Published on August 31, 2024

Aaron Wilkin kept up his hopes of claiming his maiden title on the Asian Tour by edging ahead of a stacked leaderboard today to finish with a one-shot lead after round three.

The Australian, the first-round leader after a sensational course record 10-under-par 61, carded a 67 for a tournament total of 14-under, here at Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course, North Jakarta.

Four players are one shot back: Chinese-Taipei’s Ho Yu-Cheng (65), Malaysian Ervin Chang (66), Steve Lewton (66) from England and China’s Sampson Zheng (72) – who had a four-shot lead at the start of the day, over Wilkin.

Eighteen players are within five shots of Wilkin, setting up a brilliant final day of golf with the tournament wide open.

Wilkin, a graduate from last year’s Asian Development Tour (ADT), carded a 71 yesterday after his first-round fireworks, and was equally resilient today when moving day truly came alive.

Playing in the final pairing he made six birdies and two bogies, with his final birdie on the par-five 17^th proving the difference.

“I’m happy with that,” said the 31-year-old, playing his first full season on the Asian Tour.

“Sort of stayed behind yesterday which I don’t normally do and did a little bit of practice on the putting, which sort of deserted me a little bit yesterday. So yeah, I felt like the putting was better. I didn’t hit it any better than the last few days, I just holed a few extra putts. Sort of stayed in the round for longer.”

He won the Queensland PGA Championship in 2022 and the BRG Open in Vietnam last year on the ADT – both experiences he can draw upon as he attempts to claim the biggest title of his career tomorrow.

“I was happy with the way I controlled my emotions today, sort of just didn’t really let much get to me. I missed a few putts which I probably expected to hole, hit a few poor shots, but I just sort of just accepted it and moved on. I’m gonna have to do the same tomorrow, I just had a quick look at the leaderboard and there’s so many guys behind me. So yeah, I’m just gonna have to knuckle down and play my own game.”

Zheng, in his rookie season as a professional, had been expected to build on his opening two rounds of 65 and 63.

However, he made the turn in one over for his round, after a double, a bogey, and two birdies before a level par back nine, with one birdie and one bogey.

He said: “It was playing pretty tough today. I felt like my iron play wasn’t sharp enough, and I missed in a few spots where I shouldn’t have. That cost me a few shots, but I am one back and in position to make a good push tomorrow. I just need to fall back on my strengths and go back to the basics.”

Lewton finished joint second in this event last year and the season before, although at a different venue, and after one of the strongest seasons of his career is attempting to win his first Asian Tour title since his 2014 Mercuries Taiwan Masters victory.

“Played really steady, one silly error which was kind of my fault and not, so apart from that I played really good golf,” said Lewton.

Remarkably, after making a double-bogey par-four 13^th, he eagled the following par-four.

He added: “Yeah, I hit a good drive [on 14). I had 40 yards from the fairway to the flag and then pitched in, so that more than made amends for the previous hole, which was a nightmare, from the middle of the fairway making double.”

Like Wilkin, both Ho and Chang are enjoying one of their finest tournaments, chasing their first Asian Tour title.

They also both came through the ADT last year, with the former winning the PKNS Selangor Masters, and the latter also performing with distinction as the recipient of The Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Award – an initiative that sees worthy players selected by the Han family and the Asian Tour, to receive funding to help with the costs of their debut season on the Asian Tour.

Said Chang: “It’s not over until the last ball drops. It’s a great challenge, so far my best performance on the Asian Tour. I’ll keep doing what I am doing, looking forward to tomorrow.”

China’s Liu Yanwei fired a 67 and is solo sixth, two off top spot, with Travis Smyth from Australia and Filipino Miguel Tabuena, one stroke further back after rounds of 64 and 65 respectively.

Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai was 12 under for the tournament playing the par-four 18^th, but made a costly triple, to slip back into a tie for 13^th on nine under.

Published on August 30, 2024

China’s rookie professional Sampson Zheng [main picture] showed just why he is so highly regarded today when he fired a bogey-free eight-under-par 63 to charge into the second-round lead at the US$500,000 Mandiri Indonesia Open.

