Published on November 17, 2022

The winner of the inaugural International Series Order of Merit is poised to experience a career-transforming opportunity with a potential multi-million-dollar reward on the line.

The individual who tops the standings following the season-ending BNI Indonesian Masters presented by TNE in the first week of December will receive an exemption into the eagerly awaited and much-hyped LIV Golf League 2023.

“The introduction of the International Series on the Asian Tour this year has been a huge success and the integration into the LIV Golf League is a very important next step. Not only has the International Series provided more playing opportunities and greater purses for our members but it also provides an incredible opportunity that lives up to LIV Golf’s promise of enhancing player pathways,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour.

The International Series is a ground-breaking series of events launched this year with prize purses of US$1.5million and above played across seven countries – Thailand, England, Singapore, Korea, Morocco, Egypt and Indonesia.

Following last week’s International Series Egypt, Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent is in pole position on the Merit List having amassed earnings of US$493,125 from the first six events of the seven-leg schedule. American Sihwan Kim sits in second with winnings of US$424,883.

Whoever it is that secures the Merit List title can look forward to being part of the LIV Golf League in 2023 when 48 players and 12 established team franchises will compete in a 14-tournament schedule.

The full slate of events is expected to expand LIV Golf’s global footprint across North and Latin Americas, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe.

The appetite of Vincent and his fellow Merit list contenders has been well and truly whetted this year with Asian Tour members receiving unrivalled access to the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

In-form Thai Sadom Kaewkanjana and Australian Wade Ormsby were ever-present throughout all eight LIV Invitationals in 2022, both earning their starts directly via the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Vincent and Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai also participated in all eight of the showpiece gatherings through their performances on the International Series this year.

Other Asian Tour regulars who benefitted from their International Series ranking were Kim, Australian Travis Smyth, South African Ian Snyman and Thai Itthipat Buranatanyarat all playing in multiple LIV Golf Invitational Series events.

Also savouring the opportunity to brush shoulders with some of the biggest names in the game, Australian Kevin Yuan and Indian Viraj Madappa qualified for the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational in England via the International Series England event at Slaley Hall, won by Vincent.

In 2023, LIV Golf League players plan to compete in numerous International Series tournaments, bringing the world’s top players to locations in Asia and the Arab region and several new international destinations.

Tournaments will be broadcast across the globe and showcase an international field of headline and next-generation talent for a worldwide audience.

“In total, LIV Golf will deliver 25 tournaments worldwide in 2023 that will bring value, innovation and new audiences to golf.

“LIV Golf’s expanding global platform will add a new dimension to the golf eco-system as we know it, one that provides an opportunity for players and fans around the world to help maximise our beloved sport’s true potential,” said Greg Norman, CEO and Commissioner of LIV Golf.

“Our franchise model will bring new energy and excitement to fans from all corners of the world, establishing a league of teams to connect and grow with.

“The International Series will attract new talent and offer unprecedented pathways that develop the next generation of stars. LIV Golf is committed to making sustainable investments that grow the game now and for the future, and we are proud to turn these dreams into a reality.”

 

Published on November 16, 2022

Asian Development Tour (ADT) players can look forward to a bumper end-of-season bonanza.

Making a welcome return to the schedule after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taifong Open will act as the decisive, final event on the 2022 ADT.

With the leading 10 players, not otherwise exempted, on the final 2022 ADT Order of Merit following the conclusion of the Taifong Open earning their Asian Tour cards for the 2023 season, it promises to be a memorable week in Chinese Taipei.

Further good news for participants at the Taifong Golf Club from December 22-25 is that the prize fund is being increased by 25 per cent to US$200,000, becoming the joint richest event on the ADT.

When the tournament was last staged on the ADT at the end of 2019, the purse was US$160,000.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, said: “Given that the Taifong Open will once more bring down the curtain on the ADT season, it’s a fabulous development that we’ll have a significant rise in prize money.

2019 Taifong Open winner Donlaphatchai Niyomchon.

“With Asian Tour cards on the line and so much at stake, it’s fitting that the Taifong Open will offer the equal highest purse on the Tour, reflecting the importance of the week.”

