Clubhouse: Eight of the Very Best Watches from SIHH 2015
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION VOTED THE REGION’S NO 1 GOLF MAGAZINE
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| CONTENTS
HK Golfer Issue 97
February 2015
46 On the Cover:
Unho Park made it four wins in as many years at the Ageas HKPGA Championship last month thanks to a recordsetting display at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club in the final round. Photo by Daniel Wong
Features
Plus…
32 | Tales from the Box
16 | Local Focus
Our correspondent looks at the cases of Charl Schwartzel and Martin Kaymer, who both managed to squander healthy final-round advantages on the European Tour last month. By Julian Tutt
34 | Looking Long-Term
If courses are to withstand the test of time, they need to embrace change and follow a more sustainable approach, writes our architecture writer. By Paul Jansen
36 | Park Rewrites HKPGA History
Australian claims historic fourth Ageas title after a flawless final round at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. By Alex Jenkins
46 | What Lies in Store
We take a look at the venues and likely contenders at this year’s major championships which, with the exception of Augusta National, have a distinctly links-like feel to proceedings. By The Editors
58 | New Beginnings
A review of recent architectural changes made to Laguna Phuket Golf Club, one of the most popular courses among travelling Hong Kong golfers. By Alex Jenkins
70 | Final Shot
AFP
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HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
With Bubba Watson. We walk to the divisive two-time Masters champion about his win in Shanghai at the end of 2014, his goals for this year and his relationship with the media. Interview by Alex Jenkins
A pictorial look at the Ageas HKPGA Championship. Photography by Daniel Wong
18 | Global Focus
A pictorial look at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Photography by AFP
21 | Tee Time
Our watch editor picks his favourite eight watches from the recent Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. By Evan Rast
28 | Driving Range
Our motoring correspondent takes a look at the soonto-be-released Jaguar XE. By Ben Oliver
30 | Liquid Assets
With Valentine’s Day coming up, we check out what needs to be assessed when choosing that perfect bottle of champagne. By Lucy Jenkins
64 | Property Special
The founder of Complete RPI explains how taking a commercial approach to managing your UK property is the only way to go. By Rupert Smith
66 | Crossword
This month: golf gear! By Dr Milton Wayne HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION FEB 2015 • Issue 97
Editor: Alex Jenkins email: alex.jenkins@hkgolfer.com Editorial Assistant: Cindy Kwok Senior Editor: Roy Kinnear Photo Editor: Daniel Wong Contributing Editors: Lewine Mair, Robert Lynam, Evan Rast, Ben Oliver, Julian Tutt, Lucy Jenkins Published by:
TIMES INTERNATIONAL CREATION Times International Creation Limited 10A Lockhart Centre 301-307 Lockhart Road Hong Kong Phone: +852 3590-4153 Fax: +852 3590-4533
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Publisher: Charles McLaughlin Art Director: Derek Hannah Assistant Designer: Mimi Cheng Office Manager: Moira Moran
D E PA R T M E N T S 10 Mailbag 12 Divots 16 Local Focus 18 Global Focus 21 Clubhouse 42 Around the HKGA 44 HKGA News
In association with: www.thymedesign.hk Advertising: For advertising information, please contact: ads@hkgolfer.com For purchasing information contact: sales@hkgolfer.com For subscription information contact: subs@hkgolfer.com
Courtesy of Laguna Phuket Golf Club
Hong Kong Golf Association Suite 2003, Olympic House 1 Stadium Path, So Kon Po Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Phone (General): +852 2504-8659 Fax: +852 2845-1553 Phone (Handicaps): +852 2504-8197 Fax: +852 2504-8198 Email: info@hkga.com handicaps@hkga.com
HK GOLFER is published by Times International Creation, 10A Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong. HK GOLFER is published monthly © 2012 by Times International Creation. Published in Hong Kong. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. PRINTED IN HONG KONG. 8
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
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HK Golfer Mailbag The Benefits of Carrying Your Bag
Walking and carrying your golf bag can lead to weight loss – and possibly lower scores, writes reader Ken Lewis
In a bid to help shift some excess flab built up over the end-of-year festive season, I made a resolution to eschew golf carts and walk the course and carry my bag. All I can say is: I wish I had started doing this earlier! I have played six rounds since the New Year – three on the North Course at Kau Sai Chau, a course I used to ignore because of its walk ing-only policy, one on the South and two rounds at Fanling – and have already lost half a stone (a shade over three kilograms). This ca n on ly be at t ributed to my new regime as very little has changed in terms of my d iet (includ ing my habitual two pints of beer post-round). This is obviously great news to me (a nd my w i fe , who i s for t he f i r st t i me ac t ively encouraging me to play) and I heartily encourage others to do the same. But there’s more! Walking the course, instead of zooming around it by cart, gives you a far better sense of the environment you’re in and enables you to have a far greater understanding of the hole you’re playing – you notice the amount of space you have to play with and the placement of the bunkers, for example. This, I’m hoping, will eventually lead to lower scores but for the time being I’m just delighted to be shedding the pounds. Ken Lewis Via email
A Pleasure to Play With I fully endorse Günter Staiger’s letter in the January issue, which waxed lyrical about the quality of the golf courses in Hong Kong, but I think it’s also worth noting that the behavior of Hong Kong golfers in terms of following the correct etiquette is generally very good too. While there are of course exceptions to this rule – and every country has its fair share of ignorant and downright selfish players –golfers here are on the whole a pleasure to play with. I have been playing in Hong Kong since the opening of The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course nearly 20 years ago and things have improved immeasurably, especially with regard to the pace of play. One only hopes that mainland China, which is currently less well-versed in the ways of golf etiquette, can follow suit in the years to come. Name and address withheld
We Want to Hear from You!
We’re delighted to announce that HK Golfer can now be downloaded on all Android and Apple devices. The HK Golfer iPad application continues to be available on Newsstand, while Android and iPhone users can now read the latest issue through Magzter, a global mobile magazine store. Simply download the Magzter app from either Google Play or the App Store. For more information write to app@hkgolfer.com
Have something to say about an article in HK Golfer or a topic affecting golf in our area? Send your thoughts and comments to letters@hkgolfer. com. Please also include your address, contact number, email and HKGA #. The winner of the best letter (the first one that appears on the page) will receive a bottle of Champagne Deutz courtesy of Montrose Fine Wines.
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| DIVOTS
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HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
The Asian Tour has welcomed a new Tour Partner in FENIX Golf following an agreement reached with the sports fashion house to become the Tour’s Official Apparel Supplier. A recognised name in many parts of Asia, the FENIX Golf brand boasts a proud Scottish heritage that is reflected throughout their designs and each of their collections. The launch of the ‘Asian Tour Collection’ which features FENIX’s customised range of apparel for officials and staff members of the region’s premier Tour will also be made available for general sales online and at various events and outlets. Through this new partnership, FENIX Golf will enjoy multiple opportunities to leverage its brand across the Asian Tour’s media platforms that include print, digital and mobile. FENIX Golf’s partnership with the Asian Tour is also an extension of its commitment towards golf where six-time Asian Tour winner Scott Hend of Australia is part of its sponsorship stable of golf personalities. Michael Moir, Managing Director of FENIX Golf said, “We are delighted to have formalized a partnership with the Asian Tour, after sponsoring multiple events over the past few years, making the step up to be the official apparel supplier for the Tour is very exciting. “It will enable us to strengthen our position in current markets and also develop new ones in Asia and beyond. The Asian Tour Collection will be a significant tool in achieving this and will give both brands great exposure.” Asian Tour Chairman, Kyi Hla Han was pleased to announce the partnership which underscores the cosmopolitan appeal of the Asian Tour. “We are delighted to welcome FENIX Golf as an Asian Tour partner as they understand the values and reach the Tour has to offer. “As our valued partner, FENIX Golf will have the opportunity to grow their brand appeal while clothing our staff and officials in the most fashionable outfits,” said Han. HKGOLFER.COM
| DIVOTS
Jiménez Claims Second Champions Tour Title Four-time Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel Jiménez continued his remarkable career on the US Champions Tour by winning the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii last month. The Spaniard led by one going into the third and final round at the Hualalai Golf Club, but looked to have missed his opportunity to win the first event of the season on America’s Senior Tour as Mark O’Meara made a charge for the winner’s enclosure with a final round of eight-under par 64. But Jiménez was not be denied, compiling a brilliant back nine of six-under par 30, including what proved to be a tournament clinching birdie on the par 3 17th, to take his second victory in just his third Champions Tour appearance. Jiménez won the Greater Gwinnett Championship last year, a week after finishing fourth in the Masters. In May, he won the Spanish Open at 50 years, 133 days to break his own record as the oldest European Tour champion. Jiménez finished at 17-under 199 at Hualalai Golf Club, playing the 12 par fives in 12 under with an eagle and 10 birdies. After making two birdies and a double bogey on the front nine, he compiled that brilliant back nine to take the title. "I needed to make some birdies," said Jiménez. "I started to make some putts at the right time and that's what you need to do – it worked out well for me today and I am very happy to win in Hawaii.”
