Issuu 173 single by Asia Pacific Golf Group

Introducing the New Pro V1 and Pro V1x.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Titleist continues to set the standard for golf ball excellence by earning the trust of millions of golfers worldwide. The new Pro V1® and Pro V1x™ provide total performance for every player. They deliver extraordinary distance and consistent ﬂight. And there’s more short game control, even softer feel and long-lasting durability from a new patented thermoset Urethane Elastomer™ cover formulation. The difference is everything. The difference is for your game.

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173

FEBRUARY 2015

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

40 Titleist Pro V1 & ProV1X: It’s A Whole New Ball Game! Just when you thought that the world’s favourite golf ball couldn’t get any better, Titleist ups the ante once again. The company that has been the most dominant name in golf balls has just rolled out its latest in the Pro-V range and it has been received with universal acclaim – both by professionals and amateurs alike.

46 Callaway Ups The Ante On Woods And Hybrids

The company that gave us the Big Bertha has been very active over the past few months. Callaway has been releasing a slew of new golf clubs and the latest in this frenetic pace of new product releases are the Big Bertha Alpha 815 woods and hybrids. Check out what Asian golf thinks of these newbies.

ISSUE 173

48 PING Raises The Bar Again! Looks like every brand is on a mission to provide golfers with better equipment designed to help them play a better game. PING is no different. The Arizona-based brand has launched three game-changing products – namely the Glide wedges, the G30 LS Tec driver, the Cadence range of putters and something special for women – the Rhapsody clubs.

52 PING’s Point Of View: G30 – A DNA Of Success John K.Solheim, VP of Engineering at PING shares his thoughts on the success behind the company’s G30 driver – rated as PING’s longest, most forgiving model to date. In his special contribution, he explains the game-changing innovations and the shared DNA that make PING’s other G30 products top performers in their respective categories as well.

56 Equipment Focus: Hello World! Please Meet My Newest Company! Entrepreneur extraordinaire Bob Parsons, the man behind GoDaddy, the big name behind Internet

FEBRUARY 2015

domain registration, has entered the golf equipment industry. His new company promises exciting golf clubs and if what the billionaire says is anything to go by, you better believe him when he says that he’s going to shake up the world of golf equipment.

58 Bettinardi - The Rolls Royce Of Putters Bettinardi putters and the man behind the brand, Robert Bettinardi is not your run-of-the-mill putter manufacturer. In fact, all of Bettinardi’s putters are milled right in the USA and Robert is very proud of this tradition. Putters bearing the Bettinardi name have been used to win tens of dozens of tournaments on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, the Japan Golf Tour and other international tournaments. Bettinardi Golf kicks off 2015 with a proud range of top quality products that would be right at home in the company of the prestigious automobiles from Rolls Royce.

SPECIAL FEATURES S 66 Black Hat Tips: Never Neglect The Most Important Fundamental In Golf The month of L-O-V-E is upon us and I want to wish all golfers a special Happy Valentine’s day. May you enjoy your loved ones very much and also continue to enjoy your L-O-V-E for golf!

68 Pro Tour Golf College: The 4 Golf Success Factors That Will Fast-Track High School and College Golfers to the Pro Tour Are you a high school or college golfer who is majoring in minor golf skills? If you want to establish a career as a successful professional tour golfer when you graduate you need to know that there’s a fast-track score improvement process and there’s also a slow-track.

36 A Junior Golf Sounds The Alarm! Is enough being done to develop junior golf? This is the perennial question being asked in various quarters of the golf world. The general consensus points to the fact that more can be done for junior golf. Let’s hear it from juniors themselves and listen to what they think needs to be done to grow the game amongst juniors in Asia.

REGULARS 6 Asian Golf Editorial Team

8 Shared Thoughts From Publisher

722 Ne Next Issue

MIKE SEBASTIAN Chief Executive Officer/Managing Editor

ANGELA RAYMOND President

[ mike@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

LAWRENCE YOUNG Editor (New Equipment)

[ lawrence@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

[ angela@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

ALICE HO Marketing Executive

[ alice@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

RAQUEL M. ARCEGA Art Director & Ezine Development

SAIFUL SUFIAN Art Director

[ raquel@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

MYRA PARAS Accounts Executive

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[ sufian@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

WAYNE LWEE Video Editor/Streaming services

[ wayne@asiapacificgolfgroup.com ]

MEDIA PARTNERS

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Contributing Professionals

IMG ACADEMY, TONY MEECHAI, CHRIS SMEAL, DAVID MILNE & LAWRIE MONTAGUE (PRO TOUR GOLF COLLEGE), NICK RANDALL, STEVEN GIULIANO

Correspondents

ROBIN BARWICK (EUROPE), RISHI NARAIN (INDIA)

Contributing Editors

TERRY ANTON, ALAN CAMPBELL, KATHERINE ROBERTS, AAERISHNA SHAHSTHY

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From The Publisher

The game of golf is centuries old but rarely do we get an opportunity to recognise someone for having stayed active in the golf industry for 50 years. It is a significant timeline that marks a milestone - the 50th anniversary which in itself is a historic milestone. 8

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ISSUE 173

est we forget, especially with 2015 already up and running, one of golf’s most decorated players, Gary Player, prepares for a momentous milestone. This year, the South African icon will celebrate the 50th anniversary of completing the career Grand Slam. Player, widely regarded as the most successful international golfer in the sport, became just the third individual to clinch golf’s most coveted title. Since Player achieved the career Grand Slam, the only other golfers to join him, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen have been Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods proving the sheer difficulty of winning each of golf’s Major Championships. By 1965, Player, popularly known also as the “Black Knight” already had achieved unparalleled success for an international golfer as he became the youngest British Open victor at age 23 and the first international winner of The Masters. When Player arrived at the 1965 U.S. Open at Bellerive Country Club with three Major titles to his name, he was convinced that he could win the tournament and thus complete the Grand Slam. That belief proved fruitful as it was Player who lifted the U.S.

FEBRUARY 2015

The South African golfing legend is the only individual in the sport to claim the Grand Slam on the Senior Tour as well, with a matching nine Major titles on his Senior Tour résumé.” Open trophy after a Monday, 18-hole playoff round against Australian Kel Nagle. Nine-time major champion Player is the only international golfer to have his name etched on each of The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship trophies still to this day. Should Irishman McIlroy prevail in Augusta, he will join Player as the only other international champion. The South African golfing legend is the only individual in the sport to claim the Grand Slam on the Senior Tour as well, with a matching nine Major titles on his Senior Tour résumé. Winning the Grand Slam is seen as the ultimate feat in golf, but with that, Gary Player has always felt that using his success to give back to those less fortunate has been integral. The Black Knight made history at the ‘65 U.S. Open and broke tradition as he donated all his tournament earnings to charity.

Player continues to carry out that vision by raising much needed funds for underprivileged children through his Foundation. Since its establishment in 1983, The Player Foundation has raised almost US$60 million worldwide to create a brighter future for those in need. 2015 will hold many reasons for celebration. In addition the 50th anniversary of the Grand Slam, Player will celebrate his 80th birthday on November 1. “Rest is rust,” said Player. “Age is just a number. I am thrilled to celebrate my 80th birthday in November, but in my mind I am still in my 40s.” Congratulations Gary! We at the Asia Pacific Golf Group consider ourselves fortunate to have made your acquaintance and to have hosted you as a keynote speaker at two Asia Pacific Golf Summits. Thank you and keep the rust away!

At PING, we want every shot to be your best. So we bring you the new G30 iron RXU ODWHVW LQ D ORQJ OLQH RI LURQV HQJLQHHUHG ZLWKRXW VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FLQJ WKH NH\V to lower scores â&#x20AC;&#x201C; control and consistency. From its undercut cavity design to progressive lengths and lofts, the G30 iron delivers distance with control, IRUJLYHQHVV ZLWK IHHO DQG EDOO Ă LJKWV WKDW ODXQFK KLJK DQG ODQG VRIWO\ ,Q RWKHU words, everything you need to hit more greens, more often. Visit a PING Fitting Specialist or ping.com today. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be better for it.

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New T9S face material

5 loft adjustments

COVER STORY

13 ASIAN GOLF

2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

ISSUE 173

FEBRUARY 2015

COVER STORY

2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

Last year we had a total of 27 award categories and this has since grown by the addition of a further five categories which included an award for the best club general manager of the year.”

fter a three-month run, the votes were tallied up and the cream of the crop has been decided upon. “As the proverbial idiom goes, the cream has certainly risen to the top and we are delighted to be able to once again showcase the best in our industry,” observed Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner of the prestigious Asian Golf Awards. The golfing community in the Asia Pacific voted in a total of 33 categories which is the highest number of categories in this annual search for the region’s best. Of the 33 categories, there were five new categories that were featured for the first time. LOTUS VALLEY GOLF CLUB

ANGKOR GOLF RESORT

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The Asian Golf Awards programme is the only pan-Asia Pacific-wide awards programme of its kind for the golf club industry. It is a programme that is held in very high regard by the industry and successful clubs use the programme to promote and market their properties very extensively. This year’s awards celebration was once again very well attended with delegates from 17 countries in attendance from the Asia Pacific at the Gala Awards Banquet which was held in conjunction with the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit that was staged at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore last November. “Last year we had a total of 27 award categories and this has since grown by the

addition of a further five categories which included an award for the best club general manager of the year,” pointed out Angela Raymond, president of the Asia Pacific Golf Group. The host nation’s Sentosa Golf Club topped the list for the best golf club in Singapore and in accepting the award, its general manager Andrew Johnston said, “To be recognized as Singapore’s Best at the 2014 Asian Golf Awards humbles us. Singapore has grown to become a competitive environment with worthy and extremely high quality opposition. We are honored to be selected once again and we will continue to strive for excellence and focus on providing quality.” The Indonesian island of Bali, although

