Dialled in Sihwan Kim perfectly placed for big final day at LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok
Asian Tour star Sihwan Kim showed he has what it takes to play at the very highest level today when he impressively put himself in position to challenge for the title tomorrow at the US$25 million LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok.
He carded a second-round six-under-par 66, which like yesterday’s first round was bogey free, at Stonehill to end the day on 11 under, in a tie for second with Americans Patrick Reed (65) and Harold Varner III (66) and England’s Richard Bland (68).
They are five behind runaway leader Eugenio López-Chacarra from Spain, who fired a stunning 63 – in the first LIV Golf Invitational event to be played in Asia.
Showing the kind of form that has helped him to win two Asian Tour titles here in Thailand this year – the International Series Thailand and the Royal’s Cup – Kim played magnificently to give himself a chance of winning tomorrow’s US$4 million first place cheque.
After the shotgun start at 10.15am he made birdie on his first hole, on the par-five second, and another on sixth, which proved to be a taste of what was to come as he birdied 11, 12, 14 and 17.
PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – OCTOBER 08: Sihwan Kim of Iron Heads GC plays his shot from the seventh tee during Day Two of the LIV Golf Invitational – Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 08, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via Getty Images )
“I just putted beautifully all day, and again these wide fairways are an advantage to me as I have not been driving well,” said Kim, who was paired in a high-profile group consisting of England’s Ian Poulter and Marc Leishman from Australia.
Kim is currently ranked second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, despite struggling with his form over the past few months.
In the LIV Golf Invitational Boston, he made headlines for the wrong reasons when after opening with a 17-over-par 87 he shot a 63, before closing with a 76.
His best finish in the LIV Golf Invitational events is tied 15th in Portland, but that stat is most likely to change tomorrow.
“It feels great to be in this position, it’s been a while, but I feel comfortable and excited about the final round,” added the 33 year old.
Kim’s round also meant his Iron Heads GC team also have a shot at winning the team competition tomorrow. Their captain Kevin Na from the United Status carded a 68, Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana a 69, and his countryman Phachara Khongwatmai 70, to move into fourth place with a score of 24 under, 10 behind Fireballs GC, led by captain Sergio Garcia from Spain.
Said Kim: “We know Kevin is always going to play well, so it’s just case a of myself, Sadom and Phachara being able to support with some good numbers.”
Twenty-two-year-old rookie López-Chacarra is the youngest player in the field but played with class and maturity beyond his years today, making an eagle and seven birdies.
“The conditions are great, and the course is unbelievable,” he said.
“I feel like it’s a long course that it helps me a little, and then the type of grass and the Bermuda greens, I think they’re the best greens I’ve putted in a long time, so it’s kind of like everything around here is great.
“But I think the key was I went back to see what I was doing in college because I was working so good and I didn’t do as good the first four weeks as a pro, and it was just try to have fun and then play to not make bogeys. Kind of play smart on the course, and that’s what I’ve started doing this week. I feel my game – I’m actually hitting it pretty good, but I’m playing smart and I’m having fun, so that’s the key for these couple rounds.”
PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – OCTOBER 08: Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra of Fireballs GC plays his shot from the first tee during Day Two of the LIV Golf Invitational – Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 08, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via Getty Images)
Branden Grace, joint overnight leader, had to pull out on the fourth hole with an injury and has a race to recover in time for next week’s LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah.
The South African is second on the LIV Golf rankings, having won the LIV Golf Invitational Portland.
Play will start tomorrow with a shotgun start at 9am, one hour and 15 minutes earlier than today.
Sihwan Kim, the Asian Tour’s number two ranked player, once again showed his close affinity for Thailand today after he fired a fine five-under-par 67 in the US$25 million LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok at Stonehill, to sit just two off the lead on the opening day.
South African Branden Grace, England’s Richard Bland and Spanish rookie Eugenio López-Chacarra led the way with 65s – in what is the first LIV Golf Invitational tournament to be played in Asia, and the richest sporting event ever to be held in Thailand.
Australian Marc Leishman and England’s Ian Poulter carded 66s, while Kim was one of five players to shoot five under.
American Kim has enjoyed a breakthrough season on the Asian Tour, winning twice here in The Kingdom– in the International Series Thailand and the Royal’s Cup – and he is clearly relishing the opportunity to be back in a country which has brought him so much success.
“Good to be back in Thailand!” said Kim.
