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Bandar Malaysia comes onboard for Malaysia Open 2020


Published on February 19, 2020

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia February 19: The prestigious Malaysia Open received a massive shot in the arm with Bandar Malaysia being named as the title sponsor for one of the most highly regarded events in the region, officials announced today.

The Bandar Malaysia Open is making its return to the Asian Tour Schedule after a four-year absence and will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

The flagship event for the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) offers a lucrative prize purse of US$1 million and will tee off at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club from March 5-8.

MGA President, Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said:“We are delighted to welcome Bandar Malaysia as the title sponsor of our prestigious National Open. This much-storied championship is the pride of Malaysia’s golfing community and we are happy that Bandar Malaysia shares our passion in growing the profile of the game of golf in this country. With Bandar Malaysia onboard, it certainly adds prominence to this world-class professional event and we look forward to an exciting week ahead.”

Bandar Malaysia takes on the sponsorship of one of Asia’s most prestigious and historic golf tournaments which was inaugurated in 1962 and has crowned many notable champions including former world number ones Vijay Singh (1992 and 2001) and Lee Westwood (1997 and 2014), who have both won the tournament twice.

Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo, the Executive Vice Chairman of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Berhad said: “The Bandar Malaysia Open will give opportunity to Malaysian players, both professionals and amateurs to compete against the best players from the Asian and Japan tours. This professional event will certainly put Malaysia in the regional golfing map and it is an honour or us to play our part in making the Bandar Malaysia Open a huge success.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour said: “We are very pleased to see that Bandar Malaysia has come onboard as title sponsor. We welcome this partnership and together we look forward to working together to make the Bandar Malaysia Open 2020 a very special occasion and add another chapter to the tournament’s esteemed history.”

The Bandar Malaysia Open 2020 also received unprecedented backing with Tree Technologies and Tourism Malaysia as co-sponsors and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club as host venue. Other sponsors are Mazda (Official Car), Sunway Clio Hotel (Official Hotel), 100PLUS (Official Drinks), Callaway (Official Equipment), Titoni (Official Timekeeper), CrestLink (Official Apparel), Kenwood (Official Communications) and Luen Heng (Official Spirits). Meanwhile, Malay Mail and The Edge are media partners while Golf Malaysia is Official Magazine. The championship is also supported by TM Unifi, Red Crescent and Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam.

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February 19:  Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand plans to use his World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship debut this week as a springboard to achieve his ambition in becoming an elite golfer.

Following a successful 2019 highlighted by four victories in Asia and breaking into the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking, the 24-year-old Thai is keeping his feet on the ground as he charts his rise under the guidance of renowned swing coach Pete Cowen.

The baby-faced Thai believes he has plenty to do when it comes to competing against the world’s best golfers, which he discovered the hard way during the PGA TOUR’s Asian swing last October.

“I’m very excited to play in these big tournaments. I’ve always watched them on TV and playing against these players, I just love it. You’re playing the best in the world and you put yourself in there. I just want to see how much different I am to the best and knowing how much more I need to improve,” said Jazz, who is presently ranked 39th in the world.

After finishing at the opposite end of the leaderboards at THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES in Korea and ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan, Jazz was reminded of the playing gap between him and the PGA TOUR’s best. He then sought the advice from Cowen who gave him a rap on the knuckles.

“These guys are so good. The course set up is hard but they handled it. I was almost last at THE CJ CUP and I talked to Pete. He’s very direct … and in not the exact words, he said I needed to get my head out of my backside. He said you’re here to compete and don’t look at this and that, and work on your game. You’ve come here to play … don’t get star-struck,” recalled Jazz of his conversation with his swing coach.

“I also told him the guys were hitting certain kind of shots and he said I wasn’t ready to hit those shots as my technique is not there yet. So he gave me some more techniques to work on and I’ve worked hard at it ever since.”

From a tied-65th finish in Korea, Jazz improved to tied-57th in Japan before going on to post a commendable tied-14th at the WGC-HSBC Champions in China which was his first WGC appearance. Upon his return to the Asian Tour, the Thai ran away with the last two tournaments of the season by five-shot margins following matching 23-under-par winning totals. He closed both tournaments with weekend rounds of 62-65 and 60-65.

“Pete has been the main reason for my success. He has given me a lot of direction, tells me what I need to do and what I need to work on. There’s a direction now and we’re committed to working on it. There is a plan to improve,” said Jazz.

