EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open Review
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION VOTED THE REGION’S NO 1 GOLF MAGAZINE
ISSUE 136
HKGOLFER.COM JUNE 2018
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| CONTENTS
HK Golfer Issue 136
June 2018
12 On the Cover:
Webb Simpson dominated THE PLAYERS Championship just in time. The 2012 U.S. Open champion has spent three years reinventing himself after the anchor putting ban. Photo by AFP/Getty Images
Features
Plus…
30 | EFG Hong Kong
10 | Divots
Ladies Open Review Thailand’s Saranporn Langkulgasettrin storms past a high-quality field to win her first EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open. By Louie Chan
36 | U.S. Open Championship Preview
This year’s event at Shinnecock Hills should be much more of an international affair than last year. By Mike Wilson
44 | Interview with Patrick Reed
The newly-crowned Masters champion talks exclusively to HK Golfer. By Louie Chan
52 | Bunker Mentality
The match play format has fallen out of favour with event organisers, sponsors and especially the media in preference for the more predictable format of stroke play. By Mike Wilson
58 | Tour Insider
Comebacks are always riveting because the revival of a forgotten man always makes a compelling human story. By Calvin Koh
Daniel Wong
64 | The Golf Scene in St Andrews
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The golf scene in St Andrews is a bit of a strange beast altogether, with its plethora of clubs and societies. By The Kilted Caddie
News and events from Hong Kong and the region. By The Editors
12 | In Focus
A pictorial review of the last 30 days from around the world. By The Editors
19 | Tee Time
Inspired by the brand’s racing plane design, the Bell & Rose Racing Bird watches are a modern and colourful take on traditional pilot’s watch. By The Editors
23 | Around the HKGA
Douglas Williams claimed his sixth consecutive Seniors Close Amateur title at the Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club. By The Editors
72 | Crossword
This issue: “Open Championship 2018!” By Dr Milton Wayne
74| Final Shot
Othman Alumlla, the first Saudi Arabian golfer to qualify and play in a major European Tour event, talks about how he started playing golf and his playing experiences in HK. By Louie Chan
HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION JUNE 2018 • Issue 136
Managing Editor: Louie Chan louie.chan@hkgolfer.com Contributing Editors: Dr Milton Wayne, Faye Glasgow, John Bruce, Nathan Goulding, Keith McLaren, Paul Jansen, Evan Rast, Mike Wilson, Robin Lynam. Art Director: Derek Hannah Photo Editor: Daniel Wong Administration Manager Cindy Kwok Publisher: Charles McLaughlin Published by:
TIMES INTERNATIONAL CREATION
Tiffany Chan putts on the 18th green of the Old Course at Fanling during the 2018 EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open
Times International Creation Limited 10B Lockhart Centre 301-307 Lockhart Road Hong Kong Phone: +852 3590-4153 Fax: +852 3590-4533
D E PA R T M E N T S 10 Divots 12 Global Focus 14 Asia Focus 16 Local Focus 19 Clubhouse 23 Around the HKGA 52 Bunker Mentality 58 Tour Insider 64 The Kilted Caddie 72 Crossword 74 Final Shot
In association with: 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 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
Daniel Wong
HK GOLFER is published by Times International Creation, 10B Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong. HK GOLFER is published monthly © 2018 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
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| DIVOTS
Capol and Chan Announced as EFG Young Athletes Foundation Scholars Swiss private bank EFG has conf irmed showjumper Vincent Capol and golfer Chloe Chan as the scholars of the 2018 EFG Young Athletes Foundation scholarship programme. The two 14-year-olds follow the footsteps of the pride of Hong Kong golf, Tiffany Chan, who has been supported by EFG since 2008, and in particular a beneficiary of the foundation from 2009 and 2014. Capol and Chan are both elites of their chosen sport with a wealth of experience representing Hong Kong. Capol, who started riding when he was seven, secured a spot at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games after winning his qualifying equestrian event in March. The German Swiss International School student considers German rider Christian A hlmann as his international sporting hero, and Lei Lai-shan as his most admired local athlete for bringing to Hong Kong an Olympic gold medal, which is one of his biggest career goals. “We are delighted to offer a scholarship to both Vincent and Chloe, who have shown all of us their immense potential and desire to succeed in their respective sports. The EFG Young Athletes’ Foundation is about nurturing
Upcoming junior golfer Chloe Chan (second from left) and rising show jumping star Vincent Capol (second from right) received their certificates from Albert Chiu, Chief Executive, Asia Pacific, EFG, and EFG Global Sport Ambassador (far left) and LPGA rookie Tiffany Chan upcoming local talents so they have every chance to reach their full potential, and hopefully represent Hong Kong one day. We received nearly 70 entries and interviewed 10 shortlisted finalists and while all of them demonstrated their passion and commitment, Vincent and Chloe were the standouts, and we are very much looking forward to working with them, supporting them as they look to achieve their dreams,” said Albert Chiu, Chief Executive, Asia Pacific, EFG, who is also a trustee of the EFG Young Athletes Foundation.
Hainan Tipped to Become ‘China’s Hawaii’ Following Government Reform Recent measures announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping to further open up Hainan will provide a major boost to golf tourism on China’s tropical island province, according to experts. Visitors from 59 countries including Australia, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Spain and the United States can now enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days each time, according to new policies aimed at opening up the island known as ‘China’s Hawaii’. Other measures announced for the province include the introduction of free trade, sports betting and duty-free shopping, all of which will provide a significant boost to the golf tourism market in Hainan, say some of the sport’s stakeholders. Ha i na n I sla nd i s a l re ady a p opu la r destination for Chinese tourists, attracting 60 million visitors from the mainland in 2017. “There has been a huge boost in interest 10
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Meadow Links Course at Mission Hills Haikou resort in Hainan, China from overseas golfers and golf tour operators since the new reforms were announced for Hainan. There are currently 23 international cities outside of mainland China with direct flights into Haikou, many of them bringing golf tourists. With the new policies, we predict that the number of overseas golfers coming to Hainan will be boosted by a further 60 per cent in the next 12 months alone,” said Tenniel Chu, Group Vice-Chairman of Mission Hills. HKGOLFER.COM
| DIVOTS
2018 Metal Yacht Golf presented by Hublot After two days (Thursday and Friday, the 26th & 27th of April) of incredible Yacht Golf experience, the first ever 2018 Metal Yacht Golf presented by Hublot was a huge success. The concept created by both M Yachts and Premier Live combined a round of golf at Hong Kong’s majestic coastal course, with the unique experience of hitting eco-friendly golf balls from luxury yachts onto floating greens around Hong Kong Island. Albus Golf sponsored EcoBioBalls for the two-day golf challenge. These ecological and biodegradable golf balls start to break down as soon as they are submerged in the water. Within 48 hours the entire outside coating has opened up and the fish food inner core is exposed for eating. On the first day, 40 golfers participated in 18 holes of golf at The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. After the 18 holes of golf, participants took part in fun beach golf challenges in and around Sai Kung’s secluded beaches. Congratulations to Jeff Wang and Dr. Hwang, of UPP Golf. The winners will enjoy a trip to the world's most exclusive golf pro-am event, the 2018 Manuka Doctor Necker Open presented by Metal.
In addition to the one of a kind Yacht Golf challenges, Metal Blockchain Think Tank, fun golf challenges and yacht party were held on the second day. In the afternoon, all the guests and players gathered together for the yacht party led by BB Jazz and DJ Mehow in Repulse Bay. The participants experienced the Metal Hole in One as well as other f loating green challenges with the opportunity of winning one of a kind trips to private islands and yachts, with a few players coming within just a few meters.
