Tokyo, September 18: American John Catlin is ready to make his maiden trip to Japan an unforgettable one as he prepares himself for the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup which gets underway on Thursday.

Catlin is running high on confidence after winning twice on the Asian Tour this season. He is also coming into the week of the JP¥150 million (approximately US$1.36 million) event on the back of another top-10 finish in Korea last week.

The 27-year-old American will be up against Korea’s Sanghyun Park and South Africa’s Justin Harding, who have also won twice on the Asian Tour this season.

Also in the fray at the Musashi Country Club, Sasai Course are defending champion Daisuke Kataoka of Japan, Zimbabwean Scott Vincent, who is coming off his third second-place finish in two months, Australia’s Scott Hend, the 2016 Asian Tour number one and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, a nine-time winner on the Asian Tour.

“This is my first time ever in Japan. I’ve heard so many great things about the courses here and I’m just glad to be here and experience it for myself. The greens are great and the course is in fantastic shape so I can’t wait to get out there.

“This year has been great and I have a good chance to get into the CIMB Classic, which is what a lot of us out here are working towards too,” said Catlin.

With the CIMB Classic taking place in Malaysia next month firmly on his mind, Catlin, who sits in 11th-place on the current Habitat for Humanity Standings, is looking for a strong performance to break into the top-10 and qualify for the lucrative event in Malaysia.

“Obviously, you want to play well every time you tee it up, that’s why you put yourself in these positions. Nothing’s going to change but it’s nice to have the opportunity to qualify for these huge events.

“I’ve worked so hard to get to this position and I want the spot really bad, but I’m going to treat it like any other tournament, no matter how big or small the event is. The game is feeling good so I’m looking forward to a good week,” added Catlin.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond who finished tied-30th at the Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup last year, will be looking to go one better this week in order to climb up the money list too.

“I remember when I played at this event last year, it was also my second week in a row coming straight into Japan. I needed to play well because I was on the line to qualify for the CIMB Classic and I am in that same position,” said Jazz, who is currently in 12th-place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Having already claimed his second Asian Tour victory on home soil in June, the Thai prefers not to give himself too much pressure ahead of the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation and is also the Tour’s second stop in Japan this season.

“We’re playing at a different golf course this year so I’ll be adopting a totally different approach. I’m not going to put that much pressure on myself this week.

“I’ve been playing a lot in Europe since my win at the Queen’s Cup. This would be my second week since I’ve been back in Asia. So, I didn’t have much rest coming straight from Europe to Korea last week, and then Japan now. There’s still a long way to go before the CIMB Classic and anything can happen,” said Jazz.

The top 10 (not otherwise exempt) on the Habitat for Humanity standings will qualify for the US$7 million CIMB Classic staged in Malaysia next month.

The cut-off date for qualification will be upon the conclusion of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei on October 7.

Ends.

Sentosa, Singapore, September 17: The battle to top the Habitat for Humanity standings has heated up with Korea’s Sanghyun Park throwing his name into the fray.

Following his latest victory at the Shinhan Donghae Open, Park has moved to second place on the standings and declared his intention to stake his claim as Asia’s number one when the 2018 Asian Tour season concludes.

“I’m looking at winning the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings and I’ll be putting more priority on the Asian Tour.

“I’m going to adjust my schedule so that I can play all the required events on the Asian Tour,” said Park, who trails India’s Shubhankar Sharma by slightly over US$116,400.

Park underlined his bold ambitions with a performance on home soil that left his closest rivals in their wake.

He led from start to finish and his final round of eight-under-par 63, which was also the lowest score all-week, saw him romp to a dominant five-shot victory and also his second Asian Tour victory this season.

With the Asian Tour set to embark on a busy stretch of events, offering lucrative prize money and world ranking points, Park knows his goals are within sight.

“I want to play in the WGC-HSBC Champions and CIMB Classic to improve my world ranking. Those are my goals. After winning the Shinhan Donghae Open, these tournaments are well within my reach.

“These days, if I’m in the champion’s group, I’m not anxious. I feel that I can dominate the game. That’s where I feel I’ve grown over the past few years,” said Park, who moved to 126th place on the Official World Golf Ranking.

Scott Vincent, who is the first Zimbabwean to play on the Asian Tour, may have missed out on another chance to win his first Asian Tour title but by securing his eighth top-10 this season with a runner-up finish, Vincent moved four spots up to fifth place on the standings.

“I put him under pressure, but he (Sanghyun Park) was just too good today. All credit to him and there was not much more I could have done. I’m happy with how I did.

“I know that with hard work and some luck, my win will come one day. I just have to be patient,” said Vincent.

The top 10 and top four players (not otherwise exempt) on the Habitat for Humanity standings will qualify for the US$7million CIMB Classic and US$10 million WGC-HSBC Champions staged in Malaysia and China respectively.

