Singapore, February 15: As the Asian Tour celebrate its 10th season in 2013, some of the leading Asian and international players including Officials from the US PGA Tour and European Tour offer words of congratulations on the Tour’s milestone. Read on to find out what they have to say.
Thaworn Wiratchant, reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, holder of record 15 titles
“I can say that the Asian Tour is my home Tour. I was born on this Tour. It made me stay relevant in my career. I have good friends on this Tour. The Asian Tour staff have looked after me like I’m one of the family members. I see the movement of the tour from the beginning. I have learned from this Tour and I can survive because of this Tour. I have a good reputation when I represent the Asian Tour – my life has changed in a good way every year when I have been a member of the Tour. Ten years have passed so quickly. But we can see the development of the Tour from the number of members, number of events and the prize money. I’d like to see more young guys coming up and this Tour is the first step for them.”
Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit, the man who struck the opening tee shot on the Asian Tour in 2004
“The Asian Tour is consistently improving. In the past, prize monies were much lesser and there wasn’t much room for players to improve. Now, prize monies are higher and there is more room for players to improve their games. Everything is improving on the Asian Tour. I hope the tour can continue to maintain its good image and continue to produce more good players to compete on the world stage.”

Y.E. Yang of Korea, the first Asian male Major champion, Honorary member of the Asian Tour
“In the early days of my career, I played on the Asian Tour and I will continue to support the Tour. The Asian Tour travels to many different countries and this helps with the player development. The Asian Tour opened the door to international competitions for me. I started my playing career on the Korean Tour but I found out through the Asian Tour that there was a high level of competition. There were so much more possibilities for me and I practiced and persevered and I was diligent enough to succeed.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive, European Tour
I think the Asian Tour has done everything they can to unite the game in the region and bring together all talented golfers in different countries to make up the tour. You will see its tremendous achievements and impact on Asia. I think the way that players are playing in world golf championships have got to travel. They got to reflect the impact that all the different countries make. I think it is a reward. There is no reason why a major shouldn’t happen in Asia. Britain has its own major championship and they play in a particular kind of golf course-the links golf course. It’s made up of so many countries and there is a wide range of golf courses throughout Asia. The impact of the game in this region is so great that I don’t see any reason why a major shouldn’t happen here. I would like to pay my tribute to the Asian Tour. Congratulations for achieving the 10 years milestone and for everything you’ve done to unite the game in Asia and to inspire many great young talents.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, a two-time Order of Merit champion
“I think it has been fantastic for the past decade. I’m very grateful to the Asian Tour because that’s where I started my professional golf career. I will never forget that this is the place which offered and gave me the confidence to move on. I think it’s growing and will continue to grow in the future. I think it will definitely become a greater tour in future.”
Scott Hend, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour
“I’ve seen a lot of changes on the Asian Tour. And it’s gets better and better. It’s like a jump step for all of us and it’s a players’ organisation. It’s for the players and not just consisting of management groups. Players are pretty much in charge of what is going to happen on the tour. It’s really good in that way. It is good to see the young guys coming through and progress. Prize monies have definitely become better over the years. My time on the Asian Tour has been pretty fantastic so far. I’ve a lot of good memories on the tour.

Ed Moorehouse, Co-Chief Operating Officer, PGA Tour
I think the reputation of the Asian Tour is growing and primarily, the success of the players who have achieved not only in an Asian Tour event but also co-sanctioned events like the CIMB Classic. The Asian Tour is definitely in the process of producing many good players. I think the Asian Tour has grown from a minor tour to a significant force that it is in Asia today. I go around Asia and talk to some of the companies which we do business with in the States and they have some of the arrangements with the Asian Tour, everyone is saying that it’s developing into a very good Tour. The International Federation of PGA Tours started back in 1994 and that was an organisation with five Tours, the PGA Tour, European Tour, Japanese Tour, Sunshine Tour and the Asian Tour. It is a very significant organisation and certainly the Asian Tour is a part of the federation. I would like to congratulate the Asian Tour. I think they have grown significantly in the past 10 years. They have developed a lot of good tournaments and co-sanctioned tournaments with us. We have a great relationship with the Asian Tour. They have a great partnership with the European Tour as well. Development has been really tremendous for the Asian Tour. Congratulations to Kyi Hla Han and his group for really making the Asian Tour a significant force in the world of golf. I think the Asian Tour is very important in the development the game of golf in the region. The Asian Tour is very instrumental in developing the game of golf in Asia.