“I know I’m not there yet. People say ‘Jazz you’re so good now, you’re number one on the Asian Tour’ but to compete week in week out with the best in the world, I know I need to step up in every part of my game. I’m learning to be mentally strong but I’m not there yet.

“When I play with the guys on a different Tour, it’s a different level. I think it’s the fear of not knowing, which I have. Not knowing what’s going to happen, not knowing what I’m going to shoot today or even what the first shot will be like. Some guys don’t have that. If you don’t have that fear, everything will be easier. You just hit it here, another shot there and make the putt. If you don’t make that putt, you’ll make par.

“It’s something I’m working on. I’m not close to being there yet and when I see the major winners and the top players, they don’t worry when they step onto the tee. There’s no fear in them.”

Jazz has started 2020 with solid top-five finishes at the Hong Kong Open and SMBC Singapore Open where he finished behind winner Matt Kuchar and Justin Rose.

His appearance at the US$10.5 million WGC-Mexico Championship, which starts at Club de Golf Chapultepec on Thursday, will be the first of several PGA TOUR starts in the next few weeks. He will also tee up in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, THE PLAYERS Championship and WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

With other opportunities lined up including the majors, he hopes to take the same route as close friend Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who earned his PGA TOUR card through the non-member category in 2018. “I have a chance to be there this year. I have some points on the FedExCup (list) now. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it’s not meant to be yet. My time will come.”

While he is keen to take his career up a notch, Jazz knows he must remain patient – something he hopes his experience in a Buddhist monastery will help him. “In the monastery, you take a step back from life, from golf, from everything and you put things in a wider perspective,” said Jazz.

“You see a bigger picture. Sometimes when you play in a golf tournament, when there’s no way out, you need to see a different angle and that’s taught me a lot. Being in the monastery prepared me for some things in my life,” he said.

Other Asian Tour members who will tee up at the WGC-Mexico Championship include Australia’s Scott Hend, a 10-time Asian Tour winner, Australia’s Zach Murray and the South African duo of Justin Harding and Shaun Norris.

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Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19: Read what players have to say following the opening round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Wednesday.

Neil Schietekat (RSA) – First round 64 (-7), A&B course

I played pretty good. The wind kept us cool and the wedges were on and I made a couple of putts. It was a pretty solid day. The greens are tough. You just got to be patient all week and you just got to hit your wedges good. This is my second time here at the Asian Tour Qualifying School and it’s been a few years since I first came here.

I have played a little bit on the Asian Tour last season on a couple invites. It was nice and I kind of got used to the grass so it’s not that unfamiliar to me. I enjoyed the two events that I played in Indonesia and India. Everyone’s very friendly and accommodating. Hopefully we can pull it through the weekend.

Justin Harding did really well on the Asian Tour in 2018. He used to play with us back home on the Sunshine Tour and he just couldn’t break through and then you know he had his big breakthrough here. It’s good to see him playing well. He’s a nice guy and he’s a good player. There are so many good players coming from South Africa.

I’m from South Africa so it’s just about getting used to the weather here. It’s just pretty much getting to know the greens for me. The key differences are the greens for me, we get a lot of grain back home. We had a tournament back home last week and I flew here on Sunday night. Took me two flights via Dubai and I only got here on Monday evening.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Neil Schietekat of South Africa pictured on Wednesday February 19, 2020, during round one of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Toshiumi Kushioka (JPN) – First round 64 (-7), A&B course

I putted pretty well the whole day. It was tough out there with the wind but I tried my best today and I am happy with my score, given that it’s my first time out there playing the Asian Tour Qualifying School. But having said that, the A&B course that I played today is easier. I would have to pay more attention when I play the C&D course tomorrow.

I didn’t manage to get through the Japan Tour Qualifying School last year so I thought I should give myself a chance to get my card on the Asian Tour. That’s why I am here this week.

Benjamin Follet-smith (ZIM) – First round 65 (-6), A&B course

I played well. I have been struggling quite a bit so it’s nice to finally see some results. Today was a good test and I did well. It is always nice to put yourself in position. I played consistently for a bogey-free round. Patience was key.

I got my first birdie of the day on the 12th and that kind of kept me going. I was just happy to be seeing positives. I wasn’t really trying to do anything or pushing myself. I just kind of stuck with it and focusing on the game.

