PGA Tour announced that it is set to sweeten the 15-event pot even more, starting in the new 2021/22 season. In a memo to its members, it announced a new bonus programme called “Play 15 Bonus” with US$50,000 going to any player who participates in at least 15 events in a season. This comes hot on the heels of news that the 2021/22 season will involve US$633 million in prize monies. Why the sudden increase in prize monies?

KO – A QUEEN IN WAITING!

There is every likelihood that the honour of having the best female golfer in the world will return to the shores of Asia very soon! The mantle place is waiting to be mounted with the prestigious title of World’s Number One Ranked Player – and the claimant for this coveted honour will be South Korea’s golf darling, Jin Young Ko.

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Mike Sebastian

INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR

Alan Campbell (China/Middle East)

Editor/Chief Executive Ofﬁcer [mike@asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com]

Correspondent

GLOBAL EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL

Angela Raymond

President [angela@asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com]

Gregg Patterson

President, Tribal Magic Inc.

Andrew Wood Founder/President, Legendary Marketing

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

While we are all in the midst of battling the raging global pandemic, many are seeking answers relating to an end-game to this catastrophe. Unfortunately, no government, organisation or institution or expert has been able to offer a clear and precise answer – in most cases, it’s been a lot of waffling and flip-flopping especially by bureaucrats. This is most likely attributable to the fact that everyone is playing the CYA game (to put it discreetly – covering their psoteriors) against all retributions should their answers prove wrong!

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

SIAN GOLF is placing special focus on this matter because the on-going pandemic has affected many in the business of golf in the Asia region. The challenge is a huge problem, and we want to see if we can cut through all the

misinformation, fake news and even grand standing by some to get to some reliable facts that can help all of us navigate through the pandemic maze and plan for getting our respective businesses back on track. So, with this as a backdrop, ASIAN GOLF has snooped around and unravelled some information that could prove useful. To start with, two front-line pharmaceutical companies, namely Moderna and AstraZeneca have come forward and offered somewhat “rosy predictions” about the fate of the coronavirus. First, let’s check out what the CEO of Moderna, Stephane Bancel had to say: “If you look at the industry-wide expansion of production capacities over the past six months, enough doses should be available by the middle of next year so that everyone on this Earth can be vaccinated,” “Those who do not get vaccinated will immunize themselves naturally, because the Delta variant is so contagious,” Bancel added. “In this way we will end up in a situation like that of the flu. You can either get vaccinated or have a good winter. Or you don’t do it and risk getting sick and possibly even ending up in hospital.” OK! We get it! So, when can we expect the pandemic to end? To this Bancel replied, “As of today (September 24, 2021), in a year, I assume.” Bancel’s sentiments was shared by Sarah Gilbert, the scientist who led the team that developed the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. During a recent Royal Society of Medicine webinar she said, “We already live with four different human coronaviruses that we don’t really ever think about very much, and eventually Sars-CoV-2 will become one of those.” Just in case you are wondering what are common human coronaviruses, these are like the one that cause the common cold and typically cause mild-to-moderate upper respiratory illness. What about the company that led the search for a vaccine to fight the virus, Pfizer? What is its stand? According to Albert Bourla, the company’s CEO, this is what he had to say: “We will see a billion doses by the end of this year, not in the near future, by the end of this year – and at least 1 billion doses next year.” Meanwhile, Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, believes that Moderna’s Bancel’s projection seems mostly on target. “This acute phase of the pandemic will likely wind down within

Molnupir ingested used to treat mil adult cases of CO at risk of worsen COVID-19 or ho according to the created by resea University in Atl as four pills take ﬁve days.

ravir, an orally antiviral pill, is ld to moderate OVID-19 that are ning to severe ospitalization, companies. It was archers at Emory lanta and is given en twice a day for

2022,” Adalja said. “As more people have natural immunity

Singapore’s embattled Prime Minister, Lee Hsien

and as more people are vaccinated, that’s going to cause the

Loong is not making any predictions. Instead, he de-

public-health emergency to no longer be in effect for the

clared, “Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed

world — when the virus is unable to cause as much

off indeﬁnitely. It would not work, and it would be very

serious disease, hospitalization and death

costly. We would be unable to resume our lives, partici-

as it has been able to in this phase of the

pate in social activities, open our borders, and revive our

pandemic.”

economy.”

John Brownstein, an epidemiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, similarly said he sees “reason to be optimistic that we may be out of the pandemic.” But he had a disclaimer

Singapore is already conditioning itself to live in a state of “endemic”- scientists predict COVID will become endemic over time but there will still be sporadic outbreaks where it gets out of control. In summation, is there any signs of light at the end of

which looks at the possibility of a

the tunnel? You bet there is! Pharmaceutical giant Merck

new variant that could evade our

may have the winning elixir. It has announced the success

vaccines. To this threat, Brown-

of its experimental oral COVID-19 antiviral drug - the

stein had this to say: “We’ve been

drug Molnupiravir is designed to introduce errors into the

surprised by this pandemic over

genetic code of the coronavirus and would be the ﬁrst oral

and over again,” adding, “to put

antiviral medication for COVID-19. At the time of writing,

any timeframe on it would likely

Merck requested emergency use authorization to the Food

mean that you’d be 100% wrong.”

and Drug Administration for Molnupiravir.

Brownstein is not off the mark because Moderna’s Bancel’s predictions about when the pandemic would end have been wrong in the past. In November 2020, Bancel predicted that he envisioned a return to normal in summer 2021. The same applies to Astra Zeneca’s Bourla,

Molnupiravir, an orally ingested antiviral pill, is used to treat mild to moderate adult cases of COVID-19 that are at risk of worsening to severe COVID-19 or hospitalization, according to the company. It was created by researchers at Emory University in Atlanta and is given as four pills taken twice a day for ﬁve days. An interim analysis from a clinical trial found the

who gave a prediction in June 2020 that

antiviral medicine reduced the risk of hospitalization or

he thought developed countries could

death by approximately 50%.

return to normal life by the end of 2021, and the rest of the world in 2022.

So, perk up everyone. The Brown Pill is on its way! Good-bye Covid-19 – we hope!

COVER STORY

THE ASIAN DECADE

COVER STORY | THE ASIAN DECADE

LPGA INTERNATIONAL BUSAN

COVER STORY | THE ASIAN DECADE

2021 was most deﬁnitely Matsuyama’s biggest year so far – this was the year that the 29-year-old, winner of seven PGA Tour titles claimed the coveted Green Jacket at Augusta national by becoming the ﬁrst Asian to win this grand title, arguably the greatest accolade in professional golf.

ith 2021 almost at its end, the

We have been witness to some spectacular achieve-

consensus amongst many who keep

ments by Asian professional golfers this year by both our

track to the development of golf in

men and women. We are not going to single out any favou-

Asia, believe that more young men

rites because each is an achievement that was special and

and women from this giant Continent

should be viewed as such.

will go on to prove their mettle on golf’s world stage. Inter-

The journey to the top for Asians was a long and ardu-

est in the game, especially among the young is at its very

ous one and true success only came after the legendary Se

highest in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Vietnam,

Ri Pak broke through to create history on the LPGA back

Thailand, Philippines, India and elsewhere. A quick survey

in May 1998 when she announced her arrival after winning

amongst golf coaches and driving ranges has revealed that

the McDonald’s LPGA Championship which was quickly

the young, inspired by their Asian heroes, are making a

followed with her ﬁrst Majors win at the U.S. Women’s

beeline to pick up the game in the hope of emulating their

Open in July 1998.

achievements and the ultimate path to glory!

