The ClubHouse July 2012

ISSUE 12 JULY 2012 PP17714/04/2013(032168)

GOVERNMENT MULLS SCHOLARSHIP FOR EXCELLENT GOLFERS 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 Photo Director Eddie Putera Official Photographer T. Ravi Chitty Brand Manager B.N. Murali Art Director Wong Fei Hoong Operations Associate Suzila Afirah Abdul Rauf The ClubHouse Magazine is published by

INPRESS MEDIA SDN BHD (937122-A) Contact Us A-3-1 Jalan PJS5/30 Pusat Perdagangan PJ Selatan 46150 Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 7772 2201 Fax: +603 7772 2210 Advertising: info@theclubhouse.com.my Editorial: news@theclubhouse.com.my Subscription: subscription@theclubhouse.com.my Website: www.theclubhouse.com.my

Printed by: TANKOH PRINT SDN BHD (889517-W) No. 5 & 7, Jalan Industri PBP 11, Taman Industri Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan Š INPRESS MEDIA Sdn Bhd. All material in The ClubHouse is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Every care has been taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefore. All information is correct at press time.

It was indeed heartening to hear Youth & Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek's call for his ministry officials to explore the possibility of setting up a scholarship fund for young golfers intending to pursue their tertiary education while continuing to play golf actively.

Speaking during the launch of the Junior Swing Programme on June 26, Ahmad Shabery admitted that while numerous initiatives have been put in place to unearth and develop junior talents, little attention has been given to sustain these stars of tomorrow as they make the important transition from school life to higher education.

"I want to explore the possibility of setting up a special fund that can be sustainable and not dependant on the Government funds alone. We should study the various models of funding as well as collegiate programmes abroad and come up with a system that is workable here," he said.

"The ministry is also open to discussing and drafting a plan with the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) on extending scholarships or bursaries to junior golfers, who excel in both their studies as well as golf," added Ahmad Shabery.

The minister's directive comes at the right juncture and is indeed laudable. While many corporations and private institutions have taken an active role in setting up junior development programmes as well as sponsorship of events at that level, the dearth of funding for these youngsters once they are on the brink of college and university life is indeed concerning.

Annually, only less than a handful of our young amateurs earn a scholarship (whether in full or half) to pursue collegiate golf in the United States. For the rest, while local varsities and colleges remain a viable option, it is nonetheless a challenge for parents, who have invested a lot in their child's golf game, to fork out further on tuition fees as well as to continue supporting the youngster's burgeoning amateur career.

I am glad that many of our amateurs are now choosing to further their education while continuing to play golf at the same time. With establishments like Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) doing a big part by experimenting with the concept of collegiate golf (with much success), it is only a matter of time before more institutions of higher learning embrace our young golfers in the same way.

I for one, believe that our young amateurs should be given all the opportunities in the world to gain much-needed paper qualification to complement their golfing excellence. The golfing industry needs qualified manpower at all levels and these exciting talents will indeed be a welcome addition to the industry.

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

1

Something's brewing & we're not talking about the coffee

IN YOUR JULY ISSUE

PG4 Changing Perceptions

PG 16 SUKMA XV

REGULARS

31.08.12 www.theclubhouse.com.my

10

INSIDE THE ROPES

14

MYJUNIORS

18

INDUSTRY TALK

20

AROUND THE GLOBE

23

IN THE BAG

26

GEAR UP

36

TEE BOX

40

GOLF DIARY

COLUMNS 28

SHORT GAME FIXES WITH ANDREW MYLES

29 COVERING CARLSBAD

BY SCOTT KRAMER

30

GOLF DOWN UNDER

BY RICHARD FELLNER

31

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY BY JUSTINE MOSS

32

UNCHARTED COURSE WITH NORMAS YAKIN

33

A TEACHER'S TALE BY BRAD FORD WALTERHOUSE

34

BUILDING COURSES WITH JASON WINTER

4

In a nation where foreign talent generally carries more weight and higher perceived value, local professionals continue to make inroads in their chosen fields within a challenging golfing landscape.

In the first instalment of our Merdeka Series, we talk to some of Malaysia's own clubfitters about their vocation and the challenges they face in dispelling the notion that they are mere 'cut-and-glue' experts.

By Edward Saminathan Cover & Lead Pix by Eddie Putera

5

A path to a good future

L

6

S.THIRUSELVAN

ittle did S. Thiruselvan expect 15 years ago that he would one day, head the club fitting department that he joined as an apprentice.

Plucked from relative obscurity by the founder of RGT Technology Raymond George Teoh, the former caddy was taken under the wings of the establishment’s first club fitter, the late Major (R) Mohammad Hussein; the rest as they say, is history.

head into his work and began learning the trade on the job.

Certification followed and as the opportunity to grow within the organisation came knocking, he grasped it as a challenge.

Siva, as he prefers to be called, looks back fondly as he recalls his initial introduction to proper club fitting.

Job satisfaction comes in the form of seeing his clients leaving with a smile on their faces.

"I accepted the offer because I knew that I could make club fitting as my career, and I still believe that today. I had an interest in it, I was already changing grips myself before that and I knew how to do minor repairs through trialand-error. When Mr. Raymond and Major asked me to join, I grabbed the opportunity," explained the 33-year-old.

"I play golf regularly. Hence, I know what my clients want, I can understand the problems they face on the golf course and I do my best to rectify those problems. In our local context, golfers are brand-conscious.

Most of the times they come to us with a specific brand of equipment in mind, which we have to accommodate but by fitting the right models to their game and specific needs.

"We didn't have a lot of machinery back then; so much of it was manual labour. I used to be able to fix a grip just by using the corner of a wall, though I don't think my customers today would be too impressed," he shares, admitting that he went back home most days with aching palms and a fair share of cuts, tears and bruises.

Unperturbed,

Siva

put

his

"I enjoy what I do and I like to come to work every day.

Major used to repeat the same mantra to us: ‘Do your work well!’ and it has pretty much stuck on."

While he still gets the occasional persimmon wood to repair, Siva agrees that club fitting has evolved to become much easier today.

"Club technology is far more advanced, and our tasks are much easier today. But more than ever, there is a need to continuously learn and to equip oneself with the product knowledge. You can imagine that RGT Technology has one of

It's a good service to have

R

oger Loo's introduction to club fitting dates back almost 20 years ago, when he went to the Professional Golfers Career College in the United States. Part of his golf degree was a course in club fitting, which has played a major role in his success as a teaching professional and retailer ever since.

"We had been fitting clubs since we started because we have always had customers or students who needed something more than a standard set, so it was not something altogether new for us," shared Loo, who has been operating the TaylorMade Custom Fitting Centre at the Sri Damansara Driving Range for almost a year now.

"The fitting centre was definitely

ROGER LOO

a trial run for both us and our close partners at TaylorMadeadidas Golf but the reception has been encouraging. For myself, it meant having to relearn a few things as I had to familiarise myself with TaylorMade's format and system. However, there were no hurdles there.”

"Fitting is not rocket science. It's about getting the fundamentals right and if you follow the structured format, you can't go wrong. It's not difficult if you know your stuff," he adds.

Loo acknowledges that the awareness of club fitting is on the rise but admits that with the small percentage of golfers going through proper fitting session before purchasing their clubs, it remains a challenging sphere to operate in. "There

the largest selections of shafts in the market, so I definitely have to know them at a snap of the fingers," he notes.

He refuses to comment when asked if anyone has ever compared his quality of work with others in the market, a query which his current managing director Mark Teoh had no qualms in sharing.

"From experience, I generally feel that our own golfers are far more critical when a local fitter handles their clubs.

Regular clients only have good things to say about his work," shares Teoh, adding that Siva has come a long way from his humble beginnings to run the club fitting section on his own today.

Born to be a fitter

DAVID TANG

I

always knew that I was going to do be doing something with my hands.

My grandfather was a carpenter, my dad dabbled in sculpting when he was not teaching and my mom was a tailor. So, here I am, creating beautiful objects that help ordinary people reach their full potential on the golf course. " shared David Tang as he we sat down for this interview.

The man behind the acclaimed MST Golf Tech fitting centre at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Tang has an impressive repertoire, and is much sought after by both amateurs and professionals, no thanks to the crucial Tour support services he offers annualy during the Maybank Malaysian Open, Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and the Iskandar Johor Open.

But it was an incident as a 14-year-old that sparked the interest in Tang to pursue club fitting as a hobby and then, a career. "I was playing good golf as a kid but my biggest problem was that I was using hand-me-down clubs that were just not right for me. So, I wrote a letter to Golfworks about my problem, half expecting a reply.

little bookmarks and big circle marks, indicating what I should read and do. It hit me at that juncture that the person - until today I don't know if the person was a he or she - to take the time to peruse through some old magazines and carefully bookmark those pages for a kid from nowhere - that left a deep impact on me," shared Tang.

Once he was able to fix his own clubs, Tang began reconditioniong clubs for others using his grandfather's grinder, drills and other woodwork tools. "I charged RM45 per club then and for a young man, that was a lot of money, it got me throught school.

In 1989, his mentor Datuk Ben Yeoh, who had a golf shop in Damansara Jaya took Tang on as his apprentice.

"The day I finished my SPM on a Friday, the next Monday I reported to work. And I have never really taken a break since that day. I look forward to come to work each morning and I enjoy that 10-12 hours I spend a day at the workshop," he shares, noting that in matter of months, he earned the Yeoh's trust to run the entire shop.

training. So, those days I had to rely on correspondence learning through snail mails. I had to import books, magazine and materials from abroad and it burned a big hole in my pocket. I even bought a loft and lie machine just to understand how it works. At that point, I didn't have a guru or a mentor available locally who could guide me, so it was quite a climb up," tells Tang.

"Back in those there were many complications as most of the times, we had to recondition persimmon or laminated clubs and repair tapered tip clubs with pins at the side of the irons, which required a certain level of skill and ability, and you only had minimal tools and machinery to work with.

It was extremely challenging but I am grateful that I had the chance to work during that era of golf clubs because it was extremely satisfying," he notes, adding that that the most hightech tool he had back then was a kitchen scale.

After a few years, he went to the United States to learn under the legendary Ralph Maltby and came back with the honour of being the only Malaysian to finish in the top of Maltby's class. "I was that excited and it proved to be a turning point in my career. I came back a much better fitter because what ever doubts or

"And one day, a package addressed to me came in the mail and inside it was a stack of golf fitting magazines with

Nonetheless, he did not find the business of club fitting to be a walk in the park.

"Geographically, it was difficult then to obtain information and

is much improvement now as our golfers are much more educated compared to five or six years ago. They know roughly what fitting is about and how it can help them perform better but the numbers

are not substantial, shares "The ideal situation will be Loo. where each retail outlet has a trained professional He admits that while club fitting who possesses club fitting is a niche service, it remains a experience but that's easier lucrative kettle of fish if locals said than done. Most retail aspire to be good at it. staff find terms like frequency,

insecurities I had about my abilities vanished when I did well there. I remember that I didn't sleep on the whole journey back as I was busy writing down the blueprint for my club fitting business," he adds proudly.

Describing tour support as lovely job, Tang describes that there is no fundamental difference between fitting a professional and a weekend golfer. "They demand the same attention to detail, the only difference is that professionals are much more knowledgable, they understand ball flight and trajectory much better. I would dare say that there is less pressure fitting a professional," notes Tang.

Tang admits that fellow Malaysians are pretty negative about pursuing a career in club fitting and blames it on the lack of role models and mentors in the field. "I am definitely passionate about guiding and grooming a new generation of fitters because it is the only way forward for our industry at large.

"The financial rewards and the job satisfaction can be immense if the guys coming through the ranks can push themselves to constantly better themselves, to pursue qualification and certifications and delivery quality to their customers."

flexes and torque of the shafts very alien, so getting more certified and qualified club fitters would be what I say, is the starting point if locals are to make progress."

7

IT STARTS WITH AN INTEREST

H

umble and unassuming like the brand he represents, Hisham Mahmud began dabbling with club fitting as a hobby before making it his career of choice.

Then a course marshal at a golf club in Ampang, the 42-yearold made the effort to attend a few fitting seminars and courses to expand his knowledge on the trade. Little did he realise at that juncture, that it will lead him to his current position with the leading golf brand, Ping Golf.

"I had an interest in club fitting and while I was not thinking about making a career out of it, I decided that I should expand my understanding and knowledge in it. I picked it up easily as I found it to be easily understandable and quite simple actually. Nevertheless, having the interest in the first place was the most important driving factor," shared Hisham, who has clocked over 16 years with Malaysian distributor Winston Golf Sdn Bhd.

8

He learnt early on that having a good understanding of the basic build-up of golf clubs and the science behind ball flight was crucial. "In those days, we didn't have launch monitors and all the technological advancements that we have today. Hence, it was vital

MOHAMED HISHAM MAHMuD

to develop a sharp eye to evaluate the ball flight, so that you can prescribe the best fix for your clients," he noted.

"Product knowledge remains the cornerstone of good club fitting. Understanding how each club in your bag functions and what it can and can't do is important. Especially today with the advent of golf websites, more and more golfers come to us with up-to-date information on the latest innovations in shafts, grips, etc., so we have to be prepared with the right recommendations and reasoning," added Hisham.