Eight-time European number one Colin Montgomerie of Scotland
“This is where the boom of world golf is going to be. I think it’s improving all the time. We’ve got an Asian, Y.E. Yang, winning a Major. I think there will be 10 Asian Major winners if you ask me again in 10 years’ time. I think Asia is where the future of the game is and will be in the years to come. Congratulations to the Asian Tour.”
South African star Ernie Els, a four-time Major champion
“I would like to congratulate the Asian Tour on its 10th season. It’s been 10 great years and I’m really looking forward to its future. I first played here in 1993 and since that time, we have a Major champion coming out from Asia and the growth of the game has been unbelievable.”
Australia’s Adam Scott
“The Asian Tour has grown so much. Looking back and seeing how the game has grown now is incredible and I’m expecting it to become bigger and bigger, especially with golf being part of the Olympics in 2016. Providing a world class tour has certainly elevated the game of golf in Asia. It is producing a lot of world class players. The Asian Tour has certainly done a good job in that and I’m sure they will strive and continue to produce world class golf in Asia for all of us to see.”

England’s Lee Westwood, former world number one
“The Asian Tour has grown and became better over the years. We’ve got better fields all the time and better quality of the Asian players as well. Golf courses have improved and conditions are better. It’s definitely growing and I can see it getting better and better.”
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, a four-time Asian Tour winner
This is my sixth year on the tour and I’ve seen great changes over the years which include greater prize monies, better golf courses and quality of players. It gets better every year. It’s a great inspiration for all the young players who have already seen the Asian Tour growing. It’s my pleasure to be associated with the Asian Tour. I’ve seen how it has grown over the years and I would like to give my best wishes to the Asian Tour. Hopefully it can become the second biggest tour in the world one day. I think with the movement of the Asian economy right now, sponsors are putting in heaps and heaps of money into tournaments. That is a key factor for the Asian Tour and it’s looking good now. I think with this, top golfers like Tiger Woods may be making a few more appearances in Asia in the near future. This is one thing that I’ve seen changing over the years. I must say this is what we need.
Mo Joong-kyung of Korea, a two-time Asian Tour winner
“There have been a lot of changes over the years. A lot of young players are coming out from Asia as well. I think Asia is a big market for golf and a lot of players all over the world are interested to come and play over here. The golf courses in Asia have become better as well.”
Marcus Both of Australia, a two-time Asian Tour winner
“I’ve seen great changes on the Asian Tour over the past 10 years especially when I’ve been around since day one. What we are looking at now is a great schedule on the Asian Tour and a lot of new events are popping up and the existing events that we have had grown from strength to strength. The prize monies for tournaments have increased as well. We’re playing a lot of new courses now and they are fantastic! Places like Macau where we played in 2003 and now, the golf course has improved a lot. The setup is a lot better. It gets better year after year.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, a one-time winner
I would like to congratulate the Asian Tour for entering 10 years, which is not a short period. I’ve been playing on the Asian Tour for four years now and I can see the tour improve every year. Take for example the prize monies, number of events every year, etc. These are very good for the young generation. I’m sure the Asian Tour will continue to grow in the future and become better over the next few years. This is the first tour that I’ve played in and I’ve won my first tournament on the Asian Tour as well.
Arjun Atwal of India, PGA Tour champion
Congratulations to the Asian Tour for having such a fun tour first of all and then, helping me, Jeev and the other guys grow through their Tour. It has grown by leaps and bounds … I think because of the way the economy is growing in Asia. It is only a matter of time, like you see the Koreans girls rule the LPGA; I think the Asians are coming.