After his opening day 65, it means he is 14-under for the Asian Tour event, with a healthy four-shot cushion over first-round leader Aaron Wilkin from Australia.

Wilkin, who broke the course record yesterday with a phenomenal 61, returned a 71, and is two in front of Sarit Suwannarut from Thailand, China’s Liu Yanwei and Malaysian Ervin Chang, who all carded 66s, plus England’s Steve Lewton, who was joint second last year and came in with a 67.

The tournament is being played at Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course for the first time in 10 years.

Zheng, aged 23 and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, is playing in just his third Asian Tour event as a professional having turned professional earlier this year.

He tied for fourth in the International Series England three weeks ago and despite now being on the other side of the world is clearly still bang in form.

“You know, coming into the round today, I just wanted to repeat what I did yesterday, and I did two better. So, yeah, feels great,” said Zheng, who is playing in Indonesia for the first time and arrived last Friday in order to fully prepare.

Of his transition to the play for pay game, he said: “It’s a little different. In college we play three rounds, and obviously after turning professional, we play four, so the days are a bit longer, and everybody prepares really differently. And I think because golf is my job now, I’ve taken it seriously too.”

He made the turn in three-under with birdies on two, seven and nine, and then crushed the back nine with a hattrick of birdies from 11, and two more on 16 and 17.

The rising star has something of a cosmopolitan background. He lived in Japan for a couple of years growing up and then moved to the United States, where his golf career flourished.

He was runner-up at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Melbourne last year, losing in a play-off to Australian Jasper Stubbs.

Wilkin overcame the nerves commonly associated with playing after having shot a super-low round to be perfectly placed going into the weekend.

“I can’t swear in this interview can I,” joked Wilkin when asked about his round

“It was pretty frustrating. Probably had a good opportunity to sort of push my lead out, just missed a few short putts. I struck it really well off the tee, probably hit it better off the tee today than I did yesterday.

“Hit more fairways, I know that I only missed a couple. My irons weren’t as good, probably chose the wrong shot at some wrong times, and yeah, I just need to clean the putting up. Yesterday, to be honest, I didn’t have that many putts over five feet, I hit it that close.”

He bogeyed his first two holes, but then bounced back with three successive birdies from the fifth, before dropping a shot on nine to turn in even. A birdie and a bogey on the back nine meant he finished as he started on 10 under.

All things considering it was a good performance, particularly because of the pressure he was under after his first round, which broke New Zealander Frank Nobilo’s course record set in 1994.

He added: “I wish I wasn’t feeling like I was this morning. I was trying to control my nerves a little bit, but yeah, I was definitely a little bit edgy. Started bogey, bogey, so the score probably showed that.”

Wilkin finished fifth on the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit last year which earned him his Asian Tour card for 2024, as the top 10 make it through.

Success has been hard to come by in what is his first full season on the Asian Tour, with his best performance coming at the Saudi Open presented by PIF, where he tied for 17^th. He’s currently in 72^nd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit but now has a great chance to drastically improve his ranking.

Contrastingly, Sarit is no stranger to being in contention, with two Asian Tour wins under his belt: last year’s Volvo China Open, and the BNI Indonesian Masters, the year before.

He began on 10, playing that nine in even but showed the kind of golf he is capable of when he birdied five holes on the second half and didn’t drop a shot.

He said: “It was quite a slow start. I mean I made a lot of mistakes on my front nine, but luckily my putter was on fire on the back nine. So, nothing to complain about on the back nine, but tomorrow I need to fire it up earlier.”

The Thai star revealed he has been spending a lot of time in Indonesia in-between tournaments and that appears to be helping this week.

“I have a lot of friends here and it’s quite easy to find a good Airbnb and nice room,” he explained.

“So quite similar to home, like, Damai Indah, Pondok Indah and Gunung Gilis, everywhere. The weather is the same, so that’s why I pick here, I enjoy it here.”

Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, a three-time winner of his event who has a tremendous record in Indonesia with five of his 11 Asian Tour victories coming here, rallied with a 68 to finish one under, which was the cut line.