Very much a veteran now, the certified Ping club fitter notes that while the market segment for club fitting has definitely grown in Malaysia, he still feels that education on the benefits of club fitting is still crucial.

"While I see improvement, many golfers still don't understand why fitting is important to them. The perception that club fitting is only for professional and tournament-playing amateurs continues to persist.

Many are also not familiar with the technical jargons, so it is crucial to keep it simple to avoid confusion," he says, adding that he enjoys more in fitting for beginners and juniors because they are so willing to learn and understand.

His strong belief in the Ping brand and the satisfaction of ‘seeing improvement in players after they undergo a fitting session’ keeps him optimistic of the future.

"I always learn and I like to exchange information with other club fitters (even from other brands).If you think you're good, then you're wrong. Just like a golf swing, there is no one with a 100% perfect idea on club fitting," he adds.

When asked on what local club fitters can do better, Hisham has a ready answer. "Presentation is the most important aspect if you're to convince a golfer to listen to you. You must have a systematic approach to work, follow the sequence and be in control. I feel that we're on par with the foreign club fitters plying their trade here but definitely, we need to sharpen our skills of public relations."

New kid on the block

P

art of a new generation of club fitters to make their entry into the market, Iqbal Hasraff Abu Bakar had little inkling that his natural skills and love for technical things would take him from the retail space to the fitting studio.

"I've always liked to modify and design moving things (Iqbal is an avid collector of Hot Wheels and enjoys building model cars in his free time) so I thought that I could do the same with the golf clubs that I was selling. My interest really was piqued when I went for product trainings as I saw golf from a different aspect - that you could also be a 'technical' golf professional.�

"I realised at that point that this could be a window of opportunity as I saw few locals were actually involved in the trade. So, I asked my retail manager if I could learn a thing or two in club fitting and repair, and I was lucky that he said yes," adds Iqbal,

IQBAL HASRAFF ABU BAKAR who joined the golf industry in realised that I had to further my 2006. education in club fitting if I was to become a respectable fitter, By the end of 2009, he was which was why I funded myself a qualified Ping fitter before to go to the United States to he was seconded to the Golf train under Ralph Maltby of House Academy as an assistant Golfworks," shared Iqbal. coach cum club fitter for the newly introduced US Kids Iqbal has the added benefit of Learning Programme at Bukit having undergone training in Jalil Golf & Country Club.

Japan as part of his Mizuno Golf Fitting certification, which It was here that his talent was gives him a distinct advantage spotted by RSH Malaysia's in the market. general manager for golf David Leow. With the encouragement "The Japanese method is of his senior professionals more thorough and is timeAndrew Myles and James consuming compared to the Patridge, Iqbal took on the US format. Many of my firstchallenge to become the head time clients are surprised that of Mizuno National Fitting it can take up to two hours to Centre in 2010. fit their clubs but the step-bystep process delivers an end "As someone relatively new, result, which both the fitter there have been more growing and the player can be happy pains than challenges actually. with," he explains, adding that Because I knew that I lacked he is proud that he has got a the experience compared to loyal following of international the more established guys, I customers, including annual made an effort to read more, to business all the way from be knowledgeable about shafts Mauritius! and club heads. However, I

While he admits that he is yet to see the return of over RM30,000 invested in gaining his Golfworks qualification, Iqbal is optimistic that the future for local club fitters is bright in this country. "I am confident that local fitters can make an impact if they are passionate about what they do; it should be more than just closing a sale.

The more detailed your work is and the better the quality is, you're definitely going to make a name for yourself."

Fitter by chance

W

SURESH NATHAN

hile the 1997 economic crisis inadvertently brought Suresh Nathan into the world of club fitting, the 41-year-old found the idea of building clubs from scratch to be an interesting proposition.

"I have to take my hats off to Barry Harris of Custom Clubmakers for giving me the breakthrough into club fitting and helping me to become a qualified club maker. Barry was the person instrumental in taking me to Hong Kong in 1998 to earn my certification and giving me a bite of tour support when I was attached with the Tour of Macau and the Johnnie Walker Tour," says Suresh, who was originally doing marketing for a golf course development company.

"Like most club fitters, I started off as an apprentice and for a meagre pay cheque, did everything including keeping the workshop clean and everything behind the scenes. Looking back, I have no regrets but it is the reason I think why many locals continue

Living legend

to shy away from the job. It is important that you start from the bottoms up, to learn all the tricks one at a time and to make progress," he adds, joking that he spent the first initial months doing nothing but gripping.

Suresh believes that being creative and thinking out of the box is an essential acumen of a good club fitter. "Back in the days, when we used to build our own tools, we would think about something, experiment with it and do all the modifications necessary to make it serve its specific purpose. At one point, I remember we built a fat shaft bending bar from A-Z, using material from a hardware shop.

Those, I consider are highlights of my career," he notes.

People skills and product knowledge are the key to a successful club fitting career, he adds, and especially so when you represent one of golf's marquee brands like Titleist.

"You meet a variety of players with differing views on clubs.

With the advent of the internet

today, we have a lot of golfers who are well-read. They know the theory behind club fitting but not the finer aspects or the practical details.

"In the past, club fitting was generally based on the players' feel but today, our technology allows us to analyse their entire swing, so much so that we can pinpoint their exact problems and be able to correct those problems," shares Suresh, who has been part of the Acushnet Malaysia team for seven years.

Suresh admits that the perception continues to linger that local fitters are not up to the mark but he feels that it is slowly changing. "The really good guys are beginning to make a mark for themselves in the industry and word gets around. The problem remains that we still have uncertified guys out there, who are 'butchering' clubs, so to speak, and it doesn't help in bringing up the image of the local club fitters."

LIM PAK POO

Few would know who Lim Pak Poo is but mention P.P. Lim and most golfers would immediately recognise him as one of Malaysia's pioneer club fitters. Having served three generations of golfers in the country, the sprightly 65-yearold continues to tinker away in his shop at Kuchai Lama; even if the sexagenarian admits that he no longer does it for the money but rather for the passion of golf.

"My day now starts with a morning round of golf at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club, where I am the club captain.

I open for business five days a week, but only at 12pm.

I shared the active golfer, who holds the distinction of being the now defunct Sentul Golf Club's champion for six consecutive years from 1977.

His memories of Sentul and its surrounding areas remains very strong, and he can't help but feel nostalgic when he recalls how he began his craft.

"I had to stop working in the air-conditioned business when I was diagnosed with lymph node cancer in the 1970s.

While receiving treatment, I began repairing clubs for friends to supplement my income and to keep my desire of returning to the golf course alive," he added.

In a year or two, he had set up his first golf repair shop within a 40-foot long container just outside the Sentul Golf

Club. As his business grew, he realised that he needed to finetune his skills in club repair and fitting.

products, equipment and club fitting news. I keep learning new stuff," he adds, proudly brandishing his smartphone.

"I was probably the first Malaysian to attend the GolfSmith crash course in Texas and I studied under Carl Paul, the president of Custom Golf Club Company. He was surprised because I knew most of the tricks of the trade.

Nonetheless, it was a valuable experience as I was exposed to the various machinery, tools and utensils, some which I purchased back then and still use till today," he says.

His reputation remains intact despite the decades passed, he continues to do warranty repairs for leading golf brands. "I take pride in the precision and quality of my work. Until today, even my old faithful friends from all parts of the country come to have their clubs repaired or fitted," he mentions as a customer from Nilai walks in.

On his return in 1985, he moved into Sentul Golf's new clubhouse and opened a driving range and a pro shop in Sentul Pasar before he was caught off guard in the name of development. First, his range and then, his repair shop [and the golf club] gave way as Sentul transformed into a luxury property enclave. He moved his range and repair shop business to Kinrara in 2005 before settling for a small retail outlet in Kuchai Lama three years back.

"Those days, fitting was relatively simple; it revolved mostly around swing weight and dead weight. Nowadays, aspects such as balancing, shaft spine and ball speed all come into play. So, I still invest in the latest equipment, I never stinge on that. I still receive daily updates on

Most times, my customers leave it to me to make the decision, so I guess they value my experience and wisdom," he explains, noting that the better players are far more knowledgeable of their arsenal these days.

The biggest no-no for Lim is the use of counterfeit shafts and club heads. He takes great care when purchasing those items these days, preferring to stick to his trusted suppliers.

He even custom orders his own shaft weights and mixes his own glue formulation, which allows his customers to use a fitted club within two hours.

Lim believes that a change of attitude is needed among most young Malaysians if they want to take up club fitting as a sustainable career.

"Many come through my doors, saying they want to learn but

9

few last beyond the first week.

I never charge them because I realise that this craft will die with me. It's not a tough job but one must have patience and attention to details. That is a premium today. However, I don't talk about retirement or my customers might just start a riot outside my shop!" he laughs.

As I watched Lim work that Friday afternoon, with his speedy hands moving with precision and experience of a craftsman, his sharp eyes focusing on details and a clean finish on full display, I could not help but wonder if he would be the last of his generation.

INSIDE THE ROPES

AIRIL NIPS AHEAD TO SNATCH LANJUT VICTORY

Akhmal’s two to take a one-shot advantage through 11 holes. He used all his experience to hold on to that advantage, despite the pair trading two bogeys a piece on the inward nine.

A

“It was really tight all the way to the end but I am glad that I kept it steady and held on to win. It’s not always that you can pull off a win like that with a bogey on the closing hole,” said Airil, who earned his second winner’s payout of RM21, 000.

The 34-year-old carded a round of two-under 70 for a four-day total of 12-under 276 to see off closest challenger Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari (71) by one shot, in the RM125, 000 tournament at the Lanjut Golden Beach & Golf Resort.

“I really haven’t changed anything since the victory in Perlis but recently, I got a new caddy on my bag and he has definitely clicked in place. He reads the lines really well and it’s a welcome addition because it always helps to have another assuring pair of eyes when you’re beginning to tire later on,” he added.

©ArepKulal/PGM

iril Rizman Zahari hung on by his teeth to clinch a closely-fought Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) PNB Lanjut Classic on July 14, recording his second victory of the season on the burgeoning domestic circuit.

Joint overnight leader S. Murthy, who claimed the inaugural tournament last year, seemed to have fought his way back into contention with a spectacular eagle at the par-five eighth after a run of three consecutive bogeys. However, he ran out of birdies on the home stretch to take a share of As expected, the three-way contest between third alongside halfway leader Mohd Nazri Mohd Murthy, Airil and Akhmal proved to be a compelling Zain on nine-under 279. one, with the Perlis Classic winner Airil delivering the first blow when he birdied the opening hole The seasoned pair of current Order of Merit to move to 11-under-par. Nevertheless, the 23champion R. Nachimuthu and Sukree Othman year-old Akhmal, chasing his maiden professional was tied for fourth on 283, one shot ahead of S. victory, responded with a gain of his own on the Sivachandhran alongside youngster Kenneth second to move level again.

Tobuse, who nailed his best finish on the burgeoning domestic circuit.

Airil then added a further three birdies against

to the pin for a simple par putt, so it wasn’t that bad,” explained Iylia, who noted that his familiarity with the greens at Rahman Putra played into his hands.

A bogey-free final round was the perfect confidence booster for Azman, who is still struggling to make his breakthrough on the paid ranks. “I am quite happy with my performance this week. I struggled with my irons a bit but my putting was the major difference, and I can be happy to post three consistent rounds,” added the 19-year-old, who missed out on sole second after his birdie putt stopped one roll short off the pin at the 18th.

M

ohd Iylia Jamil left months of lacklustre form and an errant swing behind him as he overcame a nervous finish to claim the Professional Golfers’ Association of Malaysia (PGAM)-KRPM Classic on July 6.

After carding matching 69s in his opening two rounds, the 21-year-old former national clinched the second edition of the RM125,000 event with a closing one-under 71 at Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia, totalling seven-under 209 for a two-stroke victory over rookie Mohd Azman Basharuddin (68) and seasoned campaigner Shaaban Hussin (70).

Akhmal Tarmizee and Murthy took a share of fourth with a two-under 241 total, one stroke ahead of the pair of Kenneth De Silva and Mohd Amli Mohayideen. Tied for eighth on one-over 217 were the trio of Sabah’s Nicholas Fung, Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain and Airil Rizman Zahari.

Iylia, who took the professional scene by storm last year after winning on his debut at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Kinrara Classic, was more than relieved to kick-start what has been an indifferent year for him since his career’s high water mark.

“I can’t describe how delighted I am with the result and it’s a sweet feeling to know that I am back to my winning ways again. It has definitely been a struggle since that victory in Kinrara, which seems so long ago. I’ve worked hard on my game regardless of the bad results and just kept going with the backing of my family, coach Ayoub Oussar and friends,” shared Iylia, who has only survived two halfway cuts in 11 starts this year.