Global Focus Simpson Wins THE PLAYERS Webb Simpson has completed his career resurrection in style by dominating THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Simpson, a former U.S. Open champion who has spent three years reinventing himself after the anchor putting ban, claimed his fifth PGA TOUR win by four shots after a 1-over 73 final round. “It’s been a long time. We did it,” Simpson said as he embraced his wife Dowd on the final green. It left him 18 under for the tournament to be four shots clear of Charl Schwartzel (67), Jimmy Walker (67) and PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Xander Schauffele (67) who tied for second place at 14 under. Such was Simpson’s dominance that he was able to hook his approach on the 72nd hole into the water, make a double bogey, and still finish well clear. It is Simpson’s first win since taking out the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas in October 2013. Photo by AFP/Getty Images
Asia Focus Catlin Claims Maiden Asian Tour Title American John Catlin won his maiden Asian Tour title after carding a final-round three-under-par 69 to win the US$300,000 Asia-Pacific Classic. The 27-year-old had a nervy start as he dropped two shots on his opening nine holes. However, he recovered when it mattered most, scoring birdies on holes 11, 13 and 14 before holding on for his victory on a 16-underpar 272 total at the St Andrews Golf Club in Henan, China. Thailand’s Natipong Srithong (66) and Australia’s Adam Blyth (70) share second place, two shots behind Catlin. Natipong shot six birdies during his flawless round, but it was a case of too little, too late. Blyth rued his bogey at the 10th, which took away his momentum in his chase for the title. The Asia Pacific Classic is the Asian Tour’s second stop in China this season. The tournament is part of the Asian Tour’s strategic partnership with the China Golf Association where the goal is to grow and develop professional golf in the region. Photo by Asian Tour
Local Focus Tiffany Finishes Tied Seventh at HK Ladies Open It wasn’t the fairy-tale finish to the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open that Hong Kong number one Tiffany Chan had hoped for at Fanling. The local star teed off in the final group after entering the last day within three shots of the lead but struggled to build any momentum before finishing seven shots adrift in a tie for seventh. “I think I disappointed the audience and a lot of my friends and family, but at the end of the day I still have a lot of years to win this tournament,” said Chan, who won the event in 2016. “I think I did a good job on the first two days, but I couldn’t finish it off. I found it really hard to get momentum going out there, and I bogeyed my second hole which was unexpected because I drove it next to the green. “I just couldn’t hold my emotions as good as the last two days, but I am really looking forward to the U.S. Open, so I better calm myself down.” Photo by Daniel Wong
HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION
CLUB
Away from the Fairways | TEE TIME
THE RACING BIRD THE BELL & ROSS ADVENTURE STARTED IN A COCKPIT WITH WATCH DESIGNS THAT WERE DIRECTLY INSPIRED BY FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF AVIATION. INSPIRED BY THE BRAND'S BR-BIRD RACING PLANE DESIGN, THE RACING BIRD THREEHAND AND CHRONOGRAPH WATCHES ARE A MODERN AND COLOURFUL TAKE ON TRADITIONAL PILOT'S WATCH BR V2-94 Racing Bird Chronograph HKGOLFER.COM
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A The Racing Bird V1-92 is a pilot's watch with a crisp white dial, blue, grey, and orange accents, and an open ‘three day’ date 20
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the BR-Bird is only a conceptual design study, the Racing Bird watches are entirely real limited-edition pieces and regardless of the inspiration, both are fun, and distinct editions within Bell & Ross’ BR V1 and V2 model ranges. Looking specifically spectacular lines, “The BRV1 and BRV2 Racing at the Racing two new Racing Bird Bird limited editions are starting Bird V1-92, we watches inspired by this f i n d a p i l o t ’s aircraft have become a new chapter in a saga that watch with t h e s y m b o ls o f t h e weaves together Bell & Ross a c r isp w hi te b r a n d ’s p a s si o n f o r and aviation history…” dial, blue, grey, aviation and creativity. and orange W i t h t h e B R V 1- 9 2 three-hander and the BR V2-94 Racing Bird accents, and an open ‘three day’ date display Chronograph, these new watches are meant that is meant to elicit the look and feel of an to connect with the design language of the airplane gauge. It’s hard not to understand the BR-Bird racing plane. Following designs for appeal of a relatively simple but nicely detailed race cars and motorcycles, the BR-Bird is the pilot’s watch, and the BR V1-92 Racing Bird latest out of Bell & Ross’s internal design studio, does a remarkable job of matching the design offering a svelte propeller-driven racing plane language set forth by the renderings of the meant to compete at the Reno Air Races. While BR-Bird design. nnounced as par t of the unveiling of a new conceptual racing plane design from Bell & Ross’ design studio, a flying machine that features
HKGOLFER.COM
The BR-Bird is the latest out of Bell & Ross's internal design studio, a svelte propeller-driven racing plane meant to compete at the Reno Air Races
The BR V1-92 is built around a 38.5mm wide stainless-steel case and sets itself apart from other V1-92 models with that open date display, full Arabic numerals, and the contrasting five-minute divided blue/grey minute scale. Additionally, the counterbalance on the seconds hand has been customised to the silhouette of the BR-Bird. The combination of these elements makes for a much more modern take on a pilot’s watch, especially when compared with much of the current vintage-inspired V1-92 lineup. Powered by an automatic Sellita SW3001 (Bell & Ross calls the BR-CAL.302), the BR V1-92 Racing Bird looks like a nicely sized and rather handsome translation of the style and spirit of the BR-Bird design. Like its three-handed sibling, the BR V294 Racing Bird Chronograph is a distinct departure from the more vintage-inspired aesthetic of other models in this range from Bell & Ross. The dial will definitely be the talking piece of this watch. The white dial is as if the body of the racing plane. Hour markers, the timer at 9 O’clock, the bezel and the watch band are decorated with the same colour blue as the blue tail wing of BR-Bird and decorative lines in blue. Central chronograph second, leather lining and detailed decoration in orange stand out as well as the colour of the dashboard. Gray symbolises the brand logo on the racing plane. After the hour and minute hands in steel were hallowed out, they
HKGOLFER.COM
would be coated with Superluminova® material. The BR V2-94 Racing Bird Chronograph is equipped with two watchbands, a steel bracelet and a blue cowskin strap with orange lining. BR-V2-94 Racing Bird Chronograph opened a new chapter in designing and style, a limited edition of 999 pieces across the world. With their graphic design and style, the BRV1 and BRV2 Racing Bird limited editions are starting a new chapter in a saga that weaves together Bell & Ross and aviation history, performance, extreme professionals… and passion.
The white dial of the Racing Bird V2-94 is as if the body of the racing plane
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Sixth Time’s a Charm: Williams Wins Seniors Close Amateur Again
Douglas Williams poses with the 2018 Hong Kong Seniors Close Amateur Championship trophy
D Daniel Wong
ouglas Williams claimed his sixth consecutive Seniors Close Amateur title at the Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club. The American-born Williams defended his title again by a considerable margin of 9 shots over Tony Melloy. Williams’ three-round total of 221 speaks for his dominance of local senior golf scene. The defend ing champion started t he f inal round wit h a 2-shot cushion over Melloy after carded a second-round 67, the only underpar performance for the whole field in three days. Williams finished the tournament with a 77 in the final round, which was also the lowest score among the field. Melloy had a 2-shot lead over Williams after finished the first round for 75. “This was somewhat surprising to me since I had been playing well previously, but such is golf,” continues William. “The fact that I was 2 shots behind made me increase my focus, and thus in the 2nd round, I hit the ball better, only missing 3 fairways and hitting 15 greens in regulation. I only made one bogey
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(Jade #8 where I hit a bad tee shot) and made 5 birdies, including 3 in a row from my second hole onward (Jade #2 to #4), which got me back in the right frame of mind, and allowed me to cruise to a 67 and into the lead.” “Naturally I am delighted and proud to win this championship for the 6th consecutive time. This means I have won all 11 HKGA Senior championships that I have played in. And during this time, I have won the Open and Close Mid-Am titles a couple of times including this year. But believe me, it is never easy, especially when you are struggling with your game the way I was in the first round. “The last round was much tighter than the final score indicates; Tony Melloy was playing well and still only a couple of shots behind most of the round. Although my putting in the last round by far my worst in the tournament (I missed 3 putts from less than 3 feet and a couple of other ones just slightly longer), I kept the ball in play. The turning point was the tough 14th hole (Jade #5), where after making a double bogey on #13, my lead was only 3 shots. Given the tight driving area and extreme wind directly into us, anything could happen, and a shot only very slightly missed could lead to a disaster. I played an excellent drive and hit my second shot near the pin, but the wind carried two of Tony’s shots into the hazard, resulting in an 8 for him on the hole. After I made par, my lead had become substantial which I maintained over the last 4 holes. But given the very challenging conditions we faced that day, making pars and avoiding bad scores was not at all easy and required full concentration,” concluded Williams. Leading final scores: 221 – Douglas Williams 77 67 77; 230 – Tony Melloy 75 71 84; 236 – Chu Koon Ching 78 80 78; 237 – Dallas Reid 77 81 79; 238 – William Chung 75 80 83; 240 – Tadashi Kono 78 83 79, Anthony Taylor 79 81 80, Lee Kab Soo 80 77 83. HKGOLFER.COM
HK Teams Just Fall Short of Medal