Nitithorn Thippong’s poor form continued with the defending champion carding a 76. The Thai golfer finished three over and will be disappointed to have not made the cut.

 

Published on August 29, 2024

Australian Aaron Wilkin sensationally broke Frank Nobilo’s 30-year course record at Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course today to take the first-round lead in the US$500,000 Mandiri Indonesia Open.

His blemish-free 10-under-par 61, one better than New Zealander Nobilo’s – which he carded at this event in 1994 – was made up of 10 birdies and gave him a three-shot lead over Australian Andrew Dodt, in with a 64.

Rookie professional Sampson Zheng from China is next best placed after a 65, along with Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai.

Wilkin, a graduate from last year’s Asian Development Tour, where he won the  BRG Open Golf Championship – which is actually being played this week in Vietnam – started on 10 and had a stunning run of holes making five birdies in his last six on the back nine, including three in a row from 13.

“Not much went wrong today,” said the 31-year-old, whose other big career win came at the 2022 Queensland PGA Championship.

“It was one of those days. I hit it close on four or five holes. I had a couple of easy tap ins, then holed a few nice putts and didn’t make any mistakes. Yeah, I will take that for sure. There was some lucky stuff today, which I am going to take and run with it.”

Dodt is a three-time champion on the Asian Tour, his most recent the Sarawak Championship in 2019, but his game has been out of sorts of late, so today’s round gave him a huge lift.

Commented the Australian: “It was pretty good, better than what it has been. I feel like I have found something in my swing last week. I have really struggled with my swing last 12 months. Hopefully I have turned the corner with that. Had some luck. Hit some good shots. Hit some bad shots.”

He had an eagle, six birdies and dropped one shot. His eagle came on the par five 17^th where his second shot with a three-wood landed just short of the green from where he holed out from five metres.

“I missed the green on the par-three seventh. It was a pretty ordinary lie, and I used a rescue club from off the green and it went in. That was a bonus,” he added.

Zheng’s fine round was just reward for arriving early to practice for the event.

Aged 23 and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, he has been quick to impress this year. He tied for fourth in the International Series England three weeks ago and made light work of the course today with eight birdies and two bogeys.

“It was good. I did what I wanted to do for the best part. I kept my ball under control and made a few putts,” said Zheng, who was runner-up at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Royal Melbourne last year, losing in a play-off to Australian Jasper Stubbs.

“It is my first time Indonesia. It’s hot, it’s humid. It’s very different from England, where we played last.

“I got here Friday night, a bit earlier than everyone else. Practiced on the range at the weekend, just getting used to the weather.”

This is only his fourth start on the Asian Tour. He was still an amateur for his first two appearances.

Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai, Danthai Boonma, Poosit Supupramai and Suradit Yongcharoenchai, Chinese-Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun plus Denzel Ieremia from New Zealand returned 66s.

Thailand’s Panuphol ‘Coconut’ Pittayarat, the winner of this event in 2017, at a different venue, plus Steve Lewton from England, joint runner-up last year, are in a group on 67.

Defending champion Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand shot a 69.

Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, the record three time winner of this event, needs to make up ground after a 73.

Published on August 28, 2024

Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong begins the defence of his Mandiri Indonesia Open title tomorrow at Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course, low on confidence, after a poor start to the season, but drawing on inspiration from his win 12 months ago when he was in a similar situation.

“Here we are again,” said the young hotshot, whose nickname is “Fever”.

“My game is not in great shape. The short game is great but tee to green I have got some problems with that. I am still working on it.

“Last year was the same but I found something before I came to this event, so who knows what will happen.”

He also faces a different golf course this year as last season Pondok Indah Golf Course was the host venue – where he recorded his third victory on the Asian Tour, after wins in The DGC Open presented by Mastercard in 2022, and the International Series Singapore the same year.

The 27-year-old has only made four cuts in eight starts this year, a disappointing run for the talented golfer but a glimmer of hope was offered at the International Series England three weeks ago.

He tied for 13^th there, at Foxhills in Surrey, and is hoping that will help kickstart his season.