Berry Henson of the United States, one-time winner on the Asian Tour
This is my second year on the Asian Tour but I’ve seen a lot of growth. The Asian Tour is growing rapidly and its future has no limit. A lot of new young talents are coming up as well. I think you are going to see a lot of leaps and bounds on the Asian Tour over the next five years! It’s good that the Asian Tour is attracting a lot of international star players, especially for me when I travel all the way here to play with some of the best players in the world. We get to do that like once in a month and that is great! I think the tour is growing and that’s the direction that it is moving towards. The fans are really enjoying themselves here. I’m sure we will continue to see such great fields and great events in future.
Danny Chia of Malaysia, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour
The players are getting better and better, compared to the first year when I joined the Tour. The number of co-sanctioned events has increased as well. I think it’s great. Prize money has gone up and the quality of playing standard on the Asian Tour has improved over the years.
Zaw Moe of Myanmar
I’ve seen a lot of changes on the Asian Tour over the past 10 years. It has produced a lot of good young players. I’ve been playing for 15-20 years and it’s really good to see these young players progress and play well. The prize money has definitely grown over the years. I really enjoy playing on the Asian Tour.
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New Delhi, February 13: India’s Shiv Kapur has targeted an Indian double at the Avantha Masters after capturing his debut European Challenge Tour title at the Gujarat Kensville Challenge.
A fortnight ago Kapur became the second home player, after the 2011 champion Gaganjeet Bhullar, to win the Gujarat Kensville Challenge when he held off Scotland’s Andrew McArthur by two strokes to take the €32,000 winner’s cheque and, in the process, move to the top of the Challenge Tour Rankings.
Having sealed his maiden Challenge Tour victory in Ahmedabad, Kapur’s focus switched immediately to the Avantha Masters, which will take place for the first time this year at Jaypee Greens GC, near New Delhi, his home and birthplace.
Kapur’s best performance in the Avantha Masters, which is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India, came in 2011, when he finished in a tie for ninth place behind his compatriot S.S.P. Chowrasia.
Chowrasia’s triumph was the first, and so far only, home victory in the Avantha Masters; but having also recently won the Shubhkamna Champions – a tournament hosted by his friend and compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh – by three shots from Sweden’s Daniel Chopra, Kapur is understandably confident of mounting a bold bid to succeed South African Jbe’ Kruger as champion when the fifth edition of the €1.8million event unfolds from March 14-17.
He said: “I am playing very well. To win twice in two starts – first at the Shubhkamna Champions, and then at the Kensville Challenge – felt great, especially after not winning for a long time. Now I would love to follow in S.S.P’s footsteps and win a European Tour event at home. Adding the Avantha Masters to the Kensville Challenge and doing European double in India would be absolutely great.
The 31-year-old Indian, who has won once on the Asian Tour during his rookie year in 2005, is excited to get his solid early season form off to a flying start.
“I ended the 2012 season pretty well and then began 2013 on a winning note, so now I’m looking forward to playing a European Tour event at home. The Avantha Masters is without doubt the crown jewel amongst all golf tournaments in India. This time we will be moving to a new course at Jaypee Greens, so that should really add to the excitement,” said Kapur.
The par-72 course at Jaypee Greens GC takes over the staging of the Avantha Masters from DLF Golf and Country Club, which hosted the tournament for three years from 2010.
Designed by Greg Norman, Jaypee Greens GC features 14 water hazards and 88 bunkers and, at 7,347 yards, is India’s longest course.
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About the 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur, February 6: Asiantour.com takes a look at the prospects of Gaganjeet Bhullar enjoying another stellar season following two victories in 2012 which propelled him to fifth place on the Order of Merit.
By Chuah Choo Chiang, Media Director
With a steely look in his eyes, reminiscent of the great Jeev Milkha Singh – a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit – India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar certainly has his sights set on greatness where the world can be at the palm of his hands.
Still only 24 but with four Asian Tour titles already under his belt, including two last season at the Venetian Macau Open and Yeangder Tournament Players Championship, Bhullar will be very expected to dominate again when the 2013 season kicks off later this month.