276 – A iril Rizman Zahari (66-70-70-70) 277– Akhmal Tarmizee (67-71-68-71) 279 – S . Murthy (69-69-68-73);

Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain (68-66-77-68) 283 – R . Nachimuthu (67-70-73-73); Sukree Othman (73-72-68-70) 284 – S . Sivachandhran (71-73-69-71); Kenneth Tobuse (70-69-75-70) 285– M . Sasidaran (69-72-72);

Mohammad Azry Asyraf Noor Azam

(78-71-67-69);

Lim Eng Seng (75-71-71-68)

On the other hand, Shaaban had little to complain about after rushing back from a family vacation in Singapore on the eve of the tournament to participate in the event. “I struggled on a bit as I didn’t manage to have a practice round and felt rusty throughout the three days. I didn’t hit too many greens in regulation all week and missed my fair share of birdie putts. On that basis, I’m quite happy that I still managed to finish high up the tournament – my target was simply to make the leaderboard,” he shared. cut but I got into an early rhythm, I kept my game simple and that mental stumbling block just A total of 96 players participated in the tournament, which featured a two-day seniors’ disappeared on its own,” he added. tournament. Veteran professional M. Ramayah Starting the final round with a three-shot carded consecutive rounds of 76 to claim a threeadvantage over his nearest competitor Shaaban, shot victory over P. Veeramuthu in the RM30, 000 Iylia made the turn on even par after birdieing event. the ninth to cancel a dropped shot on the sixth.

Leading final round scores He started the back nine with a birdie before dropping his second bogey of the day on the 13th.

209 – Mohd Iylia Jamil (69-69-71) A 10-foot gain on the 17th pulled Iylia two shots 211 – Mohd Azman Basharuddin (71-72-68); clear before he almost messed it up with a clanger

Shaaban Hussin (73-68-70) on the 18th.

214 – S. Murthy (71-75-68); ©The ClubHouse

10

IYLIA PULLS OFF MAJOR UPSET IN RAHMAN PUTRA

Leading final round scores

“I was pretty nervous towards the end and I guess when I fluffed my chip (third shot) on the closing hole, all sorts of alarm bells were ringing in my head. At that point, I was really worried because I thought I only had a one-shot advantage but I "I had zero expectations coming into the managed to compose myself and pitched it near

Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari (77-66-71) 215 – Kenneth De Silva (71-71-73);

Mohd Amli Mohayideen (70-72-73) 217– Nicholas Fung (71-75-71);

Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain (70-74-73);

Airil Rizman Zahari (72-71-74)

INSIDE THE ROPES

DREAM VICTORY FOR BULLOCH IN TERENGGANU

LIVE TELECAST BOON FOR SELANGOR MASTERS

ustralia’s Ryan Bulloch had to sweat it out before clinching his maiden professional title with a wire-to-wire victory at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Terengganu Masters on Thursday.

Returning for the sixth consecutive year, the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters’ status will be further amplified after it was announced on Sunday that the full-field Asian Tour event will be beamed live for the first time in the tournament’s history this September.

A

Scotsman Derek McKenzie slipped out of contention with a poor closing of three-over 74 to finish third. Meanwhile, Yang Fei-hao and Shakhawat Sohel were tied for fifth on five-under 279.

The Malaysian trio of Shaaban Hussin, Zurie Harun and R. Nachimuthu had a total score of 280 to take the seventh position in the RM220,000 (approximately US$70,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) co-sanctioned event.

©ArepKulal/PGM

The former greenskeeper from Perth closed with a battling one-under 70 at the Awana Kijal Golf, Beach and Spa Resort for a two-stroke victory over the pair of S. Murthy (67) and Canada’s Lindsay Renolds (66) in the seventh edition of the annual tournament organised by the Terengganu Golf Association (PGT).

love for the game after feeling unsatisfied with a 9-5 job.

“I didn’t have a lot of motivation with the job I was doing back home and regardless of the fact that I was making a stable income, I wanted a challenge and the love for the game came back. So being able to say I have finally won gives that good feeling and extra ounce of confidence. Hopefully, the second win is going to be easier,” shared the confident 34-year-old, who walked home with a cheque of RM38, 500.

Bulloch, who made a dramatic career u-turn 18 months ago when he decided to rejoin the paid Murthy who began the day five strokes off the ranks, could hardly believe his good luck in only his pace, moved into a share of the lead on ten-underfourth start on Asia’s leading secondary Tour. par after a solid first nine of three birdies. However, his only bogey of the day on the par-three 14th put “It feels a little crazy and unbelievable to be honest. paid to hopes of a local victory.

It was just a week ago that I wasn’t really playing that well back home in Perth, so I came here “I told my wife that if I could get into double figures with little less expectations of my own,” admitted today I would give myself a glimmer of chance and Bulloch, whose initial target was to better his tied- I did, but sometimes in golf it just doesn’t happen,” 18th finish at ADT @ A’Famosa tournament last said Murthy, who now has two runner-up finishes month. to show on the burgeoning domestic tour this year.

He credited his good start on Tuesday when he notched an opening seven-under 64 which set Leading final round scores him up for the week.

Bulloch hung up his clubs in 2004 after failing to make impact as a professional but rekindled his

Joonas Granberg

273 – Ryan Bulloch (AUS) 64-71-68-70 275 – Lindsay Renolds (CAN) 73-70-66;

S. Murthy (71-71-66-67) 278 – Derek Mckenzie (SCO) 69-66-69-74 279 – Yang Fei-Hao (TPE) 71-70-69-69;

Shakhawat Sohel (BAN) 67-72-69-71 280 – Shaaban Hussin (70-72-73-65);

Zurie Harun (68-70-73-69);

R. Nachimuthu (76-68-66-70) 281– Nicholas Fung (69-71-73-68);

Grant Jackson (ENG) 67-74-70-70;

Gavin Flint (67-73-70-71)

The resplendent Kota Permai Golf and Country Club will host the event from the second year running with reigning champion Joonas Granberg of Finland headlining a strong regional field in the RM1.2 million event (approximately US$395,000) from September 5-8.

Title sponsor Worldwide Holdings, a 100% subsidiary of the state-owned Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), has an impressive portfolio of businesses which include property development and investment, environmental management services, as well as investment holding in the state. The company views its support of the Selangor Masters as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

“On behalf of Worldwide Holdings, we are delighted to announce that the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters will be staged on a grander scale with live coverage over the final two rounds. We are pleased to reach this new milestone as it will further enhance our flagship tournament and promote the state of Selangor and Malaysia to a wider and global audience,” said Worldwide Holdings chairman, Datuk Mohd Arif Abd Rahman.

“Golf has come a long way in Malaysia and it is our fervent hope that our event will help to further grow the game in the country and across the region. We have seen many worthy champions emerge from the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters and it is our hope that another local player will follow in the footsteps of Ben Leong, who won the event in 2008.”

Asian Tour’s executive chairman, Kyi Hla Han said the live television coverage will benefit the tournament and sponsors tremendously. “The live television broadcast will give added value to all sponsors associated with the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters as the tournament will be showcased around the world on our vast TV platform,” said Han.

©Ravi Chitty / The Clubhouse

“It was hard work today. I was just very consistent and plodded along. I knew if I hit fairways and greens and tried to eliminate any stupid mistakes, I would have a chance. I took it one shot at a time and my putter has been behaving all week,” said the patient Bulloch, who had only birdie to show in a flawless display.

The Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters has been a popular fixture since joining the Asian Tour schedule in 2008. It will enjoy a huge boost when the final two rounds are beamed live to a global audience on the Asian Tour’s expansive worldwide television platform.

“We are proud to be associated with the Selangor Masters since 2008, and I would like to extend my gratitude to Worldwide Holdings and the Selangor government for their outstanding support in enhancing the sport in the region.”

The winners of the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters include Leong (2008), Rick Kulacz of Australia (2009), Filipino Angelo Que of the Philippines (2010) and Granberg, who emerged as only the second Finnish golfer to win on the Asian Tour last year.

11

INSIDE THE ROPES

EAST COAST CHARM

Now in its seventh year, the Terengganu Masters continues to play a major role in the state's effort to promote golf tourism

A

s the dust settled at Awana Kijal Golf, Beach and Spa Resort on June 28 with Aussie Ryan Bulloch celebrating his maiden professional victory in the Terengganu Masters, there was a smile of satisfaction on the face of Terengganu Golf Association (PGT) president Ahmad Zubir Azhari.

Zubir, who has been an instrumental figure in the successful organisation of the annual golf invitational since 2006, was delighted that the seventh edition of the Terengganu Masters concluded on a good note and enjoyed a higher profile as a strong cast of international players and strong domestic challengers converged for the RM220,000 tournament.

12

Terengganu youth and sports executive councillor Rozi Mamat (centre) presenting the mock cheque and trophy to Terengganu Masters 2012 champion Ryan Bulloch as PGM chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid looks on.

Organised by the Terengganu Golf Association (PGT) with the strong backing of the Terengganu state government, the event reaped the benefits of being featured prominently on both the burgeoning Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) and Asian Development Tour (ADT) schedules.

"We take pride in organising the Terengganu Masters continuously for the last seven years on behalf of the state government of Terengganu Darul Iman. The tournament remains the highlight of the PGT golfing calendar and I can vouch that the 2012 edition was one of our best editions yet , despite the fact it was the first time we were hosting the event in Kijal," said Zubir.

"This year, our co-operation with the PGM and Asian Development Tours allowed us to boast a strong field with an international appeal, which was much appreciated by the local golfing fraternity. And as expected, we had an exciting finish in our hands as local star S. Terengganu Golf Association president Ahmad Zubir Azhari presenting a souvenir to Rozi Murthy pushed eventual winner Bulloch all the way till the closing stages," he added.

"The Terengganu Masters plays a pivotal role Masters will galvanise the state government's in the state's efforts to inculcate the interest in efforts to promote golf tourism in line with the PGT also gave a number of their junior golfers golf among our youngsters and it also provides Visit Terengganu Year 2013. a run-out at the tournament, including their a great platform to expose our more established leading amateurs who were preparing to junior talents to a higher level of competition," "Aside from the many natural wonders, participate at the 15th Malaysian Games in he said. For the record, Terengganu claimed its scenic beaches as well as the various cultural Pahang - a move which received the thumbs first-ever golfing medal when the state's girls tourism products that Terengganu has to up from state's youth and sports executive team finished third in the recently concluded offer, golf tourism is something that the state councillor Rozi Mamat.

15th Malaysian Games at Royal Pahang Golf government is keen on exploring. We have Club. some good golfing tracts and with attractive packaging and good marketing efforts such as Ranking alongside the state's other international the organisation of this event, we are confident sporting events such as the Monsoon Cup as of making great strides forward as a golfing well as Kenyir Lake International Triathlon, destination," noted Rozi, who is an avid golfer Rozi expressed his hope that the Terengganu himself.

Thank You

To The State Government Of TERENGGANU DARUL IMAN And Our Valued Sponsors We appreciate your support & commitment towards the successful organisation of the Terengganu Masters 2012

Official Magazine

Official T-shirt & Cap

Official Drink

Official Venue

See you next year!

Official Golf Ball

MY JUNIORS

JUNIOR SWING PROGRAMME TAKES OFF

RSH Malaysia’s general manager for golf David Leow expressed his confidence that the Junior Swing programme will take golf one step further than existing grassroots programmes. This is based on his belief in GHA’s tried and tested US Kids Golf and Mizuno Golf School teaching techniques as well as modern teaching aids such as V1 Pro Swing Analysis, Flightscope® launch monitors, K-Vest technology and TOMI Pro putting Analysis-all at their disposal.

“The participants of the Junior Swing programme can rest assured that they are receiving comprehensive and standardised coaching in a comfortable learning environment. In addition, they will enjoy long-term benefits such as sponsorship of equipment, opportunities to participate in high-level competitions as well as explore career opportunities with RSH Malaysia in the future.

Akademi Kemahiran Belia dan Golf's director Khairul Adri Rosli and RSH Malaysia’s general manager for golf David Leow signing the Memorandum of Understanding under the watchful eyes of Youth & Sports Minister Dato' Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

14

W

hile public-private partnerships have been initiated in the past to achieve specific national development objectives, the Junior Swing programme which was launched on May 26 marked an unprecedented step in the country’s junior golf landscape.

This programme is spearheaded by Golf House Academy (GHA), the golf academic arm of RSH Malaysia Sdn Bhd and the Youth and Sports Ministry’s Akademi Kemahiran Belia dan Golf (AKBG). The three-year strategic initiative will provide a platform for young Malaysians to embrace the sport not only as an extracurricular activity but also as a future career path.

Providing complete professional coaching programmes to youths between 10 and 15 years of age, the Junior Swing programme will be based at five centres of excellence to be set up at Monterez Golf & Country Club (Selangor), Port Dickson Golf & Country Club (Negeri Sembilan), Ayer Keroh Country Club (Melaka), Cinta Sayang Golf & Country Resort (Kedah), as well as Keningau Golf & Country Club (Sabah).

Youth and Sports Minister Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who was present to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GHA and AKBG, expressed his hope that the program will replicate the success achieved by grassroots programmes abroad such as the highly successful First Tee programme.

“I believe that this programme will play a pivotal role in producing mass human resources in tandem with the growing demands of the golf industry in the country as well as deliver top notch amateurs and professionals, who can compete and emerge victorious at the highest level, all the way to the Olympics,” added Ahmad Shabery.

“Our team of qualified and certified golf instructors will not only coach the students at our GHA centres in Monterez and Cinta Sayang but also facilitate and support the existing instructors in independent academies at Port Dickson, Ayer Keroh and Keningau. This type of support will be extended through ‘Train the Teacher’ initiative, which aims to provide consistent coaching methodology across the various centres,” noted Leow, who was hopeful that the golf clubs involved will provide participants with adequate access to their golfing facilities.

