The ClubHouse Issue 13 (Aug 2012) by The ClubHouse

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ISSUE 13 (08/2012)

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WHERE GOLF HAPPENS Anniversary

How Far We’ve Come A year ago in August, The ClubHouse Magazine came into being. To be honest, our expectations were modest. While we knew that a “free” magazine will always be in demand, we did not know if our idea to focus on local content would be well received. A year on, I dare say that our experiment has indeed borne fruit. From the feedback we have received from our regular readers, whether the captains of the industry or the general golfing public, we are aware that our efforts to deliver the latest Malaysian golf news and related information hves been much appreciated. We thank our readers for not only taking the time to read our publication but also to provide us with valuable comments and criticism - which to date has been all positive, fingers crossed! As I reflect back on the year that was, I must admit that our young publication has had its fair share of growing pains. While I am personally excited by our efforts to date, it does not mean that we will rest on our laurels. Much more needs to be done, there are bigger achievements that we crave and most importantly, we are aware that in many ways, we still lag behind in terms of in-depth coverage and ground-breaking reporting like our more established regional and international competitors. I pledge to redouble our attention to detail as well as expand our network of writers, contributors and reporters, to the point that The ClubHouse will be the national news agency for golf. The desire within us to be at the forefront of golf reporting in Malaysia still burns brightly and we will not rest till we achieve our set objectives. Our growth plan also entails consideration to our secondary pool of readers in Singapore and we hope to cater to the golfing needs of our Causeway neighbours as well. I take great pleasure in sharing with you the news that The ClubHouse website (www.theclubhouse.com.my) is currently undergoing a facelift and we expect to re-launch the site with its new look on August 31, 2012 to mark the birth of our nation. On top of retaining its current features, our new website will be more interactive in engaging our online viewers as well as provide more opinionated commentary on the Royal & Ancient game in the country. To my fellow Malaysians, Selamat Hari Merdeka and may God Bless Malaysia!

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

THE TEAM Chief Golf Writer Edward Saminathan Sub-Editors Lina Abdul Wahab, Khalidah Jamil, Evelyn Gan Contributors Andrew Myles, Bradford Walterhouse, Jason Winter, Justine Moss, Mark Bates, Normas Yakin, Richard Fellner, Scott Kramer, Shaun Moulds Photography Eddie Putera, T. Ravi Chitty Brand Manager B.N. Murali Art & Design Siva Yoham Jalaguvalan Operations Associate Suzila Afirah Abdul Rauf Advertising: info@theclubhouse.com.my Editorial: news@theclubhouse.com.my Subscription: subscription@theclubhouse.com.my Website: www.theclubhouse.com.my

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IN YOUR ISSUE 13 SPOTLIGHT

I AM A TEACHER

COURSE FEATURE

KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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INSIDE THE ROPES GOLF CLUB MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA IN THE BAG GEAR UP MAJOR MOMENTS AROUND THE GLOBE TEE BOX GOLF DIARY GOLF LISTING

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My Golf Journey continues…

his year marks my 20th year in the golf industry and I must say the journey has been a very exciting one. While they were many challenges and a few regrets along the way, I did not for once consider the possibility of turning back.

Many changes have taken place in the golf industry since then. I had the pleasure of seeing many golf courses being built and opened during the golf boom era. From a two-piece golf ball to the present five-piece ball today, persimmon to titanium and carbon fibre woods today along with the introduction of hybrids and belly putters, golf has taken many leaps forward in the last two decades. Golf is no longer the plaything of the elite, the game has become accessible allowing mostly anyone to learn and play; in short, it has become affordable. The availability of driving ranges, golf courses, golf shops as well as good coaches throughout the country has made it easier for existing golfers as well as for those looking to pick up golf as a hobby and networking tool. Obviously, I begin my third decade in golf with The ClubHouse. In a blink of an eye, three hundred sixty five days have since passed and I must say that the last one year has perhaps been the most defining period in my long involvement with golf and I am proud that we are marking our first anniversary with this issue. Our team at The ClubHouse, especially our editorial desk headed by my colleague Edward, has done a great job in researching and producing articles that cater to golfers’ interest. From day one, we have embraced the internet as the future of golf publishing. I am delighted to declare that we have and will continue to endeavour to bring the latest national golf news to our readers, living up to our tagline ‘Where Golf Happens’. We are also honoured by the fact that we are the first golf magazine in these parts to roll out an online version of our magazine (which is also free!). When The ClubHouse was initiated, we drew up a list of objectives, which included among others to support the local golf industry and play a vital role in promoting junior golf. Many people may consider junior golf as a less than lucrative business or question the return of investment. Not us at The ClubHouse; we believe in nurturing junior golfers who are not only tomorrow’s champions but also future consumers as well as workforce for this industry.

As a brand person, I have always put the brand in front of me and to date, The ClubHouse brand has notched many milestones in its first year. Within three months of the magazine’s inception, The ClubHouse became the official media partner for the Sabah Masters and this year we are proud to be roped in as the official media partner for the prestigious Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia tournament. Last but not least, I would like to apologise for any mistakes, shortfalls or unforeseen circumstances in the last twelve issues. To all those who have supported my journey and The ClubHouse’s mission, saying thank you is inadequate to show my gratitude. Stay tuned as we seek for improvement and bring you some exciting golf reporting in the coming months. Join our golf journey!

B.N. Murali

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Local teaching professionals have filled a valuable space in the domestic golf scene. Serving as facilitators to beginners who are picking up a 7-iron for the first time or grooming leading amateurs and professionals, these home-grown talents have been instrumental in developing the country’s golfing population. In this instalment of our Merdeka Series, we speak to five domestic golf gurus about their passion for teaching and the need for a professional teaching structure in Malaysia. By Edward Saminathan

Victor Lim Eng Kwee

ailing from one of the country’s most illustrious golfing families, Lim needed no better mentor than his own father Dr C.B. Lim when he took up golf coaching as a vocation. Now attached with the Golf House Academy (GHA), Lim is looking forward to share his experience with his younger compatriots. You had a string of amateur titles to your name but why did you decide to teach after turning professional? It was by choice actually. I played golf for Malaysia, turned professional in 1992, met a girl, wanted to settle down and timing was such that the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) Tour ended in 1993.

The Asian Tour back then was not what it is now, so I made a conscionable choice to give up my dream of playing on Tour and dedicate myself to teaching. Teaching golf was a steady job with a steady income plus I wanted to start a family, so it was a given. But I realised that teaching was altogether a different ball game. I needed to study a lot. I was constantly searching and reading on how to improve teaching techniques. I paid my own way and attended a lot of courses including by overseas PGAs; whatever I could get my hands on to help me become a better teacher, I did. In the process, I picked up a lot of good information and i mixed it with my own philosophies. At one point, I even recorded myself teaching and after playing it back later, I concluded that “I myself won’t take a lesson from that guy!” You make a lot of mistakes and you improve on that but after 20 years of teaching, I am proud to say that I have a whole wealth of experience. How different was teaching as opposed to playing professionally? When you play you only focus on your own game, what you’re doing and what works for you. When you teach, on the other hand, there is a wide spectrum of players to cater to - you’ve got beginners, intermediate players, single handicappers and even, kids - they all have different needs. You cannot for example, teach a six-year-old or a 50-year-old guy with no body structure to play like a tour professional straight away. So, the challenge has always been to manage the expectation or goals of the player by coaching him on how best he can play the game. Are the monetary rewards the only motivation? I have reached a stage where the monetary returns are okay you can make a good living. You would never make a million dollars being a teaching professional. You must enjoy what you’re doing. It really takes a lot of patience and some days, it can really drive you up the wall but the satisfaction when your student executes something

perfectly as you want it to be is priceless. I’ll be honest, along the way, I think I too lost that spark, that excitement to teach with all the things going around. It was an opportune moment that I met PGA Master Professional Joe Thiel last year. Just being able to watch him teach and talk to him, I was able to rediscover myself that this was my calling; any doubts and insecurities that I had about my own teaching philosophies just vanished. Why have our local professionals failed to make an impact with the foreign professionals still being favoured by golfers? The problem I feel is that the image of a local teaching professional is someone who stands next to you and pushes the golf ball. Sometimes, they whisper - I don’t know why but I believe that there are no secrets in golf. So, I don’t blame golfers if they flock to foreign coaches. Most of our local guys fail to re-educate themselves. We must believe in reinvesting in our own education to make ourselves better and develop further. It is how we present ourselves that matters because the best advertisement for a golf coach is when he teaches. If he puts on a show and people around him stop to watch, then he’s doing a great job. Your dad brought up three golf professionals - your siblings Ai Lian and Eng Seng and yourself. Did he leave an impact on you? My dad is the one that brought me into this game - nobody else can lay claim to who I am today but him. I always remind myself about this even now as I have a few players that I am coaching, who are potentially good players but it doesn’t give me the right to lay claim to them. It is their fathers who brought them into golf. If you ask me why Tiger Woods became the world number one, I’d say it was because of his father. What Joe [Thiel] said recently resonated with me. He said “Make the parents part of the coaching process” because that is how my dad was always part of the team for the three of us. Whatever he taught me then, it is still in my head. And it’s the basis of how I teach as well. Any unaccomplished missions in teaching? It’s the reason I joined David [Leow] here at GHA is because it gave me the opportunity to contribute towards producing a Train the Teacher blueprint for the Junior Swing Programme initiated by Golf House Academy and Akademi Kemahiran Belia Dan Golf (AKBG). I have always believed that if we were to spark a grassroots revolution in golf, we first need to equip teachers at schoollevel with the necessary knowledge to guide these young children into the game. And I feel that with my experience, I can share the knowledge and know-hows with others.