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The closing ceremony of the 2018 World University Golf Championship HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・JUN 2018
Tim Tang
HK Team (Left to Right): Tim Tang, Terrence Ng, Matthew Cheung, Michelle Cheung, Jasmine Chee, Jonathan Lai, Isabella Leung
o n g Ko n g Me n ’s a n d Wo m e n ’ s t e a m b o t h finishes 4th at the 2018 World Universit y Golf Championship. The Men’s team played great at the Pradera Verde Golf Club in the Philippines throughout the week. They were tied 1st after the first round and put themselves in a good position going into the final day to content for a medal. But it was unfortunate that they missed out a medal by just one shot. Jonat ha n L a i a nd Mat t hew C heu ng finished tied 8th. Lai shot 71, 72, 73, and 71 throughout the week. And Cheung Matthew shot 70, 75, 71, and 71 played 3 out of 4 rounds under par. Terrence Ng finished 12th. “On the last day the score was quite low for all the teams, I’m proud of my guys on the way they played, it was difficult to play in this environment, but they all handled it well. We were 10 under in total with 3 holes to play. We ended up playing the last 3 holes 4 over and missed out getting the bronze medal by 1 shot. It was unfortunate, but I hope they learn from this experience and help them be a better player for future events,” said Tim Tang, High-Performance Manager of HKGA. The Women’s team were in 2nd after the first round leading by Isabella Leung’s 73. They were tied for 3rd going into the final round. Leung had a great week finished with 73, 71, 75, 74 and tied 5th. She was leading the tournament after 36 holes. Michelle Cheung and Jasmine Chee finished 15th and 18th respectively. “This week was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. For the ladies’ team and individual, we were in top 3 for the first 3 rounds, but we ended up 4th as a team. It was very hot throughout the week and the course set up was very challenging. The teams ahead of us were Korea, France and Taiwan. I was very proud of our girls. It was not easy to be in contention for a medal for all four days. This week was a great experience our players, and hopefully we can do better next time” added Tang. For more information about the 2018 WUGC, please visit www.wugc2018.com 23
Pui Ching and Elegantia Top Inaugural Inter-Secondary Schools Tournament The inaugural Inter-Secondary Schools Golf Tournament, organised by the Hong Kong Golf Association and sponsored by the Hong Kong Golf Club, concluded successfully at the historic Old Course on 14 May. Photography by Daniel Wong
P
ui Ching Middle School won the school team award, with student Sum Sze-hang taking t h e c h a mpio n sh ip f o r t h e Boys’ Grade A section. The Girls’ Grade A title went to Liu Lok-in of Elegantia College. Sum Sze Hang of Pui Ching Midd le School, Julius Frederik Kubisz of Discovery Bay International School and Siddhartha S o m a n i o f Ho n g Ko n g I nt e r n a t io n a l School won the Boys’ Grade A, B and C sections, respectively. While Liu Lok-in of Elegantia College, Ulyssa Fung of ESF Discovery College and Adele Liu of Hong Kong I nternational School claimed t he championships for the Girls’ Grade A, B and C sections. Pui Ching Middle School (Team 1), Discovery College and Hong Kong International School (Team 2) won
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the School Team Awards for Grade A, B and C, respectively. A total of 79 students from 20 schools to ok pa r t i n t he one - d ay tou r na ment as part of the HKGA and HKGC’s ongoing efforts to promote golf and nurture talented young golfers. HKGA are working t o g e t h e r h a n d i n h a n d w i t h H KG C (Fanling) to launch a host of initiatives in support of t he f irst Inter-Secondar y Schools Golf Tournament, inspiring young golfers through exchanges with the HK junior squad, seeking collaboration with gol f bra nd s to sponsor gol f clubs a nd equipment, and supporting schools with training facilities and expertise. HKGA estimates that there are about 60,000 golfers in Hong Kong according to data collected from various sources. To further promote golf, HKGA organises a ‘Golf for Schools’ programme in which 500 students learn to play golf each year. HKGA sees the Inter-Secondary Schools Golf Tournament, open to all secondary schools with support from the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation, a very good platform for promoting golf to secondary school students city-wide. Fo r m o r e i nf o r m a t i o n a b o ut t he Int e r Secondary Schools Golf Tournament, please visit www.hkga.com/eng/events/20180514. aspx?p=l For f ur ther details about the H KG AH KGC initiatives, please visit www.hkga. com/eng/news/20180130.aspx
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Chloris Li from South Island School
Cyrus Lee from Hong Kong International School
The prize giving ceremony
Pui Ching Middle School (Team 1) won the School Team Award for Grade A. Inara Sharma from Hong Kong Academy
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Vivien Mok from Renaissance College
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EFG HONG KONG LADIES OPEN REVIEW
Saranporn
Storms to
EFG HK Ladies Open
Victory
Thailand’s Saranporn Langkulgasettrin carded a remarkable bogey-free final round with eight birdies to storm past a highquality field to win her first EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open at the Old Course of Hong Kong Golf Club, writes Louie Chan.
S
Photography by Daniel Wong
tarting the day tied for 12th, 18-year-old Saranporn held steady until the eighth when she romped through seven straight birdies to propel herself straight to the top of the leaderboard. A tight struggle at the top with Chen Szu-han and Lee Hsin of Chinese Taipei ensued, and it was the former who saved par at the 18th to earn a playoff with Saranporn. A rock-solid birdie at the f irst playoff hole gave the Bangkok-native her first win in Hong Kong, becoming the second Thai to win the US$150,000 championship after Supamas Sangchan last year. “Shooting eight under and won in a playoff, it’s amazing,” said Saranporn, who also has qualified for the US Open and whose professional victories include last year’s PPT
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Thailand LPGA Masters. It was Saranporn’s t h ird t i me compet ing in Hong Kong , and she fell just two shots short in 2017. “I do love playing on this course because everything about it is just so nice. I love the people and I love the food, and I feel great at this incredible place. My goal this year was to improve on my final score last year, and I really went for it today, as I didn’t want to regret it later (if I didn’t). “I shocked myself, and I didn’t know what was happening, I just played. I was trying to make fairways and greens and hopefully make some putts, but I never expected to get those consecutive birdies as I did,” added the welldeserved winner. Hong Kong number one Tiffany Chan was always on catch up after two early bogeys on the hottest day of the week. The LPGA rookie
HKGOLFER.COM
Saranporn Langkulgasettrin became the second Thai to win the US$150,000 championship after Supamas Sangchan last year
Tiffany finished tied 7th as the leading Hong Kong player
teed off in the final group after entering the last day within three shots of the lead but struggled to build any momentum before finishing seven shots adrift in a tie for seventh on the Old Course.
LEADING FINAL SCORES 1= Saranporn Langkulgasettrin
Thailand
73 68 64
205
Chinese Taipei
67 69 69
205
3 Lee Hsin
Chinese Taipei
69 66 71
206
4 Nattagate Nimitpongkul
Thailand
72 69 67
208
5 Li Jiayun
China
68 70 71
209
6 Supamas Sangchan
Thailand
69 71 71
211
7= Tiffany Chan
Hong Kong
69 69 74
212
30
Chen Szu-Han
Jang So Yong
South Korea
68 72 72
212
Chen Yu Ju
Chinese Taipei
73 68 71
212
Chen Cih-Hui
Chinese Taipei
74 70 68
212
Kanyalak Preedasuttijit
Thailand
73 68 71
212
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Chan got one back at the ninth but was pulled back by yet another bogey at the next. Another bogey-birdie combination on the 13th and 14th followed by four straight pars ended her campaign with a two over for the day, and a four-under-par total 212 for the week. “I gave myself a lot of pressure today, and I couldn’t seem to find fluency in my game. Maybe I was a little aggressive while playing catch up, and every time I lost one, I wanted to make it up right away. I didn’t have the consistency I had over the first two rounds. You learn more from losing than winning and with LPGA tournaments coming up, I will take this experience with me and hopefully be able to use it to help me keep my emotions in check during tough moments,” said Chan. L o c a l a mateu r s I sab el la L eu n g a nd Michelle Cheung showed t heir promise with final finishes of tied-23rd and tied29th respectively, meaning three Hong Kong players enjoyed top 30 finishes this week. With a total prize fund of US$150,000, the fourth edition of the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open hosted a top-quality field of 120 players from 16 nations and territories across the globe.
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Stephanie Ho
Michelle Cheung
Sui Xiang from China
The prize giving ceremony
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2nd Runnerup Lee Hsin from Chinese Taipei
Local fans show support for the tournament
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U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
There's Gold
in Them There
Hills
Last year’s U.S. Open at Erin Hills was very much a celebration of American golf, with all but two of the top 12 places filled by players wearing the Stars & Stripes on their sleeves. But as Mike Wilson writes, with five overseas players occupying the top-10 players on the Official World Golf Ranking, this year’s event at Shinnecock Hills could be much more of an international affair.
T
iger Woods is trying to win his first Major since lifting t he U. S. Op en t rophy at Torrey Pines fully a decade ago. And his arch-rival Phil Mickelson is also attempting to comple te t he c a reer g ra nd sla m by
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Shinnecock Hills is a linksstyle golf club, located in the town of Southampton on Long Island, east of New York City winning the only one of the four BIG titles to have eluded him to date. With 20 years elapsing since the last successful defence of the U.S. Open, the odds must be stacked against Brooks Koepka retaining the title he won in such convincing style at Erin Hills 12 months ago.
