Magnificent Marbella: Teeing it up on the Costa Del Golf
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION
HKGOLFER.COM
VOTED THE REGION’S NO 1 GOLF MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2013
ISSUE 83
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THE INTERVIEW ISSUE GRAEME MCDOWELL HENRIK STENSON MATT KUCHAR RETIEF GOOSEN & MORE
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The Christmas gift you’ve dreamt of. You’ll find it under the tree.
BUT LET’S FACE IT, although under the tree at Gleneagles, it’s a gift that’s unlikely to be sitting under your own tree on 25th, unless you take matters into your own hands. Just get in touch and we’ll create for you a vacation like no other in the ‘Home Of Golf’. YOUR GOLFING EXPERIENCE can take place at any time between April and October, so this is a gift you can look forward to for months. STIRLING & STIRLING ARE EXPERTS in premium Scottish golfing vacations – offering rare access to the world’s most famous courses, and together with HK Golfer we create golf- centric experiences without equal. DURING YOUR STAY you can take on The Old Course at St Andrews (with guaranteed tee-times), Gleneagles, Muirfield, Royal Troon, Turnberry and Carnoustie, to name but a few. VACATIONS can be tailor-made to reflect your personal wishes and needs, including a discreet multilingual concierge – with you during your entire vacation. OUR RARE PORTFOLIO of experiences allows every trip to be unique – be it golf-centric, family or adventure. Why not let us take you into Scotland’s other remarkable worlds – towering castles, historic clans, private and rare collections? IF YOU ARE VISITING LONDON, Scotland is only an hour away and we can easily add our Scottish experience to your trip. FOR MORE INFORMATION, booking and how to take advantage of the HK Golfer offer, email us at scotland@hkgolfer.com
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All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection. OFFICIAL HK AGENT: TIMES INTERNATIONAL CREATION LTD. CONTACT: JSWATCH@TIMESIC.COM +852-3590-4153
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| CONTENTS
HK Golfer Issue 83
December 2013
62 On the Cover:
Two-time US Open champion Graeme McDowell, an ambassador for Audemars Piguet, talks exclusively to HK Golfer. Photo by AFP
Features
Plus…
42 | One Stoke at a Time
31 | Tee Time
We meet Lee Wybranski, the man behind some of the greatest golf art in modern times. By Alex Jenkins
The Rolex Experience, located on Shanghai’s famous Bund, explains the majesty of watchmaking through a fascinating, interactive experience. By The Editors
46 | The Ambassador Graeme McDowell talks exclusively to HK Golfer about his 2010 US Open victory, his goals for the season ahead and his new life as a married man. Interview by Charles McLaughlin
38 | How to Buy a Vineyard
Henrik Stenson went from world number 230 to winner of the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai in a little less than two years. The Swedish ace tell us how he did it. Interview by Alex Jenkins
With more and more investors turning to viticulture, vineyard property experts Virtuoso explain the ins and outs of acquiring an estate. By The Editors
60 | The Nice Guy
40 | Tales from the Box
World number seven, the always-smiling Matt Kuchar stopped to answer a few questions during last month’s World Cup. Interview by Paul Prendergast
2013 proved to be an enthralling season, but who was lucky – or unlucky – enough to receive a “Jules Award”? By Julian Tutt
AFP (Goosen); Daniel Wong (Williams)
Free from the injuries that have plagued the last two years, Retief Goosen opens up on his return to competitive action in Asia. Interview by Alex Jenkins
68 | Costa Del Golf
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Burgandy offers a wealth of wines … and plenty of unanswered questions. By Julien Yung Mameaux
56 | The Comeback King
62 | The Goose
54 54
36 | Liquid Assets
Marbella has long been a favourite of European golfers. Our correspondent takes a trip to this Mediterranean retreat to find out why. By Mark Alexander
76 | Something for Christmas Still stuck for thoughts on a gift or two? These 10 ideas offer plenty of food for thought. By The Editors
88 | Golf & Investing / 5 Minutes With ... Lee Parker, one of the most respected PGA-qualified instructors in the region. By Alex Jenkins HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HONG KONG GOLF ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2013 • Issue 83
Editor: Alex Jenkins email: alex.jenkins@hkgolfer.com Editorial Assistant: Cindy Kwok Playing Editor: Jean Van de Velde Senior Editor: Roy Kinnear Photo Editor: Daniel Wong Contributing Editors: Lewine Mair, Robert Lynam, Evan Rast, Ben Oliver, Julian Tutt 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
68 D E PA R T M E N T S 16 Mailbag 20 Divots 31 Clubhouse 52 Around the HKGA 54 Hong Kong Seniors Open
Publisher: Charles McLaughlin Art Director: Derek Hannah Assistant Designer: Mimi Cheng Office Manager: Moira Moran 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: hkgolf@hkga.com handicaps@hkga.com In association with: www.thymedesign.hk
74 Travel & Whisky 78 Christmas Shopping Ideas 80 HSBC Champions
Mark Alexander
84 Audemars Piguet Golf Day
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. 14
HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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HK Golfer Mailbag Something in the Air I was absolutely appalled to see the pollution levels at the LPGA event in Beijing (in October), where many of the international golfers were forced to wear a surgical mask in conditions the Tour misleadingly described as “foggy”. I hope the mainland authorities, and indeed our own here in Hong Kong, realise the effects that such conditions have not only on the players themselves but also the viewers across the world. Hosting a tournament is supposed to be an opportunity for a city to showcase its qualities. In this case it did the exact opposite. None of the players I’m sure will want to return next year. Golf is meant to be a healthy pursuit. Those girls were putting their health at risk just by playing 18 holes. I hope lessons have been learned but I won’t be holding my breath … Mrs L Clearwater Bay
Choking: Sandra Gal at the LPGA event in Beijing
Well Done, Jason
Harsh – But Fair?
In terms of performances, Jason Day’s in winning the individual event (and the team event alongside fellow Australian Adam Scott) at the World Cup was nothing short of phenomenal. As most readers will be aware, Day, who is half Filipino on his mother’s side, lost eight members of his family including his grandmother as a result of Typhoon Haiyan that swept through the Philippines just days earlier. How he was even able to participate in the tournament leaves me amazed; to go out and win it (and bearing in mind he only has one other “serious” professional title to his credit – the 2010 Bryon Nelson Championship) takes courage of the highest order. Well done, Jason.
I was recently on holiday in Australia where I played a number of courses, but my experience at one in particular will linger long in the memory. The reason? They have come up with a rather novel approach to eradicating slow play. At this club the local rule is, in the case of a fourball for example, your three playing partners may not help you look for your waywardly struck shot. Indeed, they will carry on and play their own balls, and if you haven’t found your own by the time they have completed those shots, you are then forced to play your provisional. Many might think that harsh, but here’s the thing: my group of four finished our round in three and a half hours. Something for us all to consider, perhaps? Especially in a “friendly” game. Thomas Greer Via email
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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
Special Offer.
Macau’s Xiao Wins on Home Turf
Enjoy golf ’s most reliable and accurate course maps from around the world, with no annual fee
Top Macau amateur Xiao Jieyu was crowned the Macau Men’s Open Amateur champion for 2013 after holding off a strong Hong Kong challenge last month. Xiao, who got off to a shaky start with a double bogey on the first hole of the tournament, fought back superbly to card back-to-back level-par rounds of 71 to take the title by three shots from 15-year-old Leon D’Souza. Another Hong Kong player, Tang Kei-hin finished a further five shots adrift in solo third place. D’Souza fought tooth and nail with Xiao in the final round and only bogeys on the 16th and 17th, holes that Xiao did brilliantly to par, prevented the event from reaching a play-off. “Winning home soil, and being able to do so against a field including former champions like three-time winner Doug Williams and defending champion Jordan Yeung, gives me a boost of confidence,” said Xiao, a four-handicapper. Xiao credited his win to the opportunity give to him by the Macau Golf Association and the Macau Sports Development Board to play at the All China Games, the Venetian Macau Open as well as the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. “The experience I gained from playing in those elite field events has given me an understanding of where I stand in the game and what I needed to work on,” Xiao added.
HK$2,288 Includes free shipping
Photo credit: Courtesy of Macau Golf Association
30,000 Preloaded Course Maps
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HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
2013 Macau Men’s Open Amateur Results 1
Xiao Jieyu
71 71
142
2 3
Leon D’Souza
72 73
145
Tang Kei-hin
77 73
150
4
Tang Chak-hou
75 76
151
5
Fu Pou-hong
75 79
154
6
Doug Williams
79 76
155
7
Lee Wai-kin
81 75
156
8
Ao Pak-loi
80 78
158
9=
Warren Fong
82 78
160
Chan Yuen-kow
81 79
160
Leung Hong-yee
81 79
160
84 77
161
12= Julio Tsang
Stanley Tang
82 79
161
14= Ao Chi-veng
80 82
162
78 84
162
Jeffrey Wang
HKGOLFER.COM
| DIVOTS
Special Offer. Enjoy golf ’s most reliable and accurate course maps from around the world, with no annual fee
HK$2,288 Includes free shipping
Photo credit: Charles McLaughlin
30,000 Preloaded Course Maps
Order through HK Golfer: www.hkgolfer.com Or write to us at: skycaddie@hkgolfer.com 22
HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
Pot Pinched By “Can’t Be” Beaton
The annual Hong Kong St Andrews Society Golf Day took place on a gloriously sunny day at a superbly set up Shek O Country Club in late October. A field of 20 lined up to compete for the John D Mackie Quaich, aka “Jock’s Pot” and Jock himself, the only Hong Kong golfer in history to play in The Open Cha mpionsh ip (Mu ir f ield , 1959), was there to keep order and to present the prizes. The event saw the welcome of former Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Captain Jim Graham, and he and his team of Allan McTaggart, Stuart Grant and Paul Curran handily took the team prize with 150 points, a full 38 points ahead of the nearest challengers. They were rewarded with a fine bottle of The Glenlivet 18 yr old. Individual title-holder Stuart Grant put up a decent defence with 34 points, but such was the quality of the scoring that this resulted in only a mid-table finish. As the final scores started to come in, it was looking as if a repeat 40-point tally by runner-up for the past two years, Alan “Lofty” McTaggart would finally secure him victory, but he was once again disappointed as an inspired Kirk “Can’t Be” Beaton stormed home with 41 points to claim the coveted trophy. Kirk looked to be about to set a new tournament record score, but a four bogey run from the 14th (including a four-putt on 16) left him needing a par for victory on the last, which he duly delivered. A former single-figure handicapper, Kirk now plays off 12 but his long game is as robust as ever, a fact highlighted when he drove the green at the par-4 11th and narrowly missed holing the resulting putt for eagle. Kirk gave credit to his playing partners saying “Ken Morrison in particular played some very solid golf, and that made me step up my game on the day.” Mervyn Jacob deserves mention for winning the best non-member prize with his 31-point haul, as does Mike Griffiths, who was awarded “Keenest Player” status for finishing with 11 points. Several sponsors contributed generously to make the day a success, including TTI Milwaukee, The Hawaiian-Philippine Sugar Corporation, The Glenlivet, Edinburgh Napier University, and HK Golfer.—Charles McLaughlin
All are welcome to play in “Jock’s Pot”. For details contact: admin@standrewshk.org
HKGOLFER.COM
Masters
The - Golf Tournament 2014 -
BeThere. The 2014 Masters Golf Tournament
Winspire Sports & Entertainment is your go-to source for tickets, private housing and hospitality during the world’s premiere golf tournament. Every detail of your first-class Masters package is privately selected to ensure the ultimate personal experience. With 20 years of providing upscale Masters hospitality, our packages are built to cement both friendships and client relationships, outside of the boardroom. Gain exclusive access to our luxurious WSE Hospitality Suite; The perfect rendezvous spot for before, during and after the tournament to unwind and recapture all the day’s most memorable moments. Customize your Masters experience today! Give us a call or send us an email, as HK Golfer readers will receive a special discount and a complimentary Masters keepsake!
