Austin, United States, March 21: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat continued his hot match play streak as he defeated Chez Reavie of the United States 3&2 in the first round of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play event on Wednesday.

Kiradech, the champion at this year’s ISPS HANDA Super 6 Perth that featured a six-hole match play elimination format, won comfortably in a match that he never trailed. He made his fourth birdie of the match at the 16th hole of the Austin Country Club while Reavie only managed a par, putting the result beyond doubt. The 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion won the Paul Lawrie Match Play event in 2015.

“In match play, all you have to do is play better than your competitor. I was able to keep myself in a better position. I was never behind all day. Whether it is all square, 1-up, all square, 1-up, 2-up, or whatever, I will just keep myself in a good position and put a lot of pressure on my opponent,” said Kiradech.

Shubhankar Sharma of India

Shubhankar Sharma put 2017 Masters Tournament and this year’s SMBC Singapore Open champion Sergio Garcia to the sword, but the rising Indian star eventually lost 1-down. The rising Indian star fought back from being 2-down early in the match to lead 1-up at the turn. However, the Spaniard turned on the afterburners, as he birdied five out of last eight holes to win the match narrowly. It was Sharma’s maiden appearance at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. 

Yuta Ikeda of Japan caused a minor upset as he beat Ross Fisher of England 2&1. Ikeda, who represented Team Asia at this year’s EurAsia Cup, recovered from being 2-down through five holes with a steady performance on the back nine. Ikeda is seeded 47th in the tournament, while Fisher is seeded 27th.

The 64-player WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play field is divided into 16 four-player groups. Each group will play round-robin matches within their group on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Kiradech, Sharma and Ikeda will be up against Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele and Matt Kuchar respectively in round two of the event.

Dodge Kemmer (Usa) – First Round 66 (-6)
Obviously I played well. The shots I did miss, I was able to recover from, which was due to luck. I hit a couple of drivers which I missed left but I ended up making birdies on those holes. That was a gift.
There were a couple of putts on the back which could have made this a perfect round but I missed those. Overall, I’m very pleased how my round turned out today.
I really like this course and I played here last year. I wasn’t able to score but I had one good round going last year so I knew it was possible to shoot a low score. I really like the course so it is always easier to go out and play a good round when you are happy and excited to play the course. I knew I had it in me and luckily it worked out for me.
I’m loving the Asian Tour more than I did last year, which was already a lot! I’m happy to be playing here and hope I can to play in many events as possible.
In the first year, you get used to everything. It is totally different from anything in America which I’m used to but I feel a lot more comfortable out here now. It is a better experience than last year.
I haven’t been playing that well in tournaments. I feel like my scores don’t reflect how well I’m playing, which has gotten frustrating. Hopefully I can start to play more in events like how I play at the driving range or during practice rounds.
Usually things sneak into my swing which I don’t see coming. By the time I figure it out, I will be on the 17 or 18^th holes or at the range. A lot of it is mental. I get down on myself pretty easily. I’m trying to stay more level emotionally and that’s easy to do when you are playing well. It will be interesting to see if I can handle my emotions when I hit some adversity this week.
I haven’t see anybody about my mental side of my game but I’ve done some reading and talking with friends and family. I’ve been trying to work it out myself. I’ve been reading a few golf books and general psychology books. Nothing in particular. I don’t know if it has helped yet but the books have given me a lot of ideas and shown me how everything works at a baseline level. Now I have to find out how to translate that into something that I can use.
Pawin Ingkhapradit (Tha) – First round 68 (-4)
Pawin Ingkhapradit of Thailand
The greens here are the same like my home course in Thailand, the Army Golf Club, which is also the home course for Thaworn Wiratchant. I’m very lucky today. I hit many fairways and did not miss any greens.
I didn’t have any long putts but all my birdie putts were from inside 10 feet. There was very little wind in the morning so that was good. I played here last year but I shot an 84 and 78 in the opening two rounds. Today I shot a 68 which shows how much I’ve improved as a golfer.
Lin Wen-tang (Tpe) – First round 69 (-3)
This week I changed to a new putter. My brother (Lin Wen-hong) went to the United States and he tested some new putters and told me to change to this new PING putter. I’m using it this week and shot a three-under. It is feeling really good.
I putted very badly last year. I averaged about 30 putts a round and you can’t win tournaments if you putt like that. I hit about 75% of fairways and greens last season but only my putting let me down.
Wack Wack is not a long course but the fairways are very small. I missed a few fairways but I still managed to return with my score which I’m really happy about.
Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea
Baek Seuk-hyun (Kor) – First round 70 (-2)
I’ve played some bad shots here today. It’s really hard to play on this course. Sometimes there’s wind and sometime there is no wind. I played about five to six bad shots but had some ups and downs to save the game and I also had some chances to make birdies.
To play well on this course, you really got to use your brain. It’s a really good course for you to score but you have to be calm and make your own game plans while you’re out there.
The particular hole that stood out today was the 8th hole. I actually hit a bad shot and it got a little tough there but luckily the ball kept to the right and got into the hole. I was lucky to have the chance to make a birdie there even though I hit a bad shot. Overall, I’m really happy with my score today. The 8th hole is going to be very important this week. You can easily get five there if you miss one shot.
I took a week off last week to practise for this week’s event. I lost my passport on Sunday but managed to get it back on Monday. I had accidently dropped my passport in my friend’s car when we were practising together. I didn’t know that until my friend called me on Monday to say that my passport’s with him. I was lucky to still get on a flight here. I guess these are just some of the situations you get.

