Scott Hend’s game shows healthy signs of recovery
Scott Hend competes in the International Series England at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort this week after a promising performance in the Netherlands that suggests his game may be on the mend following poor health, that even included contracting COVID-19 last week.
The Australian, winner of 10 events on the Asian Tour and the 2016 Order of Merit title, was one off the lead after round three at the Dutch Open last week before finishing in a tie for 14th.
It was a standout week in complete contrast to a season that has seen him miss the cut in all six events he has played in on the Asian Tour.
Hend has been fighting prostrate cancer for over a year, caught the flu a few weeks ago before picking up COVID-19 early last week.
“I have had a lot of injuries this year,” said Hend.
“It’s nice to turn the corner last week, and hopefully start to put some results together. Catching COVID last week wasn’t the perfect formulae, but we battled through it. I was lucky I could play because the only symptom I was showing was testing positive. Last six holes every day I was struggling because of a lack of energy. Hopefully we can play good again this week and have a good result.”
The Australian continues to battle prostate problems but has been making good progress.
Scott Hend last won on the Asian Tour in 2019. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“It’s a work in progress, it’s a man problem. As you get older … prostate issues … something that I can control but I can’t control,” he said.
“For a year and a half, urinating blood and struggling to urinate on the golf course is obviously not ideal for playing good golf. I should have been operated on earlier. I had bad information from a specialist, but I saw another specialist and he said do it straight away as you are struggling. Having those sorts of things on your mind doesn’t help.
“It’s been really tough times and I have worked really hard to get back. Certain things became a little bit more important than others. From an outsider looking in you just think it is just someone playing bad golf but there is a lot more to it. Golf is a massive part of my life but so is living!”
Hend last won on the Asian Tour at the 2019 Maybank Championship and is now determined to get back on track.
“I want to start playing well again, I want to start winning again, I want to improve my world ranking, I want to compete against all these guys again and show them I can still play,” said the Australian.
“I want to finish my career with as many wins as I can. That’s why I am out here, to play and win trophies. I like to think I can be competitive this week and be up there on Sunday.”
Scott Vincent, a winner two days ago in Japan, has arrived in Newcastle for the inaugural International Series England at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, following a gruelling 24-hour flight from Tokyo, via Helsinki and Amsterdam, full of hope for more success despite that fact his golf clubs have yet to arrive.
“I’m feeling good but obviously I would love my clubs to be here but that’s not the case right now,” said the 30 year old Zimbabwean.
“We don’t know when they are due to arrive, but we’ll give them a call.”
He beat Australian Anthony Quail on the second extra hole to win the Mizuno Open and secure his third victory on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation. On a remarkable final day he started seven-shots behind overnight leader Quail but forced the tournament into overtime after firing a stunning seven-under-par 65, consisting of an eagle and five birdies.
He added: “It was a bit of a surprise because I was coming from so far behind. It was absolutely amazing, it kind of all worked in my favour. It was a great day, some really good golf and fun to get into a play off and come through with a win because I have been in many play offs that have not gone my way.”
Vincent was out early on Tuesday morning to walk the course saying he was “still on Tokyo time”.
He has played some golf in England and is fully aware of the challenges posed by the conditions.
Scott Vincent walked the course early on Tuesday. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“I feel pretty good. I have just got to get used to the weather and England, it’s a completely different style of golf. I am excited to play, excited for the opportunity. It’s fun walking the course, seeing the different grasses and different shots we have to hit,” he said.
“I am not so sure about the wind and weather up here. I know it can get rainy and cold so got to prepare and get ready for that.”
Vincent has been playing on the Asian Tour since 2016 and has finished second on five occasions while it was in Japan last year that he broke through with wins in the Sansan KBC Augusta and ANA Open.
He is the first golfer from his country to play in the Olympics and the World Cup.
The West welcomes the East this week, when the International Series England is played at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, just outside Newcastle, in England – marking the first time the Asian Tour has staged an event in the UK.
It’s a seismic development for the Asian Tour and the significance of the week has not been lost on the Tour’s membership.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the Asian Tour players,” said Gaganjeet Bhullar – the most successful Indian on the Asian Tour with nine victories.
“As you know, in the past we have of course played in Switzerland, but I think playing in the UK is going to be a great experience. I’ve played a lot of golf on the European Tour in the UK, but, you know, playing on the Asian tour and representing our Asian Tour flag on the UK soil, I think that’ll be great. And it’ll be a great boost for all the youngsters, all the people who are getting ready to move on to the next level.”
