Published on October 7, 2023

Singapore’s next generation of golfing talent were given an insight into the skills needed to make it to the top of the game, at a special masterclass delivered by Graeme McDowell, one of the LIV Golf League superstars playing at International Series Singapore this week.

The 2010 US Open champion spent time with 15 talented youngsters on the Singapore Golf Association’s SGA Futures programme, delivering tips on technique and attitude at the Tanah Merah Country Club’s driving range on Friday, day two of the US$2million event which is one of 10 marquee events on the Asian Tour season.

McDowell, who triumphed at Pebble Beach in 2010 to become the first European in 40 years to win the US Open, said: “It is fun, but of course it’s important for us as pro golfers to take this stuff seriously.

“We always talk about coming to Asia and parts of the world where golf is obviously still a developing sport. It’s great to see the next generation out here playing the game and looking to improve,” added McDowell who plays on the Cleeks GC in the LIV Golf League.

Despite having star billing, the 44-year-old Northern Irishman struggled for form in the International Series Singapore, and ultimately missed the cut after carding scores of 74 and 75 on the challenging Tampines Course at TMCC.

He said: “You are always hoping that you are inspiring the next generation – not inspiring this week with a 74 and 75 from me! It’s probably one of the most educated bunch of young kids that I have ever done a clinic for but it’s great for me to think through the mechanics and some of the things I forget a little bit as well.

“It’s cool, a lot of fun getting to spend some time with them. We always talk about growing the game but sometimes we don’t do enough to help and grow the game but it’s a nice opportunity to do this today.

“My little boy and my little girl are seven and nine years old, and they’re on a very similar program to this one. It’s great.”

Published on September 20, 2023

Major champions Graeme McDowell and Charl Schwartzel are eagerly preparing to battle it out in the highly anticipated International Series Singapore, set to unfold from October 5 – 8, 2023.

The two greats of the game will need to overcome American Andy Ogletree, who will be looking to build on a banner season and his substantial Order of Merit (OOM) lead, with yet another top-class performance in Singapore.

The US$2 million event will be the seventh stop on The International Series 2023 schedule and will be played on the prestigious Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC), set against the backdrop of the vibrant ‘Lion City’.

Singapore star power

A winner at the Asian Tour’s Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, 2010 U.S. Open Champion, McDowell is now primed for further success and a return to form following a top 20 finish at International Series England in August.

The European Ryder Cup legend said: “My time at Close House was a great experience, and I’m looking forward to putting on another solid performance to give myself the chance to win my first International Series event.

“I have always enjoyed playing in Asia, so I am excited to get back to Singapore this year and to experience Tanah Merah Country Club for the first time.”

Schwartzel, who famously won the 2011 Masters Tournament, again etched his name into the history books at the inaugural LIV Golf London event in June 2022, winning the individual title by one shot over compatriot, Hennie Du Plessis.

The South African clinched a shared 13^th place in his most recent appearance at the International Series Qatar in February 2023 and arrives at this event following a commendable top 20 finish at LIV Golf Bedminster just last month.

The International Series number one

Andy Ogletree, who boasts three International Series titles, including triumphs in Egypt in 2022 followed by Qatar and England in 2023, will be looking to build his lead on both The International Series and Asian Tour OOMs, reaffirming his star potential after winning the 2019 US Amateur Championship.

The 25-year-old said: “I’ve had the pleasure of participating in the LIV Golf League already, which is an experience I relished. As we enter the final leg of The International Series 2023 schedule, each event now holds immense significance in securing my spot for the upcoming year.”

The illustrious elite of the Asian Tour

Nitithorn Thippong, the defending champion in Singapore and one of the brightest emerging talents in Asian golf, is determined to retain his title at TMCC and returns in great form after winning the Mandiri Indonesia Open in August.

The Thai golfer, affectionately known as ‘Fever’, said: “After my victory on the Tampines Course last year, I believe I’ve unlocked the secret to performing exceptionally well on this course and I just can’t wait to return to Singapore and defend my title!”

McDowell will be joined at Tanah Merah by two of his LIV teammates at Cleek GC in Bernd Wiesberger and Richard Bland. The field will also feature Hideto Tanihara, who at the weekend secured victory at the ANA Open Golf Tournament on the Japan Golf Tour and Sadom Kaewkanjana, a dual Asian Tour champion.