AKBG, which serves to provide trained local course assistants to replace foreign caddies, welcomed the addition of the new programme under its watch. The academy’s director Khairul Adri Rosli, stated that the initiative will not only encourage more youngsters to be involved in the game but will also cultivate a growing interest among them to consider golf as a viable profession and future career option.

Ahmad Shabery being assisted by Golf House Academy Victor Lim as he tries out the K-Vest technology.

“The ministry and its affiliate bodies do not have the necessary expertise as well as the teaching methodology and state-of-the-art technology to undertake such an initiative on our own. We consider ourselves very fortunate that we have found a high-calibre partner from the private sector in Golf House Academy,” he said during his welcome address.

Some of the juniors selected for the programme with The Golf House Academy teaching team

MY JUNIORS

SABAH RIDES ON HOMEGROWN TALENTS TO SUKMA GLORY

hung on resolutely to clinch a three-stroke victory over Johor's Abel Tam with a five-under 211 total.

Pahang's Ahmad Zahir Abd Ghani took the bronze on 216.

Together with Fazley Ahmad Chua, Solomon Emilio Rosidin and Leduin Jordan Mobijohn II, Albright went up the podium for a second time as Sabah accumulated a total of 655 in the boys' team event, eight strokes clear of Kedah.

"Based on my preparation, I knew I had a good chance to win the tournament and it's a surreal feeling to have actually won the gold," said Albright, who was making his second SUKMA appearance. "I was a bit nervous midway through the final round.

I kept thinking whether I was going to win or not.

However, I managed to keep my cool and my putting, which had been really superb all week.

These two things really helped me to succeed in the end," he added.

A

midst grumbles of 'import' players, astronomical incentives, the usual administrative confusion and one or two controversial decisions, Sabah's clean sweep of golfing gold medals at the 15th Malaysian Games (SUKMA) in Pahang provided a positive conclusion to what was a fiercely contested championship.

16

"We had a relatively young boys' team this year. Nevertheless, I believe the exposure that they gained from playing both domestic and international meets as well as a few trial runs here at Royal Pahang definitely paid off. The girls were always expected to do well. They are all national players in their own rights, so we take pride that our faith in our local talents has taken us thus Relying on a young but experienced group of far," he added, praising the team's spirit and work home-grown golfers including a handful of ethics in the run-up to the Games. nationals and back-up players, the team from the ‘Land Below the Wind’ displayed an assuring First to deliver for the East Malaysian state was the performance as they took home all four gold impressive Albright Chong, the 15-year-old who medals on offer at the Royal Pahang Golf Club had taken a healthy five-shot advantage over the from July 12-14. field after opening rounds of 67 and 70. Despite closing with a final round of two-over 74, Albright Sabah Golf Association president George Bandusena, who was on-site, was delighted with Boys' individual - final standings the team's effort as they made perfect amends for their finish in Melaka two years back, when they 211 - Albright Chong (SBH) 67-70-74 only managed two silvers and a bronze.

214 - Abel Tam (JOH) 74-69-71 "It's just fantastic. It is an unexpected bounty as we had only promised to deliver two gold medals to the state's Youth and Sports Ministry before the Games, and we stuck to it. However, after the first round, we got an inkling that things might go our way. As the second round concluded, we were all excited that this could be a momentous occasion for Sabah in the history of SUKMA," said Bandusena.

216 - Ahmad Zahir Abd Ghani (PAH) 74-73-69 218 - Mohd Wafiyuddin Abd Manaf (KED)

73-72-73,

Paul San (SWK) 71-73-74 221 - Chang Ervin (FT) 78-73-70,

Ng Choo Teck (FT) 71-78-72,

Mohd Irfan Yusof (KED) 74-73-74,

Mohd Naqiuddin Mohd Fuad (PRK

70-75-76

Sabah was assured of a third gold after the completion of regulation play in the girls' division.

It was represented by the trio of Aretha Pan, Diana Tham and Vivienne Chin who finished seven strokes ahead for the gold with an aggregate of 427 ahead of the Pahang team comprising Iman Datuk Ahmad Nordin, Khaw Wen Huei and Sharon Lau. The championship, however, came down to a gold medal play-off between defending champion Kelly Tan of Johor and Aretha, who both had totalled six-under 210 overall after matching final rounds of 69. Local favourite Iman Ahmad Nordin, who lived up to her billing to lead the tournament through two rounds, could not find the birdies as she settled for bronze on the back of a closing even-par 72.

The pressure was clearly on Kelly to deny Sabah a complete haul of the gold medals. However, it went all wrong for the 19-year-old on the parfive 18th as she misjudged her approach to the greenside bunker. Aretha on the other hand, found the green in two before draining a nerve-wrecking eagle putt to send the entire Sabah contingent into ecstasy.

"I knew that the whole team was banking on me but I didn't feel that much pressure. I knew that I

Boys' team - final standings 655 - Sabah (215-219-221) 663 - Kedah (223-220-220) 667 - Federal Territories (229-221-217) 670 - Johor (225-223-222) 674 - Melaka (226-222-226)

MY JUNIORS

CARLSBERG REAFFIRMS SUPPORT, SPONSORS NEW SPORTEXCEL TOURNAMENT

B

uilding on their strong support for amateur and professional golf in the country, Carlsberg Malaysia will continue their longstanding association with the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence (SportExcel).

had to play the extra hole just as I had played it all week but I have to admit that it was a crucial eagle putt to make. It's been an exciting week as this was my first SUKMA and it was also my first title playoff, so I'm happy to go back with these two gold medals," shared the 18-year-old.

Kelab Golf Putra is set to host the 17th edition of the SUKMA golf championship when the Games heads to Perlis Indera Kayangan in 2014.

Girls' individual - final standings

As a pioneer charter member since 1991, the brewers will continue to provide financial aid in support of SportExcel's mission to the tune of RM45,000 for the period from 2012 to 2015. In addition, Carlsberg has also pledged a further RM50,000 to be utilised specifically for the sport of golf through the existing National Junior Golf Circuit.

210 - Kelly Tan (JOH) 71-70-69,

Aretha Pan Herng (SBH) 69-72-69

(Aretha wins on first playoff hole) 211 - Iman Ahmad Nordin (PAH) 65-74-72 214 - Nur Durriyah Damian (TRG) 75-70-69 217 - Diana Tham (SAB) 74-73-70 222 - Nur Musfirah Ilham Armalis (KED)

74-74-74 223 - Sharon Lau (PAH) 75-73-75 225 - Yong Mei Khuan (TRG) 73-77-75 226 - Ashley Lau (SWK) 74-75-77 227 - Nur Eliana Ariffin (MEL) 75-76-76,

Isza Fariza Ismail (SEL) 76-77-74

Carlsberg Malaysia's managing director Soren Ravn, noted that it was vital to groom more young Malaysian golfers for the future.

Girls' team - final standings

"We have always been excited to support a cause that not only mirrors our company's vision but also our passion for sports. While we have been more than happy to not crow about our involvement with SportExcel due to the sensitivities involved, we are nonetheless committed to do a small part in the development of junior sports in the country," he added, noting that the sum of RM50,000 was raised during the Carlsberg Golf Classic last year.

427 - Sabah (143-145-139) 434 - Pahang (140-147-147) 439 - Terengganu (148-147-144) 440 - Johor (151-147-142) 451 - Sarawak (151-151-149)

“Carlsberg and golf have always been a perfect match, representing many of the good old traditional values. This perfect partnership is demonstrated with Carlsberg's involvement with the prestigious Maybank Malaysian Open whereby Carlsberg has been a proud sponsor for more than 10 years as well as our long-running Carlsberg Golf Classic, which is one of the country's biggest annual amateur events.”

Carlsberg was represented by its supply chain director Kristian Normark Dahl during the cheque presentation on July 2 while SportExcel's chairman HH Tunku Tan Sri Imran Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar was present on behalf of the foundation. Also resigning as charter members were AmBank Group and Paul Chuah & Co while UMS Sdn Bhd was inducted for the first time.

Tunku Imran praised the companies for their support and urged the private sector to play a bigger role in supporting youth sports. “At the moment, to run our programmes including the SportExcel-National Sports Council-Milo National Junior circuits, we need anything between RM700,000 to RM800,000 annually, which is quite a hefty sum.”

“Our proven circuits, which give top class juniors a platform to compete with their peers, have been the ideal ground for talent identification and development. We cannot merely rely on the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) tournaments as well as the national sports associations to develop athletes," he stressed.

17

INDUSTRY TALK

GOLF HOUSE ACADEMY OPENS AT CINTA SAYANG RESORT

G

18

olfers up North now have another option to sharpen their golfing skills after GolfHouse Academy (GHA), the teaching arm of Royal Sporting House (RSH) Malaysia, opened its doors at Cinta Sayang Resort recently.

Speaking during the soft launch of the academy in late May, RSH Malaysia's general manager for golf David Leow, expressed his hope that GHA's expansion to the northern region will meet the demands of the growing golfing community there.

It is GHA's second full-fledged academy after its main facility in the Klang Valley, which will be moved to Monterez Golf & Country Club in August to facilitate its expansion plans.

Helming the Cinta Sayang centre will be head of instruction Edmund Tan, who holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian to be certified as a Mizuno Golf School instructor.

"We saw that there was a gap for consistent and results-orientated golf instruction in this part of the country. We felt that banking on our experience as well as having two of the most prestigious golf training programmes in the Mizuno Golf School and US Kids Golf Learning programmes, we could play a part in developing the game of golf here," noted Leow, adding that

KGSAAS GIVES BACK FOR A GOOD CAUSE

T

aking cue of the holy month of Ramadhan, Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (KGSAAS) has come up with a unique threemonth long charity campaign.

The club's new holding company Lifelong Prosperity Sdn Bhd has pledged to raise funds for charitable homes by donating RM1 into a pool for every golf round played at KGSAAS. In addition, for every tournament organised at the golf club, KGSAAS will charge an extra RM1 per player and will match the sum ringgit to ringgit.

Children of Kiwanis, Agathian Shelter and Pusat Jagaan AnakAnak Istimewa Sayang during their recent 1001 Rasa Kampong SAAS buka puasa buffet preview on July 10.

"We hope that other clubs will follow suit. Ours may not be the best scheme and other clubs may come up with better ideas but our hope is that with this charity campaign, more clubs may take this as an initiative to start caring for the needy," said KGSAAS director of operations Dr Ronnie Yeo, adding that the club will To kick-start the campaign, Lifelong compensate the RM1 charged with Prosperity donated RM5, 000 each a bottle of mineral water for each to three charitable homes, namely player.

Cinta Sayang's central location in Sungai Petani will cater to golfers from the states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis.

Cinta Sayang Resort chief executive Lisa Yeong, was also present to ceremoniously tee-off the academy. "Taking note of the success achieved

by GolfHouse Academy in Kuala Lumpur, we felt that timing was right for us to introduce a golf academy that not only attracts the locals but also offers lesson packages to the large Korean groups that travel to the resort annually," she said.

COBRA PUMA GOLF STUDIO UNVEILLED AT GOLFCLUB KLCC

T

he GolfClub Kuala Lumpur City Centre has welcomed the addition of a Cobra Puma Golf retail space within their premises recently.

The studio features the latest equipment and apparel line from the golf lifestyle brand and has the added advantage of allowing customers to try out the equipment before purchase as well as utilising the indoor golf centre's advanced golf simulators.

"We feel that partnering Cobra Puma Golf, which is a fresh and exciting brand, will suit our niche target audience, who are young and happening executives with a passion for golf. With flashy ambassadors such as Rickie Fowler and Ian Poulter as well as an attractive offering of top-notch products, I am confident that the retail studio will be a successful venture," said Hock Toh, the proprietor of GolfClub KLCC.

         















        

   

  



 





       

  

                          

                           

AROUND THE GLOBE

ELS MAKING INROADS INTO MALAYSIA

T

he Big Easy may be soon leaving a permanent imprint on Malaysia after it was disclosed recently that the portfolio of Ernie Els Design includes a total of 63 holes currently under development in the country.

These developments, announced during the 2012 China Golf show in Beijing are located in two major leisure destinations in Malaysia, an 18hole at the eco-resort Teluk Datai, Langkawi and a 27-hole at the much-anticipated upcoming integrated luxury destination in Desaru, Johor.

The 27-hole golf course will be one of the main attractions at Desaru Coast, a 17 kilometer beachfront integrated destination on the west coast of Johor that features an array of luxury resorts, hotels and golf residences, complemented with differentiated leisure and entertainment offerings to include signature

golf courses, retail mall and theme parks, and all these are easily accessible with just a short drive from the Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru and Changi Airport Singapore.

These courses will represent a new benchmark of excellence and sustainable design on behalf of their client, Destination Resorts. Destination Resorts is the investment holding company established by the Malaysian Government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional, to develop and manage world-class premier destinations, resorts and hotels within its Leisure and Tourism portfolio.

Ernie Els and his design team recently completed their second site inspection of the 27-hole golf course at Desaru Coast during construction at which time Ernie approved the first set of holes.