What this award does for us is that it acknowledges and recognises the effort put in by the management and staff of New Kuta to make the club to be one of the best in the Asia Pacific. It is indeed an honour to be part of this elite selection of clubs, under the banner of the most prestigious Annual Awards in this part of the world.” – Raja Balasingham

NEW KUTA GOLF AND OCEAN VIEW

ISSUE 173

To be recognized as Singapore’s Best at the 2014 Asian Golf Awards humbles us. Singapore has grown to become a competitive environment with worthy and extremely high quality opposition. We are honored to be selected once again and we will continue to strive for excellence and focus on providing quality.” – Andrew Johnston limited in the number of courses, reaped some prestigious awards. New Kuta Golf and Ocean View picked up awards in two categories. “What this award does for us is that it acknowledges and recognises the effort put in by the management and staff of New Kuta to make the club to be one of the best in the Asia Pacific. It is indeed an honour to be part of this elite selection of clubs, under the banner of the most prestigious Annual Awards in this part of the world,” said Raja Balasingham, general manager of the club. Attending the Asian Golf Awards ceremony was quite an experience for first time winners, Lotus Valley Golf Club from Thailand. “The Asian Golf Awards is the “Oscars

FEBRUARY 2015

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

for the Asia Paciﬁc Golf Industry” and this is the ﬁrst international award Lotus Valley has been nominated for since the renovation of the course and addition of the modern clubhouse. For those achievements to be recognized, especially in a category such as “Best Value” was extremely satisfying to our entire management team!” said Derek Schade, general manager of the club. Cambodia, a relative newcomer to golf was well represented at the ceremony. The honour of winning the title of the best course in this Indo-China country went to Angkor Golf Resort together with an award for being amongst the best maintained courses. Accepting the award was David Baron, director of golf who said, “We are de-

lighted to have received these prestigious Awards. The Asian Golf Awards are precious to us for a number of reasons. Firstly, from an internal point of view it enables us to credit the whole team for their efforts on a daily basis. We are always striving to improve and these awards are acknowledgement for the efforts and progress of the team. However, more importantly the Awards have a global impact. With so many amazing golf destinations in the region the awards give potential visitors that extra peace of mind when considering Cambodia for their next golf vacation. In this sense it has a positive impact on our business, particularly considering we are still a relatively new golfing destination. It shows

LONG THANH-VIENTIANE GOLF CLUB

KINGS’ ISLAND GOLF CLUB, MOUNTAIN VIEW

MARINA BAY GOLF COURSE

BANYAN GOLF CLUB AND RESORT IN HUA HIN

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2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

We see this award creating a path for new relationships being formed among the top golf courses in the Asia Pacific region and through this alliance, we hope that the world will become aware of what the best golf courses of Asia have to offer.” – Antonio A. Turalba

MOUNT MALARAYAT GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

the consumer that they can find world class facilities here in Siem Reap.” A club that took a leap into the top echelons for the first time was Malaysia’s Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, which is operated by Malaysian conglomerate Gamuda Land. “One of the most gratifying things in any industry is to be recognised by your peers and the media as a leader in your segment. This is even more so in the golf course business, given the intense competition in an increasingly challenging market. It is thus a matter of great pride for the management, staff and members of Kota Permai that we have been recognised as the Best Course in Malaysia during the Asian Golf Awards 2014. This award motivates us to continuously strive to attain even greater heights – with the ultimate aim being to elevate Kota Permai to rank among the top golf courses in the Asia Pacific region,” declared Tang Meng Loon, clubs group general manager at Gamuda Land. The Philippines did well at the 2014 awards with Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club securing another citation. “We are honored to receive another award from Asian Golf Magazine! This is an important recognition of the management and staff of the Club in the provision of a world-class golf course and facilities for our members and guests. We see this award creating a path for new relationships being formed among the top golf courses in the Asia Pacific region and through this alliance, we hope that the world will become aware of what the best golf courses of Asia have to offer,” pointed Antonio A. Turalba, the club’s chairman and president. As the region’s only pan-Asia-Pacific awards and recognition programme, the Asian Golf Awards is held in very high regard and this is manifested by how clubs in the region rate the programme. Danny Tan, golf manager at Marina Bay Golf Course in 16

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Singapore said, “The Asian Golf Awards not only provides a platform for the public to show their support, it spurs us to challenge ourselves to reach for higher standards each year and to find innovative ways to provide better offerings and an enhanced customer experience.” The Singaporean went on to add, “We are truly delighted to gain the recognition of the public and industry stalwarts as well as to have their vote of confidence that we have done well in the respective categories of the Asian Golf Awards. The fact is that a lot of hard work and planning have taken place behind the scenes to ensure that the golf course consistently meets the expectations of golfers and the high level of standards which we have set.” What is the perception of non-golf club managers? What does the Asian Golf Awards mean to them? Brian Curley, principal of Schmidt Curley Design, the four-time winner of the coveted best golf course architect had this to say, “Golf is in the midst of a post Great -Recession, re-evaluation of itself. While the game in established regions is becoming stable, growth in these areas remains tepid and the outlook is dim for any large scale movement in new designs and construction. The best market for future growth continues to be Asia and the leading publication to push new ideas and trends continues to be Asian Golf. We continue to be a strong supporter of it and its forward-thinking push to move the sport into the next generation with proper nods to the past yet with innovative ideas to not only stabilize but invigorate the game. Golf’s future in Asia will be tied to the contributions of the team at the Asia Pacific Golf Group as they seek solutions to a sport that sees so much competition for free time and disposable income.” Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin is arguably one of Asia’s most well-known and highly regarded golf courses and this is how

its general manager Harald Ellison views the Asian Golf Awards: “Being named best course in Thailand, best course in Asia and best championship course in Asia at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit last November was a great honour for Black Mountain. The real credit goes to our staff, all of whom have worked so diligently over the past seven years to make Black Mountain an internationally known and recognised golf course, one that every serious golfer who comes to Thailand now wants to play.” He went on to say, “We constantly strive to keep the golf course in top condition year round and to maintain the highest service standards. This helps reinforce the image of Thailand as a high quality golf destination and one that is growing in stature every year.” The last word on the latest edition of the Asian Golf Awards comes from a man whose club picked up a slew of awards. He is Stacey Walton, general manager of the Banyan Golf Club and Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. “I view the Asian Golf Awards as the Oscars of our industry and that it is the supreme form of recognition for our industry’s greatest achievers. I think that the accolades awarded to the best golf clubs, golf resorts, and inspiring individuals are exceptionally deserved. The awards set a precedent for quality and to reach the top of your game requires a dedicated commitment to excellence with a driving passion to achieve success.” Over the past five years Banyan Golf Club and Resort has won 14-awards. “This is a testament to our management and team working here. I was extremely proud to experience our director of golf operations, superintendent and caddie winning the Best in Asia. The applause we have received from our shareholders, members and visitors has been overwhelming. I would like to thank Asia Pacific Golf Group for their outstanding contribution to golf in our region and our supporting voters who believe that Banyan Golf Club and its team are one of the best in Asia Pacific.”

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2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

ANVAYA COVE GOLF CLUB (PHILIPPINES) - BEST NEW COURSE – ASIA PACIFIC he Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club is an exclusive, non-profit membership club featuring an 18-hole all-weather sustainable golf course, a worldclass golf club and an extensive sports complex - all delivered in the Ayala Land Premier tradition of excellence. At the Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club, sports, recreations and family bonding intertwine in a lush, seaside setting. The Club consists of extensive sports facilities, a pool complex, and elegant yet relaxed dining, lounging and social spaces. The golf course aims to be as environmentally sustainable as possible with the conservation of mature trees, landscaping with endemic flora and fairways and tees that seem as if “it has always been there”. The golf course at Anvaya cove is a golf experience like no other. Each hole has its own personality and is a testament to the coexistence of great golf and the environment. Whether perched on an adjacent cliff above the sea or set high atop the rolling hillsides, the Anvaya Cove golf course has it all. The golf course takes advantage of the phenomenal scenery and follows the existing terrain using the existing forest and natural stream courses to its advantage. Visually striking and intimidating, the golf course will challenge all levels of golfers and provide a mentally stimulating experience for all. The course has been designed to provide fun for the entire family, but can easily be transformed into a strong test of golf for the accomplished golfer under tournament conditions. Anvaya Cove’s unique character will provide wonderful memories for the whole family.

BALI NATIONAL GOLF CLUB (INDONESIA) BEST RENOVATED – ASIA PACIFIC ali National Golf Club, arguably now the flagship of Bali golf, following a complete redesign by Nelson, Haworth Golf Course Architects and reconstructed to international standards over the past one and a half years, officially reopened on 1 March 2014, with spectacular views over the majestic backdrop of Gunung Agung and the Indian Ocean. A new golf journey commences amidst a lush tropical forest set on hilly parkland and then it’s on into spectacularly landscaped coconut groves, before arriving at the penultimate par 3, 17th hole, where a golfer’s question may well be “where’s the fairway”! Yes, this hole requires a precise tee shot to a magnificent island green. The 18th then awaits, a 400 yard dog-leg par 4, with the green directly in front of the clubhouse terrace, where one’s putts will be dissected by the watching audience, while they are enjoying their cocktails. Well-appointed Locker Rooms, well stocked Pro Shop, Golfer’s Restaurant and Terrace overlooking the 18th green, together with meeting room and lounge facilities, make the renovated Bali National Golf Club a totally engrossing golf experience.

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2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

BEST GOLF COURSE IN THAILAND AND BEST CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE – ASIA PACIFIC lack Mountain’s championship golf course is one of the most exciting, challenging and memorable in Asia. Situated in stunning terrain, the layout features interconnected waterways, undulating fairways and greens set in a breath-taking natural landscape. Black Mountain opened to great acclaim in 2007. In six years, the course has garnered a slew of most prestigious awards, “Best Championship course in Thailand”, “Best Course in Asia Pacific” and “Top 100 outside US”, Golf Digest 2012-2013. The course offers an 18-hole, par 72 (7,420 yards) championship golf course of unrivalled distinction and prestige. Designed by architect Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design, and rebuilt by Stig Notlöv and Johann Edfors, the course caters to golfers of all skill levels. A unique feature of the course is the landscaping with native red grass. It is a golf course that needs a golfer to exercise good course management. Southeast Asia’s most successful professional golfer Thongchai Jaidee describes Black Mountain as his favourite course. “This golf course is simply incredible, presented immaculately all year round and is truly a great test of golf,” Jaidee declared.

