SMBC Singapore Open: In conversation with Davis Love III and Dru
Sentosa, Singapore, January 16: Davis Love III and his son, Davis Love IV, who goes by the name Dru, are making their first visit to Singapore and it did not take them long to fall in love with the Lion City.
Fresh from winning the Father-Son challenge golf tournament in Orlando, Florida last month, the World Golf Hall of Famer along with his son opens up about what have caught their eyes in Singapore, the pressure of playing against each other and his fatherly advice to his son ahead of the SMBC Singapore Open which starts on Thursday.
On their first trip to Singapore
Davis Love III: I’ve been here for about 12 hours. I’m enjoying it so far, having a great time on the golf course. I saw Dru this morning having breakfast and we’re going to have to change roles – usually I’m telling him what to do in a tournament but he’s been here for a few days so he’s telling me where everything is. The opportunity to come to play in Singapore where I’ve never been was a big draw. The four spots for The Open was also a big draw. But the main thing is his (Dru’s) mum said we’re going. This is a place I’ve always wanted to come. I don’t go on vacation very much; I travel to play golf, so this is a great opportunity to come to a place I’ve never seen before.
Dru: I’ve been here since Sunday night. Got to explore the city a little bit and it’s beautiful; one of my new favourite cities in the world. Incredible place and incredible golf course.
On their form
Davis Love III: I’ve played three of the first four/fall series since the start of the year. Not great results but I played the weekends and felt my game’s coming around. Actually, Saturday was one of my best playing games in the while and confidence is coming back. I’m excited about my form and I came here with high expectations, what with the great greens, great golf course and the four spots to get into The Open Championships. So I was definitely gearing to this point this week.
Dru: I think my game’s pretty good and the golf course and suits my game a bit. I like to drive all the way you can carry some of these bunkers out here and can really take advantage of it, so I’m really excited to take on tomorrow and think it’ll be really good.
On father and son playing against each other:
Davis Love III: There’s more stress on me because I’m trying to play my ball and play his as well I’m trying to get his ball to go on the hole maybe harder than mine. I always want him to do well and have a good week. I prefer him to beat me this week. If he beats me, I just want one of those four spots for The Open Championship. We compete at home, we compete any time. He said “Dad, we should have played a little bit in the Pro-Am today.” We’re always thinking about each other but out here with Sergio and Ryo, we got a whole bunch of guys to beat so it’s going to be tough.
Dru: We’ve done it a few times now. In the beginning it was comforting to have him play in the same tournament. In the middle it was more pressure because I want to beat him, and then I finally beat him and now I’m just playing golf. We look at the rankings to see how each other are playing.
On their thoughts on the golf course:
Davis Love III: It’s in great shape, it’s challenging – off the tee you need to be very smart with the clubs you hit and where you hit it, but it’s a great golf course. Big rolling greens where you have to hit it in the right section of the green and your putting is going to have to be spot on. I’ve been excited ever since I looked it up in the world rankings, and looked up the designer and talked to the players who’ve been here in the past. I’m excited about the golf course, the tournament, and the chance to compete with these guys.
Dru: It’s amazing. I got here and the first person I saw when I got to the course was Smylie Kaufman. He told me the greens were incredible, and I went straight to the putting green because professional golfers love nothing more than perfect greens. I started taking a few putts and it really incredible, some of the best greens I’ve putted on the long time. The Serapong course is beautiful, the skyline views and the ocean – it’s hard to beat, and it’s a really special place.
On father to son advice:
Davis Love III: Just to be patient. That’s one thing I’ve learned over 34-5 years of doing this – you have to be very patient with yourself and your game at the golf course. Sometimes when you’re young you want things to happen fast, and look at negative things, if you’re just very patient and methodical and do your routine and play your game, good things can happen. I think that’s one of my strengths -just to be patient and have a positive attitude.
On son to father advice:
Dru: Drink a lot of water that’s all I say.
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Ends.
Sentosa, Singapore, January 17: Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao extended his bliss to the SMBC Singapore Open by carding a five-under-par 66 to snatch the first round clubhouse lead on Thursday.
Together with the Japanese pair of Yuta Ikeda and Yoshinori, Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena also had a round to remember when he returned with a 67 to trial Hung by one shot at the US$1 million event.
