Asian Golf Issue 256 : March 2022 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

ISSUE

256

MARCH 2022

Over the years, Malaysian-owned MST Golf has continuously set new standards for golf retail in the region with its plush, spacious super stores. Now, it has expanded into a whole new dimension by throwing open its doors to the sprawling MST Golf Arena located at The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

14 EQUIPMENT FOCUS

SPIDER POWER GROWS! TaylorMade has launched the Spider GT family that features four new additions to the acclaimed Spider franchise. The four models set a new standard of performance and contemporary construction, headlined by a Spider GT with its modern wing design and ultra-lightweight top plate.

LOOKING FOR DISTANCE FROM IRONS – LOOK NO FURTHER! At its launch, PING described the new i525 irons as being able to provide “signiﬁcant distance gains combined with improved feel and sound in a players-distance model.”

AUGUSTA – HERE COMES ZENG!

XREAD MORE

Kyi Hla Han – a name synonymous with professional golf in Asia and the 27-year-old Asian Tour. Born in 1961. A legend gone at age 61.

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER

IT’S TIME TO BUST THE FAKERS!

The golf industry has not been spared of being challenged by counterfeit products. This is a problem that has been a thorn in the side of golf equipment manufacturers for years. The scourge of fake products comes predominantly from China where counterfeiters unashamedly steal designs of golf clubs and accessories and roll out look fakes from makeshift assembly lines. Sold at bargain basement prices, many a golfer has been duped into plonking down cash to purchase these fakes. Fortunately for the equipment industry, leading brands have come together to police this problem right at the source – the top brands have banded together to form the U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group which has been successful in busting up counterfeiting rings in China. Although fakes are still being produced, the problem is pretty much curtailed and it the combined resolve of an industry to go after the crooks and bring them to justice.

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 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.

More grooves, more control.

| P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071 | GD422

A POWERFUL FEELING Introducing the i525, a players-distance iron that puts you in complete control. More ball speed means higher-launching, longer shots that land softly and closer to the hole. More grooves mean more consistency throughout the set. It all adds up to a lot more fun. More speed, more distance.

SHARED THOUGHTS

FROM THE PUBLISHER

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

The golf industry has not been spared of being challenged by counterfeit products. This is a problem that has been a thorn in the side of golf equipment manufacturers for years. The scourge of fake products comes predominantly from China where counterfeiters unashamedly steal designs of golf clubs and accessories and roll out fakes from makeshift assembly lines. Sold at bargain basement prices, many a golfer has been duped into plonking down cash to purchase these fakes. Fortunately for the equipment industry, leading brands have come together to police this problem right at the source – the top brands have banded together to form the U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group which has been successful in busting up counterfeiting rings in China. Although fakes are still being produced, the problem is pretty much curtailed with the combined resolve of an industry to go after the crooks and bring them to justice.

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

hile the golf equipment manufacturers

nance of the various types of hybrid grass species that are

have acted to crack the problem, the

used on golf courses.

same can’t be said for another part of the

It must be appreciated that the amount of fertilisers

golf industry. The golf course industry

used on Asian golf courses is substantial and it is vitally

which is a multi-million-dollar business

important that proper fertilisers are used to care for the

in Asia and it is now the target for counterfeit products. How

turf. It must also be noted that millions of dollars have been

so you may ask? Unscrupulous suppliers of fertiliser and

invested in the turf that goes to cover golf courses and there-

pesticides have seized the opportunity to sneak in with fake

fore the care of this investment is a critical consideration for

products and golf course owners are known to be using

golf course owners and operators.

these fakes to fertilise the turf on their courses and to ﬁght

It is an acknowledged fact that fake fertilisers and

off pests. Whether this is being done knowingly or unknow-

pesticides are not the product of intense research and

ingly is not the issue.

development undertaken by the genuine suppliers of ap-

The problem at hand is that millions of dollars’ worth of

proved agronomy products for the golf course industry. The

golf course turf is being exposed and risked through the use

counterfeits are the products of ﬂy-by-night operators who

of counterfeit products that are not suited for the mainte-

are in it to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, there is a price to be paid by those golf courses that engage with these