KOTA PERMAI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB (MALAYSIA) - BEST GOLF CLUB – MALAYSIA ota Permai is the perfect getaway for golf and recreational pleasures. The country club is the talk of the town offering arguably, the best golfing experience in Malaysia. One will be overwhelmed by its fast greens, challenging international 18-hole course, numerous sporting facilities, food and beverage facilities and backed by friendly staff. Kota Permai is only 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s central business district and 35 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. The club has hosted numerous tournaments including the Maybank Malaysian Open which is sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours, as well as the World Cup Qualifying round, the Volvo Masters and most recently, the Selangor Worldwide Masters which is another Asian Tour event.

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Best Course In Malaysia

Kota Permai Golf & Country Club Selangor, Malaysia

Where G Greens Meet Speed.. p

Accolades t .BMBZTJB T #FTU (PMG $PVSTF World Golf Awards 2014 t #FTU $PVSTF JO .BMBZTJB o Asian Golf Awards 2014 t &YDFMMFODF "XBSE GPS #FTU (PMG &YQFSJFODF Expatriate Lifestyle Awards 2014 t #FTU (PMG &YDFMMFODF &YIJMBSBUJOH &YQFSJFODF o HAPA Malaysia 2013-2015 t TU SVOOFS VQ #FTU $PVSTF JO .BMBZTJB o Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2010-2013 013 t UI #FTU .BJOUBJOFE $PVSTF JO "TJB 1BDJÄ&#x2022;D oAsian Golf Monthly Awards 2013 t UI #FTU $PVSTF JO "TJB 1BDJÄ&#x2022;D o Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2013

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2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

MISSION HILLS RESORT – HAIKOU/SHENZHEN (CHINA) – BEST GOLF RESORT – ASIA PACIFIC mid the grandeur of the island’s tropical volcanic landscape, Mission Hills Resort, Haikou features an 18-storey luxurious hotel and annex with breathtaking panoramic golf course views. The complex also houses numerous world-class sports, leisure, entertainment and dining facilities, an executive lounge, and a panoramic gallery, establishing itself as one of the most sought-after leisure destinations in China. The resort comprises 539 spacious guest rooms and suites. Guests have access to the recreation centre and spa centre for leisure and relaxation. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool with fun-filled obstacle water park, a man-made beach, a gym, a foot reflexology centre, a Kids’ Club, games rooms, and much more. In addition, Mission Hills Resort Haikou features 168 hot and cold mineral spring pools, making it the “World’s Largest Mineral Springs Resort” accredited by Guinness World Records.

ission Hills Resort Shenzhen is nestled within the National 5A-level Tourist Attraction and surrounded by 12 world-class championship golf courses designed by golfing legends. The resort offers an alluring combination of 5-star luxury accommodation plus some of Asia’s finest sporting, spa and leisure facilities. Set among lush landscapes and rolling hills, the resort offers panoramic views of golf courses and natural greenery. Guests have access to two outdoor swimming pools with a fun-filled obstacle water park, a fully-equipped gym and a state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre for leisure and relaxation. A country club within the resort offers even more activities and leisure facilities including 51 tennis courts and an ecology trail.

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2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

TOP THREE COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY BEST COURSE IN CHINESE TAIPEI 1. Sunrise Golf & Country Club 2. The Orient Golf and Country Club 3. Miramar Golf & Country Club, ‘A’ Course

BEST COURSE IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 1. The Empire Hotel & Country Club 2. Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club 3. Pantai Mentiri Golf Club

BEST COURSE IN CAMBODIA

BEST COURSE IN INDIA

1. Angkor Golf Resort 2. Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club 3. Siem Reap Resort Golf Club

1. Oxford Golf & Country Club 2. Eagleton – The Golf Village 3. DLF Golf & Country Club

BEST COURSE IN CHINA 1. Mission Hills Haikou, Blackstone Course 2. Yalong Bay Golf Club 3. Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Mountain Course 24

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2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

BEST COURSE IN INDONESIA 1. Ria Bintan Golf Club, Ocean Course 2. New Kuta Golf & Ocean View 3. Royale Jakarta Golf Club

BEST COURSE IN JAPAN 1. Kawana Resort, Fuji Course 2. Tokyo Golf Club 3. Hirono Golf Club

BEST COURSE IN KOREA 1. Sky72 Golf Club, Ocean Course 2. Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea 3. Anyang Country Club

BEST COURSE IN MALAYSIA 1. Kota Permai Golf & Country Club 2. Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, West Course 3. Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club

BEST COURSE IN LAOS BEST COURSE IN MYANMAR 1. Pun Hlaing Golf Club 2. Bagan Golf Course 3. Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club

27 ASIAN GOLF

1. Long Thanh-Vientiane Golf Club 2. Dansavanh Golf & Country Club 3. Lao Country Club

BEST COURSE IN MIDDLE EAST 1. Abu Dhabi Golf Club 2. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club 3. Al Badia Golf Club InterContinental

COVER STORY

2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

BEST COURSE IN SINGAPORE 1. Sentosa Golf Club, Serapong Course 2. Laguna Nat’l Golf & Country Club, Masters Course 3. Marina Bay Golf Course

BEST COURSE IN THE PHILIPPINES 1. The Country Club Philippines 2. Mt. Malarayat Golf & Country Club 3. Sta. Elena Golf Club, Makiling Course

BEST COURSE IN THAILAND 1. Black Mountain Golf Club 2. Thai Country Club 3. Banyan Golf Club

BEST COURSE ON THE SUBCONTINENT (INCLUDING NEPAL, PAKISTAN & SRI LANKA)

BEST COURSE IN VIETNAM

1. Victoria Golf & Country Resort, Sri Lanka 2. Karachi Golf Club, Pakistan 3. Royal Colombo Golf Club, Sri Lanka

1. Kings’ Island Golf Club, Mountain View 2. The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf Course 3. Long Thanh Golf Resort

29 ASIAN GOLF

Top 3 Best Course in Singapore

Top 3 Best Value for Money Experience

Asia PaciďŹ c Golf Custodian of the Environment

Asian Golf Awards 2012, 2013, 2014

Asian Golf Awards 2011, 2013, 2014

Asian Golf Awards 2014

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COVER STORY

2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

TOP THREE BEST IN ASIA PACIFIC BEST GOLF DESTINATION IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. China 2. Indonesia 3. Thailand

BEST COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand 2. Mission Hills Haikou (Blackstone Course), China 3. Ria Bintan Golf Club (Ocean Course), Indonesia

BEST CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand 2. Blackstone Course (Mission Hills Haikou), China 3. Masters Course (Laguna National Golf & Country Club), Singapore

BEST GOLF RESORT IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Mission Hills Haikou, China 2. Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand 3. Mission Hills Shenzhen, China

BEST CLUBHOUSE IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Mission Hills Haikou, China 2. The Country Club of Chengdu, China 3. Eagleton – The Golf Village, India

BEST NEW COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Anvaya Cove Golf Club, Philippines 2. The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf Course, Vietnam 3. Laguna Lang Co Golf Club, Vietnam

BEST COURSE ARCHITECT IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Schmidt-Curley Design Inc. 2. Nicklaus Design 3. Paciﬁc Coast Design

31 ASIAN GOLF

COVER STORY

2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

NEW KUTA GOLF & OCEAN VIEW, INDONESIA Best Maintained Course In Asia Paciﬁc

ANGKOR GOLF RESORT, CAMBODIA Best Maintained Course In Asia Paciﬁc

BEST MAINTAINED COURSE IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand 2. New Kuta Golf & Ocean View, Indonesia 3. Angkor Golf Resort, Cambodia

BEST PRO-SHOP IN ASIA PACIFIC 1. Mission Hills Shenzhen, China 2. Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand 3. Tianma Golf & Country Club, China

BEST RENOVATED IN ASIA PACIFIC Bali National Golf Club, Indonesia

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY EXPERIENCE Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore Lotus Valley Golf Resort, Thailand Orchid Country Club, Singapore

LOTUS VALLEY GOLF RESORT, THAILAND Best Value For Money Experience

33 ASIAN GOLF

BALI NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, INDONESIA Best Renovated In Asia Paciﬁc

ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB, SINGAPORE Best Value For Money Experience

MARINA BAY GOLF COURSE, SINGAPORE Best Value For Money Experience

COVER STORY

2014 ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

ASIAN GOLF AWARDS

TOP THREE SPECIAL CATEGORIES BEST CLUB GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR 1. Mr Harald Elisson – Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand 2. Mr Han Zhishan – Mission Hills Dongguan, China 3. Mr Stacey Walton – Banyan Golf Club, Thailand

BEST CLUB CADDIE OF THE YEAR 1. Ms Kannika Namthong – Banyan Golf Club, Thailand 2. Mr Abdul Najib Bin Yahya – Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Malaysia 3. Ms Nurhasanah – Damai Indah Golf & Country Club, Pantai Indah Kapok Course

BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR 1. Mr Ricky Guo – Mission Hills Haikou, China 2. Mr John Gunn – Abu Dhabi Golf Club/Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, UAE 3. Mr Marten Karlsson – Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand

MS KANNIKA NAMTHONG Best Club Caddie Of The Year

BEST GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR 1. Mr Minachai Srichanya – Banyan Golf Club, Thailand 2. Mr Ali Macfadyen – The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf Course, Vietnam 3. Mr Ong Seng Kiat – Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Malaysia