Rob Florian | HK Golfer Masters Host p: +001-1 (513)-834-9155 e: rflorian@WSEnow.com
Local Focus In Complete Command Doug Williams plays his approach to the final green at last month’s Hong Kong Seniors Open Amateur Championship, which was held over the Old Course at Fanling. Williams, who turned 55 earlier in the year, put on a sparkling display to become the first Hong Kong player to win the event since Terry Collins in 2004. He made it look easy, too – the Fanling member, who has numerous titles to his credit this year alone, won by a staggering 14 strokes. Photo by Daniel Wong
China Focus A Cast of Thousands He might not have enjoyed the best of seasons but Rory McIlroy clearly loves going up against his boyhood hero Tiger Woods in China. Playing in an 18-hole shootout dubbed the “Match at Mission Hills� at the end of October, the Northern Irishman defeated Woods for their second exhibition game in a row by carding a 67 over the Blackstone Course at Mission Hills Haikou to pip the world number one by a shot. McIlroy carded an eagle and six birdies en route to his victory, which was watched by an estimated 20,000 spectators. Photo by AFP
Global Focus Dominant Duo Jason Day and Adam Scott earned Australia its first World Cup victory since Wayne Grady and Peter Fowler won in 1989 with a stirring performance at Royal Melbourne Golf Club last month. In the individual standings of the new-look event, Day triumphed by two shots from Thomas Bjorn just days after learning that eight of his family members – including his maternal grandmother – had died in Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Day’s mother, Dening, migrated to Australia from the archipelago 30 years ago. “The devastation and the tragedy that’s gone on over in the Philippines is very difficult for us,” the 26-year-old said. Photo by AFP
WE TAKE OUR WATERPROOF TESTING VERY SERIOUSLY With his legendary concentration and 45 years of experience our Master Watchmaker and renowned craftsman, Gilbert O. Gudjonsson, inspects every single timepiece before it leaves our workshop.
All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection. The quantity of watches produced is limited, giving them an exclusive and truly personal feel.
OFFICIAL HK AGENT: TIMES INTERNATIONAL CREATION LTD. CONTACT: JSWATCH@TIMESIC.COM +852-3590-4153
www.jswatch.com
CLUB
Away from the Fairways | TEE TIME
AN EXPERIENCE TO SAVOUR THE ROLEX EXPERIENCE, SPLENDIDLY LOCATED ON THE HISTORIC BUND, IS A MUST-VISIT FOR ANY WATCH AFICIONADO VISITING SHANGHAI CONTINUED OVERLEAF HKGOLFER.COM
HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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where all the luxury Swiss watchmakers have fought to establish a presence – Rolex has created a platform in the heart of historic Shanghai that showcases the brand’s unique legacy and philosophy to a degree that puts most others in the shade. The Rolex Experience has been designed to share the company’s history, quality and expertise in three different stages through an engaging and interactive experience.
THE HEART OF ROLEX
Rolex has created a platform that showcases the brand’s unique legacy and philosophy that puts most others in the shade
T
he space covers more than 800 square metres of the House of Roosevelt, with window displays on the ground floor facing the Bund, and embodies far more than a mere retail store. In the highly competitive watch market in China – arguably the most important market in the world, one 32
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The first stage allows visitors to explore the brand’s universe through six different stations: Heritage, Four Sites for Perfection, The Oyster, Performance, Partnerships, and lastly The Rolex Institute, which represents the brand’s philanthropic or otherwise non-commercial endeavors. The stations engage viewers with high-end technology like 330-degree panoramic film, plasma screens, directional speakers, 3D animations, and an infrared system for navigating menus. This interactive tour highlights the innovations, milestones, and partnerships that have cemented Rolex’s place as a leader in consumer luxury.
THE PULSE OF ROLEX With the history under their belts, the second stage is a dynamic and evolving space that HKGOLFER.COM
showcases temporary themed exhibits. Here, Rolex has hosted celebrities from culture and entertainment [including many of the tennis stars that play in the annual Shanghai Rolex Masters – see sidebar], Rolex’s clients and partners, and provides exclusive presentations of the brand’s most recent models, including the latest Rolex models from Baselworld 2013 that are currently on display.
THE GALLERY This final stage of The Rolex Experience is designed to create a lasting impression on visitors. The Gallery is an intimate salon The Rolex Experience has drenched in sof t been designed to share the light where guests company’s history, quality and c a n m a r v e l a t 20 0 e xceptional expertise in three different timepie ces . T he stages through an engaging lighting displays the watches, which are and interactive experience. grouped according to their sp ecific functions and universes, to the best effects, setting off the diamonds, precious stones, and sleek finishes that characterize them.
THE 2013 SHANGHAI ROLEX MASTERS Our trip coincided with the Shanghai Rolex Masters, Asia’s premier professional tennis and one of the most respected events outside of the four Grand Slams. Played at the Qi Zhong Tennis Centre, the tournament is one
of only nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in the world and is the culmination of the Asian swing. Such is its popularity among the finest players in the game that the Shanghai Rolex Masters was named ATP Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year for the past four years running. This year’s event proved to be another classic. Although Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer, who helped out at the tournament draw ceremony which took place at The Rolex Experience with Australian legend Rod Laver and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, didn’t progress as far as he would have liked, the final had the spectators in raptures. Novak Djokovic battled another Rolex Testimonee, Juan Martin del Potro, for over two and a half hours to claim his second Shanghai Rolex Masters in succession. In what proved to be a nail-biting affair, Djokovic (pictured) edged del Potro in a final set tiebreak to wrap another great week in China’s most exciting city.
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CLUBHOUSE | LIQUID ASSETS
BURGUNDY – A KING'S ENVY BURGUNDY OFFERS A WEALTH OF WINES ... AND PLENTY OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS, WRITES BURGUNDY NATIVE JULIEN YUNG MAMEAUX.
I
f France is a human body, then its heart is Burgundy. The picturesque village of Chablis in Located between Paris and Lyon, Burgundy – or Burgundy where tradition reigns Bourgogne, in French – is the pulse of today’s wine world. Unlike Bordeaux or Champagne, Bourgogne is the only French wine region to have an English name. The first scripts about Burgundy wine appeared in the fourth century in a letter to Emperor Constantine to defend the precious vineyards of Beaune from taxation. As Burgundy was attracting the attention of British, German and Dutch royals, King Charles VI published an official edict in 1416 protecting Burgundy’s wineproducing boundaries. The area became an object of desire and monarchs wanted their names associated with it: for example, the Prince of Conti acquired the Domaine de la Romanée, renaming it “Domaine de la Romanée-Conti”. Burgundy today still wears the traces of its magnanimous past and feels anchored in tradition. It holds to the religious men and women in the backstage: the Benedictine monks cultivated grapes and made wine; later the Cistercian full range of qualities and appellations, and it is a monks excavated underground stone cellars to age wine – such as the breathtaking pleasure to sip some of their outstanding vintages examples in Château de Cîteaux and Maison Albert Bichot. In a similar sacrosanct like 2005, 2002 or older. fashion, today’s 3,000 Burgundian producers are devoted to make the finest wines. The mecca of all wine lovers, the 1443-built Holding onto a treasure, they transfer their savoir-faire generation after generation, Hospices de Beaune, is a wine estate, a reputed hiding amid a gorgeous mosaic of countryside villages, hills, church bells and flowers. hospital and the venue to a world-famous wine In many respects, Burgundy is the opposite of Bordeaux: where the latter has auction. The charity sales are accompanied by chateaux, Burgundy has “clos” – the little stonewalls erected by monks to “close” generous banquets. During my time with Mr vineyards. Unlike Bordeaux’s blends, all Burgundy wines are single grapes; Pinot Jacquet and Mr Masse, respectively director and Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay. Despite this narrow choice, the breadth and depth of winemaker of the Hospices de Beaune, we had aromas across Burgundy wines is incredible. Take Chardonnay: drink a Pouilly-Fuissé the pleasure to sing the “ban bourguignon”, a from Southern Burgundy such as Domaine Valette or a Chablis in Western Burgundy local ritual that brings all guests together. Back like Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard and you’ll get a fresh, elegant and vibrant white to the table, fantastic wines and cuisine like wine; one hour north, in Meursault with Les Charmes, and you’ll taste a rich, nutty boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin with red wine and honeyed Chardonnay. The same applies when it comes to Pinot Noir-based sauce, naturally with locally-made Dijon mustard, reds: between a Mercurey from a fourth generation Domaine Michel Juillot to an kept us going. Echezeaux of Domaine Faiveley, your palate will find aromatic and well-balanced Such is Burgundy, a superb journey throughout fruity wine to toasted flavors and silky tannins. history and taste – one that even kings chase. Burgundy’s classification is based on terroir, which takes account of the soil and To arrang e a p er so nalize d ho lida y in micro-climate. The finer wines are “Premier Cru” due to their excellent geography. The Burgundy with wine and/or golf, ask The top one and a half per cent of wines are “Grand Cru” and benefit from exceptional Experience Company (www.TheExco.com) at growing conditions, like “Corton-Charlemagne” or “Clos-Vougeot Grand Cru”. Most +852 2179 3307 or email Julien@TheExco.com. of the large houses like Louis Jadot, Bouchard Père & Fils and Louis Latour offer the Quote “HKGolfer” for a special discount.
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At the end of a great day... ... a sublime experience
As Jim Murray said in his Whisky Bible, “…A whisky that gives you the will to live !” We chose this as our first release because we had never tasted a distilled spirit at once so old – and so young. Only a taste can tell you how splendid it really is. And when it’s finished (which is very soon, now) there may not be anything like it for a while; it took us many years to find these 1,348 bottles, and it will be a long search for its successor. Meanwhile, we suggest you have a look at our cognac 1950, 478 bottles of which have just been released.
lastdrop@hkgolfer.com; (852) 3590 4153 lastdropdistillers.com
CLUBHOUSE | LIQUID ASSETS SPECIAL
HOW TO BUY A VINEYARD WITH MORE AND MORE INVESTORS TURNING TO VITICULTURE, VINEYARD PROPERTY SPECIALISTS VIRTUOSO EXPLAIN THE INS AND OUTS OF ACQUIRING AN ESTATE.
WHY DO PEOPLE BUY VINEYARDS?
Wine has been produced in Bordeaux above) since Roman times, and a number of estates still operating today date back to the 14th century when the city became a powerful merchant trading region 38
HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
Historically, acquiring a vineyard became a natural step for wine lovers. It was the continuation of their personal journey in wine appreciation. They learnt about the terroir, and about the science and the art of wine making. They experimented to come up with their personalised signature. Today, investors are increasingly marrying their passion for wine with their business objectives. For instance, integrating the acquired vineyard and wines within their retail beverage and wine business. Some have added wine as a strategic product line within their existing businesses. Some investors have achieved synergy by merging wine making with a leisure business. For instance, they might develop an estate to incorporate a boutique hotel, spa facilities, golf course and other high end amenities, all the while retaining the historical Châteaux, the vineyards and the estate’s wine making.
BORDEAUX VINEYARDS AND CHÂTEAUX
The Châteaux and the vineyards encapsulate the soul of Bordeaux. Wine has been produced in Bordeaux since Roman times. A number of estates still operating today date back to the 14th century, when the city became a powerful merchant trading region focusing on its strategic waterways and the port accessing the Atlantic. Today Bordeaux is, quite simply, the world’s premier fine wine region. It boasts no less than 120,000 hectares of vine, and 13,000 brands all emanating from just under 8000 châteaux producers, and with annual industry revenue of €14.6 billion.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR, IF YOU ARE BUYING A VINEYARD
A vineyard at its core is an agricultural business. It may or may not come with a stately building or Château and winery. In fact, the St Emilion HKGOLFER.COM
appellation has few impressive châteaux, yet its wines are mostly world class. Left bank properties, on the other hand, are larger and many feature a grand château at their heart. A good starting point is to establish a clear set of objectives for the purchase. Is it lifestyle and prestige, business – vertical integration or site development? Or is it a combination? Unlike some wine regions, most Bordeaux wines are blends. The winemaker and oenologist agree upon the cépage (blend) for a particular vintage. Then they can project how the wine will drink in four to 40 years, predicting the acid, tannins, alcohol, minerality and bouquet. All this requires deep understanding of the terroir and the vines. While assessing a vineyard, look into the experience of the winemaker and his team. Typically, winemakers are retained by new owners, though occasionally a new team is brought in with a change of ownership. The vineyards are valued differently than other businesses. Given their specialised agricultural nature, It is difficult to extrapolate a steady revenue and profit growth for vineyards. Valuation is typically more skewed towards assets. Weightage of certain business components is then added to arrive at total valuation. Stock is usually valued and quoted separately. It is market practice for a new buyer to purchase most of the existing stock. Vineyard ownership is a first step in a journey. It determines the direction you will travel in your pursuit of personal and/or professional route into winemaking. Enjoy the voyage.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON: TERROIR – soil, aspect of the slopes, wind direction, drainage, single versus multiple parcels etc. VINES – age, density, lineage, frost susceptibility etc. WINERY/BUSINESS ASSETS – is the winery included? age of the equipment, compliance with local regulations etc. WINES – vintages, blends, recognition, where possible wine critic scores, current and future markets etc. EMPLOYEES & BUSINESS PLAN – full time and contract employees. The winemaker is the most critical person on the estate. Revenue and cost breakdown of the business.
