Sentosa GC aims to become world’s first carbon neutral golf club
Sentosa Golf Club, regarded as one of the world’s most sustainable sporting venues, has announced a commitment to become the world’s first ever carbon neutral golf club by 2022.
The announcement comes during Sentosa Golf Club’s hosting of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, dubbed ‘Asia’s Major’, where 69 of the world’s best players are set to battle it out on The Tanjong.
Contributions from golf rounds over the next 12 months will be set aside to support the purchase of certified carbon offsets through regional Forestry or Blue Carbon projects, that will sequester atmospheric carbon while defending against deforestation and fostering conservation of forests, mangroves and reefs.
Sentosa Golf Club is also aiming to join the United Nations’ Race to Zero (carbon emissions) campaign following its pledge to neutralise the Club’s carbon footprint by 2022.
This latest goal builds on the Club’s various carbon mitigation measures over the past few years, including achieving Singapore’s Green Mark (Platinum) certification through enhancing the energy efficiency of its clubhouse, the first in the region to introduce lithium battery golf carts and increasing the efficiency of its irrigation system by deploying some 1,200 water saving sprinklers across the golf courses.
The Club has already undertaken the important first step of establishing its carbon footprint against the Green House Gas Protocol, in conjunction with Sentosa Development Corporation’s (SDC) island-wide carbon profiling efforts and GEO Foundation, the international non-profit dedicated entirely to inspiring, supporting, and recognising sustainable golf.
Moving ahead, the Club will further realise its carbon neutral goal by stepping up its efforts to pursue solutions that will make club operations and grounds maintenance more carbon efficient, including golf equipment and maintenance fleet electrification initiatives and renewable energy sources.
Sentosa Golf Club’s commitment is aligned with SDC’s goals towards sustainability. SDC announced in March 2021 that Sentosa Island would be transformed into a carbon neutral destination by 2030 as a key goal in its sustainability plan, bringing on board some 200 businesses within Sentosa to work towards the collective aspiration of island carbon neutrality.
Having become the first golf club in the world to join the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative last year, Andrew Johnston, General Manager / Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course Designer at Sentosa Golf Club, commented on the latest pledge saying: “We are excited to set the aspiration to become the first golf club in the world to go carbon neutral. Since joining the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action initiative in 2020 it has been our goal to become carbon neutral and hopefully inspire others around the world to follow suit.
“The Club is also proud to be aligned with Sentosa Island’s recent commitment to become a carbon neutral destination by 2030 and we are looking forward to working closely with SDC and other businesses on the Island to achieve this goal. Our vision is to deliver a world-class facility of exceptional quality, and our commitment to carbon neutrality will safeguard the Club’s long-term future and allow us to be a model for sustainability in golf worldwide.”
Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer at Sentosa Development Corporation, added “Sentosa Development Corporation is excited by Sentosa Golf Club’s commitment to become the world’s first carbon neutral golf club. Golf can act as a catalyst in the fight against climate change and it is great to see one of Singapore’s premier golf clubs leading the way in reducing carbon emissions. The Club’s sustainability agenda is closely linked to that of the Island’s, and we are looking forward to working alongside the Club as we progress towards achieving Sentosa’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
This announcement is the latest in a long list of sustainable initiatives and commitments made by Sentosa Golf Club since the launch of its newest environmental campaign, GAME ON, at the 2020 SMBC Singapore Open. The campaign is designed to help educate and illustrate to the wider golfing community how important modern sustainable practices are for the betterment of the environment, acting as inspiration for golf clubs around the world to make changes to reduce their own carbon footprint.
Sentosa Golf Club intends to continue developing its sustainable initiatives in 2021 by installing two food and horticultural waste digesters to limit carbon emissions by grinding down waste on-site and reusing it as fertiliser on its two championship courses.
The Club also continues to explore alternative energy solutions such as solar, as well as other sustainable food produce options, whilst its collaboration with GEO Foundation aims to pioneer new innovative practices and report credible results to share with other golfing organisations around the world.
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Former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner David Lipsky has achieved his life-long ambition of playing on the PGA Tour, following an outstanding season on the Korn Ferry Tour – the development circuit that feeds the PGA Tour.
The American is currently in fifth place on the Korn Ferry Tour ranking, and, although another 15 events remain, he has already comfortably secured his playing privileges for the 2021/2022 season on the PGA Tour. The top-25 earn their Tour cards.
He has been playing some of the finest golf of his career, including winning the TPC San Antonio Challenge last year, and he nearly won the Emerald Coast Classic last month, but lost in a play-off.
CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: David Lipsky of USA plays a shot on the 18th hole during the playoff against Graeme Storm of England during the final round of the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club on September 7, 2014 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Lipsky first made his name in Asia: he was a medallist at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2012 and won the 2012 Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic, in his third start on Tour.
And after a brilliant season, two years later he claimed the Asian Tour Order of Merit title – helped in a big way by winning the cash-rich Omega European Masters, an event sanctioned with Europe.
He also won the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa in 2018, for a second European Tour title.
“I’ve played internationally for years and the European Tour for five or six years,” Lipsky said. “The whole goal was to try and get back and play the PGA Tour.”
“I took a little bit of a risk doing it,” he said. “I was playing really well in Europe, making good money, but I knew, ‘Why not now?’”
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA – MARCH 17: David Lipsky of the United States holds the trophy of the Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic at Angkor Golf Resort on March 17, 2012 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. (Photo by Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images)
The American grew up in Southern California and played at La Canada High School, where American star Collin Morikawa attended.
Despite having achieved his goal of securing his PGA Tour card, the 32 year old is still very focused on more success on the Korn Ferry Tour.
“I have my eyes on number one now,” he said.
“Keep playing solid like I’m doing, keep the confidence and momentum going, and we’ll see what happens with that, end of the season.”
The XXXII Olympiad will take place this summer – from July 23 to August 8 – COVID-19 conditions permitting in Tokyo, and, after its successful re-introduction to the roster in RIO in 2016, golf will return as one of the most eagerly-anticipated sports.
The men’s golf tournament will be played from July 29 to August 1, at Kasumigaseki Country Club, Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, as will the women’s event, the following week – from August 4 to 7.
The tournaments have in a way already started with competitors attempting to secure qualification to quadrennial sporting spectacle, through the respective world’s rankings for men and women.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 14: Gavin Green of Malaysia plays his shot from the 13th tee during the final round of men’s golf on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Golf Course on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
And, with Asian Tour members very much in the running to make it to Japan, the Tour will provide bi-weekly updates on the qualification standings.
At present, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Gunn Charoenkul, Gavin Green from Malaysia and Zimbabwean Scott Vincent are very well placed to make it through.
As was the case for Rio, qualification is based on the Official World Golf Ranking; a total of 60 players will qualify with the cut-off date being June 21.
The top 15 players will all qualify, with a limit of four golfers per country that can qualify this way. Four Americans are currently in position to do this: Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa
The remaining spots will go to the highest-ranked players from countries that do not already have two golfers qualified. The International Golf Federation (IGF), who manage the golf event and qualification, has guaranteed that at least one golfer from the host nation and each geographical region (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania) will qualify.
Jazz, currently ranked 111th in the world, is in 35th place on the Olympic standings, while Gunn is 198 in the world, and 50th for Japan.
Green – who competed in the last Olympics and finished 47th – is world ranked 239th and 54th on the Olympic listing, while Vincent is 245th and 55th respectively on the rankings.
Three Indian golfers are currently on the reserve list: Udayan Mane, Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar. Korean golfers Kyounghoon Lee,Sung Kang, Joohyung Kim and Junggon Hwang are all reserved, their participation dependant on players withdrawing.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 08: Kiradech Aphibarnrat (L) and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand pose on a tee box during a practice round during Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Golf Course on August 8, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
A total of 14 Asian Tour members competed in Rio, with several players excelling: in particular, Australian Marcus Fraser and Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand tied for fifth, just eight shots behind gold medallist Justin Rose from England. Fraser, in fact, led after day one and two.
But more than the performances it was the Olympic experience that was remembered the most by the Asian Tour players who competed.
Bangladesh star Siddikur Rahman was the flag bearer for his country, Brazil’s Adilson da Silva was the first player to tee off in the first round, and Green, inspired by the occasion, promptly got an Olympic tattoo on his arm when he returned home.
It was a memorable return to the Olympics for golf after 112 years that, all being well, will be suitably matched, despite COVID-19 protocols, in the Tokyo 2021.
It is fair to say there have been many landmark moments during the stellar career of Korea’s K.J. Choi.
But perhaps one that standouts more than most is his victory in the Compaq Classic of New Orleans, achieved on this day in 2002.
The significance of the victory is both personal and historic: it was his maiden success on the PGA Tour and, more importantly, it was the first win by a Korean there.
With millions of fans watching back home in the middle of the night, Choi did not disappoint and fired a final round five-under-par 67 for a four-stroke victory.