The cut-off date for both events will be upon the conclusion of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei on October 7.

The Asian Tour heads to the Land of the Rising Sun for the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup where the JP¥150 million (approximately US$1.36 million) event is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.

Ends.

Top-20 players on the Habitat for Humanity Standings

Pos       Player   Order of Merit (US$)

1            Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $603,155.55

2            Sanghyun PARK (KOR) $486,751.99

3            Matt WALLACE (ENG) $446,660.00

4            Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $380,632.02

5            Scott VINCENT (ZIM) $373,619.30

6            Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $372,480.89

7            Rahil GANGJEE (IND) $290,425.53

8            Sihwan KIM (USA) $279,623.77

9            Minchel CHOI (KOR) $271,340.97

10          Paul PETERSON (USA) $241,148.57

11          John CATLIN (USA) $222,619.68

12          Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $215,952.98

13          Justin HARDING (RSA) $191,515.12

14          Berry HENSON (USA) $164,560.60

15          Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $159,975.32

16          Danthai BOONMA (THA) $151,926.48

17          Daniel NISBET (AUS) $151,883.64

18          Khalin JOSHI (IND) $147,664.56

19          Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $140,649.11

20          Yikeun CHANG (KOR) $136,428.22

Incheon, Korea, September 16: Sanghyun Park of Korea stamped his authority as he shot a magnificent eight-under-par 63 to claim a wire-to-wire victory at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approximately US$1,000,000) 34th Shinhan Donghae Open on Sunday.

The 35-year-old Park won his second Asian Tour title following his dominant five-shot triumph at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon, Korea.

Park started the final round with a slim one-shot lead, but he pulled away from the rest of the field after scoring six birdies on his front nine. Even with a five-shot lead at the turn, Park continued to dictate proceedings as he marked another two birdies on his scorecard before signing for 22-under-par 262 total.

The Korean set a new tournament record for the lowest winning gross score. Jiman Kang and Gaganjeet Bhullar, champions in 2006 and 2016 respectively, jointly held the previous record of 269.

Park also beat the record for lowest winning to-par score of 19-under-par, set by Kang.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent posted his eighth top-10 finish on the Asian Tour this season after a carding a 66 to land in lone second place.

He crept up to Park towards the end of the round after sinking three consecutive birdies from holes 13 to 15, but his tournament unravelled after his approach at the 16th found the water, resulting in a double bogey.

Nick Voke, playing on a sponsor’s invitation, traded eight birdies against two bogeys en route to a 65 to finish commendably in third place.

Travis Smyth of Australia displayed plenty of promise as he notched his first top-10 on the Asian Tour. He finished seventh after a carding a final-round 70.

Did you know:

• Sanghyun Park is the third golfer after United States’ John Catlin and South Africa’s Justin Harding to win two times on the Asian Tour this season. Park was also victorious at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open earlier this year.
• He made 20 putts in round four.
• His win at the 34th Shinhan Donghae Open is the first wire-to-wire victory on the Asian Tour in 2018.
• This is Park’s third win in Korea this year. He has also won the 2018 KEB Invitation, an event on the Korean PGA (KPGA).
• Park has risen to second place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings behind India’s Shubhankar Sharma.
• Scott Vincent earned his first Asian Tour card in 2016 via Qualifying School.
• In his rookie year on Tour, he posted two top-10s, including a tied-second finish at the Shinhan Donghae Open. Vincent went on to finish 28th on the Order of Merit to retain his card for the 2017 season.
• In 2017, he claimed four top-10s to finish in 17th place on the Order of Merit.
• Travis Smyth turned professional in November 2017
• He made it to the weekend rounds at his last five starts on the Asian Tour.

Player’s Quotes:

Sanghyun Park (Kor) – Final round 63 (-8), total 262 (-22)

I thought that this course is difficult and I didn’t think that I’d score. So, I thought my game was mad. I’m very happy and satisfied.

On breaking the records, it seems that I can do these kinds of impossible things. I’m happy and excited.

I thought my shoulder and neck were stiff in the morning. I stretched a lot, and I tried to warm up more at the range. I was worried when I went on the course.

However, I thought that I had to play my own game and told myself to focus. I did not have any idea that I’d win. Byeonghun and Vincent were catching up in the latter half, but I tried to keep my focused over 18 holes.

It was only after 16, when I started on the 17 when I was confident of winning the tournament. There was a five-shot cushion at that time.

I remember all eight birdies but if I have to pick one, I will choose the seventh. It was a bunker shot that went in. That changed the atmosphere of the game.

I want to go into the WGC-HSBC Champions and CIMB Classic to increase my ranking. Even the CJ Cup as well. Those are my goals. After winning today, these tournaments are well within my reach. I’m also looking at winning the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings as well.

I will be putting more priority on the Asian Tour and I will adjust my schedule to attend the events.

