The ClubHouse Issue 15 (Oct 2012) by The ClubHouse

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ISSUE 15 (10/2012) PP17714/04/2013(032168)

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PROMOTING RECOVERY & QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH INNOVATIVE

The things that come to people’s mind when you mention hospitals are needles, tubes and a place where you are more likely than not to hear bad news. It is not the kind of place than would make the “top 10 popular places to

Edgar Toral shares some insight into the Sime Darby Healthcare’s Dr.Golf Wellness System

visit” list. “We can’t run away from what hospitals stand for but what we can do is provide a level of service and care that will transform our patients’ perceptions”, says Edgar Toral, Director of Business Development and Marketing for Sime Darby Healthcare.

Who is Dr.Golf? Dr Golf is an experienced consultant providing medical services and relevant medical advice to golfers.

Where is Dr. Golf located? Dr. Golf is located at our new hospital, Sime Darby

Healthcare has evolved into an entirely new

Medical Centre Ara Damansara which is Malaysia’s

concept in Malaysia with greater emphasis on

first stand alone private hospital with centres of

service levels and clinical excellence. We are in

excellence focusing on Brain, Heart, Spine & Joint

an era where the expectations of our patients

treatments. Ara Damansara is a relatively new

have extended beyond the boundaries of

upscale

traditional healthcare and now we see an

developed by Sime Darby Property. Ideally

increasing demand for refined levels of service

situated within a 2-km radius of the SkyPark

and comfort.

Subang Terminal, the medical centre is within a

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short drive to lush golf courses and 4-star hotels At Sime Darby Healthcare (SDH), we are

which will tie in nicely with our health tourism

serious in meeting these demands and have

efforts.

channelled our resources and expertise to fulfil our patient’s needs. Moving forward, I see Healthcare as not merely diagnosis and treatments instead it encompasses various other aspects like preventive, curative and wellness care. In that context, Sime Darby Healthcare Dr GOLF-The Wellness System for Golfers is established as a one-stop medical and wellness centre for all avid golfers to stay fit. Our goal is to get you back on the course enjoying a better game of golf.

How can Dr. Golf help? Dr. Golf programme was created to help golfers of all ages to stay fit and enjoy a better game of golf. Being a golfer myself, I know that a writs or a forearm injury can totally ruin your golf game. We want you to enjoy the game and play better, longer. We have set up Dr. Golf programme to provide professional advice for golfers with concerns about conditioning, nutrition, pain, or injury. We intend to keep you playing healthy with optimal golf performance.

y Healthcare Dr. Golf

E AND CARING HEALTH SERVICES

What can golfers expect when they engage in this Sime Darby Healthcare’s Golfers Wellness System? If you are concerned about pain or injury, you can make an appointment with Dr Golf. His knowledge of joints, muscles, and bones plus his own experience as golfer, will help identify the cause of your specific problem. Dr Golf will then be able to also refer you to a nutritionist, physiotherapist, cardiologist or any other specialists according to your needs. As a one-stop medical centre of choice, our goal is to get you back out on the course, enjoying your game.

Are there any similar programmes in Malaysia? No. I am sure Sime Darby Healthcare’s (SDH) Dr Golf is the first of such programmes in the country. Sime Darby

Visit us to experience our care

Medical Centre Ara Damansara provides a full spectrum of healthcare

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its

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preventive to curative and now wellness which is a natural progression in line with the SDH’s vision of becoming the gold standard healthcare provider in the region.

What other benefits can they enjoy in the near future? Since its establishment, Dr. Golf has developed a network of partners within Malaysia to create an integrated

T : +(603) 5639 1212 F : +(603) 7846 0925 E :healthcare@simedarby.com Lot 2, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang Seksyen U2 40150 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

approach to the game. We work closely with MST Golf and award winning Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) developing

promotional

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residents and for overseas medical tourists travelling to Malaysia with interest in Golf. We are also exploring ideas on several recreational and health packages to be aligned with partners for additional benefits to our future members of Dr. Golf.

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MERITS OF A THANKLESS JOB Golf journalism can sometimes be a thankless job. Few are privy to troubles we go to bring the latest golfing results and news to the table and how sometimes, even getting a simple quote from some of our local professionals and industry players can involve a merry-go-round of sorts. For every pat on the back we receive, there are also brickbats, accusing us of being overtly critical or downright patronising sometimes. Then there are incidents where golfers have stormed off press conferences or slipped out of the grounds quietly to avoid any prying questions. Avid Golf Channel followers may also have noticed how some professionals reply rather curtly or to some degree, rudely when difficult questions are posed. So it was pleasantly refreshing to be able to speak to one of the game’s top lady players Ai Miyazato of Japan during the recently concluded Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. Whether it was by training or default, Miyazato is without doubt one of the leading ambassadors for golf outside the course, both in the way she carries herself with the media and engages with the large galleries she attracts. For four days, I observed how the 27-year-old Okinawan will take a short stride from the scoring room to the television recording area where she would address the Japanese television crews that cover the LPGA beat, without the need of being asked. After completing her “TV duties”, the petite 25-time professional winner will spend a few minutes sharing her thoughts with the small but strong pack of Japanese journalists before responding to questions - if any - from the English-speaking media. All done in typical Miyazato-style - her cheeky smile somewhat softening her piercing “I mean business” eyes. It was 6.30pm on the Saturday of the tournament despite, having spend her entire day at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club due to inclement weather, Miyazato was still at her best and after fielding questions and interview requests, she spent a good 10 minutes signing autographs, thanking her supporters for turning up and even obliging, to take a photo or two with a toddler! Talk about dedication to her trade.

Now, I’m not sure if Miyazato would ever read this column, but I have to say what bowled me over was the way she apologised not once, but twice for keeping us waiting. On the first occasion, it was because she had to first complete interviews in her native language and again when she went off to sign autographs for the awaiting fans before returning later to sign our limited edition The ClubHouse Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia poster, which now adorns the wall in our meeting room. Was it humility or just good upbringing, I think it’s a little bit of both. For professionals like Ai Miyazato and many others like her, both locally and internationally, are a rare breed altogether. Yes, we may at times be intrusive, critical and downright nosy but we’re passionate bunch of guys doing what we love. And so Miyazato-san, thank you for making my day on that rain-soaked Saturday.

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 14

SPOTLIGHT 15 SIME DARBY LPGA MALAYSIA

24 CIMB JUNIOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

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NO WALK IN THE PARK Inbee Park had to endure a nervous finish to deny South Korean compatriot Na Yeon Choi a successful title defence with a two-stroke victory at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. PIX by Eddie Putera

16 Inbee Park hits a perfect recovery out of the fairway bunker on the 18th

outh Korean Inbee Park treated Malaysian golf fans to a riveting golfing display on October 14, usurping titleholder and compatriot Na Yeon Choi, to clinch the US$1.9 million Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia by two strokes. Despite dropping “embarrassing” - as she described it - bogeys on the last two holes, a closing four-under 67 at the East Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club was enough for the 24-year-old to pull off a sensational upset over 54-hole leader Choi, who could only muster a level-par 71 to end her title defence on a disappointing note. The plucky Park totalled 15-under 269 to walk home US$285,000 richer and further cemented her top spot on the LPGA’s 2012 Money List with her six consecutive top-three finish in as many starts. Australian stalwart Karrie Webb started brilliantly with three birdies on a trot but fell out of contention with a bogey either side of the turn, posting a second consecutive 68 to finish third on 271. Scottish veteran Catriona Matthew (67) was a further shot back on 272, followed by South Korean So Yeon Ryu, whose finishing 66 saw her wind up in sole fifth. A final round 67 saw Aussie Lindsey Wright take a share of sixth alongside American Paula Creamer on seven-under 275 while youngster Jessica Korda claimed her first top-ten on Tour since winning the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in February, with a course-record equalling seven-under 64. With the weather gods starting to shine for a change, all eyes were on the final flight of Choi, Park and Webb. The strong gallery that turned out was not to be disappointed. Armed with a two-shot overnight lead, Choi came out unstirred after the opening exchanges, matching the early momentum set by her two flight mates before threatening to pull away with birdies on the fifth and eighth.

Na Yeon Choi could not convert a 54-hole lead into a victorious title defence

Scotswoman Catriona Matthew had a solid week in the office

17 Karrie Webb’s challenge fizzled out after a hot start

However, a dropped shot on the ninth proved the turning point for the six-time LPGA winner, whose challenge fizzled out on the back nine as her countrywoman Park drew level with a gain on the 11th before pulling away with birdies on the 13th and 14th.

Paula Creamer finished strongly

The gap increased to four strokes as Choi elected to take a penalty drop after her teeshot on the par-three 17th ended up unplayable in the greenside bunker, but a bogey for Park meant that it was a three-shot game going into the closing hole. Nerves were beginning to fray and a clearly nervous Park flashed her drive behind the trees; she could only recover as far as the fairway bunker while Choi was safely on the green in two and was eyeing a makeable birdie chance. Knowing that a bogey would be adequate to seal the deal, Park sailed a perfect approach across the green and proceeded comfortably to two-putt to clinch her third LPGA title and second victory this season. “I’m very happy to win,” said the champion, who was the only player to post four rounds in the 60s. “I’m playing here for the second time, and it’s the first time I’ve won twice in one year, so I’m really proud of myself for that.”

