Asian Golf Issue 261: August 2022 by Asia Pacific Golf Group

ISSUE

261

AUGUST | 2022

Everyone has the Àre, ❝ but the champions know when to ignite the spark. ❞

A NEW ERA IS BORN – GLOBAL PUNTING IN GOLF! This revolutionary service is offered by iGX which prides itself in offering the world’s ﬁrst golf gaming platform. This exciting service is headquartered in the Philippine capital city of Manila.

For any special industry-wide recognition event to have been around for more than two decades is quite an achievement. Specially to remain relevant is really the big challenge. It takes a lot of determination, stamina and resolve to keep at it so that an industry has a measure of its best and a yardstick by which to strive and improve and change to stay abreast of the pace of change which in today’s world is an on-going phenomenon. Added to this is the geography and logistics involved in conducting a recognition event on a scale that covers the vast expanse of entire Asia Pacific region. The only way to conduct a search for the best without incurring huge cost given the distances that one has to travel in the region, is to carry out the hunt through an on-line poll. This is precisely what has been done over the past fourteen years with the ASIAN GOLF AWARDS, the Continent’s premier and most prestigious recognition and award programme for the golf industry. Well, the most coveted and sought-after award programme is back!

THE MONEY CLUB JUST GOT BETTER AND MEANER! Fast forward almost ﬁfty years later since the launch of the revolutionary PING ChipO, PING has launched the ChipR, a fully engineered short-game solution that combines elements of a putter and wedge to help golfers improve performance around the greens.

REGULARS

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM PUBLISHER

The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today. And that’s how I look at my life. I will be a better golfer, I will be a better person, I will be a better father, I will be a better husband, I will be a better friend. – TIGER WOODS That’s the beauty of tomorrow.

❝

Tiger Woods, we have all seen you at your very best and we want to keep those great memories in our minds for time immemorial.

❞

The Asia Pacific’s world-class summit on the business of golf is picking up momentum as it powers its way to staging the 2022 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Vietnam. It simply made a lot of good sense to come to a region in Vietnam which not only represented the burgeoning growth of a nation but one that was setting exciting trends in golf course development.

28 We do not believe that the childish tirade of all those who support the PGA Tour, and its allies will go away any day soon. Most did not envisage the force and power of Norman’s thrust as many were of the belief that the Australian superstar’s drive to make LIV Golf a serious global player, to be a temporary irritant. Lo and behold, just after weeks of hitting the big time, these never-say-die critics seem lost in a sinkhole that has left many of them dazed and confused.

AMUNDI, the French-based asset management company, the title sponsor of the Evian Championship has announced its sponsorship of seven emerging female golfers as they launch their careers in Asia. When a corporation puts its money where its mouth is and goes out on a limb to support young emerging players, they deserve a huge round of applause and support.

70 62 The LIV Golf League and The International Series will deliver 25 tournaments worldwide in 2023, creating more competition, enhanced player pathways and an increased global footprint.

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Mike Sebastian

INTERNATIONAL ROVING EDITOR

Alan Campbell (China/Middle East)

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

Correspondent

GLOBAL EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL

Angela Raymond

President [angela@asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com]

Gregg Patterson

President, Tribal Magic Inc.

Andrew Wood Founder/President, Legendary Marketing

James Cronk

Raquel Arcega

Executive Creative Art Director [raquel@asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com]

President, Cronk Group

IT Consultant Tech-Know Integrators

Alice Ho

INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Business Manager [alice@asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com]

Alice Ho

Email: alice@asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com

ASIAN GOLF www.asiapaciﬁcgolfgroup.com Tel: +65 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

Other golfers may outplay me from time to time, but they’ll never outwork me.” You made a gallant return to the 150th Open at your favourite course. You were not beaten by the Old Course – the Old Course served as a ﬁtting venue for you to graciously bow out and bid Goodbye to the world!

