Manila, April 10: Juvic Pagunsan hopes to cradle the inaugural Solaire Open trophy and a new born baby boy when he bids for a long-awaited second Asian Tour title at the US$300,000 event which starts on Thursday.
The Filipino star is gearing up for a pressure-packed week as his wife (Len) is expected to give birth to their second child within a fortnight.
“It is a bit of a pressure for me because I’m worried about my wife. She doesn’t have a driver so I’ll have to fetch her to the doctor. My daughter knows how to contact me when the time comes. It isn’t easy. I had to come early for a practice round today (Wednesday), play nine holes and return home to take care of my wife,” said Pagunsan.
Pagunsan, the first Filipino to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2011, remains steadfast that he can overcome the strong challenges from the elite field this week and end a six-year title drought on the region’s premier Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10^th season.
“I think we are all happy with this new event on the Asian Tour and in the Philippines. This new tournament is big for all of us. I’ll try my best to win. I’m hitting the ball good. I need luck to win. I’ve come close on so many occasions but I just need that stroke of luck to win again,” he said.
Mardan Mamat of Singapore
He is wary of the challenging Wack Wack Golf and Country Club and rates the par three eighth hole, which has narrow fairways and an elevated green, as a ‘monster’.
“The par three eighth hole is very hard. It is a ‘monster’ hole for me. I think everybody will find it tough when they reach that hole. The greens are elevated and if you miss it, your ball might roll down the slope. Honestly, I don’t know this golf course as well as the other Filipino players. So I don’t think I have an advantage here,” added Pagunsan.
Mardan Mamat of Singapore, who is aiming to relive his winning memories at the 2012 Philippine Open, said Wack Wack is a planning course and does not always reward the long hitters.
“Most of my victories came on old courses and this is one of the courses which I like to play on. You need to have good course management. It is not all about power here. You need to know where you have to place the ball and not just hit it strong off the tees,” said the 45-year-old.
“It is more fun when you can shape the ball instead of just hitting it long. Hitting long balls is the key for most of the players but I like to make shots and think about what shots to hit. It is not always about hitting hard,” he added.
Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun, currently fifth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, China’s Hu Mu, who enjoyed a runner-up result in Chiangmai two weeks ago and Scott Barr of Australia are among the players from 22 countries vying for honours this week.
Hu, ranked 27^th on the Order of Merit, makes a return to the Wack Wack East course, a familiar course where he finished tied 33^rd at the Philippine Open last year.
Scott Barr of Australia
“I feel good coming back to this course. I’m familiar with the course since I played here last year. Staying in the same hotel, playing on the same golf course, it’s really nice coming back to play here,” said Hu.
“The course is really difficult. It seems to be catered for golfers who can drive the ball really well. Having played in a couple of Asian Tour events this year, I’ve learnt to take my time when I’m out on the course.”
Barr is inspired by the victories of countrymen Scott Hend and Wade Ormsby, who won the Chiangmai Golf Classic and Panasonic Open India respectively in the last two weeks.
“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!” said Barr.
The rejuvenated Australian, who is coming into the Solaire Open after taking a week’s break, is planning a more conservative approach with hopes that it will lead him to a first Asian Tour win.
“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. Hopefully that will pay a little bit of dividends!” he added.
Ends.
About Solaire Resort and Casino
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
 

Melbourne, March 14: Asian Tour Honorary Member and International Ambassador Ernie Els and Tiger Woods have been named captains of the International and U.S. Teams respectively for the 2019 Presidents Cup held at The Royal Melbourne Golf Course in Melbourne, Australia, officials announced today.

While both will be first-time captains at the event, the two are the most experienced captains in terms of Presidents Cup competition and were the primary figures in the 2003 event held in South Africa, where Woods and Els competed in a dramatic sudden-death playoff that ultimately ended in a tie and the two teams sharing the Cup.