Jessica Korda bounced back with a scintillating 64

Consistency has been the mainstay of Park’s game this season with five straight topthree finishers since she won the Evian Masters in July. “I think my golf has improved, everything- hitting the ball, chipping, putting. Everything has really improved,” said the 2008 US Women’s Open champion. “I worked really hard on my swing. I’ve been hitting it very solid all year and that gave me a lot more birdie chances.” With two out of her three career wins having been come-from-behind victories, Park nonetheless admitted that she would have preferred to set the pace. “I think I prefer leading, because I think it’s much easier the last day. I knew that I had to play well on the final day to win. I knew that Na Yeon was really strong on this golf course and that she really liked the layout. I knew I had to go really low and make a lot of birdies today to win,” she noted. Highly rated Thai amateur Ariya Jutanugarn (69), who was among five players bunched up on nine-under 277, won the low amateur prize by a mile.

Ariya Jutanugarn did not seem out of place with a top-ten finish

The delicate balance of expectations I

t was a case of back to the drawing board for the domestic line-up at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia as the burden of expectations - so long a thorn in the side of Malaysia’s professionals, came crushing down on the local challenge. It was not a case of a lack of trying or a lack of want but coming under the local media’s microscope and an expectant home gallery, even the most seasoned of professionals like US-based Jean Chua could not replicate the form that had earned her a berth at the 2011 US Women’s Open or a top-15 finish in the LPGA’s development Symetra Tour this year. It was difficult to blame the cheerful 25-yearold, who despite poor rounds of 75, 73, 79 and 76 put up a brave face and dealt with the tough questions like a professional. Beneath her tough-as-nails facade, it was obvious that Jean was not only feeling disappointed for the crowds that turned out all week to cheer her on as well as her sponsors Sime Darby Foundation but also for letting herself down.

While understanding that these demands are an essential part of her chosen vocation, Jean was blunt as she could be when she said “When I learn to play and win in front of my home crowd, I would be ready to compete and win anywhere. I try so hard to justify my inclusion, and I have not been able to turn in the kind of performance that I wanted to. It’s like auditioning for a role you’re already playing.” Ainil Johani Abu Bakar was the other local pro in action and while the 21-year-old went back knowing that her game and ball-striking had improved tremendously since the 2011 edition, she would be the first to admit that five regional events last year was by no means the right preparation for a world-class field boasting 15 of the 16 winners on the LPGA Tour in 2012.

Despite arriving a good week before the tournament teed off, Jean had little time to shrug off any jetlag as she fulfilled her media commitments, as well as engagements, as the ambassador for the Sime Darby Foundation.

Ainil Johani Abu Bakar

is no shouting point, but criticism levelled against a young lass who gained invaluable experience from playing alongside some of her idols is definitely out of place. As Mika Miyazato quipped after playing with the young Malaysian during the first round of the tournament: “I was a 16-year-old amateur when I teed up at my first LPGA tournament in Japan and I can remember how an unnerving experience it was. It would only do her so much good,” shared the LPGA winner.

Aretha Pan

Amateur Aretha Pan finished as the best placed Malaysian in tied 61st with a 12-over 261 overall. However, she could not follow in footsteps of compatriot and twice low amateur Kelly Tan, who was herself conspicuously missing after failing to make the cut at the national qualifier. The 18-year-old Pan got another chance to gauge her game as she makes the all-important decision whether or not to take the plunge into the paid ranks. Nevertheless, the Sabahan comprehends that minimising slight lapses in concentration and her sometimes error-prone game is important if she is to make the grade. There were questions being asked about Sarfina Vinota Seretharan’s selection for the tournament but it must be clear that the 16-year-old earned her berth on merit after finishing second in the national qualifiers. Jean Chua

Four straight rounds in the 80s obviously

Sartina Vinota Seretharan

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GOLF IN SCHOOLS SET TO GO

he Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) has joined forces with the Ministry of Education to realise a long-term effort to take golf to schools by teeing-off its Golf in Schools programme.

The pilot programme will see golf clubs being set up in seven Klang Valley schools in the Klang Valley, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Saujana Impian, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan 4 Bandar Baru Bangi, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Damansara, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Kiara, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St John, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Hartamas as well as Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Utama 2, before it is expanded nationwide. Utilising the RM2 million development grant awarded by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun

Abdul Razak during the Maybank Malaysian Open this year, the association will provide junior golf clubs as well as training for three teacher-advisors from each school, equipping them with the basic fundamentals of golf and enabling them to guide their students in the early stages. The initial phase of the programme will see students pick up the basics of golf within the compounds of their own schools for a period of three to six months, before moving to training centres to be established at nearby golf clubs to further hone their skills. Teacher-advisors will be trained using MGA’s existing blueprint to instruct children on core golf skills - etiquette, rules and fundamentals. Promising talents spotted will be given the opportunity to further improve their golf game

under the wings of reputable MGA teaching professionals, before taking to the golf course. MGA vice-president Datuk Mohamed Zain Yusuf, who is also chairman of the National Junior Development Programme (NJDP), inaugurated the programme with the launching of the first golf club in Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Utama 2 on September 30. “We understand the importance of increasing the talent pool of junior golfers and with golf being re-introduced in the Rio Olympics, we believe that the best way to identify future stars for Malaysia is to start at the grassroots level and the best place to start is in schools. We are pleased that the Ministry of Education is receptive of our idea, and their support has been immense in allowing us to take this big step forward,” he said.

NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS NORTH

he Penang Golf Resort will host the top men and ladies golfers from MGA-affiliated clubs nationwide for the AXA Affin National Inter-Club Team Championship from October 31 to November 1. Since its inauguration in 1994, the annual competition provides a platform for members of MGA affiliated clubs to meet annually to foster friendship and camaraderie among social golfers in the country. "The MGA is not only working towards achieving the target of producing champions in the international arena but also in the clubs event. By having this event, we hope it will encourage club members to continuously hone their skills and upgrade the standard of golf among the members," said the association's vice-president Datuk Mohamed Zain Yusuf. Since 1999, national players have been barred from competing in the championship to promote a more level playing field among all participating clubs. Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club and Saujana Golf & Country Club will be defending the men's and ladies' division respectively.

STRONG FINISH IN WORLD AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

alaysia booked their places at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing after an inspired display at the recent World Amateur Team Championship for the Eisenhower and Espirito Santo trophies in Antalya, Turkey. In the Eisenhower Trophy, the Malaysian trio of Gavin Green, Arie Fauzi and Low Khai Jei finished tied with Sweden for 12th placing, with a

MALAYSIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION Zain also expressed his hope that corporate Malaysia, as well as golf equipment companies, will step in with crucial sponsorship to ensure that the programme remains a sustainable venture beyond the association’s initial fouryear roadmap.

“We have given a guarantee to the Ministry that each student will receive continued guidance for at least two years. I hope that the children will bring dedication and commitment to each lesson,” added Zain, noting that the association will vigorously follow through the implementation of the programme in each school and conduct frequent reviews. MOE’s sports unit director Ee Yong shared her enthusiasm for the programme to provide a steady stream of up-and-coming golfers for the country. “We were very excited when MGA first approached us, and the model we have now is a result of a series of dialogues and brain-storming sessions we had with the association to ensure that all the groundwork was done beforehand. The programme fits in well with the ministry’s vision of ‘One Student, One Sport’, and we hope that the association remains committed and serious in ensuring that this programme will be a sustainable, long-term effort and not just a publicity stunt.” “The feedback we have received from the headmaster and the teacher-advisors of SK Bandar Utama 2 has been very encouraging. As you can see today, the students are very excited about picking up golf. I hope that the parents in all the selected schools will see the potential benefits of this programme and encourage their children to pick up the game,” she added.

“Golf’s governing body, The Royal & Ancient has helped us tremendously by providing 40 junior golf sets to tee-off the programme. We hope that corporate companies, as well as golf equipment companies, will jump on the bandwagon.”

KHAI JEI, PRINCESS MARY EASE MALAYSIAN JUNIOR OPEN WINS

t was a stroll in the park for the nation's top junior Low Khai Jei and Filipino lass Princess Mary as they romped to wire-to-wire victories in the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open held from September 19 to 21 at Saujana Golf and Country Club. Khai Jei, who lost on a sudden-death playoff last year, romped to the boys' overall title with a four-under 212 total on the back of rounds of 71, 69 and 72 to claim a massive 13-stroke victory over compatriots Mohd Naqiuddin Md Fuad and joint first round leader Paul San. The 16-year-old Taiping native, who is also the defending TSM Challenge champion, became only the fourth Malaysian after Muhammad Azry Mohd Asyraf Azam (2011), Gavin Kyle Green (2009) and Akhmal Tarmizi Nazari (2007) to claim the overall crown.

combined team score of eight-under par 420. It was the nation's best performance after the 2004 edition in Puerto Rico, where they finished in a share for eighth. The United States won a record 14th title with a spectacular total of 24-under-par 404.

"It was pretty close after the opening round but I managed my expectations and the competitive pressure well, so I am very pleased with the victory. The margin was a big surprise, because I expected Paul and Naqiuddin to narrow the gap," said Khai Jei, who is the reigning club champion at Saujana.

National amateur champion Gavin Kyle Green was the best-placed Malaysian, contributing to the team's haul on all three days with scores of 70, 70, 70 and finished tied 19th with 6 others with 4-under-par 210. Arie Fauzi carded rounds of 76, 71 and 69 to finish tied 53rd with eight others while Low Khai Jei took a share of 77th with scores of 70, 76, 73.

"Of course, I enjoyed a bit of an upper hand because of my familiarity with the layout, but they pushed the tees a bit back for this tournament, so it was quite tough. I did not do anything special this week as I pretty much struggled with driving, but I made up for it with some good putting to seal the win," he quipped.

