Asian Golf Issue 257: April 2022 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

ISSUE Who cares if he breaks another record or scores another win. Tiger Woods has been revered and exalted by the whole world as the best there is and the best that will ever be. The man who revolutionised the professional game of golf has been placed on the game’s highest pedestal and honoured by all of his peers. Tiger was brought on stage by his 14-year-old daughter, Sam, who introduced him as the 164th member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

257

APRIL 2022

WANT TO FEEL LIKE A PRO? NOW YOU CAN!

The PING Putting Lab Design programme is a custom putter experience created to give golfers unprecedented access to precision-milled putters and tour-level ﬁtting experiences through a new website dedicated to advancing PING’s reputation as the leader in putter design and customization.

REGULARS

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER BUST THE FRAUDSTERS!

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

TAYLORMADE ROLLS OUT TOP NOTCH GOLF BALLS! The company has just launched a trio of new golf balls under the moniker “Response” – the Tour Response, the Soft Response and the Tour Response Stripe.

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PING’S ANSER FIFTY YEARS ON!

Did you know that the issuance of the legendary Anser putter patent is 55 years old? To celebrate this incredible milestone, PING arranged for the Anser Patent 55 putters to be sold exclusively through pingpld.com on March 21. Only 55 of the precision-milled, handcrafted putters, which are made in the USA, were made available via the new website.

PING’S GLIDE 4.0 WEDGES – IT’S LIKE SLICING THROUGH BUTTER! PING has launched the Glide 4.0 wedge series, its next generation of specialty wedges. These wedges have been engineered to bring golfers lower-launching, higherspinning performance into and around greens.

ISSUE

257

– TTOWERING OWERING G GLOBAL LOBAL FFORCE ORCE

APRIL 2022

This is a special editorial feature where ASIAN GOLF frames a story of excellence drawn from the golf heritage of Singapore. It is about the evolution of what has become not only the nation’s premier golf club but one that proudly ranks amongst the world’s best. The foundation for this club was laid in 1982 and over the years, it has been expertly managed and driven by a commitment to excellence and an incessant pursuit to be a world class facility.

SAUDIS SHOW THE WAY!

Saudi Arabia, a relative newcomer to golf is setting standards that should prove to be a lesson for many countries to follow relating to building up the game of golf in their respective countries.

THERE’S NO STOPPING THIS FIREBRAND!

She’s only 19 years-old and an she put on display the stuff that she’s made of – a total package that is headed for superstardom in women’s golf.

THE PROFESSIONAL TOURS – ON SUPER STEROIDS!

There has never been a better time to play professional golf at the highest level. With the start of the 2022 season, the PGA Tour has laid out hundreds of millions of dollars in prize monies, bonuses and other incentive schemes. As though that wasn’t enough, the Super Golf League headed by Greg Norman will offer more millions and it is believed that a third group, the London-based Premier Golf League will add to the millions in 2023.

80 ... AND MORE MOOLAH’S THROWN AT THE PROFESSIONALS!

... AND THEN, THE PROMISE OF EVEN MORE MONEY!

DOGGED DETERMINATION PAYS OFF!

Many great things were expected from India’s Anirban Lahiri when he appeared on the professional golf stage as a young player with a lot of promise. He worked his way into the world’s richest and most powerful professional tour, the PGA Tour and he received a rich reward for his determination when he placed second in The Players Championship and banked in his biggest check to date.

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.

SHARED THOUGHTS

FROM THE PUBLISHER

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

If you thought that the golf course industry was free of fraud, think again! What you are about to read has a direct impact on all of us who operate golf courses and who play the game of golf. Unbeknownst to golfers, the turf that covers the acres of fairways and greens at golf courses in Asia account for huge investments and these investments are not one-time funding rounds. The investments are on-going and involve care and maintenance of the turf to ensure that it maintains a pristine condition at all times both from a playability and aesthetics standpoint. The care of the hybrid turf species that are planted on golf courses require specially formulated agronomy products which are products of science. With this as background, and given the volume of maintenance products used, the industry has opened itself up to a “dark market of unscrupulous” suppliers of fake maintenance products.

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

n the best interest of the golf course industry and golfers in general, some quick action needs to be taken to stop the piracy in its tracks. Why is such urgency attached to mitigating and wiping out this malpractice? Let us all be enlightened that if allowed to persist, golf courses will pay a massive price as

high-quality turf is destroyed by imitation fertilisers that have little or no beneﬁt to providing nutrition to the turf aside from being cheap and destructive! When turf goes bad on golf courses, something that we see quite frequently throughout the region, the quality of play is affected and if

left alone, expect to see a high rate of attrition by golfers who want and expect to play on quality turf. This brings into focus a major fertiliser supplier to the industry – the American-based Floratine Products Group, a company that focuses on agronomy and nutrition for Turf Only. It is important for all golf course owners and operators to understand that every Floratine distributor around the world train their sales consultants extensively in turf management and turf nutrition. The company speaks to the turf managers and learns about their conditions and challenges, plus take a comprehensive soil analysis that shows the chemical, biological and physical characteristics of the growing conditions. From this it can prescribe a programme with a select number of products to solve the problems. The results are immediate and Floratine continues to monitor the performance of the turf together with the turf manager to ensure they are getting the best results. It also works with the team to ensure the products are mixed and applied correctly. It is a science and you better believe it!

In the absence of effective government controls, the industry needs to organise itself and act against what is already a developing cancer in the trade. Why should golf clubs suffer millions of dollars in lost revenue that takes years to recover simply because fraudsters and crooks are allowed to get away unchecked. The aforementioned best practices are not something

say the greens are burnt as a result of this

that the fraudsters offer. For the suppliers of fakes, its all

and the greens die. This could be a golf club that has 250

about supplying cheap imitations that cause great damage.

golfers a day paying US$100 a round, plus F&B and golf

This malpractice is further compounded by clubs that have

shop revenue up to US$1,000,000 a month. Can you imagine

structures in place where there is a process to procure

the loss of revenue and the impact that this can have on the

products where a turf manager submits his purchase request

club’s employees? Losing greens could take up to three plus

to order the product he wants. The purchasing ofﬁcers then

months to get them playable again. What happens to those

look for competitive prices for that product. In the case of

employees? What happens to the reputation of the golf club?

nutrient or chemical companies, there are distributors who

Now, we trust owners, operators and golfers can

will acknowledge they carry that speciﬁc product and provide

understand the severity of the problem posed by the

a quote for it. If they are successful in winning that bid, they

fraudsters. In the absence of effective government controls,

then manufacture a new label or packaging for an unknown

the industry needs to organise itself and act against what

product and deliver that product. Who knows what is inside

is already a developing cancer in the trade. Why should golf

the jug or bag? That’s how fakes creep into the industry!

clubs suffer millions of dollars in lost revenue that takes

To really understand the gravity of the problem, here is one scenario. Let’s say the cheaper product in question is of lower quality and is needed to be applied at a different rate? And let’s say it’s going to be used on the greens. Let’s

years to recover simply because fraudsters and crooks are allowed to get away unchecked. It’s time to ACT. C’mon golf clubs – let’s all work together to ﬂush the thugs out of the industry for good!