England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, who is making his debut at the SMBC Singapore Open, was pleased to have completed his round before tropical storms halted play at the season-opening event of the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
The Englishman signed for a 68 which was matched by Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung.
Play was first suspended at 2.08pm (local time). It resumed at 5.30pm before being suspended again due to fading light at 7.10pm. 78 players will resume their first round at 7.30am on Friday morning.
Having welcomed his baby daughter last November, Hung marked his best 18-hole score at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course which he attributed to his growing maturity.
Hung’s newfound status has also revived his flagging fortunes as his performance marked a big turnaround for the 26-year-old.
Playing in his first event since missing the cut in three consecutive events towards the end of 2018, Hung’s best result at the Singapore showpiece was a tied-60th finish last year.
Tabeuna continued to enjoy another good showing at the SMBC Singapore Open having finished tied-fourth and tied-eighth in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
The Filipino admitted he has not hit top form yet but will be ready as the week progresses.
Like last year where he finished tied-fourth, Jazz showed why he has established himself as one of the leading contenders for the SMBC Singapore Open again with another assured performance.
Major winner Sergio Garcia of Spain together with Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa returned with matching 69s to remain three shots back of Hung.
Did you know?
- Hung’s best result at the Singapore Open was in 2018 when he finished tied-60th finish. It was the first time he made the cut in three starts in Singapore.
- Hung had only one top-10 finish last year when he finished third at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.
- He missed the cut in his last three events in 2018.
- Miguel Tabuena missed out on a place at The Open by two shots when he finished tied-eighth at the SMBC Singapore Open last year.
- The Filipino is a two-time Asian Tour winner. He won his National Open in 2015 and added another victory last year when he lifted the Queen’s Cup hosted by Jaidee Foundation.
- Jazz finished tied-fourth at the SMBC Singapore Open last year to earn himself a dream ticket to The Open.
- The Thai first played his way into the history books of the Asian Tour in 2010 when he became the youngest ever player to make the halfway cut at the 2010 Asian Tour International in Bangkok at the age of 14 years and 71 days.
Ends.
Sentosa, Singapore, January 15: England’s Paul Casey knows he has to overcome the strong Asian challenge to stand a chance of winning the SMBC Singapore Open which starts at the Sentosa Golf Club on Thursday.
The world number 24 is the highest ranked player in the elite 156-man field and knows that Asia’s best players will pose a significant threat to his bid of winning Singapore’s National Open, which is the season-opening event for the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
The 41-year-old Englishman may hold 18 professional victories worldwide but having witnessed the rise in Asian golf over the last decade, he is under no illusions that it will be a stroll in the park at this week’s US$1 million event.
Spain’s Sergio Garcia is relishing the opportunity to defend his SMBC Singapore Open title. He lived up to his star billing when he cruised to a five-shot victory last year and enjoyed a rich vein of form towards the end of 2018 where he secured one win and four top-10s in his last five starts.
England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick is hoping to shine in his maiden appearance at the SMBC Singapore Open.
Fitzpatrick first came to Singapore as a nine-year-old on a family holiday and is back after more than a decade, hoping to challenge for his first win on Asian soil this week.
Thailand’s Danthai Boonma also returns to the Lion City which has brought him much success over the years. He earned his Asian Tour breakthrough in Singapore in 2015 and was also rewarded with a ticket to The Open after finishing tied for fourth at the SMBC Singapore Open last year.
Did you know?
- Paul Casey was one of the world’s most consistent players in 2018, achieving 12 top-20 finishes, including five top-10s in addition to his victory at the Valspar Championship. He has also remained a regular fixture inside the world’s top-25 since 2016.
- Casey is no stranger to winning in Asia having claimed the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea in 2011 and the Volvo China Open and TCL Classic, also in China, both in 2005.
- He holds 13 titles on the European Tour and returned to the winner’s circle last year after triumphing at the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour.
- Matthew Fitzpatrick is the youngest Englishman to get up to five European Tour victories after successfully defending his European Masters title in September last year.
- Sergio Garcia is a multiple winner in the United States, Europe and Asia.
