Rattanon on the mend
Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan credits the enforced break caused by COVID-19 and help from former Asian Tour player turned coach Annop Tangkamolprasert for his dramatic turnaround in form this year.
Rattanon starts as a potential contender in this week’s Royal’s Cup at Grand Prix Golf Club, the second event of the season on the Asian Tour, after an impressive start to 2022 which included narrowly losing to Korean Joohyung Kim in a dramatic sudden-death play-off at The Singapore International last month.
It’s been a delight to see the 26 year old back in full flight after two torrid years when he feels the problem was more psychological than physical.
And any athlete that has experienced a mental block that hinders performance at the highest level will probably admit that these are more difficult to overcome than a technical one.
“It’s not that it wasn’t good, I could not hit them,” Rattanon says, particularly about when things started to go awry in 2019.
He is not the kind of player you would expect to have these issues: he claimed the Thailand Open in 2017 while collecting three other top-five finishes and finishing 37th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with over US$131,000 in earnings. And 2018 results were very similar with two top-five finishes in big events and a 36th place on the Merit list.
But the 2019 season would prove to be much more difficult.
“In 2019 I made the cut in only five Asian Tour events. I played many tournaments that year because I was also playing Japan Tour, but I lost my confidence to play and lost my mental capacity. I couldn’t hit my irons; I admit that I couldn’t hit the ball in 2019,” he adds.
So, what turned things around?
Firstly, while the hiatus forced by the pandemic was a testing time for a lot of players, it proved to be a much-needed clean break for Rattanon.
He said: “During the pandemic I didn’t practice very much, and I think that was good for me. When I didn’t play golf for a while, it made me forget about the bad shots”.
And, at the end of 2021, he started working with his friend Annop – brother of two-time Asian Tour winner Pavit Tangkamolprasert – and this collaboration proved promising after only a few weeks.
“I wasn’t confident in any shot for a year-and-a-half before going to Singapore. I practiced with Annop for a month in the end of last year, and he helped me a lot and improved my swing. He changed my grip and the swing a little bit,” said Rattanon.
It was a fourth-place finish in the Trust Golf Mixed event in Thailand at the end of December that gave him the confidence to travel to The Singapore International, which was played on the impressive but punishing Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club.
Armed with a new belief in his ability, Rattanon performed beautifully in what was the penultimate event of the 2020-21 season.
Having held the overnight lead after both rounds two and three by two shots, he was eventually caught by Kim in the last round after shooting an even-par 72 to Kim’s 70. The play-off was decided on the first extra hole with a birdie from Kim while Rattanon’s effort slid by the hole.
“The conditions at Tanah Merah were very difficult and it was windy. My iron shots were not very good but my chip-shots and putting was great. Although I lost in the play-off I’m satisfied. It made me feel more confident,” said Rattanon.
Importantly, the runner-up finish in Singapore secured his playing rights for the 2022/23 Asian Tour season, and he started the new season with an impressive tied-46th placing against a world-class field at the Saudi International at the beginning of February.
“It’s really great to see the Asian Tour come back strongly. There are many tournaments to play this year, especially starting the season with a very big tournament like the Saudi International, and this week’s Royal’s Cup,” said the Thai golfer.
“My plan for this year is just to enjoy my game. I don’t want to expect too much because I don’t want to put pressure on myself like I did in the past. As you know, I played well in 2017 but a year later I practiced too hard and expected too much. When it didn’t work, I lost my confidence so from now on I will try to not think too much about the results. Just take it easy and concentrate on my game.”
It is with a heavy heart that the Asian Tour announces the loss of Kyi Hla Han – our former Tour number one and Executive Chairman, and one of the most iconic figures in Asian golf.
Kyi Hla passed away on Saturday afternoon in Singapore due to complications with cancer treatment. He was 61 years old.
“There are few words to express the loss that everyone at the Asian Tour is feeling at the moment,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour.
“First and foremost, our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time. We are all only just processing the news as we recently saw him at the SMBC Singapore Open in January. Asian golf has lost one of its greatest players, its greatest personalities, and its greatest leaders. We will forever remember Kyi Hla.”
Kyi Hla turned professional in 1980 and enjoyed a 25-year playing career that saw him win on 12 occasions, most notably in the 1994 Singapore Open and the Volvo China Open in 1999, the year he claimed the Merit list. He also represented Myanmar in five World Cups.