When the Taifong Open was last held on the Asian Development Tour in the final week of 2019 it was Thai Donlaphatchai Niyomchon who emerged triumphant.

It was the sixth year in succession that the Taifong Open had been part of the ADT.

Previous winners of the Taifong Open were Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang (2018 and 2014); Thai Pannakorn Uthaipas (2017); American Johannes Veerman (2016) and Thai Rattanon Wannasrichan (2015).

Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai sensationally made it three wins within a month in Indonesia on the ADT when he triumphed in the US$100,000 Combiphar Players Championship, at Parahyangan Golf, in September.

He tops the Order of Merit and his three brilliant victories meant he earned a battlefield promotion on to the Asian Tour for the remainder of this season.

Three events remain this season: the Selangor Masters, the Saudi Open and the Taifong Open.

Published on November 13, 2022

Andy Ogletree oozed class on his way to securing his maiden title in the professional game today after winning the US$1.5 million International Series Egypt at Madinaty Golf Club in Cairo.

The former amateur star found his feet in the play for pay game after firing a final round eight-under-par 62 to finish with a tournament total of 23 under and win by four shots from Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, who returned a 63.

Korean Jeunghun Wang (64) and Sihwan Kim (65) from the United States tied for third, seven behind the winner. The result saw Sihwan Kim return to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit list.

Ogletree started the day with a three-shot advantage from Wiesberger and took a firm grip of the tournament by touring the front nine in four-under-par 32 with birdies on one, three, five, seven and nine with a dropped shot on eight doing little damage to his lead.

He was four ahead of Wiesberger at the turn. The Austrian pushed hard to mount a challenge and eagled the par-four 10^th after holing his second but Ogletree responded with a birdie on that hole to sit comfortably three in front.

Andy Ogletree celebrates on the 18th green during Round Four on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the International Series Egypt at the Madinaty Golf Club. The US$ 1.5 million Asian Tour event is staged from November 10-13, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Weisberger closed to within two after a birdie on 13 but the 16^th proved to be pivotal as the American made a birdie while Weisberger dropped a shot to put the gap back to four.

Wiesberger made birdie on 17 but it still left Ogletree with the comfort of a three-shot lead going down the last, which he fittingly birdied to put the icing on the cake.

“This is amazing, just incredible,” said the rising star from Little Rock, Mississippi, who earned a cheque for US$270,000.

“I have always been a huge fan of Matchplay and that is kind of what it came to in the end, it was basically a two-man race. I just tried to keep matching what he was doing, I kept making a lot of putts. Fortunately, I was able to play better than Bernd, he’s a great player and it was really awesome to come out on top.”

The 24 year old, who played on the golf team at the prestigious Georgia Tech University, won the US Amateur in 2019 and was part of the victorious American team at the Walker Cup the same year. He turned professional the following year and is a rookie on the Asian Tour this season.

Added Ogletree: “It has been an awesome week. First time in Egypt. I got to experience everything the tourists do, I went to the Pyramids, we stayed at a great hotel and the golf course was spectacular. It has just been a really awesome. My first trip to Egypt is one that I will never forget.”

Wiesberger was attempting to win his third Asian Tour title and first in nine years but found Ogletree just too good today.

“Yeah, I mean I take that [shooting a 63] going into Sunday in the last group,” said the 37 year old, an eight-time winner on the DP World Tour.

Bernd Wiesberger and Andy Ogletree. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“You know, it wasn’t good enough to throw everything at him. A couple of loose bogeys but other than that I did as much as I could. He holed a lot of putts when I was in position to do so. He had it going on the greens today so fair play to him. I played a good round and can be proud of myself.

“It was nice, good to stay competitive, good feeling, good golf course and tried to hit a lot of good shots. Coming in with a nice result is always a bonus as well.”

Wang’s finish is his best performance since coming back  from 18-months of National Service several months ago.

