Smyth senses he is on the cusp of second Asian Tour victory ahead of Mercuries Taiwan Masters
After the disappointment of narrowly failing to defend his Yeangder TPC title on Sunday, Travis Smyth goes again this week at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, feeling “like a win is just around the corner”.
The Australian finished second last week, three strokes behind Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, in the first of two back-to-back Asian Tour events in Chinese-Taipei, with this week’s US$1 million tournament being played at Taiwan Golf and Country Club.
“I mean I’m playing good. I’ve been hitting the ball quite nicely for a while so anything can happen,” said Smyth, who has moved into third place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM).
However, he does face a very different golf course this week, which will be much more taxing compared with last week’s host venue, Linkou International Golf and Country Club, of which he said: “This golf course loves me, and I love it!”
Travis Smyth. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“This week’s course and this tournament are much harder, or it has been for me, so I’m just hoping I can play solidly, make the weekend, contend, hopefully, come Sunday,” said Smyth, who missed the cut by one last year.
“But yeah, it’s a bit more of a demanding course, the rough is thicker, the layout is a little bit trickier, the wind swirls more. So, in the past, I think I’ve played this tournament twice and haven’t played that good, so I’m hoping I can just play solid.”
His victory in the Yeangder TPC last year remains his only win on the Asian Tour to date but the 28-year-old from Sydney has been in fine form this year. He finished third in the World City Championship, in Hong Kong – for another of seven top 20s. In addition, he has not missed a cut in 10 starts.
He added: “I think I’ve putted poorly here in the past and my putting has been pretty consistent for a while now. So hopefully I can improve from previous years just on that alone, but also just like kind of understand the course more, and know when to attack certain pins and when not to.
“And how to play from the rough, it’s quite grainy, like it’s pretty hard to control. But yeah I usually play less club when I’m in the rough for the flyers, that sort of thing. In the past I just kind of didn’t really know how to play this golf course, and I think now I’ve played a few times hopefully I can, along with some good putting and good form, I can play well.”
Defending champion Chan Shih-chang from Chinese-Taipei is back this year, as is the man he beat in a sudden-death play-off India’s Rashid Khan.
Other former winners Steve Lewton from England, Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Australian Scott Hend are also here, as is Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar – who finished third last week.
Travis Smyth. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent, currently fourth on the OOM, and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, in ninth place, are also competing.
Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau won LIV Golf Chicago in spectacular fashion, shooting a final-round eight-under-par 63 at Rich Harvest Farms, that was reminiscent of his record-breaking performance last month in Greenbrier when he shot a closing 58 to win his first LIV Golf title.
But Sunday’s win came at the expense of one of his teammates, Anirban Lahiri – the Asian Tour’s number one in 2015 and six time winner – who was seeking his first victory in eight years. Lahiri, who held the lead for most of the day after overtaking 36-hole leader Sebastián Muñoz, missed a par putt on the 18th hole that would’ve forced a playoff with DeChambeau.
“To be honest with you, I was actually sad,” said DeChambeau, who was watching from just off the green. “I really wanted him to make that so we could go battle it off in a playoff and finish it off the right way. That was the first emotion that I had.
“Secondly, you’ve got people coming over and congratulating you, and it’s just like, ‘Oh, I really didn’t feel like I won. This isn’t the normal feeling I usually have when you win a tournament.’ It was definitely a huge mix of emotions.”
Bryson DeChambeau reacts after winning the LIV Golf Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms on September 24, 2023 in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Picture by Quinn Harris/Getty Images.
DeChambeau, who started the day eight strokes off the lead, finished at 13-under while Lahiri and Ripper GC’s Marc Leishman tied for second at 12=under. Leishman, who shot 66, took second-place points via the better final-round score than Lahiri, who shot 69.
DeChambeau and Lahiri did celebrate the team victory together, as the Crushers shot a 15-under counting score on Sunday to finish at 33-under, three strokes ahead of Fireballs GC. Along with DeChambeau’s 63, Charles Howell III (67) and Paul Casey (68) contributed counting scores. Fireballs GC took second while league-leading 4Aces GC claimed third via tiebreaker over RangeGoats GC.
