APGC
Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Newsletter
JUNE 2013
Dynamic duo: Guan Tianlang bumps fists with his caddie Brian Tam on the fourth hole at Augusta during the Masters.
Contents APGC Schedule of Events 2013 Chinese sensation Guan masters Augusta at 14
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The best Masters 73 ever?
3
They just keep getting younger
3
Ban on putter anchoring
4
Marques wins Malaysian Amateur
5
Chinese sensation Guan masters Augusta at 14 With his Masters mission successfully completed, Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang decided to change his plans in a bid to build on the elite professional experience he enjoyed at Augusta.
Dawson takes over as R&A captain 5 Nanshan to host amateur event
asiapacificgolf.org
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After winning the 2012 AsiaPacific Amateur Championship, Guan, like his predecessor Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, went on to justify his inclusion in the Masters field by winning the silver medal as leading amateur and creating history by
APGC Schedule of Events 2013 October 24-27, Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, China November 14-17, Nomura Cup, Santiburi Country Club, Chaing Rai, Thailand November 20-23, Senior Amateur Championship, Vietnam
becoming, at 14, the youngest player ever to compete in the event. His astonishing performance – he finished ahead of major winners Padraig Harrington, Louis Oosthuizen and Y.E.Yang – prompted Guan and his parents
to consider an extended stay in the US. The first follow-up tournament, the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, saw him again make the cut against the seasoned pros. He fired a superb 69 to make it through to the weekend but suffered a third round 77 setback. Nevertheless, he regained his composure to post a closing round 74. ›
Young and old: China’s Guan Tianlang waits on the second hole at Augusta with playing partner Ben Crenshaw and their caddies.
Had he not made the cut at Augusta, his immediate future would have taken a different turn. “We were probably going to go back to China next week if I did not make the cut,” Guan said. “But now, we have to consider what to play and what not to, and make a schedule. We will probably stay in the US for a while longer, but we haven’t made a schedule yet.” US PGA events aside, Guan will again be certain to focus on the event which elevated him to fame, the Asia-Pacific title, to be staged this year from October 24-27 at the Nanshan International Golf Club in Longkou City, China. His taste of Augusta has left him with lofty ambitions and a desire to conquer the tough layout so defending his crown in China will be a major goal this year. “I would be really happy to come back (to the Masters), so I am going to try very hard to 2 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2013
win that tournament again,” he said. Guan described Augusta as “the most difficult course in the world”. Despite his resolve over four rounds he said: “I don’t think it was getting easier, it was getting more and more difficult.” Despite that Guan did not three-putt once throughout his 72 holes, an extraordinary statistic on the notoriously slippery greens. Nor did he have one double bogey. “I think the first couple of rounds, I played pretty good,” he said after the final round. “I feel a little bit tired today. There is still a lot of things to improve. My short game is good but still needs to be better. My driver probably needs to be longer. It’s not easy to play here, to make the cut and be (the best) amateur. I think I did a pretty good job this week and can’t believe it’s over.” He even made the cut with a one shot penalty for slow play on Friday and was the only one
of the six invited amateurs to do so. Guan went on to fire rounds of 77-75 on the weekend for a 12-over par total of 300. And he impressed his playing partners, especially putting maestro Ben Crenshaw, who said after their opening round together: “Guan played about four of the most delicate pitches I have ever seen. He played like a 28-year-old journeyman and stayed well within himself. His thought process was never rushed, and he was very patient. It certainly didn’t seem like he had any nerves.” Everything was new for Guan but he said his best memory of the week, and his biggest surprise, was the size and the enthusiasm of the galleries which supported him. “I had a lot of fun,” he said after his final round. “And I was honored to be here.” Former Masters and British Open champion Sandy Lyle warned that Guan would likely be the forerunner of an avalanche of young golfing stars
to emerge from China in the future – and any understandable weaknesses he had would quickly be overcome. “He hits the ball quite a reasonable distance at the moment and remember he’s only 14,” Lyle said. “In another three years you’ll probably see a huge difference in his length. “He seems to have a good game; his short game is very good. That’s a nice thing to have. There’s a lot of people that can play really well but they haven’t got a very good short game and they’re relying on the long game to carry them through. But he seems very tidy at the short game and his putting is very tidy as well. “He is on the right track right now and I suppose there’s a lot of good golfers in China – they’re all good swingers. He’s not a textbook-perfect swing right now but I’m sure that will be ironed out in the next few years. I think he had a good knowledge on what was going on.”