- He is widely regarded as something of an Asian specialist, having tasted victory in the Kolon Cup Korea Open (2002), the Champions Tournament, Shanghai (2008), the Iskandar Johor Open (2012), the Thailand Golf Championship (2013), and the Ho Tram Open, Vietnam (2015).
- Garcia finished 2018 on a high by playing a leading role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory over the United States in Paris and retaining his title at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.
- Fitzpatrick has won in every season since making it through Europe’s Qualifying School in 2014 and his victory in the European Masters in Switzerland saw him become the first player since Spain’s Seve Ballesteros (40 years ago) to successfully defend that title.
- The young Englishman shone in his rookie season in 2015, claiming his maiden title after going wire-to-wire at the British Masters.
- He then triumphed twice in 2016 at the Nordea Masters and DP World Tour Championship, Dubai en route to a career-best sixth place finish in the Race to Dubai
- Danthai ended his 2018 season in 23rd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
- He earned his prized ticket to The Open after finishing tied-fourth at the SMBC Singapore Open last year.
- The SMBC Singapore Open continues to be part of The Open Qualifying Series for the third consecutive year with the leading four players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 12 and ties earning their places at the 148th Open in July.
Players’ Quotes:
Paul Casey (Eng)
I believe there has been a constant kind of curve on the way up in terms of how many guys we see playing world class golf from Asia now. It feels like it used to be just a number you could count on one hand, sort of key names. But its dozens of guys, and guys I’ve never heard of right behind them who are about to take our place. I’d love to see the numbers on it but it’s certainly been a swell, and it’s something the world has taken notice of. They’ competing all over now – there are multiple winners on the PGA tour, European Tour and Asian Tour so that’s why when the three of us come over here this week, we know how tough this is going to be this week. The depth of field, I think that certain thing you see. You see the great players playing world golf but it’s now very deep as well. I don’t think we could honestly say that a decade ago. The depth wasn’t there but it is now. I was not quite as sharp as I would like to have been. But that does not have much bearing on what this week is going to bring. This is a golf course that I remember really thoroughly enjoying playing and (has) the types of grass I like to play on. I recall it being very windy so touch wood it is not going to be that way this week.
Sergio Garcia (Esp)
It feels good to be back. It is a course I love playing, a wonderful golf course, and to be here as champion is always special. It was a good off season. A little bit of rest – which was nice after a very hectic year – and I started practicing a couple of weeks ago. There is still a little bit of rust in there but hopefully I will get it off in this heat. We’ve been talking about it for a while now. Every year, you see more and more great Asian players coming out. Youngsters are coming out to play at the highest level and they’re doing well. I think probably one of the biggest ones right now is Li Haotong. There’s a good group of young Asian players out there, such as Hideki [Matsuyama] and some Koreans. So you can see that the level is growing every year. Things are being done the right way here in this part of the world and when it comes to golf, you can see the effects.
Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng)
The course is in fantastic condition and I am really looking forward to the week. I got back to work after the off season and have been practicing for five weeks straight trying to get into shape so I can compete with these guys (Garcia and Casey) a little bit more. I have not played too much in Asia but I have played two EurAsia Cups. The first year we went with a really strong team and we played really well, that was in 2016. We won fairly convincingly. Two years later, I would say we went with a stronger team and we almost got beaten. That shows as well -we had some of the 10 best players in Asia against 10 in Europe, and it was certainly tough at the start last year and that definitely shows that the standard is coming up.
Danthai Boonma (Tha)
I like this golf course a lot and I like Singapore too. I’m hoping to repeat what I’ve done from last year and maybe do even better. I know what is needed to improve my flaws and my game in general. Putting will be the key for me this week and I’ve been working hard on that. I have a house in Hua Hin and that was where I spent most of my time with my friends and family during the short break we had. My goal for this year is to finish inside the top-10 on the Order of Merit.
Ends.
Singapore, January 7: The hugely popular Ryo Ishikawa, nicknamed the “Bashful Prince”, will compete in next week’s SMBC Singapore Open after organisers announced the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) entry list today.
Japan’s Shugo Imahira, winner of last year’s JGTO Money List, has also confirmed he will head to the US$1 million event.
