Fung eyes title repeat at Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak
June 18: A lot’s happened since my last contribution as the Asian Tour’s official international ambassador, a badge of honour that I continue to wear with pride.
Probably the biggest news is being nominated as the captain of the Internationals for the next Presidents Cup to be played at Royal Melbourne in 2019. Honestly, there’s so much about that sentence that excites me!
For one thing, Royal Melbourne is right up there among my all-time favourite courses. Aside from its classic design credentials and legendary putting surfaces, it’ll always have a special place in my heart with us having won the Presidents Cup there in 1998 and also my three straight Heineken Classics wins from 2002 to 2004. The prospect of going back there as captain of the International Team is kind of a dream job, you could say.
The Presidents Cup has from the get-go held significant relevance from an Asian Tour perspective. Of course, there was an Asian-born player (Japan’s Tsukasa Watanabe) in the inaugural competition in 1994. And there have been countless others to have followed in his footsteps. In fact, we had five on the 2015 team alone. That was the year the Presidents Cup visited Asia for the first time, so that was a special week for Asian Tour golf. It’s fair to expect there will be another strong contingent on the plane to Australia in 18 months’ time and perhaps from a wider spread of countries, too.
Really it’s too early to speculate who might make the team, but obviously there are a few names that jump out. We’ll start with Shubhankar Sharma (pictured with me, above) because he and I go way back. He attended a golf clinic I was hosting during the 2008 Indian Masters; he was 10 years old and you could see he was a serious talent. I told him then I thought he’d be a great player, and he obviously listened! No, seriously, what he’s done in the last 12 months is impressive.
Li Haotong is another fine young player who springs to mind. He only just missed out on making the team in 2017 and actually, we were paired together in the final round of last year’s Open Championship at Birkdale. He has a fearless approach, a nice attitude. The wind was picking up that day and he wasn’t backing off. It was a hell of a round. It would really make waves him being the first Chinese player to be on the team.
Kiradech has been a very good player for a while now; beautiful natural golf swing, I like the way he plays. Hideki Matsuyama and Si Woo Kim, who’s having a strong year on the PGA TOUR, have tasted Presidents Cup action before and they’ll be keen to play again. Then there’s Satoshi Kodaira who won for the first time on the PGA TOUR this year, so the Presidents Cup has suddenly popped up on his radar, too! Maybe Korea’s Jeunghun Wang, he’s a heck of a player, the youngest player ever to win back-to-back European Tour events. Or Byeong Hun An.
We could go on, but you get the idea. Between now and next summer any one of a number of players could get on a hot streak and play their way on to the team. The ever-increasing strength of golf in Asia is obvious and, you know, there are so many other talented players from China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, basically right across Asia, all in their 20s, that are going to be in the frame for future Presidents Cup teams. It’s an exciting prospect.
Anyway, as I’ve said, we have got a while to go. The race for qualification doesn’t even begin until the end of August, when points accumulated on the Official World Golf Ranking over a 12-month period will determine the identity of the leading eight players on the team. We’ll then have four Captain’s picks to make up the final dozen.
Obviously, the conversations between myself and the captain’s assistants have started already. We’re comfortable with the new format and the one year qualification period is a good change. We can properly start to see where our guys are at after the 2019 Tour Championship and onwards. Also, with the World Cup being played at Royal Melbourne, that’s interesting for us because some of the guys playing that week will be contenders for the International team. Before that, we want to actively encourage the players to play together as much as possible, maybe have some get-togethers. That’s important, especially for the rookies. So that’s on my agenda. Ultimately, we’re going to do everything we can in terms of tactics and team selections that give us the best chance of getting the Cup back.
To finish, one of the other great things is this is going to feel like kind of a home game for us. Hopefully we’ll have a couple of Aussies on the side, too, and the home crowds are going to come out in huge numbers to cheer us on. Melbourne is a great city, a real sports’ city, and the atmosphere is going go be incredible. I honestly can’t wait.
Sentosa, Singapore, June 19: After a 15th place finish at the U.S. Open Championship, Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat will now turn his attention to The 147th Open next month where he has never made the halfway cut in four appearances.
The 28-year-old Kiradech savoured a memorable week at the year’s second Major championship by signing off as the best-placed Asian player after closing with a three-over-par 73 to finish eight shots back of Brooks Koepka, who successfully defended his title.
The result at the U.S. Open Championship will give the popular Thai a spring in his step when he heads to Carnoustie from July 19 to 22.
