The Asian Tour is at the coastal town of Hua Hin, Thailand for the Final Stage of the Qualifying School this week. As aspiring professionals from all over the world prepare for their final gruelling examination, we look back and find out why the Qualifying School has been the springboard to success for some of our past graduates.

Sentosa, Singapore, December 24: Young foreign golfers typically struggle when they venture to Asia in their first year. American Kurt Kitayama, on the other hand, proved that it is also possible to take the fast track to stardom.

Kitayama first entered the scene in January when he impressed at the Asian Tour Qualifying School with a tied-third finish to earn his Tour card on his very first attempt.

Spurred by his success from Qualifying School, the Japanese-American went on to secure one of three spots up for grabs when he topped the field by a single shot at the SMBC Singapore Open Qualifying Tournament the week after.

Riding high on confidence in his birth month, the 25-year-old Kitayama carried forward his form to the Asian Development Tour (ADT) where he put on a stunning display to claim a wire-to-wire victory in Malaysia.

That win was his very first since turning professional in 2015, and he quickly turned his focus back to the region’s premier Tour, hoping to ignite on the big stage.

“It has been a great year playing in Asia. It was tough at first because I wasn’t getting many starts, but I was fortunate enough to play well in the events that I did get into which helped me get into some bigger events later in the year,” said Kitayama, who enjoyed a commendable tied-fourth finish in his first start in New Zealand.

Residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kitayama who played two years on the Web.com Tour, admitted he experienced a slight culture shock when he took the leap to pursue more playing opportunities in Asia.

“When I first came to Asia, there was a little bit of a culture shock. Adjusting to that, and the different foods was a little bit of a struggle. I gained more experience along the way and now it has been easy to adapt to the new cultures,” said Kitayama.

Throughout his rookie year, the young American has displayed a steady rate of improvement where he did not miss a single cut in his first 11 starts, including three top-five finishes.

Soaking up the experience of playing amongst the best in Asia, he finally entered the winner’s circle in Mauritius before wrapping up an incredible season in South Africa.

It is a bonus that Kitayama, who’s only five feet, seven inches tall, topped the season statistics in the driving distance category with his booming average of 315 yards. There is no doubt that the big-hitting golfer is primed for the top echelons of the game with all his achievements this season.

“Having my maiden victory in my rookie year is great. I think it might be a little early to tell if it is a turning point but it was a huge step in my career and has opened up opportunities for the next two years.

“Asia has great players. Putting myself in contention throughout the year and competing with them played a big role in helping me make a breakthrough in Mauritius. I was able to learn from those experiences, get better, and win a tournament,” said Kitayama.

John Catlin of the United States

Underlining the success of Qualifying School graduates is fellow countryman John Catlin, 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.

“Any time you can get into the winner’s circle it is going to be a good year. To do it multiple times is just amazing. If you told me at the start that I was going to win three times and end up in sixth place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, I wouldn’t have believed it,” said Catlin, who first came through Qualifying School in 2015.

Stressing that the key to his success has been hard work, the 2018 Player’s Player of the Year recipient has inspired his peers with his dogged work ethic.

“For as long as I have been a professional golfer, I believe that the only confidence I’ve found when I step on to face these world-class golfers is knowing that I’ve hit these shots thousands of times. And that’s never going to change.

“I am very excited for next year. To be able to play in all the biggest events is going to be awesome. Winning a co-sanctioned event is my highest priority, and that’s my goal next year,” added Catlin.

Jakarta, December 16: Thailand’s Poom Saksansin showed why he is a class act when he fended off the challenges from his more illustrious rivals and fast-charging compatriots by closing with a four-under-par 68 to win the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), PT.Lautan Luas.Tbk and Bank Mandiri on Sunday.

Despite being ranked 239th in the world, Poom showed he would not be cowed into submission against two of the world’s highest ranked players Justin Rose (2) and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (27) and a host of Asian Tour champions who had assembled at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club for the Asian Tour season-finale.

Like his first Indonesian Masters victory in 2016, Poom had his uncle, Pratya Ployprapai, on his bag again. Together, they forged another formidable partnership to win the last event on the Asian Tour by three shots with a four-day total of 20-under-par 268.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, who started the day six shots back of Poom in third place, went on an amazing run by storming out in 32. He birdied 10 and eagled 12 to give himself a glimmer of hope of winning his third Asian Tour title.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand

However, two dropped shots on 15 and 17 put paid to all hopes. An eagle-three on his closing 18 brought the smiles back as it saw him end his Asian Tour season with seven top-10s and one victory.

Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat, who won his National open in June, claimed his third top-10 result of the season by finishing third with a bogey-free final round 66 at the US$750,000 event.

The charge by Stenson to deny Poom his day of glory did not materialise as the Swede could not find his putting touch on the day that matters most at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who has only made the cut once his five previous attempts at the Indonesian Masters, wrapped up his year in spectacular fashion by signing off with a 62 to finish tied for ninth.

Defending champion Justin Rose had to finish tied-16th or better to move back to world number one but posted a disappointing 75 to finish tied-17th.

Did you know?

• Poom Saksansin broke his previous lowest round (65) at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club with a 63 during the second round on Friday.
• Poom claimed his breakthrough at the Indonesian Masters in 2016. He went on to claim a wire-to-wire victory for his second Asian Tour title in India last year.
• Poom is the second player following Lee Westwood to win the Indonesian Masters more than once.
• He has only dropped three shots all week and missed only one fairway in his final round 68.
• The Thais dominated the final round of the BNI Indonesian Masters with four Thais (Poom Saksansin, Jazz Janewattananond, Panuphol Pittayarat, Thitiphun Chuayprakong) finishing inside the top-five on the final leaderboard.
• Jazz Janewattananond won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open and claimed his second win at the Queen’s Cup on home soil in June.
• His breakthrough victory in Bangladesh was especially sweet as he had finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School.
• He sits in a career-high 11th place on the current Habitat for Humanity Standings where he finished 13th last year.
• In 2018, he came in tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open and earned a coveted spot at The Open where he made his Major debut.
• Jazz 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.
• Panuphol Pittayarat is playing in his eighth season on the Asian Tour and has won twice.
• He finished in tied-51st place at the Indonesian Masters last year.
• He broke into the world’s top-200 for the first time in his career after claiming a one-shot victory on his home course at the Thai Country Club.
• That win was his second victory on the Asian Tour after his breakthrough at the Indonesia in 2017.
• Panuphol turned professional in 2007 at a young age of 14 and was nicknamed ‘Coconut’ by his parents.
• Henrik Stenson last won on the Asian Tour at the 2006 Qatar Masters.
• The 42-year-old Stenson is playing for the time in Indonesia. He is the first male Swedish Major champion, having won the 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon with a major championship record score of 264.
• In his 20-year professional career, Stenson has won more than 20 titles worldwide.
• Stenson is a natural left-hander but he learned to play golf right-handed.
• Nicholas Fung’s closing 62 is the lowest 18-hole score recorded this week. He broke his personal best of a 63 which was he carded in the Philippines three years ago.
• Starting from the 10th hole, Fung fired two birdies in his opening four holes before reeling in four straight birdies and an eagle on the 18 to turn in 28. He would match the Tour’s nine-hole score record if not for the preferred lies ruling in play.

Players’ Quotes

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – Final round 68 (-4), Total 268 (-20)

The course is very long for me. But I have won here before so I love coming back here. The greens are very nice this week and the course is in great conditions. I always enjoy coming back to Royale Jakarta and Indonesia.I really look up to Henrik (Stenson). I was really happy when I saw his name in the field this week. I was hoping to play with him in the first two rounds actually. I was very happy when I finally get to play with him in the final round.

I wasn’t even thinking about winning or losing. I was just thinking about playing alongside Henrik. I am very excited right now and I look forward to a better season next year. I can’t wait to come back and defend my title. I came into the week with no expectations. It depends on the conditions each day. Like on the second day, I putted very well for a 63 but today, I left some putts out there.  I think the only thing me and Henrik spoke about today was ‘good luck’ on the first tee. That’s the only thing I can remember right now.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Final round 65 (-7), Total 271 (-17)

It was a very long putt for eagle on the last! I saw Panuphol in second place on the leaderboard coming down the 18th. I knew I couldn’t catch Poom already. I made some hiccups down the stretch but I kept myself in the grind. I told myself if I can make two putts for birdie, I will finish second on my own. I wasn’t thinking about anything else really. To eagle that hole was really a surprise. I haven’t had two eagles in one round in a while so I am very happy with that. Everything went well for me today. I just made some silly mistakes. But shooting seven-under, I can’t complain. After the first eagle on the 12th, I thought if I can make another birdie, I might have a chance to chase Poom down. But I dropped some shots there so I didn’t think I had a chance then. Poom played great this week. It’s hard to beat him in Indonesia. This is my first time playing alongside Stenson. We actually share the same coach – Pete Cowan. I spoke to him on the 18th coming up and told him I felt really happy to play with him and I have always looked up to him. And then he told me he actually saw the swing that I sent to my coach earlier this week. I spoke to him quite a bit out there but didn’t tell him that we have the same coach until the last hole. I think I should be back inside top-10 on the final Order of Merit. It has been a great season. I was hoping to get another win before the season ends but next year will be better!