Just eliminating everything else, you know, small things that I used to worry about, whether it’s using the right marker for the day or, you know, changing balls, etc.

I hit a couple of straight down the middle drives and then I was able to hit the wedges close. It’s my second time at the Qualifying School. I missed out last year.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Karan Pratap Singh of India pictured on Wednesday February 19, 2020, during round one of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Karan Pratap Singh (IND) – First round 65 (-6), A&B course

I had a good round, didn’t make any bogeys. I hit the ball really good and I was able to convert most of my birdie opportunities. I have been working really hard before coming here so it feels great to get off to a good start.

I’m into my second year as a professional and I think the experiences that I gained from my rookie season playing on my local Tour has helped me a lot. It gives me a lot of confidence coming into this week.

I feel the competitiveness on the Asian Tour is very good. That’s the reason why I want to play here. There are a lot of good players here and it would be a good platform for me to hone my skills. My favourite player on the Asian Tour is Shubhankar Sharma. He won the Order of Merit in 2018 and he’s one of the players whom I look up to on Tour.

Natipong Srithong (THA) – First round 66 (-5), C&D course

I got off to a good start from the 10th and I was just riding on the momentum out there. I just went for a Lasik eye surgery last month and it helped because I can see things clearly on the course now. My eyesight seems better than before, so it was good. I was able to read the lines better than before too.

This is my second tournament after the surgery. I feel really comfortable now. My short game was good today. I putted well. Overall, I had a good and consistent round with only one bogey on seventh. Coming back to Qualifying School this week, I told myself to just play my own game and not think too much.

I just want to focus hole by hole and shot by shot. Feels good to play the tougher course C&D in four-under. It gives me a lot of confidence heading into the next round.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Natipong Srithong of Thailand pictured on Wednesday February 19, 2020, during round one of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Miguel Delgado (USA) – First round 66 (-5), A&B course

It was a little bit windy but I hit the ball really well. Made some long putts but if I can make a couple more shorter ones tomorrow, I could go even lower. Overall, I had a good day out there. I know the grass here, having played in the first stage here last week.

I only played one day this week and had the rest of the days off before starting again today. I managed to get some good rest and that helped. This is my second attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School. I came out here last year as an amateur but missed the final stage by one which was tough.

I am glad I came back again got off to a good start this week. I have always wanted to play on the Asian Tour. I have been following the Tour from afar and through it was a great Tour and I came here to try. You need to hit a lot of good wedge shots out there to give yourself good scoring opportunities.

Hennie Otto (RSA) – First round 67 (-4), C&D course

It was quite tough when the wind came up today. But I really played well, to be honest. On the front nine, I hit them close and made the putts. And then on my back nine, I was hitting the ball really well too so that also helps on the greens.

The greens are very tricky so you need to place them on the right places. I think I hit all the fairways, so it makes a big difference. I have played in Thailand before but it is my first time playing in the Asian Tour Qualifying School.

I was injured for two years. I didn’t play any golf in 2016 and 2017. I lost my European Tour card because of the injury as well. But the last two years in South Africa, I recovered from my injury and I played well so I thought I want to give it a go in Asia, just to see if I can do something different in a different scenery.

I have enjoyed playing the European Tour events in Asia before so I was looking forward to this week. It’s going to be a long week but we will see what happens.

I enjoy the food in Asia. It’s always warm and hot here but you know you can enjoy the golf. Golf in Asia has grown a lot over the years. It’s all the young players now and standards are getting higher. All the young players are working harder which made a big difference.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Joshua Shou of Singpore pictured on Wednesday February 19, 2020, during round one of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Joshua Shou (SGP) – First round 67 (-4), C&D course

I hit a lot of good iron shots today. Definitely helps when you hit it close for a couple of tap-ins out there. The course was playing a bit tough with the wind and the dry conditions, so I am very happy with my four-under today.

Getting off to a good start on the tougher course C&D definitely gave me a boost in confidence but the A&B course is no pushover as well. You still got to hit a lot of good shots and put yourself in good positions to score. Still got a long way to go but happy with the start.

I made a good birdie to the last hole 18th. I hit a good drive into the wind and had about 200 metres into the wind as well. Hit a good shot with my hybrid there to about one foot and made the putt. I got off to a dream start with four birdies in six holes as well. I was just able to hit it close and make some putts.