iger Woods, we have all seen you at your very best and we want to keep those great memories in our minds for time immemorial. We all still vividly remember that mo-

ment when you burst onto the world stage with your “Hello World” announcement which not only unravelled the greatest star the game has ever known but also brought about seismic change to the way the game is played. Tiger, you single-handedly changed golf forever and this alone will set you apart from the rest of the pack as the biggest and the best that the world has ever known. You have shown us what makes you a special human being – a champion who has whipped almost all adversities to reign supreme for such a long time. No one will fault you for all the good you have done for the game of golf. You are simply supreme and you will always be remembered as the champion who fired up millions of golf fans the world over and as a magnificent role model for young, emerging future stars. “Other golfers may outplay me from time to time, but they’ll never outwork me.” You made a gallant return to the 150th Open at your favourite course. You were not beaten by the Old Course – the Old Course served as a fitting venue for you to graciously bow out and bid Goodbye to the world! Tiger Woods

SHARED THOUGHTS | FROM THE PUBLISHER

May you never have to push your body to battle young stars who have modelled themselves along the lines you have prepared yourself for glory and victory. You don’t have to do this to show the world, anymore. Just relax and enjoy the exhilarating moments that you created for the world to watch and cheer in great jubilation. Now, you may compete, but let it be to win a mug of beer and no more! “No matter how good you get you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.” Tiger Woods. Tiger, there is nothing more for you to prove. The golﬁng gods have anointed you to go down in the annals of history as being simply the best. Thanks for the memories Tiger. What a man, what a player, what a hero! Truly The Greatest Of All Time!

No matter how good you get you can always get better, – TIGER WOODS and that’s the exciting part.

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COVER STORY

ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

COVER STORY | ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

C O V E R S T O R Y | ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

The award presentation will be staged during the 2022 Asia Paciﬁc Golf Summit and the event will be the Gala Awards Banquet. This major international recognition event will be staged at the Hoiana Integrated Golf Resort and Casino in Hoi An, Vietnam on November 3.

For any special industry-wide recognition event to have been around for more than two decades is quite an achievement. Specially to remain relevant is really the big challenge. It takes a lot of determination, stamina and resolve to keep at it so that an industry has a measure of its best and a yardstick by which to strive and improve and change to stay abreast of the pace of change which in today’s world is an on-going phenomenon. Added to this is the geography and logistics involved in conducting a recognition event on a scale that covers the vast expanse of the entire Asia Paciﬁc region. The only way to conduct a search for the best without incurring huge cost given the distances that one has to travel in the region, is to carry out the hunt through an on-line poll. This is precisely what has been done over the past fourteen years with the ASIAN GOLF AWARDS, the Continent’s premier and most prestigious recognition and award programme for the golf industry. Well, the most coveted and sought-after award programme is back!

t’s been two long frustrating years – that’s how long it’s been since the prestigious ASIAN GOLF AWARDS was last staged. The last physical presentation was staged in New Delhi during the 2019 Asia

Paciﬁc Golf Summit. The 2020 awards were presented but there were no “live” gala celebrations – the awards were sent out by international courier to all the winners.

This was caused by the global pandemic which resulted in the 2021 awards being can-

celled totally. But the most coveted award in the Asia Paciﬁc for the past 22 years is back! “This event is the 22nd in the series – that’s how long the Asian Golf Awards has been around,” declared Mike Sebastian, the Publisher of ASIAN GOLF and the owner of the recognition event. “It has certainly been missed and we hope to make up for lost time with a lot of gusto – the recognition event is being staged in Vietnam which is without doubt the most vibrant golf market anywhere in the world,” Sebastian said.

C O V E R S T O R Y | ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please e-mail: mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com or

This event is the 22nd in the series – that’s how long the Asian Golf Awards has been – MIKE SEBASTIAN around. The results of the 2021/22 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS have been finalised and winners have all received their notifications. There is a total of almost 40 award categories classified under the Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Of Excellence citations. “Even though the global pandemic was raging on, we received over 70,000 valid votes via the on-line poll,” revealed Alice Ho, coordinator for the awards. The award presentation will be staged during the 2022 Asia Pacific Golf Summit and the event will be the Gala Awards Banquet. This major international recognition event will be staged at the Hoiana Integrated Golf Resort and Casino in Hoi An, Vietnam on November 3. “We have had a lot of time to plan for the 2021/22 Asian Golf Awards and I am happy to say that it’s all systems go,” said Angela Sebastian, President of ASIAN GOLF. To all winners – we hope to see you in person at the awards ceremony when we can all celebrate together. The Asian Golf Awards - We’re Back!

r alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com

SPECIAL FEATURE

APGS 2022

SPECIAL FEATURE | APGS 2022

The Asia Pacific’s world-class summit on the business of golf is picking up momentum as it powers its way to staging the 2022 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Vietnam. After an almost threeyear hiatus, the region’s only international high-level golf Summit returns with gusto to Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam which is home to some of the newest and finest world class golf courses and resorts in the world. Selecting Quang Nam Province was not a difficult decision – it represents what is best from the old world to what is dynamic about the new world – an incredible juxtaposition of Hoi An, a historic United Nations Heritage City set against the backdrop of a massive new development at Hoiana Integrated Resort and Casino.

A whole new mindset is what the industry needs to get it back on its feet and ﬁghting ﬁt for the challenges thrown at it in a post-pandemic era. – MIKE SEBASTIAN

“I

t simply made a lot of good sense to come

APGS 2022 is the 14th in the successful annual series

to a region in Vietnam which not only repre-

and continues to be the premier event of its kind for the

sented the burgeoning growth of a nation but

region. To maintain its reputation and lofty standards, APGS

one that was setting exciting trends in golf

2022 has once again pushed the envelope to seek out the

course development,” said Mike Sebastian,

support of some of the best brains in the business of golf.

the Publisher of ASIAN GOLF and the owner and producer of

“Our objective is to bring together trend-setters and game

APGS 2022.

changers to share with the market their innovative and

“Quang Nam Province was also a perfect ﬁt for the

revolutionary thoughts on how to take the golf industry to

Summit’s theme which is DYNAMIC NEW VISTAS,” explained

new heights,” said Sebastian. According to him, the post-

Sebastian. No one can deny the fact that the period between

pandemic era offers a tremendous opportunity to revitalise

2020 and 2022 was appalling for everyone, including the golf

the industry and to give it a fully loaded shot-in-the-arm.

industry in the Asia Paciﬁc. “What the global pandemic did

The shot-in-the-arm will be delivered by a specially

to the industry was to turn it on its head and returning to the

assembled team of industry experts who are all at the cutting

pre-pandemic stage was not going to be an easy task – so

edge of the business and the speakers have been brought

many aspects of the business has been changed ranging

on board to talk directly to a well-deﬁned audience of golf

from the availability of manpower, the full impact of the age

course owners, general managers and operators.

of digitalisation, new technologies and operating costs,” Sebastian explained. “Returning to normalcy via a quick ﬁx was just not in

“These are the people who are looking for new pathways to get ahead after the long hiatus and what they will hear are not the same old, same old thoughts delivered by low-level

play,” Sebastian reasoned and went on to add, “A whole new

speakers,” Sebastian emphasised. “The speakers are the

mindset is what the industry needs to get it back on its feet

best in their respective ﬁelds, and they are excited to walk

and ﬁghting ﬁt for the challenges thrown at it in a post-

the delegates of APGS 2022 through dynamic new trends that

pandemic era.”

are already in place or are in the ofﬁng.”

SPECIAL FEATURE | APGS 2022

DAVID ABELES

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TAYLORMADE GOLF

JASON STRAKA

PRESIDENT, AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS

TIM CLARKE

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF WILSON GOLF

DAVID DOGUET

CHAIRMAN AND OWNER OF BLADERUNNER TURF FARMS

STACEY WALTON, STUART DALY AND RICHARD MEHR GLS ASIA AND GOLF CITIZEN

BRAD BURGESS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SPORTS TURF SOLUTIONS AND SUSTAINABLE TURF FARMS.

ANDREW JOHNSTON

ANDREW WOOD

FOUNDER AND CEO – THE LEGENDARY GURU

CLINTON NORRIS

DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING, TROON INTERNATIONAL

BRIAN CURLEY

PRINCIPAL, CURLEY GOLF COURSE DESIGN

PROFESSOR/DR. DEBORAH M. GRAY

PROFESSOR OF MARKETING AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

KEN MANGUM

A DISTINGUISHED AMBASSADOR FOR THE GAME OF GOLF IN GEORGIA AND A PROUD MEMBER OF THE CLASS OF 2015 OF THE GEORGIA GOLF HALL OF FAME.

