June 24: Australia’s Scott Hend shared his overnight lead with five others after he returned with a third round one-over-par73 at the BMW International Open on Saturday.

The 2016 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion dropped three shots on the front-nine and double-bogeyed 13 to sign for a three-day total of five-under-par 206.

That left him tied for the lead with two-time Major Champion Martin Kaymer and Maximilian Kieffer of Germany as well as Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard and English pair of Chris Paisley and Aaron Rai.

“I’m very fortunate to be where I am. Hopefully today was my bad day, and on wards and upwards tomorrow. We’ll see where we are when we come to the back nine.

I don’t think you can be super aggressive out there because you can make a three but you can also make a six. So, you’ve still got to stay within your game plan and hopefully roll a few putts in. We’ll see who rolls the most putts in tomorrow,” said Hend.

Over in the United States, India’s Anirban Lahiri, a seven-time Asian Tour winner and 2015 Order of Merit champion, made his move with a 65 to grab a share of third place at the Travelers Championship. The Indian is seeking his first PGA TOUR win in his 76th start and also the second Indian to win in the United States after Arjun Atwal.

Ends.

Cheonan, Korea, June 24: Korea’s Minchel Choi held off the challenge of compatriot Sanghyun Park by sinking a birdie on the last hole to win the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship by two shots on Sunday. 

Walking up the 18 green, Choi knew he could not afford to drop a shot as that would leave the door open for Park to force a three-hole play-off with him at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club. 

The 30-year-old steadied his nerves and could not contain his delight when he watched his putt from 10-feet drop into the cup.

Choi’s final round two-under-par 69 not only confirmed him as the newest champion of his National Open but also earned him a ticket to The Open in Carnoustie next month, with the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship part of The Open Qualifying Series this year.

 A fast-charging Sanghyun had earlier surmounted a late challenge when he stormed towards the finishing line with two birdies in his last four holes.

But after closing with a four-day total of 12-under-par 272 and watching Choi sign off with a winning birdie, Park eventually settled for second place at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approx. US$1,125,000) event.

Koreans continued to dominate their National Open with only Americans Kevin Na and John Catlin breaking into the top-10 with their tied-fifth finish.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Minchel Choi turned professional in 2009. Before his win, Choi he had three runner-up finishes on the Korean Tour in 2017.
• He went to New Zealand when he was 14 to pursue his studies and golf training. But had to return to Korea early because his family could not afford his studies fees in New Zealand anymore.
• Choi’s father suffered a stroke in 2006 and is half-paralysed. His father played a key role in his career.
• Sanghyun Park prevailed in a four-man play-off to win the Maekyung Open last week. He immediately took up membership with the Asian Tour following that win.
• Park won again on the domestic circuit last week.
• The Korea Open has been a stronghold of the Koreans in the last decade. Rickie Fowler of the United States remains as the last foreign player to break the Korean dominance when he won the 2011 edition by six shots.

Players’ Quotes

Minchel Choi (Kor), Fourth round 69 (-2), Total 272 (-12)

I felt very nervous especially walking up to 18 hole as I knew I could not afford to drop a shot there, knowing that Sanghyun had done very well. But somehow I managed to compose myself and close with a birdie. This win goes out to my family and sponsors who have been behind me in every step of my career. I would not have come this far without their support. I’m really excited about going to Carnoustie and play in my first Major! It’s like a dream come true and no words can express how delighted I’m right now. There will be many world class players at The Open and I can’t wait to compete against them.

Sanghyun Park (Kor), Fourth round 66 (-5), Total 274 (-10)

I’m really looking forward to playing in my first Major at The Open. It’s every professional golfer’s dream to play in a Major and I’m no different. I came very close to winning again but that’s okay, that’s golf. I put up a good fight but Choi’s a deserving winner. You cannot win all the time and hopefully my day will come again.

Kevin Na (Usa), Fourth round 70 (-1), Total 279 (-5)

I didn’t feel like I got a lot out of my rounds this week. The putter was a bit cold but overall I felt like I hit the ball pretty good. I obviously came into this week trying to win the tournament for my sponsor but that’s golf. Overall it’s still not too bad. I enjoyed my week here as I got to enjoy Korean food and caught up with my friends.