“I am very happy with my result last week. I have enough points to keep my PGA Tour card now. I tried my best and gave my everything on Sunday but it really wasn’t my day. I didn’t give myself a lot of chances and I didn’t put any pressure on the leaders at all.
“But overall, it was still a good result and I accepted it. I’m looking forward to the year’s third Major at The Open. I think my golf game is much better than before. I am able to play under windy conditions now as I can control the ball better,” said the big-hitting Kiradech.
Kiradech, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, hopes to take advantage of his recent good form when he makes his fifth appearance at the world’s oldest Major championship. He made his debut at The Open in 2013 and qualified for four straight years before missing out on the 2017 edition.
“I have been working with my swing coaches Pete Cowen and Mike Walker for almost 16 months now. I am also working with my mental coach Lee Campbell. I have a great team and we have all been working really hard. I am very comfortable with my swing now and I feel very confident.
“I guess that’s the reason why I have been playing well for the last couple of months. I’m taking a week off and then I’ll play the Quicken Loans National, the Irish Open and the Scottish Open before heading to The Open,” said the world number 29.
Kiradech has enjoyed a spectacular season so far, claiming his third Asian Tour title and fourth European Tour victory at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth in February before securing his third Asian Development Tour (ADT) win in Brunei in March.
He went on to clinch a tied-fifth finish at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play later that month to break into the world’s top-30 for the first time in his career. Kiradech also enjoyed a top-five result at the European Tour’s BMW PGA Championship in May.
“I have played a couple of times at the Carnoustie Golf Links and I know it’s very tough. It’s definitely one of the toughest golf courses at The Open, especially when the wind is up. If the wind is up, the last three holes will be very difficult.
“I’m still very excited for The Open this year because I have two young Thai players, Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma, joining me. I am sure it will be a great experience for them. I would love to share my past experiences with them and offer my advice on how to tackle the links course, if I can.
“I definitely hope that they can produce good results. I also hope to produce good results myself as it’s the only Major which I have never made the cut before. I just want to keep the ball in play and do my best that week,” said Kiradech.
Reigning Order of Merit champion Gavin Green of Malaysia and India’s Shubhankar Sharma, who leads the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings, will also feature at The Open, golf’s oldest Major championship.
Other players who will spearhead the Asian Tour challenge at The Open include 2015 Order of Merit champion Anirban Lahiri of India, South African Shaun Norris, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda, Masahiro Kawamura and Kodai Ichihara.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Sentosa, Singapore, June 14: It was a show of intent from a lineup of immensely-talented individuals. Team Asia was defeated by their European counterparts at the EurAsia Cup, but the Arjun Atwal-led squad certainly did not go down fighting. In fact, Team Asia even led the proceedings going into the singles matches before conceding their EurAsia Cup challenge, 10-14.
Despite the loss, there was an upbeat and palpable sense of optimism at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, where the biennial event was held. Poom Saksansin impressed by beating veteran Paul Casey. He was also part of the team that demolished Henrik Stenson and Alexander Levy 5&4 in the opening Fourballs. 18-year-old Phachara Khongwatmai displayed maturity beyond his years by scoring two points for Team Asia.
If anything, the Asian Tour has so far mirrored the dogged performance put up by Poom, Phachara and the rest of Team Asia.
The Asian Tour has also come out swinging by setting for itself a lofty target of at least 32 tournaments in 2018. With the season reaching the halfway mark and the many tournaments added to the growing schedule, the Asian Tour is well and truly on its way to meeting its goal.
2018 has also welcomed a diverse and talented group of winners. Most certainly, the season is shaping up to be unpredictable and utterly fascinating.
A Masterful Performance
The 2018 Asian Tour season opened spectacularly in the Lion City, at the US$1,000,000 SMBC Singapore Open. The prestigious tournament always has the knack of producing famous winners and this year was no exception. 2017 Masters Tournament champion, Sergio Garcia, romped to a dominant five-shot victory at the weather-disrupted tournament in Sentosa Golf Club.
The event was also memorable for Thai duo Jazz Janewattanaond and Danthai Boonma, who punched their tickets to The Open Championship this year after finishing in tied-fourth. The Singapore Open is part of The Open Qualifying Series, where four players who finish inside the top-12 and ties, who are not already exempt, will earn places in the field at Carnoustie from July 19 to 22, 2018.
