APGC
Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Journal
Korea continues amazing streak Contents Korea continues amazing streak Mobile app launched in Chinese
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APGC members swell R&A working for golf meeting 3 Initiative sparked by Thompson incident 4 Chairman’s message 5 Uniform handicapping system under way 5 Teeing up China’s next generation 6 Oman scheme targets kids 7 Games golf venue votes for equality 8 Perry, Davidson claim amateur prize 8 Thais star in Singapore 9 Multiple major star at referee school 10 Cashmore cashes in with junior victory 11 Rolex and golf 12
Korea has tightened its stranglehold on the Queen Sirikit Cup-Asia-Pacific Amateur Ladies’ Golf Team Championship.
The Korean team accelerated to the front from the opening day of the event, staged from May 10-12, and held on to seize victory by three shots from host nation China at the Zhangjiagang Shuangshan Golf Club. Japan was third. This was Korea’s 10th triumph in the past 11 years – only Australia in 2013 in New Zealand broke their
run of successes – and the country’s 19th title from the 39 tournaments contested. The individual title also went to Korea with Hye-jin Choi collecting the title in a play-off. This latest edition of the Cup attracted 13 teams from the 14 member nations, with only Myanmar absent. It was played in mixed weather, with light rain, winds and benign conditions all prevailing on Shuangshan Island off Zhangjiagang City in the Jiangsu Province of China.
JUNE 2017
Winning Korea Team
Strong winds during the opening round resulted in just one sub-par score – a 71 by Korea’s So-mi Lee – compared to 13 sub-par rounds on the second day when the weather was near perfect for golf. Two players, Korea’s Hye-jin Choi and Taiwan’s Yu-Sang Hou, returned the lowest score of 67 on day two. The final round saw a lower score of 65 made by two players, China’s Liu Wenbo and Philippines’ Yuka E. Saso. n Continued page 2
n From page 1
After regulation play in the individual event two players, Hye-jin Choi and Liu Wenbo, finished tied at seven under the card on 209 and headed into a play-off at the par five 18th. The Chinese player pulled her tee shot to the left off the fairway and had to chip out from under a tree which led to a bogey six while Hye-jin Choi, who was second in last year’s championship in Korea, played safe to make a regulation par and become the individual winner with scores of 73-67-69. Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand finished two shots back after shooting 75-68-68 and was third. A hole-in-one was another highlight from Liu when, on the final round, she aced the parthree second hole. In the team event, Korea led the first round with the total two best combined scores of 144, followed by Japan and China on 146. Australia and Thailand were tied at 149. In the second round, Korea moved away to be eight under par on 280, ahead of Japan, five shots back at three under and China which was level with the card. Thailand moved into fourth spot at two over followed by Taiwan one shot back. In the final round Korea
First runner-up: China’s Liu Wenbo.
continued to set the pace finishing with a team total of 420 – 12 under par. China displayed commendable determination to finish runner-up on 423 with Japan third on 425. Tournament-wise, the Organising Committee produced a well-conducted Championship with the support from the
APGC’s referee team and staff from Miramar Sports Ltd and Shuangshan Golf Club. The R&A, who provided an accommodation grant for all the teams, was represented by Dominic Wall, Director for Asia-Pacific, while the AsiaPacific Golf Confederation’s Vice Chairman, Kei Muratsu, and
Board members Nicki Hirayama, Dato Rabeahtul Abbas and RaeVadee T. Suwan were all present to oversee the tournament’s smooth operation. Thailand Ladies Golf Association will host the 40th anniversary of the Championship in May 2018 in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Mobile app launched in Chinese The R&A has launched a Rules of Golf mobile app in Chinese, giving Chinese golfers access to most up-to-date Rules.
The app will be available only in China through app stores on both iOs and Android platforms such as Xiaomi, Baidu, 91, Hiapk and Samsung. It will offer the freedom to access the most up-to-date Rules of Golf on field or off field for professional golfers and amateurs alike. Following the culmination of the normal four-year rules review cycle, the current edition of the Rules of Golf came into effect on January 1, 2016. 2 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2017
The Rules of Golf includes a section on proper etiquette which gives recommendations that make the game safe, enjoyable and fair for all players. “The convenience of the mobile app makes it a must-have for all Chinese golfers – giving them the freedom to check their performance anywhere, anytime,” said Liang Wen-chong, the Chinese star golfer and Working for Golf Ambassador for The R&A. “It has helped me in all my games and I know it will do the same for you.” As part of the launch, The R&A has rolled
out its first Fun Rules of Golf Quiz in Chinese with a number of outstanding prizes including an all-inclusive package to attend the Volvo Open in Beijing in April of this year. The Fun Quiz game can be downloaded along with the rules app at www.platforms and www.theRnA.com/rules (these links will only work in China). The launch event was co-hosted by Rolex the official partner of The R&A and took place at the Rolex Experience Centre inside Rolex flagship store on the Bund in Shanghai.
