Home slider and (Latest News) Archives - Page 49 of 171 - Asian Tour

Korean events confirmed on Asian Tour schedule


Published on February 10, 2023

Two of Asia’s longest-running and most popular championships will return to the Asian Tour schedule in 2023.

The 42nd edition of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship will be staged at Namseoul Country Club from May 4-7.

The Asian Tour’s finest players will then return to Korea from June 22-25 for the Kolon The 65th Korea Open Golf Championship at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & Chief Executive Officer at the Asian Tour, said: “We’re delighted to be able to confirm that these two fabulous championships will form part of what’s shaping up to be a record-breaking season for the Asian Tour.

“Our thanks go to the sponsors, the Korea Golf Association for their continued support, and Namseoul and Woo Jeong Hills, which are familiar venues to top-level tournament golf.”

Minkyu Kim with the 2022 Korea Open trophy.

In particular, Bio Kim and Minkyu Kim will be looking forward to returning to the scenes of memorable triumphs in 2022.

Roared on by a large final-day gallery, Bio Kim carded a closing one-over-par 72 to claim his overdue maiden Asian Tour title with a nine-under total. He had also won the Maekyung Open at Namseoul in 2012, although it was not then part of the Asian Tour.

Of the Namseoul venue, Kim said: “It’s a place where I grew up and where I practice a lot. That’s a reason why I’ve had success here. I like the golf course … and my house is about 20 minutes away. That helps!”

Minkyu Kim, meanwhile, secured his first Asian Tour title and first victory as a professional on Korean soil at his country’s national Open at Woo Jeong Hills in 2022 following a tense three-hole play-off with compatriot Mingyu Cho.

In so doing he added his name to the illustrious list of Korea Open winners, which includes Major champions Y.E. Yang, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and John Daly.

 


Published on February 9, 2023

In conjunction with the start of the 2023 International Series season in Oman, the elevated series has announced its intent on developing golf in the Sultanate with a US$25,000 donation.

As part of the Asian Tour’s commitment through the series, it has pledged to support the Oman Golf Association development programs with its donation. Taking place at award wining Al Mouj Golf, local children and women were invited to help promote the initiatives that aim to contribute and drive participation in the region, whilst also focusing further on Oman’s 2040 Vision.

Having been introduced to Oman in the 1970’s, golf is still a very young sport to Omanis, and through events such as The International Series it’s already having a significant impact on tourism, investment, and youth development in the country.

Chairman of the Oman Golf Association (OGA), Mundhir Al Barwani said: “The Oman Golf Association has set out to grow participation and already has a series of events in place throughout the year for junior golfers, as well as an introductory programme for Omani women disabled children.

“This wonderful contribution from The International Series will allow us to reach a greater audience and offer the opportunity for more people to experience golf, who may not have the chance otherwise.”

Having already become a signatory of the Women in Golf Charter in 2018 the OGA is able to lead a greater provision of activities for women and girls to experience one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

The International Series will aim to inspire future generation of golfers within Oman, particularly those juniors who participate in the GOjuniors Tour development events that run throughout the year.

One graduate of the tour and now national player is Ayman Al Basaidi, who has recently completed a charity initiative of playing 54 holes in one day, raising over $10,000 for the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability.

Head of the International Series, Rahul Singh summarised this week’s donation, saying: “Supporting the wider development of women, youth and disabled golf through different programs is key to the expansion of the game. We aim to contribute in an effective way wherever the series visits and the donation made this week will aid the growth of the sport, in a country where it’s still relatively new.”

The International Series will continue to donate to valuable causes at each event throughout 2023. As part of a continued effort that will enable beneficiaries to impact the communities around them, the support given will aid their charitable efforts beyond the tournaments that take place.


Published on

Yonggu Shin took advantage of benign early morning conditions to shoot a six-under-par 66 to take the first round in the inaugural International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf today.

The Canadian, who first shot to prominence last year when he finished joint second in the Shinhan Donghae Open, carded six birdies and impressively was bogey free – in the second event of the season on the Asian Tour, and first International Series tournament.