Coming full circle
The Tour travelled north for the US$750,000 LeoPalace21 Myanmar Open, where Paul Peterson of the United States masterfully orchestrated his first victory on the Asian Tour. He started the final round two shots off the lead and ended the day two shots ahead after posting a five-under-par 66 at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club. Peterson is thrilled to get a victory on the Tour that gave him a headstart in his professional career.
Said Peterson: “This victory is very special as the Asian Tour is where I started and to be able to get a win here really means a lot. I had to make that transition from Asia to Europe, and I was trying to play in as many events as I could. So, it just feels right that I’m finally able to have a win under my belt out here in Myanmar.”
Last man standing
The ever-impressive Kiradech Aphibarnrat added another feather to his cap after winning the A$1,750,000 (approx. US$1,250,000) ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth at the Karrinyup Golf and Country Club. The 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner was the last man to enter the tournament, and the last man standing. Kiradech flew into Australia the evening before the start of the event and did not get to play a practice round. He barely made the knockout matchplay round after surviving a tense, nine-man playoff on Saturday before beating Australian James Nitties to win the title on Sunday. It was Kiradech’s third victory on the Asian Tour.
“There were many times when I felt that I would be eliminated from the tournament. Winning any event is never easy. I pushed myself and I’m glad that things turned out the way it did,” said the champion, who recently accepted a PGA Tour Special Temporary Membership.
Compatriot Prom Meesawat earned a bonus prize of A$25,000 (approximately US$18,900) after finishing in first place after the stroke play rounds.
Greatness Personified
Shubhankar Sharma displayed one of the most scintillating final-round performances on the Asian Tour at the US$3,000,000 Maybank Championship. While many faltered, the 21-year-old carded an impressive 10-under-par 62 in windy conditions at the Saujana Golf and Country Club in Malaysia to win the tournament by two shots.
The victory was particularly impressive as Sharma was struggling in the opening two rounds. He was in 48th place going into the weekend, but he bounced back with a 66 in round three to put him within four shots of the lead before his heroics on Sunday. It was his second win on the Asian Tour.
Said Sharma: “The last two months have changed my life. I’ve been a member on the Asian Tour for a while and I will continue to be a member on the Asian Tour. I’ve always dreamt of winning and now I’m a two-time winner on the Asian Tour and European Tour.”
The victory was the start of a fantastic period for Sharma. He went on to play in the 2018 WGC-Mexico Championship, where he finished tied-ninth. His performance earned him an invitation to the Masters Tournament. He will also feature in the U.S. Open, the Open Championship and stands an excellent chance of qualifying for the PGA Championship.
Amazing Overtaking
Like Sharma, Daniel Nisbet of Australia also played the round of his life at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand. He won the NZ$1,200,000 (approximately US$860,000) tournament after overcoming a massive, six-hole deficit by carded a resplendent nine-under-par 62 in the final round.
Overnight leader Terry Pilkadaris of Australia enjoyed a five-shot lead going into Sunday, but he was not able to keep his place on top of the leaderboard as his putting touch eluded him on the day that matters most at Millbrook Resort. He only had one birdie during the round and signed for a 71 to settle for second place, two shots behind Nisbet.
A winning focus
Matt Wallace of England overcame the challenging course set up and the vociferous home crowd to win his first Asian Tour title at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open. He was in the final group with home course favourite, Shubhankar Sharma, who had a sizeable gallery following him. Wallace kept his mind on his game and carded a four-under-par 68 that got him into a playoff with compatriot and another crowd favourite, Andrew Johnston.
Wallace’s long and accurate drive gave him a significant advantage at the play-off hole, the 624-yard par-five 18th. He hit the green in two shots and made a birdie. Even with the majority of the crowd behind him, the effervescent Johnson could only muster a par and with that conceded the title to Wallace.
“This is one of the hardest golf course that I’ve played. I’ll learn from it and I’m looking forward to playing in similar conditions next time. This week has taught me a lot. Hopefully, it can be the start of a few things coming up,” said Wallace.
Iron will
The last time Rahil Gangjee won a title on the Asian Tour, Facebook was launched. Indeed, it has been a long time since the affable Indian was victorious on Asia’s premier circuit. Gangjee ending a 14-year barren spell on the Asian Tour by winning the Panasonic Open Golf Championship. He closed with a three-under-par 68 for a one-shot victory over Korea’s Hyungsung Kim and Junggon Hwang.