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HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
HKGOLFER.COM
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Local Focus Park’s Seaside Special Unho Park put in a sublime performance on the final day of the Ageas HKPGA Championship last month to capture the title for the fourth consecutive year. The Singapore-based Australian fired a course-record 64 at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club to deny compatriot Scott Barr for the second year in succession. Barr finished in second place, four strokes back, a shot ahead of rising Hong Kong star Mickey Chan. The 23-year-old Chan paid credit to both Park and Barr, saying: “It was great to play with both Unho and Scott – I felt like I learned a lot from them.” Photo by Daniel Wong
Global Focus Number One Returns to Business Rory McIlroy’s first outing of 2015 came at last month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship – and the Northern Irishman was immediately into his stride with an assured display over the at times daunting Abu Dhabi Golf Club layout. Although he didn’t win – that honour went to the unheralded Gary Stal of France, who came from behind to overtake a faltering Martin Kaymer – McIlroy’s 18-underpar total was good enough for second spot. Along the way, McIlroy, seen here playing into the 18th with the club’s famous falcon-inspired clubhouse behind, made the first hole-inone of his professional career. Photo by AFP
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Away from the Fairways | TEE TIME
EIGHT OF THE BEST
EVAN RAST UNVEILS THE STAR PIECES OF THE RECENT SALON DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE IN GENEVA.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept RD#1 Acoustic Research HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
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his year marks the 25th anniversary of the Salon de la Haute Horlogerie, or SIHH, a gathering of the most recognised watch brands, mainly from the Richemont Group. The annual show, held in Geneva, is the primary platform for the 16 exhibiting brands to launch new products and showcase their mechanical and artistic prowess in watchmaking. Here are eight of the year’s best innovations: A. LANGE & SOHNE ZEITWERK MINUTE REPEATER A. Lange & Söhne has come up with its first striking watch, the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater. The timepiece sounds the hours, ten-minute intervals and minutes, and can sound on demand when the side pusher is triggered. What’s impressive about this timepiece is that it’s a Zeitwerk, which means that the minute repeater function had to be developed around the “digital display” or the jumping numerals mechanism, which displays the time with an hour ring and two minute-discs instead of hands. The manually wound L043.5 calibre with constantThe annual show, force escapement is housed in held in Geneva, a 44.2mm platinum case with solid silver dial and rhodiumis the primary plated gold hands.
platform for the 16 exhibiting brands to launch new products and showcase their mechanical and artistic prowess
Striking star: the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater from A. Lange & Sohne 22
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
ROTONDE DE CARTIER GRANDE COMPLICATION Since it star ted its Fine Watchmaking division in 2007, Cartier’s goal was to create a Grande Complication, the kind of timepiece that symbolises that a manufacture has ‘arrived’. This year, it celebrates this achievement with the Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication. With a whopping 578 components, this timepiece took five years to develop, 20 weeks to produce and assemble and 10 weeks to decorate and finish. The result is an ultra-thin skeleton masterpiece with automatic movement that includes a perpetual calendar, minute repeater and flying tourbillon, earning it the title of the brand’s most complex creation. Apart from the functions, the watch also offers visual technics in that the minute repeater is prominently displayed on the dial, with the gongs and hammers in full view. The inertia flywheel is also shown on the upper bridge. The watch, which comes in a 45mm platinum case, carries the Geneva Seal and will be produced in a limited series of 60. HKGOLFER.COM
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From left to right: the Rotonde de Cartier Grand Complication; the Timewalker Urban Speed E-Strap from Montblanc; Parmigiani’s Tonda 1950 Special Edition Meteorite; the Altiplano Chronograph from Piaget 24
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
MONTBLANC TIMEWALKER URBAN SPEED E-STRAP While Apple fans eagerly await the release of the company’s smart watch line, Montblanc is a luxury watchmaker that has been quick to position itself on top of what is bound to be a fast-evolving trend. At SIHH, the brand introduced the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap, a timepiece that looks very much like the tried and tested TimeWalkers we know and like, with a micro-blasted stainless steel case and ceramic bezel, but featuring an interchangeable e -Strap integrated with a touchscreen device that offers an ac tivit y tracker, which measures steps, calories burned and distance travelled; and smart notifications, which provides alerts to incoming calls, messages and mail. The device also acts as a remote control for the wearer’s corresponding smart phone and includes a camera trigger and music player controls. Lastly, the Find-Me function allows searching for the watch or phone within a
range of up to 30 metres, either by tapping on the e-Strap to locate the phone, or using the phone application to find the watch. The e-Strap is compatible with Samsung Galaxy and Note phones, selected android models and Apple iPhones. Equipped with an automatic movement, the collection extends to three new models, including a chronograph and a UTC. AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CONCEPT RD#1 ACOUSTIC RESEARCH Every year, Audemars Piguet comes up with cool and confident concept watches. While last year focused on tech materials, 2015 is centred on the improved acoustic quality of a minute repeater. The result of eight years of sound research that included a musician who makes stringed instruments, an academic consultant from the Geneva conservatory and a sound engineer, the Royal Oak Concept RD#1 offers a chime that is louder, clearer and cleaner than most minute repeaters, even HKGOLFER.COM
with its water-resistant case. The timepiece, which comes in a titanium case, also features a tourbillon and chronograph with 30-minute counter, in an edgy, open-worked dial with black counters. PARMIGIANI TONDA 1950 SPECIAL EDITION METEORITE Parmigiani presents its st ylish Tonda in one of the most interesting, but out of this world material: meteorite. The crystallike patterns seen on the dial of this line of watches were formed from the rapid change of temperature that the meteor rock is subjected to as it enters the Earth’s atmosphere, revealed through a series of acid baths. The material, which is harder than nor mal ro ck and therefore m ore difficult to machine, has an unpredictable structure, requiring more patience and care to work with. This Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Special Edition Meteorite features two versions, one in black and another in HKGOLFER.COM
Abyss blue. The model comes with an inhouse automatic movement, finely finished as expected of a Parmigiani timepiece, and housed within a 39mm titanium case. PIAGET ALTIPLANO CHRONOGRAPH Still in pursuit of its goal to complete an extensive range of record-breaking ultrathin movements and timepieces, Piaget presents a new addition to its iconic Altiplano collection. Setting a new record in ‘extra flat’ with the world’s thinnest hand wound flyback chronograph, the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph is equipped with a 4.65mm movement in a 8.24mm case. Like the rest of the series, the timepiece is very sleek and distinguished in design, with a clean dial highlighting the small-second and 30-minute counters at 3 and 6 o’clock and a second time zone at 9 o’clock. The timepiece boasts impressive levels of finishing, and comes in two versions, pink gold and white gold with diamonds on the bezel. HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
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Top models: the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph (top left) and the Excalibur Spider Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon from Roger Dubuis
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VACHERON CONSTANTIN HARMONY CHRONOGRAPH To celebrate its 260th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin kicks off 2015 with a new collection called Harmony. The series comprises seven watches, which will be issued in limited editions. The timepieces are distinguished by a cushion-shaped case and design inspired by one of the brand’s first wristwatches, a chronograph created in 1928. The company designed new mechanical movements for the timepieces, which includes a tourbillon, dual time and ultra-thin grand complication. One of the most dapper iterations is the Harmony Chronograph, with the in-house manual-winding Calibre 3300 that offers a 65-hour power reserve. The silvered opaline dial displays the hours, minutes, and small seconds at 9 o’clock along with a monopusher chronograph function, pulsometric scale and power-reserve indication.
ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR SPIDER SKELETON DOUBLE FLYING TOURBILLON With years of expertise in creating avant-garde and skeletonized movements, Roger Dubuis brought it’s A-game to SIHH with the launch of the Excalibur Spider Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon. Just as the spider spins its web in countless ways, the new watches feature fascinating geometric motifs that go beyond the initial pattern of the Excalibur, expanding to the case, inner bezel ring, and even the Dauphine hands. The Excalibur Spider Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon comes in a 47mm titanium and black DLC-titanium case, a variety of fiery red aluminium elements on the inner bezel ring, crown and case band, giving off a strong, sporty impact that reinforced by a variety of coloured strap options. The watch showcases the multilevel construction of the RD01SQ movement and is issued in a limited series of 188.
HKGOLFER.COM
Our Master Watchmaker never loses his concentration
It is with great pride that we introduce to you our latest collection: The Islandus 45 Years Anniversary Edition, created in special celebration of our Master Watchmaker Gilbert O. Gudjonsson 45th work anniversary as a Watchmaker. Limited to 45 pieces only. JS Watch co. Reykjavik is one of the world’s smallest watch manufacturers, yet our constant effort to meet our collectors ‘and watch enthusiasts’ needs has virtually no limits.
www.jswatch.com
Official HK Agent: Times International Creation ltd. Contact: jswatch@timesic.com Tel: +852-3590-4153
CLUBHOUSE | DRIVING RANGE
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
THE SOON-TO-BE-LAUNCHED JAGUAR XE IS THE RESULT OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT BY PARENT COMPANY JAGUAR LAND ROVER, WRITES BEN OLIVER.