John Catlin (Usa), Fourth round 70 (-1), Total 279 (-5)

It’s always good to be in the top-10 under very tough conditions. I’ve been trying to give myself opportunities all week. I made a lot of clutch par saves. It was hard to hit a lot of shots really close to the pins so I’m very proud of how I’ve played. This is a course that requires lots of local knowledge. It’s the first time in 10 years the Asian Tour is back for the Korea Open. But as we keep coming back, we’ll only get better and put up a better fight against the Koreans. I’m going to play Queen’s Cup, Sarawak and Indonesia. It’s a three-week stretch for me. I know I can compete out here and I’m hoping to see when that next win comes again.

Leading scores after round 4 of the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Woo Jeong Hills Country Club course (am – denotes amateur):

272 – Minchel CHOI (KOR) 69-70-64-69.

274 – Sanghyun PARK (KOR) 68-69-71-66.

278 – Kyongjun MOON (KOR) 69-70-73-66, K.T. KIM (KOR) 68-73-69-68.

279 – Changwon HAN (KOR) 72-65-73-69, Kevin NA (USA) 67-72-70-70, John CATLIN (USA) 69-69-71-70, Jaewoong EOM (KOR) 70-71-67-71, Hosung CHOI (KOR) 67-66-72-74.

280 – Junsung KIM (KOR) 68-76-68-68, Sanghee LEE (KOR) 72-70-68-70.

281 – Doyeob MUN (KOR) 69-71-72-69, Dongmin LEE (KOR) 71-70-69-71, Innchoon HWANG (KOR) 68-73-68-72, Seungtaek LEE (KOR) 67-71-69-74.

282 – Woohyun KIM (KOR) 69-71-75-67, Hanbyeol KIM (am, KOR) 71-70-71-70, Jaemin HAN (am, KOR) 68-73-67-74.

283 – Sungyeol KWON (KOR) 70-71-72-70, Junsub PARK (KOR) 68-70-75-70, Hyungjoon LEE (KOR) 70-69-72-72, Keith HORNE (RSA) 68-69-74-72, Simon YATES (SCO) 72-69-66-76.

284 – Hongtaek KIM (KOR) 71-73-71-69, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 72-73-71-68, Sungho LEE (KOR) 71-71-72-70, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 70-73-67-74.

285 – Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 75-70-68-72, Berry HENSON (USA) 75-70-68-72, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-75-68-72, Inhoi HUR (KOR) 74-68-70-73.

June 23: 2016 Australia’s Scott Hend fired a sensational 67 in windy conditions at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof to take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the BMW International Open.

The Australian, the 2016 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, pulled ahead of the chasing pack after recording the joint-lowest round of the week to get to six-under-par 138 total, a shot clear of Chile’s Nico Geyger of Chile and Sweden’s Henric Sturehed.

Two-time Major winner and local favourite Martin Kaymer carded a 68 to delight the home fans with his move up the leaderboard and shared fourth place with his countryman Maximilian Kieffer, Englishman Aaron Rai, overnight leader Sébastien Gros of France and Australia’s Nick Cullen.

”It’s just patience. When it’s this windy, if you’re not patient you’re going to get smashed. It’s as simple as that. If you can laugh it off, what will be will be, and just play. If you try to push for a birdie, if you hit it in the rough and make a bogey it’s great, if you get less than a bogey then it’s a bonus. It’s just one of those golf courses that is quite punishing.

“I just played conservatively. Just trying to play on to the fairways and keep out of the long brown stuff. Last time I was here I played horrendously. I just came here with the attitude this week to just find the golf ball first off, get it on the green and hopefully hole some putts and have a fresh approach,” said Hend.

Ends.

Kuching, Malaysia, June 23: Local star Ben Leong hopes a positive mind-set will guide him to victory at the inaugural US$300,000 Sarawak Championship.

The 32-year-old Malaysian was highly billed as the next star to emerge from the country when he won his first Asian Tour title in 2008 before a serious back injury curtailed his career.

Leong is beginning to show signs of a career revival since earning his Asian Tour card by finishing fourth at the 2017 Qualifying School in Thailand before going on to win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in the same year.

He also finished 40th on the Habitat for Humanity Standings last year to retain a full Asian Tour card. He now aims to return to the winner’s circle’s at the new Asian Tour event played in Sarawak from July 4 to 7 (Wednesday to Saturday). 

Leong will be joined by fellow Sabahan and Asian Tour winner Nicholas Fung while Indian stalwarts Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar, John Catlin and Paul Peterson of the United States will spearhead the international challenge at the Damai Golf and Country Club.