He would become equally as well known for his executive role in shaping the Tour after retiring from competitive golf in 2004 and assuming the role as Executive Chairman in 2006. He was the first Asian to hold this position and by drawing on two and a half decades of experience he successfully led the Tour for over 10 years.
Added Cho: “On a personal note, Kyi Hla was a mentor to many of us within the management of the Asian Tour and was a massive influence in many of our lives and careers. He always put the Asian Tour and its members first and was ultra-passionate about seeing Asian golf rise up on to the world stage. We will strive to continue his legacy and make him proud of the Asian Tour that he devoted his life to.”
A true flag-bearer for Asian golf, but outside of golf he was laidback, funny and very popular. Charismatic beyond words, he always had time for anyone who needed advice, and everyone was welcome in his home. He loved his family, music and the great outdoors.
“Early reaction to the news from around the world has been overwhelming,” said Asian Tour Board member Dominique Boulet and close friend.
“It is a true indication of the tremendous impression he left on everyone he met. Small in stature but with a big game and a bigger heart, he was the best, most loyal, supportive and generous friend a man could ever ask for! His eternal optimism and laughter is a loss to us all.”
Speaking to the Asian Tour last year on the eve of his 60th birthday, Kyi Hla said: “I had wanted to be a pro golfer since I was 10 years old. I’ve been very fortunate to pursue a sport that I loved. Traveling all over the world, meeting new people, making so many friends, and playing a lot of great tournaments and golf courses.”
The Tour will be creating a Kyi Hla Han Future Champion Award in his honor to aid the development of juniors and the sport of golf in Asia.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Joohyung Kim from Korea, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond – the 2019 Tour number one – four-time Asian Tour winner John Catlin from the United States and defending champion Shiv Kapur from India lead a stellar line-up of players for next week’s Royal’s Cup.
The US$400,000 event, hosted by Grand Prix International Public Company Limited, will be played at Grand Prix Golf Club in Kanchanaburi from February 24-27, and is the second event of the season on the Asian Tour.
Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanchana, who hit headlines when he claimed the SMBC Singapore Open in January, his countryman Phachara Khongwatmai, who won his first Asian Tour title at the end of last year at the Laguna Phuket Championship, and Australian Scott Hend, a 10-time winner of the Asian Tour, will also compete in the inaugural event.
Kim, Catlin and Sadom are the highest ranked players in the field on the Official World Golf Ranking at 82, 150 and 153 respectively. With such an impressive entry list the tournament boasts one of the strongest fields of the year in Thailand.
Due to COVID-19 protocols the Royal’s Cup tournament will be held behind closed doors, but it is being broadcast live on True Vision Channel, reaching over 20 million households.
PHUKET-THAILAND- John Catlin of the USA pictured on Thursday, November 25, 2021, during round one of the Asian Tour’s Blue Canyon Phuket Championship 2021 at the Blue Canyon Country Club, (Canyon Course), with a prize fund of US$ 1 Million. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow, Chairman of Grand Prix International Group, said: “This tournament aims to promote Thailand as a world-class golfing destination and provide great opportunities for Thai professional golfers to participate on the international stage alongside well-known golf pros from around the world. This tournament is also focused on enhancing the development of the golf industry in Thailand and making golf an even more popular sport in Thailand as well as helping to generate income and stimulate the national economy and tourism. Furthermore, the event is also held in honour of His Majesty the King and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grand Prix International in 2020.”
Mr. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour, said: “This will be a great year for us and we’re happy to be bringing a world-class field to Thailand. We are confident that this will be an exciting competition and well worth the wait caused by the pandemic. The collaboration between Grand Prix International Public Company Limited and the Asian Tour will help leverage the standard of this tournament, attract top players and golf fans alike from all corners of the world. We are proud that this tournament will be standout event in 2022.”
Apart from a total purse of US$400,000, the winner of this prestigious golf tournament will have the honour of receiving the Royal’s Cup, bestowed by King Rama X for the first time in Thailand.