PAUL STRINGER

PRESIDENT NICKLAUS DESIGN

ERIC LYNGE

GENERAL MANAGER, DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY AND RESIDENT GOLF COURSE DESIGNER, SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

DIRECTOR, SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC

NICK LONGLEY AND IAN BLUNT

PRESIDENT & CEO, HOIANA INTEGRATED RESORT

CO FOUNDER AND MARKETING MANAGER RESPECTIVELY OF INRANGE GOLF

STEVEN WOLSTENHOLME

MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Our objective is to bring together trend-setters and game changers to share with the market their innovative and revolutionary thoughts on how to take the golf industry to new heights. According to him, the post-pandemic era offers a tremendous opportunity to revitalise the industry and to give it a fully loaded shot-inthe-arm. – MIKE SEBASTIAN

The topics that will be covered at APGS 2022 will cover the full gambit of being at the forefront of the golf industry and will include:

} GOLF EQUIPMENT INNOVATION AND HOW THIS WILL IMPACT THE GROWTH OF GOLF IN ASIA. } DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES – THE LATEST IN MUSTHAVE, SMARTPHONE-BASED APPLICATIONS DESIGNED TO STREAMLINE AND UPGRADE OLD, CONVENTIONAL BUSINESS OPERATION SYSTEMS. } OPENING UP NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH STATE-OF-THE-ART GOLF SIMULATION PROGRAMMES. } GROWING WOMEN’S GOLF THROUGH SMART MARKETING AIMED AT SMART, PROFESSIONAL WOMEN. } UPGRADING TO WORLD CLASS TURF FOR GOLF COURSES. THE 101 ON NEW HYBRIDS AND HOW THESE TURF PRODUCTS CAN SAVE ON WATER, REDUCED FERTILISERS AND PESTICIDES, LOOK PRISTINE AND SAVE MONEY. } A HANDS-ON GUIDE TO THE TOPIC OF THE TIMES – SUSTAINABILITY. NOT YOUR USUAL BORING TALK BUT ONE DESIGNED AND AIMED BY AN EXPERT WHO HAS WON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY. } HOW TO PREPARE A GOLF COURSE TO STAGE A WORLD CLASS GOLF TOURNAMENT DELIVERED BY AN INDUSTRY LEGEND. APGS 2022 is programmed to cover all key operational aspects of the industry and the best way to describe it would be to call it “The Elixir For Growth”.

WWW.ASIAPACIFICGOLFSUMMIT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION, please e-mail: mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com or alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

IGX

SPECIAL FEATURE | IGX

It has ﬁnally happened! A global gaming platform dedicated purely to golf has arrived! This revolutionary service is offered by iGX which prides itself in offering the world’s ﬁrst golf gaming platform. This exciting service is headquartered in the Philippine capital city of Manila.

SPECIAL FEATURE | IGX

Our members can play ‘Over’ or ‘Under’ the number of birdies, bogeys an individual player will record in a round - in a similar vein to playing ‘Over’ or ‘Under’ goals in a game of football.

“iGX

is a project of passion born out of a quest by its founder to not only provide a betting platform in an under-served space

in golf, but to provide a platform that takes golf gaming to the next level,” declared a company spokesman. “As a company, we are fully committed to the development of golf in the region with local player sponsorship being explored.” Heretofore, betting services for golf have been available primarily in North America and Europe with bookmakers offering a wide scope of services covering various professional golf tournaments. The difference with iGX is that its services will span the entire world which will permit punters located anywhere in the world to bet on any tournament. Commenting on the service, the company spokesman said, “iGX will

iGX will cover all the major professional golf tournaments in the world and these will include the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, the LPGA Tour, LIV Golf’s Invitational Series, Kornferry Tour, the Asian Tour, the Japan and Korean Tour and the Australian Tour plus a whole range of smaller professional tours. This will be the most comprehensive service available to punters and they can place their bets with iGX for any tournament anywhere in the world. cover all the major professional golf tournaments in the world and these will include the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, the LPGA Tour, LIV Golf’s Invitational Series, Kornferry Tour, the Asian Tour, the Japan and Korean Tour and the Australian Tour plus

player will record in a round - in a similar vein to playing ‘Over’ or ‘Under’ goals in a game of football,” the spokesman explained. “We have given serious thought to all aspects of the betting experience to ensure that what we offer our members is a total experience,” according to the iGX spokesman. In discussing the company’s plans going forward, the

a whole range of smaller professional tours.” He

spokesman revealed: “We are already in discussions to

went on to add, “This will be the most comprehensive

develop a series of incredible golf tournaments around

service available to punters and they can place their

the ASEAN region for our members to play in and attend

bets with iGX for any tournament anywhere in the world.”