Singapore, March 20: The emergence of Shubhankar Sharma has been truly spectacular. After winning two tournaments, getting an invitation to the Masters Tournament and breaking the course record at his National Open, the Indian superstar will take his relentless momentum into the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play event that tees off this week.

Sharma qualified for the event as one of the top 64 golfers on the Official World Golf Ranking list on the week ending March 11. In round one, the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings leader will go head-to-head against SMBC Singapore Open champion Sergio Garcia at the Austin Country Club in Texas, United States.

“I’m really happy to be able to play in this tournament. My last match play event was at the All India Amateur Championship in 2013, which I won. That was the last event I played before I turned professional. I have great memories of playing this format, so I’m really looking forward to teeing off this Wednesday,” said Sharma, a two-time Asian Tour winner.

He added: “I will be adopting a more aggressive mindset during the event and aim for the flag so that I can get as many opportunities for birdies and eagles. You have to be up for the match as soon as you start and hopefully, get the chance to build upon your lead.”

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat will also be contending at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. The 28-year-old would have sharpened his match play chops, having won his third Asian Tour title at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth which featured a six-hole match play elimination format. He also won the Paul Lawrie Matchplay in 2015. Kiradech is drawn into Group 3, which features world number three Jon Rahm of Spain as well as Americans Chez Reavie and Keegan Bradley. 

"My last two wins were match play events, so I’m not worried. Match play is fun and it’s all about making birdies. It fits my aggressive style of play and I’m always willing to go for my drives or to shoot for the flags, even in stroke play events,” said Kiradech, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion 

Along with Garcia, Sharma is drawn into Group 7 with American Xander Schauffele, who finished tied-fifth at the 2015 U.S. Open and South African Dylan Frittelli, the 2017 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open champion. The competition is intense, but Sharma is confident of performing above expectations at the event.

“It’s all about making as many birdies as possible. I’ve made many this season so I’m confident of my chances in Austin. I know that if I play my best golf, I’ll be able to beat a lot of players. It’ll be my first tournament in the United States and I’m sure it’ll be a great event.”