These days, if I’m in the champion’s group, I’m not anxious. I feel that I can dominate the game. That’s where I feel I’ve grown over the past few years.

Scott Vincent (Zim) – Final round 66 (-5), total 267 (-17)

I put him under pressure, but he (Sanghyun Park) was just too good today. All credit to him and there was not much more I could have done. I’m happy with how I did.

After the turn, it was now or never. I knew I needed to get something to happen. I got three birdies and it was looking good. He was able to save a couple of shots that could have gone either way. A disaster at hole 16 that closed the door on any chances.

I was trying to play the ball into the middle of the green and give myself a chance. From the backswing, I felt that I could go a little closer and changed what I wanted to do. I hit it into the water and suffered.

I have an excellent record here at the Shinhan Donghae Open (tied-second in 2016 and tied-third in 2017) and I can’t wait to be back.

Travis Smyth (Aus) – Final round 70 (-1), total 272 (-12)

Today was a little bit shaky off the tee. Other days I was finding a lot of fairways so I was just mad at myself. I missed, just a bunch of times. It would have helped my score a lot. But, it wasn’t meant to be as the leaders’ scores are very low anyway.

I’m looking to try to keep my card for next year. I’ll be playing in the next few events. It’s certainly one step in the correct direction.

My coach is going to accompany next week, so I hope that I’ll have a week that is as great as this was.

I’m back to where I want my game. The crowd is awesome and the course is great. So, I’m really looking forward to coming back.

Scores after round 4 of the The 34th Shinhan Donghae Open being played at the par 71, 7161 Yards Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club course (am – denotes amateur):
262 – Sanghyun PARK (KOR) 65-68-66-63.
267 – Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 69-66-66-66.
269 – Nick VOKE (NZL) 68-68-68-65.
270 – Doyeob MUN (KOR) 71-67-68-64, Hyunwoo RYU (KOR) 71-64-69-66.
271 – Hyungjoon LEE (KOR) 68-65-72-66.
272 – Travis SMYTH (AUS) 69-66-67-70.
273 – John CATLIN (USA) 71-68-67-67, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-70-68-68, Byeonghun AN (KOR) 69-66-65-73.
274 – Hyowon PARK (KOR) 70-71-69-64, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 68-65-70-71.

Ends.

ncheon, Korea, September 15: Sanghyun Park of Korea continues to dominate proceedings as he shot a five-under-par 66 to grab the lead at the 34th Shinhan Donghae Open on Saturday.

Park put together a bogey-free display on moving day, marking his card with five birdies before signing for a 14-under-par 199 total at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

Compatriot Byeonghun An carded a 65 and he will go into the final just one shot behind Park. The 26-year-old An handed in a flawless scorecard with six birdies, including three consecutive ones from holes 12 to 14.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent is in a prime position to win his maiden Asian Tour title after signing for a 66 to land in lone third place after the third round. He made seven birdies, dropping a shot on either side of the turn.

Tour rookie Travis Smyth produced the shot of the day when he chipped in from the rough for birdie at hole 10. The Australian was cruising until he made consecutive bogeys at the 13th and 14th, but he managed to steady himself in the rest of the round.

Kiwi Nick Voke and 2009 Shinhan Donghae Open champion Hyunwoo Ryu share sixth place, while four golfers, including India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, are a shot behind in tied-eighth.

Did you know:

• Sanghyun Park missed three fairways, five greens in regulation and took 25 putts in the third round.
• He did not miss a single cut on the KPGA in 2017.
• Park has won seven titles on the KPGA (Korean PGA), including this year’s GS Caltex Maekyung Open.
• Byeunghun An last dropped a shot at hole eight of the first round.
• He posted a one-shot victory at the 2015 Shinhan Donghae Open over 2010 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Seungyul Noh.
• Scott Vincent has emerged runner-up four times since 2016, when he started playing on the Asian Tour.
• He posted six top-10s in his last 10 starts.
• Travis Smyth earned his Asian Tour card for the 2018 season via Qualifying School.
• His best result on Tour so far is tied-11th, posted at the New Zealand Open

Players’ quotes:

Sanghyun Park (Kor) – Third round 66 (-5), total 199 (-14)

My strategy here at the Bear’s Best Cheongna remains the same every time I play here. Which is, not to miss any fairways. I try to be as composed as possible and not to overhit it. That was what I did today and that was why I had birdie chances. Overall, I’m very satisfied with my round.

I have played with him (Byeonghun An) before. If I play my game, there is no reason why I cannot win this tournament. I’m not afraid of him, and I think I can win it tomorrow.

I try not to think about it (winning three times on the KPGA in a season). I’ll focus until the very end and then, I’ll probably have a good result tomorrow. I think, shooting at least 18-under-par should help to seal the deal.