Els has competed in the Presidents Cup eight times, tied for most by an International Team member. Woods, also an eight-time U.S. Presidents Cup Team member, holed the winning putt for the United States in 2009, 2011 and 2013 – the only player to clinch the Cup three times. Both Woods and Els served as captain’s assistants for their respective teams in 2017.

In addition to the announcement of the two captains, officials also unveiled minor changes to format requirements and eligibility for the 2019 Presidents Cup. Each player shall play a minimum of one match prior to the final-round singles matches. This is a change from past years where players were required to play twice during the same timeframe. Additionally, the top eight players for the International and U.S. Team standings will officially qualify following the completion of the 2019 TOUR Championship. Captains will later select four captains’ picks (at date to be determined) closer to the December 2019 event.

Els and Woods have combined for 97 PGA TOUR victories, including 20 World Golf Championships events and 18 major championship titles, with 59 additional wins internationally. 

Els is tied with Vijay Singh and Adam Scott with eight appearances in the event with an overall record of 20-18-2. He is tied for most all-time match appearances on the International Team in Presidents Cup history (40, Vijay Singh) and has won more matches than any other International Team member (20). The World Golf Hall of Fame member has 19 career PGA TOUR victories to his credit, including four major championships between the U.S. Open (1994, 1997) and The Open Championship (2002, 2012).

The former world No. 1 and native South African has also made his mark internationally with 47 total victories spread across the European Tour and South African Tour, representing South Africa five times in the World Cup (1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2001) as well as nine times in the Alfred Dunhill Cup (1992-2000). 

Els will be the sixth person to serve as a captain for the International Team (Nick Price – 2017, 2015, 2013; Greg Norman – 2011, 2009; Gary Player – 2007, 2005, 2003; Peter Thomson– 2000, 1998, 1996; David Graham – 1994).

“The Presidents Cup has provided me with many of the best memories of my career,” said Els.  “To be named captain of the team is an incredible honor. There is a fun and talented group of young players emerging from all across the globe for the International Team, and I am eager to accept the responsibility of building a winner when we face the United States at one of my favorite courses and cities in the world at Royal Melbourne. Tiger and I have had some great duels in the past, and I look forward to the challenge of going against my longtime friend yet again in 2019.”

Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24-15-1 since his first appearance on the 1998 U.S. Team, and he is one of five players to go 5-0-0 during a single event (2009). His 24 matches won ranks second all-time to Phil Mickelson’s 26, and his six victories in singles matches is the most in the event’s history.

Woods will be the eighth player to captain the U.S. Team (Steve Stricker – 2017; Jay Haas – 2015; Fred Couples – 2013, 2011, 2009; Jack Nicklaus – 2007, 2005, 2003, 1998; Ken Venturi – 2000; Arnold Palmer – 1996; Hale Irwin – 1994).

“After working as a captain’s assistant for Steve in 2017, I realized that I wanted to captain the 2019 event at Royal Melbourne,” said Woods. “I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of past captains like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin, Ken Venturi, Fred Couples, Jay Haas and Steve Stricker. The core group of players on the U.S. Team have a lot of talent, enthusiasm and great team camaraderie. They are easy-going and fun to be around off the course, but extremely competitive inside the ropes. I have no doubt that Ernie will have the International Team ready to go in Melbourne, and I cannot think of a more fitting captain to carry the tradition of goodwill through competition than Ernie Els. The Sandbelt courses of Australia are some of my favorite in the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing Royal Melbourne again.”

The 2019 Presidents Cup will be held from December 9 to 15 when it returns to the prestigious Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The return to Melbourne, Australia, will mark the third time in the biennial event’s 25-year history it has been held at the renowned Sandbelt course, as the event was previously held in Melbourne in 1998 and 2011, also at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Melbourne also holds the distinction as the site of the lone International Team’s victory in 1998, which saw Peter Thomson’s International Team defeat Jack Nicklaus’ U.S. Team, 20.5 to 11.5.  In 2011, Fred Couples led the U.S. Team to a 19-15 win over Greg Norman and the Internationals. The 1998 event was also held in December, a date that traditionally works well with other golf tournaments held in Australia.