Arumugam Vengadasalam

arnessing the power of meditation, Arumugam (or Aru to those in ranks) is a keen believer that producing players with a good golf swing coupled with a strong mental game is the way forward. How did your journey in golf instruction begin? I began teaching full time about five years ago but I had been supplementing my income with part-time coaching since 1995. At the height of the Malaysian Professional Golf Association (MPGA) dispute and the scarcity of local tournaments, I decided to concentrate on teaching. Age was also another factor, touring does take a toll on your body, so it was a right choice. I started off for a year in Tropicana Golf & Country Club before settling here in Saujana Golf & Country Club. The passion to play is still there, so I still participate in a handful of tournaments but I have little regrets about making the switch permanently. Are there any similarities in being a teaching professional as opposed to playing on Tour? Similarities are there. When you teach, you are try to make another golfer a better player and when I play on Tour, I’m trying to make myself a better player. But if you ask me of the two, watching my students progressing to become better players is a joy like none other. I like to see my students have a good golf swing. While some coaches focus on the end result, which is lowering the score, I like to build solid swings for players because it gives them a solid foundation to improve upon.

Do you believe our local golf instructors need to adapt to changing times? From what I see, existing local professionals need to work and improve on their communications skills. Another important aspect is seeing our local professionals embrace new technologies and teaching methods that are available and to incorporate it into their teaching. Today’s golfers are armed with information, so it is vital to keep oneself up-to-date. But there is a silver lining to this because from my observation. the younger batch of teaching professionals coming through the ranks have good educational backgrounds and they can convey the right message to their students, which is great development for the local teaching fraternity. Do you incorporate meditation into your teaching method? Meditation has helped me tremendously because golf instruction demands patience, discipline and punctuality. Teaching someone to play golf is never a short-term process, there are never quick fixes, so it is important that you keep your cool. Because meditation focuses on breathing techniques, which is an important aspect for any aspiring Tour professional or even a good amateur, many of my students have been keen takers. Your aspiration for the local teaching fraternity? That our local professionals can bring up a strong pool of local juniors, who can go on to win the elusive Maybank Malaysian Open and go on to greater heights.

How did you become a golf instructor? I began playing golf when I was posted to Miri because our commanding officer encouraged that all officers should pick up the game. And after that, all my postings had something or other to do with golf. I was stationed in Port Dickson and then, in Terendak - both which at nine-hole courses. I played reasonably good golf then, so I decided that I should make golf my calling. And so, with the blessing of my family (they said “that I was years ahead), I left the service and headed to the United States in 1987. I trained to be a professional, played the game while working part-time as a caddie. I knew that at 37, I was not going to return as a tournament player. So, I mastered teaching while improving myself as a teacher. Some years later, I was playing with Vijay [Singh] in Serendah one day and after the round, he asked me what I was doing. Nonchalantly, I replied that I was coaching and I will always remember his reply: “Don’t waste your time. Go and play tournaments.” Describe your teaching philosophy. I like to believe that we should make the game simple. First and foremost, you must understand why there are 14 clubs in your bag, their role and characteristics. If you that, all you have to do is swing the club properly and let the club do its job. Second, never try to power the game because you will allow your stronger hand to dictate things. Which is why I personally never use the word ‘hit’ with my students because it connotes strength. What I try to pass on to my student is the concept of effortless power .

Major (R) Zainal Bador

few decades after a honourable discharge from the armed forces, Zainal continues a passion which he first discovered during his time in the service - golf. Contented with a simple life away from the hustle and bustle of the Klang Valley, the veteran 62-year-old still enjoys providing golf instruction, even if it means spending weekends at the range in Port Dickson Golf & Country Club.

Third, a unnatural set-up produces natural swing as a good set-up must promote a freedom of motion and movement. Add a good grip and ball position, and you have a workable system. The basid fundamentals of golf is very simple. I learned long ago that for beginners, the motivation can only come from a good impact and the ball soar. So, I always get a new student to tee-up a ball, use an eight-iron and let the ball float. And as he enjoys that and he repeat the motion a few time, slowly the swing

Chong Chee Ming

hile he still holds on to the dream of proving his worth as a touring professional, Chong takes pride in his solid teaching career, which has produced a bevy of up-and-coming talents as well as an astute business model that he can call his own. Was golf instruction at the foremost of your thoughts when you came back to Malaysia? It was planned even if at first, it was to supplement my playing career. After I returned from Professional Golfers Career College in the United States as a qualified professional, I was offered a position to coach, which I felt at the time was a good way to start off because working on the range allowed me to practice in my free time. I moved about for a while, including a stint under the Wilding banner, before I joined hands with my old buddy Roger Loo to began what was the predecessor to the True Golf Academy today. But did the passion for teaching come naturally? I have enjoyed every bit of it because I have met some really good people by giving golf instruction. Through this 12 years, I have put out my own fire - I have mellowed a little, kept my temper in check (blame it on being a Capricornian). I used to be a little more hard-headed when I was in my 20s but coaching has definitely been a humbling experience. In my early years of coaching, it was just about turning up, getting the job done and taking a pay cheque back home. Along the way, as I met more people from the instructional part of golf, I began to take it more seriously and I became in tune with the science of teaching as well. I started reading, exploring new methods and experimenting with ways in which I could get my students to go out and play with a simple

memory sinks in the form of muscle memory. It becomes an embedded routine. What continues to motivate your passion to teach? First, I just love the game. I look at any golf course as a beautiful thing and when you put me on a golf course, it is like heaven on earth. Second, I am passionate about watching people, especially these young kids enjoy playing golf. Of course, I enjoy nothing more than my students calling me for a round of golf and I have been privileged because some of them have taken me abroad to play golf in some great golfing destinations. Are you confident that we can uplift the status of local teaching professionals? I have always believed that if we are to produce more golfers in this country, we will need more teaching professionals. As more and more better players come through the system, we need better coaches and trained instructors to meet their needs. But I believe that the PGA has to get its act right - it is vital that we put in place a system whereby our teaching professionals are put through a refresher course at intervals and accreditated to ensure the standard of golf instruction in this country is maintained. The perception that local teaching professionals are not up to mark is damaging but over the years, it has only been strengthened by our own failures.

mind frame and to help them understand themselves. Do you miss playing full time? I’ve tagged myself as an ‘holiday professional’ because while I still love to play periodically on the domestic Tour, I’ve long accepted the fact that I did not set my mind back then that I was going to play for a living. Looking back, I realise that perhaps I could have sacrificed my teaching hours to hone my own swing and game but teaching became an integral part of my career and as we expanded our business, my playing career automatically took a back seat. Any hopes for golf instruction in the country? I would like to help my fellow professionals increase the level of golf instruction in this country. Not that I am at a level that I can teach them but rather share what I’ve learned and experienced. I do try to help if anyone comes forward and asks me but I think its a proud world out there today. As much as I would like to think that the reputation of Malaysian golf professionals should be higher than it is now, I also know that it has to come from our (professionals) own hearts to improve ourselves. The number of those who are keen to step up, however, is still too small.

‘Doc’ Rajah Kelly

t 62, Rajendra Karuppiah or Doc Rajah Kelly as he is known to generations of golfers in the country, needs little introduction. A veteran professional with a soft spot for kids, Rajah has built up one of the best run local teaching academies in Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam, where this interview took place. How did you get your start in golf? We have to head way back to the 1960s for that. My house was just across Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) and like many boys in the neighbourhood, we used to supplement our school pocket money by caddying or collecting balls. I was clueless about golf when I first started and the interest began to grow in me after a few years. My world changed when an Australian professional by the name of Mike Kelly joined the club as a resident professional. Back then, every foreign professional had to have a local apprentice, and there was a bursary initiated by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman for that purpose. I wrote to the club and with the support of the club captain [Dato’]Thomas Lee and secretary Edmund Yong, I was interviewed and selected in 1968. Kelly used to call me Rajah (the name stuck on), and I began to apprentice under him. In total, I was the assistant professional to six foreign coaches and learned my share of knowledge from them. When I was not helping out giving lessons, I played in the local and Asian circuits with the support of RSGC club members who used to pool money to fund our playing exploits abroad. Looking back, here was a humble boy growing up in Kampung Pandan who had to rub shoulders with the greats like Payne Stewart, Stewart Ginn and even Greg Norman. And the interest to teach? When you work with the professionals on a day-to-day basis and these were guys who loved their vocation so much, it was not hard to love what you do as well. I understood early on that it was a good livelihood and the training I received included more than just teaching. We learned how to manage the entire driving range and the pro shop. For a young guy then, I felt that being an assistant professional was something to be proud of. I played with dignitaries and important people in society and I was hooked. You have been teaching for over 40 years. What is the driving factor that continues to push you on?

Back then, foreign professionals came and went. There was never a sense of continuity and I felt that our local players, especially the good amateurs and professionals, were stranded each time someone left. That made me think it was important for someone to lead the way, that our own professionals could help the Malaysian kids. The good thing was, Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam made it possible for me to have my own base and they gave me the blessing and support to kick-start a junior development programme here in 1993. After that, I also used to conduct junior programmes for the Malaysian Golf Association and still do for the Kuala Lumpur Golf Association. Is teaching golf a lucrative business? Money is important but you must like the teaching part of the job. You have to possess the passion to teach little kids to make them into better players. You got to have the commitment. When I started the academy here, I knew that I was taken care of but what about the other driving range professionals, many who were struggling to make ends meet? That is when I started recruiting the younger professionals and not only give a monthly sustenance but also to expand our programme and churn out more talented junior golfers. Today, I have seven domestic professionals and a fitness trainer and hopefully, we have set a benchmark of a sustainable local golf academy.