Byeunghun An (Kor) – Third round 65 (-6), total 200 (-13)

The score shows that I played pretty well today. Although I don’t think I hit it as good as yesterday. I didn’t feel comfortable out there, especially in the front nine and a few holes at the back. But, shooting six-under-par is good when I’m not feeling great. It’s an up-and-down round today, but overall, it was a good day. I got lucky at some holes and made some long putts, which helped.

It was a nice stretch of birdies from 12 to 14. It was little disappointing not to birdie on 15th, because I had a perfect spot on the fairway, 50 yards in.

It’ll be nice to win it again. But there are a lot of good players out there. It’s going to be tough but I’m going to try my best to shoot as low as I can. As long as I get my long game going, I’ll get plenty of chances.

Scott Vincent (Zim) – Third round 66 (-5), total 201 (-12)

Today is very important because it gets you in a good position for the final round. I did that today and that is all that I can ask for.

The bogey (at seventh) was soft so I wasn’t happy about that. I hit a great tee shot at eight which set up a birdie there and then on nine, I made a 15-footer. I’m happy with how that went.

Playing with Byeunghun An was great. You can see how good he is and how well he hits the ball. He is always under control. It was good to see how he manoeuvred himself around the course and how he executed the shots. He hits it so straight; that’s something I’ll be working on.

The rough is so long and thick, so I’ve got to hit a lot of fairways. If I do that, I’ll have a good chance for the win.

These guys out there are so good. I reckon at least another five-under-par will do it.

I like the way the course is set up and how Jack Nicklaus designs his courses. It’s open, and not intimidating off the tee, but with the rough up, that changes things. I like the layout and I’m comfortable out there.

Travis Smyth (Aus) – Third round 67 (-4), total 202 (-11)

This is a very demanding golf course, so it feels great to be playing well.

I felt that I might have underperformed in my first year as a professional. I’ve found it hard to adjust to the golf courses. Mainly the putting surfaces have been tricky; they are different from the ones I am used to back home at Wollongong, where I grew up, and Sydney, where I live. We are used to bent, which is similar to the type used here. The way I’m playing now is the player that I know I am. It took time, but it feels good to be playing well again.

This course suits anybody who hits it straight. I’m not the longest player out there, but I’m finding a lot of fairways. I’ve managed myself out of the rough very well. I don’t think I’ve been over par whenever I drove into the rough.

The chip-in at 10 was the highlight of my round. I was on a downhill lie and in the rough. The greens were rolling away. I was just looking at a spot, landed it exactly there and it trickled in. The eagle on sixth was pretty sweet as well. You don’t get a three-wood in within 10 feet very often.

I felt that I bounced back very good (after the consecutive bogeys). After 15th, where I hit a wayward drive, I hit mostly quality shots till the 18th.

The less I think about it (getting the win), I’ll be fine. Just play good golf and compete against myself. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.

The yellow ribbon on my cap is to support Jarrod Lyle. Ever since I put it on in round two, I’ve played well. I’m just paying respect to him and felt that it’s the right thing to do.

Scores after round 3 of the The 34th Shinhan Donghae Open being played at the par 71, 7161 Yards Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club course (am – denotes amateur):

199 – Sanghyun PARK (KOR) 65-68-66.

200 – Byeonghun AN (KOR) 69-66-65.

201 – Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 69-66-66.

202 – Travis SMYTH (AUS) 69-66-67.

203 – Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 68-65-70.

204 – Nick VOKE (NZL) 68-68-68, Hyunwoo RYU (KOR) 71-64-69.

205 – Bio KIM (KOR) 70-68-67, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-70-68, Sanghee LEE (KOR) 68-68-69, Hyungjoon LEE (KOR) 68-65-72.

206 – Minwoo LEE (am, AUS) 73-66-67, John CATLIN (USA) 71-68-67, Doyeob MUN (KOR) 71-67-68, Jack HARRISON (ENG) 72-65-69, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-66-70.

Ends.

Incheon, Korea, September 14: Sanghyun Park of Korea carded a three-under-par 68 to maintain his top position at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approximately US$1,000,000) 34th Shinhan Donghae Open on Friday.

The 35-year-old Park, who ended the opening round with a two-shot lead, had a solid game from tee to green. The one-time Asian Tour winner made bogeys at the 10th and 17th but managed to stay in front on a nine-under-par 133 total.

Joining Park at the pinnacle is compatriot Hyungjoon Lee and Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, who both shot matching 65s.

The 26-year-old Lee was flawless on Friday, carding six birdies at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

Tabuena adopted a relaxed mindset and was rewarded for it. He traded seven birdies against a lone bogey while making 26 putts the entire round.

Five golfers are two shots behind the leaders in tied-fourth, including Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Korean Byeonghun An.

Vincent played his approach shots magnificently, missing only one green-in-regulation. He sank five birdies, including three consecutive ones from holes one to three.

An, the highest-ranked player on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) in the field at 47th, stamped his class as he made seven birdies. Although, a double bogey on hole 16 marred his round.