The ladies contest for the Espirito Santo Trophy saw Kelly Tan, Aretha Pan and Iman Ahmad Nordin finish a respectable 25th with a combined score of 14-over-par 590. South Korea defended their title successfully with a 13-under-par 563 overall.

Equally impressive was Princess, who capped a remarkable hat-trick for the Philippines in the girls' division, with rounds of 72, 70 and 74 for a level-par totalling 216. The petite 16-year-old never looked back after seizing the first round lead and coasted to 12-stroke

victory over runner-up Nur Durriyah Damian, with another local challenger Genevieve Ling finishing third on 231. "This is a great result and I am very proud of capturing a third straight win for the Philippines after Sarah [Ababa] in 2010 and Dottie [Ardina] last year," shared Princess, who had earlier in the year claimed the girls' under-16 category at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) Junior Amateur Open. "I did not think too much about winning as I struggled to overcome the fast green speeds and obstacles. I did not start too well on the last day either as I hit a few stray shots, but I managed to keep it simple by staying in regulation and hitting straight drives," she added. Leading final scores (boys' division) 212 Low Khai Jei 71-69-72 225 Muhammad Naqiuddin Md Fuad 74-75-76 225 Paul San 71-73-81 233 Park Chang Uk (KOR) 75-75-83 234 Joshua Gibbons (ENG) 76-78-80; Daniel Mohd Sidek 77-74-83 237 Hiew Alvin 77-82-78 238 Ervin Chang 83-79-76; Danial Durasic 82-76-80 240 Leon Philip D’souza (HKG) 79-81-80 Leading final scores (girls' division) 216 Princes Mary Superal (PHI) 72-70-74 228 Nur Durriyah Damian 76-78-74 231 Genevieve Ling 76-77-78 234 Kelie Kan Kah Yan 87-71-76 235 Asha Lakshme Balakrishnan 74-82-79 238 Abigail Chong 82-80-76; Ching Nam Lee 85-75-78 239 Siti Zulaikhaa Shaari 83-82-74; Sarafina Vinota Seretharan 80-76-83 244 Nur Syazani Amalia 86-79-79

GAINING GROUND

24 It has been three years since PGA Tour Academy director of instruction Shane Gillespie first set foot in South East Asia to spearhead the CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme. A spillover benefit of CIMB Group's sponsorship of the CIMB Classic, the programme has been well-received since its introduction in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand; it has played an important role in the rising standard of junior golf in the region. During a recent stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Gillespie shared his thoughts on how the programme has evolved over the last three years. The ClubHouse (TCH): You have coached these kids now for three years, so what is the progress report?

especially with parents thinking that their son or daughter needs to go to the United States at age 15 or 16 to live and train; they thought that was the only way for their children to have an opportunity to become golf professionals. I think we have been able to communicate with them that an opportunity like this, which the CIMB Group is providing here, doesn’t necessarily exist in the United States. You know the kids are having the opportunity to train properly under good instructors; they are able to participate in high quality tournaments in their home countries as well as across South East Asia.

We like the idea that they have major tournaments to play, in events such as the SEA Games and ASEAN Schools Games for the better players, and for the rest, development tournaments such as the smaller SportExcel tournaments; these tournaments provide a pathway for them to move through. Some of the children have also had the opportunity to play on their respective national teams, so it has been good. I think that our feeling has always been that parents can provide the best guide for their own children. So by keeping the family together, there is plenty of time for the kids

Gillespie (standing fourth from right) with the initial batch of juniors in 2010

TCH: How has the feedback been from the parents about the programme? SG: The feedback from the parents has been very, very strong. I think what we saw initially was just a bombardment of questions,

Shane Gillespie (SG): Some of them have progressed quite well. They are getting bigger, they are getting stronger, they seem to get sounder fundamentally, they seem more tournament wise. We see all of them get better and better, better trophy haul and goal setting where they need to be, where they need to fit in their tournament. Their level of play is good.

to go to the United States or Australia when they are 18 or 19 and have developed the values their families have instilled in them. The maturity helps because they would by then understand what their parents expect of them when they are overseas. That was kind of the big focus in the beginning. Now we are really starting to hear the parents saying, "How do we continue in the CIMB Junior Development Programme, and what are the steps that are necessary to help their children prepare for college in the United States?"

It’s nice that we see the kids taking the instructions seriously and that they are doing their homework, because we are here only for a short period of time; we ask them to continue to work on specific guidance so that when we come back, we can see some progress and can move to the new phase of our development. The kids who have been involved with us for a longer time would be able to see why we have put them on longer steps. TCH: Those intervals between the camp, how do you monitor these kids?

They are really starting to think in terms of having their children stay here and train under a system that is designed to help them succeed. We’re happy with this because we understand that there are great opportunities here in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, for them to develop themselves.

SG: We have a few different ways of monitoring the kids; one of the ways is where the kids can take a video of themselves and then email that video to us. We have a system where we can actually coach through the video; we can draw lines on the video, we can explain the changes that need to be done and email it back to them.

TCH: And these kids, three years ago, the focus was on the fundamentals. Has it sort of changed now for the more experienced students on the programme?

We also have an online step-by-step tracking programme where the kids provide us with vital information each time they play competitive golf - how many fairways they hit, how many greens, how many good putts, their personal bests, lowest rounds and so on.

SG: Well, three years ago, I said we would love to work on the fundamentals of these kids up to the age of 10, 11 and 12. Then when we get to the age of 13, 14 and 15- you can move on but in the very first year, we were having kids that were coming in at 13, 14 and 15 who really didn’t have the right fundamentals. They hadn’t learnt to train properly. So for the first year, I’d say a year or a year and a half, we really had to train everyone from the starting phase. Some of the kids, despite being younger, have been moved into the slightly older age group because they have excelled in the fundamentals, and we were able to move them into the next stage of development. What I find interesting as a teacher is when you see someone who has been in the programme for three years and sometimes we slot in some new kids into the programme, we are able to see just how much of a big difference the programme has made.

It gives me the opportunity to go in there; I can make some congratulatory comments if they didn't play really well and talk to them about identifying their weakness. We can encourage them that way and help them stay on top of their games. Obviously, social media has been very helpful because these internet savvy kids are always posting their pictures with their trophies and tournament results. We log in daily to Facebook and Twitter to catch up and to communicate with them. TCH: Many of these kids are close to the age where they are considering pursuing tertiary education. Do you believe that it is important for them to go and get an education? SG: I would say that it is extremely important

for them to get an education, you know. Our wish is for every single one of these kids to play professional golf, but we know it is very unlikely to happen. There are three thousand universities in the United States which have teams playing collegiate golf. Most of these teams have about four to five players but each year, when we see how many of these players are advancing from each team to the professional ranks, the number might only be one or two. Having said that, we have to be realistic with the fact that telling your children to only train in golf and push their studies aside is not the pathway to success. This is a wrong message to send out. Playing excellent golf and having a good education can go hand in hand. If the path to the PGA Tour works out, that’s fantastic, but if that path doesn’t work out, they have to prepare themselves to accept the fact that it is not the ultimate path. We hate to see these kids work so hard and then get to the point where they have no paths left; we need to have more doors that we can leave open for them. TCH: What has been the highlights of your three-year involvement with these kids? SG: The main thing is seeing them grow up and not only become accomplished golfers but also matured young adults, who are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed. I have also had the opportunity to caddy for two of our students - Cahyo Adhimoto at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and more recently, Sarfina Vinota Seretharan at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and I must admit that I am extremely proud that the both of them earned their rights to tee-off at those prestigious championships on merit. My hope is that in the coming years, I will have the opportunity to be on the bag for one of our Malaysian students when he tees off at the CIMB Classic.

INSIDE THE ROPES

KUCHING BREAKTHROUGH FOR KENNETH

ookie Kenneth De Silva carded a spectacular seven-under-par 65 to secure his maiden professional title at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Sarawak Masters on October 7. Starting the final round three shots off the lead, the 21-year-old former national birdied his opening three holes at the Sarawak Golf Club and did not look back with a flawless front nine 30. After trading two birdies with as many bogeys through 17th, Kenneth drained a 15-foot curler from the fringe on the closing hole to seal a morale-boosting victory in the co-sanctioned Asian Development Tour (ADT) event. PGM ADT Masters @ A’Famosa winner Peter Richardsan finished runner-up after closing with a solid 67 while Filipino Charles Hong signed off with a 69 to come in third in the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000) cosanctioned event,Overnight leader Choo Tze Huang ended with a 73 to settle for tied sixth place with countryman Quincy Quek and local Akhmal Tarmizee. “This feels so good. It’s my first win as a professional and the best score in my life. My putting was so good,” said Kenneth, who accumulated a four-day total of five-under-par

GARCIA, THONGCHAI TO HEADLINE ISKANDAR JOHOR OPEN

283 and earned RM31,500. “I told myself that I needed to birdie the last to win,” he added. “My caddie was giving me a lot of good lines and I felt confident with the last putt. “When I got up this morning, I somehow felt good to play and I just got off to a really good start. I was really relaxed on the back nine and I drew on my experiences of winning the Sarawak Amateur Open and Chief Minister’s Cup at this golf course.” LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES 283 – Kenneth De Silva 71-75-72-65 284 – Peter Richardson (ENG) 75-72-70-67 285 – Charles Hong (PHI) 71-69-76-69 286 – Lindsay Renolds (CAN) 75-76-69-66 287 – Sukree Othman 72-74-72-69 288 – Quincy Quek (SIN) 76-73 -72-67 Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari 70-73-73-72 Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71-70-74-73 289 – Jeremiah Kim 71-72-74-73 Mitsuhiko Hashizume (JPN) 72-74-71-73 Jhonnel Ababa (PHI) 75-71-70-74 Go Nakauchi (JPN) 71-72-78-70

Furyk in Europe’s stunning victory over the United States in the recent Ryder Cup, will be making his maiden appearance in Malaysia. “Playing in the Iskandar Johor Open this year will mark my first time playing in Malaysia so I’m very keen to see what the course and country are like. I enjoy playing in Asia and have had some good results in that part of the world so I hope I can continue my current form to produce a good performance in December,” said the Spaniard. Decorated Thai star Thongchai, who has won an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns on the back of 13 victories is enjoying a spectacular season thus far following his first victory on European soil where he won the ISPS Handa Wales Open in June. “I have won the Malaysian Open title twice previously and I always enjoy competing in Malaysia. It will be my goal to try to win the Iskandar Johor Open in December,” he said.

uropean Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia and three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee will star in the sixth edition of the Iskandar Johor Open presented by Iskandar Waterfront from December 13 to 16. The US$2 million (RM6.2 million) Asian Tour season finale will be staged for the third consecutive year at the award-winning Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.