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WHAT’S AVAILABLE AND AT WHAT PRICE? TOTAL HECTARES & BUILDINGS – current and future use, age, style, listed (changes possible or not), maintained. L E G A L D O CUM EN TAT I O N & REGULATORY APPROVALS – up to date registration, title document, holding company structure etc. cost of due diligence undertaken by certain local organization(s) can be offset against stamp duty. TRANSACTION AND BUSINESS RUNNING COST – financial and time commitments.
Whilst the most famous names such as Château Pétrus and Château Lafite Rothschild are unlikely to appear in the market, at any given time there may be dozen or more fine Bordeaux estates for sale. Price tags range from as little as €8m which could buy you a beautiful 6 0 h e c t a re e s t ate n ot f a r f ro m St Emilion, to around €200m for a sizeable left bank property in the heart of the Margaux appellation. Most Bordeaux estates are discreetly marketed under the radar through vineyard property specialists su c h a s V i r t u o s o Pro p e r t y G ro u p . Visit virtuoso-propertygroup.com for more information.
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| TALES FROM THE BOX
And the Winners
are …
Julian Tutt takes a look back at an enthralling 2013 season and dispenses his “Jules Awards” to the winners – and losers – of the year.
Photo credit: Daniel Wong (Tutt); AFP (Larrazábal)
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Pablo Larrazábal and his girlfriend Gala Ortin (pictured opposite) pose in front of what is reputed to be Major Championship golf’s deepest bunker, which comes into play on the fourth hole at Royal St George’s Golf Club 40
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ith Santa Claus fattening up the reindeer and the E u r o p e a n To u r preparing for its extended winter break, the world and its oyster is announcing its awards for the 2013 season. Never one to avoid jumping on a bandwagon, therefore, here are my prejudiced, personal and totally irrelevant “Jules Awards”, based largely on my own observations. It seems that many international viewers of European Tour golf are irritated by the incessant harping on, throughout the year, about the Ryder Cup, so what better place to start than with my plans for an alternative team selection for the biennial competition. This is done in conjunction with my nominations for “WAG of the Year”. (WAG being an acronym “Wives and Girlfriends”.) The sole criterion for this selection is the beauty of the WAG. On this basis Grégory Bourdy is very high on the list with his stunning companion, Annabelle, who is a devoted and loving course-walker. Fellow Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin also makes the team, although his delightful Fanny is seen less often on the links now that she is a mother of multiple children. Graeme McDowell adds considerably to the golfing prowess of the team, by virtue of his charming new bride Kristin, and of course his fellow countryman Rory McIlroy qualifies as long as he is still dating Caroline Wozniacki. The hot – I am just talking golf here – Henrik Stenson is a must,
with his faithful golf professional wife Emma a scenic addition to any team room. Apparently England’s Lee Slattery leaves most young ladies swooning and his current consort ensures his selection. Spain’s José María Canizares is the son of a Ryder Cup player and in top form recently so he will certainly not let the side down with his beautiful Czech girlfriend Anna Bachanova. I am going to have to bend the usual qualifying criteria for my next two team members as they are not exactly European; in fact they are not European by any stretch of the imagination. I can get away with selecting Argentina’s Estanislao Goya because he is dating a Scot. Carly Booth, a winner on the Ladies European Tour, is gorgeous by any definition, and along with Emma Stenson, will provide a useful team of advisers on the range. My penultimate choice is a couple with English roots, but both are officially South African. Thomas Aiken is short on match play experience, but his charming and voluptuous wife Katie is an excellent sports physiotherapist, thereby ticking another useful box for the team. But there is no doubt that the first name on the team sheet is Spain’s Pablo Larrazábal. His long time girlfriend Gala Ortin is a multilingual journalism graduate from Barcelona, who is chic, elegant, stylish and frankly dropdead gorgeous; a unanimous vote sees her as “WAG of the Year”. No Oscar ceremony would be complete without “Best Comeback Player of the Year”. With just two nominations England’s David Howell is a worthy runner-up after his brilliant HKGOLFER.COM
Dunhill Links triumph, seven harrowing years after his previous win. By the time you read this his wife Emily should have presented him with twins, so the enormous cash prize associated with this award will surely come in useful. There is no question though that the statuette goes to Henrik Stenson, who has also surfed the troughs before returning to dominate world golf in the second half of 2013, achieving a double than has never before been done and will probably never be repeated; winning both the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour and the Tour Championship and Race to Dubai in Europe. Such magnificence may well earn him another award. “Shot of the Year” is always a subjective judgment at the best of times, but I like great shots that have significance. Stephen Gallacher’s holed second shot at the 70th hole in the Dubai Desert Classic effectively clinched victory over Richard Sterne. Brett Rumford’s superb 200yard 5-iron to set up an eagle and settle a three way play-off for the Ballantine’s Championship in Seoul definitely deserves a mention, as does Justin Rose’s 4-iron to the 72nd hole in the US Open, capping a week of sheer brilliance. Henrik Stenson’s fairway wood to the final hole of The Tour Championship in Dubai was the icing on a spectacular cake, but the jury has come down in favour of Phil Mickelson’s extraordinary 3-wood to the par-5 17th on the Sunday of The Open Championship at Muirfield. He’s actually hit all sorts of mesmerizing shots around the green too, but he was the only player amongst the title contenders to find that green (having hit 3-wood off the tee as well!) and it effectively sealed his first Open Championship, and fifth Major. “Unluckiest Shot of the Year” can only go to Tiger Woods for his extraordinary misfortune in hitting the pin on the par-5 15th at Augusta on the Friday of the Masters. It spun back into the water, probably costing him two shots and then of course he was docked another two shots the next day for taking an incorrect drop. Those four shots may well have cost him his fifteenth Major title. While we are on the subject, The Masters Rules Committee earns “Bum Decision of the Year” for the way they handled that incident. Any caddie who has to move to Monaco for tax reasons, and then buys a HK$1.5 million Ferrari, must have done quite a lot right, so the “Caddie of The Year” is Gareth Lord who carries Stenson’s bag. Arguably a deaf and dumb monkey could have done the job just as effectively, but that may be sour grapes on my part. “The Most Tear-Jerking Winner” is a close call between two Australians. Adam Scott became the first Aussie to win the Masters in HKGOLFER.COM
Gala Ortin [Larrazábal’s girlfriend] is a multilingual journalism graduate from Barcelona, who is chic, elegant, stylish and frankly dropdead gorgeous; a unanimous vote sees her as “WAG of the Year”. emotional style, with memories still fresh of his collapse in The Open at Royal Lytham in 2012. But surely Jason Day’s individual (and team) win in the World Cup at Royal Melbourne just days after eight members of his family had been killed by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, must earn him the trophy. Simon Dyson is a popular member of The Tour, but sadly he earns “The Biggest Dope” award for apparently tapping down a spike mark on the line of his putt at the BMW Masters in Shanghai. Whatever it emerges he was doing, it was pretty stupid in full view of the cameras. The “How to Get the Year All Wrong” trophy goes to Rory McIlroy. Enough said! Aussie Andrew Dodt is “The Luckiest Golfer of the Year” for making two holes-in-one in the same round at the Scandinavian Masters; a one in 60 million chance. And so – drum roll please – to the “Golfer of the Year”. Tiger Woods returned to number one in the rankings, and won five big tournaments on the PGA Tour. BUT, there have been a number of incidents in which he’s been involved that have left a sour taste in the mouth. Adam Scott earns a “Best in Class” for his Masters win, ditto Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson for the US Open and The Open respectively. I was tempted to nominate my wife for her extraordinary success in the Bassett Homes Bath and North East Somerset Premier League during our summer holiday in England, but there can only be one winner. Hopefully one day soon Henrik Stenson will win a Major, it is the only thing missing from his CV. He has without question been the best golfer in the world over the past six months, and is a thoroughly good egg to boot. Having once lost millions to the crooked Allen Stanford, there is no need for Santa to divert via the Stenson mansion chimneys this Christmas. HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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GOLF ART
ONE STROKE AT A TIME ALEX JENKINS TALKS TO LEE WYBRANSKI, ARGUABLY THE MOST IN-DEMAND ARTIST WORKING IN GOLF TODAY.
T
he Merchandise Tent at this year’s Open Championship at Muirfield was an impressive structure. A vast, airy marquee filled to the brim with branded apparel and assorted other goods, the prices here are – as a general rule – on the high side. Not that that fact sopped the punters. While it’s true that the number of spectators at this particularly scenic part of the East Lothian coast was down on previous Opens, the Brits clearly can’t do without their Ralph Lauren-branded polo shirts and bright yellow mugs depicting the championship logo, such were the queues that formed on the weekend. The most tasteful item on display however was neither an item of clothing nor an Open mug but the official championship poster, a wonderfully vibrant, almost throwback-style watercolour print that gave an aerial snapshot of the links and the coastline beyond. It reminded me of those 1920s vintage British Rail posters that advertised appealing destinations like Gleneagles and Turnberry, and which now sell for a fortune on eBay. But these were neither vintage nor especially pricey. I grabbed half a dozen, paid my money and left. Five are now in the belonging of grateful golfing friends and relatives and the remaining one occupies significant wall space in my tiny Hong Kong study. As “golfing” purchases go, this was the equal to that Callaway Big Bertha Steelhead Plus driver that I bought in the late 1990s – and which I rarely missed fairways with. How times have changed. The work of artist Lee Wybranski, the Open Championship poster was the latest in a long line of artworks that the Arizona-based artist has produced for the world’s biggest events – and golf clubs. “I have a lot of affection for Ridgewood Country Club – they were the first golf tournament client of mine when I produced a poster for the 2001 Senior PGA Championship, which they hosted,” Wybranski recalls. Wybranski, who obtained a degree in art history from Syracuse University, started his career specializing in pen-and-ink drawings of buildings 42
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of architectural note and soon found a niche producing pictures of clubhouses at some of northeast America’s most notable clubs (of which Ridgewood is one). Winged Foot, Caves Valley and the National Golf Links of America were some of his early clients. Wybranski’s big break arrived in 2008 when the USGA hired him to produce the poster for that year’s US Open, which was held at Torrey Pines in California – and which produced that epic finish when Tiger Woods triumphed over Rocco Mediate in a Monday play-off. That particular poster is a beauty. Depicting an ocean-side green framed by a striking Cypress tree, it is clear why the USGA have commissioned him every year since. You’ll never be able to get Wybranski to name a favourite, although he clearly has fond memories of his work on the southern Californian coast. “The landscape there – the colours of the ocean, the trees – made it very special,” he says. All artists needs inspiration and arguably my personal favourite of Wybranski’s collection to date is his poster from this year’s US Open, which was played at Merion, one course that features inspiration at every turn. His artwork here features one of the club’s famous wicker baskets – there are no flags at Merion – set against a backdrop of the East Course’s “Quarry Hole”, the demanding 16th, and all the sandy scrubland that that hole entails. “I always ask the USGA and latterly the R&A (for the Open Championship) what they’re looking for … what are the elements that they want to stand out,” Wybranski says. “I use a camera a 44
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lot,” he admits. “I take images from the course and then draw the composition free-hand using a stylus and tablet, which I then print out on watercolour paper before working at it with a pencil.” When he and his clients are happy with a composition he’ll then begin work applying the watercolour. But there’s a lot more to Wybranski’s work than simply posters. On the back of his success he has secured logo work from a multitude of the world’s most famous clubs and has even produced a superbly illustrated yardage book for the greatest of all – the Old Course at St Andrews. “I really enjoy working with golf – the variety of the subject matter really appeals,” he says. “Golf courses offer landscapes that will never get old.” Just like his posters, you might say. Lee Wybranski’s bestselling posters are highly collectable and are now available individually signed for only HK$600 each, including postage and packing, through HK Golfer. To order please call +852 3590 4153 or write to posters@hkgolfer.com
Wybranski’s first US Open commission came in 2008 and the result was this attractive depiction of Torrey Pines (above left); his artwork from Merion this year (above right) includes the club’s famous wicker basket pin in the foreground of the “Quarry” hole, the par-4 16th HKGOLFER.COM
COVER STORY | GRAEME MCDOWELL
The
Ambassador AFP
Graeme McDowell, an Audemars Piguet brand ambassador for the past eight years, talks exclusively to Charles McLaughlin about his 2010 US Open victory, his goals for the season ahead and his new life as a married man.