Yuta Ikeda of Japan
South African Shaun Norris, who came in tied-second last year, as well as Japan’s Yuki Inamori, Kodai Ichihara, and Yuta Ikeda, ranked second, third, fourth and fifth respectively on the JGTO Money List have all entered the tournament.
The SMBC Singapore Open will be played on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club from January 17 to 20 and is jointly-sanctioned by the JGTO and the Asian Tour.
Ishikawa finished 22nd on the Money List but is one of the standout names competing from Japan. He was joint 16th last year in Singapore and will return this year bidding to become the first player from Japan to claim the title since Kesahiko Uchida’s triumph in 1976.
A sensation in his teens, the now 27 year old is playing full time again on the Japan Tour after a serious back injury in 2016 interrupted his career.
While not adding to his 14 JGTO titles last year, his revival continued with a runner up finish at the Token Homemate Cup and three other top-10 finishes.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40HN9oSHUmU[/embedyt]
Ishikawa shot to fame in May 2007 when he became the youngest winner on the Japanese circuit at 15 years and eight months with victory at the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup. The event was his first on the Japan Tour. He turned professional in 2008 and won eight tournaments in a two-year spell.
Imahira arrives at the SMBC Singapore Open as the Money List champion, thanks to earnings of ¥139,119,332 (approx. US$1,234,545).
He claimed the title for the first time thanks to victory in the Bridgestone Open, and six other top-five placings.
Other notable JGTO member heading to Singapore are Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato, the 2017 Money List winner and elder brother of former women’s star Ai Miyazato, China’s Liang Wenchong, Thailand’s Thanyakon Khrongpha, and Filipinos Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan ― who famously lost in a sudden-death play-off against Spain’s Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño at the 2011 Singapore Open following a Monday finish.
Tickets for the US$1 million event are on sale via APACTix. Children below the age of 12 can access the event for free access – a move aimed at encouraging more juniors to come and watch the golf.
For more information please visit: www.smbcsingaporeopen.com.
Hua Hin, Thailand, December 28: Australia’s Zach Murray edged closer to another dream start in his early professional career by carding a four-under-par 67 to head into the weekend rounds in prime position together with Thailand’s Poom Pattaropong at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Friday.
The 21-year-old Australian turned professional only last month and is already enjoying an early boost to his fledgeling career as he leads the field with his three-day total of 14-under-par 199 at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club.
China’s Xiao Bowen, who was among the leading 140 players and ties to progress after the first two rounds, remained firmly in control of regaining his playing rights on the Asian Tour when he returned with a 66 to take fifth place.
Xiao Bowen of China
Having made to make the early exit at Qualifying School earlier this year, American Jeremy Wendelken will get another shot of securing his Tour card as he heads into the next round in a share of seventh place with his 203 total.
A further cut for the final round will be made after the fourth round where only the leading 70 players and ties will feature on Sunday.
At the conclusion of 90 holes, the leading 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2019 season.
Did you know?
- Zach Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer.
- He made his professional debut at the Australian Open in November 2018.
- Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
- Xiao Bowen is the third Chinese golfer to win on the Asian Tour after Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong.
- He won the Asian Golf Championship in 2017 after beating Australian Bryden Macpherson on the second playoff hole.
- Hailing from Shandong, Xiao, a self-taught golfer, found himself teaching golf in Beijing at the age of 20 in 2010. He turned professional in 2012.
- After failing to make the grade at the 2018 Qualifying School, Jeremy Wendelken remained in Asia and played on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
- He qualified for the Final Stage, but could not progress to the fifth round.
- Wendelken had two top-10s in 14 starts on the ADT this year. He was eighth at the PGM Sabah Championship and tied-eighth at the PGM UMW Championship.
Players’ Quotes
Zach Murray (Aus) – Third round 67 (-4), Total 199 (-14)
I’m playing solid for the last three days. I came into this event with a pretty steady form, as I was playing well in Australia. I’ve got my best mate on my bag. We often joked around, and that made playing here quite stress-free. I got a bit tired towards the end of the day today and hit a couple of bad shots, but I got away with it. Everything is running smoothly at the moment. I only turned professional a month ago. I had a few good results this year. I got into the round of 16 at the U.S. Amateur Championship and two months ago, I won a professional event as an amateur – the Western Australia Open. I turned professional for the Australian Open. Earning a Tour card for the 2019 season will be fantastic. I’m pleased to be leading the event after three rounds. There are two more rounds to go, so let’s see how it goes. I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here.