Meanwhile in Langkawi, the upgrading works of

the 18-hole course at The Golf Club, Datai Bay is underway and will be completed in 2013.

"As a course designer, I feel so fortunate to be working with Destination Resorts and to be awarded with some of the most beautiful terrain in Asia, and we are well on the way now with construction across the country. Our clients and I share the same vision; and am confident our work here will set a new standard, leaving a lasting legacy for Malaysian golfers and the region as a whole," stated Els. In addition to the courses mentioned, Els' design team is also providing technical services for another golf course at Desaru Coast, an 18-hole for Vijay Singh. The earth movement for Vijay's course will begin in June 2012.

M

Home favourite Raphaël Jacquelin claimed third spot on six under, while the English trio of David Lynn, Ian Poulter and David Howell were a shot further back in fourth.

Molinari started the final round with a double bogey, added nine birdies and closed with the week's best of eight-under par 64 at Le Golf National to post the clubhouse lead at sevenunder par.

If it wasn’t for Siem’s determination to stay emotionally composed, he wouldn’t be able to add in birdies at the 14th and 15th and turn in 33 that shifted the balance in his favour.

Siem however, responded brilliantly with a 67 to claim a slim one-stroke victory, becoming the third German since Bernhard Langer and Martin Kaymer to clinch the French national Open.

“It means so much to me after that long stretch” said Siem. “It’s all about winning in the end and it puts so much pressure every time you don’t win and people start talking, you will never win again and stuff like that, so it’s very important for me”.

JEEV LAUGHS ALL THE WAY TO THE OPEN

J

eev Milhka Singh claimed the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in sensational fashion on July 15, draining a 15-foot birdie on the first extra hole to clinch his fourth Europ of Italian Francesco Molinari.

The victory earned the brilliant Indian a £470,000 cheque and most importantly, handed the former Asian Tour number one a start at the Open Championship.

Jeev, who had clawed back from five shots back to set the target at 17-under-par 271, was enjoying his afternoon tea at Castle Stuart Links and could not quite believe his fortune as home favourite Marc Warren collapsed with a series of dropped shots on the finishing stretch to send the former into a championship playoff against the Italian. Warren finished joint third with Swede Alex Noren one shot back.

“It has been really tough - frustrating than anything else. You feel like your game is coming back and another injury creeps up, but I just stuck myself in there and said that you need to work on the physical side, and I worked hard on that. Everything has paid off, and I just want to think about the good things and not what's past and I want to look towards the future now,” said the 40-year-old Jeev.

©Asian Tour

20

arcel Siem landed his second European Tour title at the Alstom Open de France on July 8, holding of a final round charge by Francesco Molinari of Italy.

©Getty

SLIM FRENCH VICTORY FOR SIEM

AROUND THE GLOBE

FUNG COMES UNDONE IN JAKARTA The Sabahan seemed to be cruising towards a wire-to-wire victory after holding a five-shot lead with six holes to play but a bogey on the 13th hole, followed by another two on the 16th and 18th left Fung to ponder on what could have been a memorable week for him.

Closing with a flawless five-under-par 67, Bayron’s winning total of 12-under-par 204 after three rounds was enough to seal a win in the US$50,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event as 36-hole leader Fung finished one stroke adrift in second.

Philippines’ Jhonnel Ababa posted the day’s lowest score of 64 to take third place with a 206 total. Meanwhile, Danny Chia and Unho Park of

Australia shared fourth place on matching 207 at the Imperial Golf Club.

Starting the day three shots behind Fung, Bayron rallied back by firing five birdies on holes 9, 11, 13, 17 and 18 to win his second ADT title after Fung could not hold on to his overnight lead.

“I didn’t feel that much pressure as I was starting the day behind Fung. I just told myself that I have got to play catch-up and focus on doing well. My heart goes out to Nicholas as it could have been his week. But that’s golf,” said Bayron.

“I had a very solid run in my back-nine and I was growing in confidence then. I’m happy that I’ve won,” added Bayron.

The tournament marked Maybank’s first foray in the Asian Development Tour and comes on the back of their long-term involvement with the Malaysian Open, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

©Asian Tour

Nicholas Fung could not hold on to his advantage as Philippines’ Jay Bayron staged a remarkable final round comeback to win the inaugural Bii Maybank ADT Challenge on July 14.

CHOI’S CHILDHOOD DREAM FULFILLED South Korea's Na Yeon Choi materialised her childhood dreams when she won the U.S. Women’s Open on July 8, claiming her maiden Major triumph.

Despite starting the day with a six-shot lead, Choi had to overcome a mid-round wobble at Blackwolf Run after several early hiccups. She rallied back with two late birdies, closing with an one-over par 73 to finish at seven-under 281, four shots ahead of runner-up Amy Yang.

21

“My dream’s come true,” said a delighted Choi, as she reminisced her 10-year-old self watching Pak Se Ri win the 1998 Open at the very same venue on television. “It’s an amazing day and I really appreciate what Se Ri did and all the Korean players did. It’s really no way I can be here without them”. ©Getty

Sandra Gal of German shot a 74 and finished alone in third at one-over 289 followed by Ilhee Lee, Shanshan Geng and Guilia Sergas who all came tied fourth with two-over 290.

S

Rory Hie finished as the best placed Indonesian in tied fifth place with Myanmar’s Zaw Moe on a 275 total at the Taman Dayu Championship, which is promoted by Asian Golf Group (AGG).

Singh’s ten-shot advantage going into the final round never looked threatened as he cruised to a first victory outside of India with a 22-underpar 266 total at the majestic Taman Dayu Golf and Resort.

“I have to dedicate my win to my new born daughter Serena. I just welcomed a baby girl in May and you start to feel that golf is not everything. That kind of eases the pressure and it worked for me this week,” said Singh, who won US$13,125.

ujjan Singh of India completed a sensational wire-to-wire victory with a closing evenpar 72 and dedicated his win at the Taman Dayu Championship to his new born daughter on July 7.

Australians Michael Moore and Anthony Choat battled to a 66 and 68 respectively to share second place with Filipino veteran Antonio Lascuna (68) on 272, six shots from the champion Singh, at the inaugural US$75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

“I’ve been working really hard for a long time. It is good to know my game is heading in a positive direction. I hope this is the first of many. I didn’t make it easy on myself and I know it wasn’t going to be easy winning outside of India. It is a little bit extra special when the win is abroad,” he added.

©Khalid Redze / Asian Tour

FIERY JOY RIDE FOR SUJJAN

AROUND THE GLOBE

TIGER STRIKES BACK

T

iger Woods won the storm-hit AT&T National on July 1, claiming his 74th career title to pass Jack Nicklaus for second place all-time on the PGA Tour list.

Woods' third victory of the year came as he outlasted fellow American Bo Van Pelt in a backnine duel that went down to the final hole.

"What an incredible week!" Woods said. "I remember there was a time when people were saying I could never win again."

"I've been out here a long time, and I understand what it's like to have to grind and fight because each shot means something. The first day, the first shot is just as important as the 72nd hole.

They all count the same."

©Getty

Woods closed with a two-under 69, giving him a two-shot victory and moving him into second place on the tour's career list, one ahead of Nicklaus. He needs eight more to equal Sam Snead.

POTTER WHIZZES THROUGH AT GREENBRIER

P

GA Tour rookie Ted Potter Jr sank a fourfoot birdie at the third hole of a sudden death playoff to edge Troy Kelly for the Greenbrier Classic crown on July 7.

Potter, ranked 218th in the world, finished with an eagle and a birdie as he erased a four-shot deficit in regulation, carding a final-round 64 to join Kelly on 16-under 264. Charlie Wi and rookie Charlie Beljan were two shots behind in a share of third on 14-under.

22

It was quite a turnaround for the 28-year-old left-hander, who had missed five straight cuts coming into the tournaments.

Woods, who finished at eight-under 276, took the lead on 17th where Van Pelt made bogey after his ball sailed over the green. He sealed the victory with a superb nine-iron approach on the finishing hole at Congressional Country Club.

Adam Scott of Australia came in third as he closed with a 67. Billy Hurley closed with a 72 and tied for fourth along with Robert Garrigus, Jhonattan Vegas and Noh Seung-yul of South Korea.

JOHNSON PULLS OFF A STUNNER TO CLINCH JOHN DEERE WIN

A

merican Zach Johnson birdied the second hole of a sudden death playoff to beat compatriot Troy Matteson and capture the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois on July 15..

It was the second PGA Tour title of the year for the 2007 Masters champion, who celebrated his ninth career win with hugs from his children on the 18th green, as he looked set to lock his place in the United States Ryder Cup team later this year. The victory, his second of the season, moves him to second behind Tiger Woods on the FedExCup list.

Johnson's bogey-free final-round 65 put him at

Potter said the two-year tour exemption that goes with the win "was just a big relief ... knowing that now I've got a couple years to try to improve on my game and win some more

20-under 264 but Matteson, the leader since the first round, matched him with a closing 69.

The playoff got underway with both players carding messy double bogeys but Johnson got it right on the second asking, nailing an exquisite approach from the fairway bunker 192 yards away to inches short off the pin for a simple tapin birdie and the title.

It just feels so awesome," said Johnson, who is also a board member of the tournament. "I can't really put it into words. This tournament has meant so much to me and my family over the years."

©Getty

©Getty

"When you're missing cuts every week, you get down on yourself," Potter acknowledged.

"I mean, it's hard to pick yourself back up. But the plus side for me is I was still young. I just knew I had plenty of time and just be patient and it will come back around again."

IN THE BAG

ZACH JOHNSON's ARSENAL Presented by

Driver: 910D2 (9.5) Hybrid: 909H (21°)

Irons: A P1 (#4) and AP2

(#5- #9) 712 Series irons

SPEEDLINE FAST 12 FAIRWAY WOODS

www.adamsgolf.com

Fairway: 9 10F (15°) &

909F2 (18.5°)

• Features the second generation of Velocity Slot Technology (VST), a slot within a slot on both the crown and sole of the club for higher ball speed, unparalleled forgiveness and better launch conditions.

• New slot design allows the clubface to compress more for dramatically longer carry distance and total distance while expanding the “sweet spot” on the face.

• Features a satin silver crown and comes in various lofts and shaft flexes in both right- and left-handed models with standard Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue shaft.

Wedges: V okey Design Spin Milled (48, 54, 60V)

RRP:

RM899

Ball: Pro V1x

VELOCITY GOLF BALLS Glove: FJ StaSof

Shoes: FJ DryJoys Tour

www.titleist.com.my • Delivers fast initial ball speed on all full-swing shots with playable feel required for short game.

• LSX core technology to produce a high-speed core encased in an NaZ2 cover formulation • Combines to deliver soaring ball flight and deep downrange peak trajectory.

• High surface coverage 332 icosahedral dimple design delivers a tight, consistent ball flight.

• A.I.M.(Alignment Integrated Marking)™ sidestamp

*Equipment shown are standard models available and not the exact specifications that Zach Johnson used at the tournament.

RRP:

RM120

23

IN THE BAG

GHOST MANTA PUTTER

NOME PUTTER

www.taylormadegolf.com

www.ping.com

• Rich and more durable white finish eliminates glare, promoting higher contrast with turf.

• New large performance mallet shape promotes great feel and excellent stability on mis-hits.

• PureRoll Surlyn face insert promotes forward spin for smooth, accurate roll and beautiful soft feel.

• Dual alignment lines frame the ball, making aiming easy while maintaining a clean and simple appearance.

• Precision-milled mallet head is coated with a durable nano nickel coating for a clean, professional appearance and a long-lasting, quality finish.

• A lightweight frame made of high-grade aluminium features tungsten sole weighting that optimizes the CG and creates a high MOI. • Utilises the black alignment bar and white contrasting sightline to improve accuracy.

• Offered in three different shaft bends to fit Straight, Slight Arc, and Strong Arc putting strokes and comes available in standard 355-gram or the conforming 405-gram adjustable belly putter.

RRP:

RM850

RRP:

RM1,345

& RM1,595 (belly)

24

BERES S-02 DRIVER

TC930 IRONS

www.honmagolf.com

www.fourteengolf.com • Forged from high quality s20c steel with high temperature treatment, designed with the better players in mind.

• Compact head design with sharp edges promotes a sleek, blade-like look at address allows the head to have a low center of gravity while promoting excellent energy transfer.

• New cavity design with added multi thickness mucsles delivers a low CG which is perfectly aligned with a longer head length for better club head control while ensuring consistent soft feel.

• Features a slight offset set up to promote a straight to slight draw, but with maximum workability both directions.

RRP:

RM7450 (Project X)

& RM5500 (NSPro)

• All new seven-piece design forged by Endo focuses on delivering maximum performance.

• The multi-piece head and variable thicknes VL Titan face is designed for maximum energy transfer and repulsion while the crown crafted from KS-100 titanium eliminates unwanted flexing.

• Huge sweet spot produces minimal distance loss on mis-hits while dual fusion U-shaped face creates slingshot-like effect for greater ball speed.

• Promotes forgiveness and improved feel while producing a mid to higher launch with additional carry and lower spin.

RRP:

rices available upon request P at all PanWest outlets

WHEN PERFORMANCE MATTERS Bioflow® are global leaders in magnetic therapy innovation and technology, with over 15 years experience and more than a million satisfied customers worldwide.