He said: “This year has been a lot of ups and downs. I played really good in England but before that I didn’t play well. I got some good feelings from England so hope that helps get me on track for the rest of the year.”

He was languishing in 51^st position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit on the eve of last year’s event, and this season he sits in 79^th place.

“I have got a lot of things to work on with my swing now which I am trying to get used to,” said Nitithorn, who played on the Asian Development Tour from 2015 to 2019 before finding feet on the main tour post the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s great to be in this position as defending champion. It feels really good to have this chance.”

He won by two shots last year from Australian Scott Hend, England’s Steve Lewton and Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po, having been pushed all the way after starting the last day with a five-shot cushion.

That win literally came together at the last minute as something in his swing clicked when he was playing a practice round with his girlfriend the week before.

He tees-off tomorrow at 11.50am with Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho and local star Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra once more looking for that self-belief that has made him one of the Asian Tour’s most exciting young golfers.

Published on August 27, 2024

Tournament Information

• Tournament: Mandiri Indonesia Open
• Venue: Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course
• Date: August 29 – September 1, 2024
• Purse: US$500,000 (winner US$90,000)
• Asian Tour leg: 10th event of 2024 season
• Course Par/Yards: 71 / 7,100 yards
• Total number of players: 150
• Format: 72-hole stroke play with a cut made after two rounds. Leading 65 pros plus ties make it through to the weekend
• Social Media Hashtags: #MIO2024 #TimeToRise

Field Breakdown

• Order of Merit winners: Scott Hend (2016)
• Number of Nationalities: 24
• Past winners in field: Nitithorn Thippong (THA) 2023, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 2022, 2016 & 2013, Miguel Carballo (ARG) 2019, Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 2017
• Defending champion: Nitithorn Thippong (THA)
• Top contenders: Nitithorn Thippong (THA), Travis Smyth (AUS) Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA), Sampson Zheng (CHN), Taichi Kho (HKG), Miguel Tabuena (PHI)
• Highest ranked player on OWGR: Travis Smyth (AUS) #315
• Highest ranked player on 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit: Travis Smyth (AUS) #12
• Number of amateurs: 13
• Number of Indonesian players in the field: 41

 Tournament Notes

• Australian Travis Smyth is having a good season with three top 10s so far, with a T5 at the International Series Morocco as his best result. The winner of the 2022 Yeangder TPC has finished fourth and seventh on the Asian Tour Order of Merit in the last two seasons and will be looking for a return to the winner’s circle this week to boost him up the rankings. He is the highest ranked player in the field.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar of India is always dangerous in Indonesia, having won five of his 11 Asian Tour titles in the country. In addition to winning the Mandiri Indonesia Open three times in his career, he also won the 2023 BNI Indonesian Masters and the 2009 Indonesia President Invitational. The latter his first Asian Tour victory.
• Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana did not have the best start to his 2024 season but looks like he’s back on track after finishing T4 in the International Series England at Foxhills three weeks ago. Sadom is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, having claimed the 2022 SMBC Singapore Open and the 2019 Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open.
• Sampson Zheng from China was a highly ranked amateur before he turned pro earlier this summer, and the 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship runner up. He was ranked 13th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Zheng posted his best finish so far as a pro with a T4 at the recent International Series England and will be aiming to top that result this week in Jakarta.
• Australian Scott Hend posted the first of his 10 Asian Tour victories at Damai Indah Golf PIK course in the 2008 Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational, and he is having a solid season so far with a solo second in the New Zealand Open and a T8 at the Saudi Open presented by PIF as his best results.
• The last time the Mandiri Indonesia Open was held at Damai Indah Golf PIK Course was in 2014, and it was three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland who came out victorious by two shots over Thailand’s Thanyakon Khrongpha. Gaganjeet Bhullar won the first of his Indonesia Open tiles at Damai Indah Golf PIK Course the year before.
• Up-and-coming Indonesian star Jonathan Wijono will lead the local challenge following a sparkling performance in the recent International Series England. He shot a scorching nine-under-par 64 in the final round in England enroute to finishing ninth and will be hoping his putter will be equally as hot as he tries to become only the second Indonesian to win his country’s National Open, after Kasiadi in 1989. Wijono is among an exciting crop of young Indonesia golfers starting to make their name in the game who are also competing this week. They include Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra and Kevin Akbar – both winners on the Asian Development Tour – plus amateur Gabriel Hansel Hari, who tied ninth last year.

