Eom and Hopewell finish top at First Qualifying Stage Section C
A total of 23 players have advanced to the Final Stage of the 2023 Asian Tour Qualifying School following the conclusion of the First Qualifying Stage Section C today at the Blue Canyon Country Club’s Lakes course in Phuket, Thailand.
Korea’s Jaewoong Eom and Hayden Hopewell of Australia claimed a one-shot victory after carding matching four-day totals of 13-under-par 275 following respective closing rounds of six-under-par 66 and 69 in what is the third leg of the First Qualifying Stage.
Jaewoong Eom of Korea
Former Tour member Janne Kaske of Finland is among the qualifiers who survived the cut set at four-under-par 284. Australian Jack Thompson took the 23rd and last spot following a scorecard play-off against Genki Okada of Japan.
Successful qualifiers from Section C consist of players from Korea (9), Australia (5), Thailand (3), Chinese Taipei (1), Finland (1), Germany (1), Scotland (1), United States (1) and New Zealand (1).
Prior to this week’s Section C, a total of 39 players have made it through Section A (14 players), which was held for the first time in the United States at the Oakcreek Country Club last November, and Section B (25 players) that was held at the Blue Canyon Country Club’s Canyon course last month.
The First Qualifying Stage of the 2023 Asian Tour Qualifying School will continue next week in Thailand with Section D taking place at the Thana City Country Club in Bangkok from January 11 to 14 and Section E taking place the same time at the Springfield Royal Country Club (B & C) in Hua Hin.
More than 240 hopefuls will be vying to qualify for the Final Stage across the two venues next week.
The all-important Final Qualifying Stage will take place at the Lakeview Resort & Golf Club in Hua Hin from January 18-22, and the top-35 finishers following the 90-hole battle will earn playing rights for this highly anticipated 2023 season, which promises to be the biggest and best year yet in the history of the Asian Tour.
HUA HIN -THAILAND-The final stage of the 2019 Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand, December 26-30, 2018. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The resounding success of The International Series was one of the focal points of an inspired 2022 season for the Asian Tour.
Seven standout and distinctive International Series events lit up the calendar and helped the Asian Tour bounce back brilliantly in the post-pandemic era.
And in addition to the unparalleled success on the golf course, a key accompaniment to the International Series was a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
The Asian Tour together with LIV Golf, the pioneering partner of The International Series, felt it was a matter of priority to support the many local communities the Series visited and therefore a number of organisations were able to benefit from this philanthropy drive across the season.
“We wanted to contribute to local communities particularly as we travel to so many countries,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour.
“And, of course, we hope that some of the children being helped could be the next generation of professional golfers. We want to help the communities that help us so much. Wherever we take these events, it is vital to us that their impact is being felt within golf from grassroots level up.”
In total six beneficiaries were able to enjoy support from the Series and received a cheque for US$25,000 each.
The Bright Dawn Foundation. Hua Hin, Thailand
While Sihwan Kim’s exploits brought him a deserved victory at the International Series Thailand, the very first International Series event, there was delight also at the Bright Dawn Foundation.
The Bright Dawn Foundation focuses primarily on healthcare and education of primary school children in lower income areas around rural Hua Hin.
“We are a small charitable foundation that is entirely dependent on private donations and a donation of this magnitude goes a long way to helping us achieve our annual goals,” said Jill Moore, President, Bright Dawn Foundation.
“We genuinely believe that the Asian Tour is helping us to change lives. Thank you so very much from all of us at the Bright Dawn Foundation. This is a hand-up, not a hand-out!”
Cheju Halla General Hospital, Jeju Island, Korea
To mark the start of the inaugural International Series Korea, played on Jeju Island, the Asian Tour presented a cheque to the Cheju Halla General Hospital.
The donation went towards the hospital’s work in paediatrics and with the disadvantaged.
Dr Kim Seongsu of the Cheju Halla General Hospital said: “We would like to thank the Asian Tour for this significant contribution. We know the benefits that golf can bring to society, and we thank the Asian Tour for coming to Jeju Island and for helping to spread the message about golf as a pastime that can contribute towards a healthy and happy lifestyle.”
Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs
At the International Series England, the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs (NUGC) received the lucrative sum as a thank you from the Asian Tour for the incredible work the county does in helping young golfers develop their talents.
Graham Forrest, men’s captain of the NUGC, said: “Too often the north-east of England is forgotten about, particularly in golf terms. This financial input, together with the substantial time put in by many County administrators, could help establish Northumberland junior golf at the forefront of the sport nationally for many years to come.”