The furthest west the Tour has been before was for the Omega European Masters, when it was joint sanctioned with Europe, but the trip to Newcastle is a more significant move, especially as it will be a full-field Tour event.
Bjorn Hellgren predicts low scores this week.
Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, who is playing his first season in Asia, says: “I have played quite a few tournaments in this part of the world, but I have not played this golf course. But seeing pictures of the course, looking at the conditions, I think it’s going to be a fair setup. We would definitely expect a lot of low numbers. Of course, in the UK, it depends a lot on the weather actually.
“So, depending if you’re on the good side of the draw, if we get to see some sun, then definitely the boys are ready to take on the best players in the world. So definitely, I’m really, really excited.”
Also playing this week are 51 Tour winners and one of the newest winners’ is Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong, who claimed The DGC Open presented by Mastercard in March.
“For me, it’s amazing, the Asian Tour is going to have an event in England!” said the 25-year-old who is also a rookie on the Asian Tour.
“I’ve never been to England before. It’s going to be awesome and it’s a US$2 million purse, it’s a lot. So, I’m just going to have fun. I mean, I never expected that the Asian Tour was going to be in Europe, because it is the Asian Tour. I don’t know how to say it, but for me I am so excited to play.
“I think it is great that we are playing in UK. The DP World Tour are playing on different continents including Asia, so it is great that Asian Tour are able to host in UK. When I heard the rumours about the International Series going to UK I got real excited.”
Nitithorn Thippong is making his first trip to the UK. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Nitithorn represents one of 29 nationalities competing this week in what is the Asian Tour’s newest destination, set in 1,000 acres of Northumberland moorland and forest, on a golf course known as the Augusta of the North.
Panuphol Pittayarat is finally back playing after a prolonged period out due to a shoulder injury. The Thai golfer returned to action at the Diamond Cup and is now set for the International Series England, at Slaley Hall in the very North of England. In his May diary entry he also tells us that he’s been doing a spot of sight seeing.
May
In last month’s diary I was just getting ready to play the Diamond Cup up in Japan after months away from tournament golf. Well, in Japan my golf was a disaster. I mean I had completely no idea where the ball was going, you know. It was the first week back on Tour and the practice round on Monday was one of the first 18 hole rounds I had played in the three months off.
So yeah, Japan was just a good fun week, but the ball was flying everywhere. But I went back home, and I knew what I needed to do, so I worked on my swing and on my body and it’s looking much better for the International Series England.
I’m injury free right now, it’s just my strength that’s not back 100%, and my flexibility is not 100%. But it’s getting there, it takes times you know.
In the two weeks between Japan and now I practiced more, I won’t say a lot, but more. More focusing on my recovery, because like I said, my flexibility and strength is not back. I’m probably hitting about 270 yards at the moment, but yeah, I’ll take it. I’m injury free, that’s just so much better than laying back at home. I got back into my cycling, back to the gym, but it takes time for my body to get back in the same condition as before.
I came to England last Thursday and spent three days in London with my brother, because he’s on the bag this week. He spent a year in Reading studying, so he took me on a tour. We went to the Tower of London, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace. We were lucky, they were doing the parade practice for the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth, so we were lucky that the day we went there they were rehearsing.
We also went into Oxford, we took the city tour and walked around, had some beers. It was good fun, can’t ask for anything better.
Panuphol Pittayarat finished runner up at the Laguna Phuket Championship in December. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Then we took the train up to Newcastle yesterday (Sunday) and enjoyed the view of all the farms and sheep on the way up. It’s so different than the city, London is a big place.
I feel very good about this week, I mean excited. I played nine holes Monday and the course is something different, it’s not your normal short course and the grass is different. Well, I’m just going to go out there this week and have fun playing golf.
Scott Vincent recorded a stunning come-from-behind victory to win the Mizuno Open on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) on Sunday, and also secure a place in The Open at St. Andrews in July.
The Zimbabwean started the final round at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club seven shots behind overnight leader Australian Anthony Quail but fired a brilliant seven-under-par 65 to force a sudden-death play-off with Quail, which he won on the second extra hole.
A par by Vincent on what was their third visit to the 18th was enough for him to claim his third JGTO title.
Last year he won twice in Japan: first at the Sansan KBC Augusta in August, then the ANA Open the following month.
Vincent and Quail, who closed with a 72, had finished tied on 12 under, while Australian Brad Kennedy, who like Vincent is also an Asian Tour member, finished in solo possession of third, two strokes back.