The time has come for the golf course industry to band together to form an organisation with legitimate suppliers of fertilisers and pesticides to police this problem before it gets out of hand. “These fakers are thugs who don’t give a damn about the golf courses – their only intent is to make a fast buck through the sale of their counterfeit products,” exclaimed a supplier of bona ﬁde products.

irresponsible suppliers because there is always a telling effect on the quality of the turf due to the lack of proper nutrients necessary for good plant life. The big blow to a golf course owner or operator comes when the turf goes bad, and golfers start to complain and avoid playing on a poorly maintained course. The cost to ﬁx the problem becomes a major issue not to mention the temporary closure of the course and the subsequent loss of revenue to the golf club. Fake fertilisers and pesticides are creeping into the golf course industry in Asia, and this is happening because of

fakes being offered at a lower price than the original products. Besides the low-price tag, the lack of proper control in purchasing practices and quality control at the golf course level, fakes duck and get through the door. ASIAN GOLF spoke to an informed source who requested to remain anonymous, and he said, “In many cases, there is no government control or supervision on the import or distribution of pesticides and fertilizers. We are obliged to deal with small pesticide and fertilizer outlets who obtain the fake products from many factories that produce counterfeit pesticides and fertilizers which carry the name of famous companies with the same packaging design, to deceive golf courses.” He explained that golf course owners and operators should be informed that upon analysing the components used in these fertilisers and pesticides, they were found to

to this racket. It is our contention that there is just too much capital invested in golf courses in the region to permit counterfeiters to ﬂood the market with their fake products. The time has come for the golf course industry to band

contain dangerous toxic chemicals that is not good for the

together to form an organisation with legitimate suppliers

turf and oftentimes increases the salinity of the soil.

of fertilisers and pesticides to police this problem before it

“The owners of these factories make huge proﬁts be-

gets out of hand. “These fakers are thugs who don’t give a

cause they use very cheap materials to produce these pesti-

damn about the golf courses – their only intent is to make

cides and fertilizers, and then sell them at expensive prices,

a fast buck through the sale of their counterfeit products,”

and that’s how the business goes,” the source explained.

exclaimed a supplier of bona ﬁde products.

ASIAN GOLF is spotlighting this problem because if left unchecked, numerous golf courses are going to fall victim

The time for action against the counterfeiters is NOW. Act before it bis too late!

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.

COVER STORY

MST GOLF ARENA

COVER STORY | MST GOLF ARENA

It’s always fascinating to look into the evolution of a business – to go back in time and check out a corporation’s progress from its embryonic state to its current standing. One such company that qualiﬁes for this deep dive is based in Malaysia. It was started by two visionary guys who were childhood friends who knew nothing about golf. As with all visions, they decided to plunge into the golf trade back in 1992 and the kick-off started with a container load of assorted golf clubs purchased at an auction in the United States (it’s a fascinating story in itself) but for this special focus, the emphasis is going to be on evolution and evolution is what has been central with this business. The corporation is MST GOLF, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia and the two founders have been prime movers in leading the thrust to create MST into a ubiquitous presence in golf in the region. The founders, Ng Yap and KP Low are driven by a business DNA that is constantly changing and growing. Their zest to be the best in their ﬁeld of business has once again manifested itself in the birth of their latest venture – a multi-million-dollar investment. They call it the MST Golf Arena, said to be Southeast Asia’s biggest indoor golf facility – a spectacular sight to behold! ASIAN GOLF reached out to this dynamic duo for an insight into their latest dream project, and now presents a special report by Edward Chan.