Spanish star Sergio Garcia looked set to join him in first place but made bogey on his last hole to finish with a 67, along with Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand.

American Andy Ogletree returned a 68, despite battling illness.

Japan’s Takumi Kanaya, Korean Kyongjun Moon, and Americans Berry Henson and Trevor Simsby shot 69s, while Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe, last year’s International Series Order of Merit winner, was one of 12 players who returned 70.

Sergio Garcia of Spain pictured during Round One on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the The International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf Club. The US$2 million golf tournament is being held from February 9-12, 2023 at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, Oman. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

Shin breezed through the opening nine holes with birdies on four, five, six and eight, before further gains on 10 and 17.

“I really can’t complain, especially with the conditions out here,” said Shin, better known as Justin Shin.

“I got lucky being out first as the conditions were pretty good on the front nine and I managed to come away four under for those nine holes but then the wind picked up in the afternoon and made it tricky, so really happy to come away without any dropped shots.

“I walked off at 18 and that was the first time I realised I was leading so I definitely can’t be unhappy with that. I think as the wind continues to pick up that score will be difficult to get near so yeah very happy with the start, now I just want to relax into the rest of the week.”

Shin, whose family emigrated to Canada when he was three years old, also won on the Korean PGA Tour last year at The 4th Woosung Construction Open.

He added: “It is my first time in Oman, and also my first time in the Middle East so I am really excited. It is pretty cool, I’ve spent most of my time in the US, Korea and Canada so I’m so excited to be here. The course is in really great shape, it is tough out there, but I am really enjoying it and luckily I am playing pretty well.”

Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand pictured during Round One on Thursday February 9, 2023 at the US$2 million International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, Oman. The tournament is being held from February 9-12, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Garcia began his round on the 10th and was mid-leaderboard before a stunning run of five birdies in six holes starting on the second.

Said the Spaniard: “Obviously delighted. Mainly because my swing didn’t feel great, especially on the front nine, but then I got it going a bit on the back nine. Yeah, very happy with the score, especially with the wind picking up and how firm the greens are so very happy.”

The 43 year old, who recently returned to playing following a three-month break because of a torn meniscus, is attempting to win for the seventh time on the Asian Tour.

I hit some really good iron shots out there,” added the 2017 Masters champion.

“Like I said I didn’t feel like I was striking the ball too well, but I was managing to make a few saves on the front nine and then on the back nine I got going a bit and made five birdies in six holes or something like that which was a great feeling.”

Sadom’s presence on the leaderboard is no surprise, especially after a strong performance in last week’s PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Advisers, where he finished fourth, five behind the winner, Abraham Ancer from Mexico.

The in-form golfer, who remarkably has enjoyed eight top-10 finishes in his last 14 Asian Tour starts, switched putters recently and said he can do no wrong on the short grass.

“Over the break I started using an old putter of mine, it’s eight years old, and I’m holing so many putts,” said the 24 year old, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, including last year’s Singapore Open.

“I feel confident, playing on LIV last year with so many great players has helped my game so much.”

Andy Ogletree of the USA pictured during Round One on Thursday February 9, 2023 at the US$2 million International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, Oman. The tournament is being held from February 9-12, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

He made an eagle, four birdies and a bogey.

Ogletree’s performance was a brave one considering his physical condition.

Said the American: “Yeah, pretty good. Being honest, I didn’t even know if I was going to play this week. I have been pretty ill over the last couple of days and haven’t been able to eat anything, only just now drunk water for the first time so pretty happy with four under to start the week.”

Since his win in last year’s International Series Egypt the 24 year old has been something of a golfer reborn and has big plans moving forward.

“For me, the ultimate goal is to get back on LIV,” he said.

“I have only played one tournament, but I really want to get back there and experience it again. It is a great place to be, I know my game is coming into form at the right time so hopefully I get some more opportunities. These International Series events are great, the course is set up great and it’s a great place to be but yeah, my aim is definitely to take advantage of that pathway and get an opportunity there again.”


