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Tour stars to take their game to the next level at the WGC-HSBC Champions


Published on October 25, 2019

Shanghai, October 25: Several of the best players from the Asian Tour will be bracing for their next challenge when they take on the world’s biggest stars at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions next week.

As the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond will spearhead the Tour’s challenge against a star-studded field where world number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland will headline the event along with a host of Major winners at the Sheshan International Golf Club.

Jazz has come a long way since losing his Asian Tour card in 2016.

After making his Asian Tour breakthrough in Bangladesh in 2017, the Thai has seen his fortune soared with another win on home soil last year followed by another two victories at the National Opens of Singapore and Korea this year.

“It’s been a really good year with the two wins on the Asian Tour and other top finishes both in Asia and Japan and I feel my game has continued to develop in the right direction.

“It’ll then be a nice way to finish the Asian Swing with my first ever appearance in the World Golf Championships at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. We’ll have the top golfers gathering from all the international tours and I’m looking forward to it,” said Jazz.

Along with Jazz, other Asian Tour members who will be making their debuts at the WGC-HSBC Champions include Australia’s Daniel Nisbet, Korea’s Taehee Lee, the Japanese trio of Mikumu Horikawa, Yosuke Asaji and Masahiro Kawamura, American Kurt Kitayama, Australia’s Jake Mcleod and Jbe Kruger of South Africa.

Liang Wenchong, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, is among the seven Chinese players who will be carrying the hopes of the host country and is no stranger to the playing at the WGC-HSBC Champions where his best result was tied-15th in 2013.

South Africa’s Justin Harding is also hoping to make another impression on the world stage after his exploits at the Masters tournament in April where he surprised the field by finishing in a commendable tied-12 position in April.

Australia’s Scott Hend is among the 12 Asian Tour members who will step up to the tee and will be looking better his best result which was a tied-19th finish at the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2015.

“I’m looking forward to playing in another WGC event in Shanghai at the end of the month. Sheshan is a great golf course and I look forward to playing well there,” said Hend, a 10-time Asian Tour winner.

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Published on October 22, 2019

Jakarta, October 22: The highly rated BNI Indonesian Masters will be played once again at its traditional home, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, when it returns for its ninth edition on the Asian Tour from December 12 to 15, 2019.

The popular Asian Tour event will continue to be part of the Panasonic Swing and the winner of the BNI Indonesian Masters will again receive a coveted spot in the World Golf Championships – FedEx St. Jude Invitational in 2020.

By being the flagship event of the Asian Tour, the BNI Indonesian Masters will award the winner with no less than 20 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, ensuring more players benefit from the points breakdown in what will be the penultimate event of the 2019 season.

The OWGR points will become more significant as it will be used to determine players’ qualification for the prestigious 60-man event at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan next July. It will also be key for players vying to qualify for the Major tournaments next year.

The Indonesian Masters has played a key role in developing the game of golf in Indonesia and across the region since its inception in 2011. This is evident when Indonesia welcomed its first ever Asian Tour winner in Rory Hie, who won in India last month.

Last year, Thailand’s Poom Saksansin fended off the challenges from his more illustrious rivals to win the 2018 Indonesian Masters by three shots for his third Asian Tour victory.

It was a class act by Poom as he showed that he would not be cowed into submission against an elite field which included marquee players Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, who were ranked number one and 27th respectively on the OWGR then.

Poom, who had cruised to a comfortable five-shot victory for his first Asian Tour win in 2016, is the second player following Lee Westwood to win the event more than once. Lee had won the event for a record three times in 2011, 2012 and 2015.

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger triumphed in 2013 while Anirban Lahiri of India emerged victorious in 2014. Rose claimed his third win in seven weeks at the 2017 Indonesian Masters after he recorded a commanding eight-shot victory with an impressive four-day total of 29-under-par 259.

“On behalf of our members, I would like to welcome the return of the BNI Indonesian Masters onto the 2019 schedule. The tournament has grown into one of the premier events in the region over the years and I believe it will be another exciting week of golf when the tournament gets underway in December,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour.

The Indonesian Masters, which has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2011, will be backed by PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI), an Indonesian state-owned bank, for the third time this December.

Anggoro Eko Cahyo, Consumer Business Director of Bank Negara Indonesia, said, “We are thrilled to be back as title sponsor of the Indonesian Masters. This year, 144 professional and amateur golfers will compete to show their best skills. Through BNI support, we sincerely hope to be able to help in the development of golf, and be able to capture young talented golfers from Indonesia who can show their exceptional talents internationally.”