NEW ORLEANS – MAY 5: K.J. Choi is congratulated by his wife Hyun Jung Kim after winning the Compaq Classic at English Turn Golf and Country Club in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 5, 2002. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“I believe it will influence a generation of Korean golfers to come to the U.S. and try out for the PGA,” Choi said, through an interpreter. “In that sense, the win is very special.”
He earned the US$810,000 winner’s check with a 17-under-par 271 total, holding off a number of challengers in perfect scoring conditions on English Turn Golf & Country Club.
Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Dudley Hart from the United States came the closest, finishing with 67s to tie for second, at 13-under 275.
Choi took the lead in the second round and was tied but never trailed after that.
“This win is very special to me because when I first came to the U.S. I had a 10-year plan laid out,” Choi said. “It’s earlier than I thought it would happen, but it’s part of the plan.”
NEW ORLEANS – MAY 5: K.J. Choi of Korea hits his second shot on the 15th hole during the final round of the Compaq Classic at English Turn Golf and Country Club in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 5, 2002. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
He had two birdies on the front nine for a one-stroke lead at the turn, and sank a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 11 to go to 15 under – two shots ahead of three players.
Choi increased his lead with a birdie on No. 13. His second shot on the 16th rolled to the lip of the cup and sat there, just short of an eagle and a five-shot lead.
The Korean star described that as the turning point in the round. He said he knew it was a good shot, but did not think it was an eagle.
He chipped in for his final birdie on No. 17 – a 35-footer from out of the rough, before he could afford to finish with the luxury of a bogey at the last.
Having secured his PGA Tour card in 1999, to become the first Korean to do so, victory in New Orleans was indeed a quick transition to the winners’ circle.
And having got a taste for it, he promptly won again later that year at the Tampa Bay Classic.
He won in Tampa by a commanding seven shots to help signal the start of a career that would see him become Asia’s most prolific winner on the PGA Tour with eight titles.
And, boasting six wins on the Asian Tour, plus 29 globally, it’s not difficult to understand why the Korean star is also an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour.
Singapore’s Gregory Foo fired two birdies in his closing three holes to sign for a superb eight-under-par 64 and win the second leg of the Singapore Pro Series Invitational presented by FTAG by two shots over veteran Mardan Mamat at the Tanah Merah Country Club on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Foo, who started the day with a three-shot deficit following an opening 75, highlighted his card with an eagle and eight birdies against two bogeys to finish with a two-day total of five-under-par 139 at the Tampines Course.
Gregory Foo of Singapore (Credits: Sportfive)
Overnight leader Mardan, a five-time winner on the Asian Tour, returned with a commendable 69 to take second place while countryman Mitchell Slorach took third place on 146 following a battling 72.
Commenting on his win, Foo said, “I am very satisfied with my score today. This is my best score ever on this course in a tournament setting, and it is an amazing personal achievement for me. I hope this will propel my golf journey from here on.”
A total of 24 players, including seven amateurs, participated in the tournament this week. At the end of the opening round, 18 players, including five amateurs, successfully progressed into the second and final round after making the cut set at 12-over-par.
Amanda Tan, who flew the flag for Singapore at the prestigious HSBC Women’s World Championship last week, emerged as the leading female player after registering a 71 to sit in fourth place.
Young talents Hiroshi Tai and Ryan Ang took the honours of being the joint-low amateurs of the week as they shared sixth place on matching 151s.
Ang said, “To be able to go head-to-head with the pros in these tough course conditions helped me realise what I need to improve on to become a better golfer. I am very grateful to everyone who made this series possible, and the opportunity to be able to play at such amazing courses.”
Launched by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), the series of local professional golf events – consisting of a total of eight legs held across two venues – aims to provide 18 Singapore top professionals and six local national amateurs who are aspiring to be tour professionals, the chance to play and compete during the ongoing global pandemic, which will prepare them for their tour events and major games to come.
Mardan Mamat of Singapore (Credits: Sportfive)
The first leg kicked off at the Sentosa Golf Club on March 24 and the tournament will conclude with a final leg in January 2022. In total, 16 tournament days, or eight legs, have been scheduled for the inaugural season – where touring professionals, both male and female, and leading national amateurs will compete over two days (36 holes) for a S$10,600 prize fund.
Each leg will also count towards the ‘Race to FTAG Cup’, where the winner of the Order of Merit will receive a bonus of S$10,000.