The victory is the second this season for the Crushers, who moved into second place in the team standings with one regular-season tournament left next month in Jeddah. The top four teams in the standings after that event will receive byes going into the Team Championship in Miami.
“This is why I love what we’re doing,” Casey said. “It’s the individual and the team element, and the individual element is rewarding to a certain level, and the team element is rewarding to a whole ‘nother level. They’re different. You can’t compare them but boy, does it feel good to play good with these guys.”
Lahiri’s tie for second on the traditional leaderboard is his seventh runner-up finish in all his starts since joining LIV Golf last year. He was seeking his first victory since a pair of wins in February 2015.
He was a bogey-free four-under on his round through 14 holes, but he three-putted the 15th and 18th holes and admitted afterward that, “I played really bad, to be honest. I was fighting my swing the whole day.”
Meanwhile, DeChambeau birdied seven of his last 12 holes as his putter heated up. His lengthy putt at 12 left him in disbelief, as he continued to move up the leaderboard.
“I just kept trying to hit as many fairways as I could and hit the irons close and make some putts,” DeChambeau said. “That’s ultimately just kind of what happens when I get on a roll. It just doesn’t stop. Kind of like, uh-oh, here comes the train.”
Lahiri knew his captain was playing well, as the Crushers had moved up the team leaderboard. While the team element remains a vital part of the LIV Golf competition, he knows the individual trophy remains the primary objective.
“I think all four of us would agree that you’re trying to win the tournament outright first,” Lahiri said. “At least that’s how I look at it. Anyone else who says otherwise is lying. But the team win was something that we all knew we needed to pull off, and we knew we should pull off.”
As much as DeChambeau was elated about his own performance, he was also respectful of his teammate’s disappointment.
“It’s one of those things you never want to see a teammate go through,” DeChambeau said. “But it is what it is, and I think he’s learned a lot, obviously. … Your time is coming.”
Anirban Lahiri reacts after missing his putt on the 18th hole during day three of the LIV Golf Chicago. Picture by Quinn Harris/Getty Images.
On Sunday, it was DeChambeau’s time, and he now moves to third in the individual standings, giving him a chance for the outright title next month in Jeddah along with No. 1 Cameron Smith and No. 2 Talor Gooch.
Text courtesy of LIV Golf.
Thailand’s Poom Saksansin returned from the golfing wilderness today to win his first Asian Tour title in five years after claiming the US$750,000 Yeangder TPC in Chinese-Taipei.
He closed with a six-under-par 66 to finish on 24-under for a fine three-stroke victory over defending champion Travis Smyth from Australia.
Smyth, bidding to become the first player to successfully retain the title, carded a 67, here at Linkou International Golf and Country Club in Taipei.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won this event in 2012, fired a 69 to settle for third place. His birdie on the last allowed him to finish one ahead of his countryman Rashid Khan (68), Chinese-Taipei’s Chan Shih-Chang (66), and Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan (67).
After securing his fourth Asian Tour title, Poom said: “I don’t know what to say, happy, is all I can say. I’m so lucky today. I played well and had some good luck. Made some good decisions.”
Poom Saksansin of Thailand pictured with the winner’s trophy and fiancee/caddie, Piyatida (Ing Ing nickname) during Round Four, Sunday September 24, 2023 at the Yeangder TPC, Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 750.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 21-24, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Poom, the overnight leader by two thanks to an eagle on par-five 18th yesterday when he sensationally holed his third from 112-yards, has rarely been in contention on the Asian Tour for the past five years – with the exception being in last year’s Bangladesh Open, where he tied for fourth – but he showed no lack of competitive edge today, bravely holding the lead from start to finish.
He had a one stroke advantage at the turn, thanks to three birdies for an outward nine of three-under-par 33, from Smyth, who was playing in the penultimate group.