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COVER STORY

WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

COVER STORY | WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

If the game of golf was a religion who would its god be? No blasphemy intended but that religion’s god would be Tiger Woods and there would be no doubt about it! In the history of sports, no one has been as dominant as Tiger. In the 26 years that he has played professionally, his name has become ubiquitous with golf and his reputation precedes him on the four corners of the globe. The one other athlete who would have matched Tiger in terms of world renown would have been the Louisville Lip aka Cassius Clay aka Mohammad Ali. Nonetheless, the late heavyweight boxing champion, as proud as a man that he was, would have graciously acceded to Tiger being placed a rung higher than him on the pedestal of global fame.

COVER STORY | WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

or those of you who believe in the “Book of Destiny”, the epic pathway of Tiger’s life was ﬁrst unravelled to the world when a two-year-old

toddler debuted on American television on Oct. 6, 1978. Tiger, who was then about two and a half months shy of his third birthday, appeared, along with his father Earl, American comedian Bob Hope and Hollywood star Jimmy Stewart on “The Mike Douglas Show.” This was when a tiny little Tiger wowed America with his incredible prowess at the game of golf. Over time, there have been many child prodigies, but Tiger would go on to prove later in life that he was unique – that he was special and that he was arguably, a once in a lifetime phenomenon.

COVER STORY | WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

Since turning professional, the Stanford-educated

exceeded the hype …. he transcended it and continues to

mega-star has racked up 109 professional wins against his

this day to have a massive inﬂuence on the game and the

name. He is tied for ﬁrst in PGA Tour wins, ranks second

PGA Tour.”

in men’s major championships, and holds numerous golf

The list of his feats stretches out as long as one of his

records. With this sort of record, Tiger is widely regarded as

drives from his heyday. The record-tying 82 PGA Tour titles,

one of the greatest golfers of all time and one of the most

the 15 major championships. A record 142 consecutive cuts

famous athletes in history.

made, a record 683 weeks – 13 years – atop the Ofﬁcial

Who cares if he breaks another record or scores another win. Tiger has been revered and exalted by the

World Golf Ranking. A record 11 PGA Tour Player of the Year Awards. And the list goes on and on and on.

whole world as the best there is and the best that will

Awe-inspiring stuff, immortal feats, for sure, and

ever be. The man who revolutionised the professional

Tiger’s entrance into the World Golf Hall of Fame was never

game of golf has been placed on the game’s highest

in doubt.

pedestal and honoured by all of his peers. Tiger was

Tiger didn’t just leave an impression on the old stately

brought on stage by his 14-year-old daughter, Sam, who

game, he changed it. “He’s done everything for the game,”

introduced him as the 164th member of the World Golf

said six-time Tour winner and 2014 FedEx Cup champion

Hall of Fame.

Billy Horschel. “There isn’t one aspect of the game that he

In paying tribute to Tiger, the PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan said, “He is the rare athlete who not only

hasn’t had his hand in in changing.” Now that Tiger has been permanently enshrined for

The record-tying 82 PGA Tour titles, the 15 major championships. A record 142 consecutive cuts made, a record 683 weeks – 13 years – atop the Ofﬁcial World Golf Ranking. A record 11 PGA Tour Player of the Year Awards. And the list goes on and on and on.

COVER STORY | WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

He is the rare athlete who not only exceeded the hype …. he transcended it and continues to this day to have a massive inﬂuence on the game and the PGA Tour. – JAY MONAHAN, PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER posterity is there anything more to come from Tiger? A ﬁtting answer would be, yes, yet another record. It has been widely reported that the legend is aiming for the 2023 Masters Tournament. A source close to Tiger revealed: “And he has a new goal – to be the oldest winner at the Masters. Jack Nicklaus won when he was 46. Tiger will be 47 next year when he competes, and that’s the newest record he is going for. He’ll stop at nothing to accomplish it. He’s going to be a force when he returns to the game. He’s going to dominate.” ASIAN GOLF salutes Tiger Woods. You Have Done The Game Of Golf Proud!

COVER STORY | WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

PHOTO CREDIT: PGA TOUR

SPECIAL FEATURE

WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

❝A nation is great not by its size alone. It is the

will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people, and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honourable place in history.❞

A truly profound statement by Lee Kuan Yew, one of the most dynamic leaders of modern times and this was and continues to be the ethos that drives the tiny island state of Singapore to punch way above its weight class and earn its right to be a world class nation. This desire to be the best in the world has manifested itself in virtually all aspects of life in Singapore. The country is a veritable showcase where a host of organisations bear the prestigious stamp of being the best in the world amongst which are its airline, Singapore Airlines, its maritime hub, the Port of Singapore, its travel hub, Changi International Airport and the list goes on. What becomes paramount is the constant drive to always strive to be the best and this is a national quest that the nation’s people have bought into big time! The country is by far the smallest in Southeast Asia and was not gifted with many natural resources. Lee Kuan Yew thought otherwise. In the words of the famous geopolitical consultant, Henry Kissinger, “His vision was of a state that would not simply survive but prevail by excelling. Superior intelligence, discipline, and ingenuity would substitute for resources.”

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

(ANDY) ANDREW JOHNSTON

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB GENERAL MANAGER / DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY / RESIDENT GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT

gainst this backdrop of stellar achievements,

and stay. It is a team which understands that improvement

ASIAN GOLF would like to frame a story of

and growth are continual steps on the journey to success.

excellence drawn from the golf heritage of

With that said, the spotlight of success is focused on

Singapore. It is about the evolution of what

Sentosa Golf Club and the man who has steered this Asian

has become not only the nation’s premier golf

showpiece to its lofty global stature – Andrew Johnston.

club but one that proudly ranks amongst the world’s best. The

Andy as he is popularly known, took over the reins at the

foundation for this club was laid in 1982 and over the years,

club in 2013 with an appointment that detailed his scope of

it has been expertly managed and driven by a commitment

work to include three major job functions – that of general

to excellence and an incessant pursuit to be a world class

manager, fully qualiﬁed agronomist and resident designer and

facility.

golf course architect. When he assumed the three-pronged

Forty years later, Sentosa Golf Club is among the best

management task, Andy already had acquired an international

in the world. However, having charted a course to be at the

reputation as a leading agronomist, golf course designer and

pinnacle, the men and women who helm the club know that

architect and it would not be wrong to state that he is perhaps

becoming world class is not a destination at which they arrive

the only general manager with such a diverse skillset.

Thinking big and maybe more importantly focusing on the development of a winning culture at the Club has allowed us to take ownership in our mission. This ownership has developed team spirit and a bond to allow us to grow on an annual basis. With this growth, we have embraced a never say die attitude and deep commitment to improvement, allowing everyone to take part and credit for our world-class status. – ANDY JOHNSTON

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

What sparked the idea to tell Sentosa’s odyssey to become a world class facility was its recent collaboration with The TORO Company, the multi-billion-dollar leader in the supply of equipment to golf courses to establish a TORO “Centre of Excellence” at the club. This is a big deal – a ﬁrst of its kind in the region and a partnership that will support and educate regional clients and staff on the latest products, technology and service developments leading to best practices in golf course agronomy. Not being a professional known for ﬂamboyance, while he was keen to talk about the club’s journey to become a world class facility, he was quick to point out the work that predecessors had carried out to create and develop a culture of excellence in the club. “Some heavy lifting from my predecessors such as Bob Tan, Mike Barclay and Peter Downie, plus many others, played a big hand in helping the Club begin its journey down the road to what it has grown into today.” He attributed the success of the club to the “forward thinking mindset of Sentosa Development Corporation (the owners) and its strong support, allowing us to always think big about the future.” Andy was quick to point out: “Never once have they thrown up a roadblock or prevented us from continuously developing as a Club.”

