OWGR Watch: The road to Augusta

Published on March 13, 2019

By Olle Nordberg, Former Asian Tour and European Tour professional

March 13: With lucrative events such as World Golf Championships (WGC), Majors and the Players Championship looming, the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) becomes all important. Here, we follow the Asian Tour players that are making a charge up the rankings and their quest to play their way into these events via the OWGR.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, currently ranked number 39 on the OWGR, will already be eligible for all the above events.

Kiradech and India’s Anirban Lahiri both have a huge week coming up at this week’s US$12,500,000 Players Championship in Jacksonville, Florida. It has arguably the strongest field in golf and regarded by many as the “fifth major”. Kiradech and Lahiri have a much-coveted opportunity to challenge for the 80 OWGR points and perks that go to the winner of the Players Championship.

The fringe benefits of winning this event are staggering in the world of professional golf:

Five-year PGA TOUR exemption
Three-year Masters exemption
Three-year U.S. Open exemption
Three-year Open Championship exemption
Three-year U.S. PGA Championship exemption

Plus, a large share of one of the biggest purses in golf.

Last week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters saw a number of Asian Tour members competing on the weekend, and a big make move up the ranking list was, of course, made by the champion, two-time Asian Tour winner, Justin Harding.

Harding won his maiden European Tour event by finishing in style with birdies on his last two holes for a closing 6-under-par 66, continuing his incredible Sunday scoring run in 2019. Since the start of the year, his round four scores have been: 70 (-1) at the SMBC Singapore Open, 63 (-9) Omega Dubai Desert Classic, 63 (-7) Saudi International, 68 (-4) Vic Open and 66 (-6) last week in Qatar. An enviable average of 66 or -5.4 under par.

For winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Harding collected 24 OWGR points and rose 22 positions in the rankings all the way up to 52nd place. This means he has now secured a place in the WGC Dell Matchplay in Austin, Texas at the end of march for the top 64 available on the OWGR, even if the deadline is not until March 18.

He is also very close to the magic number 50 needed for an invitation to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia that is happening from April 11 to 14. The deadline to get into the top-50 is March 31, and one more top finish before then could see Harding book his first Masters Tournament appearance.

Harding is scheduled to play in the Magical Kenya Open in Nairobi this week on the European Tour.

With a tied-20th place in Qatar, Kurt Kitayama remains at number 105 in the OWGR rankings and is still within striking distance of the top-100 needed for a special exemption into the U.S. PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in New York that is happening from May 16 to 19.

Kitayama is not playing this week and will return to action in next week’s Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond did not play last week and dropped a couple of spots on the OWGR to 77 from 75, but he is still well positioned for a special invitation to the U.S. PGA Championship.

With two big co-sanctioned events coming up on the schedule, the Maybank Championship and Hero Indian Open, the Masters Tournament is also within reach, although a tall order. A win in Malaysia and a high finish in India the week after could see Jazz follow in Shubhankar Sharma’s footsteps from last year.

Published on March 11, 2019

March 11: It was another week to remember for South Africa’s Justin Harding in Qatar. After setting the Asian Tour alight with two back-to-back victories in Indonesia and Thailand last year, Harding is now taking the European Tour by storm with his breakthrough in the Middle East.

Former Asian Tour and European Tour professional, Olle Nordberg breaks down Harding’s latest win and recaps the performances of our Asian Tour stars from Qatar to Orlando. – All in this week’s edition of Overseas Watch.

By Olle Nordberg, Former Asian Tour and European Tour professional

European Tour- Commercial Bank Qatar Open

It was a breakthrough European Tour win for South Africa’s Justin Harding at the Commercial Bank Qatar Open yesterday. Firing a final round six-under-par 66 on Sunday, Harding beat nine players in tied second place to take home the trophy by two shots with his winning total of13-under-par 275. In a round that included eight birdies and two bogeys, Harding birdied his last two holes, and three out of his last four.