This is my third attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School. It helped that I played on the same course last year. I knew what kind of shots I needed to hit so I have been practicing a lot back home. Hopefully it will continue to help me this week.


Published on February 18, 2020

The Asian Tour is at the coastal town of Hua Hin, Thailand for the Final Stage of the Qualifying School this week. It has been a grueling test as what started out with 301 players attempting to earn their Tour card from the first stage, only the top-35 and ties will eventually earn their playing rights for the 2020 Asian Tour season.

Earning their Tour cards and unlocking the doors to numerous opportunities that follow are ultimately the primary goal for all aspiring Qualifying School entrants. Here, we look at some notable players who may potentially graduate with top honours at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Rikuya Hoshino (Jpn)

The highest ranked player on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) in the field this week at number 116, the Japanese had a solid week at last month’s SBMC Singapore Open where he finished tied-11th.

Hoshino also finished 11th on the Japan Golf Tour Money Rankings in 2019, posting a win at the Dunlop SRIXON Fukushima Open and had seven other top-10s.

He also won a tournament on home soil in 2018- the Fujisankei Classic, which helped him to a career highof seventh place onthe Money Ranking that season.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Gunn Charoenkul (Tha)

Having already made US$77,150 on the Asian Tour in the first two events of the 2020 season, the Hong Kong Open where he finished third and the SMBC Singapore Open where he tied for 11th, Gunn has been in great form for more than a year.

After finishing runner-up at the 2019 Asian Tour Q-School, the Thai started the season with a tied-seventh finish at the SMBC Singapore Open. He went on to play most of his golf on the Japan Golf Tour, where he posted 10 top-10s and finished 21st in the Money Rankings.

Gunn came back to the Asian Tour in December and finished the year with a solo-second at the BNI Indonesian Open and a fifth-place finish at the season ending Thailand Masters.

Although he made almost US$130,000 in the three Asian Tour events that he played last year, easily enough to keep his card, he did not play enough events to count on the Order of Merit.

Currently ranked number 134 on the OWGR, Gunn, who recently welcomed the arrival of his baby girl,  is the second-highest ranked player in the field.

Rikard Karlberg (Swe)

The Swede first joined the Asian Tour in 2010 when he managed to win twice on the notoriously tricky Delhi Golf Club in the same season, taking home the trophies at the SAIL Open in what was  only his second event as a member then before following up with another victory at the  Hero Indian Open later in the year.

After shifting his focus to the European Tour in 2015, Karlberg found success right away by winning the Italian Open in a play-off against Germany’s Martin Kaymer that same year. He had his best season in Europe in 2016 when he was runner-up in the BMW PGA Championship and finished a career high 34th place in the Race to Dubai.

The Swede was out of action in  the entire 2018 season due to health reasons but made a comeback in 2019 with four top-10s on the European and Challenge Tours.

Hennie Otto (Rsa)

The South African has won three European Tour events in his career spanning over 20 years- the 2008 and 2014 Italian Opens and the 2011 South African Open.

Otto’s best season on the European Tour was in 2008 when he finished 34th in the Race to Dubai.

He has also posted six victories on the Sunshine Tour, the latest of them coming at the Sibaya Challenge last year.

Seukhyun Baek (Kor)

The 29-year-old Baek first qualified for the Asian Tour at Q-School in 2010, and from that year to 2016, he would post 16 top-10s with two runners-up as best results. His best year on tour was in 2013 when he finished ninth on the Order of Merit with earnings of over US$344,000.

After two years in the Korean military service 2017-2018, Baek came back to playing full time again in late 2019 and has already posted a fourth-place finish at the recent Singha E-San Open on the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT).


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Hua Hin, Thailand, February 18: Thai rising star Gunn Charoenkul will take another shot at securing his Asian Tour card when the final stage of the Qualifying School gets underway at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Hua Hin on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Gunn, who welcomed his first child just a week ago, shot a stunning 61 to finish second last year but did not manage to retain his playing rights for the 2020 season as he had failed to play the minimum number of events required to remain on the 2019 Order of Merit.

Gunn returns to the same venue for the challenging 90-hole examination where he is expected to lead a cosmopolitan field which consists of 244 players from 30 countries.

