Dream practice round the ideal start for star-struck Kim
By Joy Chakravarty in Augusta, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour.
The 87th Masters hasn’t even teed off and Joohyung ‘Tom’ Kim, one of the Asian Tour’s greatest graduates, made sure that a childhood dream was realised.
The Korean star played nine holes with five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, the 1992 winner Fred Couples and the yet-to-be-jacketed Rory McIlroy on the first official practice day on Monday.
It was an experience that money can’t buy, and something that took Couples – enamoured by the massive game, character and attitude that the boy wonder exhibited during the Presidents Cup last year – only a couple of phone calls to fix.
Tom Kim (L), Tiger Woods (second from L), Rory McIlroy (second from R) and Fred Couples (R) all try to ‘skip’ their tee shots onto the 16th green during a practice round on Monday. Picture by David Cannon/Getty Images.
“I did not put the group together,” said Kim, winner of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit at the end of the COVID-19 hit 2020-2022 season.
“That’s impossible for me. But Fred was telling me ever since the Presidents Cup, let’s play a practice round together. Just a couple of weeks ago, I got a text: ‘Hey, it’s going to be you, me, Tiger, Rory’. I was like, ‘okay, cool’.
“I think my first memory of just watching golf was the Masters and Tiger winning it, and for me to be able to share my first official practice round with him was a dream come true, really. And to not just play with Tiger but to have Fred Couples and Rory join us, it was, as I said, a dream.”
It turned out to be a long nine holes – almost three hours – but Kim insists every minute spent with the threesome was worth its weight in gold.
“It was really cool to see just the amount of work Tiger does around the greens – to pick which chip shots he was hitting and stuff like that. The positions he put himself in, was really cool to pick as well. I walked the back nine again after we played it and I got to kind of see where he pitched from. He has years and years of knowledge here and some success, so I’m pretty sure there’s a reason why he’s there,” said the 20 year old.
Couples helped set up the dream practice round. Picture by David Cannon/Getty Images.
“You don’t really need to talk to them and ask for advice. You can just see it and think to yourself, why are they hitting those shots to those pins? Why are they chipping from that particular spot? I guess they leave themselves that.
“Obviously, game plans are different because our games are different, but you can have an idea of how the course plays during tournament weeks and why they are chipping or putting.”
One of the oft-repeated comments about Augusta National is how cruel the golf course can be to first timers. The only Masters debutant (if you do not count the inaugural edition in 1934) to win the Green Jacket was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1977.
Kim is eager to change that particular Masters stat.
“I hope so, that I can change that. I got some really good work done, and this course actually does suit my eye a little bit. So, I’m trying to prepare really well. Obviously, some of the guys have been here a lot more than I have, but I have to adjust and adapt quickly,” said Kim.
“If I win, it would exceed expectations, for sure. But everyone wants to win the Masters. Everyone wants to park in the champions parking lot. Everyone wants to go to the Champions Dinner. Everyone wants to fight for it and I’m the same way. Hopefully, I’ll just be able to have a chance on Sunday. That would be a dream.”
Kim tees off at the iconic 18th. Picture by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images.
As important as his two wins on the PGA Tour late last year were to muscle into the global golfing spotlight, Kim is in no doubt that his formative years in Asia played a huge role in his success story.
Three rapid-fire victories on the Asian Development Tour in 2019 earned him an instant promotion to the Asian Tour that year, and he duly celebrated by winning the Panasonic Open India, to become the second youngest professional to win an Asian Tour event, aged 17 years and 149 days. And after the global pandemic briefly halted his meteoric rise, he wrapped up the Tours’ Order of Merit title at the beginning of 2022, helped by victory in the season’s penultimate event, The Singapore International.
“I turned pro a lot earlier than what a lot of people do. I didn’t have a plan to go to college or play college golf. Obviously, back in Asia, it is allowed. I spent time there and I felt like it was a great time for me to adjust faster. Of course, I always wanted to be on the PGA Tour as early as possible,” said Kim, now ranked 19th in the world.
“Those times that I spent traveling and adjusting to the new courses, adjusting to new countries, eating different food…it helped me adjust quicker when I got here because I was so used to new conditions and adapting. Those three, four years, spending time on different tours in Asia definitely made my foundation really strong.
“Every single golfer wants to win the Masters, but for an Asian golfer to win is going to be a lot more impactful, because of how far all this feels growing up in Asia.