❝Only through focus c

things, no matter how ca

can you do world-class apable you are.❞—BILL GATES

ANDY JOHNSTON AND HIS DEDICATED MANAGEMENT TEAM

We have a saying here at Sentosa which encourages everyone to ask themselves each day before they arrive, “how do I earn my ﬁve stars?”. Why is this important? Because nobody cares about the award we won yesterday. The success of any business is measured by the performance you give today.

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

ANDY JOHNSTON FLANKED BY PRESIDENT ANDREW LIM (LEFT) AND CLUB CAPTAIN VERNON KHOO (RIGHT)

“Thinking big and maybe more importantly focusing

ANDY JOHNSTON:

on the development of a winning culture at the Club has

When leadership changes hands, there is always naturally

allowed us to take ownership in our mission. This ownership

going to be changes in psyche and mindset. Change for

has developed team spirit and a bond to allow us to grow

many is difﬁcult to handle, but change is a necessary part

on an annual basis. With this growth, we have embraced a

of evolution. Dual transformation is constantly ongoing and

never say die attitude and deep commitment to improve-

using it to grow is critical. My leadership style is visual and

ment, allowing everyone to take part and credit for our

through storytelling. Using examples of real-life situations

world-class status,” declared Andy.

helps me share the importance of change and set the

ASIAN GOLF is now proud to bring our readers key excerpts from the wide-ranging interview which explored

targets to drive us forward. One example we used for years was the Nokia story.

various aspects of the club’s operations that have played

Most of us certainly have seen that when Apple invented the

a vital role in Sentosa’s journey to becoming a world class

iPhone, it revolutionised the mobile phone industry. Nokia,

organisation.

who had previously dominated the phone industry, refused to see the challenge and the need to change and within a

ASIAN GOLF: Obviously, you had a lot to do to change the psyche and mindset of your team to think holistically towards working on the big transformation. How did you go about bringing the various disciplines together to be focused towards becoming worldclass and what were some of the challenges?

few short years they lost their position and were no longer a market leader. Using examples like this demonstrates why change is needed to help the team visualize how the outcome could turn in the wrong direction. There are also many other things that we set in place to help tip the scales in the right direction. Teamwork and breaking down the territorial barriers of departments was

crucial in helping us all work towards common goals. Development of hard rules such as “No Toxic Talk” also makes the workplace a safe environment to grow but also a fun place to be. Most important of all, leading by example is the most visual representation of leadership there is. This is why I arrive every morning at 5:30am and take personal ownership of everything the sun touches to steal a line out of the Lion King movie!

ASIAN GOLF: You are a very unique type of manager in the club industry. You are an agronomist, a course architect and a general manager all wrapped up in one. Given the various specialised skills that you possess, did you prioritize the transformation programme in accordance with your skill sets or did you approach the mission as one total package? JOHNSTON: All three of these skills have not come easily to me throughout my career. It has taken a lifetime of practice as an architect to develop key skills needed to be a respected competitor in the industry. My career path has allowed me to see, and or work on as well as visit the best clubs in the

There are also many other things that we set in place to help tip the scales in the right direction. Teamwork and breaking down the territorial barriers of departments was crucial in helping us all work towards common goals. Development of hard rules such as “No Toxic Talk” also makes the workplace a safe environment to grow but also a fun place to be. Most important of all, leading by example is the most visual representation of leadership there is.

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

Our staff’s welcoming and enthusiastic attitude has helped to create a friendly environment at the Club, with state-of-the-art service offered in multiple areas across the board. From customer service to food and beverage, all the way through to our golﬁng sales departments, our team is prepared to go above and beyond to create an experience unlike any other. world. I have seen many of them from the inside, giving me a good view of what a successful operation looks like. As an Agronomist, I have become well known for my talents and the type of world-class product I have produced. I always expect more and am never satisﬁed. Perfection in

THE WORLD CLASS KITCHEN THAT PRODUCES WORLD CLASS CUISINE

However, being a good people manager is a skill that takes time to develop the right maturity and over the years, this is something I am always strived to improve. My ambition to lead does not come from the traditional business mindset. I ﬁnd my inspiration through the hard work of successful leaders - managers like the Head Coach of University of Alabama football programme Nick Sabin, as well as the great Arnold Palmer (the son of a golf course superintendent) and one of my earliest mentors, Scott Evans, my high school wrestling coach. They all work from a very different playbook that drives success through the grass roots of hard work, devotion, perseverance and integrity.

ASIAN GOLF: How long did the transformation take? JOHNSTON:

turfgrass and the presentation of the product does not exist.

I do not think it ever ends. We have a saying here at Sentosa

There is always more to do and a challenge I admire to take

which encourages everyone to ask themselves each day

on each and every day.

before they arrive, “how do I earn my ﬁve stars?”. Why is this

Success is a journey that never stops re-inventing itself - I often remind the Sentosa Family we must wake up each day and keep working to develop the highest of standards, to keep pushing the boundaries of our standards and continue growing is paramount.

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

important? Because nobody cares about the award we won

When Bob Tan was our club captain, who by the way is

yesterday. The success of any business is measured by the

now our chairman and one of most powerful leaders in our

performance you give today.

journey, he would say, “it is not my job to the run the Club, we

ASIAN GOLF: Did you keep your members and owners informed and updated on the changes that you were

hire professionals to run it, and we expect them to perform.

implementing across the board to the club and its facilities? Did you receive carte blanche acceptance always to the improvements you wanted to make? JOHNSTON:

If they cannot perform, we will sack them ﬁnd someone else”. Powerful and clear, but of course we needed to gain the trust of our membership and, in order to accomplish this, we rolled up our sleeves and demonstrated with work hard that we could deliver - once we proved we had the DNA to deliver we gained the trust of the membership. This has allowed us to produce outstanding conditions

We have had tremendous support from our club captains,

on and off the two courses, as well as setting targets and

presidents and lady captains, including committee members

keeping them in sight for continuous improvements. The

as well as the corporate ownership leaders from Sentosa

most powerful reward is when our members praise our work

Development Corporation. The ball has been in our court

- the smiles of pride this brings to the team is humbling

from day one. It has been up to us to make this happen.

to see. Additionally, this gave us the conﬁdence to know

The most powerful reward is when our members praise our work - the smiles of pride this brings to the team is humbling to see. Additionally, this gave us the conﬁdence to know that we were on the right track and more importantly, a sense of self-satisfaction and ownership. Simple leadership traits have been adopted such as ‘empathy’, always putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, be the ﬁrst to say ‘hello’ and ‘kill them with kindness’, all of which have helped drive an undercurrent of respect.

that we were on the right track and more importantly, a sense of self-satisfaction and ownership. Simple leadership traits have been adopted such as ‘empathy’, always putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, be the ﬁrst to say ‘hello’ and ‘kill them with kindness’, all of which have helped drive an undercurrent of respect.

ASIAN GOLF: When you look at it in its entirety, the transformation is really an on-going process – would you agree? JOHNSTON:

– the course, the services, food and beverage, the physical facility etc. JOHNSTON: Throughout the decades under my tenure, we have made a number of key improvements that have helped to propel Sentosa Golf Club into a truly world-class property. In the last ﬁve years, both of our championship courses, The Serapong and The Tanjong, have undergone major renovations to reinstate consistency, texture, and improved playability that they have become renowned for. Since 2017, The Tanjong has been the host venue for

Yes, it is. It can never stop.

the HSBC Women’s World Championship, with many of the

ASIAN GOLF: Talk about some of the speciﬁcs that have led to your club becoming a truly world class property

world’s top female players becoming accustomed to its unique personality with large sandbelt bunkers rarely seen in Asia.

