APGC
Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Journal
December 2018
Kanaya realises childhood dream
Contents Kanaya realises childhood dream
1-2
Players’ magnificent response to AAC 3 Tom Watson: There are no shortcuts to success
4
Danes make history at world teams title
5
Golf’s new rules in effect on Jan 1
6
Rolex helps make dreams possible
7
Japan claims Asia-Pacific seniors team title at home The R&A’s future vision
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Takumi Kanaya followed in the footsteps of his renowned countryman Hideki Matsuyama when he won the 10th AsiaPacific Amateur Championship (AAC).
The 20-year-old, who was the highest-ranked Japanese player in the field at No. 22, shot a five-under-par 65 on the final day to finish at 13-underpar 267, two shots ahead of India’s Rayhan Thomas (66) and compatriot and 2018 Asian
Games gold medalist Keita Nakajima (67). Kanaya earned an invitation to the 2019 Masters Tournament and a place in the 148th Open at Royal Portrush. Matsuyama won his second AAC title at Singapore Island Country Club in 2011. As runners-up, both Thomas and Nakajima will get the opportunity to play in The Open Qualifying Series. Continuing his impressive form, which saw him win two
tournaments this year and also finish second in the individual standing of the World Amateur Team Championships, Kanaya wasn’t fazed by the suspension in play due to inclement weather. Following the hour delay, he powered ahead of the field with three consecutive birdies starting at the 14th hole. After a bogey on the 17th, he went on to finish two strokes ahead of what n Continued page 2
Kanaya realises childhood dream n From page 1
had been a tight leader board throughout the day. “This is simply like a dream. I have been dreaming of going to the Masters ever since I was a kid,” said Kanaya, who received a congratulatory call from Matsuyama moments after winning the championship. “I never expected to play the Masters and The Open so early in my career so this is just huge. “I played well throughout the day but I think the key for me was how I kept my calm and composure during the round.” Thomas was disappointed with the four-over 74 start he had in the first round, which eventually made all the difference. He achieved the best-ever finish by an Indian in the decade-long history of the championship, however, comfortably beating Khalin Joshi’s T-9 finish in 2010 in Japan. “One thing I definitely learned from this week is that you can’t win a championship of this level after starting with a four-over round,” said Thomas, who made only one bogey in his last 45 holes. “Irrespective of my score, I loved every moment of this great championship and I am glad that I have the chance to come back again next year knowing that I have the ability to win it.” Nakajima felt he was in the reckoning until he made a bogey on the 17th hole, but added that Kanaya’s play was a factor, too. “I had a fantastic week. I thought I still had a chance coming in, but the three-putt bogey on the 17th was a turning point. And also, Takumi played so solid,” said Nakajima. The 10th edition of the region’s premier amateur golf 2 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ December 2018
Making their mark: Rayhan Thomas (above), Keita Nakajima (right), and Takumi Kanaya (bottom right)
‘This is simply like a dream. I have been dreaming of going to the Masters ever since I was a kid.’ tournament was organized by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A. The championship will be played at Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai, China, next year. The AAC is also supported by six Proud Partners –3M, AT&T, Delta, Mercedes-Benz, Samsung and UPS – and two Scoring Partners, Rolex and IBM.
PLAYERS’ MAGNIFICENT RESPONSE TO AAC The Founding Partners of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) hailed the manner in which the region’s finest players have responded to the championship in the first decade of its history.
The 10th edition of the region’s premier amateur golf tournament – organised by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A – is being played this week at Sentosa Golf Club’s New Tanjong course. Kei Muratsu, the Chairman of the APGC, said: “As we gather for the 10th time, we continue to be amazed by the success of this event and the achievements of the players who are proving our efforts are worthwhile. “We are very thankful to The R&A and Augusta, who gave us this opportunity, and also gave instant credibility to the value and reputation for this championship. “This is the ultimate goal for all elite amateur players throughout the region, to compete here.” Martin Slumbers, the Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “I think there’s so much we can reflect on with great pleasure about the first 10 years of the AAC.