Likewise, the ﬁrst Asian to make a breakthrough on

COVER STORY | THE ASIAN DECADE

South Korea’s “lady of calm”, Jin Young Ko was a study of total focus. She came into Busan in South Korea with three objectives in mind – she was wound-up to set a new record for the most number of consecutive rounds in the 60’s; to win the 2021 BMW Ladies Championship and to regain her rightful throne as the World’s Number One Ranked player. the highly competitive PGA Tour was Japan’s Isao Aoki’s

their female counterparts. Although there were wins by

win at the 1983 Hawaiian Open (now the Sony Open in

men on the PGA Tour, namely victories by the legendary

Hawaii). Both Pak and Aoki were the trend setters for Asian

K.J. Choi, the Continent’s ﬁrst breakthrough came when

stars to follow – they had broken through and opened the

South Korean Y.E. Yang brought down the great Tiger

gates for others to follow. Pak’s wins spurred a whole

Woods to win the PGA Championship in 2009. Since then,

trainload of South Korean aspirants who burst onto the

Asian stars have been growing in strength on the PGA

LPGA’s sand box and today, together with stars from Japan,

Tour with Japan’s superstar, Hideki Matsuyama leading

Thailand and the Philippines, they are a dominant force

the pack.

on the strongest and most powerful women’s professional tour in the world. Asian men in comparison were not as dynamic as

2021 was most deﬁnitely Matsuyama’s biggest year so far – this was the year that the 29-year-old, winner of seven PGA Tour titles claimed the coveted Green Jacket at

COVER STORY | THE ASIAN DECADE

Besides beating out the ﬁeld, Ko also led her South Korean sisters on the Korean LPGA Tour to show the world that there is more top talent to come from this golf-crazy Asian nation. The young talent that was on display at the BMW event is a strong indication that there is a wide and deep talent pool of world class players in South Korea just wanting to break out onto the global stage.

But this is a tremendous honour. And I think it’s very fortunate that I am the player, the 200th! I actually think that it’s really fortunate that it was an event held in Korea as well. And obviously being the player to have hit the 200th win by a Korean player was not a goal that I was working toward, it just happens so that I was really focused, and I did my best and this came along. So, I’m very happy and satisﬁed.

Augusta national by becoming the first Asian to win this grand title, arguably the greatest accolade in professional golf. His win at the Masters was no fluke – he turned in a master-class performance against the best field assembled and emerged victorious. Asia’s dream of winning the “Holy Grail” of golf had been achieved and this victory will help propel future stars from Asia to set their sights high and go for the best! To prove that his win at the Masters was no fluke, Japan’s mega super-star (he is huge in Japan), took on a tough limited field to win the prestigious 2021 ZOZO Championship on home-soil, his first ever win in Japan. It was another performance for golf’s historians to write about and record in golf’s history. It was truly memorable, and it fired a Nation, ravaged by the global pandemic, to celebrate a historic win by its favourite son. Matsuyama’s win will kick Japan’s obsession with golf into a higher gear and is expected to have a very positive effect on attracting not only more professionals into the game but to also help boost the growth of golf in that country. While Matsuyama set a torrid pace in Japan, South Korea’s “lady of calm”, Jin Young Ko was a study of total focus. She came into Busan in South Korea with three objectives in mind – she was wound-up to set a new record for the most number of consecutive rounds in the 60’s; to win the 2021 BMW Ladies Championship and to regain her rightful throne as the World’s Number One Ranked player.

COVER STORY | THE ASIAN DECADE

Considered by many as a golfer destined to go down in history as one of the best in the game, Ko fulﬁlled two of her objectives – she won the 2021 BMW Ladies Champion-

ent pool of world class players in South Korea just waiting to break out onto the global stage. As though these two historic wins were not enough for

ship and a check for US$300,000 and with this win, her

Asia, Thailand’s rising star, Patty Tavatanakit was declared

fourth in the current LPGA season, she stormed up the

the winner of the LPGA’s Rolex Rookie Of The Year Title.

rankings to topple American Nelly Korda for that pinnacle

This was a big deal for the Thai after winning the 2021 ANA

of strength in the world ranking.

Inspiration, one of the LPGA’s Major titles.

The win marks Ko’s 200th on the LPGA by a South

“Earning this award is a dream come true for me,” said

Korean-born player. “Before the event, we were at 199th,

Tavatanakit. “It’s once in a lifetime. I’m so thrilled that I

and I think I contributed about 5 percent to that 199th,

get to add my name to a spectacular list of recipients that I

and I was really satisﬁed with that,” she said. “But this is

have looked up to for many years. This season has been one

a tremendous honour. And I think it’s very fortunate that

to remember, and I’m excited to ﬁnish 2021 strong as the

I am the player, the 200th! I actually think that it’s really

tour’s newest Rookie of the Year.” Tavatanakit will receive

fortunate that it was an event held in Korea as well. And

the award at the 2021 Rolex LPGA Awards during the week

obviously being the player to have hit the 200th win by a Ko-

of the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in

rean player was not a goal that I was working toward, it just

Naples, Florida.

happens so that I was really focused, and I did my best and this came along. So, I’m very happy and satisﬁed.” Besides beating out the ﬁeld, Ko also led her South Korean sisters on the Korean LPGA Tour to show the world that there is more top talent to come from this golf-crazy Asian nation. The young talent that was on display at the BMW event is a strong indication that there is a wide and deep tal-

Collectively, there are twenty Asian players amongst the top thirty on the LPGA Rolex Rankings (at the time of writing) and these stars represent the largest single group from any continent. Other notable Asians who are leading the charge in the global game include Yuka Saso of the Philippines who is the reigning U.S. Women’s Open Champion. Then there is the teenage phenom from Thailand, Atthaya Thitikul who is leading the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and Japan’s Mone Inami who won the silver medal for golf at the Tokyo Olympics. ATTHAYA THITIKUL

Earning this award is a dream come true for me. It’s once in a lifetime. I’m so thrilled that I get to add my name to a spectacular list of recipients that I have looked up to for many years. This season has been one to remember, and I’m excited to ﬁnish 2021 strong as the tour’s newest Rookie of the Year. – PATTY TAVATANAKIT

YUKA SASO

MONE INAMI

COVER STORY | THE ASIAN DECADE

The ﬂag-bear in the men’s game is South Korea’s Sungjae Im who leads the pack with two PGA Tour wins to his name. C.T. Pan from Taiwan is a consistent player on the PGA Tour and brought glory to his country when he won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and India’s Anirban Lahiri are also holding their own on the PGA Tour. All in, Asia is in a good place as golf marches on for the rest of this new decade. The challenge that the game now faces is for Asians to take charge and create more playing opportunities for young Asian professionals. Whoever the authorities are who claim to rule over Asia’s future on the professional stage, its time to get off their haunches and become more creative and active in sourcing funds and developing sustainable tournaments so that Asia’s young professionals can work at improving their game and more importantly, to provide these professionals with a steady income. After all, it’s their profession and they need opportunities to get paid and live. Asia can’t continue to depend and rely on the PGA Tour, the European Tour or the LPGA Tour – the Continent has the resources, the talent and the wherewithal to go it alone but it needs strong visionaries and leaders to lead Asia to become an even stronger force on the world stage in this – The Asian Decade! IM SUNG-JAE C.T. PAN

The challenge that the game now faces is for Asians to take charge and create more playing opportunities for young Asian professionals. Whoever the authorities are who claim to rule over Asia’s future on the professional stage, its time to get off their haunches and become more creative and active in sourcing funds and developing sustainable tournaments so that Asia’s young professionals can work at improving their game and more importantly, to provide these professionals with a steady income. KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT

ANIRBAN LAHIRI

SPECIAL FEATURE

MISSION HILLS

SPECIAL FEATURE | MISSION HILLS

ission Hills, universally recognised as the world’s largest golf resort operates twenty-two golf courses at two locations – one site is on the mainland at Shenzhen and the other on Haikou on the island of

Hainan.