“I hit 18 greens and put some putts in. Conditions wise it is very good and fortunately it is pretty wide off the tee, which takes pressure off my driver. And the greens are quite new, so the grain has not really settled. I had a hard time reading the greens a bit but hopefully it will get sorted out over the next two days.”
A shotgun start at 10.15am local time saw the tournament get underway with Kim starting on the 11th tee, along with Japan’s Hideto Tanihara and Laurie Canter from England.
PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – OCTOBER 07: Sadom Kaewkanjana of Iron Heads GC plays his second shot on the second hole during Day One of the LIV Golf Invitational – Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 07, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via Getty Images )
He birdied 16 and 17 on the back nine, and made further birdies on three, four and his last hole he 10th.
He added: “I played really conservative towards the greens, tried to miss the short side here, the contour of the greens here is quite severe in some places so you can’t miss it. I was patient and really conservative.”
The 33 year old has endured a bad run of form mid-season, mainly due to problems with his driver, so today’s round was a huge boost of confidence for a player bidding to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
“My game is coming along, obviously I have been on a pretty bad stretch,” he said.
“The problem is still the driver issue and that kind of creeps in towards the rest of my game. Obviously being a larger fairway here helps quite a bit.
“And I just love it here in Thailand, I know it’s quite hot, but I know how to stay as cool as possible and stay hydrated.”
His strong start also helped his Iron Heads GC team – comprising of captain Kevin Na (67) and Asian Tour members Sadom Kaewkanjana (71), and Phachara Khongwatmai (71) – move into fourth place with a score of 11 under. Fireballs GC, led by their captain Sergio Garcia from Spain, are in front on 14 under.
The Iron Heads team had looked set to win the team prize at the LIV Golf Invitational Boston before stumbling badly on the back nine and so they will be looking to make amends for that this week.
Both Sadom and Phachara were paired in high profile groups today; the former with six-time Major winner Phil Mickelson and reigning Open champion Cameron Smith, and the latter with Dustin Johnson and Bryson Dechambeau.
PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – OCTOBER 07: Phachara Khongwatmai of Iron Heads GC putts on the fourth green during Day One of the LIV Golf Invitational – Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 07, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/LIV Golf via Getty Images)
“Cameron’s short game was fantastic – I can learn a lot from him,” commented Sadom, while Phachara said: “It was an honour to play with DJ and Bryson. I was quite nervous as it was definitely the highest standard of player I have been grouped with in my career. I was very pleased and happy how friendly they are; DJ talked quite a bit.”
American Johnson, who leads the LIV Golf ranking, returned a 70.
Thailand welcomes the very first LIV Golf Invitational event to be played in Asia this week at Stonehill, but among its all-star line up of golfing elite are a wealth of players who are certainly not first timers to Thailand or the region, who boast a treasure trove of Asian Tour trophies.
They have also been visitors to this part of the world for decades, and none more so than Englishman Lee Westwood – the proud winner of nine Asian Tour titles, which includes two Thailand Golf Championships, two Malaysian Opens, and three Indonesian Masters.
Indeed, from-the-get-go, a mere 28-years ago, Asia has been on his travel schedule.
He says: “Right from the beginning of my career, 1994, I think my second or third event ever was the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket, Blue Canyon, and fell in love with Asia then, and have always enjoyed coming back here.”
It took him just two years to win in the region after that first visit, at the 1996 Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters on the Japan Tour (where he was also victorious the ensuing two years) before he claimed his first Asian Tour title at the Malaysian Open in 1997.
“It’s nice to be back,” said Westwood, who turns 50 next April.
“It’s a part of the world I look forward to come and play in and I’ve been successful, which makes it even better. It’s nice to be here with LIV and taking golf around the globe again. Obviously wasn’t possible through COVID over the past couple of years, three years, and I’ve missed it.”
Ian Poulter (picture by Joe Maher/LIV Golf/Getty Images).
Close friend and compatriot Ian Poulter, the winner of the nationals Open of Singapore and Hong Kong, also started his Asian campaign not long after turning professional in 1995.
“[I have played here] right from the year 2000, once I got my European Tour card, traveling around Asia, playing, and having a level of success,” said Poulter, who like Westwood has also won in Japan and Australia.
“[I’ve] so enjoyed the aspect of playing internationally and obviously just not in one place. I’ve loved my success in all the years that I’ve been traveling for the last 24 years.