Placed third on the Order of Merit, Gunn will also spearhead a dominant Thai challenge, which boasts the strongest representation of players alongside Korea with 40 players, at the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School this week.

Other aspirants include budding golfers from Laos and Norway which could potentially see the Asian Tour expands its membership footprint should they successfully finish inside top-35 and ties where they will earn their cards for the 2020 season.

Japanese hotshot Rikuya Hoshino, who sits in 116th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is the top-ranked player in the field. He is attempting to secure his Asian Tour card in his first appearance at the Qualifying School this week.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Young Indian Kartik Sharma is also looking to start his professional career on the right note with a good result this week. The left-handed 20-year-old made a switch from tennis to golf some nine years ago and has enjoyed an illustrious amateur career which included a victory at the 2019 New South Wales Amateur Golf Championship.

Meanwhile Sajawat Sriprasit of Thailand will have the privilege of having his mentor Chawalit Plaphol, a four-time Asian Tour winner, on his bag as he chases one of the prized Tour cards on offer this week. The 23-year-old had progressed from the First Stage of the Qualifying School last week.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

The 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School, which comprises of two stages – First Stage and Final stage, attracted a total of 458 entries from 37 countries across the globe.

Successful graduates of the Qualifying School include Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee (1999) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (2009), Australian Scott Hend (2007), Korea’s Yikeun Chang (2016), as well as the American duo Kurt Kitayama (2018) and John Catlin (2018). PGA TOUR champions Kevin Na (2002) and Daniel Chopra (2015) are also part of the illustrious Asian Tour Qualifying School alumni.

All 244 players will play the first two rounds. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the leading 140 players and ties who will then play 2 further rounds. After 72 holes, the field will be cut again to the leading 70 players and ties, who will then play the fifth and final round. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the leading 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2020 season.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.


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Hua Hin, Thailand, February 18: Read what Asian Tour hopefuls have to say ahead of the testing 90-hole battle at the Qualifying School Final Stage which starts on Wednesday.

Gunn Charoenkul (Tha)

It’s been a busy week. It’s like suddenly, I’m a dad. I wasn’t really ready to be one yet and it’s probably the first time I felt like I had to do something for someone apart from myself. But overall, it has beena good experience. A lot of friends came over to visit and my mum too.

The last few days were a bit intense though. My wife Koyy and I kind of freaked out because our daughter Vera hasn’t been sleeping well. She wakes up from midnight till about 5am in the morning and we could only try to get some sleep from about 9pm to midnight. We have been very tired, but our daughter is really cute so it’s all worth it (laughs).

Lake View is one of my home courses in Thailand. I have played a lot here since I was 19 so I’m confident of playing well on this course. I had a good final round to finish second last year too so I expect myself to play good again.

I played well on the Asian Tour last year but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to play the minimum events required to stay on the Order of Merit and keep my card. I was focusing more on the events in Japan then. I think it will be the same again this year. I will try and play on the Asian Tour whenever my schedule allows.

This is my fourth attempt at the Qualifying School. I used to get really nervous playing in Q-schools and I was still contemplating if I should come out and try again last year. My wife told me to just give it another shot and I managed to earn my card in the end. I have been playing a lot of Qualifying Schools over the last four to five years so I think those experiences have helped.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Rikuya Hoshino (Jpn)

I want to gain more playing experiences outside of Japan. That’s why I am here. I want to get playing status on the Asian Tour and try to win on the Asian Tour. This is my first time in Thailand and also my first time playing in the Asian Tour Qualifying School.

The course looks pretty nice. The greens and fairways are kind of tight for me so I have work on my golf management this week. I’ve played quite a few events on the Asian Tour that were co-sanctioned with the Japan Golf Tour before.

I feel the playing standards on the Asian Tour are really high and I really wish to hone my skills here and gain more experiences playing in Asia.

Kartik Sharma (Ind)

I came here two days ago and I’ve been practicing here, trying to get to know the courses. It’s been good so far. I just turned professional and I’ve already played one event as a professional back home. This is my first time playing in the Asian Tour Qualifying School so I’m very excited.

I would like to stick to my processes this week and just try to play my best golf out here. I have always wanted to play on the Asian Tour. I’ve seen great Indian players like Jeev Milkha Singh and Shubhankar Sharma doing so well out here and it was very inspiring to see how much they have progressed in their career from here. I would like to be like them too.