April 11: Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol secured his fourth Asian Tour victory at the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open in February with two closing birdies earning him a one-shot triumph. The sweet-swinging Thai savoured his victory as it ended a two-year winless run on the region’s premier Tour. In the first of our Winning Reflections series, Chawalit recalls the magical week.
By Chawalit Plaphol
It was a week which worked out really well for me. I was driving the ball beautifully all week and also putted nicely which is key to the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club. My short game, especially my wedge play, was also very sharp during the tournament.
I led by two strokes going into the final round but I knew it was going to be very close as players are able to put together a low round at Royal Mingalardon. And true enough, Mithun Perera had a great round going on the last day.
I recalled making a bogey on the ninth hole to drop back to 16-under for the tournament and it was up and down for me as I made birdie on 14 and then dropped another bogey on 15 to stay on 16-under.
Playing the last two holes, I knew that Mithun had finished strongly with a 65 to set the clubhouse mark at 17-under-par as he was three holes ahead of my group.
On the 17^th tee, I knew I needed to hit the fairway but unfortunately, didn’t hit my second shot close enough to the pin. I was left with about a 30-footer for birdie. It was an uphill putt and I just told myself that I needed to give the putt a go. I certainly didn’t want to leave it short of the hole.
Somehow, the ball found the bottom of the cup. I never thought it would go in as it was such a long putt. It was a big bonus that it went in.
Tied for the lead and playing the par five closing hole, I knew I had a good chance to shoot another birdie for the victory. I hit the fairway with a good drive and then layed up with a six iron to about 108 yards to the pin.
With a wedge, I hit it a pretty good shot to about four feet of the flag. Looking at the putt, I had a lot of confidence that I would hole it and I wasn’t at all nervous. Even if I missed that putt, I knew I would still have an advantage in the play-off as Mithun is not a long hitter and we were to go back to the par five 18^th hole.
Thankfully, I holed the putt for my win. It is good to win again after two years and this will give me a lot of confidence moving forward for the rest of the 2013 season.
Ends

Photo credit: Richard Castka 

Zhangzhou, March 17: China’s Ouyang Zheng held on to his overnight lead to win the 36-hole Volvo China Open Ocean West Qualifying by a massive six shots on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Shanghai, never looked like losing his momentum, despite stumbling with bogeys on the par-three third and par-five ninth at the Ocean West International Golf Club. A back nine of 33 saw him close with a one-under-par 71 and a winning total of five-under-par 139. He had fired a course record 68 in the opening round.

Also qualifying for the 24th Volvo China Open are junior Chen Pei-cheng and veteran Liu Chun, who found themselves in a play-off for the two remaining places with compatriot Tong Zhang-wen after the three players finished on one-over-par 145 in regulation play.

Tong shanked his approach shot at the first extra hole to make bogey while Cheng and Liu both made safe pars to advance to the National Open.

“Today’s result today has greatly improved my self confidence, as this is actually my first tournament win as a professional,” said Ouyang. “It’s given me very high expectations for the rest of the year.

“I plan to play in some more events before the Volvo China Open so that my game continues to improve. I’m really looking forward to the Volvo China Open as I am very familiar with the Topwin course, which actually has similar greens to these at Ocean West.

“I knew I had the skill to win an event like this and knew it was only a matter of time before it happened. I should have made more birdies yesterday but they just didn’t drop. Today it was as though I couldn’t miss – I made four single putts in a row from the 14th.”

Liu Chun seemed to have played himself out of the event after giving away four shots on the opening nine, however eagles on both the 14th and 18th saw him home in 34 strokes for a two over-par 74.

Liu revealed that he worked as a policeman for five years before becoming a golf pro and attributes some of his success in the sport to the discipline he required to be a police officer.

“I concentrate very well and keep calm what ever is happening on the golf course so I am able to handle difficult situations quite well during a tournament round,” said Liu who also qualified in second place in the Shanghai Tianma Qualifier last year.

Hebei-born Liu said that he planned to do much better than last year at Topwin where he had to retired after 11 holes of the opening round due to a severe cold.

“The Volvo China Open Qualifiers are always great fun and very well organized so I look forward to them each year, so today is a great start to my competition year and hopefully it will bring me good luck,” added the 34-year-old, who is now based in Shenzhen.

Chen Pei-cheng’s front nine was somewhat the same as Liu’s, and then a double bogey on the difficult par-three 12th saw his name taken off the leaderboard. However a birdie two on the 15th followed by three closing pars brought him home in 37 to make the play off, as his nearest challengers dropped shots coming in.