With the victory also comes 24 very important Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points which propelled Harding to 52^nd place. What this means is that he now has a lock on a start in the WGC Dell Matchplay in Austin, Texas at the end of March, and is closing in on the OWGR top 50 and an invitation the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia in April.

The winner of the Oman Open on the European Tour a couple of weeks ago, American Kurt Kitayama closed the week with an even-par 72 and a tie for 20^th place together with fellow Asian Tour players Jake McLeod (73) and Masahiro Kawamura (71) after signing off with a four-day total of seven-under-par 281.

Malaysian number one and 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Gavin Green finished the week tied for 31^st with a one-under-par 71 and a five-under-par total, a score that he also shared with Gaganjeet Bhullar (68) of India.

Also making the weekend in Qatar was Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee who settled on a one-over-par total and tied 72^nd place.

Kiradech finishes tied-23rd at Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

Over in the United States, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat wrapped up his week in Orlando with a one-under-par 71 that included three birdies against two bogeys.

Kiradech, who is the first player from Thailand to gain full membership from Thailand, finished in a share of 23^rd place after closing with a four-day total of four-under-par 284.

In the field at Bay Hill was also India’s Anirban Lahiri, who after making the cut, had to endure a rough weekend at the difficult course and eventually finished in tied-69^th place after he signed off with a one-over-par 73 for an eight-over-par 296 total.

The event was won by Italy’s Francesco Molinari who posted a bogey-free eight-under-par 64 to finish two shots clear of overnight leader Matthew Fitzpatrick on 12-under-par 276.

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March 11: Justin Harding of South Africa closed with a six-under-par 66 to win his maiden European Tour title by two shots at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Harding had a three-shot deficit going into the final round, but he closed the gap early in the day on the overnight leader, England’s Oliver Wilson, by sinking three birdies in his opening four holes at the Doha Golf Club.

Even though he dropped shots on the sixth and seventh, Harding recovered brilliantly by responding with birdies on the 10th and 12th. With the wind in his sails, two-time Asian Tour winner birdied three out of his last four holes before signing for a 13-under-par 275 total.

At that juncture, Harding took over the clubhouse lead from Korean Jinho Choi, who set the early target of 11-under-par after carding the day’s best score of 64. The South African then had to endure a long, agonising wait, with 15 golfers still yet to finish their rounds.

An hour later, he was conferred the winner. He joins Ernie Els, Darren Fichardt, Retief Goosen and Branden Grace as South African winners of the Mother of Pearl trophy.

“I didn’t quite think it was enough, I thought there might be a play-off but I’m happy to get over the line eventually. I’ve been knocking on the door a little recently. It’s rewarding seeing the hard graft and change in mindset, seeing what’s involved and what’s going on. I’m really happy,” he said.

Harding has been in supreme form since winning the Indonesia Open and Royal Cup in quick succession last year. He went on to secure four more top-10 finishes to emerge third on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.

He carried his momentum to 2019, evident from his results on the European Tour. His victory in Qatar earned him 24 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which elevated him from 74th to 52nd.

With WGC-Dell Technologies Matchplay spots reserved for the top-64 available golfers on the OWGR as of March 18, Harding will be packing his bags for Austin, Texas, United States in a few weeks’ time.

Prom wins second Singha Thailand Masters title

Thailand’s Prom Meesawat also enjoyed a celebratory weekend, as he shot an even-par 72 to win the Singha Thailand Masters by one shot on Sunday.

Prom started the day with a one-shot lead and even though he could not get his round going, trading five birdies against five bogeys, the Big Dolphin hung on for the victory at the All Thailand Tour event after signing for a 13-under 276 at the Santiburi Country Club.

The 34-year-old Prom credited his win to World Cup teammate and friend, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who helped him improve his game during the off-season.

Said Prom: “We practised together and he gave me good tactics and also equipment before leaving for the United States. I want to thank him for that.

“This is a big event and everyone wants to play here. I had good memories of playing here and so, winning here again is very special.”

Prom, a three-time Asian Tour winner, earned seven OWGR points, and he has risen more than a hundred places from 407 to 301 on the world rankings.