The young Indian has all the talent in the world to become an Asian Tour Order of Merit champion. It would also not be far-fetched to predict that Bhullar has the ingredients and flair to become a world’s top-10 player in the near future.

In today’s modern game where power plays a major part between winning or losing, Bhullar can certainly smack the ball to enormous distances – he averaged 297 yards last year to be ranked 11th in the driving distance category.
But what’s more telling is the fact that not only does he drive it long, he can drive it as straight an arrow as well with 78% percent fairways hit in 2012 where he finished second in the category.
His iron play isn’t shabby either with 71 percent of greens hit in regulation where he ranked 12th. If anything, his putting average per round could come down by one or two strokes where he took 29.6 putts per round throughout the entire season.
With his youthful exuberance, Bhullar has a natural knack and ability to attack the pins which is reflected by his 3.72 birdies per round, which put him in the top-10 of the category. If he can knock in his putts more regularly and bring down his putting average, Bhullar will be a dangerous man in any golf tournament.
Bhullar has worked hard throughout his career, starting from the amateur ranks and has a good and friendly rivalry with the likes of countryman Himmat Rai and Anirban Lahiri, who are also winners on the Asian Tour. More importantly, he is level headed and has not let the success cloud his vision for greater achievements.
With the young Indian generation of players pushing one another, the sky is the limit for Bhullar and it will not be a surprise if he goes on to win a couple more tournaments this season, and even perhaps triumph in the bigger co-sanctioned tournaments which will be his main goal this year.

Kuala Lumpur, February 5: Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel and Italian Matteo Manassero have confirmed their participation in the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013.
The leading trio will join former world number one Luke Donald at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from March 21-24 in the US$2.75 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Schwartzel, who enjoyed a superb finish to his 2012 season with back-to-back victories, is looking forward to returning to Kuala Lumpur.
“It’s one of my favourite events of the year and I love Asia – the food, people, culture and golf courses,” he said.
The slender Schwartzel, who hails from South Africa, secured his name as one of the world’s best when he won the Masters Tournament in 2011.
Italian Manassero is definitely no stranger to the Maybank Malaysian Open. The talented golfer stunned many when he became the tournament’s youngest champion in the 2011 edition.
Irishman Harrington, who has come close to winning the Malaysian Open in the past, last competed in Malaysia in 2006. Apart from his success on the fairways, he is also a great supporter of charitable work.
Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said, “The confirmation of these additional world top 50 players in this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open shows the strength of our event as well as Malaysia’s strong standing in the golf industry. Spectators will get to see a mix of stars, experience world-class action and be inspired at our own greens. With many renowned golfers who are expected to confirm the participation the coming weeks, I foresee spectators are in for some spectacular golf action.”
“The Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a valuable avenue for our professionals to gain experience and expose themselves to high-calibre international golfers. Our Malaysian professionals will definitely benefit from being in the same tournament as these three top golfers,” said President of MGA, Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.
The Maybank Malaysian Open is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading National Open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golfers.
Since taking up the title sponsorship eight years ago, Maybank has successfully attracted high-caliber golfers from around the world with the likes of Rory McIIroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Charlie Wie, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi and Alvaro Quiros.
This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of USD2.75 million, an increase of USD250,000 from last year.
The Maybank Malaysian Open is the first National Open in Asia to be co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours in 1999 and is part of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
For information on the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visit www.maybankmalaysianopen.com or follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopen or #maybankmalaysianopen. Tickets for the event are available now. For information on ticketing, please go to www.ticketpro.com.my.

February 3: Jeev Milkha Singh of India had an early eagle to thank for a third round score of five-under-par 67 as he moved to tied fourth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday.
The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner was flawless as he carded three other birdies but trails the leader Stephen Gallacher by a massive seven shots.
Korea’s Noh Seung-yul, Jbe Kruger of South Africa and Marcus Fraser of Australia were a further three shots back in tied 10th place.