“When we started, the intention was to create a platform for the best players to develop. There is no better way of demonstrating that than the fact that when we first staged the event, there was only one player from the region in the top 50 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking. “As of this morning, there are 11 players from the region in the top 50 of the amateur golf ranking. That’s a pretty extraordinary amount of growth in 10 years, and it’s a great testament to all the good work that’s going on in the Asia-Pacific countries to develop their players. “At the end of the day, we want the game to grow. The overriding purpose of The R&A is to see golf thriving 50 years from now. For that we need more people playing and these championships create some opportunities to inspire the next generation of players.” Fred Ridley, Chairman of the Masters Tournament, added: “I think our operations continue to improve every year. We have been fortunate to have a group of sponsors whose global brands have elevated the stature of this championship. “It’s not just the quality of the field,
but the participation of the member organizations in the APGC has also grown dramatically, from 31 in 2009, to 42 as of yesterday. That in itself is an indicator of how things have progressed and the impact this championship has made. “This is all great anecdotal information, but from a larger perspective we have been pleased to see the impact this event has had on golf in the region. “We started with the idea of creating heroes and role models so other young people would be inspired to take up the game, and I think all of that is coming to fruition.” Muratsu thanked the Masters Tournament and The R&A for their support to the region. “I don’t know how we could appreciate it; it’s very difficult to say with words. There’s nothing to compare with that,” he added. “It’s not only the financial support, but their energy and their enthusiasm about golf and also their commitment to this part of the world, and from the top, the chairman, to also the staff and the people, I’ve never seen a team like this that works so hard.”
December 2018 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 3
Tom Watson: There are no shortcuts to success Tom Watson visited the 10th edition of the AsiaPacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in his capacity as Brand Ambassador of The Open and had one piece of advice for the finest amateur golfers of the region – there is no shortcut to success.
The winner of eight major championships, including five Open Championships and two Masters, watched the third round of the region’s premier amateur golf tournament and then spent time talking to the players during the rain delay. Asked what would be his best advice for players who want to have a career like his, the 69-year-old American said: “If these boys don’t ask me about the chip-in at Pebble Beach to win the US Open, they are always asking how they can become better as a golfer. “The one thing that I can tell them is how I made myself into a good golfer. When I decided to turn professional, I decided I would practise more than anybody else on the Tour. I’d hit more balls than others. That I did and it made me a better player. “I put myself in position to win many times early in my career but I choked it away because I could not handle the pressure and that is OK. “You need to put yourself more in those situations, the better you learn how to deal with it. The main thing is that you have to strive to be better, and better, and better.” Watson, who almost won The Open at Turnberry at the age of 59, said he had no doubts the Asia-Pacific region would become a superpower in the game in very near future. “I built a golf course in China about three years ago and during that process I had 4 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ December 2018
Words of wisdom: Eight-time major winner Tom Watson shares his thoughts.
the opportunity to be at a golf facility in Shenzhen,” he added. “There were many Chinese youngsters playing there and I am not joking when I say almost each one of them, I think
golf. And I see that story repeating in so many countries in the region – in Korea, in Japan. You are seeing it happen in this particular tournament already.”
‘I was convinced that day that China would become a powerhouse in international golf.’ barring one, had a swing like Adam Scott, who I consider has the best swing in our game. “Their plane, their grip, their swing … it was just excellent. I have never seen anything like that. “I was convinced that day that China would become a powerhouse in international
Watson praised the Founding Partners of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship – the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A – for putting together the tournament. “I am very proud of what they are doing. They are all trying to
Photo: Augusta National
promote the growth of the game and this tournament is a good example,” said Watson. “Let me call it the ‘carrot.’ The carrot of being able to play the Masters Tournament and now The Open as well. Can you imagine how much any golfer in any part of the world would love to do that? “It really is the biggest reward that you can have for winning a tournament. And to have it here in Asia, to involve the 42 member nations of the APGC, it only enhances the growth of the game. “That’s the most important thing for me – it would make the youngsters want to play golf. “We have to create life-time golfers and tournaments like this are a critical part of it.”