High-flying Zimbabwean brothers Scott and Kieran Vincent will also return to the Tampines Course having teed up in the 2022 edition. Older brother Scott, who topped The International Series 2022 Order of Merit to earn his place in the LIV Golf League, showed exceptional form when last in the country in April 2023, setting an unofficial course record (due to preferred lies) around Sentosa Golf Club with a blemish free 62 during LIV Golf Singapore.

An International Series winner in his own right, having clinched his debut professional victory in April 2023 at KN Golf Links, Vietnam, Vincent will be looking to emulate his elder brother’s stunning Singaporean performance.

Ronald Ong, President of TMCC, said: “Hosting the International Series Singapore event on the Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club brings palpable excitement, courtesy of its exceptional line-up. The anticipation mounts for the extraordinary talent and competitive spirit they’ll bring to our prestigious course.”

Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour Commissioner & CEO, said: “Singapore, home to the Asian Tour, sets the stage for an exhilarating event featuring a field of truly fantastic golfers. This dynamic convergence of top-tier talent in the heart of the Asian golfing landscape promises to be an exceptional spectacle that celebrates the essence of the sport.”

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “With a spectrum of talent on display, encompassing Major winners and the best the Asian Tour has to offer, the upcoming International Series Singapore promises to provide electrifying competition that will surely enthral golf enthusiasts around the globe.”

Published on September 13, 2023

Organisers of the prestigious Indonesian Masters announced today that PT Bank Negara Indonesia Tbk (BNI) will title sponsor this year’s event for the second successive year – fortifying its long-standing position as the country’s premier golf tournament.

The popular event will also return to Royale Jakarta Golf Club, its permanent home since its inception in 2011, and will be played from November 16-19.

It will once again be part of the burgeoning International Series – a ground-breaking new series of 10 elite events sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

And with a total purse of US$1.5 million, it resumes its’ place as the richest golf event in Indonesia.

The tournament will be the 10^th and final International Series event of the season, and crown the winner of The International Series Order of Merit, who will earn a coveted place on next year’s multi-million dollar LIV Golf League.

Jimmy Masrin (main picture), Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “We take great pride in unveiling the 11th edition of the Indonesian Masters, and we thank BNI for collaborating with us once again – they remain steadfast in their commitment to furthering the growth of the sport of golf in Asia, and especially in Indonesia.

VIPS discussing the latest news about this year’s BNI Indonesian Masters at today’s press conference in Jakarta. Picture by OB Golf.

“The tournament’s continued association with the exciting and innovative International Series is also an incredible opportunity for the Indonesian Masters to reach an even wider audience, especially as our event will be the final event of The International Series.”

Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut recorded a brilliant four-stroke victory last year, with Royale Jakarta Golf Club –a 27-hole facility, designed by Bob Moore and JMP Golf Design – looking forward to more exceptional golf this November.

President Director of Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Hendro Sutandi, added: “We are honoured to host the 11th edition of the Indonesian Masters. This Asian Tour event has helped to firmly established Royale Jakarta Golf Club as a top golfing destination in Indonesia. As we prepare for the 2023 BNI Indonesian Masters, we are fully prepared to offer a venue that will leave a memorable impact on both players and spectators attending this International Series tournament.”

And with BNI again being one of the driving forces behind the Indonesian Masters the stage has been set for an incredible week of golf.

President Director of PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Royke Tumilaar, explained: “The tournament’s 11-event legacy has encouraged BNI to reaffirm our commitment to the Indonesian Masters. As a marquee event on the Asian Tour, the Indonesian Masters stands as Indonesia’s most successful tournament to date. This aligns perfectly with our vision as a leader in providing exceptional service and sustainable excellence.”

Alongside BNI, the Indonesian Masters has secured backing from Wonderful Indonesia and Enjoy Jakarta as supporting sponsors. Furthermore, the event enjoys sponsorship from a variety of other partners, including PT Lautan Luas Tbk, JS Luwansa Hotel, SvinGolf, V2 Indonesia, Hytera, Bali Hai, Indofood, You-C1000, GoodGame, Oma Elly, Bali Wein, Batavia, and Astragraphia.