Khan continues his resurgence with a win at the City Bank American Express Chittagong Open

India’s Rashid Khan was miles ahead of the field as he shot a final-day nine-under-par 63 for a seven-shot, wire-to-wire victory at the City Bank American Express Chittagong Open.

His winning total of 24-under-par 264 is a new record for the lowest-ever winning score achieved at Bangladesh’s Bhatiary Golf and Country Club.

Khan, who had a two-shot cushion at the start of the day, tightened his grip on the lead after shooting four birdies on the front nine. His lead was virtually unassailable after sinking three consecutive birdies on the 10th, 11th and 12th.

His victory in Bangladesh was his 11th professional win and his second one in four months.

In December last year, Khan ended his two-year title drought by emerging victorious at the CG Open 2018, a tournament on the PGTI.

Said that two-time Asian Tour winner: “The putts rolled in for me today and I also capitalised on the par-fives. My week can be summed up by the fact that I dropped only one bogey in the whole tournament. It’s great to win two events in quick succession. I feel my confidence and game are back on track.”

Khan earned five OWGR points, which pushed him up from 867 to 581 on the world rankings.

Published on March 6, 2019

By Olle Nordberg

With lucrative events such as WGCs, Majors and the Players Championship looming, the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) becomes all important. Here we follow the Asian Tour players that are making a charge up the rankings and their quest to play their way into these events via the OWGR.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, currently ranked number 38 on the OWGR, will already be eligible for all the above events.

Last week’s OWGR counting events, the co-sanctioned 100th New Zealand Open on the Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, Oman Open (European Tour) and Honda Classic (PGA Tour) saw a few of our members make important moves up the ranking list.

Kurt Kitayama– With a clutch finish in Oman birdieing the 16th and 17th holes to win by one shot, having overcome a quadruple bogey, bogey, bogey start in round three, Kitayama moves up to number 105 on the OWGR. Having made huge strides in the last 15 months to move up from 1187th position at the start of the 2018 Asian Tour season, he’s now within striking distance on the top 100 which should be enough for a special exemption into the US PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in New York from May 16 to 19.

He is scheduled to play next week’s Qatar Masters on the European Tour, and a top finish there could also put him in contention for the top-64 on the OWGR at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (as of March 18). Last year’s edition of the tournament saw the entry list drop down to number 70 because of some players choosing not to enter the event.

Jazz Janewattananond– We have gotten used to Jazz playing great golf the last few months, and last week in Queenstown did not disappoint. In tied-12th place after three rounds, Jazz fired an eight-under-par 64 in the last round that included two eagles and one birdie in his last six holes. A tied-fourth finish meant gaining three spots on the OWGR to move to a career high of 75.

Jazz is not scheduled to play again until the Maybank Championship after the deadline of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, so he will need to rely on other players not entering to get into that event.

Justin Harding– Uncharacteristically missing the cut in the difficult sand-storm plagued Oman Open saw Harding lose a few spots on the OWGR from 71 to 74. He is scheduled to play the next two weeks European Tour events in Qatar and Kenya, so he will have a chance to improve on his ranking before the deadline. A high finish in either of the next two weeks events could see him secure a spot in Austin.

For the three players above, the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia held from April 11 to 14 is still within reach, although it might be a much tougher task. Being inside the top-50 on the OWGR as of March 31st would land them with an invitation to Augusta and follow in Shubhankar Sharma’s footsteps from last year following his win at the Maybank Championship.

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Sentosa, Singapore, March 4: It is never easy adapting to a different competitive environment, but if you are as immensely talented as Australian Zach Murray, then turning professional is simply a walk in the proverbial park.

In fact, Murray not only adapted well to being a full-time golfer, but he has also excelled in it. Last week, the 21-year-old bested a talented field to win the 100th edition of the storied New Zealand Open.

During the tournament, he exhibited his outstanding skills by opening with a flawless eight-under-par 63 as well as his steady composure by pulling away from a fast-chasing pack in the final round to win by two shots.