The oldest golf club in Australia, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club was founded in 1891 and moved to its current location in 1926, becoming the anchor of what is now known as the Sandbelt. The gem of Australian golf, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has two courses, both ranked in the World’s Top 100, which were designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie. In 1959, in order to host the first of many international tournaments, 12 holes of the West Course and six from the East Course were combined to create what is known as the Composite Course, which also hosted the 2013 World Cup of Golf, won by Jason Day and Adam Scott.

The Presidents Cup is unique in that there is no purse or prize money.  Players are not paid for their participation, but each competitor allocates an equal portion of the funds generated to charities of his choice.  Since the event’s inception, more than $49.1 million has been raised for charity from event proceeds, as well as contributions made on behalf of the Presidents Cup, including a record charitable donation of $10.7 million from the 2017 event alone.

The Presidents Cup competition consists of 30 matches – 9 Foursomes (alternate shot) and 9 Four-ball (better ball) matches. There are 12 Singles matches involving all players on the final Sunday. All matches are worth one point each, for a total of 30 points. There are no playoffs for Foursomes or Four-ball, with each side receiving ½ point if the match finishes all-square after 18 holes. Singles matches all square after 18 holes will go to extra holes until a team winner is determined. In a change inspired by the events of the 2003 Presidents Cup, if the match is deadlocked at the end of Singles play, the competition will be deemed a tie and the teams will share The Presidents Cup.

For more information, or to learn more about the Presidents Cup, information on travel packages, or get their names added to find out about ticket sales visit www.presidentscup.com, Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thepresidentscup, Twitter and Instagram at @presidentscup and sign up for the Presidents Cup e-newsletter.

About the Presidents Cup

The Presidents Cup, a team match play competition featuring 24 of the world’s top golfers – 12 from the United States and 12 from around the world, excluding Europe – is held every two years, and since 1996 has alternated between United States and international venues. The Presidents Cup was developed to give the world’s best non-European players an opportunity to compete in international team match-play competition. The U.S. Team has won nine of the 11 previous Presidents Cups, and the only outright win by the International Team came at the 1998 event in Melbourne. A historic 17-17 tie came in 2003 when the event was held in South Africa.

Citi, Alfa Romeo and Rolex are the exclusive Global Partners of the Presidents Cup.

April 10: Asian Tour Honorary Member K.J. Choi will savour a special Masters Tournament even before the first tee shot in struck on Thursday.
The Korean star, who is an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour and also known for his charitable work, will receive the Charlie Bartlett Award presented by the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) on Wednesday night.
The award, named after the association’s first secretary, recognizes professional golfers for their charity work and contributions to the betterment of society. Choi will become the first Asian recipient of the award which was first presented in 1971.
“This award isn’t just for me as an individual,” Choi told Yonhap News Agency. “I think this sends a message to other Asian golfers that they will too have opportunities, and they should also try to make changes with their actions.”
Choi, the first Asian Tour graduate to make it big in America, revealed that he took two weeks to prepare his acceptance speech in English. He joked that he would present his speech to an American audience in “Konglish”.
He said he also plans to build a new training facility for golfers in Korea as part of giving back to the game.
“I’ve made it this far from Wando, which only had one driving range, with help from a lot of people,” Choi said. “And that is why I am trying to help others now, and I am going to keep helping them. That’s the gist of my speech.”
The first Asian to host his own tournament on the Asian Tour with the CJ Invitational hosted by KJ Choi which was launched in 2011, Choi will quickly turn his attention to the year’s first Major at Augusta National Golf Club.
His best finish was third in 2004 with several other top-10s in recent years as well. With a new caddie on the bag this year, Choi is hoping to challenge for the title which he covets the most.
“As I do every year, I am looking forward this year’s Masters very much. It is a special place and a special tournament. I had a pretty good week in San Antonio last week (top-10) and I am hoping to bring some of that good momentum into the Masters,” said Choi.
“I always treat every tournament week the same. I prepare mentally and physically for the best possible outcome. But something about this tournament seems to make you focus a bit more and concentrate a bit more. “
Choi will use a new bagman, Alistair Matheson at the Masters. Matheson has been the long-time caddie for Australian Geoff Ogilvy, the former US Open champion.
“This year, I have a new caddy who has quite a lot of experience so it is a bit different,” he said.
For the first two rounds of the Masters, Choi has been paired with two former major winners: Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, the 2010 U.S. Open winner.
 