Major championship winner Y.E. Yang recorded a 65 and he will go into the weekend in tied-ninth. The Korean started his round at the 10th hole with a bogey but recovered brilliantly with three consecutive birdies.

The halfway cut was set at even-par 142 with a total of 73 players progressing into the weekend rounds.

Did you know:

• Sanghyun Park currently leads the money list on the Korean Tour.
• He reached a career-high 121st on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) after finishing tied-sixth at the 2016 Singapore Open
• Park is currently fifth on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings
• Hyungjoon Lee’s nickname is “The Autumn Guy”.
• He finished tied-32nd and tied 36th at the Shinhan Donghae Open in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
• Lee made the mark at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2014 and 2015. However, he wasn’t able to retain his Tour card in both seasons.
• Miguel Tabuena is a one-time Asian Tour winner. He won his National open in 2015.
• He enjoyed three top-10s this season. He was tied-eighth at the Singapore Open, fifth at the Queen’s Cup and tied-10th at the TAKE Solutions Masters.
• Byeonghun An played in two Major tournaments this year. He was placed 67th at the U.S. Open and tied-51st at The Open
• He last played in the Shinhan Donghae Open in 2016. That year, he finished tied-15th.
• Y.E. Yang won the 2006 HSBC Champions and 2009 PGA Championship. On both occasions, Tiger Woods was the runner-up.
• Yang hit 14 out of 14 fairways and missed only four greens in regulation.

Players’ Quotes:

Sanghyun Park (Kor) – Second round 68 (-3), total 133 (-9)

I didn’t drop a shot yesterday, but I had a couple of bogeys today. But, I’m happy to be in my current position.

It is important to keep your drives accurate here. I’m fearless off the tee and I’m very confident. Right now, I like the flow where I can set up, and aim for it. The third and fourth round will be more competitive. The players will be up for it and so will I.

The rough is long and the fairways are tight, so people may think they should hit it hard. For me, it’s more important to be accurate. Whether it is a driver, short iron or long iron, you have to hit it onto the fairway; it’s just better than getting into the rough.

The bogey at the 10th was a result of inaccurate driving. I couldn’t hit the green in regulation after missing the fairway and ended up with a dropped shot. At this hole, it may be more strategic to aim for a par. I should have played it safe, but I was aggressive for some reason and paid the price for it.

Miguel Tabuena (Phi) – Second round 65 (-6), total 133 (-9)

I feel great. I finally got over jet lag. I was in the United States with my sister and this is my first tournament after coming back to Asia. Right after vacations, I seem to play well.

It helped that I was in the last flight. This is not foreign ground for me as I’ve been in the lead or tied for the lead going into the weekend so I know what to expect. I know that if I drive well, I can score well. This course is demanding off the tee. I’m glad where I am, in pouncing distance.

I wasn’t watching the leaderboard. At the last hole, I told myself, just hit a good shot near the flag. I had a perfect 164 yards, which is my stock nine-iron and I hit it to about three feet.

It was one of those rounds when I did it (scoring three consecutive birdies) subconsciously. As I said, it’ll be tougher tomorrow. I’ll have to stay patient.

Hyungjoon Lee (Kor) – Second round 65 (-6), total 133 (-9)

My second round was very good. I was also surprised by my performance. I’ve never played well at the Shinhan Donghae Open. I’ve practised on this course and have always found it hard. But now, I like the course!

Hole six kickstarted the round for me. I had a bad tee shot that went into the bunker. The lay up wasn’t successful, but my wedge shot left it just 2m from the pin then I tapped it in for birdie.

The 13th was also satisfying. It was a difficult par three and I managed to par that hole. I rode on the wave of confidence into the rest of the round.

I didn’t have high expectations coming into this tournament, but now I have more confidence. I have a real chance of winning an important tournament in my career and I’ll put my mind to achieving that goal.

Byeonghun An (Kor) – second round 66 (-5), total 135 (-7)

My distance control today was a lot better compared to yesterday. My shots within 120 yards were a lot better. I gave myself a lot of birdie chances, but I hit it into the water at 16, which was a bit disappointing. I was in the rough and I tried to be aggressive. If I eliminate these mistakes, I should be able to shoot a good score tomorrow.

The rough is pretty thick but I got away with it on many occasions, but I had a bad lie at 16. The rough on the course, in general, isn’t too bad; you can hit five-iron or six-iron out of it. It all depends on luck sometimes. I was lucky at some of them and I could get the ball out pretty far.

The grass here feels sticky and long, and I like playing on long rough. So that’s definitely an advantage for me.

Scott Vincent (Zim) – second round 66 (-5), total 135 (-7)

I couldn’t ask for a better start. I played nice and solid out there today, hit a lot more fairways, gave myself plenty of opportunities to attack some pins, and put myself in positions for more birdies. Hopefully I can keep doing what I did today over the next few days.

