ISSUE
255
FEBRUARY 2022
12
ASIAN GOLF is focusing the spotlight on one aspect of the Arabian revolution of change, and this relates to sports and recreation. Golf is a perfect example of how the Arab nations have embraced and adopted the sport with the United Arab Emirates leading the thrust some 30 years ago. Today, that region of the Arab world boasts some of the finest golf courses on the Planet and it does not stop there. The region is also the headquarters to professional golf with the Dubai-based DP World Tour having absorbed the European Tour. This signals the fact that the Arab world has ambitions to become a global force in golf and in the last three years, this has manifested itself in a multi-million-dollar initiative led by Saudi Arabia, the economic powerhouse of the region. This report tracks how the baton of change and growth has been taken over by the oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it has taken off like a bat out of hell. The Saudi Arabian golf push started in late 2018 with the formation of a forward-looking initiative to introduce golf to the Kingdom. The engine to drive this programme was GOLF SAUDI. Like most national organisations charged with growing a sport, the first steps were modest and noble with programmes to get Saudi nationals to pick up the game and to encourage golf as a sport for women and juniors.
30 26 MATSUYAMA ON HIS WAY TO RE-WRITE THE RECORD BOOK!
Hideki Matsuyama, 29-year-old Japanese superstar is well on his way to engraving his name in the annals of golf history as the greatest player of all time from Asia!
SAUDI INTERNATIONAL CREATES HISTORY!
For all the detractors who had money riding on the demise of the fledgling Saudi International, it’s time to settle your debts. The tournament fought off all the threats and criticisms levelled against it and will ride supreme in the desert from February 3 – 6. The three-year-old international tournament returns as the flagship of the revamped and revitalised Asian Tour with a prize purse that has been jacked up to US$5 million.
TIGER WOODS – WILL HE PROVE TO BE GOLF’S COME-BACK KID?
SPECIAL FEATURE
44
TAYLORMADE’S GENIE IN AN APP!
TaylorMade has launched a revolutionary digital package called the “MyTaylorMade+”. Why is it revolutionary? Simply because it has packaged everything that a golfer needs to play a better game of golf into a mind-blowing App. For ease of understanding, with this new App, TaylorMade has created its own App Store, pretty much like what Apple offers its users. Now, how cool is that!
Any forecast on Tiger’s comeback is going to be fraught with heaps of challenges and abuse and we just don’t want to go down that road. As far as ASIAN GOLF is concerned, we want to remember Tiger as the all-time G.O.A.T. in golf – the greatest ever and the man who made golf a truly mainstream sport.
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THE BIG BUCKS ARE NOW CHASING THE LADIES! It simply had to happen. For too long, there has been a huge disparity between the cash pay-outs to the guys and the gals who ply their respective games on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. Finally, it looks like things are on the mend big time. The cogs for the change have been set in motion and leading the drive for big bucks for the gals is the United States Golf Association (USGA), the owner of the US Women’s Open.
62 A STAR IS BORN!
It’s time to introduce Thailand’s teenage superstar Ratchanon Chantananuwat. It’s time for the young amateur to say “Hello” to the world! ASIAN GOLF has had its sight fixed on this kid for the past three years as he dominated tournaments both within Thailand and in various international junior tournaments.
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SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER
TEENAGER CREATES HISTORY!
What do you say when a teenager hits the pinnacle of golf? There are simply no suitable adjectives to describe a 19-year-old who hits the top of the hill and claims the coveted Order of Merit.
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36
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A LIGHTWEIGHT THAT’S REALLY A SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT!
TaylorMade Golf has launched its newest range of clubs – the Stealth family of drivers, woods and hybrids. Along with the launch, TaylorMade has also shifted from the traditional use of titanium for the face of a driver to a revolutionary new material called “carbonwood”. It was a twenty-year odyssey of working on a new material platform that was subjected to rigorous tests to finally produce what the company wanted. The two-decade long experimentation has finally resulted in the creation of the “Carbonwood” age – a quantum leap from the age of titanium which has been the predominant material used in golf club heads and faces.
Mike Sebastian
INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR
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SHARED THOUGHTS
FROM THE PUBLISHER
SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER
What do you say when a teenager hits the pinnacle of golf? There are simply no suitable adjectives to describe a 19-year-old who hits the top of the hill and claims the coveted Order of Merit.
PHOTO CREDIT: ASIAN IAN AN TOUR
SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER
W
ell, as difficult as it may be to
It has been a sensational end to a season full of
believe, the South Korean teen-
impressive results. The Korean ended joint second
age superstar, Joohyung Kim
in the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship at the end
added the latest accolade to his
of last year, and he also recorded two fourth place
growing list of achievements
finishes.
when he was crowned the 2020-2021 Asian Tour
His latest success cements his position
Order of Merit winner!
as one of the most exciting teenagers in the
What a player!
world of golf. In 2019 after earning a promo-
He came in second at the season-ending SMBC
tion from the Asian Development Tour by
Singapore Open which earned him US$108,125 and
claiming three events, the teen superstar
when added to his previous winnings, the total tallied
made an instant impact by winning in just
at US$507,553.
his third start on the Asian Tour at the
Commenting on his success, the teenager exclaimed: “I didn’t know it was going be this fast, but I
Panasonic Open in India. That made him the second youngest
think it’s still sinking in. I don’t know when it’s going
professional to win on the Asian Tour at 17
to sink in. But you know, definitely very happy with it.”
years and 149 days.
I didn’t know it was going be this fast, but I think it’s still sinking in. I don’t know when it’s going to sink in. But you know, definitely very happy – JOOHYUNG KIM with it.
Congratulations Kim! Your adventure is just beginning. Shoot for the stars kid!
COVER STORY
A NEW FRONTIER
COVER STORY | A NEW FRONTIER
Think about the great Arab lands and more often than not, it conjures up childhood memories of the legendary tales of the classic One Thousand and One Nights - a collection of enthralling Middle Eastern folk tales. Most remember the tales of Aladdin’s wonderful magic lantern and Ali Baba and the forty thieves. These tales will remain as exciting adventures for time in memorial but the ancient lands that gave us these stories have changed. No longer are the capital cities of the Arab nations home to Bedouins and camels – these nostalgic imageries have since been replaced by futuristic cities, great wealth and home to some of the most expensive super cars known to man. It
baffles the mind how countries once known for their natural desert landscapes have been transformed into some of the most spectacular and throbbing centres of international business, trade, research, recreation and leisure. All of this and more have been achieved in a period of three decades and the pace of change continues. ASIAN GOLF is focusing the spotlight on one aspect of the Arabian revolution of change, and this relates to sports and recreation. Golf is a perfect example of how the Arab nations have embraced and adopted the sport with the United Arab Emirates leading the thrust some 30 years ago. Today, that region
of the Arab world boasts some of the finest golf courses on the Planet and it does not stop there. The region is also the headquarters to professional golf with the Dubai-based DP World Tour having absorbed the European Tour. This signals the fact that the Arab world has ambitions to become a global force in golf and in the last three years, this has manifested itself in a multi-million-dollar initiative led by Saudi Arabia, the economic powerhouse of the region. This report tracks how the baton of change and growth has been taken over by the oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it has taken off like a bat out of hell.