The best Masters 73 ever? It was undoubtedly the most significant 73 ever fired in a US Masters first round. With his one over par opening salvo, Guan Tianlang in one day silenced the doubters and gave an intriguing glimpse into the future of the game.
The 14-year-old ended his historic opening round at Augusta when he confidently rolled in a long birdie putt at the last hole. It set him up for a two-round total just good enough to make the cut, an extraordinary feat for such a young man at any official event on any PGA Tour, let alone perhaps the most pressure-packed tournament in the world. His playing partner, the former dual Masters winner and keen student of golf history, 61-year-old Ben Crenshaw, applauded, immediately recognising the importance of what he had just witnessed. Crenshaw also applauded Guan’s chip shot at the sixth that helped him save par and said later he was stunned by the Chinese teenager’s composure. “I’m telling you, he played like a veteran,” Crenshaw said. “He played a beautiful round of golf. He stays well within himself, he’s very confident, and obviously has beautiful hands. His thought process never got rushed, very patient. “Very, very, very impressive.” Crenshaw said he didn’t see any sign of nerves from the teenager. “He stuck right to his plan the whole day. Didn’t get rattled. Really wonderful to see.”
They just keep getting younger Shortly after China’s 14-year-old Guan Tianlang made history by becoming the youngest player to contest the US Masters, a 12-year-old compatriot has teed up in a European Tour event.
Ye Wocheng became the European Tour’s youngest ever player when he qualified for the Volvo China Open. While he struggled in the wind Ye managed to shoot an admirable first round 79. He was joined by another young Chinese player, 16-year-old Dou Ze-cheng, who finished the first round with an impressive 70. Dou eventually finished in a tie for 33rd behind Australian winner Brett Rumford while Ye,
“I’m telling you, he played like a veteran. He played a beautiful round.” Guan recorded the lowest score of any of the six amateurs in the field and went on to shoot a second round 75 – which included a one-shot penalty for slow play – and make the cut.
Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Executive Committee
President Mr Kwang-soo Hur
Vice-President Dr David Cherry
Chairman Dato’ Thomas ML Lee
Secretary – General Honorary secretary Mr Dilip Thomas Mr Colin Phillips OAM
Mr Keisuki Muratsu
Mr Zhang Xiaoning
Committee Members
Mr Philip Hassall
Mr Taimur Hassant
Mr Rungsid Luxsitanonda
who was among a large group of Chinese players at the tournament, shot a second round 79 to miss the cut. However ,Ye said he was proud to have broken the age record set last year by Guan. Guan was penalised a shot during the Masters for slow play in the second round at Augusta and Ye also came under pressure at the Volvo event. “I was a little nervous when I teed off but I tried to forget the nerves,” he said. “The referee timed me and warned me to play more quickly. I was affected a little – Guan Tianlang was penalised as well. I will pay more attention to this.”
The youngster collected the medal for leading amateur but said later he never intended to put any pressure on himself. “The main thing is just enjoy the tournament,” he said, “and have some fun.” His seasoned professional peers, though, were in awe. “There’s no real words to describe it,” said 2008 Masters champ Trevor Immelman, who watched Guan’s final putt on TV. “Pretty incredible to shoot one-over today as a 14-year-old.” Guan said he felt comfortable Thursday morning but was nervous on the first tee. He opened his round with a bogey, then posted his first birdie at the par four third. He slipped with two more bogeys before making the turn, then picked up shots at the 10th and 13th holes, mixing with bogeys at 11 and 14. There had been reservations that the slender teen would not have the length from the tee to compete at Augusta. He averaged 275 with his drives but was saved by his work on the greens, requiring just 25 putts for the round. “Obviously not having that much distance, he needs to keep the ball in play, and he’s done that well,” said his other playing partner, 19-year-old Matteo Manassero. “He’s made some nice putts and he recovered well. I think one over was a good score for him.” At the end of the day, Guan summed up his experience as “like a dream come true”. JUNE 2013 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 3
Stroke changes on cards A host of the world’s top professionals, including US Masters champion Adam Scott, will have to modify their putting after The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and US Golf Association confirmed a ban on anchoring the club. The rule – 14-1b – will take effect from January 1, 2016, in acordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf, although star Tiger Woods has called for it to be implemented immediately. The regulation means players will not be able to anchor their putters against any part of the body, banning belly and chest putting, which has been used by four of the past six major champions. Rule change: US Masters champion Adam Scott. Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on November 28, 2012, has now been given final but after thorough consideration we remain approval by The R&A and the USGA following convinced that this is the right decision for an extensive review by both organisations. golf.” The decision to adopt the new rule came USGA president Glen D. Nager said: “Having after a comprehensive process in which considered all of the input that we received, comments and suggestions from across the both before and after the proposed rule was golf community were collected and thoroughly announced, our best judgment is that Rule considered. 