APGC members swell R&A working for golf meeting Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation member nations flocked to The R&A Working for Golf 10th International Conference in May.
More than half of the APGC countries were represented at the meeting, one of the most important on the international golf calendar. Of out 41 members, 21 sent officials to observe and take part in the program, which has become a key date in world golf with a series of topics included in wide-ranging discussions and updates, initiatives and developments in the game on the agenda. The APGC was led by ViceChairman Kei Muratsu and General Secretary KJ Lee. Each year, The R&A invests more than £5 million in support of golf worldwide. This includes grassroots initiatives, coaching, public facilities, equipment, professional golf, amateur events and student golf. In recent years, through the Working for Golf program, there has been a focus on financing development in countries where golf is a relatively new sport. Grassroots initiatives have been supported in countries across five continents. The R&A also supports golf heavily in Great Britain and Ireland through the Golf Foundation, junior programs at Open venues and events for players with disabilities. Several Open Champions enjoy R&A support of initiatives bearing their name, including the Paul Lawrie Foundation, based in North East Scotland, the Ernie Els and Louis Oosthuizen foundations in South Africa, the Darren Clarke Foundation in Ireland, the Faldo Series and the Palmer Cup. The R&A also supports men’s and women’s student golf. The Foundation Scholarship
program, which helps talented young golfers fund their competitive golf while completing their academic studies, has proved to be a success, with three scholars playing in the 2015 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team, which faced the USA at Royal Lytham & St Annes – Jack McDonald, Gary Hurley and Cormac Sharvin. Support is also given to many amateur and professional championships around the world as well as to the European Tour, Challenge Tour, Ladies European Tour and its feeder Tour, the LET Access Series. Equipment provision includes the delivery of more than 30 pieces of greenkeeping machinery to courses with the greatest need each year. Furthermore, The R&A’s Golf Course Management department gives best practice advice on everything from grass species
selection and environmental sustainability to social responsibility and economic viability; information relevant to anyone who works on or uses a golf course. The R&A enjoys the support of three Working for Golf Ambassadors – Padraig Harrington, The Champion Golfer of the Year in 2007 and 2008, Suzann Pettersen, a twotime major champion, and Liang Wen-Chong, who in 2008 became the first Chinese player to complete all four rounds in The Open. Their collective role is to help promote the Working for Golf program as they compete around the world. The overall aim of The R&A’s Working for Golf program is to support golf wherever it is played and to encourage its growth in countries where it is in its infancy. In so doing, The R&A, working through its
affiliates, promotes golf as being a sport for life which can be played and enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability. Meanwhile, Some of Uganda’s struggling golf clubs are set to benefit from the Royal and Ancient development initiative after Uganda Golf Union President Johnson Omolo’s visit to the R&A headquarters last week. After attending the 10th international golf conference at the Fairmont, St. Andrews, the R&A promised continued support to the Uganda Golf Union and to Africa as a continent. Omolo, who doubles as Africa Golf Confederation Vice President, was in attendance alongside other amateur golf presidents in the world with Africa having Uganda, Gambia, Kenya and South Africa. JUNE 2017 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 3
Initiative sparked by Thompson incident reasonable judgment will be accepted even if later shown to be wrong by other information (such as video technology).” When the proposed new Rules take effect in 2019, the committee would apply this new standard in determining whether there would be any penalty in this type of situation. The R&A and the USGA have established a working group of LPGA, PGA Tour, European Tour, Ladies European Tour and PGA of America representatives to immediately begin a comprehensive review of broader video issues that arise
The R&A and the USGA have issued a new Decision on the Rules of Golf to limit the use of video evidence in the game which takes effect immediately.