England’s Lee Westwood claimed the inaugural Indonesian Masters in 2011 and was victorious on two more occasions, in 2012 and 2015.

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger won in 2013, India’s Anirban Lahiri in 2014, Poom Saksansin from Thailand in 2016 and 2018, Englishman Justin Rose in 2017, and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond clinched the title in 2019.

Sarit Suwannarut pictured winning last year at Royale Jakarta.

The tournament was not played in 2020 and 2021 because of the global pandemic but it has since returned in a position of even greater prominence.

Published on September 12, 2023

The Volvo China Open has been confirmed as the final piece in The International Series jigsaw for 2023.

Boasting a prize purse of US$1.5 million, the iconic event will take place from November 2-5 at Shenzhen’s Hidden Grace Golf Club – formerly known as Genzon Golf Club.

The Volvo China Open will act as the eighth leg of The International Series – 10 top-tier events sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The Hong Kong Open will follow a week later with the Indonesian Masters bringing down the curtain on the 2023 campaign from November 16-19.

The China showpiece will also mark a welcome return to the world’s most populous country for the Asian Tour, following a four-year absence. The Asian Tour’s last visit there was for the Volvo China Open in 2019.

Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour Commissioner & CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have the Volvo China Open back on our schedule. It will be our first visit to China since before the pandemic and I know our members are excited to be able to return there after such a long lay-off.

“Our thanks go to the China Golf Association (CGA), Volvo and the staff and management at Hidden Grace Golf Club.”

Added Zhang Xiaoning, President of the China Golf Association: “The Volvo China Open has consistently set the benchmark for tournament golf in China. It is a pioneering event that has made outstanding contributions to the development of golf in our country.

“This year will be no exception as the tournament has been upgraded to a stop on The International Series, and it will play a key role in preparations for the Paris Olympics after the Hangzhou Asian Games which we are now focusing on.”

Cheng Jun was the first Chinese player to win the China Open in 1997. Other home players to have won their national Open are Zhang Lianwei (2003), Wu Ashun (2015) and Li Haotong (2016). The victories of Zhang Huilin (2020) and Zhang Jin (2021) were both achieved when the event was solely part of the domestic China Tour.

Michel Zhao, Chairperson of Volvo China Open Board, said: “The return of the Volvo China Open will be one of the highlights of the 2023 season, and will attract a global audience. We welcome fans and lovers of the game to watch the top players from the Asian Tour and China Tour competing in one of the region’s most prestigious national Opens. We are confident the coming Volvo China Open will be another exceptional week of golf!”

The tournament is also the longest running professional golf tournament on the Chinese mainland.

Among the famous names inscribed on the Volvo China Open trophy are Korean Yang Yong-eun, Asia’s first Major championship winner, and European Ryder Cup players Paul Casey of England and Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts.

With the winner of The International Series Order of Merit earning a lucrative starting spot in next year’s LIV Golf League, the Volvo China Open will play an important part in determining who that player is.

Following last month’s St Andrews Bay Championship in Scotland, the sixth leg of the 2023 International Series, American Andy Ogletree enjoys a handsome advantage atop the standings, almost US$500,000 ahead of Japan’s Takumi Kanaya in second spot.

They are followed by Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent, Australian Wade Ormsby and Thai Gunn Charoenkul. Rounding out the current top-10 are Indian Anirban Lahiri, Australian Kevin Yuan, Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra, Australian Matt Jones and Thai Sadom Kaewkanjana.

The International Series Singapore at Tanah Merah Country Club from October 5-8 will act as the seventh leg of this year’s Series.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “We’re delighted that the Volvo China Open will form part of the 2023 International Series.

“This year’s schedule has already included stops in Oman, Qatar, Thailand, Vietnam, England and Scotland. We look forward to completing The International Series 2023 with a very strong finish, as we round out the season with visits to Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

“At the outset, one of the stated intentions was to make this a truly international series. These locations illustrate that we have taken another step forward in delivering on our ambitions.”

The Volvo China Open was held at Hidden Grace Golf Club in 2014, 2019, 2020 and 2021 – so this year will mark the fifth time the club has hosted the tournament.