In addition, there will be a prize for the first player to achieve a Hole-In-One on one of the par three (holes 3, 5, 12, and 16), as well as a prize for the first Albatross on holes 2, 14, and 18. The winners will drive home in one of the event sponsors latest model vehicles, which are: Toyota (Camry 2.5 HEV Premium), Mitsubishi (OUTLANDER PHEV GT-Premium), Mazda (MazdaCX-3), MG (ALL NEW MG5 X), Isuzu (Isuzu D-MAX X-Series Hi-Lander 4-Door 1.9 Ddi Z A/T), and Volkswagen (Caravelle Touring MNC)
More than 50 Asian Tour winners and six Order of Merit champions will form part of an elite 144-man field who will tee up at Black Mountain Golf Club for the highly anticipated International Series Thailand from March 3 to 6.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Joohyung Kim of Korea, four-time Asian Tour champion John Catlin of the United States, as well as Thai aces Jazz Janewattananond, Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmai are among the notable names slated to play.
Tour veterans Thaworn Wiratchant and Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, Australia’s Scott Hend, India’s Jyoti Randhawa and Jeev Milkha Singh and Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, boasting a collective total of 57 titles on Tour, will also add to the collection of star-power in the US$1.5million event.
Hend, hailed as the most successful international player on Tour with 10 victories, including three that were secured in Thailand, is the last player on Tour to triumph at the award-winning Black Mountain Golf Club when he won the Thailand Classic in 2016.
England’s Steve Lewton, who leads the 2022/23 Order of Merit following a solid tied-fourth place finish at the season-opening Saudi International last week, will also compete as well as American Berry Henson, a proud brand ambassador and resident of Black Mountain Golf Club.
Thai amateur Ratchanon Chantananuwat, who has been hogging the limelight since the Asian Tour’s resumption in Phuket last November, will make another appearance having received a sponsors’ invitation.
The 14-year-old prodigy has not missed a single cut in his last five starts on the Asian Tour. The teen sensation even came close to winning in Singapore last month before settling for third at The Singapore International.
Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant lauded the impressive line-up, saying: “This is the first of our International Series events and it is no surprise to see the cream of the Tour has entered. This will be a ground-breaking tournament.
“It’s been six years since we last played at Black Mountain Golf Club. They have been a wonderful host in the past and I am sure they will be once again. We are looking forward to a special week there.”
Other leading players in the impressive field include Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei, India’s Shiv Kapur, Japan’s Ryosuke Kinoshita and Hideto Tanihara, Wade Ormsby of Australia and Bio Kim of Korea.
The tournament is the first of 10 International Series events that will take place this year along with the Asian Tour’s traditional strong backbone of established events.
Teenage prodigy Ratchanon Chantananuwat has had some stiff Asian Tour examinations these past three months. He’s passed them all with flying colours.
On the back of an accomplished string of performances, the 14-year-old Thai schoolboy’s stock has soared, writes Contributing Editor Spencer Robinson.
Once more defying the doubters, Ratchanon played all four rounds in last week’s PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers – the fifth Asian Tour event in succession in which he’s made the half-way cut.
Thanks to his latest effort at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in the Asian Tour’s 2022 season-opener, Ratchanon has broken new ground – advancing into the top-50 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) for the first time.
Up 10 spots to 44th, he also has the distinction of now being the number one rated Thai player in the standings.
The teenager’s meteoric rise can also be measured by the fact that he now features in the top-500 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), the system that rates all professional golfers.
In 465th place, the Bangkok-based Shrewsbury International School student has only six of his compatriots ahead of him.
Although he says maths is his least favourite subject at school, Ratchanon will have added up the numbers and realised that if he’d been a professional golfer he’d have collected more than US$120,000 in winnings from his appearances in the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship (tied 15th); Laguna Phuket Championshiop (tied 30th); The Singapore International (third); SMBC Singapore Open (tied 34th) and PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers (71st).
PHUKET-THAILAND- Ratchanon Chantananuwat, 14 year old amateur of Thailand pictured on Friday December 3, 2021 during round two of the Asian Tour’s Laguna Phuket Championship 2021 at Laguna Golf Phuket, with a prize fund of US$ 1 Million. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Despite the obvious temptation to relinquish his amateur status and cash in on his talent, Ratchanon accepts that neither is he ready to take the leap to turn pro, nor is he planning to do so in the foreseeable future.
“My plan is I’m going to stay in school and then do a couple years of college,” he said, confirming that joining a member of the Ivy League would be his preference.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure yet because I’m not even sure what subject I’m going to choose. I’m still too young. They can’t even contact me,” he said.