The move follows an incident involving American Lexi Thompson during the ANA Inspiration in early Arpil. In the final round of the LPGA Tour event Thompson held a two-stroke lead through 12 holes when she was approached by an LPGA Tour referee. On the 17th green in the third round the day before, Thompson had marked her ball on the putting green, lifted it and then replaced it in a slightly different position. Thompson’s situation was complicated by the fact that no one, including Thompson, noticed she had played from a wrong place until long after she had signed her score card. After the R&A and the USGA received questions on the ruling that occurred with Thompson information was issued to clarify how the Rules of Golf applied in this situation: During the final round, Lexi was assessed four penalty strokes for two breaches of the rules that occurred the day before during the third round: n On the 17th hole in that round, she replaced her ball on the wrong spot and then played the ball from that wrong place. This was a breach of Rule 16-1b, which imposes a two-stroke penalty. n Because Lexi did not know she had incurred this penalty, she did not include it when she signed and returned her score card at the end of the third round, which was a further breach of the rules under Rule 6-6d. Before 2016 this would have resulted in her disqualification. Under a 2016 rule change, Rule 6-6d now 4 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2017
Penalised: American Lexi Thompson.
has an exception so that when the reason for the score card error was that the player did not include a penalty they did not know had incurred, the player will receive an additional twostroke penalty rather than being disqualified. The LPGA learned of this breach after reviewing video evidence that was brought to its attention during the final round. The LPGA then correctly ruled that Lexi would receive a total of four penalty strokes, two strokes for playing from a wrong place and two additional strokes for returning the incorrect score card. These types of situations do not occur frequently, but when they do, the committee’s
Picture: Golf Australia
responsibility is to consider the evidence provided and apply the Rules accordingly. This was obviously a highly unfortunate situation which Lexi handled with poise and professionalism. As part of their Rules Modernisation initiative, The R&A and the USGA have been discussing the use of video evidence and have developed a proposed new standard to limit its use when a player is estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance. Proposed new Rule 1.3a(2) provides that “so long as the player does all that can be reasonably expected under the circumstances to make an accurate estimation or measurement, the player’s
Decision 34-3/10 New Decision 34-3/10 implements two standards for Rules committees to limit the use of video: 1) when video reveals evidence that could not reasonably be seen with the “naked eye” and 2) when players use their reasonable judgment to determine a specific location when applying the Rules. The first standard states “the use of video technology can make it possible to identify things that could not be seen with the naked eye”. An example includes a player who unknowingly touches a few grains of sand in taking a backswing with a club in a bunker when making a stroke. If the committee concludes that such facts could not reasonably have been seen with the naked eye and the player was not otherwise aware of the potential breach, the player will be deemed not to have breached the Rules, even when video technology shows otherwise. This extends the provision from ball at rest moved cases, which was introduced in 2014 (Decision 18/4). n Continued page 6
Chairman’s message
APGC Chairman Dr David Cherry This will be my second last message as Chairman APGC – a position I have been privileged to hold for nearly four years. The new constitution – which I had a big part in creating – states that the chairman can do at the most two terms of two years, which is what it should be as there are many within APGC who are capable of filling that role. I will be replaced on the Board by John Hopkins, Chairman of Golf Australia – if for no other reason than the constitution states that being incorporated in Australia, there must be two Australians on the Board – the other being Company Secretary Stephen Pitt. It is of some interest to note that I took over from John Hopkins as the Australian representative on APGC in 1995. So I have seen significant changes in APGC which has grown in every way – the most important change has been the affiliation with women, but there have been many others including the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy, Patsy Hankins Trophy, the APGC Mitsubishi Junior Championships and our structured subscription. I wish I could have added the Women’s Amateur - Asia Pacific but it is too early to make any announcements. APGC would not be in the position it is currently in without the support of our sponsors. The most important and longlasting is The R&A, on whom we depend for significant funding but also for their expertise and guidance. It has been a great pleasure for me and APGC’s previous President Kwan Soo Hur to accompany Dominic Wall around developing member countries in our region so we can identify how The R&A and APGC can best
help those countries to develop golf in their region. Our relationship with them has been strengthened by the appointment of Nick Shan as our Tournament Director, once again with significant assistance from The R&A. The other two major sponsors we now have are Rolex and Mitsubishi and the APGC is grateful to have two such benevolent corporations with a love for golf. I hope that they can see their significant contributions to our events allows travel and accommodation for competing teams who without that assistance would probably not be able to compete. The AAC is funded by our proud partners, Augusta National and The R&A. Their longstanding commitment has allowed this event to develop into one of the leading amateur events in the world and the most televised of any amateur event and now the winner gets a start in the Open Championship and the Masters Tournament. Understandably, this event has grabbed the attention of most male golfers in the APGC and as a consequence the growth of golf in not only developed golfing nations but also in developing golfing nations. The standard of the players who miss the cut has increased significantly, as has the behaviour, dress standards and the camaraderie between players of vastly different backgrounds which goes back to my belief about what APGC stands for: the equalisation through golf of the various economic, cultural, language and now gender differences we are fortunate to have. The recently completed Queen Sirikit Cup (QSC) outside of Shanghai, China, was again a great success and a tribute to its founder RaeVadee Suwan. The winner was again