“With much at stake as the season-ending event on the Asian Tour, we are anticipating one of our strongest line-ups ever. The coveted Asian Tour Order of Merit crown will be decided at the Iskandar Johor Open and therefore, the results at Horizon Hills will have a big impact on who becomes the new Asian Tour number one,” said Johor Menteri Besar Dato' Haji Abdul Ghani Othman. Garcia, who has 23 victories around the world and secured a crucial singles victory over Jim

Last year’s event saw Dutchman Joost Luiten claim the prestigious Iskandar Johor Open trophy for his maiden professional victory. He went home with the winner’s cheque of US$333,330, which propelled him to his highest world ranking position of 66th in the world. Two key local sponsors for the 2012 edition are returning to support the event once again with Iskandar Waterfront Development as the presenting partner for the second year while UEM Land will continue their long-standing association with the event as platinum partners.

INSIDE THE ROPES connect with his own seven-footer for birdie on the second call. “It is a great feeling to be back on top of the leaderboard with a really good round. I really didn’t rank my chances when we started off this morning as Sivachandhran was playing really good golf over the last three days,” said Murthy who started off on the wrong foot with an opening bogey. After a birdie on the third, he ramped up the challenge with four straight birdies through seventh before adding a further two gains on the back nine to set the clubhouse lead. “I could have settled it with a birdie on the last but I just misjudged it a little to open the doors to Shaaban. My wife told me to calm down and should we have to go into a sudden-death play-off, then so be it. That really helped me put things into perspective,” added Murthy, who thanked his long term sponsors Srixon, Transview and Soonest Logistics for their continued support.

MURTHY TRIUMPHS IN PENANG PLAYOFF

. Murthy completed a virtuoso display with a birdie on the second extra hole to clinch the rain-delayed Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) MNRB Penang Classic on September 22. The 41-year-old could have sealed a regulation victory with a birdie on the closing hole but pushed his putt wide to finish with a final round six-under 66 at Penang Golf Resort. His total of 17-under 271 was matched by pacesetter Shaaban Hussin, who recovered well from two straight bogeys with a gain on the 18th to force a play-off with an identical 66. Md Rashid Ismail (66) took sole third on 16-under 272 while Overnight leader S.

Sivachandhran, who started the day with a four-stroke advantage, traded two birdies against as many bogeys to return with an evenpar 72 to finish fourth on 15-under. Kemarol Baharin was a shot back in fifth with a round of 71. National player Muhd Afif Muhd Razif claimed the low amateur prize with a four-day total of one-over 289 on the back of rounds of 75,70,68 and 76. With nothing separating Murthy and Shaaban in the first extra hole, the former nailed an uphill birdie from 12 feet to claim his second PGM Tour title after Shaaban had failed to

LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES 271 – S. Murthy (67-68-70-66), Shaaban Hussin (Murthy wins on second extra hole) 272 –

Md Rashid Ismail (68-70-68-66)

273 – S. Sivachandhran (66-67-68-72) 275 – Kemarol Baharin (67-69-68-71) 277 – R. Nachimuthu (68-71-69-69) Zurie Harun (66-72-69-70) 278 – Nicholas Fung (68-75-69-66) Shaifubari Muda (71-69-69-69) 279 – Mohd Rizal Amin (72-73-66-68) Mohd Sukree Othman (69-72-68-70)

MAYBANK SET FOR PGM TOUR SPONSORSHIP The RM300,000 tournament, named the PGMMAYBANK Tour Players’ Championship, will be played at the Impian Golf & Country Club from December 19-22, providing an exciting conclusion to the burgeoning domestic circuit’s 2012 season. In addition to that, Maybank also came onboard as one of the presenting sponsors for the concluded Asian Development Tour (ADT) cosanctioned PGM Sarawak Classic. Maybank had earlier last month announced that its flagship Malaysian Open in 2013 will offer a fatter prize purse of US$2.75 million.

anking giant Maybank have reiterated its support to the domestic professional golf scene after announcing that it will title sponsor the Professional Golf of Malaysia’s seasonending Tour Championship later this year.

“We are pleased to be associated with the fast-growing PGM Tour. Maybank has always been supporting golfing in Malaysia as well as development and the careers of our top professionals such as Danny Chia and Shaaban Hussin who are our golf ambassadors. Our

sponsorship of the two tournaments in the PGM Tour is part of our overall effort to ensure sustainable development of golfing talents in the country,” said Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor. PGM chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid stressed that the support by Maybank not only strengthens the financial resources of the Tour but also comes as a great boost to the PGM Tour’s efforts to establish itself as one of the region’s strongest domestic circuits. “The involvement of a leading financial services group such as Maybank will surely help PGM Tour a great deal towards its objective in the development of professional golf in Malaysia to build up its own brand,” said Ahmad Sarji.

MY JUNIORS

STRONG MALAYSIAN LINE-UP AT MISSION HILLS NEXT YEAR

uhammad Wafiyuddin Abdul Manas booked his path to Faldo Series Asia Grand Final next year by claiming the overall title in the AmBank Malaysia Championship held at Royal Selangor Golf Club from September 16-18.

The 21-year-old undergraduate at Universiti Utara Malaysia carded rounds of 74, 69 and 75 to finish on two-over 218 to hold off the challenge of Chan Tuck Soon. Seasoned campaigner Tuck Soon (72-72-76) topped the boys’ Under-18 division to guarantee his fourth start at the prestigious grand final set to be played at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzen, China. "Coming into this tournament, I did not have much high expectations as I have not been

Jaclyn Chen (left)

performing well recently. So, I am delighted to have earned my place in Mission Hills next March," said Wafiyuddin, who clinched the boys' under-21 title. Nur Durriyah Damian (MGA) triumphed in the girls’ Under-21 division on the back of rounds of 77, 73 and 72 to earn a return trip to the Grand Final. The plucky 17-year-old won the 2012 Girls’ Under-21 title and recently returned with a respectable tied-fifth finish at Europe Grand Final in Northern Ireland. "My experiences at the Asia and Europe Grand Finals have definitely made me a better player. Last year, I won the girls' under-21 title despite not posting a strong score, so my aim is to card better rounds next year in China," shared Durriyah.

First timers Hiew Alvin (boys’ Under-16) and Kelie Kan Kah Yan (girls’ Under-16) complete the list of five winners from the Malaysian championship to advance to the final stage. Both expressed their excitement and described their victories as "a dream come true". Malaysia will be strongly represented at the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event with Asha Lakshme Balakrishnan claiming a spot by winning the girls' under-21 category at the Cambodian Championship while resident Joshua Gibbons and Jaclyn Chen Jin Yi booked their berth with victories in the boys' under-21 and girls' under-21 respectively at the Brunei Championship last month.

Joshua Gibbons (left)

Asha Lakshme (right)

SPORTEXCEL GRANTS FOR GOLFING SEVEN

even junior golfers were recently rewarded with financial grants for their excellent performance in the junior circles during the annual SportExcel Individual Funding Presentation on October 8. Muhammad Afzal Mohd Zubir, Amir Nazrin Jailani, Jolene Kam Jo Ling and Marcus Lim Pang Chuen received the grants for the first time, alongside

repeat recipients Nur Durriyah Damian, Aaerishna Shahsthy Balakrishnan and Siti Zulaikha Shaari. A total 47 junior athletes - an increase from 39 in 2011 - from nine sport disciplines received grants from SportExcel totalling RM66,500 The funds are intended to supplement the athletes' accommodation, travel, equipment, sports science support and coaching expenses.

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?

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TRAVEL FEATURE

FLY HIGHER WITH BERJAYA AIR

one were the days when only the rich and famous could fly. With a booming low cost carrier industry, flying now is as common as going back to your kampungs in a KTM train. Going for a game of golf in Hua Hin, Thailand over the weekend? A business meeting in Singapore? Visiting your relatives in Kota Bahru in Kelantan? Let Berjaya Air take you there! Berjaya Air is the immediate subsidiary of Berjaya Vacation Club Berhad with Berjaya Land Berhad being the ultimate holding company. At present, Berjaya Air operates with three units of Dash 7 Aircraft with can carry 48 passengers as well as two units of ATR 72-500 which can carry 72 passengers on board and very reliable for island operation with Short Take Off and Landing (“STOL”). It is perfect for operation into islands with short runway such as Tioman Island and Pangkor Island. Expect the best experience when flying with Berjaya Air. The commitment Berjaya Air makes for its passengers is unbeatable. The ATR 72500, the new generation aircraft, fitted with 72 passenger seats, offers added comfort and shorter traveling time. Equipped with the ‘Elegance Cabin’, giving comfort creatures the best traveling experience one could offer. The aircraft is also well-known for its reliability and environmentally friendly features, a good plane for bringing small groups of passengers for exotic holiday destinations such as Redang Island and Langkawi Island. Berjaya Air also boasts top safety precautions taken and spearheaded by their team of highly dependable and skilful pilots to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience. They are backed by ground crew and technical service personnel who have been selected for their commitment, experience and professional excellence. The record of being 95% on time performance for the past 12 months is the best evidence for that claim.