“Hopefully, this week, whether it’s me or any other Asian golfer, we will have a chance to win on Sunday and inspire the generations coming up.”
Kim has been paired with McIlroy and the in-form Sam Burns for the first two rounds.
Brooks Koepka has 16 professional wins in eight different countries, but he’s never won an elite event in his home state of Florida.
That could change Sunday at LIV Golf Orlando.
Koepka, the Smash GC captain, shot his second consecutive six-under-par 65 to grab the 36-hole individual lead at 12 under at Orange County National. He’ll take a three-shot lead over Torque GC’s Sebastián Muñoz, the first-round leader who followed his record-tying 62 with a 71. Three players – Laurie Canter (Cleeks GC), Mito Pereira (Torque GC) and Patrick Reed (4Aces GC) – are at eight under.
Asian Tour star Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe, who is playing on the LIV Golf League this year by virtue of winning last year’s International Series Order of Merit, is in a tie for 14th after carding a 67 to move to five under.
Fueled by Koepka, Smash leads the team competition at 26 under, two shots ahead of Torque, with Cleeks another three shots back at 21 under.
Koepka, who grew up in the West Palm Beach area, played collegiately at Florida State, and currently lives in South Florida, wasn’t sure of the last time he won a golf tournament in the state.
“Probably a minor league golf event I remember playing in like 2012, 2013,” he said.
Sebastian Munoz of Torgue GC plays his shot from the seventh tee during day two of the LIV Golf Orlando event at The Orange County National on April 01, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images).
His family is attending LIV Golf Orlando this week, cheering for both Brooks and his younger brother Chase, who also plays for Smash. It could be a big celebration if Brooks and his team can claim both trophies on Sunday.
“They’ve got to be loving it, right?” Koepka said of his family. “I’ll speak for me, it’s pretty cool to have my brother, playing alongside him, being able to go do practice rounds, playing an event with him, seeing all the behind-the-scenes stuff that you guys might not see all the time and be able to spend more time with him, more QT. I think that’s been a big thing. It’s been pretty dope.”
Koepka will also be seeking his second LIV Golf individual title, having won last year in a play-off against then-teammate Peter Uihlein in the LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah. Including the 2022 Invitational Series, the first nine regular-season events in LIV Golf’s young history have been won by nine different players, so Koepka is in position to be the first individual to celebrate a second time atop the podium.
“It’s kind of tough to have multiple wins in nine events,” Koepka said. “If you do, you’re doing something right.”
Muñoz was one of 18 players in the 48-player field who did not break par Saturday. He realizes how difficult it is to back up a low round with another one, especially in the windy conditions offered by the Crooked Cat course. Despite the even-par score, he remains in contention in just his third LIV Golf start.
“I felt like my ball-striking was the same as yesterday,” Muñoz said. “I might have hit a few less fairways. Putts didn’t go in, and that’s a nine-shot difference. Pretty crazy.”
Canter is making his third start as a reserve player filling in for Cleeks GC Captain Martin Kaymer, who is close to returning from offseason wrist surgery.
“I kind of look at it like if this is the last LIV event I ever play, then it’s been awesome,” Canter said. “… I haven’t tried to put too much pressure on myself in terms of got to take the opportunity because golf doesn’t really work like that. Well, not for me anyway.”
Text courtesy of LIV Golf.
Torque GC’s Sebastián Muñoz played his first 11 holes in Friday’s opening round of LIV Golf Orlando in eight under. The thought of shooting 59 certainly was on his mind as he headed toward the tee box at the par-four seventh hole.
“Last year I shot 60 two times, so it’s one of my goals, to get to 59 one day,” Muñoz said. “I thought I hit a good shot on seven. I gave myself a 45-footer and I three-putted that one. I knew that was going to kind of be the end of the 59 strategy.”
Even so, Muñoz finished his round with consecutive birdies to shoot a nine-under-par 62 at Orange County National. That ties for the lowest score in LIV Golf history and gives the Colombian star a two-shot advantage going into the weekend of the third event on the LIV Golf League schedule. Cleeks GC’s Richard Bland is in solo second at 64, while Smash GC Captain Brooks Koepka and Tucson winner Danny Lee of Iron Heads GC share third at 65.
“Great day,” said Muñoz, who began his round with an eagle at the par-five 14th. “Felt really in control of my driver, irons, putting. … Everything felt kind of easy today.”