COVER STORY | A NEW FRONTIER
T
he Saudi Arabian golf push started in late 2018
short-lived honeymoon which crashed on the rocks once the
with the formation of a forward-looking initia-
latter announced its plans to go beyond the shores of the
tive to introduce golf to the Kingdom. The en-
desert Kingdom.
gine to drive this programme was GOLF SAUDI. Like most national organisations charged with
Like all romantic squabbles that hit bad times, the mood of acceptance turned bitter as GOLF SAUDI’s parent
growing a sport, the first steps were modest and noble with
organization, the Saudi Arabian Golf Federation gave the
programmes to get Saudi nationals to pick up the game and
green light for the nation to play a bigger and more global
to encourage golf as a sport for women and juniors.
role in golf. This came in the form of the proposed Super
GOLF SAUDI hit the international golf marketplace and
League piloted by golf legend Greg Norman. This was seen
quickly created a global interest in what it had planned on its
as a direct affront to the PGA Tour and the European Tour
books. In fact, GOLF SAUDI had its introduction to the Asia
and both organisations flew into a rage, threatening their
Pacific through the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit staged
playing members with suspensions and life-time bans. This
in New Delhi. Since its embryonic staged, this organisation
bully-posture did not seem to faze Norman and the Saudis
has expanded exponentially. It is reported that GOLF SAUDI
– they stuck to their plans and proceeded to attract top
was granted US$1 billion to roll out all its programmes. It’s
stars from both tours to play in the 2022 edition of the Saudi
first foray onto the global golf stage was the launch of Saudi
International. Guess what? The threats for suspensions and
Arabia’s first ever international professional tournament –
bans were not forthcoming and the Saudi International will
the Saudi International. It met with instant approval from
field top stars from both tours. This is a clear demonstration
the powers that be in professional golf, namely the PGA Tour
of how the Saudis are hell-bent on growing their presence on
and the European Tour, now the DP World Tour. Sanctions
the global golf stage.
were virtually automatic and big-name super stars were
To ensure that they have a platform upon which to grow
gifted rich appearance fees to play in this tournament. This
their influence and presence in global golf, GOLF SAUDI
love-story between the two tours and GOLF SAUDI had a
entered into a ten-year, US$200 million-dollar strategic
I am not only a passionate golfer, but recognise the true value the sport can deliver, across all our societies. I pledge my full commitment to focussing on how the AGF can support the game’s governing bodies, in their mission to develop the game around the world, as well as mobilising our collective resources to maximise opportunities for Arab nations in our growing participation in game’s global future.
partnership with the Asian Tour which will stage the US$5 million dollar Saudi International as its flagship tournament. This partnership will give the Saudis a vehicle to grow the professional game over a large geography and the once languishing Asian Tour looks fired up and ready to become a global force in golf – thanks to GOLF SAUDI. The big Saudi juggernaut does not stop at the Asian Tour – instead, more exciting plans are afoot as Norman gets ready to crank up his LIV Golf Investment which is powered by the giant US$500 billion-dollar Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom. This body is the driving force to fast track the development of the Kingdom in many important fields of human endeavour. Norman has assembled a crack team and given his mindset and attitude towards opening up the global professional game, expect fireworks from the Aussie who is world renowned under the moniker of the “Great White Shark”. Add to this the recent development that saw the Saudi Golf Federation take the leadership role of the Arab Golf Federation with the installation of Yasir Al-Rumayyan as the President of the Arab Golf Federation. Al-Rumayyan is the driving force behind the meteoric growth of golf in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and he orchestrated the big push
YASIR AL-RUMAYYAN AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARAB GOLF FEDERATION
COVER STORY | A NEW FRONTIER
in his capacity as the Chairman of both Golf Saudi and the
The following are excerpts from a discussion that ASIAN
Saudi Golf Federation since 2018. A Harvard Business School graduate, Al-Rumayyan is the Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and he is responsible for the multi-billion-dollar investment in sporting events forming part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s transformative economic and social reform blueprint opening up the Kingdom to the world. Commenting on his new appointment he said, “I am not only a passionate golfer, but recognise the true value the sport can deliver, across all our societies. I pledge my
GOLF conducted with him:
ASIAN GOLF: It was only in 2019 when the world got to hear about GOLF SAUDI and its ambitious plans to grow the game of golf in the Kingdom. Unlike many national golf associations where talk dominates over action, GOLF SAUDI has been able to deliver on its mission successfully. How do you look back on the progress of your initiatives? MAJED AL SOROUR:
full commitment to focussing on how the AGF can support the game’s governing bodies, in their mission to develop the game around the world, as well as mobilising our collective resources to maximise opportunities for Arab nations in our growing participation in game’s global future.”
I look back on our first couple of years at Golf Saudi with a huge amount of pride. We are bringing Saudi golfers to the golf industry and the game of golf is rapidly developing in Saudi Arabia with further plans, as part of our Vision 2030
There is a definite pattern emerging and one does not
plan. However, as part of this process and our contribution
need to read between the lines to know that the Kingdom
to the wider golf industry, it’s important that we continue
of Saudi Arabia is committed and determined to be a major
to set ourselves ambitious targets. We’ve set ourselves
force in global golf. Through Norman’s team, the Arab Golf
some important targets ahead of 2025, set out against our
Federation, the Asian Tour and GOLF SAUDI, one is looking
designated six core pillars, some example targets include:
at a formidable force that is being guided by a very clear
creating over two thousand new jobs within the golf industry,
vision and supported with lines of finance that are second
ensuring over three and a half million Saudis have actively
to none.
tried golf, create 29,000 regular golfers and welcome 5,000
As we prepare to witness exciting developments in
international golf tourists per annum.
golf powered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ASIAN GOLF reached out to the man who is in the driver’s seat of GOLF SAUDI – the CEO and Deputy Chairman of both GOLF SAUDI and the Saudi Golf Federation, Majed Al Sorour. He is also the Arab Golf Federation’s Secretary General.
ASIAN GOLF: Central to the GOLF SAUDI initiative is the focus to make golf into a mass participation sport for the population in the Kingdom. Talk to this and give us your impressions on how the general population has responded to the initiative?
MODERATOR ROBBIE GREENFIELD AND MAJED AL-SOROUR, CEO OF THE SAUDI GOLF FEDERATION
COVER STORY | A NEW FRONTIER
GOLF SAUDI PARTNERS WITH ROYAL GREENS TO INTRODUCE JUNIORS TO GOLF
A STUDENT SHOWING GOLF SWING LEARNT
MAJED: When it comes to grassroots golf, we have no bias towards age, gender or background. Significant funds have been allocated for the development of Golf Saudi’s Mass Participa-
mind, how have you been able to reach out to the people to help create a Kingdom-wide awareness for the participation initiatives? MAJED:
tion programme and in support of both our male and female National Teams. We have introduced golf to new schools with the intention of having the game added to their curriculums and we aim to have over 135,000 school participants by 2025. Also, we have rolled out a “Train the Trainer” programme, which has seen Golf Saudi PGA Professionals certify 100
Our mass participation strategy is pivotal. We have spent time understanding the local market characteristics, which comprises of a considerable majority under the age of 30 years old, to ensure our development programs are relevant and targeted to key audience segments. This is being driven
PE Teachers to teach golf to children in schools. We are
via schools’ partnerships, access to lessons and a promo-
also looking to host 700 try golf events by 2025, in order to
tional strategy that is targeted nationwide under the umbrel-
bring golf into the community in locations such as malls,
las of our various marketing campaigns, including “Ladies
parks, sporting events and concerts. As well as a ‘Golf in
First Club”, “Let It Fly” and “Power of the Game”. There
the Workplace’ strategy, which will take golf to the offices of
continues to be a distinct balance between modern and
major corporations, women’s business groups and into the
traditional developments. There are plans to look at creating
Saudi workforce.
mobile activation solutions that expose the general public to
ASIAN GOLF: Saudi Arabia is a large country and with this in
an array of iterations of the sport; putting courses, simulator golf and introductory programs such as Starting New At Golf (SNAG) to stimulate interest.
We have rolled out a “Train the Trainer” programme, which has seen Golf Saudi PGA Professionals certify 100 PE Teachers to teach golf to children in schools. We are also looking to host 700 try golf events by 2025, in order to bring golf into the community in locations such as malls, parks, sporting events and concerts. As well as a ‘Golf in the Workplace’ strategy, which will take golf to the offices of major corporations, women’s business groups and into the Saudi workforce.
