HK Golfer - January / February 2020

HK GOLFER JANUARY 2020

LIN MAKES HISTORY / WOODS’ PRESIDENTIAL THRILLER / GOLF GURU WILLIAM DOO JNR. / GOLF’S ARABIAN PARADISE / AMAN TAKES OFF

LETTER FROM THE HKGA Dear Readers and Friends of the HKGA, Firstly, I hope you all had a most enjoyable festive season and I wish you happy golfing in 2020.

Unquestionably it was a huge disappointment for the golfing community, both locally and worldwide, that the 61st Hong Kong Open had to be postponed from the original dates in November. Both the European and Asian Tours had to make that difficult decision, however all stakeholders have worked tirelessly to ensure that the event has been rescheduled for January 9-12 and a number of star players, including Tony Finas and Shane Lowry, will be at Fanling to showcase their skills. Also, thanks to the availability of a number of additional invitation spots given by the Hong Kong Golf Club in support of our players and our junior and international development programmes, we will have quite a number of our best players of the past decade, some of whom are professionals already, in the field competing against the best in the world.

Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the HKGA, the 120-player field will compete for Official Golf World Ranking points and a US$1 million prize purse. The tournament is Hong Kong’s longest standing professional sporting event and will be televised to a global audience.

Spectators attending the event will continue to enjoy free access to the Hong Kong Golf Club on Thursday and Friday, with under-21s benefiting from free entry throughout the week.

With the tournament set-up unchanged, event-goers will once again be able to enjoy four days of world-class action on the historic Composite Course at Fanling as well as a host of fun and family-friendly activities for fans of all ages in the Spectator Village.

The decision to proceed with the tournament underlines the commitment of the HKGA and the Hong Kong Golf Club to the ongoing development and promotion of the game in the SAR and the region. We look forward to welcoming the international golf community back to our shores and to showcasing the depth of homegrown talent competing in the tournament.

I heartily encourage you to come out in force to support our players and I look forward to seeing you there.

4 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

Please kindly refer to pages 8 and 9 for other HKGA news as we have had a very busy couple of months. I must congratulate Lou Tan for winning the HK Amateur Open and the evergreen Joe Pethes for winning the HK Seniors Open. It’s also worth mentioning that more than 50 overseas players from 10 countries joined our Seniors Open at the venerable Old Course, further underlying Hong Kong’s position as an international golfing destination.

Yours Truly,

KENNETH LAM President, HKGA

CONTENTS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2020

4 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 8 HKGA HAPPENINGS

12 THE 852: TOP TAN

Two of the HKGA’s biggest annual a m a t e u r t o u r n a m e nt s w e r e played in November. Lou Tan and James Gill won the Hong Kong Open Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships respectively, which were held at the Discovery Bay Golf Club in November.

14 ASIA ACTION: MAKING HISTORY Lin Xiyu wrote her name into the history books in December when the Guangdong native became the first Mainland Chinese player to win the countr y ’s national championship – the Macalline Women’s China Open.

16 GLOBAL GLANCE: THE GUIDING LIGHTS

18 THE TOUR: WOODS’ PRESIDENTIAL THRILLER

Tiger Woods led the United States team to a nailbiting 16-14 win at the Presidents Cup over a formidable International team.

The U.S. team rallied behind the strength of their playing Captain, who was the only player on either side to win each of his matches.

26 LIVE UNDER PAR: BIDING HIS TIME

Such is his attitude towards life that Dou Zecheng is the kind of athlete who looks at his golf ball as being in the middle of the fairway rather than in an unlucky divot after unleashing a perfectly executed drive.

28 THE GOLF GURU Expert tips for The Senior Player, The High Handicapper, and The Pro. 34 SPOTLIGHT: WILLIAM DOO JNR.

6 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

40 THE VIEW: GOLF’S ARABIAN PARADISE

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has grown in popularity to become an impressive golfing destination. Offering its visitors three spectacular courses and a plethora of luxury hotels, the island in the Arabian Gulf is certainly worth thinking about when planning your next golfing vacation.

52 ADVENTURE: BLURRING BOUNDARIES On the Celebrit y Flora the boundaries between ship and nature become blurred. On no other cruise ship can guests so close to the diverse flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands - thanks to the innovative design by 3deluxe. The Celebrity Flora is the first expedition yacht designed exclusively for the Galapagos Islands and is the most energy-efficient ship of its class in the region.

58 TOP TIPPLE: THE BEAST OF DUFFTOWN

48 LUXURIATE: TAKING TO THE SKIES

The world ’s most remote destinations are often its most exceptional. From the lofty peaks of Bhutan to the legendary reefs surrounding Indonesia’s fabled Spice Islands, Aman is renowned for making these destinations acces sible to it s guest s in consummate privacy and comfort.

The company ’s dedication to offering ease of access and the finest service available has now taken to the skies, with the launch of the Aman Private Jet.

The world of malt whiskies is dominated by brands that tr y to ‘outcraft’ each other, talking complex processes and finishes; double, triple, quadruple…It has become a landscape of lengthy stories for generic flavour profiles that are either vanilla dominated or challengingly smoky. There is one brand however, that through its unique 2.81 distillation process, stands apart from the crowd.

64 THE NINETEENTH

CONTRIBUTORS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2020

Louie Chan

Louie writes extensively for the magazine, its website and digital platforms. He continues to work hard to lose the distinction of the golf editor with the worst swing!

Jason Kwok

Brad Schadewitz

James Stewart

FOR REGULAR NEWS UPDATES LIKE US AND FOLLOW US:

MEDIA PARTNER OF THE PGA TOUR

Jason has been a Hong Kong PGA Professional since 1995, an Asian Tour Player, and was the Head Professional at the Discovery Golf Club from 2007 to 2015.

Chuah Choo Chiang

Senior Director of Communications at the PGA Tour, Chuah Choo Chiang is HK Golfer’s storyteller for the PGA Tour events in Asia.

PRODUCED BY

KEY PLAYERS

Design Circles Ltd.

Editor-In-Chief: Ann Tsang

G/F, 1 Pak Tsz Lane

Editor/Online Director: Louie Chan

Central, Hong Kong

Design Director: Derek Hannah

Tel: +852 2851 1150

Operations Director: Keith Chung

Email: info@designcircl.es

Web Designer: Christine Lam

Lead Coach and former National Coach of the HKGA, and holder of the 2017 Top 25 Elite Junior Coach in the U.S.A. title, Brad’s most notable success to date has been coaching the first player ever to represent Hong Kong in the Olympic Games.

An Asian Tour player from 2000 to 2008, James played in 2003 World Cup for Hong Kong. He is also a multiple Order of Merit Winner in the HKPGA. James is currently the Asian distributor for several major golf brands including Peter Millar, G/Fore, Fenix, Evnroll and PRG.