These two venues have been humming along during the pandemic and the number of rounds played for August tipped the scale at a record 60,000 rounds. “This was amazing considering that we have been operating under very strict safety and social protocols due to the current pandemic,” said an elated Tenniel Chu, Group Vice Chairman for the resort. Under normal conditions, the resort follows a very stringent safety and cleanliness regimen. “Working with our large workforce, we left nothing to chance and because of the pandemic, we conducted very thorough and comprehensive disinfection practices which literally covered every corner of our sprawling resort,” Chu explained. He said that every department within the resort was given a very strict drill to observe and follow government regulations.

SPECIAL FEATURE | MISSION HILLS

This was amazing considering that we have been operating under very strict safety and social protocols due to the current pandemic. – TENNIEL CHU, GROUP VICE CHAIRMAN FOR THE RESORT

22 golf courses at the resort in pristine condition. “This was very critical and even though we were faced with a manpower crunch, every effort was made to make sure that your cultural and maintenance standards for the golf courses were never compromised,” Chu pointed out. Specially organised events and tournaments helped to maintain a constant level of activity at the resort, and these took the form of a mass participation Golfathon, league tournaments, championship tournaments, monthly medal events, women’s golf tournaments and junior tournaments. “Collectively, our golf teams worked hard at creating events and tournaments that provided

“This adherence to excellent house-keeping helped to generate tremendous conﬁdence amongst our members and guests and they showed their appreciation by playing a record number of rounds in August,” Chu said. Besides the no-nonsense pandemic safety protocols that were in force, no effort was spared to maintain all the

golfers to come forth and support and enjoy their golﬁng,” he added. There is a moral to this experience – regardless of the challenges posed by the pandemic, when the staff are rallied together and encouraged to organise and promote innovative and exciting golf tournaments, golfers will show up.

SPECIAL FEATURE | MISSION HILLS

Working with our large workforce, we left nothing to chance and because of the pandemic, we conducted very thorough and comprehensive disinfection practices which literally covered every corner of our sprawling resort.

SPECIAL FEATURE | MISSION HILLS

There is a moral to this experience – regardless of the challenges posed by the pandemic, when the staff are rallied together and encouraged to organise and promote innovative and exciting golf tournaments, golfers will show up.

SPECIAL FEATURE

JASON STRAKA

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

How many of us really remember the dark days of golf at the start of the first decade of the New Millennium? Tough economic times and a general mood of depression had many a pundit of doom beating drums and feining trances advocating the “death of golf”. Even books were written about the demise of the ancient game, but it proved difficult to bring it down. Golf dug deep and showed its resilience by keeping the dark angel of death at bay and finding a new pathway to recover and subsequently grow. During that period of depression, many golf courses shut down, rounds played saw a decline and the entire golf industry took a beating. This general state of malaise lasted through part of the second decade although there were pockets of growth in some parts of the world with Vietnam being one of the countries that recorded hyper growth especially around new golf course development. Then, towards the end of the second decade the scourge of the global pandemic hit and its impact and effect varied from region to region. While golf took a hiding in some parts of the world, North America and other regions of the Western Hemisphere reported through-the-roof sales for golf equipment and record rounds of golf played. Confusing as it may be, the golf industry has reported positive activity consistently for close on two years and this upward trend is expected to keep going. Against this positive backdrop, the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) went ahead and elected a new president. The man at ASGCA’s helm is a young professional who has been touted as one of the best brains amongst the new genre of golf architects. Besides playing a key role in designing world class golf courses, he has also been recognised for his devotion to environmental golf course design and his philanthropic commitment to educating others within the golf community.

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

he new man who will set the course for the

the course a lot easier. There has now been a reawakening

ASGCA is Jason Straka, a principal with Fry/

of existing golfers and an avenue to encourage new ones,”

Straka Global Golf Course Design. This is

he explained.

an important leadership assignment for a relatively young man who is now charged to

spur the profession to new heights as golf shows continued signs of growth almost on a global scale. Shortly after he took over the reigns of the ASGCA,

This is not a spin, but a statement of fact and it is good to see how the profession views the global pandemic which has crippled and destroyed so many businesses in the world. While Straka has taken a positive outlook, he was quick to caution: “For the near-term, the struggling global supply

ASIAN GOLF had a sit-down session with Straka which cov-

chain, ensuing inﬂation and a lack of labour in many mar-

ered a wide range of topics on the future pathway for golf.

kets is a direct threat. First, the golf market shouldn’t get

As expected, given the fact that he is the top dog

too far over its heels, meaning that just because funds and

amongst golf course architects in the world right now, it

golfers are currently plentiful doesn’t mean courses should

was only natural to get his thoughts on the global pandemic

be spending wildly. Secondly, those who can do more with

and its impact and effect on golf. It was refreshing to hear

less, both in terms of supply chain products and labour, will

Straka’s perspective on this catastrophe: “It’s pretty clear

succeed the most.”

the Covid-19 pandemic is the catalyst for the surge in

This is wisdom – rather than curling up and covering

golf. Golf was, and is, one of the few activities that can be

oneself with a cloak of doom, act prudently and wisely to

enjoyed safely but provide social intercourse, and physical

stay ahead of the challenges! Again, this is youngblood

and mental exercise,” Straka opined.

thinking and this is what we need more of in golf. The

“It is a safe haven for people to laugh, interact with

industry needs to be proactive and break away from the old

one another and, frankly, forget about their worries for a

ethos of doing the same old thing repeatedly! Remember

few hours. Additionally, Covid sparked lifestyle changes

the wise saying of Albert Einstein: Insanity Is Doing the

whereas people could work from home, sometimes with

Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different

more ﬂexible hours, which then allowed them to get out to

Results!

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ PHOTO CREDIT : EVAN SCHILLER

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

This is wisdom – rather than curling up and covering oneself with a cloak of doom, act prudently and wisely to stay ahead of the challenges! Again, this is youngblood thinking and this is what we need more of in golf. The industry needs to be proactive and break away from the old ethos of doing the same old thing repeatedly! Remember the wise saying of Albert Einstein: Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results! If there is one thing that excites ASIAN GOLF is the ability to change and keep on changing to stay ahead of the curve because therein lies the future and success. Being the so-called “new kid on the block”, ASIAN GOLF wanted Straka to look into the crystal ball and asked him:

ASIAN GOLF: Your members make up the men and women who dream up plans to create the venues where the game of golf is enjoyed all over the world. Share with us your vision for the industry responsible for golf to be played? STRAKA: My vision is a direct reﬂection on my personal golf experiences gained over my lifetime. Golf was and is central to family time for me, not just with parents but with siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and now with my children, wife and in-laws. Golf was very accessible to me as a junior too. At the time, it was US$150 for a junior pass to play all year at our local course. Public golf was plentiful and inexpensive. My upbringing is very reminiscent as to how golf is front and centre to the lifestyle of so many people in Great Britain and Ireland. JASON STRAKA (CENTRE) POSES WITH DANA FRY (LEFT) AND MICHAEL HURDZAN (RIGHT)

PHOTO CREDIT : SCOTT BORDNER PHOTO CREDIT : EVAN SCHILLER

JASON STRAKA AND DANA FRY

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

I am very active on the environmental side of our industry. My time away from golf is mostly spent ﬁshing, camping and being in the outdoors. The natural environment is extremely important to me, and I want our children to have the same opportunities to live a healthy life and enjoy the recreational activities we do. Society owes that to the next generations, and I try and lead our industry to do its part. Both visions are complimentary and mean creating and retroﬁtting golf courses that are truly sustainable in terms of environmental and socio-economic ideals. I wish that opportunity for all people. Secondly, as many

It’s a great vision – sort of taking golf back to its roots

know I am very active on the environmental side of our

and making it accessible, affordable and enjoyable for

industry. My time away from golf is mostly spent ﬁshing,

everyone. Given the numerous social and health attributes of

camping and being in the outdoors. The natural environ-

golf, national golf associations the world over should work

ment is extremely important to me, and I want our children

to embrace this vision which will not only help to grow the

to have the same opportunities to live a healthy life and

game of golf but to help keep communities bonded, active

enjoy the recreational activities we do. Society owes that to

and healthy. A wonderful elixir for a world that is becoming

the next generations, and I try and lead our industry to do

more distant and detached!

its part. Both visions are complimentary and mean creating

In support of his vision for golf and its evolution into

and retroﬁtting golf courses that are truly sustainable in

becoming a global game, Straka gave this analogy: “The

terms of environmental and socio-economic ideals.”

success of football is because so many people can play.