The rough was very punishing. They put it up this year a couple more inches compared to last year. It’s a huge premium to hit the fairways.

It’ll be great to play with Ben (Byeonghun An) tomorrow. We had a few people watching us today and that was a lot of good energy. With Ben, there’ll be a big crowd too.

I’ll be working on my drives before tomorrow. I’m trying to straighten my shots off the tee.

The course is tight, but visually it is not as intimidating and I like that. I hit it longer than most players out there so I can carry over a bit of the trouble and put myself in positions where I can approach with a shorter club.

Y.E. Yang (Kor) – second round 65 (-6), total 136 (-6)

The morning was quite cool, the course conditions were great and I enjoyed the game. I did not miss a single fairway today and my approach shots were good. That definitely contributed to my good score. The flow of my game was pretty satisfactory.

The 15th hole stood out for me. In particular, I sunk a birdie putt from 10m.

My aim here at Bear’s Best is to keep my ball on the fairway, which I have done quite well so far. It is most important at holes eight and 10. It will be very challenging for me if my drives aren’t good on those holes as they are very long.

The aim for me here is to play strategically, that is to recover bogeys, if any, with birdies at the shorter par fours and also the par fives.

Leading scores after round 2 of the The 34th Shinhan Donghae Open being played at the par 71, 7161 Yards Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club course (am – denotes amateur):
133 – Hyungjoon LEE (KOR) 68-65, Sanghyun PARK (KOR) 65-68, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 68-65.
135 – Byeonghun AN (KOR) 69-66, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 69-66, Hyunwoo RYU (KOR) 71-64, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-67, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 69-66.
136 – Junsub PARK (KOR) 71-65, Sanghee LEE (KOR) 68-68, Joungwhan PARK (KOR) 67-69, Y. E. YANG (KOR) 71-65, Nick VOKE (NZL) 68-68, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-66.
137 – Kyongjun MOON (KOR) 71-66, Jack HARRISON (ENG) 72-65, Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-69, Seungtaek LEE (KOR) 67-70, Yikeun CHANG (KOR) 69-68, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-70, Jeongmin PARK (KOR) 70-67.
138 – Bio KIM (KOR) 70-68, Junggon HWANG (KOR) 72-66, Taehee LEE (KOR) 69-69, Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 71-67, Hosung CHOI (KOR) 67-71, Doyeob MUN (KOR) 71-67, Junghwan LEE (KOR) 71-67, Jaewoong EOM (KOR) 67-71, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 67-71, Jooyeob BAEK (KOR) 69-69.

Incheon, Korea, September 13: Sanghyun Park’s resplendent form in Korea continues as he carded an opening round six-under-par 65 to take the lead at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approximately US$1,000,000) 34th Shinhan Donghae Open on Thursday.

Park, who enjoyed a bogey-free round, started impressively from hole 10 and made the turn at 31. He sunk two more birdies before signing his card at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

The 35-year-old said that familiarity with the conditions contributed to his success in Korea. He won an Asian Tour event on home soil in May this year, followed by a tournament on the local circuit a month later.

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India

Seven golfers trail Park by two shots in second place. The group included 2016 Shinhan Open champion Gaganjeet Bhullar, South African Jbe Kruger and Frenchman Lionel Weber.

2016 Shinhan Donghae Open champion Bhullar had a steady round, having dropped only a single shot the entire day. He struck the ball accurately from tee to green and finished on a high with two consecutive birdies.

Kruger also had a good ball-striking round, missing only four fairways and three greens in regulation. A bogey on hole eight marred his otherwise flawless scorecard.

Conversely, Weber hit only 50 per cent of the fairways and seven out of 18 greens in regulation. However, he put on short game masterclass enroute to carding a 67. The 22-year-old took only 19 putts in his opening round.

Did you know:

• Sanghyun Park has been prolific at Asian Tour events in Korea this year. He won the Maekyung Open and finished second at the Korea Open.
• He hit nine out of 14 fairways, and 14 out of 18 greens in regulation in his opening round.
• He last played at the Shinhan Donghae Open in 2016. That year, he finished tied-26th.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar won his ninth Asian Tour title last month in Fiji.
• He is tied-fourth on the Asian Tour all-time winners list.
• Lionel Weber’s best finish on the Asian Tour this year is tied-21st, posted at the Myanmar Open.
• He is still in the hunt for his maiden Asian Tour title.
• Jbe Kruger is a one-time Asian Tour winner. He posted a victory in India in 2012.
• Kruger was tied-ninth at the 2016 Shinhan Donghae Open, and tied-89th the following year.

Players’ Quotes:

Sanghyun Park (Kor) – First round 65 (-6)

I feel great and the course was difficult. I started very well and did not drop any shot, which was fantastic. The reason why this course is difficult is because of the long rough. I focused on accuracy and putting the ball on the fairway. That was what I did today, which was why I had so many birdies.