@thehkgolfer @hk_golfer hkgolfer.hk

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES advert@designcircl.es

We value our environment.

This publication is made of FSCTM -certified and other controlled material, and printed using soy inks.

HK GOLFER MAGAZINE is published by the Hong Kong Golf Association Limited and produced by Design Circles Limited. The HKGA was formed in 1968 with a mission to govern, promote and grow golf in Hong Kong. Responsibilities include Hong Kong national teams; junior and elite player development; grassroots initiatives; a centralised handicapping service for 15,000+ subscribers; and the running of international and domestic golfing events in Hong Kong – including more than 30 amateur tournaments each year plus the Hong Kong Open, the city’s oldest professional sporting event.

ORDERING FROM ADVERTISERS: Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. HK Golfer magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. HK Golfer magazine, its officers, directors, employees or agents make no recommendations as to the purchase or sale of any product, service or item. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of HK Golfer magazine. All content contained within this magazine is the sole property of HK Golfer magazine and may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without authorisation. © Copyright 2020 HK Golfer magazine. All rights reserved.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 7

HKGA

HAPPENINGS

by Rowano Pierroti / Images courtesy of the HKGA

YIP PROGRESSES TO Q-SCHOOL FINAL STAGE HKGA National Men’s Squad member Linus Yip made it through the first stage of the PGA Tour of Australasia Q-School at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort at Gangurru with scores of 70,72,67 finishing T9. “It was a grind out there this week,” commented Yip who was representing New South Wales. “But I managed to get it done in the last round.”

Next up for Yip is the Final Stage at Moonah Links Open Course from January 14-17.

TAM PLAYS CHINA OPEN Kitty Tam received an invitation to play at the 2019 Macalline Women's China Open, the highest level women’s professional tournament in the PRC, which was held in the first week of December in Xiamen. Although she didn’t make the final cut, her participation provided her with an excellent competitive experience.

8 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

UPPING THE HONG KONG GAME Sera Yiu, Handicapping Manager at the HKGA, has been encouraging Hongkongers to take up golf for over 20 years.

Overseeing the SAR’s official handicapping scheme, Sera and her team help Hong Kong’s golfers of all standards to compete on a level playing field basis.

As the handicap system is a key barometer of a golfer’s current skill level, Sera is pleased to report that local young golfers are steadily improving their game at an encouraging pace. Many young players have reduced their handicap significantly after taking up the game even for a short period of time. Also noteworthy is the emergence of single-digit handicap local players in recent years, who are actively preparing to make a name for themselves internationally.

The HKGA is ramping up its efforts to connect these aspiring players with the global game by adopting the World Handicap System - a system that aims to bring the game of golf under a single set of Rules and provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability internationally.

Linus Yip

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 9

Jeffery Wang with HKGA CEO Danny Lai

YB Rai with HKGA CEO Danny Lai

10 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

Joseph Pethes

LOCAL WINNERS In tournament news, hearty congratulations are due to Joseph Pethes on his record-setting win (at age 74) at the Hong Kong Seniors Open Amateur Championship which was once again held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in December.

Congratulations must also go to all the prize winners in the HKGA Pairs Tournament 2019, which was held at Discovery Bay Golf Club on December 6. Team 1 comprising Paul Cheng and Jeffery Wang of the HKGC tied for first place with Team 2’s YB Rai and Vikram Malhotra of DBGC, both with final scores of 36 points.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 11

THE 852 TOP TAN Two of the HKGA’s biggest annual amateur tournaments were played in November.

C on g r a t u l a t i on s t o L o u Ta n a nd Ja me s Gi l l who won the Hong Kong Open Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships respectively, which were both held at the Discover y Bay Golf Club in November. With a final scorecard of 77-74-70- 69, Lou earned his place at the upcoming Hong Kong Open through his impressive win.

Image: HKGA

12 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 13

ASIA ACTION MAKING HISTORY Lin Xiyu wrote her name into the history books in December when the Guangdong native became the first Mainland Chinese player to win the country’s national championship – the Macalline Women’s China Open.

The US LPGA Tour regular closed with a round of evenpar 72 for a four-under 284 score and a two stroke win. The victory for the 23-year-old, her seventh China LPGA title and first win since 2015, was worth RMB315,000. Xiamen native Liu Yan finished runner-up for the second consecutive year closing with a 71. Feng Shanshan, the World No. 22 and top-ranked player in the field, was two shots further back after shooting 71 and finishing even-par for the tournament.

Image: PGA TOUR Series-China

14 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

GLOBAL GLANCE THE GUIDING LIGHTS Englishman Tyrrell Hatton won the 2019 Turkish Airlines Open, securing victory on the fourth hole of a record-equalling six-man play-off that took place under floodlights for the first time in professional golf at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Antalya, Turkey.

Austrian Matthias Schwab took a three-shot lead into the final round but could only shoot 70 and was joined at -20 by Kurt Kitayama, Erik van Rooyen, Hatton, Benjamin Hebert and Victor Perez, marking only the third time in European Tour history to have had a six-man play-off. Kitayama, Hatton and Schwab all missed birdie putts on the second play-off hole, and the floodlights came on for the third attempt.

Kitayama then missed another birdie putt leaving just Schwab and Hatton in the running.

Hatton made par on the fourth play-off hole earning him his fourth European Tour victory.

Image: Courtesy of Turkish Airlines 16 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

THE TOUR

WOODS’

PRESIDENTIAL

THRILLER

by Chuah Choo Chiang / Images: Getty Images

T

iger Woods ended 2019 the same way he started it.

As a winner.

It s t a r t e d 2 45 d a y s a g o a t T h e M a s t e r s Tournament, when Woods’ unforgettable year began with his first major championship in 11 years and first green jacket in 14 years. It continued into late October, when he matched Sam Snead atop the PGA Tour’s all-time wins list with his 82nd career victory at the ZOZO Championship.

And it ended in December, at Royal Melbourne, where Woods led the United States team to a nailbiting 16-14 win at the Presidents Cup over a formidable International team. The U.S. team rallied behind the strength of their playing captain, who was the only player on either side to win each of his matches.

Woods went 3-0-0 on the week to reach 27 career wins in the biennial event, passing Phil Mickelson for the most career victories in the events 25 years of being held.

It was a truly poetic ending to one of the best years in the sport’s storied history.

“It was pretty awesome to play for the greatest player ever,” said Matt Kuchar, who clinched the U.S. victory with a birdie at No. 17 on the final day. “To have a chance to be part of a team captained by the greatest golfer ever who is also a player on the team is indescribable. I can’t tell you how unique and how cool it is, to not only play for him, but alongside him.