Published on February 8, 2023

Sergio Garcia’s bid to win his first tournament in two years, here at this week’s inaugural International Series Oman, has two important factors that work in his favour.

Firstly, the 2017 Masters champion is coming back refreshed after a three-month break, which he says, “was the first time ever in my life I had three months off”, and secondly because the US$2 million tournament is part of the Asian Tour – a circuit where he has enjoyed considerable success, winning six times, the most recent of those being the 2018 Singapore Open.

Last October, the Spanish star tore his meniscus playing in the LIV Golf Miami event and took an extended break to fix the issue.

At today’s pre-event press conference American Brooks Koepka quipped to Garcia: “You sat on the couch, didn’t you, after surgery?”

Sergio Garcia of Spain pictured during the Pro-am event on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 ahead of the International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf Club. The US$2 million golf tournament is being held from February 9-12, 2023 at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, Oman. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

Garcia was quick to respond: “Second day after surgery I was already doing rehab!”, and shortly after added, “I played golf 16 days after surgery.”

Despite being injured the Spaniard was grateful for the time out, also afforded to him by playing the less exhaustive LIV Golf schedule.

“It was the first time ever in my life I had three months off, even amateur days and stuff like that. I probably played more golf when I was an amateur,” said the 43 year old.

“But yeah, it was really nice to, obviously, like I said, to be able to take care of my knee and fix it and then rehab. It gives you, I think Brooks has mentioned this before, it gives us a bit more time to work on our bodies, kind of try to stay a little bit fitter, be a bit healthier, and then you can work on – you can take a little bit of time off from the game and then start practicing again.

“It’s something that we never really had before. But at the same time, after a couple months, you start kind of jumping up the walls and just want to get going a little bit, too. It’s a funny feeling and situation. But very happy to be at home, work on your body, practice a little bit and spend time with family, wife and kids. That’s obviously something that since COVID days we weren’t able to spend that much time together, so it was great.”

In last week’s season-opening PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Advisers he finished in tie for 28th after being among the front runners early on.

Sergio Garcia of Spain, Azzan Al Rumhy of Oman and Brooks Koepka of the USA pictured during Press conference ahead of the event on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 ahead of the International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf Club. The US$2 million golf tournament is being held from February 9-12, 2023 at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, Oman. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

It was a promising start to the season and there is no doubt this week he would dearly love to secure his first win since the 2020 Sanderson Farms Championship on the PGA Tour.

“Yeah, it would be great. Obviously, yeah, we’re coming off three months off, which is nice. I obviously had meniscus surgery on my left knee, but it feels good,” said Garcia, who has not been completely winless in two years having been part of the triumphant Fireballs team at the LIV Golf Bangkok event last October.

“I’m excited about it. I feel like I played pretty well last week. Didn’t hole out as well as I would like to. But hopefully this week I’ll play solid again and hole out a little bit better and give ourselves a chance at being up there with a good solid chance at winning. Obviously, it would be great, and kind of keep building up into Mexico in a couple of weeks.”

Garcia is part of an outstanding field that has assembled for this week’s event – which is the second stop of the season on the Asian Tour, and the first International Series event of the year.

American Sihwan Kim, last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) winner and 19 out of the top 20 from last year’s Merit list are competing, including Zimbabwean Scott Vincent, who claimed the International Series OOM.

They are joined by a stunning line up of international stars, including Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, South Africans Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, and Charl Schartzel, and Americans Peter Uihlein, Hudson Swafford and Jason Kokrak.

Sergio Garcia of Spain pictured during an official practice round on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 ahead of The International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf Club. a US$2 million golf tournament, is being held from February 9-12, 2023 at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, Oman. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

Last year’s Japan Tour number one Kazuki Higa, Matt Jones from Australia, Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra, Englishman Laurie Canter, Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz and Chileans Mito Pereira and Joaquin Niemann are also competing.

Garcia has been drawn with Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Niemann in the first two rounds.


Published on February 7, 2023

Chan Shih-chang has placed winning an International Series tournament at the top of his list of priorities, speaking ahead of this week’s inaugural International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf.