Singapore Golf Association
The SGA, the national governing body for golf in Singapore who are committed to the development and growth of the sport, were also thrilled to receive funding at the International Series Singapore.
“We thank the Asian Tour for this generous gesture. The donation will help us in our mission to grow the game and among the younger generation,” said SGA President Tan Chong Huat.
“The International Series Singapore is an important calendar event, as it puts the game of golf in the spotlight all around the world with a wonderful international field. This will certainly promote golfing interest and encourage participation across all age groups.”
Ain Hallouf Rural School of Golf
In Morocco the Ain Hallouf Rural School of Golf, a golf school for children held under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and the Moroccan Golf Federation, was the local beneficiary.
The centre provides lessons in golf and important societal values to children in the Douar Ain Hallouf area near Royal Golf Dar Es Salam Golf Club, the venue for the International Series Morocco.
El Hali, General Manager of the Ain Hallouf Rural School of Golf, said: “This generous contribution will benefit many youngsters in the area, by empowering them through sport and educating them in the positive values of golf, building strength of character, confidence and resilience.”
Egyptian Golf Federation
In Egypt, the Asian Tour underscored its commitment to the development of golf there by donating towards the Egyptian Golf Federation’s youth development programme.
The EGF’s programme introduces youngsters to the sport and has also been developed to enable the country’s brightest golfing progress through a specific pathway of development which features coaching and a schedule of tournaments.
Mohammad Attallah of the EGF commented: “We thank the Asian Tour for their generous donation. This important contribution helps us to further develop the game of golf at the grassroots level and to introduce more youngsters to this wonderful sport that can offer our society so much in terms of sporting integrity, community, health and fitness.”
The US$5million PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers will have one of the hottest golfing talents on the planet on show in its fifth edition after the reigning British Open champion and PGA Player of the Year Cameron Smith was confirmed for the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club from February 2-5.
The Australian, currently world No.3 in the official World Golf Rankings, will join defending champion Harold Varner III and the 30 top-ranked players on the Asian Tour at the King Abdullah Economic City course with more big-name players set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Smith is in red-hot form going into the tournament, which will start the Asian Tour season, and won the 150th Open at St Andrews in Scotland last July, as well as clinching the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship for the third time in November.
Smith, who finished T4 at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club last year, said: “The Saudi International regularly has one of the biggest line-ups of the season.
“It’s always good to play in a world-class field, I am looking forward to taking on some familiar faces and also competing with the best that the Asian Tour has to offer. I had a great experience at the Royal Greens last year and hopefully I can take it to the next level this year”
The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers moved to the Asian Tour circuit in 2022, and the event already has a huge legacy going into the fifth edition in February. Past champions include two-time Major winner Dustin Johnson, who won in 2019 and 2021, as well as 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell and defending champion Varner.
Majed Al-Sorour, CEO and Deputy Chairman of Golf Saudi, said: “The field for the fifth edition of the event is taking shape and we are delighted to welcome Cameron Smith. As reigning British Open champion and PGA Player of the Year for 2022, he is one of the biggest names in golf, and his participation once again shows the high level of interest in the PIF Saudi International.
“The combination of world-class golfers and mass participation programmes we have developed are helping us to grow the game in the Kingdom, and year on year we have seen more and more first-time golfers and schools taking up this wonderful sport.”
Sihwan Kim has been rewarded for a phenomenal season on the Asian Tour by being voted The Players’ Player of the Year by the Tour’s membership, after the final count from an online poll was completed this week.
Players also voted the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers as The Tournament of the Year, the International Series Thailand as The International Series Tournament of the Year, and Madinaty Golf Club in Cairo, Egypt, as The Players’ Choice Golf Course of the Year.
The PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers opened the 2022 season.
The US$5 million Saudi event, played at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in February near Jeddah, was the opening tournament of the 2022 season and saw the Asian Tour enjoy one of the most memorable weeks in its history at an event that boasted the strongest field it had ever assembled, playing for one of its most lucrative prize funds.
The following month the International Series was launched at the International Series Thailand, played at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, where victory went to Sihwan Kim.
Madinaty Golf Club, opened in late 2020 and at the forefront of the Egyptian golf scene, hosted the inaugural International Series Egypt in November – where former amateur star American Andy Ogletree won for the first time as a professional – and its golf course was an instant hit with the players.
“I am sure nobody is surprised that Sihwan Kim has been bestowed with one of the Asian Tour’s most important awards, The Players’ Player of the Year Award,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.