Said Wang: “Actually I’m really happy with my score today because I didn’t make any bogeys. The first two rounds I didn’t really hit it good, especially my irons, but it’s getting better right now so hopefully I will play well next season.

“Score-wise my game is okay, but my irons and driver I’m not really happy right now. I will probably go see my coach and fix something with my swing.”

Sihwan Kim who led the Merit list race for much of the year following two victories recaptured top sot from Korean Bio Kim. Sihwan Kim has now earned U$615,208, while Bio Kim, who did not compete this week, is second with winnings of US$ $595,109.

Last year’s US Amateur champion James Piot from the United States fired a 66 to finish in sole possession of fifth, eight back from Ogletree.

Two more events remain on the Asian Tour this season: the Bangabandhu Cup Golf Bangladesh Open (November 24-27) and the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by TNE (December 1-4).

Bernd Wiesberger of Austria pictured during Round Four on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the International Series Egypt at the Madinaty Golf Club. The US$ 1.5 million Asian Tour event is staged from November 10-13, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

 

Published on November 12, 2022

Former US Amateur champion Andy Ogletree continued to put together one of the finest tournaments of his short professional career today when he took the third-round lead at the US$1.5 million International Series Egypt at Madinaty Golf Club.

The American, helped by a brilliant birdie, eagle finish shot a five-under-par 65 to reach 15 under for the tournament and open up a three-shot lead from Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, who also made a fine eagle on 18, and second-round leader Richard T. Lee from Canada.

Eight-time DP World Tour winner Wiesberger also carded a 65 while Lee returned a 69.

Last year’s US Amateur champion American James Piot (64) and his countrymen Jarin Todd (67) and Sihwan Kim (68), Thailand’s Prom Meesawat (66) and Jinichiro Kozuma from Japan (68) are tied for fourth, four behind the leader.

Ogletree started the day one back from Lee but pulled ahead of the pack with three birdies on the trot from the fifth and narrowly stayed ahead of a crowded leader board all day until his fantastic finish.

He holed a 12 footer for birdie on the par-five 17^th before reaching the 345-yard par-five 18^th in one with an eye-catching drive before he holed out from 30 feet.

“I had a slow start early on, took me a little bit of time of get into the round,” said 24-year-old Ogletree, who turned professional in 2020 a year after winning his country’s National Amateur.

“I was playing really well but three putted two which was super frustrating, but I kept telling myself to stay patient, there are a lot of birdies out there.

“I never beat myself up and I knew that I would make some birdies coming in. You always know that 17 and 18, in the back of your mind, are easy holes so throughout the round I kept saying wait for that. Made a good putt on 17 and a long one on 18 so that was just a testament to staying patient and trusting what I was doing all day.”

Weisberger looked set to finish the day in the pack before holing a 20-foot eagle putt on the final hole – brandishing the ‘broomhandle’ putter that he has been using since July to great effect.

He said: “I started well. I got off to a good rhythm and holed a lot of chances but then I was quite disappointed as my mid irons were not very good and it is a little bit of a mystery ride for me on the greens. I am really struggling on the greens, with reading them and trusting them.

“But as Jamie my caddie said my patience was rewarded today, even though I felt a little impatient after 17, but nice to roll one in for eagle on the last and pick up a couple of shots later on.”

Overnight-leader Lee, so impressive over the first two days on the front nine with scores of birdies, failed to get going today and went out in level par before making a double on 13 which saw him tumble down the leaderboard. However, he rallied and bravely got back into contention with four birdies in the last five holes.

Said the two-time Asian Tour winner: “Yeah, I was kind of struggling with my swing a little bit, and think I was trying to make birdies too early, trying to pressure myself a little bit. But, yeah, happy with how I came back with a few birdies on the back nine, and let’s see what happens tomorrow.”

Prom has not won on the Asian Tour since 2014 and is enjoying playing a course that is relatively short compared to most courses on the Asian Tour.

“It’s not long, it’s only 16 that’s long, but the rest is fine for me. But still you know, for the guys who are long hitters they really have an advantage on this course because it’s wide open. I just play my game just focus on what I have been working on,” said the Thai golfer.