They play in urban plazas in Europe, home yards in the U.S.

all about making golf accessible and affordable. For those

and just about every conceivable open space in the world. In

who have been strong proponents of accessible and afford-

developing markets golf doesn’t always need championship

able golf, this mission seems fraught with challenges. In this

courses immediately. It needs putting greens, short game

context, ASIAN GOLF posed the following question to Straka:

areas, ranges and par 3 courses. Eventually those needs will change, and more sophisticated courses will need to be built as the market matures. Markets all age differently, so needs are not a one-size ﬁts all. We are seeing an urbanization of golf too. This is evident in the success of TopGolf, PopStroke and others. I truly believe there are few places that golf cannot ﬂourish.” There is really no need to do a deep-dive analysis on what Straka has said. Like football, don’t place constraints on golf’s development. May the powers that be who have anointed themselves as the custodians of golf come down from their air-conditioned ivory towers and work towards making golf totally accessible especially to the vast developing parts of the world. That’s where the future of golf is. Also, “entertainment” golf like Topgolf and its numerous wannabe competitors is great to grow the game of golf! If there is one takeaway from Straka’s statements, it is

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB, ANJI, CHINA

ASIAN GOLF: While there has been talk about the need to design and build golf courses that are more accessible, affordable and playable in the context of growing the game in Asia, we continue to see new courses opening that do not necessarily conform to this thinking. More and more, Asia continues to be the poster boy for costly and challenging designer courses. Realising that golf course architects are businessmen who need to operate successful businesses, is it asking too much of them to satisfy the preaching of pundits and go against the wishes and desires of owners who determine what they want and pay for it? It’s a dilemma – a sort of Catch-22 situation where you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Your thoughts?

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

It’s a great vision – sort of taking golf back to its roots and making it accessible, affordable and enjoyable for everyone. Given the numerous social and health attributes of golf, national golf associations the world over should work to embrace this vision which will not only help to grow the game of golf but to help keep communities bonded, active and healthy. A wonderful elixir for a world that is becoming more distant and detached! STRAKA: I think some of the public believe golf architects control the market of what gets built and where, and that is obviously not the case. My vision is for all people to have access to the game, from labourers to blue-collar workers as well as the socially elite. It’s not an easy task and it’s going to take everyone in our industry to keep talking about it, encouraging owners and governments to provide these opportunities. There

ASIAN GOLF: Is there a way to move away from courses that provide owners with bragging rights to a more level-headed approach to design and build courses that help promote the game and generate more bottom-line income for course operators? STRAKA:

are a lot of barriers to break down, but I’ve learned over my

The best way to do this is to ﬁnd a local businessperson,

career that the most successful examples of affordable and

humanitarian or government ofﬁcial that prioritises golf.

accessible golf usually come from grass-roots efforts at a

Typically, they’ll have been exposed to golf elsewhere, but

local level.

not in all cases. I’ll give you another personal example of

ASIAN GOLF: Given Asia’s large and relatively young population, what should the golf course industry be looking at to tap this huge potential and at the same time to help grow the game of golf exponentially on the Continent? STRAKA: I’d tell the success stories of any young golfers that do already exist and tell them well. I’d also ﬁnd owners and governments willing to champion building affordable and accessible golf. Again, they don’t have to be full-length golf courses to make golfers. Once you have a place to play, make programmes that are fun, and the crowds should follow. The young women of Korea are one of those success stories! There is no denying that Straka is a very focused and

gossip. Against this backdrop, Straka was asked a series of questions on the topic of the environment, a subject that has always been dear and close to his heart. With the growing concern of environmental issues affecting the Planet, and the role that golf courses can play in minimising the impact of damage to the environment, Straka was asked for his opinions.

ASIAN GOLF: You have always been regarded as an architect who has been very conscious of the environment. Given the heightened level of concern on the Planet’s environmental well-being, will this growing awareness place some challenges for the golf course industry which does collectively occupy quite a bit of space. Share with us your thoughts on this matter. STRAKA:

clear-thinking man. He seems to know what he wants,

The challenges you speak of are part and parcel to the work I

and he knows how to get it! This laser-focus mindset is so

do every single day. It’s a complex issue. On one hand, coastal

vital in an industry where there is a tendency to speak from

courses are under threat from rising sea level and ground-

both sides of the mouth and one ridden with agendas and

water, and many other courses are facing major drainage

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

what I mean. Back in my younger days the state in which I

STRAKA:

grew up, Ohio, had a governor that decided to prioritise golf.

Yes, but it will not happen overnight. One of the best ways

He championed the building of 5 state-owned and operated

we as architects and media can help is to ﬁnd those local

courses in each region of the state. They are affordable, ac-

success stories and help tell them. We can spread the good

cessible, blend seamlessly into the state park environments

news which will hopefully encourage others to champion

they are part of, add to the local economy and are ﬁnancially

their own projects. Remember too, not all accessible and

sustainable.

ASIAN GOLF: Do you see this as the trend moving forward, especially in Asia?

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

affordable facilities need to be full golf courses. They can start as relatively inexpensive places to build and maintain. Simple putting courses in an urban setting where there is no golf is a ﬁne way to start.

Like football, don’t place constraints on golf’s development. May the powers that be who have anointed themselves as the custodians of golf come down from their air-conditioned ivory towers and work towards making golf totally accessible especially to the vast developing parts of the world. That’s where the future of golf is. Also, “entertainment” golf like Topgolf and its numerous wannabe competitors is great to grow the game of golf! issues due to more frequent, prolonged and intensive storms. On the other hand, many courses are in droughtstricken areas where access to quality water is difﬁcult even for personal consumption and key life-sustaining industries. So, we as designers are charged with protecting existing assets, mitigating climate factors in new designs, all the while ensuring that our golf courses can do the most good as part of the environment they are part of. I will say on the latter issue that many owners are prioritizing environmentally positive values. In some cases, it’s market driven and in others they truly do want to make a difference. Regardless of the reason, it is at the forefront of most projects.

ASIAN GOLF: While those opposed to golf courses continue their attacks, don’t you think that the time has come for the industry to embark on a campaign directed at all quarters, to educate and build a positive mindset towards how golf courses are playing

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

PHOTO CREDIT : SCOTT BORDNER

their part, and more importantly contributing to nations’ economies the world over? STRAKA: This has been accomplished in a number of places. I helped lead a campaign on a state level in Ohio a number of years ago. More recently the economic and environmental impact of golf was studied and published for the United States. In the United States there is a coalition of golf organizations, to include the ASGCA, USGA, GCSAA, GCBAA and many others called, ‘We are Golf’. It coincides with National Golf Day and leaders in golf descend upon Washington DC to meet with our congressional constituents to promote the economic, environmental and social beneﬁts of golf. The bigger issue is to get our messages out to the non-golﬁng public. While it’s extremely important to educate government leaders who make daily decisions that affect golf in some capacity, it is quite another to educate the public at-large. That is where a lot of progress still needs to be made.