“It has been a very hard 14 years and the thing that surprises even myself is my will to keep going. Everyone will play their part in helping you out, the caddie, the mother, the father, the wife, friends. But more than anything else, you have to want it,” said Gangjee.
The JP¥150,000,000 (approximately US$1,370,000) tournament also saw the crowning of the 2017/18 Panasonic Swing champion, Shiv Kapur. The Indian was a model of consistency, having made the cut in all five events on the Panasonic Swing and finishing in the top-20 in four of them. Kapur won a bonus prize of US$70,000 and an exemption into an event on the European Tour this year.
Swede Victory
Alexander Björk made a breakthrough in his professional career by winning his first Asian Tour and European Tour title at the CN¥20,000,000 (approximately US$3,178,000) Volvo China Open. He carded a final-round seven-under-par 65 at the Topwin Golf and Country Club to win by one shot and with that, became the first golfer from Sweden to win China’s national open.
The Volvo China Open is the second tournament on Asia’s premier circuit after the signing of the Strategic Partnership between the China Golf Association and the Asian Tour in March 2017.
Play-off Perfection
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Sanghyun Park won the 37th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship, maintaining Korea’s iron grip on the illustrious tournament. He did not have it easy though, as he had to beat compatriots Yikeun Chang, Junggon Hwang and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar in a play-off before lifting the coveted trophy.
Bhullar was the first player to bow out at the first extra hole. Hwang was next to fall out after he carded a bogey while Park and Chang birdied. At the third extra hole, Park had one hand on the trophy as Chang was left with an uphill task to sink a 15-foor par putt, which he missed. Park made no mistake of his from inside 10 feet at the Namseoul Country Club.
Developing into a champion
In professional golf, it is always about seizing opportunities and Sweden’s Malcolm Kokocinski did just that. The Asian Development Tour (ADT) regular, who had limited playing chances on the Asian Tour, qualified for a spot on the AB Bank Bangladesh Open and ended up winning the US$300,000 tournament.
Kokocinski closed with a six-under-par 65 to win by three shots for his first Asian Tour title, as well as exemption until the end of 2019.
Said Kokocinski: “I went back to the Qualifying School earlier this year but didn’t make the grade so I went to play on the ADT. I have had some good results on the ADT so I decided to stay in Asia and see what the year has to offer. My experiences from playing on the ADT has helped a lot. I’m glad I pull in off this time.”
Sharp Improvement
Hard work pays, evident by John Catlin’s success on the Asian Tour. Since missing the cut in Manila in 2016, the American put in extra effort on every aspect of his game. For that, he was rewarded with a third-place finish on the ADT Order of Merit in 2017 and a win at the US$300,000 Asia-Pacific Classic this year.
Catlin had a nervous start to his final round, as he dropped two shots in his front nine. He bounced back with three birdies before signing for a three-under-par 69 to win the tournament by two shots.
Said Catlin: “This victory validates all the hard work that I’ve put in since missing the cut in Manila in 2016. Winning on the ADT is nice, but the main Tour is a step up and as we all know, this is the main Tour on the continent. So, to be able to get into the winners’ category on the Asian Tour is huge.”
Happy Father’s Day
Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat won the US$300,000 Thailand Open after overcoming a nervy end to his tournament. He dropped two shots in his final six holes but managed to hold on to his lead at the end of the round.
The victory was a special one for the Thai hotshot, as he was playing on his home course and with his dad watching in the gallery. It was Panuphol’s second victory on the Asian Tour.
“It’s amazing. I can’t put it into words. It means a lot to win the title in front of my dad. He’s been with me ever since I picked up the game when I was eight. He’s been my best coach and my everything. I don’t know how to feel walking up to the 18th green, but I am really very happy. I always want him to see me win and I have done it now,” said Panuphol of his father.
Chachoengsao, Bangkok, June 10: Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand claimed a special victory at the Thailand Open after closing with an even-par 70 at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event on Sunday.
The bubbly Thai became the fifth local player to lift the prestigious Thailand Open trophy after holding off the strong challenge from countryman Poom Saksansin at the Thai Country Club.
The 25-year-old Panuphol battled nerves heading into the final six holes where he bogeyed 13 and 18, and almost found the water hazard with his third shot on the par-five 17th hole. He held on to victory after signing for a 13-under-par 267 total.
The baby-faced Poom, who represented Asia at the EurAsia Cup earlier this year, overtook the lead early in the round but struggled to maintain his title charge following bogeys on 10 and 12.