First-round leader Scott Hend from Australia bounced back from a disappointing second day 74 shooting a 64 and is tied for ninth five behind the leader.

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Two of the most popular names in the International Series Egypt field took time out from their tournament routines to hold a special junior golfing clinic on the sidelines of the Asian Tour event at the Madinaty Golf Club driving range, aimed at the local youngsters on the Egypt Golf Federation’s youth development program.

In a session hosted by Mohammed Attallah of the EGF, and organised by the EGF and the Egypt Ministry of Youth and Sport, American LIV Golf star Chase Koepka teamed up with Egyptian star Issa Abou El Ela to take 20 boys and girls through a series of drills, giving hints and tips on preparation, alignment, mindset and more before finishing up with a fun chipping contest partnered by UGolf, a major supporter of Mass Participation Programmes across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Koepka said: “It is always a lot of fun to get around a bunch of eager kids who want to learn and are excited to learn from a pro. I was fortunate as a kid to learn from a few professionals, and I am excited to give that back to these kids in Egypt. This is a sport which I feel could grow here, this tournament could be a big kick-starter for youngsters to go out and discover a game they will love.”

Issa added: “I have seen many of these juniors develop, so to have the opportunity to stand alongside a big-name player like Chase and to hear his advice was very special. Chase had some great advice for these very talented youngsters, and I hope to do more of this myself in future.”

Ibrahim, 13, was delighted to have learned from the best. He said: “I think they have a lot of experience, and they gave us some great advice on routine and the alignment – I think it was all very important and if we can listen to them, we can all learn a lot.”

Alam, 16, was one of a number of the budding golfers lucky enough to get some invaluable one-on-one time with Koepka. The eight-handicapper said: “It was very interesting, I asked Chase a few questions about how I should be thinking when I am out on the course and he gave me some very sound advice. This is sure to help with the mental side and my game overall.”

Published on November 11, 2022

Canadian Richard T. Lee looks like a man on a mission at this week’s International Series Egypt after he moved into the lead on day two, bidding to make amends for letting victory slip from his grasp last Sunday.

He shot a five-under-par 65 at Madinaty Golf Club to go to 11 under for the US$1.5 million event to lead by one from American Andy Ogletree, who carded a 64.

American Sihwan Kim is a shot further back following a 66 – in a ground-breaking tournament that marks the first time the Asian Tour has visited Egypt.

Two-time Japan Tour winner Jinichiro Kozuma from Japan is tied with Kim after shooting 64, impressively one of the few players to make a challenge in the more difficult afternoon conditions when the wind was stronger.

Overnight leader Scott Hend from Australia had a disappointing day shooting a 74 to sit seven off the pace.

In-form Lee was on course to win last week’s International Series Morocco but made a costly bogey on the penultimate hole while Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond stormed through to win at the death with an eagle, birdie finish.

However, the loss has clearly done nothing to his confidence: he birdied six of the last seven holes on the front nine to go 10 under on the front nine for the first two days. He nearly aced the par-three eighth where his tee shot hit the flag leaving him a tap in for a two

“I feel like it is more comfortable to my eyes on the front nine, the back nine is a bit harder for me, I feel like I can’t putt as well as the front nine, yesterday and today,” said Lee, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, with the most recent being the 2017 Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea.

“My game is solid right now, mentally I am also feeling confident. We still have 36 holes out there. I just want to play my game, I don’t want to think I have got to beat this person, or that person.

“I am just going to play my game, play my front nine again, and try and shoot five or six under par again.  I just want to get this win first and see where it goes from there.”

Ogletree, the US Amateur champion in 2019, is a rookie on the Asian Tour this year and is putting together his best performance so far this year.

“You got to take advantage of playing in the morning out here, there’s not much wind, and I got off to a good start, four under through nine,” said 24-year-old Ogletree.

“Had a lot of opportunities coming down the stretch, it could have been a lot better, but very pleased with how I’m playing and should be in good position going into the weekend.”