“I had no idea where I was standing [on the leaderboard] when I walked up to 18 and when I realised that I was sitting second, at that stage, that was pretty amazing,” said Vincent, who is competing in this week’s International Series England at Slaley Hall, near Newcastle.
“Each week, I don’t really try to worry too much about the expectations. I just focus on sticking to my routine and giving myself the best chance. And this is one of those weeks that has worked out well for me.”
The top-four at The Mizuno Open qualified for The Open. Picture by JGTO.
The Zimbabwean’s victory means he will be able to make his debut in a Major.
He added: “I’m really excited about playing my first Major, especially as it’s St Andrews, the Home of Golf. It’s been a goal of mine since the start of the year to try to get into one of the Majors. I missed out on qualifying for the US Open, but I was able to secure it today. So, this is special and I’m very happy.”
Scott Vincent took home a cheque for ¥16,000,000 (approx. US$125,721).
The top-four finishers all qualified for The Open meaning Quail, Kennedy and Filipino Justin De Los Santos also all made it through to St. Andrews.
It means Kennedy will be playing in his fourth Open.
“It’s another start in The Open, and the 150th Open will be my fourth Open, two years in a row. I have to make a few travel plans now,” said Kennedy.
“It’s going to be exciting, and the crowd will be unbelievable, and playing at the St. Andrews Old Course is one of those golfing moments you always dream about.”
Thailand’s Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat, the teenage amateur star who has taken the Asian Tour by storm this year, says he wants to win the International Series England next week for a reality check and make it ‘official’ that he really did just set a new world record.
TK Ratchanon became the youngest male golfer, at the age of 15, to win on one of the game’s main Tours when he sensationally claimed the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand, last month but he says the victory never really sunk in.
“I thought I would wake up one day and think ‘hang on, I just won’. It did kind of come eventually but it didn’t hit as hard,” said the teenager, who is still at school at Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok.
“It doesn’t feel real which is actually one reason that I want to win again because I want to know what it actually feels like, maybe this time it won’t feel as unreal. It did sink in eventually that I did set a world record – I just need to somehow make that more official.
“Now that I have won I am just going to try and win again. I don’t know what to expect playing in the UK, but I plan to enjoy it and play some great golf courses.”
TK Ratchanon flew to UK this week for the first time to compete in the International Series England at Slaley Hall, near Newcastle, followed the week after by the LIV Golf Invitational at Centurion Club, close to London; and, a few days after that he will play in the Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes and St Anne’s Old Links.
PATTAYA-THAILAND- Ratchanon Chantananuwat, 15 year old amateur of Thailand, pictured on Thursday April 7, 2022 during round one of the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup at Siam Country Club, Waterside Course, Pattaya, Thailand. The US$ 750.000 event is co-sanctioned between the Ladies European Tour and the Asian Tour, April 7-10, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“This will be my first-time playing golf outside of Asia, other than the US, and my first time in Europe,” he added.
“I have been thinking about this trip for weeks. Every five minutes I am sitting in school I wish it was Thursday [the day he departed]. I just wanna go, I love travelling and flying. It’s just chill sitting on an airplane.”
To the surprise of many he finished fourth in the individual section of the SEA Games in Vietnam two weeks ago having been the hot favourite to win gold; he did help his country secure the silver.
“Obviously it was somewhat two tournaments: the individual and team events. The individual I was definitely disappointed, I finished joint third and was only two strokes away from the gold, and one stroke away from the bronze. Overall, it was not too bad, but it was probably the worst three days of golf in my life. I played terrible,” he said.
“I did play better eventually. The first day, everything was off, driver was off, irons were off, putting was off, chipping was bad too. Second day was a little better, but I probably had the worst and longest par five of my life on the par five 18th which I doubled. If I had bogeyed or parred that I would have been much closer to the lead. I am definitely playing better now than I was in Vietnam. The me in Pattaya, would have easily destroyed the me in Hanoi.”
Ratchanon has also made a swing correction since then having realised his wrists were floppy at the top of his backswing causing him to overswing and lose control of the club
He said: “I figured out what was wrong, and I am swinging it better. So, I feel pretty good.”
He is also aiming to play in the Asia Pacific Amateur and US Amateur later in the year.
“Those are on my bucket list, first to get to play in them, which I am hoping I can, and hopefully win one of the three amateur events to get in some Majors next year.”
By Spencer Robinson, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour
Shiv Kapur has urged Asian Tour members to embrace the unique opportunities that are being presented to them – and cash in on the life-changing sums of money that’s up for grabs.