The International Series Thailand launched the International Series in 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“This is a mark of true respect as it is voted for by the players, and it is justly served to a player who stayed dedicated and focused, patiently waiting for his time to come.”
Kim completed the finest season of his 11-year professional career at the season-ending Indonesian Masters when he wrapped up the Merit title, appropriately on the day he turned 34.
He finished the year with US$627,458 in earnings, with Bio Kim from Korea second and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent third.
The American also claimed the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Stableford Challenge in Thailand, in April.
“At the Saudi International the Asian Tour got off to the best possible start thanks to a world-class field and global television audience. The whole experience set the benchmark for the Tour and was aspirational,” said Cho.
“The International Series Thailand was held soon after and was a resounding success and the ideal way to kick off the International Series, while Madinaty Golf Club proved to be an outstanding venue, something that our members repeatedly said throughout the week. The course lent itself perfectly to a tournament of that scale, which is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone at this very special venue.
Andy Ogletree won the International Series Egypt at the hugely-popular Madinaty Golf Club. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“The club also went the extra mile by building a driving range for us and put in extra effort to present the golf course in immaculate condition. Several of the players and officials mentioned that the course was the best paspalum course they had ever seen.”
The latest list of award winners completes the line up for 2022.
Bio Kim, a graduate of the 2020 Qualifying School, had the honour of being named Rookie of the Year. In his first full season on the Tour, he won the GS Caltex Maekyung Open on home soil, and had four other top five finishes to come close to winning the Merit list.
Joohyung Kim won Best Stroke Average with a score of 68.93, the pre-cursor to a breakthrough season on the PGA Tour where has triumphed twice; Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong topped Total Birdies with 263 birdies; Korean Kyongjun Moon led Greens in Regulation on 77.41%; Swede Bjorn Hellgren secured the Driving Distance title with an average of 313.62 yards; and Siddikur Rahman’s mastery of the short game was on display once again with the Bangladesh star leading Putts per Round, with a median of 28.25 putts per round.
Brazilian Adilson Da Silva enjoyed the rare distinction of winning two awards: Driving Accuracy on 84.71% and Scrambling with 69.31%.
Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao sealed a commanding five-stroke victory at the Taifong Golf Club for his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title and first since 2013 at the season-ending Taifong Open on Christmas day Sunday.
Entering the final round with a six-shot advantage, Hung’s spot at the top was barely threatened as he traded three birdies against four bogeys to close with a one-over-par 73 and a winning total of 11-under-par 277.
Thai talent Suteepat Prateeptienchai showed his worth once again by putting on a superb Sunday charge as he signed for a 68 to finish in second place with playing partner Joe Heraty of England, who returned a 69, in the US$200,000 ADT event.
Suteepat, who led the money list heading into this week, successfully became the third Thai, following Pavit Tangkamolprasert (2014) and Pannakorn Uthaipas (2017), to lift the ADT Order of Merit crown and earn his Asian Tour card for 2023.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand – 2022 ADT Order of Merit champion
Hung, who first won on the ADT in 2013, was victorious at the Taifong Open in 2020 when it was held only on the domestic circuit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His victory at the Taifong Golf Club today would mark his fourth win on home soil this year.
“I’m happy to clinch another win before the year ends. I saw my daughter on a video call my dad set up on the 18th green after I finished and I’m just happy that we can all go for our holiday in Japan tomorrow. It’s been a good year and it’s now time for a good break.
“I look forward to return to the Asian Tour next season and continue my chase for that first win outside of home. You need a bit of luck to win tournaments, but I’ll continue to work hard and do my best, hopefully better results await in 2023,” said the 30-year-old Hung, who took home a winner’s prize purse of US$35,000.
Suteepat’s joint runner-up result earned him a cheque of US$18,500 and brought his season’s haul to US$86,448. The 28-year-old Thai capped a solid season this year, thanks to three victories and six top-10 finishes.
“I felt relieved after making the cut. I knew I will most likely win the Order of Merit title so that took some pressure off me. After starting with that chip-in eagle on first, I gained some momentum and made two more birdies in the next four holes. I thought I might have a chance at winning today but unfortunately, the putts didn’t drop on the way home.
“Still happy with a joint runner-up finish. It’s been a great season. I didn’t expect this at all. The first win gave me a lot of confidence and I managed to build on that. I have a lot of friends playing on the Asian Tour, so I look forward to 2023. It’s going to be a lot tougher, but I am excited and can’t wait to tee off for my first event in Oman,” said Suteepat.