“We really didn’t have that option through COVID, but obviously now the new schedule and how it’s going to lay itself out with LIV, it’s a fantastic opportunity because we’ve got so many fans that we’ve picked up through all the years of winning great tournaments in this part of the world, and it will be great to see them all again.”
Australian Cameron Smith, the current world number three who won the LIV Golf Invitational Chicago last month in just his second start on the LIV Golf Series, is another player who is no stranger to the Asian Tour, even though it was just one season.
In 2014, the year after making the transition to the play for pay game, Smith competed on the Asian Tour and impressively finished in the top-10 seven times before ending in fifth position on the Order of Merit.
Said the reigning Open champion: “My time when I was a young professional over in Asia are some of the best times of my life. Traveling with good friends and playing really good tournaments was something I will never forget, and I’m really looking forward and really excited for what this Tour [LIV Golf] is going to bring to the golf world.”
Kevin Na (picture by Charlie Crowhurst/LIV Golf/Getty Images).
And American Kevin Na, before embarking on a successful career on the PGA Tour where he has triumphed on five occasions, also cut his professional teeth in this part of the world, most notably winning the Volvo Masters of Asia in 2002.
When asked if he plans to play more in Asia having spent the best part of his life playing in North America he responded: “You just said best part of my life I played on the PGA TOUR. I don’t know, I think the best part of my life is coming. I played Asian Tour in 2002 and 2003. I really enjoyed it.
“I had a lot of great memories playing the Asian Tour, and I was able to see guys [this week], former players that work for the Tour or in TV, it’s nice to catch up with them and see that they’re still in the golf world.
“Yes, I plan to play a little bit more in Asia here and there. It’s nice that we’re in Thailand. The last time I played in Thailand was probably 2013, and I really enjoyed playing there, playing in Thailand then, and I’m already enjoying it now.”
The list of players with success in Asia goes on, and on – Spaniard Sergio Garcia has six Asian Tour trophies and South African Louis Oosthuizen three – and there is no doubt they will all dearly love to add the first LIV Golf Invitational event in Asia title to their ongoing Asian narrative.
Local golf fans will be out in force at this week’s LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok to cheer on Iron Heads GC, featuring Thai players Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmai alongside captain Kevin Na and Sihwan Kim, both from the US, after LIV Golf confirmed the 12 teams ready to compete in the US$25 million inaugural event, which starts on Friday, as LIV Golf’s season-long team competition hits the home stretch.
Securing four consecutive wins in five tournaments this season, the 4 Aces GC team of Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Pat Perez leads the pack as the series touches down on the all-new Stonehill course located on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The Smash GC team of Brooks Koepka, younger brother Chase, Peter Uihlein and Jason Kokrak will be looking to dethrone the 4 Aces after losing in Chicago by one stroke following Johnson’s final hole birdie to secure the team win.
Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson’s Hy Flyers GC, featuring Matthew Wolff, Bernd Wiesberger and Cameron Tringale are coming into form ahead of this week’s event. The Hy Flyers finished in third place in points at Chicago’s Rich Harvest Farms, edging out via tiebreaker the all-Australian Punch GC team of individual winner Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Wade Ormsby and Matt Jones. Both teams finished at 17 under and split third-place money.
Japan’s Hideto Tanihara, a 17-time winner on global tours, joins Chilean star and team captain Joaquin Niemann, Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Australia’s Jediah Morgan on an international Torque GC team in search of its first podium.
“We are eager to present LIV Golf’s innovative format and elite competition to one of the most exciting and rapidly developing golf landscapes in the world,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “The field is comprised of players with local ties and international acclaim, all committed to performing their best and supporting their teammates in pursuit of a title. It’s sure to be a weekend of excitement for LIV Golf’s Asian debut at Stonehill.”
PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – OCTOBER 05: Sadom Kaewkanjana during a practice round prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 05, 2022 in Pathum Thani, . (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf/Getty Images)
Alongside the team format, golf fans will also get the chance to watch 48 of the world’s best golfers compete in the individual format, with 2022 Open champion Smith and two-time major winner Johnson leading a star-studded field that includes 12 Major champions and four former World No. 1s.
The three-day event will offer a multitude of off-course excitement for visitors to Stonehill. A variety of opportunities to test one’s golfing skills will include a high-tech golf simulator, chipping green and mini-golf, as well as music and immersive entertainment. Younger fans will also be able to enjoy arts and crafts, educational workshops, face painting, and virtual reality entertainment.