COVER STORY | A NEW FRONTIER
ASIAN GOLF: What sort of facilities have you managed to put in place to encourage people to take up the game given the fact that facilities like golf courses and driving ranges are currently limited in availability? MAJED: We are looking at the type of golf course developments in consideration to what will trigger the best response amongst potential players and beginners. For example, we have plans to look at how municipal style golf is utilised to provide easy and affordable access, but also a form of the game that accommodates the vast majority’s standing as beginners. Wider landing areas, with less ardent carries, with firmer running surfaces are all being reviewed to ensure we give the game the best chance at sticking and avoid people turning away. We are also developing academies and have included training facilities across many of our initial development plans. This will include entertainment options, such as First Golf in Riyadh, an entertainment range that will be able to offer access for both current players or those who have shown an interest or an initial flair for the game.
ASIAN GOLF: How much emphasis is being placed on exposing ladies to the game of golf in Saudi Arabia? MAJED: A very large emphasis indeed. At Golf Saudi we want to inspire many women to take up the great game of golf and awaken their interest in this wonderful sport. Golf Saudi ensures women have complete access to all the golf facili-
SERG
ties. Women are free to visit any golf club just as they are
how we produced the decision to make the prize for each one
free to visit any other public facility across Saudi Arabia.
US$1 million. We wanted to send a message to our women
We have been working closely with the Ladies European
and our daughters that we are looking for equality and golf
Tour and November 2020 saw history made when the
can be a vehicle to achieve this and inspire a new generation
inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented
of Saudi superstars to one day compete against them.
by Public Investment Fund took place in the Kingdom. The tournament was a monumental moment for the country; the first women’s professional golf event. It is key for us to create a platform that attracts women from around the Kingdom to come and witness top-flight sports stars compete and to set the pace for joining the global equal-
ASIAN GOLF: Give us a sense of what is being done to promote the game of golf to juniors in the Kingdom? MAJED:
ity movement. That is why we have created in 2021, the
At Golf Saudi we see the value in supporting junior golf and
Aramco Team Series, which saw four tournaments take
helping to present the opportunity to help drive a “journey of
place in London, Sotogrande, New York and Jeddah in a
change” and to accelerate the course of transformation that
brand-new team format, with some of the best females in
Saudi Arabia is already on. This can only be done by providing
the world competing. At Golf Saudi, we believe that women
equal access to sport for the next generation. To see this cul-
should be able to compete on their own platform and that
minate with our National Team players competing on the Asian
is why we focused on the prize money for these tourna-
Tour in Thailand last month is a source of great pride. And they
ments. We felt past amounts weren’t sufficient and that is
will be returning to Singapore at the beginning of 2022.
At Golf Saudi, we believe that women should be able to compete on their own platform and that is why we focused on the prize money for these tournaments. We felt past amounts weren’t sufficient and that is how we produced the decision to make the prize for each one US$1 million. We wanted to send a message to our women and our daughters that we are looking for equality and golf can be a vehicle to achieve this and inspire a new generation of Saudi superstars to one day compete against them.
IO GARCIA AND MAJED AL SOROUR
MAJED AL SOROUR, CEO, GOLF SAUDI AND SAUDI GOLF FEDERATION WITH HIS EXCELLENCY YASIR AL RUMAYYAN, AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARAB GOLF FEDERATION
COVER STORY | A NEW FRONTIER
ASIAN GOLF: What is the reception from women and juniors to golf? MAJED: The reception from women has been great. The LET have been fantastic in seeing the value in hosting women’s golf events
ASIAN GOLF: At Golf Saudi you have already begun giving your better amateur players a taste of what it is like to play in major amateur tournaments and if so, give us some examples? MAJED:
globally and inspiring women from different backgrounds
Yes, the best example of this would be our National Team
as a result. We at Golf Saudi want to help drive a “journey of
players who have recently been in Thailand for back-to-
change” and to accelerate the course of transformation that
back Asian Tour events, as well as the 2021 Saudi Open
Saudi Arabia is already on by providing equal access to sport
which took place in Riyadh recently. Leading Saudi amateur
for the next generation. This is also the case with our juniors,
golfer Faisal Salhab was crowned champion of the sixth
both boys and girls. We have identified SNAG as a success-
edition of the Saudi Open beating other Middle Eastern
ful pathway for youngsters to gain an interest in golf. The
golfers to the trophy with an overall score of 205 (11 under
priority of our Mass Participation program is to introduce golf
par) over three rounds. Salhab also broke the course record
at a grass roots level, to non-golfing Saudi Arabian children.
at Riyadh Golf Club at the end of day two with a score of
Since its rollout across the Kingdom, the SNAG program has
66 (six under par). As a result of his performances over
become a proven learning and training system and continues
the weekend, not only was Salhab crowned winner of his
to grow under Golf Saudi’s guidance. Once these juniors prog-
amateur category but also the overall winner of the Saudi
ress, we want them to play regularly, become members of our
Open itself, beating several professional golfers. His victory
golf clubs and in time sign-up to play in our tournaments but
means that he now automatically qualifies for the 2022
making sure we have the initial touchpoints in place is vital if
Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advis-
we are to succeed in attracting more juniors to the game.
ers – a fantastic achievement.
ASIAN GOLF: GOLF SAUDI has made its Saudi International the flagship of the Asian Tour. Like GOLF SAUDI, this international tournament has grown in a very short period of time. 2022 will see the prize money jacked up to US$5 million – do you see this going up progressively over the years?
FAISAL SALHAB WINS 6TH SAUDI OPEN
MAJED:
Aramco Team Series is that competing alongside some of the
We are incredibly grateful to the tour professionals who have
global stars of the game actually increases their confidence.
supported this event in its early history and we’re proud of
They have the opportunity to share a stage and they shine.
its growth over the past three editions. Our new relation-
The same is true here. Players who might not otherwise
ship with the Asian Tour will be vital to the tournament’s
play alongside the male stars of the game are being exposed
future success, due to the importance and potential of Asia’s
to the world’s best, and I hope it has the same effect and
role in world golf. Not least due to its position as a global
inspires those players and a generation of new golfers who
economic powerhouse. This partnership will unlock many
will take the game of golf even further in years to come.
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 span borders and cultures by fostering collaboration with major tours and see this as an exciting first step on that journey.
ASIAN GOLF: How do you feel about the players confirmed for the 2022 tournament? It is arguably the strongest field assembled to date not only in terms of big-name stars but also in terms of diversity of players and countries represented. Once again, this seems to be testimony to GOLF SAUDI’s mission to promote the game as widely as possible. Your comments?
ASIAN GOLF: The ARAMCO Series looks like it has the format and appeal to grow beyond the current four-stage schedule. Do you see this growing into a larger tournament covering more cities going forward? MAJED: It’s no secret that the Aramco Team Series was always intended to feature an event in the Far East. We remain committed to delivering that and hope to announce the 2022 schedule soon. There you have it – the big Saudi Arabian led push to become the newest player on the global arena of golf. It is still early days and expect new developments to emerge at a rate that golf has never seen. As a matter of fact, as this report
MAJED:
was being prepared, Saudi Arabia’s expansion into sport saw
The 2022 edition of the Saudi International powered by Soft-
an investment of £71million to take over Arena Events Group
Bank Investment Advisers is the strongest yet, but we are
Plc. It currently provides a lot of temporary infrastructure
still only in the formative years of our vision for golf in the
for sports events around the world, including the DP World
Kingdom. As for the diversity of the field, that is testament to
Tour’s BMW Championship at Wentworth.
the strength of the global game. Some, unexpected, feedback we have received from the LET players who compete in the
Arena is now planning to relocate to the Middle East where it will be owned by a UAE and Saudi consortium.
GEORGIA HALL HITS INTO 18 DURING THE FINAL ROUND AT ROYAL GREENS GCC.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
BANZAI MATSUYAMA
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | B A N Z A I M AT S U YA M A
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA CELEBRATES AFTER WINNING THE SONY OPEN IN HONOLULU, HAWAII.