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SETTING THE BENCHMARK THE KOTA PERMAI WAY

Gold Winner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HAPA Golf Course Of The Year (2011/2013) Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Best Golf Course in Malaysia (2011/2012) Golf Malaysia Magazine Best Maintained Golf Course (2011/2012) ParGolf Awards Best Greens in Malaysia (2011/2012) Star Golf Best Brands in Sports (Golf Course) (2011/2012) Brandlaureate Awards

Quite simply, the best golfing experience in Malaysia. Home of the Asian Tour's Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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COURSE FEATURE

GREENER THAN GREEN

When you talk about consistent maintenance, few clubs can measure up to Kota Permai Golf & Country Club’s desire to offer the best golfing experience to its members and guests. 14

sk any regular golfer worth his salt to rank the best greens in the country, and it would not be surprising if the majority rank Kota Permai Golf & Country Club as their top choice, if not somewhere high in their picks. We are after all, talking about the greens of this Ross Watson masterpiece, which ordinarily runs to an average of 10 feet on the Stimpmeter. If the club’s general manager Tang Meng Loon’s assurance is to be taken as a serious right, it will touch 12 feet come the tournament week of the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters from September 5-8. Now, is that super fast or what? Few clubs pay attention or give the muchneeded tender, loving care to their greens as Kota Permai does. It’s a testament to the club’s desire to ensure that both its avid members as well as thousands of guests, ranging from the corporate bigwigs to some of the nation’s top professionals and amateurs, enjoy their golf and go home with a smile on their faces. Kota Permai’s contoured greens are covered with tifdwarf Bermuda greens, a grass that is preferred by golf designers in the region for its ability to withstand the stifling hot and wet tropical conditions and yet provide a superior putting surface. Since opening for play in 1998, Kota Permai’s par-72 6,382m layout has built itself quite a championship pedigree, having hosted the Volvo Masters of Asia in 2002 and 2004 as well as the Maybank Malaysian Open in 2008,

before taking over as the home of the Selangor Masters last year. Although beginners and high-handicappers may feel a little daunted by the challenge, the course is nonetheless one of the friendliest around. While it packs a punch with its beautifully sculptured high-lipped bunkers and the interconnected waterways that come into play on nine holes, the course gives back with its reasonably wide green zoysia fairways, all lined almost naturally with khaya, pines, kayu manis, oil palms as well as umbrella-like raintrees. Patience and course management are major plus points if one is to successfully tackle this beautifully crafted layout. Most holes are relatively a straightforward affair for an experienced hand, but new golfers may be well-advised to take a tip or two on club

selection from the club’s experienced pool of caddies. There are no blind holes, so one is able to eye the target easily from the tee boxes. The course, however, does get a little more testing as golfers near the business end of their rounds; some solid striking is required if one is to negotiate the par-four 15th and 16th as well as the finishing hole. The 18th, visible from the majestic clubhouse, is truly a sight to behold and lives up to the tract’s reputation. From an elevated tee box, one can have a good

COURSE FEATURE

view of the valley fairway, which is guarded by water all the way to the right as well as sand traps and mature foliage on the left. The approach has to be equally accurate, to avoid two fairway pot bunkers and to find the higher tier landing area. Negotiating the wellcontoured green, which is heavily surrounded by bunkers and deep swales on the left, is of course, very much up to good green reading and finding the right break. With a practical and spacious clubhouse with two swimming pools including an Olympicsized pool, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, an eight-court badminton hall, seminar facilities, ballroom, gymnasium and health centre as well as a variety of dining options to choose from, it is no surprise that Kota Permai is a top choice for corporate golf tournaments, charity events as well as invitational and other amateur golfing events.

With a five-star golf facility, highly-rated banqueting and F&B outlets and a longstanding repertoire for good customer service and hospitality, it is no doubt why this Serene City has a place in many golfers’ hearts. KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB No. 1 Jalan 31/100A Kota Kemuning 40460 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-5122 3700 Fax: 03-5122 3701 Email: kpgcc@kotapermai.com.my Web: www.kotapermai.com.my Weekdays 18-holes 9-holes Member’s Guest RM190.80 RM95.40 Visitor RM233.20 RM116.60 Weekends & Public Holidays Member’s Guest RM296.80 RM148.40 Visitor RM381.60 RM190.80 Buggy RM95.40 RM47.70 Caddie RM42.40 RM21.20 Insurance RM3.00 RM3.00

INSIDE THE ROPES

TIGER VS THE MINES - PART II

Tiger Woods in action during the 1999 WorldCup of Golf at The Mines

hirteen years after he captivated the imagination of a generation of Malaysian golfers with a winning display at the World Cup of Golf in Kuala Lumpur, Tiger Woods is set to make a much celebrated return to the The Mines Resort & Golf Club as he headlines a starstudded field at the USD6.1 million CIMB CLASSIC. Past champions, Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane have also confirmed their appearance in the limited-field exhibition from October 25-28. “I look forward to going to Malaysia at the end of October. I played the World Cup in 1999 and have fond memories of the country and its people. I’ve heard that CIMB does a good job staging the event. It has traditionally boasted a strong field, and I look forward to being part of it this year,” said Woods, in a pre-recorded video screened during a press conference in Putrajaya on August 6, that was attended. Title sponsor CIMB Group also announced some major revamps to the tournament itself with the championship being rebranded as the CIMB CLASSIC to reflect its elevated status next year, when it will become an official Money Event on the PGA Tour. It will start contributing points towards the FedEx Cup rankings as part of the revised PGA Tour schedule. The 2013 event will replicate the successful World Golf Championship (WGC) format with a minimum of 78 players, with the prize purse rising to USD7 million under a new five-year agreement signed directly between CIMB Group and the PGA Tour. The agreement will also see the tournament being managed and operated by the Championship Management division of the PGA Tour, under the watchful supervision of Todd Rhinehart, the former executive director of the flagship Tour Championship by Coca Cola. “We are extremely pleased to be able to bring the CIMB Classic back this year,” said CIMB Group group chief executive Dato’ Sri Nazir Tun Razak. “The early confirmations will give this year’s event great early momentum. Bo [Van Pelt] and Ben [Crane] have developed a good

CIMB Group chief executive Dato’ Sri Nazir Tun Razak (center) stressing a point

local following and Tiger [Woods] will be a huge draw, especially given his ASEAN roots.” “The plan has always been to become a full-fledged event on the PGA Tour, as envisaged by our Prime Minister, so this is fantastic news for us, for Malaysia and for the region,” said Nazir, who advised golf fans around the region to save the dates for a great episode of the CIMB Classic. FAST FACTS Date: Venue: Prize Money: Format: Field:

October 25 - 28 The Mines Resort & Golf Club (par-71) US$6.1 million 72-hole stroke play, no-cut event 48 players - Top 30 available players from the final FedEx Cup rankings Top 10 players from the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit Eight sponsor exemptions including two Malaysians (winner of national qualifier from September 10 -12 and top-ranked local on the Official World Golf Rankings)

INSIDE THE ROPES Q&A with Dato’ Nazir Tun Razak What is your prognosis for the CIMB CLASSIC after two editions and what can you say about inviting Tiger Woods for the event this year? I think from the start, we have always wanted to bring a truly world-class tournament and with events, you have to build up over time to reach this level. We have always hoped that this event will get better and bigger year-on-year and for the level of excitement to increase. We were pleasantly surprised to get the confirmation of the event’s elevated status through to 2013. Then came the question, how do you leverage this for the current event in hand? We then decided that we should invite Tiger Woods, and it was great news for us that he agreed.

SIME DARBY LIFELINE FOR LPGA MALAYSIA

With his ASEAN roots, I am sure this news will be well-received by his fans in this region, particularly in Thailand. We are confident that it will be reflected in the actual attendance for the event.

How does the CIMB Classic promote golf tourism in the country? In common with major sporting events that have worldwide television following, profiling Malaysia as a tourism destination as the Prime Minister mentioned, with over 400 million households tuning into the event last year and in between the live telecast, we were able to disseminate information and images of Malaysia as a great travel destination. During the tournament, we get a good international turnout and we anticipate necessarily, another batch of golf tourists to follow after the event. The benefits to the nation’s tourism sector are endless.

With the 2012 edition of the event being the last year of the conglomerate’s original three-year engagement, the announcement provides a welcome boost for golf and sports in general across the region.

Don’t you think we should have more Malaysians in the field? Originally, it was only one Malaysian starter and last year, we increased it to two; we are going to maintain it at that. If the performance of the Malaysian players improves, we are all for it. We are definitely looking forward to a better performance by the locals this year, so that we can justify on merit the inclusion of more Malaysian players in the years to come. However, we are looking positively to use our remaining sponsor exemptions to increase the number of top ASEAN players in the event. There has been speculation about a change in the venue of the event. Any comments? What I can confirm, is that we have signed a new two-year deal with The Mines Resort & Golf Club. However, beyond 2013, we will review our relationship with our various partners and make a timely decision. There will not be any major changes to the golf course. The course is in great shape but we are looking to improve the spectator experience this year. We are anticipating an increased interest for the 2012 edition, and we hope to make it a special occasion for the spectators and our partners as well. Is the CIMB Junior Development Programme a sustainable effort going forward? We, as in the CIMB Foundation, are very pleased with the work we have done. As I mentioned, almost 128 junior golfers aged 10-18 years from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand have benefited from the programme. We hope that with this programme, we will one day have a world-class golfer from the ASEAN region who is capable of taking on the best in the world, who can stand alongside the likes of [Datuk] Nicol Ann David and [Datuk] Lee Chong Wei. While I can’t promise that we will continue for perpetuity, what I can say is that for the foreseeable future, we will continue with the programme. It is not an inexpensive venture as are most causes we support, but we will continue to evaluate the programme to make sure the benefits are there, and that we are really producing champions for the future.

he Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia will continue through to 2015 after title sponsor Sime Darby Berhad reaffirmed its commitment for a further three years.

