Compaq K.J.
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.
Ends.
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.”
Thailand’s Itthipat Buranatanyarat is another of his country’s emerging young players – as demonstrated by his three wins on the Asian Development Tour (ADT). We spoke to him at the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, the All Thailand Golf Tour and ADT event he claimed in 2019, earlier this year and got up to speed on what he has been up to.
COVID-19 has made life difficult for everyone. How has it been for you Itthipat?
I have tried to take the positives out of it and spend more time with my family, which has been great. I still kept practicing and working out. I am a professional golfer so it’s my routine. During the pandemic, I had a lot more time to play golf in Thailand and meet many people.
I also did some teaching but nothing too serious. I just wanted to give something back to the community and help people enjoy golf more. Most were junior golfers between 4-15 years old. I received positive feedback and really enjoyed it.
How much have you enjoyed playing on the Asian Tour?
The Asian Tour has been great for me, even though I lost my Tour card after playing a few seasons. But, I got my card back again in 2020 and had the opportunity to play in three big tournaments: the Hong Kong Open, the SMBC Singapore Open and the Bandar Malaysian Open. It was a great experience playing with many big-name players in those events. I was very satisfied with my performance before the season was put on hold because of the pandemic.
Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
You have put in some good performance on the Asian Tour. What are the areas of your game you have to work on to improve?
After returning to the Asian Tour, I have tried my best to improve everything. Then during the pandemic, I had a lot more time to practice on my own. And having taken such a long break without any competition, I have had more time to prepare myself and get ready for the Tour restart.
You won the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship in 2019, probably the biggest win of your career. How important was the victory for you?
The Boonchu Ruangkit Championship is co-sanctioned between the All Thailand Golf Tour and the Asian Development Tour (ADT). It meant a lot to me; I felt like it unlocked and improved my game. It also helped me claim the All Thailand Golf Tour Order of Merit that year and finish in the top-five on the ADT Order of Merit – which allowed me to get my Asian Tour card and return to the Tour again.
Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
What are your memories of that week and did you have a feeling you could win?
At that time, I did not think about winning but I remember that it was one of my best performances. I played without pressure in the final round. I just tried to concentrate and focus on my game. I could go out and play, enjoy and have fun. It was the key to my success.
How old were you when you started playing, and who taught you?
I started playing golf when I was 10 years old. My first teacher was a former national golfer, Sitthichon Samransuk. My father taught me as well when I was a kid. I followed him to the driving range and one day I told him that I wanted to try a swing, so he got me a club and I hit it. It was not too hard from the beginning because I like sports and my family have always supported me.
Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Who was your golfing idol growing up?
When I was young, my idol was Tiger Woods. He is a super talented golfer and one of the most inspirational golfers. In Thailand my idol is Boonchu Ruangkit, he is a legend in Thailand and like a big brother for all Thai golfers as well.
What are your plans and objectives in the future?
I want to keep playing on the Asian Tour and I’m aiming to win an event, I think I have a chance to do that in the future. I also look forward to playing in Japan, as that is part of my plan. However, my big goal is to play on the European and PGA Tours, but I will have to do really well on the Asian Tour, that would be the first step. During the pandemic, I also started to think about setting up a small business in the future.
American John Catlin, a four-time winner on the Asian Tour, continued his remarkable rise in the game by claiming the Austrian Golf Open on Sunday – his third victory on the European Tour in just eight months.
The 30-year-old Californian prevailed after a thrilling sudden-death play-off against German Maximilian Kieffer, which lasted five holes over the par-three 18th at Diamond Country Club, near Vienna.
The German found the water, that guards the front of the green on 18, three times on the fifth play-off hole to hand victory to Catlin.
They had finished the tournament tied on 14 under, after Catlin closed with a seven-under 65 and Kieffer, chasing his first win on the European Tour, a 66.
Catlin and Kieffer congratulate each other after the play-off. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Catlin took the Asian Tour by storm in recent years – he triumphed three times in 2018 and once in 2019, plus claimed two titles on the Asian Development Tour – and is now intensifying his reputation as a clutch putter and closer in Europe.
His victory makes it three wins in his last 13 starts and moves him into the top 25 on the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex.
He will also break into the top-100 on the Official World Golf Ranking – which will be updated later today.
“I’d love to crack that top-50 in the world,” he said. “Just to get a chance to play in some Major Championships – I’ve actually never played in a Major. I’m thinking this gives me a very good chance to play in the US PGA Championship, that was kind of my goal.
“Hopefully it’s good enough and to get into those events and to have the chance to win a Major, that’s been my goal since I was a kid.
Catlin plays his tee shot on the second. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“Winning is never easy, it doesn’t matter what tour you’re playing on and to have gotten this one is definitely something special.”