Murray managed the tournament like a grizzled veteran, so it may come to a surprise to some that he joined the play-for-pay ranks less than six months ago.

He made his professional debut at his National Open in November last year on the back of a successful amateur career.

A month later, he earned an Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School by finishing strongly in fourth place.

The victory in Queenstown came after only his third start on Asia’s premier circuit.

“Starting my career like this is so huge. No words can describe my feeling right now,” said Murray, upon winning the New Zealand Open.

Murray took home a winner’s cheque of AUD$211,724 and received a total of 15 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. He has also earned a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour.

He added: “I look forward to playing full time in Asia. This victory means a lot to me. I am loving the game at the moment and I just want to keep playing well and capitalise on this win.

“I really like Asia. It’s pretty close to home. My family and friends can come out and support if I do well. I have friends who played in Asia before telling me that the people are nice and supportive in Asia, so I am looking forward to it!”

Murray has risen from tied-20th to second on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings. Ahead of him is Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, who has enjoyed a splendid start to his 2019 season.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand

Jazz signed off with a solid 66 to finish in fourth place in New Zealand. It was his third top-10 result in as many tournaments following his win at the SMBC Singapore Open and a tied-ninth finish at the end of the stroke play rounds at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth.

The Asian Tour will be heading next to the US$3,000,000 Maybank Championship, which will be happening from March 21 to 24 at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

Top players on the Habitat for Humanity Standings

Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)

1. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $239,800.44

2. Zach MURRAY (AUS) $172,040.71

3. Scott VINCENT (ZWE) $63,595.03

4. Ben CAMPBELL (NZL) $41,648.48

5. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $40,618.10

6. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $37,869.98

7. Doyeob MUN (KOR) $37,150.00

8. Gareth PADDISON (NZL) $36,327.27

9. Berry HENSON (USA) $28,189.96

10. Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) $26,500.00

11. Andrew DODT (AUS) $24,663.56

12. Yuta IKEDA (JPN) $24,535.51

13. Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN) $23,945.45

14. Travis SMYTH (AUS) $23,220.31

15. Paul PETERSON (USA) $20,539.20

16. Jarin TODD (USA) $19,316.67

17. Yikeun CHANG (KOR) $19,095.67

18. Miguel TABUENA (PHI) $17,457.17

19. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) $16,684.08

20. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $15,253.59

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Queenstown, New Zealand, March 4: Here’s five takeaways from the New Zealand Open where Zack Murray lifted his maiden Asian Tour title.

Zach Murray of Australia is the third fastest rookie to win on the Asian Tour after Kane Webber (2006 Macao Open) and Todd Sinnott (2017 Leopalace Myanmar Open), who both won on their second starts on Tour. Murray won on his third start on Tour at the New Zealand Open.
Putting is key due to the Pro-Am format of the tournament and it has been proven by winner Murray, who averaged 1.56 putts per greens in regulation and is ranked first in the category.
Murray had led from start to finish when he won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. He claimed a second wire-to-wire victory at the New Zealand Open and became the second straight Australian, following Daniel Nisbet, to lift the trophy.
Jazz Janewattananond shares the same coach (Pete Cowen) as Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Henrik Stenson. He last made two eagles on his back nine at the 2018 season-ending Indonesian Masters where he came in runner-up.
The New Zealand Open, which was inaugurated in 1907, celebrated its centennial edition last week. Australian legend Peter Thomson won the prestigious tournament on nine occasions and remains the player to have win the tournament for the most number of times.

Photo credit: PhotosportNZ

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Queenstown, New Zealand, March 3: Australian rookie Zach Murray signaled his arrival on the biggest stage when he became the third fastest Qualifying School graduate to win on the Asian Tour after closing with a four-under-par 68 to become the newest champion of the New Zealand Open on Sunday.

It was a wire-to-wire victory for the 21-year-old and his breakthrough was made even sweeter as it was his first professional win, achieved in what was only his third start on the Asian Tour at the NZ$1,250,000 (Approx. US$850,000) event.