“I didn’t think I would achieve my goal so quickly. I thought I would be in high school before something big like this happened,” said 15-year-old Chen, who lives in Beijing.

“I don’t think I would have matured as much as I have without the support of Volvo,” added Chen, who has also played in several Volvo China Junior Match Play events and lost in the final last year in Hainan.

“I don’t plan to play in any other events before the Volvo China Open. I will practice and also concentrate on my school work.

“I plan to go to Topwin a week before the Volvo China Open to familiarize myself with the golf course. My only experience of the layout so far was when I volunteered to be a walking scorer in the past two years!

“My wish is to play with Li Haotong. It would be great to play alongside the best mainland Chinese player!”

For more information please visit www.volvochinaopen.com

Manila, April 11: Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Dodge Kemmer of the United States kept his emotions in check when he grabbed the first round lead with a six-under-par 66 at the Solaire Open on Thursday.
Kemmer returned with a clean scorecard highlighted by six birdies to hold a two-shot advantage over Thailand’s Pawin Ingkhapradit at the inaugural US$300,000 Asian Tour event, which is title sponsored by the Solaire Resort and Casino.
Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei, a multiple Asian Tour winner and local hope Mars Pucay, who is searching for a first Asian Tour win, posted identical 69s to be among 12 players to shoot under-par at the challenging Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea, who is ranked fifth on the Order of Merit, registered a 70 to share fifth place with Australia’s Matt Jager, Daisuke Kataoka of Japan and Thai duo Rattanon Wannasrichan and Piya Swangarunporn.
Kemmer, who regained his Asian Tour card by finishing 21^st at Qualifying School after losing his playing rights last season, returned to form after reading psychology books to improve his mental strength.
Pawin Ingkhapradit of Thailand
“I get down on myself pretty easily. I’m trying to stay more level emotionally and that’s easy to do when you are playing well. It will be interesting to see if I can handle my emotions when I hit some adversity this week,” said the 25-year-old.
He struggled to ignite a title charge in his rookie season last year but hopes to turn the tide in his favour on the familiar Wack Wack East course.
“I really like this course when I played here last year. It is always easier to go out and play a good round when you are happy and excited to play the course. I knew I had it in me and luckily it worked out for me,” smiled Kemmer.
“I’m loving the Asian Tour more than I did last year, which was already a lot! I’m happy to be playing here. In the first year, you get used to everything. It is totally different from anything in America which I’m used to but I feel a lot more comfortable out here now,” he added.
Pawin, who secured a tied fifth result at the SAIL-SBI Open in India in March, felt comfortable on the Wack Wack greens, which were almost similar to the greens on his home course at the Army Golf Club in Thailand.
“I share the same home club as Thaworn (Wiratchant) and the greens are the same as Wack Wack,” he smiled. “All my birdie putts were from inside 10 feet. There was very little wind in the morning so that was good. I played here last year but I shot an 84 and 78 in the opening two rounds. Today I shot a 68 which shows how much I’ve improved as a golfer.”
Pucay, the best placed Filipino after day one, is determined to put a disappointing 2012 season behind him as he lost his Asian Tour card for the first time since 2008.
“It was very frustrating last year but I have a chance to make amends this week,” said the 43-year-old. “It is always a good score, anytime you shoot under-par at Wack Wack. I’ve played here since my amateur days so let’s hope that I can keep this momentum going.”
Chinese Taipei star Lin used a new putter to great effect as he sank five birdies against two bogeys to trail Kemm
Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei
er by three shots.
“I putted very badly last year. I averaged about 30 putts a round and you can’t win tournaments if you putt like that. I hit about 75% of fairways and greens last season but only my putting let me down,” lamented Lin, a five-time Asian Tour champion.
Scores after round 1 of the Solaire Open 2013 being played at the par 72, 7222 Yards Wack Wack GcC course (a- denotes amateur):
66 – Dodge KEMMER (USA).
68 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA).
69 – LIN Wen-tang (TPE), Mars PUCAY (PHI).
70 – Matt JAGER (AUS), BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR), Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN), Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA), Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA).
71 – MO Joong-kyung (KOR), Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN), Kwanchai TANNIN (THA).
72 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), WANG Jeung-hun (KOR), LIN Wen-hong (TPE), Angelo QUE (PHI), Richard T. LEE (CAN), LIN Keng-chi (TPE), Rory HIE (INA), Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA), Yoshinobu TSUKADA (JPN), Juvic PAGUNSAN (PHI), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA), Young NAM (KOR), KIM Gi-whan (KOR), Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG), Danny CHIA (MAS), Arnold VILLACENCIO (PHI), Carl SANTOS-OCAMPO (PHI).
Ends.
About Solaire Resort and Casino
Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines
Solaire Resort and Casino is the first to open in the highly anticipated Entertainment City project along the Philippine’s famed Manila Bay.
The first phase includes approximately 500 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and bayside villas as well as resort-style pool facilities, bars and entertainment lounges. In addition, there is a state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting space, and a fully equipped spa and fitness center.
The resort also features a world-class dining experience at our signature, casual and quick serve restaurants. The new dining avenues are headed by world-renowned chefs and showcase a comprehensive selection of authentic local and international flavors to cater to even the most discerning palate.
And to give you the ultimate Las Vegas gaming experience, Solaire’s expansive 18,500 square-meter casino area stretches two levels of gaming space, including premium VIP salons and an outdoor themed casino and entertainment bar – all loaded with the most popular slot machines and table games, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Pontoon and many more!
About the Solaire Open
The Solaire Open is a new event on the 2013 Asian Tour Schedule. It is title sponsored by the Solaire Resort and Casino and supported by DOT (Department of Tourism), Hyundai, the Official Mobility, Pru Life UK, the Official Insurer, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, the Official Coffee and Omega, the Official Timekeeper. The suppliers for the event include Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, the Official Hotel, Johnnie Walker, the Official Whiskey, Asahi Super Dry, the Official Beer, Srixon, the Official Ball, Panasonic, the Official Television Provider, Canon, the Office Solutions Provider and PepsiCo, the Official Water and Sports Drinks.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. 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. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