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

ASIAN GOLF: Continuing the topic of the environment as it relates to golf courses, would it be correct to say that the industry has worked hard to evolve and produce new hybrid grasses that complement good sustainable practices – hybrids that don’t require a lot of water, low usage of pesticides etc. This is a godsend would you not say, and would it make sense for older courses to consider these plus points when reviewing plans for renovations? STRAKA: Yes, but it goes way beyond just grasses. Just like in the medical and tech industries, golf technology is rapidly evolving, and research continually provides insight into the best construction and management practices. Advancements in irrigation delivery, fertilizers, plant medicine, soil management, plant health monitoring, drainage and more, are light years ahead of where we were even just a decade ago. But our challenges are also mounting and evolving so we must continue our research to meet those challenges. Even the oldest courses in the world are utilizing new technology so, yes, for those courses that aren’t, they need to be.

ASIAN GOLF: Along with new species of grass, technology seems to have come to the fore in terms of golf course maintenance. More electric-powered equipment is being made available and put to use; more autonomous equipment is coming etc. Against this fastchanging operational landscape, would it be fair to say that maintenance costs of golf courses are set to come down and that advanced technology will go a long way towards helping golf courses become more environmentally friendly and sustainable and cost effective? STRAKA:

Thus far new technology is being used to redirect costs to

There’s a lot to unpack in this question. First, the mainte-

other budget categories. I will say that in the long term

nance technology that you speak of has been in existence for

where new tech can hopefully help is to replace some labour

quite a long time. I recall seeing my ﬁrst hydrogen-powered

where it is a majority of a maintenance budget. Please

triplex mower about 15 years ago. I doubt anyone has seen

understand that I am not suggesting to replace workers. In

one in actual use on a course yet. The reason is that technol-

many areas of the world, labour is relatively inexpensive and

ogy needs to be cost effective to produce and utilize on a

the biggest parts of maintenance budgets are not in labour

mass scale, and that takes time unless there are government

costs. But elsewhere like the United States, labour is indeed

subsidies or an owner with deep pockets. But it will come.

a major part of the overall maintenance budget and most

Unfortunately, I don’t know too many golf courses that are

facilities cannot ﬁnd qualiﬁed labour to work. In several sur-

utilizing new technology to lower maintenance costs, yet.

veys the lack of qualiﬁed labour is the most important issue

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

facing golf courses in the U.S. My hope is that new tech can be utilized to replace non-existent labour. The ﬁnal issue that Straka was drawn into during this session was the highly controversial matter of distances that golf balls are driven to these days. To this raging controversy which has drawn the ire of big driving professional golfers and club equipment manufacturers, Straka said, “I think most realize that we cannot continue down the same path we are on. Practice ranges are actually one of our biggest challenges right now. Ranges built even just 15 or 20 years ago are now obsolete for longer hitters. The

I think some of the public believe golf architects control the market of what gets built and where, and that is obviously not the case. My vision is for all people to have access to the game, from labourers to blue-collar workers as well as the socially elite. It’s not an easy task and it’s going to take everyone in our industry to keep talking about it, encouraging owners and governments to provide these opportunities. There are a lot of barriers to break down, but I’ve learned over my career that the most successful examples of affordable and accessible golf usually come from grass-roots efforts at a local level.

SPECIAL FEATURE | JASON STRAKA

The best way to do this is to find a local businessperson, humanitarian or government official that prioritises golf. Typically, they’ll have been exposed to golf elsewhere, but not in all cases. I’ll give you another personal example of what I mean. Back in my younger days the state in which I grew up, Ohio, had a governor that decided to prioritise golf. He championed the building of 5 state-owned and operated courses in each region of the state. They are affordable, accessible, blend seamlessly into the state park environments they are part of, add to the local economy and are financially sustainable.

KENWOOD COUNTRY CLUB, CINCINNATI, OH PHOTO CREDIT : DAVE SANSOM

bigger question is what to do about it. Bifurcation? That might seem logical to some but how do ball and club manufacturing companies justify the cost to develop and produce such equipment for professional golfers when traditionally that equipment is handed out to them for free? My personal preference would be a reasonable roll-back of the ball and/or clubs and shafts for everyone. The average golfer like myself could simply move up one set of tees – if they even need to at all. At least longer players could be reigned in and brought back to playing courses around 7,000 yards with some challenge. Right now, that length is a driver wedge on every hole for them.” It is always an interesting journey to get into a man’s mind and obtain an insight into what he is thinking. Straka is a young man who is helping to set a pathway for the golf design and construction

industry as it moves into a new era – an era which hopefully will be focused on growth, accessibility and affordability of the game of golf and not one dominated by more designer and boutique golf courses which is especially the case in Asia. To this, Straka concluded: “It takes time, but it’s getting there. There are a good amount of resort and private courses being built. While that is certainly welcome because they provide for jobs and an inﬂux of money into the local and regional economy, in general not enough facilities are being built for the local populations.” On that note, let us hope that governments become more appreciative of golf and that corporations and investors develop new facilities in Asia that will be directed at growing the game and making golf accessible and affordable!

UNION LEAGUE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, SWAINTON, NJ

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

DRIVER LENGTHS

SPECIAL FEATURE | DRIVER LENGTHS

It is a commonly acknowledged fact that most golfers, regardless of their skill level, aspire to be able to “bomb” their drives to the absolute limit possible. One sees this everyday on golf courses throughout the world and regrettably, a lot of these “power” drives only create problems and challenges for most amateur club players. But what matters at the end of the day is that attempt to strike killer drives seems to add to the enjoyment of golfers or perhaps, add to their frustrations – most likely the latter! With the power game now being the big attention grabber and with golf’s “scientist” Bryson “Hercules” DeChambeau whacking the dimple golf ball to lengths never seen in the professional game, the lords who govern over the noble game of golf have been forced to act!

SPECIAL FEATURE | DRIVER LENGTHS

he bureaucrats who govern and preside over golf have gone ahead and announced a new Local Rule which will empower those running professional or elite amateur tournaments the option to limit the maximum length of a

golf club.

Tagged as the “Model Local Rule G-10”, it will be rushed into force from January 1, 2022. In a nutshell, the R&A and USGA ruling will cap the length – excluding putters – at 46 inches. It currently stands at 48 inches. It will not apply in the club game. In support of its decision, both the R&A and the USGA argue their case by saying that the results of a notice-and-comment period, allowing the industry to provide feedback, were “carefully considered” before the decision to proceed with the new Local Rule was reached. Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s CEO said, “We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and it will provide tournament organisers with the ﬂexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the Rules.” His counterpart across the pond, Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA said, “Admittedly, this is not the ‘answer’ to the overall distance debate/issue but rather a simple option for competitive events.”

Gump”, Mickelson lampooned the decision in a Twitter post

The world’s favourite land-handed legend Phil Mickelson was arguably the most vocal about the new ruling. The 51-year-old lashed out at the “amateurs” governing the game of golf and called the new 46-inch restriction on club length as being “stupid”.

by saying: “Stupid is as stupid does.” He went on to say, “Really though, are the amateurs trying their best to govern the professional game the stupid ones? Or the professionals for letting them?” Earlier when the rule change was announced, former world number one Rory McIlroy slammed both the R&A and the USGA for thinking about the change. The Northern Irish superstar was quoted as saying, “I think the authorities, the R&A and USGA, are looking at the game through such a tiny little lens.” He went on to add, “What they’re trying to do is change something that pertains to 0.1% of the golﬁng community: 99.9% of the people that play this game play for enjoyment, for entertainment. They don’t need to be told what ball or clubs to use. Weighing in on this topic also was former European

So, how have some of the big names in golf reacted to this decision?

Ryder Cup hero Tony Jacklin who lashed out by declaring that golf has become “boring”.