14-1b is necessary to preserve one of the The two governing bodies have prepared a important traditions and challenges of the detailed report which explains the principles game – that the player freely swings the entire on which the Rules of Golf are founded, why club. freely swinging the entire club is the essence “The new rule upholds the essential of the traditional method of stroke, and why nature of the traditional method of stroke anchoring is a substantially different form and eliminates the possible advantage that of stroke that may alter and diminish the anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all fundamental challenges of the game. skill levels face the same challenge inherent in It points out that the rule will still allow the game of golf.” the use of belly-length and long putters and The current Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf that a wide variety of types of strokes remain will be re-numbered as Rule 14-1a, and new for players to use. The report concludes that Rule 14-1b will be established as follows: the new rule should not adversely affect 14-1b Anchoring the Club participation in the game, that it is not too late In making a stroke, the player must not or unfair to require players to comply with anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of it and that it will remove concerns about any an “anchor point”. potential advantage that anchoring provides. Note 1: The club is anchored “directly” It also makes clear that one set of rules is when the player intentionally holds the club or essential to the future health of the game. The a gripping hand in contact with any part of his report, entitled Explanation of Decision to body, except that the player may hold the club Adopt Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf, can or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm. be found at www.RandA.org/anchoring or at Note 2: An “anchor point” exists when www.usga.org/anchoring the player intentionally holds a forearm in R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said: contact with any part of his body to establish a “We took a great deal of time to consider this gripping hand as a stable point around which issue and received a variety of contributions the other hand may swing the club. from individuals and organisations at all levels Rule 14-1b will not alter current equipment of the game. rules and allows for the continued use of all “The report published today gives a conforming golf clubs, including belly-length comprehensive account of the reasons for and long putters, provided such clubs are taking the decision to adopt the new rule and not anchored during a stroke. The new rule addresses the concerns that have been raised. narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, We recognise this has been a divisive issue while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide 4 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ JUNE 2013
variety of strokes in his or her individual style. The January 1, 2016, timetable for implementation also provides an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the new rule. David Rickman, executive director of Rules and Equipment Standards at The R&A, said: “This rule change addresses the future and not the past. Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and January 1, 2016, will have played entirely within the rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.” USGA executive director Mike Davis said: “The discussion around the rule has been very helpful, and we appreciate that so many different perspectives were offered. “We know that not everyone will agree with the new rule, but it is our hope that all golfers will accept that this decision is reasoned and motivated by our best judgment in defining the sport and serving the best interests of the game.” For more information about the adopted rule, including a demonstration video, photos, infographics and a guidance document for players and officials, visit www.RandA.org/ anchoring and www.usga.org/anchoring Scott, who won the 2013 Masters with an anchored broomstick putter into his chest, has criticised the move but says he plans to slightly modify his style. The Australian will still use a long putter but will keep it slightly away from his body while putting. “I don’t really have a back-up plan, I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Scott said. “I don’t think there will be anything much for me to change. If I have to separate the putter a millimetre from my chest, then I’ll do that. “I don’t see myself putting any different, looks-wise. My hand will be slightly off my chest.” The US PGA Tour said: “We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation. “In this regard, over the next month, we will engage in discussions with our Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members. “We will announce our position regarding the application of Rule 14-1b to our competitions upon conclusion of our process and we will have no further comment on the matter until that time.”
Marques wins Malaysian Amateur Australia’s Kevin Marques has fired a 10-under par total 274 to take out the Malaysian Amateur Open at Royal Pahang Golf Club.