He ended his campaign on a 70 to settle for second place, one shot back of the champion Panuphol while 20-year-old Sarit Suwannarut enjoyed his best result on the Asian Tour after securing third place.
The victory was especially sweet for Panuphol as he won the revered Thailand Open trophy on his home course. The victory also marked a return to form for the Thai who came into the tournament following four straight missed cuts.
With the win Panuphol also took the early lead in the 2018/2019 Panasonic Swing race.
Did you know?
- Panuphol is the fifth Thai player to win his National Open since 1965. This is the second time in the tournament’s history that the Thailand Open has welcomed back-to-back Thai champions since 1991 (Suthep Meesawat) and 1992 (Boonchu Ruangkit).
- This is Panuphol’s second Asian Tour title. He won last year’s Indonesia Open in October. His second victory comes after playing in 11 Asian Tour events.
- He wobbled early in the round when he bogeyed the sixth hole to relinquish his overnight lead but recovered nicely with a pair of birdies on holes eight and nine. He said those birdies boosted his confidence.
- He earned 14 Official World Golf Ranking points with the win and moved the 12th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings after earning US$54,000 for his win.
- He is also the second Thai player to win on the Asian Tour in 2018 after Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s victory at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth in February.
- Panuphol is playing in his eighth season on the Asian Tour. He came close to winning many times before winning his first title last year. He said the victory ‘helped him learn how to win a tournament.’
- Poom continued to struggle with his driver. He has changed six drivers this year and admits that he has no confidence when pulling out the big stick.
- He enjoyed a hot putting streak after holing eight consecutive one putts from the first hole. He ended the day with 25 putts which matched his total putts in round one and round two.
- Poom has never won an event where he trailed heading into the last round. His last two Asian Tour victories came when he held the lead in the penultimate round.
- The hole-in-one prize of 10,000 Dragon Coins went unclaimed as no players aced the 16th hole at the Thai Country Club. Dragon, the world’s entertainment token which offers the best digital payment solutions, will enter its first foray into golf sponsorship at the Thailand Open.
Player quotes:
Panuphol Pittayara (Tha) – Final Round 70 (even), Total 267 (-13)
This means everything to me. This is my national trophy, my home course and this is where I practice. I’m very, very happy. I felt a bit of nerves coming down the stretch but I kept it cool and patient. I tried not to let the nerves affect my thinking, my game or feeling. I think I kept things under control pretty well.
This win is a dream come true. It is always every Thai golfers dream to win their National Open. It took a little bit longer for me to sleep last night but I managed to sleep!
Poom (Saksansin) didn’t make it easy for me out there. He is one of the best golfers from Thailand and Asia. He beat Paul Casey in a match play (at EurAsia Cup) and this is like me playing match play against him. I didn’t push myself but he gave me a hard time.
My two birdies on eight and nine gave me the pump and a lot of confidence. That told me that I could take this trophy home. That win at the Indonesia Open taught me how to win a golf tournament. Today I tried to go back to what I felt in Indonesia and tried to do the same. It came out great.
I learned a lot on the Asian Tour. The Tour has taught me so many stuff about golf and life. I didn’t graduate high school but the Asian Tour is one of my teachers. I have some status on the Japan Golf Tour but I will always play on the Asian Tour because it is my home tour.
Poom Saksansin (Tha) – Final Round 70 (even), Total 268 (-12)
I hit it very bad but my putting saved me. I’m not swinging it bad but it is more my confidence. I’m still scared to hit driver and I know that I need to fix it and gain more confidence. Honestly, I’m a little bit disappointed I didn’t win. I’m proud because it is my best result on the Asian Tour but I will continue to work on my game.
I know I was on top the leaderboard at one point but I had no confidence and I wasn’t playing good. I was putting good and I thought I had a good opportunity to force a play-off on the last hole. I read the wrong line and I missed my birdie chance. I finished second place so that’s okay because I keep my Asian Tour card.
Sarit Suwannarut (Tha) – Final Round 70 (even), Total 269 (-11)
It is a pretty awesome week. It was tough on the last day but I’m proud of my good finish. I felt a lot of pressure today but I handled it pretty well. It will be easier the next time I’m in the same position. It was a tough front nine and I didn’t make a putt at all.
Scores after round 4 of the Thailand Open being played at the par 70, 7060 Yards Thai CC course (am – denotes amateur):
267 – Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 67-64-66-70.