Besides handling its daily commercial operation and private jet operations, Berjaya Air has in-house capabilities to perform light to heavy maintenance for Dash 7 and ATR fleets. In addition to the current flight schedules, new flights are added in to make its traveling horizons wider. It now flies into Kota Bharu in Kelantan and Hua Hin in Thailand. Berjaya Air’s plans is to continue developing new destination where flying the passengers to a place where everyone can have fun, enjoy the sun and sea, release the stress, pamper themselves at the spa, celebrate honeymoons or anniversaries, enjoy quality time with family, organize conferences and much more, as per their tagline, Other than flight services, Berjaya Air also offers holiday packages by working closely with notable hotels and resorts. A wide range of holiday packages, depending on your budget and tastes are available from their website for purchase with options for activities such as golfing, diving, spa and much more. Passengers around the world can also choose the do it yourself (DIY) holiday package. The online booking system offers hassle-free holiday planning. Key in travel information on the SECURED booking form and get instant quotations. Confirmed bookings are then processed by the airline’s Passenger Services Support team. Payments can be done via credit card or bank transfer.

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EQUIPMENT FEATURE

MORE SPEED MORE DISTANCE Designed and built for more speed and more distance, the new Titleist 913 drivers deliver more performance with the most precise fit available to all serious golfers through an unparalleled combination of new innovations and Titleist’s industry-leading SureFit Tour hosel technology.

Fuller, longer and more powerful sound at impact

New 6-4 titanium face insert is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, with a variable taper for increased ball speed for off-center hits as well as providing more distance and better feel

Bold new cosmetics featuring an improved toe profile with a striking black PVD finish to promote confidence and power at address

Avail Novem able in recom ber with a me price nded retail startin g at RM

1990

The 4-by-4 adjustable grid remains the same as it was for the 910 models. Any 910 setting (for example, A3 for maximum draw) will produce an identical result with a 913 driver.

Driver lofts are 7.5° (right-hand only), 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° (913D2 only).

EQUIPMENT FEATURE Even before its retail release, the new Titleist 913 drivers have become the talking point on tours worldwide as the title count continues to rise.

MORE FORGIVENESS

UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS ON TOUR

Rory McIlroy 913D3 (8.5°) l PGA Championship l Deutshce Bank Championship (PGA Tour) l BMW Championship (PGA Tour) Nick Watney 913D3 (10.5°) l The Barclays (PGA Tour)

Lower, flatter sole profile and a new SureFit Tour weight on the rear sole to further optimise CG for speed and forgiveness

Bernd Wiesberger 913D3 (7.5°) l Lyoness Austrian Open (European Tour)

Kyung-tae Kim 913D3 (8.5°) l Fujisankei Classic (Japan Golf Tour)

The adjustable SureFit hosel system remains the same as the adjustable setup for the previous 910 drivers, allowing golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight

Gaganjeet Bhullar l Venetian Macau Open (Asian Tour)

More optimal center of gravity locations further maximise the distance potential of 913 drivers while providing stability and forgiveness

Matthew Griffin 913D3 (8.5°) l High 1Resort Open (OneAsia)

Five tour-proven stock shaft matrix three from Mitsubishi (Diamana Plus White, Diamana Plus Blue, Bassara W) and two from Aldila (RIP Phenom, RIP Alpha)

Others Ben Kohles - 913D3 (9.5°) l Nationwide Children’s Hospital Open – Web.com Tour l Cox Classic – Web.com Tour Robert Streb - 913D3 (8.5°) l Mylan Classic – Web.com Tour Dae-Sub Kim - 913D3 (7.5°) l Dongbu Insurance Open – Korean Tour Dae-Hyun Kim - 913D2 (7.5°) l Munsingwear Match Play Championship – Korean Tour

IN THE BAG

GHOST SPIDER S •

• • •

A dramatically higher MOI makes it easier to square the face at impact to start the ball on your intended line while delivering tremendous twistresistance on the backswing and off-the-centre hits for phenomenal distance control. Tour-designed crown flows smoothly into the outer frame for less distraction. Black and white frame as well as a single white center-line promotes focus, accurate aim and stroke awareness. PureRoll Surlyn® insert promotes incredibly soft-yet-solid feel and smooth roll off the face.

COMIN

G SOO

RRP: RM850 (available from November 1)

ANSER DRIVER www.ping.com

• • • •

PING’s first adjustable driver offers golfers the ability to fine-tune their trajectory by adding or subtracting ½ degree of loft beyond the standard setting in a process called Trajectory Tuning. 460cc head made of Ti 8-1-1, a light, low-density alloy has a dark non-glare matte finish to evoke confidence at address. Features a lightweight and small adjustable hosel for improved aerodynamics, generating increased clubhead speed and distance. Rear sole weight pushes the center of gravity back and slightly lower produces a mid-high launch that adds to distance and forgiveness while low spin design minimises sidespin for improved accuracy.

RRP: RM2090

DUO GOLF BALLS www.wilsongolf.com • • •

Comprises of a two-piece large core that contains Rubber Rich Core Technology for improved COR and ball velocity. A new 302 seamless dimple pattern results in optimised distance performance with more control courtesy of its reduced spin off the tee. Low 40 compression core maximizes the contact area with the club and allows for improved playability around the greens.

RRP: RM65

IN THE BAG

MIZUNO MP-64 IRONS • • • • •

Flow Thickness Diamond Muscle Pad delivers optimized performance and perfect flow through the entire set. Utilising Modal Analysis software and Mizuno’s Harmonic Impact Technology (HIT), the irons are scientifically designed to optimise sound and feel at impact 1025E “Pure Select” mill carbon steel undergo Mizuno's patented Grain Flow forging at its exclusive Hiroshima / Japan facility for exceptional precision and consistent feel. Tour confirmed sole and a compact head size promotes ultimate ability to alter shots and delivering more control. Modified U-Grooves produce ideal spin rate for maximum playability in all conditions.

RRP:

RM3,799 (NSP 950GH),

RM3,299 (Dynamic Gold)

RM3,999(Project X)

RED ENCORE™ ZL DRIVER www.cobragolf.com • • • •

Elliptical E9 Face technology features a new canted bulge with dual roll design providing more distance to shots hit above and below the centerline. Advanced multi-material construction with a carbon fiber crown and sole with a 5% larger titanium body and face along with a swing weight screw provides optimal CG and improved MOI. Adjustable Flight Technology™ offers three simple face-angle settings (Open, Neutral and Closed) to optimise ball flight for increased distance and improved accuracy. Comes in lofts of 9.5° and 10.5° in men’s right-handed with Tour AD shaft in both S and R flexes

RRP: RM1990

GEAR UP

CHAMBER GOLF CART BAG www.ogio.com •

Silencer™ Club Protection System provides incredible protection for club shafts and heads combined with silencing technology that greatly minimises the unpleasant sound of clanking clubs. ZBP™ (Zipperless Ball Pocket) technology allows for convenient, one-handed access to the pocket’s contents. A weather-resistant, fleece-lined valuable pocket, insulated cooler pocket, umbrella containment system and a snap-on, zippered rain cover.

• •

RRP: RM1500

(available at GolfHouse outlets)

PINSEEKER

www.ca.skechers.com • • • •

Aim for your personal best in style and comfort with the SKECHERS Pinseeker golf shoe. Smooth leather and suede upper in a lace up sporty casual golf sneaker with stitching, overlay and perforation accents. Padded collar and tongue with soft fabric shoe lining and cushioned comfort insole. Resamax™ midsole supports the foot and provides sound shock absorbing capacityront. Flexible rubber traction outsole with rubber turf cleats.

RRP: RM320

(available at MST Golf outlets)

BOSTON BAG www.titleist.com.my • •

The classy bag for those day-golfing trips, utilising strudy poly urethane leather to hold shoes, extra clothes and anything else securely Measures 49.5cm (W) x 25.5cm (D) x 30.0cm (H) and comes with a shoulder strap

RRP: RM450

CHEV COOLER BAG www.callawaygolf.com • • •

The ideal companion to keep your drinks nice and cold while you’re raking up the birdies on a hot, sunny day Constructed of durable 1682D nylon fabric with padded shoulder strap for easy-to carry comfort. Easy to clean insulated lining featuring two zippered pockets, including a front organizer compartment. with two drink coolers and insulated cooler pocket with dividers.

RRP: RM229

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER

Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf equipment capital of Carlsbad, California. In his 20-plus years

magine yourself shopping around for new golf clubs in a few months. You pick up a new driver and waggle it, take some driving range swings with the latest irons and maybe even sink a few putts on the practice green with the 2013 crop of flatsticks. How do you make sense of it all? What’s new in the world of golf equipment? I’ve had a chance to visit most of the major manufacturers over the past few weeks. I’ve perused many of their upcoming models, and even tested several of them on the course. Others I’ve received information and images on from the companies, without being able to actually get my hands physically on the products. Being in the United States, I know the exact models I’ve been toying with and studying will probably not be available in Malaysia. However, I do expect the general concepts and features to be global in 2013.

covering the golf industry, the Regarding fairway woods, expect companies to try and feed off the mega-success TaylorMade experienced with its Rocketballz models that promised – and delivered – 17 incremental yards. Golfers flocked to those woods in 2012. So in 2013, many companies are hyping their new models as being much longer than their predecessors. Time will tell. You’ll also see an emphasis by major manufacturers on the irons category in 2013. Some have confided in me that they thought there were simply no significant technological advancements in irons the past couple of decades, and that golfers have truly had no need to upgrade unless for cosmetic purposes.