“For us to be in a hole and to come back and win this event was such a thrill. It’s one thing to share the victory as a team, but to do it with Tiger Woods as our Captain was just incredible.”

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 19

I’VE CRIED AT PRETTY MUCH EVERY CUP WE’VE WON. I’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR A LONG TIME. ANY TIME YOU HAVE MOMENT WHEN YOU’RE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS BIGGER THAN AS AN INDIVIDUAL IS SO MUCH MORE MEANINGFUL AND SPECIAL. -TIGER WOODS

Woods was overcome with emotion following his team’s mighty comeback, and for good reason.

Since the moment he was officially named as the U.S. Captain at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Woods has viewed his position with both responsibility and pride. From the outset, Woods - ever the competitor that he is - made it his mission to once again beat his long time rival Ernie Els, Captain of this year’s International Team.

He got it.

“I’ve cried at pretty much every Cup we’ve won,” Woods said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time. Any time you have moment when you’re able to do something that is bigger than as an individual is so much more meaningful and special.”

Woods’ moment did not come easy, however. The U.S. team trailed for all three days before its stirring comeback in Sunday’s Singles, as the analytics-minded Els seemed to play every matchup correctly.

The Internationals put together a 4-1 advantage after Thursday’s Four-Balls, its first day one lead since 2005 and its largest advantage ever after the first session. And the Friday Foursomes appeared on track to follow the same pattern, as the team led in all five matches on the back nine and was projected at one stage to go up 9-1 on the scoreboard.

But Woods’ warriors managed to carve out some hope when they won a pair of matches one up on the 18th hole. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele got the rally underway when Cantlay sunk a 14-foot birdie to beat Joaquin Niemann and Adam Hadwin, and Woods and Justin Thomas did the same 30 minutes later against Hideki Matsuyama and Byeong Hun An, despite not holding a lead since the sixth hole.

“I know one thing – if we don't make those putts, this is a pretty deep deficit,” commented Thomas.

But the U.S. saved its best for last, when Rickie Fowler and Gary Woodland erased a two up advantage for the Internationals with three holes to play. The Americans carded 20 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

birdies on the 16th and 17th after sticking their approach shots within 10 feet, then the teams halved the 18th to end in a tie.

“I wouldn't say we totally lost momentum, but I felt it was a bit of a blow,” Els said later. “The team didn't react badly which I was really proud of, but for me as Captain, and I didn't reveal it to them, I felt we had them right in a headlock, and we didn't manage to quite finish it off.”

Though the Internationals began Saturday’s double session with a 6.5-3.5 lead, only its third advantage after two sessions in the event’s history, Els knew that the Friday stalemate was a massive blow to his team’s shot at an upset.

The U.S. had been headed for its first Foursomes loss in 14 years. Instead, the late rally provided a jolt of much-needed confidence into a team that began the event on shaky ground.

“There's not many times when you get a team like that under the pump,” said Els. “It was great, but it could have been unbelievable. It could have been a knockout blow. That was probably the difference. We had so much momentum, we had so much going for us… that’s 2.5 points, and where we were at 1.5 points shy was absolutely something.”

The heavyweight bout continued into the following day, when the Internationals opened up a 9-5 lead after winning the morning Four-Ball session 2.5-1.5. But the Americans charged back once more in the afternoon Foursomes, pulling together a 3-1 session win and narrowly pulling off a clean sweep.

Marc Leishman and Abraham Ancer were five down through 10 holes against Thomas and Fowler, only to reach even and earn half a point for the Internationals. Niemann and An did the same with a late two-hole deficit, though An missed a chance at a full point when his six-foot putt came up short at the last. Despite that, the late heroics were enough to salvage a 10-8 advantage for the Internationals heading into the final day, the first time it had taken a lead into the Singles since 2003.

NOV 2019 | HK GOLFER 21

Sungjae and Tiger Woods 22 Im HK GOLFER | NOV 2019 Sungjae Im and Tiger Woods

It wouldn’t last.

“Before the week started, we had a plan to get to 10 points by Saturday evening,” said Els. “So that's why we were so excited (Saturday), losing 3-1, because we knew we got to 10 points.

I could have made different choices in the Singles, but I took it on my shoulders. It is what it is.”

A dominant display by the A mericans clinched its eighth consecutive win in the series, and it all started with Captain Woods setting the tone.

Woods went out first against the surprising Ancer, who led the International Team alongside fellow rookie Sungjae Im with 3.5 points. But the Mexican never led against one of the best to ever play, as Woods put together a 3&2 victory to begin the U.S. comeback.

“Tiger, the story of his resilience, coming back from injuries and everything that he's been through; I think each of us believed in each other because we knew we could do what we did today, and we really believed that we could win the Cup,” commented Tony Finau. “We were very inspired to play for and with Tiger, and it's so satisfying to win this Cup because of that.

We were able to get the job done for our playing Captain.”

Finau delivered his own stirring moment, rallying from four down through 10 holes against Matsuyama to salvage a tie. He won four straight holes from 11 to 14 to square the match, then after Matsuyama regained the lead on the 16th, he promptly three-putted from 25 feet on the ensuing hole before ending in a tie. With Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson dominating their matches with C.T. Pan and Haotong Li, respectively, it was a critical hit to a reeling International squad.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 23

Dustin Johnson and Haotong Li

Matsuyama’s team eventually lost its shot at a win after Adam Hadwin missed a 14-foot putt at the last against Bryson DeChambeau to half the match and leave only a chance at a tie in play for the Internationals. And that soon went by the wayside as Louis Oosthuizen lost a three up advantage against Kuchar, who closed out the U.S. win with a vital half point.

“We were up early in a lot of matches and it came down to the very end,” Woods said. “We knew that was going to happen. We had some really strong guys at the end. Actually, strong guys from 1 through 12. We were excited about going into this session. I know we lost the twoteam sessions after the four-team sessions, but we were excited about our chances going into the Singles and we did it as a team.”

It is Woods’ job to share credit for this win, which moved the U.S. to 11-1-1 all-time 24 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

at the Presidents Cup, but his own players and assistants are quick to applaud their leader.

“I love seeing other people cry, especially Tiger Woods,” said assistant Steve Stricker.

“Tiger did an unbelievable job; it was a privilege and we’ll keep this in the forefront of our minds forever.”

Woods’ performance in Australia brought things full circle in 2019. After tying Sam Snead atop the all-time wins list just a couple of months ago, he did it once more when he became the first playing Captain to go undefeated in his team’s victory since Snead at the 1959 Ryder Cup. It was quite the year for Mr. Woods.