COVER STORY | MST GOLF ARENA

ver the years, MST Golf has continuously

been brisk with a wide clientele ranging from young golfers

set new standards for golf retail in the

to families. Many wind up spending hours here as it’s just a

region with its plush, spacious super

great place to hang out at and have fun.”

stores. Now, it has expanded into a whole new dimension by throwing open its doors

As strong believers in its corporate mantra of letting the lifestyle experience drive golf, the Golf Arena has three

to the sprawling MST Golf Arena located at The Gardens

food and beverage outlets – the White Tee Restaurant and

Mall, Mid Valley City, in the heart of the Malaysian capital of

Cafe, Blue Tee Sports Bar and Red Tee Champagne Bar.

Kuala Lumpur.

Expertly curated by Golf Arena’s culinary team, the food is

The sheer size and stylish ambience of this stunning facility will literally take your breath away. It covers an expanse of 40,000 square feet of leisure, food and beverage

excellent and is complemented by a wide range of beverages including top-class coffee and quality tap beers. One of Golf Arena’s signature dishes is the Arena

and golf – a one-of-a-kind experience! Since its opening

Burger which is a house favourite - it’s a succulent, huge

in January, this facility has proved to be a huge hit with its

meaty patty stacked in a well-grilled bun and glazed with

never-before-seen mix of wining, dining, state-of-the-art

mouth-watering toppings and fries. Another must-try

golf simulators and more.

item on the menu is the Charleston Chili, a true culinary

“MST Golf Arena is much more than an indoor golf facility … it’s a full leisure experience where golfers and non-

masterpiece. Nothing has been spared to ensure customers have a

golfers alike can enjoy excellent food, have a few drinks

gastronomic experience like none other and adding to this

and, if you feel like it, play some golf”, said MST Golf’s Chief

are dishes like the Seafood Platter, Fisherman’s Catch and

Executive Ofﬁcer, Ng Yap. “Since we opened, business has

– for something with a local twist – the Oxtail Asam Pedas.

MST GOLF ARENA LINK TO SUPER STORE

MST GOLF ARENA OFFICIAL LAUNCH ON FEBRUARY 10, 2022 – (L TO R) ANTHONY PATRICK BARRAGRY (CEO, IGB REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST), DATUK SERI ROBERT TAN (GROUP CEO, IGB BERHAD), NG YAP (CEO, MST GOLF), KP LOW (MANAGING DIRECTOR, MST GOLF)

MST Golf Arena is much more than an indoor golf facility … it’s a full leisure experience where golfers and non-golfers alike can enjoy excellent food, have a few drinks and, if you feel like it, play some golf. Since we opened, business has been brisk with a wide clientele ranging from young golfers to families. Many wind up spending hours here as it’s just a great place to hang out at and have – NG YAP, MST GOLF’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER fun.

COVER STORY | MST GOLF ARENA

The Blue Tee Sports Bar rivals any top bar in the city of Kuala Lumpur with its relaxed setting and wide range of beers, wines and liquors. The outlet also shows selected ‘live’ sports such as English Premier League matches. “More and more people are discovering that this is also a place where you can have a nice meal and enjoy time out with family and friends. Golf is just part of the whole Golf Arena experience,” said MST Golf Arena General Manager Doris Marchardt. Besides the food, the big draw is golf, which is highlighted by Golf Arena’s 20 tech bays, powered by Foresight Sports’ state-of-the-art GCHawk launch monitors which provide one of the best golf simulator experiences available today. In an air-conditioned setting, customers can elect to play some of the world’s top golf courses including Pebble Beach and St Andrews, work on perfecting their swings, or play one of the many carnival-style games. Customers are permitted to bring their own golf sets, and each rented bay comes with a full golf set. The bay rental rates are hourly and vary according to time. Putting skills can also be put to the test at a 20-metre contoured putting green featuring Malaysia’s ﬁrst ever Puttview system. For football fans, the versatility of the GCHawk’s multisport function, allows customers to indulge at simulated football challenges also!