Published on

Defending champion Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand and Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, a record three-time winner of the event, headline a formidable field at this week’s US$500,000 Mandiri Indonesia Open.

The tournament starts Thursday at Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course – which last hosted the tournament in 2014, when Ireland’s Padraig Harrington triumphed – and is the 10^th event of the season on the Asian Tour, helping to mark the turn into the second half of the season.

Nitithorn (main picture) was victorious at Pondok Indah Golf Course 12 months ago, where Bhullar won the year before and also in 2016. The Indian has the significant advantage of having triumphed at Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course in 2013, plus boasts an unrivalled record in Indonesia with five of his 11 wins on the Asian Tour coming here. Malaysian Nicholas Fung and Chapchai Nirat from Thailand, both second to Bhullar in 2013, are also in the field this week and will look to try and turn back the clock with strong performances.

A number of players who excelled in the most recent Asian Tour event, the International Series England three weeks ago, are also here looking to build on those performances.

Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana and Chinese rookie Sampson Zheng, who tied for fourth in England, and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, who was 10^th, have made the trip to Indonesia, as has Filipino Miguel Tabuena, who has shown signs of returning to form lately with top-10 finishes in the International Series Morocco and the Kolon Korea Open.

Other past champions in the field at Argentina’s Miguel Carballo, the 2019 champion, and Panuphol ‘Coconut’ Pittarayat from Thailand, the winner in 2017. Both their wins came at Pondok Indah Golf Course.

Another player who caught the eye in England and who will lead the local challenge this week is Jonathan Wijono. The up-and-coming golfer shot a scorching nine-under-par 64 in the final round in England enroute to finishing ninth and will be hoping his putter will be equally as hot as he tries to become only the second Indonesian to win his country’s National Open, after Kasiadi in 1989. The event was played at Jakarta Golf Club that year.

Wijono is among an exciting crop of young Indonesia golfers starting to make their name in the game who are also competing this week. They include Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra and Kevin Akbar – both winners on the Asian Development Tour – plus amateur Gabriel Hansel Hari, who tied ninth last year.

Also teeing off this week are Australian Scott Hend, Steve Lewton from England and Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po, all looking to go one better after tying for second last August.

This year marks the third successive time Mandiri have title sponsored the Indonesia Open.

The host venue’s course is known locally as “The Spirit of the Sea” as it lies close to the coastline of the Java Sea, in North Jakarta and was designed by legendary golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Published on August 26, 2024

Asian Tour member Jinichiro Kozuma made it win number three on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation by winning the Sansan KBC Augusta yesterday at Keya Golf Club, Fukuoka.

The Japanese golfer, who has also been playing on the LIV Golf League this season, beat countryman Yuwa Kosaihira on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off.

Kozuma looked to be cruising to victory in normal time with a two-shot lead with two to play but surprisingly bogeyed the last two holes, while Kosaihira sensationally draw level with two closing birdies.

However, the wheels came off for Kosaihira as he drove out of bounds on the second play-off hole, where Kozuma made par.

The pair had finished tied on 19-under, with Kozuma shooting a 69 and Kosaihira a 65.

“After the bogey on 17, I thought I could win if I could make par on 18. But I couldn’t swing fully with my tee shot and the ball ended up in the right bunker. The resulting par putt wasn’t an easy line, but I hit it where I wanted. However, I misread the line,” said Kozuma.

“This is the first time my family is watching me in contention on the final day. I wanted to win it so badly for them. Winning in front of my family has always been a goal and I’m glad I achieved it today.”

He also claimed one of his other titles in Japan, the Token Homemate Cup in 2022, in a play-off.

The 30-year-old has yet to win on the Asian Tour. He’s played a handful of events over the past few seasons, with his best result coming in last year’s season-ending Saudi Open presented by PIF, where he tied fourth.