Anggoro Eko Cahyo, Consumer Business Director of Bank Negara Indonesia, said
for this year this is our fourth time to be involved with Indonesian Masters. We feel that Indonesian Master is a tournament that is able to show that Indonesia is a country that has the potential to be invested through BNI. Other than that we are hoping to support the development sports of golf, and to also attract the young golfer who can represent Indonesia and speak to International audience.”

The Indonesian Masters will form the third leg of the 2019/20 Panasonic Swing, a ranking based on an aggregate points race that spans five events with Asian Tour players chasing a share of a lucrative bonus pool.

Aside from BNI, this prestigious international event is also supported by BRI Bank. Prilly Savitri, EVP Marketing Communication of Bank Rakyat Indonesia expressed his support for the 2019 Indonesian Masters event. “This international level tournament provide valuable experience because this event is attended by golfers from all over the world. In addition to developing golf in the country, this international tournament is also good to introduce Indonesia to foreign countries,” said Prilly.

While Hilmi Panigoro as the President Director of MedcoEnergi revealed, “We strongly support the holding of the 2019 Indonesian Masters. For us this event is a premier event in the country and we hope that our participation can continue to improve golf achievements in Indonesia.”

Fans across the region can also catch all the action live on television as all four days of the Indonesian Masters will be broadcast on the Asian Tour’s television platform. The Indonesian Masters, which was inaugurated in 2011, will be the penultimate event of the 2019 season. “I hope that this tournament will be held successfully at Royale Jakarta Golf Club,” said Cho Minn Thant.

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Shanghai, October 11: Reigning Open champion Shane Lowry, 2018 Master Champion Patrick Reed, 2017 Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia and multiple major winners Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson have confirmed their entry into ‘Asia’s Major’ taking place in Shanghai at the end of this month to compete for the coveted WGC-HSBC Champions title.

With Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose already committed, reigning Champion Xander Schauffele will have his work cut out come October 31 to November 3, 2019 at Sheshan International Golf Club, where the field will be awash with Major Champions trying to claim Asia’s most prestigious golf trophy.

Other major winners adding yet more international star-power to the field include 2016 Masters Champion, Danny Willett, fresh from his win at the 2019 BMW PGA Championship, 2017 Open Champion, Henrik Stenson and 2010 Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen ensuring that the WGC-HSBC Champions will be the ‘must attend’ event of the season as the world’s best golfers compete for an increased prize fund of US$10.25 million.

Irish star, Shane Lowry won his first major at Royal Portrush earlier this summer, ensuring a fairy-tale ending to what was The Open’s first visit to Ireland since 1951. With his sights now set firmly on qualifying for the 2020 Ryder Cup, Lowry is eying the WGC-HSBC Champions as an important landmark to set him on his way.

The popular Irishman said. “I am looking forward to turning up in Shanghai as a major Champion to compete for the final World Golf Championships title of the year. It has been a very special time since winning The Open and I have honestly enjoyed every minute of it.

However, with the European Ryder Cup Qualifying process kicking off earlier this month, I am now looking to finish the season on a high and the WGC-HSBC Champions is where I have all my focus. Even although it is early days in the qualifying process, getting myself up the Ryder Cup standings will certainly help me relax over the off season and enjoy Christmas all the more.”

SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 27: Patrick Reed of the United States plays his shot from the first tee as Phil Mickelson of the United States looks on during the second round of the WGC – HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club on October 27, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

American Phil Mickelson is hugely popular amongst the Chinese fans, having first played at the Sheshan International Golf Club in 2007 when he went on to win the title on his debut.

He explained: “I can’t wait to return to Shanghai. My family and I have such great memories of our visits there and I love playing golf in front of my Chinese fans, who bring such a fresh excitement and energy to the course that you can’t help but enjoy every minute. I am feeling in the best shape of my life, having been working out really hard, so I feel full of energy and ready to end the season with the best possible result.”   

Jonathan Castleman, HSBC’s Global Head of Brand Partnerships, said: “We are delighted that this thrilling line up of Major Winners will be joining the stellar cast we have lined up in Shanghai later this month.  Shane Lowry is reigning Champion of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and The Open, of which we are a Patron.  We look forward with anticipation to see if he can make it a hat trick of trophies for 2019.  Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson are all our previous Champions at Sheshan so it is great to welcome them back to Shanghai for Asia’s Major.

