The ClubHouse Dec 2011 by The ClubHouse

WISHING ALL OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS YEAR AHEAD

ISSUE 5 DECEMBER 2011

MALAYSIAN GOLF IN REVIEW CRAZY OVER PUTTERS?

PUTTER PLETHORA PUTTER FITTING SHARPEN THOSE PUTTS WITH AIMPOINT

GROWING PAINS THE TEAM Chief Golf Writer Edward Saminathan Sub-Editors Lina Abdul Wahab, Khalidah Jamil Evelyn Gan Contributors Justine Moss, Mark Bates, Normas Yakin, Richard Fellner, Scott Kramer, Shaun Moulds, Bradford Walterhouse Official Photographer T. Ravi Chitty Brand Manager B.N. Murali Art Director Siva Yoham Jalaguvalan Operations Associate Suzila Afirah Abdul Rauf

The last couple of months have been a manic stretch for us here at The ClubHouse. Not only has it been the peak period for all sort of golf events - amateurs, juniors and professionals, but also saw us taking charge of our first corporate golf event as well as finalising a few more surprises for the New Year, which to a certain extent has stretched our resources to the maximum. But all in all, it has been a great first six months of operations for us and we’re genuinely delighted to be able to deliver news that matters to the local golfing fraternity through our digital platform (that is, www.theclubhouse.com.my) as well as our printed format. From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you for the kind notes, moral support as well as equal doses of constructive criticisms. Too often, it is easy to get overtly passionate with what we do. Without those pointers and reminders from our readers and industry compatriots, we will not be able to deliver a product, which meets the standards and expectations of our esteemed audience. As I type this note, news has filtered through to us that the Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA) managed to raise a princess-ly sum of RM180,000 for its ‘Golf for Girls’ junior development programme through its recent DRB-Hicom MALGA Charity Golf. Kudos to HH Tunku Puteri Puan Sri Jawahir Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar and her team ably led by Dato’ Rabeahtul Aloya Abbas on accomplishing the feat. It is without a doubt that the funds will go towards the betterment of ladies golf in the country and the birth of a future line-up of champion girl golfers. Whether by default or not, ladies golf in Malaysia does not receive much prominence. While ladies are a minority as compared to male golfers, there is no doubt that they are amongst the most active golfers out there. Because of this lack of attention or rather support, the development of ladies golf to a higher level in the country has somehow stagnated.

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Every time I see a young girl doing well in the junior amateur ranks, the question never fails to come to my mind: What’s the next step for her after a successful amateur career? Yes, for every Lim Siew Ai, Jean Chua and now, Kelly Tan and Ainil Johani Bakar, we have had hundreds of others who have left golf to pursue a career in something else, despite having the talent and temperament to succeed as professional golfers.

INPRESS MEDIA SDN BHD

One only has to speak to Jean and Ainil to know of the trials and tribulations of trying to pursue a rookie professional career in the United States and how difficult it is to source for sponsors to make the grade.

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Sime Darby Foundation, through its involvement in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, has come forward to assist Jean and Kelly and it is our hope that more corporations and organisations will come out and help our girls pursue their dreams and potentials abroad. A sustainable local professional tour exclusively for ladies remains a distant dream until we have a stronger foundation of players and sponsors - a good example would be the fledgling Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT), which has struggled to take off in a big way. Until then, we can just watch in awe as a young 16-year-old teenager from Florida by the name of Lexi Thompson takes on the world of golf by storm. And have I even mentioned Yani Tseng yet? Merry Christmas and wishing all of you, a blessed 2012!

Edward Saminathan Chief Golf Writer news@theclubhouse.com.my

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12/23/11

6:31 PM

ON THE COVER SPOTLIGHT 6 MALAYSIAN GOLF IN REVIEW

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CMY

ISKANDAR JOHOR OPEN

PUTTER SPECIAL PUTTER PLETHORA PUTTER ZONE AIMPOINT

22 24 25

MALAYSIAN GOLF IN REVIEW

FEATURES 10 MALAYSIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION REGULARS 12 MY JUNIORS 15 INSIDE THE ROPES 17 INDUSTRY TALK 20 AROUND THE GLOBE 26 IN THE BAG 27 GEAR UP 36 TEE BOX 38 GOLF DIARY 39 WHERE TO GOLF 40 SUBSCRIPTION COLUMNS 28 COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER 29 THE RIGHT FIT WITH TITLEIST 30 TOUR WATCH WITH ASIAN TOUR 32 GOLF DOWN UNDER WITH RICHARD FELLNER 33 UNCHARTED COURSE WITH NORMAS YAKIN 34 GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY BY JUSTINE MOSS 35 A TEACHER’S TALE BY BRADFORD WALTERHOUSE

TCH review.pdf

12/23/11

6:31 PM

CMY

MALAYSIAN GOLF IN REVIEW Having watched from the sidelines, Edward Saminathan feels he is well placed to make the calls on the hits and misses of the local golf fraternity

a clear indicator that inner politics of the association remains volatile.

New captain, same old team

With a few new faces in a same line-up, Mohd Anwar has set out a far more conciliatory approach than his predecessors have, especially in terms with the association’s engagement with the Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA). If you read between the lines, the bad blood between the two organisations remain but with MALGA now having a bigger say in the selection of national amateurs, it remains to be seen if both parties can work together on a more concrete level towards the betterment of the game of golf in Malaysia.

f you asked me to describe the local golf industry in 2011 in one word, I would best described it as ‘tumultuous’. While many may be surprised with my choice of adjective, the fact is while the Malaysian golf industry achieved many highs this year, deep in the heart of the industry, conflict, strife and alienation continued to linger and become more deeply implanted.

Mohd Nor had a tough task in hand to unite the house after one of the most fractious biennial elections in the history of the association this year. The winning margin of one vote caught everyone by surprise but it clearly indicated the differences in opinions held by the association’s affiliates.

The national team

When I mention conflict, it is in the sense that there is a constant clash of ideas and motives. Strife on the other hand, refers to the unhealthy competition and contention amongst the various players, which sometimes threatens to spill over into the public. Lastly, alienation refers to the unnecessary after-effect of the earlier mention malaise. Over the course of the year, we at The ClubHouse have had the privilege to traverse the nation, formally and informally if I may add, to industry captains and personalities as well as ordinary golfers of all age levels. We were present at most of the biggest events in the country, be it golf tournaments, exhibitions, symposiums and press conferences and had become privy to some interesting and even disturbing information, which may be inappropriate or too sensitive to discuss in the open.

In his interviews before and after the election, Mohd Anwar had reiterated that he would use his time as president to initiate a new roadmap for junior development in the country. The plan however remains very much a mission statement and here I am hoping that before the plan is unveiled, the various stakeholders in the industry is consulted for a more concerted effort than in the past. There have been rumours that the MGA will embark on a grassroots programme to take golf to schools with the support of its long-term partner Maybank next year but this remains unverified at present.

hree issues that need to be addressed if the national team is to reach its true potential are the selection criteria, the appointment of a permanent coach as well as the case of missing officials, as we witnessed twice in Singapore this year.

Torn serial numbers from ballot papers were just part of an heated MGA election process

Whether these differences in opinion on how the association should be run remains, with the recent unannounced resignation of vicepresident Dato Haji Yaacob Mohd Kassim

The selection criteria remain a contentious issue and the time is ripe for the MGA to institute comprehensive changes in how players are selected to represent the country. Whether it is by putting in a transparent ranking system based on the World Amateur

It is however, imperative that as a responsible media organisation, that we tackle or bring to the open some of the issues that we feel strongly about. Hence, it is only timely that as we call an end to 2011, we bring up some of the matters that we feel needs addressing and will benefit from some public discourse.

The custodians of the game

here was never a doubt that the new Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Mohd Anwar

With Jeremiah Kim and Azman Baharuddin turning pro and Gavin Kyle Green based permanently in the States, the national team will have a new look next year

Golf Rankings and the players’ competitive stroke average or emulating our neighbours down South with a series of national ranking games throughout the year, there must be a system of selection, which is beyond dispute by parents and the players themselves.

Association after a long period of incubation. While the saying goes that too many cooks spoil the broth, all three associations actually have the room to operate comfortably and most importantly, contribute to the landscape of golf in the country.

The appointment of Kim Baldwin as the interim high performance coach, a month before the national team left for the 26th SEA Games at Jagorawi Golf & Country Club proved to be short-sighted. Not only did the team fail to deliver the gold but there was a clear sign that the players did not have enough time to gel with the new regime and coaching style.

The SGA has clearly indicated that it wants to be the single point of coordination for all golfing activities in Selangor and this is important when we consider the number of events that take place in the Klang Valley.

The most frequently asked question is if we need a full time coach and my answer to that is a big NO! Most national amateurs work with their own swing coaches outside the realm of national service and it seems counter-productive for the national association to have a full time coach on its payroll to play a complimenting role. Indeed if any, the MGA should consider having a mental coach or even a motivational guru within its line-up, which can help players manage situations better, especially when the going gets tough in tournaments as well as foster better camaraderie ahead of team events. Twice this year, we were caught off guard when our national amateurs, majority of which cannot even vote under Malaysian laws, were left unattended during the Singapore Amateur Open as well as the Asian Amateur Championship. While we feel that our lads and girls are far mature than ordinary kids, it is essential that they have a go-to-point in cases of emergency as well as someone to monitor their progress and mentor them during a tournament week.

The MGTA on the other hand, despite lukewarm response from golf clubs in the country, is nonetheless putting its right foot forward in promoting Malaysia as an attractive golf destination with the support of Tourism Malaysia as well as the International Association of Golf Travel Operators (IAGTO). My biggest gripe has been the continuing distinction drawn between a GRAM and a MGA referee, a point that remains a contentious point between the national association and the referees grouping. My logic is simple: golf referees, despite the voluntary nature of their vocation, should be seen and treated as professionals with the right to self-regulate and manage their own affairs.

It is imperative that the national association takes heed of this as it appears nonsensical that with the number of elected representatives and office bearers within the organisation that our amateurs are left to their own devices in a foreign land. Having said that, the national team did have its fair share of inspiring moments this year, the SEA Games performance notwithstanding. 2012 will be a defining year for the team as a number of senior players make the move upwards into the paid ranks or focus on completing their education overseas and it is definitely going to be a revelation to see if the up-and-coming youngsters can take the team to the next level.

Associations galore

hree new associations came into being this year - the Golf Referees Association of Malaysia, the Selangor Golf Association and the Malaysia Golf Tourism

In reality, the MGA should encourage its existing pool of referees to play a bigger part in GRAM as this would not only lessen the administrative burden on MGA to coordinate referee movements for the various tournaments in the country but also allow GRAM to play his intended role to promote the Rules of Golf in the country.

The BIG events

shook my head in agreement when a Tourism Malaysia representative recently shared that his regional compatriots

were surprised how a small country like Malaysia plays host to some of the Asia’s most premier events with high-quality player line-ups. The year started with the successful hosting of the US$2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in some style with three of the world’s top players - Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel headlining the field. With record crowds four days of some of the best golf witnessed in these parts and a dashing winner in Matteo Manassero, the national Open ranks as The ClubHouse’s top tournament of the year. There was never a doubt that title sponsor Maybank were going to go big on the celebrations but for me personally, the opportunity extended to the media for an up close and personal chat with the banking conglomerate’s chairman, Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor during the tournament week once again reiterated their commitment and passion for the event.

The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia continued from where it left off in 2010 with the world’s top lady professionals making a beeline to Kuala Lumpur once again for an increased prize purse of US$1.9 million. Na Yeonchoi and Yani Tseng’s continued rivalry provided a riveting finish but a no-cut, fourday tournament did prove a bit draggy at the earlier stages. It is our hope that the event will continue to steadily grow and eventually become a full-field event with a weekend cut, which will definitely boost the crowds during the opening rounds. Moreover, better crowd policing! The stars of the PGA and Asian Tours clashed once again at The Mines Resort & Golf Club and the late build-up to the event visibly failed to excite the local golf fans, with only one player in the top-ten on the FedEx Rankings making the long trip to Malaysia. A point raised by some of the regional golf writers and one, which I personally agree is the continued future of the event from the point of view that it does not award Official World Golf Ranking points and is not an official Money event on either tours. The event will benefit tremendously if it becomes a competitive tournament as opposed to a mere lateseason showpiece of stars.

2011 PGM

The Iskandar Johor Open cemented its status as one of Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing event, with the fifth edition witnessing not only a fatter purse of US$2 million but also earning co-sanctioning with the European Tour. However, on the hindsight, the event is clearly displaying signs of growing pains as only eight slots were offered to locals through a national qualifier this year, which in comparison to the size of the field, ranks as the lowest amongst all the major tournaments in the country. Scheduling remains the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest problem and with all indications that the event will once again take place in late October or mid-November next year, the organisers will find themselves once again hard pressed to appease the sponsors during the monsoon season. The ASEAN PGA Tour made two stops in Malaysia, with an even richer Negeri Sembilan Masters Invitational and the revived Sabah Masters. Both events

attracted sizable galleries for tournaments happening outside the Klang Valley. Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failure to qualify for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup despite enjoying home course advantage during the Asian Qualifier at Seri Selangor Golf Club stuck out like a sore thumb. The hope is that in the future, local representatives will be more upfront on their personal liking of partners, their form and fitness as well as the minor issue of ball selection in the future, if Malaysia is to end its decade-long absence from the tournament.