“The upgrade of the Volvo China Open to The International Series definitely places higher demands on the venue. However, with years of experience in hosting international events, I believe that the club will work together to fulfil its responsibilities,” said Ali Kong , General Manager of Hidden Grace Golf Club.

Ends.

Published on August 31, 2023

The stars of golf have once-again aligned for the Hong Kong Open as the city’s most illustrious golf event makes its much-anticipated return to the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC) in Fanling from 9-12 November 2023.

Almost four years on from the last staging, HKGC – the tournament’s traditional home since its inception in 1959 – will once again welcome some of the elite names in golf as the Hong Kong Open joins the burgeoning International Series for the very first time.

The 62^nd edition of the Hong Kong Open, one of only two events in the sport’s history to be hosted at the same venue for over six decades – alongside the famed Masters at Augusta – has already drawn some heavy hitters with organisers confirming today the appearance of reigning Hong Kong Open champion Wade Ormsby, last year’s Open winner Cameron Smith, and local hero Taichi Kho, helping to ensure a stellar edition of the city’s oldest professional sporting event.

With International Series status, a US$2 million purse, and a chance to etch one’s name in golf history on the line, those three stars promise to be the tip of the iceberg with Hong Kong fans set to witness what could be the most competitive field in the tournament’s history.

Smith, who finished joint ninth at Fanling in his sole Asian Tour season in 2014, looked forward to facing Fanling again, saying: “I’m excited to be returning to Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Open. I really enjoyed my time in the city and playing the course as a young pro, and I look forward to coming back now to take care of some unfinished business,” said the Australian.

Andy Kwok, Captain of the HKGC said: “We really can’t wait to welcome back world-class golfers and fans from the Greater Bay Area and beyond for the 62nd edition of the Hong Kong Open at Fanling. This historic championship, the oldest professional sporting event in Hong Kong, always captures the imagination and we are delighted to say that the 2023 edition is going to be bigger and better than ever before.”

“The Asian Tour is pleased to welcome the return of the Hong Kong Open to our growing championship calendar. We are especially excited to feature this historic championship as one of the events on our ground-breaking International Series,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.

“With last year’s Open Championship winner Cam Smith, prolific Fanling champion Wade Ormsby and Hong Kong’s first-ever Asian Tour winner Taichi Kho already signed on for November, it is exciting to see the Hong Kong Open returning bigger and better than ever before,” he added.

Australia’s Ormsby, currently fourth in the International Series Order of Merit, will return to the scene of his triumph in January 2020 when he became the last player to lift the Hong Kong Open trophy before the global pandemic altered plans everywhere.

The 43-year-old won the International Series Thailand back in March and continues to be among the Asian Tour’s most consistent stars as he prepares for a crack at his third Hong Kong Open crown, to go with that win in 2020 and his victory at Fanling in 2017.

Aussies of course have a unique rich history at the Hong Kong Open, with compatriots that have conquered Fanling including legends Peter Thomson (1960, 1965, 1967), Greg Norman (1979, 1983), and Kel Nagle (1961).  Scott Hend, the man tied third for the most Asian Tour wins of all time with 10 victories, has also won here in 2014.

There is no doubt that Smith knows that history – and wants a slice of it himself.  He has been in red-hot form on the LIV Golf League, winning three individual titles.

Coming off the course after his most recent win – at LIV Golf-Bedminster – Smith confirmed what the result revealed. “I feel like I‘m playing the most consistent golf and the best golf that I’ve played,” said Smith.

This year’s Hong Kong Open also promises to be a celebration of the rise of golf in the city as Hong Kong’s emerging generation of stars continue to make their mark on the global game.  Leading the way is Kho, whose history-making victory at the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club back in March made him the first player from the city to win on the Asian Tour.

The Fanling fairways still echo from fans cheering his victory and the 22-year-old of course still has cherished memories of that day:  “It was just a magical week and it gave me a lot of confidence to start the year on a strong note,” the HKGC ambassador recalled recently.

“The focus since then has been trying to build off that. Looking back on that week, just to be able to use the opportunity that I had, to be able to really put all my practice and training to good use, and to be able to focus on the things that are important to me, that was really good. To share that with my friends and family made sure it was even more special.”