It has been a solid year so far for Leong on the Asian Tour, with his best result in tied 10th place at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship in Japan in April. Outside the golf course, he also welcomed his first child.

“It has been great being a new father and seeing my son growing up. I tend to miss him more now when I’m travelling so it is nice to have a full field Asian Tour event in Malaysia. It is not far from home and it will be fun. The Damai GCC course is also a nice track so I’m really looking forward to it,” said Leong.

With four missed cuts in nine Asian Tour appearances so far this year, Leong believes he needs to find his A-Game in a busy stretch of events coming up.

“I have good memories winning in Malaysia. Every Malaysian golfer will be excited to play in the event. I would give myself a ‘B’ on the report card for being patient and positive even though I think I don’t have my A Game yet.

“I’ve really been grinding out in my last few tournaments. I want to try to work towards playing my best golf again,” said Leong.

The Sarawak Championship will have a total of 150 players, including a minimum of 25 Malaysian golfers contending for the title.

The Sarawak Championship is the third new Asian Tour event announced this year following the Asia-Pacific Classic in China and CNS Open Golf Championship which is staged in Pakistan. The Asian Tour also sanctioned the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open for the first time earlier this year. 

Ends.

Cheonan, Korea, June 23: Korea’s Minchel Choi took over the third round lead by powering ahead with a seven-under-par 64 to enjoy a two-shot advantage heading into the final round of the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship on Saturday.

The 29-year-old, who started the day six shots back of overnight leader Hosung Choi, got the lead he deserved by firing eight birdies against a long bogey to take charge with his three-day total of 10-under-par 203 at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

Hosung, who endeared himself to the crowd with his unorthodox swing, could not extend his lead after his swing which worked to his advantage on the second day, let him down.  He slipped to second place following a 72.

Scotland’s Simon Yates will be hoping to break the Korean dominance and become the first foreign player in seven years to win their national open. Yates returned with a 66 to share third place with Seungtaek Lee at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approx. US$1,125,000) event.

Kevin Na of the United States also remains hopeful of spoiling the Korean party when he signed for a 70 to share eighth place with fellow countryman John Catlin as well as Heungchol Joo and InnChoon Hwang of Korea.

Thailand’s Prom Meesawat posted his week’s lowest score when he signed for a 67 to take a share of 12th place.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Minchel Choi turned professional in 2009. He had three runner-up finishes in 2017 but has yet to win on the Korean main Tour.
• Hosung Choi picked up golf at a relatively late age at 25. He was a contract worker at the BeNest Country Club in Korea and developed an interest for the game there.
• He turned professional in 2001 and has won twice on the Korean Tour.
• Choi does not have any formal training and his unorthodox swing is a self-taught one which he constantly works on for optimum distance.
• His last victory on the Korean Tour was in 2011 when he clinched the Lakehills Open.
• Simon represented Scotland as a downhill skier during his youth. He came to Asia on a holiday and decided to stay and play on in the region in 1995.
• He has been living in Thailand for the last 23 years.
• The Scotsman has won twice on the Asian Tour, the 1998 Sabah Masters in Malaysia and 2004 SK Telecom Open in Korea. He also finished second at the Korea Open in 2004.
• Prom Meesawat is a two-time Asian Tour champion. He won in Korea and Chinese Taipei in 2006 and 2014 respectively.
• Nicknamed The Big Dolphin because of his physique, Prom hails from the coastal town of Hua Hin in Thailand.
• He has one top-10 this year, finishing in ninth place in at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth
• The Korea Open has been a stronghold of the Koreans in the last decade. Rickie Fowler of the United States was the last foreign player to break the Korean dominance when he won the 2011 edition by six shots.

Players’ Quotes

Minchel Choi (Kor), Third round 64 (-7), Total 203 (-10)

I hope I can win tomorrow as that would be the perfect gift for my father who played a key role in my career. He suffered a stroke many years back and is now half-paralysed. I had three runner-up finishes and have yet to win on the main Korean Tour. As this is a co-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour and also part of the Open Qualifying Series, it would mean a lot to me to get the job done tomorrow. I just have to stay focus and not get too nervous.

Hosung Choi (Kor), Third round 72 (+1), Total 205 (-8)

I did not drive the ball well today and made several mistakes. Especially on 17 which cost me a double bogey there. I know everyone is talking about my swing. It’s self-taught and I try to hit it that way to give me maximum distance whenever I can. Maybe tomorrow, that form can come back.