Panuphol Pittayarat (Tha) – Final round 66 (-6), Total 273 (-15)

Playing with Justin Rose was the first great thing for me today. I played well. I made some putts and missed some but I’ll take it. I made a long putt for birdie on the third. I grinded it out today. I actually kept the ball nicely in play. It was a lot calmer out there today. Only the last hole, the wind started gusting. But overall, it has been a great week. I actually came out from an ankle injury. I had to get help from the Physio. It’s just too much golf. It’s much better now with the tapes and all.

Henrik Stenson (Swe) – Final 71 (-1), Total 274 (-14)

I didn’t bring much game today. I feel like I have been fighting a little bit with the long game today. It was certainly not good. I got a little frustrated with myself. I missed a lot of fairways and greens. That is normally not what we are doing. I have been putting good all week but unfortunately today I didn’t make the putts. I had a couple of really close calls. Bit like Justin yesterday I kept on shaving the edges. It was a bit of a grind to keep it together and to finish off with a respectable score because I was playing quite poorly. I needed a fast start today but Poom came fast out of the blocks with a couple of birdies. I was four behind and needed to get going but I certainly did not have the game to go out today and shoot six or seven under. A little disappointed with that but all in all a pretty decent week.

Nicholas Fung (Mas) – Final round 62 (-10), Total 280 (-8)

It’s great to end the season with a final round of 62. Obviously, I am very happy. I didn’t expect myself to shoot 62. I have been playing well recently. I played well in Japan earlier and I was feeling confident about my game coming to this week. All was good here except the third round. Conditions were just so tough yesterday. I am still very happy with my week overall. This is the lowest round that I have ever shot. I was trying to go to 61 though. This is my first time making the cut here in this tournament. It’s nice to cap a good result here. I am sure it will remain as a good memory for me. I hope to continue this good form into the 2019 season.

Leading scores after round 4 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7361 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am – denotes amateur):

268 – Poom Saksansin (THA) 67-63-70-68.

271 – Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68-69-69-65.

273 – Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 71-66-70-66.

274 – Henrik Stenson (SWE) 67-68-68-71.

275 – Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA) 67-70-74-64.

277 – Shiv Kapur (IND) 71-66-71-69.

279 – Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-69-70-71, Jakraphan Premsirigorn (THA) 68-65-74-72.

280 – Nicholas Fung (MAS) 69-71-78-62, Viraj Madappa (IND) 73-69-72-66, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 67-66-75-72.

281 – Shugo Imahira (JPN) 71-70-73-67, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 69-67-76-69, Sungho Lee (KOR) 66-71-74-70, Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 69-70-72-70, Jarin Todd (USA) 68-70-72-71.

282 – John Catlin (USA) 66-72-75-69, Steven Jeffress (AUS) 69-71-73-69, Justin Rose (ENG) 68-68-71-75.

Jakarta, December 15: Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, dubbed the ‘assassin’ by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, will have another chance to take down the Major winner when they are paired together in the final group of the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), PT.Lautan Luas.Tbk and Bank Mandiri on Sunday.

Poom caused one of the one of the biggest upsets early in the year when he defeated Stenson at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia at the start of the year.

The 25-year-old Thai is looking for another repeat after he held on to his overnight lead by posting a two-under-par 70 to take a three-shot advantage over his idol, Stenson.

Playing in Indonesia for the first time, Stenson carded the lowest round of the day with a 68 to take second place with his three-day total of 13-under-par 203 at the Asian Tour season-ending event.

The Major winner is ready to put up another gallant fight to deny Poom of having bragging rights over him again at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond snatched the outright third place after returning with a 69 to put himself within sights of ending his year inside the top-10 on the Habitat for Humanity standings.

Panuphol, who earned his Asian Tour breakthrough in Indonesia last year, was pleased with his third round efforts after signing for a 70 that placed him in a share of fourth place with defending champion Justin Rose and compatriot Jakraphan Premsirigorn.