“All of us will look back and have these pictures hanging on our walls and say we played for and alongside Tiger Woods, the greatest player ever,” said Kuchar. “It was awesome.”

I COULD HAVE MADE DIFFERENT CHOICES IN THE SINGLES, BUT I TOOK IT ON MY SHOULDERS. IT IS WHAT IT IS. -ERNIE ELS

Image: Russel Wong

NOV 2019 | HK GOLFER 25

LIVE UNDER PAR FEATURE

BIDING

HIS

TIME

by Chuah Choo Chiang / Image: Getty Images

Such is his attitude towards life that Dou Zecheng is the kind of athlete who looks at his golf ball as being in the middle of the fairway rather than in an unlucky divot after unleashing a perfectly executed drive.

Y

oung Chinese rising star Dou Zecheng has been to golfing heaven and back over the past three seasons yet he remains unfazed and undeterred after narrowly missing out on a quick return to the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour last season.

Dou, who will soon turn 23, finished 28th in the Korn Ferry Tour Regular Season points list, which was an agonising three rungs outside the top 25 which rewards players with PGA Tour cards for the 2019-20 Season.

What may hurt most is the fact that he won the season-opening tournament, The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay, and sat inside the top-25 for most of the season.

Inexplicably, from the joy of winning in his second Korn Ferry Tour title, Dou’s fortunes took a dip where he missed 15 cuts over his next 23 starts and missed out on a PGA Tour card which he held in 2018. He had secured entry into the world’s premier tour through the Korn Ferry Tour back in 2017.

26 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

“Although it was up and down, I see it as a successful year,” said Dou. “I didn’t see it as a failure, although I ended up not getting the (PGA Tour) card. If I didn’t play good (win), I could have been back playing in China as I didn’t have full exempt on the Korn Ferry Tour. Winning was a good thing.”

Dou is prepared to bide his time on the Korn Ferry Tour which he believes is a great platform to make him a more complete golfer. When he played on the PGA Tour in 2018 he made only four cuts from 23 starts, and knew that he just wasn’t good enough to compete at the highest level in the game.

“I don’t want it to happen so fast. If I get my card back, it’s maybe too quick. I want to take it slowly and this might be good for me; perhaps slow and steady wins the race,” noted Dou. After the dust settled in 2019, he reviewed the work he put in with coach Cameron McCormick, who also works with Jordan Spieth, and gave himself full marks for staying on course with his routine and work ethics.

“When I played on the PGA Tour, I didn’t spend enough time doing what I needed to do. And then coming out with a win in early 2019, I kept working hard and focused on my fitness. I might play around 20 events in 2020 and see how it goes. I played a lot in 2019 and at one stretch played 14 out of 15 weeks and maybe that got to me.”

Dou believes that his work with McCormick in Dallas, where he is based, will help him become the kind of golfer he wants to be. “He introduced a fitness programme whereby I go to the gym three times a week. My body started feeling really good and we’re also making changes to my game, focusing on my swing plane with the aim of creating more consistency in my ball striking and putting. I see Cameron once a week now, which is good, and there’s not a day at home (in Dallas) when I don’t have anything to do. I’m always working on something, trying to get better.”

Dou is looking forward to starting his 2020 Korn Ferry Tour Season on a strong note with his defence at the Bahamas.

“I feel good about my game. I finished second twice on the China Tour (towards the end of 2019) and I had three good rounds at the WGC-HSBC Champions. I feel confident about getting my PGA Tour card next year.”

While Dou is living the American dream, he conceded that being away from China and his family offers different challenges. “Living in Dallas – golf is the biggest thing. There are great courses, good coaches, and good players around me, which is important. However, being Chinese out here, the difficult part is that I think about my family all the time; it can be tough if you’re not doing well. Thankfully, there are a couple of good Chinese restaurants in Dallas. That’s pretty important.”

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 27

GOLF GURU | PRO TIPS

WEDGE TECH HOW WE CAN USE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE OUR WEDGE PLAY

by Brad Schadewitz

USING GROUND FORCES AND LAUNCH MONITORS TO HELP OUR WEDGE GAME. In many cases there are subtle changes we can make in our set and and movement patterns that can payoff well in our consistency with wedge shots. Here, I’m exploring some data feedback to see how I can improve my lower flighted wedge shots.

HERE I’M USING BODITRACK TO MEASURE GROUND FORCES TO SEE HOW MY PRESSURE SHIFTS DURING THE SHOT.

28 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

I have 65% of my pressure onto my lead side at address. As I get to the top of my backswing the pressure shifts slightly to 56% into my lead side. At impact there is 72% into my lead side. And in the finish position 95% of the pressure moves to the lead side.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with my pressure patterns from lead to trail foot. The concern for me is whether the pressure is too much on my lead toe at impact as I would rather have this going more into my lead heel.

LAUNCH MONITOR DATA Using the launch monitor data, one of the key areas I’m looking at is the Angle of Attack or AoA. 7.2 is not too bad, but the depth of my wedge is too deep and I have hit it a little high off the face.

This means a deep divot which is not good. Most of the best wedge players can hit lower spinning shots with shallow divots.

The overall analysis is that I need to improve my lower body work in the impact area, and I need to stay taller in my knees thus clearing my left side better.

USING HIGH-SPEED VIDEO Over the years, watching the best wedge players on TV, guys like Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson, one of the things that stood out for me is that they use very little wrist hinge in their wedge game.

This, I believe helped them to create a shallower angle of attack and not dig into the turf.

In analysing my swing videos, the area that stands out most is my impact position (image 3). My knees have too much flex and the weight is moving too much into my toes. I can also see this in my Boditrack data. The best wedge players are putting more weight into the lead heal.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 29

GOLF GURU | HIGH HANDICAPPERS

IMPROVING

YOUR BALANCE

by James Stewart

30 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

N

o matter what level of golfer you are, maintaining your balance in your golf swing is the key to be becoming a consistent player a nd build ing a repetitive swing. Have you ever seen players on TV leaning or losing their balance in their swing, which usually always results in hitting a poor shot?

Then on the f lip side, I’m sure you have seen the pros f inishing nicely on balance many times and hitting a great shot down the middle or next to the pin.

It’s very difficult to hit a good shot when you swing off balance. I have a very good exercise that I often work on when I start struggling with balance.

In picture one I have a foam roller; you can easily buy one of these at a fitness store. It takes a bit of time, but I stand on it in my set up position, and because of the circular shape I can only keep my balance if my weight is evenly distributed on the roller, otherwise I’ll fall off. This is same in the full swing where you must feel the weight evenly distributed at address, so you don’t

have more weight on your toes or heels.