WGC-HSBC Champions has gained an unrivalled reputation by assembling elite fields and delivering incredible experiences for all, there is simply nothing like it in Asian golf. This tournament has been a catalyst for so many exciting developments for golf in China at all levels and we look forward to that journey continuing.”

Fans can take advantage of a special ticket promotion this month offering selected tickets at discounts of up to 25% off ending October 27.  Juniors aged 18 years and under can enter for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult with additional discounts also available for students and families.

For more details on the WGC-HSBC Champions and all ticket information, please visit https://www.hsbcgolf.com/mens or follow the official WeChat Mini Program: HSBCChampions


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Hong Kong, October 22: Major Champions Francesco Molinari and Patrick Reed will tee it up at the Hong Kong Open from November 28 – December 1, 2019.

World Number 11 Molinari returns to Hong Kong Golf Club for the first time in 10 years following a remarkable run of success on the European Tour in 2018, in which he secured a first Rolex Series title at the BMW PGA Championship, a maiden Major victory at The 147th Open Championship and played a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup win in France – claiming five points from five matches.

The 36-year-old then rounded off a memorable year by becoming the first Italian to win the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex, holding off Masters Champion Reed and 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood to finish the year as the European Tour’s Number One.

The Italian’s most memorable appearance in Hong Kong came in 2008 when he and Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy lost in a play-off to Lin Wen-tang.

“I have good memories from the Hong Kong Open and it’s certainly the goal to go one better this time around,” said Molinari, a six-time European Tour winner.

“It will be a great way to kick off my 2020 Race to Dubai campaign, hopefully getting some points on the board early in the season, and to play a world-renowned course. It is always an enjoyable week on Tour, so I am looking forward to going back.”

World Number 17 Reed will make his fourth appearance in Hong Kong’s longest standing professional sporting event – in its 61st edition this year – having played in 2015, 2016 and 2018 at the famed Hong Kong Golf Club.

The 29-year-old won the Northern Trust on the PGA Tour in August, and after finishing tied fourth at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, he will again be pushing for his first regular European Tour victory in Hong Kong.

“It’s great coming back to play the Hong Kong Open for another year,” said Reed. “I’ve been saying for a while now that I would love to win in countries all over the world, so I hope I can be in the mix come Sunday at the Hong Kong Open.”

Hosted by Hong Kong Golf Club, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, the event continues to play a decisive role in shaping the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings as it is one of the last few remaining events on the Tour’s schedule.

William Doo, Jr., Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, said: “The addition of Francesco and Patrick to the field is wonderful news for the championship’s many fans and we very much look forward to welcoming them both to Hong Kong and our club in just a few weeks’ time.

“Together with Henrik Stenson, these three major winners will add real star-quality to a fantastic week of world-class golf at one of Asia’s most historic tournaments.”

Kenneth Lam, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Francesco Molinari back to Hong Kong after a ten-year absence and to have Patrick Reed return once again.

“It is great for the development and growth of golf in Hong Kong for local fans to have the opportunity to watch major winners such as these in action. We look forward to watching them as they compete with their peers to lift the historic Hong Kong Open trophy.”

Tickets available to purchase via Ticketflap – https://www.ticketflap.com/thehongkongopen2019

The tournament is free to attend on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th November for all. Under 21s go free for all four tournament days. For more information see www.thehongkongopen.com

The Hong Kong Open has also been recognized as an “M” Mark event to help enhance the image of Hong Kong. “M” Mark is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolizing an intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.

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Published on October 16, 2019

New Zealand, October 16: The country’s premier golfing event, The New Zealand Open, is delighted to announce a new long-term partnership agreement, whereby current broadcast partner Sky Sport will also be the Presenting Sponsor for the event.

Sky Sport have supported the New Zealand Open as its broadcast partner since the tournament’s move to Queenstown eight years ago.

New Zealand Open Tournament Chairman John Hart is delighted to have Sky and the Sky Sport team continue their support and invest in the future of the tournament.

“It’s pleasing to have such an iconic New Zealand company providing support for our tournament” said Mr. Hart

“Sky have been there from the start of our involvement with the event, and to now see them grow their part in the tournament is both reassuring and gratifying.”

“This commitment from Sky allows us to continue planning for a positive long-term future for the tournament, as we strive to become one of the world’s pre-eminent Pro-Am events.”