With seven shots separating him and Poom heading into the final 18 holes, Panuphol is aware of the challenges ahead and is determined to surmount a late charge.

Did you know?

• Poom Saksansin met his golf idol Henrik Stenson at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia in January this year. Together with his teammate Sunghoon Kang of Korea, they caused one of the biggest upsets of the week by defeating the Swede and Alexander Levy 5&4 in the opening fourball match.
• He broke his previous lowest round (65) at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club with a 63 during the second round on Friday.
• Poom claimed his breakthrough at the Indonesian Masters in 2016. He went on to claim a wire-to-wire victory for his second Asian Tour title in India last year.
• Poom is ranked the second-best putter in the field so far this week. He averaged 1.42 putts per greens in regulations.
• Poom is chasing to become the second player following Lee Westwood to win the Indonesian Masters more than once.
• Poom won by five strokes with a winning total of 18-under-par 270 two years ago.
• Henrik Stenson last won on the Asian Tour at the 2006 Qatar Masters.
• The 42-year-old Stenson is playing for the time in Indonesia. His third round 68 is the lowest 18-hole score of the day.
• Stenson is the first male Swedish Major champion, having won the 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon with a major championship record score of 264.
• In his 20-year professional career, Stenson has won more than 20 titles worldwide.
• Stenson is a natural left-hander but he learned to play golf right-handed.
• Jazz Janewattananond won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open and claimed his second win at the Queen’s Cup on home soil in June.
• His breakthrough victory in Bangladesh was especially sweet as he had finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School.
• He sits in a career-high 11th place on the current Habitat for Humanity Standings where he finished 13th last year.
• In 2018, he came in tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open and earned a coveted spot at The Open where he made his Major debut.
• Jazz 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.
• Panuphol Pittayarat is playing in his eighth season on the Asian Tour and has won twice.
• He finished in tied-51st place at the Indonesian Masters last year.
• He broke into the world’s top-200 for the first time in his career after claiming a one-shot victory on his home course at the Thai Country Club.
• That win was his second victory on the Asian Tour after his breakthrough at the Indonesia in 2017.
• Panuphol turned professional in 2007 at a young age of 14 and was nicknamed ‘Coconut’ by his parents.
• Only 12 players broke par on a wind-swept day at the BNI Indonesian Masters.

Players’ Quotes

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – Third round 70 (-2), Total 200 (-16)

I am happy with the way I played today. It was really windy and very difficult out there. I tried my best to keep the ball in play. I think I played good today.  I have been playing this course for the past five years and I have won here in 2016. I think I know this golf course pretty well. That will give me the advantage tomorrow. I think it’s good enough that I am playing with Henrik Stenson tomorrow. I am happy to be able to play with him again. He gave me an autographed shirt earlier this year when we met in Malaysia and I still keep that properly at home.

Henrik Stenson (Swe) – Third round 68 (-4), Total 203 (-13)

I had a good practice yesterday afternoon. It was very similar conditions to what I played the last seven or eight holes in yesterday so I guess when the breeze came up at the middle of the front nine today I was kind of used to it. I tried to make the right decisions and hit committed shots. I left myself some good birdie chances and holed some lovely putts on seven and eight to grab a couple of birdies there. And on the back nine there was a lot of fighting and a lot of par saves. It was nice to finish with a good up and down on the last. We (Justin Rose and I) had a good day out there. You still focus hard on your own game but it was certainly a bit more relaxed. We had a bit more conversation than you would with someone you don’t know well. He obviously has a lot to play for tomorrow to regain that world number one title. Not at all, not if I have a chance. We will see if he can go easy on the old guy instead. He played fantastic in our first match at the EurAsia Cup, him and his partner put up a string of eight straight birdies and we did not have chance. I know he is a very capable player and he has shown that for the first three days here.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Third round 69 (-2), Total 206 (-10)

I gave myself a good chance for eagle on the last. I tried to go for it but fell short. It was a tough round today. Everyone struggled. You see only a couple of good scores, like Stenson. He is playing pretty good. Poom still got the big lead as well. Overall, I am pretty happy with myself. Tough day today. Poom is dropping putts out there. If he continues to do that tomorrow, I don’t think anyone can catch him. But having said that, it’s a brand-new day tomorrow and we’ll see how it goes. I would say this year is pretty similar to last year. I had one win each. I am hoping for a good finish this week as that would help me break into top-10 on the final Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Panuphol Pittayarat (Tha) – Third round 70 (-2), Total 207 (-9)

It was a windy day. I managed to keep the ball under the wind for most of the round. You gonna make some and missed some. I dropped one shot today which was caused by the wind I think but I am happy to put myself in a great position heading into the final day.