March 12: Thaworn Wiratchant defeated Clark Dennis and Peter Fowler in a four-hole play-off at the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq to win back-to-back Staysure Tour titles at the first event of the 2018 season. 

The two-time Asian Tour number one made par on the 18th hole at the fourth attempt, beating Dennis who kept pace with him for three extra holes at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

Fowler was knocked out of the play-off after a bogey on the first extra hole, leaving Dennis and Thaworn to do battle under floodlights as darkness fell on the Emirate of Sharjah.

“It was really difficult out there today,” said Thaworn, the only player to win 18 Asian Tour titles. “The first day was easier because I played in the morning and the greens weren’t as hard. The pin positions were tough today.”

“I had to be so patient during the play-off, it was tough playing the 18th four times. I have never played in the dark before, it was tough to adjust and not lose concentration.

“I am so happy to win my second Staysure Tour title. I want to be consistent and have a really good year.”

Ends.

Juvic Pagunsan (Phi)
I think we are all happy with this new event on the Asian Tour and in the Philippines. I have to thank Mr. Enrique Razon (Chairman/President of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation and Chairman and CEO of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) for giving us this tournament. This new tournament is big not only for me but for all of us.
Yes, this is my first time to see my picture on the poster. I’m so happy. The par three eighth hole is very hard. It is a ‘monster’ hole for me. I think everybody will find it tough when they reach that hole. The greens are elevated and if you miss it, your ball might roll down the slope.
Honestly, I don’t know this golf course as well as the other Filipino players. So I don’t think I have an advantage here.
My wife (Lan) is fine but she is due to give birth to our second child sometime this week or next. It is a bit of a pressure for me because I’m worried for her. She doesn’t have a driver so I’ll have to fetch her to the doctor when the time comes.
My daughter knows how to contact me and she will do the necessary when the time comes. It isn’t easy. I had to come early for a practice round today (Wednesday), play nine holes and return home to take care of my wife.
We haven’t thought of a name yet. My wife and daughter will choose. Maybe it will be Juvic Junior (laughs). I’ll leave it to them to choose.
I’ll try my best to win. I’m hitting the ball good so I’ll try my best this week. I need ‘luck’ to win. I’ve come close on so many occasions but I just need that stroke of luck to win again.
Mardan Mamat (Sin)
Most of my victories came on old courses and this is one of the courses which I like to play on. You need to have good course management. It is not all about power here. You need to know where you have to place the ball and not just hit it strong off the tees. That’s why I like playing here.
It is more fun when you can shape the ball instead of just hitting it long. Hitting long balls is the key for most of the players but I like to make shots and think about what shots to hit. It is not always about hitting hard.
Mardan Mamat of Singapore
If you finish four days with a par on the eighth hole, you probably have a good chance to win the tournament. That’s the key hole to move yourself in contention. It is a tough hole. If the tee box is placed behind then it will be even more difficult.
The eighth hole is one of the toughest par three on the Asian Tour. I think you need to respect some of the holes here. This is a planning course. You have to put your ball in the right position.
Scott Barr (Aus)
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!
Hu Mu (Chn)
I feel good coming back to this course. I’m familiar with the course since I played here last year. Staying in the same hotel, playing on the same golf course, it’s really nice coming back to play here. I like the food here too. The course is really difficult. It seems to be catered for golfers who can drive the ball really well. Having played in a couple of Asian Tour events this year, I’ve learnt to take my time when I’m out on the course. Every single day of the tournament is important. I’ve learnt to take one step at a time, play hole by hole and not be too impatient. I hope to finish in top 10 for this week. I’m been finishing in top ten for the last couple of weeks. My score was 1-over last year and my position was already tied 7th. This year, I hope I can get an even or under. I’ll try my best this week. You have to have a  good strategy in order to play well on this course. It’s a very tricky and challenging course. You have to start the ball well and try to his as many greens as possible. Hitting the greens on this course is not easy and probably the toughest I’ve seen so far. You just have to try and not make so many mistakes.
 