February 2: Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh charged up the leaderboard at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a second round five-under-par 67 on Friday.
The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner shot seven birdies against two bogeys for tied eighth on nine-under-par 135, three shots from the leader Richard Sterne of South Africa.
Jbe Kruger of South Africa was a further shot back in tied 11th place with Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season.
Meanwhile at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Charlie Wi of Korea shot a sparkling eight-under-par 63 to trail halfway leader Phil Mickelson of the United States by six shots.
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Yangon, Myanmar, February 1: Asian Tour Qualifying School winner Chan Kim of the United States will lead an upbeat group of Tour graduates when they launch their first challenge for honours at the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine later this month.
Chan led a total of 41 players to earn playing rights for the 2013 Asian Tour season from Qualifying School last week and he hopes to carry his momentum into the US$300,000 event at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club from February 21 to 24.
The Korean-American will aim to follow in the footsteps of defending champion Kieran Pratt of Australia, who won the Zaykabar Myanmar Open last season after a thrilling three-way play-off straight after Qualifying School.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Asian Tour. I live in the States but even in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation. Hopefully I can get something going this season!” said Kim, who was raised in Hawaii where he won the Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play in 2007.
Highly-rated Singaporean Choo Tze Huang believes the experience of playing and making the grade at Qualifying School, which was held in Hua Hin, Thailand, will give him the extra edge in his bid to find success on the region’s elite Tour.

“We made mistakes out there (during Qualifying School) but I’m happy I gave myself a chance to make it into the top 40. I’m just pleased that I can put myself in that position. I’ll definitely have more events to play this year. I’m looking forward to getting better and I’ll try to leave a mark on the Asian Tour,” said Choo.
Lionel Weber will also make his professional debut at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open after earning his Asian Tour card as an amateur. The Frenchman is among a cosmopolitan of international stars from over 30 different nationalities playing on the Asian Tour this season.
“I’m happy to be able to play on the Asian Tour. I arrived in Hua Hin one month ago to train and get used to the playing conditions. Perhaps that’s the reason why I am playing well these past two weeks. I’ve never been here before in Asia but I do love to travel,” said the 22-year-old.
Among the other graduates who are expected to challenge for honours at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open include Rahil Gangjee of India, Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand, Adam Groom of Australia, Yoshinobu Tsukada of Japan and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
Pratt will also feature in the event alongside previous Myanmar Open champion Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand, who finished on the bubble in the Order of Merit last season to earn full playing rights in 2013, and Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, winner of the 2010 Myanmar Open.
About the 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 31: In the latest segment of Reflections, highly rated Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines talks about being in contention in his national Open, his favourite Asian Tour tournament and goals for 2013.
Can you reflect on your 2012 season?
I’m proud with how I played. I was in contention twice and that’s pretty good. I think I’m a better golfer than in 2011.
What was the highlight for you?
Being in contention at the ICTSI Philippine Open because it is really hard to play in your home country and I proved that I could compete even though I fell out of contention on the last day.
What was the low point for you?
Losing my Asian Tour card again. I tried my best but it was just not meant to be.
Have you set any goals for 2013?
My goals are the same. I have to rely on my country exemption category and will try to finish inside the top-60 on the Order of Merit and try to win one Asian Tour event.
If you could re-hit one shot, what will it be?
My tee shot on the first hole on the final day of the ICTSI Philippine Open because my ball landed in the right rough. I wanted to be on the fairway because my goal was to stay on the fairways.
Which was your favourite Asian Tour tournament?
The Venetian Macau Open because I celebrated my birthday there with my family.
What have you learned about yourself?
I was missing a lot of cuts in the middle of the year but I worked hard and I told myself to never give up.
Who do you think is the next star on the Asian Tour?
Arnond Vongvanij. He has done well and he will inspire the younger guys to play better and aim for a victory.
About Tabuena
Country: Philippines
Date Of Birth: October 13, 1994
Residence: Manila
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2011
OTHER WINS: (2) 2012 ICTSI Splendido Classic, Philippines, 2012 Eastridge Classic, Philippines

Kuala Lumpur, January 30: Asian Tour legend Thongchai Jaidee has moved to within touching reach of the world’s top-50 which will earn him a return to the prestigious Masters Tournament in April.