Smash leads the team leaderboard with a cumulative 14 under, one stroke better than Torque. Chase Koepka and Matthew Wolff supported their captain with counting scores of 67.
Smash is one of three teams that have yet to finish inside the points (top eight) through the first two events. Majesticks GC (third place at 11 under) and Cleeks GC (tied for 4th at 10 under) are the other two.
Captain Brooks Koepka of Smash GC plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the LIV Golf Invitational – Orlando at The Orange County National on March 31, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
“It’s nice to see the team finally playing well,” Brooks Koepka said. “Chase played well and then Matt has been doing what he’s been doing. Just nice to see us actually compete, and hopefully we’re there on Sunday.”
The Koepka brothers were both born and raised in Florida. Brooks Koepka said he played some junior events at Orange County National two decades ago, but it’s his younger brother Chase who has more experience on the Crooked Cat course.
“He’s had Q-school here so many times,” Brooks said. “He was telling us what to do in the practice rounds, so that doesn’t happen too often, just because we’ve played so many different golf courses of the years. … It definitely helps, so I’ll take his advice.”
Bland began his round with a double-bogey but quickly bounced back with consecutive birdies and eventually finished with an eagle to climb into solo second.
“I kind of righted the ship pretty quick,” Bland said. “I played the front nine great. Whenever I kind of had a look, I made it.”
Despite winning two weeks ago in just his second LIV Golf start, Lee said he did not enter Orlando with high expectations. He started his round with a bogey but eventually found his groove, shooting a bogey-free six under on his last 14 holes.
“Monday through Thursday, my body wasn’t feeling well,” Lee said. “I was feeling weak, wasn’t sleeping well because of the time difference coming over from the West Coast. I didn’t know I was going to play this well.”
Text courtesy of LIV Golf.
For the second year in a row, the prize fund has been increased at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC).
To celebrate the return of the tournament to the Asian Tour schedule last September after a three-year absence due to COVID, the purse rose by 40 per cent from US$500,000 in 2019 to US$700,000.
For 2023, a further US$50,000 has been added, meaning players will be vying for US$750,000 in total prize money when the event returns to Linkou International Golf and Country Club from September 21-24.
Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour’s Commissioner & CEO, said: “Our thanks go to the Yeangder Group and its Chairman Emmet Hsu for their continued support. By increasing the purse to US$750,000, the Yeangder TPC will move up to the next tier of points for our Order of Merit.”
Among those relishing the prospect of a return to Linkou International will be Travis Smyth.
Thanks to four sub-70 rounds, the Australian recorded his maiden Asian Tour triumph there last year.
Travis Smyth pictured with the winner’s trophy at the Yeangder TPC at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club last year. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The inaugural Yeangder TPC in 2010 was won by Thailand great Thaworn Wiratchant. He triumphed again in 2013 and remains the only player to date to have his name etched on the trophy twice.
The victories of Thai Prom Meesawat (2014) and Spaniard Carlos Pigem (2016) were notable for the fact that they were achieved after play-offs, while Lu Wei-chih (2011) is the only Chinese Taipei player to have savoured success in the event.
Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar’s four-stroke success in 2012 remains the largest winning margin in the event’s history.
Also on the Yeangder TPC roll of honour are South African Shaun Norris (2015), Indian Ajeetesh Sandhu (2017) and American John Catlin in 2018, when Sihwan Kim, last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, finished second.
The Hong Kong Open, one of the Asian Tour’s most iconic golf tournaments steeped in rich history, will make its long-awaited return this year to its traditional home the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), in Fanling, and in a landmark development will be part of the burgeoning International Series.
The tournament, which is the oldest professional sporting event in Hong Kong, will offer a lucrative purse of US$2 million and will be played on the HKGC’s acclaimed Composite Course from November 9-12.
The famous venue was the scene of one of Hong Kong’s greatest sporting moments at the weekend when Taichi Kho triumphed in the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club to become the first player from Hong Kong to win on the Asian Tour. The event marked the return of international tournament golf to the Special Administrative Region of China for the first time in 38 months and was especially significant as the hugely impressive Kho was announced as an ambassador for the club during the week.
Wade Ormsby pictured with the Hong Kong Open trophy in 2020, he also won in 2017. Picture by Paul Lakatos / Asian Tour.
Wade Ormsby, who sits second in the International Series Order of Merit, courtesy of his victory at the International Series Thailand just three weeks ago, was the last player to win the Hong Kong Open, in January of 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the season to a premature conclusion. The Australian also claimed the event in 2017.