Murray saw his five-shot lead after the second round reduced to just one after the third round. But the Australian responded on the day that mattered most with a sublime performance that saw him lift the New Zealand Open trophy by two shots over closest challengers Josh Geary of New Zealand and compatriot Ashley Hall at The Hills.

Murray birdied the second before reeling off seven successive pars to turn in 35. He added another birdie on the 10 but would give it back on the next following a bogey. The young talent however soared with an eagle-birdie-birdie run from 13 to pull clear of Geary and Hall.

Murray, who held a three-shot lead coming down the 72nd hole, had to hit his third shot from behind the television tower but a two-putt bogey was good enough to ensure his triumph at the storied event, that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS PGA Tour of Australasia.

Merit leader Jazz Janewattananond enjoyed another solid result on the Asian Tour by signing off with a bogey-free 66 to finish in fourth place. The Thai has never finished outside the top-10 since he lifted his third Asian Tour title at the season-opening event in Singapore in January.

A total of 152 professionals and 152 amateurs took part in the event where the first two rounds were alternated between the par-71 course at Millbrook Resort and the par-72 course at The Hills. The 62 players, who made the halfway cut on Friday, competed in the final two rounds at The Hills.

Did you know?

Zach Murray of Australia is the third fastest rookie to win after Kane Webber (2006 Macao Open) and Todd Sinnott (2017 Leopalace Myanmar Open), who both won on their second starts on Tour.
Murray will take home a winner’s cheque of AUD$211,724 (approx. US$149,964) and receive a total of 15 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
Murray secured his 2019 Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School last December after finishing fourth in the 90-hole event.
Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. One month later, he made his professional debut at the Australian Open.
Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Murray marked his lowest round yet as a professional with his opening 63 at Millbrook Resort. He was in a three-way tie for lead after 18 holes but a second round 65 at The Hills saw him move five shots clear of the field in what is his debut appearance in the long-running event. He would follow up with a third-round 70 to retain a one-shot lead heading into the final round.
Murray is playing in only his third start on the Asian Tour this season.
Murray hails from Victoria, Australia. He is in Queenstown this week for the first time.
Ashley Hall is a three-time winner on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia in 2007, 2009 and 2016.
The 35-year-old Hall played on the Asian Tour in 2007 and 2008. He also played on the Web.com Tour from 2013 to 2015, where he came in runner-up twice.
In 2018, he regained his Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School but played only two events that season.
After firing five straight birdies in his closing six holes in the third round, Hall continued his hot bogey-free streak before dropping a shot on his 72nd hole.
Josh Geary, 34, is a one-time winner on the Canadian Tour. He won the Saskatchewan Open at Dakota Dunes Resort and Casino in Saskatoon in 2008.
Prior to turning professional in 2007, Geary enjoyed an illustrious amateur career where he represented New Zealand in the bi-annual World Amateur team event – Eisenhower Trophy in 2004 and 2006.
Geary has recorded five professional victories, including three in 2015.
Jazz Janewattananond closed with a stunning bogey-free 64, highlighted by four birdies and two eagles on 13 and 17. He had dropped only one shot in his last 36 holes at The Hills. He made a total of three eagles this week, including an eagle-three on the first hole at The Hills in the opening round.
Jazz leads the latest Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings and is playing in his first New Zealand Open this week.
Jazz broke into the world’s top-100 for the first time in his career after claiming his third Asian Tour title at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open last month. That victory also earned him a coveted spot in The Open, where he made his Major debut last year.

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Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Australia’s rising star Zach Murray saw his overnight five-shot lead reduced to one after he battled to a third-round two-under-par 70 on a low-scoring Saturday at the 100th New Zealand Open.

The 21-year-old rookie let slip of his overnight lead after stumbling with a third bogey of the day on 10. However, he gained a shot on 13 to get to even-par for the day and surmounted a late challenge by rallying back with two closing birdies on 17 and 18.