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McDowell, a proud Northern Irishman, seen here in action at this year’s Masters Tournament HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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AFP
Holding off the challenge of the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson, McDowell’s most famous victory to date arrived at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach (above); with his long-time caddie, Ken Comboy (opposite) 48
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If we can start with your 2010 US Open victory: how clear now are the memories and were you conscious of becoming the first European winner for 40 years? I have very clear memories of that Sunday at Pebble Beach, it was a fantastic day, made even more special as my Dad was there to share it with me on Father’s Day. I don’t think I really thought too much about being the first European winner in 40 years until people said it to me afterwards. It was just an incredible week for me and certainly life changing for my golf career. How does life change when you win a Major, particularly with regard to the demands on your time and everyone wanting a piece of you? It did take me a while to get to grips with the aftermath of my win and the next year was a little difficult as I got to grips with the offcourse demands that come with the status of Major champion. I think this is something that happens to a lot of players after they win something of this magnitude. I think I will certainly be prepared for my next Major win after this experience.
And what are your thoughts on the Ryder Cup – and the “Miracle at Medinah” in particular? The Ryder Cup is a fantastic competition and one I absolutely love being a part of. Playing in the European Team at Gleneagles next year is certainly a big ambition of mine. Being part of a team is not something we professional golfers get to experience very often and I like that team environment, along with the incredible atmosphere and support we receive from the European spectators. Being a part of the Miracle at Medinah was very special, even though I didn’t play a big role myself on the final day. Hopefully I will get another opportunity to play in the Ryder Cup next year on home soil, especially after the last time out at Celtic Manor. You came very close at the 2012 US Open. How did that day unfold for you? I had a very good year in all of the Majors in 2012. Of course I came closest to repeating my 2010 victory at the 2012 US Open at Olympic Club in San Francisco, where I finished second to Webb Simpson. I had a putt on the 18th hole on Sunday to take it to a play-off but I didn’t HKGOLFER.COM
make it. It was obviously disappointing to come so close but I took my hat off to Webb, he was fantastic on Sunday and deserved his win. Hopefully I will taste victory again in the future in another Major. What are your targets for 2014 and how do you like your chances at the Masters Tournament, an event in which you haven’t been as successful in as others? I’m constantly looking to improve my game, to help me to continue to contend in the biggest events on the world stage. One of my big targets for next year is of course to make the Ryder Cup team for Gleneagles. I also want to do well in all of the Majors and I’m exciting about going to Pinehurst for the US Open, Hoylake for the Open and Valhalla for the PGA. Although my game is not naturally suited to Augusta I finished 12th there in 2012 and I feel like I learn a little more every time I play there. It’s a fantastic place, somewhere every golf fan should try to visit if they can. You’ve been playing here in China for a while now – and most of our readers will remember you contending at the 2010 Hong Kong Open, which was won by Ian Poulter. Everyone knows golf is booming, but is it booming in the right way and what are your thoughts on Guan Tianlang? Golf is certainly rapidly growing all over Asia. I have been playing in the region for many years now and enjoy the time I spend there. I’ve just
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had another close call at the WGC-HSBC at Sheshan in Shanghai, where I finished third to the winner, Dustin Johnson, and runner-up Ian Poulter. It’s amazing to see so many Asian players coming through, especially the young guys like Guan. I’m sure we will see a change in the top players over the coming years as more young guys from the region start to make an impact in the professional ranks and take on the Europeans and Americans. The interest levels amongst the fans seems to grow every year as well. I always appreciate the support I receive when I play in China. Not many seem to be aware you won the Haskins Award [the prize for the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the United States] or how big an honour it is. How important was that for your career? It was a big deal for me to go to play college golf in America, something I’m very glad I ended up doing. It happened very much by chance and it was one of the best things that happened to me; it really helped me improve my game playing in the US for a few years. The Haskins Award is given to the top NCAA golfer and it was an honour to win it in 2002, when there were so many great players, many of whom have gone on to play on Tour, vying for it. It was a great honour to win it and the trophy currently sits in the hallway of my parents’ house in Portrush, along with some of the other amateur and professional awards I have picked up along the way.
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Congratulations on your recent marriage! Will Kristin be travelling with you and will married life have any effect on your playing schedule?
One of your sponsors, Audemars Piguet, holds quite a number of golf events annually, including the most recent Audemars Piguet Time with the Masters Golf day at Shanghai Lanhai Golf Club. How much do you enjoy these events and the time playing with their guests? It’s nice to work with a great sponsor like Audemars Piguet, you get to meet so many of their customers and get to know a bit more about them. It helps to bring the sponsorship to life. It’s always good to spend time with aspiring golfers, especially in emerging markets like China. As an Audemars Piguet ambassador since 2005, how has the Audemars Piguet brand’s philosophy “To break the rules, you must first master them” inspire you? I’ve been a proud ambassador for Audemars Piguet since 2005. They are a great brand, with great people and I very much enjoy being part of their team.
AFP
McDowell married his girlfriend of several years, Kristin Snape (pictured above at this year’s Masters Tournament), at a small ceremony in the Bahamas in September
When did you start playing and who has been the biggest influence on you? I began playing golf when I was around six or seven. I was lucky to grow up in Portrush, a small town on the north coast of Ireland, which is home to one of the world’s best golf courses. I spent my childhood on the course, playing mostly with my little brother, who ironically was probably a better golfer than me at the time. My Dad was a member of Rathmore Golf Club, who share the course at Royal Portrush. He was a very keen player and still plays as much as he can now. He’s played with me in the Dunhill Links a few times. My uncle Uel was my first real coach and he was a big influence for me as I was growing up. The players I would have watched on television as a kid would have been the likes of Seve [Ballesteros] and Nick Faldo. Of course the only real golf we saw on TV back then was the Masters and The Open, which I watched religiously.
I got married on 28 September in the Bahamas with close friends and family. It was an amazing few days and Kristin and I are very happy together. I took the guts of a month off afterwards to spend time with my new wife and it was very special. We have a new home in Lake Nona together and we’re really excited for what the future holds. Kristin has always been in incredibly supportive of my career and she comes to tournaments when she can. We definitely want to have children of our own and hopefully we do in the near future. Of course parenting brings with it a fair share of responsibilities and that would naturally have an effect on my tournament schedule. But that is all part of life, part of being a family, and it’s a great problem to have. But overall, from my career perspective, nothing has changed for me since getting married. Kristin is as supportiveas ever and will always be, and I look forward to my first tournament win as her husband. We couldn’t be happier. Further congratulations on the opening and success of your restaurant in Florida, Nona Blue. What influenced you to get into the business? Nona Blue is located near my home at Lake Nona in Orlando. It’s what they call in the US an “upscale tavern”. We’ve been very busy since we opened earlier this year. I was influenced to get into the restaurant business initially by some friends of mine in Portrush who run a fantastic restaurant called The Wine Bar. I’m delighted I had the opportunity to get involved in the business.
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Vivian carded rounds of 75, 74 and 72 for a convincing sixstroke victory in her category, a score that earned her fourth place in the overall Girls’ results. Leon D’Souza, who was also representing Hong Kong at the event, got off to a solid start but was left to rue a disappointing final round to finish the Boys’ 16 and under division in a share of 12th. Leon, who fired a 76 on day one, could only manage an 84 in the final round to end the tournament in a tie for 22nd in the overall Boys’ standings.
Seniors Take Home Third at APGC Event
Shinichi Shines at Nomura Cup Shinichi Mizuno starred for Hong Kong at last month’s AsiaPacific Amateur Golf Team Championship – otherwise known as the Nomura Cup – which took place at the Santiburi Country Club in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. Mizuno pieced together a four-round total of 281 (sevenunder-par) to finish in a tie for eighth in the individual standings alongside China’s teenage phenomenon Guan Tianlang. Australians Geoff Drakeford and Taylor MacDonald shared first place with Korea’s Kim Nam-hun on a total of 277. Hong Kong, also represented by Max Wong (tied 39th), Oliver Roberts (tied 43rd) and Steven Lam (tied 57th), placed 11th of the 26 teams taking place in the team event, which was claimed by Australia. Korea finished in second nine shots adrift with hosts Thailand a further five shots back in third. “Overall it was a pretty good performance,” said non-playing captain Rob Keys. “Shinichi was very steady over what was a narrow golf course and I’m proud of the way the team bounced back after a difficult start.”
Vivian Claims Malaysian Division Title Hong Kong’s Vivian Li won the Girls’ 14 and under division at the Malaysia Junior Open Championship, which was held at the Glenmarie Golf & Country Club from 13-15 November. 52
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Hong Kong secured a highly credible third place finish in the team event at last month’s Asia-Pacif ic Senior Amateur Championship. Represented by the in-form Doug Williams, Tony Taylor, William Chung, Roddy Sage, Joe Pethes and Terry Collins, the side combined for a total of 952 over the Montgomerie Links course in Danang, Vietnam. New Zealand claimed the team title on 897 after edging out Australia (900) in a closely fought contest. Third place was to prove a recurring theme for Hong Kong, as in the individual standings Williams placed third in the 55-59 age division, Pethes earned third in the 65-69 age category and Collins, competing in the 70 and over division, also ended the three-round event in third spot.
(Top of page) The Nomura Cup team of Oliver Roberts, Max Wong, Steven Lam, Shinichi Mizuno, National Coach Brad Schadewitz and non-playing Captain Rob Keys; (Above) Tony Taylor, Doug Williams, William Chung, Terry Collins, Jo Pethes and Roddy Sage represented Hong Kong at the Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship HKGOLFER.COM
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HKGA | HK SENIORS OPEN
On Cruise
Control
Doug Williams collected yet another trophy with an emphatic win at last month’s Hong Kong Seniors Open, writes Alex Jenkins.
I
Photography by Daniel Wong
n-form Doug Williams cr uised to victor y at t he Hong Ko n g S e n io r s O p e n A m a t e u r Championship wit h a near flawless performance at Fanling in mid-November.
The Hong Kong Golf Club member, who held a seven-stroke lead entering the final round after opening with scores of 69 and 74, shot a level-par 71 over the Old Course to end 14 shots ahead of his nearest rivals, Australia’s Alan Evans and defending champion Michael Barltrop of New Zealand. “I’ve been playing pretty well and hitting the ball pretty steady,” said Williams, who became the first Hong Kong player to win the event since 2004. “I’ve got a routine that I stick with, my short game has been solid and I’m hitting a lot of fairways, which makes a difference around here. My aim is just to try and play smart golf – not to try and play shots I’m not capable of – and of course I have quite a bit of local knowledge too.” Alan Sutcliffe, one of the legends of Hong Kong amateur golf who represented the territory countless times throughout the 1950’s, 60s and 70s, was on hand to present Williams with the trophy named in his honour – the Alan Sutcliffe Salver – for being the leading Hong Kong golfer. Tony Taylor was the next best Hong Kong finisher. Rounds of 77, 78 and 78 were good enough for fourth place. Chu Koon-ching, who won the 60-64 division, tied for fifth in the overall category alongside Alex Ho of Taipei, while Terry Collins, the last Hong Kong winner of the event (in 2004), claimed a convincing eight-shot victory in the 70 and over bracket. Williams, who turned 55 in February to become eligible for senior golf, has been in a rich vein of form this year. The 1982 Spanish
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Williams now has three Senior titles to his credit since turning 55 in February Amateur champion claimed the Hong Kong Seniors Close Amateur in May before winning the Kau Sai Chau International Amateur Open in early October. Just a week later he added the Singapore Open Senior Amateur Championship to his ever-growing list of titles.
2013 Hong Kong Seniors Open Amateur Championship 1 2= 4 5= 7 8= 10=
Doug Williams Alan Evans Michael Barltrop Tony Taylor Chu Koon-ching Alex Ho Joe Pethes Mike Grimsdick Tatsuo Asai Masanobu Murakami Lee Kab-soo William Chung Peter Reed
HKG AUS NZL HKG HKG TPE HKG HKG CAN JPN HKG HKG HKG
69 74 71 75 78 75 72 78 78 77 78 78 80 82 78 83 78 79 83 79 80 81 82 80 75 86 82 82 84 78 80 82 82 81 80 83 79 82 83
214 228 228 233 240 240 242 243 243 244 244 244 244
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Terry Collins claimed a convincing victory in the 70 & over division
Peter Reed in full flow
Mike Grimsdick earned a share of eighth
Tony Taylor on his way to fourth spot Chu Koon-ching is all smiles on the final day
Doug Williams receives the Sutcliffe Salver from Hong Kong amateur great Alan Sutcliffe
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INTERVIEW | HENRIK STENSON
The
Comeback
King
Henrik Stenson, who headlines this month’s Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring, went from world number 230 to winner of the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai in a little less than two years. The Swedish ace, now number three in the rankings, tells Alex Jenkins how he did it. Do you appreciate what you have done now more because of the difficulties you've had in the past, and what did it take for you to make this remarkable comeback?