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AFP/Getty Images
Ask your average American PGA TOUR player at the outset of his career which Major they would covet most were they able to choose?
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©Rolex/Chris Turvey
Brooks Koepka won his first Major at the 2017 U.S. Open Championship with a stunning string of birdies down the stretch secured him a four-shot victory at Erin Hills
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Hold onto your hats for what promises to be a rollercoaster ride up in New York State this month. Ask your average American PGA TOUR player at the outset of his career which Major they would covet most were they able to choose, and it would be a toss-up between the Masters and the U.S. Open. Most other international players would select the Open Championship, one of the four flagship events most steeped in history and heritage would most probably top the poll. Looking back to last year, Brooks Koepka won h i s f i rst Major at t he U.S. Open Championship, a stunning string of birdies down the stretch secured him a four-shot victory at Erin Hills last June. Having entered the final day one shot behind overnight leader Brian Harman, four birdies from the 14th on Sunday afternoon took the American well clear at 16-under-par. Koepka started his 2017/18 campaign where he left off, tied-second at the HSBC Cha mpion s i n Sha ngha i beh i nd Ju st i n Rose. But his form in this calendar year has
tailed-off, only one missed cut but currently languishing outside the top-100 on the FedEx Cup rankings, recently dropping out of the top-10 on the OWGR. The form might suggest that the winner of the 2018 U.S. Open will come from the top10 of the OWGR. With world number one Dustin Johnson and his closest rival Justin Thomas amongst the favourites, DJ at 10/1, ahead of Thomas at 14/1, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth squeezed in between at 12/1. Rickie Fowler, fresh from his runner-up finish at the Masters good value at 18/1. Thomas has t wo wins under his belt already this term. But a lacklustre T-17 at The Masters will do his confidence no good. However, with eight PGA TOUR wins to his name, including a maiden ‘Major’ at last year’s U.S. PGA Championship means he goes into his ‘Home’ open as a reigning ‘Major’ champion. It’s hard to believe that McIlroy, winner at the recent Arnold Palmer Invitational, hadn’t won at all since 2016 and hasn’t won a ‘Major’ for four years. His U.S. Open triumph all of
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That’s an interesting question. But there is something about Fowler come the final day on the biggest stages of all, in orange and contention, something similar happens as it did to Lee Westwood. Perhaps yet to convince himself that when the door opens, he’s big enough and good enough to step through it, flattering to deceive, perhaps destined to be the bridesmaid and never the bride? Of the mainland European contingent, 2017 Masters champion Sergio García’s U.S. Open record mirrored his pre-2017 Major championship history, a case of ‘Close, but no cigar’. Five top-10 finishes in 18 outings, but, having recently become a father after getting the Major monkey off his back, he knows how to close out a victory and could feature down the stretch on Sunday afternoon. For the first time in many years, García is not the best Spanish bet for a title that eluded the country’s best. Seve and José María Olazábal were never to win the U.S. Open. But history could well be made by Jon Rahm, who has the look of a man who knows what he wants - big titles - and knows how to get it.
Hideki Matsuyama could go one better than his tie for secondplace at Erin Hills and become the first Japanese winner of a Major title
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©Rolex/Chris Turvey
seven-years-ago. But if he can keep the ball in play and get his putter working, the Irishman is capable of anything. Meanwhile, Jason Day, fresh from his win at the Wells Fargo Championship, another ‘W’ to his name this term at the Farmers Championship. And he is already a Major champion having won the 2015 U.S. PGA has a fine U.S. Open record, four top-10s in succession from 2013 before missing the cut at Erin Hills last year. Jordan Spieth has yet to record a victory on the 2017/18 PGA TOUR, sitting down in 30th place on the FedEx Cup Rankings. But he’s a big-game player, witness his record of three Major titles in just five years in the paid ranks, he could conceivably become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2000 to hold Open Championships on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously. And then there is Rickie Fowler, current holder of that least-wanted sobriquet in golf The best player never to win a Major, runnerup at Augusta and the OHL Classic - Can he go one better at Shinnecock Hills?
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Shinnecock Hills could be Jon Rahm’s coming-ofage at just 23-years-old
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Last year’s European Tour Rookie of the Year, recent winner of his home Spanish Open and two PGA TOUR titles already to his name, Rahm looks like an unstoppable force of nature. Major wins more a question of ‘how many,’ rather than, ‘when’. And with a Ryder Cup debut all-but assured in Paris in September, Shinnecock Hills could be his coming-of-age at just 23-years-old. If there were to be a ‘Comeback Kid of the Year’ award in golf, that would have to go to Englishman Ian Poulter. All but shorn of his playing rights on the PGA TOUR, reinstated following ‘recalculation’ of the rankings, the man with the Ryder Cup running through his veins won the prestigious Houston Open. And a fifth in the WGC Match Play and a 7th in the RBC Heritage, the man from Woburn could conceivably win a Major in the twilight of his career. Following in the footsteps of compat riot Ju st i n Rose, U.S. Open champion in 2013. Another Englishman, Tommy Fleetwood, fourth at Erin Hills last year also has the game. And crucially, the temperament to
win a maiden Major in New York State this month. Whilst 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose has enjoyed some good results of late, including third behind Rory McIlroy in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Swedes Henrik Stenson and Alex Norén could also go well, the best prospects for a f irst-ever Scandinavian victor y at t he U.S. Open. But German Martin Kaymer, champion in 2014 at Pinehurst, looks bang out of form, dropping out of the Top-100 on the OWGR for the first time in a decade. Meanwhile, of t he A sian contingent, Hideki Matsuyama, still inside the Top-10 on the OWGR, yet again looks the best bet. The 26-year-old fast-approaching sporting maturity, he could go one better than his tie for second-place at Erin Hills and become the first Japanese winner of a Major title. Making the halfway cut on U.S. Open debut last year, Chinese protégé Li Haotong served notice of his potential as a Major champion-in-waiting. Tearing up the Royal Birkdale links with a f inal round 63 at the 2017 Open Championship, eventually
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the 2010 Open Championship winner has been runner-up in each of the other three Majors and cannot be counted out to replicate Goosen’s feat. But the intriguing sub-plot which will be bubbling under in the lead-up to the 118th U.S. Open will centre on those two American idols of golf. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, often bitter rivals, now more amiable with maturity, TV executives will for sure be lobbying USGA Tournament Director Mike Davis for the dynamic duo to be paired together for the first two rounds, sending the TV ratings for the Thursday and Friday off the scale. It ’s hard to believe it ’s a decade ago since the once seemingly invincible Woods last won a Major. That very U.S. Open his third victory in the event - famously at Torrey Pines where he won despite a broken leg and ruptured ACL, even going to a fifth day to beat compatriot Rocco Mediate on the first hole of a sudden-death shoot-out after the 18-hole Monday play-off finished all square.