Murray’s solid drive down the middle of the fairway on the last would set up his 15-foot birdie and helped him regain his place atop the leaderboard with a three-day total of 17-under-par 198 at the NZ$1,250,000 (approx. US$850,000) event.

New Zealander Josh Geary raised the local cheers after matching the day’s lowest round of a 63 to move into second place on his own at the storied event, that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Kodai Ichihara made his move by firing five birdies in his opening six holes but slipped back with a bogey on 12 and a double-bogey on 13. The amiable Japanese recovered brilliantly with three birdies on holes 14, 16 and 17 to settle for a 67 and a share of third place with his 201 total.

Thailand’s Poom Saksansin and Jazz Janewattananond, who leads the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, returned with respective rounds of 66 and 69 to head into the final round seven shots behind Murray in tied-12th position at The Hills.

Did you know?

Zach Murray of Australia secured his 2019 Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School last December after finishing fourth in the 90-hole event.
Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. One month later, he made his professional debut at the Australian Open.
Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Murray marked his lowest round yet as a professional with his opening 63 at Millbrook Resort. He was in a three-way tie for lead after 18 holes but a second round 65 at The Hills saw him move five shots clear of the field in what is his debut appearance in the long-running event.
Murray is playing in only his third start on the Asian Tour this season.
Murray hails from Victoria, Australia. He is in Queenstown this week for the first time.
Josh Geary, 34, is a one-time winner on the Canadian Tour. He won the Saskatchewan Open at Dakota Dunes Resort and Casino in Saskatoon in 2008.
Prior to turning professional in 2007, Geary enjoyed an illustrious amateur career where he represented New Zealand in the bi-annual World Amateur team event – Eisenhower Trophy in 2004 and 2006.
Geary has recorded five professional victories, including three in 2015. He is attempting to win his National Open for the first time.
The last New Zealander to win the New Zealand Open was Michael Hendry in 2017.
Kodai Ichihara of Japan is the only player using a long putter this week.
The 36-year-old Japanese has won the Japan Golf Tour Qualifying School on eight occasions.
Ichihara claimed his first win on the Japan Golf Tour in June last year and went on to claim his second title in November.
The amiable Ichihara enjoyed his best season on the Asian Tour in 2009, where he capped five top-10 finishes and missed only two cuts in 15 tournaments. He returned to the 2019 Asian Tour Qualifying School in December but agonizingly missed out on his card by just one shot.
Jazz Janewattananond, who leads the latest Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, is making his debut appearance at the storied New Zealand Open this week.
The rising star from Thailand is eyeing a good showing to boost his rankings on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), where he sits in a current 78th place. He needs to break into top-64 by March 18 to qualify for the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
Jazz broke into the world’s top-100 for the first time in his career after claiming his third Asian Tour title at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open last month. That victory also earned him a coveted spot in The Open, where he made his Major debut last year.

Photo credit: Photosport NZ

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Queenstown, New Zealand, March 3: Read what players have to say following the final round of the 100th New Zealand Open on Sunday.

Zach Murray (Aus) – Final round 68 (-4), Total 266 (-21)

Starting my career like this is so huge and to win the 100th New Zealand Open – I don’t really think words can describe that. I’ve etched my name in history a little bit, which is really good and I’ll come back and support this tournament as long as I’m a professional.

Growing up in the country, being loyal to the people when you first started, I’m looking forward to playing this tournament for the rest of my life. I was speaking to (Sir Bob) just before and I’d never met him before, he’s an amazing man and I reckon if I could have a 10th of the career that he had I’ll die a happy man, I reckon.

I just holed some nice putts and that has been the key for me all week. This win will get me into the upcoming Maybank Championship in Malaysia. I can’t wait for that. It’s going to be fantastic. I was trying to get an invite there but now I don’t have to.

I am super happy to be able to head out there and I look forward to playing full time in Asia. This victory means a lot to me. Any professionals who just started out would want to play. I am loving the game at the moment and I just want to keep playing well and capitalize on this win.