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.

Distance has never really changed, other than some brands using more aggressive lofts. After all, clubheads are so small and shallow that it’s left Thus, here are my interpretations and impressions of little physical room for engineers to significantly what golfers will experience in golf shops and on the alter weighting and spread out MOI to create performance and distance advantages. course in the coming year. With drivers, you’ll see a lot going on with adjustability and improved ball flight. For instance, companies such as Cleveland, Tour Edge and PING had never offered adjustable drivers before. But they will be in 2013. That said, companies are going above and beyond the limits we’d already seen with adjustability in the past two years.

So in 2013, expect to see irons for better players go well beyond simple blades. They’re still forged, but they now boast playability characteristics, such as slight cavity backs, vibration dampening and weighting schemes. Some still look a lot like blades, and they’re still workable, but the feel is convincingly more solid – as is ball flight. Several new iron models feature hollow slots directly behind the clubface, which will boost distance and feel. Also expect to see more iron sets offered from the 4- and 5-iron on up, as most golfers cannot hit long irons and already have hybrids in their bag. Plus a seven-iron set costs less than an 8-iron set.

For instance, Cobra is coming out with drivers bearing adjustable lofts. That is, you buy one physical driver and get six loft/face angle combinations out of it. You read that correctly. The lofts are 8.5°, 9.5,° 9.5° (with draw), 10.5°, 10.5° with draw and 11.5° – each with the face angle automatically placed in square or draw position, as needed. If this works as well as it Belly and long putters will continue to gain even promises to, it might revolutionize the market. more popularity in 2013, but that won’t be the only With respect to improved ball flight, I hit the new thing going on with putters. In fact, you can expect versions of the Titleist and TaylorMade drivers. For to see throngs of soft-feeling putters from the the past year, I’ve played both of their current drivers major manufacturers. They’ll come in every sort of on a regular basis, because they worked really well head shape and size, but will be weighted in such for my game. I loved them. And now I can tell you a manner that they’ll all make putts feel buttery at firsthand that the new drivers are superior to their impact. And more putter makers are employing predecessors. I was blown away at how much more grooves and milled face patterns that impart distance I was getting from each of them – 15 yards immediate roll on the ball, so that putts get started – with even better accuracy. And feel was identical to directly on target quicker, without skipping. That means more putts will drop. the 2012 models, which I was very happy with.

WHAT YOU’LL BE PLAYING IN 2013?

TOUR WATCH WITH ASIAN TOUR

Costa form part of the dynamic and globe-trotting media team at the Asian Tour. Known for their differing viewpoints on all things golf in Asia, the duo give their insights and thoughts on the happenings and developments on the region’s established Tour.

Gaganjeet Bhullar

How is the second half of the Asian Tour shaping up? Calvin Koh (CK): It is turning out to be an amazing race to top off the Asian Tour Order of Merit. At press time, Marcus Fraser of Australia seems to be holding on firmly to his lead but in-form players Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand (fourth) and Gaganjeet Bhullar of India (fifth), who both won two Asian Tour titles this season, seem to be closing in on him. It will be an intriguing race to the finishing line with so many big events coming up. Doyle De Costa (DDC): We’ve had a mixture of veteran and young winners on the Asian Tour so far. It is nice to see the old hands putting their experience to good use while the young guns are hungry for titles. India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar is a prime example as he won the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei and cashed in at the Venetian Macau Open. Like Calvin said, we are all holding on to our seats to see who wins the Order of Merit this season. Do you think players like Prom Meesawat (7th), Siddikur (8th) and Shiv Kapur (10th), who have yet to win this season, have a fighting chance of winning the Order of Merit?

CHASING THE ORDER OF MERIT DREAM

CK: Prom, Siddikur and Kapur are all winners on the Asian Tour, albeit not this season, but they have the potential to cause an upset. They are all good players who are often in contention. All they need is that winning spark to get that fire burning and make a late charge for the elusive Order of Merit crown. DDC: I think Juvic Pagunsan’s victory last season is testament that anything can happen on the Asian Tour. It took a moment of brilliance at the lucrative Barclays Singapore Open where he finished second, to propel him to the top of the Order of Merit, which he held until the end of the season. All Prom, Siddikur and Kapur need is a victory in the big events to give them a chance at glory. K.J. Choi must be a prime example of a player who loves winning…even his own tournament at the CJ Invitational?

Calvin Koh and Doyle De

CK: Every player loves winning. They are grateful to be playing golf for a living and making a career on the Asian Tour. Choi started on the Asian Tour and is now enjoying success on the PGA TOUR where he has won eight times. He enjoys being a host and loves winning even more. Starting to wonder if it will be a hat-trick of wins for him next season… DDC: Choi is known as ‘The Tank’ and he has a heart that matches the moniker. He immediately donated his winnings to the KJ Choi Foundation and had this to say after his win, “I’ve always said that this tournament is all about giving back to the community and that’s what I’m going to do with my winnings. I’ll never be where I’m today if not for golf and the great support from everyone.” Are you looking forward to the CIMB Classic? CK: It will be nice to see our top Asian Tour guys take on the PGA TOUR players. The presence of Tiger Woods this season has given the event a huge buzz among golf fans as many are keen to see the 14-time Major champion for the first time in Malaysia since 1999. DDC: Tiger Woods will definitely draw the crowd but let’s not take anything away from the other 47 players in the field including Malaysians Shaaban Hussin and Danny Chia. It will be nice to see one of them playing well and being paired with Woods. It will be even better if they outplay him. What do you think of Kenneth De Silva’s win at the PGM Sarawak Masters? CK: Wonderful win made sweeter with a final round 65. He has always showed promise and if he maintains his winning form, you can expect to see him finish in the top three of the ADT Order of Merit and earning an Asian Tour card for next year. DDC: De Silva’s win mirrors the reason why the ADT was formed in 2010. It is for young players to sharpen their talents and give them a fighting chance of earning an Asian Tour card for the following year. The ADT will receive World Ranking status next year and will play a pivotal role in developing the careers of young players.

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY

Growing up in a golfing family

Phil Mickelson playing his approach on Serapong’s signature par-four fifth.

hen this year’s Barclays Singapore Open tees off from 8th to 11th November it will end a sevenyear association that the financial giant has had with the Republic’s national open. Barclays was viewed as a lifesaver of sorts when it first stepped in as a long-term sponsor in 2006 with a prize pool of US$3 million. The previous year Sentosa Leisure Group had agreed to sponsor the tournament for a year, throwing US$2 million in the pot after a hiatus of three years (2002 to 2004) due to a lack of sponsorship. The past seven years has not only seen an increase in prize money each year – in 2011 it increased to US$6 million – but an impressive field of players from the US PGA, European and Asian Tours. Phil Mickelson is a regular participant in this Asian Tour/European Tour co-sanctioned event as is Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and other big-name European Tour players. Last year American Anthony Kim and Colombian Camilo Villegas made the trip as did YE Yang and a host of other top Asian players who regularly ply their trade on the Asian, Japan and Korean Tours. In the past seven years, Adam Scott has been the most successful champion, winning ‘Asia’s Major’ in 2005, 2006 and 2010 – however, he missed last year’s tournament due to President Cup duties in Australia. The good news is that the Australian – popular with Singaporean spectators – will return next month as will Mickelson. But perhaps the biggest news is that world number one Rory McIlroy will make a long- awaited return to Singapore’s National Open. He has only played once before – tying for fourth in 2008 behind eventual winner Jeev Milkha-Singh – and will be looking to add this Open trophy and a US$1 million cheque, to his 2011 US Open triumph, 2012 US PGA Championship and recent Ryder Cup victory. The 23-year-old won both the US Open and the US PGA titles by an impressive eight shots and should be in the mix come November, though he will have to hold off world number six Scott who has experienced a career resurgence after securing the services of Tiger Woods’ ex-caddy Steve Williams on his bag.

with a grandmother who was

And, further proof that Sentosa’s Serapong layout suits his game, in addition to Scott’s three titles he was third in the tournament in 2007 and equal third in 2009. In contrast, four-time Major winner Mickelson has competed in the last five Barclays Singapore Opens with mixed results; his best finish was in 2008 when he finished ninth. Barclays are naturally delighted with the current crop of players who are making the trip, and as this 49th staging of the Singapore Open approaches there should be some more high-profile signings announced.

an amateur champion golfer, 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 a year later, Justine expanded the 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

“I am delighted that the 2012 Barclays Singapore Open will once again welcome the world’s best golfers. Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Phil Mickelson are some of the most sought after players in the game and their presence will further enhance one of the world’s premier tournaments,” says Barclays Bank PLC Singapore country manager and chief operating officer Quek Suan Kiat. One major difference this year will be that instead of 204 players teeing off on both the Serapong and Tanjong courses on the first two day, a reduced field of 156 players will compete including 63 from the Asian Tour and 63 from The European Tour. There will be 10 sponsor invites while three spots will go to amateurs nominated by the Singapore Golf Association and three places made available to professionals selected by the Singapore Professional Golf Association who are not otherwise exempt. A qualifying tournament will be held on Sunday November 4th on The Serapong Course where the top three finishers will progress to the main event. There will no doubt be two desires at the top of the organizer’s wish list this year – no rain (last year Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano beat Filipino Juvic Pagunsan to the title on the Monday morning due to a weather-shortened tournament), and a generous sponsor for 2013 and beyond.