Having turned 40 in February, the Indian now qualifies as one of the Asian Tour’s senior citizens. More than that, he’s an individual who is admired and widely respected among his peers.
Now into his 18th year as a professional golfer, Kapur’s reasoned and thought-provoking views resonate among the young guns he now finds himself trying to outwit on the course.
Son of a New Delhi stockbroker who was born and grew up in India, educated at Purdue University in the United States, and has played golf around the globe, it’s not surprising that Kapur boasts a genuinely international outlook.
Which goes a long way to explaining why he’s so bullish about the launch of the International Series – and the enticing riches that are being offered.
Given the nomadic golfing lifestyle he’s led for the best part of two decades, Kapur is well placed to assess the positives that today’s up-and-coming golfers can glean from performing around the world.
Shiv Kapur of India pictured at the International Series Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
On the eve of the unfolding of a new chapter in the history of the Asian Tour at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in the International Series England, Kapur’s anticipation is palpable.
He said: “I think it’s really cool that the Asian Tour is spreading its wings now and we’re going into new territories. Playing in different conditions and playing in different countries … that’s only going to help the players become better.
“I played in Europe for many years and European players came over and played in Asia for many years.
“But we (Asian Tour members) didn’t really get the opportunities (to play in Europe), other than maybe in the Dunhill Links or going to Crans Montana (Omega European Masters).”
Kapur speaks from experience when he says being exposed to playing new courses in alien conditions can only help golfers to grow.
“To go and play a course like Slaley Hall, in usually tough conditions, cold and windy, will help the young Asian players – and the established players – to become more all-around players.
“We played in Korea three weeks ago (GS Caltex Maekyung Open) and we played in Thailand before that (Trust Golf Asian Mixed Stableford Challenge). You couldn’t have more of a variation.
“I know a lot of the players look to try and qualify for the Open Championship and this (International Series England) would be the perfect sort of warm up for that,” said Kapur, himself a three-time Open Championship participant.
Although this will mark his maiden appearance at Slaley Hall, Kapur will be mentally attuned for anything the elements throw at the players.
He said: “Newcastle is as north as it gets in England, so you can expect some pretty cold and wet weather. You’ve got to be prepared for the worst.
“That’s really great (in the sense) that it will make the Asian players more well-rounded. It will make them ready for when they go play Major championships against the best players in the world.”
Kapur also competed in the Saudi International in February.
These days, too, professional golfers are also having to adapt to the fact that lines of questioning aren’t restricted to birdies and bogeys. Increasingly frequently they’re being engaged in debates related to politics and morals in golf.
Kapur is forthright in his views. He said: “What’s happening right now with LIV Golf and Golf Saudi has really changed the landscape, I think.
“There’s been a lot of criticism all around. But I think if you just look at it, golf in general has benefited from it. Every Tour in the world has pushed their prize monies up as a result of it.”
There are no apologies from Kapur. “You know, the PGA Tour for years and years just sat back. Now, as a reaction to this, the Players Championship is suddenly US$20 million, the FedEx Cup is more.
“The DP World Tour pushed their prize money up. So, I think the trickle-down effect of this has been great. The Asian Development Tour is playing for more money, and the Challenge Tour is playing for more money.
“So I think, having done what they’ve done, I think the players are the biggest winners in all of this, in spite of what’s been said in the media.”
Next week’s event at Slaley Hall – the second of 10 International Series events to feature on the Asian Tour this season – is a case in point, carrying a prize purse of US$2 million. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The winner of the International Series England will receive direct entry into the following week’s LIV Golf Invitational at Centurion Club outside London. That tournament alone has a total prize fund of US$25 million with the champion set to bank a cheque for US$4 million.
From the perspective of most Asian Tour members – more used to playing for rupiah, baht, yen and won – that must sound like Monopoly money.
Listen to Kapur, who has amassed almost US$3 million in career Asian Tour earnings from 223 tournaments dating back to 2005.
He said: “Personally, for myself, and for Asian Tour players, it could be potentially a life-changing week, or weeks.
“You look at Joohyung Kim, Sadom Kaewkanjana and Sihwan Kim, or whoever is already qualified [for the LIV Golf Invitational]. They’ve got a chance to play for a US$4 million first prize! I mean, who wouldn’t want to play for that?
“All the politics aside, these are life-changing amounts of money. Players are finally getting their due.”
The Asian Tour is excited to announce its long-awaited comeback in Chinese Taipei for a two-week swing in September.