Jeremy Wendelken (Usa) – Third round 70 (-1), Total 203 (-10)
I was solid from tee to green. My wedge play is very sharp right now. I qualified for the Final Stage after playing in Stage 1 last week. It’s mentally and physically tiring, but I have to keep going. I played in the ADT this year and I like it here, which was I’ve decided to stay here and try to earn a Tour card. I turned professional and moved down to Scottsdale, Arizona. I didn’t do too well in the United States. One of my college teammates, Jarin Todd, recommended me to come over here and give it a try. I made it to the Final Stage at the 2018 Qualifying School, but couldn’t progress to the final round. I’m in a decent position now, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing.
Xiao Bowen (Chn) – Third round 66 (-5), Total 201 (-12)
There are still two more rounds to go and anything can happen. I’m just trying to stay grounded and be patient. It will mean a lot to me if I can regain my Tour card on the Asian Tour. I have many good memories of the Tour and I’ve gained a lot of experience. I really want to go back and play on the Tour again and that’s why I’m very determined to do well this week. My putting has been very good today and hopefully, I will continue to putt well tomorrow.
Hua Hin, Thailand, December 26: Thai-Japanese Kosuke Hamamoto overcame his early nerves by signing for an opening seven-under-par 64 to enjoy a flying start at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old traded eight birdies against one bogey to take his place atop the leaderboard together with six other players that include compatriot Kwanchai Tannin, China’s Xiao Bowen, Sweden’s Christoffer Baumann, Korea’s Taewoo Kim, Jaewoong Eom and Japan’s Daisuke Yasumoto.
Born to a Japanese father and Thai mother, Kosuke was feeling the pressure of earning his Asian Tour card ahead of his Qualifying School campaign this week. But after hitting his first tee shot on the back-nine 10, he managed to stay composed and was duly rewarded with a birdie on the next hole.
Hamamoto’s only blemish came on the 14th hole when he three-putted for a bogey-four. He turned in 33 before completing a flawless inward-nine with five birdies for a 64.
Xiao is meanwhile hoping to make his quick return to the Asian Tour having missed out on his card when he finished in 113th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. The Chinese claimed his stunning breakthrough on home soil at the Asian Golf Championship last year but found little success this season, having missed the cut in 14 of his 22 starts.
Baumann is determined to make his fifth trip to Qualifying School a successful one having missed out on securing his Tour card in his last four attempts while Choo, who first earned his Tour card in 2013 when he finished tied-31st, is optimistic of turning his season around by regaining his card this week.
American Austen Truslow, who counts playing on the Asian Tour as his number one goal, set himself well for the next four rounds after returning with a 67 at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club.
After making his safe passage from the first stage, Truslow will be hoping to be one of the leading 140 players and ties to progress again after tomorrow’s round.
The field will be cut to the leading 70 players and ties after 72 holes who will then play the final round. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the leading 35 players (+ ties) will be ranked accordingly for the 2019 season.
Christoff Baumann of Sweden
Did you know?
- Kosuke Hamamoto started playing golf at the age of eight. He is a former Thai Amateur star, South East Asia (SEA) Games individual gold medallist and was part of the first Thai team to win the Nomura Cup in Malaysia in 2017.
- He was also part of Team Thailand that finished second in the Team event at the SEA Games last year.
- Christoffer Baumann picked up golf when he was 16. His father owns a restaurant at a golf course in Sweden. He borrowed golf clubs and balls from the pro shop while his father was at work and started to develop a keen interest in the sport.
- Baumann has entered the Asian Tour Qualifying School four times. He has never finished inside the top-35 and ties in all four attempts.
- Out of five Asian Tour events that he has played in 2018, Baumann has only made the cut only once, at the 2018 UMA CNS Open Golf Championship.
- Xiao Bowen is the third Chinese golfer to win on the Asian Tour after Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong.
- He won the Asian Golf Championship in 2017 after beating Australian Bryden Macpherson on the second playoff hole.