Strange bedfellows

he rift between the Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM) and Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) appeared to derail what in the eyes of many golf observers, a boon year for the local professional scene.

At the heart of the dispute was the issue of sanctioning as well as consultation, which could have been ironed out if both parties at sat down and settled the matter amicably, as they had the same greater interest at heart. The professionals also were partly to blamed for aggravating the situation, choosing to take sides as and when the situation suited them. For example, the same group of disgruntled players who had chastised PGAM for apparently failing to provide them with playing opportunities other than the burgeoning PGM Tour decided to bring a complaint to the association when the PGM Tour announced that only the top-50 in the Order of Merit will be allowed automatic exemption to play the tour in 2012. The PGM Tour was nonetheless a fresh of breath air for the local golf scene, giving a

TOUR WINNERS

whole lot of professionals other than cream of the nation’s crop the impetus to hone their skills and take their game to the next level. Players such R. Nachimuthu, Md Rashid Ismail and S. Murthy, who have long been outside the main Tours, have definitely shown that they have what it takes if they’re given a consistent and competitive platform to shine on. A total of nearly RM2.7 million was disbursed in 16 legs, including three legs, which featured concurrently on the Asian Development Tour. While the tour can be credited for taking the game of golf to every state in the country, the criteria for venues has to be stricter in the future if the greater purpose of improving the level of play of our professionals is to be achieved. While players were able to shoot lower under-par scores in some of

the smaller clubs, the gulf in the quality of those scores became obvious when the competition moved to the bigger cities with tougher golf courses. The qualifying school hurdle announced by the Tour’s chairman, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid is welcome sign as Tour’s good intention to ensure that local professionals have an outlet for income should not be taken as granted and the Tour must remain a sustainable and sponsor-friendly entity. The culture of handouts must not infiltrate the domestic tour or else, as is evident in some of the other regional domestic tours, the players grow complacent and fail to try harder to achieve anything bigger outside of the domestic tours. In the end, it is vital that the PGM Tour becomes a sustainable venture without

the assistance of the government or even government-linked companies. While Ahmad Sarji has been able to get the ball rolling with his powerful networking, the survival of the Tour depends on whether corporate Malaysia will come in and support the venture. Unless the product is appealing to the public and is media-friendly, the professionals will be back to the position as one journalist described it as “left with little more than their golf clubs and the T-shirts on their backs”. In our next issue, we will discuss the issues affecting junior golf in Malaysia as well as look at new golfing tracts and course renovations currently ongoing around the country.

MALAYSIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

SEA Games gold continues to elude Malaysians

alaysia’s gold medal drought continued at the 26th South East Asian (SEA) Games in Palembang and Jakarta after the national squad failed to live up to their pre-tournament billing at Jagorawi Golf & Country Club.

Despite recovering well from the loss, the squad consisting of Abel Tam, Kenneth De Silva, Nur Durriyah Damian, Aretha Pan and two American-based players Arie Fauzi and Kelly Tan failed to make ground over the last two rounds, as Thailand and Indonesia strode to the golds in the men’s and ladies’ team events respectively.

With only two bronze to show from the men’s and ladies’ team events, Malaysia equalled its performance from two years back at Laos. Much of the early promise of a gold medal came to a disappointing end after junior stalwart Low Khai Jei was forced to pull out of the tournament after 43 holes due to a case of food poisoning. The 15-year-old was the tournament co-leader at that point.

In the end, Malaysia’s best finishers were Arie, who settled for tied fourth on 292 (7971-70-72), six strokes behind golf medallist Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand while in the ladies division, Kelly was placed sole

eighth with a three-day total of 224 (70-7480). Indonesia’s Tatiana Jacqueline Wijaya raised the local cheer to deny Thai Pinrath Loomboonruang in a sudden-death playoff to claim the ladies’ individual gold.

Joy for Loy at Melaka Amateur Open

oy Hee Ying (pic) justified her ranking as the top golfer in the national Super Junior squad by claiming her first state amateur victory during the Melaka Amateur Open from November 11 to 13 at Ayer Keroh Country Club. The 14-year-old relied on her gut feelings to register a wire-to-wire victory, shooting a five-over 77 in the final round for a 232 tournament total to finish seven strokes ahead of her nearest competitor Sarafina Vinota Seretharan (80-81-78). Isza Fariza Ismail was third on 240 (82-77-81).

In the men’s division, Nicklaus Chiam overcame the local challengers to seal another state amateur win for the Causeway rivals. After finishing level with Jeremiah Kim on identical five-over 221 totals at the end of regulation play, the Singaporean national amateur eagled the first extra hole in emphatic style to claim the title.

“Finally! I have built a lot of confidence in my game now and I am grateful to MGA for sending me to international tournaments for exposure stints. It has definitely helped me cope with pressure, especially when I am in the lead,” said Loy.

“It felt good to win any tournament,” said Nicklaus. “It was especially great to win on foreign soil. I am happy to be able to hold off Jeremiah in the play-off as he is a great player. I am looking forward to meeting him again in another tournament.” Early pacesetter Mohd Hisyam Majid settled for

third with a total of 236 with rounds of 72, 79 and 75. A total of 107 players from Malaysia and Singapore participated in the amateur tournament.

MALAYSIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

he three-day Penang Amateur Open, recently held from November 17-19, saw an upset after Davies Charles Edward edged national amateur Jeremiah Kim to lift the men’s championship. Playing off a handicap of +1, Davies took full advantage of an opening round flourish, carding 69, 78 and 78 to strike a three-stroke victory with a total of 225 at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

Edward and Nur Islamiah come out tops in Penang Amateur

Jeremiah finished second on 228 with rounds of 77, 76 and 75 while six-handicapper Lim Wei Jim (80-73-78) pipped Mohd Naqiuddin Mohd Fuad (74-80-77) on countback to take third on 231. The ladies division on the other hand contested over two days with seven-handicapper Nur Islamiah Mohammad Fuad (80-82) beating Shirley Sim (11) (78-84) in a nail-biting playoff on the 18th to claim the title after both players had finished tied on 162. Nur Musfirah Ilham Armalis took third place on 163 with rounds of 81 and 82.

Kuching high for Paul

ational junior Paul San Weng Yau (pic) took full advantage of the absence of his more senior compatriots to claim the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup during the recent 13th Sarawak International Junior Golf Championship. Organised by the Sarawak Golf Association, the tournament took place from November 22-24 at Kelab Golf Sarawak.

Paul notched rounds of 74, 72 and 75 to defeat Kedahan Muhd Afif Mohd Radzi (74-74-75) by three strokes to claim the title on 221. Sabah’s Malcom Adam Tay (76-76-74) was a further stroke behind in third on 224. The 15-year-old Paul was nonetheless humble in victory and expressed his desire to further improve himself. “I don’t think I played to my actual ability, but I’m nonetheless happy to win here. I do take note that some of the more established juniors were not here and I intend to work harder towards my goal of securing a permanent spot in the national senior squad,” said Paul. In the girls’ division, Aretha Pan Herng of Sabah sealed a commanding victory, carding rounds of 81, 80 and 76 for a 24-stroke victory over Rachel Lim Rui Jia while Thailand’s Thayanee Boonariya was third on 279 (92-94-93).

Local double at Sabah International Junior Masters

lright Chong and Aretha Pan kept the Sabah flag flying high after claiming the overall titles at the 7th Sabah International Junior Masters held at the Sabah Golf & Country Club from December 7 - 9. An in-form Albright, who claimed the Sutera Harbour Junior Amateur Open a few days earlier, held on to his one-stroke second round lead to defeat favourite Low Khai Jei (76-75-75) with a three-day total of nine-over 225 (77-73-75). Coming in third was Solomon Emilio, who carded rounds of 76, 78 and 77 for a 231 total. In the ladies’ division, Aretha carded a final round of 73 in addition to her earlier efforts of 74 and 77 to coast to a four-shot victory over fellow Sabahan and national team mate Vivienne Chin (75-75-78). Genevieve Ling I-Rynn (81-80-84) was a further 17 strokes behind in third on 245. Other winners include Chung Cheng-En (boys’ under-15), Kelie

Kan (girls’ under-15), Aaerishna Shahsthy Balakrishnan (boys’ under-12) and Ashley Lau Wen Jen (girls’ under-12). Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin was on hand to present the prizes to the winners.

MY JUNIORS

Shaaban confident of bright future

this programme. I feel that such support is vital if we are to unearth another batch of successful champions for the years to come,” added the 31-year-old. The camp also featured a talk on mental strength and motivation conducted by National Sports Institute sports psychology officer Nik Azma Hanin Nik Ismail as well as a fitness work classroom by Peter Ling and Young Swee Tiong of Fitness First Asia. Fittingly, participants ended their stints on a high note by putting their new learned skills into practice during a championship match at the challenging Palm layout today.

easoned professional Shaaban Hussin expressed his confidence for the future of Malaysian golf after seeing first hand the junior development programme spearheaded by the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) with the support of banking conglomerate Maybank.

Shaaban joined hands with fellow MGA products S. Sivachandhran, Sukree Othman, Ainil Johani and veteran professional M. Ramayah in grooming ninety-three of the nation’s most brightest young golf talents during the Maybank National Junior Golf Camp, which was held from November 29 to December 1 at the Saujana Golf & Country Club. The three-day intensive programme was aimed at imparting an advanced level of golfing technique, mental preparation and course management skills to the youngsters aged between 12 and 16 years of age. Importance was also placed on equipping

Albright, Asha shine at Sutera Harbour

these juniors with adequate knowledge on golf rules and etiquette to take their game to the next level. Shaaban, who spend a few hours on the second day sharing his experiences and guiding the juniors, felt that golf in the country will prosper with the emergence of such young and talented players through the ranks. “I had a great time coaching these tenderaged golfers and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to equip the next generation of our champions with skills required to succeed. It is heartening to see these kids with good swings and such eagerness to learn and improve on their game,” said the Maybank brand ambassador, who enjoyed a long and successful career as an amateur. “I’m confident that the emergence of these young guns augurs well for the future of golf in this country. We must congratulate corporate bodies such as Maybank for extending their support to MGA in conducting

inety-three junior golfers made their presence felt during the 10th Sutera Harbour Junior Amateur Golf Championship held from December 4-5. The event ,which was one of the East Malaysian legs of the SportExcel National Junior Golf Circuit attracted players from all over Malaysia, Singapore as well as the Philippines. Local star Albright Chong and Asha Lakshme Balakrishnan of Johor Golf & Country Club claimed the overall boys’ and girls title respectively. Alright carded rounds of 72 and 74 for a total of 146 while Asha notched rounds of 78 and 74 for a 152 total. Other notable winners include Malcolm Ting of Miri Golf Club (boys’ under-nine), Singapore’s Megan Lim Kai En (girls’ under-

Johor Golf & Country Club’s Nurdiyana AqilahKhalim was the awarded the best girl award while Mohd Shakiran Johari of Kelab Golf Putra Perlis took the honours in the boys’ division. The duo were visibly excited at the chance of teeing-up alongside the best professionals from both the European and Asian Tours during the Maybank Malaysian Open 2012 Pro-Am at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. In addition, all participants of the camp also received season passes to the 51st edition of the national Open, scheduled for April 14-17 next year. MGA president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato Setia’ Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor took to heart that Maybank has continued to support the association’s effort in promoting the game of golf and its ideals to the younger generation. “It is our vision to expand golf right down to the grassroots level and forms part of our roadmap to produce talented young champions that will bring glory and honour to the country. We are thankful to Maybank for helping us achieve this objective through this initiative,” he said, noting that MGA had taken the extra step to ensure that only new participants were roped in this year. nine), Ashley Lau Jen Wen of Bintulu Golf Club (girls’ under-12), Johor Golf & Country Club’s Aaerishna Shahsthy Balakrishan (boys’ under-12), Kinabalu Golf Club’s Tham Soon Yuet (girls’ under-15), Sutera Harbour’s Fazley Chua (boys’ under-15), Karen Liew of Kudat Golf Club (girls’ under-18) and Kevin Gasper Pius of Labuan Golf Club (boys’ under-18). “The Championship aims to promote a friendly competition and good fellowship among the junior golfers not only from Kota Kinabalu but also junior golfers from out of Sabah. This will give them the opportunity to learn from each other and improve their golfing skills”, said the club’s general manager Brian Werner during the prize presentation.

MY JUNIORS

Amir bound for Clearwater Masters

eri Selangor’s Amir Nazrin Jailani will earn a sensational start at next year’s Clearwater Masters after emerging as the overall champion of the 7th Clearwater Junior Amateur Open. The threeday event held from November 24-26 at Clearwater Sanctuary Resort attracted a strong field of 135 local juniors from across the country including a few rookies from northern Malaysia. Amir accumulated a gross score of 221 over three days of the tournament, beating his closest rivals M. Naqiuddin M. Fuad, who garnered 227 and Danial Durisic (234) in the boys’ under-15 category. Amir was visibly excited over the prospect of playing in the Asian Development Tour event after carding rounds of 78,69,74 to clinch the overall victory. The championship also turned out to be a family affair for the Yong siblings with Yong Fatt Hon emerged as winner in boys under-20 while his sister, Mei Khuan, won the girls’ under-20 while younger sibling Fatt Hoe emerged as the fourth runner-up in the boys under-12.