I’m really happy to see Poom up on the leaderboard. I am happy to see someone from my country flying our flag up there. I won my first Asian Tour win in Indonesia two years ago. Feels great to be great here, although it’s a different course. The weather and environment are different. It’s been an on and off season for me actually. I played a little bit in Japan as well. It’s great to have a win at my National Open earlier. I really like my game.

Leading Scores after round 3 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7361 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am – denotes amateur):

200 – Poom Saksansin (THA) 67-63-70.

203 – Henrik Stenson (SWE) 67-68-68.

206 – Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68-69-69.

207 – Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 71-66-70, Justin Rose (ENG) 68-68-71, Jakraphan Premsirigorn (THA) 68-65-74.

208 – Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-69-70, Shiv Kapur (IND) 71-66-71, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 67-66-75.

210 – Jarin Todd (USA) 68-70-72.

211 – Anirban Lahiri (IND) 68-72-71, Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 69-70-72, Sungho Lee (KOR) 66-71-74, Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA) 67-70-74.

212 – Jarryd Felton (AUS) 67-76-69, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 69-67-76.

Jakarta, December 14: Thailand’s Poom Saksansin believed he got lucky on the golf course when he broke his personal best record at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club with a flawless nine-under-par 63 to take the second round lead at the the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), PT.Lautan Luas.Tbk and Bank Mandiri on Friday.

The second round of the BNI Indonesian Masters was suspended due to fading light at 5.50pm on Friday before resuming on Saturday morning. A total of 66 players made the halfway cut set at even-par 144.

The 25-year-old Poom, who won the Indonesian Masters in 2016, emerged as the man to catch after compiling a two-day total of 14-under-par 130 in the morning to take a three-shot lead over compatriots Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Jakraphan Premsirigorn who signed for a 66 and 65 respectively at the US$750,000 Asian Tour season-ender.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha)

Henrik Stenson’s hopes of closing the gap with Poom were dashed when he dropped two shots in his last four holes to head into the weekend rounds five shots back of Poom in outright fourth place.

Since his breakthrough at the Indonesian Masters in 2016, Poom has gone on to secure another Asian Tour title in India the following year. The Thai is now seeking to win a title every year and is on course to achieving that at the final Asian Tour event of the year.

Jakraphan meanwhile found the form that led him to a tied-second finish in Pakistan two months ago by firing eight birdies against a lone bogey on 11 to surge into contention and bringing back that much-needed confidence.

Jakraphan Premsirigorn (Tha)

Suradit, who finished in a share of second place, five shots behind Poom when the latter won the Indonesian Masters in 2016, is hoping to get the better of his countryman when the weekend rounds begin.

Defending champion Justin Rose of England remains six shots back of Poom after he signed for a 68. Rose had to return early this morning to complete his remaining four holes from his disrupted first round.

He dropped two shots in his closing three holes to sign for a 68 and after an hour’s rest, the world number two went back to the tee and would go on to mark his card with six birdies and two bogeys for another 68 to share fifth place with Australia’s Josh Younger and Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.

Did you know?

• Poom Saksansin’s previous lowest round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club was a 65, recorded during the third round of the Indonesian Masters in 2016.
• He is currently in 29th place on the Habitat for Humanity standings and has enjoyed four top-10s this year including a runner-up finish in Thailand Open.
• Poom found 10 fairways and missed only two greens today. He needed only 25 putts for his superb round of 63. He has only dropped one shot so far this week.
• Jakraphan Premsirigorn earned his Tour card from Qualifying School this year. He missed the cut in six straight events before finishing tied-second in Pakistan in October.
• Jakraphan has won once on the Asian Development Tour and finished tied-third at Qualifying School this year.
• Suradit Yongcharoenchai finished tied-second behind Poom Saksansin when he made his debut at the Indonesian Masters in 2016. He posted a tied-17th result in 2017.
• Suradit has finished inside the top-five three times this year and is currently in 34th place on the Habitat for Humanity standings.
• Henrik Stenson is the first male Swedish Major champion, having won the 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon.
• He is ranked 27th in the world this week but reached a career high of second place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) in 2014.
• Stenson won the silver medal, finishing two shots behind gold medalist Justin Rose at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
• Nicknamed ‘Iceman’ for his demeanour, Stenson is playing in Indonesia for the first time in his career.