in person with fabulous prizes like a thoroughbred Italian

There is no doubt that iGX’s book-making service is versatile and totally global which for all intents and purposes makes it a one-of-a-kind 24/7 service for punters. The iGX betting platform is modelled on a “handicap

sportscar such as a Maserati and the All-American musclebound Harley Davidson Motorcycle.” The betting platform provided by iGX is going to be an instant hit with punters throughout Asia. “This is a godsend

system” made famous by the professional football leagues.

and something that we’ve been waiting for,” said an elated

Put simply, single round match bets can be placed on dif-

group of golfers.

ferent players in a tournament. “Our members can play ‘Over’ or ‘Under’ the number of birdies, bogeys an individual

To ﬁnd out more about iGX, visit the following link: W W W. I G X 3 6 0 . C O M

QUICK ACTION FACT FILE

This is a capsule to help you enjoy your experience with the iGX betting platform. In the event you encounter any problems relating to your account on matters such as funding and wagering, please contact us immediately. We stand ready to be of service – just provide us with a detailed description of your problem and we will swing into action immediately to resolve the matter. If you are a registered player, just provide your Username. To contact us, here are the details: Email : csr@igx360.com Whatsapp : +63 9398373218 Viber : +63 9398373218 Skype : live:.cid.c6699277c8307add Telegram : +63 9398373218 Line id : igxamy

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EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING ChipR

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING CHIPR

If you have been playing golf long enough, you should be old enough to know about a revolutionary golf club designed by a man who has been responsible for a lot of revolution in the club making business. The club was PING’s iconic ChipO designed by golf visionary and the founder of PING Golf, Karsten Solheim. He was known to always tinker around seeking to come up with new ideas for better performing clubs. In his never-ending quest to seek out new tools for the game, Solheim created the ChipO which was ﬁrst introduced in the mid-1970s. It was a club that mixed the loft of a downsized short-iron with the familiar length of a putter. What Solheim hoped to achieve with this new invention was to provide the average golfer with a more comfortable putting stroke motion with a clubhead that had loft and grooves to produce the launch, check and roll of a standard chip shot. The ChipO was born – a truly easy club to play with and one that helped improve performance tremendously!

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING ChipR

ast forward almost ﬁfty years later, PING has launched the ChipR, a fully engineered short-game solution that combines elements of a putter and wedge to help golfers improve performance around the greens.

“Golfers who fear chunking or blading their chip shots are

really going to beneﬁt from the new PING ChipR,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President. “We’ve learned a lot since my grandfather, Karsten Solheim, invented the ChipO, but his insights were spot on as always. Our research indicates 1/3 of golfers who tested the ChipR saw better results compared to a traditional wedge.” “We’ve engineered a lot of technology into the ChipR to help golfers avoid the poor chip shot and save strokes around the green. It represents another score-lowering option from our engineers for golfers in search of game improvement and more enjoyment on the golf course,” said Solheim. With the length of a putter (35”) and a loft closer to a 9-iron (38.5°), the ChipR is designed to be used on shots of 40 yards or less around

Knowing that, we’re building the ChipR at our standard putter length and lie angle to make setting up to the ball easier while providing the right amount of loft to get the ball in the air and eventually rolling closer to the hole. We recommend applying the same amount of force for a putt of the same distance. A lot of golfers will be amazed at how easy it is to use and more importantly, the number of strokes they’ll be saving.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS | PING ChipR

the green with a putting-like stroke, resulting in bump-and-

combine with the cambered sole to optimize performance and

run style shots that ensure the distance control and consis-

provide versatility from the rough and fringe. The precision-

tency that lead to shorter putts.