Simon Yates (Sco), Third round 66 (-5), Total 207 (-6)

I had several good memories of the Korea Open especially this golf course. I finished second in 2004. The greens are really tricky but I putted fantastic today. You just try to play day by day. Obviously the pins are in a very difficult position. But I still managed to hole some great putts even when I was on the wrong side. I got to hit it straight off the tee and if you can do it, it shouldn’t be that difficult. If you don’t, then you’ll struggle. I have a new Callaway driver and it has been good to me so far.

Kevin Na (Usa), Third round 70 (-1), Total 209 (-4)

The pin positions were difficult and I know they are going to set it up even more difficult tomorrow. I’ve got to shoot really low tomorrow to have any chance of winning. It’s hard to make putts here because they turn a lot at the end with the slope too. I was looking good until I gave two shots away coming in. I bogeyed 17 and three-putted 18 for a par. But I’ll still try to go for a low one tomorrow to seal the deal

Prom Meesawat (Tha), Third round 67 (-4), Total 210 (-3)

It’s a tough course and made even tougher with the pin positions. I’m very happy with my 67 as I had two chip-ins and another one from the bunker. I’ve been hitting the ball well and I’ve managed to put it in the right position today. If you miss the fairways here, you’ll be in trouble. The Korean players are very strong. I won here before but there are a lot of good players from Korea coming up. But anyway, there’s still 18 holes more to go and anything can happen.

Leading scores after round 3 of the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship being played at the par 71, 7328 Yards Woo Jeong Hills Country Club course (am – denotes amateur):

203 – Minchel CHOI (KOR) 69-70-64.

205 – Hosung CHOI (KOR) 67-66-72.

207 – Simon YATES (SCO) 72-69-66, Seungtaek LEE (KOR) 67-71-69.

208 – Jaemin HAN (am, KOR) 68-73-67, Jaewoong EOM (KOR) 70-71-67, Sanghyun PARK (KOR) 68-69-71.

209 – Heungchol JOO (KOR) 65-76-68, Innchoon HWANG (KOR) 68-73-68, Kevin NA (USA) 67-72-70, John CATLIN (USA) 69-69-71.

210 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 70-73-67, Sanghee LEE (KOR) 72-70-68, K.T. KIM (KOR) 68-73-69, Dongmin LEE (KOR) 71-70-69, Changwon HAN (KOR) 72-65-73.

211 – Hyungjoon LEE (KOR) 70-69-72, Keith HORNE (RSA) 68-69-74.

212 – Inhoi HUR (KOR) 74-68-70, Hanbyeol KIM (am, KOR) 71-70-71, Junsung KIM (KOR) 68-76-68, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 73-72-67, Doyeob MUN (KOR) 69-71-72, Kyongjun MOON (KOR) 69-70-73.

Cheonan, Korea, June 22: American John Catlin established himself as one of the contenders for the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship by carding a flawless two-under-par 69 in the second round of the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approx. US$1,125,000) event on Friday. 

Catlin, who claimed his Asian Tour breakthrough in China last month, is seeking to extend his winning run and showed his intent by moving up the leaderboard with his two-day total of four-under-par 138. 

“I’ve very pleased with how I played today especially with the difficult pin positions out there today. I was able to keep to the correct side of the hole and made a couple of nice saves. 

“It’s nice to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself honestly that you’ve been here before and that gives you lots of confidence. Winning in China took everything out of me and I was exhausted for the next two weeks. But I’m feeling close to 100% this week,” said the American.

Korea’s Yikuen Chang also remained firmly in contention as the defending champion made his move with a 68.

Chang could have gone even lower if not for a wayward drive on his last hole which marred his otherwise perfect card at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

“Number nine was a very tough hole. I hit a poor drive to the right but I managed to reduce the damage with a bogey. I’m going to work on the stuff which I did badly today and hopefully I improve this weekend.

“You got to hit lots of fairways as the greens are really tough here. If you miss the green, it’s going to be tough to make up and down. My goal is to hit fairways and greens tomorrow,” said Chang.

Korea’s Changwon Han currently holds the clubhouse with his 137 total.

Ends.

Pattaya, Thailand, June 22: Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung is hoping for a taste of success again when he defends his title at the US$300,000 Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak, which will be celebrating its 10th straight edition on the Asian Tour next week.

The bespectacled Fung, 2013 Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champion, endured several near-misses for his maiden title before finally breaking through with a one-shot victory at the prestigious event 12 months ago.