Players’ Quotes

Poom Saksansin (Tha) Second round 63 (-9) Total, 130 (-14)

The aim is just to keep playing under-par. This is not an easy course for me. I was just lucky today. I think I like this course. I won here before two years ago. My putting was very good today. My iron-play was good too but my iron-play was the best. I missed two birdies on the second and ninth holes today actually. But otherwise, I managed to make birdies in all the opportunities that I gave myself today. I hope I can continue to play like how I did today but it will be tough. I will just keep playing and stick to my strategy and routine and see how it goes. My putting was key today, really. My driver was not too bad. Just managed to hit a few good ones coming back.  At the start of the year, my target was to keep my card on the Asian Tour first. So next year I can still have tournaments to play. After I retained my card, I went to try and play on the Japan Tour. I didn’t keep my card there and had to go back to Qualifying School.

Jakraphan Premsirigorn (Tha) Second round 65 (-7), Total 133 (-11)

I’m playing on this golf course for the first time and to be able to post a 65 today is a really good achievement. It’s refreshing to see yourself able to play well especially when I missed so many cuts this year. I made some swing changes and I’m feeling a lot better physically now. Doing well in Pakistan also brought back a lot of confident. Maybe that’s why I’m doing okay this week. I played 24 holes today and I told myself to just stay relaxed and hydrated.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha) Second round 66 (-6) Total 133 (-11)

I’m hoping to do better than what I did in 2016. I’m feeling very good about my game. I drove the ball very well and managed to find most of the fairways. My iron-play was very satisfying too. It helped I putted well too. It has been a long day for me as I had to complete four holes from my first round. The weather is very hot here and it’s very important to know how to take care of your body. I had a good season this year. Although I did not win, I had some good results in India and Pakistan this year. But I may have a chance to win this week.

Henrik Stenson (Swe)

Henrik Stenson (Swe) Second round 68 (-4), Total 135 (-9)

It started off with nice conditions. I got a great start, I birdied one, two and three. Had a couple of chances and birdied nine. I hit the turn in four under which was great. I hit two really nice shots on 11 and 12 which set up short birdie putts that I made so it was great. But when we came to the 10th it started blowing and it got worse and worse and it was a bit strange we had the thunderstorm hanging around and the wind was bumping like that, but it never got to us, which I think for the score it was bad. Would have been better to get off the course and finish better.  We had to play in the weather we had and it was tough. I hit a couple of poor iron shots in the gusty conditions.  I don’t know how much it was blowing, maybe 20 or 30 mph. The last six or seven holes were really tough, I dropped two shots. I am little disappointed in that but overall we are in a decent position.  I prefer to be three back rather than five back.

Justin Rose (Eng)

Justin Rose (Eng) Second round 68 (-4), Total 136 (-8)

For sure today it was a struggle early in my round. I was one over par through eight holes. It was a bit more windy today. Today was tough to make birdies, I wasn’t quite on my game.

I kind of bounced back pretty well. I birdied 18, my ninth hole, then had four more birdies on the front. Just the three putt on 18 (for par) was the problem. Made things not taste quite as good. At three under par I did not think I was quite in the tournament so it was nice to get myself to eight under and get myself into the tournament. I tend to play the front nine here better than the back nine anyway. I knew I had some chances coming. That is the way it proved to be again today. This is definitely a tough finish to the year everyone is starting to think about holiday time and put their feet up. But there is a lot on my mind this week, there is always something to play for. It is keeping me focused keeping me hungry. Sometimes you have to win to get to number one … it is an easier equation. My goal now is to play free golf at the weekend and chase the leader.

Jakarta, December 12: It has been a breakout year on the Asian Tour for South Africa’s Justin Harding. As the season draws to a close at the BNI Indonesian Masters this week, the South African pens his thoughts on what has been a truly amazing year for him in this latest blog from Jakarta.

By Justin Harding

It’s been quite a season for me. It’s almost gone like one full circle. It’s good to come back to Indonesia as I had success here at the Indonesia Open which sparked a solid run. It’s nice to come back to a place where I have played well at. I am just hoping to finish the year off with a good result this week, make some birdies and see what happens.