The Chinese-Taipei golfer is a five-time champion on the Asian Tour – two of those coming last year and one at the end of 2021 – but so far he has not been able to win one of the new upper tier events that made such an important and memorable debut on the Asian Tour last year.

“It is my goal to win one of the International Series events,” said the 36 year old.

“I really hope I can do it one day. I have already won five times on Tour so I would really love to add one International Series title to my records.”

He came close to winning the International Series Singapore last year but made a costly double-bogey on the 18th at Tanah Merah Country Club to finish two behind the winner Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand.

He said: “I had a good chance in Singapore last year but unfortunately, I let slip the opportunity on the last hole. I hope to redeem myself by winning one International Series title this season.”

Chan Shih-chang

Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei pictured with the winner’s trophy on Sunday February 27, 2022 during round four of the Royal’s Cup at the Grand Prix Golf Club, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, a USD$ 400.000 Asian Tour event, February 24-27, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Chan claimed The Royal’s Cup in Thailand last year and the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, for his first Asian Tour win on home soil, to become one of only three golfers to win twice during the season.

“Looking back at my career so far, I think it hasn’t been easy getting to where I am today,” said Chan.

“I started playing on the Asian Development Tour more than 10 years ago. Won a few times, got my status on the Asian Tour and then won on the Asian Tour. It has been a lot of hard work really, considering how late I picked up the game. I started learning only at the age of 15 so it’s tougher than others. But it was good to see my hard work pay off over the years.”

He took part in a photo call today at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in downtown Muscat with Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand, Oman’s Azzan Al Rumhy and Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell and is embracing the chance to travel more and play in new destinations which The International Series has provided.

“It’s great that we get to play the International Series on the Asian Tour. We get to travel to many new places, from Morocco to Egypt last year to Oman and Qatar these two weeks. If not for these events, we probably wouldn’t get to travel to these countries,” said Chan.

“I hope to follow what my seniors have done and set a good example for the next generation of players at home – that if you want to be a professional golfer, you need to get out of your comfort zone and compete in international events. Don’t limit yourself to just playing in your country because there is so much to see out there and you get to play alongside better players as well. It will definitely help in your game.”

This week’s US$2 million event is the second event of the season on the Asian Tour and boasts a stellar field that includes Major winners American Brooks Koepka, Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen from South Africa.


Published on

Following his fine performance on Sunday in the US$5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers Ervin Chang has once again said how grateful he is for becoming the first recipient of The Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Award.

The Malaysian shot a final-round three-under-par 67 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club to finish in a tie for 58th, and earn the biggest cheque of his fledgling professional career, US$16,000 – an outstanding result considering the strength of the field.

Last year’s SEA Games individual gold medalist received the Award – an annual mission-driven initiative set up last year in memory of the late and great former Asian Tour number one and Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han – on the eve of this year’s Qualifying School.

“Alongside the financial support from Asian Tour and the Han family, it has given me the relief to go out there and just play, because a lot of times it really comes down to the chicken or the egg, which one comes first,” said Chang.

“A lot of players don’t get the support and can’t take that financial pressure off their shoulders to go there and really play. But at the same time, the award is more than the financial part, and it’s more than the starts you get from Asian Tour, it’s the meaning behind the award.”

Ervin Chang, right, of Malayisa pictured during an official practice round on Tuesday January 31, 2023, ahead of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. This US$ 5 Million golf event is being held from February 2-5, 2023 at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

The Future Champions programme will see players selected each year, by the Han family and the Asian Tour, to receive funding to help with the costs of their debut season on the Asian Tour.

Added 24-year-old Chang: “It’s how Mr. Han helped build golf in Asia, how he started off with the Asian Tour and how he brought the Asian Tour to today’s level before passing on. The impact he left on the golf community, and the golf scene in Asia as well, hopefully one day I can give back to the golf community with what they are doing with the Asian Tour programme, with the Han family programme”.

“I mean that’s pretty far in the future, but that’s something I’m hoping I can do one day, help golf in Asia and really give back to the community like how Asian Tour is giving me the opportunity, and how the Han family has helped me out. That’s one way of giving back to the community and supporting the younger generation coming out as well.”