- Hailing from Shandong, Xiao, a self-taught golfer, found himself teaching golf in Beijing at the age of 20 in 2010. He turned professional in 2012.
- Choo enjoyed a glittering amateur career before turning professional in 2011. He won medals at the SEA Games, as well as team and individual titles at the prestigious Putra Cup.
- Choo Tze Huang last played in Qualifying School in 2017, when he finished tied-53rd.
- Choo has one top-10 on the Asian Tour to his name. He was tied-sixth at the 2014 Queen’s Cup.
- He also has seven top-10s on the Asian Development Tour.
- The Singaporean notched his first professional win at the 2012 SPGA President’s Cup, a tournament on his local circuit.
- He finished 119th on the 2018 Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- The highest he has ever finished on the Asian Tour Order of Merit was 99th, in 2014.
- Under the influence of his father, Austen Truslow got interested in golf when he was four and he lives in Florida.
Players’ Quotes
Kosuke Hamamoto (Tha) First round 64 (-7)
It was a really solid and stress free round for me today. I played really well from tee to green. I three-putted 14 but apart from that, everything was great. I did not really do anything wrong. I settled down after hitting my first tee shot. I was really in the zone today and I hope to keep my focus for the next four rounds as it’s going to be a marathon week. It’s not a sprint and it’s a five-day tournament. I’m trying to stay in the present as far as possible and focus on my own process. I spent three and a half years with the national team and played in some pretty big events, which probably gave me some advantage as there’s always pressure in big tournaments like that. It has calmed me down a lot this week.
Christoffer Baumann (Swe) First round 64 (-7)
I actually started quite bad as I was one-over after eight holes but I steadied myself and I told myself there would be birdie opportunities in my back-nine. I came back nicely with eight birdies in my last 10 holes. So it feels really good. I’m going to take it easy as it’s going to be a long week and there’s going to be a lot of golf. I came close to earning my Tour card on several occasions and obviously I hope to make it this year. I turned pro when I was 24 and one of the highlights in my professional was winning the Swedish championship. I like food, people and the weather in Asia. It’s hot and you don’t have to worry about bringing a sweater whenever you go.
Xiao Bowen (Chn) First round 64 (-7)
I’m disappointed at missing out on my Tour card this season. But I cannot really dwell on it too much and coming to Qualifying School will hopefully give me another chance to play my way back to the Asian Tour. It has been a steep learning curve for me since I won my first Asian Tour title last year. Hopefully I can get the chance to continue playing regularly on the Tour and become better. It was a good round and I cannot ask for more. There are still four days to go and I must be patient.
Choo Tze-huang (Sgp) First round 65 (-6)
It’s good to get off to a good start as it gave myself a little bit of cushion. But I’m not thinking too far ahead as there are still four more days to go. We got a bit lucky today. It was not that windy so it was a little easier for us. But it’ll be challenging when the wind picks up. Having an Asian Tour card gives you the playing rights and you have somewhere to play. It’s really important to us as professionals as that’s our rice bowl. We’ll have a schedule to play and that will be something we can work towards and achieve. I got off to a good start at the Singapore Open this year and finished tied-16th there. But it has been up and down. I decided I have to make some changes to the swing to get better in my game as I’ve been stagnant and erratic for a while. I’m starting to see some results.
Austen Truslow (Usa) First round 67 (-4)
I could have gone even lower as I missed a lot of short putts. But I’m happy with what I shot. I’m just going to take one day at a time and stay in the present. I stayed patient today and I’m going to continue doing so. I could have got a little frustrated in the beginning but I decided not to. My number one goal is to play on the Asian Tour. I got off to a good start during the first stage and hopefully I can continue doing so. I’m 22, I’m single, I don’t have kids and I can travel. I’ve got family in the Philippines and in Singapore and I know it’ll be a great opportunity if I can play on the Asian Tour. I turned pro three years and I hope to make my breakthrough there. I’ve seen the success of several Americans on the Asian Tour and how the Tour has jump start their careers and given them the opportunities that maybe they didn’t have back in the States. I hope I can be like one of them one day.
Hua Hin, Thailand, December 25: Indian teenager Aadil Bedi is ready to make an early impact in his professional career as he prepares to earn his Tour card at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage which starts on Wednesday.