Korea and the individual winner was Korea’s Hye-Jie Choi, who is destined to be another Korean Professional at the top of the golfing world. What was a great and pleasant surprise was how close China came in both the teams event and the individual. Our Patsy Hankins Trophy team will certainly benefit longterm from China’s contribution. Next year the QSC is scheduled to be held in Suwan’s home country of Thailand and it will be a time to reflect upon her great contribution to women’s golf in the region. At the forthcoming board meeting in Wellington, New Zealand, coinciding with the 2017 AAC, I will be proposing Keisuke Muratsu from Japan as the incoming Chairman and Taimur Amin from Pakistan as the incoming Vice Chairman. Members will note that our constitution states those positions are now voted upon by the Board from nominations from the Board. This, of course, does not prohibit any other Board nominations. I will also be speaking to a proposed change in our constitution to appoint a chief executive officer, once again unpaid, as the day-to-day running of our progressively busier corporation requires a rapid turn around. The Mitsubishi APGC junior event is our next major event and I encourage all members to seriously consider entering players into this event, which is growing in stature. APGC will do what it can to help via the Mitsubishi Corporation, by partially financing attending members – this is a mixed event which to my surprise has been thoroughly embraced by both girls and boys. I intend to be there to see stars of the future.
Uniform handicapping system under way The R&A and the USGA are working with golf ’s handicapping authorities to develop a single World Handicap System for golf.
The aim of the system is to adopt a universal set of
principles and procedures which will apply globally. More than 15 million golfers in more than 80 countries presently have a handicap, a numerical index long used as a measure of a golfer’s potential skill level.
Handicaps are currently delivered through six different systems around the world. An extensive review of existing handicap systems administered by Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf
Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the n Continued page 7 JUNE 2017 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 5
Teeing up China’s next generation Dou Zecheng has journeyed from obscurity to the top of PGA China’s money list, but he hasn’t forgotten where it all started.
“I became one of the first participants when the CGAHSBC China Junior Golf Program was initiated in 2007,” recalled 20-year-old Dou, who won four PGA China events last year and became the second Chinese to join the US-based Web.com Tour, a launch pad to the PGA Tour. “During my six years in the program, I played in many important tournaments and developed my game. The program opened the door for me, and helped me to develop my game until I could turn pro in 2014.” Dou is not the only success story the program prides itself on as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Former pupil Lin Xiyu now plays on the LPGA Tour and became the first female to sink a hole in one at an Olympic Games when she collected an ace in Rio last August. Last year, Jin Cheng became the second graduate of the program, after Guan Tianlang, to play at The Masters after qualifying for Augusta by winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. And 16-year-old Ji Yifan
The future: A youngster at the CGA-HSBC China Junior Golf Program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Picture: China Daily
showed the CJGP is still developing top talent by finishing third at the 2016 British Junior Open. “There is a rapid development within Chinese junior golf. Homegrown golfers are not only performing in China, but now excelling on the professional stage globally,” said David Rollo, vice-president of Golf Events & Clients APAC of IMG. “IMG values the Chinese market greatly. In addition to representing veteran athletes like Michelle Wie and Feng Shanshan, we continue to sign talented young players such as Lin Xiyu, Dou Zecheng, Shi Yuting, and Liu Yu. “All four of them are alumni of the China Junior Golf Program
that we have proudly managed for more than 10 years.” One of China’s most successful golfers, Liang Wenchong, echoed those sentiments: “Since its introduction 10 years ago, the program has played a very important role in promoting golf in China.” The program targets grassroots development, using a variety of initiatives and tournaments: the Junior Golf Winter/Summer Camp, the School Golf Training Program, the China Junior Golf Open and the National Junior Golf Championship. This year’s edition of the latter will feature stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Henan and Zhejiang. Players in the top 1000 of the
World Amateur Golf Rankings will be eligible for the Group A competition (no more than four players, selected based on WAGR ranking). The program aims to identify talent from various national events. The more elite youngsters that play against each other, the competition becomes more intense and the learning curve steeper. The best players will once again have the opportunity to train at the world-renowned IMG Academy in the US, as well as the chance to compete with world-class players in the elite WGC-HSBC Champions event. Giles Morgan, global head of sponsorship and events for HSBC, said: “Over the past decade we have brought golf to the communities in which we serve, and put golf clubs in the hands of over 80,000 children. “Apart from introducing golf to Chinese children, the China Junior Golf Program also provides young elite golfers with a platform to develop their game and compete internationally. “In the future, we look forward to introducing even more Chinese children to the great game of golf and perhaps witnessing one of these juniors winning The Masters or an Olympic medal.”