2008 U.S. Open Champion Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate, runner-up, share a moment on the 18th green during the trophy presentation after the playoff round
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AFP/Getty Images
finishing third behind champion Spieth and runner-up Matt Kuchar. South America has a surprisingly good record in Major championships. Argentinean Ángel Cabrera won not only the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont but also the Masters two years later. Following on from his compatriot, the great Roberto de Vicenzo’s victory in the 1967 Open Championship. A nd histor y cou ld wel l repeat itsel f. High-flying Argentinean Emiliano Grillo, 2016 PG A T OU R Rook ie of t he Yea r already has three top-10 finishes in the U.S. this season. A nd, at 100/1, he could be worth a small investment with your friendly turf accountant. Last time the U.S. Open was held at Shinnecock Hills GC, Southampton, New York State, it was a South African, Retief Goosen who won - his second U.S. Open title. Branden Grace, who had chances to win the 2015 U.S. Open behind Spieth, Johnson and compatriot Louis Oosthuizen, who, like Grace, is getting back to be close to his best. A tie for 12th place at the Masters,
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INTERVIEW
Winning
the Masters – A Badge of
Honour
The newly-crowned Masters champion talks to Louie Chan in an exclusive interview about his match with Rory McIlroy in the 2016 Ryder Cup, what golf has taught him and his relationship with Hublot. Louie Chan: I think confidence is a word a lot of people would refer to when asked to describe Patrick Reed. How did that winning feeling - the early wins - how did that make you feel? Talk to us about how belief became such a big part of your game. Patrick Reed: It made me feel that I belonged out there. Whether it was, as a kid, belonging with the older kids or whether it was on the PGA TOUR. Once you get on the tour, you're excited that you made it. But then, once you get that first win, then all of a sudden you believe you deserve to be out there. Once you get past that first win, you get the second one, then you start having that belief that you can compete in Majors and really compete for that top spot. If you don't have a belief in yourself no one's going to believe in you. Getting that win gets you into that category that, not only do you believe but, all of a sudden, everyone else starts realising, "Oh, he's won so he has proven himself. Now, let's give him a shot. Let's see what he really can do." 42
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LC: There's a moment you have no doubt talked many times, when you took down one of your contemporaries in the 2016 Ryder cup which has to be up there with the two or three greatest matches we've ever witnessed. I guess before you teed off in that round, you're approaching the golf course, you know you're playing Rory. At what point do you start realising you're feeling good? How do you control the emotion? How did you actually allow yourself to perform to that high level on that day? PR: Right when I finished on Saturday, I walked straight over to the captain and I said, "Hey, captain I want Rory." I knew there's no way we could guarantee that just by saying, "Hey, guys Patrick wants to play Rory, we're going there." Because you had to put down your names and hope that the other team put their names in such a way that matches up with your thinking. In the past, Rory has gone out around the middle of the singles matches because that's normally where the HKGOLFER.COM
If you're a golf fan, you likely knew Reed for his finger-wagging and "hushing" at past Ryder Cups
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AFP/Getty Images
Patrick Reed celebrates on the 18th green after winning his match as Rory McIlroy of looks on during singles matches of the 2016 Ryder Cup
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deciding match is, in the middle. That's usually the winning point but because we were leading, we had a feeling that Rory was going to go out first. I'm over there jumping out my shoes like, "Put me out first, put me out first. I want Rory." Because I want to play their best guy and that week he's playing his best and I want to go up against him. Whenever it came out that I was to play Rory, I was just so jacked and excited and ready to go. Actually, my warm up wasn't as good as I needed it to be. I was struggling because I was so hyped that my timing was actually too fast. I was swinging out of my shoes, getting out of my normal rhythm and because of that, my coach was like, "Hey, come on, let's calm down. Let's get back to your normal swings. Get back to your normal tempo." But it just wasn't happening. Then Tiger walks over he just gives me this blank stare, he said, "Come here." I'm just sitting there going, "Oh, what's going to be said?" He just wraps his arm around me and tells me a story. It was really funny. It was a good joke which kind of
loosened me up and then from that point, I started hitting some shots and got back into my normal timing and normal rhythm. Once you start hitting a couple of shots and you get back into that f low that you were in earlier that week, you just get that confidence You start thinking, "All right, here we go, this is going to be great. I'm going to be ready to go." LC: I think that the sportsmanship really shone through with you and Rory because you’d given as good as each other and you edged him out. That must have been something that you took a good deal of pride in, outside of winning? Just knowing that you created a great moment in sport. Is that something that fair to say? PR: It is. The one thing that you don't see in golf anymore because it's such an individual sport is the camaraderie and just the friendly banter back and forth from players. You get it in basketball, you get it in every other sport you play because you're interacting a lot with the guys. In golf you don't really have that.
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an American bow, we're on American soil." All match we're laughing, having a good time and I think that’s the best part of competing, the sportsmanship and that everyone was able to see that. They can see this is a lot of fun for these guys and they're just showing how the game of golf can be. It's on eight, he makes the 9,000-foot putt that I told my caddie, "He's going to make this." And he's looking me like, "No, he's not." I was like, "No, he's going to make this." He's like, "I guarantee you he's not going to make it." He's like, "I know you're going to say you need to have the mentality that he's going to make it and he's going to make everything." I was like, "No, he's going to make it." All of a sudden, it's five feet from the hole and he goes, "Oh, he's going to make it." I was like, "Yes." When he made it, he's like, "I can't hear you. I can't hear you yelling." Then I holed my putt and gave him the finger wag, but I think the best moment was right after that. We're walking off the green, fist bumps to each other, arms wrapped around each other's shoulders, just out there having a good time and talking.
Patrick Reed gestures to the crowd while holding the Ryder Cup during the closing ceremony of the 2016 Ryder Cup
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AFP/Getty Images
It's just you and your caddie. Playing with Rory, I'll never forget when he made his birdie on number three to go one up in the match. He just gave it just a nonchalant little hand wag, that's about it, and didn't show really any emotion. So, as we were walking to the fourth tee, I said, "I just want to let you know, when I win my first hole, you're going to know about it." And he just starts laughing. Then we tie four, go to five, I hit a great tee shot at the driveable par four. I hit it up there to eight feet for eagle and make the putt and then I let him have it. I go nuts and he just starts laughing. At the par 5 seventh he hits one to 10, 15 feet, probably wasn't up to his standards but, it was good enough to make birdie. He makes a good putt and that's then when he starts going. Then I make mine, I give him the bow because he bowed the crowd earlier. A lot of people are like, "Well, are they like angry at each other or what's going on?" We get to the next tee box and he's like, "Oh, my bow was better." It's like, "No, mine was. It was
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Patrick Reed celebrates with his wife Justine on the 18th green during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament
That's stuff that in golf you don't see because it's such an individual sport but for us out there, we're like a big family. Whether you're on the US side, European side, it doesn't matter. We're all out there trying to do the same thing. We all want everyone to play well and I think that's what's going to stand out the most in that match. LC: You are a character and an individual. You do stand out, you have been through some interesting events, do you wear that like a badge of honour? PR: Yes and no. I've always believed if you're 110% truthful and you stick to your beliefs, then that's all you can do. Some people are going to love you, some people aren't. At the end of the day, if you're true to yourself, that's all that matters. I felt like myself and my whole team has done that, and that's all that's all we can do.
AFP/Getty Images
LC: One other question, what has golf taught you? PR: To be patient. Golf is an interesting sport. It's a long sport especially every week, 72 holes. Each round is at least four hours long. You're going to have good days and bad days. You just have to stay patient and know there are going to be highs in your career. You're going to have to be able to ride them out and continue. You're going to have lows in your career. You're going to have to know how to ride the ship and not get too down on yourself. I feel like the most important thing in golf is staying patient and, also, I think it's staying true to yourself. When you shoot a jump shot or you throw a fastball, it's all pretty much the same motion. When you're playing
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golf, you step up on the first hole and there are 20,000 different ways to play that hole. You're going to have guys who are going to hit driver. You're going have guys who are going to hit iron off the tee. You are going to have guys who hit draw or hit a fade, so the best way is just to stay true to yourself and be who you are. I feel like golf really brings it out in you because once you try to be like someone else or change your game plan, a lot of times you walk off with bogey, double, or even triple. Just because you changed your game plan to somebody else's when that's not who you are. LC: Winning the Masters put you in the record books beside the greatest players ever to have played the game. What does it mean to you? PR: The Masters is the pinnacle of the game of golf, to always be known as a Masters Champion is one of the greatest honors in the game of golf. it is every kid’s dream to win the Masters and it was certainly a dream come true for me.
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Patrick Reed and his Hublot Big Bang Unico Golf, a timepiece specially created for golfers
LC: Was there any one moment in the tournament that stands out for you as the most critical in your success or when you knew this year was your time? PR: I wouldn’t say that there was any moment when I thought this was my year or time, but I prepared better, and my mental approach was better. When I made the 20 to 25-footer for birdie on 12 on Sunday, I had this rush like I’m going to win. Nothing-no one is going to stop me. LC: How do you think the Masters will change your outlook on life? PR: The Masters is so special. It is the most exclusive club in golf and arguably one of the toughest majors to win. I’ve always wanted to win multiple majors and win all of them in my career, if anything- this just validates all of the hours myself and my team have put in to the game of golf and it feels amazing. LC: There as so many examples of players not handling the pressure going into the final round of a Major with the lead. What did you
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do that allowed you to deal with the nerves that come with such a scenario? PR: I stuck to my game plan. I watched the leaderboard, so I knew where I stood, and I knew what I needed to do to win. I stayed in the moment and didn’t get ahead of myself. LC: Not mentioning the likes of Usain Bolt, Floyd Mayweather, Dwayne Wade and Eli Manning, in golf Hublot’s Ambassadors include the likes of World #1 Dustin Johnson, Olympic Champion Justin Rose and, of course, yourself as the new Masters Champion. How does it feel to belong to such an exclusive group of some of the world’s greatest sportsmen? PR: It feels great to be amongst some of the worlds’ best athletes in their sport. It also means just as much to me to be a part of the Hublot team who has made me feel like family. LC: To win any Major or become a successful professional golfer for that matter, players have to be able to rely on a really strong support system. Who has given you the support required to become a Major winner down the years? PR: Team Reed - my wife is and has been my biggest support system on and off the course, my mother in law is irreplaceable in our lives and she is so supportive. My sister-in-law, Kris, is my A-Team. My caddie, Kessler, I can always depend on. My coach, Kevin Kirk, who has spent so many hours with Justine and I, striving for perfection. Phillip Costa, my manager/ attorney for Team Reed Enterprises, and every single friend that has been a part of Team Reed from the beginning. They know who they are, and my support system is the best anyone could ask for.