He then made birdies on 10 and 13 to go three ahead of Smyth – reminding the chasing pack why his nickname is the ‘baby-faced assassin’.
Smyth closed the gap to two with a birdie on 16 but Poom birdied the same hole soon after for a healthy cushion playing the last few holes.
Poom’s last win on the Asian Tour came in the BNI Indonesia Masters in December of 2018, the event he also claimed in 2016. His other victory came at the 2017 TAKE Solutions Masters, in India.
His impressive frontrunning win today is typical of the Thai golfer: he claimed his first Indonesian Masters title by five shots, the second by three, and triumphed in India by going wire-to-wire.
This week was made more special by the fact that his fiancee Piyatida, or ‘Ing Ing’, caddied for him.
“It makes her feel successful!” said Poom, who won US$135,000 this week.
Travis Smyth of Australia pictured during Round Four, Sunday September 24, 2023 at the Yeangder TPC, Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 750.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 21-24, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Because two weeks ago I almost won on the All Thailand Tour. I had a good chance to win but I three putted 17. She cried and I felt guilty. I think this time she’s going to forget that moment.”
The 30-year-old has talked about giving up tournament golf in the past because of the pressure of having to make the cut, week in, week out, but now heads to the Asian Games next week with renewed confidence.
Smyth went bogey-free, like Poom, but fell just short of his second win on the Asian Tour.
“Played pretty damn good, I shot bogey free five under,” said the 28-year-old.
“I had a lot of looks, wasn’t able to keep it going, but can’t really ask for much more. If you had told me you can have that before the round, I would have said yes, probably, so it was a good day.
“I love this place and I think this course likes me as well. You know, I hit it in the trees a couple times and got some lucky kicks back into the fairway and that sort of thing. I don’t know, I just I got a good feeling about this place. And yeah, two years in a row. It’s funny, you know, because I came here before I won, I played here one other time, and I hated it. I played terrible.
“It was my first year on the Asian Tour and I couldn’t figure out the grain, putted awfully, and I don’t know. I just feel like playing in Asia for so long now I can read the lies from the rough, I can read the greens a lot better, a lot more comfortable. And I don’t know what it is, I like this place.”
Gaganjeet Bhullar of India pictured during Round Four, Sunday September 24, 2023 at the Yeangder TPC, Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 750.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 21-24, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The Asian Tour remains in Chinese-Taipei next week for the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters at Taiwan Golf & Country Club, from September 28 to October 1.
Thailand’s Poom Saksansin sensationally holed his third shot from 112 yards on the par-five 18th for an eagle to take the third-round lead in the Yeangder TPC today at Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
His eight-under-par 64, for an 18-under total, opened up a two-shot lead from defending champion Travis Smyth from Australia, who carded a 68, Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po, the runner-up last year, in with a 66, and Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, the 2012 winner here, who shot 67.
Chinese-Taipei amateur Su Ching-hung returned a 66 and is one shot further back.
Poom is a three-time winner on the Asian Tour but his most recent victory came in 2018 at the Indonesian Masters and he has rarely featured since that win – which was his second success in the tournament, having also triumphed in 2016.
Travis Smyth of Australia, defending champion, pictured during Round Three, Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Yeangder TPC, Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 750.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 21-24, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Said 30-year-old Poom: “On the first nine holes I could control everything, good driver, good irons and putting well, but on the back nine I was stuck with the wind reading a little bit, and then lost confidence with the driver. But on the last hole I got lucky and holed it from 112 yards for eagle.”
He made six birdies in his first 10 holes before his explosive finish.
“I think because I am playing less golf now, I don’t expect so much, just enjoy my golf that’s what I think. I always see my coach and then practice like one or two hour a day, some days I don’t practice,” added the Thai golfer, whose fiancé Piyatida, or ‘Ing Ing’, is caddying for him this week.
Smyth is attempting to become the first back-to-back winner of the event and is well placed to achieve that ahead of tomorrow’s final round.