Japan’s golf icon and the only Asian to be the proud owner of Augusta National’s Green Jacket is on yet another record shattering mission. The 29-year-old Japanese superstar is well on his way to engraving his name in the annals of golf history as the greatest player of all time from Asia!
I
n January, in typical “kamikaze” style, Matsuyama swooped down on Hawaii to snatch victory at the 2022 Sony Open, his eighth career title. With this win he equalled South Korean K.J. Choi’s record of a total eight victories by an Asian golfer on the PGA TOUR. In a stunning finish in Hawaii, the reigning Masters champion rallied from five strokes back with
nine holes remaining to force a play-off and win with an eagle in the first -play-off hole. This record victory was his third top of the podium finish in nine months – he won the Masters Tournament for his first major title last April and the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP at home in October. He is now at the top spot in the latest FedExCup standings. Matsuyama is projected to move up to 10th place on the Official World Golf Ranking, the first time back amongst the top-10 since 2018.
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | B A N Z A I M AT S U YA M A
WINNING SHOT FOR THE SONY CHAMPIONSHIP IN HAWAII
MATSUYAMA AFTER WINNING THE 2021 MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP
MATSUYAMA AFTER WINNING THE ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP IN JAPAN
SPECIAL FEATURE
SAUDI INTERNATIONAL
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | S A U D I I N T E R N AT I O N A L
For all the detractors who had money riding on the demise of the fledgling Saudi International, it’s time to settle your debts. The tournament fought off all the threats and criticisms levelled against it and will ride supreme in the desert from February 3 – 6. The three-yearold international tournament returns as the flagship of the revamped and revitalised Asian Tour with a prize purse that has been jacked up to US$5 million.
ROYAL GREENS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | S A U D I I N T E R N AT I O N A L
XANDER SCHAUFFELE
SERGIO GARCIA
DUSTIN JOHNSON
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU
A
ll the bold threats of the all-powerful PGA Tour
PHIL MICKELSON
But when Golf Saudi, the driving force behind the Saudi
and its crony, the European Tour which now
International decided to grow its influence and become a
operates as the DP World Tour headquartered
major force in golf and go it alone in partnership with the
in Dubai, seems to have fizzled out. When the
Asian Tour, the poison darts started flying. Threats and
brouhaha first developed, the two big tours
mudslinging especially by the Western media about the
had warned its members of suspensions and life-time bans
Saudi International being used as a tool for “sports wash-
should they sign up to play in the Saudi International.
ing” against the reported violations of human rights by the
Actually, this whole fiasco is a paradox when viewed
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia became rampant. This is expected
against the fact that the Saudi International started off as a
from the West when the tide goes against them. Anyway, the
European Tour event back in 2019 and not a word of resis-
barriers have been brought down like the walls of Jericho
tance was heard back then.
in biblical times and the Saudi International goes forth with
History will reflect upon how developments like the Saudi International and Golf Saudi’s partnership with the Asian Tour helped see in a new era in the professional game. With the right guidance, it’ll be the sport that benefits most, with more top athletes from across a wider geographical spectrum present at the very top level and more interest from a more diverse and committed group of – CHO MINN THANT, CEO OF THE ASIAN TOUR stakeholders. an impressive field made up of some of the biggest stars
means new opportunities for many of the Asian Tour’s best
from both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Player
performers to try their luck over the Royal Greens course.
power has seemingly won the day. History will record the fact that the Asian Tour will
South Korean teenager Joohyung Kim, the leader on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, said: “The Saudi
present the strongest field in its history when it brings
International will give us a new opportunity to compete
together household names across recent generations
against the world’s best, something many Asian Tour
of the global game, as well as future stars of Asian golf,
players have never been afforded. Given the way events
to compete in what promises to grow into a truly major
and ranking points are weighted on different tours, it was
tournament and a major professional tour.
historically more challenging for players rising through
Some of the top stars who have signed on for the
the Asian Tour to find their way into the biggest events.”
Saudi International include Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio
CEO of the Asian Tour, Cho Minn Thant said: “His-
Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Olympic gold
tory will reflect upon how developments like the Saudi
medal winner Xander Schauffele.
International and Golf Saudi’s partnership with the
Mixed in with the big-name stars will be the inclusion
Asian Tour helped see in a new era in the professional
of the top 30 Asian Tour ranked players at the end of the
game. With the right guidance, it’ll be the sport that
2020/21 season.
benefits most, with more top athletes from across a
The Saudi International field will include a broad
wider geographical spectrum present at the very top
spectrum of exemption categories that will see new
level and more interest from a more diverse and com-
competitors visit Saudi Arabia for the first time. This
mitted group of stakeholders.”
The Saudi International will give us a new opportunity to compete against the world’s best, something many Asian Tour players have never been afforded. Given the way events and ranking points are weighted on different tours, it was historically more challenging for players rising through the Asian Tour to find their way – JOOHYUNG KIM into the biggest events.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
TAYLORMADE APP
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E A P P
Innovation certainly knows no boundaries at the TaylorMade Golf company. The brand, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps on going and going and going – and its latest innovation is a game changer. In fact, it is a paradigm shifter! It has launched a revolutionary digital package called the “MyTaylorMade+”. Why is it revolutionary? Simply because it has packaged everything that a golfer needs to play a better game of golf into a mind-blowing App. For ease of understanding, with this new App, TaylorMade has created its own App Store, pretty much like what Apple offers its users. Now, how cool is that!
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E A P P
T
he MyTaylorMade+ programme creates an
systems utilize GPS to help determine where you hit each
end-user App that blends hardware and
shot during your round and gather club information to create
software to produce a seamless experience
detailed statistical reports on your performance. For the benefit of ASIAN GOLF readers,
for golfers and it brings the Tour experience to the palm of your hands with personalized
here’s a deep dive into the features of the App
coaching from certified PGA Teaching Professionals and
and how it can work to help golfers improve
instruction from Tour level coaches. Beyond golf and
on and enjoy their game.
fitness instruction, the app provides data-driven insights, exclusive and early access to select products, custom fitting
The features include:
experiences, Try-Then-Buy, Tour-built equipment played by
✔
TaylorMade athletes and more.
allowing MyTaylorMade+ users to test the newest
“This application should be a tremendous asset
Try Then Buy – this is a first of its kind experience,
TaylorMade drivers before purchase. Users can build
to golfers of all skill levels and continue to build our
clubs to their specifications, ship it to their home
TaylorMade community!” said David Abeles, President of
and experience the product during a two-week trial
TaylorMade.
period before deciding to purchase the club or return it to
MyTaylorMade+ offers three subscription tiers for its
TaylorMade free of charge.
extensive premium features. Each tier unlocks more access to the App’s full
This application should be a tremendous asset to golfers of all skill levels and continue to build our TaylorMade community!
benefits. The three packages are – the free App, the Champion App and the Legend App – the latter two are available on a monthly or annual subscription basis. Central to the MyTaylorMade+ App is its shot tracking feature which can be done manually using TaylorMade’s MyRoundPro system or passively using Arccos, a shot-tracking system that TaylorMade has
– DAVID ABELES, PRESIDENT | TAYLORMADE
partnered with for the last two years. Both
MyTaylorMade+ offers three subscription tiers for its extensive premium features. Each tier unlocks more access to the App’s full benefits. The three packages are – the free App, the Champion App and the Legend App – the latter two are available on a monthly or annual subscription basis.