Tickets for the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok remain available, with a single-day grounds pass starting at 800THB, with three-day passes on sale for 1600THB at LIVGolf.com or thaiticketmajor.com. Single day and three-day hospitality packages for the popular Club 54 and Gallery Club experiences are also available.
Complete, live coverage of LIV Golf tournaments is globally available direct to consumers on LIVGolf.com and YouTube. LIV Golf event broadcasts are also aired live on a global roster of leading premium and free-to-air broadcasters providing coverage in over 180 territories around the world. The list of global networks covering the LIV Golf Invitational Series is available on LIVGolf.com.
The eyes of the golfing world turn to Thailand this week as ‘the land of smiles’ gears up to host the biggest tournament ever-to-be-held on Asian soil: the US$25million LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok.
Forty-eight of the best golfers on the planet are in the Thai capital to battle it out for individual and team glory as LIV Golf breaks new ground with Asia’s debut LIV Golf Invitational, taking place at Stonehill, October 7-9.
A stellar field including defending Open champion Cameron Smith, big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau and multiple-major winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka are competing.
They will be joined by hometown heroes Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmai – two of 12 Asian Tour members playing – plus a host of Ryder Cup and major-winning stars including Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen and Patrick Reed.
The sixth event of eight in LIV’s inaugural year, the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok will hold the distinction of becoming the first international tournament to be staged at the all-new Stonehill in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, situated in the Pathum Thani province.
LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman said: “Everyone at LIV Golf is enormously excited to bring our innovative format and elite competition to Thailand and the people of Asia, one of the most exciting and rapidly developing golf landscapes in the world. At LIV Golf, we’re committed to creating opportunities that grow the game and reach new audiences around the globe. Thailand is our first Asian stop as we continue our launch, and the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok promises to be a truly incredible week for players and fans alike.”
“I’ve been looking forward to saying this for a long time: Asia, here we come!”
Phachara Khongwatmai (picture by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf/via Getty Images).
The revolutionary tournament format of LIV Golf aims to supercharge the sport of golf. Each event sees a world-class 48-man field compete in 12 teams of four, with a shotgun start, on-course music and entertainment that creates an electric atmosphere.
After three rounds of golf, both an individual and team champion is crowned and a prize of US$25million shared.
An incredibly strong field for Bangkok features no less than 12 Major champions and four former World No.1s set to be on the hunt for individual and team glory.
Thai star Phachara has featured in all five of this year’s LIV Golf Invitationals, earning his spot through some top performances in the Asian Tour’s new marquee International Series events, which are supported by LIV Golf.
He said: “To be playing in an event of this scale at home in Thailand is something I could only have dreamed of growing up. The quality of the field is unlike any golf event that will ever have competed here, which makes this a huge moment for not only golf, but sport in Thailand and in Asia.
“These LIV events bring together the best golfers in the world, in a new format which works for both players and spectators. The atmosphere has been incredible in all the events I have played so far, and to be able to experience the same on home turf is something I’m really going to relish. It’ll be something very special for Thai golf and golf fans.”
Sadom, a two-time Asian Tour winner who has also teed it up in all LIV Golf events so far this season, said: “Playing in Thailand confirms that LIV Golf is a global league, bringing the best in the world to our country and growing the game across the region. LIV Golf is something different, something very exciting, and this week is further evidence that the series is connecting with new audiences all around the world.”
Indian star Anirban Lahiri, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour, is delighted to be bringing the series to Asia. Lahiri, who signed on with LIV Golf in late August, finished runner-up on his Boston debut in a thrilling three-way playoff defeat to Johnson, which also featured Chilean star Joaquin Niemann.
He said: “From my experience so far, LIV Golf is something very special – I could hardly have got off to a better start. The LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok brings something special to Thailand and also the wider region. There are so many golf fans in the Asian region and they will all be able to enjoy some world-class golf featuring some of the best in the game. The players love the atmosphere at the tournaments, as well as the format, and the fans in Asia are in for a real treat.”
Asian Tour Destinations have named The Toro Company as official partner for golf course equipment and irrigation. Toro and distributors throughout the region will support the network of world-class venues with products, technologies and service to help them create optimal course conditions for players and members.