Korea’s Hyojoo Kim defeated Hannah Green from Australia by one shot in a gripping finish to the HSBC Women’s World Championship on Sunday at Sentosa Golf Club, home of the Asian Tour.
Kim brilliantly dismantled the New Tanjong course with a breath taking eight-under-par 64, for a tournament total of 17-under-par 271, to secure her fourth victory on the LPGA Tour but first in five years.
She was helped in her cause by Green who appeared on course to take the title after she birdied the 16th to take a one-shot lead, but then surprisingly made bogey on the final two holes to finish solo second.
Hyojoo Kim of Korea lines up her putt on the 13th green during the second round (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
The Australian, playing in the HSBC event for the first time, signed for a 69. The former KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner, playing in the final group, holed out from the fairway for a stunning eagle at the 14th and holed a ten-footer at the 16th to grab the outright advantage, only to three-putt bogey the 17th and then fail to get up and down to save par at the last.
Kim, who wore full head gear all week for protection against the sun, had started her final round five shots back of the overnight leader, China’s Xiyu Lin, but stormed up the leaderboard with one of the finest rounds of her career that saw her make four birdies on the front side and four on the back.
Hannah Green of Australia hits her tee shot on the 5th hole during the third round (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images)
“My goal for this year is to get a win and I’m glad I achieved that today,” said 25-year-old Kim, whose last victory was the 2016 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.
Last year she stayed in her home country and won twice on the Korean LPGA. “While I was playing on the KLPGA Tour last year, I honed my skills and wanted to adapt them to this year on the LPGA, and I’m very happy that these results came out.”
Lin signed off with a 71 to finish in joint third place alongside world number two Inbee Park of Korea and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit.
Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand hits her tee shot on the 1st hole during the first round (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images)
There are parallels to be drawn from that epochal week of the Volkswagen Masters – China this day in 2004 as Rahil Gangjee gets ready for the Japan Players Championship. We are talking of events across two global tours, but for Rahil his maiden win on the Asian Tour 17 years ago on May 2 holds out lessons for the following week on the Japan Golf Tour.
Rahil Gangjee tees off for the final round of the Volkswagen Masters-China in 2004.
By Robin Bose
In a race to secure his card in Japan for next season, there are quite a few similarities. What isn’t is 2004 was Rahil’s rookie year on the Asian Tour and here he’s a proven winner. Going with it, there are expectations that the work on the swing will pay off and a strong weekend is just round the corner. Already, there are signs of a revival with Sunday’s T29 at The Crowns Rahil’s best finish in three starts since he landed for a restart.
Back Then, it was about a “brand new boy on Tour” arriving at Beijing’s Pine Valley Golf Club with nothing in the head, no expectations”. “Just looking to quietly play golf,” says Rahil. The buildup too was anything but ideal. The trip to the Asian Tour Q-School at the end of 2003 did not work; what bailed him out was a country spot for 2004. The prelude to China was a top-20 and two missed cut that included the Indian Open.
But once at Pine Valley, Rahil’s stars started to rise. For the first time, he got a taste of being in lead, and went into Sunday tied for the top spot. Tonight, as Rahil quietly observes the anniversary with perhaps a meal of steak and beer in remembrance, he talks about the insecurities of a rookie.
Happy that the work on the swing with long-time coach Ajai Gupta was paying off, Rahil was eager to repeat the “right things” on the golf course. Off it too as well, and that meant having steak and beer through the week with fellow pro and now Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Uttam Singh Mundy.
Looking back, he feels “it was my time to win”, and that is attributed to Ryder Cup player Phillip Price failing to make the playoff. “Had he come through, he would have kicked our ass,” says Rahil. Needing to birdie the 18th to make it a three-way affair with Rahil and Korea’s Mo Joong Kyung, at 15-under, Price fell short.
Sudden death panned out normally with Rahil leaving himself a very short putt for par. Just when he thought the trophy was his after Mo duffed his bunker shot, Rahil experienced an unexpected tingle. “The head started shaking so much that I got worried. Luckily, the ball went in.” The relief was immense and he shared the flood of emotions with Tour buddy Amandeep Johl waiting by the edge. It was a tight hug from a golfer towering by Rahil’s standards, but that debate got dissolved in the affection and enormity of the occasion.
Story was first published on thegolfinghub.com.
When England’s evergreen star Lee Westwood celebrates his 48th birthday today, the one victory – out of his 44 international wins – that may come to mind the most is his triumph at the Indonesian Masters, in Jakarta.
That is because he claimed the first of his three wins in the event on this same day, just a decade ago.