He’s not too young, though, to set his sights high. Asked specifically which colleges he’d be interested in, he said: “Stanford would be one. I would love to go to Stanford … or maybe something like Oklahoma, which has proven to be a decent school academically and really good for golfers or athletes in general. I’m going to try to go for top schools that will help me in my golf as well.”
Inevitably, his recent displays have attracted attention from America’s foremost college golf coaches, always seeking to stay ahead of the game – and their rivals – by recruiting the world’s finest sporting talent.
Meanwhile, those charged with undertaking character assessments will no doubt be thrilled to have listened to Ratchanon’s post-tournament comments in Saudi where there was not the slightest hint that he’ll be resting on his laurels.
“This is definitely new for me,” he said, referring to the strength of the field which included four of the top-10 in the OWGR and a dozen Major champions.
Having played alongside Cameron Smith and Lee Westwood in Saudi, Ratchanon acknowledged that his game is still some way short of the top tier.
“They’re so much better. I have a lot of work to do,” said Ratchanon, aware how lucky he is to have been presented with so many opportunities to participate in Asian Tour events, enabling him to gauge the state of his game compared to the pros.
“I’m very fortunate. I’m probably one of the few people, if not the only kid, to get to play these tournaments often. I’m picking up quite a lot of things. I guess to other 14-year-olds or kids younger than me, I think just come watch. You won’t get to play yourself, but you’ll definitely get to see different things.”
Following his own advice, Ratchanon Chantananuwat wasted no time after finishing his final round at Royal Greens to return to the course, specifically to watch Dustin Johnson in action.
Neither is he backward about coming forward and asking questions.
“He’s not afraid to ask questions. He asked me about a shot I played on 17 with a three-wood,” said European Ryder Cup veteran Westwood.
“First and foremost, he’s a lovely young man, credit to his parents. Secondly, he’s good, a lot of game. If I didn’t know and I just took him on face value, he doesn’t look like he’s got too many weaknesses. Knowing that he’s 14, the weaknesses he does have are going to get ironed out through still growing.
“He’s got a great opportunity if he doesn’t fall into one of the pitfalls you can run into. If he just carried on now and just lets himself develop, he’ll turn into a very good player,” predicted Westwood.
PHUKET-THAILAND- Ratchanon Chantananwat of Thailand, amatuer, pictured on Friday, November 26, 2021 during round two of the Asian Tour’s Blue Canyon Phuket Championship 2021 at the Blue Canyon Country Club, (Canyon Course), with a prize fund of US$ 1 Million. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
While the next few weeks will see him playing catch-up at school, it won’t be long before Ratchanon is back in the international golfing spotlight when he lines up in The Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club (March 17-19).
Recognised by Golfweek as the number one junior event in golf, the Junior Invitational welcomes the best golfers from around the world to the South Carolina venue, with the promise of significant WAGR points at stake.
“Everyone’s telling me it’s a great tournament and a great course – heaven for golfers. I’m going to be off a week from school. I’m going to enjoy that as much as possible and then catch up again,” said Ratchanon Chantananuwat, learning new lessons every step of the way.
Harold Varner III saw his sensational victory in the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers propel him into the top-50 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time and opened the door to a world of playing opportunities at the highest level.
The American moved into 45th place on the Ranking, from 99th – a position that will see him be able to play in the Majors and many of the game’s other leading events.
Crucially, he will be able to make his debut in the Masters in April if he remains in the top-50 over the next few months.
Varner III drained an incredible eagle putt, from about 100 feet, on the par-five 18th at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club to beat countryman Bubba Watson by a shot in the season-opening event on the Asian Tour.
Varner III, who was the third-round leader and playing in the final group, reached the front edge of the green in two and looked a safe bet to make a birdie and force a sudden-death play-off with Watson, who, playing three groups ahead, had also made eagle.
However, in a dramatic grandstand finish, Varner III holed out for a three to claim the biggest title of his career and also the biggest cheque, as first place was worth US$1 million.
“I was wanting that,” said the 31 year old, when told he would be in the top 50.
“That is awesome. I was wondering that. Yeah, that’s the goal, man. That gets you in the things that I haven’t played in. I’ve played in some big events here and there, but yeah, that’s why we play.
“I was on the cusp of it after Hilton Head and didn’t execute, played a lot of golf. Frickin’ A. That’s all I wanted to know when I was sitting out there. What does — this has got to get me close. So yeah, that’s awesome.”