The strategic alliance is part of Toro’s overall commitment to supporting the development of golf in Asia. Beyond supplying equipment, Toro will help advise golf courses on irrigation techniques and practices for achieving the best quality of cut and after-cut appearance. Toro distributors will also provide equipment health checks and training on equipment operation and maintenance.
“We’re honored to have this opportunity to work with Asian Tour Destinations,” said Richard Walne, Managing Director, APAC, at The Toro Company. “There’s an excellent synergy between Toro and the venues, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with them to create high-quality playing experiences that advance the game of golf in this market.”
In addition, venues in the Asian Tour Destinations network will have access to Toro’s full line of hybrid and electric equipment and water-saving irrigation solutions.
“Toro has a long history of dedication to sustainability with innovations that support our mission to enhance the beauty of the land,” Walne said. “These venues are the latest to join golf courses like Sentosa Golf Club in using Toro solutions to support their sustainability goals.”
Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club has a 10-year partnership with Toro for golf course maintenance equipment and irrigation systems that align with its pledge to become the world’s first carbon-neutral golf club.
Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course.
“The venues in the Asian Tour Destinations network are key to elevating the game of golf in Asia, and Toro is proud to provide the products and expertise they need,” Walne added. “We can’t wait to see what the future brings as we grow together.”
Asian Tour Destinations is an exclusive network of world-class golfing venues with direct ties to the Asian Tour. Presently, 12 golf clubs ‒ representing the top-tier of golfing properties in Asia ‒ are part of this affiliate network programme.
David Rollo [main picture, left], Chief Operating Officer of the Asian Tour, said: “As a global brand reaching over 125 countries, The Toro Company holds the leadership position in nearly every product category in which it competes. High-quality products, exemplary service and support, and legacy of trusted relationships industry-wide have made Toro the global leader of innovative turf maintenance equipment and irrigation technologies for the golf market.
“We are delighted to welcome Toro as a Partner to Asian Tour Destinations. With their expertise and technology, Toro not only has the ability to support Asian Tour Destinations network venues, but also tournaments on the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour.”
When it comes to listings of the world’s most exotic and desired golfing getaways, Phuket invariably features prominently. Feature by Spencer Robinson, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour.
With its spectacular array of courses, immaculately manicured fairways and greens, and world-renowned caddies, this southern province of Thailand provides a stunning backdrop for a golfing holiday.
Add in pristine white beaches, cooling blue lagoons, tropical mountains and arguably Thailand’s most beautiful sunsets and it’s easy to understand the pulling power of the largest island in the country, located off the west coast of the mainland in the Andaman Sea.
Proudly rated among the Phuket region’s most cherished golfing gems are Laguna Golf Phuket [main picture] and Aquella Golf & Country Club.
In terms of distance, they may be some 60 kilometres apart, but the two venues are inextricably linked as part of the elite Asian Tour Destinations network, signifying their presence among the top tier of golfing properties in Asia.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “Being part of Asian Tour Destinations means that each venue is certified Tour-calibre and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready conditions, all-year round.
Phacahra Khongwatmai of Thailand won the Asian Tour’s Laguna Phuket Championship at Laguna Golf Phuket, in December 2021. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“We’re delighted that Laguna Golf Phuket and Aquella Golf & Country Club have joined the network. In the process, they’re underscoring the reputation and appeal of Phuket as a genuinely world-class golfing getaway.”
Set within Laguna Phuket Resort – Asia’s first fully integrated destination resort with a variety of hotel options, including Banyan Tree Phuket – the Laguna Golf Phuket course is an idyllic golfing paradise.
Darren Robson, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Phuket, said: “We’re proud to partner with the Asian Tour as an official Asian Tour Destinations venue.
“Whether you’re just setting out on your golfing journey … or you’re an Asian Tour professional, the layout offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities.”
As well as staging a Faldo Series Thailand amateur event, the course hosted the Singha Phuket Open on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2017. Late last year it was the venue for the inaugural Laguna Phuket Championship as the Asian Tour resumed play following the Covid-19 pandemic. Two more ADT events were held there in April, 2022.
Following its renovation in 2015, Laguna Golf Phuket’s landscape provides golfers with two distinct scenic experiences – lush tropical foliage on the front nine, and coconut groves and sand bunkers on the back nine.
Aquella Golf & Country Club.
The layout also highlights sustainable environmental conservation with great emphasis placed on the natural surroundings and local wildlife. A native cultural experience has been well represented with reused wooden steps, golf course furniture and decorative traditional Thai fishing boats to provide a local essence.