milled MicroMax grooves deliver consistent and predictable

“Applying a putting-style stroke takes a lot of the margin

trajectories for improved control.

for error out of chip shots and is more comfortable for a lot

“We designed the ChipR to ﬁt seamlessly into a golfer’s

of golfers,” Solheim said. “Knowing that, we’re building the

set,” Solheim said. “Whether they replace an existing wedge

ChipR at our standard putter length and lie angle to make

or another club in their bag, it’s a tremendous option to save

setting up to the ball easier while providing the right amount

strokes around the green. Just like all our clubs, it’s forgiving

of loft to get the ball in the air and eventually rolling closer

and can be custom ﬁt and custom built to match the needs of

to the hole. We recommend applying the same amount of

the player. We’re excited to get it into golfers’ hands so they

force for a putt of the same distance. A lot of golfers will be amazed at how easy it is to use and more importantly, the number of strokes they’ll be saving.” The ChipR’s compact size and shallow face

can share their results with us, and their playing partners can ask them how their short game got so good.” The ChipR is available worldwide at all PING’s custom ﬁtting centres.

We’ve engineered a lot of technology into the ChipR to help golfers avoid the poor chip shot and save strokes around the green. It represents another score-lowering option from our engineers for golfers in search of game improvement and more – JOHN K. SOLHEIM enjoyment on the golf course.

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIV GOLF

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF

It’s downright sickening when all that the critics of the Saudi Arabian-funded and Greg Norman-led LIV Golf Tour just keep chucking insults to denigrate the Tour and all those who embrace the game-changing initiatives that LIV Golf brings to professional golf. It’s not that Norman did not warn that he was on a mission to disrupt – a disruption for the good of the professional game, both from a players’ standpoint and that of the fans. Diehards of the current system of play in force in the professional game have put on an appalling display of resistance which can only be described as baseless and shameful and totally unbecoming of the noble game of golf. Resorting to gutter language, cusses and sometimes even the most explicit of mono-syllabic Anglo-Saxon swear words is not going to help the situation any!

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF

s this report is being written, we do not believe that the childish tirade of all those who support the PGA Tour, and its allies will go away any day soon. Most did not envisage the force and power of Norman’s thrust as many were of the belief that the Australian superstar’s

drive to make LIV Golf a serious global player, to be a temporary irritant. Lo and behold, just after weeks of hitting the big time, these never-saydie critics seem lost in a sinkhole that has left many of them dazed and confused. For the PGA Tour’s supporters to act in the manner that they have chosen, is totally understandable. They are acting in an emotional tirade which simply blots out reality which does not allow for sensible and adult-like discussions and negotiations. What is also disappointing is the tack being taken by some of the PGA Tour’s young players – guys like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and players from the distant past whose names slip our memory, to come out and carry the cudgel against LIV Golf. C’mon guys, the PGA Tour is made up of guys who wear big boy pants, and they can do their own fighting – your stand, whatever motivates it, does not really matter! Without over-stating the case, one does not need to indulge in rocket science to figure out the trajectory of LIV Golf. This Tour is destined to stay, and it will grow from strength to strength exponentially. It has all the right foundations in place, and it’s all firmly embedded in bedrock!

Without over-stating the case, one does not need to indulge in rocket science to ﬁgure out the trajectory of LIV Golf. This Tour is destined to stay, and it will grow from strength to strength exponentially. It has all the right foundations in place, and it’s all ﬁrmly embedded in bedrock!

PHOTO CREDIT: LIV GOLF & GETTY IMAGES

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF

Pause for a moment and look at the ﬁnancial resources

In the weeks and months ahead, regardless of all the

available to LIV Golf - it seems almost bottomless – its cur-

moral compass shaming, more players will be making the

rent war-chest boasts a ﬁghting arsenal of US$4 billion laid

shift to LIV Golf. Remember, that one can’t hope to keep

out by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, one of

professional golfers from playing just for the love of the

the most powerful sovereign wealth funds in the world. As a

game, loyalty, legacy or to win trophies to place on their

point of note, the strongman of the PGA Tour, Commissioner

mantlepiece. They are professionals and professionals play

Jay Monahan has in fact admitted that his organisation can’t

for a living and will go to whoever and wherever they can to

win against this sort of a ﬁnancial powerhouse.