GEARING UP FOR NEW SPONSORSHIP

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

SPEED THRILLS BUT KILLS

hen talking about qualities of a golf course, the most discussed item (other than the female caddies) is about the green. It’s almost always about the speed of the green (henceforth referred to as ‘greenspeed’) though there are some who would talk about how beautiful or ugly the greens are, or the design, the slopes or the difficulty of the greens.

Measuring the distance travelled by a golf ball when one end of the stimpmeter was raised, doing it six times in two directions opposite each other and calculating the average was a simple and ingenious way of measuring greenspeed. That’s why the unit of measurement for greenspeed was in feet and inches and not meter per second or miles per hour.

What is greenspeed anyway? Most golfers talk about speed of the green from their experience of putting on the greens. If they putt and the ball goes far, the green is fast. If they putt at the same strength and the ball moves not as far; the green is considered to be slow.

The irony was that he invented the stimpmeter to ensure the 18 greens on one course had consistent greenspeed. It wasn’t about making greens faster; it was about how difficult it was to play when one green was faster compared to another green before or after it.

How fast or slow are the greens on the course? It ranges from ‘bl**dy slow’, ‘sssselowww ’, ‘ok-lah’, ‘really fast’ to an ‘incredibly fast’. The measurement range in such cases is subjective so each person can only depend on his/her skill and experience to gauge. That means when as a new golfer he plays with his friend on course A and his friend tells him that the greenspeed is ‘ok-lah’ then from there he will measure the greenspeed of all other courses. That is, until he reaches a certain skill level and what was once ‘really fast’ becomes ‘ok-lah’ then he will have a new standard to measure greenspeed. Of course, if he is the kind of guy that putts all over the green, he will not be able to appreciate what greenspeed is really about though it won’t stop him from talking about it anyway.

Nowadays, greenspeed is a matter of pride for golf courses and choice for golfers. Almost all golfers want to play in golf courses with high greenspeed, even when the greens have challenging slopes, they can’t handle the speed and it contributes to fivehour games.

I swear, I remember once when I was sitting alone having tea in the golfers’ terrace of my club, a golfer stopped by and said ‘your greens are slow’ (of course he probably said some other things that are unprintable) and barely half an hour later, another golfer stopped by my table and said “Wah, our greens are fast” (ya, that was possibly all that he said. What were you expecting? A ‘thank you’?). I did try to find the first golfer but couldn’t (after a while all golfers start to look alike – please don’t take that personally, just wear yellow or pink pants to stand out) so I chalked it up to another lesson learnt: Never have tea at the golfer terrace alone! In the world of greenkeeping – yes that’s a real word – there is a way to measure this greenspeed thing. One Mr Edward Stimpson invented a piece of equipment to measure greenspeed - the Stimpmeter.

At one club that I was managing which had very high golf utilization rates, and I’m talking about packing golf flights above maximum limit on weekends, we told the golfers that the greenspeed was 9 feet when it actually was between 8 – 8.5 (we could easily make it 9 or even 10 if we wanted to) because golfers were three and four putting when it was an actual 9. One golfer came back from his game and told me “You said the greenspeed was 9?” I held my breath “It must be 10! I can’t putt! Ha! Ha! Ha!” and he walked away a happy man. I didn’t have the heart to tell him the only part of his statement that was true was perhaps, the last part. What about the ‘kill’ part of the title? Most Malaysian greens are not made for speed, with construction done not according to specifications and grass brought (not bought) from a neighbouring course that got (not bought) it from a friend’s nursery behind the workshop who took (guess what? Same) the seeds from his previous course; these greens would suffer from prolonged stress. ‘Prolonged stress’ is what is done to the greens when the demand for greenspeed increases because the knee-jerk action is often to lower cutting heights and roll the greens but those, are material for another article.

RARE BIRDIE

Martin

Vousden

experienced golf writer and editor, equally at home in print publications or online content. A

here is an expression we use in the UK when we T talk about the anti-climax that inevitably follows a dramatic or exciting event – we say it feels as if it is

‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’. And following previous Ryder Cups there has always been a sense of letdown, a feeling that the following week’s golf tournament will predictably feel a bit flat and humdrum when compared to what has gone before. Not this year though. What happened at Medinah was so unexpectedly thrilling – one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that we will remember to the end of our days – that everyone at the Dunhill Links Championship the following week was still buzzing. Comparatively few of the Ryder Cup stars were competing at this unique event, which is played over three of Scotland’s finest links courses, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and St Andrews, but that didn’t seem to matter. It was as if everyone connected with the European Tour wanted to savour the moment for as long as possible. I managed to speak with two of the men involved in Europe’s astonishing win, Peter Hanson and Paul Lawrie, along with Thomas Bjorn, who was one of the vice-captains, Thomas Levet, who has tasted Ryder Cup victory in the USA as part of the winning 2004 team, and assorted interested parties such as Chubby Chandler who manages Lee Westwood, and Bob Torrance, longtime coach to many successful players. Every one of them found it difficult to believe that Europe managed to overturn a 10-6 deficit, a feat that has never been managed by an away team. Some commentators have tried to draw a comparison with Brookline in 1999 when America reversed a similar deficit but this analysis falls down for two important reasons. First, the Americans were on home soil, and were cheered on by a raucous, rowdy and aggressive crowd. Second, Europe’s captain, Mark James, made a serious tactical error with his running order. He put three rookies who hadn’t played in any of the foursomes or fourballs in the top half of the draw – Jarmo Sandelin, Jean Van de Velde and Andrew Coltart – and all were beaten heavily. This time around it was the American captain, Davis Love, who got it wrong. He would have known that Jose Maria Olazabal would top-load the singles with his strongest players; he had to in order to get off to the fast start his team needed. The obvious response should have been to keep some of his own bankers in reserve. But instead he sent out his five strongest men in the first five matches. Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson, Keegan Bradley, Phil Mickelson and Brandt Snedeker had cumulatively taken 11 of 14

Ollie and his boys delivered a glorious Sunday renaissance to defend their Ryder Cup crown

points available to them over the first two days. When all five of them were beaten, drawing Europe level (further down the order Justin Johnson had secured an early USA point in beating Nicolas Colsaerts), the all important momentum had swung so firmly in Europe’s favour that the juggernaut could not be stopped.

he now freelances from Scotland, near Carnoustie. His Ryder Cup book With Friends Like These, was published in 2006.

Peter Hanson, despite having only two matches and winning neither of them, overcame his personal disappointment by watching Martin Kaymer hole that vital putt on the 18th. He told The Clubhouse about the celebrations, saying: ‘We started off with champagne and then switched to beer and wine and you will know that that’s not a good combination, especially when you get to the day after. The Ryder Cup doesn’t look too good – there was quite a lot drunk from it. GMac got drunk very early, in fact he fell asleep during the press conference. But Lee was still there at four o’clock when I finally went to bed.

Chubby Chandler revealed that he had spoken to Lee Westwood by phone that Wednesday morning and said Lee was on for about half an hour because he just wanted to keep talking about that astonishing last day. And one thing everyone agreed upon was the importance of the Poulter factor. Ian is bold, brash, cocky and confident to the point of arrogance. While his career record of 11 wins in 13 seasons is very respectable, he has yet to deliver on the biggest stages of all - in major championships. During the Ryder Cup however, he not only walks the walks but talks the talk. As we have, sadly come to expect, a few unsavoury incidents have emerged and although the Medinah galleries were largely fair, enough of them were abusive and aggressive to Europe’s players to potentially spoil an otherwise superb sporting occasion. It has also to be said, though, that whenever a particularly obnoxious comment was shouted – one fan yelled: ‘F**k you Seve!’ for example - the American players and caddies went over to tell them to behave. But that shouldn’t be allowed to detract from an otherwise magnificent occasion. Everywhere I went at St Andrews, golfers, caddies, officials and spectators were smiling at the memories of an unforgettable Sunday afternoon in late September that will surely never be surpassed. Except that this is the Ryder Cup, and we have to learn that in this event nothing, no matter how outrageous or improbable, can ever be ruled out.

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

AROUND THE GLOBE

ON-SONG BHULLAR TRIUMPHS AGAIN

ndia’s Gaganjeet Bhullar completed a commanding start-tofinish victory at the Venetian Macau Open on October 14, closing with a three-under-par 68 to secure his second Asian Tour title in five starts.

Bhullar, 24, was in control with an outward 31 to lead by three shots but bogeys on 10 and 13 opened the door for his rivals. A pumped-up Moore raced home with five closing birdies to apply the pressure but Bhullar responded like a true champion. He drained a six-foot par putt on 17 to hold on to a slender one-shot lead into the last hole and then delivered a grandstand finish with a 12-foot birdie to become the first Indian winner of the Venetian Macau Open, which was being title sponsored for the first time by The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel. “This is going to take a long time to sink in. I hit the ball so good. I was just in the perfect zone. More than that, it was self-belief. This is my first wire-to-wire Asian Tour title. I think it was more that I had to prove to myself that I’m a good front runner. I had to believe in myself. I did it and it was really special,” said Bhullar, who earned US$118,875 for his fourth Asian Tour victory.

CHOI LIFTS OWN TITLE AGAIN

sian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi of Korea savoured the winning feeling all over again when he completed an energysapping week with a closing four-under-par 67 to win the CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi on October 7.