“Another tough day, super windy, a lot of cross breezes,” he said.
“Anything under par was a good score but everyone’s going low so four under doesn’t seem too good. But yeah, two behind the lead, good position one more day to go.
“It was a bit mix and match, hit some poor tee shots but recovered well. My short game has been good so I’m gonna go work on the driver now. If I can hit a good off the tee tomorrow, I think I’ll be hard to beat.”
Lee Chieh-po of Chinese Taipei pictured during Round Three, Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Yeangder TPC, Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 750.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 21-24, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He made a fast start by making birdies on the first two holes but then dropped his only shot of the day on four, before rebounding on the back nine with birdies on 10, 12 and 13.
Lee lost by two shots to Smyth last year but will have a chance tomorrow to make amends for that tomorrow, although he will play in the final group, with Smyth in the pairing ahead.
“I just played a solid round, and yesterday and today I was putting well so that’s about it,” said Lee.
“I just need to keep patient tomorrow and make sure that I get the wind direction is right, and do my best. Today sometimes the wind changed direction, it’s getting a little bit harder. And the pins were also tough today.
Bhullar made five birdies and was bogey free and is looking for his first win since last year’s Mandiri Indonesia Open – which was his 10th Asian Tour title.
Said the Indian: “Today I had a little shaky start. I thought I hit the ball well but just missed fairways. Three straight pars but then birdie on four gave me some momentum. After that made some more good birdies and kept attacking the flags. My swing feels great and the goal is to try and keep the ball in play. Coming back here every year I know this course demands you to hit the ball straight. It is not that long but as long as you are in the fairway you can go low.”
Gaganjeet Bhullar of India pictured during Round Three, Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Yeangder TPC, Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 750.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 21-24, 2023. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Indian Rashid Khan (66), Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat (67) and Phachara Khongwatmai (68) and American Micah Lauren Shin (67) are tied for sixth four behind Poom.
Defending champion Travis Smyth took the second-round lead in the Yeangder TPC today, putting himself two rounds away from becoming the first player to successfully retain the trophy.
After yesterday’s seven-under-par 65 he joyfully said: “This golf course loves me, and I love it!”, and he backed that up today with a 67 at Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
He leads the Asian Tour event on 12 under, by one from the 2012 winner Gaganjeet Bhullar (67) from India and Australian Jack Thompson (66).
A further shot back are Thailand’s Poom Saksansin (66), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (67), Phachara Khongwatmai (68), and Nitithorn Thippong (68), Lee Chieh-po (67) from Chinese-Taipei – second here last year – Justin Quiban from the Philippines (68) and Swede Bjorn Hellgren (70).
“It was pretty tough conditions today,” said Australian Smyth, whose victory last season remain his only win on the Asian Tour.
“The wind was mainly across on like just about every hole, so it was hard to get pin high – had to be very patient. It wasn’t as clean as it was yesterday. But to shoot five under, it was a pretty good score. I would have been happy with anything under par to be honest, it was it was tough.”
Gaganjeet Bhullar. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
One birdie on the front and four on the back, including on 18, saw him snatch the outright lead at the end, to set up a thrilling weekend.
He added: “I mean, it’s good that [last year’s win] is in the back of my mind. It’s in the memory bank, but that was last year, this is this year. A lot has changed, a lot can happen. A lot of golf to be played, so I just keep trying to hit good shots and good putts and add it up at the end.”
Bhullar eagled the first and made five birdies and two bogeys and is looking for his first win since last year’s Mandiri Indonesia Open, which was his 10th Asian Tour title.
He said: “Yeah I played well, I’ve been driving the ball really well, even yesterday and today. You know, I hit the ball very really well. I got off to a really good start, hit a driver and six-iron on the first, nearly holed my second shot, so started with an eagle. And then, you know, just kept on building the momentum after that.”
Thompson, winner of this year’s Asian Tour Qualifying School, has been showing glimpses of his potential this season and did so today with an sensational second nine – which is the course’s front nine as he started on 10. He played it in 29 strokes, thanks to an eagle and five birdies.