The 42-year-old, who has stated his aim to tee-up in all 10 of the International Series events in 2023 in pursuit of a return to the LIV Golf League, said: “To have a crack around a course I’ve had success at is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Australians have enjoyed a rich vein of success at the Hong Kong Open, producing more winners than any other nation, with fellow antipodean victors including golf legends Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, and Kel Nagle plus Scott Hend, who is tied third for the most Asian Tour wins of all time with 10 victories
Past champions from further afield include Major winners Rory McIlroy (NIR), Justin Rose (ENG), Padraig Harrington (IRE), Jose Maria Olazabal (ESP), Bernhard Langer (GER), Ian Woosnam (WAL), and Orville Moody (USA).
The Hong Kong Open has been a pre-eminent event on the Asian Tour for decades and was first held in 1959. The HKGC has staged every edition.
Andy Kwok, Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club , said: “This event has a proud history of welcoming golf’s leading talents from around the world, and in that sense shares values with The International Series, the expanded entry criteria for which makes this a compelling proposition for tour players around the world.”
Taichi Kho celebrates his win on Sunday. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Rahul Singh, Head of the International Series, said: “The International Series is an exciting new initiative, but part of its success has been its ability to build relationships with historic tournaments and events like the Hong Kong Open and the Hong Kong Golf Club.
“The International Series offers life-changing pathways for players and with the Hong Kong Open scheduled at the ‘business end’ of the year it will play a vital role in deciding which players make the coveted top 32 and qualify for the LIV Promotions Event.”
The International Series, introduced last year through a landmark investment by LIV Golf, sits within the Asian Tour schedule and has already seen three events this season in the Middle East and Thailand with the next tournament scheduled in April in Vietnam.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, said: “The Hong Kong Open’s return and its positioning as an International Series event is outstanding and adds another exciting dimension to the 2023 season, which has enjoyed such a successful start.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody at the Hong Kong Golf Association and the Hong Kong Golf Club for their support and we cannot wait to have yet another memorable Hong Kong Open in November.”
Taichi Kho made history today by becoming the first player from Hong Kong to win an Asian Tour event after he recorded a hugely popular and significant victory at the inaugural World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Kho, who only turned professional in January, triumphed by two shots from New Zealand’s Michael Hendry on another wet day at the Hong Kong Golf Club to fittingly celebrate the week he was announced as an ambassador for the club and the return of international tournament golf to the Special Administrative Region of China for the first time in 38 months.
Twenty-two-year-old Kho closed with an even-par 70 to finish the tournament, which was reduced to 54 holes because of the inclement weather, on 12 under, and also secure one of the four spots up for grabs in this year’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July.
Hendry shot a 68 while Australian Travis Smyth returned a 66 to finish third, three behind Kho. Korean Bio Kim (65) and Miguel Tabuena (72) from the Philippines tied for fourth, a shot further back.
Taichi Kho pictured with the winner’s trophy on Sunday. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Hendry, Smyth and Kim also made it through to The Open, where Kho will also become the first Hong Kong Chinese player to compete in the game’s oldest and most prestigious Major. Kim secured his berth ahead of Tabuena due to a better world ranking.
“Being at home, in front of everyone, having my parents here, it just means the world to me. I want to say thank you to everyone,” said Kho.
“I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have this opportunity. To play on the Asian Tour and represent Hong Kong Golf Club, to play well with both those things it is very special. The fans gave me a lot of momentum, thank you to Hong Kong.”
Yesterday’s poor weather meant Kho could only play two holes of his third round before play was stopped for the day at which point he had a healthy four-shot lead over Tabuena. But when played resumed this morning at 8.05am he struggled to find his rhythm, to the concern of his many local supporters, and dropped shots on the third and sixth to see his lead reduced to two.
However, to the delight and relief of everyone watching he sensationally got back on track when he holed out from 50 yards for a birdie on the par-four ninth before holing a difficult five-foot putt for par on the next.
L-R- Open qualifiers – Bio Kim of Korea, Taichi Kho of Hong Kong, Travis Smyth of Australia and Michael Hendry of New Zealand pictured with the Open championship flags and the Claret Jug. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
A dropped shot on the ensuing hole was again cause for alarm especially as further ahead Smyth and Korean Yoseop Seo had made birdies to close the gap to one.