April 10: Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant will tee off the opening two rounds of the Masters Tournament with Ryder Cup star Nicholas Colsaerts and former British Open champion Stewart Cink.
The 46-year-old Thai, who won the Order of Merit last season following three wins, is making his debut in the year’s opening Major at Augusta National. Asian Tour honorary members K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang are also competing this week.
Choi will tee off with former Masters champion Zach Johnson and Graeme McDowell while Yang will play with another Asian Tour honorary member Vijay Singh and Bo Van Pelt.
All eyes will be on Thaworn as he seeks to become the first Thai to play in all four rounds of the fabled tournament.
He enjoyed his first taste of practising at Augusta National in front of thousands of patrons on Tuesday.
“I can see a lot of spectator today (Tuesday), different from yesterday which players are practicing. There are so many people at Augusta. I can see how big the Masters really is,” said Thaworn.
He has been practising his long iron shots as the weather forecast is predicting some rain during the first and second rounds.
“I have practiced most approach shots with longer irons. And I’ve been trying to get more feel on the greens. My caddie has also worked out the greens and my body is getting better from jetlag,” he said.

Delhi, March 15: Asian Tour champions Shiv Kapur, Chiragh Kumar along with their wives partnered with Habitat for Humanity India to assist Munna Devi build a home for her family in Begumpur, New Delhi. They were joined by 2015 Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit winner and Habitat for Humanity advocate Casey O’Toole of the United States. 

Habitat for Humanity – a global organization committed to provide affordable housing to the underprivileged families – is the ‘Sustainable Development Partner’ of the Asian Tour.  In line with the new partnership, the Asian Tour’s season-long ranking has been renamed as “Habitat for Humanity Standings.”

After enjoying a wonderful 2017 season where he won three times and welcomed his first child, Kapur and his wife Maya were delighted to give back to the community in New Delhi by lending their support to Habitat for Humanity.