Varnerhas played on the PGA Tour since 2016, with a best finish of second place.
His most significant win prior to last week was the 2016 Australian PGA Championship.
He added: “I just never doubted myself. I never questioned that, hey, we can’t win this. I think that’s what the greats do. I would think a couple years ago I would have had a hard time taking that in and being like I have to do this. No, just play golf, do your job. That’s what I’m supposed to do.
“I’ve never questioned my ability. The only people that question it are the people that sit right in here, and they’re like, man, he needs to be winning. But I don’t march to anyone’s beat in here. I do what I’m supposed to do, and things come.”
Asian golf fans can look forward to seeing more of Gavin Green in the region in the months ahead.
By his own admission, the Malaysian has endured a difficult 18-month period, during which he suffered homesickness and a loss of form, writes Contributing Editor Spencer Robinson.
But after an encouraging outing in Saudi Arabia last week, the Asian Tour’s 2017 Order of Merit champion is regaining his appetite for the game, driven by a desire to spend more time closer to home, in the company of family and friends.
Despite a frustrating closing 72 in 2022’s season-opening PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, Green finished in a share of 38th place.
More importantly, the former champion saw signs of progress that point to promising year ahead.
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Gavin Green of Malaysia pictured on Saturday, February 5, 2022 during round three of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“It was actually a very positive week,” said Green, reflecting on his overall performance at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
“This week was much, much, better than Singapore,” added Green, who struggled to find his range in the previous two events in the Lion City last month.
“I’ve been putting a lot of work into my game and (in Saudi) my irons were better as was my driver … which was in this planet. I am not saying fairway, I’m saying planet,” added the 28-year-old, one of the game’s longer hitters.
Following a joint third-place finish alongside Phil Mickelson and behind only Graeme McDowell and Dustin Johnson in the Saudi International in 2020, Green rose to 146th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
Since then, however, he’s been on a slippery slope, outside the top-200 by the start of last year and down to 522nd after missing the half-way cut in the SMBC Singapore Open three weeks ago.
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Gavin Green of Malaysia pictured on Saturday, February 5, 2022 during round three of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
It’s a trend he’s hoping to reverse in 2022 with the likelihood that he’ll be focusing more of his attention on playing in Asia.
He said: “Last year I was just miserable. It was Covid, it was quarantine, being away from home seven months.
“I think I learned you can’t stay away from home too long. Two or three months max if you’re really pushing it. Mentally you can’t deal with it, being in the hotel, being in the bubble, it’s not that easy. I like being home, being with my friends, just being home.
“But you’ve got to deal with it … and moving forward I am going to plan more time at home. I think that’s more important to me than play, play and play. If your frame of mind is not there, then there is no point.
“If it fits the schedule, I would love to play more close to home this year.”
That may well mean a start in the Asian Tour’s next event, the Royal’s Cup at Grand Prix Golf Club in Thailand (March 3-6).
“There’s a lot of planning. It’s tough with protocols, I will know more next week,” said Green.
American Harold Varner III holed a miraculous eagle putt from 92 feet on the par-five 18th at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club to win the US$5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers today and beat compatriot Bubba Watson by a shot.
In one of the most remarkable finishes seen in tournament golf, Varner prevailed after Watson, playing three groups ahead, had also made three on the last from 15 feet to appear on course to win.
Varner, leader at the start of that, closed with a one-under-par 69 and finish on 13 under to claim by far the biggest victory of his career, worth a US$1 million cheque.
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Harold Varner III of the USA pictured on Sunday, February 6, 2022 with the winner’s trophy after the final round of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Twelve-time PGA Tour winner Watson fired a stunning 64, in what is the season-opening event on the Asian Tour, while Spaniard Adri Arnaus shot 71 to take to sole possession of third, three behind the winner.
Asian Tour regular Steve Lewton, who was paired with Watson, enjoyed one of the finest tournaments of his career after closing with a 67 to ties for fourth, a stroke further back.
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Tommy Fleetwood of England, left, and Adri Arnaus of Spain pictured the 16th green on Sunday, February 6, 2022 during round four of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Awesome. Still – it’s been pretty crazy since it happened,” said Varner, who has won once before, in the 2016 Australian PGA Championship, the year he started playing regularly on the PGA Tour.