But Kho produced another master shot on the short par-three 12th nearly holing his tee shot. He confidently holed a four-foot putt there for a birdie and a two-shot advantage.
On the par-five 13th he reached the green in two to set up a birdie for a three-shot cushion. He then had a chance to go four ahead on the following hole but missed a 12 footer for birdie before he dropped a shot on the next after failing to get up and down from a greenside bunker.
That mean he had a two-shot lead over Smyth with three to play but it soon moved to three when the Australian dropped a shot on the last.
And by the time he reached 18 his lead was back to two over playing partner Hendry, who made a strong finish with birdies on 16 and 17. Kho opted to hit driver on the famous par-four closing hole and to the thrill of the large gallery watching his ball landed safely to help set up a comfortable, drama free par.
He said: “I definitely wasn’t fearless, I was nervous, which was perfectly natural in the moment, but I said to myself I will be a better player by the end of it. I stuck to my game plan, did not shy away from him it and fully committed to what I have in my book. I told my coach last night whether I have a two-shot lead or back by one on the last hole, I am taking driver, and I fully committed to that. That’s the reason why I succeeded this week.”
This is only Kho’s third event as a professional on the Asian Tour as he made it through the Tour’s Qualifying School in January. He is the third fastest graduate from the school to win on tour.
“I’ve been playing really solid for a while now,” said Hendry.
Michael Hendry. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Pretty much all year I’ve been playing really well, I had win on the Aussie Tour not long ago and I sort of keep putting myself out there or there abouts, so I’m really happy with the game and excited. I only got the opportunity to play this event on Saturday, so to come here and have a great event, and get myself an Open start, that’s awesome.”
The Asian Tour now has a two-week break before the inaugural International Series Vietnam at KN Golf Links from April 13 to 16.
Taichi Kho’s dream debut as a professional in an Asian Tour event at the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), his home course, continued today when he took the second round-lead in the US$1million World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club.
The 22 year old brilliantly fired his second-successive six-under-par 64 to lead by two from Filipino Miguel Tabuena, the first-round leader, who shot 67, and winner of last week’s The DGC Open presented by Mastercard.
New Zealand’s Michael Hendry is in third place, four behind Kho, after returning a 64.
Taichi Kho. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Kho, a member of the HKGC since January who was unveiled this week as their ambassador, is 12 under and now has an outstanding opportunity to become the first player from Hong Kong to win on the Asian Tour – which would be especially significant as this event is the first international golf tournament in Hong Kong, China for 38 months.
Notre Dame graduate Kho played flawless bogey-free golf making two birdies on the front before four more on the second half, including one on the famous par-four 18th.
“Yeah, just a really great round of golf and I putted really well today,” said Kho, whose father is from Hong Kong and mother Japanese.
“And you know like I said yesterday, I’m just gonna go out there and try my best on every shot and that’s exactly what I did. And I was able to roll a few putts in and it added up to a total of 64, so very happy with the day.”
He graduated at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January, in 24th place, made it through to the weekend in the two Tour events he played after that, and after another fine round today showed he is clearly revelling playing at this level.
Although appearing outwardly very calm he admitted there have been plenty of nerves over the first two days.
Miguel Tabuena. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He said: “Yeah, I mean, I felt it a little more today, but overall, I feel like I did a really good job of just kind of being in my own bubble and focusing on myself, and felt like it was just myself and the golf ball out there today. So yeah, I’m just gonna try and tap into that tomorrow.”
Tabuena, who led with a 63 yesterday, impressively recovered from a double bogey on his opening hole.
“It was great, I was proud of the way I fought,” said the 28 year old.
“I didn’t get off to a good start, a bit of an errant drive again on the 11th hole [he started on the back nine], pulled it and had to take an unplayable. But told myself that there’s a lot of holes left, there’s two more days left, you know there’s no need to panic or there’s no need to be worried. You know you’ve been playing well and just got to keep patient and just trot along.”
The Filipino admits to not being far away from playing his best golf.
He added: “I believe I’m pretty close, like I said, I have a lot of confidence. But you also gotta learn how to control it right? Especially on this course you know, it’s very easy to be overconfident. So, just gotta stick to my routine, stick to my game plan and I know that if I do that, I will have a shot on the back nine on Sunday.”
Korean Yoseop Seo returned a 64 and is solo fourth, five back from Kho.
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (67) and Suradit Yongcharoenchai (68) are a further stroke back along with Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent (67).