Bioflow® Sport wristbands feature Central Reverse Polarity® technology, a strong multi-directional force of magnetism designed to improve blood flow, encouraging healing and cell regeneration to target areas of injury.

“The advantages were immediate and I couldn’t believe just how comfortable it is to wear. I am convinced it will be of great benefit.”

Lee Westwood

www.bioflowasia.com *Offer valid until 31st August 2012. Applies to Bioflow Sport silicone wristbands only.

Bioflow® products are not intended to prevent, cure, alleviate, treat or diagnose illness.

If you are concerned about a health issue, you should consult a doctor or medical professional.

bioflowsportwristbands

bioflowsport

GEAR UP

PUREMOTION GOLF SHOES www.taylormadegolf.com • Anatomical shape and versatile spikeless outsole provides a natural fit for enhanced comfort, stability, and performance.

• Wider, web-shaped forefoot allows for more natural movement, grip and flex for improved balance.

• ClimaProof® mesh upper delivers waterproof protection with athletic functionality.

RRP:

RM399

HYPERLITE 4.5 STAND BAG www.callawaygolf.com • Nine-inch, six-way top with an integrated handle and five fulllength dividers.

• Newly designed XTT® Base and stand technology with lightweight rubber handle on spine and interchangeable padded 4-point double strap or single strap options.

• Eleven pockets, including a large apparel pocket with a scorecard slot, a waterproof zip pocket, a hidden valuables pocket and a water bottle slot pocket.

• Equipped with ball marker, glove holder, pen holder, umbrella holder, towel ring and rain hood.

26

RRP:

RM490

TROPICOOL GLOVES www.footjoy.com.my • Lightweight construction starts with QwikDry knit material across the back of the hand, assures optimum breathability, flexibilty and quick drying comfort.

• Tailored cut design delivers a molded-like fit by conforming to your hand.

• Proven GripSuede material positioned on the entire palm, provides exceptional grip performance and maximum control in both wet and dry conditions.

RRP:

RM52

350G RANGEFINDER www.nikon.com • Compact, high-performance laser rangefinder specifically designed for golf.

• First Target Priority Mode enables easy measurement of the distance to your target pin at the golf course while depressing the power button provides eight-second continuous measurement, which enables measurement even with slight hand movement.

• Easy one-push measurement after the power is turned on while compact, lightweight design enables easy, single-hand operation • Measurement range: 10-500m (11-550 yd.)

RRP:

RM1,488

GEAR UP

MONOLINE PERFORMANCE GLOVE www.puma.com/golf • Breathable performance Lycra on top of hand and sides of finger.

• Genuine cabaretta leather palm and fingers with ultra quiet Velcro closure.

• Dimensional printed "Monoline" cat logo with raised 18-hole logo on closure tab with woven loop label with PUMA cat logo.

• Available in S, M, ML, L and XL sizes.

RRP:

RM79

BACKPACK www.titleist.com.my • Handle your business or personal travel needs with 100% durable woven polyester construction and well-padded contoured backstraps including sternum strap.

• Two large central compartments, one with file divider and a frontal U-shaped pocket with organizers for PDA, MP3, CDs etc.

• Fully padded side zippered pocket for laptop computer storage with open mesh pockets for power chords.

• Dimensions: 18.5"(H) x 13.5"(W) x 8"(L) RRP:

RM350

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME WITH BIOFLOW

E

stablished in 1995, BioFlow has been the top choice of sports professionals and athletes worldwide, seeking the the benefits of magnetic therapy to help enhance their performance.

Designed to complement an active lifestyle, BioFlow Sport is a winning combination of patented magnet technology and a durable, non- tearable silicone as well as water resistant sports wristband .

by physiotherapists, utilising strong, multidirectional force of magnetism to improve blood flow, encouraging healing and cell regeneration.

The full range of BioFlow magnotherapy bracelets and sports bands will be made available throughout Malaysia and Singapore beginning this month in all leading golf retailers such as Isetan golf departmental stores and Royal Sporting House (RSH) outlets, with a starting price of RM199.

BioFlow's proprietary Central Reverse Polarity (CRP) magnotherapy technology mimics the expensive professional equipment used

H

ock Toh (right), the sole and exclusive distributor of BioFlow for Malaysia and Singapore (pic), said: "I am delighted to be able to add BioFlow to our line-up of health and sports jewelry and the partnership fits the bill perfectly as we’ve been looking for a suitable entry-level magnotherapy bracelets to best complement our premium Shuzi brand."

"Golfers have been very receptive of magnotherapy products in the past and with a tour ambassador like Lee Westwood, I am confident that BioFlow Sport will have a following of its own in this part of the world,"

he added, noting that list of Tour professionals using BioFlow includes Paul Lawrie, Thomas Aiken, Simon Dyson, Chris Wood, David Horsey and Christina Kim. For more information on BioFlow sports wristbands and bracelets, visit www.bioflowasia.com

27

SHORT GAME FIXES WITH ANDREW MYLES

Though hailing from the Home of Golf, Andrew Myles is very much the Malaysian, having settled down here for close to a decade. A recognised Class

AA

British

PGA

professional and a certified AimPoint instructor, he mixes his passion for short game and putting with a methodological accelerated

performance

coaching style. His tips can be found on www.andrewmylesgolf.com 28

VISUALISATION FOR SUCCESS

O

nce students have undergone AimPoint Green Reading training, we can accurately predict the amount of break on any putt. To enhance the quality of our putts we also need to add a visual representation of what that amount of break looks and feels like.

For example, a great way to help develop what the visual part of a 6” break looks like is by using a string line and setting up an AimPoint circle drill. Place several balls around the hole at about 10ft away and read each putt using the AimPoint Green Reading System.

After establishing the correct amount of break, pull the elevated string line out to that point.

Set the face of your putter square to the string line and practice starting the ball on line at the correct speed. Once the ball is rolling you can then start to really “see” how much the ball breaks from the string line.

Mentally you start to visualise what 6” break looks like. You can then repeat the exercise with different breaks and distances, which helps develop better visualisation, increase confidence and hole more putts on course.

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER

T

his may not be a signature year for the golf equipment industry, from the standpoint that there’s seemingly no single new standout product that every golfer simply has to have. In years past, we experienced the overnight success of products like the Titleist Pro V1 ball, adjustable drivers and the Precept Laddie women's ball that was suddenly in demand by men.

But halfway through 2012, there have been no new surprise golf balls that Tour players are secretly practicing with, against the stipulations of their endorsement contracts. There haven’t Ecco Street been any must-have new irons taking the golf The looks catch your eye, but the phenomenal world by storm. feel, performance and accuracy find your heart.

And for that reason, the club’s been a major success. Plus it’s gotten quite a bit of PGA Tour usage, as well, like when the top three finishers at The Greenbrier Classic in early July all played the club.

Cleatless, skateboard-style golf shoes are yet another major trend this year. I can pretty much guarantee you that – at least here in trend-setting California – one person in every foursome seems to be wearing a new pair of these cleatless wonders this year.

Probably the most popular models from what CG Clasic Driver I’ve witnessed are the Ashworth Cardiff (which I also see many men wearing out in public, away from the golf course) and Ecco’s Golf Street.

Nor has there been any of the usual bickering But when FootJoy, adidas and Nike all debut a between executives at TaylorMade and Callaway. similar style of shoe – as they have this year – TaylorMade’s even holding off on unveiling its then you know it's officially a major trend. annual major fall product introduction. “We can barely keep up with meeting demand for One final item I see gaining momentum as the our Rocketballz clubs right now,” a company summer goes on are swing training devices spokesman told me. “So why mess with a good for smartphones. Several products are now thing and try to inundate the market with more available that come in the form of featherweight sensors that clip to a golf club shaft. You open products?” the app on your smartphone, then swing your Yet, amid all the business-as-usual circumstances, golf club. golfers are buzzing about several fresh items this year. Without a doubt, the Rocketballz club Instantly, the sensor transmits all of your line in general is selling very well - according pertinent swing data to your smartphone or to sales reports from independent surveys. But tablet display, letting you see everything about it’s specifically the Rocketballz 3-wood that your swing that was previously only available everyone’s raving about. This is the club that by taking lessons from a club pro armed with a TaylorMade promised in its ads could go an sophisticated launch monitor. additional 17 yards.

These systems also show detailed threeAnd the masses who have tried it generally dimensional animations of your swing, and agree. Low-lofted woods from the likes of allow you to compare your swing to those Adams, Tour Edge and Titleist the past year can of Tour pros. Expect to see this area get ultraaccomplish the same feat, but give TaylorMade popular in coming months. credit here for marketing the heck out of the club and the claim, and making the clubhead There are other products coming soon that will look different by finishing it in white, as it did surely catch fire with Tour pros and thus the golfing public. PING will introduce its adjustable with last year’s wood line.

Anser driver and Titleist will debut its new 913 Speaking of different looks, Cleveland Golf driver this fall. These clubs will undoubtedly be went retro with its CG Classic driver. This is the a success. titanium model that appears as if it’s actually made of persimmon wood with a brass So while there’s been no single runaway success sole plate and clubface. Golfers have been story, there has been plenty of excitement. And flocking to this model, according to many PGA that’s positive news for the golf industry.

Professionals I’ve spoken to.

Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf equipment capital of Carlsbad, California. In his 20-plus years covering the golf industry, the former senior editor of GOLF Magazine has lowered his playing index to 5.1, raised his IQ on the sophisticated technology used to make golf clubs, and stayed even keel on his propensity to miss short putts. But he always brings game to his columns.

29

QUIET SEASON

GOLF DOWN UNDER

A

t a recent press conference, Greg Norman bemoaned Australia's recent shortcomings in world golf's Major Championships.

"I am disappointed the Aussie guys have not stepped up to the plate and won more," said Norman, "Not only just for the game of golf in Australia but for the players individually. It doesn't make sense to me because the players are good enough to [win] on a regular basis."

Fellner

is

the

Group Editor of Inside Golf Magazine

–

Australia’s

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

30

THE SHARK LAMENTS AUSSIE MAJOR DROUGHT

The statement was referring to the fact that, in the past 17 years, just one Aussie has won a Major (Geoff Ogilvy's 2006 US Open victory).

Compare that to the 17 years prior, which saw Australians win six Majors (David Graham, Greg Norman twice, Wayne Grady, Ian Baker-Finch and Steve Elkington). "[One win in 17 years] is not an acceptable strike rate considering the talent and the capabilities of the Australian players we have out there," Norman added.

Indeed, Aussie golf fans have ridden an emotional rollercoaster in recent times, with super talented Aussie touring professionals coming agonisingly close (and then falling painfully short) of claiming major championship titles.

©Getty

Richard

Geoff Ogilvy's unlikely one-stroke victory at the 2006 US Open Championship was the last by an Australian in recent times.

"When you think about it, you've got all these great players around the world and there's only four [Major] golf tournaments per year, so there's only going to be four winners, so you This was no more apparent than in 2011, can see the odds are getting harder and harder," which saw a host of near-misses by our Norman admitted.

Aussies. Jason Day and Adam Scott both had legitimate glimpses of donning a Green Jacket "You can see that with Tiger Woods now; it's at The US Masters, before each finishing T2 getting harder and harder for him to win (with Geoff Ogilvy a couple shots back to it because the older he gets, the younger finish T4). Day found himself on the first page everybody else gets, and the younger they get, of the leaderboard again at the US Open, the less intimidated they are by him." before finishing alone in second place, while Adam Scott's seventh-place finish at the PGA Whatever the cause, the lack of Aussie Major Championship rounded out the (disappointing) winners has certainly taken its toll on the Top-10 finishes. This year, we've seen Aussies overall golf industry Down Under. Without again falling just short, with Adam Scott T8 at an Aussie idol/inspiration (like the Greg The Masters, while John Senden finished T10 Normans or Peter Thomsons of yesteryear), at the US Open – despite both having genuine the Aussie golf industry is now struggling with lower participation levels, reduced onchances for victory. course spending, and the inability to find big While a slew of Top-10s might seem satisfactory name sponsors and advertisers for television for some, many Australians (Norman included) broadcasts or tournaments. The recent US believe that the sheer talent of the current Open, for example, was not shown on free-toAussie contingent is far better than in the past, air television in Australia, forcing fans to either and should have translated to at least a few catch coverage on Pay-TV, or search for an online stream. Australia's network TEN (a longtime Majors over the last decade. supporter of golf ) recently announced that it is, in essence, walking away from televised golf So why hasn't Australia won more Majors? coverage, starting with the Australian Open this Some may blame the ‘mental factor’, which year (though they do have the rights to the US speculates that the young Aussies may lack Masters and PGA.) the ‘belief’ that they can win. This can lead to ‘choking’ down the stretch, or making mistakes And things will only get worse if we don't get on the course that lead to irreparable damage an Aussie champion soon. on a round or tournament. Others may put it to a lack of an insatiable hunger to win by Aussies While the Open Championship has not yet been contested at the time of writing, one can only on the biggest of stages. hope that an Aussie like John Senden, Marcus Most, however, simply put it down to the Fraser or any number of our young hopefuls immense talent pool that now exists throughout can break through to vanquish the Major drought. And if not, well, there's always the PGA world golf.