Following a three-year absence, the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (Yeangder TPC) are returning to the Asian Tour’s 2022/23 schedule.
Although they’ve gone ahead on the domestic Chinese Taipei circuit in the past two years, it was in 2019 that the prestigious tournaments were last part of the Asian Tour, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Linkou International Golf and Country Club will stage the US$500,000 Yeangder TPC from September 22-25.
The following week (September 29-October 2) the Mercuries Taiwan Masters will take centre stage at its regular host venue, the historic Taiwan Golf and Country Club. Boasting an all-time high of US$1 million in prize money, it will be the most lucrative professional men’s golf tournament in the country.
In 2019, Yikeun Chang became the first Korean to lift the Yeangder TPC title when it celebrated its 10th consecutive edition on the Asian Tour.
Picture by Paul Lakatos /Asian Tour.
Meanwhile, Thai Suradit Yongcharoenchai won the 2019 Mercuries Taiwan Masters, his maiden Asian Tour victory. Chinese Taipei brothers Wang Wei-hsuan and Wang Wei-hsiang have won the last two editions on their domestic circuit in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, said: “We are very thankful to the sponsors and organisers of these respective events for their unwavering support and strong commitment, despite the challenges we have faced from the pandemic over the last two years.
“With the return of these two outstanding longstanding events to the Asian Tour and the addition of several new events, the season looks like it will boast its strongest-ever schedule. Chinese Taipei has always been a regular stop on the Asian Tour and we look forward to working with the domestic Tour once again and see familiar faces like Mr. Wong (Mercuries) and Mr. Hsu (Yeangder) who have supported us over many years.”
More updates for the 2022/23 schedule to follow.
Course shot pictured during round three of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
By Spencer Robinson, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour
The Asian Tour continues to play a crucial role in the development of the region’s next generation of golfing heroes.
For decades, leading amateurs from around the Asia-Pacific have tasted top-level tournament golf on the Asian Tour before joining the ranks of those who play for pay.
According to Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the opportunity for amateurs to test their mettle against the pros before taking the plunge is an important rite of passage.
The representative body for 46 male and female national golf associations, the APGC also acts as the hosting partner for major amateur events in the region. Furthermore, the APGC works to ensure adherence to the Rules of Golf as approved by The R&A, and partners with The Masters Tournament and the International Golf Federation in the promotion of golf.
In partnership with the the Japan Golf Association (JGA), Kansai TV and Mitsubishi Corporation, the APGC hosts the Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup.
Last weekend’s latest edition of the event, that is co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) and the Asian Tour, once more underscored the incredible depth of young golfing talent across the region with two amateurs challenging for the title.
Ratchanon ‘TK” Chantananuwat, winner of the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup, finished joint fourth in the SEA Games in Vietnam. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
With a spell-binding closing 63, Japan’s Kosuke Suzuki claimed a share of second place, just one shot shy of forcing a play-off with his triumphant compatriot Shugo Imahira.
New Zealand amateur Kazuma Kobori also excelled, ending two strokes behind the champion in joint sixth spot.
Another amateur in the spotlight throughout the week at Oarai Golf Club was Keita Nakajima, the reigning Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) winner and number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, who is closely following in the footsteps trodden by Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time AAC champion and winner of the 2021 Masters Tournament.
Joint 11th after three days at the Diamond Cup, Nakajima’s hopes of victory may have faded with a final-round 74, but many are predicting a second JGTO title will follow in the coming months before the 21-year-old turns pro.
In the wake of the strong showing of amateurs at the Diamond Cup, Amin said: “Thanks to the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and the Asian Tour for the support they continue to lend to leading amateurs of APGC member countries.
“The Diamond Cup plays an important role in promoting golf in the Asia-Pacific region, providing elite amateur golfers from APGC member countries with a special opportunity to test their skills at the highest level. I also thank the Japan Golf Association for their generosity in allocating 10 spots for our APGC amateurs.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our players were denied the chance to compete for the past two years. However, with the easing of travel restrictions, we were delighted that this year’s Asia-Pacific Open Diamond Cup once more featured a selection of the finest amateur golfers from around the region.”
Further proof of the current strength in depth of amateur golf in Asia came at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam, also played last weekend.
Less than a month after creating history by upstaging the professionals to win the Asian Tour’s Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup and become the youngest male winner of a professional tournament on a major Tour at the age of just 15 years and 37 days, Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat was an overwhelming favourite to claim the individual golfing gold medal.
Remarkably, however, the Thai teenager did not even make the podium, his 54-hole total of five-under-par 211 (71-71-69) only good enough for joint fourth place at Heron Lake Golf Course & Resort.