He made headlines in last year’s LIV Golf Promotions event where he again prevailed in extra time to claim one of the three spots available on this year’s LIV Golf League.

He plays for the league’s Iron Heads GC team with fellow Asian Tour player Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe, Danny Lee from New Zealand, and American Kevin Na – their captain.

He was ninth individually in Adelaide for his highest finish on the multi-million dollar franchise this year.

Published on

The SJM Macao Open is proud to announce defending champion Min Woo Lee will be back to compete in the tournament this year, further solidifying the tournament’s status as one of the marquee tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar.

The prestigious event, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Macau Golf and Country Club, will be held from October 10-13, 2024.

Lee’s performance at last year’s SJM Macao Open was nothing short of spectacular. The Australian star secured a two-shot victory over Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, for his first title in two years. Lee set a new tournament record with a 30-under-par score across four days, just two strokes shy of the Asian Tour record.

He expressed his excitement about returning: “I’m thrilled to be going back to the SJM Macao Open. Last year was an incredible experience, and winning with a record score was a highlight of my season. I have great memories of the course and the fantastic support from the fans. I’m looking forward to another amazing week in Macao and hope to defend my title.”

This year marks a significant anniversary for both the People’s Republic of China, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding, and Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), which commemorates a quarter-century since reunification. Known for its vibrant culture and world-class hospitality, Macao is the ultimate destination for both sports and leisure, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern grandeur.

Building on a successful inaugural year as the title sponsor, and being the co-organiser this year, SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) continues its pivotal role, underscoring its commitment to elevating Macao’s profile on the international stage. The partnership has been instrumental in enhancing the event’s stature, ensuring that the SJM Macao Open remains a highlight of the golfing calendar.

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, said: “SJM is privileged to once again be the title sponsor and co-organiser for the second consecutive year. Sports tourism, characterised by its engaging, exciting, and participatory nature, not only draws international visitors from afar but also encourages them to return frequently to immerse themselves in the local community and partake in the spectacles. Therefore, SJM will continue to proactively orchestrate high-quality branded sports events, leveraging ‘Tourism + Sports’ synergy to establish a distinctive regional sports tourism ecosystem in Macao. With a deep-rooted history in golf, SJM is committed to dedicating our full efforts to this year’s event, ensuring it continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Since its inception, the Macao Open has been a cornerstone of the golfing calendar, hosted annually at the Macau Golf and Country Club. The tournament has consistently attracted top-tier talent, including Major winners Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, John Daly, and Vijay Singh, along with prolific global stars Miguel-Angel Jimenez, Branden Grace, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Thongchai Jaidee, cementing its reputation as one of the top golf events in Asia. The 21st edition of the tournament promises to once again attract top talent from around the globe, competing for a prize fund of US$1 million.

Mr. Luís Gomes, Acting President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, emphasised the significance of hosting the event: “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. Hosting the SJM Macao Open showcases Macao’s development and vitality, further promoting the construction of the ‘City of Sports’ and supporting Macao’s ‘1+4’ appropriately diversified economic development strategy. I would like to express my gratitude to SJM for their contribution to the tournament, as well as to all parties for their support and cooperation, which has ensured the smooth preparation of this event.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, added: “The SJM Macao Open stands out as a flagship event on our tour, known for its competitive field and stunning location. We are grateful for the support of SJM, the Sports Bureau of Macao, the Macao Golf Association and IMG, which ensures the success and prestige of this tournament.”

Johnny Senna Fernandes, President of the Macao Golf Association, remarked: “The SJM Macao Open is a beloved event for both players and fans. Its longstanding history at the Macau Golf and Country Club speaks to the quality and prestige of the tournament. We are excited to continue this tradition and celebrate Macao’s 25th anniversary with another exceptional edition of the SJM Macao Open.”

Grant Slack, EVP & Managing Director, Golf Events of IMG, remarked: “The SJM Macao Open has firmly established itself as a premier event on the Asian Tour. IMG will continue to work closely with SJM, the Sports Bureau of Macao, the Macao Golf Association, the Asian Tour, to deliver a world-class experience for players and spectators alike. We are excited to welcome the golfing world back to Macao.”