Sihwan, the number two ranked player this year with two wins, holed a 30 footer on the par-four 18^th for a his third eagle of the week to go with the two he made on the front nine yesterday.

“Not the best off the tee but got it around and played really well on the front nine, my back nine,” said Kim.

“Probably on our sixth or seventh hole the wind started picking up, and it’s been pretty windy since then. And it was a lot heavier wind than yesterday, so it’s been kind of tough.”

Americans Jarin Todd (66) and Trevor Simsby (67), Australia’s Travis Smyth (67) and South African Jaco Ahlers (68) are three off the lead.

Moroccan Ayoub Lguirati continued to impress carding a 67, the same score as Bernd Wiesberger from Austria, an eight-time winner on the DP World Tour. They are in a group of players tied for ninth on seven under.

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In an outstanding development, organisers of the Indonesian Masters announced today that BNI and TNE will sponsor this year’s Indonesian Masters – the nation’s richest sporting event that will be the season-ending tournament on the Asian Tour.

BNI have committed to becoming the main sponsor while energy logistic provider TNE will join as presenting sponsor.

The popular tournament will be played at the prestigious Royale Jakarta Golf Club from December 1-4 and will boast a lucrative purse of US$1.5 million – up from US$750,000 when it was last played in 2019.

In addition, it will also be part of the International Series – a ground-breaking new initiative this year taking the Tour to new heights with elevated prize purses and introducing new international destinations.

Said Jimmy Masrin, Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour: “We are truly grateful to BNI and TNE for their support of this year’s Indonesian Masters. The collaboration between BNI, with their great reputation in the national golf community, and TNE, whom have actively been developing golf in Indonesia, is a unified effort to ensure that this year’s tournament will provide high-quality entertainment for domestic and international audiences.”

BNI President Director Royke Tumilaar said: “The Indonesian Masters has been in existence for over a decade and BNI felt it was important for us to continue our partnership with the tournament. This year the event has been elevated on many levels and promises to be the most exciting in its history, which means it will once again play an important role in the development of golf in Indonesia.

Previously, TNE presented an event on the Asian Development Tour and are now excited to be involved with the main Tour and one of its biggest events.

TNE Chairman Jubilant Harmidy said: “The Indonesian Masters has become a part of our country’s national golf history since its launch 11 years ago. Our involvement in this year’s Indonesian Masters aligns with TNE’s mission to contribute to developing golf in the national sector. The event is also the perfect medium for national golfers to compete with international golfers and it would be great to see Indonesian golfers make a name for themselves during the tournament.”

An impressive line-up of players have been confirmed for the event, including former champions: Lee Westwood (2011, 2012, and 2015), Bernd Wiesberger (2013), Anirban Lahiri (2014), Poom Saksansin (2016 and 2018), and Jazz Janewattananond (2019).

Graeme McDowell and Chase Koepka will also compete.

Published on November 10, 2022

Scott Hend’s revival continued today after he shot a sublime eight-under-par 62 to take the first-round lead in the US$1.5 million International Series Egypt.

The Australian, who has battled back from prostate cancer, looked like his old self today making nine birdies and one bogey at Madinaty Golf Club – in what is the Asian Tour’s first ever visit to Egypt.

Thailand’s Pawin Ingkhapradit and Seungtaek Lee from Korea shot equally impressive 63s, while South African Jaco Ahlers and Canadian Richard T. Lee returned 64s.

Hend has fully recovered from cancer but says the biggest obstacle his faces now is a lack of confidence.

He said: “I am a 10-time winner on the Asian Tour, I am a 15-time winner around the world, I am an Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, I am second on the Asian Tour Career Money List, I have been playing golf since I was 14 years old, I know how to play, I have just got to keep telling myself that.”

The 49 year old missed cut after cut in the early part of the year but has been playing better since then, most noticeably in last week’s International Series Morocco where he was tied for third going into the final round before shooting a 78 to finish equal 14^th.

“It’s just a process, putting the foot in front of the other and trying to get back to where I was,” said Hend, whose last win on the Asian Tour came in the 2019 Maybank Championship.