I really like Asia. It’s pretty close to home, just one flight away. Not jet-lags, it’s nice. My family and friends can come out and support if I do well. I have friends who played in Asia before telling me that the people are nice and supportive in Asia so I am looking forward to it.

Ashley Hall (Aus)– Final round 65 (-7), Total 268 (-19)

I wanted to get off to a quick start and I did, I found some magic with the putter. I almost felt like I couldn’t miss for a little while. I’m a bit disappointed with the finish, just a bit jittery. I haven’t played much lately and haven’t been in the hunt for a while.

Josh Geary (Nzl) – Final round 68 (-3), Total 268 (-19)

When I hit it close on 13 and got the eagle I thought ‘maybe’, but he responded really well. We lost the tee shot left on 15 but got a drop and made birdie and started to feel it could happen. It was not really gone because 16, 17 and 18 are holes that can trip you up.

It is my first event for three months and it came with a lot of changes to the swing over the last six months. Overall, I am really happy with the week. It was a shame I lost a bit of momentum today. I hit a good shot into 5 which hit the flag and missed the green and that started a five hole stretch of some weird stuff. I bounced back from that but it was too little too late.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Final round 64 (-8), Total 269 (-18)

My caddy Jacob was just telling me that the two eagles on the back nine reminded him of my back nine at the Indonesian Masters last year. I had two eagles to finish second there. I am pleased with the way I played.

I started off really good today but kind of struggled during the middle of the round. But got it back after that. I got it back earlier than I did yesterday though so that helps. I wasn’t thinking much out there to be honest. I saw the leaderboard and thought I am too far away from the lead.

I just try my best to play well, hoping to boost my world rankings with a good result. I have been playing well since I started working with my new coach Pete Cowen. This week’s a good build-up for Maybank Championship as well so I am looking forward to that.

I think I will need another good result there to have a chance to qualify for the Majors and World Golf Championships. The week’s been lovely. I am going to do some sight seeing before going home tomorrow. Maybe do some activities but no bungee jump for sure!

I’m taking the next week off. I haven’t been home for a few weeks so I hope to get some good rest and spend time with my family back home.

It’s still early in the season. I wasn’t thinking about it earlier but now, I think I might have a chance. It all depends on how I do at the Maybank Championship later this month. If I finish well there, I should be in a better position to chase for the Order of Merit title.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) – Final round 66 (-6), Total 276 (-11)

It was just a really solid round. I hit it good off the tees and I putted well as well. Nice to stay bogey-free but I did miss a few birdies out there. Couldn’t have been really low but I am not going to complain about that.

This week’s been amazing, the place, the tournament and all. Playing with the amateurs as well, it’s just such a relaxed atmosphere out here. I definitely will be back here again. I haven’t done any sight-seeing yet actually.

I have two more days here so I am going to check out the place before going to Christchurch on Tuesday. It’s supposed to be a beautiful drive there so I am looking forward to it. My dad is here with me.

After this, we will be home for about 10 days and then off to Malaysia for the Maybank Championship. I would like to win again for sure. That’s always been my goal.

Photo credit: photosportNZ

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Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Read what players have to say following the penultimate round of the New Zealand Open on Saturday.

Zach Murray (Aus) – Third round 70 (-2), Total 198 (-17)

I gave Leuk the Duck a wee kiss on the last – it’s the Jarrod Lyle leukaemia duck – just for a wee bit of good luck. My caddy makes me kiss it every now and again, so a bit of humour.

That’s what you live for in golf, to hole those putts on the last. It gave me a few goosebumps. I wasn’t playing bad earlier on, I just wasn’t capitalising on my good shots.

Josh (Geary) will obviously have a few followers about and it will be really nice to play in front of his home crowd.

I’m thoroughly enjoying New Zealand at the moment, I think the crowds have been fantastic this week and super supportive of me.

Josh Geary (Nzl) – Third round 63 (-9), Total 199 (-16)

I didn’t do a lot different today. I hit a lot of good approach shots, a lot of close ones and gave myself some birdie putts. The short irons were definitely dialed in early on. With Zach being five shots ahead, you had to do something pretty special if he kept going the way he was. The field has caught up a bit which has given a few more players a chance.