Sentosa, Singapore, March 12: Indian hotshot Shubhankar Sharma extended his advantage at the top of the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings after capping a commendable tied-seventh place finish at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Sharma, who propelled into stardom with two victories over the last three months, had set a new course record at the DLF Golf and Country Club with a second round eight-under-par 64 before going on to cap his best result ever in his National Open.

He closed with a three-over-par 75 and a four-under-par 284 total to finish seven shots shy of making the play-off which saw Matt Wallace of England defeating countryman Andrew Johnston on the first extra hole to emerge victorious.

The young Indian talent had returned home in glory at the start of the week, having notched a tied-ninth place finish in his World Golf Championships debut at the WGC-Mexico Championship the week before, where he led by two shots in the second and third round.

Sharma continued to hog the headlines when he received a coveted invite to The 2018 Masters Tournament on Tuesday, thanks to his recent exploits. He had earlier earned a berth at The Open in July following his breakthrough win at the 2017 Joburg Open, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.

“I am disappointed but these things happen and it is not an easy course. Even though I started well, I made a few bad swings but, in the end, it was alright. I really enjoyed the tournament and I loved the support. I would like to thank everyone for coming out to support me.

“I am happy about the way I have been playing and that I am able to get myself into contention every week. I put in a lot of hard work, and I am happy with the way things have been. Disappointments are part of the game. It will just make me stronger. The next time I’m in this situation, I’ll do better,” said Sharma, who had held a share of the overnight one-shot lead heading into the final round.

Sharma moved up two rungs to a career-high 64th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) following his solid result at the Hero Indian Open, maintaining his status as the leading Indian player in the world.

By breaking into top-64 on the OWGR as of the cut-off date on March 12, Sharma earned his second WGC appearance at the 2018 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play tournament, which will get underway at the Austin Country Club in Texas from March 21 to 25.

“I’m looking forward to playing the 2018 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play tournament. It’ll be a good break from stroke play. The last time I won a match play event was six years ago at the All-Indian Amateur,” added Sharma.

Sihwan Kim of the United States made a huge leap from 50th to sixth position on the Habitat for Humanity Standings after recording his career-best result on the Asian Tour with a third-place finish in India.

“It was a difficult course and I didn’t expect the leaders to shoot so low. I had a number in mind this morning, and I achieved what I thought. I thought I had a pretty good chance to win, but with scores that low, that wasn’t the case.

“This result will get my confidence up, especially when playing on difficult golf courses. If I continue to play like this, then I’ll be fine. The conditions have been great and the people have been nice,” said the 29-year-old Kim, who came through the Qualifying School in 2017.

Reigning Asian Tour’s number one Gavin Green of Malaysia hopes to take the positives from his India outing where he finished tied-16th after closing with a 71. He moved to 16th place on the latest Merit rankings.

“It was an average week and I wished I had played better. I love India and I will want to come back next year. I’ve made changes to my game and it’s working out so far. I struck the ball a lot better last week and my short game got a little stronger. I just have to work on my drives, hopefully before my next event.

“I’ll be taking a nice break, then probably head over to Morocco and Spain. But for now, I’m going to chill out, have fun and enjoy my break,” said the 24-year-old Green, who became the first Malaysian to lift the Asian Tour Merit crown in 2017.