Despite failing to grab one of the 10 Asian Tour cards on offer on the ADT, Heraty took the positives as he ended the year by capping his best finish on Tour this season.
“Happy with the result today. The conditions were not as windy as the last few days. I’m glad I took advantage of that. Although I missed out on finishing inside top-10 on the Order of Merit, I’m happy to gain direct entry to final stage of the Qualifying School,” said Heraty, who moved up 30 spots to 13th place on the money list following his tied-second place finish.
The top-10 finishers on the 2022 ADT Order of Merit, following the conclusion of the Taifong Open, have earned playing rights on the Asian Tour in 2023.
Apart from Suteepat, the other nine players are Thailand’s Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (2nd), Indonesia’s Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra (3rd), Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin (4th), China’s Chen Guxin (5th), Thailand’s Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (6th), Lloyd Jefferson Go (7th) of the Philippines, American Dodge Kemmer (8th), Australian Harrison Gilbert (9th) and Thailand’s Denwit Boriboonsub (10th).
Ends.
The Asian Tour today unveiled its 2023 schedule through to May, for what promises to be the finest start to a season the Tour has ever enjoyed.
The new season will commence in Saudi Arabia, at the most lucrative event of the year, before being followed by an exciting blend of established and new tournaments, including four International Series events. Please visit the schedule page here.
The impressive schedule boasts a total of 11 tournaments contested over 14 weeks, starting with the US$5 million PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers – won so dramatically by American Harold Varner III this year when he holed a 92-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole – at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, near Jeddah, from February 2-5.
In the ensuing two weeks, the Tour will then journey to two inaugural International Series tournaments in Oman and then Qatar – marking the first time the International Series will have visited the Middle East. Al Mouj Golf will host the former event, while Doha Golf Club will stage the latter.
Harold Varner III with the winner’s trophy after the final round of the 2022 US$ 5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
These will be the first of an expanded 10 International Series events in 2023, with International Series stops to follow in Hua Hin, Thailand, in March, and Cam Ranh, Vietnam the following month. The International Series Thailand launched the highly successful International Series earlier this year and saw American Sihwan Kim triumph at Black Mountain Golf Club, while the Tour visits the spectacular KN Golf Links for the first edition of the Vietnam event. This will be the first time the Asian Tour will return to Vietnam in seven years.
The New Zealand Open presented by SKY SPORT makes a popular return to the calendar following a two-year COVID-19 enforced break in the first week of March at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown – the tournament’s home since 2014.
The DGC Open, inaugurated in the 2022 season, will also be staged in March at the historic Delhi Golf Club, as well as the Tour’s long-awaited return to Hong Kong with a new event at one of the region’s most iconic golfing venues, the Hong Kong Golf Club. Details of this event will be released soon along with information on back-to-back tournaments in Thailand in April and a Korean event in May.
“We are very proud to announce the start of the 2023 season, hot off the heels of a tremendous 2022. It is fantastic to see us carry the momentum of the season we have just completed and start the new season at full pace.” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.
“The Asian Tour is absolutely thrilled with how the schedule looks; it reaches a wide range of exciting destination, offers extremely lucrative purses, world class venues, and a great balance of established and new events.
Sihwan Kim with the International Series Thailand trophy this year. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“The PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, a truly global golfing event, is the perfect way to start the season and sets the tone for what will be, unquestionably, the strongest season in the history of the Asian Tour.”
The 2022 season, which saw 20 tournaments staged, came to a dramatic conclusion two weeks ago in Indonesia where Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut stormed to an impressive victory, marking himself down as one to look out for next year, while Sihwan Kim secured the Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) title and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, the International Series OOM.
Harold Varner III has today confirmed that he will defend his PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers title at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on February 2-5.
The 2022 champion will return to King Abdullah Economic City hoping to retain the trophy that marked his maiden professional victory – and kick-started a massive year for the American star.
Tickets are now available (click here) for the fifth instalment of the tournament that is the flagship event on the Asian Tour.
Varner III famously holed a 92-foot putt for eagle on Royal Greens’ par-five 18th earlier this year to snatch victory when a play-off against good-friend Bubba Watson seemed guaranteed.
While that memory still remains fresh for the 32-year-old, the Ohio-native has his eyes set on making experience count in the search for back-to-back wins at the Asian Tour’s 2023 season-opening event.