LEADING FINAL SCORES Boys’ Under-20 1st Yong Fatt Hon (Saujana) 2nd Aravindakumar Sinniah (Monterez) 3rd Mohd Izzad Ibrahim (MSN S’gor)

235 238 246 OCB

Boys’ Under-15 1st Amir Nazrin Jalaini (Seri S’gor) 2nd Naqiuddin M. Fuad (Taiping GCC) 3rd Danial Durisic (Rahman Putra)

221 227 234

Boys’ Under-12 1st Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz (Johor Jr) 219 2nd Bryan Teoh Wiyang (Penang GR) 228 OCB 3rd Aaerishna Shahsthy (Johor GCC) 228 Girls’ Under-20 1st Yong Mei Khuan (Saujana) 239 2nd Nur Islamiah Mohamed Fuad (Taiping GCC) 240 Girls’ Under-15 1st Chong Yong (Kluang CC) 2nd Ong Shi Qing (Rahman Putra) 3rd Jolene Kam Jo Ling (Seri S’gor)

246 247 OCB 247

Stealing the thunder however was Tiara Melaka’s Kew Jia Jion, who notched a remarkable hole-in-one at the par-four 12th. The 15-year-old achieved the feat with solid 280m water-carrying drive.

Girls’ Under-12 1st Siti Zulaikaa Shaari (KRTU) 2nd Farhatul Munirah (Samudera) 3rd Junie Khaw Wen Jun (KRTU)

185 186 188

Clearwater Sanctuary Resort chief executive Kenny Yap also announced that all the respective age-group winners will also be invited to participate in the Clearwater Classic pro-am tournament in April 2012.

Mixed Under-9 1st Marcus Lim Pang Chuen (KRTU) 2nd Nick Yee Chen Jun (Rahman Putra) 3rd Lim Dao-E (KGNS)

96 108 110

Malaysians blow away field in Brunei

umaresan Shanmugam won the first ever Faldo Series Brunei Championship at The Empire Hotel and Country Club to claim his place in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in China.

top the Boys’ Under-16 division and join Shanmugam at the sixth Grand Final, which six-time Major champion Nick Faldo will host at Mission Hills Golf Club on March 14-16, 2012.

“This is my first win in a major tournament so I’m pleased by how well I coped with my nerves today,” said 18-year-old Malaysian after shooting rounds of 71 and 73 to finish on two-over 144 to win by two. “I’m very excited about going to China for the Grand Final and picking up tips from Sir Nick Faldo.”

Also travelling to the World Amateur Golf Ranking event in Shenzhen will be 20-year-old Muhammad Hariz Hashim, who finished six shots further back in third place to earn the final berth as the topplaced Bruneian.

Malaysian resident Joshua Gibbons finished second overall on four-over 146 (73-73) to

Thirteen-year-old Jaclyn Chen Jin Yi from Miri won the girls’ category with rounds of 78 and 79.

MY JUNIORS

Khai Jei, Kelly triumph in Search of the Malaysian Tiger 14

ow Khai Jei pulled off a massive upset when he won the boys’ under-21 category in the 6th Tan Sri Muhyiddin (TSM) Golf Challenge at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club. The 15-year-old from Taiping recovered from a poor opening round of nine-over 80 but upped his game in the last two rounds, carding three-under 69 in the second round before shooting a flawless round of sevenunder 65 for a three-day total of 214. The scratch-handicapper notched six birdie and an eagle to overcome his more senior compatriots Kenneth Christian De Silva of Negeri Sembilan and Mohd Azman Basharuddin of Kedah by four strokes. “I was really fortunate today I would say as I holed a couple of long putts and struck the ball pretty well. I did not expect to win because I started quite badly on the first day. The 11th hole was a critical gole as I was actually trying to birdie and nailed a long putt for eagle,” said Low, who received a RM40,000 golf scholarship and trophy. In the girls’ under-21 category, Kelly Tan of Johor successfully defended the crown she won in 2010 to claim the title to take home a golf scholarship worth RM30,000 and a trophy. The US-based Kelly once again displayed her dominance, carding rounds of 72-67-69 for a three-day total of 208 for a six-stroke victory over Sabah’s Aretha Pan. In the boy’s under-15 category, Muhd Naqiuddin Fuad of Perak emerged the

winner despite playing in the boys’ under-21 division. According to tournament officials, a decision was made and informed before the start of the tournament to allow players under the age of 15 who chose to play off the black tees to receive prizes in the lowerage category as well. Naqiuddin received a RM3,000 golf scholarship and a golf set. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the championship founder, gave away the prizes.

Leading final round scores Boys’ Under-21 214 - Low Khai Jei (80-69-65) 218 - Kenneth De Silva (70-75-73), Mohd Azman Basharuddin (71-73-74) 220 - Jeremiah Kim (76-71-73), Mohd Naqiuddin Fuad (71-75-74), Mohd Hisyam Majid (74-71-75) 222 - Low Khai Loon (74-77-71) 224 - Ahmad Zahir Abdul Ghani (74-75-75), Mohd Amirul Aizat (75-73-76), Abel Tam (75-74-76), Paul San (75-74-76) Girls’ Under- 21 208 - Kelly Tan (72-67-69) 214 - Aretha Pan (72-73-69) 218 - Nur Durriyah Damian (73-70-75) 223 - Hilferah Tan (74-75-74) 225 - Isza Fariza Ismail (76-76-73) 228 - Yong Mei Khuan (79-75-74) 232 - Genevieve Ling (76-80-76) 233 - Loy Hee Ying (80-78-75), Diana Tham (76-80-77) 235 - Nur Islamiah Fuad (77-81-77) 238 - Nurul Syahirah Nasir (78-77-83) Boys’ Under-15 220 - Mohd Naquiddin Fuad (71-74-74) 222 - Ervin Chang (77-70-75) 224 - Amir Nazrin Jailani (80-73-71), Bryan Teoh Wiyang (74-75-75) 225 - Galven Kendall Green (75-76-74), Paul San (75-74-76) 228 - Adam Tee (77-76-75), Muhd Asyraf Azman (76-74-78) 231 - Sim You Jin (77-76-78) 232 - Danial Durisic (81-76-75), Muhd Azmer Merzam (78-77-77) 234 - Danial Mohd Sidek (82-75-77)

INSIDE THE ROPES

RAPID FIRE WITH AINIL JOHANI BAKAR What is your favourite club in the bag? I love my TaylorMade xFT 52° and 56° wedges as I’ve been able to get amazing spin off the ball from them, giving me extra options especially from within 100 yards and less.

RASHID STAYS TOP AFTER SEREMBAN WIN

he amateurs almost stole the thunder at Seremban International Golf Club but it was Md Rashid Ismail who held off a resurgent Shaaban Hussin to lift the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Seremban Classic to maintain his stranglehold at top of the Tour’s Order of Merit. It was the 38-year-old’s second victory on the burgeoning domestic tour this year, joining Danny Chia and Nicholas Fung as the only other double winners so far. Starting the final day with a healthy three strokes advantage, Rashid carded a solid round of 69 to finish two shots ahead of Shaaban (68) with a four-day total of 14-under 274. A further five strokes adrift in third was R. Nachimuthu, who leapfrogged the competition with a 68 – his first round in the 60s all week at the RM125,000 tournament. National amateur Jeremiah Kim, who had led the field earlier in the tournament, settled for even par 72 and sole fourth on six-under 282 while PGM Lanjut Classic winner S. Murthy and P. Gunasagaran took fifth and sixth placing on 284 and 285 respectively. The trio of Haziq Hamizan, Wilson Choo and M. Sasidaran were a stroke behind in tied seventh. Rashid got off the good start, mixing four birdies against a bogey on the front nine but it was Shaaban that almost stole the thunder with a solid run of tee-to-green perfection. The latter was six-under through 12 holes, including a sensational eagle of the 11th, to pull level with the overnight leader before a snap hook and a poor recovery led to a double bogey on the 14th. Shaaban dropped a further shot on the 16th and despite a birdie on the last, it was scant consolation for the PGM Terengganu Classic winner as Rashid sealed the victory

with some good percentage golf on the homeward stretch. “I’m very pleased with my performance this week and I felt that I was hitting the ball very comfortably this week after my long layoff due to a back injury. Iron play was slick all week and and I had my fair share of makeable birdie opportunities all week, which I capitalised on,” said Rashid, who extended his lead at the top of the Order of Merit, taking home RM21,000 for a total of RM138,571.33 after 15 tournaments. Lady professional Ainil Johani Bakar, who was making her debut on the tour, finished in 46th position at 17-over 305 (78-75-74-78). “It’s been a good week for me, it was exciting playing with the guys and it felt good to be playing in a competitive setting. Playing four days here as definitely given me a boost; off the back tees, the course was playing much longer because of the rain and I had a good run out,” explained Ainil, who earned a special exemption to play at the penultimate event of the PGM Tour as part of her runin to the Hero Women’s Indian Open, which took place from December 9-11. Leading final round scores: 274 276 281 282 283 284 285 286

Md Rashid Ismail 69-69-67-69 Shaaban Hussin 66-71-71-68 R. Nachimuthu 70-73-70-68 Jeremiah Kim (A) 69-68-73-72 S. Murthy 75-70-68-70 P. Gunasagaran 70-71-71-72 Haziq Hamizan 72-73-71-69; Wilson Choo 72-72-68-73; M. Sasidaran 68-70-72-75 Anis Helmi Hassan 71-77-69-69; Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain 75-69-71-71; Low Khai Jei (A) 70-72-71-73

Who is your favourite golfer? It has to be Annika Sorenstam. I guess she was the first real role model I l had when I started playing golf. She wasn’t the world number one then, and despite not having the most prettiest swing on Tour, she just kept winning. What is your dream car? A BMW X6 will be a nice addition to the garage - a nice big car for a petite girl like me. If you were not a professional golfer, what would you be? I think I’ll be still in college or university now, working towards a business degree. What song currently plays heavy on your Shuffle? I listen to a lot of R&B numbers and Rihanna’s We Found Love is my current favourite! What do you do when you are not playing golf? I look forward to hanging out with my girls, watching movies and doing girlie stuff because I don’t get to do it often. What motivates to continue doing what you do? Since I was young, my mom always had one mantra to share with me: never give up and always follow your dreams, which is what I’m doing now. Most memorable achievement from your amateur days. Fighting till the end to secure a bronze for Malaysia during the SEA Games in Laos two years back and finishing sixth at the World Junior Championship. What made up your mind to turn professional? It came a time where I felt I had did my part for the country and I had a good amateur record to show and if I wanted to become a more accomplished player, I had to take a daring step forward and take my game to the next level. Toughest part of being a professional Being alone on Tour bothers me the most. You have to handle all your arrangements on your own, travelling alone and not having that support system that I used to have, it’s been quite a tough ride! Your golfing ambition? I hope to earn my card in one of the major ladies Tours in two years time.

Increased prize chest and more events for PGM in 2012

INSIDE THE ROPES

he burgeoning Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour will see an increase in prize purse and number of events next year, signalling the Tour’s intent to provide a sustainable future for Malaysian playing professionals. The 2012 season will see 19 tournaments taking place nationwide, with an average prize purse of RM125,000 totalling RM3 million. Three events - PGM CCM Impian Masters (March 8-11), PGM Terengganu Masters (June 25-28) and PGM KLGCC Classic (November 8-11) will feature on the Asian Development Tour calendar with another three more – PGM Johor Classic (April 4 – 7), PGM A’Famosa Classic (May 10-13) and PGM Sarawak Classic (October 4 – 7) awaiting confirmation from the Asian Tour. In keeping with PGM’s chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid’s commitment to uplift the standard of play in the local paid ranks, the season-ending tour championship next year will be renamed the PGM Masters Invitational, with invites extended to top regional professionals to bolster the tournament’s line-up.

To ensure that the local professionals are on their feet, only the top 50 players in this year’s Order of Merit after the season-ending RM300,000 PGM Masters on December 23, 2011 will be earn automatic starts in 2012. The remainder of the professionals, including newly-qualified Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM) members, will be required to earn their Tour cards through a three-day qualifying school set for January 3 -5 at Impian Golf & Country Club and Kinrara Golf Club. Another qualifying school is scheduled from June 12 – 14, with a qualifying player entitled to Tour playing privileges until December

2011. The qualifying score at both events will 231 with an average daily score of fiveover 77. “I’m very glad that the first season of the PGM Tour took place without any glitches and kept to the schedule laid down late last year, except for one event which we had to change the venue due to floods in Perlis. I like to express my gratitude to the various sponsors, golf clubs and media organisations who have extended their support in ensuring that the PGM Tour got off to a great start,” said Ahmad Sarji during the 2012 calendar unveiling ceremony at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club earlier today. “Overall, I’m very pleased with what we have achieved this year. In the early stages of the tour, only the more established players were making an impact but as we moved further into the year, some of the veterans also proved their ‘vintage’ worth and we had young winners like Mohd Iylia Jamil and Kemarol Baharin laid their mark as well. I believe that by giving our professionals a sustainable and competitive platform to hone their game, it will not only prepare them for bigger challenges ahead but also increase their standard of professionalism and discipline,” he added.