DANES MAKE HISTORY AT WORLD TEAMS TITLE The World Amateur Teams Championship managed to produce two startling results in Ireland in September with Denmark snaring their first Eisenhower Trophy title and the US winning its first Espirito Santo trophy in 20 years.
The Danes, bolstered by the stellar play of 17-year-old identical twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, held off a surging field to win its first crown by one shot from the USA with a 39-under-par 541 total. They claimed the Eisenhower Trophy in their 25th appearance as Nicolai Hojgaard, the 2018 European Amateur champion, posted a 7-under-par 66 and his brother Rasmus fired a sixunder-67 for a team total of 13-under-par 133 on the par-73 O’Meara Course. Teammate John Axelsen posted a non-counting four-under 69. Previously, in 2010, Denmark had claimed the silver medal. “It means a lot,” said six-time Danish captain Torben Nyehuus. “Everybody is watching. It’s just amazing. I was with the team in 2010 when we came in second, so this is just amazing. It’s pretty nice to go one better.” Nicolai notched five birdies in his final nine holes and Rasmus logged three as they took the lead from a tightly packed leaderboard. Four teams, Denmark, USA, Spain and New Zealand, were tied at 34-under as the last groups made the turn. “I feel wonderful,” said Nicolai. “This is a dream come true for all of us. I had a tough start to this tournament, so I was just trying to play some good rounds to help the team. I did that the last two rounds so this is perfect. “This is the biggest team event we could have won and to do it with Rasmus is perfect. But, also with John, John is a great friend
Event to remember: The winning women’s team.
and we are all having fun. This is just wonderful.” The USA used a strong finish by University of Texas freshman and 2018 US Amateur semifinalist Cole Hammer (sevenunder 66) and University of Southern California senior Justin Suh (four-under 69) to pass Spain for the silver medal at 38-under-par 542. “It says a lot,” said Hammer, the 2018 US Amateur Four-Ball champion. “It speaks a lot to the way our team jelled and how much fun we had together. When you are having fun playing golf, good things happen. To medal in my first international competition, especially on a stage as big as this, is really special.” Spain took the bronze medal at 36-under 544. New Zealand, which held the lead through 36 and 54 holes, was fourth at 545, followed by Norway, Italy and Thailand tied for fifth at 548; England in eighth at 549, Canada in ninth at 550 and host Ireland and Germany tied for 10th at 553.
Although there is no official recognition, Spain’s Alejandro “Alex” Del Rey was the low individual scorer at 23-under 267. He and England’s Matthew Jordan shot the low scores in the fourth round at eight-under 65. Meanwhile, the USA made up for the slender loss by the men’s team when they collected the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy for the 14th time with a flourish. Led by nearly perfect scoring conditions and the performances of Kristen Gillman, who has won the 2016 and 2018 US Women’s Amateur championship, and McCormack Medal winner Jennifer Kupcho, the USA eased to a 10-stroke victory over Japan on the O’Meara Course for its first gold since 1998 in Chile. “I am so proud of these girls,” American captain Stasia Collins said. “I am so proud of this team, and I am really happy for them and thrilled for the United States. They will always be known as the gold medal winners for
the 2018 World Amateur Team Championships – no one can take that away from us.” The USA, in winning its first medal since Argentina in 2010, posted a 29-under-par 551. Gillman was the driving force of the day, making an eagle and four birdies against one bogey in her first nine holes to make the turn at five-under. She added a birdie on the 13th en route to six-under 67. Kupcho fired a four-under-69 to give the USA a 10-under fourth-round total of 136. She and Gillman and Lillia Vu were also members of the victorious USA Curtis Cup Team in June. “We have the strong bond already from the beginning, especially yesterday when we were all struggling we all fought for each other,” said Kupcho, who won the NCAA Women’s individual title in 2018. “We all wanted to win for each other, and I think that was a big thing coming out of yesterday. And, I think that’s how we got our big lead coming into today. Japan’s first appearance on the medal podium in 28 appearances was formulated by a pair of three-under 70s from 18-year-olds Yuri Yoshida and Yuna Nishimura. Their final total was 19-under 561. Previously, its best finish was fourth in 1984. Defending champion Republic of Korea stalled in its attempt to overtake the USA and captured the bronze medal, which is its fifth consecutive medal-winning performance. The Koreans, who had won three of the previous four WWATCs, withstood a late rally from fourth-place China to finish at 18-under 562
– Courtesy the International Golf Federation December 2018 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 5
GOLF’S NEW RULES IN EFFECT ON JAN 1 Golf ’s new rules have been published by The R&A and the USGA ahead of coming into effect on January 1, 2019.