After being presented with the Award in Hua Hin two weeks ago, Chang went home to celebrate the Lunar New Year expecting to take a little time off from practice, but the break would be cut short.

Explains Chang: “Yeah, last Thursday I got a text from Asian Tour, it was from Mr. Cho Minn Thant, and he asked, ‘would you like to play the Saudi International? I know it’s very short notice, you don’t have much practice time after Q-School’.  I was actually celebrating Chinese New Year halfway through, I got the text and oh wow, I gotta go practice right now!

“I had taken three days off before I got the text, and I was about to go back practice on Monday actually. Right after I got the text I got my air ticket, got my hotel booked, applied for the visa and went straight to practice until dark. Did the same thing the next day to just try to give myself the best opportunity, and the best shot at making the cut and see what I can do out here.”

After a round of one-under-par 69 on Thursday, Chang found himself playing the par-five 18th hole on Friday one shot off the cut line, knowing he had to make birdie to make it to the weekend.

“Yes, I had been looking at the score board and I saw the cut score was par, and I was like, oh wow. With the wind conditions I thought the cut line was going to be one or two over,” said the Malaysian.

L-R – Ervin Chang of Malaysia and Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, pictured together shaking hands after Chang was awarded The Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Award on Tuesday, January 17 during the final stage of the 2023 Asian Tour qualifying school. The event is being held from January 18-22, 2023 at Lake View Resort & Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“I saved par on 16 and 17 to give myself one chance on 18 to make a birdie. I knew I had to make a birdie, so I had to go for it. I hit a really good drive, hit a little funky second shot but got it to a good position and chipped it to three feet. And I’m not gonna lie, my hand was a little bit shaky on that putt. I was like, just a left to right simple three-foot putt, just make this putt and you’re onto the weekend. The ball slipped into the hole, and I was like, finally.”


Published on February 6, 2023

The reopening of Hong Kong to international travellers will be celebrated with the staging of the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club.

To be held over the Tournament Composite Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club’s (HKGC) world-acclaimed Fanling venue from March 23-26, the event will act as the seventh leg of the 2023 Asian Tour and carry a prize pot of US$1 million.

It will be the first international golf tournament in the Special Administrative Region of China for 38 months.

It was in the second week of January 2020 that Australian Wade Ormsby triumphed in the Hong Kong Open. Within two months the spread of COVID-19 prompted the imposition of travel bans and the cessation of sporting gatherings.

However, with the widespread recent lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, Hong Kong is once more ready to showcase itself as ‘Asia’s World City’ and a hub for major sporting events.

Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Commissioner & Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re all excited to be able to return to Hong Kong and the iconic Hong Kong Golf Club, one of the world’s most historic golfing establishments and a perennial favourite among Asian Tour members.”

Crowds pictured on Friday January 10, 2020 during round two of the Hong Kong Open at the Fanling Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong, the Asian Tour USD$ 1 million event is the season opener. Picture by Paul Lakatos / Asian Tour.

Hong Kong Golf Club Captain Andy Kwok said: “Staging international events is very much part of the Club’s fabric and history, so to welcome back world-class golfers and spectators to the fairways of Fanling after three long years is something we are all very excited about.

“Through the inaugural World City Championship, the Club is putting Hong Kong firmly back on the international golfing map, whilst at the same time providing a platform for talented young Hong Kong players to showcase their skills in front of a global audience.

“We definitely believe that Hong Kong golfers have what it takes to compete at the highest level and their confidence and development will only grow from experiences such as this. The Club has long been the training ground to nurture local golfing talent and we cannot wait to get the event underway.”

Founded in 1889, the HKGC inaugurated the Hong Kong Open in 1959 and has hosted every edition since. In addition, the club staged the inaugural Johnnie Walker Classic in 1990, won by then world number one Sir Nick Faldo, the Alfred Dunhill Masters, the Alfred Dunhill Cup Asia-Pacific qualifying and the Hong Kong Ladies Open.