Championship in August. Here's to hoping!

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY

Growing up in a golfing family with a grandmother who was 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

W

hen Shareen Lai was growing up and attending high school in the Philippines, the Malaysian native was a tennis whiz who regularly played tennis against the Philippine national players. After competing in two South East Asian (SEA) Games as a member of the Malaysian national tennis team, a tennis scholarship beckoned at Syracuse University, New Jersey, USA. After she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Shareen juggled a tax accounting job with Merrill Lynch while teaching tennis on a part-time basis. In 2004 she became a USPTA Certified tennis pro and played on the International Tennis Federation pro circuit.

the ball is coming and you train for those moments. With golf you have to train at a much slower pace and it was a pretty hard thing for me to play both at the same time.”

But this she did, and to be able to compete on two professional tours and win a number of national open tennis tournaments in addition to the New Jersey State Women’s Public Links tournament is impressive.

“I have applied a lot of the tennis skills to my golf such as the feel around the greens, the short game pitch and the touch. It’s like taking a little drop shot or finesse shot at the net and that’s part of learning how to control the mechanics of your body.” She adds, “And, if my ball is in the “Tennis was my first love, definitely – I didn’t rough I usually have no problems getting out of know how to play golf until I started work and the thicker rough because of my arm strength picked up golf on the weekends,” says Shareen due to my tennis days.” who enjoys a number of other outdoor pursuits such as skiing and hiking, and is currently a golf Another attraction to switching to golf was professional at Marina Bay Golf Course’s Star that she got to a point where tennis was Golf Academy in Singapore. too physical on her body and over time her knees experienced a lot of wear and tear. Yet, Being the elite athlete that she is, she was able to while she has only been in Singapore four become a Ladies Professional Golf Association months teaching at Star Golf Academy, she (LPGA) Certified Golf Instructor in 2007, and in does take time to still hit it up every now and 2009 Shareen played on the Canadian Women’s then with youngsters at the Singapore Tennis golf tour in conjunction with competing on the Association. pro tennis tour.

And why the move to Asia after 15 years “Mentally it’s tough because my true passion studying, working and plying her trade in both was tennis first as that was what I enjoyed professional tennis and golf? She explains, “I doing, but I also had to enjoy playing golf wanted to be nearer to my family in Malaysia which I did. Competing was very different in but I also felt like there was a hole in Asian golf golf because I felt like I was a lot more nervous in general. It’s nice to bring what I’ve learnt in on the first tee, whereas in tennis I wasn’t really North America to Asia." that nervous maybe because of the many years of training I had.”

"I have met several famous professionals along the way and have learned a few methods of There are obvious advantages to playing both teaching that are effective. I enjoy teaching such as eye-ball and hand-eye coordination, adults and kids of all levels and believe that however Shareen explains, “Golf is very much everyone has a way to enjoy this sport. It more passive and you have a lot more time should never be a struggle as long as you have to think about it whereas tennis is more of a guidance like I did along the way," she shares. reactive sport and you have to react to where

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

A MULTI-SPORT PROFESSIONAL

31

GOLF DOWN UNDER

O

ne of the most important duties that I’ve ever had in my early days working as an assistant golf course superintendent was chemical and fertiliser application. Where previously the two duties were done by ordinary workers/labourers, Martin Greenwood, the then new Australian superintendent said these duties had to be done by A specially trained personnel, preferably at the assistant superintendent level.

Normas

Yakin

himself

an

considers 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 32

www.mynormas.com

CALIBRATION CALIBRE

calibration was all about. Not only did we calibrate the machines the first time they were delivered, but Martin actually had us calibrating the machines almost every week.

And thus began my first lesson on calibrating application equipment. Fadzil and I did so many calibration work that we ended up buying those watches that had calculator functions. We were taught changing particular nozzles to particular jobs (not all chemicals can sprayed out by one I admit that at the time I thought to myself; type of nozzle) and for every nozzle we had to what was so difficult about spraying insecticide recalibrate the machine. and putting out fertiliser that you needed a well-educated, trained and good-looking Martin was so precise in fertilising that we young man to do the job? But of course, being were taught on how to measure greens’ sizes loyal and obedient I just had to accept the and were told to re-measure them every year. challenge. Moreover in the early days, Martin Reason? We calculate and weigh fertiliser for wasn’t exactly the kind to ask nicely too. He just each and every green so that when we say a wanted things to be done the right way. green is to be fertilised with 1.5kg of fertiliser for every 100 square meters, we mean that a green Remember in the early issue of The ClubHouse with a size of 400 square meters will receive 6kg magazine, I was regaling you my dear readers, of fertiliser. Gone are the days of one bag of how Fadzil (the other assistant superintendent) fertiliser per green, regardless of size. and I were asked by Martin to operate all machinery on the golf course? Well this duty We ended up being able to calibrate almost was on top of all those tasks. any fertilising and spraying machine on the golf course; from computerized dedicated Martin purchased two dedicated boom-sprayers boom-sprayers to manual back-pack sprayers that had computerised spray equipment on it. and from tractor-mounted vicon spreaders to I, Fadzil and the other field maintenance staff simple push-behind fertilising green spreaders. had barely finished our “Wah… got computer?” sentence when Martin discovered that the Martin had always made it sound that supplier does not know how to calibrate the calibrating equipment, precise measurements machine. “Calibrate sir? This is state-of-the- and calculations were the norm and nothing art, sophisticated and complicated piece of special so it did come as a surprise that almost equipment no need calibration one. It came 20 years later when I became consultant/trainer calibrated from the factory,” they said. Martin I found that many golf courses don’t calibrate would hear none of it. Calibrate it. Now. their equipment and/or measure their greens’ sizes.

The service and sales team delivering the machinery was looking at me, Fadzil, the Furthermore, these other clubs still had very mechanic and the cleaning lady for any good greens, weed-free fairways (relatively assistance we could offer. This was probably the speaking, of course) and were considered better first computerised sprayer of its kind that they clubs than the clubs that calibrate and measure had sold and perhaps the only one too; we all their chemical/fertiliser stuff. So? Why bother? knew nothing.

Well the answer is that you may end up wasting It didn’t take Martin long to calibrate the money and/or poisoning the environment. If a machine and he made sure that I knew what green that is 400 square meters big needs only 1.5kg fertiliser per 100 square meters and you put in a standard 10kg for all greens, about 4kg of fertiliser is wasted every fertilising round (and that could be one time a week or a month of fertilising) for that green alone. And what about those 800 square meter greens that actually need 12kg of fertiliser but received only 10?

Aren’t they being short-changed?

There are many superintendents in Malaysia who had to work their way up the ranks and therefore know their way around machines and equipment just like we do, but we do not personally know of any other superintendents that had as much experience with measurements and calculations with calibrations and measurements.

For that, Fadzil and I have Martin to thank.

Precise calibration and calculations are vital if you're to avoid badly-sprayed greens as above

: M>:<A>K L M:E>

A member of the Canadian PGA

since

Walterhouse Singapore

2002,

Brad

moved from

to

western

Canada to join the Heartlands Golf Schools in 2009. He believes that every single golfer

T

he majority of golfers that I encounter here on the driving range in Singapore would fall into the novice or intermediate category. Here is my best advice for novice or intermediate golfers. #1 Play more golf

#3 Focus on hitting the center of the club face If you want to get maximum distance on your golf shots you must hit the center of the club face. I see golfers putting so much effort into their swings or trying every swing tip imaginable in hope of geting more distance.

However, if you miss the center of the clubface, it doesn't matter how hard you swing or what technique you use - you are not going to get distance.

I know that this is easier said than done, but the only way to truly understand the game is by playing it as often as you can. The more golf you play, the more you will understand that it's not about hitting perfect golf shots; it's about getting the ball in the hole in the fewest strokes If you want to hit the ball farther, concentrate possible, any way you can. on hitting the center of the clubface and try to be familiar with the distinct sound and feel When I have a student who is new to the game that you get from a center hit. Same thing goes we are usually on the golf course by the 3rd or for putting. If you want to develop consistency 4th lesson and from there spend 50% of our with the putter, concentrate on hitting your lesson time playing the game on the course. I putts solid, off the center of the putter face. want my students to have a good understanding of the game so that they can get an accurate #5 Don't try so hard understanding of what are the most important things to practice.

Do you feel like the harder you try, the worse it gets? It's usually because the harder you try #2 Learn to chip with your 7 or 8 iron the more tension you create in your body, and the more likely you are to loose the rhythm I think most golfers should learn to use a 7- or and tempo that are essential to making your 8-iron for most shots around the green. If you best swings. Learn to make full swings with a have a 20 m shot and choose your sand wedge, complete finish that feel effortless and smooth. you have to take a pretty big swing to get the ball to the hole. If you hit the shot perfectly it #6 Make your own par will fly high, land soft and roll a little right next to the flag. If you hit the shot thin with that big If you can't realistically get the ball on the swing, it's going to race across the green into green in one shot on the par 3's, two shots on the bunker on the other side or way over the the par 4's and three shots on the par 5’s, then green. forget about those numbers and make your own par. Take into consideration the distance However, if you chip with your 7 or 8 iron and the difficulty of the hole, give yourself a you can use a much smaller swing to get the realistic number of shots to get on the green, ball to the hole. A good shot will have only a add two putts and call that par. A difficult par 5 little bit of flight and then roll most of the way might become a par 8 or par 9, and as you get to the hole. If you hit the shot thin with that better that number can drop accordingly. It will small swing, the ball won't go racing across the do wonders for your confidence and prevent green. So remember this; with a 7 or 8 iron, your you from trying to play the game beyond your good shot will be the same as a good shot with capabilities. the sand wedge, but your bad shot will be way better than a bad shot with your sand wedge.

is unique and has different reasons for playing the game, different goals and a unique swing. Noted for his interest in the mental aspects of the game, Brad espouses that golf should be enjoyed, not merely played.

SIX TIPS FOR BETTER GOLF

33

BUILDING COURSES WITH JASON WINTER

Having lived for over 18 years in Malaysia, Jason Winter

considers

himself

very much at home here as he does in his native Tasmania. Having majored in Environmental Design, the single-handicapper got his big break in golf course design when he joined E&G Parlsow and Associates in 1993, where he is a partner here. When he is not tackling quicksand and the occasional 34

wild animal in the pursuit of the perfect golf tract, he prefers the rough-and-tumble of Aussie Rules footy.

Drainage

Subsoil and sand cap construction on Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club's 18th fairway

D

rainage is undoubtedly one of the most important design and maintenance elements of a golf course in Malaysia and other tropical countries. A poorly draining golf course is difficult to maintain and not fun to play on.

Drainage efforts on the golf course are generally divided into two categories; surface water and seepage water. Surface water is water - either from rainfall or irrigation - that runs along the surface of the ground and accounts for probably 90-95% of the water that must be dealt with.

Seepage water either comes from the above water that seeps into the soil profile before reaching drainage sumps, drains or waterways, or from other underground springs etc.

the shaping of the golf course. In fact, much of the shaping on a golf course, especially in high rainfall areas, is actually designed to control water run-off as well as golf course design strategies.

The slopes will direct water to the drainage pits located in the low points, or to the lakes and streams, or onto buggy paths with kerbing and path side pits [photo 1]. A buggy path with kerbing is essentially an open drain and we use them often to collect water and to intercept water before reaching the play areas.

We generally try to avoid open drains on the golf course. They are unsightly, difficult to maintain around, and can cause undue penalties for golfers, not to mention rules confusion. How Rainwater and excess irrigation water(which many times have you added a stroke to your should be minimal if the system is set up and score for ending up in a drain, quite often one used correctly), is controlled and directed by that you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know was there?

Path side pit next to the buggy track

BUILDING COURSES WITH JASON WINTER

Brick sump with various inlet pipes and outlet pipe

Drainage sump with 'chimney' lid installed

D

rainage sumps are the preferred option wherever possible, with the landform being shaped with slopes and swales to low points where the sumps are located. Our drainage sumps are designed with a ‘chimney’ to keep the visible top part of the sump, where the water goes in, relatively small and unobtrusive.

Underneath, a bit like an iceberg, there is a larger chamber with inlet and outlet pipes of various sizes in an underground network designed to get water quickly to the waterways. Maintenance is a lot easier this way as mowers can easily move around and even mow straight over the sumps.

Seepage water is generally handled by installation of sub-soil drainage networks, generally referred to as herringbone drainage from the typical fish bone patterns seen on the course. These

Double ring of subsoil trenching around drainage sump and further subsoil placed on slope/swale above.

networks will be placed in swales where water converges and on long slopes where the water might have time to seep into the ground. Generally they would be placed 5 metres apart.

We generally also have a ring of subsoil two metres away from drainage sumps on fairways.

Sub-soil drainage is also commonly installed around drainage sumps, upper edges of buggy paths or wherever seepage water is a problem.

Buggy paths across slopes essentially create a dam to seepage water, and the water comes to the surface (causing soggy conditions) and then crosses the buggy path. You will often see wheel ruts from vehicles in these areas. We solve this issue with subsoil lines along the path and a pipe under the path at the lowest point, outletting to the nearest sump.