Yeah, but if I tell you, you're going to tell them and then everybody is going to come back and kick my butt. That wouldn't be very smart, would it? [Laughs]. No, I think it started in the beginning of 2012. I was pretty much fed up with playing poorly after the 2011 season, so I just decided that things are going to change. I was digging deep to just try and get some results on the board, and I managed to make that happen. I played the season with whatever game I had for the time being and wrapped up some decent tournaments in the States. I got back to Europe in the summer and I had a couple of top10 finishes and I felt my game was getting better and then I contacted my old coach, Torsten Hansson back in Sweden who I worked with between 1995 and 2008. We got back together and got more of a longterm bigger picture, bigger plan together.
AFP
Stenson (opposite) may have lost millions as a result of Allen Standford’s Ponzi scheme in 2009, but he’s all smiles now
Well, I think you always appreciate the ups more when you have had a down or two, and no one in my line of work is going to go through 15 years on Tour without having a couple of bad seasons. I've had probably two slumps have been deeper or worse than I would have liked them to be, and you learn a lot through those times, and you probably appreciate the good times even more afterwards. You know, to come back to where my game is now is taking a lot of hard work and patience and dedication. I've got a great team around me that's been helping me, and of course family support and everybody else around me, as well, so it's been … the comeback journey or whatever you want to label it as. It's something that probably started about a year and a half ago or something like that, and it's taken a lot of hard work and patience to get my game back to where I know I can have it and play the kind of golf that I know I can do.
How did you do it exactly? All of the players are putting in a lot of hard work and training hard and looking at their game, but they are not getting the same results. Can you put your finger on exactly what happened to make it become this good?
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“I was pretty much fed up with playing poorly after the 2011 season, so I just decided that things are going to change. I was digging deep to just try and get some results on the board, and I managed to make that happen.” Then it's been more working at all the different aspects and different processes and trying to make every little part better, and then eventually you get the full – the holistic view on it. You get the whole thing together and that obviously happened more throughout this summer. Then I've just been a little bit better in every department, and then I did so many different things and tried to make everything just a little bit better and then eventually you get the benefit. And how do you keep that up going forward? I think just trying to be wary of my time and making sure that I can dedicate enough time with all the different parts that really got my game into good shape. I know there's a lot of room for improvement still, a lot of areas where I can become much, much better and certain areas I'm going to benefit more from improving on than others. Again, we know it's going upanddown. Hopefully I can stay away from playing the
You mention the stock market. You had a welldocumented financial issue a few years ago [Stenson lost a reported US$8 million in a scheme set up by convicted fraudster Allen Stanford]. How much did that affect what happened to your game? It was obviously not great news back in whenever it was, February of 2009. But then again, I can't really say that affected my golf that much, because I won the biggest – up until now, anyway, my biggest achievement was winning The PLAYERS Championship in May 2009. So that was three months after that whole thing was revealed. It wasn't like I've got it for five days in the middle of May and then all of a sudden I was reminded of it after. You know, it's not something that you have to do, to have part of your investments … being caught up in a thing like that.
AFP
The Swede said he wasn’t at his best at the Open Championship (above) earlier in the summer but nonetheless finished in a share of second to maintain a brilliant stretch of results; the 37-year-old poses with his family after claiming the Tour Championship and overall Race to Dubai titles last month (opposite)
way I did in 2011 going forward, but you can never guarantee it, and there's always going to be up and downs, and part of the year where you're going to play better and worse and so on. That's just part of life and part of golf. The stock market is not going in a perfect up all the time, either. I just have to manage my time and make sure I still dedicate enough focus and time to all these processes that have – instead of doing interviews with everyone from around the world. [Laughs].
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Then again, that's only one little part in a bigger picture, and I can't say that I played poorly since 2011 because I potentially lost a chunk of money in 2009. It wouldn't make it – to just blame it on something like that. After a season like this, what are your goals for 2014? Everyone is talking about Majors … Yeah, I mean, seeing as how I managed to win both the FedEx and The Race to Dubai – yeah, a major championship would obviously be the one thing missing on my result roll. I'm going to try my hardest. It's one of the tougher things to achieve. That's why they call it a Major championship; they’re the biggest events against the strongest fields on some of the toughest courses. But again, it's about developing my game, trying to become better, and hopefully I can prepare well and put myself in good position at any of those events going forward, and that's what makes you win golf tournaments; being up there on Sunday afternoon. The more times you can put yourself in contention, the more times you will win. That's what I've done so many times this year by playing solid, good golf, and then I managed to win my fair share, as well, as a consequence of that. HKGOLFER.COM
“I can't really say that [losing millions because of Allen Stanford] affected my golf that much, because my biggest achievement was winning The PLAYERS Championship in May 2009 just a few months later.” Sweden is a great golfing nation, but one without a male Major winner. Is there any added pressure on you because of that? Not really. I'd love to be the first male golfer from Sweden to win a Major championship. That would be great. But if one of my colleagues from Sweden would win one, you know, that would be great, too. All credit to whoever manages to do it, to win the first one. For me, it's more about trying to give myself chances to win one, and whether I'm first or second, that's going to be of less relevance, as long as I can win one. But again, you know, looking ahead, I've got a lot of experience at this point, but I might have four or five good years hopefully ahead of me and in that 15, 20 times, you can eventually win a Major championship. So it's not like you get a million chances. I don't think I will go there with added pressure. I think I will go there with more confidence after being able to achieve the things that I've achieved this season, and I'm also very excited because I felt like at The Open Championship and the US PGA, I probably didn't play the best out of all these weeks that I've played and I still came that close. If things were going my way, I could potentially have won both those Majors this summer, and hopefully another time I'm the one who makes the extra putt and things go my way. It's all about being patient and preparing and trying to put myself in the mix again. HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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Q&A | MATT KUCHAR
The
Nice
Guy
World number seven, the always-smiling Matt Kuchar, stopped to answer a few questions during last month’s ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Interview by Paul Prendergast. The shot from a peer you’d most like to be able to hit? A drive like Dustin Johnson. That sort of length would be pretty fun to be able to do. What’s number one on your ‘Bucket List’? I’d like to go to Alaska. The best place to visit in my country that may not be in the travel brochures is ...?
What’s your favourite Tour stop and why? The Sony Open. Going out to Hawaii is always special, always a treat and I think the golf course [Waialae Country Club] is way underrated. At first look, it looks flat and looks pretty simple, but it’s tree-lined and narrow and really difficult. It’s one of my favourite courses plus it’s in Hawaii, so it’s a good stop.
The only one I can think of is Jason Gore. I remember he was pretty good at karaoke. And the person who thinks he is ...?
The Masters. Being a Georgia boy and having done my schooling at Georgia Tech, it’s a special place to me.
Not sure there are many of the guys that sing. A couple of the wives do but not so many of the guys that I know.
Friar’s Head, on the north fork of Long Island, NY. It’s a Coore-Crenshaw course, plays through the dunes, a links style.
Would you like to be able to wear shorts at a tournament, and if so, would we be horrified at the prospect?
The most memorable shot of your career to date was ...?
[Laughs] I think it’s good for the game of golf that we wear pants! There are a few places where it would be nice to wear shorts but I think most people would be horrified at the prospect, so it’s good we wear pants.
The 3-wood I hit into 15 at Augusta in 2012. I nearly holed it on Sunday and it ended up three feet away. The eagle tied me for the lead. [Kuchar would finish the tournament in third place, two shots behind eventual champion Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen].
AFP
Best singer on Tour ?
]The Major you’d most like to win?
Your favourite golf course?
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Where I live: Sea Island, Georgia. It’s a wonderful place; beautiful scenery, right on the ocean and rivers. They call is low country. It’s a simple life but it’s beautiful. It’s nice to be able to live in a place that other people come to vacation at.
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INTERVIEW | RETIEF GOOSEN
The
Goose Alex Jenkins talks to two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen, who returned to competitive action in Asia at the Indonesia Open this month after finally recovering from a series of debilitating back injuries.
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Given your injuries over the past two seasons, how is your confidence and is your passion for the game still there?
Goosen, possessor of one of golf’s most purest swings, has had to make small changes to his action to keep the stress off his back and minimise the chance of injury recurrence
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Yeah, really since the PGA [Championship] in 2011, that week there I got really ill, picked up strep throat, so that last bit of the year wasn’t good. And then the beginning of the last year I tried these PRP injections, the ones Vijay [Singh] and Fred Couples had done, but after 50 or 60 injections of them in my back that didn’t help. All those chemicals made me pretty depressed and sad, so I struggled for the rest of the year. But my injury in my back was really to a point where no injection could help, so I went into surgery in August last year in London. I had a full disc replacement. Two weeks after that my back felt the best it had in years. I recovered and rehabilitated very well and starting hitting balls again in December. Played in South Africa in January and felt great for the first four months of the year. And then suddenly out of nowhere I picked up a stress fracture and sat out another four months. It was very frustrating, it wears you down because you want to get out and play well again. But I’m back now. I’ve had to make a few swing changes. I’ve been working with my coach Gregor [Jamieson] in Lake Nona and we’ve had to make quite a few changes to take stress off my back and see if that helps. I’m swinging pretty good. It’s just a question of getting my feel back.
“I’m back now. I’ve had to make a few changes to my swing to take the stress off my back but I’m swinging pretty good. It’s just a question of getting my feel back.” With your time away from the game have you been able to further your interest in your wine business? Yes. The wine industry isn’t easy – it’s a tough market – but I did spent a bit of my off time – I didn’t touch a club for four months – on the wine front. We’re trying to get the wine a bit more on the international market. We’re going to start exporting to America and Hong Kong; China, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. All those areas. So we’re trying to break into the market a little bit with good wine. But I’m happy to be back playing now. The focus is definitely on golf. How about your course design work? I know you had a project in China that has been put on hold because of the land issues there, but are there any more in the pipeline? Yeah, that was unfortunate. At one stage I had about seven golf courses that looked like they were going to happen. We had one in Ireland, in 2009, then the crash came and all that stuff
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“Cars were my biggest indulgence before the kids came along … the thing I enjoy the most now is wine, although I don’t have a lot in my cellar because I drink a lot of it!” and it came to a complete halt just as were about to plant the grass. Then there was China with the land issues, South Africa – there were some land issues there too. We’ve got a project in Johor [Malaysia] that’s going to happen pretty soon – the old Royal Johor Golf Club there. But generally everything is a bit on hold. People don’t know how to proceed with golf courses. It’s a very tough market. You must have been disappointed to miss the Presidents Cup, but what did you make of the match at Muirfield Village– and what do the International Team have to do to start winning?
Are you a man that sets goals – especially after spending a period away from the game – and if so, is one of those goals to make the Presidents Cup side again? Yeah. I mean that’s a long way away for me at the moment. My goal is just to play consistently again. That will come by itself. But I would love to play another Presidents Cup. Time will tell on that front. What are your favourite courses? I always say the courses I win on – they’re my favourites. But if I only had a couple of rounds left in my lifetime I’d definitely pick St Andrews and Augusta. Those are my two real favourites. Shinnecock obviously too … the US Open courses where I won. But there’s something special about Augusta, the feel of the place. It’s the same with St Andrews and its history. Those two stand out for me.
AFP
The South African highlights Augusta National (above) as one of his two favourite courses in the world, the other being the Old Course at St Andrews
Yeah, the Presidents Cup was very disappointing I must say. I don’t know what it is. The years I played, based on the world rankings the International side was the stronger side but didn’t manage to win. I think in a way the Americans have the mentality that the Europeans currently have over the Americans – they think they’re going to win and it’s going to happen. And we as the International side, we’re probably thinking
we’re not going to win. Yeah, I’m hoping that will change soon, that the next one will go the other way. I hope the Presidents Cup won’t lose any of its gold because it’s become one sided. But the Ryder Cup used to be like that – the Americans always use to win and suddenly it changed and look where it is now. Hopefully the Presidents Cup can go the same way.
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What is your biggest indulgence?
What’s your favourite hotel?
[Laughs]. Cars were the thing before the kids come along – now I drive 4x4s. I have a few watches. I’m very lucky to have been associated with Rolex for a long time, so I have a few of those. I would say the wine. I like tasting different wines from around the world. That’s the thing I enjoy the most.
Well, we stay in a lot of them! The one group that stands out, especially in the Far East, is the Mandarin Oriental. They do put on a smart and special service in their hotels.
Aside from your own label, what do you have in your cellar?
[Laughs]. I do travel private a bit when I’m in the States. I must say I fly British Airways most of the time when I can between America and Europe. From Europe to the Far East I like Cathay Pacific and then obviously Emirates is very good when flying to the Middle East.
Well I don’t generally have a lot of wine in my cellar because I drink a lot of it! I do enjoy a glass of wine. I rarely drink spirits and stick with water and wine with my meal. Travelling around the world and eating in restaurants most nights – I like to have a nice glass of wine. When you’re in a restaurant do you stay true to your roots and pick South African wine?