I am from Delhi and I used to play tennis when I was about 10 years old. I made a switch to golf at about 11 to 12 years old. I realised I  liked it and from then on, I saw myself competing in a lot of golf events. My father is on my bag this week. He has caddied for me for a few times now.

HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19-23, 2020. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Sajawat Sriprasit (Tha)

I turned professional in 2017 and this is my third time trying to get my Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School. This year is special because I am lucky enough to have my coach and mentor Chawalit Plaphol on my bag.

I have been training under him for about five months now. It will definitely boost my confidence with him on my bag this week. He gives me a lot of good advices on the course too.

He’s very experienced and he has won four titles on the Asian Tour so it is really a huge boost for me. He has been caddying for me since last week where I played in the first stage of the Qualifying School.

I am very happy to give myself a chance to try and get my card in the final stage this week. This course can get tough when the wind is up. I have learned from my past experiences of playing in the Qualifying School so I feel pretty good about the week ahead.

My game feels good and my body too so I hope to play better than I did last year. I like playing on the Asian Tour. A lot of my favourite players started out from here and I want to be like them. Jazz Janewattananond’s achievements last year were inspiring too.


Published on February 17, 2020

This week’s event: 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage

Starts: From January 19, Wednesday till January 23, Sunday

Venue: Lake View Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand

Par/Yards: Course A&B – Par 71, 6,897 yards, Course C&D – Par 71, 7,218 yards

Field size: 244 (Section A Qualifiers: 15 + Section B Qualifiers: 72+ Final Stage exempt: 157)

Format: 90-hole stroke play (5 rounds)

2019 winner: Austen Truslow (USA)

Hashtags: #ATQSchool #whereitsAT

 

ABOUT THE FIELD

Nationalities: 30

Countries represented: Australia (14), Canada (2), China (1), Chinese Taipei (7), England (6), France (2), Fiji (1), Finland (1), Hong Kong (2), Indonesia (2), India (18), Ireland (2), Japan (24), Korea (40), Laos (1), Malaysia (10), Myanmar (3), New Zealand (2), Norway (2), Pakistan (1), Philippines (6), South Africa (8), Singapore (6), Spain (1), Sweden (7), Thailand (40), United States (32), Venezuela (1), Vietnam (1), Zimbabwe (1).

Notable players: Rikuya Hoshino (Jpn), Hennie Otto (Rsa), Gunn Charoenkul (Tha), Seukhyun Baek (Kor), Rikard Karlberg (Swe), Malcolm Kokocinski (Swe), Khalin Joshi (Ind), Natipong Srithong (Tha).

Former AT champions: 11

Highest-ranked player on OWGR: Rikuya Hoshino (Jpn), 116th

No. of amateurs: 3

Youngest & Oldest players in field: Chen Ting-yu (a) (Tpe), 18 years old, Zaw Moe (Mya), 52 years old

 

DID YOU KNOW?

  •  The 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School offers some of the world’s most promising players, both professional and amateur, the opportunity to earn their playing rights on the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour in the 2020 season.
  • The 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School, which comprises of two stages – First Stage and Final stage, attracted a total of 458 entries from 37 countries across the globe.
  • Successful graduates of the Qualifying School include Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee (1999) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (2009), Australian Scott Hend (2007), Korea’s Yikeun Chang (2016), as well as the American duo Kurt Kitayama (2018) and John Catlin (2018). PGA TOUR champions Kevin Na (2002) and Daniel Chopra (2015) are also part of the illustrious Asian Tour Qualifying School alumni.
  • The First Stage of the 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School is made up of Section A and Section B. Section A, which was held earlier at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club from January 8 to 11, saw a total of 15 players progressed to this week’s Final Stage. Section B took place on the same venue last week with 72 players making it through to the Final Stage from courses A&B (35) and C&D (37).
  • Players who passed the test in the First Stage will join 157 other players, who are already exempt, in the Final Stage, which is scheduled to be played over 90 holes this week. All 244 players will play the first two rounds. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the leading 140 players and ties who will then play 2 further rounds. After 72 holes, the field will be cut again to the leading 70 players and ties, who will then play the fifth and final round. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the leading 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2020 season.
  • Players who compete in the 2020 Qualifying School will also be eligible to play on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), which was launched in 2010 as a gateway to the premier Asian Tour.