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

The Serapong most recently underwent a renovation

JOHNSTON:

in 2020 having been the host venue for the Singapore Open

Since 2018, the Club has been presented with many awards

since 2005. Key upgrades to the bunkers, fairways, tee

and accolades to recognise the upward journey we have been

boxes, and greens have helped to maintain its quality and

on. To name but a few, Sentosa Golf Club has won multiple

conditioning that has allowed it to be renowned as one of the

awards at the Asian Golf Awards, including ‘Best Managed

world’s best courses.

Golf Club in Asia Paciﬁc’, ‘Best Maintained Golf Course in

Off the courses, our staff’s welcoming and enthusiastic

Asia Paciﬁc’ and ‘Best Championship Course in Asia Paciﬁc’.

attitude has helped to create a friendly environment at

We have also been recognised for our off-course offerings,

the Club, with state-of-the-art service offered in multiple

collecting the award for ‘Best Food & Beverage Experience

areas across the board. From customer service to food

in Asia Paciﬁc’.

and beverage, all the way through to our golﬁng sales

The Club is also currently ranked inside the ‘Top 100

departments, our team is prepared to go above and beyond

World’s Best Golf Courses’ by Golf Digest and the ‘Top 100

to create an experience unlike any other.

Golf & Country Clubs’ by Platinum Clubs of the World. The

ASIAN GOLF: What are some of the recognitions that the club has received as acknowledgements of its rise to becoming a world-class facility?

Serapong occupies the top spot in Golf Digest’s latest biennial rankings for ‘Singapore’s Best Golf Courses, which it has done for 10 years, with The Tanjong placed third. In 2019, we were presented with the title of ‘World’s Best

Golf Club’ at the World Golf Awards, and in back-to-back years of 2020 and 2021 were voted as the ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’. Most recently, the Club was named ‘Sustainability Champion of the Year’ at the Britcham (British Chamber of Commerce Singapore) 22nd Annual Business Awards, in addition to the ‘Sustainability Excellence Award’ and ‘Singapore’s Golf Club of the Year’ at the Global Excellence Awards.

ASIAN GOLF: It has been a journey of blood, sweat and tears to get to the pinnacle of excellence – how do you reflect on Sentosa’s achievements? JOHNSTON: There is an immense feeling of gratification when reflecting on our journey and where it has landed us. But if I may, success is a journey that never stops re-inventing itself - I often remind the Sentosa Family we must wake up each day and keep working to develop the highest of standards, to keep pushing the boundaries of our standards and continue growing is paramount. The personal sacrifices all of us have encountered are extraordinary. To develop a centre of excellence, blood sweat and tears is a fitting description of the hard work that needs to be put in and the sacrifices we need to make. In the words of Tiger Woods “nothing comes easy - hard work, devotion, and commitment develops success. Success comes from hard work, nobody gives you anything you do not earn”.

❝Building a

World Class Company is a commitment to the integration of passion, purpose, and practice.❞ —MICHAEL GERBER

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

THE CRACK AGRONOMY TEAM AT SENTOSA

We have also recently signed a 10-year partnership with The TORO Company that will see Sentosa Golf Club become a Centre of Excellence for Asia, helping to support and educate many of Toro’s regional clients on the latest products, technology and service developments. A new complete ﬂeet of Toro golf course maintenance equipment, as well as irrigation products, landscaping tools, training, and on-site service and support will help our team to improve and further enhance our mantra of ‘Tournament Ready 365’ across our two world-class championship courses. ASIAN GOLF: The work is not done so to speak – in many ways, it has just started – do you agree? JOHNSTON:

near future. Again, this will never ﬁnish as we will always look to improve and make the Club even more environmentally friendly for our members and guests. We also want to host more high-proﬁle professional

We have only just scratched the surface. When looking at our

tournaments that can springboard tourism and community

masterplan for the next decade, there is a long list to chase.

awareness, helping to drive a high proﬁle for the country as

Amongst these is our ever-growing sustainability agenda in

a whole. Robotics and automation of all kinds are being con-

which we hope to become a full carbon neutral venue in the

sidered for the club. Building a more robust platform in our

culinary area, with the aim of reaching Michelin

reduce our overall carbon footprint. By setting

Star status. Or would you say that is dreaming

ourselves the goal of becoming the world’s ﬁrst

too large; because for us dreaming large is what

carbon neutral golf club, as well as being the

allows us to grow.

ﬁrst club to join the UN’s Sports for Climate

ASIAN GOLF: Now that you have global recognition, how can Sentosa play a role to help golf clubs in the region and its personnel upgrade?

Action initiative, we have demonstrated to other

JOHNSTON:

Clubs across the world what can be done in the ﬁght against climate change, before it is too late. Remember it’s not Game Over, it’s GAME ON! We have also recently signed a 10-year partnership with The TORO Company that will see

Sentosa Golf Club has always seen itself as a

Sentosa Golf Club become a Centre of Excellence

leader in many areas. By pushing ourselves

for Asia, helping to support and educate many

to constantly improve and get better, we are

of Toro’s regional clients on the latest products,

always trying to raise the benchmark for

technology and service developments. A new

success throughout the industry and provide

complete ﬂeet of Toro golf course maintenance

opportunities for others to get better too.

equipment, as well as irrigation products,

This is especially important with our

landscaping tools, training, and on-site service

sustainability and agronomy programmes. Since

and support will help our team to improve and

2018 we have created a sustainable environment

further enhance our mantra of ‘Tournament

for our members and guests to enjoy with many

Ready 365’ across our two world-class champi-

environmental initiatives implemented to help

onship courses.

LAUNCH OF THE TORO COMPANY’S CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

SPECIAL FEATURE | WORLD CLASS SENTOSA

❝The experience was world class from the minute I

arrived. It started at the bag drop, continued to the registration counter, the changing room and the start. The attention to detail was meticulous and the service

was professional, friendly and eЅcient. The end of the game was a highpoint – the reception and food at the terrace was awesome. DeÅnitely a world class golÅng experience. Wow!❞ – PAUL MACAULAY

SPECIAL FEATURE

GOLF SAUDI

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

For any industry to grow and prosper, human resource development is a major consideration. Oftentimes, this is a matter that is overlooked by many golf course owners and operators in many parts of Asia. This could be attributed to the fact that there are no organised and structured industry bodies in Asia that are committed to the cause of training and educating workers for the industry. It must be noted that the golf industry in Asia is a multibillion-dollar business and sadly, the investment and commitment to preparing qualiﬁed people to take up a myriad of employment opportunities with the industry is non-existant. Hopefully, this report will serve as a wake-up call to the industry to start looking at sustainable training and education programmes to improve the quality of the industry’s manpower needs.