T
he new Jaguar XE is probably the most eagerly anticipated car got it right. It looks sensational: Jaguar’s Design of 2015, and although global deliveries haven’t started yet, I’ve Director Ian Callum is probably the world’s already driven it. To be accurate, I’ve driven a prototype: but with greatest current car designer. It drives brilliantly: a car this important, you can be sure that Jaguar wouldn’t let me you can feel the benefit of that expensive drive one and write about it unless they were happy with it. aluminium structure – unique in this class – Why so important? The new XE is the result of billions of dollars in the first fifty metres. The body shell is stiffer of investment by parent company Jaguar Land Rover in advanced aluminium than its steel rivals, so it feels more solid, but construction techniques and an all-new range of powerful, that doesn’t mean a stiff ride. clean engines designed and built in a brand new engine In fact, because the suspension My early text of plant in the UK. It is the first time since the old Jaguar is mounted to a stiffer, more the XE tells me they X-Type was killed off that Jaguar has attempted to take on consistent base, Jaguar can have got it right. the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4: compact tune it better, giving the XE It looks sensational … both a smoother ride and executive cars that sell in huge numbers, make huge profits and are beautifully, expensively designed, engineered and sharper handling than its rivals. it drives brilliantly. manufactured. Jaguar is a relative minnow compared to But it also feels light and agile, those three carmakers: taking them on in this sector of the market requires as aluminium sports cars do, and that light betting the company. weight results in both quicker acceleration and Get it right, and Jaguar’s fortunes will be transformed. The current line-up, led really surprisingly good fuel economy. by the acclaimed F-TYPE sports car is the best it’s ever been, but the range isn’t Downsides? The rear seats are a little broad enough to allow Jaguar to grow as fast as its Land Rover cousin. cramped by comparison with the rivals, That changes now. And my exclusive early test of the XE tells me they have because Jaguar has consciously chosen to give 28
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
HKGOLFER.COM
SCORECARD Jaguar XE Engine:
Supercharged 3.0-litre V6
Power:
340hp / 332 lb-ft
Transmission:
8-speed automatic
Performance:
0-100km/h 5.1sec, 250km/h
How much? TBA
this car a more sporting, coupe-like profile. And I’m not a fan of the whooshing engine note of the 340hp, 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 engine I tried (globally, a full range of four- and six-cylinder petrols and diesels will be available). But lots of people love it: this V6 comes direct from the F-TYPE sports car, which has been a huge success. But my strongest impression was a purely subjective one. Today, Audi, Mercedes and BMW make superminis, hatchbacks and people carriers. But the other Jaguars are all luxury saloons or sports cars. There’s still something very special and very premium about this brand. Seeing the ‘leaper’ mascot on the steering wheel in front of you is a real privilege, and now one that can be enjoyed by drivers who want that image in a smaller package, better-suited to Hong Kong’s congested city streets. And as my early test proved, the new XE has the ability to match that image. HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
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CLUBHOUSE | LIQUID ASSETS
HUBBLE BUBBLE SALES OF CHAMPAGNE ROCKET IN THE LEAD UP TO VALENTINE’S DAY, BUT IF YOU PICK THE RIGHT BOTTLE, THERE’LL BE LESS TOIL AND TROUBLE, WRITES LUCY JENKINS.
C
EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS 1999 Pommery Cuvee Louise HK$1,299; My Wine Man: mywineman.com 2000 Krug HK$1,890; Altaya: altayawines.com 2004 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, Brut HK$951; Fine and Rare: frw.co.uk/fine-rare-asia 2004 Dom Perignon HK$1,240; Watsons: watsonswine.com NV Bollinger Rosé HK$698; Regis Wines: regiswine.com.hk NV Ruinart Blancs de Blanc HK$627; Merci Winery: merci-winery.com.hk
AFP
a n yo u re m e m b e r t h e l a s t Valentine’s Day time you studied your glass of Special: A bottle champagne? Actually looked at it of 2000 Krug closely, noting the intensity of the won’t go amiss colour and size of the bubbles? Aside from people working in the wine trade or the student who has gone through the rigours of WSET exams, hardly anybody does before happily knocking it back. But the colour doesn’t just entice you, it informs. Younger champagnes are light, almost transparent in colour whereas older vintages with some bottle age (five years or more) can develop a lovely deep golden hue. Good quality champagne should also display small, elegant bubbles effervescing swiftly up the champagne flute. However as champagne ages, the fizz will slow down but this doesn’t tend to happen until a good 20-plus years of ageing has occurred. Any younger champagne with sluggish, fat bubbles is not a good sign. Once dismissed as frivolous or only suitable for raucous bridal parties, rosé champagne is now being taken seriously. Still, the hue on cheaper varieties can unfortunately be a garish candy-pink which wouldn’t look out of place in a child’s pretend drinks cabinet, but in general rosé champagnes have the light salmonorange pink that the French call ‘onion skin’ or more poetically, oeil de Perdrix. ‘Partridge eye’ refers to the pale pink colour a partridge’s eyes go after being shot. More poetic perhaps than onion skin but still not very romantic. The variety of rosé colours also depends on the percentages of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes used. Commonly, rosé champagne is made by merely tipping some still pinot noir red wine into the sparkling wine cuvee, but regular champagne swillers tend to prefer the saignée method where the pinot noir grapes are allowed to macerate in their skins for a bit longer, letting some of the red tints from the skin (where grapes derive their colour from) bleed into the mixture. Blanc de blancs champagne is made from pure chardonnay grapes which produces a lovely, smooth and elegant champagne, light in colour and delicate in flavour. It’s extremely popular as a pre-dinner aperitif and it’s always good to comment knowledgeably to your drinking partner on your tipple’s grape make up – if they’re interested. So next time you’re raising a flute to your lips in celebration, why not pause and take note of what you’re really drinking? Happy swigging!
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| TALES FROM THE BOX
A of
Month
Meltdowns Julian Tutt looks at the cases of Charl Schwartzel and Martin Kaymer, who both managed to squander healthy final-round advantages on the European Tour last month.