268 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 66-66-66-70.
269 – Sarit SUWANNARUT (THA) 65-65-69-70.
270 – Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 64-69-70-67.
271 – Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-68-64-71.
272 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 65-69-70-68, David GLEESON (AUS) 67-69-68-68, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 69-67-67-69, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 66-69-67-70, Scott HEND (AUS) 69-66-66-71.
273 – Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 67-69-68-69, Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) 67-67-66-73.
274 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 70-67-71-66, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 65-70-70-69, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 69-66-69-70, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 67-69-68-70.
275 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 69-67-69-70.
276 – Charng-Tai SUDSOM (THA) 68-69-70-69, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 71-69-66-70, Jack HARRISON (ENG) 69-69-68-70, Rory HIE (INA) 67-72-65-72, Doyeob MUN (KOR) 70-69-65-72, Miguel CARBALLO (ARG) 67-71-66-72.
277 – Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 67-71-70-69, Ben CAMPBELL (NZL) 68-70-69-70, Jarin TODD (USA) 68-71-66-72.
About Panasonic Swing
The Panasonic Swing was initiated by the Asian Tour and the Panasonic Corporation to reinforce Panasonic’s support for professional golf across the region when it came on board as the Asian Tour’s Official Consumer Electronics in May 2017.
The Panasonic Swing ranking is based on an aggregate point ranking earned by players at selected tournaments in Asia. The top-three finishers in the Panasonic Swing final ranking will earn US$70,000, US$50,000 and US$30,000 respectively via a bonus pool reward scheme.
The inaugural Panasonic Swing, launched at the 2017 Thailand Open before concluding at the 2018 Panasonic Open Japan, saw India’s Shiv Kapur winning the Panasonic Swing with total points of 2922.90. His compatriot Rahil Gangjee came in second with 2805.00 while Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand finished third on 2380.50.
The second edition of the Panasonic Swing is set to kick off again at the 2018 Thailand Open, which will be staged at the Thai Country Club from June 7 to 10. It will feature tournaments in India, Malaysia and Indonesia before concluding at the Panasonic Open Japan in 2019.
About Thailand Open
The prestigious Thailand Open returned on the Asian Tour schedule in 2017 after an eight-year lapse. The Thailand Open, which was inaugurated in 1965, is one of the oldest National Opens in Asia.
Rattanon Wannasrichan became the fourth Thai player to win the Thailand Open when he claimed his breakthrough last year. The three other Thais are Suthep Meesawat (1991), Boonchu Ruangkit (1992 and 2004) and Prayad Marksaeng (2013).
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Thailand Golf Association, the Thailand Open will return to the Thai Country Club for its second straight edition on the Asian Tour from June 7 to 10.
The Thailand Open is proudly sponsored by Panasonic, Singha, Dragon, Novotel Bangkok Bangna, Srixon and Ricoh.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
- Panuphol Pittayarat was clearly the fan favourite at the Thailand Open on his home course. However, the Thai was especially proud to win his second Asian Tour title in front of his father, who caddied for Panuphol when he began his career as a teenager on the Asian Tour.
- Amongst the contenders at the Thailand Open, Sarit Suwannarut was one of the stand-out youngsters to emerge. At the age of 20, the Thai enjoyed his best result on the Asian Tour after finishing third. At 181 centimetres tall, Sarit also displayed his big-hitting game where he finished as the longest hitter in the Thailand Open after averaging 319.5 yards during the week.
- In the first sponsorship of its kind, 10,000 Dragon Coins was on offer as a hole-in-one prize to the first golfer who aced the 16th hole at the Thai Country Club. However, no golfer claimed that prize. To find out more about Dragon, please click here (https://www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com/newsdetails/dragon-corporation-partners-with-thailand-open-n22077)
- Among the top-10 finishers at the Thailand Open are Chapchai Nirat and David Gleeson. Chapchai , a four-time Asian Tour winner has not won since 2014 and Gleeson’s last Tour win was in 2011.
- The Thai Country Club hosted the Thailand Open for the second year running. But way back in 1997, Tiger Woods played on this course at the Honda Classic, which he won. During the victory he famously drove the par-four 10th green which is still fondly remembered by fans and members at TGC. During the Thailand Open, the Asian Tour stars tried to emulate the similar shot and even used the same driver model which Tiger used in 1997! Stay tuned for the video to find out what happened.
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