✔
Personalised Instructions – this is available to
Legend tier subscribers, and it will give them access to MyTaylorMadeCoach™, a virtual coaching experience which connects the user to a PGA Teaching Professional. Users will receive in depth swing analysis from their coach, a personalized roadmap to success and relevant lessons to help improve their game. After uploading videos of their swing, golfers receive corresponding analysis from their MyTaylorMadeCoach, who will provide a breakdown and rating of the user’s setup, turn, lever, path, release and more. A roadmap is then created to take the user on a journey through each swing element with a focus on one area of their swing at a time. An immediate relationship is established between golfer and their MyTaylorMadeCoach, as they work together through submitted swing videos and
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E A P P
subsequent analysis. As the golfer completes each lesson,
deliver personalized instructional content specific to the
the coach evaluates and determines when the golfer is
individual golfer’s game in the “For You” section. Drills
ready to move on to the next step of their roadmap.
are separated into five categories: Overall, Off the Tee,
✔ Scores, Statistics and Insights - Data is a constant on
Approach, Around the Green and Putting.
the PGA Tour and will be a constant for the MyTaylorMade+
✔ Fittings - Booking a custom fitting has never been
user. Under the “Play” tab, users will have access to
easier than with MyTaylorMade+. Users have access to one-
MyTaylorMadeOnCourse™ giving them GPS tracking and
on-one time to dial in their equipment with a TaylorMade
advanced statistics and analytics specific to their game
fitting expert through in-person fittings or a virtual
and their equipment. The golfer’s data will link directly
fitting. Results of the fitting are posted in the app and
to their MyTaylorMade+ account to drive personalized
users can then purchase their equipment directly through
insights, content and drills to help them improve in areas
MyTaylorMade+.
specific to their game. MyTaylorMadeOnCourse will provide users with in-depth statistics and analysis, including scoring averages, Strokes Gained, fairways hit, greens in regulation, sand saves and putts per round. As golfers track their rounds and enter scores, a MyTaylorMade+ handicap will be generated.
✔ Club Recommender - Users can also take advantage of TaylorMade’s Club Recommender by entering previous fitting data or answering a series of questions to receive immediate recommendations on which driver head and shaft are best optimized for their game. Based off those recommendations, users have the option to either
✔ Access To Golf’s Smartest Minds - Beyond just data
purchase the driver through MyTaylorMade+ or utilize the
insights, MyTaylorMade+ utilizes a vast library of drills to
Try Then Buy feature (paid subscribers only).
The MyTaylorMade+ App is a great start for all golfers. It is going to open the floodgates to more App-based programmes which will only stand to benefit golfers and it is all based on the simple premise that the more one knows about the equipment used, one can only get better at playing the game.
WATCH VIDEO
✔ Member Shop - The Champion or Legend tier unlocks access to the Member Shop, where subscribers can get their hands on limited-edition products and possibly even Tour-built equipment used by Team TaylorMade Athletes.
✔ Early Access And Exclusive Products - MyTaylorMade+ subscribers will have early access to select new products from TaylorMade, as well as exclusive products only available for purchase on MyTaylorMade+.
✔ Tour Trash - One golfer’s trash is another golfer’s treasure. Tour Trash is a unique collection of equipment that was destined to be played on Tour. Tour Trash allows a user to enter for a chance to win equipment built for and used by TaylorMade athletes. Well, the MyTaylorMade+ App is a great start for all golfers. It is going to open the floodgates to more App-based programmes which will only stand to benefit golfers and it is all based on the simple premise that the more one knows about the equipment used, one can only get better at playing the game. So, what are you waiting for – Got a smartphone, go play golf! MyTaylorMade+ is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
SPECIAL FEATURE
TIGER’S COME-BACK?
SPECIAL FEATURE | TIGER’S COME-BACK?
Well, the Year Of The Tiger has just started and the one question we keep getting asked at ASIAN GOLF by fans of the legendary Tiger Woods is this – Is Tiger Woods going to win again? It’s a tough one to answer especially since we do not even know if he plans to make a return to competition golf any time soon let alone win! Any forecast on Tiger’s comeback is going to be fraught with heaps of challenges and abuse and we just don’t want to go down that road. As far as ASIAN GOLF is concerned, we want to remember Tiger as the all time G.O.A.T. in golf – the greatest ever and the man who made golf a truly mainstream sport.
SPECIAL FEATURE | TIGER’S COME-BACK?
A
s we all ponder with bated breath the much talked about return to competitive golf by a man who has gone under the knife on countless occasions, we thought we’d share a compilation of the injuries and surgeries that Tiger has been subjected to over the years.
We do not dispute for one moment that Tiger is an exceptional athlete but
let us not forget that he is human, and Father Time is creeping up on him. He just turned 46! In this day and age when almost anything is possible through advanced medical and surgical procedures, will Tiger be able to keep on going? The question that we think should be posed is whether he wants to keep on going? To put the matter into better perspective, here’s a compilation of injuries and surgeries that we have obtained from the PGA Tour. This is what Tiger has gone through right up till his last surgical procedure after his horrific car crash last year:
1994 ✔ December 1994: Surgery on left knee to remove two benign tumours and scar tissue.
2002 ✔ Dec. 13, 2002: Surgery on left knee to remove fluid inside and outside the ACL and remove benign cysts from his left knee. Misses the season opener in 2003.
2007 ✔ August 2007: Ruptures the ACL in his left knee while running on a golf course after the British Open but is able to keep playing. Wins five of the last six tournaments he plays, including the PGA Championship for his 13th major.
2008 ✔ April 15, 2008: Two days after the Masters, has arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair cartilage damage.
✔ May 2008: Advised weeks before the U.S. Open that he has two stress fractures of the left tibia and should rest for six weeks, the first three weeks on crutches.
✔ June 24, 2008: Eight days after winning the U.S. Open, has surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee by using a tendon from his right thigh. Additional cartilage damage is repaired. Misses the rest of the season and does not return until the Match Play Championship at the end of February 2009.
✔ December 2008: Injured his Achilles tendon in his right leg as he was running while preparing to return to golf.
We do not dispute for one moment that Tiger is an exceptional athlete but let us not forget that he is human, and Father Time is creeping up on him. He just turned 46! In this day and age when almost anything is possible through advanced medical and surgical procedures, will Tiger be able to keep on going? The question that we think should be posed is whether he wants to keep on going?
SPECIAL FEATURE | TIGER’S COME-BACK?
2009
at The Barclays, complaining of a stiff neck and back that
✔ Nov. 27, 2009: Hospitalized overnight with a sore neck
he attributed to a soft bed in the hotel. By Sunday at The
and a cut lip that required five stitches when the SUV he was driving ran over a fire hydrant and into a tree.
Barclays, he dropped to his knees after one shot because of back spasms.
2010
2014
✔ May 9, 2010: Withdrew from the final round of The
✔ March 2, 2014: Withdraws after 13 holes of the final
Players Championship, citing a bulging disk. He later said it was a neck issue that caused tingling in his right side, and that it first became a problem as he began practicing harder for his return to the Masters a month earlier.
round at The Honda Classic because of lower back pain and spams, describing it as similar to what he felt at The Barclays.
✔ March 9, 2014: Plays the final 12 holes with pain in his lower back, saying it began to flare up after hitting out
2011
of the bunker from an awkward lie in the Cadillac Cham-
✔ April 10, 2011: Injures his left Achilles tendon hitting
pionship at Doral. He shoots 78, the highest score of his
from an awkward stance below Eisenhower’s Tree on the 17th at Augusta National. Withdraws from the Wells Fargo Championship.
✔ May 12, 2011: Withdraws from The Players Champion-
career in a final round.
✔ March 19, 2014: Withdraws from the Arnold Palmer Invitational because of the persistent pain in his back. He was the two-time defending champion.
ship after a 42 on the front nine. Diagnosed with an MCL
✔ March 31, 2014: Has surgery in Utah for a pinched nerve.
sprain in his left knee and in his left Achilles tendon.
✔ April 1, 2014: Announced he will miss the Masters and
He misses the next two months, including two majors, returning at the Bridgestone Invitational.
2012 ✔ March 11, 2012: Feels tightness in his left Achilles tendon and withdraws after 11 holes of the final round in the Cadillac Championship at Doral. He wins in his
not return to golf until the summer.
2015 ✔ Sept. 18, 2015: Underwent a second micro-discectomy surgery two days earlier to remove a disc fragment that was pinching his nerve.