Harold Varner III with the second but by far most important trophy of his career. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He said: “Whenever I think back to that putt all the incredible memories come flooding back. As I said at the time after winning, it’s moments and competition like that that makes you want to play, to compete, to be up there. It was a huge moment for me and for my career.
“But that’s now in the past. Sure, I’ve got the trophy at home, but that was a success of this year: time for me to focus on replicating that as best I can next year, in 2023. Having this event so early in the season could be good for me in as much as it could set me off with confidence into an even bigger year.
He continued: “Obviously all my memories of playing in Saudi Arabia are positive – I did win out there, after all! But everything is awesome out there. The course at Royal Greens is so pure, the field is always pretty incredible, and the hospitality and experience is some of the best of any event you can play in, so I can’t wait to get back out there for 2023’s event. It was special to join the likes of DJ and G-Mac in winning this event!”
The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers moved onto the Asian Tour circuit in 2022 as part of a new partnership.
The event has a US$5 million prize fund and will once again seek to have one of the highest Official World Golf Ranking point totals in international golf.
Varner III will bid to become the second player to win the Saudi International twice, along with Dustin Johnson.
In the 2022 tournament, Varner III and Watson competed as part of a star-studded field packed with Major-winners including two-time Saudi International champion Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen.
The full field for 2023’s event will be announced in due course. In addition to some of the biggest names in global golf it will feature the Asian Tour’s top 30 ranked players at the close of the 2022 season.
Majed Al-Sorour, CEO and Deputy Chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation, said: “The 2022 edition of The International was the strongest field we’d had yet, but we remain still only in the formative years of our vision for golf in the Kingdom. It’s amazing to think this will be the fifth instalment of the tournament that is growing year on year.
“I’m thrilled to say that we’ll be compiling yet another superstar field for 2023’s event – and I am equally delighted to confirm that our defending champion Harold Varner III will be a part of that.
“His incredible win back in February of this year is one that will continue to live long in all our memories. Let’s hope we can get just as much drama and intrigue at next year’s tournament.”
For more information about the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers and future Golf Saudi events, visit www.golfsaudi.com.
Kyi Hla Han was one of Asia’s greatest golfers, not only in terms of his playing achievements but also in terms of his contribution to the game as Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour and as a tireless supporter of young players.
When he passed away in February, it was evident from the heartfelt condolences that came from across the globe, just how deeply and widely he touched others’ lives while living his own to the fullest.
To honor and further Kyi Hla’s legacy, the Han family and the Asian Tour have come together to establish the Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Programme.
Beginning in 2023, this exciting new initiative will help nurture some of Asia’s most promising young professional golfers as they start their rookie seasons on the Asian Tour.
Worthy players will be selected annually, by the Han family and the Asian Tour, to receive funding to help with the costs of their debut season on the Asian Tour.
It will be a mission-driven program inspired by Kyi Hla’s lifelong commitment to putting Asia and its golfers on the map.
Kyi Hla is mobbed by golf caddies after receiving his trophy for winning the Volvo China Golf Open in Shanghai, 23 May 1999. AFP PHOTO/Paul Lakatos/Asian PGA (Photo by PAUL LAKATOS / ASIAN PGA / AFP) (Photo credit should read PAUL LAKATOS/AFP via Getty Images).
As a young professional, Kyi Hla was one of the first Asian golfers to compete outside the Asian region. Known for his generosity on and off the golf course, Kyi Hla always gave time and energy towards helping others. For example, Kyi Hla played the role of traveling companion and “big brother” to Vijay Singh, who would later attain the world number one position and win three Majors.
In the 1990s, Kyi Hla was instrumental in founding the Asian PGA Tour, which was the precursor to the modern-day Asian Tour formed in 2004, which is now widely respected as a breeding ground for future champions.
Said Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Commissioner & CEO: “We are witnessing an incredible period in Asian golf history, so it is only fitting to honour Kyi Hla through the Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Programme. It is a very worthy cause, and I am sure each recipient will be proud to be associated with such a legendary figure. Kyi Hla has made a huge impact on many of us at the Asian Tour, both personally and professionally. Establishing this programme is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”
The 2023 recipient will be announced in the New Year and will receive a cash sponsorship as a kickstart to his rookie campaign on the Asian Tour, along with coverage of Qualifying Schools fees and expenses. In addition to the financial contribution, the player will also be guaranteed a number of starts on the Asian Tour.
Kyi Hla in action at the 1989 Johnnie Walker Hongkong Open at Fanling. (Photo by Chu Ming-hoi/South China Morning Post via Getty Images).
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