In what was the inaugural edition of the Indonesian Masters he beat Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee by three shots at Royale Jakarta Golf Club – the event’s regular home for the ensuing eight years.
Westwood, at the time ranked number two on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), led by five going into the last round and closed with a three-under 69, to hold off a typically brave challenge from Thongchai, who shot a sensational 65.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – APRIL 24: Lee Westwood of England poses with his birthday cake after winning the Indonesian Masters atthe Royale Jakarta Golf Club on April 24, 2011 in Jakarta , Indonesia (Photo by Khalid Redza / Asian Tour via Getty Images)
“This will definitely be the most memorable birthday for me,” said Westwood, after his win.
The Englishman was also bidding to reclaim the number one spot on the OWGR – which was being led by Germany’s Martin Kaymer, although England’s Luke Donald, in third place, looked like taking over top spot as he was on the cusp of winning the Heritage tournament on the US PGA Tour that same Sunday.
“It was about coming here this week and trying to win the Indonesian Masters and I’ve done that. I’ve ticked every box this week so we will have to wait and see what happens,” said the Englishman, who held the number one spot for 17 weeks before being deposed by Kaymer in February.
Westwood’s win was put on hold for over an hour when lightning forced him to return to the clubhouse with one hole to play.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – APRIL 22: Lee Westwood of England talks with Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand during the second round of the Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club on April 22, 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Khalid Redza/Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images)
When play resumed he parred the 18th to finish the tournament on 19-under 269.
He was even par for the day after nine holes but shifted gear when he holed a difficult birdie putt on the 11th hole.
“Yeah, that was probably the hardest putt I had all day,” he said.
“It was 15 feet and had a three-feet break on it. I birdied the next with two good shots and played solidly. I managed to pick up a few shots and birdied the 16th from four feet. I was quite comfortable after that.”
Thongchai credited a red-hot putter for his fine round, where he turned in 31 before adding two more birdies on his back nine.
“It was a good round from me and I’m happy with how I played. I played my own game and focused hole by hole and shot by shot,” said the Thai, a three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.
In the end Westwood did not reclaim top spot on the OWGR from Kaymer – nor did Donald, who lost in a play-off to American Brad Snedeker at the Heritage.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – APRIL 24: Lee Westwood of England in action during day four of the Indonesian Masters at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club on April 24, 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo by Khalid Redza / Asian Tour via Getty Images)
But his victory in the Indonesian capital was yet another career defining conquest. He went on to win the event the following year, and then again in 2015.
To date he has claimed nine titles in Asia and is one of the few golfers who has won tournaments on five continents – Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
And after winning the European Tour’s Order of Merit last year and finishing runner-up on the PGA Tour twice in March, first at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard followed the week after at THE PLAYERS Championship, perhaps we have not seen the last of his silverware success in Asia.
Happy Birthday Lee Westwood!
Asian Tour Destinations has welcomed two new partners to the fold with Golfasian and the Wall Street Journal+ (WSJ+) becoming part of the exclusive network of golf clubs, with direct ties to the Asian Tour.
Golfasian is the leading golf tour operator in Southeast Asia, while WSJ+ a premium membership program exclusively for subscribers of The Wall Street Journal.
They join at a time when Asian Tour Destinations currently boasts eight venues, representing the top-tier of golf clubs in Asia.
Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore was the first to join and they were soon followed by Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand; Classic Golf & Country Club in New Delhi, India; and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Last year, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Malaysia, Laguna Golf Lăng Cô in Vietnam, and Sapporo Country Club plus The North Country Golf Club, both in Japan, became part of the programme.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “The Asian Tour Destinations network continues to gain momentum and so this is an opportune time for Golfasian and Wall Street Journal+ to join. We are delighted they have chosen to partner with our Asian Tour Destinations programme and we look forward to working with them collaboratively.
“The concept of Asian Tour Destinations is to help build the ideal ecosystem for the golf course industry and related sectors in the region, so we feel Golfasian and Wall Street Journal+ are a perfect fit.”
“Golfasian is thrilled to join Asian Tour Destinations as we pride ourselves on working with the best golfing venues in Asia, while this partnership will allow us to further raise awareness of our brand alongside exploring future opportunities with the Asian Tour,” said Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian Co. Ltd.
“Our business is based on delivering a personalised golfing journey combined with exploring the culture of the countries visited, and our management has over 49 years’ experience in the golfing, travel, and hospitality segments, so this is an exciting opportunity that will add an extra dimension to our level of commitment and service.”