“I played the back nine first and I actually lost my tee shot on the first hole, so pretty happy with the result considering that,” said the Australian, who was eight under for his last 10 holes.
“I think it was one of those ones that just everything was clicking. Once I sort of made a few on the front nine the pressure was sort of, I guess gone. I’ve been putting it well, so I just hit it and I gave myself looks and I made the putts, so it was good.”
Jack Thompson. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Phachara’s presence on the leaderboard is no surprise as two weeks ago he said he had rediscovered his golf swing and is playing some of the best golf of his career, after narrowly losing a sudden-death play-off in Korea.
He was beaten by Korean Guntaek Koh on the first hole of extra-time at the Shinhan Donghae Open but was buzzing with excitement after ironing out kinks in his swing with his coach, the week before.
“I just like play my game now and go make a lot of birdies and try to shoot low,” said Phachara.
“Hopefully I can have a chance this week. Right now, I’m hitting it pretty good on whatever course I play – if it’s time to win, I’m going to have a chance.”
He made four birdies and did not drop a shot, having started on 10 with three birdies on that half.
He added: “My all-round game is back now, driving well, but also getting up and down.”
The 24-year-old claimed his first title on the Asian Tour at the 2021 Laguna Phuket Championship but to the surprise of many he has not added to that but with renewed confidence in his game that might change soon.
Phachara Khongwatmai. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
First-round leader Natipong Srithong from Thailand carded a 73 and is eight under in a tie for 17th.
Thailand’s Natipong Srithong posted a classy bogey-free nine-under-par 63 to take the lead after round one of the Yeangder TPC today at Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
Nine birdies, including four-in-row from the 12th, saw him take to the front ahead of Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, in with a 64.
Defending champion Travis Smyth from Australia returned a 65, along with Kosuke Hamamoto and Chapchai Nirat from Thailand, Chinese-Taipei amateur Su Ching-hung, and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, the winner here in 2012, finished with a 66, with seven others.
Natipong has won once before on the Asian Tour, at the 2015 Resorts World Manila Masters – which was only his fourth event on the Asian Tour – and has made the perfect start to try and add to that, although he rode his luck with some wayward tee shots.
Bjorn Hellgren. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Today was a good day,” said the Thai golfer, a qualified lawyer and former amateur star, having won gold medals in the team and individual events at the 2015 Southeast Asia Games in Singapore.
“I hit three bad shots with my driver. On hole four I hit my driver right, it hit the cart path, and landed on another fairway. I then hit my second shot onto the green and made birdie. Then on hole nine, hit it right again, hit the cart path to another fairway. I hit two on and made par, and on another hole, I drove into the trees, but the ball bounced back, and from there I made birdie.”
Hellgren, tied third here last season, eagled the first and 10th holes, made five birdies, and dropped one shot.
“First time I have made two eagles in a round on the Asian Tour, last summer I had back-to-back eagles,” said the Swede, who leads the driving distance statistics on Tour.
“I played great. Nobody in my group knew where I was at as I kept missing putts and when we got to the hole I was always close. It could have been really lower, but I am not disappointed. The greens are tough. I am looking forward to the rest of the week. I am here with a new caddie, and we are going for the win!”
Smyth, whose victory last year was his first on the Asian Tour, summed up his day by saying: “This golf course loves me, and I love it!”
Having begun on the back nine he had an incredible run of holes starting from the 17th, which he birdied, and then went birdie, birdie, eagle, birdie, birdie.
“It was very, very good. Played solidly, got off to a slow start, and then the middle part was insane, probably the biggest hot streak I have ever had,” he said.
“Initially I kept missing putts within 15 feet. I was getting a little frustrated as my playing partners got off to good starts. But then I hit a great shot into 17 and made birdie there. 18 is a short par-five were I was able to capitalise.