✔ October 2015: Woods has a procedure to “relieve dis-
next start at Bay Hill, his first PGA Tour victory since
comfort” in his back and sets no timetable for his return
the scandal in his personal life.
to the PGA Tour.
✔ Aug. 24, 2012: Moves stiffly during the second round of The Barclays and later says he felt pain in his lower back, which he attributed to a soft mattress in his hotel room.
2013 ✔ June 13, 2013: Is seen shaking his left arm during the opening round of the U.S. Open. He later says it’s a left elbow strain that he injured while winning The Players Championship a month earlier. He misses two tournaments and returns at the British Open.
✔ Aug. 11, 2013: Said he felt tightness in his back during the final round of the PGA Championship.
✔ Aug. 21, 2013: Two weeks after the PGA Championship, he only chips and putts on the back nine of the pro-am
2017 ✔ April 20, 2017: Woods undergoes a fourth back surgery. The spinal fusion, labelled “a success” was to alleviate pain he had been experiencing in his back and leg.
2019 ✔ March 4, 2019: Woods withdraws from the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a neck strain.
2021 ✔ February 23, 2021: Multiple surgeries to his leg due to a horrific car crash. So, what do you reckon? Will Tiger ever make a winning comeback to the highest level of the game? We will leave the final decision up to you!
Tiger Woods suffered gruesome injuries in car crash forcing surgeons to piece his left leg back together using rods and screws
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SPECIAL FEATURE
TAYLORMADE’S STEALTH
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E ’ S S T E A LT H
It must be a fun and enlightening experience to sit in and play the role of fly-on-the-wall during the evolution stage of a new golf product. Imagine the different disciplines that are brought together to discuss, review, argue and bang tables before arriving at a consensus agreement on the best suited
name for a new product. It is an essential exercise because success of a new product oftentimes hinges on the choice of a good name – to be more precise, the right name! The new product that ASIAN GOLF is featuring in this issue comes from TaylorMade Golf and we are told that after many rounds
of late nights closeted in a conference room in Carlsbad, home to TaylorMade, gallons of coffee, sandwiches and cookies, the team had that inevitable Eureka moment! The new name was selected and there was unanimity amongst everyone – universal agreement. A new name was born – the CARBONWOOD
AGE! We don’t know if it is rooted in the five ages of Man - the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, the Age of Heroes, and the present, the Iron Age. But, for the sake of this feature, let’s include the Carbonwood Age as the sixth phase and we think that the ancient Greek masters would approve of this!
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E ’ S S T E A LT H
t’s simply incredible what inventors, designers
It was a twenty-year odyssey of working on a new
and engineers can do these days to squeeze the
material platform that was subjected to rigorous tests to
optimum out of materials to boost performance.
finally produce what the company wanted. The two-decade
This is especially so with golf clubs where given the
long experimentation has finally resulted in the creation of
size of club heads and the associated limitations
the “Carbonwood” age – a quantum leap from the age of
that come with it, it is amazing how these smart guys who
titanium which has been the predominant material used in
work in the design labs can push and push and push to eke
golf club heads and faces.
out materials that don’t add weight to size. Instead, they are
After being given a test run with its brand ambassadors,
able to reduce the weight of material used to increase vital
including the legend himself, Tiger Woods, the carbonwood
qualities like speed to its maximum. This is precisely what
clubs received the thumbs up as the club to beat! In the
the engineers at TaylorMade Golf have done with the brand’s
trials, the Stealth delivered a stunning ball speed increase
latest “killer” product – the STEALTH family of drivers,
which unlocked a whole new level of driver performance.
woods and hybrids.
The show-stealer of the Stealth range is without doubt
We realized titanium faces could only take us so far and carbon would be the face material of the future. This breakthrough design of a lightweight carbon face in Stealth, has created a whole new starting line, a new era of drivers, a new threshold of performance and a new platform for – BRIAN BAZZEL, TAYLORMADE’S VICE PRESIDENT more innovation.
PRODUCT CREATION
the new driver. It picks up from where the highly successful
“In the mid-2000’s, our research team developed an
SIM line left off and given the track record of that family of
understanding that the weight of the face can affect impact
drivers, woods and hybrids, it is not an easy act to follow.
efficiency, more specifically, the lighter the face, the more
However, given the fact that Stealth is not just a game
efficient the impact and the better the ball speed,” according
changer but a paradigm shifter, setting new records is not
to TaylorMade’s whiz-kid Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s
going to be a problem for the new arrival at TaylorMade.
Vice President Product Creation. “We realized titanium
The TaylorMade Stealth driver comes in three models
faces could only take us so far and carbon would be the
- the Stealth, Stealth Plus, and Stealth HD. These drivers
face material of the future. This breakthrough design of
feature a unique carbon fibre face which TaylorMade
a lightweight carbon face in Stealth, has created a whole
engineers have tagged as the new “60X Carbon Twist Face”.
new starting line, a new era of drivers, a new threshold of
What the heck is this, you may ask and quite rightly so. It
performance and a new platform for more innovation.” Now,
is brand new technology which needs some enlightenment
we trust that you understand why we have referred to the use
– in a break from the normal titanium face, TaylorMade
of “carbonwood” as a paradigm shifter.
engineers have introduced 60 layers of strategically arranged
Departing from tech-talk, what golfers need to
carbon fibre sheets, fused it together to form a revolutionary
understand is that with the 60 layers of carbon, TaylorMade
new club face designed to deliver epic ball speed!
has made a huge breakthrough to be the first in the industry
After being given a test run with its brand ambassadors, including the legend himself, Tiger Woods, the carbonwood clubs received the thumbs up as the club to beat! In the trials, the Stealth delivered a stunning ball speed increase which unlocked a whole new level of driver performance.
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E ’ S S T E A LT H
to offer a thinner, lighter, larger face that features a higher
Before we do a deep dive on the Stealth
COR (coefficient of restitution) and improved face geometry.
drivers, ASIAN GOLF would like to share with
Put simply, the carbonwood material, which is substantially
our readers a bit of inside information. Back in 2012, we
lighter than the traditional titanium face, gives the
received a sexy driver from TaylorMade, but it did not carry
Stealth driver substantially lighter specifications than the
the familiar brand markings. Instead, it was described to
TaylorMade SIM2. How much lighter you ask? Well, would
us as the “Gloire Reserve” that was only available in Japan.
you believe it is 40 percent lighter than a titanium face of the
The head featured composite materials and it was in fact the
same size - the carbon face is just 26 grams. Need we say
early prototype for today’s Stealth drivers.
more!
Alright, back to the Stealth drivers - the nanotexture
The technological innovation of our nanotexture technology brings the entire face together and was a key to making this driver a reality. Without this revolutionary cover design, we could not have achieved the launch and spin performance required to extract the optimal performance in dry as well as wet conditions. Once we added the nanotexture technology to the grooves, we were able to unlock the full performance of a carbon face. – TOMO BYSTEDT, SENIOR DIRECTOR PRODUCT CREATION, CARBONWOOD DRIVERS
face cover is made from a thin polyurethane layer that
asymmetric Inertia Generator creates advanced
creates a strong and flexible striking surface which serves
aerodynamics at the most critical phase of the swing – from
to optimize distance based on improving launch conditions
the downswing to the moment right before impact. This
in both dry and wet conditions. This revolutionary technology
breakthrough design optimizes clubhead speed, while also
creates the face texture needed to produce the ideal amount
allowing additional weight to be placed at the rear of the
of friction between the face and the ball at impact to reduce
club to encourage higher MOI, high launch and improved
spin at impact in dry conditions. The nanotexture face also
forgiveness.
features full-face scorelines designed to provide improved
Sound plays a critical role in driver selection and
spin performance in wet conditions. The combination of
TaylorMade has not overlooked this aspect with the Stealth
the nanotexture cover, Twist Face® and TaylorMade’s
drivers. Based on experience with older carbon headed clubs
ultra-flexible Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ was engineered to
in the marketplace, one might expect the Stealth family of
produce forgiveness on strikes across the face. “The technological innovation of our nanotexture
drivers to suffer from a muted and low-energy sound profile. However, through fine-tuned acoustic precision, engineers
technology brings the entire face together and was a key
have been able to create a bright and powerful sound and
to making this driver a reality,” said Tomo Bystedt, Senior
feel profile that is true to the high standards of TaylorMade
Director Product Creation, Carbonwood Drivers. “Without
drivers through recent years. The sound and feel of Stealth
this revolutionary cover design, we could not have achieved
has had an even better average sentiment rating in player
the launch and spin performance required to extract the
testing compared to SIM2 and Tour player feedback has been
optimal performance in dry as well as wet conditions. Once
overwhelmingly positive.
we added the nanotexture technology to the grooves, we
So, what has TaylorMade got to offer after going
were able to unlock the full performance of a carbon face.”
through the two-decade long process of seeking out a real
The Stealth driver is shaped for speed and despite
game-changer technology? Let’s do a product-by-product
a larger face, clubhead speed does not decline. The
appraisal.