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

A YOUNG CHILD ENJOYS TRYING GOLF FOR FIRST TIME

audi Arabia, a relative newcomer to golf is setting standards that should prove to be a lesson for many countries to follow relating to building up the game of golf in their respective countries. Spearheading the thrust to grow the game in the desert

Kingdom is Golf Saudi and this organisation has just announced the

development and distribution of its ﬁrst ever Arabic Golf Education and Training

Programme. The ambitious programme is centred around providing job opportunities for Saudi nationals whilst simultaneously growing the golf industry in the Kingdom. To get the programme up and running, Golf Saudi is working with industry leaders including, the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE), National Centre for Facilities and Hospitality Management (FHM), and Qaderoon Business Disability Network which will recruit, hire and sustain persons with disability to work in the golf industry. This initiative aims to create a programme which educates individuals and provide a vast array of roles within new and existing facilities, from golf course management to greenkeeping and event planning. The target is to deliver 2,200 new jobs by 2025.

This initiative aims to create a programme which educates individuals and provides a vast array of roles within new and existing facilities, from golf course management to greenkeeping and event planning. The target is to deliver 2,200 new jobs by 2025.

ALICE HEWSON LEADS DISABILITY CLINIC FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

SPECIAL FEATURE | GOLF SAUDI

FIRST EVER ARABIC GOLF EDUCATION & TRAINING PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

We are already upskilling the existing workforce at our corporate ofﬁce and at our managed facilities, whilst preparing to roll out the programme to school and university graduates, as well as – MAJED AL unemployed persons. SOROUR, CEO AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF GOLF SAUDI

We admire the efforts of Golf Saudi in using this sport as a platform to include all fabrics of the society in the Kingdom, and Qaderoon is honoured to work closely with Golf Saudi in expanding this inclusive mindset to persons with disability. We will help through our varied programs of workshops, training, and our career portal to achieve this goal. Commenting on the programme, Majed Al Sorour, the CEO and Deputy Chairman of Golf Saudi said: “We are already upskilling the existing workforce at our corporate ofﬁce and at our managed facilities, whilst preparing to roll out the programme to school and university graduates, as well as unemployed persons.” A stand-out feature of this programme is the importance attached to people with disabilities. Amr Khashoggi, Founder and Chairman of Qaderoon Business Disability Network commented: “We admire the efforts of Golf Saudi in using this sport as a platform to include all fabrics of the society in the Kingdom, and Qaderoon is honoured to work closely with Golf Saudi in expanding this inclusive mindset to persons with disability. We will help through our varied programmes of workshops, training, and our career portal to achieve this goal.” Bill Sanderson, a renowned trainer and the lead presenter at the Club Management Association of Europe said: “This bold move demonstrates their courage to follow through on their extraordinary vision, in terms of making golf an inclusive sport throughout the Kingdom.”

TAYLORMADE RESPONSE

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

Central to the DNA make-up of the TaylorMade Golf Company is its commitment to innovation and technology. It’s a never-ending quest to research and develop products that are the best of breed in golf. This is evident in everything it produces – from drivers to woods, hybrids

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

and irons. The same commitment to excellence is also devoted to its mission to produce some of the best golf balls in the business. In keeping with tradition, TaylorMade has rolled out its latest golf balls which are arguably going to prove to be a big hit amongst golfers.

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

With the new balls, TaylorMade has succeeded to bring the ultimate Tour Level DNA to Tour Response by integrating the Tour Flight Dimple Pattern seen in TP5/TP5x, as well as the revolutionary new 360° ClearPath Alignment with Tour Response Stripe™. And that’s not all - in addition, TaylorMade has also launched its softest golf ball from cover to core with 2022 Soft Response.

he company has just launched a trio of new golf balls under the moniker “Response” – the Tour Response, the Soft Response and the Tour Response Stripe. All three new balls are products of

TaylorMade’s on-going efforts to bring Tour level golf ball technology to the everyday golfer at an affordable price. Whether it’s the 100-percent cast urethane cover in Tour Response™ or the Extended Flight Dimple Pattern in Soft Response, TaylorMade has continuously provided high level innovation in both three-piece golf ball offerings. With the new balls, TaylorMade has succeeded to bring the ultimate Tour Level DNA to Tour Response by integrating the Tour Flight Dimple Pattern seen in TP5/TP5x, as well as the revolutionary new 360° ClearPath Alignment with Tour Response Stripe™. And that’s not all - in addition, TaylorMade has also launched its softest golf ball from cover to core with 2022 Soft Response. The all-new Tour Flight Dimple Pattern of Tour Response unlocks next-level aerodynamics while promoting maximum carry distance. This tour proven technology, found in TP5 and TP5x, has been added to Tour Response for the first time. With the addition of the new dimple pattern, Tour Response still retains a soft feel and 100% cast urethane cover. Compared to the previous generation of TaylorMade dimple patterns, the new dimple profile/shape creates TaylorMade’s most aerodynamic dimple pattern producing improved carry distance on all types of shots. Tour Response features a unique dual-radius dimple shape that decouples dimple volume from depth to optimize airflow around the golf ball during flight, ultimately reducing drag, optimizing lift and promoting distance. Tour inspiration from TP5/TP5x doesn’t stop there in the 2022 Tour Response, also featuring Speedmantle™ with HFM (High Flex Modulus). A firmer second layer surrounding the inner low compression core helps the ball explode off the face with increased face interaction maximizing energy transfer at impact producing faster ball speeds. With the addition of the Tour Flight Dimple pattern, Tour Response technology now exhibits even more technology that is in the TP5/TP5x golf ball players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa and Team TaylorMade athletes who are playing on professional tours around the world. For as long as there have been urethane golf balls, Tour players have used them. It’s the industry standard

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

The h new dimple ppattern paired with h a ca ccast urethane cover simply creates a softer version of a Tour-level ball made for the everyday golfer that is looking to reap the beneﬁts of our tour proven technology at an affordable price. – MIKE FOX, TAYLORMADE’S DIRECTOR OF GOLF BALL PRODUCT CREATION for premium performance in golf balls. Tour Response is

technology, TaylorMade engineers brought ground-breaking

engineered to respond to the individual non-tour golfer’s

360° alignment to Tour Response, making it the easiest golf

game with a 100% cast urethane cover for signiﬁcantly added

ball to align TaylorMade has ever created.

greenside spin and better feel vs. ionomer. Commenting on the new TaylorMade golf balls, Mike Fox,

“Tour Response already separated itself from the competition with overall materials and performance, but

TaylorMade’s Director of Golf Ball Product Creation, said:

now with Tour Response Stripe it will also give golfers the

“The new dimple pattern paired with a cast urethane cover

feedback needed to boost their performance on the greens,”

simply creates a softer version of a Tour-level ball made for

Fox explained.

that is looking to reap the beneﬁts of our the everyday golfer tha tour proven technology at an affordable price.” all-new Tour Response, TaylorMade has In addition to the a

This next-gen visible technology of Tour Response Stripe is a 22-millimeter digital band that wraps around the centre of the golf ball to help aim putts better, faster and more

introduced in visual alignment technology intro roduced its latest innovation in

consistently. Inside the digital band is a thin black line to

By drawing inspiration from with Tour Tou our Response Stripe. St

match with putter sight lines for immediate aid in alignment.

the revolutionary revolutio tionary pix™ design with ClearPath Alignment™

The multi-colour design of Stripe not only creates better

alignment, but also can’t miss feedback on the quality of the

Soft Response maintains game changing distance at an

roll of each putt. Proper strikes are easily identiﬁable as the

incredible soft feel to become a true game-changer in this

stripe rolls consistently to the hole, while off-centre strikes

category,” said Fox.

cause a can’t miss wobble of the digital band. With increased softness from cover to core, Soft