S
Daniel Wong (Tutt); AFP
Scarcely believable: Martin Kaymer (opposite top) let slip a 10-stroke lead in Abu Dhabi and could barely comprehend what was happening; Charl Schwartzel, who was chasing his first South African Open title, frittered a healthy lead on the Sunday before losing in a play-off (bottom) 32
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
tanding on a rather scantily clad snowy peak in the French Alps, the dramas of Glendower and Abu Dhabi seem a million miles away from where I am on holiday. Daydreams of many happy days spent on the aforementioned snowy peak are rudely interrupted though by the arrival of Mark James. The former Ryder Cup captain has an apartment here, having discovered skiing as a 40-year-old. Like many Johnny-come-latelies, he has become an avid, low single figure skier, who would far rather be dicing with death on an icy piste than squirming over a tricky 4ft putt. James keeps a wary eye though on what’s happening at his former workplace and was mildly interested to know my thoughts on how a one-time Masters champion and the reigning US Open winner could both surrender huge leads in successive weeks. He was the master at the helm in 1999, when Europe took a fourpoint advantage into the Ryder Cup singles at Brookline, only to see Ben Crenshaw’s men claim a rare victory, so he knows all about surrendering healthy leads. Team golf is a little different though. At the South African Open, held over t he magnif icent Glendower layout near Johannesburg, home favourite Charl Schwartzel was bidding for his first national Open title. On a course of narrow fairways lined with brutally tough Kikuyu rough, he appeared in complete control as he led by five shots going into the final round. After a Christmas break on his remote farm he had been at Glendower all week, desperately trying to rid himself of an accumulation of contradictory swing thoughts and return to the simple feel of his youth. He’d called in his father, George (a high quality
player himself) to help accomplish that. On the Monday, Denis Hutchinson (a great putter who had learnt most of what he knows from the legendary Bobby Locke) and I found him grinding away on the practice putting green. He was complaining that he felt he had to stand open to avoid coming across the line. It quickly became obvious that in fact he was standing shut, and what felt like open to him was actually square. With that adjustment made and a few more technical tips from Denis, he looked like his old brilliant self. It was a classic example of how even the best can go astray with something as simple as posture and alignment. But so much of golf is about confidence. It can be easily dashed, and far less easily regained. For three days Schwartzel’s self-belief appeared to be returning. Suddenly on Sunday an old swing flaw returned. He started dropping the club too much on the inside and blocking the ball extravagant distances right. On the difficult 16th hole (where Henni Otto had blown the championship last year) Schwartzel made the same mistake, sending his ball over the green to a back flag and taking four to get down. On the par-3 17th, he again blocked it right into trees and only his brilliant short game allowed him to get away with bogey. So, a par was required up the last to play off with England’s Andy Sullivan, who not long before had been contemplating what to do with the second-placed money he was sure he would be getting. At the first extra hole, Sullivan made a quite brilliant birdie from the left hand trees and the title was his, having come from seven shots back. A maiden victory for Sullivan and desolation for Schwartzel. To the South African’s great credit he bounced back brilliantly the following week HKGOLFER.COM
in Abu Dhabi, but the spotlight there was on the three-time champion Martin Kaymer, who quickly forgot about his Christmas break learning how to snowplough and roared into the lead with an opening 64. This was Kaymer’s track. He is a proven front runner. He’s the reigning Players and US Open Champion, having won the latter by eight shots, wire to wire. Despite the presence of Rory McIlroy and many other luminaries, the German continued to dominate, taking a six-shot lead into the final round. Game over. Job done. The bookies had him as the ludicrously overwhelming favourite. After three birdies in the first four holes he was 24-under-par (equalling his own championship record) and leading by 10 shots. It was the dream start and now only one man could beat him: himself. The first sign of trouble came at the difficult par-4 sixth, where having found rough off the tee and laid up, he made the cardinal error of going long to a back flag. He very nearly chipped in, but it was a shot gone. There’s a longish walk across a low bridge to the seventh tee. There on a plinth was the Falcon Trophy for a “sexy” camera shot. All he had to do was stay in the present, keep playing the way he was, not make any silly tactical errors and that trophy was his for a fourth time. Did that trophy sighting cause him to get ahead of himself? We’ll probably never know, but from thereon in things started to change. At the ninth, he had to take a penalty drop out of rocks in the desert and made a weak double bogey. No need to panic just yet, there was still credit in the bank, but McIlroy and little-known Frenchman Gary Stal were both on birdie runs. Meanwhile the birdies had dried up for Kaymer as he came to the short par-4 13th. Kaymer tried to cut the corner of the dogleg with a driver and found a bush in the desert. His penalty drop in the soft sand sunk down. He couldn’t reach the green. Unbelievably he then completely chunked a chip, practically curling the turf over the ball. Uh oh. Another chip and two putts for a triple bogey and he’s back at seventeen under and no longer leading. On the 17th he was all ready to putt when he looked up at Bernd Wiesberger (who’s ball was a bit closer to the hole), re-marked his ball, and stepped away as if he wasn’t even sure it was his turn to putt. He then went through the set-up process again, but it was obvious his head was totally scrambled and his race run. Walking to the 18th, his caddie Craig Connolly rather forlornly said: “I hadn’t seen this coming!” Who had? It was one of t he most i mprobable, d ra mat ic a nd inexplicable meltdown’s in any sport that I have ever witnessed. HKGOLFER.COM
After three birdies in the first four holes Kaymer was 24-under-par and leading by 10 shots. It was the dream start and now only one man could beat him: himself. Martin Kaymer is a delightful man, and we must hope that no lasting damage is done. The brain is the most powerful weapon in a sportsman’s armoury. Used well it can perform miracles, but when the wires get crossed, call for the fire brigade. Ask Mark James about that.
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| BY DESIGN
Looking
Long-Term If courses are to withstand the test of time, they need to embrace change and follow a more sustainable approach, writes Paul Jansen.
I
AFP
Chalk and cheese: the high-maintenance surrounds at Trump International, a thoroughly modern layout in Florida (opposite top) and the rugged links at Royal Portrush, a course that has withstood the test of time magnificently (bottom) 34
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happened to watch the movie Game Change for the first time recently which covers the events that led to the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s Republican running mate back in the 2008 US presidential election. To a greater extent the movie depicts how she handles herself throughout the campaign. The movie delves into the somewhat bizarre world of American politics – and after watching the film you get a good feel why things are so out of sync in Washington. The bit of the film that interested me most was how the team grappled with choosing a running mate for McCain and eventually settled on Palin. Barack Obama’s popularity was on the rise and McCain and the Republican Party needed someone who would revitalize the base and hopefully limit the decline. Essentially they were looking at it in terms of short-term gain (winning the immediate election) and not which candidate would be best suited for this position long-term. So why should anyone care about this movie – after all it is Hollywood and how does it relate to golf? Well on the one side you could make a case for the number of golf courses that have a “Hollywood” look about them, but more so it’s the way in which the McCain team went about deciding on a candidate that struck a nerve and had me thinking about the business of golf. So much about what we do today is determined by complex sets of f ig ures. Companies spend millions of dollars each year
identifying what we the consumer wants. These figures, derived from intense market research, are used to produce action plans and determine a strategy and end product. Most important shareholders and investors want to see immediate results and so the plans need to take this into consideration. Similarly golf architects rely on complex sets of data and figures in their work. Agronomists, civil engineers, hydrological engineers, planners and irrigation designers (and so on) provide the architect with a storybook of information that help in decision making and design. Pick up any of the most recent books on golf architecture and you will find they contain complex and detailed sets of data derived from intense research – think elaborate pie and Gantt charts describing such issues as length, safety, green construction, irrigation and drainage. It is astounding. In fact the amount of data architects have at their disposal today is incomparable with the information pre-World War II architects had to work with. What’s interesting is that many of the world’s best golf courses were built before the global conflict, so perhaps there is a message in this. My problem is not that data is a bad thing, it’s that we have become too reliant on it for guiding our decision-making and everyday living. Moreover many of our decisions are based on what works in the short-term when our decisions should really be focused on what gives the greatest benefit long-term. For instance many of the golf courses built before the 2008 global financial crisis paid little HKGOLFER.COM
It’s not that data is a bad thing, it’s that we have become too reliant on it for guiding our decision-making … our decisions should really be focused on what gives the greatest benefit long-term. respect to the future. Many were designed and built to feed the architects ego and the owner enjoyed the idea that their course was longer, bigger and more colorful than the competition. Sustainable and responsible design were hardly “buzz words” at the time as golf courses became a model of excess, with high construction and maintenance costs thanks in part to the design. With economic and climatic change many of these golf clubs are finding it difficult to stay afloat today. It is more complicated than this but what is certain is that the golfer – over the years – has been fed a model of design and maintenance that could hardly be deemed sustainable moving forward. Many golf courses will need to adapt – and change their policies – if they are to stand the test of time. This means that some architects will need to rethink their design strategy as well. This will take time but market and climatic forces will dictate this change. Whilst figures may suggest the current model for attracting golfers and selling memberships, at least out in Asia, is a golf course high on visual and less on content, it’s important that developers and existing golf clubs understand the long-term cost of such a model. I also urge developers and golf clubs to look at how some of the long-standing golf clubs have HKGOLFER.COM
weathered the storms and remain prosperous to this day. I am not one for politics and am rarely entertained by it but in this case it’s fitting Obama won the 2008 election based on his slogan of “Change” – although you could argue how much change has actually happened. In the case of golf a “change” is in order because the figures don’t always tell the real truth. Paul Jansen is the principal architect for Jansen Golf Design. For more information visit his website at jansengolfdesign.com
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
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AGEAS HKPGA CHAMPIONSHIP
In full flow: Unho Park on his way to a course-record round of 64 at Clearwater Bay 36
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Park History
Rewrites HKPGA
Australian claims historic fourth Ageas title after a flawless final round at Clearwater Bay, writes Alex Jenkins. Photography by Daniel Wong,
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A
“I have no idea what it is about Hong Kong and this tournament but when I come here I always seem to end up winning.”