300mm sand covering 'double ring' of subsoil drainage

Our subsoil trenches are generally between 500mm to 600mm deep. The first 300mm will be filled with gravel chipping and the perforated subsoil pipe. Over that will be 200mm to 300mm of sand. The sand will catch the seepage water and direct it downwards to the gravel and subsoil pipe.

The sand should be 200mm deep as the gravel chipping can damage maintenance equipment such as scarifying blades, and solid or hollow tynes (for de-thatching). Of course the grass and thatch layer on top of the sand must still be maintained well to allow the water to reach the sand. If the thatch and organic layer builds up on the surface the water gets trapped there before reaching the sand and soggy conditions still remain.

Sometimes on hill slopes there may also be water seeping out of the ground. In such cases we will construct a deep cut-off trench filled with gravel and covered with sand to intercept the water.

For courses with sufficient budget, sand capping is an optional extra to provide superior playing surfaces even during the wetter

Grassing after sump construction and sand installation

months of the year.

For example, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club has a full sand cap on fairways and rough areas. Palm Garden Golf Club has a sand cap on main landing zone areas of fairways only. Sand is used as the pore spaces are much larger than for normal soil and so water can drain through it faster, and that 5% seepage water can disappear faster after a rainfall to allow play to resume faster.

As mentioned above, maintenance of the thatch and organic layers is critical to allow water to reach the sand. There is no point having a sand cap if you allow an impenetrable layer to develop above it. Regular subsoil drains below the sand cap are also essential to quickly drain away the water that builds up in the sand, otherwise super saturated “quick sand” can develop.

We will look at the drainage of tees, bunkers and greens in the next installment.

35

TEE BOX

RAMADHAN GOLF LISTING G

B

Green Fee Buggy

I

Insurance

M

Meal Voucher

C

Caddie

AWANA GENTING HIGHLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT W/D RM73 (AM / PM) W/K RM152 (AM / PM) 09 - 8641 188

36

BUKIT KEMUNING GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT W/D RM 78 W/K 03 - 5121 6412

BUKIT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB W/D RM 68 (AM), RM 88 (PM) W/K RM 148 (AM), RM 98 (PM) 03 - 8920 1129

CLEARWATER SANCTUARY GOLF RESORT W/D RM 80 (AM / PM) W/K RM 173 (AM / PM) 05 - 3667 433

DANAU GOLF CLUB WD RM 60 (AM / PM) W/K RM 130 (AM / PM) 03 -8925 1010

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB W/D RM 80 (AM / PM) W/K 03 - 7803 1000

IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB W/D RM 100.70 (AM), RM 95 (PM) W/K RM 159 (AM), RM 145 (PM) 03 - 8734 4197

KELAB GOLF DIRAJA PAHANG W/D RM 100 (AM), RM 50 (PM) W/K RM 150 (AM), RM 75 (PM) 09 - 5675 812

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWM W/D RM 73 (AM / PM) W/K RM 123 (AM), RM 100 (PM) 03 - 7957 3344

KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA MALAYSIA W/D RM 81 (PM) W/K 03 - 6156 6870

KINRARA GOLF CLUB W/D RM 80 (AM), RM 90 (PM) W/K RM 150 (AM), RM 100 (PM) 03 - 8076 2100 * Terms & Condition apply

KOTA PERMAI GCC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

G

B

I

G

B

I

ZAKARIA EARNS KPGCC GREEN JACKET

G

G

G

B

B

B

I

I

I

O

ver 200 players participated in the 2012 edition of the Kota Permai Golf & Country Club Championship, with senior & ladies championship taking place from June 16-17 while the muchawaited men championship being held from June 22-24.

Zakaria Mohammad picked up the customary champion's green jacket after posting rounds of 78, 80 and 78 to emerge victorious in the men's division with a total of 236, two shots ahead of another seven-handicapper Mohd Isa Abas (82-80-76).

In the senior category, 61-year-old Johnny Wong snatched a slim-

G

B

I

G

B

I

one stroke victory to complete a successful title defence. Wong, who was trailing by three shots after the first round, carded a better second round score of four-over 76 to beat Hamdan Zambahari (76-80).

Former state player Khairunhanisah Azlan Hanif (3) earned a second successive ladies championship, notching rounds of 84 and 79 to claim a six-stroke victory over Ong Gim Hong (88-81).

The biggest winner of the week however was Pua Yii Shiuan, who scored an ace on the sixth hole to drive home a LEXUS GS250 car, carrying a price tag of RM366,200.

MAXIS TEAM GOLF TOUR

G

G

B

I

TEMPLER PARK WINNERS EARN YUNNAN SLOT

G

G

B

B

I

C

hong Chit Heng and Mohd Shokri Saad took Templer Park Country Club by storm when they formed a lethal combination in the second leg of the Maxis Team Golf Tour on June 14.

The East Coast pair posted a score of 77 and 76 respectively

for a 153 gross total, earning themselves tickets to the grand finals at Stoneforest International Country Club. The other finalists who qualified from the leg were Terengganu duo Pakruddin Abdul Majid and Châ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ng Bak Lim, combining for a 138 nett, edging four other teams on countback.

TEE BOX

B

efore breaking for Ramadhan, AGSSG-Adams GolfFireFly Golf Championship travelled to Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Resort on July 18 for another exciting leg. A strong turnout of 110 participants took full advantage of favourable conditions to savour a competitive round of golf before adjourning for a sumptuous dinner with almost all walking home with a prize!

BECAUSE YOU DESERVE MORE!

The #1 Golf Card Just Got Better

L to R: Medal B winner 1. Anuar Yaacob - 38 points; Medal A winner Albert Ng - 40 points & gross champion Mohd Hezri (two-under 70)

With the AGSSG Golf card, the doors swing open for you at more than 70 golf clubs throughout Malaysia.

Enjoy preferential golfing rates, be it on a weekday or a weekend.

THE #1 GOLF CARD is now MORE than just a golf card! s s s

s

-/2% THAN JUST A PLASTIC CARD n IT S A BIO ENERGY HEALTH CARD -/2% THAN JUST GOLFING IN -ALAYSIA .OW YOU CAN GOLF IN )NDONESIA TOO -/2% TOURNAMENTS IN THE FIRST EVER TO HAVE ITS OWN PREMIUM SERIES OF GOLF TOURNAMENTS EXCLUSIVELY FOR CARDHOLDERS !,, ). 02)#% WHICH INCLUDES 'OLFERgS )NSURANCE AND TOUCH 3 / 3 !UTO !SSIST 3ERVICE ./4().' MORE TO PAY

PRODUCT 02%-)%2 .%7 02%-)%2 2%.%7 %8#%,,%.4 .%7 %8#%,,%.4 2%.%7 54!2! .%7 2%.%7 %8 &!-),9 0!#+!'%

*NEW PRICE 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-

NON-Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SIAN 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-

* Inclusive of mandatory 6% govt. tax

AGSSG LINKS SDN BHD

Two grand lucky draws prizes were on offer with the winners walking home with big smiles!

HQ: No. I-2-5 Block I, Jalan PJU 1A/1, Taipan Damansara 2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: 603-7842 6911 Fax: 603-7842 6858 www.agssglinks.com.my Operations Office: 1st Floor, A01-1, Block A, Garden City Business Centre, Jalan Dagang Besar, Taman Dagang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 603-4270 2926/3198/7670 Fax: 603-4270 2925

Agssg Links Sdn Bhd

TEE BOX

RAMADHAN GOLF LISTING KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB W/D RM 150 (AM / PM) W/K 03 - 5123 3700 G B I

KUALA LUMPUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB W/D RM 250 AM W/K G B I M C 03 - 2093 1111

KULIM GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT SDN BHD W/D RM 67 (AM / PM) W/K RM 72 (AM / PM) 04 - 403 2828 G B I

NILAI SPRINGS W/D RM 65 (AM / PM) W/K RM 137 (AM), RM 85 (PM) G B I 06 - 850 8888

38

PALM GARDEN GOLF CLUB W/D RM 1085 (F) W/K RM 1505 (F) G B I 03 - 8948 7160

PARADISE VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT W/D G B I W/K RM 75 (AM / PM) 06 - 633 5033

PERANGSANG TEMPLER GOLF CLUB W/D RM 45 (AM), RM 66 (PM) W/K RM 95.40 (AM), RM 72 (PM) G B I 03 - 6091 0022

SEREMBAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB W/D RM 76 (AM / PM) 0W/K RM 106 (AM / PM) G B I 06 - 6775 787

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT BHD W/D RM 78 A (AM / PM) W/K RM 128 (AM / PM) 03 - 8766 6117 G B I

TEMPLER PARK COUNTRY CLUB W/D RM 106 (AM / PM) W/K G B M C 03 - 6091 6917

TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT BHD W/D RM 185 (AM / PM) W/K 03 - 7804 8888 G B I C

* Terms & Condition apply

KGNS-MAZDA LADIES AMATEUR OPEN

DURRIYAH CRUISES TO KGNS VICTORY

N

ational player Nur Durriyah Damian romped to an eight-stroke victory over Michelle Koh in the recently concluded KGNS-Mazda Ladies Open at Kelab Golf Negara Subang.

After an opening round of threeunder 68, the 16-year-old Durriyah posted two successive rounds of one-over 72 for a three-day total

of one-under 212. Genevieve Ling was third on 223 (74-75-74). In the nett division, Kwi Hui Bays (23) of Kuala Lumpur GCC claimed the title with a score of 192 (62-6565), five strokes ahead of runnerup Jeong Jeong Soon (67-63-67).

Datin Anisah Khadar Abdullah was third on 202 (65-67-70).

TM GOLF 2012 1. A total of 120 golfers including 40 open category players enjoyed a sunny morning start as the TM Golf 2012 got underway with a fullysubscribed first leg at Lanjut Golden Beach & Golf Resort on June 23.

1

2. SIS Cemerlang Sdn Bhd managing director Sayed Ali Tuan Ali (17) topped the standings, notching 39 stableford points to emerge as the first winner of the series.

3. The second leg at Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah on June 30 was a byinvitation leg for SME and Group Corporate Communications (GCC) guests and saw a total turnout of 112 players. Ulaganathan Gopalakrishnan (18) from Westports Malaysia took the victory on countback with a score of 37 stableford points.

TEE BOX

ROYAL PERAK GC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

TAN HOLDS ON FOR VICTORY

S

easoned amateur Tan Chee Kean (2) overcame a strong challenge by youngster Lucas Yee to emerge the Royal Perak Golf Club men's champion on July 1.

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

Tan carded rounds of 75 and 78 to claim a narrow one-stroke victory over the 12-year-old, who posted the round of tournament with an even-par 72 during the second round en-route to a 154 total. In the ladies championship, eight-handicapper Tan Mooi Hoon topped the standings to claim the title ahead of Ashvin Kaur.

KGPA quarter.pdf

1

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

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

2

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

3

CMY

K

Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) is situated within Bukit Kiara, about 18km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

A 27-hole layout designed by renowned American course architect Ronald Fream. The championship course (Hills and Lakes) is a classic par 72 golf course measuring 5,989 metres with landscaped lush fairways culminating in manicured verdant greens. The third nine (Forest), measuring 2,711 metres is equally scenic and challenging, playing around the natural jungle environment.

www.kgpagolf.com

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

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

GOLF DIARY

Aug 2 - 5 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Firestone CC, Ohio, United States US$8,500,000

Aug 2 - 5 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Firestone CC, Ohio, United States US$8,500,000

Aug 8 - 11 Aboitiz Invitational presented

by ICTSI (ADT) Cebu CC, Cebu, Philippines US$65,000

Aug 9 - 12 US PGA Championship Kiawah Island GR, South Carolina, United States US$8,000,000

Aug 9 - 12 US PGA Championship Kiawah Island GR, South Carolina, United States US$8,000,000

Aug 23 - 26 Johnnie Walker Championship The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland £1,400,000

Aug 15-18 ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship (ADT) Orchard GCC, Philippines US$60,000

Jul 26 - 29 RBC Canadian Open Hamilton GCC, Ontario, Canada US$5,200,000 Aug 2 - 5 Reno-Tahoe Open Montreux GCC, Reno, Nevada US$3,000,000 Aug 2 - 5 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio US$8,500,000 Aug 9 - 12 US PGA Championship Kiawah Island GR, Kiawah Island, South Carolina US$8,000,000

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

Aug 16 - 19 Wyndham Championship Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, North Carolina US$5,200,000

40 Jul 26 - 29 Evian Masters Evian GC, Evian-les-Bains, France US$3,250,000 Aug 3 - 5 Ladies Irish Open Killeen Castle, County Meath, Ireland €350,000 Aug 9 - 12 Thailand Open Suwan GCC, Bangkok, Thailand US$1,000,000

Aug 16 - 18 ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters Buckinghamshire GC, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £300,000

Jul 26 - 29 Evian Masters Evian GC, Evian-les-Bains, France US$3,250,000 Aug 9 - 12 Jamie Farr Toledo Classic Highland Meadows GC, Sylvania, Ohio US$1,300,000 Aug 17 - 19 Safeway Classic Pumpkin Ridge GC, North Plains, Oregon US$1,500,000

Jul 25 - 28 Lyoness Open Diamond C, Atzenbrugg, Austria €1,000,000

Aug 23 - 26 CN Canadian Open Vancouver GC, British Columbia, Canada US$2,000,000