Marques won by one shot from Thailand’s Poom Saksansin with another Australian, Taylor MacDonald, in third spot after shooting a three-under 68 in the final round. Marques credited consistency as a leading factor to his success. “Today I felt good from the start,” he said. “I played a much better game compared to yesterday’s round. This win makes me excited for the weeks to come.” Saksansin stormed into second spot after carding the best final round, a six-under par 65 for a total of 275. Indian Karan Taunk was fourth, finishing on 277. Tied at fifth place were Syukrizal of Indonesia, Udayan Mane of India, Chanachok D. of Thailand and Chieh-Po Lee of Taiwan, all level on 282. Sharing ninth were Edgar Oh of Singapore, Abel Tam of Malaysia and
Jerome Ng of Singapore finished at oneunder-par 283. Conducted by the Malaysian Golf Association, the 110th Malaysian Amateur Open at Glenmarie was a 72-hole stroke play event played on the par-72, 6412-metre Valley Championship Course at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club. The 125-player field featured players from Australia (3), Bahrain (5), Bangladesh (2), Brunei (2), Hong Kong (1), Indonesia (3), India (5), Korea (1), Lebanon (1), Philippines (2), Pakistan (2), Singapore (10), Sri Lanka (2), Thailand (2), Taiwan (3), UK (1) and Malaysia (79). In all, 17 foreign countries were represented. The tournament began in 1894 at Penang Golf Club and is one of the oldest amateur events in the world. The event has helped produced many champions who have graduated to the professional ranks. Sri Lankans Nandasena Pereira carved his name on the trophy in 1998 and Anura
Rohana in 1999, while India’s Shiv Kapur won in 2000. The Australian domination has been so overwhelming in the 1990s that for six years the title went “Down Under”. In 1990, it was Robert Allenby followed by Shane Tait in 1991, Stephen Leaney in 1992, Marcus Wheelhouse in 1995, Jarrod Mosley in 1996 and Cameron Percy in 1998. Mardan Mamat made it Singapore’s year in 1994 and after 12 years, R Nachimuthu managed to steal the limelight in 1997 for Malaysia when he beat New Zealand’s Reon Sayer on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off at Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah. Sufian Tan was the last player before Nachimuthu to score a Malaysian victory in 1985. Recent winners like Luke Hickmott (2003), Doug Holloway (2004) and Juvic Pangusan (2005) and Andrew Dodt who won the 2006 Championship and the others have all turned professionals.
Dawson takes over Nanshan to host as R&A captain amateur event The 2013 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be played on October 24-27 at the Nanshan International Golf Club in Longkou City, China.
Australian Alexander “Sandy” Dawson has been appointed captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for 2013-14.
Dawson was nominated by the past Captains of the Club and will begin his year in office with the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course at 8am on Friday, September 21. He succeeds Frenchman Pierre Bechmann and will be the second Australian to hold the position after Viscount Bruce of Melbourne in 1954. Born in 1943, Sandy Dawson is a former Australian Universities Golf Champion and, from 1988 to 1993, he was captain of Royal Sydney Golf Club where he has been club president since 2010. A former managing director and chief executive officer of Arnott’s, one of the largest
New role: Alexander “Sandy” Dawson.
food companies in the Asia Pacific region, he has held senior positions at several other companies. He was chairman of United Distillers (Australasia) and a director of Allied Mills, Goodman Fielder and the Darling Harbour Authority. Dawson lives in Sydney with his wife Jane and has three children and nine grandchildren. He plays to a handicap of four and is also a keen skier. He has been a Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews since 1974.
For this year’s championship, the tournament will again provide flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, golf expenses and various other costs for all players. A special package will be offered to officials and relatives wishing to attend. The winner will receive an invitation to the 2014 Masters Tournament and the winner and runner(s)-up will be eligible to play in the 2014 Open Championship International Final Qualifying, in Asia or Australasia. The 2013 AAC will have a maximum field of 120 amateur players. Please note that only eligible
APGC Member Association players listed on the WAGR at August 8 will be invited. Please contact the APGC directly if you have any queries about the eligibility of any player. Immediately after August 8, a note will be sent to all Member Associations listing the players from their association that have qualified, and are therefore invited. This note will also include information concerning the acceptance and booking procedure. AAC travel co-ordinator Janene Rubens, of The Travel Store, will oversee this procedure and will make all bookings for flights and accommodation. If you have any queries or require any information, please contact honorary secretary Colin Phillips on colin.phillips4@bigpond.com JUNE 2013 ❘ APGC Newsletter ❘ 5