A unique Extended Flight Dimple Pattern decreases drag and optimizes lift, allowing the ball to stay in the air

Response is the softest ball in TaylorMade’s arsenal, designed

longer at lower speeds and lower spin rates. It completes

to give amateur golfers enhanced feel while maintaining

a harmonious design, with all features working in unison

ball speeds and distance. Soft Response is designed for

to elevate performance for players with slow-to-average average

moderate swing speed players with a new, softer core and a

swing speeds.

re-engineered ionomer cover for added greenside spin. The changes produce a softer ball with an overall 50

Soft Response was tested, reviewed, and d afﬁrmed at every stage of development by

compression (versus a 60-compression rate in the previous

everyday golfers, becoming a golf ball that

generation). An added SpeedMantle layer in its 3-piece

responds to your game and performs where

construction creates an efﬁcient energy transfer at impact,

you need it the most. The 3-layer construction in

resulting in a softer ball that enhances feel and maintains

combination with the SpeedMantle builds resistance nce

both ball speed and distance.

against the club face to build energy and create ball b ll speed peed d

“Normally if you go that much softer it is hard for tthe product to be as long as its prior generation, but we

at this new softer feel. So, give your game the boost you’ve always wanted with

ttook advantage of the three layers of this product, which

the brand new TaylorMade Response golf balls – there’s one

i unique at this price, to build up speed. In addition, is

that’s perfectly matched for you!

Tour Response already separated itself from the competition with overall materials and performance, but now with Tour Response p Stripe it will also give golfers the feedback needed too boost their performance on the greens.

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

www.golfcitizen.com

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING PLD

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PLD

For those amateur club golfers who have always envied professional golfers having access to master craftsmen to set up their equipment, put that envy aside because now, you can also go through the same experience as the professionals. This breakthrough is being made available courtesy of PING Golf who literally wrote the book on customization. The service that is being brought to the user level is PING’s new Putting Lab Design (PLD) programme that offers tour-inspired designs, custom experiences, and collectibles via pingpld.com

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PLD

he Putting Lab Design programme is a custom putter experience created to give golfers unprecedented access to precision-milled putters and tour-level ﬁtting experiences through a new website dedicated to advancing

PING’s reputation as the leader in putter design and customization. Golfers visiting pingpld.com can experience the programme in three ways:

PLD Custom PLD Milled PLD Limited Here’s an insight to the three facets of PLD:

PLD CUSTOM Golfers schedule an appointment with a PING Master Fitter to experience the same custom-fitting process as a tour player and create a one-of-a-kind, custom putter built by the PING Wrx team. Appointments for either a virtual or PING Putting Lab fitting can be scheduled at pingpld.com/ schedule-pld-fitting.

PLD LIMITED Collectors items that celebrate a PING putter that changed the game, or limited quantities of tour player models built and customized to the pro’s exact speciﬁcations.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING PLD

The PLD programme allows us to bring golfers more of what we do best - design and build the highest-performing custom putters in the game. It offers nearly endless possibilities. Golfers can craft their own custom design through PLD Custom, choose the proven performance of a PLD Milled model or add to their putter collection by acquiring a PLD Limited. It gives golfers a chance to play what the – JOHN K. SOLHEIM, PING PRESIDENT pros play and own a piece of PING history.

PLD MILLED Four precision-milled, tour-proven models available at PING retailers committed to selling premium, custom-ﬁt putters.

We established the PLD name several years ago as an extension of the PING Putting Lab, where we’ve been ﬁtting some of the top players in the world for more than 20 years. Until now, access to the master ﬁtters who deliver these custom putter experiences has been limited to the best players in the game. We can now bring golfers what they’ve been asking for either through a virtual or in-person experience. “The PLD programme allows us to bring golfers more of what we do best - design and build the highest-

custom putter experience. “We established the PLD name several years ago as

performing custom putters in the game,” said PING

an extension of the PING Putting Lab, where we’ve been

President John K. Solheim. “It offers nearly endless

ﬁtting some of the top players in the world for more than

possibilities. Golfers can craft their own custom design

20 years,” said Solheim. “Until now, access to the master

through PLD Custom, choose the proven performance of

ﬁtters who deliver these custom putter experiences has

a PLD Milled model or add to their putter collection by

been limited to the best players in the game. We can now

acquiring a PLD Limited. It gives golfers a chance to play

bring golfers what they’ve been asking for either through a

what the pros play and own a piece of PING history.”

virtual or in-person experience.”

Since PING created the PLD brand through several

“Several of our highest-ranked players in the

limited-edition models in recent years, golfers have

world rely on a PLD custom putter that was designed in

expressed interest in more custom designs and options,

collaboration with our engineering team,” said Solheim.

seeking the same experiences and treatment as the tour

So, you have an open invitation to be treated just like

pros. The PLD Custom programme was created to satisfy

a professional. Make a date with PING to experience its

the on-going demand for golfers wanting the ultimate

revolutionary PLD programme.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING’S ANSER

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING’S ANSER

Did you know that the issuance of the legendary Anser putter patent is 55 years old? To celebrate this incredible milestone, PING arranged for the Anser Patent 55 putters to be sold exclusively through pingpld.com on March 21. Only 55 of the precisionmilled, handcrafted putters, which are made in the USA, were made available via the new website.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING’S ANSER

he ﬁrst of four Anser Patent 55 designs to be

out the letter “w” in the word answer to ensure the name

released this year as part of the new Putting

would ﬁt on the back of the putter. Earning its ﬁrst PGA Tour

Lab Design (PLD) Limited collection, the

win at the 1966 Florida Citrus Open, just over a month after

fully machined aluminium bronze putter can

its introduction at the Phoenix Open, the Anser’s instant

be purchased for US$790. (Limit one per

popularity changed the trajectory of the company practically

customer.)

Granted on March 21,1967 by the U.S. Patent ofﬁce and

overnight as demand grew so quickly it necessitated a move out of the family’s Scottsdale garage and into a small

assigned the number D207-227, the game-changing patent

building in north Phoenix to keep up with production. The

set the standard in putter design that still dominates the

original building still sits on the company’s 50-acre facility.

winner’s circle today. More than 700 Anser victories are

The Anser is also famous for its inﬂuence on other

represented in the PING Gold Putter Vault, including the

putter designers in the golf industry, many of whom

1969 Masters, the ﬁrst of 20 major victories for PING’s most

celebrated the day the patent expired.

iconic design. The history of the famous design is well-chronicled,

“A lot of time has passed since the invention of the Anser putter,” said John A. Solheim, PING’s Chairman &

from it ﬁrst being sketched by Karsten Solheim, the founder

CEO (pictured) and the youngest son of Karsten and Louise

of PING, on a 78-rpm record sleeve to his wife Louise’s idea

Solheim.

to name the putter Anser, cleverly suggesting Karsten leave

“We think it’s important to remind the golf industry

We think it’s important to remind the golf industry and some of the younger golfers that the familiar putter design they see with other brands’ name on it was created by Karsten in his garage in the mid-1960s. I was fortunate to be at his side building the first Ansers and continued to do so for many years. It was among Karsten’s many contributions to the game that eventually earned him induction into the World Golf of Fame, the only manufacturer to be so honoured. We’re flattered that the design has had such a significant influence on putter design for the last 55 years and we think this a great time to celebrate its continuing success by offering golfers a piece of PING history with the introduction of the Anser – JOHN A. SOLHEIM Patent 55 model.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING’S ANSER