In the second picture I make a turn to the top of my swing and again if I lean too much on my toes or heels, I w i l l f a l l of f t he rol ler, so I fe el completely on balance at the top of my swing. After I do this several times, I then take a normal full swing and it’s amazing how well grounded and balanced you will feel. Try this in the gym or take the foam roller with you next time you go to the driving range.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 31

GOLF GURU | SENIOR GOLFER

IS IT TIME TO BUY A

BETTER GAME?

by Jason Kwok

32 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

I

’ve spent many years playing with and teaching players of all levels.

W hen it comes to equ ipment c hoic e s, I c a n put t he m ajor it y of gol fers into t h ree c ategorie s.

Fi r st a re t he one s t h at st ic k w it h a set of clubs u nt i l t he he ad s f a l l of f ; t he s e c ond c ompr i s e s pl ayer s who will buy any thing new on the market. Fortunately, most fall into a third category - golfers who from time to time change or upgrade clubs in their set and end up improving their g a me. T he rea sons for t he cha nge might be that they are facing different cond it ions bec au se t he y moved to a ne w home cou rse or e ven a ne w c ou nt r y. A not he r g o o d re a s on to change is that our bodies change as we

age. We might not be able to swing at the same speed as before aur long irons don’t perform correctly and our drivers are not optimal for our current swing.

A l s o, e qu ipme nt c omp a n ie s h a ve continually brought new technologies to the market that help improve the game of players of all levels, from the occasional golfer to tour professionals.

As a senior golfer, I’m sure you have noticed that you are reluctant to use a few of the clubs in your bag that you have been using for the last few years.

W hen wa s t he la st t i me you were comfortable playing a 3 iron over water rather than a 5 wood?

My best advice for senior golfers who have a set of relics is to replace your long irons with hybrids. A decent

senior golfer will swing a 4 iron at a round 80 mph. I’ve included t wo images of the shot results by of one of my students. He alternated hitting a 4 iron and a 4 hybrid on a 181 yard par 3 over water.

A s you can see, the 4 iron shots show n on t he lef t pa ge have more dispersion, f ly lower on average, and run further after landing. On the right, the 4 hybrid has a tighter shot pattern and clears the lake more easily as the shots go higher and land more softly.

Go ahead and spend a bit of money o n n e w t e c h n o l o g y. G o t o y o u r favourite pro or clubf itter with a n accurate launch monitor and upgrade your equipment. I’m sure you’ll find the results beneficial to your score!

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 33

SPOTLIGHT

A

DRIVING

FORCE

by Ann Tsang / Images courtesy of the Hong Kong Golf Club Special thanks to Ms. Ellen Cheng

Together with the Hong Kong Golf Association, the Hong Kong Golf Club continues to be the driving force behind golf development in the SAR. 2019 marked the 130th Anniversary of the esteemed Club, which from its relatively humble beginnings in Happy Valley to its famous home today in Fanling, has evolved into a sporting institution with an illustrious past and a dynamic future. HK Golfer talks to current HKGC Captain, William Doo Jnr. about the Club’s ongoing development, his passion to make the sport more appealing to the younger generation, and his favourite courses around the world.

34 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 35

Since 1987 the HKGC has hosted its own charity golf event – the annual Cup of Kindness. Traditionally held in the latter months of the year and involving the participation of hundreds of the Club’s members, the event draws sponsorship from a broad spectrum of Hong Kong companies to help raise much-needed funds for worthy causes.

Albert Chiu, Executive Chairman, Asia Pacific, EFG Bank, Tiffany Chan and HKGC Captain William Doo Jnr. planting trees on the Old Course to replace some of those lost during Typhoon Mangkhut

36 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

William Doo tees off during Chinese New Year 2019

HK Golfer: When did you first pick up a golf club?

William Doo Jnr.: When I was about 10 years old, mainly due to the influence of my family.

They encouraged me to take lessons and attend golf camp at the Club which I recall as being a very memorable experience. Back then, I actually was more interested in basketball and other sports, but I eventually picked up golf again just after 1997 when there was a proliferation of driving ranges in the city.

I am ver y passionate about encouraging youngsters to start playing from an early age.

Over the past five years or so, we have ramped up our junior programmes substantially. The Club’s Junior Development Programme (JDP) runs from September to June, totalling 27 classes split across

three terms. Throughout the programme, we not only cover all of the key fundamentals of golf skills; putting, short game and long game, but also rules, etiquette, sportsmanship and other key life skills. The classes run from Monday to Sunday at Deep Water Bay and on the weekend at Fanling.

Our sign up numbers are increasing every year, and currently, we have 80 kids at Fanling and 32 at Deep Water Bay. At a grassroots level, the Club has been e specia l ly act ive in t he Sheu ng Shu i a nd Fanling communities, and as part of an ongoing programme to introduce golf to children in the local area, the Club’s pros visit schools to provide complimentary instruction to students as part of their physical education curriculum.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 37

The EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open prize presentation ceremony

The Inter-Secondary Schools Golf Competition 2019

38 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

REACHING ITS 60-YEAR MILESTONE IN 2018, THE HONG KONG OPEN IS WIDELY RECOGNISED NOT ONLY AS THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF TOURNAMENT GOLF IN ASIA BUT ALSO ONE OF THE PREMIER EVENTS ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR’S INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE.

HKG: What other initiatives is the HKGC implementing to further popularise the sport on a wider level, given the general lack of facilities for the general public?

WDJ: Even as a private club, we are still able to appeal to the wider community and encourage participation in the sport. On weekdays, we open the course to Hong Kong ID card holders at a price of HK$1,200 per round, which I believe is cheaper than any other private course in Asia. In 2018, a total of 116,744 rounds of golf were played on Fanling’s courses and 44.3% of those were played by non-members.

The Club also offers practice sessions to the general public at Fanling on the night range from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 6:00pm until 10:00pm with unlimited use of range balls during these time periods for just HK$70 per hour, and also on weekends and public holidays for HK$100 per hour, which is extremely affordable. So we are very proactive in terms of encouraging more people to learn and play and are proud of our position in terms of opening up for public use.

HKG: How did you feel about the postponement of the (now) upcoming Hong Kong Open?

WDJ: After the disappointing postponement, we are delighted that the 61st Hong Kong Open will be played this month (January 2020). The early-year date has helped to ensure the participation of a number of leading international players, while the Composite Course remains in optimal condition.

Reaching its 60-year milestone in 2018, the Hong Kong Open is widely recognised not only as the jewel in the crown of tournament golf in Asia, but also one of the premier events on the European Tour’s international schedule. The event has been contested by many of the greats of the game and has been won on 14 occasions by a Major champion.