What about airlines? Do you have a favourite – or is a private jet the only way to go?
What do you always take with you on a trip? Family is number one. If they can come – if the kids are on holiday – then they travel with us. But one thing I always travel with is my pillow. I have a pillow of certain firmness. I just don’t like those soft pillows.
AFP
Whenever I’m in a restaurant that has South African wine on the list I’ll go with that. I try and support the South African market. But there’s a lot of Chilean wine that has come a long way. I enjoy them too.
With the US Open trophy in 2004 after putting one of the best putting displays ever seen in a Major championship at Shinnecock Hills
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GOLF ATRAVEL Player’s Guide
The 17th hole on the Campo America Course at La Cala, a fine resort on the outskirts of Marbella 68
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Costa
Del
Golf
Marbella has long been a favourite of European golfers. Mark Alexander takes a trip down to this Mediterranean retreat to find out why.
I
s it any wonder Marbella is the spiritual home of Europe’s travelling golfers? Regarded as Spain’s answer to St Tropez, Marbella’s chic promenades and glistening yachts provide an idyllic backdrop to a luxurious expat lifestyle. The glamorous town is awash with sleek marinas and exclusive promenades where designer labels and sport cars bask in year-round sunshine and the aqua blue of the Mediterranean Sea. This is a place of high-end indulgence where some of Andalucía’s finest eateries attract A-list celebrities like local couple Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. The place is
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simply swimming in glamour, but does this decadence and excess extend to the local golf tracks? Golf in Marbel la is an eclectic mi x of resort golf and trophy courses. It spans every conceivable genre a nd caters to a l l budget s. T he lu x u r y end feat u res some of t he countr y ’s best offerings, wit h t he likes of Valderrama, Sotogrande and Las Brisas vying for top spot. There are also convenient hotel layouts and lavish routings that afford stunning ocean views. All are playable 12 months of the year and are best enjoyed with a light covering of suntan oil, short-sleeve shirts and a cool drink for good measure. HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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While the par-4 10th and the par-3 11th certainly steal the show, the run of holes up to 18 aren’t bad either. And if the club was to be assessed on these holes alone, it would surely rank up there with the best. Beautiful and challenging, these are cracking designs of the highest order. Unfortunately, the rest of the Campo Sur isn’t. The opening five holes of the South Course simply don’t have the pizazz of the other 13 with property and a motorway infringing into the golfing experience. If the opening holes are an indication of what can be found on the club’s other inland layout then my advice would be to stay as close as you can to the sea.
Alcaidesa
Guadalmina
Designed by Javier Arana, the South Course at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina is one of the oldest layouts in the area with over 50 years under its belt. In this time it has matured into a classy route of mainly parkland holes that heads first towards the coast and then away from it. Round these parts getting close to the sea air is unusual thanks to planning rules that restrict developments directly on the coastline. Fortunately these came into force after Guadalmina was built meaning Arana was able to produce two wonderful links holes that reverberate to crashing waves and the calls of seagulls. 70
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Ocean views are in abundance at Alcaidesa Golf Resort which boasts 36 holes, 18 of which are perched on cliff tops overlooking the golden sands of the south coast of Spain. From numerous vantage points, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and, in the distance, Africa. My recommendation is to take a later tee time and enjoy the course coming to life in the magical warm colours of the sunset. Alcaidesa is a good, honest seaside course, and yet it could have gone so easily wrong. Sandwiched between a large, sprawling property development and that fantastic coastline, the links could have been squeezed into the unusual topology like squeezing yourself into your favourite pair of trousers from 20 years ago. Thankfully sense prevailed. HKGOLFER.COM
You get the feeling the design team of Peter Ellis and Clive Clark were given scope to create a golf course in its own right, rather than trying to accommodate the numerous villas that no doubt were the impetus for the project. Care has been taken to route the course so sea views are on show from most of the compelling and unusual holes that make up this agreeable routing. The iconic fifth, which looks down along the coastline to Gibraltar, teases you with a relatively simple downhill drive and then a tricky approach shot to the green which lies beyond a troublesome gorge. There is beauty and danger in equal abundance here. The gentle breeze from the Alboran Sea cools you as you plot your way around the course making for a very pleasant afternoon of golf. My only niggle was the pointless marshals who seemed unable, or unwilling, to hasten some infuriatingly slow play from the group in front of us. Still, the inevitable waits did provide us with ample time to drink in the stunning views, which wasn’t so bad.
La Cala
Of course, if you have had your fill of casting your eye over the open ocean, you can always retreat to the salvation of La Cala, which is only 20 HKGOLFER.COM
minutes from Marbella and 30 minutes from the city’s airport. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Ojén which overlooks Marbella, La Cala consists of three 18-hole championship courses designed by Cabell Robinson, a six-hole practice course and a David Leadbetter Golf Academy. On paper, the size of the resort with its hotel, restaurants, swimming pools and sports facilities combined with the properties that surround the complex can’t fail to impress. On the ground, you hardly notice any of it. In fact of all the courses I visited, La Cala seemed to balance its property demands and its golf offering with a considered appreciation of both. For instance, playing Campo America (there is also Campo Asia and Campo Europa), you get a real sense of venturing off into the rustic Spanish countryside to tackle this epic course. With nothing for company other than farmland, distance villages and the majestic mountain range smouldering in the sunshine, the sense of playing golf in the great outdoors has never been more appealing. As far as the course goes, Robinson generously provided four relatively tame holes to ease you into the challenges of the rolling fairways and undulating greens that lie ahead. From the 350yard uphill par-4 fifth, things get tough. Driving
Clockwise from above: a wonderful view of British-owned Gibraltar from the course at Acaidesa; so much of the South Course at Guadalmina, like here at the 10th and 11th holes is special – unfortunately the first five holes can’t match them HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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The splendid 12th on the Campo America Course at La Cala, a Cabell Robinson design
towards a curving fairway that seems perched on a narrow finger of land, you may be tempted to take the aggressive line along the apex of the dogleg. The steep slope that awaits anything falling short of perfection, suggests playing it safe is the sensible option. And if you found that tricky, wait until you see sixth, then the seventh and then the weaving downhill ninth. Campo America doesn’t let up until you reach the par-5 18th which, after another intimating tee shot, offers a long, downhill approach shot at glory. This is a golf course that
demands respect and care off the tee. It is also a course that is kept in superb condition and one you can’t help falling in love with – even if your game doesn’t match up to the surroundings. Like all great golf resorts, what sets La Cala apart is the consistency of the quality on offer. From the meet and greet at the starters hut to the bar staff at the 19th hole and the passion of the maître d’hôtel in the Restaurant La Terraza, everything is delivered with authentic charm. La Cala is a class act and a fitting way to conclude a visit to Marbella.
NEED TO KNOW THE GOLF Real Club de Golf Guadalmina guadalminagolf.com +34 952 883 375 Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort alcaidesagolf.com +34 956 791 040 La Cala Resort lacala.com +34 952 669 016 WHERE TO EAT La Bodega Restaurant & Bar Based around a traditional Spanish wine cellar, this restaurant at La Cala serves up tapas with an Andalusian twist. Open from September to May, dinners in the summer are served outdoors at Patio Naranjo. Calima Restaurant For something special tr y Andalusian chef Dani García’s two-Michelin star restaurant Calima in the heart of Marbella.
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WHAT TO SEE Marbella is indelibly linked with the sea, so where better to soak up the coastal atmosphere that at one of its four marinas. The picturesque Puerto de Cabopino has 169 moorings with a large number of restaurants, bars and shops. It however is dwarfed by Puerto José Banús with 915 moorings and all types of yachts and pleasure boats as well as bars, discos and shopping centres. WHAT TO DO Swimming in the aqua blue waters of the Mediterranean or having lunch at a beach-side restaurant is a must when you go to Marbella. Check out the beach at Casablanca or the everpopular La Bajadilla near the fishing port. Add to that a sunset drink at an exclusive beach retreat such as the Ocean Club or Estrella del Mar, and you get an idea of the possibilities of Marbella’s 28km of beaches. GETTING THERE SWISS (swiss.com) and Turkish Airlines (turkishairlines.com) offer flights from Hong Kong to Malaga, a 40-minute drive from Marbella, via Zurich and Istanbul respectively. Travel time approximately 20 hours.
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TRAVEL | SPECIAL
THE PERFECT BLEND
LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTS STIRLING&STIRLING HIGHLIGHT THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE GREATEST GAME AND WHISKY ON A TOUR OF SCOTLAND, THE COUNTRY THAT GAVE US BOTH.
S
keep the famous lochs brimming. Crystal clear, pure Scottish water is one of only three ingredients in authentic whisky and Scottish malts would not be the same without it. Indeed, the word ‘whisky’ itself is derived from the Gaelic ‘usquebagh’ meaning water of life, or lively water. Such is its contribution to the experience that for many purists their dram of choice can only ever be accompanied by a splash from the local burn. Then, of course, there is the ocean. Scotland’s coastline has been carved, sculpted and framed by the sea in all its many moods: on occasion wild and raging, often playful, sometimes calm and
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cotland is, without doubt, blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. From the soft, lush rolling hills of the lowlands to the purple majesty of the highlands, geology and climate conspire to create the kind of stunning vistas that have inspired poets and artists down the centuries. Mother Nature has bestowed on the country two further blessings: golf and whisky. To be fair, much of the credit should go to the water. Soft Scottish rain falls onto the high mountains before wending its way through the landscape, flowing down through the burns to
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The best way to celebrate a round at spectacular Royal Dornoch is to sample one of the local Speyside malts – Glenlivet, Dalwhinnie, Craigallachie and Knockando HKGOLFER.COM
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From left to right: the spectacular “Hell” bunker on the 14th of the Old Course at St Andrews; the comfortable surrounds of the bar at the famous Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire; Stirling&Stirling can arrange private tours of a selection of Scotland’s most respected distilleries 76
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contemplative. This is why Scotland boasts the finest links courses to be found anywhere. With such natural advantages it’s no wonder that Scotland has been the cradle of these two great institutions. But it’s not just a common birthplace that connects golf and whisky, perhaps the connection is more abstract, metaphysical even. Certainly, there are parallels to be drawn between a fine round and a fine malt. For a start, golf, like whisky distillation is an art not a science. It takes years of patience, practice and dedication to execute the perfect drive and even then the result is never a foregone conclusion. In the words of Arnold Palmer: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” Likewise, the finest malts may be described as “deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” Even master distillers agree that there’s still a profound mystery to the process once the whisky has been placed in a cask – the point at which the precious liquid begins to take on its flavour and colour. Some distillers favour brand new white oak casks, which give a vanilla note, others older sherry casks, which offer more body, depth and sweetness. By law whisky must be stored for at least three years, but it goes without saying that the very finest malts are aged for a great deal longer. Balvenie Thirty, for example, is aged in Oloroso sherry butts
for three decades to give it that distinctive honeyed sweetness with a nutty finish. The astonishing Glenfarclas Forty-Year Old is aged for almost half a century to produce its chocolate richness along with notes of coffee and maraschino cherries. It is time, patience and dedication, which make for perfection in a malt just as they do in a player. Ultimately though, the most satisfying and immediate connection between golf and whisky is that of challenge and reward. When a man tests himself against the climate and the landscape it is only fitting that the elements reward his endeavors. How else to celebrate a round of the greatest game man has ever invented than with a drop or two of the greatest spirit? And what better way to do it than to match the course with the dram? Playing off from the first tee at the Old Course at St Andrews is to begin at the beginning. This is the undisputed home of golf. To play here is to tread hallowed turf where 13th century shepherds once enjoyed an early form of the game. Here you’ll face the famous 17th, the 455-yard Road Hole, arguably the most famous hole in golf, requiring a blind drive over the hotel grounds. After that experience a tincture is richly deserved and, although the clubhouse at the Royal and Ancient boasts hundreds of wonderful malts, the Glenkinchie is one of only six Lowland offerings and well worth a try. Double-matured in Amontillado casks, it’s fresh and light in character with notes of lemon, cut grass and a hint of peat. Heading inland through Perth and Tayside finds players spoilt for choice. There’s world famous Gleneagles, surrounded by the Grampian Mountains, the Trossachs and the Ochil Hills. Blairgowrie with its fairways lined with pine, broom and heather. Montrose, where golf has been played since 1562 and, of course, Carnoustie, the 7,361-yard marathon, regarded by many as the toughest links course in the world. Surely a test to merit a finger or two of a Blair Athol sherry-casked Twenty-Year Old? For the real enthusiast with energy to spare there are excellent distillery tours in the local area including Blair Athol itself, Tullibardine, Dewar’s, the Famous Grouse and Eradour. Onwards up to Speyside we find ourselves in the true home of Scottish malt whisky. Here are the Highland towns and villages known to whisky aficionados all over the world with names like Glenlivet, Dalwhinnie, Craigallachie, Knockando – words which roll across the tongue like the fine malts they produce. For golfers this too is paradise, the jewel in the crown being Royal Dornoch, bordered by the magnificent sparkling waters of the Dornoch Firth. Described by Tom Watson as ‘the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.’ HKGOLFER.COM
Close by is the equally demanding Carnegie Club links in the shadow of Skibo Castle, famous as the venue for Madonna’s wedding. Not to mention glorious Nairn, founded in 1887, considered by many to be one of the best courses in Scotland and lately awarded number nine in the definitive list of the top-100 Courses in Scotland 2011. Then there is Dufftown, with its famous 10th, named as one of Britain’s most extraordinary holes. From the back tees it’s a 462-yard par-4 with a drop of 339ft feet to the green below. It is known as the Glenfiddich, because afterwards, you’re going to need one. The list is endless: Grantown-on-Spey; Kingussie; Carrbridge; Craggan; Moray and Castle Stuart. The choice can be somewhat daunting, and that’s just deciding on where to play. Then of course, there’s where to stay, what to eat and what to see. A trip to Scotland offers so many wonderful opportunities that it can often pay dividends to call upon the services of an expert. Fortunately, such folk do exist. Stirling&Stirling are a Scottish-based, family company who create exclusive trips to Scotland. The company specializes in looking after the discerning visitor at the highest level. Scottish, born and bred, living and breathing all things Caledonian, Stirling&Stirling are able to access people and places that no one else can. They offer a bespoke service, based on the principle that no two HKGOLFER.COM
experiences are the same because no two people are the same. Like master blenders Stirling&Stirling weave together unforgettable experiences from the very best Scotland has to offer, be it opulent castles and country houses to stay in, romantic Highland settings to remember, Michelin-star cuisine, stalking, fishing and of course, rare malt whisky alongside historic golf. Often, it’s those little things that can make or break even the trip of a lifetime. And it’s in the detail that Stirling&Stirling really stands apart, with a fulltime concierge on hand 24/7 to ensure that every aspect of your trip goes without a hitch. Even down to ensuring preferential tee times on your chosen course. It’s worth remembering that Scotland’s serious golf challenges are not just confined to the famous links courses and international venues. Sometimes it’s the hidden gems that bring the most satisfaction. There are almost 600 spectacular and beautiful courses in Scotland. Many are off the beaten track but offer magnificent locations and rare challenges and this where a little insider knowledge can be worth its weight in gold So, whether you come to Scotland to sink the odd putt, the odd dram, or perhaps both, it’ll be the trip of a lifetime. Slainte.