In addition to the world-class golf on offer, the Hong Kong Open’s Fan Village will once again entertain tens of thousands of visitors across the event week.  The Fan Village is the place to enjoy all the sun and fun off the course at the beautiful HKGC with a host of activities and entertainment, with DJ performances, walking bands, golf simulators and other sport games, premier food and beverage offerings, shopping, face painting and more.

Tickets for the Hong Kong Open 2023 are now available via Ticketflap at https://www.ticketflap.com/hongkongopen2023.

Admission on Thursday and Friday, 9-10 November is free while daily prices for Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November are HK$200 per day or HK$300 for a weekend pass.

For more information please visit: www.thehongkongopen.com.

Published on August 27, 2023

Thailand’s amateur ace Ratchanon Chantananuwat has shown he is as equally proficient in the classroom as on the golf course after recording straight ‘As’ in his English and Maths GCSE exams. Report by Olle Nordberg, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour.

“TK”, as he is popularly known, has constantly had to balance competing in tournaments with his studies and that appears to be paying off as he looks to get the right grades in order to be accepted by a top college in the United States.

News of his results came ahead of this week’s St Andrews Bay Championship, where he has shot rounds of 70,70 and 71 and is five under for the tournament heading into today’s final round. The International Series event is being led by American Turk Pettit, on 17 under.

“School is good,” said the 16-year-old wonder kid, who last year became the youngest winner on the Asian Tour when he claimed the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup by two shots over current PGA Tour star Tom Kim of Korea.

“I just got my grades, A star in English, A in math, so I’ll take that, you know. Like I’d hoped for an A star in math, but you can’t get everything you want. It should be good enough to get into any college alongside of good golf, but I still got a couple more subjects, so it seems like it’s a never-ending process. I did chemistry, physics and economics, now there are other subjects and I just want to get everything over with so I can finally be a full-time golfer.”

He actually received results in five subjects, with the only B he got surprisingly coming in Physical Education.

Because of his academic excellence and golf prowess, “TK” will have plenty of great options where to continue his studies and golf career, with some top tier golf and academic universities on his radar.

He said: “I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve finalised a couple of deals with a couple of schools, and I just need to make up my mind as to where I want to go and commit to that place.”

While he’s not scheduled to graduate high school for another two years, he is fortunate enough that the universities he is considering are offering to start his college career earlier than that.

Regarding just how early he said: “It depends on the school. I graduate in 2025, by age I should start in September of 2025, but for one college I would start in September of 2024 and the rest I would start in January of 2024. That would be two years early, one year earlier has always been the plan all along, but some schools have even gone further than that and offered me two years early.”

Having already posted an Asian Tour win against the professionals, “TK” recorded his best-ever result in a major amateur championship this summer when he reached the semifinals stage in the 128^th Amateur Championship at Hillside and Southport & Ainsdale, England in June.

Having had limited prep time for last year’s Amateur Championship due to competing in the inaugural LIV Golf London event at Centurion Club, which resulted in him missing the match play rounds, he came early this year and prepared well for the event.

He said:“The most important thing other than getting to know the courses was getting used to the weather, with me being from Asia you will never get this or anything close to this. So, I had like six really solid practice rounds leading up to the event. Keep in mind this was on two courses, so that’s three on each.”

For the remainder of this season “TK” will continue to focus on his studies and golf, with key Asian Tour events and a major amateur championship on his fall schedule.

“Well, I got a couple of tests, I got biology tests I know for sure that I need to take three times, maybe SATs, and hopefully I can get to play the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship,” he explained.

“And as for Asian Tour, I’ll be playing as much as I can. I know I probably have to miss Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea, as I need to go back to start school, but the International Series Singapore and Mercuries Taiwan Masters are a given. Also, the SJM Macau Open, hopefully, with a couple more that I need to look at on the schedule. But at least three or four more.”

Published on August 22, 2023

There’s always a measured sense of calm on Sadom Kaewkanjana’s face. But mention links golf and he brightens up, considerably. Story by Joy Chakravarty.