Published on

Kanchanaburi, Thailand, February 17: The Asian Tour will make its maiden visit to Kanchanaburi for the inaugural Royal’s Cup 2020 to be staged at the Grand Prix Golf Club from March 12-15.

While Kanchanaburi is steeped in World War II history, the Royal’s Cup 2020, which offers a total prize purse of US$400,000, is ready to chart its first chapter at the western province of Thailand, located approximately three hours’ drive by car from Bangkok.

Situated near the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi and approximately 30 minutes away from Kanchanaburi town, the Grand Prix Golf Club will host the Royal’s Cup 2020 which will be one of the first outings for many players who will graduate from the Tour’s Qualifying School, also held in Thailand over the next two weeks.

As a full-field Asian Tour event, a host of promising players from Thailand and across Asia are expected to battle for top honours at the Grand Prix Golf Club, a world-class championship golf course which offers panoramic views of Burmese mountain ranges in the distance.

The Royal’s Cup 2020 is promoted by Grand Prix International, the company behind the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) which has been a major event on Thailand’s automotive scene for over 40 years.

Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Grand Prix International Public Ltd Company said: “The Grand Prix International Public Company Limited is a company that organises the Bangkok International Motor Show; an event with an international standard guaranteed by OICA.

“The golf tournament that we will be held to honor His Majesty King Rama X and to celebrate the 50 years of the Grand Prix in business. It is also to promote professional Thai golf sport to be recognized internationally. We would like to provide it at an international standard. Therefore, we have chosen to work with the Asian Tour, a reputable organization that is the official regional sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia.”

Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO, Cho Minn Thant said: “The Asian Tour is delighted to align with powerhouse organiser Grand Prix International for their inaugural professional golf event.

“We are honoured that Dr. Prachin has chosen the Asian Tour as the platform to showcase another side of the company whose main business is already a household name in the automotive industry.

“We are excited to visit Kanchanaburi for the first time in the Asian Tour’s history and looking forward to experiencing the hospitality of the highly rated Grand Prix Golf Club.

“Our members will have another opportunity to compete and earn their passage to the upper echelons of the professional game in a country that has produced many worthy champions. We are confident that the event will allow the local galleries to catch their heroes in action at the Grand Prix Golf Club.”

Ends.


Published on February 15, 2020

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia February 15: The Malaysian Open, a flagship event of the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) which is making its return to the Asian Tour schedule after a four-year absence, will continue to proceed as scheduled.

Sanctioned by the Asian Tour in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation. (JGTO), the US$1 million event is set to get underway at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club from March 5-8.

Addressing the concerns over the current Covid-19 situation, MGA President, Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said: “The health and safety of players and audience is and remains the number one priority of the MGA. With strict measures in place, as guided by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, we will provide initial medical care in the event of illness and help prevent disease transmission.

“With this assurance given we hope that all players and audiences not to worry and be ready for the upcoming Malaysian Open 2020.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour said: “We are very much aligned with the decision made by MGA and with the stringent measures put in place during the week. We are adopting similar operational procedures at all our upcoming events to improve the safety towards all stakeholders and participants. We are confident the Malaysian Open will restore its pride as one of the most popular events on the Asian Tour schedule.”

Ends.


Published on February 14, 2020

Sentosa, Singapore, February 14: The Maybank Championship, due to take place at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from April 16-19, 2020  has been postponed due to the outbreak of Corona-virus (Covid-19).

The Asian Tour and European Tour accepted a request from title sponsor and promoter Maybank to postpone the Maybank Championship.

Discussions are ongoing with all parties looking into the possibility of rescheduling the tournament later this season.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour said: “We respect the decision made by the various key stakeholders of the Maybank Championship. We understand their concerns over the evolving Covid-19 situation which is a major international health issue and we look forward to the return of the Maybank Championship when the situation normalises.”

Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, Group President & CEO of Maybank, said: “The decision to postpone the Maybank Championship was made after intense deliberation and careful consideration in the interest of all the players, visitors, working teams and partners.

“The postponement of the Maybank Championship was not an easy decision to make, however, the safety of all stakeholders takes precedence, and we want to ensure that any risk of possible exposure to Covid-19 is mitigated. We will monitor the situation and work closely with the European and Asian Tours, as well as our other partners, as we plan for our return in the future.”

Ends.

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