Travis Smyth. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“The first hole is also a short par-five that I hit nine iron into, and on the second hole thought I would hit driver and go for the green. I missed it a little to the left but luckily I had a gap through the trees. I hit a great chip shot from about 20 metres that landed on the green and rolled into the hole. This golf course is very short so you can definitely have streaks like that.”
Asian Games-bound Su, just 22 years old, and playing in this event for just the second time also enjoyed a bogey free day, posting seven birdies.
He said: “I first played in 2017 when I was 16 years old and I made the cut then. Nice to be back playing here this week. I’m hoping for a good result as it will be a great boost in confidence for me for the Asian Games next week. Everything went well today. I drove the ball good, my iron-play was good and I putted well. Seven birdies and no bogeys, can’t complain. Nice to finish with a chip-in birdie on the 9th.”
Preferred lies were played on an extremely hot but calm day.
Major champions Graeme McDowell and Charl Schwartzel are eagerly preparing to battle it out in the highly anticipated International Series Singapore, set to unfold from October 5 – 8, 2023.
The two greats of the game will need to overcome American Andy Ogletree, who will be looking to build on a banner season and his substantial Order of Merit (OOM) lead, with yet another top-class performance in Singapore.
The US$2 million event will be the seventh stop on The International Series 2023 schedule and will be played on the prestigious Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC), set against the backdrop of the vibrant ‘Lion City’.
Singapore star power
A winner at the Asian Tour’s Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, 2010 U.S. Open Champion, McDowell is now primed for further success and a return to form following a top 20 finish at International Series England in August.
The European Ryder Cup legend said: “My time at Close House was a great experience, and I’m looking forward to putting on another solid performance to give myself the chance to win my first International Series event.
“I have always enjoyed playing in Asia, so I am excited to get back to Singapore this year and to experience Tanah Merah Country Club for the first time.”
Schwartzel, who famously won the 2011 Masters Tournament, again etched his name into the history books at the inaugural LIV Golf London event in June 2022, winning the individual title by one shot over compatriot, Hennie Du Plessis.
The South African clinched a shared 13th place in his most recent appearance at the International Series Qatar in February 2023 and arrives at this event following a commendable top 20 finish at LIV Golf Bedminster just last month.
Charl Schwartzel. Picture by Eakin Howard/Getty Images.
The International Series number one
Andy Ogletree, who boasts three International Series titles, including triumphs in Egypt in 2022 followed by Qatar and England in 2023, will be looking to build his lead on both The International Series and Asian Tour OOMs, reaffirming his star potential after winning the 2019 US Amateur Championship.
The 25-year-old said: “I’ve had the pleasure of participating in the LIV Golf League already, which is an experience I relished. As we enter the final leg of The International Series 2023 schedule, each event now holds immense significance in securing my spot for the upcoming year.”
The illustrious elite of the Asian Tour
Nitithorn Thippong, the defending champion in Singapore and one of the brightest emerging talents in Asian golf, is determined to retain his title at TMCC and returns in great form after winning the Mandiri Indonesia Open in August.
The Thai golfer, affectionately known as ‘Fever’, said: “After my victory on the Tampines Course last year, I believe I’ve unlocked the secret to performing exceptionally well on this course and I just can’t wait to return to Singapore and defend my title!”
McDowell will be joined at Tanah Merah by two of his LIV teammates at Cleek GC in Bernd Wiesberger and Richard Bland. The field will also feature Hideto Tanihara, who at the weekend secured victory at the ANA Open Golf Tournament on the Japan Golf Tour and Sadom Kaewkanjana, a dual Asian Tour champion.
High-flying Zimbabwean brothers Scott and Kieran Vincent will also return to the Tampines Course having teed up in the 2022 edition. Older brother Scott, who topped The International Series 2022 Order of Merit to earn his place in the LIV Golf League, showed exceptional form when last in the country in April 2023, setting an unofficial course record (due to preferred lies) around Sentosa Golf Club with a blemish free 62 during LIV Golf Singapore.
An International Series winner in his own right, having clinched his debut professional victory in April 2023 at KN Golf Links, Vietnam, Vincent will be looking to emulate his elder brother’s stunning Singaporean performance.