The first Hong Kong Open was played in 1959, and the HKGC and Augusta National Golf Club are the only two clubs in the world that have hosted the same professional tournament for more than 50 years. The Hong Kong Open celebrated its

60th Anniversary in 2018 and achieved a record attendance of over 49,000 spectators. The tournament was also broadcast live to over 400 million households around the world, putting Hong Kong firmly on the map of global golf.

I personally would like to thank the Asian Tour, the Hong Kong Golf Association, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the European Tour, and all the tournament sponsors and the many fans from Hong Kong and overseas for all of their continued support of this prestigious event.

HKG: What is your own personal vision for the ongoing stimulation of interest in golf in Hong Kong?

WDJ: I feel that the new generation has created something of a lull in the golf world in general, so we need to create more ways of stimulating interest and in a certain sense, to modernise the game for them and attract more people to play. In Vegas for example, they have driving ranges with music, lightshows, drinks, snacks and so on, so it actually makes it a more social activity, like bowling to a certain extent.

Also in some places they have 6-hole competitions, so that the world of golf doesn’t shrink due to lack of attention span. It’s not only a challenge for us, but also for the golf community globally.

HKG: What are your three favourite courses in the world to play?

WDJ: That’s a very difficult question, but if I must answer, I would say the following. Royal Melbourne – we had 50 members go and play there before the Presidents Cup. The greens are quick and in exceptionally good condition. Both the East and West courses are different, but they are equally exceptional.

My next choice would be Pebble Beach, particularly for its heritage and the fact that it has hosted so many tournaments.

Although it is now pretty touristy, I still enjoy it very much.

Another course that I really like is North Berwick in Scotland. I have only played there once, but it is very interesting, yet underrated. Again, the attraction for me is its tradition and heritage. Much like Fanling really…

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 39

THE VIEW

GOLF’S

ARABIAN

PARADISE

by Louie Chan / Images: Courtesy of The Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club & Yas Links Abu Dhabi

40 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

Links Course JAN 2020 | HKYas GOLFER 41

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has grown in popularity to become an impressive golfing destination. Offering its visitors three spectacular courses and a plethora of luxury hotels, the island in the Arabian Gulf is certainly worth thinking about when planning your next golfing vacation.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, 9th Hole

G

olf in the capital of the United Arab Emirates provides players with a compelling choice of options.

Whether it’s a parkland course, a links course, or a floodlit course, there is something for every golfer in Abu Dhabi. Regularly attracting the best players in the game at multiple events throughout the year, the location is increasingly in the spotlight.

THE ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB Designed by Peter Harradine, the impressive 18-hole National Course is home to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, held every January. The par-72, 7,440 yard course weaves through undulating terrain, pockets of palm trees and saltwater lakes.

The signature par-three 12th hole – with a long carry over water to a large sloping green – is not for the faint-hearted.

42 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

The clubhouse, built in the shape of a falcon with its wings outstretched, has exquisite views over the 18th green. With lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and immaculate greens, this has been described as a “super course”.

The 162 hectares of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club also features the floodlit 9-hole Garden Course, which provides an excellent test for those who are new to the game and keen to enjoy Championship golf once the sun has gone down. It also features water hazards, so be sure to pack plenty of balls.

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB With a stirring seafront setting, this Gary Player-designed course is laid out across more than 120 hectares. Seven holes border the beach and dolphins are regularly spotted offshore, while native gazelles often graze by the greens.

JAN 2020 | Sweeping HK GOLFER vistas at43 Yan Links

44 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, 16th Hole JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 45

Panoramic ocean views at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

The breathtaking par-72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club was the Arabian Gulf ’s first beachfront course. This 18-hole championship course and top of the range practice facilities harness the beauty of Saadiyat Island and create an unparalleled golfing experience with views of the Gulf’s glittering ocean.

Home to the first Ladies European Tour event to be held in Abu Dhabi, the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Open, and voted ‘Best Course in the UAE’ in the 2015 World Golf Awards, Saadiyat Beach is recognised globally as a world-class golfing destination.

Saadiyat has five sets of tees, so the pros can blast the full 7,806 yards, while beginners will find 5,290 yards easier to tackle.

Three saltwater lakes, more than 60 white sand bunkers and several very long par fours and par fives will put any golfer’s skills to the test.

In the clubhouse, the Hawksbill restaurant – named after the critically endangered turtles that nest on the island every year – has striking views of the driving range and the city beyond.

46 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

YAS LINKS ABU DHABI Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a first in the Middle East, is where noble heritage combines with impressive surroundings to enrich both your game and your senses in a truly unique environment. The course sits at #44 in the world rankings.

Set on the western shores of Yas Island and surrounded by mangroves, this fine links course features on many a golfer’s “must-play” list. All 18 holes have views of the ocean, and the course boasts one of the best finishing stretches in golf, with the Formula 1 racetrack and Ferrari theme park in the background.

This Kyle Phillips-designed par-72 course has many traits of a Scottish links course. Measuring 7,414 yards off the back tees, its slick greens and deep-pot bunkers will challenge even experienced golfers.

At the signature par-three 17th, tee shots must carry the water and avoid the dune bunkers, while the tricky par-five 18th has ruined many a good scorecard.

With its unparalleled visual glory, Yas Links Abu Dhabi presents the kind of challenges golfers the world over dream about.

Yas Links, 2nd Hole

But a great golfing vacation is about more than just courses and clubhouses. Abu Dhabi also offers luxury hotels and spas, culinary and cultural attractions, and guaranteed good weather.

The intriguing mix of old and new brought about through the merging of local heritage and international influences means that visitors can enjoy a walk around the Louvre Abu Dhabi as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The same international mix can be experienced in the culinary side of the city, with numerous restaurants offering great flavours in incredible settings.

Yas Island provides entertainment for all ages with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros.

World Abu Dhabi all on offer. Meanwhile, the Yas Marina Circuit allows visitors to enjoy driving experiences on the same circuit that hosts the finale of the Formula 1 season, whilst the Yas Mall provides an eclectic shopping experience.

Located on the fringes of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa is an ideal location for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike. With all 172 guest rooms facing the course, guests are always guaranteed uplifting views

and a rejuvenating stay. Just a few minutes’ drive from the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Yas Mall and the Marina Circuit, this five-star hotel offers modern rooms all with private balconies.

With unbeatable rates at world-class courses, as well as stunning hotels and quick links to some of the world’s largest cities, Abu Dhabi really is the perfect place for a golfing trip.

THE ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB adgolfclub.com SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB sbgolfclub.ae YAS LINK ABU DHABI yaslinks.com THE WESTIN ABU DHABI GOLF RESORT & SPA westinabudhabigolfresort.com

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 47

LUXURY

TAKING TO THE

SKIES

by Ann Tsang / Images: Courtesy of Aman

48 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 49

The world’s most remote destinations are often its most exceptional. From the lofty peaks of Bhutan to the legendary reefs surrounding Indonesia’s fabled Spice Islands, Aman is renowned for making these destinations accessible to its guests in consummate privacy and comfort.