lug away the most amount of cash. To the LIV Golf’s critics,

It must also be noted that Norman has assembled a tried

this may look and sound ugly, greedy and unethical but own

and tested management team that is ready to do battle with

up guys, LIV Golf is all about the professional game and justly

just one focal point in mind, and that being to win! Together

rewarding the players. That’s it!

with a huge pile of cash and the management savvy required

Watch this Tour develop an exciting new format of

to play at the highest level, LIV Golf has got everything going

play that will make the game a lot more challenging for

for it.

players and more exciting for the fans. Like all professional

The exodus is already happening – LIV Golf will be the home to the best players in golf and let it be known that it will be the home to only the absolute best. The system is designed to ﬂush out those who have to yield to better players. This is what professional sports is all about.

PHOTO CREDIT: LIV GOLF & GETTY IMAGES

leagues, it will draw only the very best – the very best who will be rewarded with pay checks that will light up the eyes of any professional athlete. How long can players from the other tours resist this call to plump up their bank accounts and secure their futures. We say not long! The exodus is already happening – LIV Golf will be the home to the best players in golf and let it be known that it will be the home to only the absolute best. The system is designed to ﬂush out those who have to yield to better players. This is what professional sports is all about. So, here’s a suggestion to all critics of LIV Golf – spit out the venom from your system and embrace a positive mindset that is going to be great for the global game. Norman, you have done well. More power to you Man!

FOOTNOTE: What’s happening with the Women’s Professional Game? Great question! It won’t be long before Norman gets behind the LPGA and when that happens, watch the ladies game grow like gangbusters!

Watch this Tour develop an exciting new format of play that will make the game a lot more challenging for players and more exciting for the fans. Like all professional leagues, it will draw only the very best – the very best who will be rewarded with pay checks that will light up the eyes of any professional athlete.

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF

CARLOS ORTIZ (LEFT), BRANDEN GRACE (MIDDLE) AND PATRICK REED POSE FOR A PHOTO FOLLOWING DAY 3 OF THE LIV GOLF INVITATIONAL - PORTLAND ON SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022, AT PUMPKIN RIDGE GOLF CLUB IN NORTH PLAINS.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIV GOLF 2023

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF 2023

Well before the end of its inaugural year, LIV Golf has launched its schedule for 2023. No amount of criticism which has been levelled at the disruptive new tour backed by the powerful Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and led by golf legend Greg Norman, has discouraged the game-changing professional tour. It is just powering on.

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF 2023

he LIV Golf League and The International Series will deliver 25 tournaments worldwide in 2023, creating more competition, enhanced player pathways and an increased global footprint. Building on the successful start to the 2022 LIV Golf

Invitational Series and the incredible feedback received from players and fans, the 2023 schedule will ofﬁcially launch with 48 players and 12 established team franchises competing in a 14-tournament schedule. The full slate of events will be announced at a later date and is expected to expand LIV Golf’s global footprint across North and Latin Americas, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. As the ﬁrst-ever global golf league committed to the sport’s worldwide growth, LIV Golf will also continue its enhancement of player pathways through the International Series, a ground-breaking series of events launched this year through a US$300 million commitment from LIV Golf to the Asian Tour. LIV Golf League players are expected to compete in numerous International Series tournaments, bringing the world’s top players to locations such as Thailand, England, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and new locations across the Americas and Europe. In total, LIV Golf will deliver 25 tournaments worldwide in 2023

LIV Golf League players are expected to compete in numerous International Series tournaments, bringing the world’s top players to locations such as Thailand, England, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and new locations across the Americas and Europe. In total, LIV Golf will deliver 25 tournaments worldwide in 2023 that will bring value, innovation and new audiences to the game of golf.

SPECIAL FEATURE | LIV GOLF 2023

that will bring value, innovation and new audiences to the

format featuring simultaneous team and individual play with

game of golf.

athletes competing for an unprecedented US$405 million in

“LIV Golf’s expanding global platform will add a new dimension to the golf ecosystem as we know it, one that pro-

prize purses. As a result, players will consistently play head-to-head

vides an opportunity for players and fans around the world

against their rivals throughout the year, providing fans with

to help maximize our beloved sport’s true potential,” said

a unique experience. Each season will culminate in a Team

Norman, CEO and Commissioner of LIV Golf.