The Thai star has enjoyed a flying start to his 2013 campaign with three successive top-10s in South Africa and the Middle East to jump to 53rd position on the latest Official World Golf Ranking.
Players ranked in the top-50 the week prior to the Masters Tournament will earn invitations and Thongchai is certainly eyeing a place in the elite field, especially when countryman and reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant is already in the year’s opening Major after receiving a special invitation from Augusta National.
Thongchai, who started the year in 80th place on the world rankings, finished third in the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa and subsequently posted tied ninth finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
The former paratrooper will continue his quest when he tees up in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic starting from tomorrow where he has drawn the top pairing with England’s Lee Westwood and last week’s Qatar Masters champion Chris Wood.
Thongchai first played in the Masters Tournament in 2006 but missed the halfway cut. He earned a return in 2010 but retired in the second round due to an elbow injury.
The 43-year-old, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns and 13 titles in Asia, enjoyed a memorable 2012 campaign when he notched his first victory on European soil with his triumph at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
He ended the season last month with a third place finish at the season-ending Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia and has continued to ride on his momentum with his fast start to the 2013 season.
Thongchai is presently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in the world. Korea’s K.J. Choi, an honorary member of the Asian Tour, is two rungs behind the Thai while Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season, is in 58th place and also fighting to break into the top-50.
Thaworn, who became the oldest man at 45 years old to win the Order of Merit last season, is ranked 70th, while Fijian Vijay Singh, another honorary member, is 89th followed by Indian duo Gaganjeet Bhullar and Jeev Milkha Singh in 94th and 95th position respectively.
The other members in the world’s top-200 include Y.E. Yang of Korea (118th), Filipino Juvic Pagunsan (122nd), Korea’s Kim Hyung-sung (126th), Thailand’s Prom Meesawat (147th) and South Africa’s Jbe Kruger (159th).
About the 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 30: It has been a marathon for Jbe Kruger on the Asian Tour and he is far from the finishing line as he seeks more success in the new 2013 season.
The South African, who is an avid runner like his father, has endured the highs-and-lows on the Asian Tour but he has taken everything in stride and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012.
Known for his powerful swing despite his small physique, Kruger settled for three runner-up finishes in 2010 and became known as the nearly man until he shed the tag with an impressive victory at the 2012 Avantha Masters in India.
The victory in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour erased the agonizing defeat at the 2010 Brunei Open where he lost in a play-off to Siddikur of Bangladesh and it was no surprise that he dedicated the win to his family.
“They sacrificed everything for me, sacrificed their whole lives for me so I think that’s what made me the man that I am,” said Kruger.
“It was a huge relief when I won after coming so close before. My parents weren’t at the Avantha Masters but it was still a good reward for me after all my hard work,” he added.
Kruger led the Order of Merit race following his win at the Avantha Masters and he was in the running to win the crown before finishing third on the Merit list with a haul of US$474,988.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kruger recalled how he would run up small hills with a tractor wheel in tow to build up his power and strength.
“I’m small but I think I’m strong. It definitely comes from my hips. It’s a part that’s strong and I’ve got strong hands. It helps. I work out a lot. Growing up with a father than runs every day of his life, I also ran competitively until I was 16 or 17.
“If you do that, you also have to do uphill runs. I saw him doing that. It’s not just running long distances. Running uphill and dragging something at the back definitely makes you stronger. That’s what I did.
“I used to drag along a tractor tire up a gravel road. It was like some 500 yards uphill but we would go up and down, up and down, up and down. It’s never easy. I don’t do it at the moment but I should start doing it again! That made me a lot stronger than what I would have been,” said Kruger.
At the age of 26, Kruger has a long run ahead of him but he is relishing the sprint even if it is with a tractor wheel!
Click here for the full interview with Jbe Kruger which was filmed on the Asian Tour Golf Show.
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