The world’s favourite land-handed legend Phil Mickel-

The golf legend added that he has little interest in

son was arguably the most vocal about the new ruling. The

watching the sport on TV and insisted the game’s rule-

51-year-old lashed out at the “amateurs” governing the

makers need to reduce the length the ball travels by at

game of golf and called the new 46-inch restriction on club

least 30 yards.

length as being “stupid”. Drawing from the award-winning movie “Forrest

I want sanity to prevail sooner rather than later and for something positive to be done to bring about the changes that will beneﬁt the game in the long run because golf is simply not very interesting anymore; it’s about slamming the ball as far as you can, and about putting – TONY JACKLIN contests.

In his new book ‘Tony Jacklin: My Ryder Cup Journey’, Jacklin said, “I want sanity to prevail sooner rather than

SPECIAL FEATURE | DRIVER LENGTHS

We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and it will provide tournament organisers with the ﬂexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the Rules. – MARTIN SLUMBER, CEO, R&A later and for something positive to be done to bring about the

of Titleist made the brand’s feelings known in a ﬁve-page

changes that will beneﬁt the game in the long run because

letter to the R&A and the USGA.

golf is simply not very interesting anymore; it’s about slamming the ball as far as you can, and about putting contests”. Titleist, one of the top brand names in the driver end of

Maher said Acushnet estimated the current worldwide driver market is approximately US$1.5 billion at retail and feels that “at least 50% of the driver market would be lost in

the business has also come out against the new rule. The

the ﬁrst year of implementation of this proposal”. He added

normally low-proﬁle and conservative brand made a bold

“We also believe that it would take several years to restore

stand by lambasting the two ruling bodies for “singling out

this market and consumer conﬁdence”.

the equipment industry to solve a problem that doesn’t ex-

In conclusion, Maher warned: “We believe that will dam-

ist”. In its attack against the new ruling, Titleist claims that

age the game, possibly irreparably and implore you not to go

“at least 50 per cent of the driver market” could be wiped out

down that path.”

and added that golfers will end up paying higher prices. David Maher, the CEO of Acushnet, the parent company

Let’s now wait and see what happens when the rule is put into play.

Acushnet estimated the current worldwide driver market is approximately US$1.5 billion at retail and feels that “at least 50% of the driver market would be lost in the ﬁrst year of implementation of this proposal”. He added “We also believe that it would take several years to restore this market and – DAVID MAHER, CEO, ACUSHNET consumer conﬁdence”.

Admittedly, this is not the ‘answer’ to the overall distance debate/issue but rather a simple option for competitive events. – MIKE WHAN, CEO, USGA

SPECIAL FEATURE

PGA TOUR

SPECIAL FEATURE | PGA TOUR

Before we started on this article, we felt the need to take a deep dive into what the global sports industry was currently worth, and we were bowled over to learn that it has a worth of US$1.3 trillion! Of this staggering amount, the United States of America has the largest bite of the massive pie which rings in at US$520 billion. Use whatever superlative that you can summon up as a reaction to this monumental sum of money, and it will most deﬁnitely project an image of total astonishment! Simply incredible!

SPECIAL FEATURE | PGA TOUR

SIAN GOLF presents this information basically

The roughly US$633 million in comprehensive earn-

as a primer to what is happening in the world

ings up for grabs in the new season, marks an 18 percent

of professional golf. In the past few months,

increase year over year. The US$633 million available in prize

the cash rewards that golfers who make the

monies is huge by any measure and with this sort of money

cut in professional tournaments week in and

available on tour, it is bound to serve as a massive dragnet to

week out has been on a steady rise. This is not something that is objectionable because it is a known fact that top profes-

draw in the world’s best players. This is what has got us wondering – is the PGA Tour

sional athletes make big bucks and golf is no different. It’s a

building a formidable fortress that will be impregnable to any

game that rewards its players very well and golf legend Tiger

renegade tour trying to gnaw away at its big pie? That ren-

Woods is living testament to this fact.

egade tour is the much-talked about London-based Premier

But one wonders – are those qualiﬁed to play on the PGA

Golf League (PGL) which is trying to establish a beachhead

Tour not rewarded handsomely enough already? Besides just

by launching its “more exciting international professional

remunerations, one wonders if there are there other factors

tour” in direct competition to the PGA Tour and its partner,

that are giving cause for the rewards to keep going up? We

the European Tour.

will attempt to give an answer to this poser at the end of this report. Now, let’s circle back to the Christmas season coming

The PGL has plans to offer very attractive cash prizes and a matching schedule of innovative tournament formats. Could the PGL’s initiative be the reason for the PGA Tour

early to the PGA Tour, the biggest and richest professional

beeﬁng up its rewards to ring-fence its players from being

golf tour on the Planet. Just a few weeks ago, the PGA Tour

attracted to jump ship? It’s a plausible thought and only time

announced that it is set to sweeten the 15-event pot even

will tell how this whole saga plays out.

more, starting in the new 2021/22 season. In a memo to its

In the meantime, the Monahan Moolah Express will roll

members, it announced a new bonus programme called “Play

on creating more and more millionaire professional golfers.

15 Bonus” with US$50,000 going to any player who partici-

Whatever the outcome, it is sure to draw in new and exciting

pates in at least 15 events in a season. Although the memo

stars who in turn will keep the excitement and enthusiasm

said the new programme is “subject to review,” the plan is set

going for golf fans the world over!

to continue each season. The Tour also announced purse increases for The Players Championship and Sentry Tournament of Champions. Starting next year, the purse for The Players will be US$20 million, making it the largest purse on Tour for a traditional strokeplay event. The purse for the winners-only Tournament of Champions will jump to US$8 million with US$1.44 million going to the winner. This latest development comes hot on the heels of an earlier announcement which revealed a historic cash bonanza for tour players. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan revealed at his annual gathering with the media earlier this year that the ofﬁcial prize money will increase by approximately US$35 million and the FedExCup and Comcast Business Tour top-10 bonus pools combined will grow by US$15 million to US$85 million.

The roughly US$633 million in comprehensive earnings up for grabs in the new season, marks an 18 percent increase year over year. The US$633 million available in prize monies is huge by any measure and with this sort of money available on tour, it is bound to serve as a massive dragnet to draw in the world’s best players.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

ASIAN TOUR

SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIAN TOUR

The international professional golf stage is really being shaken up. Perhaps the correct word for what is developing is “disruption”. For some time, there were tremors that something big was stirring on the horizon – something truly historic that was being led by a powerful initiative backed by the deep-pocketed GOLF SAUDI. At the time of writing, ASIAN GOLF is not sure if this new development is in any way tied in with the much talked about SUPER GOLF LEAGUE also promoted by Saudi Arabia. Anyway, whatever the case, the latest announcement to come out from the Saudi Arabian push to take a major stake in global golf is out.

SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIAN TOUR

t the core of the new development is the

This new league is supposed to draw in players

launch of a new 10-tournament series on

from all the major global tours but no details have been

the Asian Tour which has beneﬁtted from

forthcoming on which players have agreed to play in the

a massive infusion of capital from GOLF

tournaments, or where they will be staged. This initiative

SAUDI. It is reported that GOLF SAUDI has

is viewed by many as a serious affront to the current cus-

invested more than US$200 million in this big drive. And that’s not all – golf legend and international entrepreneur Greg “The Great White Shark” Norman has been engaged to lead this major thrust. Norman has been

todians of the international professional game, America’s all-powerful PGA Tour and its partner across the Atlantic, the European Tour. It is learnt that Norman, as Commissioner will lead

appointed as the CEO of a new company called LIV Golf

the push “to support and promote a new 10-tournament

Investments, and it is reported that he will assume the role

series that will be added to the Asian Tour schedule from

of commissioner of what will be a league headlined by a

2022 onward, with new events across Asia, the Middle East

group of top-ranked players in the game.

and Europe.”