That’s a bit surprising, considering that the 25-year-old Thai hardly played on links courses in his growing years. His first stint came well into his teenage years in amateur tournaments, and the love story reached a peak last year during the 150th Open Championship at the Old Course where he closed with a stunning seven-under par 65 for a tied 11th place last year – the best-ever performance by a player from his country in the event.

Ahead of this week’s US$1.5 million St Andrews Bay Championship, being played Fairmont St Andrews, he says there is a very specific reason for his love for links golf, and the excitement is palpable.

“I love links courses. I have been looking forward to this tournament,” said Sadom, currently in sixth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

“Honestly, I don’t like to chip much. But the links courses give you an amazing opportunity to be creative with your putter. To be able to putt from way off the green is a challenge that I love. It’s a great satisfaction when you hit a long putt and can see it snaking all the way to the hole.”

Sadom, who eagled the fifth hole at the Open last year with a well-read putt from 45 feet, finished third in the inaugural International Series England at Slaley Hall last year, another indication of how comfortable he is in British conditions.

“I really like playing in the UK. I don’t mind the cold and I don’t mind the wind. I am also ok with the rain. I played well at The Open last year and also at Slaley Hall. Hopefully, I will be able to carry on the great memories I have from the Old Course to Fairmont, which is just a few miles away in St Andrews,” said Sadom.

“St Andrews is such a special place for golf and all the courses in the area are a dream to play for any golfer. One should not be worrying about the weather when we get a chance to play here.”

The Thai superstar recently spent a month as a practicing monk in a monastery back home, and feels the lessons he learned there will become a powerful 15th club in his arsenal when on a golf course.

“It was something that I wanted to do and when I got the break in Asian Tour schedule, I went ahead with it,” he said.

“It was all about leading a very simple life, and a very regimented one. We had to follow a strict schedule. We only ate breakfast and lunch, and that felt good. We were not allowed to use our mobile phones when in the monastery.

“It was a great experience as a person, and I really believe it is going to beneficial for my golf. We had to do a lot of meditation, and it has helped me concentrate better. It was all about living in the present, and those are just some of the things that you need to do when playing golf.”

The St Andrews Bay Championship starts on Thursday and is part of The International Series.

Published on August 21, 2023

Australia’s strong contingent of players competing on the Asian Tour have underscored the importance of the Tour’s decision to stage one of its First Stage Qualifying School events ‘Down Under’.

Speaking at last week’s International Series England, Wade Ormsby, winner of this year’s International Series Thailand, Jack Thompson, who finished top of the class at this year’s Qualifying School, and former New Zealand Open champion Zach Murray have all welcomed what will only be the second time a stage has been played in their country.

The highly anticipated 2024 Asian Tour Qualifying School starts next month, with the first of six First Stage qualifiers being played at the Mt Derrimut Golf & Community Club in Victoria, from September 26-29.

“Well, it’s fantastic!” said Ormsby – a four-time winner on the Tour, including a pair of Hong Kong Open titles.

“There are a lot of guys in Australia asking questions on how they can get onto Tours worldwide and Asia has made it quite accessible for guys to have that opportunity.

“There are only a certain number of cards that are given out in golf worldwide – in terms of getting on major Tours, whether it’s in the US, Europe or Asia. So, to have that opportunity on our doorstep is fantastic. And I think it’s one that a lot of young Aussies are going to look at and pop on their schedule.”

Thompson graduated with honours at the Final Stage, played at Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, in January. Remarkably, he only secured his place in the Final Stage by claiming the final qualifying berth at the First Stage Qualifying event held at Blue Canyon Country Club. He is quick to point out that that extended period away from home will no longer be needed for his countrymen.

Said the rising star: “I think it’s great. I think financially as well, for the Aussie guys, you’re only going have to make one trip up if you get through. I think it will be good for them and hopefully it’s a decent turnout for that first stage.

“There are a lot of guys on Tour now and I think it’s a great place to play for Australian guys. And you know, it’s only really one flight for most of the tournaments, sort of same time zone, so I think it’s great, and will be good to see more guys out here.”

The 25-year-old produced his best performance of the season on the Asian Tour last week, finishing tied for 12^th at Close House, where victory went to American Andy Ogletree.

Presently, 28 players from Australia are members of the Asian Tour which continues to provide great opportunities for players from one of the game’s most powerful golfing nations.