Initiative sparked by Thompson incident n From page 4
The second standard applies when a player determines a spot, point, position, line, area, distance or other location in applying the Rules, and recognises that a player should not be held to the degree of precision that can sometimes be provided by video technology. Examples include determining the nearest point of relief, or replacing a lifted ball. So long as the player does 6 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2017
what can reasonably be expected under the circumstances to make an accurate determination, the player’s reasonable judgment will be accepted, even if later shown to be wrong by the use of video evidence. Rules Modernisation Both of these standards have been extensively discussed as part of the Rules modernisation initiative and The R&A and the USGA have decided to enact this Decision immediately because of the many
difficult issues arising from video review in televised golf. The standards in the Decision do not change any of the current requirements in the Rules, as the player must still act with care, report all known breaches of the Rules and try to do what is reasonably expected in making an accurate determination when applying the Rules. Video-related topics that require a deeper evaluation by the working group include the
use of information from sources other than participants such as phone calls, email or social media, and the application of penalties after a score card has been returned. The R&A and the USGA will consider additional modifications recommended by the working group for implementation in advance of 1 January, 2019, when the new code resulting from the collaborative work to modernise golf’s Rules takes effect.
Oman scheme targets kids
More than 1500 children have been introduced to golf after Golf Oman partnered with the National Bank of Oman to launch an innovative new program.
The first of the scheme’s school roadshows saw the teams go to four schools in four days to teach kids the basics of the game.
Golf Oman is driven to create a stronger pool of domestic golfers and the target naturally is Omani children, however the program is open to all children. This roadshow will continue after the summer and visit different regions of Oman. The National Bank of Oman is the driving force behind the Road to Oman, the Challenge
tour, where the final is held in Oman. Part of their support of golf is to help expose the sport to the Omani population. As a follow-up the schools have been provided with soft golf equipment to continue the golf education. They also visit one of Oman’s golf course once a week where the more advanced golfers have
the chance to gain coaching from the PGA professionals. Since 2009 when Oman first opened a grass course there has been rapid growth in golf. In the capital, Muscat, there are four grass courses all offering a different golfing experience. The country has now begun to emerge as an attractive golf tourism destination.
Uniform handicapping system under way n From page 5
United States Golf Association (USGA) has been undertaken. Golf organisations from different parts of the world have also been engaged with the current handicap authorities for the past two years to help shape the proposed system, which takes into account the many different golf cultures and most common formats of play. Research conducted to date has also reviewed systems and best practices inherent to handicapping, such as course rating and administration. A joint committee led by The R&A and
the USGA has been formed, including representatives from each handicap authority as well as the Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada. The joint committee plans to announce its proposals later this year. Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We have been concerned for some time that many golfers find the handicapping landscape to be complicated and can be frustrated when it is not always applied in the same way in different parts of the world. “We are working closely with the existing handicapping bodies to benefit from their insights as we try to formulate a system that will be easy to understand and can be
applied consistently on a global basis. We very much appreciate their support for this initiative.” Mike Davis, Executive Director and CEO of the USGA, said, “One wonderful aspect of golf that separates it from other sports is the opportunity for players of differing abilities to play on an equitable basis through handicapping. “With one global system, golf courses will be rated and handicaps calculated in a consistent manner everywhere in the world. Removing borders to provide an easy way for all to play together is great for the game and golfers everywhere.” JUNE 2017 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 7
GAMES GOLF VENUE VOTES FOR EQUALITY
Beautiful: The Kasumigaseki Country Club.
Golf at the 2020 Olympics will proceed at its originally intended venue after the Kasumigaseki Country Club voted to allow women to become full members.
The Club, north-west of Tokyo, has long had restrictions on women’s membership, including limiting the days women were allowed to play.
These conditions were in conflict with the International Olympic Committee’s nondiscrimination principles and Australian Olympic boss John Coates, also chairman of the Tokyo 2020 Co-ordination Commission, worked closely with the local organising committee to ensure they were changed. Those discussions paid off
overnight with the Kasumigaseki CC board voting to allow women to become full members of the club at an extraordinary board meeting. “Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the Olympic movement … and we believe this decision now reflects this,” Coates said. “While we had made our
position on non-discrimination clear as soon as we became aware of their rules, it was important that the members of the club be given the opportunity to make the change in their good time. “It is their club and at the end of the day we had to be welcomed by them.” – Golf Australia
Perry, Davidson claim biggest Australian amateur prize Dylan Perry, from Aberdeen in the Hunter Valley, claimed this year’s Riversdale Cup, the most prestigious trophy in Australian amateur golf.