Sky Chief Executive Martin Stewart says Sky is delighted to be supporting the New Zealand Open which has become a staple in the New Zealand sporting calendar.

“Sky has been broadcasting this special event for a number of years. It’s been fantastic to see how this tournament has grown into one of the leading events in the country in that time. We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with the team at the New Zealand Open and its partners to take it to the next level.”

The tournament will now be known as The New Zealand Open, Presented by Sky Sport.

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Published on October 15, 2019

By Olle Nordberg, Former Asian Tour and European Tour professional

This week is the start of PGA Tour’s Asian Swing with the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges on Jeju island in Korea, and for the Asian Tour members taking part this week, or in the following two events the ZOZO Championship in Japan and WGC-Champions in China, they truly have a chance to catapult their careers to the next level of professional golf.

Not only do all the events offer prize money equal to or in excess of US$9,750,000, no cuts and huge Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, but also maybe more importantly for players aspiring to play on the PGA Tour, FedEx Cup points.

The Asian Tour members in the field at CJ Cup this week in Korea are Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Jazz Janewattananond, Yikeun Chang, K.J. Choi, Soomin Lee, Taehee Lee, Sanghyun Park and Kyongjun Moon, and they will be battling it out with defending champion and world number one Brooks Koepka among others.

At next week’s ZOZO Championship in Japan we will have Jazz Janewattanaond, Yosuke Asaji, Sanghuyn Park, Shaun Norris and Tomoharu Otsuki flying the Asian Tour flag, playing against a stellar field that includes Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Hideki Matsuyama.

For the following week’s WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, Jazz Janewattanaond, Scott Hend, Jbe Kruger and Masahiro Kawamura have qualified via the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. We will also see members Kurt Kitayama and Justin Harding making it into the event based on their Race to Dubai ranking on the European Tour, and Jake McLeod from the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

Starting with the importance of OWGR points, this week has a projected 52 points going to the winner compared to 16 for most Asian Tour events. This means for example that the lone Asian Tour member participating in all three Asian Swing events, Jazz Janewattananond, could crack the top-50 on the OWGR with a top-five finish this or any of the following two weeks. The top-50 mark will be very important at the end of the year as it means that an invitation to The Masters Tournament in April next year will be forthcoming in the mail.

For the players trying to use their Asian Tour performance as a springboard to the PGA Tour without having to spend a year on the Korn Ferry Tour, collecting FedEx Cup points is maybe the most important part of playing these events.

The system the PGA Tour uses to qualify for their Tour is different than most, since there is no Q-School access directly to the Tour. You either have to be in the top-25 of the Korn Ferry Tour points list or the top-25 of the three event Korn Ferry Tour Finals points list.

One way to get in this Finals series is to have equal to or more FedEx Cup points than the 200th player in the FedEx Cup Standings at the end of the 2020 PGA Tour season, and this year it took 95 points to get in the Korn Ferry Finals series.

A solo-sixth in any of the three events would be worth 100-105 points and surpass this mark, although there is no guarantee that it would be exactly the same points needed to qualify next season.

Another mark to aim for is 150th on the 2019 FedEx Cup points list, as this would entitle players to “Special Temporary Membership” on the PGA Tour for the 2020 season. In this case 288 points will be needed to reach this status, and this would allow a player unlimited starts and invites to PGA Tour events which is otherwise capped at 12 events and seven sponsor’s invites respectively per season.

This might be more important than you would think, because it was an issue that double Asian Tour winner Justin Harding ran into this year trying to secure his PGA Tour card. In good shape on the FedEx Cup points list after a tied-12th at The Masters but shy of Temporary Membership status, he was forced to skip events he was eligible for to not go over the 12-event maximum ahead of upcoming Majors and WGC’s.

Of course, the most important number would be to earn enough FedEx Cup points to be in the top-125 at the end of next season and be fully exempt for the following, and in the 2019 this took 376 points. Not something that you could earn with one hot week as even a solo-second at either of these three events would only make 300-315 points.

Looking at a couple scenarios using our Order of Merit leader Jazz as an example since he is the only one playing all three events:

  • A solo-sixth finish in all three events would give him 305 FedEx Cup points and be eligible for Special Temporary Membership status and unlimited events and invites.
  • A solo-fourth finish in all three events would earn him 410 FedEx Cup points which likely would be enough to become a full PGA Tour member for the 2021 season.

Even if these high marks are not met at the conclusion of these three big events, a top finish or two would definitely give a player a head start as several of them will likely be playing other events during the 2020 season where they would be able to pick up points.