BEST DIRECTOR OF GOLF OPERATIONS OF THE YEAR 1. Mr Stuart Daly – Banyan Golf Club, Thailand 2. Mr Mohd Yusri bin Mat Isa – Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Malaysia 3. Mr Harris Abdullah – Ria Bintan Golf Club, Indonesia

INAUGURAL ASIA PACIFIC GOLF STALWART AWARD Mr Bruce Williams

MR HAN ZHISHAN Best Club General Manager Of The Year 1st Runner-Up MR STACEY WALTON Best Club General Manager Of The Year 2nd Runner-Up

35 ASIAN GOLF

Mr Gregg Patterson

Mr James Prusa

MR HARALD ELISSON Best Club General Manager Of The Year

MR RICKY GUO Best Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year

MR STUART DALY Best Director Of Golf Operations OF The Year

MR MINACHAI SRICHANYA Best Golf Course Superintendent Of The Year

SPECIAL FEATURE

Juniour Golf Club Development

Junior golf – the question that many are asking is whether enough is being done to get more kids to take up the game of golf. The general consensus is an emphatic No! One of the root causes seems to point to shorter attention span and time constraints of kids today. There is vastly increased competition for kids’ time today. Combined with this challenge is the fact that golf is really hard and has a steep learning curve. It’s the polar opposite of skiing, where advances in teaching and technology have made it possible to go from never-ever to intermediate in just a few days, and you can learn easily even as an adult. Like language, it is much easier to learn golf as a kid than as an adult, but kids simply are not learning the game – the old country club model is largely broken. 36 6 GOLFF

37 3 7 A ASIAN SIAN SIA N

ISSUE 173

hen a fifteen year old stands up in front of an important international golf industry gathering and pleads for help to bring in more juniors into the game, the time is right for adults to sit up and listen. This is exactly what happened at the 2014 Asia Pacific Golf Summit when junior champion Aaerishna Shasty Balakrishnan of Malaysia sounded a plea to the industry when he said, “Every kid should be given an opportunity to learn how to play golf. It’s all a question of exposure and experience because this is what will help grow golf amongst juniors.” Speaking to more than 200 movers and shakers of the golf industry, the current 2014 TaylorMade World Junior Masters champion said, “As it now stands, there are junior golf programmes in various parts of the region but sadly, a good many of them are confined to kids from the country club set. I know this for a fact because I play with these juniors in various competitions throughout the region and it is always the same kids”. The teenage champion feels that the net has to be cast wider to reach out to more children. He explained, “For golf to grow amongst

FEBRUARY 2015

SPECIAL FEATURE

Juniour Golf Club Development

Every kid should be given an opportunity to learn how to play golf. It’s all a question of exposure and experience because this is what will help grow golf amongst juniors.”

juniors, the industry will have to engage with national sports bodies and governments and while there is enthusiastic talk within golf circles and what governments are supposedly doing, this is certainly not manifesting itself in increased numbers of junior golfers”. For competitive junior golf, Aaerishna feels that there is not a sufficiently large enough critical mass to be able to produce a strong pool of top amateur golfers who can represent juniors at various levels of the game. “The message I am sending out is that if we are to contend seriously at major international tournaments, the authorities need to enlarge the pool of juniors and provide them with easy access to world class training and playing facilities and top coaches who know what it takes to create champions”. He went on to add that he is always very envious when he goes to Australia and the United States for training programmes to see what juniors in those countries have in terms of facilities and support. “Their gyms are fully equipped with trainers to guide juniors in physical fitness and power gen38

39 ASIAN GOLF

eration. Their mental coaches are always on hand to help strengthen the mind and to instill and imbue mental road-maps designed to help a junior player cope with various conditions during the pressure of competition and I don’t have to go on because I know that you are all perceptive enough to understand why there is a need to provide the right training facilities and services if we are to produce top juniors who can play at the highest levels of the game”. Talking about junior golf development in general, Aaerishna pleaded for golf to be introduced to all school sports curriculums throughout the region. “Every kid should be given an opportunity to learn how to play golf. It’s all a question of exposure and experience because this is what will help grow golf amongst juniors. It’s a sort of Johnny Appleseed exercise – sow the seeds and watch the apple trees grow and bear fruit”. He added, “We can do the same with schools, community centres, youth associations – in fact anywhere where kids come together”. He pointed out that initiatives need to be put in place to give large groups of

juniors a chance to learn how to play the game and that more Asian multi-national corporations should step forward and make funds available to grow the game as it’s a great way to engage with society and demonstrate a corporation’s commitment to the fulfillment of its social responsibility. “I am only a fifteen year old and I know that there are better and more mature minds in this gathering who are more capable of thinking up sustainable programmes that will help actualise the one goal that we should all uphold – and that goal is to grow the junior game at all levels,” he added. The teenager cautioned, “Let not history look back one day and point an accusing finger at all of us for not having played our part to grow this wonderful game that we all love so much”. He wrapped up with a very apt statement relating to the future of junior golf: “With the “strawberry generation”, I am afraid that golf is losing out big time to devices that offer instant gratification. Before we lose everyone from this new generation, let’s take some concrete measures to help turn matters around”.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

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2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1X

ISSUE 173

FEBRUARY 2015

ere’s a brain-teaser for you. Name the one golf ball that has remained dominant as a world leader since its introduction at the start of the New Millennium? It’s really a no-brainer! Ever since it burst into play in 2000, this brand has gone on to become the golf ball of choice for more than 2,000 champions worldwide. Now, try and beat that! That’s not all - in 2014, across the worldwide professional tours, the brand was once again the Number One golf ball for more players and more champions. Tour players relied on it 23,815 times in 2014, compared to 4,145 for the nearest competitor. This is no idle boast! The kudos continue – in that same period, the brand recorded 175 victories around the world compared to 48 for the nearest competitor. These are certainly some mindboggling records which far exceed even the most spectacular Olympian records. The bar has been set so high that it virtually makes it impossible for any other brand to even consider playing catch up. This is what is called Perfection and Excellence being taken to stratospheric limits!

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1X

ot content with its supreme leadership, Titleist, is set to rock the golf world yet again with its spanking new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. Two words describe the new balls – TOTAL PERFORMANCE. The bright guys at the company’s headquarters in Fairhaven, MA have raised the bar by a bunch of notches that noticeably help produce exceptional distance and consistent flight with more short-game control, even softer feel and long-lasting durability. Hey, what more can one ask from the Planet’s winningest golf ball! “We have more people with more experience designing and making golf balls, the largest intellectual property portfolio and the most sophisticated precision manufacturing processes …. the 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the culmination of all that knowledge and all of that technology. The original Pro V1 was revolutionary, no question, but we’ve learned a lot in the last 15 years and these new Pro V1 models are the best we’ve ever made,” said Bill Morgan, senior vice president for Titleist Golf Ball R&D.

The Evolution Of The Winningest Ball In Golf

or nearly 15 years, the exceptional distance, superior scoring performance and unmatched consistency of Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls have been making a difference in the game of golfers around the world, from tour professionals to amateurs of all skill levels and swing speeds. It was in October 2000 that the original Pro V1 prototype first appeared on the PGA Tour at the Invensys Classic in Las Vegas. Forty-seven players put the ball in play that week, marking one of the largest pluralistic shifts of equipment at one event in golf history. In March 2001, just four months after launching to golf shops, Titleist Pro V1 became the best-selling golf ball in the marketplace. “The launch of Pro V1 was especially

significant in that for the very first time the best performing golf ball for tour players was also the best performing golf ball for all golfers,” said Mary Lou Bohn, Vice President of Titleist Golf Ball Marketing and Communications. “You no longer had to choose between distance over short-game control, or durability over soft feel. There were no trade-offs. Pro V1 delivered total performance.” Pro V1 and Pro V1x (which launched in 2003) have been the most played golf balls at every level of competitive golf and the best-selling models around the world ever since. That’s because the Titleist Golf Ball R&D and Operations teams, representing more than 20,000 years of golf ball-making expertise, have worked every day to make the #1 ball in golf even better with each new generation.

Before being introduced to the market, new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls are tested and validated by golfers at every level of the game, from the world’s best tour players to amateurs of all skill levels and swing speeds.” 42

43 ASIAN GOLF

So What’s So Revolutionary About The New Balls? Well, to start with the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x have been designed for all golfers seeking to shoot lower scores. This in itself is revolutionary! “Golfers often ask us what sets Pro V1 and Pro V1x apart from other golf balls. You can’t just point to one or two things. The difference is everything,” said Bill Morgan. He went on to point out, “The original Pro V1 was revolutionary, no question, but we’ve learned a lot in the last 15 years and these new Pro V1 models are the best we’ve ever made.” It is fascinating to note that the Titleist Golf Ball R&D team, is made up of chemists, physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers and technicians, as well as PGA Professionals and turf management specialists. Due to their work, Titleist owns the industry’s largest portfolio of golf ball intellectual property with more than 1,000 patents. Since 2010, Titleist has been awarded nearly 50 percent of all golf ball patents issued in the United States. There are more than 100 patents that cover the technologies and manufacturing processes for 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x combined. Eighty years after the first Titleist golf ball was produced, the Titleist operations team is comprised of over 1,100 associates with an average tenure of 20 years. These

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FEBRUARY 2015

The 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the culmination of all that knowledge and all of that technology. The original Pro V1 was revolutionary, no question, but we’ve learned a lot in the last 15 years and these new Pro V1 models are the best we’ve ever made.” – Bill Morgan associates manufacture every Titleist golf ball to exacting standards in Titleist-owned and operated facilities – there are about 90 process and product quality checks for Pro V1; about 120 for the dual-core Pro V1x – assuring that every golf ball performs consistently for every golfer, every round and on every type of shot. Before being introduced to the market, new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls are tested and validated by golfers at every level of the game, from the world’s best tour players to amateurs of all skill levels and swing speeds. Since 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x were first introduced on the PGA Tour in October of 2014, more than 100 players have put the new models in play around the world – including the 21-year old Texas phenom Jordan Spieth, who played the new Pro V1x in back-to-back runaway victories at the Australian Open and Hero World Challenge, winning those events by a combined 16 strokes. Other PGA professionals like Bubba Watson, Padraig Harrington and Charley Hoffman also trusted 2015 Pro V1x to victories soon after the new models were introduced on the worldwide tours.