The 28-year-old Sabahan is determined to add another victory to his resume at the storied event, which will be played for the first time at the highly-rated Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya from June 28 to July 1.

A total of 150 players from 25 different countries, featuring over 40 Asian Tour winners, will be vying for top honours and chasing the winner’s prize purse of US$54,000 when the tournament gets underway next week.

Fung, who turned professional in 2010, is a proud graduate of the region’s secondary circuit, where he has recorded three victories. He represented Team Asia in all three editions of the EurAsia Cup and was hailed as Malaysia’s number one through his Order of Merit success on the PGM Tour in 2012, 2013 and 2016.

After missing four cuts in 10 starts on the Asian Tour this season, Fung sits in a current 41st place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, with his best result being a tied-14th place finish at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship in Japan two months ago.

“I love playing in Thailand. It’s pretty similar to Malaysia, be it the weather or the people. I have been playing well. I did some work with my coach and I’m gaining more distance than before. I am not a long hitter so I have to work on my distance if I want to better my game.

“I waited very long for that first win. I came close so many times and I finally got the job done at the Queen’s Cup last year. That victory has given me a lot of confidence. I am looking forward to defending my title next week,” said Fung.

A year after his breakthrough feat, Fung remains confident of putting up another title run albeit on a different course. He believes a hot putter will fuel his charge for a successful title defence when he steps up to the tee next week.

“I have played at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club for a couple of times. The course doesn’t seem long for me so putting will be the key to score. This is my first time defending a title on the Asian Tour.

“I have done it on the local Tour and on the ADT before. It’s going to feel different because the field is stronger and there are a lot of young players out there looking for their first win as well. I am, however, more than happy to take up the challenge,” Fung added.

Other notable players in the field include Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang and Shiv Kapur of India, who have triumphed on the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Measuring a total of 6,960 yards, the front nine of the tournament will be played on the Mountain course while the back nine will be played on Ocean course, with the 13th hole (fourth hole of the Ocean course) converted from a par-five to par-four, reducing the course par to 71.

The Queen’s Cup, held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, welcomed a new presenting sponsor in Bangchak Corporation, one of Thailand’s leading energy companies, this season.

It will mark the Tour’s third stop in Thailand, following the Qualifying School in January and the recently-concluded Thailand Open, where local rising star Panuphol Pittayarat claimed his second Asian Tour victory.

Since its inception in 2009, the Queen’s Cup has welcomed many worthy champions such as 2016 Order of Merit champion Scott Hend of Australia and Thai veterans Prayad Marksaeng and Thaworn Wiractchant, who have each won the title twice from 2012 to 2015.

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.

Cheonan, Korea, June 22: Korea’s Hosung Choi would be the man to catch after he signed for a second round five-under-par 66 to take a four-shot lead into the weekend rounds at the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship on Friday.

The 44-year-old made his move by mixing his card with four birdies, an eagle and a bogey to clinch pole position with his two-day total of nine-under-par 133 after starting the day tied for third at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approx. US$1,125,000) event.

Compatriot Sanghyun Park meanwhile continued to ride on his good form by returning with a 69 to share second place with South Africa’s Keith Horne and fellow countryman Changwon Han at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

Recent Asian Tour winner John Catlin of the United States ensured he stayed in the mix when he posted a 69 to share fifth place with Korea’s Junsub Park and Seungtaek Lee while defending champion Yikuen Chang of Korea stayed close to the leaders by returning with a 68 to end the day tied for eighth.

Choi, who is searching for his first professional win in five years, started his back-nine 10 with four straight pars before he fired his first birdie on 14.

He dropped his only shot of the day on 18 but stormed ahead after making the turn with three birdies and an eagle on the par-four six to end the day as the outright leader.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Hosung Choi turned professional in 2001 and has won twice on the Korean Tour.
• His last victory on the Korean Tour was in 2011 when he clinched the Lakehills Open.
• Sanghyun Park prevailed in a four-man play-off to win the Maekyung Open last week. He immediately took up membership with the Asian Tour following that win.
• Park won again on the domestic circuit last week.
• Keith Horne claimed his best result in 2017 at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters where he came in tied-second. His best result this year was finishing tied for 12th at the Hero Indian Open in March.
• In 1993, Horne won the silver medal in the World Games in Spain.
• Horne earned his Asian Tour card for 2005 by finishing tied 22nd in the Qualifying School
• John Catlin earned his Asian Tour breakthrough in China last month. Before his breakthrough, Catlin enjoyed six top-10 finishes and another ADT win in Malaysia, to come in third on the ADT Merit rankings in 2017, earning his Asian Tour card for the 2018 season.
• Yikeun Chang topped the class at the 2016 Asian Tour Qualifying School which was his very first attempt since turning professional
• Chang made his Major debut at The Open and missed only two cuts in 11 starts on the region’s premier Tour in 2017.