The World Amateur Team Championships for the Eisenhower Trophy (men) and Espirito Santo Trophy (women) took place at the HKGC in 1984 while the Queen Sirikit Cup Asia-Pacific Ladies Invitational Team Championship has been held at the club on three occasions (1990, 2001 and 2015).

The World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club will take place the week before the Hong Kong Sevens – making it a great time for sports fans to visit Hong Kong.

 


Published on February 5, 2023

Abraham Ancer became the first player to win the US$5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers from start to finish today after closing with a two-under-par 68 to finish on 19 under and beat American Cameron Young by two shots.

The highly rated 31-year-old Mexican conducted a masterclass in front running, at the Asian Tour’s season-opening event, to add the title to the other significant victory of his career, the 2021 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.

Young also returned a 68 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, while Australian Lucas Herbert carded a 65 to finish third, two shots further back.

Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana re-iterated his position as one of the Asian Tour’s most exciting young players when he fired a 66 to secure fourth, another stroke behind.

Abraham Ancer. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“That was my first ever wire-to-wire win,” said Ancer, whose steadiness at the helm was made possible by a solid, repeatable golf swing and sound putting stroke.

“I just didn’t think about where I was on the leaderboard. I just felt like I just want to do that again. I played really good the first round, and I just felt like I wanted to keep that going.

“I kept telling myself, just imagine if I was in like 20th place and just got to go out there and shoot a low one. It worked out. I stayed in the moment. Didn’t really think too much about the previous shots or what was coming after. So, I’m really happy with my frame of mind during these four rounds.”

Ancer led by two from Young at the start of the day and was caught by the American on the seventh but by the turn he had moved one ahead.

A closely fought contest was then expect over the closing holes but surprisingly Young made a bogey on the par-four 13th, where he found the water with his approach shot, before he made Ancer’s life much easier when he doubled the par-four 15th, after he chipped short and three putted.

Cameron Young. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

It meant Ancer was four ahead with three to play and while Young rallied with birdies on 16 and 18 it was not enough to stop the Asian Tour witnessing only its second ever Mexican winner, after Carlos Espinosa’s success in the 1995 Canlubang Classic in the Philippines.

Remarkably, despite persistent windy conditions during the week Ancer only dropped two shots over the four rounds: on the ninth today and the 17th on day two.

It didn’t quite match the spectacular finish of last year when American Harold Varner III triumphed by holing a 92-foot eagle putt on the last but Ancer did also match the lowest winning total of 19 under set by American Dustin Johnson in 2019.

The Mexican, who turned professional a decade ago, earned a cheque for US$1 million.

The result means Young has now recorded eight top-three finishes since last year, which includes finishing second in The Open, and joint third in the PGA Championship

“It’s disappointing but I think I played pretty well, and I’m playing a bunch the next few weeks. So, I think I’m in a nice place moving forward,” he said.

“He [Ancer] played some really nice golf. He just didn’t make really any mistakes. I think he maybe made two bogeys this whole week, and with the wind blowing as hard as it was, that’s, one, tremendous control of your golf ball, and two, I think just a lot of mental toughness.

Lucas Herbert. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“I’m proud of all those finishes. There’s nothing I’ve thrown away, I don’t think. If one or two of them was a four-shot lead that I didn’t finish off, that’s a bummer, but I’ve been beat a lot. I haven’t thrown any of them away.”

Sadom stormed through the front nine going out in five under to try and catch Ancer and Young.

He said: “I started pretty good, I made two birdies on the first and second hole and I tried to keep the momentum to play well today. I played well on the front nine and on the back nine I think I hit my irons pretty good but couldn’t read the greens.

“I think pushed a bit more harder than yesterday because I didn’t play in the final group, I played in the second last, so I tried to hit more to the pin and today I hit pretty good irons.

“I thought I can do my best on the back nine but my putter was not good enough. I’m very happy today. Very happy it’s the first event for me for this year, and I will try to keep this momentum for the whole year.”

Sadom Kaewkanjana. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.


Published on February 4, 2023

Mexico’s Abraham Ancer holds the lead at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers for the third consecutive day after posting a flawless six-under-par 64 to impressively progress to 17 under for the US$5 million event.