PGM TOUR 2012 CALENDAR Jan 11 – 14 PGM Sime Darby Harvard Classic RM125,000 Feb 8 – 11 PGM Perlis Classic RM125,000 Feb 19 – 22 PGM Kelantan Classic RM125,000 Mar 8 – 11 PGM Impian Masters RM180,000 (ADT Event) Mar 28 – 31 PGM Perak Classic RM125,000 Apr 4 – 7 PGM Johor Classic RM180,000 (ADT Event – TBC) Apr 18 – 21 PGM Sabah Classic RM200,000 May 10 – 13 PGM A’Famosa Classic RM180,000 (ADT Event – TBC) May 23 – 26 PGM I & P Kinrara Classic RM125,000 Jun 6 – 9 PGM Melaka Classic RM125,000 Jun 25 – 28 PGM Terengganu Masters RM220,000 (ADT Event) Jul 11 – 14 PGM PNB Lanjut Classic RM125,000 Sept 5 – 8 PGM North Port Templer Park Classic RM125,000 Sept 19 – 22 PGM Penang Classic RM125,000 Oct 4 – 7 PGM Sarawak Classic RM180,000 (ADT Event) Oct 17 – 20 PGM Negeri Sembilan Classic RM125,000 Nov 8 – 11 PGM MIDF KLGCC Masters RM180,000 (ADT Event) Nov 21 – 24 PGM UMW Serendah Classic RM180,000 Dec 12 – 15 PGM Masters Invitational RM300,000

Khai Loon and six others meet PGAM mark Low Khai Loon (pic) topped the field of 51hopefuls at the recently concluded Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGAM) protrials from December 6 to 8 to earn his playing stripes. The Taiping-based golfer, who turned 21 on December 13, bettered the qualifying mark on 12-over 228 with a three-day total of twoover 218 after rounds of 77, 73 and 68 at Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia. Also earning their PGAM memberships were Tommy Chin (223), Muhammad Azry Asyraf (225), Daniel Tan (225), Riduan Harisa (227) as well as Wan Arizal Md Ariffin and P. Teruih Selvam, who finished just on the line. Khai Loon’s coach Tony Maloney of JNG Golf Academy was confident that Khai Loon has what it takes to make the grade the in paid ranks. “He’s a real good striker of the ball and belts it a long way for a small built player. Combine that with his good business acumen and quick decision making skills, I’m sure he’s going to be ready for it,” shared Tony. For Muhammad Azry, his wins at the Perak Amateur Open and 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open this year were crucial in helping him make the decision to enter the professional circuits. “I pretty much had an inkling that I was going to give it a go this year and my two big victories only reaffirmed my belief in myself. I’m thankful to my mentor professional Shaifubari Muda, who has taken me under his wings and has pledged to guide me,” said the 16-year-old. In another development, national amateurs Jeremiah Kim and Azman Basharuddin have applied to the PGAM board for an exemption to turn professional based on their stellar junior amateur record in representing the country.

INDUSTRY TALK

Symposium hits chords with industry stakeholders

fter the successful hosting of its first industry-level conference in conjunction with the Malaysian International Golf Fair in 2010, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) joined hands with Tourism Malaysia, ASEAN Golf Federation and the Golf Club Managers’ Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) to organise the Malaysian International Golf Syposium. Themed ‘Trends & Challenges: Sharing a Destiny’, the three-day symposium from December 15-17 at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie brought together industry stakeholders and golf professionals under one roof to engage on issues pertinent to the industry and golfing community in the country. Aside from business coaching session by top golf business coach Bill Sanderson, ActionCOACH business consultants Radin Ikram and Asri Jusoh, experienced hotelier and hospitality lecturer Gurcharan Singh, the symposium also featured interactive dialogue session on golf tourism, ageing membership as well as sustaining the environment.

MGA honorary treasurer Bryan Andrew Perera presenting a token of appreciation to Bill Sanderson.

Focus was especially paid on promoting inbound golf tourism to country by providing the necessary tools and development templates to engage and empower golf club management officials, committee members and other stakeholders to ensure that all golf clubs have adequate services and facilities to cater for tourists. In his welcoming address, MGA president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor acknowledged the dilemma faced by the golf industry. “It is a challenging time

CityGolf simulators for Celebrity Fitness

ouldn’t be nice to have a quick cardio workout or lifting some weights before working on that golf swing? Well that was what the folks at City Golf and Celebrity Fitness Malaysia had in mind when they announced a collaboration which will see outlets of the major fitness chain being equipped with CityGolf’s simulators. Celebrity Fitness Malaysia’s managing director Choi Kwang Ho shared his confidence that the concept of an indoor golfing system in a gym will enable golfers to combine two different workouts in one location that meets the concept of fitness and wellness. “This truly has set a benchmark in our milestones in keeping up with the best of facilities and programmes for our members and customers to keep them engaged and having fun here at Celebrity Fitness,” Choi during the announcement of the collaboration at Celebrity Fitness in Midvalley Megamall on November 13. Tom Sarginson, the managing director of City Golf said: “We’ve always believed the indoor golf concept has opportunities outside of the traditional boundaries of a golf centre and with Celebrity Fitness’ vision, we are now able to introduce golf to a new market”.

for the industry as a whole and unless the stakeholders are receptive to change and willing to widen their knowledge on the latest trends in the industry and improve on their business operations and bottom lines of their businesses,” he said. In conjunction with the symposium, a Swing “Fore” Charity golf tournament was also organised to raise funds for MGA’s Athlete’s Scholarship and Welfare Fund.

BUCH and PGAM to collaborate on golf education & training

ERJAYA University College of Hospitality (BUCH) and Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM) inked a Memorandum of Understanding on November 21 to jointly develop and offer golf education and training programmes in Malaysia . The collaboration will encourage the development of golf professionals, providing necessary advisory and guidance for the delivery of its golf programmes; provide technical training and skills development support. BUCH’s chief operating officer Mae Ho expressed her confidence that the mutual agreement will uplift the standards of professional golf in the country. “We are more than happy to have PGAM as one of our esteemed academic partners! The elements of goodwill and cooperation will definitely bring greater success to both parties,” she said. BUCH also announced that their campus will be offering a Diploma in Golf Management beginning its next intake. “By leveraging on our experienced lecturers such as our golf programme leader Mr Azahar Ismail as well as our global networks and industry support from Berjaya Clubs, this collaboration enables students to have the opportunity to be exposed not only to management modules but also to international golf events and golf event management in the future,” said Mae, noting that she foresees a huge target market due to growing golf industry here in Malaysia. PGAM’s president Firuz Jaffril welcomed the collaboration, indicating that the tie-up with BUCH was just one of the plans put forward by the association to grow the number of golf professionals with tertiary qualifications in the industry.

ISKANDAR BOOST FOR JOOST

Dutchman Joost Luiten finds silver lining with a career jumpstart at rain-wrecked Iskandar Johor Open

Rain clouds gather during day three of the event

Overcoming a four-stroke deficit at the start of the final day, the 25-year-old closed with a flawless round of 65 for a three-round total of 198, edging past overnight leader Daniel Chopra by one stroke at the par-71 Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. The victory earned Luiten US$333,330 in the fifth edition of the tournament, which was jointly sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours for the first time and most importantly, a two-year exemption on the latter tour. Chopra narrowly missed his 20 foot eagle putt on the last hole to force a play-off and settled for second with a final round 70. The trio of Rhys Davies, James Morrison Daniel Chopra

and reigning champion Padraig Harrington were a further shot behind on 13-under 200 while Frenchman Gregory Bourdy took sole possession of fourth on 201.

A career jumpstart for Joost Luiten

he rain was unforgiving as the US$2 million Iskandar Johor Open was forced to reduce to 54-holes again for the second time in three years but for a certain Willibrordus Adrianus Maria “Joost” Luiten - as his full name goes - it proved to be successful first jaunt to Johor as he claimed his first European Tour title in some style.

Birthday boy Siddikur Rahman, who turned 26 on November 20, took a share of 15th on eight-under 205 alongside Shiv Kapur, Thongchai Jaidee and Charlie Wi as the best placed Asians. For the first time in the history of the tournament, the local interest ended at the halfway mark with all Malaysians - ten in all - failing to make the cut, which came at two-under 140. Luiten, who had six top-10s this year, turned in 30 highlighted by a hat-trick of birdies from the second hole before adding another birdie on 11 to set the clubhouse lead and endured an agonizing wait in the scorer’s

Padraig Harrington

hut, watching closely as Chopra missed what would a playoff-forcing eagle putt on the last. “Well it is always tough to get your first Tour win and you’ll always believe that you’ll get a good one. I’ve come close for a few times and I’m really relieved to finally win and looking for the next one,” said Luiten, who garnered a winning total of 15-under-par 198.

Chopra, who held a two-shot lead after play was suspended yesterday, was disappointed not to recapture the title he won way back in 1993. His title hopes looked to have faded after a double bogey on seven but the twotime PGA Tour winner battled back with three birdies in his closing six holes to finish lone second. “I was very disappointed because I hit the ball really nicely (the double bogey). It was really the only bad shot I made all day. I had a bad break there but I knew there was a long way to go and if I could get some birdies, I would still have a chance to win. I just tried to stay patient,” said Chopra, who grew up in India. “It is a great way to finish the year. It has been a long hard working year and it is nice to have this good finish at the end of the year. It gives you some encouragement for next year,” added the Swede, who earned his

Siddikur

2012 PGA Tour card through the Nationwide Tour this year. Back on his favourite soil, Siddikur was delighted with his strong finish but rued the opportunity of sealing a better result when he missed a five feet birdie putt on the last. “Overall, it was a good round and I’m happy with how I played especially since I missed the cut in Singapore,” said Siddikur, the first Bangladeshi to play and win on the Asian Tour.

“I knew at the beginning of the week that it will be raining season here so it didn’t really bother me. You just need to relax when the delay comes and accept it. You can’t let it get to you or it will affect your round,” said Luiten, who wears two gloves for a better grip.

The IJO received the Fastest Developing Event gong during the Asian Tour Annual Awards

Leading final round scores (tournament shortened to 54 holes due to inclement weather) 198 199 200 201 202 203 204

Joost Luiten (NED) 63-70-65 Daniel Chopra (SWE) 64-65-70 Padraig Harrington (IRE) 64-67-69; James Morrison (ENG) 66-65-69; Rhys Davies (WAL) 70-65-65 Gregory Bourdy (FRA) 64-67-70 Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 71-64-67 Marcus Fraser (AUS) 64-70-69; Jose Manuel Lara (ESP) 67-67-69; Darren Beck (AUS) 70-65-68; Fredrik Andersson Hed (SWE) 68-67-68; Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 69-67-67 Soren Hansen (DEN) 68-67-69; Marcel Siem (GER) 69-67-68

AROUND THE GLOBE

WESTWOOD POWERS TO VICTORY IN BANGKOK

ee Westwood cruised to a comfortable seven-shot victory at the inaugural US$1 million Thailand Golf Championship, on December 18, lifting his second title in three weeks.

Westwood’s 37th career victory, thanks to a 22-under-par 266 total will see him move up one rung to second place on the Official World Golf Rankings. Masters champion Schwartzel mounted a brief challenge, narrowing the lead down to three on the back nine with an eagle on the 11th hole but a bogey on 14 snuffed out his challenge as Westwood cruised

“It means a lot. Any win does. It’s special this week because of the difficulty of the golf course, and whom I was up against in the weekend. Charl is the Masters champion and he’s had a great year. Twenty-under after two rounds, it’s yours to lose really with an 11-shot lead. There was pressure involved. I was pleased with the way I played today,” said Westwood, who earned US$158,500. The season-finale also saw Juvic Pagunsan being officially crowned the new Asian Tour Order of Merit champion. Pagunsan topped the rankings with a princely haul of US$788,298 highlighted by his second place finish at the Barclays Singapore Open followed by top-10 finishes at the UBS Hong Kong Open, ISPS Handa Singapore Classic and Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

The 38-year-old, who held an overnight four-shot lead, fired a closing three-underpar 69 to defeat South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel, who signed off with a 72 at the Amata Spring Country Club.

home in the Asian Tour’s final tournament of the 2011 season.

Star-spangled parade in Hainan

att Kucher and Gary Woodland of the United States showed why they are the best in the world, staging a battling comeback to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup on November 27.

“I’m feeling very happy to be the first Filipino to win this prestigious award. Honestly, I’m shocked that I’ve won it but it is a fantastic feeling. I’m glad I’ve been given this opportunity to win such an honour. Without the Asian Tour there’s no Juvic Pagunsan.” said the Filipino.