For the first time, a new Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf is being introduced to provide a shorter, more userfriendly version of the Rules for golfers at all levels of the sport. This version, which will serve as the primary publication for all golfers, features: n A more intuitive organisation with 10 simplified topical groupings n A “Purpose of the Rule” description at the top of each Rule, to better define why the Rule exists n Easy-to-follow, full-colour diagrams and charts n A simpler, more direct writing style.
New rulebook Two million copies of the Player’s Edition will be distributed in the United States and its territories and Mexico by the USGA and a similar number in the rest of the world by The R&A, all with the support of Rolex. The new book will be translated into more than 30 different languages. The Player’s Edition is being launched alongside the modernised full Rules of Golf book, which includes some of the most significant changes made to the Rules in more than 60 years.
Modernising the sport David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Golf today. “This is the biggest set of changes to the Rules in a generation and a major step 6 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ December 2018
forward in our efforts to make the Rules, and golf itself, more accessible and more in tune with the way the modern sport is played.” Thomas Pagel, Senior Managing Director, Governance at the USGA, said, “From the project’s inception, our one goal was to make the Rules easier to understand and apply for all golfers. “It sets a new standard in the way we write and interpret the Rules, and is central to our efforts to ensure a healthy future for golf. We look forward to continuing that process in the years to come.”
Digital versions A new Official Guide to the Rules of Golf is also available in digital, on website and app, while a printed version was released in November. Designed for golf administrators and club officials, the Guide features interpretations on specific Rules (which replace the current Decisions) and includes the first jointly produced Committee Procedures document providing practical guidance to Committees for running competitions and overseeing general play. Another key feature is the
Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities. This document is released alongside the Rules of Golf and enables players with disabilities to play fairly with other players with the same or different types of disability and, importantly, with those without disabilities. The Modified Rules were developed in close consultation with the community of players with disabilities and disability organisations. All of the new books are available in digital formats at www.randa.org, www.usga. org and through The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf apps. A range of explanatory videos and resources are available on both websites to enable all golfers to learn about the 2019 Rules.
Education programmes Extensive educational programmes are being conducted around the world, with the assistance of national and regional associations, to ensure golfers and administrators throughout amateur and professional golf are ready for the new Rules when they take effect on January 1. The process to modernise the Rules began in 2012 with the aim of making the Rules easier
Photo: The R&A
to understand and apply for all golfers and to help make golf more appealing and accessible for newcomers. Some of the key changes in the new Rules include new procedures for dropping the ball when taking relief, the elimination or reduction of several penalties, relaxed putting green and bunker rules, and rules that encourage improved pace of play.
A reminder to golfers Golfers are reminded that the current Rules of Golf remain in effect for the remainder of 2018. The Rules of Amateur Status and the Rules of Equipment Standards were not part of the review process. As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A and the USGA’s efforts to modernise golf’s Rules. The Swiss watchmaker’s contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back more than 50 years, forged through pivotal partnerships at every level of the sport, from the leading professional and amateur competitions and organisations to players at the pinnacle of their sport worldwide.
ROLEX HELPS MAKE DREAMS POSSIBLE The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation has benefitted enormously from the backing of prestigious watchmaker Rolex which continues to provide invaluable sponsorship to events such as the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
The AAC falls under the same Rolex banner as the other key global golf tournaments it supports, including The Masters, The Open and the US Open. But Rolex can trace its involvement in golf back 50 years and also throws its weight behind the men’s and women’s games both in the amateur and pro ranks. The company’s passion for the game extends to backing for all of the women’s majors and Rolex has a firmly established
partnership with the sport’s controlling bodies, The R&A, the USGA and the LPGA for women’s golf. Rolex also partners golf’s foremost players, including former dual AAC winner and current US PGA Tour star Hideki Matsuyama, his contemporaries such as Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Lexi Thompson as well as modern legends Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam and Tiger Woods. The APGC re-iterates its gratitude for the unwavering support from Rolex – without such high-profile and generous sponsors the Confederation would not be able to stage such important events for players in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan claims Asia-Pacific seniors team title at home Japan has won the 2018 Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship team title at the Tom Watson Golf Club in Japan.