American Cameron Young shot a 65 to sit in second place, two strokes back, while his compatriot Matthew Wolff (63), Lucas Herbert from Australia (67) and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana (68) are a distant seven behind the leader in a tie for third.

Ancer, the diminutive golfer with the big game, is bidding to become the first player to win this tournament wire to wire and took another important step towards that today with an accomplished round, devoid of dropped shots.

Three birdies on the front and three on the back, including on the 18th, allowed him to keep his big hitting playing partner Young at bay.

Said Ancer: “Another very solid round. Happy with no dropped shots. That’s always my goal. On a golf course like this where it’s blowing pretty good, I’m really, really happy.

Cameron Young of the USA pictured during Round Three on Saturday February 4, 2023, at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. This US$ 5 Million golf event is being held from February 2-5, 2023 at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“My ball striking has definitely been on, and I’ve been rolling it really nice all week. Yeah, extremely happy. Not really focused on what everybody else is doing. Just trying to play the same game I’ve been playing the past three days.”

Surprisingly he missed the cut last week in Dubai but was far from being concerned.

“Back home, I’ve been practicing quite bit leading up to Dubai, and I felt really good back home. Then on the way over here, it always takes a little bit of time to get adjusted to the time change and all that stuff. And definitely tournament golf is different than just playing back home,” said Ancer, who during a 10-year professional career has recorded two significant victories, the 2018 Australian Open, and WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in 2021.

“So, I played worse than I was expecting on my first round, and then I played nicely in my second round, missed the cut by one. But I knew I was in a good spot, and I felt like a couple things were clicking towards the end of the round there.

“So just brought that over here. Not surprised, just playing my game. It’s nice to see my name up there. Can’t really focus on that. Just got to do it again.”

A fascinating two-horse race is set for tomorrow between a pair who have completely contrasting styles, which was so clearly evident on the par-five 18th today. Ancer laid up to about 100 yards but nailed his approach to five feet and holed out, while Young airmailed the green with his second shot, using an iron, but was only able to make par.

Matthew Wolff of the USA pictured during Round Three on Saturday February 4, 2023, at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. This US$ 5 Million golf event is being held from February 2-5, 2023 at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Despite that finish the American has no intention of holding back tomorrow.

“Yeah, very much the same. Hit a lot of drivers and try to make a bunch of birdies,” he said.

“I think I’ve played really solidly. Obviously, Abe’s playing some really nice golf. So I think tomorrow will be fun.  I think pretty much the same. I think, if the wind is similar to today, it will probably take 62 or 3 or 4 because I don’t see Abraham shooting anything bad.”

Wolff’s joint best round of the week (Ancer also shot 63 on Thursday) was set up by a front nine of six-under-par 29 and the American was in buoyant mood after the round, suggesting he senses an outside chance on Sunday.

“It felt easy,” said 23 year old, who tied sixth here last year.

“It felt like I’m finally starting to hit my driver the way I’m looking to. It’s such a weapon on this golf course when I’m hitting it where I want to. I’m having short clubs in and I can kind of attack these flags. I felt really good with every part of my game.

“But I think it was the putting. I made quite a few putts out there today and didn’t the first couple of days. I think that was definitely the difference. It seemed like it all came together nicely for me today.”

Sadom, who played in the final pairing with Ancer and Young, was in contention for much of the day and was looking in control until he bogeyed 14 and made double on 16.

“I thought today was tough for me, and I think to play the course under par is a good result. Tomorrow, I think I can get a better score than today,” he said.

He made five birdies in a row on the front side to mount a challenge before the wheels came off.

Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand pictured during Round Three on Saturday February 4, 2023, at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. This US$ 5 Million golf event is being held from February 2-5, 2023 at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Added the Thai star, who won last year’s SMBC Singapore Open: “I putted pretty good, five birdies in a row so I hit my irons good also. I had a good momentum on the front nine, but the back nine was tough for me because it was windy on holes 14 to 17.”