What Makes The 2015 Pro Vs Winners As reported elsewhere in this article, the new

balls are all about TOTAL PERFORMANCE as reflected in: Exceptional distance; Consistent flight; More short-game control; A softer feel and long-lasting best-inclass durability; The thermoset urethane cover formulation on both Pro V1 and Pro V1x is created by a chemical reaction that takes place during the sophisticated casting process. Liquid materials specifically formulated by Titleist R&D are combined and react to form the solid cover. This urethane is termed “thermoset,” meaning that the cover, once formed, will not re-melt. “Thermoset urethane is very difficult to work with, but it gives us complete control of the chemical composition. It’s essentially a little chemical plant right in the mold, compared with using an off-shelf material like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). This allows us to dial in our desired properties of spin control, softness and durability,” said Michael Sullivan, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Product Development. “We do a lot of testing. We test the urethane on the ball and test it off the ball. In fact, we do so much material testing before it even gets onto a golf ball that by the time it does, we have a solid understanding of how it’s going to react. With the 2015 models, we tested hundreds of formulations. You simply can’t do that with TPU. In the end, our iterative prototyping process ultimately

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1X Pro V1 is a three-piece, multiple component technology with a very soft compression while the Pro V1x has a slightly firmer feel and lower long game spin and launches higher with a steeper angle of descent than Pro V1. Pro V1x features a four-piece, multicomponent technology

What Did The Asian Golf Product Test Reveal?

We’re giving golfers everything they’ve previously had in Pro V1 and Pro V1x with some enhancements. They’ll get the extraordinary distance and ball flight they’re accustomed to. But they’ll also get a softer cover, which will add more spin control and feel around the greens.” improves performance for golfers.” “We’re giving golfers everything they’ve previously had in Pro V1 and Pro V1x with some enhancements,” Morgan chipped in. “They’ll get the extraordinary distance and ball flight they’re accustomed to. But they’ll also get a softer cover, which will add more spin control and feel around the greens. The feedback we’ve received on tour and with club professionals and amateurs clearly tell us that players are benefiting from this improved performance.” New Pro V1 and Pro V1x also maintain their long-lasting durability. The new urethane cover, combined with the improved paint system that debuted on the 2013 models, keeps Pro V1 and Pro V1x whiter and brighter longer throughout the course of play. The cover and paint system also 44

45 ASIAN GOLF

contributes to an aerodynamically more consistent golf ball. “Our urethane is so resilient that as we softened it, we were able to increase short game spin and enhance the feel while maintaining its abrasion resistance,” Morgan said.

Which Ball Should You Pick? Basically, the new balls provide two distinct performance options. Both Pro V1 and Pro V1x deliver extraordinary distance, the best scoring performance for all golfers, and long lasting durability, yet differ in feel, long game spin and flight. The 2015 Pro V1 has a softer feel, slightly more long game spin and a more penetrating trajectory for a shallower angle of descent for more roll than Pro V1x. The other differentiating factors include:

We received two unmarked boxes from Titleist which contained the new Pro Vs. Our Equipment Editor Lawrence Young took the balls for a test and conducted a two-ball test featuring the 2015 models with an earlier model of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x off the tee and around the green. “There was a noticeable difference with more spin control on the greens and a great deal more distance off the tee,” was Young’s immediate reaction. Oddly enough, there was concurrence from some of the game’s top players who put the 2015 balls into competitive play. PGA Tour professional Spieth described the new Pro V1x by stating, “The 2015 Pro V1x is very much an improvement for me just as each version has really improved. This one’s better for me because that softer cover around the greens allows me to have more spin control and softer feel, without jeopardizing any distance or spin with the long clubs. It’s still long off the tee with more control around the greens. … it feels really nice, like it’s sticking to the club face more, which I like. It allows my short irons and wedges to spin a little more which is always nice around the greens, to be able to fly it closer to the hole and have it drop and stop.” Bubba Watson is also ecstatic about the new balls: “I first tried the new ball two weeks prior to going to China. I loved it and put it in play right away. It has all the great qualities of the previous generation Pro V1x with improved feel around the greens, which is exceptional. It even goes a little further for me off the tee.” Virtually anyone, amateur or professional who has put the new 2015 Titleist balls to the test is bound to be impressed. “You can bet your bottom dollar that these balls are going to be in my bag for all of 2015 and I intend to use the winning features of these new dimpled wonders to pick up some more prizes at amateur tournaments,” is how Young plans to continue with his winning ways on the golf fairways of Asia.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 Fairway Woods and Hybrids

The elves at the Callaway Golf production line must have been working over-time during the festive holidays. We say this because the one-time number VUL UHTL PU NVSM LX\PWTLU[ OHZ ILLU WYVSPĂ&#x201E;J ^P[O [OL output of new clubs ranging from golf balls to drivers, woods, hybrids and irons. 46

47 ASIAN GOLF

ISSUE 173

With the launch of these two new clubs, Callaway has taken adjustability for woods and hybrids to a whole new level. It will be interesting to see how golfers take to these new developments – the experience will be like playing with clubs on steroids!”

s 2015 broke and took a peek at what’s ahead for the next 12 months, the Carlsbad-based manufacturer was quick off the mark to announce two new clubs - the Big Bertha Alpha 815 fairway woods that adjust spin control and trajectory for the ball flight golfers want to play. At the same time, the company also announced the Big Bertha Alpha 815 hybrids, complete distance hybrids for better players. The Big Bertha Alpha 815 Fairway Woods are designed for ball speed and forgiveness at every impact location, especially on misses low on the face, from a Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup. They also have adjustable weights (3g and 30g) that can be used to move the weight forward for a low spinning ball flight that’s great off the tee, or to move the weight back for higher launch and more forgiveness. These adjustable weights allow them to perform like two completely different clubs. Position the club’s 30-gram weight in its front weight port and its 3-gram weight in its rear weight port, and it will create a lower-spinning ball flight. Flip the orientation of the weights, and the ball flight will have more spin — and the club will have more forgiveness. The Big Bertha Alpha 815 Hybrids focus on a more controlled, penetrating trajectory for better players, along with ball speed all across the face and loft and lie adjustability. The compact head shape also has less offset for a look that’s preferred by better players. These hybrids are adjustable, and like the X2 Hot hybrids include a Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup for top-notch ball speeds. With the launch of these two new clubs, Callaway has taken adjustability for woods and hybrids to a whole new level. It will be interesting to see how golfers take to these new developments – the experience will be like playing with clubs on steroids!

FEBRUARY 2015

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

49 ASIAN GOLF

PING’S NEW ARSENAL

ISSUE 173

ING Golf has carefully spaced out its new product salvos since the launch of its hugely successful launch of the “Turbulator” G30 family of driver, woods and irons. Reports circulating in well informed circles reveal that the demand for the G30 Turbulator driver was so overwhelming, that the manufacturing plant could not ramp up quickly enough to roll out the product to meet global demand. Call it what you want but this is what success delivers when you have a great product! Barely a few months have since passed and PING has released an arsenal of exciting game-changing innovations. The new hot products include the Glide wedges, G30 LS Tec (Low-Spin Technology) driver, the Cadence TR putters and Rhapsody women’s line. Each of these new arrivals showcases PING’s primary point of difference which is its ability to make measurable performance gains without sacrificing any important attributes. “Engineering performance without sacrifice means as we achieve more distance, for example, there’s no trade-off in forgiveness,

accuracy or feel,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman and CEO. “Our Glide wedges have several innovations to make it our most versatile and consistent wedge line ever,” he explained. Describing the Cadence TR putters, Solheim said, “Different-weighted face inserts represent a new approach to putter fitting for better results on the greens”. With regards to the G30 LS Tec, Solheim pointed out that the driver complements the industry-leading G30 driver family and that it is a great fit for golfers looking for that elusive combination of low spin and forgiveness. PING has not forgotten lady golfers: “For women, the Rhapsody family offers lighter overall system mass to launch the ball higher and farther. We’re excited to offer this game-changing technology that will lead to great shot-making and lower scores for golfers of all abilities,” Solheim said. So, what are the stand-out features of the new products? The Glide wedges are engi-

FEBRUARY 2015

neered from the hands down (grip to sole) to optimize versatility and control. The G30 LS Tec driver (PING’s third G30 driver model) combines lower spin with a high MOI. Cadence TR putters offer traditionaland heavy-weighted models to match a player’s stroke tempo and feel preference. Rhapsody clubs for women are engineered for slower swing speeds.

Our Glide wedges have several innovations to make it our most versatile and consistent wedge line ever.” – John A. Solheim

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING’S NEW ARSENAL

GLIDE WEDGES While Asian Golf has not had a chance to test out the products, here’s a quick blow by blow preview starting with the Glide wedges. “For all golfers, being able to flight your ball with the ideal spin and trajectory will produce consistent, predictable results on any type of shot for hitting the ball close to the pin. The name says it all: these wedges glide through the turf better than anything we’ve ever seen,” according to Solheim

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW The proprietary Dyla-wedge grip is ¾ of an inch longer to encourage gripping down to control ball flight. The CFS Wedge shaft is optimized in weight, flex and balance to provide a stable feel and lower ball flights. Three versatile sole designs vary in width – standard, wide, and thin – enabling players to be fit for their angle of attack and common turf conditions. In lofts 47 through 54, loft-optimized Gorge grooves have a 16º sidewall to maximize groove volume for improved performance on full shots. A 24º sidewall and tighter radius in lofts 56 through 60 optimize spin on chips and pitches. The chromeplated 431 stainless steel head repels moisture to create more friction for improved spin and consistency in wet conditions and lies in the rough.