Sime Darby’s group chief operating officer Dato’ Wahab Maskan noted that the long-term deal demonstrates Sime Darby’s firm commitment to the growth and sustainability of the game of golf at both a professional and grassroots level in Malaysia and the surrounding regions. “We are indeed honoured to be involved with this tournament for the third year running. The Sime Darby LPGA has without doubt set a benchmark in the golf arena both regionally and internationally. We certainly look forward to another very successful LPGA event and hope that our efforts will ensure that the sport of golf continues to grow across Asia for the years to come,” he said. Reigning champion Na Yeon Choi will headline a start-studded line-up during the four-day spectacle from October 11–14 at the prestigious East Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. Also confirmed are world number one Yani Tseng, 14-time LPGA winner Cristie Kerr and crowd favourite Paula Creamer. The Korean hotshot totalled 15-under-par 269 to claim a slender one stroke victory over arch rival Tseng in a climactic final round last year, played in front of record crowds. “It is always a privilege to play at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia tournaments and to compete with the best in the women’s game; it will be my third year playing in this tournament and it’s an event I really enjoy as the fans are always so supportive.” “Having won the title last year, the tournament has a special place in my heart, so I’m really looking forward to getting back onto the course again at KLGCC,” said the six-time LPGA winner, who claimed her maiden Major at the US Women’s Open in June. FAST FACTS Date: October 11 - 14 Venue: East Course, Kuala Lumpur GCC (par-71) Prize Money: US$1.9 million Format: 72-hole stroke play, no-cut event Field: 72 players - Top 62 available players from the LPGA Money List 10 sponsor exemptions including four players from the local & regional qualifier from September 4 - 5

GOLF CLUB MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA Water Mill Golf and Gardens

Study tour of Bangkok 18

Why Thailand is able to attract more golf tourists?

he main objective of this tour is to understand why and how Thailand is able to bring in thousands of golf tourists. Perhaps we can learn something from the experience which could be beneficial to the local golf clubs in their efforts to bring in more golf tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is forecasting 19 million inbound visitors in 2012, of whom 600,000 are expected to come to play golf and generate USD2.0 billion revenue. There is no doubt that Thailand, with its 260 golf courses, is now one of the top golf vacation destinations in Asia. There are a number of excellent and world-class golf courses in Thailand, and we were told a few more will be added in the next few years. Two of us from the Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) and another golfer from Ayer Keroh Country Club took on the challenge. We landed at Bangkok airport at about 1.30pm (2.30pm Malaysian time) on Sunday, 15th July 2012. The immigration section on foreign passport holders was absolutely packed, an indication of the large number of tourists visiting Thailand. However, we were able to clear in about 45 minutes. We went straight to the airport train station below the ground level and headed for Rhamkamheing- four stations and 20 minutes away. We did this to experience the Bangkok

train ride which was very comfortable and cheap (BHT30 each or RM3). From the station, we took a taxi to Bangkok Inter-Place Hotel, where we stayed for the next three nights. The taxi driver, seeing our three golf bags asked for BHT200 (RM20) which we thought was reasonable. Later, we were told that it should be less than BHT100. We were met at the hotel by David Wickens, the teaching pro attached to University Utara Malaysia (UUM), who previously worked at Rhamkamheing University in a similar capacity. After checking in, we were ready to explore the delights of Bangkok. We jumped into the third cab after the first two did not agree to our offer on the fare. We headed straight into the city, had dinner at a Western cafĂŠ cum pub called No Idea at Sukhumvit 22. The dinner was hosted by Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend, an English expat, Scott Rowley, who has lived in Bangkok for 21 years. After dinner, we explored the night life of Bangkok, the city that never sleeps, which is famous for its bars, massages and girls. After a few beers at different bars and way past midnight, we headed back to the hotel. Our first round of golf was on Monday morning at Water Mill Golf & Gardens, a good 45 minutes drive from the hotel heading north. Being Monday, the course was officially

closed for maintenance. However, through our connection, we were allowed to play, and was the only flight on the course. There were five of us in the flight including the tour lady. We all had a female caddy each and walked the full 18 holes. The caddies were very friendly, but communication was difficult as we do not speak Thai. The course has a nice layout, completely surrounded by water. There is water all along the left side of the fairway on the first nine, and all along the right side on the second nine; it is an interesting concept but very challenging. It has nice fairways and greens. The signature hole is the par-three 11th, which measures 157 yards and features an island green. The green fees were reasonable, we paid BHT500, caddy was BHT250 plus a tip of BHT300, totalling BHT1050 (approximately RM105). It was an exceptionally hot day, and we were more than happy to have survived considering the lack of sleep the night before. On our way back from Water Mill Golf & Gardens, we stopped at one of the latest golf courses, The Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club. True to its name, it is simply beautiful and in tip-top condition! It has paspalum grass from tee-box to green. The greens are big. We were fortunate to have met the director of golf and the general manager, who took us on a tour of the course.

GOLF CLUB MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA This is something that we have advised Tourism Malaysia and the Home Ministry, which is to allow the importation of female caddies to enhance golf tourism. This has worked well for both Thailand and Indonesia, and we will continue to be sidelined by golf tourists if this is not fixed soon. We also chose to walk for all three days, something which we seldom do at our own courses. Maybe, golf tourists should be given the option to walk with caddies instead of making it compulsory to ride the golf carts. The Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club

four pieces. The green fees were slightly higher here at BHT1250 per person with the caddy fee at BHT250 and gratuities at BHT300. This is understandable because of its locality and good course condition.

The course consists of replica holes from Augusta, St Andrews including the Road Hole and the Island Green of TPC Sawgrass. It is already becoming a major attraction. Give it a couple more years when the trees mature, it will be simply great. We told the General Manager that we shall return for a game in the near future. Later, we stopped for an authentic tomyam dinner on the way back to the hotel. The menu included sea food tomyam, deep fried fish, chicken, vegetables, omelettes; we topped off the meal with coconut water. We paid something like BHT250 each for the fabulous dinner. The second day of golf was at Krungthep Kreetha Golf Club, right in the city itself. The golf course is tight but beautiful. The fairways are narrow, with plenty of water hazards but very well-maintained with beautiful landscape. Again, we walked the course. All of us enjoyed playing here but lost a few balls each. Second hand balls were readily available at BHT100 for

On the third day, we checked out from the hotel at 6.00am to avoid the traffic and headed for the Greg Norman-designed Thana City Golf Course. It is located close to the airport and planes were taking off and landing every few minutes. It has top-class club facilities that look very impressive. The golfersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; terrace, where we had breakfast, overlooked the 9th and 18th holes. We had a fruitful meeting with the general manager. Most of the caddies are young, friendly and some are naturally beautiful. As usual, the tip was BHT300. The course is beautiful with wider fairways compared with the previous two courses. What did we learn from this trip? Generally, the clubhouse facilities are similar to those in Malaysia. The climate is about the same. Most of the courses use paspalum turf. What strikes all of us is the course playing conditions which are of high standard. Apart from the beauty of the courses we played on, Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret is their nice caddies who are always smiling and giving golfers the right yardage and lines on the greens. Availability of female caddies is definitely an attraction!

Thana City Golf Course

Generally, golfers go to Thailand to seek value-based entertainment. Playing at some of these courses is definitely value for money. The green fees are reasonable. The Thais are good at ensuring that the experience created exceeds the price charged. Most of the courses are of good quality, thus attracting quality visitors who tend to have a longer length of stay and spend more. The three courses gave us a general opinion of the Thai golf industry. Malaysia is not short of quality golf courses, especially in and around the Klang Valley. Perhaps their charges are slightly on the high side or there are not enough slots made available to tourists. Bangkok is also famous for its bars, massages and girls. This is definitely one of the attractions, which is not visibly available in Kuala Lumpur or other Malaysian cities. Although not all golfers indulge in this type of activity, the majority will be bound to spend on one or two beers and just soaking up the atmosphere. This could be the strongest pulling factor! Having golf courses near the airport is also a plus. Thana City is only 20 minutes away from the airport. It is very convenient; after the game, a quick shower, lunch and straight to the airport. The only one I can think of near KLIA is Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club. We should probably have a few more! There are many more courses in and around Bangkok. We felt that we should invite some of our club managers to join us on the next trip. The experience can be shared to make Malaysia a truly potential golf destination.

Mohd Rom Muslim

is the President of Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia. Krungthep Kreetha Golf Club

Angeles City, Pampanga Golfing Paradise

G LF PACO KAG ANG ELES

CITY,

PAMP A

Minim NGA um 4 perso ns Val Octo id until ber 3 1, 20 12

Golf at Royal Garden Golf & Country Club Luisita Golf & Country Club Fontana Apollo Korean Country Club

Pacific Breeze Hotel De Luxe Room Executive Room Executive Plus Room Premier Jacuzzi Room Grand Pool Side Jacuzzi Room

Rate per Person RM 1,900 RM 1,990 RM 2,020 RM 2,160 RM 2,260

Surcharge for Golf effective November 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013 Luisita Golf and Country Club RM 100 Fontana Appolo Korean Country Club RM 100 Royal Garden Golf and Country Club no surcharge at the moment Inclusions: • Single room accommodations for 4 days & 3 nights • Daily set breakfast • 3 rounds 18-holes Weekday golf game with green fee, use of golf cart – twin share, caddy fee, private transfers to / from the golf course. • Private airport transfers

Exclusions: • Airfares and all tipping

Itinerary Day 1

KUALA LUMPUR to CLARK FIELD AK 1438 ETA: 10:30 AM Meet & greet upon arrival and transfer to Royal Garden Golf & Country Club Transfer to hotel after the game for check - in.