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | TAY L O R M A D E ’ S S T E A LT H
✔ FIRST ON DECK IS THE STEALTH PLUS: Because of weight savings from the 60X Carbon Twist Face, engineers were able to incorporate the use of a 10g sliding weight track designed to help golfers control shot shape by shifting mass on the sole to create desired ball flight. Stealth Plus is designed to be the lowest spinning driver in the family.
✔ STEALTH IS THE NEXT MODEL: Stealth benefits from the weight savings of the 60x Carbon Twist Face by more weight to be positioned low and deep in the head. This adds 15% more MOI when compared to
STEALTH PLUS STEALTH
Stealth Plus and is designed to provide 200300 rpms more spin.
✔ THE STEALTH HD: Often, standard draw bias designs promote a right-to-left ball flight at the expense of forgiveness. By utilizing the weight savings from the 60X Carbon Twist Face and shifting the Inertia Generator closer to the heel, we’re able to maintain draw-bias while creating the highest MOI in the Stealth family of drivers. While providing additional draw-bias, the Stealth HD will have similar back-spin performance to Stealth.
✔ FINALLY, THE STEALTH WOMEN’S TaylorMade has not forgotten women golfers. The Stealth Women’s driver combines the technology of Stealth HD in a slightly lighter head weight and with a unique colourway and aesthetic. It maintains the high MOI head design for easy, high-launch with a touch of draw.
STEALTH HD
The Stealth driver is shaped for speed and despite a larger face, clubhead speed does not decline. The asymmetric Inertia Generator creates advanced aerodynamics at the most critical phase of the swing – from the downswing to the moment right before impact. This breakthrough design optimizes clubhead speed, while also allowing additional weight to be placed at the rear of the club to encourage higher MOI, high launch and improved forgiveness. STEALTH WOMEN
As a wrap, this special offering should appeal to golfers. In the Stealth Plus model, golfers can choose from various options to create a driver look and feel to match their personal style. The stand-out offering is the face colour which offers six colour options - red, green, yellow, blue, orange, and grey. Our parting words on the Stealth drivers, woods and hybrids – if you are seriously looking at better all round performance, the time to make the change is now. You simply can’t go wrong with Stealth technology in your golf bag!
SPECIAL FEATURE
LPGA MONEY SPINNERS
SPECIAL FEATURE | LPGA MONEY SPINNERS
JIN YOUNG KO NELLY KORDA YUKA SASO
It simply had to happen. For too long, there has been a huge disparity between the cash pay-outs to the guys and the gals who ply their respective games on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. Finally, it looks like things are on the mend big time. ASIAN GOLF has always felt that the women who play professionally are not given a fair shake but that all now seems to be changing. The cogs for the change have been set in motion and leading the drive for big bucks for the gals is the United States Golf Association (USGA), the owner of the US Women’s Open.
SPECIAL FEATURE | LPGA MONEY SPINNERS
I
n one bold move, the pleas of women professional golfers have been heard and answered. The man who undoubtedly is the driving force
The USGA said it plans to increase the women’s purse to $US12 million over the next five years. The boost is part of a new partnership between the USGA and ProMedica, a
behind the change at the US Women’s Open is the
healthcare organisation that will become the event sponsor.
USGA’s newly appointed CEO, the dynamic and char-
Commenting on this big push forward, Whan said, “This
ismatic Mike Whan. This was the same individual who picked
partnership allows us to substantially grow the champion-
up the LPGA by the scruff of its neck some years ago, gave
ship in every way, from its purpose, to its purse, to the places
it a much-needed shot in the arm, and built it into a force to
that host the event.”
be reckoned with in women’s sports. Like what he did for the
Meanwhile, in keeping with this big push upwards,
LPGA, Whan has stepped up to the plate and hit it right out
the LPGA Tour is reaping the benefits. Prize money for the
of the park!
2022 season is closing in on US$90 million, with 15 players
In a historic move, the new boss man at the USGA has
earning US$1 million or more during last season’s 72nd
increased the purse for the US Women’s Open to $US10
edition. A decade ago, only eight achieved that feat during
million, almost double what it was before. The purse for
the season.
the 2021 event, won by Yuka Saso of the Philippines, was $US5.5 million. The prize pool is now nearly on par with the men’s US Open, which totalled $US12.5 million in 2021.
The largest first-place check was US$1.5 million for the CME Group Tour Championship in November of 2021 which was claimed by South Korea’s Jin Young Ko. For 2022, this prize will increase by another US$500,000 to US$2 million
The USGA said it plans to increase the women’s purse to $US12 million over the next five years. The boost is part of a new partnership between the USGA and ProMedica, a healthcare organisation that will become the event sponsor. This partnership allows us to substantially grow the championship in every way, from its purpose, to its purse, to the places that host the event. – MIKE WHAN, CEO USGA
Year came in sixth. The LPGA’s superstar raked in US$7.5 million in 2021. Three spots back from Ko was America’s Nelly Korda who bagged the ninth spot with US$5.9 million in earnings for 2021. Ko enjoyed yet another superb year on the LPGA Tour, for a total of US$7 million in prize money - US$2 million
securing the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship
more than in 2021.
in November and claiming US$1.5 million and LPGA Player
The first major of 2022, the Chevron Championship, will
of the Year honours in the process. Although she lost her
pay out US$1.9 million more than the 2021 event, with the
world number one ranking to Korda, the South Korean did
purse hitting US$5 million.
also pick up five LPGA Tournament wins in five months.
Five years ago, only 15 LPGA Tour events had a purse
According to Forbes, the top-10 ‘Highest-Paid Female
of US$2 million or more - now there’s 19. In the same year,
Athletes’ for 2021 earned a combined US$167 million before
the five majors had a total purse of US$18.7 million. Now,
taxes in 2021. Forbes’ estimates, that’s a 23% increase over
it reaches US$26.3 million. All this marks an awakening to
2020 and a 16% jump from the previous record of US$143.3
women’s sports as an undervalued asset.
million, set in 2013.
The women of the LPGA deserve the jacked-up purses
Unsurprisingly, half of the list was filled with female
and the beefed-up prize monies. And not only do they
tennis stars, with Japan’s Naomi Osaka (US$57.3 million),
deserve the rewards, but the top stars of the LPGA are also
Serena (US$45.9 million) and Venus Williams (US$11.3
now amongst the highest paid women in sports.
million) and Spain’s Garbine Mugurzura (US$8.8 million)
The American business magazine, FORBES has released its Top Ten Highest Paid Female Athletes for 2021 and two golfers have made the grade. South Korea’s Jin Young Ko, the LPGA’s Player of the
occupying four of the top five places. Whatever the case, it’s time to celebrate the achievement of women professional golfers and may they continue to roar in the Year of the Tiger!