I played my front nine (holes 10 to 18) better than the back nine, which was puzzling because the front nine is usually more difficult.

I’m playing at home. It is more comfortable for me. Perhaps that is why I’m playing so well in Korea.

The depth of the field in the Asian Tour is strong. As I play with good golfers, I have a different mindset. It’s my home course, I feel like I need to do better. I don’t want to be defeated by anyone.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – First round 67 (-4)

It was a steady round of golf today. I hit 11 fairways and 14 greens in regulation. I gave myself a lot of birdie chances. The last two holes were really good. Holes eight and nine turned around the day for me.

The only bogey I had was on 15, my fifth hole of the day. I missed the fairway off the tee and I had to lay up. Then I missed the third shot onto the green. The goal this week is to keep the ball in play. You have to be on the fairway in order to attack the flag.

Golf is a like a marathon. It is still too early to discuss a victory. You have to go out there and give 100 per cent every day and hope that your game clicks.

Jbe Kruger (Rsa) – First round 67 (-4)

I did very well today. The only shot I dropped, I three-putted. And it was 25 feet away. The ball striking was good, although I still didn’t putt well. If I keep on giving myself chances, I’m going to make a few.

The course is tight and long. If you are in the rough, sometimes you cannot reach the green. The good thing was that I missed only four fairways.

Like I’ve experienced in my career, you have to take one shot at a time. You have to be in the present instead of thinking too far ahead. That will always be my approach at a tournament.

Lionel Weber (Fra) – First round 67 (-4)

I haven’t played in six weeks, so to start with a score like this will give me a lot of confidence. I had a lot of fun on the course today. I’ve had two hole-outs and only 19 putts; my short game has been good today. That is why I had so much fun. I was saving pars and making birdies from outside the green. My putting was solid, too. I can improve on my ball striking for the next few rounds.

At hole 16, I short-sided myself on the right. I told my caddy, ‘we are going to struggle here’. It was a very tight shot (but he scored a par there). I took the momentum to the next hole, where I chipped in for par. It was fun over the two holes.

During my break, I spent time with my family and I was playing golf for fun. I brought the same mindset to this tournament, and it worked. If I could make top-five this week, I’ll be very happy.

Ends.

Incheon, Korea, September 11: South Africa’s Justin Harding is looking to pick up the winning momentum again at the 34th Shinhan Donghae Open which tees off on Thursday.

The 32-year-old was in the form of his life earlier this year when he won two titles in his first two starts on the Asian Tour. Now, he wants to put the euphoria behind him and focus on playing well at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

Placed 13th on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, Harding is aiming to break into the top-10 with an exceptional performance at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approximately US$1,000,000) event.

Harding is in the running to qualify for the upcoming lucrative events in Malaysia and China where he needs to break into top-10 and top-four respectively on the Merit rankings before the cut-off date on October 7.

Ben Campbell of New Zealand.

Joining the South African in making their debuts at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club are New Zealand’s Ben Campbell and Australian Steven Jeffress.

Campbell has been very consistent this year as he has missed the cut only once in his last 10 starts on the Asian Tour. He finished tied-third in Fiji last month, putting him in good stead going into the 34th Shinhan Donghae Open.

Jeffress, who earned his Tour card by finishing tied-third at the Qualifying School this year, also enjoyed a fruitful outing in Fiji last month as he finished tied-11th. He has also enjoyed a successful run on the local circuit and is aiming to bring his good form to Korea.

The 34th Shinhan Donghae Open is the third Asian Tour tournament in Korea this year. The tournament is sponsored by the Shinhan Financial Group since 1989.

Did You Know?

• Justin Harding broke into top-100 on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) after his Royal Cup victory, which earned him a spot at this year’s PGA Championship.
• He is the highest-ranked Asian Tour player in the field this week.
• Harding is currently the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit leader.
• Ben Campbell earned his Asian Tour card for 2018 via Qualifying School where he finished commendably in tied-seventh.
• He was tied-second in Bangladesh earlier this year, his best finish on the Asian Tour so far.
• Campbell rose to a career-high world number 277 after his commendable showing in Fiji.
• Steven Jeffress was second on the 2014 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.
• He turned professional in 1999. His career highlights include winning the Fiji International in 2014 and qualifying for The Open in 2012.

Players’ quotes:

Justin Harding (Rsa)

It was a great experience (playing at the PGA Championship) being involved in an event of that stature and playing my way into it over the recent months has been really rewarding. That run has finished, and now I’m looking to start on another one.

I’m going to be visiting a lot of places now that I’m on the Asian Tour. Before coming to Korea, I’ve only competed in this part of the world in 2008 in Japan. I’m enjoying it so far and I’m looking forward to the rest of this week.