G30 LS TEC Next, a look at the G30 LS Tec (Low-Spin Technology) Driver. ver. “With the addition of the LS Tec, all golfers now have a G30 driver fit for their game - it’s engineered with less spin g distance and accuracy of the and an extremely high MOI to deliver the industry-leading standard G30 driver”, Solheim explained.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW: A sole weight positions itions the CG extremely low and back ate low, stable spin (approximately (slightly forward of the standard G30 driver) to generate 400 rpm less) with a high MOI for exceptional flight control and distance on off-centre peruces aerodynamic drag on the downformance. Turbulator Technology on the crown reduces in T9S titanium face increases ball velocswing to help increase clubhead speed, and the thin chnology, players can add or subtract up ity for more distance. Using Trajectory Tuning+ Technology, 19D shaft has a CG closer to the grip end, to 1 degree of loft. The high-balance-point TFC 419D nergy, momentum and inertia. promoting a simultaneous increase in the clubhead’s energy,

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CADENCE TR PUTTERS Cadence TR Putters – there a total of eight models in the Cadence putter range and these new clubs are engineered to fit a golfer’s stroke tempo and feel preference.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW: Cadence TR models advance putter fitting by using different-weight face inserts. Traditional-weight models feature an aluminum insert (blue in colour) and typically fit golfers with mid-to-faster tempos and can help with lag putting. Heavy versions (black) add mass with a stainless steel insert to match slower-tempo strokes, and can lead to better results on shorter putts. Both face inserts feature the next generation of True Roll (TR) Technology grooves that provide forgiveness by normalizing ball speeds across the face. They vary in depth and width from the centre of the face to significantly improve ball-speed consistency on putts of any length.

For wome women, en, the Rhapsody family f offers lighter overall system mass ss to launch the ball higher and farther. arther.We’re excited to offer this game-changing g technology that will w lead to great shot-making and lower lo ower scores for golfers of all abilities.” ab bilities.”

RHAPSODY FOR WOMEN W “Based on our studies of women’s swing dynamics, we engineered the Rhapsody Series with ith a lighter overall system mass, higher lofts and optimized lengths,” Solheim said. “As a result, women will have an easier time getting the ball airborne and hitting it straight, and that’s going to improve performance and inspire confidence.” The Rhapsody line comes with a driver, woods, hybrid, an iron set and putters.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point Of View

Our new G30 irons are designed for such satisfying moments. They are customengineered with progressive lengths and lofts and a thin face to launch the ball higher and significantly farther, with the added control to consistently attack the flag.â&#x20AC;?

cIn the G30 fairway woods, faster ball speeds and greater distance come from a larger face made of Carpenter 475 steel.

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w w w. p i n g . c o m

BY JOHN K. SOLHEIM PING VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING

ACCURATE IRONS Drivers always get the most attention in golf, but I still think nothing beats the feeling of striping an iron-shot straight at the flagstick and landing the ball close to the hole. Our new G30 irons are designed for such satisfying moments. They are custom-engineered with progressive lengths and lofts and a thin face to launch the ball higher and significantly farther, with the added control to consistently attack the flag. Progressive lengths and lofts create efficient distance gapping so that every club hits the ball within a reliable distance range. Gapping ensures that every distance is covered and the golfer doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have two clubs that hit the ball the same distance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real confidence builder standing over the ball knowing you have the club in your hands to hit your number and execute a given shot.

cA soft elastomer cavity badge further contributes

to exceptional feel and sound in the highly forgiving, perimeter-weighted G30 iron.

cSubstantial heel-toe

weighting elevates MOI for extreme forgiveness in the G30 hybrids.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

PING’s Point Of View

HIGH-LAUNCH HYBRIDS At PING, we’re constantly researching new materials and manufacturing processes in pursuit of performance gains. With the G30 hybrids, the thin, 17-4 stainless steel face is heat-treated using a special process to maximize face deflection and increase ball speed for added distance with a higher peak trajectory and a steeper landing angle to hold shots on the green. (Weight savings from the face gave our engineers more discretionary weight to re-allocate for increasing forgiveness.) We’re also constantly refining and realigning CG placement to optimize results. In the lower-lofted G30 hybrids, the CG is farther back to promote high launch. A lower, more forward CG through the mid- and higher-lofted models reduces spin. The progressive CG locations (and progressive offsets) ensure efficient gapping and trajectories that maximize distance.

The good news is our G30 family excels where it matters most – on the golf course. I invite you to visit your local PING golf shop and experience firsthand the improvements that our G30 family of products can make in your game.” LONG FAIRWAY WOODS The G30 fairway woods are aided by progressive CGs, as well, and they have another advantage: a face made of Carpenter 475 steel, which is 44% stronger than 17-4 stainless steel. This thin, supers strong hitting surface maximizes deflection for added distance, and once again it gives our engineers more discretionary weight to optimize the CG and elevate forgiveness. The fairway woods offer the same Traject Trajectory Tuning+ Technology as the G30 driver, allowing golfers to fine-tune trajectory using five loft settings: Standa -0.6º, -1º, +0.6º and +1º. Standard, An like the driver, the fairway woods have PING’s first-of-its-kind Turbulator Technology. Raised ridges on And cro reduce aerodynamic drag during the downswing, helping to generate faster clubhead speed and ball the crown velocit for added distance. When you’re able to hit longer fairway-wood shots, more par-5s become reachable velocity in two – especially when combined with the ultra-long G30 driver. Turbulators also help frame the ball at address tto help aim and align the clubface for inspiring confidence.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHAFTS TH PING’s proprietary shafts play an important role in the performance of the G30 family. In the irons we utilize our ever-re ever-reliable CFS steel shaft, and a TFC 390 graphite option. The hybrids, fairways and driver utilize the TFC 390 or our Tour T shaft, which is stiffer to lower the trajectory. The TFC is a high-balance-point shaft, meaning the CG is closer close to the grip end, creating a simultaneous increase in the clubhead’s energy, momentum and inertia for faster ball b speeds and greater distance. It is easy for me to make PING products sound great on paper because we rely on sound principles of physics. The good n g news is our G30 family excels where it matters most – on the golf course. I invite you to visit your local PING golf sshop an and experience firsthand the improvements that our G30 family of products can make in your game. 54

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*Golf Datatech LLC (October 2014)

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

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Parsons Xtreme Golf

ISSUE 173

ome nineteen years later and in a brand new Century, Bob Parsons has done the same thing to launch the newest name in golf equipment. Just in case you react with a “who the heck is Bob Parsons,” allow us to introduce you to the latest golf “visionary”. He’s the guy who was the maverick who started GoDaddy, a global domain registration and web hosting company. He built the company into a multi-billion dollar global empire, cashed out in 2011 for something reported to be in excess of US$2 billion, and is now a multi-mall owner and in the process of building the world’s largest Harley Davidson dealership in Arizona State. He still holds equity in GoDaddy. From this brief introduction, you’d gather that Parsons is no pushover. This guy is as sharp as they come and he knows how to make a business work! A man who loves motor-cycles (it is reported that he owns ten such beauties) with just as much of a passion for golf, he has launched the newest kid on the golf equipment block – Parsons Xtreme Golf. Some will question his judgement and regard it as a suicidal mission that only a madman will undertake. Why so? Well, 2014 was a rough year for golf. More than 400,000 golfers left the sport in the U.S. (and no one really knows how many more thousands have given up the sport in Europe, Asia and elsewhere). Throughout all of last year, slow golf sales worldwide had created

alloys. Then, we refined our design again and again with an intense focus on maximizing performance and feel.” Man, the process sounds blinking expensive! “You bet!” – the website backs this emphatic statement by explaining that Pasrons Xtreme Golf clubs are “designed by golfers, engineers and dreamers with an unrelenting commitment to create the absolute finest golf equipment in the world. They feel better, out-perform other clubs, and inspire confidence with their sleek eye-catching design.” The clubs are not for everybody and Parsons does not hide this fact. The web site boldly declares that the clubs are “for the select few who have the means and the desire to play golf with the very best!” So, who are the experts that work at Parsons Xtreme Golf? In August 2013, Parsons hired two veteran club designers from Ping Golf — Mike Nicolette, a former PGA Tour player, and Brad Schweigert, Ping’s former director of engineering. The two account for 130 and 150 golf-related patents, respectively. The golf industry’s irreverent watch-dog, MyGolfSpy’s founder who answers to the name “Colt” perhaps best sums up what Parsons is up to: “Colt you can’t win a farting contest, unless you’re willing to shit your pants.” Colt went on to explain, “Well, Bob is going to prove with his new golf company, that he’s willing to shit his pants. The man does not bullshit around when he says he’s going to do something!” Parsons Xtreme Golf equipment line-up is expected to cover the complete range of clubs – drivers, woods, hybrids, irons and putters. Welcome aboard Bob Parsons! Looks like you are going to indulge in some serious ass-kickin!

We started with a unique design. With the help of world-renowned metals experts and utilizing an extremely complex manufacturing process, we integrated the most exotic, high-performance alloys. Then, we refined our design again and again with an intense focus on maximizing performance and feel.” a glut of golf inventory at wholesale and retail outlets, forcing them to slash prices. The giant Dick’s Sporting Goods store in America has been reported to be selling some drivers for US$99 that were priced at $299 just 20 months ago according to the company’s CEO Ed Stack. There is no denying that golf is suffering from an exodus of players, a lack of interest among millennials and the mass closure of courses especially in America. Against this gloomy backdrop, one wonders if there is space for yet another golf equipment company. Enter Parsons who according to his own admission “grew up poor as a church mouse in inner-city Baltimore and struggled in school, flunking the fifth grade”. The ex-U.S. Marine and a decorated recipient of the Purple Heart is confident that he will make Parsons Xtreme Golf work. “We are going to make golf equipment unlike any other,” claims his website. The website boasts “Nobody makes golf clubs the way we do. Period!” He backed up these fighting words by declaring, “We started with a unique design. With the help of world-renowned metals experts and utilizing an extremely complex manufacturing process, we integrated the most exotic, high-performance

FEBRUARY 2015

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

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2015 Bettinardi Golf

ISSUE 173

FEBRUARY 2015

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

2015 Bettinardi Golf

The new 2015 putter line from Bettinardi Golf features tour-inspired head shapes, and never before seen PVD finishes. These improvements are designed to raise the industry standards of cosmetics and precision. “Cutting edge PVD finishes is the result of years of testing and research that has allowed my team of American craftsman to enhance an already remarkable brand, into something truly revolutionary.” – Robert Bettinardi

et ready for some exciting news from Chicago, the windy city, home to Bettinardi Golf. Just in case the name is not familiar to you, Bettinardi is the maker of the world’s ﬁnest golf products, especially its highly regarded and much sought after putters. 2015 marks yet another historic milestone for the company that constantly sets the highest standard in the manufacture of high-performance quality putters. It is important to note that Bettinardi is perhaps the only company in golf that keeps all aspects of its manufacturing process anchored in the United States of America. This is especially significant in this day and age where the manufacture of most products are out-sourced to cheaper production centres outside America.