Winning in Indonesia was almost like a kick-starter to like everything. It obviously gave me more opportunities to play on the Asian Tour. I am loving every minute of it, like I said to those guys week in and week out. It’s been a great new experience for me. I have never been to any of these places. I have pretty happy with the way my game has adapted to how golf should be played here in Asia. I have got a better understanding of all the grasses as well. I think my game, in general, has become a lot stronger because of this.

At the end of the day, it comes down to the fact that as professional golfers ourselves, we have to try and push ourselves to get to the next level. The Sunshine Tour is a great Tour itself. I have had great success over there and there are a lot of good players, young and old, who have come out from there and play well on the main Tours around the world. Coming to Asia I thought was a great opportunity for me to learn. It has been an unbelievable experience and I am looking forward to see what 2019 brings.

I don’t eat quite as much in Asia compared to when I am in South Africa. It’s all pretty good. The only thing about travelling for tournaments on Tour is that you don’t get much sightseeing done. It’s usually between hotel and golf courses. I haven’t really had the opportunity to do sightseeing. It’s been too many places that we go to. I may not go home quite as much as I did this year if I were to play more in Asia next year. I haven’t been to Bali yet. I heard it’s spectacular and I am actually planning to go there next week!

It’s been a great experience. I can’t really complain. I am just enjoying the rewards now. I have made some good friends out here. Shaun Norris has been playing quite a bit in Japan. I get along with him quite well and the other South Africans as well. A couple of young players and some Indian players whom I have become friends with and a few others. It’s a friendly Tour. It’s one thing I have noticed especially this year. It’s a very welcoming part of the world. They are very friendly and hospitable.

I obviously liked to have a good result in Mauritius to move up to second place as it will make things more interesting coming down the stretch. It’s an opportunity for myself and Sanghyun Park to obviously go head to head for the second spot. He has obviously got a massive headstart this week but I got to go out and try and do my work and see if I can post a few good scores and put myself in position for the weekend. At the end of the day, starting in May when I won the Indonesia Open, I have never imagine myself in this position at the end of the year. It’s awesome to be in it and give myself that opportunity.

I have a good time in Indonesia. I quite like Thailand too and I have won there as well. I have played well about anyway in Asia which is a bonus. I am still learning and enjoying the different things out there. We’ll have some fun. I would like to try and move up the rankings in 2019 and maybe sneak in to some of the Majors. I got myself into the PGA Championship earlier.

I will have a better idea of what I can play and what I can’t play after this week. Obviously down for the Singapore Open in January to kick start the season. We will see what happens. Ultimately I want to try and broaden my focus I supposed. I have come from South Africa to play here in Asia and still going to play in Asia. There is no real game plan at the moment. I just want to focus on this week first.

Ends.

Jakarta, December 12: Danny Masrin tees off in the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by BTN, PT.Lautan Luas.Tbk and Bank Mandiri tomorrow here at Royale Jakarta Golf Club with the hopes of a nation on his young shoulders.

As one of Indonesia’s rising stars he will attempt to make an impression on the leaderboard and indeed on the two formidable players he has been paired with in the opening two rounds … world number two and defending champion Justin Rose from England and India’s Shubhankar Sharma, the newly crowned Asian Tour number one

“I actually played in the Indonesian Masters in 2011 as an amateur and was still in senior high school. It was the year when Lee Westwood came, won and became world number one,” said Masrin.

“I came back and played in 2016 as a professional and it was a different feeling. It was my first professional tournament and obviously I was feeling nervous.”

The 26 year old missed the cut last year but tied for 54th  in 2016. A multiple winner of titles on the domestic circuit in Indonesia, he is gradually learning his trade and the results have been coming.

He showed a glimpse of his potential when he posted a career-best finish on the Asian Tour this year at the SMBC Singapore Open. He carded a five-under-par 279 to finish tied-12th.

“I have seen how this tournament has grown especially the strength of the field. I think we are having the deepest field from Asia and over the world and it’s great to see how golf has grown in Indonesia. It also brings lots of hype to the tournament and gives Asian Tour players the chance to see how we match up against these top players,” he added.

“This is a great opportunity for the juniors to see the opportunities we have in Indonesia. We have two Asian Development Tour events and two Asian Tour events in Indonesia and it’s good for the juniors who want to pursue golf as a career to know there are opportunities here.”

A total of 26 Indonesians are playing this week including the nation’s other leading golfers George Gandranata and Rory Hie.