One of the club’s unique selling points is that golf buggies are not compulsory, meaning you can walk the course if you so choose, in the company of a highly-trained caddie.
“A lot of golfers who come here, especially Europeans, enjoy walking the course. So, too, do many of our guests at Banyan Tree, who tee-off after 2.30 pm and play nine holes,” said Robson, who has noticed a post Covid-19 pandemic rise in traffic on the course.
That is partly due, he says, to an increase in the number of direct flights coming into Phuket from Singapore and Korea, and also a reduction in green fees.
Majority-owned by Pacific Century Premium Developments and managed by Absolute Golf Services (AGS), Aquella Golf & Country Club is separated geographically from Phuket by the Sarasin Bridge.
Located on the pristine Andaman Sea coastline at Thai Muang Beach, 40 minutes north of Phuket International Airport, the property sprawls over 177 hectares and includes an 18-hole miniature putting course as well as a covered driving range with automatic ball dispensers. The elegant clubhouse features a pro-shop, restaurant, first-class spa and an extensive gym.
The centrepiece, however, is the 18-hole golf course sculpted by Phil Ryan and Paul Reeves of Pacific Coast Design that is primed to host its first Asian Development Tour event in the near future.
James Shippey, Managing Director at AGS, said: “Aquella has been redesigned and developed into a beachfront golf course with a fun and challenging layout set amongst a luxurious residential complex. It’s our intention for the facility to set new standards of excellence – not only in Phuket and Phang Nga, but in the region.
“In conjunction with the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour, we very much look forward to staging top-level tournaments at Aquella in the months and years ahead. We are confident that the facility and course lends itself very well for hosting events of the calibre of the Asian Tour.”
If you’re looking for assistance in organising and facilitating your trip to Laguna Golf Phuket and Aquella Golf & Country Club, then Golfasian fits the bill perfectly.
The foremost golf tour operator in Southeast Asia, Golfasian has been bringing golfers to Asian golfing hotspots for more than a decade with Phuket high on the list of preferred destinations for golfers from all over the world.
In recognition of the role it plays in delivering a personalised golfing journey combined with exploring the culture of the countries visited, Golfasian is also part of the Asian Tour Destinations network.
Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian, said: “Phuket has long been a favourite with golfers from Europe as well as around Asia.
“At Golfasian, we have always prided ourselves on working with the best golfing venues in Asia. In terms of the overall golfing experience, there’s no doubt that Laguna Golf Phuket and Aquella Golf & Country Club fit comfortably into that category.”
Chan Shih-chang claimed the US$1million Mercuries Taiwan Masters today, to finally win an Asian Tour event on home soil for the first time, but only after a titanic battle with India’s Rashid Khan.
The Chinese-Taipei star beat Khan on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off at Taiwan Golf and Country Club, incredibly, after coming from three shots behind with five to play before making birdie three times on the par-four 18th.
A brilliant nine-foot birdie putt saw him secure the title, after Khan had missed his birdie attempt from 20 feet, while Chan holed a 21-foot putt for birdie on the first extra hole, before Khan made his from two feet. Chan sensationally forced the play-off when he holed a nine-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole as Khan agonisingly missed his birdie chance from six feet.
Both players carded four-under-par 68s to finish on 15 under and beat the previous best tournament total – set by Chinese-Taipei’s Tsai Chi-huang’s in 2002 – by one shot.
Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman and Sarit Suwannarut from Thailand tied for third, six shots back after both carding 71s.
“Really happy to win my first Asian Tour title at home. I have always wanted to do this. To be honest, it’s really pressurising. My friends, sponsors and family were out there supporting me today,” said the 36-year-old Chan, who won US$200,000 and moved into 10th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Rashid Khan.
The Chinese-Taipei star started his come from behind win with a birdie on the 15th, before his Indian opponent dropped a shot on the penultimate hole to set up the thrilling showdown on the last.
“This is my first time playing in the final group in my many years of playing in this tournament. I just keep telling myself to stay calm and stick to my game plan and stay positive out there,” he added.
This is Chan’s fifth victory on the Asian Tour and third in 10 months: he won the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship at the end of November last year, which was the Asian Tour’s first event back after a two-month break caused by the pandemic; and he won in Thailand again this year at the Royal’s Cup in February. He was also victorious in the King’s Cup in Thailand in 2016 and two months later the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup in Japan.