Day 2

Breakfast Transfer to Luisita Golf and Country Club. Return to hotel after the game.

Day 3

Breakfast Transfer to Fontana Korean Country Club. Return to hotel after the game

Day 4

CLARK FIELD to KUALA LUMPUR AK 1439 ETD: 11:05 AM Breakfast 8:30 AM Transfer to airport for return flight to Kuala Lumpur

Remarks: • Rooms are subject to confirmation upon request • Tee-off time subject to confirmation • Valid for weekday golf • Valid for minimum 4 persons traveling together • ALL RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

LIBERTY TRAVEL & TOURS (M) SDN. BHD (Tourism License : KKKP-0163) Lot 1.03 & 2.28, Wisma MPL, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA T +603.21415011 F +603.21480945 E simon@libertygolf.com.my or hajar@libertygolf.com.my

MEMBER OF

Thailand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Amazing Golf Destination

Siam Country Club (Plantation)

Banyan

Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort

Thai Country Club

PACKAGE VALID FOR 2 MONTHS ONLY, (SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2012) Minimum 4 persons

Springfield Royal

Laem Chabang

Suwan

Black Mountain

CITY

GOLF COURSE

HOTEL

TWIN (RM)

SINGLE (RM)

Bangkok

Vintage, Suwan, Thai Country

Hip Hotel (3*)

RM 1470

RM 1670

Chiangmai

Mae Jo or Intasorn, Alpine, Highlands

Imperial Mae Ping (4*)

RM 1250

RM 1440

Hua Hin

Spring Field Royal, Banyan Golf, Black Mountain

City Beach Hotel (3*)

RM 1300

RM 1490

Pattaya

St.Andrews 2000, Laem Chabang, Siam CC (Plantation)

Sabai Express (3*)

RM 1600

RM 1760

Includes : Transfer, hotel breakfast, green fee, caddie & buggy valid for weekday play only.

Excludes : Airfares and all tipping.

MEMBER OF

EQUIPMENT FEATURE

PERFECT Designed and built with craftsmanship and performance in mind, the brand new Scotty Cameron by Titleist Select putters encompass the ingenuity, time-honoured experience and tradition of the master putter maker himself.

rusted by the best professionals in the world and legions of amateurs who aspire to play their best, the new line-up of Cameron Select putters continues the rich tour-validated legacy of Scotty Cameron putters. The new Cameron Select are modern yet timeless creations, satisfying serious golfers with a preference for the highest quality and performance, true to the ethos Scotty Cameron Made to Play™.

With a choice of five modern blades, two mallets, three mid lengths and two long models, golfers can to choose a Cameron Select putter with the appearance they prefer, the length and weight they need and a neck configuration that provides the proper amount of toe flow during the stroke.

Models Length Modern (blades & mallets) 33”, 34”& 35” inches 34H & 35H (custom) Mid lengths (blade & mallets) 42” 40” - 46” (custom) Long 47” 46” - 52” (custom)

The new Cameron Select putters carry a recommended retail price of RM1,315 (MY) and S$645 (SG).

2012 CAMERON SELECT MODELS MODERN BLADES

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IN THE BAG

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CLASSIC DRIVER www.clevelandgolf.com

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Most advanced combination of style and performance in a titanium driver with a unique sole design and color scheme inspired by persimmon drivers. Pear-shaped profile with the largest, deepest club face ever produced by Cleveland Golf, which promotes a hot, penetrating ball flight while MaxCOR2 technology provides maximum distance on off-center hits. Engineered with Ultralite technology to help players generate increased head speed and distance with the same swing effort. Comes standard with Miyazaki C Kua 43 graphite shaft

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METHOD MIDNIGHT PUTTER www.nike.com • • •

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IN THE BAG • •

MP-T11

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TC530 IRONS

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ADICROSS WOMEN’S GOLF SHOES www.adidas-golf.com • •

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APPAREL

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MAJOR MOMENTS

ELS PROVES HE’S STILL GOT IT S

outh African Ernie Els clinched his fourth Major as long-time leader Adam Scott spectacularly imploded during the final round of the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes Club on July 22. The 42-year-old overcame a six-stroke deficit, carding a solid final round 68 to the 75 of Scott, to lift the Claret Jug for a second time, exactly ten years after his victory at Muirfield in 2002. Despite starting the front nine holes with two bogeys, Els got back to even par for the round at the 10th hole and drained three further birdies in a bogey-less back nine to set the clubhouse lead at sevenunder-par 273, a lead which he never relinquished.

till searching for his maiden Major win, Australia’s Scott bogeyed the last four holes to come second by one shot.The 32-year-old was four shots clear on the 15th tee but could not believe his luck as his ball lipped the cup on the 16th. Needing a par on the last to force a playoff, Scott could only watch in despair as his eight-footer missed to the left.

iger Woods threatened at times but a triple bogey via a greenside bunker at the par-four sixth and three straight bogeys from the 13th sank his chances of a 15th major.

ndia’s Anirbhan Lahiri capped his maiden Major appearance with a memorable display which saw him finish as the best Asian in the field. The talented 25-year-old who had earlier fired a magical hole-in-one at the par-three ninth during the third round, closed with a commendable even-par 70 for three-over-par 283 total, well ahead of some of the game’s top names.

MAJOR MOMENTS

RUNAWAY PGA VICTORY FOR McILROY R

ory McIlroy became the youngest player to win two Majors as he mastered the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort to claim a brilliant eightshot victory at the US PGA Championship on August 12 and reclaim the top spot in world golf.

escribing it as a surreal experience, unheralded Englishman David Lynn (68) finished eight shots behind eventual winner McIlroy but it was unliket second place for the 38-year-old, who has only one victory in 371 attempts on the European Tour and is now knocking on the door for a Ryder Cup place.

aving sunk five birdies on the front nine the previous day, the 23-year-old Ulsterman returned early to complete his rain-delayed third round, adding two more on the 15th and 16th to start the final round on seven-under. He never looked backed as he strolled to flawless six-under 66 to finish on 13-under-par 275.

an Poulter put up the stiffest challenge, making five birdies in a row to get within three shots bute three straight bogeys on the back nine saw him settle for a 69. He was tied for third at 4-under 284, along with Justin Rose (66), Carl Petterson (72) and defending champion Keegan Bradley (68).

AROUND THE GLOBE

MIRI EVENT TO BOLSTER ADT SCHEDULE The Eastwood Valley Masters will make its debut on the Asian Development Tour as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of its holding company, Woodman Group. Set to be staged at the highly-rated Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club in Miri from October 31 to November 3, the US$80,000 (approximately RM248,000) tournament, which will be co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM), will raise the number of ADT events to an all-time high of 12 this season and will become the second tournament to be played in Sarawak. The PGM Sarawak Classic will take place in the state capital of Sarawak, Kuching in early October. Eastwood Valley, which opened for play in 2005 was chosen as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world by The Rolex World Top 1000 Golf Courses.

“We are proud and honoured to host the Eastwood Valley Masters 2012 on the Asian Development Tour later this year as it will be a gathering of international golfers in Miri,” said Dato’ Sri Law Kiu Kiong, managing director of Woodman Group of Companies. “We are excited with this partnership with the ADT and we are determined to make it a great success. The tournament will promote Miri and Sarawak as a golf tourism destination and it will also help us to celebrate our 30th anniversary on a grand scale.” “Through our sponsorship of the Eastwood Valley Masters 2012, we hope this tournament will spur the development of golf in Sarawak. This event will also promote golf tourism in Sarawak and we believe there will be positive spin-offs from our involvement with the ADT.”

SALVADOR GAINS CEBU SALVATION

ilipino Elmer Salvador won the Aboitiz Invitational presented by ICTSI with an even-par 71 as his closest rival Antonio Lascuna failed to mount a challenge on August 11. Salvador registered two birdies against two bogeys for a winning total of eight-under-par 276 at the challenging Cebu Country Club. Asian Tour regular Lascuna, who was one shot off the lead at the start of the day, struggled on the firm greens without shooting any birdies as he settled for a 76 and finished six shots from Salvador at the US$65,000 Asian Development Tour event.

Mars Pucay and Elmer Saban were a further shot back while Korean prospect Kim Gi-whan ended his campaign in fifth place on 286. Salvador, who lost in a play-off at the HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic on the Asian Tour earlier this year, struggled with his driver but was happy to hold on to his winning score courtesy of a solid short game. “I feel good that I shot even par and won. My driving was horrible. I hooked a lot of tee shots but my putting guided me to victory,” said Salvador, who won US$11,375. “I’ve come close to winning on the Asian Tour and this victory will give me the confidence to try harder,” he added.

WOOD CLINCHES MAIDEN PRO TITLE IN BANGKOK

nglishman Chris Wood scored the first win of his professional career on August 12 with a two-shot victory in a rain-interrupted US$1 million Thailand Open, breaking the hearts of home fans seeking a first Thai champion in eight years.

“It is brilliant – I am really, really pleased,” Wood said, after what appeared to be a victory march from the 17th was interrupted by a rain delay of over an hour. “It is hard winning. I always felt that once I got one win it would give me the confidence to go on and win more, so hopefully I can take this confidence back to the remainder of the tournaments I have got for the season.”

The 24-year-old European Tour regular fired rounds of 67, 64, 67 and 67 for a 23-under par total of 265 at Suwan Golf & Country Club. Two shots off the pace was Korea’s Jang Dong-kyu, who fired the round of the week with a scintillating nineunder-63 to take sole possesion of second ahead of hard-charging Thais Arnond Vongvanij (65) and Wisut Artjanawat (67) and another Korean Lee Dong-hwan (67).