With only a few opportunities a year, PLD Limited models consist of putters played by top PING professionals, and iconic PING putters that changed the game. Targeted mainly to collectors, these models will be serialized and available as built with no modiﬁcations. and some of the younger golfers that the familiar putter

the introduction of the Anser Patent 55 model.”

design they see with other brands’ name on it was created

With only a few opportunities a year, PLD Limited

by Karsten in his garage in the mid-1960s. I was fortunate

models consist of putters played by top PING professionals,

to be at his side building the ﬁrst Ansers and continued to

and iconic PING putters that changed the game. Targeted

do so for many years. It was among Karsten’s many

mainly to collectors, these models will be serialized and

contributions to the game that eventually earned

available as built with no modiﬁcations.

him induction into the World Golf of Fame, the only manufacturer to be so honoured. We’re

The next Anser Patent 55 will be machined from stainless steel and will launch on June 13, followed by a

ﬂattered that the design has had such a signiﬁcant

patina-ﬁnished carbon steel version on September 26.

inﬂuence on putter design for the last 55 years and

The ﬁnal Anser Patent 55 is milled from stainless steel

we think this a great time to celebrate its continuing

with a yet-to-be determined ﬁnish and is available on

success by offering golfers a piece of PING history with

December 12.

THREE DISTINCT DRIVERS Available in MAX (highest MOI), LST (low spin), or SFT (draw bias) models to ﬁt your game.

OUR MOST FORGIVING DRIVER. EVER. Total MOI pushes 10,000 in the G425 MAX, a new standard in long and straight. A 26g tungsten CG shifter increases MOI an average of 14% across the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings.

At PING, we measure success in the lab and on your scorecard. Led by our most forgiving driver ever, the G425 MAX, big performance gains were achieved across the new G425 family. The proven innovations engineered into G425 clubs deliver score-lowering results oﬀ the tee, from the fairway and into and around the green so golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the game more.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING’S GLIDE 4.0 WEDGES

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING’S GLIDE 4.0 WEDGES

Playing with wedges has always been described as a part of the golf game that has to do a lot with feel. The better your feel, the better your wedge play some may say. Whatever the case, wedge play, plays a vital part in how scores turn out at the completion of a given hole. Screw up on your wedge game and get ready to whip out your wallet to settle some hefty beer bills at the 19th hole. Now onto something more positive – for those of you who would like to improve your wedge play, PING has just rolled out some winners.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING’S GLIDE 4.0 WEDGES

The Glide 4.0 series is an exciting continuation of our specialty wedge family that brings golfers the short-game performance they need to lower their scores through several advancements in wedge – JOHN K. SOLHEIM, PING PRESIDENT technology.

ING has launched the Glide 4.0 wedge series,

our activated elastomer insert behind the face. Every detail

its next generation of specialty wedges. These

in the Glide 4.0 is designed to save shots, including a longer

wedges have been engineered to bring golfers

grip for choking down when necessary to play touch shots

lower-launching, higher-spinning performance

around the green. We’ve seen tremendous tour adoption

into and around greens.

around the world with the new wedges and look forward

“The Glide 4.0 series is an exciting continuation of our

specialty wedge family that brings golfers the short-game performance they need to lower their scores through several

to getting them in golfer’s hands as we begin another golf season.” In developing the Glide 4.0 wedges, PING’s engineers

advancements in wedge technology,” said John K. Solheim,

focused on expanding the grind and loft options to make

PING President.

custom ﬁtting easier and more precise.

“We packed a lot of performance into the series to ensure it appeals to golfers of all abilities. The wedges have

“The four distinctly different sole grinds, including an Eye2 sand-wedge-inspired version in four lofts, ensure

a great look at address and are extremely versatile in all

that trained PING club ﬁtters can properly match a Glide

conditions, relying on precision-milled grooves and a new

4.0 to a golfer’s angle of attack and playing conditions,”

face blast to increase friction and deliver high spin and

Solheim said. “Whether ﬁtting our tour pros or players who

consistency,” he said.

just prefer the look, feel and all-around performance of a

Solheim went on to explain, “The feel is greatly improved as we’re using 8620 carbon steel together with

specialty wedge, we have a sole grind and loft combination to match every golfer.”

A deep dive look at the wedges reveals the following: 8620 CARBON STEEL & ACTIVATED ELASTOMER The multi-material construction combines 8620 carbon steel with a larger and softer elastomer insert to provide a soft, responsive feel. The additional volume of the activated elastomer insert allows for 36% more face contact, resulting in the softer feel golfers prefer in their wedges. PRECISELY SIZED AND SHAPED When designing the series, PING decided to vary the head size of the S and T grinds to give players choosing those options a smaller head for added conﬁdence and versatility. Conversely, the W and E grinds are a little more forgiving, with slightly larger heads. FRICTION FACE WITH EMERY BLAST The new Emery blast makes a huge difference in performance and is the result of PING’s on-going research into the role friction plays in adding spin during ball interaction. PING engineers were able to provide added spin with a lower launch that gives golfers the consistency they need to play at the pin on full shots or take on the tough shots around the green. FOUR GRINDS, MORE LOFT OPTIONS Four differentiated sole grinds (S, W, T, E) are designed to match a golfer’s angle of attack and typical turf conditions for improving performance and versatility on full and partial shots. In all, there are 17 grind/loft combinations. The tour-proven Glide 4.0 wedges are available for custom ﬁtting at authorized PING golf shops around the world.

SPECIAL FEATURE

PGA TOUR

SPECIAL FEATURE | PGA TOUR

TIM FINCHEM

JAY MONAHAN

It was just a few weeks ago when the golf industry honoured a man for the sterling work that he had done to grow the PGA Tour, golf’s richest and most powerful professional tour. That man was Tim Finchem who was commissioner of the PGA Tour for 22 years during which time he grew the tour’s prize money from US$100 million on three tours in 1994 to more than US$400 million on six tours when he retired in 2017. For this stunning growth, Finchem was inducted into golf’s World Hall of Fame. Now if you thought it couldn’t get better, think again! The man who took over the reins from Finchem has since taken the tour to new historic levels. Jay Monahan, striding along Finchem’s footsteps has thrown the Tour into race mode and has charged into the new season with prize monies never imagined before.

SPECIAL FEATURE | PGA TOUR

he guys who ply their trade on the PGA Tour are all well taken care of. Almost every single player on this tour can pride himself in belonging to an elite group of professional athletes who

make good money and who are looked after well by the Tour. In fact, for the 2022 season, the PGA’s Commissioner Jay Monahan has worked hard with his team to create a record structure for staggering prize and bonus pay-outs. The increase is quite a jump from US$367 million for last year to US$427 million for the 2022 season. In fact, almost all pay-outs have been beefed up - the FedEx Cup bonus fund is now up to a whopping US$75 million, an increase of US$15 million from the prize fund on offer for the 2020/21 season. This means that the Tour Championship at East Lake, and the FedEx Cup ﬁrst-place check, has been bumped up from US$15 million to US$18 million. The Tour’s ﬂagship event, the Players

The new structure will see 55% of the Tour’s total revenue directed back to players. Not bad for a non-proﬁt organisation. Notwithstanding the private endorsement deals players have with equipment, apparel and other manufacturers, 124 players earned at least US$1 million on the PGA Tour last season. – JAY MONAHAN

Championship threw up the richest purse in golf

for being named the ﬁrst winner of the PGA Tour’s

which hit US$20 million, up from US$15 million which

Player Impact Programme bonus. Tiger received the

is US$7.5 million more than the US Open, which is the

US$8 million for ﬁnishing at the top of the Player

biggest purse of the four Majors.