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SPECIAL FEATURE
WUNDERKIND
SPECIAL FEATURE | WUNDERKIND
Ever since Tiger Woods broke onto the global golf scene, he has been a tremendous source of inspiration, motivation and dreams for moms and dads with kids blessed with special skills in playing the game of golf. To these moms and dads, they looked upon their wards, young tots, micro-boppers and teeny boppers as the next Tiger Woods. More often than not, hopes have been dashed and dreams have been shattered but at least both parents and would-be proteges alike enjoyed their adventure together – we hope! In Asia, we have seen the rise of a youngster from Japan, a kid with rock-star looks go on to develop into one of Japan’s top golfers. That young man was Ryo Ishikawa who became the youngest winner ever of a men’s regular tournament on the Japan Golf Tour at the age 15 years and 8 months. He competed as an amateur and it was his first tour appearance. He finished one shot ahead of Japan’s 9th top ranked player at the time, Katsumasa Miyamoto. The highest ranked player on the Official World Golf Ranking who took part in the event was Toru Taniguchi who finished T13, 6 shots shy of Ishikawa. More recently, a young talent began to stir in Thailand - Atthaya Thitikul became the youngest golfer ever to win a professional golf tournament aged 14 years, 4 months and 19 days after winning the Ladies European Thailand Championship as an amateur on 9 July 2017. She was the number one ranked women’s amateur golfer in the world for a total of 12 weeks, rising to the top on two occasions, the first time on 26 June 2019. She finished off 2021 as the winner of the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year, all at the age of 18 years. Asia has a record of producing prodigious young talent who have proved their mettle on the world stage and this trend will continue and get more pronounced in the years ahead. Looking at the future, there is a new star rising and based on achievements so far, golf may be looking at a talent that has what it takes to match the great Tiger Woods. This is not facetious talk! The talent is also from Thailand, and he is just 14-years old and a trailblazer like nothing we have seen before!
SPECIAL FEATURE | WUNDERKIND
I
t’s time to introduce Thailand’s teenage superstar
To get a real sense of what makes this teenager tick,
Ratchanon Chantananuwat. It’s time for the young
ASIAN GOLF reached out to Leonard Wee, a keen golfer
amateur to say “Hello” to the world! ASIAN GOLF
and arguably the greatest admirer of the young champion
has had its sight fixed on this kid for the past
whom he calls “TK”. Wee who lives in Bangkok, accepted
three years as he dominated tournaments
the invitation to write about his young hero and this is his
both within Thailand and in various international junior tournaments. His wins were just not routine, run-of-the-
report: I had the honour of meeting TK, in 2015 when he was
mill victories – in most cases, he would top the bill by
just 8 years old. He was playing at a US Kids tournament
absolutely decimating the field. That’s how good he is and
in Johor Baru in Malaysia in the 7–8-year-old category
there is no better time than now to shout out to the world
and he whipped the entire field to win by an astounding 22
that Ratchanon Chantananuwat is on his way to bigger
shots ahead of second place. This was when I experienced
and better things to come!
an AHA moment – a moment that told me that I was in
Last year, TK played in 11 professional events in Thailand and on the Asian Tour and only missed the cut once – this was most definitely a record at least for someone his age! Making cuts is not what TK is about – he is about winning and pitted against older players and professionals, he has come close to winning on a several occasions. In his first professional tournament outside of Thailand, TK finished solo 3rd in the Asian Tour’s inaugural Singapore International and to his credit, he was one of only three players who were under par in a field of 122. He was the star amateur!
the presence of a hallowed emerging talent that was destined for great things ahead. TK was born in 2007 to Thai- Chinese parents who were made to wait 13 years after they got married to be successful in their bid for a child. And the wait proved to be the miracle they always dreamt of. TK’s parents are avid golfers and he followed in their footsteps by taking up the game at age 3. By the time he turned 4, the spunky kid had his first hole-in-one from 75 yards and that was just the first of nine that he would have sunk at the time of writing. When we first met, he was already winning every tournament he played by decent margins, and it became apparent that we were witness to the making of a future star. With 300 plus prized trophies in storage, including several Junior World and US Kids Championships from USA, TK’s father registered the budding phenom to play out of his age group, and his winning streak continued unabated. TK’s moment of reckoning came when he was invited to play at the Singha Pattaya Open, a professional tournament. He was aged 13 years and 5 months old – it was his first foray into the professional
SPECIAL FEATURE | WUNDERKIND
game, and he made the cut and finished tied 36. Being the sort of kid that he is, he used this as a learning experience. He was fired up by this performance and as though seeking vengeance, he headed out to play the Faldo Series Championships in Arizona shortly thereafter where he played against 16-year-olds, and he came off the winner by a staggering 9 strokes. Last year, TK played in 11 professional events in Thailand and on the Asian Tour and only missed the cut once – this was most definitely a record at least for someone his age! Making cuts is not what TK is about – he is about winning and pitted against older players and professionals, he has come close to winning on a several occasions. In his first professional tournament outside of Thailand, TK finished solo 3rd in the Asian Tour’s inaugural Singapore International and to his credit, he was one of only three players who were under par in a field of 122. He was the star amateur! As he continues to make strides towards international success in golf, friends often ask me, how is this boy so talented? As one of his coaches, Pro Ahmad says, the secret to TK’s success is hard work and more hard work. Apart from his superior golf ability, off the course, he is like any other 14-year-old boy, who has school as his number one priority and plans to go to college in the USA while playing top-level college golf before starting his professional golf career. He is a joker, a prankster and a fun-loving teenager in school. He is also one of the smartest kids I’ve met in my life, and I don’t dish out compliments easily. The difference between TK and the
Apart from his superior golf ability, off the course, he is like any other 14-year-old boy, who has school as his number one priority and plans to go to college in the USA while playing top-level college golf before starting his professional golf career. He is a joker, a prankster and a fun-loving teenager in school. He is also one of the smartest kids I’ve met in my life, and I don’t dish out compliments easily. The difference between TK and the typical teenager is what he does after school, every single day.
RATCHANON CHANTANANUWAT AND LEONARD WEE
typical teenager is what he does after school, every single day. His typical school day starts with him waking at 5:30am
This is the life of this 14-year-old we see on TV, sauntering around in his handsome golf outfits which he
to prepare for school. His dad then picks him up at about
carefully selects and matches with much pride for every
1.30pm from Shrewsbury International School, where TK is
single tournament he plays. While the other teenagers are
a year-10 student. From there, they head to the golf course
out at cafes, malls and bowling alleys or the movies, TK is
where he practices and usually munches his lunch on the
toiling and sweating under the sun, perfecting his craft to his
45min drive. Then, the daily regimen of practice begins with
dad’s and coach’s satisfaction.
his dad, who is also his coach, caddie and overall best friend.
I am very fortunate to have met TK and his family and
He hit balls at the range from 3:00pm till 6:00pm, followed by
to be able to follow his progress so closely. I am greatly
chips and putts till the lights come on after dark. Depending
humbled and deeply excited for what will come next. TK has
on what he was working on in his game, he may finish at
also been very blessed to have a wonderful team around him
8:00pm and then head for a run or a swim only to have dinner
to support him and I hope this will continue, beyond multiple
and homework in the car on the way back home. Most times,
major wins in his bright future ahead. On behalf of his
when he reaches home, the exhausted TK is fast asleep in
support group and family, I would like to thank all his fans,
the back seat of the family van. This is TK’s daily routine.
mentors, teachers, coaches and anyone who has said a kind
You may not believe it, but TK rarely gets to play a round
word or given him any moral support. The road ahead for TK
of golf for fun, in fact in the 7 years that I have known him,
is a long but hopeful one and I would like everyone to join me
I’ve only played with him on five occasions, but don’t ask
in wishing TK a wonderful journey towards his ultimate goal
him about our last match-play we had in Florida in 2017, he
- a major winner and to be the best golfer in the world.
is still sore he lost it on the last hole with a hole-out eagle from me.
If you want to know more about TK, you can write to me at leonardshwee@gmail.com