The company’s dedication to offering ease of access and the finest service available has now taken to the skies, with the launch of the Aman Private Jet.

A

n airborne extension of the Aman resort philosophy, the recently launched Aman Private Jet is available for charter to elevate existing multi-destination Aman journeys, to create bespoke itineraries incorporating several Aman destinations around the world, or for use between non-Aman destinations. Journeys can be tailored specifically to the needs and interests of its guests.

Each booking is fully customisable and every itinerary flexible, with passengers having access to their own Aman Jet Concierge, who can assist with planning every detail of their travels, ensuring that each journey is an all-encompassing start-to-finish immersion in the Aman way of life.

The company’s Bombardier Global 5000 is one of the world’s most luxurious and spacious personal aircraft. Seating a maximum of 12 passengers, the plane can reach top speeds of 574 mph, with a range of 9,630 kilometres.

With flexible departure times and seamless customs clearance

50 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

overseen by expert staff, passengers can commence their journey relaxed and stress-free. The Aman Private Jet itself is best-inclass in terms of speed, range and field performance, promising the smoothest ride possible for a restful flight. Guests can choose their in-flight meals ahead of their journey and have access to their luggage throughout their flight, as well as constant, highspeed WiFi connectivity. Other unique touches include a tea ceremony and amenities from the brand’s all-natural range of Aman Skincare products.

Catering for both short- and long-haul trips, the Aman Private Jet is ideal for group, family and corporate travel.

To celebrate the launch of the jet, the company has curated four new journeys, incorporating multiple Aman properties, that explore some of the world’s most beguiling destinations in a unique and insightful way. These include ‘Bali & Beyond’, ‘The Secrets of China’, ‘Indochina Past & Present’, and ‘From The Himalayas to The Sea’.

Bali & Beyond offers passengers the chance to build a bespoke Indonesian itinerary including up to five Aman destinations. These include Aman’s trio of Balinese retreats – Amandari, Amankila and the Aman Villas at Nusa Dua – as well as Amanjiwo overlooking Borobudur in Central Java’s spiritual heartland, and Amanwana, a tented camp on the island of Moyo in the Flores Sea. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the cultural, spiritual and natural diversity of this spectacular archipelago.

From the rural peace of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the thousand-year old history of Lijiang, to the 21st century dynamism of Shanghai, The Secrets of China combines stays at Amanfayun, Amandayan and Amanyangyun to create a personalised private-jet tour of the country’s hidden wonders – both ancient and modern.

Indochina Past & Present takes in the ancient culture and timeless scenery of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam – an enticing proposition for anyone curious to explore Southeast Asia. With

their proximity to the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos, Cambodia’s temples of Angkor and Vietnam’s coastal Nui Chua National Park respectively, Amantaka, Amansara and Amanoi are uniquely placed to enable this incredible private jet journey.

Combining a Bhutanese spiritual escape with a Phuket beach break, From The Himalayas to The Sea incorporates a minimum seven-night journey through Amankora’s five lodges, and a three-night stay at Amanpuri in a consecutive journey. Guests can enjoy traditional Bhutanese blessings and the wonders of the centuries-old culture, followed by secluded beach views and pristine waters in Phuket.

As well as all flights, private transfers and accommodation at Aman properties, each of these journeys includes private tours of key cultural sites plus a host of exclusive privileges at each resort.

These range from personalised spa treatments and traditional blessing ceremonies, to unique culinary and cultural experiences. www.aman.com/private-aviation

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 51

ADVENTURE

BLURRING

BOUNDARIES

by Ann Tsang / Images: Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

52 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 53

On the Celebrity Flora the boundaries between ship and nature become blurred. On no other cruise ship can guests get so close to the diverse flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands - thanks to an innovative design by 3deluxe. The Celebrity Flora is the first expedition yacht designed exclusively for the Galapagos Islands and is the most energy-efficient ship of its class in the region.

T

he research vessel of the American cruise company Celebrity Cruises, named Celebrity Flora set sail for the first time in the middle of 2019 and has been setting new standards ever since. Prominent guests at the naming ceremony included Philippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, and the Ecuadorian environmental activist and former president of WWF International, Yolanda Kakabadse.

Celebrity Flora marks an evolutionary turning point in the approach to ship design - creating a sense of being truly immersed in the destination, instead of just visiting

54 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

it. Passengers can indulge in the largest and most luxurious accommodations in the Galapagos Islands, where every stateroom is a suite, dine on delectable menus, curated by a Michelin-starred chef, and allow a Personal Suite Attendant to help them unpack. Celebrity Flora makes a visit to the Islands all-inclusive, making the trip as convenient, relaxing, and memorable as possible. This 100-passenger luxury mega yacht ensures that a visit to these primitive islands is anything but primitive.

Each suite includes a thoughtfully curated array of indulgent design features, services, and amenities - premium

linens and bathrobes, chocolates and bath products sourced locally from Ecuador, and integrated drinking water filtration systems. Full room automation also allows guests to control everything at the touch of a button.

The 100 metre-long open ocean cruise ship is a fusion of an expedition vessel and a luxury liner and was specially designed for exclusive expeditions to the Galapagos Islands.

The task for design firm 3deluxe was to skilfully combine leisurely cruise ship and yacht aesthetics with the rather more robust appearance of a research vessel.

"In our ship design projects, we benefit greatly from our many years of experience in designing unique exhibition and experience spaces," says Björn Asmussen, head of the 3deluxe Ocean department. "We have always focused on a multilayered and comprehensive emotional exchange between the guests of the space and the overall theme. We want them to experience the breathtaking natural environment as directly as possible."

3deluxe has focused the design on orienting the guests to the world outside. The suites are equipped with large, floorto-ceiling windows, and all terraces have glass balustrades.

Sky, ocean, fauna and flora are in close proximity everywhere the guest goes. The destination and its surroundings have

inspired and deeply influenced the overall design.

Central to the Celebrity Flora concept was the protection of the fragile ecosystem of the archipelago. According to the nature conservation regulations, the vessel is not allowed to moor on the island beaches - therefore the open stern with its own marina was the focus of the exterior design. It provides a direct connection to the outside world where guests can venture on expeditions to the islands with Zodiacs twice a day. At the stern of the Celebrity Flora sits the most dramatic architectural element of the ship design - the "amphitheatre" formed by the asymmetrical terraces at the stern. The terraces cascade down to the water's surface and form the unmistakable rear view of the ship.