Australia’s Wade Ormsby, winner of the International Series Thailand two weeks ago and a two-time Hong Kong Open champion at HKGC, shot a 70 and is one under.
Michael Hendry. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
England’s Ian Poulter, the Hong Kong Open winner here in 2010, carded a 72 to finish on even par which was the cut mark.
The tournament also has the honour of being part of The Open Qualifying Series, with the leading four players not otherwise exempt earning a place in The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July.
Miguel Tabuena’s hot streak continued today at the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club when he fired an outstanding seven-under-par 63 to take the lead on day one.
The Filipino won The DGC Open presented by Mastercard last week for his first victory on the Asian Tour since 2018 and he was bang in form again today on the Composite Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Hong Kong’s rising young star Taichi Kho shot a 64 and is second, ahead of Australian Scott Hend, who carded a 65.
Tabuena playing in the afternoon and in pursuit of Kho’s morning score was quickly into his stride with birdies on the first, third, fifth and sixth to make the turn in four under. And a run of four birdies in a row from the 11th saw him take control of the US$1 million tournament.
He dropped his only shot of the day on 16 and holed a brilliant 18 footer to save par on the last.
Miguel Tabeuna of the Philippines pictured on Thursday March 23, 2023 during Round One of the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club, at Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong. The US$ 1 million Asian Tour event is staged from March 23- 26, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“I am riding on some of the momentum from last week,” said Tabuena, whose win last week was his third on the Asian Tour.
“It is nice to be bogey free for 34 holes including last week but I had an errant tee shot on 16 but other than that I am playing great golf. It is very early in the week to even think about the finish line but if I play the way I am playing I know I will give myself a good chance, on the back nine on Sunday.”
His victory last Sunday drained him both mentally and physically so his fitness coach Dr Harry Sese in the United States gave him some sound advice.
Tabuena said: “It’s been five years since I have experienced a victory on the Asian Tour and I got a text from Harry Sese, who works on my fitness and is the main guy for Jon Rahm and a fellow Filipino, saying ‘Migs stay hydrated, I know your energy levels can be low especially after a win so it’s very important to recover’.”
Rookie professional Kho was unveiled as the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Ambassador this week and he has quickly repaid the famous Club’s faith in him by also firing a brilliant round made up of an eagle, five birdies and just one bogey.
“Just an incredible start,” said 22-year-old Kho, who made it through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January and made the cut in the two events he has played in so far.
Taichi Kho of Hong Kong pictured on Thursday March 23, 2023 during Round One of the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club, at Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong. The US$ 1 million Asian Tour event is staged from March 23- 26, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“I went out there with no expectations. I was quite nervous, there has been a lot going on with media. I was really nervous waking up this morning but once I stepped onto the tee it kind of flowed. Had a good round but was more proud about how I was able to channel that. I used the nerves and adrenaline to my advantage.
“I have got to say thank you to everyone who came this week and will continue to come out, whether following me or other Hong Kong players, it’s really great to feel that kind of support.”
Kho has played here many times and became a member in January and so was able to draw on his extensive local knowledge of the Composite Course – which uses the best of the holes from the New and Eden courses.
He said: “I realised certain clubs off the tee I was choosing quite differently from my playing partners. In that sense I see the golf course in a certain way. Whenever I see certain shots I feel very confident that’s the right shot.”
That was certainly the case when he began his round. Starting on hole 10 he birdied that hole as well as the following two before an eagle on 13.
Hend, who won the Hong Kong Open here in 2014, is still struggling with an upset tummy which he picked up in New Delhi last week but that did not stop him from shooting a low number, highlighted by three closing birdies.
“Got off to a slow start today, didn’t hole any putts,” he said.
“The golf course is playing a little different to what we are used to, just got to be a bit patient and figure the greens out. Felt like I had a better handle on them on the second nine.
“It’s in between growth season so the leaf on the greens is different from when we play in November when it’s quite a tight nap and they are quite fast, at the moment it’s more of a nappy sort of a green but they are still pretty quick but it’s a different break, need to pick different lines. Condition wise the course is magnificent.”
England’s Ian Poulter, the 2010 Hong Kong Open champion, shot a 68, while Wade Ormsby, the Hong Kong Open winner in 2017 and 2020 and the International Series Thailand two weeks ago, from Australia came in with a 69.