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY Quek, a successful amateur with wins at the 2009 Philippines Amateur championship and winner of the 2007 individual Putra Cup title, turned pro in 2009. Last year saw him finish in 88th position on the Asian Tour OOM, and while he may have lost his full card for this year’s AT, is in 129th place (US$4,650 from seven). He tied for 28th spot in this year’s SAILSBI Open and finished in a tie for 42nd in the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic and has been dividing his time between the AT and ADT. The fifth Singaporean on the OOM is promising young player Lam Zhi Qun (153rd spot with US$2,115 from six).

Without a doubt, the most consistent has been Singapore number one Mardan Mamat who won the ICTSI Philippine Open in February by five shots over South Korean Mo Joong-kyung. Mardan - Singapore’s first winner on the Asian Tour (the 2004 Indian Open) and the first Singaporean to win a co-sanctioned tournament with Europe (2006 Singapore Masters) -also plays events on the Japan Tour and qualified for his third Open Championship this year. However it was a double disappointment for him, first missing the halfway cut at Royal Lytham and St Annes and then being disqualified for signing a wrong score on the sixth hole when he jotted down a birdie three instead of a four. Yet, he is holding steady in 13th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, with over US$90,000 earned in 12 events, and in March won the PGM CCM Impian Masters in Selangor on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) – a tour that was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. There are four other Singaporeans placed on the 175-player Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) 2012. Lam Chih Bing currently sits in 90th place, just shy of US$10,000 earned in 10 events on the Asian Tour – though his form is back on the rise after a tie for fourth at the Ageas HKPGA Championship 2012 in Hong Kong in May - four rungs above Koh Deng Shan (US$9,048) from seven tournaments. Quincy

with a grandmother who was

The 25-year-old Choo Tze Huang, one of Singapore’s brightest golfing talents who completed his golf scholarship at the University of Washington in September 2011, secured his OneAsia card in January 2012, and has also played on the ADT this year, finishing in 13th position in the Taman Dayu Championship in Surabaya and in a tie for 24th at the recent Bii Maybank ADT Challenge in Jakarta.

an amateur champion golfer,

There are a handful of other young Singaporean talents on the ADT, such as touring and teaching pro Justin Han as well as Timothy Low, but one really showing promise this year is youngster Mitchell Slorach who finished in a tie for fourth in the PGM ADT Masters at A’Famosa, tied for 26th in the PGMCCM Impian Masters, tied in 36th place in the Taman Dayu Championship and tied in 21st position in last month’s Bii Maybank ADT Challenge. The 24-year-old also made the cut and finished in a tie for 59th at the AT event - the 2012 ISPS Handa Singapore Classic.

a year later, Justine expanded the

Justine Moss developed a love of golf at an early age. After moving to Singapore in 1998 from Sydney, and opening her own communications company

writing side of her business 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

The good news is that Singapore also has a talented pool of amateurs, who should make a splash on the local and regional professional golfing scene should they decide to step up to the plate. These include Joshua Shou – winner of the recent 65th Singapore Open Amateur Championship – Jonathan Woo – who won the Warren Ford Amateur Open 2012, Marc Ong, who leads the Singapore Golf Association national squad rankings and won the 2012 HSBC China Junior Golf Championship, and other national players such as Gregory Foo, Jerome Ng and Joshua Ho.

The Year So Far

Joshua Shou

s ‘golf season’ gets into the business end of 2012, it’s been a year of mixed fortunes for the handful of Singapore male professionals plying their trade on the Asian, Asean, OneAsia and other regional tours as well as in a number of Asia Pacific events.

Growing up in a golfing family

TOUR WATCH WITH ASIAN TOUR

Calvin Koh and Doyle De Costa form part of the dynamic

at the Asian Tour. Known for their differing viewpoints on all things golf in Asia, the duo give their insights and thoughts on the happenings and developments on the region’s established Tour.

Jeev Milkha Singh

Are you excited the second half of the Asian Tour is starting? Calvin Koh (CK): We always look forward to the business end of the season. We’ve enjoyed a magical run of events earlier this year with many worthy champions and it will be exciting to see who will keep their nose in front on the Order of Merit. Doyle De Costa (DDC): There’s such a power-packed line of events towards the end of the 2012 season and I’m holding my breath to see if anyone can surpass Jbe Kruger of South Africa at the top of the money list. One eye will also be on the Asian Development Tour as three 2013 Asian Tour cards are up for grabs.

Which tournaments are you looking forward to? CK: There are too many to choose from but being slightly biased, I’ll have to say the Barclays Singapore Open. It was a memorable event last year with Juvic Pagunsan losing in a Monday play-off which propelled him to become Asia’s number one golfer. To be honest, every Asian Tour event creates a sense of excitement and buzz so there’s really no one favourite tournament for me.

Exciting Second Half Beckons

DDC: I agree with Calvin but the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters is one I look out for because of the past champions it has yielded. I can never forget Ben Leong’s memorable win over Thongchai Jaidee, Rick Kulacz’s come-from-behind victory, Angelo Que’s third Asian Tour win and Joonas Granberg’s rise as a rookie. The recent CIMB Classic announcement has also increased “Tiger Mania” by a few decibels and it will be nice to watch the man himself this October as he takes on the top-10 players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit at The Mines Resort and Golf Club. Do you think Jeev Milkha Singh will end the year inside the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking? CK: Jeev Milkha Singh is a great man and winner. The two-time Asian Tour number one notched his fourth

and globe-trotting media team

European Tour win in emphatic style at the Scottish Open and his victory will inspire the younger generation of golfers to follow in his footsteps. He has done it before and I expect him to swiftly make his way back in the world’s top-50 if he stays healthy. DDC: He has suffered so many injury setbacks in the last few years but he looks to be back to his best. There are many big Asian Tour tournaments line-up at the end of the year and expect him to be the top contender. Thoughts on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) receiving Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013? CK: Tremendous news as it will boost the chances for players to play in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The stature of the tournament will also increase by many folds and inspire the younger generation to play and improve their games on the ADT. The future certainly looks bright for the ADT. DDC: This will also encourage more players to sign up for the 2013 Asian Tour Qualifying School in Thailand, which is the only pathway to play on the Asian Tour and ADT. The ADT have enjoyed a strong backing from Corporate Asia and this news will certainly attract new sponsors for the Tour. Did you expect the ADT to grow this fast in three years? CK: The ADT had all the right ingredients for positive growth as it is the feeder Tour to the already established Asian Tour. The reward of giving the top three players Asian Tour cards for the following year was one of the main draws for players and it is now exceptionally sweeter with world ranking points. DDC: Without a doubt, especially with the strong backing we have received from Corporate Asia and the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM). The ADT correlates perfectly with the Asian Tour and it gives players the opportunity to move on to the next phase in their careers.

GOLF DOWN UNDER

Richard Fellner is the Group Editor of Inside Golf Magazine – Australia’s most regularly read

When is a ‘choke’ not a ‘choke’?

golf publication. Hailing from

ast month, I wrote about Greg Norman’s comment that Australian golfers were “not getting the job done” when it comes to winning Major golf events on the world stage. Indeed, with the raw talent displayed by our boys on TOUR, one would think that we’d have a heap of Major victories under our belts in the last decade.

owns the record for runner-up finishes in majors (19). History remembers the winners, while the media generally ignores the runners-up. While Rory McIlroy charged to victory at The PGA Championship, can anyone really remember who came in second? (It was David Lynn, by the way, who nearly stepped on an aligator during the event)

Alas, Adam Scott’s performance at The Open Championship added more fuel to that fire. Losing to Ernie Els after leading by four strokes with four holes to play, Scott’s performance brought words like “Choke” and “Collapse” to the fore, with overdramatic journalists dredging up stories about Greg Norman’s 1996 Masters, or Jean Van de Velde’s 1999 Open Championship, or the other “greatest chokes in history” yarns.

And while Adam Scott “collapsed” at the Open, the REAL story (which was largely ignored) was the fact that Ernie Els overcame a six-stroke deficit and battled his way to the top after most of the world’s media had previously written him off as “past his prime”. Heck, Ernie wasn’t even invited to The Masters this year, despite being one of history’s best golfers!

In many cases, these journalists were the ones who generally ignore golf throughout the year, save for the Majors or news about Tiger Woods. And let’s face it, most of these journalists probably have never broken 100 in their life, yet they can freely dole out criticisms about a golfer’s game. The following month, Australia’s Olympic team suffered a similar fate, walking away from London with a spate of silver medals along with an equal number of “Disappointing” headlines about their performance. Australia as a sports-loving nation has become accustomed to winning. Whether it’s Olympic swimming, world cricket, the PGA Tour or any number of other world-class sports, we love to win - plain and simple. And when we don’t win, the media has become accustomed to labelling the teams/athletes as disappointments or flat-out failures. It’s a shame. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that athletes in all sports strive to be the very best, and for some, second place is akin to “kissing your sister”. But when did coming in second warrant being labelled a “failure” by the media? Coming in second is part of any competition. Jack Nicklaus, for example, is celebrated for his record 18 major victories, yet few people know that he also

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.