After leading by one shot heading into the final round at the Mount Waverley club, Perry not only held his nerve, but went on to increase his narrow advantage and take the 72-hole tournament by three shots. His 15-under total of 273 saw him edge out Harrison Endycott, who finished with a 12-under total of 276. But, the story of the final day was the performance of Minwoo Lee, the 18-year-old brother of one of the world’s leading 8 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2017
Winners: Karis Davidson and Dylan Perry with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Photo: Golf Australia
female golfers, Minjee Lee, and the current US junior amateur champion. His seven-under final round
of 65 catapulted him into third place, four shots behind the winner. At the end of his final round, Perry said the Riversdale
Cup victory was “the best of my career”. The women’s Riversdale Cup was won by 18-year-old Karis Davidson from the Sanctuary Cove club. Davidson finished with a twounder four-round total of 290. With three holes to play, three golfers were locked together before Davidson broke away from Japan’s Avake Furue and Victoria Golf Club’s Gabi Ruffels. After her narrow victory, Davidson said winning the Riversdale Cup was “high on my bucket list”. – Golf Australia
THAIS STAR IN SINGAPORE Thailand’s Kan Bunnabodee gave notice of her intention to compete with the golfing greats when – at just 14 – she swept to victory in the 28th Singapore Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship.
Two shots clear of the field heading into the final round of The R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event, the teenager underlined her precocious talent with a closing two-under-par 68 over the Laguna National Golf and Country’s Club Masters Course. That gave her a 54-hole total of three-under 207 and a threestroke win in the Open Division from compatriot Kultida Pramphun with Malaysian Nur Durriyah Binta Damian a further shot back in third. “I felt nervous at the start. But I improved as the round went on and I’m thrilled to win,” said Kan, who was doused in water by her teammates after holing out for a birdie on the 18th green. A student at the American School of Bangkok, Kan hardly played a false stroke as she stuck rigidly to a well thought out game plan on the way to topping the class. “My aim was to hit as many fairways as possible, which is why I used my three-wood to tee off on some holes,” said Kan, who turned 15 in the first week of April. If her career plan is executed just as smoothly then Kan is on course to becoming a household name in women’s golf. “My aim is to one day become the world No.1,” said Kan, who is setting her sights on completing a university education in America before joining the ranks of the professionals when she’s in her early 20s. In winning the Singapore Ladies Amateur Open, Kan is already following in the footsteps of Jennifer Rosales of the Philippines and Australian Minjee Lee. Both had their
Precocious talent: Thai teenager Kan Bunnabodee.
names inscribed on the Singapore trophy before going on to win on the LPGA Tour. Kan is also taking inspiration from fellow Thai Virada Nirapathpongporn, who won the US Women’s Amateur in 2003 and went on to play professionally at the top level. Virada retired from competitive golf in 2011 and returned to Thailand where she now acts as coach to the country’s most promising female youngsters, including Kan and Kultida. “Virada has been a great help and support to me,” said Kan, who was followed by her coach throughout the tournament. Although Kultida had to settle for second place, the 15-year-old
was overjoyed to be competing in Singapore. “This is my first time out of Thailand and the first time I’ve been on a plane. It’s been an exciting week,” she said. For Malaysian Nur Durriyah Binta Damian, it was once more a case of what might have been. One of only a handful of players in the field to carry her bag rather than pull a trolley, Durriyah had been hoping to improve on her joint runner-up finish in last year’s Singapore Ladies Amateur Open. However, a cold putter proved a source of frustration for Durriyah who played beautifully from teeto-green but couldn’t buy a putt. She had the unusual distinction of
making par on all 18 holes. Jacqueline Young signed off with a 76 to finish as the leading Singaporean on 221. She was followed by Suanne Hailey Loh (222) and Sarah Tan (224). Goh Kui Hwa, the tournament’s Organising Chairperson, said: “We are very proud to be able to organise this championship, which has such a long and illustrious tradition. “Once more we were able to attract a top field and a worthy champion emerged. We look forward to welcoming Kan back to defend her title next year … and will be watching her progress with great interest.” – Courtesy Singapore Golf Association JUNE 2017 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 9
Leader: Korean golfer Se Ri Pak. Picture: Golf Australia
Multiple major star at R&A Korea referee school Five-time major champion Se Ri Pak attended the first Korean Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referee School (TARS) organised by The R&A.