MST GOLF ARENA REGISTRATION COUNTER

More and more people are discovering that this is also a place where you can have a nice meal and enjoy time out with family and friends. Golf is just part of the whole Golf Arena experience. – DORIS MARCHARDT, MST GOLF ARENA GENERAL MANAGER

COVER STORY | MST GOLF ARENA

For customers who seek an exclusive and cosy setting, there are four fully fitted private suites which are perfect for private parties and other occasions. Besides all the fun and food aspects of the Golf Arena, shopping for golf gear is another highlight where the latest products from leading golf and athleisure brands are available, as well as a fully equipped club custom fitting centre and state-of-the-art academy. “MST Golf Arena and the adjoining MST Super Store collectively provide a true, whole-in-one experience,” said KP Low, MST Golf’s Managing Director. “You can shop around first and then have a bite plus play some golf, or vice versa – either way, it’s a great experience for golfers,” Low added. For the uninitiated, the Golf Arena lays bare everything good about the game of golf and its social attributes. “For newcomers to the game, MST Golf Arena is the perfect place for a first experience with friends in a casual atmosphere,” Low concluded. MST Golf – a great organisation that has certainly come a long way in thirty years. The Golf Arena is a promise for more great things to come for Southeast Asia’s leading force in delivering a truly world class experience in golf!

MST Golf Arena and the adjoining MST Super Store collectively provide a true, whole-in-one experience. You can shop around ﬁrst and then have a bite plus play some golf, or vice versa – either – KP LOW, MST GOLF’S MANAGING DIRECTOR way, it’s a great experience for golfers.

MST GOLF ARENA GENERAL VIEW

MST GOLF SUPER STORE AT THE GARDENS

VISIT WWW.GOLFCITIZEN.COM OR DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP TO GET STARTED

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EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING I525

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING I525

ASIAN GOLF kicked off 2022 with a very optimistic outlook for the new year based on healthy business trends for golf equipment over the past few years – especially the last two years. This encouraging outlook was validated by PING’s President John K Solheim when he told ASIAN GOLF: “With more and more golfers picking up the game and even more returning to the game, we’re very optimistic the game will continue to thrive. As participation increases, naturally equipment sales follow. The positive gain we’ve experienced in the last two years will carry on into the near future.” This, coming from an organisation known to be highly conservative, speaks a lot to the health of golf going forward. As further validation, Solheim said, “We’re introducing some exciting new products to complement our G425 family that will help golfers lower their scores and enjoy the game even more.” And PING has just delivered on that promise. Time to check out the i525, a product of precision engineering designed to deliver greater distance.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING I525

are a club stronger or more, including Tour pros who are attracted to the compact look and increased ball speed of the longer irons,” Solheim explained. The stand-out engineering features of the i525 starts with its forged, maraging-steel face. The

strength of the variable-thickness, maraging steel allows

t its launch, PING described the new i525

for a thinner, more dynamic face structure with an internal

irons as being able to provide “signiﬁcant

sole undercut in the stainless-steel body to increase ﬂexing

distance gains combined with improved feel

for more ball speed and shots that launch faster and higher

and sound in a players-distance model.”

with distance control.

“What’s most satisfying in the i525 iron

“As we advance all of our iron technologies through

from an engineering standpoint is how our team has been

our continuous research and knowledge development, it’s

able to maximize the ﬂexing of the metal-wood-style face

important for golfers to understand the different attributes

structure while creating a pleasing sound and feel,” said

engineered into each model,” said Solheim. “The i525 is

Solheim. “As golfers know who’ve played this type of iron

clearly for the golfer in search of more distance. But it offers

design, they often sacriﬁced some of the feel for more

so much more performance, including exceptional forgive-

distance. That’s not the case in the i525 as we’re able to

ness concealed in a player’s style head. Its size and shape

provide golfers a solid-feeling iron with the increased ball

are beautifully crafted, and it’s packed with tremendous

speed they need to hit longer, higher shots that hit and hold

technology on the inside, which makes it very appealing to a

the green.”

wide range of golfers.”