“We are very honoured to be able to support Habitat for Humanity India. Maya and I have always admired the great work they do around the world and we wanted to contribute by helping build homes in a place that is very close to our hearts and make a difference in our own little way”, said Kapur.

The 34-year-old Kumar lauded the initiative by Habitat of Humanity India and hopes the Asian Tour stars will continue to support and promote their mission to provide decent housing to those in need.

Kumar said, “I strongly believe, as a citizen of the country, it is our responsibility to work together for the betterment of our society. I am happy to be part of this association with Habitat for Humanity India. I hope that one day all Indians will have a decent place to live.”

O’Toole shared his thoughts on being an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity. “I am excited about being an advocate for Habitat for Humanity. I have been able to see first-hand the impact it is making on people’s lives, and it is something I am very humbled to represent and be a part of,” he said.

“We were touched by the support of our New Delhi and international visitors who helped build our home. We are eager to complete our new home and cannot wait to move in,” said Munna Devi with a smile on her face. Munna Devi is a mother of two daughters and one son. Widowed six years ago, Munna Devi is determined to give her children a better future.

Speaking about the partnership Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India said, “We are proud to be the Sustainable Development Partner of the prestigious Asian Tour. Globally, Habitat for Humanity’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable

Development Goals, including SGD Goal 11 – ‘Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’. We thank Shiv Kapur, Chiragh Kumar, Casey O’Toole and the Asian Tour team for advocating the cause of affordable housing. This partnership will help more families in need of decent shelter to build the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to improve their lives.”

Rajeev Menon, Member – Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity India said “At Habitat, we believe that having a decent home is foundational for improving a family’s opportunity for health, education and economic wellbeing. Our work is aligned with the Government of India’s flagship programme of Housing for All and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Driven by the vision to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat has served more than 15,00,000 individuals across India to build a better future for themselves. We are hopeful that the partnership with Asian Tour and the enhanced visibility will enable us to scale our efforts to serve 60 million individuals in need of decent shelter and sanitation.”

By aligning with the Asian Tour, Habitat for Humanity will leverage the Asian Tour’s global presence to promote its vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The partnership serves to highlight the work of Habitat for Humanity and in turn, create awareness among a key demographic group to raise funds, attract volunteers and highlight the plight of those in need of decent shelter in India and around the world.

About Habitat for Humanity India

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In India since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 1.5 million people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatindia.in

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist (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.

April 10: Scott Barr of Australia is ready to take up the challenge with his refined game plan at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club for the inaugural Solaire Open this week. In this latest blog, Barr talks about being motivated by countrymen Scott Hend and Wade Ormsby who won the last two Asian Tour events.
By Scott Barr
The Wack Wack golf course is a challenge, as always. The greens have undulations and the fairways are narrow. It’s a very strategic course. You’ve got to do your own planning to complete the course. It’s not a course that I’ve done great over the years but I’ve been refining my game plans a lot.
Hopefully I can do a lot better this year. I think there are two ways you can play on this course. You can either be aggressive or conservative. Over the years, I think I’m starting to take on the more conservative way now. Hopefully that will pay a little bit of dividends!
I’ve been playing consistent this year though I’m not breaking any records. I’m happy that I’m putting a lot better too. I’ll just need to pull through four days of really good golf together. I’m looking forward to see improvements in my game.
I took a week off last week to spend some time with my family. It’s really good to see my young son and my wife after being on the road for four consecutive weeks. I spent quality time at home last week, caught up with my friends and launched some business ideas with them which were pretty good.
You will probably be cooking a good steak with one of my products next time! (laughs)
My Facebook page and website have been running well. I’m trying to update everything I can and keep myself on top of things even though I’ve been busy. Although it’s a little time-consuming, I guess it’s good to keep my fans updated with how I’m doing. Some weeks I get good stories but some weeks I don’t. After all, it’s just a bit of fun.
Having seen Australians winning twice in a row is really a huge motivation for me. It’s good to see Australians playing well again on the tour. I’ll be pretty happy if I can hold the trophy this week!