She spoke about her experience with Rulings to more than 70 delegates who attended the school in Seoul in March. Pak, who became the first Korean to play on the LPGA Tour in 1998, was also interviewed by David Bonsall, Chairman of The R&A Rules Committee, and gave views on Korean golf, being a role model, helping Korea to a historic gold medal at The Olympics, and the recent proposed changes to the Rules of Golf. 8 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2017
‘It was an honour to have Se Ri join us, making it a very special week’ The school, which included representatives from Golf Australia, India, China, Chinese Taipei and Korea, was first TARS event staged by The R&A with the Korean Golf Association. Pak, widely regarded as a leader of golf in her home country, spoke to referees about her experience of dealing with Rulings throughout her career to give the ‘Professionals Point of View’. Delegates also took part in practical demonstrations,
sessions on refereeing and tournament administration skills. Shona McRae, Assistant Director – Rules at The R&A, said: “Our first TARS in Korea was a resounding success and we thank our hosts for making us feel so welcome in Korea throughout the week. “The enthusiasm at the TARS illustrates the growth and interest in golf in the region. We had delegates from five different countries attending and both professional and amateur bodies were represented.
“It was an honour to have Se Ri join us, making it a very special week. “The purpose of TARS is to provide a stimulating and challenging programme about the Rules of Golf. Providing practical experience and help for tournament officials and referees in their roles is the main focus and of course, to help them achieve the Level 3 Exam pass which is part of our three-tier Rules education program.” The R&A team of Shona McRae, David Bonsall and Rules Manager Daniel Sommerville were joined by Jin-Woo Kim of the Korea Golf Association to present and conduct all of the instruction.
Cashmore Cashes In With Junior Victory On May 18-19, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) held the 2017 EGF Order of Merit Championship at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. This prestigious event hosted more than 30 elite amateur golfers across three different divisions.
The EGF Order of Merit Championship had representing divisions for Men, Ladies and Juniors. The Championship was played over a two-day, 36-hole, strokeplay format, on the newly redesigned Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club golf course. The field was composed of the top amateur golfers in each division that supported and competed in the 2016-2017 EGF Order of Merit Season. Fourteen-year-old Josh Hill from Jumeirah Golf Estates was the Champion of the Men’s division. After shooting an impressive 68 (two-under-par) first round, Hill battled the winds on day two to fire a 75 for a championship total of 143. Making the leap into the Men’s division for the championship after winning the season’s Boys gross division, Hill capped off a strong 2016-2017 United Arab Emirates golf season with this victory. Finishing as the runner-up in the Men’s division was Tariq El Chaid. Tariq shot rounds of 72-73 for a Championship total of 145, just two shots behind the leader. After a final-round countback UAE national team player Ahmed Skaik took home the third place prize. Skaik also won third place in the overall order of merit season for 2016-2017. Successfully defending her title for the third year in a row in the Ladies division was 16-yearold Kim Chiang. Playing out of the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Kim shot rounds of 68-73 for a championship total of 141
Bright future: The 2016-17 Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit Winners.
(one-over-par). Kim’s first round of 68 tied the course record at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club. While playing the EGF Order of Merit Championship Kim has set two course records, once at The Els Club in 2015 and again last year at Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth Course) in 2016. Anastasia Bakal was the runnerup in the Ladies Division. Playing out of the Els Club, Anastasia shot rounds 73-76 for a championship total of 149. Rounding out the top-three, coming in third place was Sara Engsig. Sara shot rounds of 76-75 for a 151 total. The Junior division was played with the Girls and Boys golfers combined. This division was full of talent as Max Cashmore from Jumeirah Golf Estates was the 2017 champion. Cashmore fired rounds of 70-72. He started the championship on a positive note as he chipped in for birdie on the second hole during his first round. Cashmore was one shot back after round one but with a solid second round in tough conditions, Max was crowned the junior champ with a two-
over-par championship total of 142. The runner-up in the Junior division was Arjun Gupta. Gupta shot rounds of 69-75 for a championship total of 144, two shots off the lead. Winning the third place prize was Sasha Sparacino. Sasha had consecutive rounds of 73 for a 146 total. The EGF is proud to announce that the winner of the Men’s Order of Merit Season (Steve Kelbrick) and the winner of the Ladies Gross Order of Merit Season (Alison Muirhead) along with the winners of the Men’s (Josh Hill) and Ladies (Kim Chiang) Divisions from this week’s championship will be travelling to the Singha Thailand Amateur Golf Championship at the end of this year. After the tournament, the EGF hosted an award ceremony where the winners of the EGF Order of Merit Championship and the winners of the EGF Order of Merit Season received their well-deserved prizes. To see all of the results from the EGF Order of Merit Season, please
go to the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com. The EGF would like to thank all golf clubs, partners, and EGF Members for a successful 20162017 Order of Merit Season and Championship. About the Emirates Golf Federation The Emirates Golf Federation was formed in 1995 and is the Governing Body of Golf in the United Arab Emirates. The EGF administrates and provides the United States Golf Association Handicap System to all EGF members. The EGF sanctions all amateur and professional golfing events and activities in the UAE. The EGF is a non-profit organisation with the goals and responsibility of increasing awareness and participation in golf. The EGF actively conducts an Order of Merit Season, National Junior Development Program, and Senior, Junior, and Ladies National Team Programs. The EGF and UAE golf clubs work closely together to help shape the future of golf in the UAE. JUNE 2017 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 9
ROLEX AND GOLF: THE GRASSROOTS SUPPORT Rolex is familiar as a major supporter of professional golf, along with other elite sports, but what is not so well known is the extensive backing the prestige watchmaker pours into golf at the amateur level.