“We’re seeing some incredible results as a lot of golfers

While focusing on greater distance, PING also paid

The i525 is clearly for the golfer in search of more distance. But it offers so much more performance, including exceptional forgiveness concealed in a player’s style head. Its size and shape are beautifully crafted, and it’s packed with tremendous technology on the inside, which makes it very appealing to a wide range of golfers. – JOHN K SOLHEIM, PING’S PRESIDENT careful attention to sound engineering which is a critical requirement for many golfers, amateurs and professionals

expect in a distance-focused iron.” In the i525, tungsten toe and shaft tip weights combine

alike. To ensure great sound, PING’s engineers precisely in-

with a tiered, dynamic face structure and cavity to expand

jected polymer onto the inside of the face to improve feel and

the perimeter weighting while preserving ball speed through

sound without interfering with face deﬂection, the source of

greater face deﬂection for added distance and improved

its increased ball speed.

accuracy. The moment of inertia has increased in the verti-

“One of the biggest challenges we face in designing all clubs is tuning the feel and sound,” said Solheim. “Because of the i525’s metal-wood-style face design, we knew sound

cal and horizontal axes to provide tighter dispersion and increased forgiveness. Grooves are also of vital importance especially in irons

would require additional attention to ensure the gains in

and this is something that PING did not compromise on

distance didn’t come at the expense of the feel. We couldn’t

with the i525. Introduced last year in the i59 iron, the i525’s

sacriﬁce one attribute just to improve another. The solution

precision-machined face has MicroMax grooves for tighter

was to inject the polymer in precise amounts to the same

spacing and a geometry that results in an average of four

area behind the face. The result is a signiﬁcant improvement

extra grooves on each club to reduce ﬂiers in the short irons

in distance, sound and feel.”

and preserve spin in the long irons for greater control and

Another detail that received critical attention was the matter of extreme weighting. “The structure of the face and

consistency. Looks like PING has thought about everything in design-

cavity is a signiﬁcant mechanical-engineering accomplish-

ing and manufacturing the i525s. In keeping with PING’s

ment,” Solheim explained. “They function as one to ensure

ﬁne engineering heritage, the i525s are going to keep many

golfers beneﬁt from the forgiveness PING irons are famous

golfers happy for some time to come.

for while maintaining consistent bending across the face to

The custom-built i525 irons are now available for cus-

deliver the added ball speed and higher launch that golfers

tom ﬁttings at authorized PING retailers around the world.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

TAYLORMADE PUTTERS

E Q U I P M E N T F O C U S | TAY L O R M A D E P U T T E R S

It’s time to start intimidating the greens on your favourite golf course. More than that, get set to be introduced to a whole bunch of dangerous, new arachnids from TaylorMade Golf. What is about to unfold is the latest edition of one of the most storied family of putters in golf – putters that were originally named after an insect that many fear – the insect with eight legs – A SPIDER! The ﬁrst-generation Spider putter was introduced back in 2008 and it debuted as a supersized model. The ﬁfth week it was out, a player who’d been struggling on the greens tried Spider at the FBR Open in Phoenix and went on to win the event. That’s saying a lot about a newbie and since that historic win, the Spider brand has become a mainstay at TaylorMade. The latest iteration is out and based on the technology of the new models, it’s pretty certain that more holes are going to be submitting to these brand-new Spider putters!

E Q U I P M E N T F O C U S | TAY L O R M A D E P U T T E R S

models set a new standard of performance and contempo-

feature is the lightweight 145g top plate made from 6061

rary construction, headlined by Spider GT with its modern

aluminium, which eliminates excess weight in the middle

wing design and ultra-lightweight top plate.

of the putter and carries a short sightline for alignment.

aylorMade has launched the Spider GT family

centre of Spider GT, we have unlocked higher MOI and more re

that features four new additions to the ac-

stability from every angle.”

claimed Spider franchise. The models are the Spider GT, Spider GT Notchback, Spider GT Rollback and Spider GT Splitback. The four

According to Bill Price Senior Director Product Cre-

ASIAN GOLF has checked out the whole Spider GT fammily and the following is an up-close look at each new model. el. Leading the pack is the Spider GT. Its most striking