In particular, Golfasian will be able to provide unique travel package offers to experience Asian Tour Destinations venue members, benefit from promotional opportunities across all of the Asian Tour Destinations multi-media platforms, explore cross-promotional opportunities with current and future Asian Tour Destinations partners and in the future explore the potential for building golf and travel packages around the Asian Tour schedule, once circumstances permit.
WSJ+ has had a long-established relationship with the Asian Tour as an “Official Media Partner” and sees the transition of the affiliation to Asian Tour Destinations as a natural evolution for the partnership and an amplified benefit to WSJ+ members.
“This is another great opportunity for WSJ+ and our members to enjoy a range of unique benefits by working with the Asian Tour Destinations platform and in particular many of the world-class golfing venues across the Asian region,” said Charles Ho, Marketing Manager WSJ+.
“WSJ+ members will receive access to unique offers, and we will also gain exposure across the Asian Tour Destinations platform.”
Asian Tour Destinations was set up to provide an affiliate membership programme between the associated venues and the Asian Tour which will help grow the industry in the region.
Being a part of the Asian Tour Destinations network means that each venue is certified Tour calibre and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready conditions all-year round.
Among the core benefits, Asian Tour members are able to play and practice at each venue, allowing for the members at each club to enjoy direct engagement with the region’s best golfers.
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India’s veteran golf star Arjun Atwal predicts his partnership with Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans will see them producing “awesome golf” as the duo seek to surprise the stars gathered at TPC Louisiana.
This week’s US$7.4 million PGA TOUR showpiece sees 80 two-man teams slugging it out under a different format as in a typical week, with Four-Ball being used in the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) in the second and final rounds.
Jon Rahm and Ryan Palmer will defend the title they won in 2019 – there was no event last year due to COVID-19 – with the likes of Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay, Matt Wolff/Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose/Henrik Stenson, Marc Leishman/Cameron Smith, Tony Finau/Cameron Champ and Sungjae Im/Byeong Hun An amongst the combinations tipped to contend.
Atwal, India’s first winner on the PGA TOUR, was happy to be picked by Kiradech. Both are former Asian No. 1s and have won a combined seven European Tour victories between them.
“There’s nothing to not like about Kiradech. He’s such a cool guy, and he’s laid back just like me. We recently played a few rounds together and I realised how similar his game is to mine, at least during my peak. I know he’s struggled a little bit over the last few weeks but I think he’s found his form and I think you’ll be seeing some awesome golf from us,” said the 48-year-old Atwal.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 18: Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of The Honda Classic at PGA National Champion course on March 18, 2021 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
Kiradech has failed to find his best form for nearly two years now, missing six cuts in 10 starts in the current season which have left him in danger of losing his PGA TOUR card. He hopes that partnering one of Asia’s golf legends will provide the missing spark.
“The reason why I picked Arjun is because he’s one of the best Asian players ever. He’s won on the Asian Tour, European Tour and PGA TOUR and there’s no doubt in my mind why I picked him. He’s also such a nice guy, a very positive guy and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him. We’re very comfortable with each other and I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun,” said the 31-year-old Thai.
Both Asian stars are competing for the first time in the tournament under this new team format, although Kiradech will lean on his more experienced partner who finished fifth at TPC Louisiana in 2005 when it was played as an individual strokeplay event.
“I’ve had some success on this golf course. I was leading and had a mishap in the third round but I like the course and I’m loving it that I get to play with Kiradech,” said Atwal. “I asked Kiradech if he was interested in partnering and he said ‘yes’ as he thinks I’m good luck. Our style is pretty similar … he can hit a fade at will and I can hit a draw at will. So that works for us and we will strategize. Our short game is pretty similar too but his is actually fantastic. I think we will have a great week. One thing I know for sure is that we’ll have a lot of fun playing together,” said Atwal.
Kiradech thinks a change to the team format will do him wonders as he seeks to improve on his current 183rd ranking on the FedExCup points list. The Top-125 at the end of the Regular Season in August keep their cards and also qualify for the lucrative FedExCup Playoffs.
“My game has been good over the last few days. We’ve been practising together and I think we’ll have a chance to do well. For the past two years, I’ve not been playing my best golf and not playing my A-game but now I feel my game is coming back,” said Kiradech.
“I just need someone to trust in me and believe in me and the right role model is Arjun. It’ll be a pleasure to play with him and I want to thank him for spending time with me. I’ve not set a target that we need to do well or need to win as we just want to enjoy ourselves. I’m sure this week will be one of the best times in my golf career.”
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