The iconic company is one of the most important sponsors of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederarion – a vast organisation administered jointly by The R&A and The Masters – and one which has an envious record of producing champions through its network of amateur and junior men’s and women’s tournaments. It is this organisation which proved a serious boost into the professional ranks of Japan’s current world No.4 Hideki Matsuyama, who won back-toback Asia-Pacific Amateur titles. His wins gave him a spot in The Masters – the winner of the AAC championship in Wellington this year will in addition gain a place in The Open Championship – providing the Japanese star with the impetus to begin a rapid rise up the rankings to the point where he is now viewed as a serious contender in each major he tees up in. Had it not been for the support of Rolex and other APGC Proud Partners major tournaments for amateurs and
juniors throughout the AsiaPacific region would not be possible. Rolex may be well known for its generous backing of events such as The Open, The Masters and The Presidents Cup but it is the company’s vital help at golf’s grassroots level which helps produce future champions on the world tour. And this support is set to help generate even greater growth in the APGC’s schedule in the future as it works on expanding even more opportunities for amateur players. Rolex has supported individual excellence and the quest for perfection since its foundation early in the 20th century. Sponsoring is not only a distinctive part of the brand’s tradition, in keeping with the ethos of its visionary founder, Hans Wilsdorf, the relationship with explorers and sporting men and women has also helped
mould the timepieces that have made Rolex a world leader. The roots of Rolex’s affinity for sports and human achievement can be traced back to the pioneering origins of the company. In 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf set up his watchmaking firm in London, he was influenced by the swift changes sweeping through society at the beginning of the 20th century. In an era when wristwatches were still regarded as fragile items of apparel, he was determined to create a wristwatch that would be robust, precise and reliable, adapted to ever more active lifestyles. Wilsdorf was “convinced of its enormous potential in a sports-minded country like Great Britain”. Rolex is golf’s leading supporter worldwide. This unique partnership began in 1967 when Arnold Palmer became a Rolex Testimonee. He and fellow Testimonees Jack
Nicklaus and Gary Player became known as the “The Big Three”. They modernised golf, making it a universal sport, transcending borders and age groups. In nearly 50 years, Rolex has built unparallelled relationships not only with the leading players, but also with golf’s principal institutions and many tournaments. Rolex has a strong alliance with the R&A, the sport’s revered governing body, which is based at St Andrews (UK), and is the partner and Official Timekeeper of the sport’s oldest tournament, The Open Championship. Rolex is also a major sponsor of the USGA, the US governing body for the sport and organiser of the US Open Championship. The Masters, played at the Augusta National Golf Club in the US state of Georgia and one of golf’s most renowned tournaments, is sponsored by Rolex. The brand is a key supporter of women’s golf and has been Official Timekeeper to the LPGA for more than 30 years. Among today’s top players are numerous Rolex Testimonees, including Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer, Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth, as well as Annika Sorenstam, Yani Tseng, Alexis Thompson and Lydia Ko in women’s golf.
Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation
Chairman Dr David Cherry
Vice Chairman Treasurer Mr Keisuki Mr Philip Muratsu Hassall
General Secretary Mr Kyungjae Lee
Mr Taimur Amin Mr Ishwar Achanta
Mr Mohammed Rae Vadee Faisal Al-Naimi T.Suwan
Nobuko Hirayama
Dato’ Rabeahtul Ning Li Aloya Abbas
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 10 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2017