Combined with the ultralight top plate, a ﬁrst of its kind

ation for Putters at TaylorMade, “Innovation has long been

open frame multi-material design features two 90g steel

the bloodline of the Spider franchise. From its optimised

side weights that push 82 percent of the putter’s total

stability to its countless victories on worldwide tours, every

weight to the perimeter. This creates extreme stability on

Spider putter is designed to deliver pure innovation.” Price

off-centre strikes.

went on to add, “With Spider GT, we have created our most

The Spider GT top plate is crafted from lightweight

angular and most stable Spider ever using a new modern

aluminium for both a premium look and increased durabill-

wing construction similar to other high stability Spider

ity compared to paint or PVD ﬁnishes. The four anodized

putters of the past. With the removal of weight from the

ﬁnishes for Spider GT are silver, black, red and white for

E Q U I P M E N T F O C U S | TAY L O R M A D E P U T T E R S

the Spider GT women’s model, which also features a three-dot sightline for alignment. Spider GT’s contemporary design has the Pure Roll² co-molded insert for improved forward roll and ball speed consistency across the face. Pure Roll² is a ﬁrmer insert, manufactured of black TPU urethane with silver aluminium beams at a 45° angle designed to improve topspin across the face. Next on deck is the Spider GT Notchback which blends traditional design with contemporary construction to create a time-honored shape. CG is positioned the farthest forward with Notchback’s to make face rotation easier. Featuring a lightweight 6061 aluminium body combined with strategically placed 86g dual-tungsten weights on the outside (heel and toe), Spider GT Notchback has premier stability, forgiveness and distance control. Our records show that it produces the highest MOI ever created by a mid-size mallet Spider. An extruded then machined aluminium head creates a stout section of material behind the face insert for a conﬁdence-inspiring strike along with superb sound. The Spider GT Notchback features a tri-sole design that allows golfers to properly set the putter square on the ground without changing the face angle.

SPIDER GT NOTCHBACK

Innovation has long been the bloodline of the Spider franchise. From its optimised stability to its countless victories on worldwide tours, every Spider putter is designed to deliver pure innovation. With Spider GT, we have created our most angular and most stable Spider ever using a new modern wing construction similar to other high stability Spider putters of the past. With the removal of weight from the centre of Spider GT, we have unlocked higher MOI and more stability from every angle. – BILL PRICE SENIOR DIRECTOR PRODUCT CREATION FOR PUTTERS AT TAYLORMADE

E Q U I P M E N T F O C U S | TAY L O R M A D E P U T T E R S

SPIDER GT ROLLBACK

The split mass “winged” design allowed TaylorMade designers to redistribute mass around the perimeter of the putter in order to maximize MOI and stability. In this shape, a steel body naturally provides more perimeter weighting than an aluminium one. The third model is the Spider GT Rollback – this is a classic half-moon design enhanced by a heavy tungsten rollbar for added perimeter weighting and increased stability. Rollback creates conﬁdence at address with a raised, curved centre section that is the same width of a golf ball. This makes it easy to centre the ball in the address position and three contrasting black sightlines provide clear alignment with the hole. The Rollback top design has a lighter anterior with a 232g cap crafted from anodized 6061 aluminium combined with our ﬁrst 80g tungsten stability bar that wraps around the back and side of the putter for added forgiveness and stability. Like the Spider GT Notchback, the Roolback also features a tri-sole design that allows golfers to properly set the putter square on the ground without changing the face angle.

The last new model is the Spider GT Splitback. This putter features a refined 304-stainless steel construction with geometric shaping and urethane foam strategically injected inside the putter head. The split mass “winged” design allowed TaylorMade designers to redistribute mass around the perimeter of the putter in order to maximize MOI and stability. In this shape, a steel body naturally provides more perimeter weighting than an aluminium one. Due to the high density of steel, the wing sections of the design needed to be partially pocketed out to remove excess weight. The chambers within the wings are filled with feel foam, similar to the SpeedFoam™ material used in P·770/P·790 irons. This helps fill the voids and damp vibrations, resulting in better sound and feel. Spider GT Splitback incorporates one of the standout features of Spider X with True Path™, TaylorMade’s ball alignment and stroke visualization aid. While standing over Spider GT Splitback, True Path is highly visible and seamlessly integrated into the head. The contrasting white section, black sightline and arrow-shaped rear edge help golfers visualize their putting stroke and ball path before ever executing the putt. These new models are now available throughout Asia. Put a Spider GT in your bag and watch it perform!