World Championship match play grand ﬁnale. The 2023

“Our franchise model will bring new energy and excite-

league schedule will not compete with the Majors, interna-

ment to fans from all corners of the world, establishing a

tional team events or heritage events so the best players

league of teams to connect and grow with. The International

in the game will always be able to make their own choices

Series will attract new talent and offer unprecedented path-

about where to play.

ways that develop the next generation of stars. LIV Golf is

Team golf has proven it has the ability to produce many

committed to making sustainable investments that grow the

of the game’s most exciting moments, and it is at the heart of

game now and for the future, and we are proud to turn these

the new structure. Each team will be led by one established

dreams into a reality.”

Team Captain and will follow a franchise model akin to other

Consistent with the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series, LIV Golf League will showcase its innovative new golf

sports. Team Captains will compete and have the ability to build their franchises as they see ﬁt in an effort to gain the

greatest fan following and sponsor interest. LIV Golf League will guarantee open competition with opportunities for promotions and relegations through the LIV Golf International Series, annually delivering new op-

elite professional golf. This format provides broad exemption categories so a wide spectrum of players can attempt to earn their way into the league. In addition, an end-of-season LIV Golf Promotions event

portunities for international golfers, as well as pathways for

will provide further opportunity for new talent to enter the

amateurs and the next generation of leading players into

league.

Our franchise model will bring new energy and excitement to fans from all corners of the world, establishing a league of teams to connect and grow with. The International Series will attract new talent and offer unprecedented pathways that develop the next generation of stars. LIV Golf is committed to making sustainable investments that grow the game now and for the future, and we are proud to turn these dreams into a reality.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WOMEN’S GOLF

SPECIAL FEATURE | WOMEN’S GOLF

When a corporation puts its money where its mouth is and goes out on a limb to support young emerging players, they deserve a huge round of applause and support.

MUNDI, the French-based asset management

US Amundi Team earlier in 2022, and is testament to Amun-

company, the title sponsor of this week’s Evian

di’s growing commitment to women’s golf since becoming

Championship has announced its sponsor-

the ﬁve-year title partner of the women’s golf major in Evian

ship of seven emerging female golfers as they

last year, renamed The Amundi Evian Championship.

launch their careers in Asia.

The Asia Team Amundi 2022 launch comes after the

creation of the Europe Amundi Team in 2021 and that of the

Past winners of this prestigious tournament include the current world Number One, South Korea’s Jin Young Ko and world Number Two, Australia’s Minjee Lee.

SPECIAL FEATURE | WOMEN’S GOLF

The Asia Team Amundi 2022 launch comes after the creation of the Europe Amundi Team in 2021 and that of the US Amundi Team earlier in 2022, and is testament to Amundi’s growing commitment to women’s golf since becoming the ﬁve-year title partner of the women’s golf major in Evian last year, renamed The Amundi Evian Championship.

The sponsorship is part of the Amundi Women Talent Programme, which provides ﬁnancial assistance to talented young women golfers from around the world as they compete in high-proﬁle international tournaments, and is borne out of Amundi’s commitment to gender equality and diversity. The sponsorship is part of the Amundi Women Tal-

Takahashi from Japan. The seven athletes have demon-

ent Programme, which provides ﬁnancial assistance to

strated immense talent and commitment to the sport in

talented young women golfers from around the world

their early careers to date.

as they compete in high-proﬁle international tourna-

Alain Berry, Head of Communications at Amundi,

ments, and is borne out of Amundi’s commitment to

said, “In partnering with players like Xiang Sui, Wenbo

gender equality and diversity.

Liu, Ruoning Yin, Sophie Han, Tiffany Huang, Budsaba-

The seven players are Ruoning Yin, Xiang Sui,

korn Sukapan, and Sayaka Takahashi we look forward

Wenbo Liu, Sophie Han and Tiffany Huang from China;

to helping them unveil their potential further and

Budsabakorn Sukapan from Thailand and Sayaka

emerge on the international golf scene.

MINJEE LEE

JIN YOUNG KO