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BUNKER MENTALITY
Match Play -
Golf’s
‘Ugly Duckling’? Despite considered by many to be the purest form of competitive golf by recreational players on golf courses around the world, as Mike Wilson argues, the match play format has fallen out of favour with event organisers, sponsors and especially the media in preference for the more predictable format of stroke play.
M
atch play is the nearest thing in golf to handto-hand combat, manoa-mano, head-to-head competition. But with 72-hole professional stroke play tournaments over the world almost every week of the year, this more tried-andtested format has become tiresome, foreseeable and tedious. Even the Olympic Games golf tournament follows suit, bucking the winnertakes-all knock-out trend of other Olympic sports such as tennis and boxing. Back in the day, other than the Open Championship, the highlight of the golfing year was the World Match Play Championship, which heralded the arrival of autumn and signalled the beginning of the end of the golf season. Staged at the world-famous Wentworth Club near London, the World Match Play Championship, the brainchild of the late
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Mark H. McCormack, which he used - some might say ‘exploited’ - as a vehicle for a small stable of world-class players, media interests, premium sponsors and event organisers. The early business model that is today International Management Group (IMG), the most dominant force in the global sport. Played in early October on the infamous Burma Road, Wentworth’s renowned West Course, redolent with early-morning mist, dew on the greens and a riot of autumnal colours on the trees, McCormack’s World Match Play Championship was THE business. A sporting institution, an occasion as much as an event, live on TV in the free-to-air era, compulsive viewing as the best in the business went head-to-head, winner-takes-all, no second chances. Launched in 1964, the late, great Arnold Palmer lifted the inaugural crown 2&1 against home favourite Neil Coles, earning the £5,000 first prize out of a total purse of £16,000. Arnie,
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AFP/Martin Hayhow
Ernie Els holds aloft the Mark McCormack Trophy after winning the World Match Play at Wentworth in 2004
Bubba Watson shakes hands with Justin Thomas after defeating him 3&2 on the 16th green during the semifinal round of the World Golf ChampionshipsDell Match Play at Austin Country Club
AFP/Getty Images
Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus - the BIG three - sharing seven of the first eight titles. Sponsors such as Rolex, Picadilly, Toyota, Colgate and even Japanese ‘Scotch’ whisky brand, Suntory queued-up, as did 10-000-plus galleries every day to witness the unfolding drama of raw, competitive match play golf. Avoiding a self-indulgent stroll down memory lane, the World Match Play Championship was the best in the business, appealing to - and being won by - the best in the business. It’s roll-of-honour including Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Vijay Singh, Ian Woosnam, all Major champions. One man, Ernie Els, a resident on the Wentworth estate taking the title on no fewer than seven occasions, a veritable. ‘Who’s Who’ of men’s professional golf. Not even a ranking event on the European Tour or Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) until 2004, the stars still came out to play. But by the time HSBC took over as title sponsor from tech giant Cisco in 2003, the jewel in McCormack’s crown had begun to lose some of its lustre. Much of the top talent preferred to remain stateside, playing stroke play event after stroke play event, all for the mega-bucks on offer on home U.S. soil. England’s Paul Casey became the winner of golf’s first-ever £1m first prize when he destroyed 2003 U.S. PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel 10&8. And therein lay the beginning of the end of top-class match play golf. Broadcasters left with hours of airtime to fill following an untimely victory just after half-time. TV executives preferring the near-certainty of a timely conclusion to each day’s play, notwithstanding the extended - and equally unpredictable - airtime required for a sudden-death stroke play playoff. Having arrived with a bang, McCormack’s match play, now in enforced hibernation but still owned and managed by his IMG empire long after his 52
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untimely death in 2003, went out with a whimper, failing to take place at all in 2008 and 2010 under Volvo’s title sponsorship. The event had Wentworth in its DNA shunted around unlikely destinations like Bulgaria. Less-than-stellar champions such as Ross Fisher, Nicholas Colsaerts and Mikko Ilonen claiming a crown once the exclusive preserve, not of capable journeymen professionals, but the world’s finest golfers, aristocracy and royalty indeed. The event’s ultimate demise in 2014, by which time it had, ironically, returned to south-east England, to the London Club. But it was long overdue, overshadowed by the WGC Match Play on the PGA TOUR. The fact that Tiger Woods only played the Wentworth event once in his career, in 2006, and only then when offered an appearance fee from his then IMG agents worth more than the first prize itself, telling its tale on an event in terminal decline. McCormack’s match play wasn’t helped by the arrival of the WGC Match Play in 1999, one of four big-money WGC events. The prize fund for the inaugural event was US$5m, of which the champion Jeff Maggart HKGOLFER.COM
New Zealand's Lydia Ko competes in the final day of the Women's individual stroke play at the 2016 Olympics
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McIlroy and Jason Day (twice) getting their name - and hands - on the distinctive pale blue and gold ceramic trophy. The LPGA Tour has flirted with match play tournaments. The HSBC Women's World Match Play Championship lasted just three years, between 2005 to 2007, replaced by the Sybase Match Play Championship, which continued just three years also. Whilst the Asian Tour’s only flirtation with what many consider to be the purest form of the game being the team-based Eurasia Cup. And that’s the idiosyncrasy of professional golf’s relationship with the headto-head format; it’s the format of choice for some of the most thrilling and iconic events in world golf, such as the Ryder Cup, the President’s Cup and the Solheim Cup. All match play formats create high drama, raw emotion and electrifying competition, without exception. But when golf was admitted back into the Olympic family for Rio 2016, and once again for Tokyo 2020, golf’s hierarchy eschewed the natural format of sports in the so-called, ‘Greatest show on earth,’ opting instead for the standard 72-stroke play format, reverting to type with the staple diet of professional circuits all around the world. But when other Olympic sports such as tennis and boxing can cope with the defeat of any of its marquee names, such as Roger Federer and Amir Khan before the final, why can’t golf, just once every four years and on the greatest global stage of all, replicate the drama of the Ryder Cup with knockout competition? And in the tradition not only of the Olympic Games but the game of golf itself? Must match play golf always be consigned to the margins, to suit players, event organisers and members of the media? Or does the viewing public, on the course and TV deserve something more imaginative? HK GOLFER・JUN 2018
AFP/Greg Baker
earned US$1m, and now offers a US$10m purse with 2018 champion Bubba Watson winning US$1.7m. Even this version of golf’s hand-to-hand combat has failed to capture the imagination of the players, venues, of which it has had seven to date, including an Australian sojourn in 2001, TV executives and their audiences. Originally a straight knock-out format, where one bad day at the office could see any one of the top 64 players on the OWGR eligible to play heading home after day one. More recent incarnations, since 2015 and including this year’s event in Austin, Texas, have seen rou nd-robi n groups created , padding, to ensure each player at least three matches. Members of the media still unhappy given the number of meaningless final group games where one or both players had failed to qualify for the knock-out stage. As with most WGC events, Tiger Woods was the biggest beneficiary, winning the event on three occasions after losing to Darren Clarke on debut in the event in 2000. But at least, unlike the later versions of McCormack’s match play, the cream invariably came to the top. Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Rory
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World's Golf Course Designer of the Year
World's Best New Golf Course
IMAGINE THE
POSSIBILITIES
TOUR INSIDER
Understanding
Come -backs
Asian Tour
Comebacks are always riveting because the revival of a forgotten man always makes a compelling human story. As Calvin Koh writes, we cheer them because we can all identify with the feeling of loss and subsequently celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.