He also tied third here last year and equal second the year before, when on both occasions the event wasn’t on the Asian Tour schedule because of travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The win also maintained his one hundred percent record in play-offs, as he has won two on the Asian Development Tour and one on the Taiwan PGA circuit.
Two-time Asian Tour winner Khan was in search of his first Asian Tour title in eight years, with both of his previous successes coming in 2014, at the SAIL-SBI Open in India, and the Chiangmai Golf Classic, in Thailand.
Siddikur Rahman (Picture by Khalid Redza/Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images).
He had a one-shot lead at the turn and after a birdie on 10 and 13 he looked a safe bet for the title.
“It was going really well, just that I knew the last four holes are crucial,” said Khan, who also three-putted the par-five 15th having reached the green in two.
“I hit a good shot on the 15th hole, but I ended up missing it on the side of the green where I haven’t practiced. And I had no idea about the read at all. So, I three putted and that’s where you know … because last two holes are not so easy to play.
“On the 17th hole I got a little hurried, hit a good shot and I thought it’s gonna be fine on the left side of the green, but it ended up being just over the bunker in the rough. And you know, I thought the green is slow from the front, but it wasn’t, and I missed it like 15 feet past the pin.”
Rahman, who last won on the Asian Tour at the Hero Indian Open in 2013, was thrilled with his best finish for some time.
He said: “Oh, it was a wonderful day, I just couldn’t putt well today, rest of the game was excellent. Just because of putting I couldn’t make a better score, but, overall, I’m happy about my round.”
The result will also allow him to keep his playing privileges for next season.
“That’s a big relief for me because I was really struggling from the beginning of this year. I mean, and now I just finished tied third, so I think I have secured my card for next year. Definitely, I will be able to play without tension,” he added.
The Asian Tour heads to the International Series Morocco next from Royal Golf Dar Es Salam from November 3-6.
Chinese-Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang moved a step closer to winning an Asian Tour event on home soil for the first time when he took a share of the lead along with India’s Rashid Khan after the third round of the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters today.
Four-time Asian Tour winner Chan carded a three-under-par 69 to reach 11 under for the tournament and catch overnight leader Khan, who fired a 73.
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and Siddikur Rahman from Bangladesh are tied for third, three shots back after scoring 68 and 69 respectively, at Taiwan Golf and Country Club.
Two of Chan’s victories have come in the last 10 months, and the kind of form that saw him win those titles was on display again today. He nailed five birdies and made two bogeys; the last of those dropped shots came on 14, which prompted the best possible reaction as he made his final two birdies on the next two holes.
“I played good overall today,” said Chan.
“My target was to shoot 68 actually, but still happy with a 69. I made a few good birdies out there, like the four footer on 15. I can’t wait to go out tomorrow. I will show them what I got!
“I know I need to hit my irons well and putt well to score on this golf course so I will aim to do that tomorrow. My iron play was not sharp today. If I can improve on my iron accuracy tomorrow, I should have a good chance to win.”
Chan won the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship at the end of November last year, which was the Asian Tour’s first event back after a two-month break caused by the pandemic; and he won in Thailand again this year at the Royal’s Cup in February.
Rashid Khan.
Three of his Asian Tour successes have come in The Kingdom, while another in Japan and having finished joint third in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last year and equal second the year before a first Asian Tour victory in Chinese-Taipei is of the highest priority to the 36 year old.
Khan had started the day with a four-shot lead having returned a 65 on day two and while he will have been disappointed to card a 73, that would have been tempered by the fact that he is still in the lead and in with a chance of his first win on the Asian Tour in eight years.
He struggled on the outward nine unable to make birdies and dropped a shot on seven to make the turn in one over, and when he made bogey on 10 it appeared the chasing pack would overwhelm him.
Both Chan and Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert led on the back nine, but Khan rallied with a birdies on 13 and 15 to stay in the fight.
He said: “I told myself, this is not the golf course which we played for the first two days, so just hang in there. And you know, if you make two or three birdies on last eight holes, you’re still fine.
“I mean I’m still playing in the last group, and I have a chance, so I’m just gonna focus on that.”
Khan won both of his Asian Tour titles in 2014 – the SAIL-SBI Open in India, and the Chiangmai Golf Classic, in Thailand – and the signs have been there this season, particularly after a joint runner-up placing in the Mandiri Indonesian Open in August, that the long wait for a third win could before over soon.