The Americans combined effectively to extend the United States record wins to 24 following a final round five-under-par 67 which also ended a 11-year wait for the United States since Tiger Woods and David Duval won the title in 2000 in Argentina. Germany, who hauled themselves back into contention with a third round 61, could not rally back again after Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka closed with a 69 at the Mission Hills Resort in Hainan Island. The English pair of Ian Poulter and Justin Rose left it too late and had to settle for a share of second place alongside the Germans after they signed off with the day’s best score of 63. Starting the day two shots behind overnight leader Ireland, Kuchar and Woodland got off to a great start with birdies at the first and second holes before picking up further birdies at the sixth and seventh holes to reach the turn in 32. Despite picking up their lone bogey on the par-three 11th, the Americans came charging back strongly with further birdies on the 12 and 13 holes before making pars in the rest of the holes to complete their week with a winning total of 24-unde-par 264.

AROUND THE GLOBE

erdie Aunzo completed a brave wireto-wire victory at the Ancora Classic presented by PGN to move a step closer to fulfilling his potential in the professional game. The Filipino fired a three-under-par 69 at Emeralda Golf and Country Club to hold on to his five-stroke advantage and claim the ASEAN PGA Tour’s season-ending event with a four-day total of 14-under 274. “I am so happy. I have won once before in the Philippines in 2009 but this is a much bigger win as it’s on a regional tour. I felt confident all week and I felt the big difference this week was that I was able to control my irons,” said the former caddie, who received a cheque for US$8,126. Malaysian Nicholas Fung took second place for the third tournament on the trot after carding a 68 while Thailand’s Panuwat Muenlek also shot 68 to finish a stroke further back in third place. In another development, Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat took the lion’s share of the trophies at the ASEAN PGA Tour Awards, taking home the Order of Merit title, the Player of the Year Award and Most Inspiring Performance Award. The talented Thai was victorious at the Palembang Musi Championship and Sabah Masters to top the ASEAN rankings with winnings of US$24,001. Malaysian Nicholas Fung took second place with US$19,298 to earn his Tour card on OneAsia for a second year running.

RORY ROARS AT FANLING

ory McIlroy rallied from behind to win the Hong Kong Open, holing out from a greenside bunker on the 18th for a five-under 65 and a two-stroke victory over Frenchman Gregory Havret, who also closed with a 65. The 22-year-old U.S. Open winner from Northern Ireland who trailed 54-hole leader Alvaro Quiros by three strokes entering the final round at Hong Kong Country Club, finished at 12-under 268 on the Fanling Course. He had five birdies in his flawless round. “It does mean a lot. I wanted to win this tournament so badly since that play-off in 2008, but finally, to get this trophy in my hands, is very special. It meant a lot to go out there today, knowing that I had to play well to keep myself in The Race to Dubai, probably to keep myself in second place in the World Rankings. There’s a lot to play for and to produce the sort of golf that I did today was very pleasing,” said McIlroy, who kept his hopes alive in becoming Europe’s number one. Sweden’s Peter Hanson had a 70 to finish third at nine-under while defending champion Ian Poulter of England shot a 66 to tie for fourth at eight-under with Scotland’s Richie Ramsay (66) and Thai Pariya Junhasavasdikul (70). Spaniard Quiros crumbled under the pressure, posting a 73 to tie for seventh at seven-under.

STROLL IN THE PARK FOR AUNZO

POULTS MASTERS WIND TO CLAIM AUSSIE MASTERS VICTORY

an Poulter signed off his 2011 season on a high with a big win at the JBWere Australian Masters, adding a spanking gold jacket to his wardrobe. The Englishman spoiled Geoff Ogilvy’s bid for a victory on his boyhood course, coming from two strokes behind the third round leader to close with a solid four-under 67 in tough windy conditions at the Victoria Golf Club. Australian Marcus Fraser took second place, three behind on 12-under 272 while Ogilvy Poulter hit an impressive eagle at the short of 233-metre par-four opening hole which consequently wiped out Ogilvy’s twoshot overnight lead in one devastating hit. He then secured the lead outright with a five-metre birdie putt at the seventh and extended it with another birdie at the 559-metre par-five ninth where he knocked his approach to within inches of the hole. Poulter regarded the win, which elevated him into the world’s top-20, as a ‘very special’ moment. “It was a pure ball-striking round of golf,” said the 35-year old who totalled 15-under 269. “My concentration was flawless the whole day. I was happy how I approached every shot. I hit my targets, it was fairly methodical, but for me it was a nice round of golf.”

LEXI SIZZLES IN THE DESERT

merican teenager Lexi Thompson made history as the youngest winner on both the LPGA and Ladies European Tour after winning the Dubai Ladies Masters. The 16-year-old shot a five-under 67 to claim the title in the €500,0000 event, becoming the youngest professional winner - male or female on either side of the Atlantic.

Thompson pulled away from Lee-Anne Pace of South Africa to win by four strokes for her second professional victory. “I just tried to focus on my game. I did think about the victory when I had a five-shot lead, but

throughout the whole day I was trying to play one shot at a time and never tried to get ahead of myself,” said Thompson. Having entered the record books when she triumphed at the Navistar LPGA Classic in Alabama earlier this year, Thompson held her nerve after bogeying the 17th with a brilliant shot to clear the water on the final hole for a simple birdie tap-in for a remarkable 15-under triumph. “I achieved my goal to card 15-under and and winning this tournament.”

PUTTER SPECIAL

PUTTER PLETHORA Choosing the right putter for your game can be difficult with the great variety of flatsticks on the market than any other piece of golf equipment. While there’s no foolproof way of doing it other than getting a feel of as many different putters as you can get your hands on, this gallery of putters will hopefully help you get those year-end holiday purchases right

Fisher Touch Falcon

Nike Method Core Drone

Odyssey Ti-Hot #1

Ping Sydney

Scotty Cameron California

Seemore Black Satin Si4

Based on the Pure Roll Technology of the patented Kevflex inserts with a wide selection of left-handed options. www.fishergolf.com RRP: RM360

A bold red alignment bar stands out clearly while milled aluminium head features three tungsten weights for all out stability. www.pingggolf.com RRP: RM1255

Combines soft polymer and milled steel grooves to generate faster, more controlled forward roll at impact. www.nike.com RRP: RM750

A soft Sea Mist finish accentuates this sculpted 303 stainless steel head with tour-proven deep face milling and Studio Weighting Technology. www.scottycameron.com RRP: RM1550

Unique all-titanium construction provides softer feel, complimented by a muted charcoal finish for a premium look. www.odysseygolf.com RRP: RM1490

Precision cast from 303 stainless steel with soft thermo plastic urethane insert and RifleScope 2 alightment technology for perfect “gun sight” effect. www.seemore.com RRP: RM790

PUTTER SPECIAL

TaylorMade Raylor Ghost

A newly designed surlyn Pure Roll insert supresses backspin and provides instant smooth roll. www.taylormadegolf.com RRP: RM750

Williams F1 Limited Release Black PVD Oxfordshire putters featuring a milled face with a metal insert that dampens vibration for a truer feel and better distance control. www.williams-sports.com RRP: RM2390

Wilson Staff Vizor

Features I-Lock™ Technology that improves putting alignment and soft urethane face insert tailored for maximum feel. www.wilson.com/en-us/golf RRP: RM590

Yes! Tracy II

Yonex Ezone

Forged from premium S25C steel with soft brown finish and features a deep milled face for delicate touch and instant roll. www.yonex.com/golf RRP: RM1323

Forged from 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel for pure feel with extra CNC-milled scorelines for consistent roll. golf.mizunoeurope.com RRP: RM799

Akira ADR Gold Vintage

TP Mills Anvil

Zen RDE

C-Groove technology with concerntric grooves lathed into the face at specific angles for remarkable soft feel and superior feedback. www.yesgolf.com RRP: RM599

Precision machined SUS303 stainless steel head with zirconia stones inset and changeable weights on toe and heel. www.akira-products.co.jp RRP: RM3000

CNC-milled 303 stainless steel head with hand-set hybrid necks - milled flat on the face and flange side. www.tpmillsputters.com RRP: RM2000

Mizuno MP T203

Features the patented “Ready” Reduced Dimple Error technology with precisely designed micro ridges that minimise the contact and improve impact dispersion www.zenoralce.com RRP: Contact JNG Golf

at +603 7980 0284

PUTTER SPECIAL

An example of a putter fitting studio

WORLD OF PUTTERS Get Fit for Better Results on The Green

nyone who has ever visited the equipment vans on the professional golf tours knows that the best golfers in the world are fanatical about making sure that their putters are properly fitted. Why? Because they know that a proper fit is essential to maximizing their putting potential. Yet most recreational golfers still just grab a so-called “standard” putter right off the retail rack with little regard to how it fits, creating a recipe for trouble on the green. The truth is that there is no “standard,” because every golfer is different in height, arm length, putting posture, stroke path and hand size. The good news is that finding a better fit has never been easier. Indeed, personal

putter fitting options are rapidly multiplying at the point of purchase, and nearly all of the clubs offered by the top putter brands are available in different configurations that you can fit to your physique and your stroke. Let’s look at a few examples of putter fitting in action, starting with loft. If the loft of your putter is too high or too low for your stroke and playing conditions, the ball will skid or bounce excessively, compromising your accuracy and distance control. With the correct loft at impact, the ball will be more able to achieve a true forward roll consistently and efficiently. Lie angle is another important aspect of putter fitting. With the proper lie angle, the flat part of the putter’s sole will be flush with the ground when you address the ball. With

an ill-fitting lie angle, the toe or heel of the putter will be raised at address and impact, which will make you more prone to pulling or pushing the ball. So how do you get started on your putter fitting journey? Begin with a little research on putter fitting factors such as length, loft, lie angle, weight, balance, alignment and grip size. Then, if you identify any issues with your fit, take action. This could mean having your current putter adjusted, or purchasing a new putter from a company that enables you to choose from a wide range of fitting options. You might also consider visiting a putter fitting professional to help you with the fitting process. The most important thing to know is that achieving a better fit is not complicated, and that a little knowledge can go a long way toward improving your results on the green.

Sean Weir

Bad lie

Good Lie

is the founder and editor of PutterZone.com, the leading online destination dedicated exclusively to the world of flatsticks. A recreational golfer with a passion to empower golfers with the tools and knowledge to raise their short game, he is also the author of Putter Perfection: The Groundbreaking Guide to Finding The Right Fit for Your Game.

PUTTER SPECIAL

NEVER MISS A PUTT EVER AGAIN

Andrew Myles believes that any golfer can predict breaks on any greens, on any golf course, anywhere in the world through the AimPoint method

here are many ways in which you can shave the strokes off your game and amongst the first things that come to mind is probably lowering the number of putting strokes. To reduce your putting average considerably, the easiest way is to increase your skill on the greens. Many golfers will agree that reading greens is perhaps the most difficult part of the golf game that they had to master. Some would say reading the greens is a true art form that will take nothing less than a lifetime to master, while others tend to believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of pure luck - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re either a genius at it or be forever demoted to golfing oblivion. Enter AimPoint Green Reading, a groundbreaking green-reading method based on the highly accurate, Emmy Award winning AimPoint Technology seen on the Golf Channel and trusted by tour-playing professionals worldwide. Learn that putting is predictable and discover the most effective and reliable ways to determine the direction and precise amount of break for any putt, all based on gravity.

What is AimPoint Green Reading? AimPoint Green Reading is a system developed by founder Mark Sweeney, which has been designed to help golfers accelerate their skill development in putting through more predictive and accurate green reading ability. When you take in to consideration that initial studies showed that we take approximately 10,000 hours to get good at something, but 30,000 hours in the area of green reading, the question then becomes why does it take three times longer at putting when it seems so much easier? Is the starting direction of the putting that important? Even if we utilise the best putting technology for developing putting strokes (SAM Puttlab or Tomi Pro), have a perfectly fit putter and develop the purest roll with perfect speed, none of it is relevant if the ball is rolling in the wrong direction. Studies show that when golfers miss aim or miss read a putt they then make unconscious corrections to their stroke to make their bad reading of the green work, either through changes in speed, stroke path or putter face aim through impact. What do you learn in AimPoint Green Reading? AimPoint Green Reading teaches students everything they need to know in order to make an educated and reliable decision on where to target the putter face to give the ball the best chance of going in the hole. Once students understand the basic

principles, (one of which is that a putt breaks downhill!) of what causes a ball to break, we then teach them the skills to correctly identify those principles in a practical way that will allow them to consistently read the green well in less than 30 seconds. Do I need to have a great ability to get started? The reality of putting is that, unlike the full swing, the technical elements of the stroke are not as physically demanding. Anyone has the ability to stroke a putt well. If we choose the correct AimPoint, and then roll the ball at the correct speed on that line, the ball will go in, simple as that. When are the clinics held? Fundamentals clinics are held every month at varying venues throughout Malaysia. These half day sessions teach you basic education to green reading and focus on putts within 20 feet of the hole. After that, skill development workshops are recommended, to help further develop your ability to read the greens faster and more accurately before heading to the course. Once comfortable with the basics we then take you to the course to put it in to practice.

Andrew Myles is a Class AA British PGA Professional and certified AimPoint instructor. For more information regarding AimPoint Green Reading and upcoming workshops, visit www.andrewmylesgolf.com

IN THE BAG

ARRIVIN G SOON IN 2012 !