The architects and designers at 3deluxe are renowned for their innovative work, and now the team has set new standards in cruise ship projects of the f uture. Their groundbreaking ideas from a wide variety of disciplines naturally flow into the design of new cruise ships. Life on the sea - for designers, architects and visionaries is an exciting and sustainable thought experiment.

With the design of a new generation of cruise ships, 3deluxe is a pioneer and will continue to develop exciting models for the future on land and on water.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 55

56 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 57

TOP TIPPLE

THE BEAST

OF

DUFFTOWN

by Ann Tsang Images: Courtesy of Moët Hennessy Diageo and A-Vibe

The world of malt whiskies is dominated by brands that try to ‘outcraft’ each other, talking complex processes and finishes; double, triple, quadruple...It has become a landscape of lengthy stories for generic flavour profiles that are either vanilla dominated or challengingly smoky. There is one brand however, that through its unique 2.81 distillation process, stands apart from the crowd.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 59

60 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

I

n 1896 in the tiny community of Dufftown, Speyside in the northeast of Scotland, a certain Dr. Alexander Cowie used his scientific acumen to create a completely unique and extremely complex process to produce his very first spirit distillation.

Cowie was not a distiller by trade and had recently returned from a posting in the exotic climes of Hong Kong, where he spent five years practising medicine. Following the untimely death of his older brother, he returned to run Dufftown’s oldest distillery with his father George who, before becoming the owner of the Mortlach distillery and learning the craft of distilling, was an engineer carving the great Scottish railways into the rugged landscape.

George bestowed it all to Alexander when he died, and Alexander doubled the stills that his father left him.

Since 1896, Mortlach whiskies have been uniquely 2.81 times distilled. The whiskies criss-cross between six copper stills of varying silhouettes 0.81 more times than is standard for Scotch. Since it was first forged more than 120 years ago, the distillery has fastidiously ensured that ever y dent and detail of the stills remains unchanged, because within this copper chamber the specific richness which has earned Mortlach its reputation as ‘The Beast of Dufftown’ is manifested.

T he spi r it d r i f t s t h rou g h a t a n g le of copper pipes and the six stills in a Byzantine configuration. It is cut, recut, blended, distilled and distilled again. It is refined over and over until the primal and elemental character of the Scottish water and malt is revealed. A character that is dark and earthy, complex and rich.

“Mortlach is ‘The Beast of Dufftown’. Its character harks back to a time when whiskies were bigger, bolder, darker,” says whisky writer Dave Broom. “It is the earthy, meaty roots of Speyside. Its flavour is not what people expect from Speyside, but it is a f lavour which is gaining in popularity – and is rarely found.

At the foundation of many famous blends is this throwback to the old days, to days before Dufftown even existed. It is the dark reduction of whisky to some primal essence.”

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 61

THE ‘WEE WITCHIE’ – AGED 12 YEARS Named after the smallest of Mortlach’s stills, the 12 yearold ‘Wee Witchie’ is matured in both European and American oak to enhance the distinctively rich and robust character that makes Mortlach whiskies legendary.

Rich, fruity and vibrant with hints of umami, light spice, dark chocolate and cherries, the ‘Wee Witchie’ leads to a smooth yet dry finish.

‘THE BEAST OF DUFFTOWN’ DISTILLER’S DRAM – AGED 16 YEARS For 70 years, Mortlach was the best-kept secret in the world of whisky. During this time, it was almost exclusively used as the cornerstone of the 20th Century’s most iconic blended Scotch whiskies. Even the brand’s distillers, coopers and labourers could only enjoy their creation layered amongst other whiskies of Scotland.

Finally, in 1992, the distillery decided it was time to unleash ‘The Beast of Dufftown’, releasing an elegant 16 year-old to a fortunate few, including its workers, could truly experience the uniquely complex character of Mortlach.

This Single Malt Scotch Whisky is inspired by the iconic and rewarding first bottling of the 16 year-old release.

It is matured in only sherry casks to impart spicy and sweet notes atop the beastly complexity synonymous with Mortlach.

Intense, rich and spicy with hints of clove, nutmeg and dark berries, ‘The Beast’ leads to a lingering, surprisingly sweet yet dry finish.

62 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

COWIE’S BLUE SEAL – AGED 20 YEARS In 1973 at Glenrinnes Lodge, the daughter of the Mortlach mastermind made a discovery. As her family home was being renovated, a wooden box was found. Within it, carefully packed in straw, were 12 bottles of whisky that had long been forgotten. They were her father Dr. Alexander Cowie’s private stock, a deliciously complex dram that dated back to 1909.

Cowie had no doubt bottled the best that his distillery had to offer, and graced it with a seal of deep blue, a colour of great distinction, the colour that now adorns every bottle of Mortlach.

This is a whisky that would have made Cowie proud; a reimagining of his Blue Seal, matured for a minimum of 20 years to tame ‘The Beast of Dufftown’ into smooth submission.

Deep, complex and savoury with hints of cedar wood, aromatic citrus, cocoa nibs and berries, Cowie’s Blue Seal brings with it a long spicy finish.

Dr. Alexander Cowie was indeed a bold man who had a bold idea that makes Mortlach a whisky bolder than most.

JAN 2020 | HK GOLFER 63

THE NINETEENTH

THE RAT PACK Image: Globe Photos, GBPT

A

lthough not born in the Year of The Rat himself, avid golfer Frank Sinatra was the key player behind a name that was first used to refer to a group of friends in New York Moving into 2020, the Metal Rat Year is going to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for all Chinese zodiac signs. Everyone will show determination regarding their goals, aspirations, and their hobbies.

Those who plan to buy real estate, to start a business or to invest money in a long-term project have great chances of being satisfied

64 HK GOLFER | JAN 2020

in t he f uture. But, you must exercise caution, as these types of initiatives will only be successful if they are carefully planned.

The Year of the Rat 2020 falls under the sign of the Metal astral element, so all actions initiated this year are driven by success. Follow your goals with confidence and determination. Be relentless in order to accomplish your objectives, and never let yourself be discouraged by failure, problems or difficulties.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION

SPEED INJECTED — OUR REVOLUTIONARY PROCESS OF CALIBRATING EVERY HEAD TO THE THRESHOLD OF THE SPEED LIMIT TO HELP MAKE EVERYBODY FASTER. TM

© 2019 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.

HONG KONG AND MACAU SOLE DISTRIBUTOR:

RC GOLF TRADING GROUP LIMITED

ADDRESS: FLAT A, 16/F, MAI WAH INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 1-7 WAH SING STREET, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, HONG KONG E-MAIL: INFO@RCGOLFTRADING.COM OFFICE: 2728-8708 FAX: 2728-8781

TM18RET0110_M19CorePOS_DrvSyrTech_(22x28)