ABOUT STIRLING&STIRLING Scottish golf ’s luxur y travel experts invite you to experience the very best of the country – worldclass golf, ancient castles, vibrant cities, romantic Highlands and Michelinstarred cuisine. For further information please contact scotland@hkgolfer.com. Readers are entitled to an exclusive discount of 10 per cent.
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SHOPPING
Something
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Christmas Still stuck for thoughts on a gift or two? These 10 ideas offer plenty of food for thought. A Trip to the Masters The “Hottest Tickets in Sports”, alongside accommodation and hospitality, are available through our partners at Winspire Sports & Entertainment. These first-rate packages, which are tailor-made to meet the requirements of the most discerning of individuals, offer the ultimate in Major Championship viewing. Price on application – quote “HK Golfer”. For more information contact WSE at rflorian@ WSEnow.com.
JS Watch Wine and Golf What could be better than playing a round on one of France’s most stunning courses in the morning and then visiting a number of the country’s most respected wineries in the afternoon? Golf and wine go hand in hand, which is why we’ve teamed up with The Experience Company, Asia’s leading lifestyle and concierge. For more information contact Julien@ TheExco.com and quote “HK Golfer”.
Reputedly the world’s smallest manufacturer of luxury timepieces, the Iceland-based watchmaker’s range is available in Hong Kong exclusively through the pages of this magazine. With a diverse fan club – the Dalai Lama, Quentin Tarantino and Viggo Mortensen have all sported one or more of the brand’s models – a JS Watch is something truly unique. From HK$13,000. For orders, contact jswatch@timesic.com.
Golf 1 Million When is a golf shirt not just a golf shirt? When it lands its owner the chance of competing for a trophy worth US$1 million! Fifty purchasers of these quality shirts, which are available in four colours, will get drawn at random to win a coveted spot at Golf 1 Million’s televised event in October 2015. An added advantage: winners will be entitled to bring a guest and enjoy VIP treatment for seven days. HK$325 (including postage). For orders visit golf1million.com.
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The Last Drop Only 1,347 bottles of this award-winning whisky were ever made – and only 88 made it to Hong Kong – making it one of the most exclusive bottles that money can buy. A blend of 82 whiskies, the Last Drop is really something else. HK$18,888 per bottle (including delivery). In addition to the whisky, the Last Drop producers have launched a cognac, of which only 478 bottles have been released. HK$28,888 per bottle. For orders, contact lastdrop@hkgolfer.com.
Scorpion Serket 88/98 Scorpion are class-leading manufacturers of luxury rigid boats (RIBs) and their Serket 88 and 98 models, the choice of multiple British Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Ben Ainslie, are now available in Hong Kong. Perfect for exploring the territory’s remote beaches, the models come in a choice of engine options, with the Serket 98 capable of reaching speeds of 60 knots. Price on application. To arrange a test, contact scorpion@hkgolfer.com.
Signed Posters Lee Wybranski is the artist charged with creating some of Major Championship golf’s most alluring artworks and his individually signed posters have become collector items for fans across the globe. HK$600 (includes postage). For orders, contact posters@hkgolfer.com.
SkyCaddie Watch Do Scotland Right If you’d like to combine rounds over an array of world-famous courses whilst staying at an assortment of Scotland’s finest hotels and experiencing the very best that the country has to offer, look no further than Stirling&Stirling, the experts in premium vacations to the “Home of Golf”. Readers are entitled to a 10 per cent discount. For more information, contact scotland@hkgolfer.com.
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Preloaded with up to 30,000 course maps, this is considered the most accurate GPS unit on the market, and gives you easy-to-read distances to the front, centre and back of each and every green. What’s more, the manly, waterproof watch even boasts and odometer so you can tally the number of steps you take on or off the course. HK$2,288. For orders, contact skycaddie@hkgolfer.com.
Magazine Subscription And of course there’s always a subscription to HK Golfer, Hong Kong’s best-selling and award-winning golf magazine. Prices for both print and digital editions (including for iPad, Android and other formats) are available online at hkgolfer.com/ subscriptions.
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TOURNAMENTS | WGC-HSBC CHAMPIONS
Power Play Long-hitting Dustin Johnson put in a superb final round to clinch his first WGC-HSBC Champions victory at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.
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Dustin Johnson survived a final round European assault to claim the WGCHSBC Champions after a fascinating finish in Shanghai early last month. The American recovered superbly from seeing his overnight three-shot lead wiped out in the first two holes with a decisive scoring burst – playing the last six holes in five-under
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par at Sheshan International to card a closing 66 and finish 24-under, three ahead of defending champion Ian Poulter. All three members of the final group shot 66, meaning Poulter finished one ahead of Ryder Cup team-mate Graeme McDowell, with another player responsible for the “Miracle at Medinah”, Spain’s Sergio Garcia, two shots behind in fourth after a closing 63. Johnson began the final round three shots HKGOLFER.COM
“I played really well the last few holes on the front nine and then had a great back nine. The guys made it really interesting but I just played really well coming down the stretch.” clear of Poulter but three-putted the opening hole as the Englishman birdied the first and second, while McDowell birdied the first three to share the lead with Poulter. Birdies on the eighth and ninth got Johnson back into a share of the lead and although Poulter edged in front with a birdie on the 12th, Johnson birdied the 13th and matched Poulter’s birdie on the 14th to set up a grandstand finish. Johnson was left alone in the lead when Poulter was unable to get up-and-down from a greenside bunker on the 15th, although with the 16th being a reachable par-4 and the par-5 18th still to come, the result was far from settled. None of the final group tried to drive the green on the 16th, although Johnson’s length meant he could hit a long iron just 10 yards short and he promptly chipped in for an eagle two. Poulter’s birdie putt did not look like going in HKGOLFER.COM
until it just caught the left edge of the hole and wobbled in, but Johnson still held a two- shot lead with two to play. That became a three shot lead thanks to a birdie on the 17th from five feet and gave Johnson a welcome cushion playing the 18th, the hole where he drove into the water to run up a double bogey seven in the third round. Unsurprisingly Johnson hit an iron off the tee and laid up with his second, eventually missing a short birdie putt after Poulter and McDowell had done likewise. It had no effect on the result however, the 29-year-old Johnson claiming his eighth PGA Tour victory – his first on The European Tour – and the first prize of just over €1 million. Speaking at the trophy presentation, Johnson said: “I didn’t get off to the best start and Poulter and McDowell got off to great starts and put a lot
Dustin Johnson (opposite) was brilliant at Sheshan on Sunday. The American held off the challenge of Ian Poulter to win his first title on Asian soil; Graeme McDowell (above), who beat Johnson to win the 2010 US Open, was no match for him this time around. Despite a final-round 66 the Northern Irishman could only manage third spot. HK GOLFER・DEC 2013
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of pressure on me, but I am swinging well and putting well so I thought just stick to my game plan and play the golf course how I want to play it and it’s going to come. “I played really well the last few holes on the front nine and then had a great back nine. The guys made it really interesting but I just played really well coming down the stretch. “The last few holes here you can make some birdies. It was a lot of fun out there, it was a good match from both of them. They put a lot of pressure on me but I am really proud of myself and the way I handled it.” Johnson has not always handled such pressure so well, McDowell famously winning the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach after Johnson squandered a three-shot lead in the final round. After a triple-bogey on the second hole and double-bogey on the third, Johnson shot a closing 82 and McDowell’s 74 was enough to win by one from France’s Grégory Havret. “It takes a while to learn that [maturity and patience],” Johnson added. “I wish I would have had some of that a few times a few years ago, but you learn from your mistakes and try to get better from them and I think I showed a lot of 82
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patience and a lot of discipline with clubs I picked and shot selection. “This is probably my biggest win and hopefully there are better things to come.” Poulter, who has been winless thus far in 2013, said: “I guess it was a good defence … Obviously a little disappointed not to put my hands back on the trophy, but 15 birdies and an eagle at the weekend is some pretty good golf. “I’m in great form, I really am playing well. The work I’ve done, obviously leading up to this run of tournaments has really worked and I couldn’t be hitting it any better right now and obviously rolling a few putts in.”
Two-time winner Phil Mickelson and defending champion Ian Poulter square up at the pre-event press conference in downtown Shanghai (above); Rory McIlroy (opposite) showed a welcome return to form with a solid top-10 finish. HKGOLFER.COM
NUMBERS GAME
IN THE WINNING BAG
24 01
DRIVER
Dustin Johnson’s winning aggregate total under par – a record low in the WGC-HSBC Champions
Shot outside the all-time WGC low winning total of 25 under set by Tiger Woods at the 2002 Cadillac Championship
07 04 63 60 06
His score under par in the last 11 holes
Rounds in the 60s for Graeme McDowell en route to finishing third (69-69-64-66)
The low round of the day set by Sergio Garcia and Richard Sterne Players to finish the tournament under par
Members of the victorious 2012 European Ryder Cup team in the top 10 (Ian Poulter, McDowell, Garcia, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer)
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TaylorMade SLDR (10.5°) with Fujikura Fuel 2.0 X-flex shaft
FAIRWAY WOODS
TaylorMade R9 (15°and 19°) with Aldila RIP X-flex shafts
IRONS
TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB (3-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 steel shafts
WEDGES
TaylorMade TP xFT (54° and 60°) with KBS Tour steel shafts
PUTTER
Titleist by Scotty Cameron Newport 2
BALL
TaylorMade Lethal
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EVENTS
AUDEMARS PIGUET'S “TIME WITH THE MASTERS” The Audemars Piguet “Time with the Masters” Golf Day was successfully held on 21 October at the Lan Hai International Golf Club in Shanghai. David von Gunten, CEO of Audemars Piguet Hong Kong and China, along with Li Li, Country General Manager of Audemars Piguet Mainland China, and guests from mainland China and Hong Kong enjoyed a challenging and rewarding day on the golf course with two Audemars Piguet Golf Ambassadors, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen. Prior to the competition, an exclusive clinic session with the two golf ambassadors was especially organized at the club’s driving range. The two golf masters, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen, took the opportunity to share their golfing experience with the guests. David von Gunten, CEO of Audemars Piguet Hong Kong and China and the two Audemars Piguet Golf Ambassadors officiated the event by hitting the opening drives together. Following the opening ceremony, the two masters joined the guests for the round which included a number of special awards such as ‘Nearest to the Pin’, ‘Longest Drive’, ‘Longest Putt’ and ‘Straightest Drive’. Commenting on the event, David von Gunten said: “It is indeed a very exclusive and rare opportunity not only to have two world-class golf masters playing golf with our guests but also having them to personally demonstrate and share with us their experience during the clinic session. Our guests were able to get some inspiration and useful tips from our golf ambassadors and most importantly, to apply them in practice.” Audemars Piguet, one of golf’s premier sponsors, have long believed that the worlds of watchmaking and golf have always been interlinked as both skills require a blend of passion and precision, technique and artistry – all governed by rigorous discipline. As members of the golf ambassador team, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen share Audemars Piguet values, such as integrity, passion, respect and sophistication. The Audemars Piguet Golf Ambassadors perfectly embody the brand’s philosophy, “To break the rules, you must first master them”.