u s t r a l ia’s Un ho Pa rk continued his love affair with the Ageas HKPGA Championship by claiming t he t it le for t he fou r t h consecutive year last month thanks to a f lawless final-round display at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. Park, who held the joint overnight lead with rising Hong Kong star Mickey Chan Chunhung, posted a course record 64 for a three-day total of six-under 206 and a four-shot victory over compatriot Scott Barr in second place. Chan, 23, holed a 7ft eagle putt at the last to finish third, a further shot back. “I’m ecstatic,” said Park, who finished in 27th place on the 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit. “I have no idea what it is about Hong Kong and this tournament – I’ve never won on the Asian Tour – but when I come here I always seem to end up winning.” The Singapore-based Park, who collected a cheque for HK$85,000, got off to the perfect start with a birdie at the demanding par-3 first hole and never looked back. Another birdie arrived at the fourth and a four-under backnine, which included an eagle at the par-5 15th, meant he was able to cruise to victory. Park started his remarkable Ageas HKPGA Championship run in 2012 with a hard-fought victory over Dutchman Guido van der Valk. The following year he capitalized on a late mistake by Hong Kong’s James Stewart to retain the title, while in 2014 he became the first player in
FINAL STANDINGS 1
Unho Park
AUS
74 68 64
206
15
Wong Woon-man
HKG
74 72 82
228
2
Scott Barr
AUS
75 68 67
210
16
Jovick Lee
HKG
80 73 77
230
3
Mickey Chan
HKG
74 68 69
211
17
Dominique Boulet
HKG
83 73 75
231
4= CJ Gatto
USA
74 73 70
217
18
Brad Schadewitz
HKG
78 75 79
232
Timothy Tang
HKG
75 70 72
217
19= Liu Lok-tin
HKG
79 82 72
233
6
Terrence Ng (A)
HKG
76 73 69
218
Jang Chel-hoo
TPE
82 74 77
233
7
Chau Pui
HKG
71 72 77
220
21= Hamish Gardner (A)
HKG
79 79 76
234
8
Cheng Ka-yiu
HKG
79 71 71
221
Shen Po Shao
TPE
82 76 76
234
HKG
76 74 72
222
Tang Wai-chun
HKG
80 75 79
234
SIN
78 70 74
222
Andrew Good
ENG
84 77 74
235
Tang Man-kee
HKG
81 73 81
235
9= James Stewart
38
Lam Chih Bing
11
Oliver Roberts (A)
HKG
79 73 72
224
12= Nathan Goulding
AUS
78 76 72
226
Tsai Tsung Yu
TPE
75 74 77
226
Lee Shih Hung
TPE
76 72 78
226
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
* First round: North Course, Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Second round: New Course, Hong Kong Golf Club Final round: Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
HKGOLFER.COM
Clockwise: Mickey Chan impressed on his return from the US to finish third; Scott Barr had to settle for his second runner-up finish in as many years; Park celebrates his victory with HKPGA Founder Joe Hardwick, Ageas’ Stuart Fraser and HKPGA Chairman Daniel Liu
history to win three successive titles thanks to a one-shot win over Barr at Fanling. “I played really nicely today and putted really well – I holed a few bombs out there – so hopefully I can continue this kind of form when I get back on Tour,” said Park, 41, whose next outing will come at the European and Asian Tour co-sanctioned Malaysian Open in early February. Although he couldn’t muster the performance needed to overhaul the experienced Park, 23-year-old Chan was rightly satisfied with his week’s work, which will stand him in good stead as he heads to both the PGA Tour China Series and OneAsia Tour qualifying schools in the upcoming weeks. “I’m pretty happy with the way I played – being in the final group is a great feeling – but there’s room to improve and hopefully I can do better next time around,” said Chan, who recently returned to Hong Kong after playing on the mini tours in the United States after turning pro last year. “It was great to play with both Unho and Scott – I really felt like I learned a lot from both of them – and this week has given me a bit more confidence in my game,” Chan added. HKGOLFER.COM
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Hong Kong’s Tim Tang in action on the final day
Terrence Ng was the top-ranked amateur, placing solo sixth
2010 champion CJ Gatto showed form on his way to a tie for fourth
Chau Pui made the early running on day one at Kau Sai Chau but faded to a 77 on the final day
Wong Woon-man was another who finished disappointingly after a bright start
James Stewart, seen here in the first round, grabbed a share of ninth 40
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HKGOLFER.COM
450
D’Souza Continues Red-Hot Form
Leon D’Souza was the stand-out golfer in the month of December during which more than 150 junior golfers competed in a trio of holiday tournaments organised by the HKGA. Still on a high from his play-off win in the AmBank SportExcel International Junior Championships in Malaysia, D’Souza returned to Hong Kong to lead his HKGA team to victory in the 16th Junior Golf Team Championship at the Hong Kong Golf Club. A few days later the 16-year-old claimed a seven-shot win in the HKGA Winter Junior Championship at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course. Two rounds of 69 on the New Course at Fanling helped D’Souza’s HKGA team win the Dr George Choa Cup in the Junior Golf Team Championship, a two-day invitational event for teams across Hong Kong and southern China. D’Souza (138) was backed up by fellow national team players Isaac Lam (146), Michael Regan Wong (149) and Vivian Lee (153), all pictured, as they stormed to a 13-shot winning margin over the second-placed Shenzhen Golf Association team. In the Winter Junior Championship, D’Souza and Lee claimed the boys’ and girls’ title respectively over 36 holes of the North Course at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau. D’Souza (145) fired the tournament’s only sub-par round of 70 on day two to win by seven over Yue Yin-Ho (152) while 15-year-old Lee (159) narrowly defeated Queenie Lai Ying-Tung (161).
Future Stars Shine in EFG Bank Junior Tour Final Hong Kong’s next generation of golfing stars were on parade in the recent EFG Bank Junior Tour Grand Final at Hong Kong Golf Club’s Deep Water Bay. Eleven-year-old Stephanie Wong fired the lowest round of the day with a 59 whilst Yuka Murakami celebrated her second hole-in-one in a week. Wong clinched the Girls’ 11-12 division with her oneover-par 59 whilst 14-year-old Charles Chung (Boys’ 13-14) was the leading boy on 61. Murakami won the Girls’ 13-14s with the best possible start: a hole-in-one on her opening tee shot. Incredibly, it was the 14-year-old’s second ace in a week, having holed out at Kau Sai Chau a few days earlier, and the third ace of her young career following a hole-in-one at Fanling last summer. Albert Chiu, Chief Executive of EFG Bank in the Asia Pacific region commented: “The number of entries for this year’s Junior Tour has been higher than ever and the quality of golf in the Grand Final was the best yet. EFG Bank is very proud to have contributed to the growth of golf in Hong Kong since we teamed up with the Hong Kong Golf Association six years ago.” 42
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
The Grand Final was the climax to the Hong Kong Golf Association’s season-long EFG Bank Junior Tour which featured 18 tournaments for hundreds of young golfers aged 6 to 14 at venues including SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Club, the Executive Nine Course at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club and Deep Water Bay. HKGOLFER.COM
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HKGA | NEWS
Tiffany Breaks into World Top 10 Hong Kong’s Tiffany Chan has moved up to 10th place in the World Amateur Golf Ranking after enjoying yet more success in the United States. The Daytona State player began the year by winning three tournaments in a row – the JMU Eagle Landing Invite, the North Florida Invitational and the MSU Ocala Spring Invitational. In May she won the NJCAA National Championship and then added the World University Championship title in June with a superb display in Switzerland. Her most recent victory came at the LPGA Xavier Invitational in October. Chan will play college golf for the University of Southern California, beginning in September 2015.
HKGA Partners with US Kids Golf The Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) has unveiled US Kids Golf as its Official Supplier of junior golf equipment in a partnership that will focus on bringing new children into the sport in Hong Kong. Ning Li, President of the HKGA said: “Following the recent launch of our Golf For Schools programme, which already has the support of The R&A, our partnership with US Kids Golf is another important development. As we begin to take golf into local primary schools for the first time, not only do we provide access to coaching and facilities for the children but now we can support them with the right equipment as well.” Walter Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of RSH (Hong Kong) Limited, which distributes US Kids Golf in Hong Kong and Macau, added: “We share the HKGA’s vision to take golf into primary schools and introduce the sport to those who may not otherwise get the opportunity. We are proud to support initiatives which help grow the game in Hong Kong and we will play our part by supplying US Kids Golf equipment and encouraging the children to have fun.” Launched during last year’s Hong Kong Open, the HKGA’s Golf For Schools programme gives children aged 6 to 12 the chance to try golf at school through a fun and unique training system called ShortGolf. For those children who are inspired by the ShortGolf experience, the HKGA offers a pathway into the sport, starting with a series of coaching clinics at golf courses and driving ranges across Hong Kong.
High School Hall of Fame Award for Coach Schadewitz Congratulations are in order for National Coach Brad Schadewtiz who has been inducted into his High School Hall of Fame for Outstanding Achievements in Golf. Schadewitz, who attended Columbia River High School i n Va ncouver, Wash i ng ton State, and his brother Steve (pictured here with their mother Carol) were among 22 athletes honoured and the f irst two golfers to be inducted. 44
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HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION
For more information on the Hong Kong Golf Association visit www.hkga.com. You can also follow the HKGA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Weibo and YouTube.
| 2015 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
What
Lies in
AFP
Store
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HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
Rory McIlroy tees off at the 18th at Augusta National Golf Club. Will 2015 be the year he breaks his Masters duck and completes the grand slam?
We take a look at the venues and likely contenders at this year’s major championships which, with the exception of Augusta National, have a distinctly links-like feel to proceedings. HK GOLFERăƒťFEB 2015
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All eyes will be on McIlroy’s Grand Slam bid and a personal Augusta redemption for his final nine-hole collapse in 2011, and for good reason. McIlroy was dominant in 2014 with four huge wins.
F AFP
Look for Adam Scott, the 2013 champion, to be in contention down the stretch at Augusta 48
HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
or the second year in succession, the golf world will watch on with baited breath at a rare chance at history, courtesy of Rory McIlroy’s victory in The Open at Hoylake last year.