The conditions were unbelievable, just perfect. The greens were running really, really fast but true. There were some good flags too so if you were in the wrong side it was tough but thankfully, I was in the right spots most of the day and made a good score.

I hadn’t driven the ball well today and my caddy said three-wood leaves a pretty short pitch but I said I did not mind giving it a go because the bunker shot was not too treacherous. I made a good swing and it went exactly where I wanted it to go, six-feet right of the hole and just rolled it in. It was one of the ones you draw up and it was perfect.

We waited for half an hour for the tee shot on 17 and so to step up all of a sudden and make a good swing is difficult and I had gone cold. The second shot across the rock is quite tricky and I pulled it slightly into the other bunker but still had a chance of birdie but didn’t quite make it.

If it is like this again tomorrow there will be a lot of low scoring so you can’t be too defensive; make some more birdies and hopefully it is enough to go across the line.

It would mean the world being from New Zealand to win your home Open. Only a select few have done that and some pretty good Names at that. This is the event we grew up watching as kids. Even at the age of 13 or 14 I dreamed of playing in the Open so to win it would be unbelievable for sure.

Kodai Ichihara (Jpn) – Third round 67 (-5), Total 201 (-14)

I got off to a very good start today. Things got a little shaky after making the turn but I am glad that I could still make birdies after 13th hole, so it was a good day for me. The birdie on 14th was very important for me. I think I still have a chance to win tomorrow so I’ll never give up. And also I would like to have fun with my amateur partner if I can play with him tomorrow.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Third round 66 (-6), Total 205 (-10)

I thought it was going to be a hot round after starting with three birdies in my opening four holes. I was hoping to keep blasting birdies out there but I missed a couple of short putts. The hot form picked up again only on my last five holes.

I missed like five putts in-a-row, like makeable putts which didn’t go in, some lip-outs, some hit the hole, etc. I am just lucky I gained it back in time to put myself in a good position. If I hadn’t recovered with those birdies at the end, I wouldn’t have chance for top-10.

Now I can try for a good finish tomorrow. Nothing much different for me today. I will see if I can continue to put up a low round tomorrow. I am planning to do some sight-seeing before I go home on Monday. I am enjoying myself out there. I really like it here and I would love to come back here next year.

Photo credit: Photosport NZ

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Long shot Yang records history-making win at KOLON Korea Open

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Olle Nordberg looks into the Asian Tour players who have a real shot of getting into golf’s biggest events.

By Olle Nordberg, Former Asian Tour and European Tour professional

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, currently ranked number 39 on the OWGR, will already be eligible for all the above events.

The fringe benefits of winning this event are staggering in the world of professional golf:

Five-year PGA TOUR exemption
Three-year Masters exemption
Three-year U.S. Open exemption
Three-year Open Championship exemption
Three-year U.S. PGA Championship exemption

Plus, a large share of one of the biggest purses in golf.

Harding is scheduled to play in the Magical Kenya Open in Nairobi this week on the European Tour.

Kitayama is not playing this week and will return to action in next week’s Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

Harding is now taking the European Tour by storm with his breakthrough in the Middle East.

By Olle Nordberg, Former Asian Tour and European Tour professional

European Tour- Commercial Bank Qatar Open

Also making the weekend in Qatar was Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee who settled on a one-over-par total and tied 72^nd place.

Kiradech finishes tied-23rd at Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

Over in the United States, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat wrapped up his week in Orlando with a one-under-par 71 that included three birdies against two bogeys.

Kiradech, who is the first player from Thailand to gain full membership from Thailand, finished in a share of 23^rd place after closing with a four-day total of four-under-par 284.

The event was won by Italy’s Francesco Molinari who posted a bogey-free eight-under-par 64 to finish two shots clear of overnight leader Matthew Fitzpatrick on 12-under-par 276.

With their victories, Harding, Prom and Khan move up the world rankings.