ADT SEASON TO FINISH IN TAIPEI

Well known for his dedication to charitable causes, Choi will once again donate his total winnings of US$118, 875 to his KJ Choi Foundation, just like what he did with his victory last year.

he inaugural Yeangder ADT Championship in Chinese Taipei will become the seasonfinale on the Asian Development Tour and offer a total prize fund of US$120,000, the highest purse on the 2012 Schedule.

Choi, the tournament host, walked away with the title for the second consecutive year with a winning total of 15-under-par 269.

The latest announcement will raise this season’s ADT Schedule to a record 13 tournaments, a jump of eight events from its inaugural year in 2010.

“I’ve always said that this tournament is all about giving back to the community and that’s what I’m going to do with my winnings. I’ll never be where I’m today if not for golf and the great support from everyone,” said Choi.

The Yeangder ADT Championship will be played at the National Garden Country Club in Taipei from November 20-23 where the final tournament of the year will determine the top-three players from the Order of Merit who will earn cards on the Asian Tour for 2013. Yeangder Group Chairman Emmet Hsu said: “We fully support the Asian Development Tour and its mission to develop professional golf across Asia. I believe this is a fantastic platform for rising stars of the game to cut their professional teeth and play their way onto the elite Asian Tour.

Korea’s Bae Sang-moon, who was piling the pressure on Choi until a bogey-six on the 14th hole dented his confidence, had to settle for a share of second place with compatriot Jang Dong-kyu on 271.

The talented Indian, who won the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei last month, held off the combined challenges from American Jonathan Moore, who finished two shots back in second place after a 65, and Thai youngster Thitiphun Chuayprakong, who closed with a 70 to share third place with Bangladeshi Siddikur (66).

power-packed line-up of Asian Tour stars, led by current number one on the Order of Merit, Marcus Fraser of Australia and Thai ace Thaworn Wiratchant, will go headto-head with PGA TOUR players at the CIMB Classic.

wins on the region’s elite circuit. Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “There is a wonderful mix of experienced stars and upcoming talents who have qualified for the CIMB Classic from the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

“The likes of Thaworn Wiratchant, Marcus Fraser and Scott Hend have years of experience while Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, David Lipsky, Jbe Kruger, Prom Meesawat, Masanori Kobayashi and Siddikur are amongst our many emerging stars of the game. We are confident our players will compete Fraser will spearhead the Asian Tour well alongside our counterparts from challenge where the top-10 Asian Tour the PGA Tour,” he added. players have a combined 27 career The top-10 players from the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit following the CJ Invitational hosted by KJ Choi earned their coveted places in the lucrative US$6.1 million showpiece at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.

AROUND THE GLOBE

KOBAYASHI CLAIMS ASIAN TOUR BREAKTHROUGH sian Tour rookie Masanori Kobayashi produced a magical front nine to win the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on home soil by one-shot on September 23. Kobayashi matched the second best nine hole score of seven-under-par 28 on the Asian Tour for nine-under-par 62 and a winning total of 17-under-par 267 at the Higashi Hirono Golf Club. Koumei Oda closed with 67 for second while Shiv Kapur of India and Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines shared fourth place after shooting a 67 and 71 respectively at the 150 million

Yen (approximately US$1.9million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour. Kobayashi, who earned his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year, battled to his first Asian Tour win with five birdies and one eagle on the front nine followed by three birdies and one bogey on the back. © Asian Tour

“My dream was always to win on the Asian Tour and in Japan and I’ve enjoyed the best of both Tours. This is indeed a very happy occasion in my career,” said the lanky 36-year-old, who won US$381,000.

asters Tournament champion Bubba Watson and Open champion Ernie Els head the latest list of Major champions to enter the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions from November 1-4 at the Mission Hills Guangdong in China. The latest stars joining defending champion and 2010 US PGA Championship Martin Kaymer and four-time major winner Phil Mickelson as well as 2011 US PGA champion Keegan Bradley, Graeme McDowell (2010 US Open Champion) and Louis Oosthuizen 2010 Open Champion.

First-time Major winner Watson will be making his debut at the WGC-HSBC Champions and is looking forward to visiting China for the first time. “Winning my first Major at the Masters in April has made this an amazing year but I haven’t won since so I’d love to end my year with my first World Golf Championship win," said Watson. “Asian golf is definitely on the up and up and I am excited to go there and see it and experience it for myself. I love travelling, we are blessed as golfers to have the chance to travel all over the world and I can't wait to experience China and look forward to making new friends."

WENCHONG CLAIMS HOME WIN IN PLAYOFF

ome favourite Liang Wen chong drained a 12 foot birdie putt on the fifth hole of a sudden-death playoff to pip Korean Y.E. Yang at OneAsia's U.S. $1 million Nanshan China Masters on October 14.

Yang fired a two-under-par fourth-round 69 to overnight leader Liang's 73 to leave both at eight under for the tournament, and they then matched each other shot-for-shot as they played the 18th five times in a bid to settle the match. Neither player has won on any tour since claiming two OneAsia titles apiece in 2010, and for a while it looked as if Australian Aaron Townsend (72) might pip them both in a topsy-turvy final round. But Townsend stuttered down the finish, and two bogeys in the last five holes saw him miss the playoff by a stroke. "I'm very happy," Liang said after sinking his putt in fading light at the Nanshan International Golf Club.

SECOND MERCURIES CROWN FOR

TSAI

BUBBA CONFIRMS HSBC CHAMPIONS START

sai Chi-huang of Chinese Taipei won the Mercuries Taiwan Masters for the second time in his career despite shooting a final round of four-over-par 76 on Sunday. Tsai started the day with a six-shot lead, courtesy of a 65 in the third round, and preserved his advantage as he defeated closest rival Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines, who shot a 73, by four shots with a winning total of four-under-par 284 at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club. Tsai endured a sleepless night as he had doubts of winning the tournament. With only a three-hour night’s rest, he struggled early in the round as he was four-over after 15 holes but gained some momentum when he sank a huge 30-foot birdie putt on 16. “Honestly I couldn’t sleep last night. I was wondering if I could make it to the end. I felt like I was still sleeping when I was on the first tee box. It was only when I finished 18th holes that I knew my dream had come true,” smiled Tsai, who won US$120,000 for his victory.

TEE BOX

Templer Park winners

MAXIS TEAM GOLF TOUR

Luck shines for Templer Park winners

he pairings of Lee Chee Kok and Lim Hooi Pen as well as Abu Bakar Dahalan and Mahat Ali were thanking their lucky stars after booking their trips to Yunnan during the seventh leg of the Maxis Team Golf Tour at Templer Park on October 13. Heavy rain failed to dampen the spirit of the participants who competed and with the game being abandoned, all the prizes including the berths at the grand finals were given away via a lucky draw.

Horizon Hills winners

Meanwhile in the sixth leg in Horizon Hills on September 29, Wong Chin Tong-Ooi Cheong Chee and Mohamad Khairul Mohd Zam-Hamzah Haron captured the gross and nett team titles respectively.

Matt Yasumoto of Srixon presenting the prize to Saffarudin Loh (right) with Glenmarie GCC president Tun Musa Hitam

GLENMARIE GCC PRESIDENT CUP Loh nets big prize

oh Hock Chiang clinched the top prize during Glenmarie Golf & Country Club’s 19th President’s Cup on September 23 at the Valley course. The 13-handicapper carded a nett score of 65 to finish ones stroke ahead of runner-up Teng Ah Kiong (16). In the gross division, eighthandicapper Wan Zaiful Arman (8) posted a round of 75 to claim a three-stroke victory to clinch his third straight victory in the event. In the ladies category, Agnes Chan (20) stamped her mark by claiming victory with a nett score of 68 while stalwart Patricia Lai (13) maintained her strong form to win the gross title with a score of 85.

CLEVELAND SRIXON CSSB GOLF

Saffarudin claims 2012 overall victory

ine-handicapper Saffarudin Abidin emerged as the overall champion of the Cleveland Srixon CSSB Open golf championship in Kanchanaburi, Thailand recently. Saffarudin registered rounds of 76 and 79 in the grand final played at the Blue Sapphire Golf Resort and the Royal Golf and Country Club to emerge victorious by five strokes. Totalling 155, Saffarudin was rewarded with products from Cleveland Srixon worth more than RM2500. Two participants — Eric Foo Hwa Peng and Abu Samah Kechil — were tied on 160. In the nett category, George Wee Yoke Boon and Bahari Menen returned with an identical 141 total but 10-handicapper Wee was declared the winner based on countback. In third place was M. Maganthiran on 143.

TEE BOX TMGOLF 2012

Sabah leg receives massive turnout

full field of 110 participants made their presence felt at the fifth leg of the TM Golf 2012 at Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club in Tuaran, Sabah as the challenge completed its East Malaysian swing on a high note.

BECAUSE YOU DESERVE MORE!

The #1 Golf Card Just Got Better

Apius Tipiu of Sabah Credit Corporation topped the invitational category with a score of 37 points.

10-handicapper Khairuddin Johari notched 39 Stableford points to clinch a slim one-stroke victory in the open category

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KPGCC CAPTAIN’S TROPHY Cheah picks up win

ota Permai Golf & Country Club gave its members a Malaysia Day cheer as the annual Kota Permai Captain’s Trophy attracted a full house of 128 golfers on September 16.

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Cheah Chee Choon (18) amassed 42 Stableford points to emerge the champion, two points clear of runner-up Ngo Hea Chee (24). Ivan Yang (12) rounded up the top three with 39 points. In the gross division, Zaid Ibrahim notched a round of five-over 77 to top the standings. Tournament host and club captain Dato’ Setia Haji Mohd Adzib Mohd Isa presented the prizes to the winners.

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