Lifting the Claret Jug set off the countdown to April 2015 where a career Grand Slam of all four majors awaits the Northern Irishman if he can somehow capture the Masters Tournament this spring. While all the focus will be on McIlroy, it should not be forgotten that there will in fact be not one but two Grand Slam opportunities in successive majors as Phil Mickelson will again attempt to claim that elusive US Open title, to add to the Masters, Open and US PGA titles he’s accumulated over the past decade. Lefty’s first attempt at the Grand Slam came last year at Pinehurst but was never a factor. Then again, was anyone really a factor with Martin Kaymer leaving everyone trailing in his wake? Perhaps with the pressure off, 2015 could be Mickelson’s year, but how incredible would it be should both McIlroy and Mickelson capture the first two majors of the year in order?
MASTERS TOURNAMENT All eyes will be on McIlroy’s Grand Slam bid and a personal Augusta redemption for his final nine-hole collapse in 2011, and for good reason. McIlroy was dominant in 2014 with four huge wins, including The Open and US PGA Championship, and is the best credentialed player to tackle the challenge of Augusta National, bar possibly Bubba Watson. Tiger Woods was the last to win the Grand Slam when he won his first Claret Jug at St Andrews in 2000, the year he claimed the final three majors in succession followed by the Masters in 2001 to hold all four majors at once. Woods attained the Grand Slam inside four years as a professional. Should McIlroy win in 2015, he will accomplish the feat inside eight years and join Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen in the Masters-era Grand Slam club. Other likely contenders for the Masters: Adam Scott – all the experience in the world at Augusta nowadays and just needs the putter to fire, as it did in 2013. Bubba Watson – in the right conditions and frame of mind, Watson makes Augusta National look like his personal backyard. Could win four or five of these before he’s done. Jordan Spieth – runner-up on his debut last year, Spieth excelled at the end of 2014 with hugely impressive wins at the Australian Open and Hero World Challenge. The best player in the game under the age of 25, Spieth has the talent and now seemingly the temperament to earn one of those coveted Green Jackets. HKGOLFER.COM
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Henrik Stenson – see Adam Scott. Very similar golf games: tremendous ball striker who just need to hole a few putts. Well and truly overdue for his first major: in fact, alongside Sergio Garcia he’s the best player without one.
If Mickelson is going to claim his national Open, Chambers Bay could be his kind of place ... in 2013 he proved to all that he can win in windy and bouncy conditions.
AFP
Phil Mickelson, seen here at Shinnecock Hills in 2004, needs to win his national Open title to secure his own grand slam of major victories 50
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US OPEN A new venue in Chambers Bay outside Seattle will give up home field advantage to absolutely nobody. Chambers Bay should play more like a windswept links than a traditional parkland Open course; in fact, the course setup will likely be similar to Pinehurst with a focus on natural rough and space off the tee. If Mickelson is going to claim his national Open, this could be his kind of place. He’s contended in what could be considered a similar venue in Shinnecock Hills in the past and his Scottish Open-Open Championship double in 2013 proved to all, himself included, that he can win in windy and bouncy conditions. Picking contenders at a venue hardly anyone will have seen is a mug’s game but nonetheless: Dustin Johnson – presuming he’s back in action and match ready, his win in the gales of Kapalua at the 2013 Tournament of Champions, and his two victories at Pebble Beach point to a potential affinity with a course like Chambers Bay. Martin Kaymer – the defending champion and the man who beat Bubba Watson for the 2010 US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, a layout with infinite similarities to Chambers Bay. But let’s see how he copes with that astonishing Abu Dhabi meltdown first. Jason Day – twice a runner-up in US Opens and tied for fourth last year. Has patience under adversity, is a fighter and a good wind player. Well and truly overdue for a run of good health too. Rickie Fowler – top fives in all four majors in 2014 resulted a breakout year for the 26-year old and placed him alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only men in history to do so. Has matured into a class player to go along with the class act he clearly is. ‘US Open Champion Rickie Fowler’ has a nice ring to it. THE OPEN Sentimentally, St Andrews is the favoured venue for all the players and there won’t be a dry eye in the house as one of Scotland’s adopted sons, Tom Watson, makes his final Open appearance. Watson asked for and was granted an additional year’s exemption to close the curtain on his Open career at the home of golf. (Cue the obligatory Swilcan Bridge photo opportunity). Louis Oosthuizen was the last winner at St Andrews in 2010 and Tiger Woods on the two occasions (2000 and 2005) before that. McIlroy HKGOLFER.COM
Hawaiian Islands Golf Tour 26 June - 6 July 2015
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of course, shot an opening 63 in 2010 but was brought back to earth with an 80 in howling winds in round two. The bookies’ favourites are likely to be: Rory McIlroy – the last three winning margins in Opens at The Home of Golf have been blowouts; seven strokes, five and eight respectively. McIlroy won his first two majors by eight strokes and has the game and gravitas to make it back-to-back Opens and join the greats as an Open winner around the Old Course. Lee Westwood – while we’re talking sentimentality, a Westwood win would be akin to Darren Clarke’s 2011 triumph. The Englishman was the distant runner-up to Oosthuizen in ’10 and knows the Old Course like the back of his hand. Sergio Garcia – Like Westwood, major success has eluded Garcia, despite the Spaniard contending regularly at the game’s biggest events. A fine exponent of the links game, Garcia pushed McIlroy all the way at Hoylake last year. Long overdue. Victor Dubuisson – the course record holder at St Andrews with a 62 in the 2012 Alfred Dunhill Championship, Dubuisson finished with top-10s in the last two majors in 2014 and starred for Europe in the Ryder Cup on debut at Gleneagles. As his 62 shows, his game is well matched to the Old Course and he seems at ease, almost carefree, competing against the best players in the world.
AFP
US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP The US PGA returns to Whistling Straits, a long, potentially windswept course that certainly rewarded the stronger players back in 2010 – the top-five included McIlroy, Johnson, Watson, Jason Dufner and eventual champion Kaymer. So who do we fancy for “Glory’s Last Shot”? Adam Scott – this course should be right up the Australian’s alley. Consistently peerless from tee to green – and Whistling Straits demands accurate long-game play – Scott certainly has the tools to finish high up the leaderboard. Justin Rose – if we accept that ball striking will be at a premium at Whistling Straits, Rose can’t be discounted from adding to his tally of majors. The Englishman was at his finest when challenged by a brutal course setup at Merion in 2013. Hideki Matsuyama – it’s high time a Japanese player won a major and alongside Spieth, Matsuyama is the best player under the age of 25 in the game. Contested the first majors of his career in 2013, played a starring role in a losing Presidents Cup bid for the Internationals that same year and has been prolific winner in his short professional career. Matsuyama took another step by breaking through in the US last year and a major is the logical progression from here. 52
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Clockwise from this page: Bubba Watson in action at Whistling Straits in 2010; Hideki Matsuyama has the game to become the first Japanese player to win a major; Sergio Garcia could have won a couple of Open titles by now and will be looking forward to St Andrews this July; Rickie Fowler showed his potential by finishing in the top 5 at all four majors in 2014
GOLF ATRAVEL Player’s Guide
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Sense of place: the first green at Laguna Phuket, the work of South African architect – and HK Golfer contributor – Paul Jansen
Alex Jenkins plays Laguna Phuket Golf Club, which has reopened after undergoing an impressive transformation over the past 18 months. Photography courtesy of Laguna Phuket Golf Club
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Clockwise from top: the well defended green at the 18th, a stout par-4; water makes an appearance at the mid-length par-4 13th, wood ties, created from the trees that were felled during the rebuilding process, divide the upper and lower tiers of the 14th fairway; the inviting clubhouse at Laguna Phuket 56
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ot a whole lot has happened golf wise in Phuket in recent years. Save for the opening of Phunaka, a ninehole, floodlit track located between Phuket Town, the island’s historic capital, and Patong, the sprawling seaside resort favoured – it seems – by heavilytattooed Russians (although the sudden decline of the Rouble may change all that), the last course to make any real noise was Red Mountain Golf Club, which wowed all and sundry with its dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views upon its completion in 2007. There’s no denying that Red Mountain is a heck of a golfing experience – and at over 7,000 Baht (roughly HK$1,650) for the green fee, caddie fee and mandatory golf cart fee, it jolly well should be – but it’s perhaps not for everyone. It’s not that Red Mountain is an unfairly difficult course. It’s isn’t. But there are certainly a number of holes where the jungle encroaches close enough to the landing areas to have you worrying about the number of golf balls left in your bag. No such concerns await a few miles to the northwest at Laguna Phuket Golf Club, which reopened its full 18 holes to much fanfare last month following a highly impressive redesign masterminded by South African architect Paul Jansen. HKGOLFER.COM
Jansen, as regular readers of HK Golfer will know, contributes a monthly column on course design to this publication and was the lead architect for Faldo Design at the award-winning Laguna Lang Co near Danang in Vietnam. Brought in by the same owners on the back of that success to reinvigorate their popular course in Phuket, Laguna Phuket is Jansen’s first solo project, one that will undoubtedly build his reputation within the industry globally such is its quality. Opened in 1992, the original course at Laguna Phuket was an archetypal resort layout. While certainly enjoyable enough to play for the large numbers of holidaymakers that came through, its age, exacerbated in these tropical climes, was starting to show and the conditions of the playing surfaces suffered. Renovation was clearly in order. Although this has been billed as a redesign, Jansen’s work has essentially resulted in a completely new course. The nines have been reversed, which means the 18th now rightly finishes in front of the lovingly-appointed clubhouse, and despite the routing remaining largely untouched, the removal of a great many trees, the reshaping of the playing areas, the inclusion of completely new bunkering and a change of grass type (the tee boxes, fairways and roughs are all made up of low-maintenance Zoysia, while the re-contoured greens have been HKGOLFER.COM
carpeted with a silky Bermuda TifEagle varietal) means that even regular visitors can be forgiven for thinking they’d never set foot on the course before. Jansen’s courses are noted for their strategic interest, and this is certainly the case at Laguna Phuket. The course occupies a generally flat parcel of land but Jansen has raised many of the teeing grounds, which gives players a far better appreciation of what lies in store at each hole, while the fairways – and this is still a resort course after all – are refreshingly generous. As is the yardage, which comes in at comfortably under 7,000 yards. You won’t lose too many balls off the tee here which, importantly, helps with the pace of play, but low scores are far from guaranteed thanks to the newly constructed green complexes. In the main they are more contoured than the original putting surfaces and the way they are HK GOLFER・FEB 2015
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NEED TO KNOW THE GOLF Yardage: 6,718 Par: 71 Redesigned by Paul Jansen (2014) Green fee: THB 4,420 – 5,200 Caddie fee: THB 350 Cart fee: THB 700 (not mandatory)
GETTING THERE Numerous airlines operate direct flights from Hong Kong to Phuket (flight time: 3hrs, 15mins), including Dragonair (dragonair.com) and Thai Airways (thaiairways.com). Laguna Phuket Golf Club is a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.