Certainly, Adam’s slip on the final four holes was worthy of a story. But unlike many of my media colleagues, I don’t label it as a choke. Let’s face it, the course was difficult. I mean REALLY difficult. Among the leaders on the final day, players like Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell and Brandt Snedeker all shot over par. Sure, Adam DID bogey the last four holes, but in my opinion he only made one mistake during that span - hitting his 3-wood off the tee on 18th instead of the iron which he had used for the three previous rounds. In my eyes, this does not constitute a “choke”. The rest was just bad luck on a tough golf course. So the next time someone is berated for coming in second, consider this: there are an estimated 7 billion people on this planet. Out of those 7,000,000,000 individuals, only a small number have the talent, opportunity and drive to succeed in world sport. Of that small percentage, only tiny fraction could qualify for their sport’s “pinnacle events”, and an even smaller fraction could go on to the quarterfinals, semi-finals and/or finals. And if one of those champion athletes walks away from an event with a medal that says “Second Place”, let’s not be disappointed that they weren’t as good as the lone person who beat them, rather let’s celebrate the fact that they were better than 6,999,999,998 other people on the planet. Now THAT is a silver lining.

No ‘silver lining’ in Australia

SHORT GAME FIXES WITH ANDREW MYLES

Though hailing from the Home of Golf, Andrew Myles is very much the Malaysian, having settled down here for close to a decade. A recognised Class AA British PGA professional and a certified AimPoint instructor, he mixes his passion for short game and putting with a methodological

accelerated

performance coaching style. His tips can be found on

www.andrewmylesgolf.com

ne of the most feared shots in golf is the 30-60yd pitch shot, with many players struggling to control the consistency of strike and distance. As an extension of the chip shot, the role of the hands and wrists become crucial to the success of this shot.

Pitching: Plane and simple

To improve the strike and consistency of these shots, it is crucial to ensure that the clubface is both square and that the club is ’set’ on the correct plane (angle) for consistent delivery. The most common reason that players don’t do this correctly is their grip. Many players have a “long thumb” position, particularly on their left hand, this long thumb position negates the player’s ability to hinge their wrist correctly, meaning that they either lift the club head up or set the club head behind them on the backswing, neither of which allows the club to be set ‘on plane’ and leads to poor striking. In both hands the club should be positioned in the hands so that the thumb and forefinger cradle the club, almost as if the thumb is pushing towards the forefinger, except that the shaft is in the way. From this position the left wrist can set correctly and then the player can feel the shaft set or load correctly in the forefinger of their right hand.

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER

Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf A screen capture of Bridgestone Golf’s B-FIT program

his year has been a good one for golf equipment sales. Florida-based independent research firm Golf Datatech, LLC reported in August that at oncourse shops in America, sales of gear is trending at an all-time high. Every key equipment category is experiencing positive growth over 2011 sales levels. Mind you, 2011 was not good, but it was optimistic. So this year, equipment manufacturers must be elated that through June 30, total on-course equipment sales were roughly $500 million, which marks a 15.7 percent increase over a year ago. While Golf Datatech cites the likes of favorable weather and an increase in rounds played as major contributing factors, I also believe it is the advent of technology in the sales process that’s helping drive golfers to buy more gear. While I haven’t seen any solid data to support this, I can tell you that every major manufacturer has invested heavily into its online presence.

equipment capital of Carlsbad, California. In his 20-plus years Customers who walk into the ball department at the store can have a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation with a Bridgestone ball-fitting expert, at an in-store video kiosk. The kiosk features a flat panel, 25’ touch-screen monitor using the OpenTok Platform from TokBox, a San Francisco-based company. Thus far, golfers have raved about its convenience and ease of use. More than 50,000 TokBox partners are currently using the technology worldwide, but Bridgestone’s rendition is the first to be used in a retail in-store environment in any channel. Mind you, Bridgestone was already hosting a popular online B-FIT program on its website, in which golfers can have live chats with Bridgestone reps and ask any questions about the products.

“We realize that when consumers walk into a store looking for golf balls, they have to be overwhelmed by having probably a hundred choices,” says Dan Many shaft, putter, driver and ball manufacturers Murphy, vice president of marketing at Bridgestone commonly have some sort of interactive fitting venue Golf Inc. on its respective website. No doubt, golfers are doing extensive research before going into the golf shop. “We believe that by offering this live in-store They’re much more educated about products than consultation with one of our fitting experts we add they were even two years ago, and because of that. some clarity to the madness and make the buying Titleist officials tell me that they see “significant spikes” experience much more rewarding for consumers. in visitors to its website’s product pages whenever Thus far, the incredible feedback we’ve received from they introduce a product. both consumers and store personnel at the Roswell Superstore location tells us we are succeeding.” Before they purchase clubs, many golfers are also getting their swings fitted on sophisticated launch Bridgestone will soon offer the video chat service monitors that essentially remove all of the guesswork in select markets. Plus it’s also working on an out of buying. Imagine if you could pick out a mate interactive iPad app that could be used to expand this easily. the concept to golf specialty and green grass stores throughout North America by the end of 2013. And TaylorMade appears to be a bit more aggressive lately with its use of technology, too. When golfers visit It’s kind of strange to imagine that Bridgestone one of the company’s product pages on its website, essentially could have an employee in literally every they’re presented with the instant ability to order that shop it places this video kiosk. Plus, the customer product, along with the product details. doesn’t have to chase down any clerk to ask questions, but rather just step in front of a screen. But you’ve got to be wondering what was going to be next. One major manufacturer is going steps beyond If this isn’t Big Brother eking out its way into the all of this, in an effort to make buying golf balls easier. golf scene, I don’t know what is. But I do know that Bridgestone Golf just unveiled a B-FIT video chat the more convenient it is for people to buy golf program at some retail shops. It was launched in a equipment and improve their game, the better off beta test form at the PGA TOUR Superstore in Roswell, the industry will be. Georgia in mid-July.

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

Online Presence The Way Forward?

UNCHARTED COURSE WITH NORMAS YAKIN

Normas

Yakin

considers

himself an all-rounder: a former cocoa and oil palm planter, golf course superintendent, golf club manager, director, lecturer and consultant. He believes there are only two great mavericks in Malaysia; one of them is a former Prime Minister. Modesty, however, prevents him from telling you who the other one is. In his free time, he scribbles at

www.mynormas.com

alaysia has many days that have been declared as a Public Holiday. Some are considered public holidays at the national level and some are state-declared public holidays. What is a holiday in one state may not be a holiday in another. Then of course, some clubs recognize some public holidays which are to be celebrated and for some other, we’ll just hang a banner and still charge higher rates.

Saturdays) and other miscellaneous work.

These public holidays are of course a boon for golfers and club accountants though they are not that much enjoyed by golf course superintendents. I wouldn’t say they’re a ‘bane’ because that’s one way we earn our hefty bonuses (I wish); I’m just saying we don’t enjoy them because we can’t work as hard on those days like on our normal days.

Except for Kuala Lumpur GCC that has an almost spotlessly clean workshop; workshops in other golf courses maintenance department are usually dirty and oily, including mine. What I did was, I ‘celebrated’ the chief mechanic’s public holiday (for Ah Seng; it was Chinese New Year, for Divakaran; it was Deepavali) with massive clean-up of the workshop and then end it with food treats for all.

On most public holidays, there are more golfers than usual so the course maintenance department will have limited time and space to do its work. Which sometimes mean we have to send some of our workers home; and some – believe it or not – just refuses to go home. They’ll say they have nothing to do at home and they would prefer to be in the workplace that they love doing the jobs that they like with the friends that they hold dear. Though I’m sure the triple-pay rate helps too, plus the angpows that some golfers generously give.

The Day of the Public Holiday

At one club where I had a large number of workers (it being a 36-hole five-star course and all), public holidays can be a problem; some days almost everyone wants to work and on others, almost no one. I divided the staff into two groups; A and B. One group will work during one public holiday and the other group will work on the next one. I even made one team to work on Saturday and the other, Sunday. You see, on these days, I don’t need to have a large number of workers on the course. All the team need to do are; mow greens, rake bunkers, pick-up rubbish, change pins, move tee markers and occasionally, irrigation. They’ll finish those works in about two hours, take a 15-minute break and then they’ll do housekeeping work at the workshop, lubricate their machinery, weigh the following week’s fertilisers, calibrate the sprayers, repaint the cups (I always have a spare set and put a freshly painted set in the greens on

Of course, it wasn’t always that peachy for all golf courses that I worked in; different clubs work differently. I just go with the flow and adapt accordingly as long as the work gets done. But there are two things that I have done successfully that could be done in other clubs.

It could be pot-luck or it could be fast food bought with the selling of the used batteries, which I always tell the boss before I do so. Ok, so I often tell the boss. Ok, ok! I sometimes tell the boss (now will you quit looking at me like that?). Actually, I noticed that in the following years, I see a lot more used batteries in the pile; I guess that when people see that they will get a share; these things don’t get sold without my knowledge. Hey! It’s difficult to go into details in this one-page article so don’t judge me ok?! Another thing that I did was, every August, I bought for each machine one big Malaysian flag plus bottles of car shampoo, brooms, brushes and told them “Every machine must fly the Malaysian flag for the month of August but no flag is allowed on a dirty machine!”. No threats, no rewards, but I’ve always been surprised by how hard they worked to clean their machines from the mud, grime, oil, dried grass, grease and one-year-old-chicken-shit-fertilisers, even in the hard to reach places. Maybe to you in your metallic coloured cars it is no big deal. But it has always touched my heart to see Kaswan the Indonesian, Badal the Bangladeshi together with the Malaysian Gopal, Abu, Bidin, Pandak and Chong proudly fly the Malaysian flag. You can see it in their faces. Trust me. Go ahead, ask your club to do it. You can make the flag fly until 16th September anyway. Selamat Hari Merdeka everyone.

TEE BOX

TM GOLF 2012

Telco puts up great tourney for Southern partners A strong turnout of 110 participants at the third leg of the TM Golf 2012 at Seremban International Golf Club on July 7 was testament to the event’s growing reputation as one of the best-organised invitational golf tournaments in the country.