“Mentally I have suffered a lot from what I have been through, so that’s where I have been really struggling confidence wise. I wasn’t 100%, I tried to play, and I rode on what confidence I did have but I wasn’t 100% so it was a Catch 22.”

He could easily have finished with a lower score today but missed three putts from inside four feet on the outward half and one from a similar length on the way back.

Pawin was bogey free, making three birdies on the front and four on the back.

“I played well from the tee today which is important on this course, and of course I holed a lot of putts,” said Pawin.

“I have been playing well this year, missing the cut for the first-time last week in Morocco, so today is just my form continuing.”

The Thai golfer has been playing on the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour for the past decade and still chasing his first victory.

Ahlers, who started on 10, built his round on a fine four-under-par 30 back nine with five birdies and one bogey. He made another three birdies and one dropped shot on the second half.

He said: “I started off by holing a few 100 feet of putts, really got the ball rolling well. It’s a great course, I love Nicklaus courses, this isn’t one but it’s very similar.”

The South African is a 10-time winner on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, remarkably five of those coming in play offs including at his most recent victory there coming in April at the Stella Artois Players Championship.

American Sihwan Kim, currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, eagled two par fives on the front nine and was one of nine players who came in with 65s.

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The International Series Egypt is compelling evidence of the country’s ability to host world-class sporting events, and firm proof of the evolution of the region’s best golfing talent, according to the organisers behind the Asian Tour’s flagship event.

The event marks the Tour’s first ever visit to Egypt, a week after its hugely successful debut visit to Morocco. Twenty Arabic players from nine different countries are in the field at this week’s event, a major proof point for the Asian Tour’s new international brief, and a clear indication of the support it provides to enable the growth of golf in the region.

Cho Minn Thant, CEO and Commissioner of the Asian Tour, said: “From our perspective, this week in Egypt and last week in Morocco are both a fitting example of how we are growing into a truly international tour.

“Many people may have considered the Asian Tour to be a tour for Asian players, but what we have demonstrated is the international perspective, both in terms of players in the field and the destinations themselves. We could not have had a better two weeks.

“We are growing into a destination tour, we have had two excellent weeks and what we are experiencing in Egypt is truly spectacular – from the airport to the new capital, seeing all the developments and the ancient history of the pyramids, and the facilities at the Madinaty Golf Club – it has been a wonderful experience for the players and the tour.

“Never in our wildest dreams would we have expected the Asian Tour to be playing golf at the foot of the pyramids, but it is a reality and a wonderful experience for all involved.”

The Egyptian Golf Federation and Arab Golf Federation have been instrumental in preparing for this week’s tournament along with stakeholders TMG, and a field of 20 regional players is compelling evidence of the hard work they are putting in behind the scenes, 365 days a year, to create an infrastructure and sustainable framework that supports top golfing talent.

Mohammad Attallah of the Egypt Golf Federation explained: “The International Series Egypt is tangible evidence of the development and evolution of golf in Egypt and the wider region – it shows the strength and depth of golf here. There is enormous potential here. It has been an incredible experience for the Arabic players, who are representing nine different countries.

“Participating in an Asian Tour event is an incredible opportunity – it gives the players some great exposure to world-class golf in terms of both the tournament itself and the strong international field, and it gives them experience of gaining world ranking points and tough competition, something which is a massive part of our mission at the EGF and also the AGF – we are extremely proud of our players.”

Josh North, General Manager of Madinaty Golf Club, was delighted with the feedback he had received from a world-class field of golfers used to playing the best courses in the world, in the build-up to the tournament. He said: “It is a huge honour for us here, obviously it is the largest golfing event of its kind to be held in Egypt. We have been preparing for the last two to three months to ensure the course and facilities are of the conditions these world-class players expect.

We have created a good test of golf for them, and the feedback so far this week is great. We wanted to deliver a world-class golf tournament and the first impression has been fantastic. It is an honour to welcome these top-class players and different nationalities to show the vast potential that Egypt has in terms of course conditions, hospitality and so much more.”