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CLUBHOUSE | TEE TIME SPECIAL
A MYTHICAL JOURNEY PIAGET TAKES US TRAVELLING THROUGH THE AGES WITH THEIR LATEST COLLECTION
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Clockwise from opposite: Piaget is presenting two Emperador Coussin models with dials that illustrate one of two routes from the collection; the map is an enamel miniature accentuated by hand engraving; the dials of the Protocole XXL and Altiplano Double Jeu models were inspired by a pagoda in the Yunnan region 86
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here are journeys that carry us away and change us for life; journeys from which one returns transformed and of which the memories remain engraved on our minds; journeys full of adventure, discoveries, encounters and unforeseen events. Piaget is unveiling its watch and jewellery collection inspired by the most famous and most beautiful journeys. Midway between the Silk Route and the Spice Route, A Mythical Journey by Piaget is an invitation to dream and to escape from reality, to venture into a poetic world filled with beauty, enchantment and passion. This astonishing, captivating collection draws us into a marvellous and epic voyage between Asia and India, transcended by the passion, the devotion, the talent, the creativity, the expertise and at times the sheer folly of the watchmakers, jewellery, artists and craftsmen. Stemming from their collaborative endeavours, A Mythical Journey by Piaget sweeps us into a world of artistry and powerful emotions. A unique, unforgettable dis cover y in which Ar t and Excellence merge in keeping Fine craftsmanship with the finest Piaget traditions, and creativity are in governed by a blend of boldness the Piaget genes. They and creativity. For Piaget, no symbolism are expressed without is more universal than that of limitations, sometimes the journey. Indeed, travel has through experimentation been an important part of the company’s history. with techniques not Every trip starts in the wellspring often used in jewellery of the imagination and opens the or watchmaking, and path to a new future. While it is true that the great explorers dreamed through innovations of fortune and glory, they also had that are ahead of a burning desire to discover things the fashion curve. that only they dared imagine, such as those described by Marco Polo in his Travels of Marco Polo. Their names epitomise high adventure: Vasco De Gama, the first European to reach the Indies by sea in 1498 by sailing around the Cape of HKGOLFER.COM
Good Hope; Hernán Cortés, Amerigo Vespucci, Jacques Cartier, and Magellan, among others. But nothing fascinates quite so much as the Silk Route and the Spice Route. The first trade routes appeared some 4000 years BC. We know that they all followed the rivers that were the cradles of great civilisations: the Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Indus, and Huang Ho. With its new collection, Piaget ventures to travel from Asia to India, revisiting the days of caravans and caravansaries. Fine craftsmanship and creativity are in the Piaget genes. They are expressed without limitations, sometimes through experimentation with techniques not often used in jewellery or watchmaking, and through innovations that are ahead of the fashion curve. In its Manufacture just outside Geneva, about forty watchmaking and jewellery crafts supplement the movementmanufacturing activity at La Côte-aux-Fées. The designers’ imagination is translated into masterpieces thanks to resident expertise in the age-old arts of engraving, guillochage, gem-setting, and marquetry done in precious stones. The master craftsmen reveal the motions that have been handed down from time immemorial, with the modesty of those who make excellence a daily practice. Nothing is more extraordinary than the passion that motivates these men. A Mythical Journey by Piaget consists of twenty-eight watch models on which micromosaic, embroidery, bullino engraving, and enamel rub elbows; and eighteen pieces of jewellery created from exceptional stones including emerald and sapphire spheres, facetted sapphires and emeralds, and facetted pink sapphires set in pink gold. As a prelude to the pieces related to China and India, Piaget is presenting two Emperador Coussin models with dials that illustrate one or the other of the two routes from the A Mythical Journey by Piaget collection. The map is an enamel miniature accentuated by hand engraving. These limited-edition timepieces HKGOLFER.COM
show the enameller’s talent through absolute attention to detail and his ability. The map is like a painter’s canvas: open to the imagination, the unexpected, the extraordinary. As a tribute to the great explorers in the face of eternity, the dial is decorated with a compass and has a generously-sized moon phase at six o’clock. The eye is drawn to this simple, mysterious lunar orb. The gem-set bezel accentuates the hypnotic volume and the cushion shape, while the gem-set crown adds just the right note of sophistication.
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JEWELLERY | SPECIAL
CARTIER. STYLE AND HISTORY THE MOST IMPORTANT EXHIBITION EVER DEVOTED TO THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE OF CARTIER WILL RUN FROM EARLY DECEMBER THROUGH TO 16 FEBRUARY AT THE GRAND PALAIS IN PARIS.
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Clockwise from opposite: Sir Yadavindra Singh, Maharajah of Patiala, wears a diamond and platinum parade necklace created by Cartier in 1928 for his father Sir Bhupindar Singh of Patiala; this platinum, white and yellow gold snake necklace features 2,473 brilliant diamonds and was originally sold to María Félix; Princess Grace and her stunning engagement ring – a two carat emerald cut centre diamond 88
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he fame of the name and the dazzle of the diamonds have perhaps overshadowed the complex, manyfaceted history of the great jewellery house, yet Cartier has played a prominent role in the history of the decorative arts. Cartier designs, from classic pieces worthy of the “kings’ jeweller” to radical Art Nouveau creations, both geometrical and exotic, are an intriguing testimony to the changes in taste and social codes. Cartier seduced the most elegant personalities of the 20th century with jewellery, clocks and watches, and refined yet practical objects. Cartier. Style and History has been designed as an art history exhibition. As works of art in their own right, the jeweller’s creations are shown in the context of changing usages and styles. The history of the house of Cartier from its foundation in 1847 until the 1970s is an opportunity to open the door to a laboratory of forms and enter into the workings of a sophisticated company which creates jewellery and accessories for their intrinsic beauty as well as for their social function. Some 600 pieces of jewellery, objects, watches and clocks are teamed up with dresses, coats and accessories, furniture, paintings, advertising photographs, engravings and fashion magazines to give visitors an idea of the art and taste of the time. By looking at the sources of each step in the house’s history, the exhibition aims to put Cartier’s stylistic choices into perspective. Over 200 preparatory drawings, numerous archival documents (stock registers, book of ideas, drawings relating to the shop in the rue de la Paix, photographs, plaster casts ...) take visitors behind the scenes. This exhibition, the most important ever devoted to Cartier, neglects none of the activities that built its reputation, presenting all types of objects from ceremonial jewellery to the most personal pieces: vanity cases, cigarette cases and wrist watches, three emblems of modernity. Star pieces from Cartier’s history are on show, starting with a series of sumptuous diadems, illustrating HKGOLFER.COM
the virtuosity of the craftsmen and the ambitions of a certain clientele. Underlining the importance of watch making in Cartier’s identity, the exhibition also presents an unprecedented number of mysterious clocks, a spectacular ensemble of fifteen pieces, each one a masterpiece of refinement and craftsmanship. The pieces on display come mainly from the Cartier collection, supplemented by fifty loans from public institutions (Musée des Arts décoratifs, Musée Galliera, Bibliothèque nationale de France – musée de l’Opéra, Bibliothèque des Arts décoratifs) or private collections. A prestigious ensemble of about twenty pieces, some official and others more personal, from the Prince of Monaco’s collection reveal Princess Grace’s elegant taste. Visitors will also get a glimpse of the extraordinary Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heiress of a huge cereal empire, a great collector of Russian and French art and the most assiduous customer of Cartier New York, thanks to the most exceptional support of the Hillwood Foundation installed in her last abode in Washington. The exhibition presents several emblematic figures in Cartier’s history: important customers, actresses or heiresses (Barbara Hutton, Marlene Dietrich, Liz Taylor and Maria Félix), maharajahs from the Indies – just a dream at the time but now not so far away – or trendsetters from various periods who left their mark on history (including Daisy Fellowes, Mona Bismarck and the Duchess of Windsor). The first exhibition to be held in the newly restored grand reception room, Cartier. Style and History is ideally suited to this grandiose space and beautifully served by a poetic design. Rather than evoking a jeweller’s shop, the exhibition unfolds like a story, creating a different atmosphere for each section, achieving its twofold aim of letting the magic of the objects speak for itself while giving visitor the keys to understanding this eventful tale. HKGOLFER.COM
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GOLF & INVESTING | 5 MINUTES WITH ...
Lee Parker For golfers and investors out there, you might find golf and investing share a lot of similar attributes. In this, the eighth in a series of interviews presented by Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd., Lee Parker – one of the most respected PGA-qualified instructors in the region – talks about his early years, the investment lessons he’s learned over time and who he’d have in his dream fourball. What connections do you see between golf and investing? For success in both you need a good supply of patience, take the long view and get your fundamentals right. When did you start playing? I started to play at the age of about six, which was shortly after my parents moved into a house that was adjacent to the seventh fairway on the Batchwood Hall Public Golf Course in St Albans, England. So you could say I got into golf because the golf course was there! My earliest memories of the game are related to the finding and reselling of lost golf balls, either to passing golfers or to the Pro Shop. That in turn led to getting hold of a golf club and hitting balls around the edges of the course whilst avoiding the course ranger and course staff. From there it was natural progression to playing on the course itself, attending junior coaching organized by the club pro, then to the junior section of the golf club. I caddied for a while and that led to a job in the Pro Shop. I turned pro in October 1966 at the age of 15 with a handicap of six. There’s no way could you do that these days. How often do you play? I try to play weekly, mostly at Kau Sai Chau and preferably on the North Course. Walking is a very important part of the game for me, and although I understand the need for golf carts on some golf courses, I believe golf at its most beneficial is a walking game. What’s been your best ever round? 66 – round the Old Course at Fanling (pictured) in 1980. My playing partner was Dr Robert Fung. I mostly remember holing what seemed like every single putt with a couple of chip-ins. Do you have a favourite course? That’s a tough one! I have a strong preference for traditional golf courses, and I enjoy the challenge of playing in the wind and walking. Those are my favourites. 90
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Who would be in your dream fourball? Jo e Ha rdw ick , t he for mer club pro at Fanling – we always enjoy good and close matches; Ben Hogan, just to be able to watch him in action; and Vic Stock, a very good friend and golfer who mentored me in my teens. How do you maintain focus during a round? Ah, one of golf’s eternal challenges! Building a game on what we know we can do rather than what we’d like to do is an excellent start. This leads to selecting the most appropriate target and club for the shot at hand. It helps to create a focus of what I know I can do rather than what I think I can do, but my subconscious knows I can’t. When my mind starts drifting, focusing on my breathing quietens things down internally and gets me back to the shot at hand. How would you describe your overall investment philosophy? In a word: conservative. As my wife and I have become older we’re most comfortable investing in areas we know. We’ve weathered a couple of highs and lows in the market in the past. What key lessons have you learned through your personal investing experiences? Do as much homework as you can, then go with ‘what feels right’. Gut instinct based on good knowledge is not such a bad barometer. HKGOLFER.COM
GREAT GOLF STARTS WITH GREAT ADVICE
Hank Haney PGA Teaching Pro
When it comes to golf and investing, everyone can use a little help from the pros.
For more on the connection between golf and Investing, visit www.schwab.com.hk/golf
Schwab Investors Centre: Suites 1607-1611, ICBC Tower, No.3 Garden Road, Hong Kong | +852-2101-0511
EXPERT IN U.S. INVESTING This material is issued by Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd. and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong. Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd. is registered with the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") to carry out the regulated activities in dealing in securities, advising on securities and advising on futures contracts under registration CE number ADV256. Š2012 Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd. All rights reserved. (0312-1952/CSHK - 1171)