Scott Hend of Australia pictured on Thursday March 23, 2023 during Round One of the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club, at Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong. The US$ 1 million Asian Tour event is staged from March 23- 26, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club is the first international golf tournament in the Special Administrative Region of China for 38 months.
The tournament also has the honour of being part of The Open Qualifying Series, with the leading four players not otherwise exempt earning a place in The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July.
This week could not have come quickly enough for Australian Wade Ormsby.
A two-time winner of the Hong Kong Open, Ormsby will be looking for a third Fanling triumph when he lines up in the inaugural World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC).
The seventh leg of the 2023 Asian Tour season starts tomorrow on the Composite Course at HKGC amid much excitement as it is helping to celebrate the reopening of Hong Kong to international travellers.
For Ormsby, on a high after a welcome return to form following his victory at the International Series Thailand two weeks ago, the US$1 million tournament offers an opportunity to further illustrate his love affair with the HKGC.
At the International Series Thailand, Ormsby overcame Thai Chonlatit Chuenboonngam at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off.
Wade Ormsby says accuracy off the tee is paramount at Fanling. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour
His fourth Asian Tour title was the perfect preparation for what will be the first international golf tournament in the Special Administrative Region of China for 38 months.
It was in the second week of January 2020 that Ormsby repelled the challenge of Major champion Shane Lowry to claim his second Hong Kong Open title by four shots. Within two months, the spread of COVID-19 prompted the imposition of travel bans and the cessation of sporting gatherings.
However, with the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, Hong Kong is once more ready to showcase itself as ‘Asia’s World City’ and a hub for major sporting events.
And no-one was more delighted with that news than Ormsby who captured his first Hong Kong Open crown in 2017 by a single stroke.
“It’s great to back, it’s such a special place for me,” said the Australian.
“Had last week off, as I was a reserve in Tucson for the LIV event and won two weeks ago. So I am in a good place, I am playing well and can’t wait to get started. The golf course looks in great condition.”
When asked what the secret is to playing Fanling’s Composite Course he had a simple answer: “Hit it straight around this place! I have successful experience here and the offer of The Open spot is great!”
Ian Poulter won the Hong Kong Open in 2010. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The Open spot he is referring to is The Open at Liverpool Golf Club in July, as this week’s event has the honour of being part of The Open Qualifying Series, with the leading four player not otherwise exempt earning a place in the game’s eldest Major.
Ormsby is not the only former Fanling champion teeing-off in the World City Championship.
Also in the field are England’s Ian Poulter and Australian Scott Hend, winners of the Hong Kong Open in 2010 and 2014 respectively.
“I feel like I’m coming back home,” said Poulter.
“It is a golf course I have played many times, great memories shooting 60 on the golf course. It is a golf course that has been here for over 100 years with three great golf courses, wonderful members here and I have so many fans here, and Open places are on offer, hopefully I can earn one of those spots.”
He shot that 10-under-par 60 in the second round in 2010.
He said: “That was actually a funny day. I said to my caddie when I was travelling to the golf course, I think I have to shoot three under for the first day, and I said, when we were travelling home in a car after the round, I will be 13 under and it will be the only time I shoot 60 and that is the only time I have called it, that I would shoot 60 after thousands of rounds of golf. It was a strange day, and it was a great day. Other things I remember most about coming to Hong Kong, is great food, great hospitality, wonderful golf course, I have made so many friends, I love coming to Hong Kong.”
A strong Thai presence at Fanling will be spearheaded by former OWGR top-50 players Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond and also includes Sadom Kaewkanjana and Nitithorn Thippong.
Another notable Thai to watch out for is Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat, 23rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
At the age of 15 years and 37 days old, ‘TK’ won the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup last April, becoming the youngest male player to win on one of the game’s major Tours.
Poulter shot 60 here in 2010. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
At the World City Championship an extra layer of intrigue will be added by the fact that he’ll lock horns with fellow teenager Ding Wenyi of China, the reigning US Junior Amateur champion who is 16th in the WAGR.
While Taichi Kho, Matthew Cheung and Leon D’Souza are among the leading Hong Kong professionals taking part, there will also be eight local amateurs in the field, led by Alexander Yang.
After three years away from the international golfing calendar, Hong Kong returns with the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club (WCC), which will focus a global spotlight on the state of the game locally – and in Asia – as the best players from the region and its rising stars are set to take on Fanling this week.