Murray is another player to have successfully negotiated the rigours of the Qualifying School: he finished fourth at the school in 2019, and two months later triumphed in New Zealand.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for all the guys in Australia to try and get their card in Asia,” said the Australian.

“Obviously the cost is a big factor, certainly saves a lot for guys, definitely. I know it’s in Victoria, so golf in Victoria being a bit of a hub in Australia, a lot of the guys that even aren’t from there will have contacts and be able to maybe stay with friends, and it certainly saves probably $2,000 to $3,000 on flights and hotels.

“And having the ability to maybe bring your own caddie is a huge factor as well, so all that. I don’t think you can put a monetary value on how crucial it is to have that first stage at home to try and get themselves into the final stage.”

Following Australia – which last hosted a stage of the Qualifying School 17-years ago – the second First Stage event will be played in the United States, at Soboba Springs Golf Club in California, from November 7-10.

Thailand will then host the ensuing stages at Grand Prix Golf Club, Kanchanaburi from December 12-15, and Pattana Sports Resort, Chonburi from December 19-22.

The final two First Stage qualifiers will be played simultaneously from January 9-12 at Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok and Grand Prix Golf Club.

Each event will be played over four rounds, with the top-placed finishers earning places in the Final Qualifying Stage, to be played in Thailand from January 16-20.  The top-35 will earn their cards for the 2024 Asian Tour season with the venue for the Final Qualifying Stage to be announced in due course.

The Final Qualifying Stage will be played over five rounds. The top-140 players (and ties) after 36 holes will progress to round three and four. The top-70 players (and ties) after 72 holes will play in the decisive final round, which will be held on January 20. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the top-35 will be ranked accordingly for the forthcoming season.

Registration for the 2024 Asian Tour Qualifying School began on August 7. Check out asiantour.com/q-school for more information.

Published on

Andy Ogletree stamped his authority once again on the Asian Tour today by claiming the US$2 million International Series England after a stunning seven-stroke victory – with a runaway 16-under tournament total.

The American was unstoppable at Close House, near Newcastle, shooting a final-round seven-under-par 64 – the joint lowest round of the week – to finish ahead of second-placed Ian Poulter from England, who closed with the same score.

Indian Anirban Lahiri also excelled, carding a 68, to take sole possession of third, one back from Poulter.

This is Ogletree’s third convincing International Series victory – he triumphed in Qatar by three this year, and by four in Egypt last season – and it consolidated his lead on both the Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merits.

“I don’t think I could hit it much better than I did this week,” said the 25-year-old, who banked US$360,000.

“The greens were super bumpy so it’s hard to tell exactly how my putting was, but I was pleased with how I played and my speed control coming down the stretch today was awesome. And it was nice to see a few putts go in, so we’re just gonna keep trying to get better every week. My game is in a really good spot against a world-class field, super honored to play the way I did.”

He had a one-stroke advantage at the start of the day, and after brushing off a bogey on the opening hole he boarded the birdie train with birdies on the following hole, four, five and eight.

He uncharacteristically missed a five-foot putt for par on the ninth that saw him make the turn with a three-shot lead, before he stormed home unchallenged with two birdies and an eagle on the back nine.

His success is all the more remarkable considering his last event on the Asian Tour was the International Series Vietnam in April, having focused on the LIV Golf League thereafter – the multi-million dollar circuit that he will play on full-time next year if, as looks likely, he finishes first on the International Series merit list.

Poulter, playing in the fifth from last group, closed Ogletree’s lead to five after he eagled the par-five 16^th, only to see the American frontrunner do the same soon after.

Poulter, attempting to win for the first time in five years, said: “I just kind of found the key to hitting a few putts on these greens, which I didn’t have the first three days. And you know, when you do that and you play good golf like I played the first three days, then you’re going to be able to make some birdies. And that’s what I did today. I made quite a few ‘birds’, and it was 16 feet on 16 there, and rolled that one in.”

Lahiri finished second in the International Series Vietnam and backed that up this week.

“Very, very pleased,” said the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.