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All of Bettinardi’s 2015 putters are milled in Bettinardi Golf’s 40,000 square foot, state of the art manufacturing facility in Tinley Park, Illinois. This facility allows Bettinardi to harmonize science, beauty, and craftsmanship in order to produce the ﬁnest precision milled putters. “By producing all Bettinardi putters in my own manufacturing facility, we are able to push the envelope in design and performance,” said Robert Bettinardi, President

and CEO of Bettinardi Golf. “No other brand or golf company can claim the same.” The superior performance that Bettinardi infuses into their products has been on display at golf’s highest levels. Since 1998, Bettinardi putters have won more than 50 professional golf tournaments around the world, including nine wins in the last two years. The new 2015 putter line from Bettinardi Golf features tour-inspired head shapes, and never before seen PVD ﬁnishes. These improvements are designed to raise the industry standards of cosmetics and precision. “Cutting edge PVD finishes is the result of years of testing and research that has allowed my team of American craftsman to enhance an already remarkable brand, into something truly revolutionary,” explained Bettinardi.

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FEBRUARY 2015

THE 2015 BETTINARDI PUTTER LINE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING MODELS

STUDIO STOCK 2

Studio Stock

STUDIO STOCK 16

The new 2015 Studio Stock putters are milled from soft carbon steel, and feature Bettinardi’s new SuperFly mill face. This tour-inspired face milling promotes a crisper and responsive feel. “We want to give our consumers face milling options when it comes to selecting a putter,” Bettinardi said, “We received great feedback from top talent on the PGA Tour in regards to this Superfly mill face. We believe this milling style now belongs in the hands of all golfers.” The Studio Stock 2 will showcase a classic BB-8 style head, which has been a choice of many on the PGA Tour. Raised shoulders and flattened bumpers provide great weight displacement for superior balance and stability on this winning blade design. The Studio Stock 16 is a face balanced mallet that has been crafted with a custom radius tool to ensure ideal perimeter weighting. This unique tool helps get the ball rolling true, even when not struck directly in the sweet spot. Both Studio Stock models feature a stunning new, durable Olympic Bronze PVD finish.

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

2015 Bettinardi Golf

QUEEN B MODEL 6

iNOVAi The iNOVAi is a brand new design for Bettinardi Golf in 2015, and is available in both counterbalance and standard models. Years of research and development within the Bettinardi workshop have culminated in this truly forgiving masterpiece. The putter is milled from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum, and includes a milled stainless steel weight strategically placed low and away from the face. “From the look at address, the iNOVAi is one of the most pleasing MOI mallets on the market,” said Bettinardi. “Once you hit a ball with the iNOVAi, you will be hard-pressed to pick a different gamer in 2015,” pointed out Bettinardi. The FIT (Feel Impact Technology) face was applied to make this the softest and most responsive feel on an aluminum putter head. The white alignment lines and stainless steel weight create the perfect contrast to the satin black ﬁnish. The above features allow for easy alignment, making it truly innovative.

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FEBRUARY 2015

Queen B The new 2015 Queen B line features the latest evolution of Bettinardi’s trademarked micro honeycomb face milling. The Queen B model 6 is a wide body, face-balanced blade that sets up impeccably square time after time. The Queen B model 7 has a ridge milled neck that gently flows into a compact mallet. Unlike most mallets, this putter has a slight toe hang that promotes an inside to inside stroke. Both Queen B models are complemented by their astounding Savannah Blue PVD finish. “By far, the Savannah Blue PVD finish turned out better than we thought. The soft lavender and blue palette will be the envy of any foursome,” said Bettinardi.

QUEEN B MODEL 7

Kuchar Model 2 The Kuchar Model 2HM has been modiﬁed to feature the half-moon cutout for 2015, and is available in both arm lock and standard models. This truly unique design will gain momentum as the 2016 anchoring ban is quickly approaching. Matt Kuchar and Robert Bettinardi teamed up to design the ﬁrst centre shafted arm lock putter. This model features Bettinardi’s FIT Face technology and has zero offset while still maintaining the optimum seven degrees of loft necessary for an arm lock putter to be effective. “Matt approached me at the Masters this year with a standard length version of this putter in hand, and asked how we could make this without the extreme offset,” said Sam Bettinardi, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Eliminating the extreme offset of the Kuchar Model 2 will allow for a traditional look at address, which will entice more users to try arm lock style putting.”

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

2015 Bettinardi Golf

Signature Series SIGNATURE MODEL 9

The Rolls Royce of putters have rolled in for 2015. Time to sharpen the money-end of your game and the 2015 Bettinardi range of putters my prove to be your best ally for the new year! SIGNATURE MODEL 10

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The Signature Series line is directly from Robert Bettinardi’s personal preference in design and performance. “Every year we release two new models on a limited basis that highlight the best that Bettinardi Golf has to offer,” Bettinardi said. “The Signature Model 9 is milled with our tour-inspired Super-Fly mill face and this putter will prove itself worthy of any and every bag.” The Signature Series 10 was created to be the crown jewel of 2015. The blade style look with a two-tiered muscle and high toe produces a deeper face, which allows the ball to match perfectly with the sweet spot. The classic Bettinardi Honeycomb pattern milled into the face, sets this putter apart from all other models. Sculpted out of the ﬁnest 303 stainless steel, these putters proudly feature Robert J. Bettinardi’s signature of approval. The Rolls Royce of putters have rolled in for 2015. Time to sharpen the money-end of your game and the 2015 Bettinardi range of putters my prove to be your best ally for the new year!

GAME IMPROVEMENT

Black Hat Golf Tips

The month of L-O-V-E is upon us and I want to wish all golfers a special Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. May you enjoy your loved ones very much and also continue to enjoy your L-O-V-E for golf!

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ISSUE 173

FEBRUARY 2015

’ve used the following golf lesson for many years and students both high and low-handicappers have always experienced big success. It’s amazing how many of a golfers’ swing are inconsistent because the way players hold the golf club. Remember, to swing consistently, it’s important that the grip on the golf club is neutral. Here’s a simple thought process. I call it the “I LOVE Golf Grip!” You can use this to check your grip easily. 1. For right handed players, begin by holding the club in your left hand. Make sure your left hand pad and last three fingers are holding the club properly while the club is points straight up to the sky (see picture). 2. Now with your right hand, create the “I Love You” symbol with your right hand and place your third and fourth finger on the shaft. 3. Slide the right hand down to the left hand so that both hands touch. Either use the overlap or interlocking grip with your 5th finger of your right hand (pinky). 4. And, finally, form the golf trigger finger with your right index finger. The golf trigger finger is looking at your bottom hand which for right handers, it will be the right hand. 5. You should now see a “V” formed by the right thumb and right forefinger from the first knuckle to its base.

WHY THE TRIGGER FINGER IS IMPORTANT? This part of the grip is very important because it plays a key role in `V\Y HIPSP[` [V JVU[YVS [OL JS\I 0U MVYTPUN H WYVWLY [YPNNLY ÄUNLY position, now you will have the proper “cradle” in which to rest the club at the top of the backswing. This prevents the club from wobbling. And, if you keep a small amount of pressure on the middle QVPU[ VM [OL [YPNNLY ÄUNLY `V\ ^PSS PTWYV]L MLLS MVY [OL JS\IOLHK Trust me! Golfers have had tremendous progress when they get back to basics with the grip! Remember to add L-O-V-E to your golf grip and you’ll play better in no time!

ABOUT TONY MEECHAI Born and brought up in the United States, Tony Meechai won his first golf tournament at the age of nine. He began working in the golf industry when aged 15 and competed in various Mini Tour and PGA Tour qualifiers after turning professional in 1994. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a degree in Marketing and Professional Golf Management, he has made a name for himself in Asia over the past decade, during which time he has served as Director of Instruction at Thailand’s Heartland Golf Schools and Springfield Royal Country Club as well as presenting tips on numerous region-wide golf television shows. Recently, he founded the Tony Meechai Golf Academy that combines a curriculum including academics and golf education for aspiring Tour professionals. Programmes are in conjunction with international institutions throughout the world. For further information, please visit www.tmggolfeducation.com

www.tonymeechaigolf.com

GAME IMPROVEMENT

Pro Tour Golf College

THE 4 GOLF SUCCESS FACTORS That Will Fast-Track High School and College Golfers to the Pro Tour (PART 2)

David Milne (left) and Lawrie Montague (right).