“I’m just trying to take it in. Winning just never gets old. I just know that there’s been times where it just didn’t go my way and today it did. I’m super thrilled not just for myself, but everyone that’s either on my team or in my corner.
“They know who they are so I don’t have to thank them. They know who they are. My mom’s already called. Yeah, I’m pumped.”
The 31 year old’s chance of winning appeared to have gone after he made double bogey on 14 before he dropped another shot on 16 but a birdie on the penultimate proved to be the precursor to his grandstand finish.
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Bubba Watson of the USA pictured on Sunday, February 6, 2022 during round four of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Watson, after watching Varner hole out on the last, ran down to the green to congratulate his friend.
He said: “It’s a dear friend of mine. It’s a guy I truly love. It’s a guy that I want to help. He’s new — when I say new, we know Harold, but it took me — it was five years until I won my first. So, this is a guy that’s just starting to play better and better each year. We see his name a little bit more. He’s getting comfortable.”
“I’m not mad at him for beating me. I’m happy for him. He’s a dear friend of mine, and I applaud him. I love seeing that. I cheer for him,” added the two-time US Masters champion.
England’s Lewton was thrilled with his finish in the star-studded event. “It just re-affirms how well I am playing,” said Lewton.
“I hit my irons really well this week. It is my first time playing here and it’s been an incredible experience. I can take a lot of confidence from this ahead of the Asian Tour’s next two events in Thailand.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Steve Lewton of England pictured on Sunday, February 6, 2022 during round four of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The Englishman has been in fine form on the Asian Tour recently with top-10 finishes in The Singapore International and Laguna Phuket Championship.
Defending champion Dustin Johnson from the United States returned a 70 to end seven under and tie for eighth.
The Saudi International boasted the strongest field in the history of the Asian Tour and one of its most lucrative purses.
The Asian Tour’s next event is the Royal’s Cup at Grand Prix Golf Club from March 3-6.
Battling Harold Varner III birdied the par-five 18th to finish one-stroke ahead of Adri Arnaus from Spain after the third round of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers today.
The two players had started the round tied for the lead and went head-to-head for much of the day before the American returned a 68 to finish on 12 under while Arnaus carded a 69 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood, chasing his first win in three years, fired a 67 and is a shot further back in sole possession of third place, in the star-studded opening event of the season on the Asian Tour.
The US$5 million event features the strongest field in this history of the Tour and one of its most lucrative purses.
Australian Cameron Smith came in with a 70 and is fourth on eight under, while defending champion Dustin Johnson from the United States (67) is seven under along with Australian Wade Ormsby (68) and Ryosuke Kinoshita from Japan (69).
Varner is on the threshold of the biggest win of his 10-year career.
“Just hanging in there,” said Varner.
“Really good pins today on 11, 12. So I just did a good job of just slowing down and just doing my job. I love competing. I mean, it’s the greatest thing in life is competing and just working at it.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Harold Varner III of the USA pictured on Saturday, February 5, 2022 during round three of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The American claimed the Australian PGA Championship in 2016 before joining the PGA Tour.
Arnaus lost the Acciona Open de España in a sudden-death play-off last year on the DP World Tour and will go all out to secure his first big win in the pro game on Sunday.
Said Arnaus: “I just think that day by day we get the hang of how the course is playing, the same wind as yesterday, as far as velocity and direction. So, we’re already knowing what to do here and there. It’s just sticking to the game plan and really give yourself the best look as you can and be in the right position.
“You know, when it comes to the putts, it’s not that easy to get the line right, as you can imagine.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Tommy Fleetwood of England pictured on Saturday, February 5, 2022 during round three of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Fleetwood’s last victory came in the 2019 Nedbank Golf Challenge so victory tomorrow will be important for one of the game’s finest players.
“Yeah, very happy to be done and in. I got off to a bad start. I actually hit a perfect drive on one and was in like this massive rough and made a bogey from nowhere. On days when you know it’s going to be really hard, you don’t really want to be giving too many shots away, especially the start,” said Fleetwood.
“But after that, played really, really well. Scored well. Made more birdies than I thought I would do today probably. Just hit a lot of really good iron shots and gave myself chances.