Masrin tees off at 11.50am with his two high profile partners.

Ends.

Jakarta, December 7: The 2018 Asian Tour season will come to a close next week with the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), PT.Lautan Luas.Tbk and Bank Mandiri drawing the curtains down on what has been another unforgettable year.

While tournament draw cards Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson are expected to light up the event with their star power, all eyes will also be on India’s Shubhankar Sharma, who is widely expected to win the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.

“It’s obviously great to be able to extend my lead on the Habitat for Humanity standing after Hong Kong. But it’s not over until it’s over.  So, we just have to wait until it’s finished,” said Sharma.

South Africa’s Justin Harding, who is in third place on the Habitat for Humanity standings, still has a mathematical chance of overtaking the Indian should he win in South Africa this week and the BNI Indonesian Masters.

For Sharma, it has been a defining season where his exploits all around the world have positioned him nicely to become the fifth Indian to earn the distinction of being Asia’s number one golfer.

A two-time Asian Tour winner, Sharma won his first title in South Africa last December followed by another in Malaysia two months later in February.

He finished tied-ninth at the World Golf Championships in Mexico in March, where he led in the second and third rounds and has also enjoyed three top-10s this season.

“This year has been a huge learning curve for me. I’ve played in some of the biggest events I could ever imagine and learned a lot. I know I have the game to be among the best in the world and I just want to keep playing well and give my best shot,” said the Indian.

At the other end of the ranking, attention will also be focused on players battling to finish inside the top-60 so as to keep their full Tour cards for the 2019 season.

Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung and China’s Liu Yanwei are sitting in 62nd and 67th place respectively on the standings and are among the notable names seeking a merit lifeline at the US$750,000 event which will be played at its traditional home at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from December 13-16.

The BNI Indonesian Masters is also the final event in the world’s golfing calendar where Official World Ranking points will be afforded to players as they seek to break into the top-50 by the end of the year.

Jakarta, December 11: India’s Anirban Lahiri is back on familiar winning ground this week. The Indonesian Masters holds a special place in Lahiri’s heart as it was his win at the Royal Jakarta Golf Club in 2014 that catapulted him to further success around the world.

In his blog from Jakarta, the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit, who holds seven Tour victories, also opens up about how he is looking forward to his reunion with his friends on the Asian Tour and his younger compatriot, who like him, has also earned the distinction of being Asia’s number one golfer.

By Anirban Lahiri

“It’s nice to come back to a golf course where I have had success before. Coming back to play a full-field event on the Asian Tour is great. I haven’t done this since 2015. It’s nice to see a lot of familiar faces out here and also some new faces who have been making waves as well.

Catching up with the Indian boys who have come up the ranks but I haven’t had much interaction with for the past few years too. It’s great fun. It’s obviously the most fun Tour in the world, without a doubt and it’s my home Tour. It’s just comfortable to come back to this part of the world. I feel at home.

My victory here in 2014 sparked everything and it’s probably the best phase of my career. I gained a lot of confidence from my win here back then. When I walk down the fairways, I feel a lot of positive vibes which gave me a lot of confidence.

My game’s been good but it hasn’t been quite good enough for four days to win. Maybe I need some of these positive vibes to get me back into that winning mode so I can get over the line.

I’m been living in the United States for the last few years. We have settled down nicely. We’ve got a house and we’ve been there for three years now. Obviously, the environment is different from what we get here, even on Tour it’s different.

Off the course in America, it’s very quiet and it’s not as busy. It’s not as hectic as what it would have been in India and that’s something which I have enjoyed, for both my wife and myself. It’s nice to be back in Asia and spend some time with my family and friends in India during this period. It’s a good time of the year and I have been looking forward to this after a long grind earlier.

I don’t think it’s a sacrifice to be away from home. It’s my choice. Every choice you make, you make for your own best interest. I made a difficult choice but it’s a choice which I made so I don’t regret it or feel bad about it. I accept it and I am very happy with the choices that I have made so far. It’s tough work to be away from home and moving out from something you grew up with. I’ve crossed that phase now and I’m comfortable with where I am now.

Shubhankar has played such amazing golf this year and late last year as well. It’s nothing like a one-tournament wonder. He has kept his performance level up and he’s been very consistent, especially in the big events. He’s a superb kid, very hardworking and smart too. Obviously has aspirations of coming to the States as well so hopefully he can achieve that and I can have some company and fun over there.”