Players’ Quotes

Hosung Choi (Kor), Second round 66 (-5), Total 133 (-9)

It was a good day. I knew the course conditions were going to be tough and I was mentally prepared for it when I teed off. I drove the ball well and managed to find the greens which was key today. The pin positions were going to be tricky and I knew I could not offer to miss the greens as it would be very difficult to get up and down if I had missed them. I’ve a four-shot lead but anything can happen in golf. So I don’t want to think too much but just enjoy my golf this weekend. I have an unique swing and people like to call it the fisherman swing!

Sanghyun Park (Kor), Second round 69 (-2), Total 137 (-5)

One of my goals for this week is to get that spot to The Open. I’ve not played at The Open before and it would mean a lot for me to play there next month. I’m in good form. I won last month and again last week. The pin positions were very challenging and I’m pleased I managed to tackle them well. I signed up for my Asian Tour membership after my win at the Maekyung Open last month. I’m hoping to play my way into the high profile events in Malaysia and China at the end of the year.

Keith Horne (Rsa) Second round 69 (-2), Total 137 (-5)

It was nice to finish with a score which was a little more than what I deserve. I made three three-putts out there and the pin positions were really very tricky. I hit 16 greens in regulation and I didn’t get into much trouble except for one hole. Those three putts just cost me today but otherwise it was a solid round. And it was nice to finish with three birdies in my last four holes. I won in South Africa a few times but not out here so it’s certainly a goal of mine to win this week. I’ll try to be a little more aggressive this weekend and take it from there.

John Catlin (Usa) Second round 69 (-2), Total 138 (-4)

I’ve very pleased with how I played today especially with the difficult pin positions out there today. I was able to keep to the correct side of the hole and made a couple of nice saves. Overall it was pretty stress-free as I was able to hit onto the greens and anything under-par today would be good. It’s nice to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself honestly that you’ve been here before and that gives you lots of confidence. But nothing’s going to change and it’s still the same routine. One shot at a time. That win in China was huge and really got the monkey off my back. The first one was definitely the hardest. When I first won the ADT, it was hard and it slowly became a little easier. Winning in China took everything out of me and I was exhausted for the next two weeks. But I’m feeling close to 100% this week.

Yikuen Chang (Kor) Second round 68 (-3), Total 139 (-3)

I’m not thinking too much about my title defence just yet. I’m just focusing on hitting good shots out there and not really worried about my score today. I knew the conditions especially the pin positions were going to be tough and I was trying to hit good shots and make good putts. Number nine was a very tough hole. I hit a poor drive to the right but I managed to reduce the damage with a bogey. I’m going to work on the stuff which I did badly today and hopefully I improve this weekend. You got to hit lots of fairways as the greens are really tough here. If you miss the green, it’s going to be tough to make up and down. My goal is to hit fairways and greens tomorrow.

Sentosa, Singapore, June 21: Australian golfing legend Peter Thomson has passed away on June 20, 2018 at the age of 88.

Thomson was undoubtedly one of the most accomplished players in the history of the professional game. He has 89 victories in his career, including five The Open titles.

Known for his leadership and ability to perform under pressure, Thomson captained the International Team in the Presidents Cup three times and had led his team to victory in 1998, the same year when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The well-travelled Australian was a regular fixture in tournaments around the world. He won on the PGA Tour once and had victories in destinations such as Germany, Italy as well as South Africa.

Thomson, a big supporter of golf in Asia, won the Indian Open three times, Hong Kong Open three times and the Philippine Open once. He also has six titles from Japan in his name.

In addition to being a successful golfer, Thomson was an influential administrator. He served as the Chairman of the PGA of Australian for 32 years and was the pioneer of the Asian Circuit, the predecessor of the modern-day Asian Tour.

For one, Thomson helped conceived the inaugural Singapore Open in 1961 and to ensure the success of the tournament, he used his immense influence to attract some of the best players to the Lion City. Since then, the Singapore Open has gone on to establish itself as one of the most prestigious and widely-anticipated tournaments on the Asian Tour schedule.