“It was hard all day. It was like yards to play and scrapping. Yeah, very happy to be done for the day.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Phachara Khongwatmai Thailand pictured on Saturday, February 5, 2022 during round three of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai, one of the Asian Tour’s rising stars, recovered from yesterday’s 76 and came in with a 66, thanks to a birdie, birdie, eagle finish, to end three under.
“The 76 was a shame. If not for that I could have been in contention, but I am learning all the time. I will try and go low tomorrow,” said 22-year-old Phachara.
His young countryman Ratchanon Chantananuwat, the 14-year-old golf phenom, carded a 74 and is four over for the tournament.
American Harold Varner III and Adri Arnaus from Spain upstaged many of the game’s elite players to take the lead after round two of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers today after shooting four-under-par 66s to reach 10 under.
They lead by two from Australian Cameron Smith and Matthew Wolff from the United States, after they returned 66 and 67 respectively, in the season-opening event on the 2022-23 Asian Tour schedule.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood is a shot further back after carding a 67 on another windy day at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
Overnight leader Matteo Manassero from Italy came in with a 73 and fell back to five under, defending champion Dustin Johnson from the United States shot 71 and is four under while Korean star Joohyung Kim, who won the Asian Tour Order of Merit title last month, returned a 73 and is two under.
“I played really solid,” said Varner, who was paired with Wolff.
“It wasn’t blowing as hard this morning, so I didn’t think it was gettable, but obviously in my group it was pretty gettable, so just trying to hang in there and just give myself a chance.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Harold Varner III of the USA pictured on Friday, February 4, 2022 during round two of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Varner, who began on the back nine, started poorly and was one over for his round after seven holes but then birdied four out of his next five holes.
He added: “I think you’ve got to drive it really well. It’s [the course] forgiving off the tee, but when it’s blowing this hard, the lines get a little bit tighter, and you’ve just got to keep hitting good shots.”
Big-hitting Arnaus is looking for his first big win in the pro game after impressing over the past few years and is no stranger to this week’s venue.
“I’ve been playing this course now for a few years and starting to get the hang of it. Even on this wind, I’ve already seen it in the past, so I know my lines,” said the Spaniard.
“That doesn’t mean that a few shots might not go your way, and that’s what happened on the front nine. On the back nine, we kept it quite well in play. So that’s the important part, just putting yourself in a good spot and from there trying to attack.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Cameron Smith of Australia pictured on Friday, February 4, 2022 during round two of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Smith, a four-time winner on the PGA Tour including the Sentry Tournament of Champions last month, made his move while enjoying the blustery conditions.
“I like it windy,” said the Australian, who played on the Asian Tour in 2014. “I grew up in the wind. Being from Australia, it’s something you kind of have to get used to pretty quick. Yeah, you’ve just got to strike the ball well. You’ve just got to hit it out of the middle and judge your wind.”
Wolff raced into the front early on after playing his first nine in four under, helped by an eagle on the par-five 18th, before three bogies in a row from the fifth saw him slip back.
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Matthew Wolff of the USA pictured on Friday, February 4, 2022 during round two of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He said: “My ball-striking is really coming along, which is probably the thing that I know that I can depend on the most, and it’s really nice to see that paying off. I’m definitely in a great position for the weekend.
“I definitely feel like I left some out there, but I guess going into the weekend, that might be a good thing because if I can tighten up some of those mistakes, I might be able to hold the trophy at the end. I feel really happy with where I’m at, and hopefully if I just don’t miss a couple short putts I’ll be in a good spot.”
Fleetwood was more than happy with his start and what he is working on. “I’m working on the right things,” said the Englishman. “Got a good structure, good simple structure. Focusing on a couple of key areas, trying to drive it better, and at the moment just trying to hit one shot off the tee and put it in play more and give myself a chance to play from the fairways a lot more. And doing that really, being focused on it.”
KAEC-SAUDI-ARABIA – Ratchanon Chantananuwat, 14 yr old amateur of Thailand pictured on Friday, February 4, 2022 during round two of the US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. The event is staged from February 3-6, 2022, at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Thailand’s amateur sensation Ratchanon Chantananuwat continued he remarkable run of making the cut in every professional event he has played in when he carded a 71.
The 14 year old, who placed third in The Singapore International on the Asian Tour last month, is level par for the tournament having opened with a 69.
At the start of the day American Bryson DeChambeau withdrew from the event with a left hand and left hip injury.
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