Sharma sits atop the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings with a current haul of US$548,125 while Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who claimed his third Asian Development Tour title in Brunei last week, occupies second place with US$251,173.

Paul Peterson, Daniel Nisbet and Berry Henson remained in third, fourth and fifth positions respectively on the Merit rankings following the conclusion of the Hero Indian Open, which is co-sanctioned by both the Asian Tour and the European Tour.

Ends.

Habitat for Humanity Standings – Top-20

Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)

1. Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $548,125

2. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $251,173

3. Paul PETERSON (USA) $215,758

4. Daniel NISBET (AUS) $150,863

5. Berry HENSON (USA) $131,983

6. Sihwan KIM (USA) $124,137

7. Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) $123,306

8. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) $112,200

9. Khalin JOSHI (IND) $103,730

10. Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) $93,435

11. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $85,999

12. Jarin TODD (USA) $83,945

13. Danthai BOONMA (THA) $82,712

14. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $75,359

15. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $67,131

16. Gavin GREEN (MAS) $60,025

17. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $48,391

18. Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) $47,842

19. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) $46,161

20. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $44,650

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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com

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www.youtube.com/theasiantour

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Johor Bahru, Malaysia, April 10: Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung fired a six-under-par 66 to grab the joint first round lead with Wolmer Murillo of Venezuela in the PGM-Maybank Johor Masters on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old local hope shot seven birdies against a lone bogey on his last hole at the Johor Country Club to put himself in position to win a first title on the Asian Development Tour, which is the feeder circuit to the established Asian Tour.
Newcomer Murillo also enjoyed a strong start as he carded eight birdies against two drop shots to share first day honours with Fung, who had finished runner-up in the previous ADT event in Malaysia.
American James Bowen, who is leading the ADT Order of Merit, and Malaysian veteran Rashid Ismail are tied for third following rounds of 67 while Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Tung-shu and England’s Grant Jackson are a further shot back in the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) tournament which is co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour.
Fung, who earned his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School in January, opted to play in the Maybank Johor Masters this week after missing three straight cuts in Malaysia, Thailand and India on the main Tour over the past three weeks.
He was delighted his decision paid off with a solid start in Johor. “I wanted to play in Malaysia to build back some confidence after missing three straight cuts. I hit it good today and made some putts. The irons were working well,” said Fung.
The highlight of his round came at the par four 12^th hole when he missed the green and his ball ended on the fringe of the jungle without a sight to the flag. However, Fung amazingly chipped in for birdie although he was disappointed to bogey the demanding 18^th hole which would have given him the outright lead.
“I got lucky on 12 as I couldn’t see the pin from where I was. Somehow, I managed to chip the ball into the hole for birdie which was a bonus as I was staring at a bogey,” said Fung. “18 is a very tough hole and I didn’t hit a very good chip and just missed the putt.”
Wolmer, who missed out on his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School, thanked a hot putter for his good round. “I just dropped a lot of birdie putts which was nice. The greens were rolling really good and I took advantage as I hit almost every fairway and green in regulation,” said Wolmer.
Unlike Fung, Wolmer finished strongly with two closing birdies. “The last birdie was good as I had 203 yards into a difficult green but I managed to hit it to about three meters and made the putt. It was a very fast putt,” he said.
Title holder Luke Bleumink of Australia started his defence with a solid 69 which included four birdies.
The top three players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2014 while all events receive Official World Golf Ranking points from this season onwards.
Leading first round scores
66: Wolmer MURILLO (VEN), Nicholas FUNG (MAS)
67: James BOWEN (USA), Rashid ISMAIL (MAS)
68: HSIEH Tung-shu (TPE), Grant JACKSON (ENG)
69: Hendre Izak CELLIERS (RSA) 69, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS), Darren TAN (AUS), Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA), Luke BLEUMINK (AUS), Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN), Iain STEEL (MAS) Spencer SHISHIDO (USA)
COMPLETE ROUND 1 SCORES

 
About the Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. The ADT will also receive Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013.