Only good can come out of the 10-year partnership between the Asian Tour and GOLF SAUDI, the organisers of the Saudi International, the US$5 million tournament. However, it is reported that the Saudi International will not be one of the 10 new events to feature as part of the new series but will itself provide enhanced exemption requirements. Norman, who has long maintained a need for a major revolution in the professional game, commenting on his new role said, “To me, Asia is the most untapped, underused tour I’ve ever seen in my life.’’ A very successful entrepreneur in his own right, the Australian golf legend continued, “This is only the beginning. The Asian Tour is a sleeping giant, and we share ambition to grow the series and unlock what we believe is signiﬁcant untapped potential. We see our promotion of these new events as a vital ﬁrst step in supporting emerging markets, creating a new platform, rich with playing opportunities that create valuable player pathways.” Seems the battle lines are drawn. The long languishing Asian Tour looks to have suddenly awoken, endowed with

MAJED AL-SOROUR MAJED AL-SOROUR, CEO OF GOLF SAUDI AND THE SAUDI GOLF FEDERATION

SPECIAL FEATURE | ASIAN TOUR

To me, Asia is the most untapped, underused tour I’ve ever seen in my life. This is only the beginning. The Asian Tour is a sleeping giant, and we share ambition to grow the series and unlock what we believe is signiﬁcant untapped potential. We see our promotion of these new events as a vital ﬁrst step in supporting emerging markets, creating a new platform, rich with playing opportunities that create valuable – GREG NORMAN player pathways.

new muscle and cash to battle against the so-called big

season, expected to represent a record-breaking combined

boys of the professional game.

prize-fund in 2022.

Chipping in on this historic development, Cho Minn

Only good can come out of the 10-year partnership

Thant, commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said:

between the Asian Tour and GOLF SAUDI, the organisers of

“This is the single biggest development in the history of

the Saudi International, the US$5 million tournament. How-

the Asian Tour and a major milestone for professional golf.

ever, it is reported that the Saudi International will not be

The opportunity will secure unprecedented new playing

one of the 10 new events to feature as part of the new series

opportunities, establish new player pathways, allow us to

but will itself provide enhanced exemption requirements.

compete commercially with other sports, and enhance our social agenda.” The 10-tournament series will add to the Asian Tour’s backbone of established events to comprise a 25-event

Exciting times ahead for professional golf and with the force and power of Arab resolve and funding, there’s no turning back. Just watch this space for exciting developments!

This is the single biggest development in the history of the Asian Tour and a major milestone for professional golf. The opportunity will secure unprecedented new playing opportunities, establish new player pathways, allow us to compete commercially with other sports, and enhance – CHO MINN THANT our social agenda.

ROYAL GREENS GOLF CLUB

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

ADAMS GOLF

GOLF EQUIPMENT | ADAMS GOLF : TIGHT LIES

For all those golfers who have been playing golf for more than 20 years, the brand name Adams Golf will register fond memories. It was back in 1995 that this upstart little newcomer decided to jump into the fray and engage in battle with Callaway Golf, TaylorMade Golf, Titleist and PING – the big boys of golf equipment so to speak. This was also when Callaway Golf had launched the Big Bertha series which was the name on virtually every golfer’s lips, but this did not in any way cause any concern to the little company from Plano in Texas. Instead, it was charged with blind faith to just get in and mix it with the big boys. Mix it, it certainly did and went on to create quite a sensation.

GOLF EQUIPMENT | ADAMS GOLF : TIGHT LIES

dams Golf had arrived, and its products were known as “Tight Lies” which offered an impressive range of fairway woods and hybrids. Sometimes, golfers affectionately referred to these clubs as “saviours” and

for good reason. Not given too much chance to succeed, Adams Golf nevertheless went on to make a name for itself as clubs which take their name from difficult-to-hit shots buried in the turf. In brief Adams’ design featured metal heads with the widest part on the bottom instead of the top, lowering the centre of gravity. The upside-down profile, shallow faces and various lofts make it easier for golfers to get their shots airborne with greater distance. In 2012, it was acquired by the giant TaylorMade Company, and it became part of that company’s fold and nothing of real significance was heard from Adams Golf until 2020 when TaylorMade launched a sort of direct-to-consumer campaign. To aficionados of this great brand, it marked the welcome return of the “saviour”. To the uninitiated, it really did not make a major mark as it was not backed up by some fire-brand marketing campaign. Anyway, all this is now on

Adams Golf has a lot of history in the game, and we are excited to re-introduce the “Tight Lies” fairways and hybrids into the market. He went on to add, “Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen elevated interest for a recognised brand like Adams that provides great value for golfers looking to reconnect with “Tight Lies” technology, as well as new golfers coming into the sport. – JOHN GONSALVES, VICE PRESIDENT WHO HEADS UP THE DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER DEPARTMENT

the back burner and the golf club that used to terrorise thick

“We make the face bigger. Extended Face is a revolutionary

turf and hard-to-hit-from-spots on a golf course, is back

new face design that extends the top off the face to make it

with a vengeance.

easier to hit off a tee, while retaining the low-proﬁle head

The little brand from Plano has made a triumphant

design for great performance from the fairway.” Brilliant!

return with new “Tight Lies” fairway woods and hybrids that

Put simply, the clubs have been made to perform even

feature advanced performance technology which TaylorMade

better!

describes as “the reimagination” of “Tight Lies” fairways and hybrids with a modern take on an Adams™ classic. “Adams Golf has a lot of history in the game, and we are

One of the features that TaylorMade has added to the reprised “Tight Lies” is the “velocity slot” – this is located on the sole of the club directly behind the face and it is designed

excited to re-introduce the “Tight Lies” fairways and hybrids

to increase face ﬂexibility, ball speeds and improve launch

into the market,” said John Gonsalves, Vice President who

on off-centre strikes.

heads up the Direct-to-Consumer department. He went on to add, “Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen elevated

Sticking to its original pedigree, the “Tight Lies” clubhead appears larger from address to inspire conﬁdence

interest for a recognised brand like Adams that provides

without sacriﬁcing a low-proﬁle design with a shallow face.

great value for golfers looking to reconnect with “Tight Lies”

Ultimately, Tight Lies has a lower centre of gravity for higher

technology, as well as new golfers coming into the sport.”

launch conditions.

Alright, the need for Adams Golf “Tight Lies” to make a

To provide ultimate ﬂexibility and creativity in the golf

glorious return has been explained and perhaps this would

bag, Adams has also launched special “Tight Lies” bundles

be the best time to pose this question: How do you make

which allows a golfer to mix and match combinations of

one of the most forgiving clubs ever made even more forgiv-

woods and hybrids. Individual hybrids/fairways and bundle

ing? TaylorMade’s quick response is a very succinct one –

packages are available now at www.adamsgolf.com.

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

DIGITALISATION

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | D I G I TA L I S AT I O N

As paradoxical as it may seem, it took a brutal hammering from the global pandemic for the ASEAN region, a bloc of ten countries to wake up and come to their realisation that the digital age was ﬁnally upon them. While there has been widespread talk about digitalisation, its impact on the general population of the ASEAN grouping was not really comprehended. Short of the wide use of the ubiquitous smartphone and the myriad of applications available, the importance and versatility of the digital age is only now fully dawning upon the region. It took the World Economic Forum (WEF) to conduct an extensive survey of 86,000 people from six ASEAN countries to get down to ground zero to gauge the views of the population on what they expected to see in a post pandemic world.

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | D I G I TA L I S AT I O N

n case you are wondering why this report is being reviewed in a golf magazine, let it be known that like

comes during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, many respondents were able

most other industries, the rate of adoption of the

to deftly adapt to their changing circumstances, with 27% of

digital age has been going at a snail’s pace! ASIAN

them having created new businesses during the pandemic.