Impact Programme standings, which ranks each

The Comcast Business Tour Top 10, which rewards players at the end of the regular season and

golfer in terms of popularity. The controversial Phil Mickelson ﬁnished

prior to the FedEx Cup Playoffs, has doubled from

second. The left-handed Mickelson received a

US$10 million to US$20 million. The average purse

US$6 million consolation prize for his runner-up

on Tour for 2022 has increased from US$8 million to

performance. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Bryson

US$9.1 million per event. The prize purses for the

DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson,

three ‘player hosted events’, the Genesis Invitational,

Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and Bubba Watson also

Arnold Palmer Invitational and Memorial Tournament,

placed inside the Top 10 in the standings.

will increase by US$3 million to US$12 million. And that’s not all – the pot of golf continues to

And the windfall continues as a new bonus scheme called ‘Play 15’ has also been introduced.

swell as the ﬁrst two playoff events, the FedEx St

This will see players rewarded with US$50,000 once

Jude Championship and BMW Championship, will

they make ﬁfteen starts.

now offer a further US$5.5 million each, taking their tournament purses to US$15 million. The big sweetener is the newly introduced Player

According to Monahan, the new structure will see 55% of the Tour’s total revenue directed back to players. Not bad for a non-proﬁt organisation. Notwithstanding the private

Impact Programme, which ﬁnancially rewards players

endorsement deals players have with equipment, apparel and other

for driving fan and sponsor engagement – this will

manufacturers, 124 players earned at least US$1 million on the

see a US$10 million investment to US $50 million. In

PGA Tour last season.

the inaugural pay-out, US$8 million was paid to Tiger Woods. The 46-year-old legend received this windfall

In summation, Monahan feels that: “We are positioned to grow faster in the next ten years than we ever have in our existence”.

BROOKS KOEPKA

TIGER WOODS

JON RAHM

BUBBA WATSON

SPECIAL FEATURE | PGA TOUR

......AND MORE MOOLAH’S THROWN AT THE PROFESSIONALS!

he on-going tussle between the PGA Tour and

series is said to start on June 9-11 at the Centurion Golf Club

the Greg Norman-led LIV Golf Investments

in St Albans, England, a week before the U.S. Open and will

has taken a new turn with the Australian golf

conclude with a team championship at the end of October after

legend launching an eight-tournament ‘Super

events in the USA, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

League’ schedule that will offer a $US255

According to Norman the series will feature four events

million total prize fund and a format that includes both

in the U.S. with one at Trump National in Bedminster, New

individual and team play.

Jersey, which originally was to host the PGA Championship

Although no player names were revealed, Norman said that his Saudi Arabian backed venture will be receiving more

this year. In a news release on March 16, Norman explained, “Our

than $US400 million in “seed money” to launch the LIV Golf

events are truly additive to the world of golf - we have done

Invitational series, which blends 54-hole stroke play with a

our best to create a schedule that allows players to play

team concept.

elsewhere, while still participating in our events.”

Seven events would have a $US25 million purse. The

The release went on to state: “I believe players will increasingly make progress in achieving their right to play where they want. We will help in any way possible and will provide golfers with opportunities to achieve their full potential.”

SPECIAL FEATURE | PGA TOUR

ANDREW GARDINER

GREG NORMAN

ith the PGA Tour plumping up its prize money and Greg Norman offering more cash on his soon-to-be-launched Super Golf League, then there comes along the Premier Golf League (PGL), headed up by London ﬁnancier, Andrew Gardiner. The PGL is not dissimilar in concept with Norman’s Saudibacked Super League. It claims to have 18 events throughout the calendar

year, consisting of 12 four-man teams in 54-hole, no cut, stroke play tournaments. Each with a purse of US$10m.

The PGL is reported to be funded by the World Golf Group. According to reports, the PGL is expected to roll-out its schedule in 2023

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ATTHAYA THITIKUL

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

She’s only 19 years-old and she put on display the stuff that she’s made of – a total package that is headed for superstardom in women’s golf.

hile many had expected Thailand’s teenage golf sensation to win on the world’s toughest women’s professional tour, nobody quite thought that it would come so early in her ﬁrst season on the big tour. The Thai beauty won the JTBC Classic for her ﬁrst LPGA Tour title, when she took the scalp of Nanna Koerstz Madsen in a play-off.

Thitikul is the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour since Brooke Henderson in the 2016 Portland

Classic at 18 years, 9 months, 23 days. The Thai player also has two victories on the Ladies European Tour and she is the reigning LET Order Of Merit winner and LET Rookie of the year for 2021. What was really amazing was that Thitikul came from behind by shooting an 8-under 64. Thitikul, No. 14 in the Rolex Rankings, has four wins on the Ladies European Tour, making history when she won the first at age 14. The LPGA rookie has won for the first time in just her fifth start in 2022. A new world number one in the making! You go girl – the golfing gods have already determined your destiny!

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

INDIA’S BEST!

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | I N D I A’ S B E S T !

To have ﬁnished second in the richest professional golf tournament in the

SPECIAL FEATURE

world is historic. To have beaten most of the top ranked golfers in the world is yet another historic achievement. Both the epic achievements were recorded in one tournament, The 2022 Players Championship. And the man who pulled this off was India’s Anirban Lahiri.

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E | I N D I A’ S B E S T !

ahiri sent out a loud message to his nation that when one puts one’s heart and soul into achieving a goal, combined with really hard work, the results will come. The 34-year-old Indian came very close

to winning the tournament when he held the lead for the third round. His determination and will to win was very

I want to win. I’ve been here seven years; haven’t gotten over the line yet. That’s deﬁnitely a monkey I want to get off my back. – ANIRBAN LAHIRI

apparent when he fought doggedly to stay at the top of the leaderboard. However, victory did not come his way as

playing horrible. The last time I contended in a ﬁeld this

Australia’s Cameron Smith edged ahead by one stroke to

good was at Memorial maybe, ﬁve years ago, or even that

claim the title.

was a back-door second. I shot 7-under on Sunday. It’s been

Although Lahiri had to settle for second place, what he had achieved in terms of prize money was simply astounding. For the battle that he fought, Lahiri picked up a monster check for US$2.18 million. “I want to win. I’ve been here seven years; haven’t gotten

a long time since I’ve been in this position in a quality ﬁeld like this,” he said. “It’s huge, because when you go through such a lean period for such a long time, you start asking yourself, man, was that a ﬂash in the pan? What are you doing? You haven’t

over the line yet. That’s deﬁnitely a monkey I want to get off

played good in so long. Your belief takes a hit, so this for me

my back,” said a disappointed Lahiri, who was bidding to

is – I’m going to re-cement the foundation and work upwards

become the second Indian after Arjun Atwal to win on the

from here.”

PGA TOUR. “I’m just relieved. I’ve gone through two years of

Lahiri has 18 professional wins to his name and his career winnings have reached US$6 million.

(PIC P CTURE TURE CRE CREDIT: DI PG DIT: PGA A TOUR/G TOUR/G R/GETTY R/G ETTY IMA IMAGES) GES) E