SPIDER GT SPLITBACK

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEENAGE PHENOM

SPECIAL FEATURE | TEENAGE PHENOM

Another Asian wunderkind will be heading out to showcase her skills at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament next month. On show at the famous course will be a Chinese teenager who has been blazing quite a trail of achievements for herself on the Chinese LPGA Tour. Just 15-years-old, she has battled her way to recognition against professional golfers on the highly competitive China LPGA. The youngster who will be heading out to America is the Chinese teenager Zeng Liqi – she has been recognized for her excellent form over the past year. Her reward, an invitation to play at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in the US state of Georgia.

SPECIAL FEATURE | TEENAGE PHENOM

he spunky teen, a native of Nanchang, will join

year. “I will return to China after the tournament just in time

compatriots Yin Xiaowen and Ye Lei for the

to turn 16 and I will reach the CGA (China Golf Association)

third edition of the prestigious tournament

threshold for turning professional.”

that brings together 72 of the world’s top amateurs for 54 holes of stroke-play.

Headlining the tournament are Rose Zhang and Rachel

The China LPGA chairwoman Li Hong said Zeng’s invitation to the prestigious tournament was a result of her excellent showing last year when she posted seven top-10

Heck. Zhang is the World Amateur No. 1 and won the 2020

ﬁnishes against professionals. She noted that since hosting

U.S. Women’s Amateur while Heck captured the 2021 NCAA

its ﬁrst tournament in 2004, it had always been the intention

individual championship as a freshman last season. Other

of the Tour to provide a platform to aid in the development of

notables include World No. 2 Ingrid Lindblad and South

young Chinese golfers and others from around the region.

Korea’s Youmin Hwang. Commenting on her trip to Augusta, the Chinese teen-

Li said that as many as 69 mainland Chinese players had gone on to the world stage via the China LPGA Tour,

ager said, “What better and more meaningful experience

including 17 on the US LPGA Tour and 16 on the Japan LPGA

could there be to end your amateur career with such an

Tour. “We are delighted that we have been able to

extremely difﬁcult tournament and a ﬁeld that represents

play a part in their development and success in

the top level of the world.” Zeng posted three runner-up

the professional game. That has always been

ﬁnishes against professionals on the China LPGA Tour last

our goal.”

What better and more meaningful experience could there be to end your amateur career with such an extremely difﬁcult tournament and a ﬁeld that represents the top level of the world. I will return to China after the tournament just in time to turn 16 and I will reach the CGA (China Golf – ZENG LIQI Association) threshold for turning professional. YIN XIAOWEN

YE LEI

SPECIAL FEATURE | RYDER CUP 2021

Kyi Hla Han – a name synonymous with professional golf in Asia and the 27-year-old Asian Tour. Born in 1961. A legend gone at age 61. Kyi Hla as he was known to thousands of golf fans, will be remembered as one of Asia’s best golfers. He reigned supreme from 1980 through to 2004 as a champion and was affectionately known as the “Burmese Bandit”. During his reign, he had ten “Top Tier” victories including illustrious titles such as the Singapore Open and the Volvo China Open along with dozens of regional tournament victories.

The highpoint of Kyi Hla’s playing career came when he won the Asian Order of Merit in 1999, his proudest achievement as a player. From 2004 to 2016, Kyi Hla served as the Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour. Kyi Hla Han guided the Tour’s meteoric rise into golf world prominence. He was responsible to gain the Asian Tour the right to be the ofﬁcial sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia. ASIAN GOLF would like to take this opportunity of saluting a great champion and leader for golf. He will be missed by an industry that he helped build.

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