Brent Paterson from New Zealand again collected the individual title with a three round total of 217. He was just one shot ahead of Japan’s Minoru Sugiyama while perpetual contender Australian Greg Rhodes was third on 221. In the team championship Australians Ken Brewer (NSW), Gordon Claney (Vic), John Davey (SA), Brad Dowling (Qld), Lester Peterson (NSW) and Rhodes (Vic) led after rounds one and two, but could not hold off the fast finishing Japan. Australia’s team score of 894 was three behind Japan, with New Zealand finishing second. Paterson won the individual title for the second consecutive year.
Right at home: The Japanese team after winning the 2018 Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship. December 2018 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 7
THE R&A’S FUTURE VISION The R&A is looking to the future as it sets out its vision as a global leader in golf, working collaboratively to ensure the long-term success of the sport.
A new chapter begins in the long history of the St Andrewsbased governing body with the unveiling of a new brand identity and a “playbook” outlining its vision, purpose and values. The new brand is the culmination of The R&A’s work in the last three years to modernise golf and change perceptions of the sport. The R&A’s vision is to lead by example as a global organisation, working together with its partners in the sport, that is renowned for its governance work and staging of world class professional and amateur championships. The organisation also aims to become financially stronger and will invest £200 million in developing golf over the next decade. The playbook sets out The R&A’s purpose: to make golf more accessible, more appealing and more inclusive and to be responsible for upholding the traditions of golf while embracing change and breaking down barriers to progress. Its core values are: courage to act in the best interests of the sport; integrity in acting fairly and equally; and inclusivity in growing the sport through achieving greater diversity. Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said,
“Our new brand brings together everything we have done over the last three years on ways to modernise golf and take the sport forward. We listened to our partners and the organisations
nurture golf to ensure that it continues to thrive in 50 years’ time.” The R&A is involved in a range of initiatives to broaden golf’s appeal and address some
‘We listened to our partners and the organisations and individuals we serve to help us determine what we should seek to achieve as custodians of golf.’ and individuals we serve to help us determine what we should seek to achieve as custodians of golf. “The message came through very clearly that we have a global role to play in leading the sport, while working collaboratively with our partners and international affiliated organisations to grow and
of the challenges facing the sport. Working with the USGA, the Rules of Golf have been modernised and updated for 2019 and a new World Handicap System is being developed to create a consistent measure of playing ability for all golfers, regardless of nationality, ability, age or gender. In June, The R&A introduced
the first ever Women in Golf Charter as part of its drive to increase the number of women and girls participating in golf and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the golf industry. Two new elite amateur events have been introduced: the Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific and Girls Under-16 Championship. Evolving from the previous R&A mark, the new brand identity retains the R&A blue but utilises a secondary colour palette to represent its strategic functions: governance, The Open, commercial, amateur golf, relationships, development and sustainability. The R&A playbook can be downloaded at www.randa.org. The new brand identity is being rolled out through a digital and social media campaign on The R&A’s platforms and to coincide with the release of the 2019 edition of the Rules of Golf.
Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation
Chairman Mr Keisuki Muratsu
Vice Chairman Treasurer Mr Taimur Amin Mr Philip Hassall
General Secretary Mr Kyungjae Lee
Mr Mohammed Faisal Al-Naimi
Rae Vadee T.Suwan
Nobuko Hirayama
Dato’ Rabeahtul Aloya Abbas
Mr Ishwar Achanta
John Hopkins
The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation encourages all member nations to contribute news from their countries for inclusion in the APGC journal. News items can be emailed to editor Robert Grant at rob.grant1948@gmail.com 8 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ December 2018