Published on October 14, 2019

Beau Champ, Mauritius, October 14: Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Shubhankar Sharma of India has confirmed his participation in the upcoming AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open which will be held at the Heritage Golf Club from 5-8 December 2019.

Sharma’s confirmation comes at a time when Indian golfers are moving closer to a maiden victory in this tri-sanctioned tournament between the Asian Tour, European Tour and Sunshine Tour.

Sharma has led a resurgence in Indian golf over the past two years. He won two titles on the Asian Tour and European Tour in the space of three months, including becoming at the age of 21 the youngest Indian to win on the European Tour with his Joburg Open triumph in December 2017.

In 2018 he became only the fourth Indian golfer to ever play in The Masters, and his rise on the world stage saw him also named the European Tour’s 2018 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year and crowned the 2018 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.

Sharma’s meteoric career path has been matched by strong performances from his countrymen in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in the last two years.

In the 2017 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Heritage Golf Club, the experienced Arjun Atwal lost in a playoff to Dylan Frittelli.

A year later, Chikkarangappa S. finished second to American Kurt Kitayama, and said Sharma had definitely inspired this new generation of Indian golfers.

“Shubhankar has really shown the way for a lot of Indian youngsters. As Indian golfers we’re now out in the world and playing with the best. Jeev Milkha Singh told us there were only four or five Indian golfers on tour during his time. Now we have closer to 25, and about 15 of us holding a full card on the Asian Tour and a couple on the European Tour,” said Chikkarangappa.

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Rome, Italy, October 14: American Kurt Kitayama closed with a battling even-par 71 to finish four shots back of winner Bernd Wiesberger in third place at the Italian Open on Sunday.

Kitayama, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour and two-time champion on the European Tour, had fired a flawless third-round 65 to trail by one heading into the final round at the Olgiata Golf Club in Rome.

A closing round of two birdies against two bogeys, however, saw him settle for a four-day total of 12-under-par 272 in the lucrative event, which is part of the European Tour’s Rolex Series.

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Shubhankar Sharma of India returned with a 68 to finish in a share of seventh place on 275 for his best result yet on the European Tour this season.

Korea’s Jeunghun Wang capped his second top-10 result in three weeks after signing for a 71 to grab a share of 10th place on 276 at the Italian Open. Thai star Thongchai Jaidee also posted a 71 to tie in 34th place on 281.

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Published on October 9, 2019

Hong Kong, October 9: Major Champion Henrik Stenson has confirmed he will make his debut at the Hong Kong Open, with the Swede set to join defending champion Aaron Rai in a star-studded field, from November 28 to December 1, 2019.

Hosted by Hong Kong Golf Club, the Hong Kong Open will also continue to play a decisive role in shaping the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit as it is one of the last few remaining events on the Tour’s schedule.

Stenson became the first male Scandinavian Major winner when he triumphed in The 145th Open at Royal Troon three years ago, and will be aiming to add to his 11 European Tour wins when he tees it up at Hong Kong Golf Club for the 61st edition of Hong Kong’s longest standing professional sporting event.

The Ryder Cup star lifted the Claret Jug in 2016 after he recorded a 63 on Sunday in a thrilling battle with Phil Mickelson, which drew comparisons with the legendary ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977.

The 43-year-old, who topped the Race to Dubai in 2013 and 2016, will begin his 2020 campaign with a new tournament when he tees off for the first time at the famed Hong Kong Golf Club, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.

“I’m excited to play the Hong Kong Open for the first time in my career,” said Stenson, the current World Number 37. “It is hard to believe that I have not played this tournament before because I’ve always heard great things about the golf course, the city and the fans, so it’s nice to kick off my 2020 Race to Dubai season with something a little bit different.”

Rai, meanwhile, claimed his maiden European Tour title after holding off Matthew Fitzpatrick to secure a one-shot victory during a thrilling final-round battle at Hong Kong Golf Club last year and now the Englishman will be hoping for another special week when he defends a title on the European circuit for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to defending my title at the Hong Kong Open,” said Rai. “Winning last year was incredible for me – the course is amazing, the city is great, and the crowds showed me some great support throughout the week. I will always have wonderful memories from this event and cannot wait to be back in a few weeks’ time.”