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India’s Rahil Gangjee ended his barren run that stretched over a decade by winning the 2018 Panasonic Open Golf Championship HK GOLFER・JUN 2018
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Calvin Koh (right) talks with Australia’s Todd Sinnott on the course during the 2017 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open
R Asian Tour
ahil Gangjee is a name that may not resonate beyond the golfing fraternity but after his win at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship in Japan, he will be someone to remember for every occasion. 14 years. That was how long it took the affable Indian to clinch his second Asian Tour title again. The Indian said, ‘When you do not deliver after so many times, you start to doubt yourself.’ But throughout those barren years, the Indian attitude towards his craft was unwavering and he was definitely not ready to say his last goodbye to the sport. Pressure does not care about form as Rahil Gangjee will tell you his ‘heart rate was up’, and ‘his mind was going all over the place,’ epecially when he got to the green with his ball inside the greenside bunker. “My third shot out of the bunker was not really a tough shot. But under the pressure it could have been a very tough one.’ After getting up and down and splashing his ball to within 10 feet of the hole, questions abound in those minutes which seem like hours. Can he hold his nerve with the staring cameras, a title on the line and a seemingly
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easy putt to win and erase years of heartbreak? At the end, the answer lied in Gangjee’s sheer will power. “Everyone will play their part in helping you out, the caddie, the mother, the father, the wife, friends. But more than anything else, you have to want it. And that has kept me going. And when you finally deliver, it’s a very big thing,” he said. Great ness has a stor y and t he gent le man from Calcutta with a competitive snarl couldn’t have scripted it better. I had the honour of hosting Gangjee’s winner’s press conference and his captivating quotes reminded me of why I fell in love with sports. At the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open last year, Australia’s Todd Sinnott hit six balls into the water in his opening two rounds. He barely made it through with just two strokes to spare from the cut but moved from 40th position to tied fourth after the third day and cruised to victory thanks to six birdies in the final round. I a s k e d Si n n o t t w h a t s p a r k e d t h a t comeback and just one word said it all. ‘Hunger’. Calvin Koh heads the press operations and media partnerships for the Asian Tour. HKGOLFER.COM
Asian Tour
It was his sheer willpower that brought Rahil Gangjee back into the winner’s circle after enduring years of frustration
HKGOLFER.COM
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59
THE KILTED CADDIE
The
Golf Scene in
St Andrews As the Kilted Caddie reveals, the golf scene in St Andrews is a bit of a strange beast altogether, with its plethora of clubs and societies and the subtle rights of access to play the most famous golf course in the world.
G
olf in St Andrews is rather a minefield for the uninitiated and particularly concerning playing on the Old Course. I am just about to pay £220 to the Links Trust for my local residents ticket, being a permanent abider in town, as it’s the charitable body that was set up by Act of Parliament in 1974 to take control of the golf here.
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Ostensibly that is all I have to pay to enjoy the seven public courses in St Andrews and without in fact having to be a member of any club here. That’s quite a deal, especially if you’re partial to playing the most iconic and historic golf course in the world. Imagine that privilege being afforded to the residents of Augusta? No, I would reckon there is about much chance of Augustians playing the Masters course as me being put up for the
HKGOLFER.COM
AFP/Adrian Dennis
A bagpiper plays on the bridge over Swilken Burn on the 18th fairway at St Andrews while the sun goes down over the Old Course
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AFP/Cris Bouroncle
A famous story involves a local taking the visiting Neil Armstrong down and trying to see if this would sway the starter, but the legendary astronaut received a negative reply
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Royal and Ancient at the moment. I am in fact a member of the St Andrews Golf Club and my annual subscription is a very acceptable £135, giving me access to the most wonderful clubhouse overlooking the 18th green of the Old, a marvellous view of the West Sands and all the trappings of a good club. Now as members we have the opportunity to play in a few tournaments each year which are historically played on the Old, but that is all. As resident links ticket holders, we do have access to preferential ballot tee times on the Old, and in theory, we can pitch up of a morning and put our names down in ‘free times’ which have not been booked. But these are rare. Royal and Ancient members have a slight privilege here in that they are allotted daily times for August each year which they have to apply for by the first of April. No joke here. Of course, they do have the full weeks of the Spring and Autumn Meetings, but it is a huge misconception that the gents in that grand and iconic building above the first tee can stroll out for a wee game or indeed use their influence on any effect here. Indeed, anyone else for that matter. A famous story involves a local taking the visiting Neil Armstrong down and trying
to see if this would sway the starter. But he answered with words along the lines of ‘hud yeer wheesht he may hae wakked o’ the moon but he’s nae gane ae wak onto the Old Course’. It is a reply in the negative. An interesting and easily overlooked fact in St Andrews, given the furore over lady membership at the Royal and Ancient, is that there are still six single-gender golf clubs here. St Andrews, the New, the Thistle, St Regulus, St Rule and the St Andrews Ladies Putting Club. The latter is an interesting club and example of political correctness gone awry. It was founded in 1867 and played over a short course designed by Old Tom Morris. It was ostensibly created to provide a safe haven for young ladies to partake in the game away from the meddling influence of caddies who would hang out at the old putting green on the Bruce Embankment while waiting for their bag. So, the ladies were given a site which is now called ‘The Himalayas’ and sits to the right of the 2nd tee of the Old. In 1900, there were 400 lady members and 200 associate gentlemen members of The St Andrews Ladies Putting Club. However, now there are no gentlemen. I don’t mean that as a gross and general indictment of humankind, but the unfortunate fact is that
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due to the Equalities Act of 2010, it has been thought prudent by the club to withdraw the ‘associate gentlemen’ membership category. A bit of a shame all round, especially for the then existing associate gentlemen. I mean poor Ken Smith was turfed out of the club where he proudly held the course record with an incredible 34. The club’s website explains that as a result ‘of current legislation’ this is no longer available. This egalitarian legislation has backfired a bit more so however and a bit more seriously so in my opinion across the way at the Royal and Ancient. This is why. Ladies, unless they are Royal and Ancient members, are now no longer able to dine at the fine tables of Forgan House, the Royal and Ancient’s new luxury pad by the eighteenth green. This right has been quickly withdrawn, and I suppose you could say that it’s a bit of tit for tat. But it’s all very unfortunate that it’s come to this. I suppose the ladies could pile into St Rules for lunch and meet the gents for fag breaks outside or something like that? I did drop by St Rule’s the other day and was met at the door by a very nice gent indeed who I presumed was the Manager. However, when I enqu ired if t hey had gentlemen associate members I was met with
HKGOLFER.COM
a most resolute ‘No’ and I had a distinct feeling that he’d wished the question had not been asked. Now that’s a shame as I think the Kilted Caddie could have made a bit of a splash there. I indeed enjoy my game of bridge, and the book club would be well up my street. Another ‘club’ in town that I really want to get invited to is the group that plays annually for the Lammas Cup. These twenty-four former Madras School pupils play first thing on the Old Course, on the second Tuesday in August each year which the start of the Lammas Fair is. Now, this was judiciously chosen as it was the only day under the old Licensing Laws that the bars were open all day. They now have 6 allotted annual times on the Old for their match, and people come from all over the country to play in it. The winner gets a rather dashing and splendid tartan jacket to wear and a handsome cup which resides in the Keys Bar. There is a designated pub crawl after the game which follows a traditional path, and I think ends up in the Whey Pat? Or should I say they think it ends up in the Whey Pat? However, this fact has always been hard to pin down, let’s say. Now, this really does sound like the club for me?