Published on August 23, 2024

Current Asian Tour number one John Catlin says the remarkable success he is currently enjoying this season on the Asian Tour is pure validation for him as it was the tour that launched his career.

The American made a name for himself winning four times on the Asian Tour, and twice on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), before choosing to focus on Europe in 2020 – where more success followed with three victories. He struggled with his game in 2023 and decided to return to Asia this year and cruised through the Qualifying School in January.

Even the ever-confident Catlin himself could not have predicted what was to follow: he won the International Series event in Macau, in a play-off, and Saudi Open presented by PIF back-to-back; lost in extra-time at the International Series Morocco; and tied for third in the Malaysian Open –  a result that saw him qualify for The Open, where he performed brilliantly tying for 16^th, his best finish in a Major.

In the first of a series of Asian Tour documentary-style short videos, that tie in with the circuit’s new global brand campaign #TimeToRise, the American said: “Feels amazing to be back winning on the Asian Tour. It is a place where it all started for me. Had a lot of success in 2017 and 2018. I had not had the chance to come back and try and validate that kind of success.

 

“To have come back this year and gotten off to the start I have is something really special. Winning in Asia 10 times has been a great experience and served me really well.”

He is the runaway leader on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, which he has not won before despite winning three times in 2018 to finish sixth on the merit list, and The International Series Rankings – which earns the eventually champion full playing privileges on the LIV Golf League for the ensuing season.

“I have grown a lot from when I first came over here,” said the 33-year-old from California, whose victory in Macau was helped by a sensational third-round 59 – the Asian Tour’s first ever sub-60 round.

“The experience of travelling around Asia and playing in different climates, different cultures, different golf courses … it’s made me a more well-rounded golfer for sure.”

Having based himself in Hua Hin, Thailand, when playing in the region, as well as when there are breaks in his schedule, he says: “I would like to come back to Hua Hin a lot more, I do. It was a place that I lived for a long time. Starting out on the ADT, to winning on the ADT, just starting out on the Asian Tour, and winning on the Asian Tour, then going off to Europe, but I have always been happy here – the Tour is very welcoming, it is very friendly, the other guys when I have success I get flooded with support and messages. I love everything about it, I think it’s awesome.”

It’s all a long way from when he made his first appearance on the Asian Tour in January of 2015, shooting a 69 in the first round of a Qualifying School First Stage event in Thailand.

He went on to tie for 12^th, then secured the seventh card at Final Stage, and the rest is history.

Published on August 22, 2024

The Asian Tour has launched a bold new global brand campaign today – named Time to Rise.

With the aim of refreshing and strengthening the identity of the Tour, during its unprecedented period of growth, the campaign can now be viewed on the website and app, plus the social media channels.

The core assets are a brilliant hero film, vibrant new graphics and a hashtag, with the campaign being conceptualised and executed by London-based creative marketing agency WePlay, working with the Tour’s communications consultancy partner Juniper Sport.

Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour: “Simply put, we wanted to capture the energy, excitement and growth surrounding the Asian Tour. So much has happened since our return from the Covid pandemic break – a long-term partnership with PIF/LIV Golf to create The International Series, which has quickly become part of our DNA; new players and rising stars coming to play in Asia; new events and a fast-growing prize purse for our members. With this in mind, we set out to create a campaign to celebrate and promote our brand to new and existing audiences.”

The concept behind Time to Rise was to be bold and confident in terms of positioning and visualisation of the campaign, inviting people to engage with the Tour during what is an extremely exciting phase in its story.

“We feel Time to Rise, with all its related videos and graphics, really captures the unique characteristics of our Tour, events and players,” added Cho.

“We hope everyone is as excited as we are in continuing to pursue our strategic goals to grow our events, attract international players while developing players from our region and engage with more fans and partners. We have big ambitions for the tour and this campaign is an important part of pursuing these goals.”

The campaign will be visible at next week’s Mandiri Indonesia Open – before being rolled out across the rest of the season.