CONTACT Creativity required: the greens at Laguna Phuket require players to use their imagination with the short game 58
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Website: lagunaphuketgolf.com Email: golf@lagunaphuketgolf.com Tel: +66 (0)76 324 350
angled means there is always a preferred side of the fairway to be hitting approach shots from. Miss the target and you’ll likely be faced with a chip from one of the many run-off areas. But the firmness of the turf, combined with the undulations of the greens means you won’t be reaching for your lob wedge for each and every shot. Nor are you likely to be gouging flops from thick rough. This makes it fun and players who show imagination with their short game will flourish. Jansen advocates a sustainable approach to golf course architecture (read his latest column in this issue to learn more about that) and Laguna Phuket reflects this philosophy. The tree removal programme has not only resulted in superior views of the surrounding area and wider playing corridors, the wood harvested has been used to woodchip vast areas of the rough and for the construction of on-course furniture – from benches, tee markers, steps and, most intriguingly of all, wood ties in the fairways and small, Thai-style boats that bob around in a number of the lakes. The sustainability angle is perhaps most obvious in terms of the bunkering. Many modern courses are characterised by great swathes of sand that appear on nearly every hole, which is usually to lend visual splendour if little else. That is certainly not the case at Laguna Phuket, where the course’s original 99 bunkers have been slashed in number by nearly two thirds to 37. That might not sound a lot but the point is that each fulfills a role. They don’t appear randomly; they have been used sparingly but to sound strategic effect. Other, less noticeable changes to the course have added benefits to both the environment and the playing conditions. A new irrigation system has cut the number of sprinkler heads down from 1,400 to 800 and over 15km of drainage has been added. One of the effects of the latter means that play is far less likely to be halted during occasions of heavy rain. A lot of good things will continue to be said of the results of Jansen’s work, and rightly so, but the man himself claims he is just as proud of the way the work was done. “We essentially built the golf course using inhouse staff,” says Jansen. “We taught them how to build greens and bunkers, install drainage and use survey gear. Many of the existing staff were then asked to manage small teams themselves, which meant they had to take on more responsibility. But this was paramount for getting the work done on time to budget. “This is a great investment in the current staff and something that I don’t see enough of in Asia – or indeed the rest of the world.” Amen to that. HKGOLFER.COM
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COVERING THE BASES RUPERT SMITH OF COMPLETE RPI GIVES AN OVERVIEW FOR THOSE LOOKING AT MORTGAGE FINANCE OPTIONS IN THE UK RESIDENTIAL MARKET.
M
y name is Rupert Smith and I am the founding Director of Complete Residential Proper t y Investments Ltd (hereinafter CRPI). We are a specialist property investment company of fering a unique and results- orientated commercial approach to all elements of UK residential investment property.
THE TAXMAN COMETH As you may or may not be aware, it has been announced that from 6 April 2015 all UK non-residents disposing of UK residential property are required to pay Capital Gains Tax based on any profit realised. Should you wish to sell your property after this date, you will need to prove to the Inland Revenue the value of the property (the base value), in order that the profit can be assessed and subsequently taxed at the prevailing rate of 18 to 28% depending on your tax bracket. It will be the responsibility of the seller to provide evidence to the HMRC (the UK tax authority) what the base value was at 6 April 2015. As a result, it is therefore vital that a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) valuation is undertaken in order to protect your interest and prevent unnecessary tax claims against you in the future. If not, then backdating a valuation after this date will likely cause a major problem and a large cost for any property owner. As a result of the new legislation, Complete RPI can facilitate an independent RICS valuation on your behalf. It would be very wise to have this carried out in order to safeguard your best interests: time, money and future hassle. What is the cost, I hear you cry? Typically the rates are as follows and can vary owing to location: PROPERTY VALUE Up to £500,000 £500,000 to £750,000 £750,000 to £1 million £1 million to £1.5 million £1.5 million to £2 million £2 million +
COST £700 plus VAT £800 plus VAT £900 plus VAT £1,000 plus VAT £1,100 plus VAT £1,200 plus VAT
UK MORTGAGE FINANCE FOR INVESTMENT A common mistake many first-time landlords make is to jump in with both feet and take the first available mortgage option they see. In this arena it is all about successful forward planning; different lenders and products will be more suitable dependent on your long-term aims. Whether this is to grow a portfolio, to obtain short-term capital growth or longterm income supplement, it is important to weigh up all the options with an independent professional. Low rates may seem attractive, but a plethora of fees and reversion rates can come back to bite. We are also seeing more and more professional landlords with large portfolios 60
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coming to us to unlock equity and begin to buy once more. In this area, having the knowledge of all lenders in the market, as well as some more interesting lenders who are not publically available, can make all the difference. Here we look at 10 points to bear in mind when looking at finance on a property to be rented out: 1 – FIRST STEPS Buy-to-Let mortgages have become increasingly competitive, but still complex with a bewildering array of choices. Some will offer low rates but come with large percentage fees and often those products that have slightly higher rates and lower fees may be more suitable. We strongly recommend that even before going to look for a property you come and talk to us so we can take you through the various options. 2 – FINDING THE PROPERTY Unlike looking for a property for you to live in, you need to remove emotion and consider the investment potential of the property. Below are some key considerations you should think about: 1) Rental Income – most lenders require the rent to exceed the monthly mortgage payments, on an interest only basis, by 125% per month at an assumed rate of around 5% 2) Objectives – is the property to bolster your income, or for longer term growth, or both? There may also be some tax aspects you will need to consider. 3) Take your advisers advice (ideally that of Complete RPI Ltd) as to property type and location. 3 – GET YOUR DOCUMENTATION IN ORDER A Buy-to-Let mor tgage is similar to the processing of a residential mortgage so it is important to make sure your documentation is in order. Lenders like to see your last three years’ address history (no gaps), your last three months payslips and last P60 or three years’ accounts, your last three months bank statements and full details of any loans or credit cards you have. Providing this information on day one can speed up the process no end. HKGOLFER.COM
4 – ARE YOU CREDITWORTHY? All lenders want to make sure they are lending money to someone who is highly likely to pay it back. We can carry out this check for you, or you can go online and some companies will offer you a check for free or a free trial of their services. Simple things like paying all your credit cards on time and making sure you are on the voters roll at your current address will help. 5 – HOW MUCH CAN I BORROW? As the property you are looking to buy is an investment, the amount of rental income you achieve is vitally important. Lenders generally require the rental income to exceed the monthly mortgage payments (on an interest only basis) by around 125% per month, often at an assumed rate of around 5%. This is based on the gross rental income from the property to be purchased or remortgaged. There are some options available where you can use your income to top up any shortfall on the lenders rental requirements, but you must consider the viability of this as a long term investment. 6 – LET-TO-BUY Remortgaging your existing property on to an official Buy-to-Let or Rent-to-Buy scheme is a good option for some, as this could enable you to release some much needed equity in your current property to use as a deposit for your new home. Lenders will assess the borrowing capacity not on your current income, but on the rental income that can be achieved, which is then put through a specific formula. For example, the gross rental income on your existing property must equal 125% of the interest only mortgage payments at the mortgage pay rate. This cover does vary from lender to lender so it is important to speak to an expert who understands all the small print. 7 - BEING A LANDLORD Whilst being a landlord can be highly profitable, it brings with it responsibilities both to maintain property and its equipment. It also brings with it the responsibility to comply with a plethora of rules and regulations. Your agent’s comprehensive lettings and management service can deal with these on your behalf. You should also prepare for the possibility of the odd void period. Suddenly having to pay two mortgages may be a stretch so it is a good idea to have at least three to six months mortgage payments in an emergency account just in case. There are also a plethora of rules HKGOLFER.COM
and regulations a landlord should know, so make sure you do your homework and know what you are liable for. 8 – BUILDING A PORTFOLIO For more experienced landlords, or if you have a large property portfolio, actively managing your portfolio to ensure you have the right rate on each property, or are able to gear up and release equity for future purchases is of vital importance when looking to grow. At complete RPI we offer this as a free “Asset Management” service to all clients It may be possible to agree a credit line or facility for you to buy additional properties quickly and cheaply, making the most of rental and capital growth opportunities. 9 – DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES For landlords with portfolios of a certain size, the line often blurs between residential investment and commercial financing, whether it is developing a site, converting a property into flats or even building from scratch. Getting the right advice in this area of the market is just as critical and can often mean the difference between turning a healthy profit or not. 10 – COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS & LARGE LOANS Many of our clients have a need for more bespoke lending and there is no financing too big or complex for us to handle. We are well versed with assisting with multi-million pound transactions and have advisers on hand with years of experience in this area. There is no guarantee that it will be possible to arrange continuous letting of the property, nor that rental income will be sufficient to meet the cost of the mortgage. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. I look forward to next month’s article and feel free to make contact should you have any questions, why not have a look at completerpi.com.