DXi Superlight Driver www.wilson.com/en-us/golf • • • •

Utilises Wilson’s proprietary cup-face technology and variable face thickness to expand the sweet spot of the face into the heel and toe, increasing the high CT area of the club head for optimal accuracy. Weighs at an extremely light 269gm with an ultra-thin crown for the lowest measured club MOI in the market. Fitted with a Matrix Ozik 48g super light shaft at 46 inches in length and a 26g WinnLite Firm grip. Available in loft of 10.5° in Stiff & Regular flexes and a swing weight of D2.

RRP: RM1,390

(available at all MST Golf outlets)

RocketBallz Driver

ARRIVIN G SOON IN 2012 !

www.taylormadegolf.com •

• • • •

A modern aerodynamically shaped clubhead featuring Inverted Cone design for optimal ball speed and TaylorMade’s proprietary Flight Control Technology (FCT) sleeve for adjustability of performance angles (face, loft and lie). Retains the proven white crown and PVD black face combination for improved alignment, elimination of glare and a slightly larger appearance for added confidence. The CG is positioned further apart and closer to the face for more ball speed with a shallower profile for higher launch. Outfitted with a lightweight 50g Matrix OZIK XCon 5 shaft. Tour model comes with a slightly smaller head and deeper face than the Speed version as well as a neutral weight bias instead of the Speed’s draw bias.

RRP: TBA

Long Tom Driver

SOON ARRIVING IN 2012!

www.cobragolf.com • • • •

An elliptical face features a new canted bulge with advanced dual roll design in addition to the established E9 Face Technology providing more distance to offcentre shots. A high strength thin Titanium 8-1-1 alloy face repositions up to 20g of weight to move CG extremely low and deep for improved launch. Highest length to weight ratio of any Cobra driver ever designed with a maximum allowed four feet long ultra light Grafalloy Blackbird shaft and grip delivering maximum distance. Available in lofts of 9.0° and 10.0° in Stiff & Regular flexes

RRP: RM1,690

GEAR UP

XPS-1 Golf Shoes

www.footjoy.com.my • • • • • •

Taking cue from thousand of foot scans conducted by FootJoy Laser Fitting System, the shoes are designed with full rounded toe character, standard fit across forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel. Utilises ECL™ Leather System by Pittards®, a proprietary membranefree leather with a two-year waterproof warranty Dual density Fit-Beds provide both underfoot comfort and heel support with leather linings provide superior comfort, slip resistance, and in-shoe breathability. The 3D Viscoelastic GelCollar™ molds to the shape of the ankle, providing additional comfort and support around your ankle while the HeelLoc zone reduces friction and keeps your foot safely harnessed. Cutting-edge advanced TPU designed outsole combined with parametrically placed Softspikes Cyclone™ cleats delivers unparalleled platform stability during the golf swing. Available in three style options, including one featuring the BOA™ Closure System

RRP: RM890

AND RM950 (BOA)

SAMBA Golf Shoes

www.adidasgolf.com • • •

Maintains the shoe’s classic silhouette and 3-Stripes design debuted over 50 years ago and features a durable suede toe-guard and the distinctive tan gum sole equipped with six cleats. THINTECH low-profile technology for improved traction, stability and support while the textile, synthetic-leather upper is water-resistant and provides lightweight, durable performance. Created with medium width and three colours: Black/White /Gum, White/Black/ Gum and Satellite/White/ Gum.

RRP: RM399

N SOO ING ! V I ARR N 2012 I

Biom Golf Hybrid Shoes

www.ecco.com/en/Golf • • •

Street-inspired upper patterns made from a variety of rich leather types are sure to turn heads, both on and off the greens. The second skin lining wicks moisture and creates a rich interior feel while the anatomical, dual component insole is lightweight and provides extra cushioning and comfort. An ingeniously engineered outsole with approximately 100 moulded traction bars constructed from highly durable and wear-resistant TPU provide more than 800 traction angles for excellent grip in all conditions.

RRP: RM659

- RM769

(available at ECCO Concept Store, Gardens Mid Valley)

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER

Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf equipment capital of Carlsbad, Calif. In his 20-plus years covering the golf industry, the former senior editor of GOLF Magazine

has

lowered

his

playing index to 5.1, raised his IQ on the sophisticated technology used to make golf 28

clubs, and stayed even keel on his propensity to miss short putts. But he always brings game to his columns.

The Marketplace Review

n a few years when you look back in time pondering golf equipment developments, you will associate 2011 with several trends. For one, you cannot dismiss the incredible and surprising popularity of white drivers and fairway woods. Popularized by TaylorMade’s R11 family but appearing in the lines of several competitors, white clubheads were undoubtedly a hit with golfers. However, even TaylorMade executives say they were amazed at the sudden success. Why were white clubheads so popular among the masses? They were visibly different, allowed golfers to have a better view of the angle of the black clubface, and performed well. Perhaps best of all, throngs of PGA Tour pros used them and raved about their results. Tour usage also transformed another equipment category, as well. During the year, a slew of top-name PGA Tour pros began using long and belly-length putters – and winning with them. That consequently triggered a craze amongst consumers for those types of putters. And because of that bursting trend, many top putter manufacturers began pumping out belly-length versions of their most-popular models late in the year. In fact, demand for these belly and long putters has been so strong late in 2011 that you will see a bunch of new models emerging on the market for 2012. We also saw further developments of some other existing equipment trends during 2011. For example, iron sets continue to be marketed in one of three categories: super game-improvement, game improvement, and player’s irons. The latter saw some evolution in 2011 with better player’s irons that combined the best of the forging and casting world, in that they looked like a hybrid between the two realms and offered that wonderful feel of a blade with the forgiveness and performance of a cavity-back. Expect that to continue in coming years. Another trend began late in the year, with top brands beginning to debut iron sets with only six and seven clubs in them, rather than the traditional eight. This was done primarily for two reasons. Firstly, it chops the price golfers pay for a set of irons by up to 25 percent – fewer clubs means less to spend. Secondly, many players are now using

hybrids at the long end of the set, replacing their 3- and 4-irons. In addition, they do not necessarily want to be force-fed the iron brand’s matching hybrids. Speaking of hybrids, their popularity from the past six or seven years seems to have cooled off since January. It is not that there are not great new models out – there are. It is just that golfers seem content not to replace the hybrids that they have purchased over the past few years. At the same time, there seems to be a resurgence of fairway woods. That is because some brands were able to take their adjustability technology, sophisticated material combinations, and weighting schemes from their marquee drivers and apply it directly to their fairway woods. You will see much further exploration of those in coming years, as well. Equipment experts actually entered 2011 consumed with apprehension about how the wedge market would fare. That is because those wedges with aggressive grooves were outlawed by the United States Golf Association with effect from January 1 – in terms of manufacturers being able to sell them to shops. However, retailers stockpiled them prior to that date, so that they could sell them with a sudden bit of mystique. While wedge sales were steady throughout 2011, grooves turned out to be a non-issue. Manufacturers weaved around the USGA’s newly imposed rules to find other ways to get you backspin, through milling surface roughness into wedge faces and including more grooves per clubface.

Hence, that is where equipment is heading into the future. It seems that every time the USGA tries to limit distance or stifle a golfer’s ability by throttling equipment development, the engineers behind those products come up with savvy workarounds that make the equipment even better and easier to use. Moreover, that means a brighter future for your golf game.

his month we are looking at moderate swing speeds golfers. What we at Titleist are doing, is to help this particular group of golfers, who are serious about their games, to play better. Moderate swing speed golfers are golfers with a ball speed on their driver between 100 and 135 miles per hour. This category of golfer could be a young junior, a lady or a senior. For more distance, moderate swing speed golfers may benefit from the addition of loft on their driver. We have just extended the 910 family of metal woods to include a 12° loft in the D2 in both right and left hand. During fitting when we are looking at the transition of metal woods to hybrids to irons, sometimes, moderate speed golfers may benefit from additional loft on a fairway wood or hybrid. Along with the 12° driver extension we have also extended the 910F (fairway wood) and 910H (hybrid) to include a 21° fairway and a 27° hybrid. Both of these options will be available in left hand. In addition to the loft for the 910 range, we have also increased the options we have available in the shafts. The popular Fujikura Motore F3 line has seen the inclusion of a Ladies flex shaft for the driver, fairway and hybrid. We have also added a Motore F3 R2 flex in fairway and hybrid, which complements the existing Motore F3 R2 driver shaft (R2 is A flex). As well as the Motore F3 extension, we have added the Titleist Bassara W. This Titleist Bassara W-Series uses elastic titanium nickel wire technology to provide a responsive tip section. This, along with a specific torque level for each flexes to create superlightweight shaft with a high launch, good stability and great feel.

THE RIGHT FIT WITH TITLEIST During our fitting sessions, two important elements are distance gapping and working out which clubs provide a playable trajectory. Gapping is very important to all golfers, especially moderate swing speed golfers. When determining set composition, it is vital to have a set of clubs that all do different things. We do not want two or three clubs doing the same thing. Analysing the carry distance of each of the clubs you have in the bag ensures we have suitable gaps between each club and not duplicating the results.

Hailing from the small town of

Having the 910F & 910H extension, we now have more options when fitting to help you have consistent gaps between each club. Having clubs in your bag that provide a playable trajectory is also important. Playable trajectory is a high launching trajectory that produces maximum carry distance with a descending angle that will allow the ball to stop on the green with control.

Windsor in New South Wales,

For example, we are trying to find a club that carries 130m for a golfer. They hit a 910H 19degree 131m carry with a landing angle of 32° and a 910F 21° fairway wood 130m with a landing angle of 44°. We would recommend the golfer choose the 21° fairway wood as it is providing a landing angle that under most conditions would land on the green and stay on the green. Even though the hybrid carried the same distance, it has a much shallower landing angle would be difficult to land on the green and stay on the green. Here the 21° fairway wood gives the golfer a playable trajectory for the distance we are looking to carry the ball.

in Singapore where he is the

Australia, Shaun Moulds is a second-generation club fitter, having

tweaked

clubs

for

close to a decade. Now based

regional club fitter for Titleist SEA, the two-handicapper is discovering South East Asia for what it is but is still on the lookout for a great angling spot.

All 910 metal woods feature the SureFit Tour hosel, which allows each metal wood to be independently adjusted and set for loft and lie. As we know all golfers are different so being able to adjust the loft or the lie for each golfer is important in custom fitting so we ensure we are giving you the best chance to hit better golf shots. Now more than ever is an important time to come out for a fitting session to see how we can optimise a set of clubs for you. During our fitting days, we use the Trackman launch monitor, which accurately tracks the ball from when it is struck, to when it lands giving us the vital information in helping you hit better, more consistent golf shots. With the information that Trackman provides it also help us compile a set of clubs for you that provide playable trajectories with the appropriate gaps between each club.

Helping The Serious Player

TOUR WATCH WITH ASIAN TOUR

Calvin Koh and Doyle De Costa form part of the dynamic and globe-trotting media team at the Asian Tour. Known for their differing viewpoints on all things golf in Asia, the duo give their

happenings and developments on the region’s established Tour.

Juvic Pagunsan failed to deliver the knockout blow at Sentosa but did enough to become the first Filipino OOM winner.

Most dramatic moment on the Asian Tour in 2011 Calvin Koh: Juvic Pagunsan making a final day charge at the weather-shortened Barclays Singapore Open. He overcame a five-shot deficit to tie with eventual winner Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano. Play-off loomed and so did the adverse weather which ensured a Monday finish and even though Juvic didn’t win, his swashbuckling display kept the huge galleries entertained and on the edge of their seats.

Doyle De Costa: Hats off to Himmat Rai, he went in a five-way play-off clash and came out victorious after the sixth extra hole at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic! There is no better way to win your first Asian Tour title with a splendid 25-foot birdie putt.

insights and thoughts on the

Lu Wen-teh and Lin Wen-tang, a five-time Asian Tour winner. A month later, he cruised to his third victory, winning the Mercuries Taiwan Masters. That was not much of a surprise as the Taiwan Golf and Country Club was a stone’s throw away from his home. Expect him to shine again in 2012. DDC: “Joonas Granberg who?” was the clubhouse talk at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters when he shot an opening round 10-under-par 62, a new course record at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club. He went on to win the event, becoming only the second Finnish player to win on the Asian Tour. A grand victory indeed, for the Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate.

Best quote of the year.

DDC: “I’m only human.” Siddikur after missing his first halfway cut on the Asian Tour at the Macau Open, presented by Cityneon.

Surprise package of the year? CK: Lu Wei-chih is a proven winner but it was six years ago since he won his first Asian Tour title. Nobody would have tipped him to win the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship but he proved his doubters wrong, fending off challengers from veteran

Asian Tour Rewind

CK: “I was busy looking after the players and taking care of the sponsors. Probably the fact that I wasn’t thinking about the tournament helped me feel at ease.” K.J. Choi after winning his own tournament, the CJ Invitational in Korea.

Joonas Granberg

TOUR WATCH WITH ASIAN TOUR Who do you think will be a future star based on their performance this year?