William Doo, Jr., Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Henrik Stenson to our club for the very first time. The championship, which is now in its 61st year, has a strong track record of attracting the greatest names in golf, and Henrik is certainly amongst the very best. His involvement, as well as that of our defending champion Aaron Rai, who played so brilliantly to capture his first European Tour title last year, makes for a really exciting event, and we look forward to hosting another spectacular week of world-class golf.” 

Dr Y.K. Pang, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said: “The Hong Kong Open is one of the key highlights on Hong Kong’s events calendar. Each year, elite golfers from around the world gather in Hong Kong to compete for the historic Hong Kong Open title. Golfers and fans from overseas not only get four days of world-class competitive play during their stay in Hong Kong, they also get to experience the diverse tourism offerings in Asia’s world city. With centuries of history and a rich living culture on display, Hong Kong showcases exciting sports events that appeal to visitors of all interests, and a wealth of unique and authentic experiences for them to appreciate.”

Kenneth Lam, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association, said: “We are thrilled with today’s announcement that Aaron Rai will return to Hong Kong to defend his Open title and that he will be joined by Henrik Stenson for his debut at this historic event. We very much look forward to welcoming enthusiastic crowds to the Hong Kong Open this year and hope that our ‘Free Thursday and Friday’ ticket initiative can continue to inspire a new generation of golfers in Hong Kong. Having the chance to watch great champions like Stenson and Rai in action, free of charge is a rare opportunity and we hope the public continue take advantage of this great initiative”.

Tickets available to purchase via Ticketflap – https://www.ticketflap.com

The tournament is free to attend on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th November for all. Under 21s go free for all four tournament days. For more information see www.thehongkongopen.com

The Hong Kong Open has also been recognized as an “M” Mark event to help enhance the image of Hong Kong. “M” Mark is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolizing an intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.

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Sentosa, Singapore, October 9: The Asian Tour will return to Thailand for the 2020 Qualifying School where aspiring golf professionals from across the globe go in search of an Asian Tour card over a two-month period starting from January next year.

The Qualifying School, which comprises of two stages – the First Qualifying Stage and the Final Qualifying Stage, will be held at the Lake View Resort & Golf Club (Course A, B, C and D) in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The First Qualifying Stage will be played over two different weeks. Players have the option of entering the First Qualifying Stage on the week commencing January 8, or the week commencing February 12.

The top-placed players from the First Qualifying Stage will progress to the Final Qualifying Stage, which will be played over five rounds from February 19 to 23. The top 70 players (and ties) after 72 holes will play in the pivotal final round, which will be held on February 23.

At the conclusion of 90 holes, the top 35 (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 is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour.

Asian Tour Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Cho Minn Thant is confident the 2020 Qualifying School will be another success as hopefuls aim to emulate the success of Thai duo Sadom Kaewkanjana and Kosuke Hamamoto on Tour this season.

Sadom became the fastest Qualifying School graduate to win on Tour when he won on his first professional start on Tour at the Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open earlier in April. Kosuke, on the other hand, retained his card for the 2020 season after just five starts this season.

“The Asian Tour has unearthed many promising talents through the Qualifying School over the years. Our recent champion Yikeun Chang of Korea is also one of them. He had topped the class in 2016 prior to his breakthrough in Chinese Taipei last month.”

“Qualifying School is a grueling process but it gives players, both professionals and amateurs, the opportunity to earn their place on the Asian Tour in 2020. The competition is going to be intense but the rewards will be massive for successful entrants,” said Cho.

Last year, Thailand’s Naras Luangphetcharaporn recorded the first ever 59 on the Asian Tour en route to securing his Tour card for the 2019 season. The 26-year-old ended his campaign in tied-21st place and was one of the 41 players, who finished inside top 35 and ties, to earn playing rights on the Asian Tour this season.

2018 Qualifying School graduate Viraj Madappa became the youngest Indian winner on Tour when he won the TAKE Solutions Masters on home soil in his rookie season last year, at the age of 20.

American Kurt Kitayama, who also came through the 2018 Qualifying School, rose through the ranks after breaking through in Mauritius last December. The talented 26-year-old would go on to secure his maiden win on the European Tour earlier in March.

Other successful graduates include Australian Zach Murray, who won the 2019 New Zealand Open in what was his third start on Tour this season, as well as John Catlin of the United States,  who marked his name in the Asian Tour history books by becoming the 10th golfer in Tour history to win three times in a single season last year.

For 2020 Qualifying School Information and application forms, please click here.

For Qualifying School enquiries, please contact [email protected].

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