YOUR PROPERTY, OUR PRIORITY Let Complete RPI overview your UK property free of charge and answer the following questions: - Is your property under-let? We increased our rental income for client's by 7% last year, did your agent? - Have you contracted with the most up to date tenancy agreement? Changes in legislation occur daily. - We only charge monthly fees, are you paying up front? We charge a monthly Letting & Management Fee and no up-front fees, does your agent do the same? - We offer free rental guarantee insurance, does your agent? - Is your property inspected every three months by an independent inventory clerk? If not it should be and we pay the cost. Does your agent? - Do you have 24 hr access to your very own bespoke online property platform which allows you to view all aspects of your property including management statements, invoices, interim inspection reports, values, gearing ratios, etc ... at Complete RPI this is standard. The answers to these questions and many more could both save you money and increase the return on your capital invested. Please call us on +852-9307-0337 or write to info@completerpi.com Why not visit us at www.completerpi.com ... “Your Property, Our Priority."
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CROSSWORD
©2014 Dr Milton Wayne
NEW YEAR, NEW GEAR!
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41. See 16D 3. It may hold up your Loudmouths! (4) 6. They must be tailored at many clubs (6) 9. BLUNT make the best in the world (8) 10. The flatstick (6) 12. (& 18D) Specialist club for bunker play (4,5) 13. Clubs in the fire? (5) 15. Best to see a PGA pro for these (7) 17. It dries hands and cleans clubs (5) 20. Allows you to pull your bag (7) 21. The “big dog” (6) 22. Golf bag type that supports itself (5) 23. Erasable score recorder (6) 25. See 11D 26. “Apt” way to get ideal clubs! (7) 27. Wooden pegs (4) 28. Wear two, in case there is a hole in one! (5)
2. Long iron replacements (7) 3. Titleist make the best? (5) 4. See 5D 5. (& 4D) Tome for the learner (11,4) 6. Fooyjoys are famous examples (5) 7. Catchall term for jackets, windbreakers, waterproofs, etc (9) 8. It tops off your outfit (3) 11. (& 25A) Laser distance device (5,6) 14. See 19D 16. (& 1A) GPS device that gives yardages on your wrist! (9,5) 18. See 12A 19. (& 14D) They stop woods getting bashed (4,6) 20. Full length version of 6A (8) 22. Often have a logo on the breast (6) 24. You ride to your ball in this (4)
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WIN A SIGNED LEE WYBRANSKI POSTER! To enter, complete the crossoword and send a scan or photo of the completed grid to Crossword@HKGolfer. com, with “February Crossword” as the subject. Remember to include your name, address and contact number. Entries close on 15 March. ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE CORRECT ENTRIES. Congratulations to Iain Warren from Sai Kung who won the December crossword.
Detail of Wybranski’s poster of The Road Hole at St Andrews
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DECEMBER ANSWERS
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I’m very active in trying to help junior golf all across the world. The game of golf has given me so much, so why not give back and try to help other kids follow their dreams like I have.
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Are you a player that sets goals at the beginning of the year, and if so, what are your goals for 2015? There’s really two. Every year US has either a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team. That’s the first one. If you make that team you’ve played good at some point. The other one is just to win. To hold a trophy is a special time and so every year I want to win at least one tournament. And obviously make a team – Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. That’s what I have my eyes on every year. Those are always my two goals. Is attaining number one in the Official World Golf Ranking a goal of yours? You know I have never set that goal for myself. Because it is very tough to reach it, and the way the world ranking points work you never know. The way I look at it, look at Phil Mickelson. Phil Mickelson is one of our greatest champions of all time across the world and he’s never been number one. So sometimes that world ranking doesn’t mean as much as it should, you know. Do you care at all what people think of you?
How would you describe your relationship with the media? I think the media really loves me because I don’t give PC [politically correct] answers. Sometimes people write different stories and make it and twist it in ways they want to. But again, the way I live my life and the way I want to live my life as a Christian, I don’t read what people write about me. I don’t read what people say about me. My true friends, my family, they know who I am as a person and what my heart is all about. And then the fans; I think the fans just see me as a smalltown guy that’s worked hard to get where he is, and I appreciate that, and I think that they see it as a guy that’s just out there having fun with the game of golf. Just like anybody else, though, I’m going to get mad when I hit a bad shot and I think the fans see that, and I’m going to be happy when I hit a great shot.
Victory is sweet: Watson with the WGC-HSBC Champions trophy after victory in Shanghai at the end of last year AFP
Truthfully, no. Because the way I’m trying to live my life, read the Bible, follow the Bible; I can’t worry about – no matter what I do, no
matter if I win every single tournament, half the world is going to love me and half the world is going to hate me no matter what. You can’t impress everybody and you can’t make everybody happy. It’s hard enough trying to make my wife happy, so I don’t need to worry about other people being happy.
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FINAL SHOT
Bubba Watson Alex Jenkins talks to the divisive two-time Masters champion about his win in Shanghai at the end of 2014, his goals for this year and his relationship with the media. You said after winning the WGC-HSBC Champions that winning outside the US was really important to you. Why was that and do you think you’ll be playing more golf overseas as a result? That’s a great question. I just want to win. I’ve won in the US a few times but I just think that people look at your career differently if you’ve won outside of your own country. It means you’ve had to travel, means had to get used to jetlag, had to play golf in many different places at a high level. It’s easier here [in the US] to go from state to state to play golf, than having to travel 16 hours by plane and learn a different kind of grass, different conditions. So for me on a personal level it means that my career will be a lot better if I’ve won a few outside the States. I mean Tiger [Woods] has won a tonne in the States and he’s also won a tonne outside the States. Jack Nicklaus – you can go through the greats of the game – they’ve all won outside the US. So for me it would be a positive in my career if I can win a few outside.
Ryo Ishikawa has been playing on Tour for like eight years and he’s still young. His short game for me is amazing. I believe Ryo, as young as
You’re known for your charitable involvements. How active are you in terms of helping junior golf? Yes, here in the US I give money to junior golf but I also hold my own tournament where I show up and watch the kids play. At the tournament in Japan [the Dunlop Phoenix event in December], I gave my money – it wasn’t very much, I think it was like US$10,000 – I gave them my prize money for junior golf in Japan. But yes, I’m very active in trying to help junior golf all across the world. The game of golf has given me so much, so why not give back and try to help other kids follow their dreams like I have.
AFP
Eyes on the prize: Watson’s goal at the beginning of ever year remains the same: qualify for either the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team
What do you make of the quality of Asian golfers that you’ve come across and are there any players in particular that have impressed you?
he is, could be a great talent in this game. He is learning different cultures having moved over to the US but I think he’s one of the special talents. Hideki Matsuyama: he’s a special player. He’s proven at a young age that he can compete in the US and back in his homeland. Kiradech Aphibarnrat – did I say his name right? Before he got injured you saw his name popping up a lot. He’s proved he can play in the big events. He was showing how good a talent he is. Those three stand out in my mind right away. I think they’re all young enough to improve and become bigger names and contend a lot more in the big events.
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