 


Published on

Kiradech Aphibarnrat managed to pull off a miracle shot on the 17th hole of Augusta National during the 2019 Masters, but the resulting tumble and the injury caused by that exaggerated hook still haunts him after nearly four years. Story by Joy Chakravarty.

The injury, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, has taken a heavy toll on the Thai magician. It has prevented him from reaching the sublime levels we all know he is capable of. He has lost his PGA Tour card and needed to go to the Qualify School to secure his playing privilege on the DP World Tour.

Physical healing will take some more time, but the 33 year old from Bangkok, who loves his big watches and big cars, can already feel mentally recharged as he returns to the Asian Tour this year at this week’s season-opening PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Advisers at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club this week.

“Whenever I play on the Asian Tour, I just feel happier. These last few days, I have had so much fun with the other Thai boys. I also enjoy the comfort factor in Asia. Somehow, I seem to play better when I am in this part of the world,” said Kiradech, who has slipped to No326th in the OWGR, after rising to as high as 29th the week after the 2018 US Open.

“PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, but I did not like how lonely it felt on the Tour. We Thai people tend to stick together, and there are lots of group dinners and laughter. That is one of the main reasons I love coming back and playing on the Asian Tour whenever possible.

“I have decided that I will play as many tournaments in Asia as possible. It’s good for my confidence, and it is good for my mental well-being.”

Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Kiradech is delaying a surgery to repair the torn meniscus at the back of his right knee because the specialists have not been able to give him 100 percent assurance that it would work.

“If it gets any worse, I will have to resort to surgery as the last option. I am just trying to manage it for now. I tape it, and I ice it every day. I am okay hitting most shots, but I get sharp pain sometimes when hitting from a downhill lie. And because I am unable to generate ground force with my right leg, I am losing my distance,” said Kiradech.

“The injury, COVID…it was all connected. Honestly, I was going into a depression. I spoke a lot to Baan (Anirban Lahiri), and I knew he too was facing similar issues. And when COVID hit and it became such a big issue to travel, it was the worst moment. The quarantine protocols were horrible for me. There was a protracted period of time when I could not get back to Thailand, just because I did not know whether I would be able to get back to the US when I needed to.

“Sometimes, all these things get hidden under the carpet if you are playing good golf. But if you are not, it can be very tough when you have a bad day on the golf course and have nobody to come back to and share what went wrong. Just being able to talk to someone about your mistakes can lighten the weight on your mind.”

Kiradech says if he manages to get back on the PGA Tour, he’d do two things differently. One, plan a schedule that includes events for 4-5 weeks, and then return to Thailand for a couple of weeks. And, two, beg his best friend Prom Meesawat, a multiple winner on the Asian Tour, to caddie for him.

“I know Prom has his own ambitions as a golfer and is good enough to win for many years, but I will try my hardest to get him there with me. He is my best friend, and he knows how I think and what would cheer me up,” said Kiradech.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat of Thailand pictured during an official practice round on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 ahead of The International Series Morocco at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. The US$ 1.5 million Asian Tour event is staged from November 3-6, 2022. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

Thailand golf is probably enjoying its best phase, and Kiradech is eager to play a role in making his country a global superpower. Young players like Athaya Thitikul, Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat, Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmei are constantly in news.

On Friday, after a second straight 66 in blustery conditions and getting to the top of the leaderboard at that time, Sadom revealed how a short session with Kiradech helped him play better in the wind.

“It was a very small thing that I showed him, but what was great was how quickly Sadom picked it up. And I really enjoyed doing that for him,” said Kiradech.

“That is something I want to do more in my career now. I want to be a mentor. When I was growing up, we had players like Boonchu (Ruangkit), who was just amazing in not only playing great golf, but also for being a guide for all other players as we started playing on the Asian Tour.

“Then came Prayad (Marksaeng) and he is a legend in Japan and has helped Thai players become comfortable there. Thongchai played a similar role on the European Tour, and I am so grateful to him for showing me the ropes.

“I have spent a lot of time on the PGA Tour. I think I can help these young players as they try and find their feet in the United States.”