As well as the tournament headliners – European legends Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson – this week’s WCC field features well-established Asian stars in Order of Merit winners Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thailand’s first player on the PGA Tour, his compatriot Jazz Janewattananond, and a pair of former Hong Kong Open winners from Australia in Wade Ormsby and Scott Hend.
There are also the region’s promising young talents, including freshly-minted Asian Tour card-carrying local professionals Taichi Kho and Matthew Cheung, and decorated amateurs Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat of Thailand, already a winner on the Asian Tour, and China’s Ding Wenyi, the current US Junior Amateur champion.
Kho, who today was announced as an official Hong Kong Golf Club ambassador, has got his pro career off to a solid start since making the switch from the amateur ranks last month, having figured prominently at the recent International Series Thailand before finishing in a tie for 34th, as well as ending last week’s The DGC Open presented by Mastercard in a tie for 59th.
HONG KONG- L-R- Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Wade Ormsby of Australia, Taichi Kho of Hong Kong, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and Ian Poulter of England pose with the winner’s trophy in downtown Hong Kong aboard a ferry ahead of the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club. The US$ 1 million Asian Tour event is staged from March 23- 26, 2023, at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The 46-year-old Stenson’s connections with the region date back more than 20 years as across the course of his career the Swede has been a global ambassador for the sport. But the WCC will be his first taste of the game, Hong Kong Golf Club-style, and the 2016 Open champion arrives keen to check up on developments in Asia.
“We’ve seen the growth, we’ve seen the improvement, and you see it on every Tour around the world – you see names popping up, strong players coming out of Asia,” said Stenson. “You see the amateurs getting the opportunity to play at Augusta and [talent has] just been kind of drip feeding from Asia for a long, long time.”
The 47-year-old Poulter has long been a Fanling fixture and wrote his name in the history books with a record-setting 22-under-par final score when he captured the Hong Kong Open in 2010. Like Stenson, the Englishman has throughout his career helped champion the game across Asia – while continuing to be one of the most popular visitors among golf fans everywhere he goes.
“In Hong Kong there has always been fantastic support,” said Poulter. “The local level of support has always been fantastic. I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to come back. Every time we play in Asia, we see new, incredible golf talent coming through. So I’m expecting to see some youngsters. I’m old enough to be their father – but hopefully I’m older and wiser enough to still keep them at bay for a bit longer.”
As well as the US$1 million purse that’s up for grabs, the WCC offers players a chance to play themselves into the 151st Open Championship, which will be staged at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July, as it has been selected as one of the three Asian tournaments that make up The R&A’s Open Qualifying Series (OQS).
“This is a big thing for the Asian Tour, for Hong Kong to have,” said Poulter. We can go there, we can play a golf course I know and hopefully we can go and qualify for the Open Championship at the same time.”
For Stenson, a trip out to the historic New Territories layout has long been on the agenda. Finally he gets to fulfill a desire to check the Hong Kong Golf Club out for himself.
“When I’m thinking about golf in Asia, there’s a couple of courses that come to mind and, obviously, Hong Kong and Fanling is one of them,” said the Swede. “I’m really looking forward to coming in there and also to seeing some of the local talent.
At the press conference following a special ferry tour of the city’s magnificent harbour, Hong Kong Golf Club Captain Andy Kwok welcomed the players and the return of international golf to the city:
“The Club is thrilled to welcome back world-class golfers and spectators to the fairways of Fanling after such a long break. There has been really great interest in the tournament, which is reflected in the extremely large number of fans who have already registered for tickets, so this is all very encouraging. We have a wonderful field of competitors, including a great mix of household names and really talented local players, and many fun-filled, off-course activities for spectators to enjoy, so we are all set for four days of fantastic action,” said Mr Kwok.
HONG KONG- L-R- Ian Poulter of England, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Wade Ormsby of Australia, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and Taichi Kho of Hong Kong answer questions at a press conference in downtown Hong Kong ahead of the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club. The US$ 1 million Asian Tour event is staged from March 23- 26, 2023, at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The Hong Kong Golf Club is sharing the excitement with the community, hosting schools and community organizations at the WCC and offering new fans an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of golf and to experience the excitement of tournament play.
It is the start of an active season of international competition at Fanling. In addition to hosting the inaugural WCC, the Club will also stage the Aramco Team Series Hong Kong, a premier Ladies European Tour event, in October, whilst the 62nd edition of the Hong Kong Open, Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event, makes a welcome return in November.
The World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising an intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.
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