At 17, Bedi is the youngest player to be teeing up at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club where he will be among the 242 players vying to finish inside the top-35 and ties in the five-round final stage.
The Indian, who turned professional in September, believes his youth will put him in good stead for life on the Asian Tour as he starts to make his transition from the amateur ranks to professional.
Bedi hopes to signal his arrival on the big stage with a performance he can be proud and pass this week’s gruelling test with flying colours.
Thailand’s Kosuke Hamamoto also harbours hopes of making the grade and join the growing legion of Thai greats.
Born to a Japanese father and Thai mother, Kosuke finished tied-11th at Queen’s Cup hosted by Jaidee Foundation earlier this month and believes that result has given him the much-needed confidence to excel this week.
Hamza Amin of Pakistan
Pakistan’s Hamza Amin, who came agonisingly close to regaining his Tour card in his last two occasions at Qualifying School, is determined to make amends and end his year on a high note by regaining his Tour card on Sunday.
Hamza first earned his Tour card through Qualifying School in 2014 but subsequently lost it when he ended that year in 165th place on the Order of Merit.
Did you know?
- Aadil Bedi started practising and learning the initial strokes of golf when he was just four years old.
- Throughout his 13-year amateur career, Bedi has won 171 Medals and trophies. He has also represented India in all the Elite and Major Amateur matches of the world including Asian games, British Amateur, Australian Masters of Amateur, Singapore Amateur and Eisenhower Cup, Ireland.
- Bedi represented India as an amateur at the 2018 Asian Games. He led the field for the first three days but eventually missed out on a podium finish on the final day, finishing in 13th place.
- He got an invitation to play at the Asian Development Tour (ADT) season-ender last month where he finished tied-12th at the PGM Maybank ADT Championship.
- Bedi’s best result as a professional came at the Bengaluru Open on the PGTI where he finished third a fortnight ago.
- Kosuke Hamamoto started playing golf at the age of eight.
- He is a former Thai Amateur star, South East Asia (SEA) Games gold medallist and was part of the first Thai team to win the Nomura Cup in Malaysia in 2017.
- Hamza Amin earned his first Asian Tour card in 2014 after making the mark at the Qualifying School. However, he failed to retain his playing status that year.
- He was placed tied-sixth at the PGM MNRB Championship, an event on the Asian Development Tour in September.
Players’ Quotes
Aadil Bedi (Ind)
It’s very exciting times for me. I’ve recently turned professional and things are moving along very fast for me. A lot of people told me before I turned pro that I’ll take some time before I’ll settle down in my professional ranks as the golf is different. But I don’t feel that way because at the end of the day, it’s golf and you just have to put the ball into the hole. It’s not about the money too as I’ve been playing since I was 14 and it’s all about my love for the game. I’m now feeling very comfortable playing with the pros and I’m looking forward to earning my card this week. I’ve been playing a lot of golf with Shubhankar (Sharma) and Viraj (Madappa). I’ve played junior and amateur golf with them and I’ve seen them grow into such great athletes. I’ve learnt a lot from them and they have been giving me lots of advice on how I can play well on the Asian Tour. I played the Take Solutions as an amateur and I got an insight into how wonderful the Asian Tour is and obviously, I would love to get my Tour card this week.
Kosuke Hamamoto (Tha)
I’m actually feeling quite nervous, to be honest as I’ve been thinking about this event for a long time now. I really want to get my card this week so that I can get some playing rights on the Asian Tour. My result at Queen’s Cup definitely gave me lots of confidence and it sort of gave me a reminder that I can play against the Asian Tour pros. There are so many good Thai players on the Asian Tour and hopefully I can follow their footsteps.
Hamza Amin (Pak)
I’m pretty excited about this week. There have been a few heartbreaks for me in the past and I’m really looking forward to playing and getting out there tomorrow. I remember being in second place with nine holes left to play but eventually missed the cut by one shot. And I remember the first time I was at Q school, I was right up there on the leaderboard but didn’t manage to get the card. So the emotions are always there and I guess I just have to go and grind it out again. I hope to inspire more people from my country to take up the sport and come out here to play in Asia.
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