They had a birdie chance each on the first two play-off holes and Kieffer holed a 30 footer on the third to pile on the pressure but Catlin also made his birdie from a third of the distance.
A stunning bunker shot helped Catlin save par on the fourth trip up the 18th before Kieffer found water once from the tee and twice from the drop zone to make the result a formality despite Catlin finding sand again.
“It’s always tough to watch that happen,” Catlin added. “We’re out here giving it our all, he’s obviously a very, very accomplished player and to come out on top is something I will always cherish.”
Kieffer said: “Standing here I feel like I’m only going to get better. Sometimes it doesn’t happen that way, you never know in golf, but I’m confident about the game and I felt good.
“Every shot on the play-off felt good too but the last shot was a bit stupid, I got a bit too aggressive.”
Germany’ s Martin Kaymer, winless since the 2014 US Open, continued his comeback by claiming third place outright. The two-time Major champion finished three shots short of the play-off.
Jeev Milkha Singh enjoyed many great victories during his illustrious career but perhaps his finest was his memorable win in the Volvo China Open in 2006. It was his first success in seven years and opened the floodgates for three more wins that season and another five in the ensuing years. We look back at the victory – achieved on this day 15 years ago – in China’s capital city, which marked the Indian star’s revival.
Jeev Milkha Singh’s incredible success and endless list of firsts achieved for his country in the game gloss over the fact that there were some serious bumps in the road for the Indian legend.
When he claimed the Lexus International in Thailand in 1999 for his ninth win in Asia, and third on the Asian Tour, all seemed in order and his continued rise to stardom on the perfect trajectory.
BEIJING – APRIL 16: Jeev Milkha Singh of India with the winners trophy after the final round of the Volvo China Open at the Beijing Honghua International Golf Club on April 16, 2006 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
However, having already been a professional for seven years, the effect of pounding golf balls, week in, week out, finally caught up with him and he was beset by injuries – in particular, a career-threatening wrist injury.
He struggled, season after season, until the turning point – an epiphany of sorts – came in the world’s most populous country in the second week of April, 2006.
In the 12th staging of the Volvo China Open he emerged from a stressful seven-year drought to claim the title and signify his return to the topflight – much to the relief of his millions of fans.
He was 34 years old at the time and carded a final round 70 at the Honghua International Golf Club, in Beijing, for a 10 under par total of 278 to lift the trophy by one shot from Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.
BEIJING – APRIL 16: Jeev Milkha Singh of India celebrates with his caddy after winning the Volvo China Open at the Beijing Honghua International Golf Club on April 16, 2006 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images)
To say it was an emotional victory is an understatement and it gave him the final proof that his years in the wilderness were over.
“This is fantastic,” he said at the time. “When I was injured, I didn’t know if I was going to come back in the sport. When I came back I wasn’t thinking the same way. I was struggling, I was putting pressure on myself and I was getting down. And after that, you don’t think right. I started working hard and the wrist became better and things started looking better for me. I’ve just won and it’s one of the best feelings.
“I just can’t explain this feeling. It’s like a dream come true. I’ve always tried hard to win and today, I just went in there with reverse psychology thinking that if it doesn’t happen, never mind. I just wanted to give it my best shot. And it worked out perfect for me. I’m really excited and happy the way it worked out.”
One shot adrift of playing partner David Lynn from England at the start of the day, things did not start promisingly for Singh when he bogeyed the opening hole. But he regrouped bravely and birdies at the third, fifth and seventh holes saw him reach the turn in 34 and one shot clear at the top of the leaderboard.
Fernandez-Castano tried his best to spoil Singh’s comeback win, especially on the 365-yard 17th.
The Spaniard hit a spectacular six-iron second shot, from sand, which finished five feet from the pin.
The resulting birdie three pulled him to within a shot of Singh, playing in the final match behind, but any real hope he had of forcing a play-off ended when he pulled his drive into the woods at the last and had to chip out one handed and backwards on his way to a bogey five, a 70, a nine under par total of 279 and second place outright.
Singh, who had not dropped a shot all day since his blemish on the opening hole, made bogey on the last, three putting from 40 feet after his second shot landed on the front edge of the putting surface.
But it was enough to secure the title and restore his confidence and faith in his game.
Earlier in the day, a bizarre incident had threatened to thwart his challenge.
On the 11th hole his wayward drive ended in the woods, where a spectator picked up the ball and ran away with it, forcing Singh to ask permission from a tournament referee to replace it.
“My ball was down there and this guy was walking with my golf ball in his hand,” said Singh. “There were so many people saying so many things to him and he got confused and scared and just let the ball go.
“I just told him to relax, and the rules official came and told the guy to tell me where the ball stopped. The person asks him, and while he was doing it someone from the gallery came out and kicked him.”
It was the same calmness in the face of adversity that saw him go on to complete his comeback win and begin the most successful chapter in his career.
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