GOLF has decided to use the ﬁndings of this survey

This trend was strongest among those in the wholesale and

to serve as a serious alert to the golf industry to come to its realisation that there are a lot of merits for the industry to embrace the digital age without any exceptions. The WEF’s ASEAN Digital Generation Report reveals

retail trade sector, with 50% of them doing the same. Looking at the golf industry within the ASEAN region, it must be noted that there are more than 900 golf courses in the region, employing thousands of workers and the industry

ﬁve common trends. The ASIAN GOLF review will focus on

as a whole accounts for a few billion dollars annually. One of

three of these trends which it regards as very relevant to the

the ﬁndings of the survey revealed that most of the respon-

golf industry. Before the trends are examined, it will help

dents believe technology will play a vital role in supporting

to understand that the post pandemic era is not going to be

their own livelihoods as well as the economy at large. This

smooth sailing. Nearly 70% of respondents of the survey

is particularly true for those that were harder hit by the

expect the pandemic to last beyond 2021, with 39% expecting

pandemic. For example, 85% of respondents, especially

it to last for three years or longer and 13% believing the pan-

women and owners of medium to small industries consider

demic would never end. However, once it does, nearly two-

digitalization as important to economic recovery.

thirds think that life will be signiﬁcantly different compared to pre-pandemic times. This is perhaps not surprising given the signiﬁcant

The survey asked respondents about their current and intended future use of digital tools across the different aspects of their lives (e.g., in their work, study, ﬁnance and

impact the pandemic has had on their lives. Some 60% of

personal lives) and the ﬁndings revealed that on average,

people reported a decline in income and savings, with over

around 43% to 66% of respondents wanted to digitalize their

40% saying it was a signiﬁcant deterioration. Beyond its

lives more. For owners of medium to small enterprises, the

economic impact, many respondents, particularly women,

desire to digitalize was even greater at 51% to 76%.

reported declines in social, mental and physical health out-

Interestingly, the survey also found evidence that digi-

One of the ﬁndings of the survey revealed that most of the respondents believe technology will play a vital role in supporting their own livelihoods as well as the economy at large. This is particularly true for those that were harder hit by the pandemic. For example, 85% of respondents, especially women and owners of medium to small industries consider digitalization as important to economic recovery.

talization beneﬁts from the “ﬂywheel effect”,

for the relatively less active digital users, who are

whereby the more digitalized you are,

still in the initial phases of technology adoption and

the more likely you are to desire further

thus have yet to understand its beneﬁts. For more active users, concerns shift away

digitalization. Notably, 70% to 86% of respondents, who are already active digital users, said that they would like to increase their level of digitalization. This is

from digital skills and towards trust and security. Given the cross-cutting nature of these barriers, tack-

a stark difference compared to the 15% to 32% of those who

ling them would require a multi-stakeholder approach at

were less active users.

both country and regional level to ensure better coordination

A potential explanation for this is that as people use digital tools more, their beneﬁts become more apparent,

among governments, private sector players as well as civil societies.

which then incentivizes them to use them more. Conversely,

During the pandemic, signiﬁcant digital skill transfers

those who do not partake in digital tools have less exposure

occurred. Furthermore, these transfers were intergenera-

to their beneﬁts and are thus less incentivized to increase

tional, as youths (aged 16-35) were more likely to be “teach-

adoption.

ers”, while those older tended to be “learners”. Perhaps,

This segways into the need to tackle barriers to digital

there could be more programmes to further support these

adoption. To identify the barriers, respondents were asked

types of skills transfers between the digital natives and those

about the factors preventing them from digitalizing further

less digitally adept within communities.

and what could be done to best promote digitalization in

The survey also found that, in general, the digital

the economy. In both cases, over half of the respondents

generations are not very conﬁdent in the skills they deem as

cited access to affordable and quality internet as their top

important for the future. For example, while 38% of respon-

constraint. The issue of internet access is also a consistent

dents thought creativity and innovation as an important skill,

theme seen in most countries, not only within ASEAN.

only 26% considered themselves proﬁcient.

Another key barrier identiﬁed was their level of digital

This highlights the urgent need for further upskilling

skills, including a lack of conﬁdence and understanding of

and reskilling initiatives to ensure that this digital generation

where and how to use them. This barrier is particularly acute

is equipped for a post-pandemic world and beyond.

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | D I G I TA L I S AT I O N

he majority of golf clubs operating in the

fessionals who are totally familiar with the ins and outs

ASEAN region have not hopped on board

of managing a golf club. Amongst its many operational

the digital bandwagon. While they may have

features are a tee-time booking service, tournament

websites and social media sites, the adoption

and event management package together with a facility

of smart applications has been very slow. If

to push out club news and notiﬁcations. For a sense

anything at all, this matter is going to require some serious

of what is available and ready to go, click on this link:

looking into and with some fast-track action being taken.

https://golfcitizen.com/play/home

The mechanism is in place and the region should be

As part of GOLF CITIZEN’s service to golf clubs in

ready to move at grease-lightning speed. There is a very

the region is access to a special “white label” app which

sophisticated smart app that has been available to the

any club can adopt and customise to serve its operational

industry for some time now. It is owned and operated by

needs. This service is free of charge and available right now.

GOLF CITIZEN, and it is a package that has been custom

So, if you would like to engage with the digital revolu-

designed to address the needs of all golf clubs in the

tion, it’s available to you at this very moment. Check out

ASEAN region.

the GOLF CITIZEN website and start your journey towards

It is a smart app that has been designed by golf pro-

getting your club up to speed in the digital world!

support@golfcitizen.com

SPECIAL FEATURE

JIN YOUNG KO

SPECIAL FEATURE | JIN YOUNG KO

There is every likelihood that the honour of having the best female golfer in the world will return to the shores of Asia very soon!

SPECIAL FEATURE | JIN YOUNG KO

he mantle place is waiting to be mounted

Sorenstam won three of four tournaments during that

with the prestigious title of World’s Number

stretch of 14 straight rounds in the 60s, including a major,

One Ranked Player – and the claimant for

and was runner-up in another. Ko won twice and was run-

this coveted honour will be South Korea’s

ner-up and tied for sixth in the others during her streak.

golf darling, Jin Young Ko.

At the time of writing, Ko had pulled within 20 points

With the Cognizant Founders Cup win, Ko has joined Nelly Korda as the only three-time winners on the LPGA

of Nelly Korda in the Race to the CME Globe with the end of

Tour this season, and she became the ﬁfth South Korean

the season fast approaching.

with at least 10 victories, still well short of the record 25

The American Korda replaced Ko’s long run at No. 1 in the world a few months ago when she won her ﬁrst major at the Women’s PGA Championship. While the world waits to crown Ko again, the South Korean ace has been setting a blazing pace on the LPGA Tour. Last month, the 26-year-old played some incredible golf and had a great deal of fun doing it. With her game being in the best place possible, Ko defended her title to pull off a wire-to-wire win at the 2021 Cognizant Founders Cup. With all the fun she was having, she seemed oblivious of the fact that she had created golf history. Ko’s 5-under 66 lifted her to 18-under for a four-shot victory – it was Ko’s 14th straight round in the 60s, which ties the mark Annika Sorenstam set in the middle of her 10-win season in 2005.

held by pioneer Se Ri Pak. Next up for Ko will be the BMW Ladies Championship and if she keeps her form going, she will stand a chance to surpass and beat Sorenstam and set a new record. For her record equalling feat, Ko earned US$450,000.

Ko’s 5-under 66 lifted her to 18-under for a four-shot victory – it was Ko’s 14th straight round in the 60s, which ties the mark Annika Sorenstam set in the middle of her 10-win season in 2005.