Today, Australian professionals make up a significant proportion of the Asian Tour and they, as well as the rest of the Asian Tour, will be forever indebted to Thomson for paving the way. 

"He will surely be missed by the Australian golfing public. His record will be very tough for anyone to equal, let alone, beat. He’s a great champion and surely, he’ll be missed by all Australians," said Scott Hend, the 2016 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion:

"Peter was a massive part of Australian golf and he was instrumental in establishing the professional circuit in Asia. Both Tours have been big parts of my life and golfing career. It was a terrible day and my thoughts go out to his family. I’ve seen footages of his golf swing it is one of the most balanced and purest actions that we’ve ever seen in our lifetime," said Wade Ormsby, two-time Asian Tour champion.

"I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves. His Open record was phenomenal. Winning it three in a row is amazing," said Sam Brazel, winner of the 2016 UBS Hong Kong Open.

Social media reactions

So sad to hear news today of the passing of Peter Thomson, five-time @TheOpen champion and winning @PresidentsCup captain. Golf has lost a true legend and one of sport’s real gentlemen. My thoughts & condolences to his family.

— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) June 20, 2018

Not nice to hear about anyone passing away….. but Australia and the golfing world has lost another of its greats… Vale Peter Thomson… sad day for Aussie golf… condolences to his family. @EuropeanTour @asiantourgolf @PGAofAustralia #5timechamp @TheOpen

— Scott Hend (@hendygolf) June 20, 2018

Heavy hearts in the Australian golf community today with the passing of the Great Peter Thomson. Grew up idolising him. One of the best swings in the history of the game. He will be missed.

— Marcus Both (@MarcusBothPGA) June 20, 2018

I always respected Peter Thomson the golfer. Later in life, I respected & appreciated Peter Thomson the man even more. 5-time @TheOpen champ, 3-time @PresidentsCup captain & always a proud Australian. We lost a special member of golf’s global family. More:https://t.co/ZRNSY3vWbA pic.twitter.com/NTCCqRneNG

— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) June 20, 2018

My official statement on the passing of Australian golf legend Peter Thomson. pic.twitter.com/jAF88VhgM7

— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) June 20, 2018

Peter Thomson was a truly wonderful golfer & a fine global ambassador for our game. His contribution to golf will not be forgotten. In addition he was the most intellectual & best read player I ever met. My condolences to his family & friends. Rest In Peace Thomo. GP

— Gary Player (@garyplayer) June 20, 2018

I’m am so saddened to hear of the passing of our Aussie legend and true gentleman of the game, Peter Thomson. My heart goes out to his wife Mary and the rest of the Thompson family. So honoured to have been able to call Peter my friend. RIP Peter

— Karrie Webb (@Karrie_Webb) June 20, 2018

Cheonan, Korea, June 21: Korea’s Heungchol Joo set the early pace by posting an opening six-under-par 65 to grab the clubhouse lead at the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship on Thursday.

Korean Amateur Seungtaek Oh showed he can match up against the professionals by returning with a 66 while American Kevin Na ensured his homecoming got off to a good start when he signed for a 67 to trail Chol by two at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

Sanghyun Park ensured a strong Korean presence on the leaderboard when he signed for 68 which was matched by South Africa’s Keith Horne at the KR₩1,200,000,000 (approx. US$1,125,000) event.

“It was a good day and I managed to take advantage of most of my birdie chances. That eagle on 18 was a nice way to finish off the round as it meant I could take bragging rights for at least a few hours,” said Joo.

Oh, who is part of the Korean national team, also showed his potential when he mixed his card with six birdies and two bogeys to stay close to the top at the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship which is part of The Open Qualifying Series this year.

“It was a good round and I’m enjoying myself especially with this opportunity to play in a professional tournament like this. It’s still early days but I hope to maintain this form throughout the week,” said Oh.

Na was delighted his patient approach paid off and believes he can mount a serious challenge as the week progresses.

“I got off to an average start, I three-putted 15 but continued to stay patient. I made some putts coming in and managed to shoot four-under. It was a good day.

“The crowd was great today and it helped I was playing with Sangmoon Bae and Sanghyun Park who are household names here too. It was a lot of fun. I’ve got to go low again tomorrow as I’m sure they are going to set it up really difficult over the weekend. I’ve to be ahead of the game,” said Na.

Ends.