The gold medal went to Malaysian Ervin Chang who defeated Indonesian Amadeus Susanto Christian on the third hole of a sudden-death play-off. The duo had matching three-round totals of seven-under 209. The bronze medal went to Thai Weerawish Narkprachar on six-under 210.
By Olle Nordberg, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour
The PGA Championship – which tees-off tomorrow at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma – will see six current Asian Tour members compete for the famous Wanamaker Trophy: Koreans Joohyung Kim and Bio Kim, Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand, Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino and Ryosuke Kinoshita, and South African Justin Harding.
They are playing by virtue of their Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) – in what is the year’s second Major.
The tournament is steeped in history and will be the 104th edition of the event which was inaugurated in 1916 and played as a Match Play event until 1957.
Southern Hills also has a famous past: established in 1935, it has hosted seven Major Championships: three U.S. Opens and four PGA Championships – the last one coming in 2007 when American Tiger Woods successfully defended his title to win his fourth and last PGA Championship.
All six members are coming in with their games in good shape but let’s have a closer look at them, ahead of one of the biggest weeks’ of their careers.
Joohyung Kim
2021 Asian Tour Order of Merit Champion Joohyung Kim should have every reason to feel confident after a string of impressive performances lately, finishing second, tied sixth and tied fifth in his last three Asian Tour events.
He is known as one of the preeminent ball strikers on the Asian Tour, and perhaps also in the world. Some have compared his ball striking ability to that of 2020 PGA Championship winner and reigning Open Championship champion Collin Morikawa from the US. High praise indeed for the 19-year-old Korean, but proven by the fact he finishing tied 17th at the AT&T Byron Nelson on the PGA Tour last week and ranked fifth in Strokes Gained Approach with 5.67.
This will be Kim’s Major as he played in the 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
Bio Kim is playing in only his second Major this week.
Bio Kim
A first-time Asian Tour winner at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open two weeks ago, Korea’s Bio Kim has been one of the hottest players on the Asian Tour after play resumed following the COVID-19 hiatus late last year. Since November of 2021 Kim had shown remarkable consistency, racking up seven top-10’s in nine events before finally securing the trophy at Nam Seoul Country Club, just outside of Seoul.
The 31-year-old Korean played on the PGA Tour back in 2011 and will be relishing a chance to play in the U.S. again. This will be Kim’s first PGA Championship and second career Major, having finished tied 45th at the U.S. Open Championship in 2013 at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Sadom Kaewkanjana
Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana will be making his Major debut in Tulsa this week, and the Thai player has been in good form since last year when he won three times on the All Thailand Golf Tour. In early 2022 he posted his second career Asian Tour victory at the SMBC Singapore Open and he has also posted two other top fives: a tied second finish at the Royals Cup and a fifth place finish at the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Stableford Challenge.
Sadom Kaewkanjana is making his debut in a Major. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Rikuya Hoshino
Japanese star Rikuya Hoshino is a five-time winner on his home tour, the Japan Golf Tour Organisation, and is currently in second place on that Order of Merit. Coming off a tied sixth-place finish in the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup where he was the defending champion last week, the 26-year-old is in good form with five straight top-10s in Japan that included two solo-seconds and one solo third.
Hoshino will be playing in his third career Major after playing in the U.S. Open in both 2018 and 2021; his best finish coming in 2021 when he finished tied 45th at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
Ryosuke Kinoshita
Japan’s Ryosuke Kinoshita has had an impressive start to his 2022 Asian Tour season, with a tied eight in the star-packed Saudi International and a tied fifth in the International Series Thailand. He’s also had two recent top-five finishes on the Japan Tour since then in The Crowns and the Kansai Open Golf Championship.
The 30-year-old had a breakthrough season on the Japan Tour in 2021 winning two consecutive events on the Japan Golf Tour and finishing third on that Order of Merit.
He made his Major debut in the Open Championship in 2021 where he finished tied 59th at Royal St. George’s in Kent, England.
Justin Harding
South Africa’s Justin Harding has the most Major experience among all the Asian Tour members playing this week with nine appearances. His best result coming in the 2019 Masters where he finished tied 12th, and in two previous attempts in the PGA Championship a tied 54th has been his best result.
The two-time Asian Tour winner has had two top-five finishes on the DP World Tour so far in 2022, with a tied fourth in the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic as his best result. His lone start on the Asian Tour this year was at the Saudi International where he finished tied 24th.
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