DDC: The bubbly Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand turned professional at the age of 14! Fast forward to the future and the 18-yearold finished second at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters and claimed a top-30 finish at the UBS Hong Kong Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. It will not take long before Panuphol, nicknamed “Coconut” by his family makes a breakthrough on Tour.

CK: At the age of 16, Miguel Tabuena made the grade on the Asian Tour Qualifying School when some of the more seasoned golfers did not. He was still an amateur while playing in Qualifying School but subsequently turned professional. He struggled to adapt in the play-for-pay ranks earlier in the year but his talent was evident when he played his way into contention at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters before finishing in fourth place. Definitely someone to look out for in 2012!

Miguel Tabuena missed out on a full Tour card for 2012 by a mere US$250

DDC: Angelo Que’s choice of chequered and bright red pants reflected his easygoing character where he is popular for his sociable and easy-going attitude. He came in second last year on the best-dressed Asian Tour golfer in 2010 and is still in the running of winning it this year.

before the ICTSI Philippine Open and was a figure of consistency at Wack Wack. Never easy for a rookie to win but he did it on an unknown course and with a strong line-up of local hopes including Frankie Minoza, Angelo Que and Artemio Murakami.

New dad Angelo Que was at his flamboyant best all year

Berry pulls off the greatest pickup line of all time

Best dressed golfer. CK: We had a poll for the best-dressed Asian Tour golfer in 2011 and at press time, the poll is still running with Young Nam of Korea in the lead. Not quite a surprise as Nam’s sense of dressing is simple but the distinctive blend of attire never fails to catch the eye.

Rookie of the year

Best venue of the year

CK: I will have to go with Berry Henson of the United States for winning the ICTSI Philippine Open. Many can attest that the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club is not an easy course to play on and to win there on your debut is a remarkable feat. At the age of 32, he is one of the many international players who have enjoyed success on the Asian Tour.

CK: The Amata Spring Country Club is in immaculate condition and the island green on the 17th hole is the most unique on the course as players need to hitch a boat ride to the green! Simply amazing.

DDC: I will have to agree with Calvin. Berry Henson was nicknamed “Back-to-Back Berry” for winning the Clearwater Masters on the Asian Development Tour two weeks

DDC: I watched the CJ Invitational hosted by K.J. Choi on television and was impressed by the superb conditions of the Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club. The course is equipped with sub-air and hydraulic system, which ensure the course remains in immaculate condition. Impeccable golf course, and great eye-candy for television viewers!

GOLF DOWN UNDER

Richard Fellner is the Group Editor of Inside Golf Magazine © Inside Golf

– Australia’s most regularly read golf publication. Hailing from the United States but now a proud resident of Melbourne, Fellner is a true golf tragic having played the game for over 35 years but never getting any better at it.

he 2011 Australian Summer of Golf will go down as one of the biggest and best seasons we have ever seen down under. With the Emirates Australian Open, The Presidents Cup, The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola and the JBWere Masters, golf took Australia by storm in November, and fans were treated to the best fields in decades. With names like Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, Y.E. Yang, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Darren Clarke and Ernie Els in attendance, not to mention the dozens of other ‘big names’ in world golf, the galleries at these events were considerable, and the vibe was nothing short of electric.

Fred Couples and his merry men

Looking back... and forward...

Our world-class courses like Royal Melbourne and The Lakes did not disappoint, generating a lot of buzz internationally as more golfers are now planning holidays to Australia to test their skills on these ‘must-play-before-you-die’ courses. While The Presidents Cup outcome wasn’t what the Australasians were hoping for, the Americans certainly put on a display of outstanding golf, and many fans - both young and old - walked away from the events both satisfied and inspired to play more golf. For that matter, one could argue that none other than Tiger Woods rediscovered a bit of inspiration himself, with his solid play in Australia potentially contributing to his recent victory at the Chevron World Challenge. Building on the momentum of 2011, The PGA of Australia recently announced two brand-new tournaments for 2012, which will boost prize money on Tour by AUD2.3 million, and will help secure more ‘big names’ for future events.

The inaugural New Zealand PGA Pro-am Championship tees off March 29 to April 1, in Queenstown, NZ. Inspired by the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, professionals will play for the NZ PGA Championship over four rounds, and will then be joined by 64 invited amateurs and celebrities, playing together as a team for the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship over the final two days. The other new event is The Perth International Golf Championship (October 18-21, Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth). IMG will be the owner and promoter of the AUD 2 million tournament, which will be sanctioned by the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia. It is almost a certainty that we will see some world-class golfers in attendance. Also in the news was the announcement that the LPGA will be co-sanctioning the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, to be played at Royal Melbourne from February 9-12. Australia will now get the chance to see the world’s best women golfers like Yani Tseng, Michelle Wie, Ai Miyazato and Hee Young Park tackling one of the world’s best courses. Of course, we cannot forget about the other exciting events over the next couple of months. The innovative Victorian Open (January 5-8, Spring Valley Golf Club, Melbourne) will be run concurrently with the Women’s Victorian Open. Representing a first for Australian golf, men and women will be competing on the same course at the same time, which will doubtless create additional excitement and boost crowd numbers. Moreover, who can forget the Australian Master of the Amateurs (January 10-13, Royal Melbourne), where the world’s best amateurs will tee it up in Australia’s top rated amateur event (and top-20 in the world). With America’s Kelly Kraft battling against players like Australia’s Matthew Stieger and China’s Guan Tian-lang and Huang Yongle, the competition for the treasured Green Jacket will be fierce. Overall, we have a lot of great golf to look forward to in Australia this coming year. Here’s hoping that one of our Aussie boys can win a Major in the process! See you in the New Year.

UNCHARTED COURSE WITH NORMAS YAKIN

t seems to be counter-intuitive to be talking about irrigation at this moment, what with the monsoon spell in full swing; reports of flash floods happening in places it hasn’t happened in many years; and warnings of more rain to come. However, irrigation maintenance was one of the first things that had me taking a close look at the grass on the golf course. Really, close. Face to ground kind of close. You see, irrigation was a major issue on that particular golf course that I worked in. Due to improper installation or for whatever excuse, the sprinklers were clogged all over the golf course. We had enough pressure but the sprinkler was just not sprinkling. We mostly had the ‘helicopter’ pattern or water was just bubbling out of the sprinkler. The diagnosis was not good. Sand, soil and dirt (not necessarily in that order) had entered the irrigation system and blocked the strainers at the bottom of the sprinklers. All of them. Martin, the superintendent at the time, did not ask the contractors to repair them as anyone else would, instead, he asked his right-hand coolie (that’s me) to get it done. The task? To break the strainers at the bottom of every sprinklers in the golf course, and flush out the sand from beneath it. Writing it down in one sentence made it sound so easy, but actually, I had to unscrew the top off, use a special tool to unhinge a spring, pull out the mechanism, and poke the strainer with a long screwdriver. I then had to, with my bare hands up to my elbows, clean the bottom and using a special hose attached to an empty sprinkler body, connect it to the hole in the ground and switch the sprinkler on in an attempt to flush out the stuff from under the strainer. Did you know that the irrigation system was manual? Controlling a block of sprinklers? Therefore, to ‘on’ one sprinkler, I had to turn the valve that will ‘on’ about five sprinklers. Golf course irrigation system falls into five types; from the most sophisticated to the most simple (a polite way of saying primitive): 1. Central control automatic irrigation system

2. 3. 4. 5.

Stand-alone control automatic irrigation system Stand-alone control non-automatic Manually operated valves (with sprinklers) Manually operated Quick Coupler Valves (QCV)

Normas Yakin considers himself an all-rounder: a former cocoa and oil palm planter, golf course superintendent, golf club

Numbers 1 to 4 have valves that control more than one sprinkler (typically five) which is referred to as a ‘block’ of sprinklers or only one sprinkler in which the sprinkler would usually have the valve in its head and be called a valve-in-head sprinkler; and number 5 does not have a sprinkler at all, just a hose.

manager, director, lecturer and

The problem with having a sophisticated system on a Malaysian golf course is that it won’t be long before it is back to the primitive way due to lack of maintenance and/or lightning strikes. I’ve also seen a golf course or two that had the top-of-the-line, high-tech, state-of-the-art irrigation system installed but the irrigations guys were ‘expats’ who could barely read English and used long screwdrivers to switch on the valve-in-head sprinklers directly, modern sophistication be damned.

former Prime Minister. Modesty,

Back to my flashback; do you know how many sprinklers there are on an 18-hole golf course? Hundreds upon hundreds of them. I had to work on my knees and my arm was practically bleeding after a few days of stuffing it down dirty dark holes. It wasn’t till after a couple of weeks that the task was done and like many young people (yes I was young once) I cursed and swore until when I was older I realised that I actually got to know the golf course a whole lot better! I also know what and where the valves, the QCVs, the sprinklers, the gate-valves, airvalves, and pressure-relief-valves are. Well most of them anyway. It is one more reason to thank Martin; that experience has made me a better green keeper than most. As the rain go on pouring outside, I would like to wish readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As people overseas talk about a ‘white’ Christmas (I assume they are talking about the snow) we can be proud of a wet Christmas. My wish for 2012? That golf course management learn where to spend their money on maintenance: same amount of money, but better maintenance.

consultant. He believes there are only two great mavericks in Malaysia; one of them is a

however, prevents him from telling you who the other one is. In his free time, he scribbles at www.mynormas.com

Adding water to rain

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY

Growing up in a golfing family with a grandmother who was

of golf at an early age. After moving to Singapore in 1998 from Sydney, and opening her own communications company a year later, Justine expanded the writing side of her business 34

and currently writes for a number of golfing and lifestyle publications in the region, with her finger on the pulse of local golf happenings in the Lion City

Singapore – 2011 Golf in Review

espite the weather playing havoc with the business end of the 2011 golf season in Singapore, and disrupting the Barclays Singapore Open, there have been some wonderful highlights in both the amateur and professional arenas over the past 12 months. The dawn of the 2011 LPGA Tour saw the US$1.4 million HSBC Women’s Champions once again grace these shores with some of the best women golfers in the world – including Yani Tseng, Cristie Kerr, Na Yeon Choi, Michelle Wie, Ai Miyazato and Jiyai Shin going head to head on Tanah Merah Country Club’s Garden course. Veteran Australian player Karrie Webb, with a final round of 69, won by a shot over young Japanese talent Chie Arimura who had led for most of the tournament. Webb picked up US$210,000 to secure her 51st career title. The tournament will return to Singapore early next year. The Republic’s national Open also returned, however, like previous years, unfortunately did not escape the wrath of the weather resulting in a rain-shortened tournament. Filipino Juvic Pagunsan and Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano finished three rounds at 14-under-par to force a playoff which Fernandez-Castano won on the Monday morning on the second playoff hole. It was not such a bad year though for Pagunsan, 33, who won the Asian Tour Order of Merit after finishing 10th at the Hong Kong Open with earnings of US$788,298 for the year. The ISPS Handa Classic also returned to Singapore this year, which featured a thrilling five-way playoff between Elmer Salvador, Guido Van Der Valk, Tjaart Van Der Walt, Adilson Da Silva and Himmat Rai. Rai, 24, prevailed on the sixth extra hole where he birdied a six-metre putt to earn US$47,550 and his maiden Asian Tour victory.

Justine Moss developed a love

Fernandez-Castano was not complaining about the extra night stay in Singapore

Lam and Mardan were at it again

an amateur champion golfer,

The Omega Missions Hill World Cup also got underway in Haikou and the long-standing partnership of Mardan Mamat and Lam Chin Bing continued – their playing partnership stretches back to their amateur days when they won the Putra Cup for Singapore in 1993 and they have represented Singapore at the 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011 World Cups. They finished their campaign with a score of 282 in 26th place out of 28 teams, 18 points behind eventual winners USA. This year was one that also saw an increase in Singapore’s talent pool of men and women professionals. In August, 23-yearold Koh Dengshan made the leap into the professional ranks after winning the Warren Open in Singapore at the end of July. Lam Zhiqun, 22, who only just missed the cut in his national Open, followed Koh by turning pro in December before playing in the Asian Tour season-ending Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club. Earlier this year, Su Ann Heng turned pro after gaining medallist honours at the Singapore PGA Qualifying tournament. Finally, on a lighter note, although it is still painful to mention, the annual battle between Singapore and Malaysia media professionals took place for the first time in Singapore this year. The fourth edition was won by Malaysia for the third consecutive time although it was a slightly tighter affair with the final scores being 7 ½ to 6 ½ points. Congratulations to Team Malaysia who played extremely well but watch out next year!

A TEACHER’S TALE Lynn Marriot (third from right) and Pia Nilsson (second from left) with some of their fellow compatriots

A member of the Canadian PGA since 2002, Brad Walterhouse moved to Singapore from western Canada to join the Heartlands Golf

n my opinion, the greatest coaches of the game of golf are the creators of Vision54, Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson. If you have never heard of Lynn, Pia, or Vision54, you may have heard of some of their students; Annika Sorenstam (one of the greatest players to ever play golf) and Yani Tseng (the current world #1 in women’s golf) are among many of the world’s top players who are Vision54 supporters. Even those who are considered the top swing coaches in the world, people like Sean Foley (Tiger’s new coach), Hank Haney, or David Leadbetter, say that Lynn and Pia are way ahead of the curve when it comes to golf coaching. Why is this so? Well, because they understand that the path to improving your golf game goes beyond just improving your swing. Way beyond! I have read all their books, studied their methods, and recently, I spent 4 days in Phoenix Arizona with Lynn and Pia, learning the methods from the masters themselves. Being in the presence of the great coaches for those four days was very inspiring and it was an experience, which will shape my coaching forever. One of the things I love about the Vision54 model of coaching is something they call PTMESS, which looks at all of the different things that can have an impact on a golfers performance.