Sarit is looking for his first win on the Asian Tour and put himself in an excellent position to do that with the second lowest round of the day.
“I think I just woke up on the right side of the bed today,” said the Thai golfer.
“I mean yesterday was just a tough day, everything just seemed unlucky. Today everything just, it’s not like lucky, but I hit it good. Wedges, irons, drives and putted good. I think that’s it, everything was just good.”
Siddikur’s name on the leader board will be a pleasing sight for many. The two-time winner on the Asian Tour has not been in contention for a while.
Said the 37 year old, who last won at the 2013 Hero Indian Open: “It was a wonderful day, and I was hitting it very good. And I was really calm, not like other tournaments, so I think that helped a lot. My short game was also very good today. So overall, it was a wonderful day.
Sarit Suwannarut.
“I have always played good here, so I have a very good memories and very good confidence to play this golf course.”
Pavit impressed for much of the day but surprisingly made three bogeys on the trot from the 15th and closed with a 71, to sit four behind the leaders, along with countryman Nitithorn Thippong, who signed for a 73.
Nitithorn is trying to win for the third time this season.
India’s Rashid Khan opened up a healthy four-shot lead after round two of the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters today after firing a masterful seven-under-par 65.
He leads on 12 under from Chinese-Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang (68) and Wang Wei-hsiang (70), the defending champion and first-round leader, and Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand (69), who are all in second position.
A trio of Thai golfers, Danthai Boonma (66), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (69) and Donlaphatchai Niyomchon (71) are two shots further back, at Taiwan Golf and Country Club – in what is Chinese-Taipei’s richest golf tournament.
Khan, whose two victories on the Asian Tour came back in 2014, has been a regular contender this year and looks hungry to transfer form into silverware this week after a bogey free round with four birdies on the front, and three on the back.
“It was pretty good, it was stress free,” said the 31 year old, who began his round on 10.
“I really enjoyed it. I was hitting the ball well and even rolling the putts really well. So just keeping myself on the green, give yourself a lot of chances and that’s what I did. I only missed like two greens, I’ll say, the 10th where I started, and the last hole, but a really good par on the last.”
Nitithorn Thippong.
On that final hole, the ninth, he just missed out of bounds with his tee shot, chipped out leaving himself an approach from 140 yards from where he hit his third to 25 feet and courageously holed the putt to complete a brilliant round.
He added: “I played well here last time also, I finished fifth [in 2019]. I know that a lot of things are required at this golf course, especially if you miss the green, the ups and downs are not easy. So, I’m just gonna hit the greens and you know, give myself chances.”
His round was two shots short of the course record set by Chinese-Taipei’s Lin Wen-hong in 2008.
Nitithorn, the highest ranked player in the field sitting in third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, put himself in perfect position to attempt to win for the third time this year.
He said: “I had a really great round today. I think I missed only three greens today, same as yesterday. Just like keep playing and a lot of positive things today.”
The rising star, who won The DGC Open presented by Mastercard in March and the International Series Singapore in August, eagled the par-five ninth after drilling his second into nine feet and holing the putt. He moved further up the leaderboard with birdies on 13 and 14 before dropping his only shot of the day on 15.
“I have been playing really good on the first day, but the last three days, like before this tournament, I don’t know just some of the days my mentality was not so good. It’s not the pressure, but I play too comfortable and like too confident. So, this week, I just tried to really focus on my game and my process,” he added.
Wang Wei-hsiang. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Wang shot a 66 yesterday to make the ideal start to his title defence but endured a rocky front nine mixing three birdies with three bogeys before he steadied the ship with a two under par back nine thanks to birdies on 15 and 16.
“The pin positions were tricky today,” said Wang, whose brother Wang Wei-hsuan claimed the title in 2020.
“Overall, it’s still ok. Still in a good position for the weekend. Will keep to the same strategy and see how it goes. Not thinking too much about it. Just go out and play. The conditions out there are pretty much the same as yesterday. Wind direction was hard to gauge. Just had one bad hole on the sixth where I lost my ball. But overall, it’s alright.”
Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai, the winner here in 2019 when the event was last played on the Asian Tour, carded a 71 and is further shot back with Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman (69) and Filipino Miguel Tabuena (70)
Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat, Thailand’s 15-year-old amateur star, returned a 73 to end the day one under and sit in a tie for 27th.
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