The St Andrews Ladies Putting Club, founded in 1867 and played over a short course designed by Old Tom Morris, is an example of political correctness gone awry
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EVENTS
Seven HK Golfers Qualify for MercedesTrophy Asian Final 2018
(Left) Director of Sales, Sales MB Cars, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited - Jochen Maylaender and the players who will represent Hong Kong to join MercedesTrophy Asian Final 2018
The MercedesTrophy Hong Kong 2018, hosted by Mercedez-Benz Hong Kong Limited, was successfully held on 18th May at The Hong Kong Golf Club. This prestigious amateur golf tournament celebrated its Tenth Anniversary in Hong Kong. A total of 124 amateur golfers competed in four divisions as well as for six special hole awards including the Hole-in-One award. All the participating golfers had advanced to the MercedesTrophy Hong Kong 2018 through the qualifying tournaments held by its long-term partner, The Hong Kong Golf Association. On the event day, players were showing their unbeatable determination under the perfect weather to be one of the seven Hong Kong representatives in the MercedesTrophy Asian Final 2018, which will be held in August this year in Sanctuary Cove, close to Gold Coast in Australia. On the golf course, Mercedes-Benz showcased various models, including E 300 Cabriolet, V 260 AMG Exclusive Edition, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S and the “Hole-in-one” award car, GLA 200. Of the finalists, the top-scoring Mercedes-Benz owner at the MercedesTrophy Asian Final 2018 will represent Hong Kong at the MercedesTrophy World Final in Stuttgart, the “Home of the Automobile”, and compete with golfers from all over the world in October. 68
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(From Left to Right) Hong Kong National Team Coach - Ducky Tang, Hong Kong National Ladies' Squad Players - Virginie Ding and Selina Li, Hong Kong Golf Association President Yoshihiro Nishi
“Hole-in-one” award car, Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, was displayed at the Hong Kong Golf Club HKGOLFER.COM
Mailer Masterclass Snares Silverware After a week of unexpected and heavy thunderstorms and downpours, the recordsetting field was delighted to be greeted by balmy conditions and a course in great shape.As ever, there was a titanic struggle for t he silver ware, wit h over a dozen players within three points of worthy winner Jim Mailer. Regular readers will recall Jim recently featured in these pages as the current holder of the R&A Calcutta Cup at St Andrews and is the latest in a long line of strong champions the event has produced over the years. In a brief speech at the end of the day, St Andrews Chieftain Charles McLaughlin recalled Jock Mackie, the late local legend who started the event in order to give Societ y members t he oppor t u n it y to experience his beloved Shek O, one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. As such, he would have been delighted to see his eponymous prize going to Jim Mailer, as the pair were inseparable for decades. In a notable first for the event, guest Marco Jorge recorded a hole-in-one, a spectacular effort on the devilish 170yd 12th. Earlier, past Chieftain John “The” Bruce had caused a stir with his tee shot finding the cup on the difficult 206yd 9th. However, a review of slow-motion HDTV footage confirmed that Brucie had actually teed off from the 10th tee! There were two “Rounds of the Day” of a staggering 43-point each. Within that, the ‘purple patch’ of the day was the stunning 26 points amassed on the back-nine by Dr Jon “The Vet” Williams, which included 4 birdies. It was enough to pip fellow 43-pointer Robert Pegg on a countback. W hatever ter m i s t he opp o site of ‘purple patch’ applied to the day’s keenest
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Photography by Daniel Wong
Chieftain Charles McLaughlin with winner Jim Mailer and defending champ Oliver Li golfer, Alun Grassick, who recorded an ‘unlucky for him’ total of 13 points. He now has a print of “The Golfers” (available from the HK Golfer Store) to contemplate at home, in lieu of actually going onto a golf course anytime soon… Best team prize was handily won by the team of David Law, Steve Warrick, Robert Pegg and Marco Jorge with a stunning total of 152 (averaging 38 points each). Longest drive was won with a blast of over 300 yards by guest Jamie Redmayne, and, in a shocking plot twist, Fiona Donnelly added to her legendary collection of vacuum cleaners with longest drive and best ladies score. Event organiser HK Golfer Events want to thank the many corporate - and anonymous individual - sponsors who made the day such a success: Merchiston Castle School supplied the goodie bag plus balls and pins, with hats from Arquitectonica and a Pitchfix and vouchers from the HK Golfer Store. Cigars were supplied by Azan & Roberto Duran Cigars. Well over a dozen prizes were awarded on the day, including a magnum of Deutz champagne and umbrellas from Montrose Fine Wines, 4 bottles of Burgundy from Phoenix Fine Wines & Vineyards, a range of electrical appliances courtesy of TTI, 3 bottles of Eden Mill Gin, Bordeaux wines from the St Andrews Society, and prizes from the HK Golfer Store. Last, but certainly not least, was a training voucher (worth US$4k) from the Black Isle Group, presented to the winner. With the traditional ‘sundowners’, toasts, and occasional singing under the stars, the event has become a ‘must play’ for Scots in Hong Kong and their guests. If you are interested in participating in next year’s event, please contact us at info@hkgolfer.com.
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Jonathan Williams
Shek O Country Club was again the venue for ‘ Jock’s Pot’, the annual competition for the highly coveted John D. Mackie Quaich. This trophy, modelled on a traditional whisky drinking bowl, is awarded to the top-performing member of the Hong Kong St Andrew’s Society, with many other prizes also on offer, writes Faye Glasgow.
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M: + 44 (0) 7977 036 397
M: + 44 (0) 7716 860 571
T: + 44 (0) 20 7935 5797
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E: j.north@barnes-international.com
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www.barnes-privateoffice.com
CROSSWORD
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2018! ©2018 Dr Milton Wayne
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ACROSS
DOWN
1. (& 19D) Modified the course in 1926 3. (& 30A) Last Scottish winner, in 1999 playoff 5. (& 16A) “Paddy”, last winner here in 2007 9. See 15D 11. See 14D 12. (& 25A, 6D) Wee shot required a lot here 13. See 8D 16. See 5A 17. (& 20D, 24D) Whilst “young” he helped 14D and later extended to 18 holes 18. See 23A 19. (& 21A) Water hazard across 18th 21. See 19A 23. (& 18A) Scottish golf genius who won the 1st Open held here in 1931 25. See 12A 26. (& 2D) Defending Open champion 27. Number of times Open has been held at 12D 29. See 7D 30. See 3A
2. See 26A 4. See 12D 6. See 12A 7. (& 22D, 29A) Popular Frenchman notorious for his 19A exploits in ‘99 8. (& 13A) Sore loser in “Paddy playoff” in 2007 10. See 28D 12. (& 13D, 4D) Full name of host course (pictured) 13. See 12D 14. (& 11A) Legend who designed first course here in 1842 15. (& 9A) “Black Knight” won here in 1968 18. Scottish host region 19. See 1A 20. See 17A 22. See 7D (3,2) 24. See 17A 28. (& 10D) The “Wee Ice Mon”, won in 1953, and got “Alley” on 6th named after him...
HK GOLFER・JUN 2018
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WIN "THE GOLFERS" PRINT To enter, complete the crossword and send a scan or photo of the completed grid to Crossword@HKGolfer.com, with “June Crossword” as the subject. Remember to include your name, address and contact number. Entries close on 15 July 2018. ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE CORRECT ENTRIES.
A luxury print, measuring 38” x 26”, has been produced and is available exclusively in Asia through the HK Golfer. Each print is accompanied by a printed key identifying each of the characters, and makes the perfect gift for any golfer. Yo u m ay a ls o v isi t H KG o l f e r Sh o p. co m, w r i te to store@hkgolfer.com or call us on 3590 4153 if you wish to purchase a print for only HK$888 (inc. free delivery).
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Congratulations to Simon Fischer of Mid Levels who won the April crossword
Hill & Adamson, “The Golfers” HKGOLFER.COM
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FINAL SHOT
The 18th of Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, Saudi Arabia
Othman Alumlla Louie Chan talks to the first Saudi Arabian golfer to qualify and play in a major European Tour event about how he started playing golf, the highlight of his career and his playing experiences in Hong Kong. When and how did you start playing golf? I started playing golf when I was 14 years old. I used to play soccer, which is massive in Saudi Arabia. I lived and grew up in a expats community at Dharan, Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, as my parents worked for Saudi Aramco. One of my American friends used to play soccer with me suggested playing golf together. So, I said OK. Back then, we didn’t have grass golf courses, and we just had sand golf courses. You have a white chalk line along the fairway, and we have to carry around a turf mat. We hit it off the mat on the fairway. I’m very competitive by nature. I used to beat all of my friends who have played golf for many years. They gave me a driver and a putter, so I could practice putting every day to get better. Then I talked to my parents as I wanted a new set of golf clubs. I wanted to play and continued to practice. For a year after that, I continued to practice three times a week. And I was lucky enough to meet Ali Balharith, the national team captain. He played a big part of golf in Saudi Arabia for 15 years. We kind of set up the first junior team in the country. We went for training camps in Dubai. When I was 16, I broke into the first team and represented Saudi Arabia since then. Such a privilege and honour to present my own country. I would love to continue to do this. What’s the highlight of your career so far? I have been very lucky. I was fortunate to play in some very prestigious events. Be there and see the Saudi flag flying there. I won some good regional tournaments. In 2016, my team won the Pan Arab Championship, which is the biggest team event in the region, where the Arab nations send their best golfers. We won the tournament first time in 40 years. That’s one of my highlights. 74
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And I was able to play the European Tour in 2007 when I teed off in the same tournament (Dubai Desert Classic) with Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Henrik Stenson. I would say that was one of the mass highlights in my life. Because I started playing on sand, and then I was playing a European Tour event, I could never have imagined that. Another highlight will be the European Tour tournament in Saudi Arabia (to be held in Jan 2019), it’s incredible. To say it as a dream cannot even justify it, because even in my dream it won’t happen. And a world-class venue like the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club here. It’s amazing. Do you have a favourite course? My favourite in Saudi Arabia will be Royal Greens. Royal Melbourne is probably my favourite oversea golf course I have played. I have also played in the Hong Kong Golf Club. It’s so beautiful! How they treat it as a golf club, and the golf course itself. I was lucky enough to tag along with the guys at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club during the AsiaPacific Amateur Championship 3 to 4 years ago. It’s one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world. Incredible. And the relationship between the Hong Kong Golf Association and Saudi Arabian Golf Federation has been very good because they welcomed us well when we came. We don’t forget that. Who would be in your dream fourball? Tiger Woods, who’s been my hero and I look up to him. I have been lucky to meet him a few times. Maybe Jack Nicklaus and Hideki Matsuyama. We are worlds apart in Asia, but Hideki is the No.1 Asian player. It will be awesome. HKGOLFER.COM