BECAUSE YOU DESERVE MORE!

The #1 Golf Card Just Got Better

16-handicapper Mohd Harmizi Md Rani of Awana (left) topped the invitational category with a score of 38 Stableford points

Arif Zaid (left) notched 39 Stableford points to clinch a one-point victory in the open category

CIMB PREFERRED GOLF CHALLENGE Pro-am slots with PGA Tour stars up for grabs

IMB Bank is set to reward three of its esteemed clients with the rare opportunity of playing alongside world class professional golfers from the PGA TOUR plus golden tickets to watch Tiger Woods play at the CIMB Classic 2012 in October. The CIMB Preferred Golf Challenge will comprise of three legs and will be played across Malaysia’s renowned golf courses. The competition is open to all CIMB Preferred customers who possess a valid handicap. The first leg will be held at the Bukit Jawi Golf Resort, Penang on 20 September 2012 while the second and third leg will be held from 26 to 27 September 2012 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Selangor with the winner of each leg earning a place in pro-am tournament of the CIMB Classic on October 24. In addition, participants also stand a chance to win a trip to the USA to watch a PGA TOUR event in 2013 if they hit a hole-in-one. Registration, on first-come-first-served basis, will close by August 31. For more details, log on to www.cimbcpreferred.com

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GOLF DIARY Aug 30 - Sept 2 Omega European Masters Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland €2,000,000

September 13 - 16 Ricoh Women’s British Open Royal Liverpool GC, Hoylake, United Kingdom US$2,500,000

Aug 27 - 31 52nd South East Asian Team Golf Championship Emeralda G&CC, West Java, Indonesia

September 5-8 Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters Kota Permai GCC, Shah Alam, Selangor RM1,200,000 (approx US$395,000)

September 20 - 23 Tenerife Open de España Femenino Las Americas GC, Tenerife, Spain €350,000

Sept 4 - 5 AXA-Affin National InterClub Championship TBA

September 13-16 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship Linkou International GCC, Taipei, Chinese Taipei US$500,000

Sept 6 - 9 Perak Amateur Open Clearwater Sanctuary Resort, Batu Gajah, Perak Sept 10 - 13 Johor Amateur Open TBA

September 20-23 Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open Higashi Hirono GC, Hyogo, Japan ¥150,000,000 (approx US$1,900,000)

September 18 - 20 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open Saujana GCC, Subang, Selangor

Aug 31 - Sept 3 Deutsche Bank Championship TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts US$8,000,000 September 6 - 9 High1 Resort Open High 1 CC, South Korea KRW 1,000,000,000 (approx US$882,000)

38 Sept 4 - 5 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysian - National & Regional Qualifier Kuala Lumpur GCC, Kuala Lumpur

Aug 27 - 30 PGM Northport Templer Park Classic Templer Park CC, Rawang, Selangor RM125,000 Sept 19 - 22 PGM Penang Classic Penang GR, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang RM125,000

August 23 - 26 Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship (ADT) National Garden GC, Taipei, Chinese Taipei US$110,000

August 23 - 26 The Barclays Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York US$8,000,000

August 23 - 26 Johnnie Walker Championship The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland £1,400,000 Aug 30 - Sept 2 Omega European Masters Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland €2,100,000 September 6 - 9 KLM Open Hilversumsche GC, Hilversum, Netherlands €1,800,000 September 13 - 16 BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi Royal Park I Roveri, Turin, Italy €1,500,000

September 6 - 9 BMW Championship Crooked Stick GC, Carmel, Indiana US$8,000,000 September 20 - 23 TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola East Lake GC, Atlanta, Georgia US$8,000,000

August 23 - 26 CN Canadian Women’s Open Vancouver GC, British Columbia, Canada US$2,000,000 September 6 - 9 Kingsmill Championship Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia US$1,300,000 September 13 - 16 Ricoh Women’s British Open Royal Liverpool GC, Hoylake, United Kingdom US$2,750,000 September 20 - 23 Navistar LPGA Classic RTJ Golf Trail, Prattville, Alabama US$1,300,000

September 7- 9 UNIQA Ladies Golf Open Fohrenwald GC, Wiener Neustadt, Austria €200,000

Problem greens? Hollow tine planning? Expensive maintenance? Maintenance vs Management clash? Soggy fairways? Too much chemicals? Untrained staff? Contractor and Owner dispute? Weeds all over the place Renovate or reconstruct? Now or later? One by one or all at once?

CMY

Need an expert?

The Ronald Fream designed par-72 18-hole course at Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai provides players with options to suit any level of game. The undulating fairways cross a series of small lakes, waterways and hillocks, featuring breathtaking views of Karambunai beach, the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu, as well as a 130-million year old tropical rainforest backdrop.

Contact Normas at 03-5131 0066 or email mynormas@consultant.com for your consulting needs. Or surf www.mynormas.com/questions/

KGPA quarter.pdf

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing for leisure or competing in a tournament, the Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai course presents memorable, fair but demanding challenges and serves as awww.kgpagolf.com world class example of modern and creative golf course architecture with a traditional feel in the form of its flora and fauna surroundings.

To make an enquiry or booking, call us on +60-88-411215, email us at sales@karambunaigolf.com ourPM website at www.karambunaigolf.com. 4/19/12or visit 6:33

103mm width

141mm height

We care for your business needs! For advertising opportunities and enquiries call us at

+603-77722201

or email to info@theclubhouse.com.my

CMY

Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) is situated within Bukit Kiara, about 18km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. A 27-hole layout designed by renowned American course architect Ronald Fream. The championship course (Hills and Lakes) is a classic par 72 golf course measuring 5,989 metres with landscaped lush fairways culminating in manicured verdant greens. The third nine (Forest), measuring 2,711 metres is equally scenic and challenging, playing around the natural jungle environment.

www.kgpagolf.com

Call us to book your tee time: Bukit Kiara, off Jalan Damansara, Peti Surat 12137, Jalan Pantai Baru, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur 50768, Malaysia

Tel: 03-7957 3344 Fax: 03-7957 7821

WHERE TO GOLF - MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE KUALA LUMPUR

TANJUNG PUTERI GOLF RESORT

KINTA GOLF CLUB

MIMPIAN JADI GOLF CLUB

KUALA LUMPUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(54 holes) Tel: (607) 271 1888

(18holes) Tel: (605) 366 7270

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 787 122

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 2093 1111

PULAI SPRINGS RESORT

TAIPING GOLF RESORT

MOUNT KINABALU GOLF CLUB

ROYAL SELANGOR GOLF CLUB

(36 holes) Tel: (607) 521 2121

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 883 7500

(18 holes) Tel: (O88) 889 445

(36 holes) Tel: (603 ) 9206 3333

PORESIA COUNTRY CLUB

KUALA KANGSAR GOLF CLUB

NEXUS GOLF RESORT KARAMBUNAI

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM

(36 holes) Tel: (607) 510 1812

(9 holes) Tel: (605) 776 2396

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 480 888

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 7957 1958

STARHILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BUKIT JALIL GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

(36 holes) Tel: (607) 556 6325

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 8996 1468

IOI PALM VILLA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

BUKIT JAWI GOLF RESORT

LAHAD DATU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB REKREASI ANGKATAN TENTERA

(27 holes) Tel: (607) 599 9099

( 36 holes) Tel: (604) 582 0759

(18 holes) Tel: (089) 889 288

(9 holes) Tel: (603) 2141 1113

THE LEGENDS GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

PENANG GOLF RESORT

SABAH GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF TITIWANGSA PDRM

(27 holes) Tel: (607) 652 4388

(36 holes) Tel: (604) 578 2022

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 247 533

(9 holes ) Tel: (603) 2693 4964

AUSTIN HILLS GOLF RESORT

BUKIT JAMBUL COUNTRY CLUB

SANDAKAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: ( 607) 352 4300

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 644 2255

(18 holes) Tel: (089) 660 557

SELANGOR

KEDAH

KENINGAU GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (087) 331 113

SHAN SHUI GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 428 6001

(36 holes ) Tel: (603) 7803 9090

DAIMAN 18 GOLF CLUB

HARVARD GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

KINABALU GOLF CLUB

KELAB GOLF NEGARA SUBANG

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 351 6813

(27 holes) Tel: (604) 458 8888

(9 holes) Tel: (088) 251 615

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 7876 0388

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KULIM GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

TAWAU GOLF CLUB

KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA MALAYSIA

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 232 3166

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 403 2828

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 765 555

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 6156 6870

KUKUP GOLF RESORT

BLACK FOREST GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 696 0950

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 922 2222

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 7846 1466

CHRISTINE RESORT

CINTA SAYANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF LABUAN

BANGI GOLF RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 387 3000

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 441 4666

(9 holes) Tel: (087) 412 810

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 8925 3728

ORCHARD GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

DARULAMAN GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF SULTAN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 897 7934

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 917 0001

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 5519 1512

PONDEROSA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

GUNUNG RAYA GOLF RESORT

(KELAB GOLF SARAWAK

TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 354 9999

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 966 8148

(36 holes) Tel: (082) 440 966

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 6034 4722

JOHOR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PERMAIPURA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BINTULU GOLF CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 223 3322

(18 holes)Tel: (604) 459 4000

(18 holes) Tel: (086) 252 001

SEBANA COVE GOLF & MARINE RESORT

ROYAL KEDAH GOLF CLUB

DAMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 826 6655

(9 holes) Tel: (604) 731 9405

(18 holes) Tel: (082) 846 088

TIOMAN ISLAND GOLF CLUB

SG.PETANI GOLF CLUB

EASTWOOD VALLEY

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 419 1000

(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

BUKIT BANANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PULAU PINANG

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

PERAK

SABAH

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

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