Are you a high school or college golfer who is majoring in minor golf skills? If you want to establish a career as a successful professional tour golfer when you graduate you need to know that there’s a fast-track score improvement process and there’s also a slow-track. 68

69 ASIAN GOLF

n this article we’ll show you the difference, and also show you how you can work on certain types of golf skills that will fast-track your development. Last month we discussed the importance of self-belief and confidence and we described the first of our golf success

factors - The Golf Confidence Factor –the primary golf success driver for developing yourself and your game to tour standard in less time. Anyone willing to climb to the highest level of professional achievement most surely works on their selfconfidence more than any other factor

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FEBRUARY 2015

From high school or college golfer to professional tour golfer

Majoring in Minor Golf Skills

and the reason is pretty simple; there will be many setbacks along the way to the top, so you need know how to manage and continually develop your self-confidence. But that’s not enough, is it? I mean it’s not enough to just be confident and believe in yourself because

I’m sure you know of golfers who are very confident individuals but they don’t seem to perform nearly as well as you would expect them to when they are under increased pressure. Their confidence appears to erode quite quickly when they are faced with difficult shots at crucial times in a round.

So it’s one thing to have an abundant supply of self-belief and confidence, and another to have the type of golf skills that can back you up when you need them the most, under increased pressure. One of the most common problems we see at Pro Tour Golf College, and which we believe to a great extent explains this common situation is what we call “majoring in minor golf skills.” Golfers that major in minor golf skills have a tendency to practice the golf skills they are more comfortable with and easier to play. They get locked into their daily routines of comfort practice—that is, they practice golf skills and golf shots they are good at, and that are low on the challenge and intensity scale, rather than practicing and developing the more challenging golf shots that would have a more positive affect on their scoring on the golf course. You see the reality is that you have to practice a lot of different and varied golf shots to become a successful professional golfer, and you have to practice some types of shots a lot more often than others to influence a low seasonal competitive score average. Think of it this way, producing low golf scores on a relatively consistent basis requires an ability to make par or better, or bogey at worst, when you are not playing anywhere near your best. This is a simple fact of life for golfers who are successful on the pro tour. Can you score your best when your game is at its worst?

GAME IMPROVEMENT

Pro Tour Golf College

Stop Practicing from ‘Princess Lies’ When you go to the practice range and practice green do you practice most of your golf shots from near perfect lies, what we call princess lies, most of the time? If you are given the opportunity to practice more difficult shots from challenging lies, or to play shots from relatively easy lies, which way do you go? In our experience many young golfers are practicing from princess lies rather than practicing from more challenging lies. Here’s four simple questions to find out whether you practice from princess or challenging lies. 1. Do you spend your time practicing your full shots from level and perfect lies on the practice fairway? What will you do when you are faced with a ball above or below your feet in a less than perfect lie? 2. Do you practice your chipping and pitching skills to pins that are easy to get to? What will you do when you are faced with shots where the pin is tight and surrounded by trouble? 70

71 ASIAN GOLF

3. Do you practice bunker shots from flat and perfect lies most of the time? What will you do when you get a downhill lie that is half buried, and you are faced with a high lip to hit your shot over? 4. Do you practice hitting wedge shots from perfect level lies to a specific target distance on the range? What will you do when you are faced with an important wedge shot from a downhill lie over a water hazard to a different distance? You might think that the scenarios we’ve mentioned above are uncommon, but they are not, they are very common – especially when you compete on the pro tour and you are playing different styles of golf courses every week, with completely different playing conditions. And the one constant is that you have to keep scoring low in every round you play to make cuts and to make checks. Have a look at the photo below of some of our students at Pro Tour Golf College practicing from challenging lies around the green. They practice like this way on a daily basis and over time and

with lots of practice they learn how to get the ball closer to the hole. Many times you will miss greens in places where you will be required to produce recovery shots from lies that are anything but normal. If you are a high school or college golfer reading this, and you have your heart set on playing on a professional golf tour, and you want to be successful doing it, then you need to incorporate high pay-off golf skills practice into your daily routines, well before you get to play in your first pro tour event.

2. The High Payoff Golf Skills Factor - Trouble Shot Mastery This is the second golf success factor, majoring in high payoff golf skills or trouble shot mastery. High payoff golf skills as you are learning are the type of golf skills that help you get you out of trouble to keep the momentum going during a round. Think about a time recently where you were playing quite nicely and then you had trouble on a particular hole and it disrupted your momentum and led to a higher score for the round than you imagined you would have. We want you to understand how important majoring in high pay-off golf skills is,

ISSUE 173

when your goal is to play professionally. The pro game is very different to the amateur game because even though they both require an ability to produce a score, ultimately the main difference between the two is the amount of low scores you must produce over a season on a pro tour to be successful. Successful in this case means a high percentage of cuts made (more than 60 percent), and enough money in the bank after all the expenses have been paid to fund at-least the next season. You can’t walk away from a bad score in professional golf. If you have a bad round or two in a junior tournament your parents or well-meaning friends will probably tell you that there’s always another day. If you have a bad round in a college event, your coach will probably tell you that there’s always another day. But in pro tour golf a bad score means a higher likelihood that you will miss the cut and not make a check—and that’s a big difference! And you don’t want to make missing cuts a habit. So how do you change this situation?

green in regulation, and fifty percent of your tee-shots have gone into the trees. Right now estimate the score you think you would you have in this example. Score against par: ________ Now imagine that of the 18 greens you missed in regulation you had; 6 bunker shots from average lies 6 shots from down in the grass around the green to tight pin placements 6 shots from between 30 and 60 yards to the pin over bunkers or water hazards. Now remember, the objective is always to make par or better, but how do you think you would do based on where your game is at the moment? How many up and downs for par are you likely to make? If you are like a lot of young golfers we work with, probably not that many. Now imagine that 3 out of 4 days were going to be similar to this. In fact, imagine that this was normal rather than abnormal, how would you go about developing your golf skills knowing this? Now you are starting to understand what professional golf is really like.

FEBRUARY 2015

and they shoot 15 to 20 under every week. When you see the leaders at 15 under for 3 rounds, hitting virtually every green in regulation and draining putts from all over the green, it would be easy to think that this is normal. Yes it is normal that a few golfers every week will play golf like this, but this is far from normal over a season for the majority of professional golfers. If you simply look at the example of a professional golfer who is 15 under par for the week (or averaging 5 under per round), and then you look at his or her score average (actual) for the last season, you will see that they do not have a seasonal score average of five under par, but actually it is much closer to par. The truth is that if you are a high school or college golfer and you desire to become a successful professional golfer, then you have to develop the second golf success factor of developing your high pay-off golf skills, or trouble shot mastery. This is the real skill of a successful professional golfer, the skill of salvaging pars or bogeys at the worst, most of the time, from trouble lies and situations.

High payoff golf skills are the skills you never practice enough...

Practice the tough and unusual shots often and develop the skill and confidence to get them close.

Worst Case Scenario Golf Skills Practice

In Pro Golf Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

At least fifty percent of your available practice time should be spent developing your trouble shot scrambling ability around the green, and also including your approach wedge shots within 100 yards of the hole. The way we explain it to our students is to imagine that you are playing in a tournament and you are having a very bad tee to green day, and you have missed every

Sometimes what actually happens on a golf course in a tournament is much stranger and unusual than anything that you could ever imagine. But if you believe that what they show you on the golf telecasts is true, then you will believe that professional tour golfers hit nearly ever green in regulation, and almost every fairway, and they hole lots of long putts,

Here’s the Takeaway to Never Forget You build your golf skills for the pro tour around the worst case scenario—not the best case. Work hard on your high payoff golf skills by learning how to master your trouble shot skills, and you will discover that turning tough days into better scoring days will happen for you sooner than later, and much more often. See you next month for part 3. Lawrie Montague and David Milne - Pro Tour Golf College

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A MAN AND HIS VISION

veryone has a dream and the realisation of that dream marks the life-time journey of an achievement. The award-winning Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand is the manifestation of a dream turned into reality. Back in 2004, when the grounds of Black Mountain was just acres of pineapple plantations, the club’s founder, Stig Notlöv, quickly recognised the region’s golf potential and set about creating one of the best golf courses in Asia. After only 14 months of construction, the course opened in April 20, 2007 in record time to widespread acclaim, both locally and throughout most of Asia. Asian Golf sits down with Stig to find out what makes the man and his club tick.

A MALAYSIAN STAR IN THE MAKING

FOOTJOY GETS BOLD WITH

HYPERFLEX! Look good, feel good, play good. This is no hype! What FJ has to offer as a kick-off product for 2015 is truly spectacular. It’s called HyperFlex and it looks like it is designed to help golfers re-invent their game for the better. You’ve got to slip into a pair to see how good it really is. 72

ASIAN GOLF

When Asian Golf first saw Gavin Green in action many years ago as a 13 year old, he made a huge impression. At that stage, we felt that we were in the presence of a future star and it seems to be panning out that way. Gavin is now studying at the University of New Mexico and already ranks high on the U.S. College rankings. He shows tremendous potential that looks like he may go all the way as a professional golfer.

For all the latest news and views from the Asian golf scene, subscribe to Asian Golf – Asia’s most powerful golfing voice!

www.asiapacificgolfgroup.com

CONSISTENTLY VOTED AS THE BEST COURSE IN THAILAND

Owned and managed by The Peninsula Hotels and often voted as possessing the “Best Clubhouse in Asia” and “Best Course in Thailand”, Thai Country Club is less than 45 minutes from downtown Bangkok and is renowned for having the friendliest staff of professionals in the Kingdom committed to providing the Ultimate Golfing Experience. For registered guests of The Peninsula Bangkok, We are happy to arrange a tee-time at a substantial reduction from our normal visitor’s rate. Extend your business trip in Bangkok, or book a get-away golfing package. When it comes to exclusive golfing with impeccable hospitality – we play off scratch.

1997 Winner: Tiger Woods

VOLVO MASTERS

ASIA

2005 Winner: Shiv Kapur

2006 Winner: Thongchai Jaidee

2007 Winner: Prayad Marksaeng

2008 Winner: Lam Chih Bing

1998 Winner: Vijay Singh

Thai Country Club www.thaicountryclub.com Tel: +66 (38) 570-234 inquiry@thaicountryclub.com The Peninsula Bangkok www.peninsula.com Tel: +66 (2) 861-2888 pbk@peninsula.com