I’m aiming to play three solid rounds of golf and see where that can lead to. I’ve got to make some money and move up the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings so that I can qualify for the some of the big events on the schedule. That’s the number one goal at the moment.

Ben Campbell (Nzl)

I haven’t played here at Bear’s Best before but I’ve heard amazing things about this golf course. I can’t wait to experience it first-hand.

I’ve only missed one cut on the Asian Tour the entire year. I had a few weeks off, so hopefully, my game won’t be too rusty. There will be a good run of events until the end of this year so hopefully, I can keep playing the way that I’ve been playing and keep the momentum going.

I’ve been hitting the ball really well and my short game is getting better. Saving pars a few more times and things like that helped keep me in contention.

A top-five will be nice. I just want to keep doing what I’ve been doing and improve my short game even more. The course conditions are different here in Asia compared that what I get at home, but the more I get out here, the more I’ll get used to them and the better I’ll get.

Steven Jeffress (Aus)

This is my first visit to Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club. I’ve never played on it but I have a mate who caddied for Inbee Park and knows the course quite well; he told me that the conditions here are great. I hit a few putts on the practice green and it was rolling well! If that’s an indication of how the course is going to be like, then I’m looking forward to playing on it.

Playing on the Asian Tour has been challenging. Like Bear’s Best Cheongna, I’ve played on a lot of golf courses for the first time. It’s definitely more ideal when you head to a place where you know where you are going and where things are. But in spite of that, I’m enjoying the experience so far.

I’ve had a good finish in Fiji. I’ve also been playing well at some pro-am tournaments back in Australia. I’ve done a couple of tweaks in my game and I’ve been doing well.

A win here will be great, but a top-10 here will also be a nice result. That will help keep my Asian Tour card for the next season.

Ends.

Incheon, Korea, September 7: Canada’s Richard T. Lee hopes to savour the sweet taste of victory again at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approximately US$1,125,000) 34th Shinhan Donghae Open which tees off next week.

In 2017, he worked extremely hard to rediscover his game after coming back from multiple bouts of injuries and was rewarded with a win at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club. Lee will be back at the same venue to defend his title this year.

“Without a doubt, last year’s victory would be my biggest tournament I’ve ever won in my professional career,” said Lee.

Lee enjoyed a magnificent start on the Asian Tour in 2013. After earning his Tour card via Qualifying School, he played a full season without missing a cut and was awarded Rookie of the Year. In 2014, he made a breakthrough by winning his maiden Tour title in the Philippines.

A series of injuries that included a dislocated shoulder and muscle spasms stalled his momentum, but he managed to bounce back triumphantly last year.

He added: “My injuries are all cured up so I am 100 per cent and raring to go. One of the things on my bucket list would be to win a tournament in back-to-back years and would love to check off that item next Sunday.”

Lee will be up against an elite field that includes South African Justin Harding and American John Catlin, who both won on the Asian Tour twice this year. Collectively, 38 Asian Tour champions will be teeing up next week.

Young stars Viraj Madappa of India and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond will also be featured in Korea next week.

Byeonghun An of Korea will be highest-ranked player in the field. The 2015 Shinhan Donghae champion is currently placed 46th on the Official World Golf Ranking list.

The Shinhan Donghae Open returned to the Asian Tour schedule in 2016 after a 13-year hiatus. This event, backed by the Shinhan Financial Group since 1989, is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Korean PGA.

Ends.

Incheon, Korea, September 5: Gaganjeet Bhullar of India will be the man to beat at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approximately US$1,125,000) 34th Shinhan Donghae Open which will be played from September 13 to 16.

The 30-year-old has been in red-hot form on the Asian Tour since May this year. He posted four top-10s in his last eight starts, including a victory in Fiji last month.

Bhullar is feeling very positive about his game at the moment and he hopes to bring the momentum to the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

“The Fiji win has given me so much confidence. I am now fourth on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings. My goals have changed after my first win on Tour this year and now, I am looking forward to playing in bigger events,” said Bhullar, who will be the highest-ranked player on the Tour’s merit list at the event.

The nine-time Asian Tour winner is one of the most accomplished golfers of his generation. Last year, he posted a wire-to-wire victory in Macau and in the process, became the youngest golfer in Tour history to win eight titles.

Bhullar currently holds the most number of wins by an Indian golfer on the Asian Tour, surpassing luminaries Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa.

The young Indian lists his win at the Shinhan Donghae Open in 2016 as one of the most memorable achievements in his career. That year, he overcame a five-shot deficit to emerge top of the leaderboard, ending a three-year barren run.

“My victory back in 2016 was really special. I had a tough year before that and coming out of an injury was mentally very hard for me. Since I have won there before, I will be trying to repeat my winning performance.”

The 34th Shinhan Donghae Open is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour as well as the Korean PGA, and will be the third Asian Tour event to be played in Korea this year.