“I think that was probably the top-three ball-striking round of the year for me, I think I would rate this round better than my Saturday at Bedminster and better than Adelaide. I think I was very, very happy with how I swung it. My control of the ball in the air, my distance control everything was spot on. I was drove it phenomenally. I think three-under is probably the absolute worst score I could have shot today. Honestly, if my dad putted for me today, we would have shot a 65!”

Amateur golfer Luke Poulter, who plays college golf at the University of Florida and is the 19-year-old son of Ian Poulter, completed an impressive tournament by closing with a 71, to finish in a tie for 22nd, on level-par.

“It’s been amazing,” he said.

“I beat him [Ian Poulter] one of the days, it was really cool but my main goal was to try and beat him this week, but, he got me by nine!”

The Asian Tour journeys north of the border next week for the inaugural St Andrews Bay Championship at Fairmont St Andrews. The US$1.5 million tees off on Thursday and features a host of marquee names, including former Masters champion Sergio Garcia from Spain, and American Harold Varner III.

Published on August 20, 2023

Andy Ogletree demonstrated why he is the top player on the Asian Tour this year after shooting a four-under-par 67 today to take the third-round lead in the International Series England, on nine-under.

On a day when the sun came out for the first time this week, although a strong wind accompanied it, unheralded South African Neil Schietekat carded a 66 here at Close House, near Newcastle, to sit one back, while Australian Matt Jones (67), Abraham Ancer (69) from Mexico and Spaniard David Puig (70) are a further stroke adrift.

Ogletree, who heads both the Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merits, finished strongly with an eagle on the par-five 16^th, followed by a birdie to edge ahead of a stacked leaderboard.

He had started the day one-shot behind overnight leader and playing partner Puig, who made a costly triple-bogey on the 12^th, where he four putted, to hand the lead to the American.

However, Ogletree missed a two-footer for par on the following hole and saw Jones move in front over the closing stages before his storming finish.

“I stayed patient all day, super tough, you know you got a couple birdie opportunities coming in. Hit a great shot on 16 and ended up making an eagle so that was kind of a bonus,” said the 25-year-old American, who has claimed two International Series titles: in Qatar this year, and Egypt last season.

“It was brutal with the wind. Hit a couple of crazy clubs, like I hit a pitching wedge from 168 and stuff like that. So definitely 20-30 yard wind changes, whether it was into or down so pretty, pretty difficult.”

The American appears more well rested than rusty having not played 72-hole tournament golf since April, as he has been travelling with the LIV Golf League as a reserve.

Schietekat is overjoyed to be among the front runners, having nearly not started this week following a nasty fall off a golf buggy earlier in the week.

The 2020 Qualifying School graduate, who has only made one cut this year, said: “I have been with Hamish the physio since Tuesday when I fell off the cart, and on Thursday, I was seconds from pulling out when I was on the driving range.

“I looked at my caddy and I just said well, you know what’s the point, we’re hitting a seven iron 140. We kept on hitting and it kind of warmed up and it got better and then we just kind of figured a way to get it down there. Now I can’t hit my normal draw because I can’t get through the ball the way I normally do, so I’m just hitting it a little butter cut. This is a kind of golf course that you can just like poke it around and kind of get away with it.”

Jones’ gift for playing in the wind was on full display today.

The 43-year-old grew up playing in heavy winds in Australia, and when the wind picked up he seized the opportunity, firing six birdies, and two bogeys.

Said the two-time Australian Open champion who now plays on the LIV Golf League with Ancer and Puig: “Yeah, it wasn’t easy at all, there was nothing easy about it. Greens and pin locations were tough, they did a good job setting the tees up, moving forward to make some holes a lot more playable. It was just about giving yourself the best chance to have a putt uphill on anything you could. And I mean we were hitting six irons 160 yards, so it was a good 30-yard, 40-yard wind.”

India’s Anirban Lahiri, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour and its Order of Merit champion in 2015, is in sole possession of sixth, four off the lead, following a 69.

He made four consecutive birdies from the 11^th, and another on 16, to be in position to mount a challenge for his first Asian Tour victory in eight years.

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell from Northern Ireland was inches away from a hole-in-one on the par-three 18^th. He tapped in for his third birdie in the last five holes to card a 71 to finish the day on two under, in a tie for 13th.