Schools in 2009. He believes that every single golfer is unique and has different reasons for playing the game, different goals and a unique swing. Noted for his interest in the mental aspects of the game, Brad espoused that golf should be enjoyed, not merely played.

PTMESS stands for: Physical- Improved strength, flexibility, or endurance can help a golfer improve mobility, hit the ball farther, and help reduce fatigue. Technical- Using the right equipment and improving your technique can of course improve shot control. Mental- Control over our bodies requires some measure of control over our minds no doubt. Emotional- Do your emotions ever get the best of you out on the course? Can emotions impact a golfers ability to perform? Certainly! Social- Do other people ever influence your approach to playing the game? Ever gotten a tip from someone else, which really messed you up? On the other hand, have you ever thought maybe you needed more distance because your friend hits the 7 iron 15m farther than you do? Other people can influence your game if you let them. Spirit of the game- Everyone plays this game for different reasons, and has different motivation when it comes to improvement. Have you ever asked yourself, why do I play golf? What do I want to get out of it? Perhaps your spiritual side can help you discover where to look for improvement. In which one of these areas do you spend most of your time trying to improve? Do you believe that teories like mental state or emotional control or influence from other players can having an impact on your performance on the golf course? If so, do believe it is possible to play your best golf by focusing on only one or two things on the PTMESS list? I am a swing coach yes, but more than that I consider myself to be a performance coach because I understand that there are many things other than just the swing that can impact your performance on the golf course.

More than just a golf swing

TEE BOX

U-MOBILE APPRECIATION GOLF treat for key partners

challenge was on with a great display of camaraderie and good-natured competition.

Dubbed the U Mobile Appreciation Golf 2011, the golf challenge was organised to as a gesture of appreciation to their continued support and commitment to the company.

In the end, the longest driver in the field, Andrew Khoo (13) of Kasihku Abadi Sdn Bhd topped the standings, accumulating 46 Stableford points. Coming in second on 44 points was Toh Boon Leong (24) of Roasters Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd while Alex Chong (24) of Berjaya Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Sdn Bhd was third on 43 points.

With an attractive array of prizes up for grabs including a hole-in-one prize of a golf travel package worth RM5, 000, the

With no claims for the hole-in-one prize, U Mobile put it up as the grand lucky draw and there was a loud cheer when Steven Koh of

Mobile Sdn Bhd recently regaled sixty of their key vendors, clients and business partners to an exclusive round of golf at Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club on December 9.

Kurnia Outdoor Sdn Bhd was announced the winner of the travel package.

U Mobile CEO Dr.Kaizad Herjee (center) with the top two winners

ALLIANCE BANK ilovegolf TOURNAMENT Strong support for ilovegolf tourney

ince the first round of Alliance Bank ilovegolf tournament teed off more than two months ago at The Mines Resort & Golf Club, the momentum has been building up with each passing leg. The Alliance Bank ilovegolf tournament enjoyed increased success over the period of time, necessitating an additional leg in Johor to do justice to ilovegolf members in the southern state while the four rounds in the Klang Valley were oversubscribed. The Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club leg on November 3 was no different with a strong turnout from enthusiastic golfers, with an abundance of attractive prizes, lucky draws and not to mention the high quality goodie bag up for grabs.

Twelve-handicapper Lau Yee Kai emerged as the A Medal champion with a score of 39 Stableford points while in the B Medal division, Ng Soo Keong (12) took the title after accumulating 40 points. The honours in the C Medal division when to Ir Yusri Dato Hj Mohd Yusuf (19), who notched 40 points to claim the victory on countback.

KRPM PRESIDENT’S TROPHY Lai tops President’s Trophy battle

A strong field of 116 golfers battled to be a winner of the President’s Trophy at Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia recently including past presidents, past captains of the club as well as committee members of the newly formed Selangor Golf Association led by president Dato A.S. Khamis. Danny Lai carded a round of 75 to lift the trophy ahead of Chan Yin Fei, who was second on 79 and Low Pheng, who who finished third on countback with a round of 82. The nett division title went to 17-handicapper Kwan Ka Fatt, who carded 66.

TEE BOX

CARLSBERG GOLF CLASSIC

Fong (left) with Carlsberg Malaysia MD Soren Ravn

Fong seals overall victory

elab Rekreasi Tentera Udara club champion Fong Seng Tat emerged as Carlsberg Golf Classic national gross champion during the tournament’s finale at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club on December 11. The one-handicapper garnered a score of 75 to edge Stanley Wong Yee Peng (6) by two strokes to claim the top prize in the annual face-off of Malaysia’s best novice golfers. Taking third place was eighthandicapper Abdul Razak Jamaluddin, who managed 78. In the nett division, Dr. T. Rajandran (19) claimed a sensational victory with a nett score of 66, seven ahead of runner-up Tan Chek Seong (10), who carded 73 while Low Chan Yan (18) settled for third on countback.

professionals during the Maybank Malaysian Open pro-am tournament. In addition, the five top finishers from both the gross and nett categories of the finals will play at the Carlsberg Golf Classic Invitational Tour in Hanoi next February.

As in the past, the national champions earned the chance to play alongside the

Carlsberg Malaysia’s managing director Soren Ravn shared the brand’s commitment

to encourage the competitive spirit as well as passion for golf at the amateur level through the organisation of the Carlsberg Golf Classic. “This year, the Carlsberg Golf Classic 2011 took the level a notch higher when it received overwhelming response from participants. We are set to bring it to greater heights next year,” he said.

WORLD AMATEUR INTER-TEAM GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Indians rule the roost

eam from India continued their successful run at the World Amateur Inter Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) 2011 after claiming both the gross and nett championship during the tournament’s grand final held at Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club from November 15-17. Inspired from their win at the Johor qualifying leg last July, PSPB Eagle, comprising the quartet of quartet of Amandeep Bhath (11), Simarjeet Singh (4), Sidarth Semwal (2) and scratch player Khalin Joshi completed a memorable double by lifting the overall (1), Suman Puri (2) and Amit Luthra (2) finished seven strokes behind championship with a four-stroke advantage after carding rounds with rounds of 230, 234 and 223. of 235, 217 and 224 for a tournament total of 676. Joshi also took individual gross winner honours. In the nett category, Noida Golf Course of India was victorious after collecting points of 114, 108 and 102 for a total tournament of 324. Settling for second place was team PSPB Falcons, powered by The team was represented by Kabir Talwar (9), Joseph Koshy (9), Manav Das (1), Jasjeet Singh (2) as well as three-handicapper Umesh Dubey (12) and Amit Kumar Bhadana. Australia’s Bad Girls, Gagan Verma and Angad Cheema. They chalked up 680 consisting of Alan Wong (13), Robert Asanuma (14), Warren Seto after rounds of 229, 223 and 228 while The World Champions (17) and Dr Robert Gan (17) denied a sub-continent clean sweep, represented by single handicappers Saini Singh (0), Amish Jaitha totalling 320 (105-107-108) points to finish second.

KPGCC CAPTAIN’S TROPHY Pua the Captain’s pick

he annual Kota Permai Captain’s Trophy attracted 128 golfers on November 13 with Stableford selected as the format of play. Great weather ensured that the participants enjoyed a friendly round of golf with the greens running at a fast 11 on the stimpmeter. Six-handicapper Pua Yii Shiuan emerged the champion with a score of 41 points, beating club’s general manager Tang Meng Loon (18) on countback. Raymond Yoong rounded off the podium, finishing third on 29 points. Tournament host and club captain Dato’ Setia Haji Mohd Adzib Mohd Isa presented the prizes to the winners.

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WHERE TO GOLF - MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE KUALA LUMPUR

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(9 holes) Tel: (604) 422 4894

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (27 holes) Tel: (603) 7804 8888 BKT BERUNTUNG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6028 1841 BKT KEMUNING GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT (18 holes) Tel: (603) 5121 6552 BKT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8920 2888 DANAU GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8925 8953 KAJANG HILL GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8723 9668 KELAB REKREASI TENTERA UDARA (18 holes) Tel: (603) 5513 0998 KINRARA GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel : (603) 8076 2100 KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 5122 3700 KUNDANG LAKES COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6034 2725 MONTEREZ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 7846 5989 PALM GARDEN GOLF CLUB (18holes) Tel: (603) 8948 7160 PERANGSANG TEMPLER GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6091 0022

BATU PAHAT GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: (607) 432 9221

PERLIS

(18 holes) Tel: (089) 916 888

LABUAN

SARAWAK

(18 holes) Tel: (085) 421 010 HORNBILL GOLF & JUNGLE CLUB

IMPIAN EMAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PUTRA GOLF CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (082) 577 930

(9 holes) Tel: (607) 552 2202

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 976 9660

KELAB GOLF SIBU

KLUANG COUNTRY CLUB (9 holes) Tel: (607) 771 8840

MELAKA A’FAMOSA GOLF RESORT ( 27 holes) Tel: (606) 552 0888

KELANTAN KELANTAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (609) 748 2102

TERENGGANU

(18 holes) Tel: (084) 801 119 MIRI GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (085) 416 787

SINGAPORE SELETAR COUNTRY CLUB

AYER KEROH COUNTRY CLUB

AWANA KIJAL BEACH & GOLF RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6486 0801

(27 holes) Tel: (606) 233 2000

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 864 1188

CHANGI GOLF CLUB

ORNA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

GREEN ACRES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(9 holes) Tel: +65 6545 5133

(27 holes) Tel: (606) 521 0333

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 616 3500

SEMBAWANG COUNTRY CLUB

TIARA MELAKA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF DESA DUNGUN

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6751 0320

(27 holes) Tel: (606) 231 1111

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 848 1041

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

KUALA TERENGGANU GOLF RESORT

(36 holes) Tel: +65 6275 0022

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 666 6836

TANAH MERAH COUNTRY CLUB

NEGERI SEMBILAN NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (27 holes) Tel: (606) 850 8888

PAHANG

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6592 0343 (Garden) / 6592 0345 (Tampines)

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT

AWANA GENTING HIGHLANDS

WARREN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 8766 6117

GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6586 1240

ERA GOLF &COUNTRY RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 6436 9000

ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 8734 4195

(18 holes) Tel: (6019) 255 3059

BERJAYA HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(27 holes) Tel: +65 6750 2111

SERENDAH GOLF LINKS

GEMAS GOLF RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 288 8180

RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 6081 1077

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 948 2687

KELAB GOLF SULTAN AHMAD SHAH

(36 holes ) Tel: +65 68617649

SRI MORIB GOLF CLUB

ROYAL PALM SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

SAFRA RESORT & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 3198 1419

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 661 9599

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 4911126

(27 holes) Tel: +65 542 8288

SSG BERINGIN GOLF CLUB

PORT DICKSON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ROYAL PAHANG GOLF CLUB

JURONG COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 6460 0016

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 647 3586

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 567 5811

(18 holes) Tel: +65 5 6560 5655

SUNGAI LONG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ROYAL SRI MENANTI GOLF CLUB

KELAB GOLF BENTONG

KEPPEL CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 90762233

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 497 9600

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 222 2585

(18 holes) Tel : +65 6375 1818

THE MINES RESORT & GOLF CLUB

SEREMBAN 3 PARADISE VALLEY

KELAB REKREASI TUDM KUANTAN

LAGUNA NATIONAL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 8943 2288

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 633 5033

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 538 4282

(36 holes) Tel: +65 5 62481 777

TEMPLER PARK GOLF CLUB

SEREMBAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

LIPIS VALLEY GOLF CLUB

SINGAPORE ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 6091 9630

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 677 5277

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 312 1963

(81 holes) Tel: + 65 6466 2244

PORT KLANG GOLF RESORT (18 holes) Tel: (603) 3176 1323 IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PADANG GOLF UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8946 7996 KELAB DARUL EHSAN

PERAK

SABAH

CLEARWATER SANCTUARY GOLF RESORT

SUTERA HABOUR GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

(27 holes) Tel : (605) 366 7433

(27 holes) Tel: (088 ) 318 888

MERU VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TAWAU HOT SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

(27 holes) Tel: (605) 529 3300

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 765 555

DAMAI LAUT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BORNEO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 685 9333

(18 holes) Tel: (087) 861 888

PALM RESORT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ROYAL PERAK GOLF CLUB

DALIT BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(54 holes) Tel: ( 607) 599 6222

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 542 3266

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 791 188

(9 holes) Tel: (603) 4257 2333 ROYAL KAMPUNG KUANTAN CLUB (9 holes) Tel: (603) 3289 1069

JOHOR

Help us keep this list accurate! Please send additions, corrections and updates to info@theclubhouse.com.my

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