Ronald Ong, President of TMCC, said: “Hosting the International Series Singapore event on the Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club brings palpable excitement, courtesy of its exceptional line-up. The anticipation mounts for the extraordinary talent and competitive spirit they’ll bring to our prestigious course.”
Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour Commissioner & CEO, said: “Singapore, home to the Asian Tour, sets the stage for an exhilarating event featuring a field of truly fantastic golfers. This dynamic convergence of top-tier talent in the heart of the Asian golfing landscape promises to be an exceptional spectacle that celebrates the essence of the sport.”
Andy Ogletree. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “With a spectrum of talent on display, encompassing Major winners and the best the Asian Tour has to offer, the upcoming International Series Singapore promises to provide electrifying competition that will surely enthral golf enthusiasts around the globe.”
Australian Travis Smyth defends his Yeangder TPC title this week without a win since tasting victory here last year, at Linkou International Golf & Country Club, but still enjoying the warm glow of what was his maiden victory on the Asian Tour.
The 28-year-old from Sydney has been in resplendent form this year, with a best finish of third in the World City Championship, in Hong Kong – for one of six top 20s. In addition, he has not missed a cut in nine starts.
“It was a great boost to my confidence,” he said of his win last year, which saw him beat defending champion Lee Chieh-po from Chinese-Taipei, by two shots.
“I have continued to play solidly, since the win. It did me a world of good. I have had a solid season; got off to good start in Saudi; I have played solid in The International Series; I played my first Major this year, thanks to the Hong Kong event; had a bunch of top 10s and a lot of solid play. I am happy with where the game is at.”
That Major was The Open in July – which he qualified for via his strong finish in Hong Kong – and although he failed to make it through to the weekend, he made headlines worldwide by making a hole-in-one on the new par-three 17th at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, which was the first-ever ace there.
It was another memorable moment in the early days in the career of a young golfer who hopes to go far in the game.
Defending champion Travis Smyth pictured during an official practice round ahead of the Yeangder TPC. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He said: “I definitely want to win again but I am just focused on getting better, keeping doing the things I am doing, working hard on all aspects of my game, off the course as well. Hopefully, if I keep doing what I am doing, I will get more and more consistent, and contend for titles more often on Sunday.”
He played near perfect golf to win here last year, firing successive six-under-par 66s over the weekend to finish on 19-under.
The Australian had started the final day with a one-shot lead and proved uncatchable after he birdied four out of the first six to make the turn in four under before virtually wrapping things up by making three birdies in a row from the 10th.
With a healthy lead, a surprise double-bogey on the 15th, which were his only dropped shots of the day, was not too damaging, particularly as he responded with his final birdie of the day on the next.
The victory, which saw him become the first Australian to win the event, made up for narrowly failing to win the International Series England in June where he was second – a result that earned him starts on the LIV Golf Invitational series.
“All the memories of the win have come flooding back this week,” said Smyth.
“I played nine holes and remembered every shot I hit on the back nine in the final round last year. It’s really good to be back and have no lock down situation like last year. We are free to roam the city and go out to restaurants, so I am really looking forward to this week.
“It’s a really, really, tight course and you have to hit it really, really straight off the tee. The small greens mean you require a lot of precision with your approach shots. Putting was quite difficult. The greens are a little bit slower than what we are used to week in, week out. But the course is in great condition this year, everyone is in for a treat.”
Lee, who won the event in 2021 when it was part of the Chinese-Taipei domestic circuit and not the Asian Tour because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, is looking go one better this year.
Travis Smyth. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
He said: “I am very happy to be back playing the Yeangder TPC. Came very close to winning last year. I’m excited to give it another go this week. I’ve been playing well this year. Had a couple of good finishes as well so I’m ready to give my best again this week. The aim is to do better than I did last year.”
There is no doubt that 2022 on the Asian Tour was the year of the blonde bombers.
Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent enjoyed a stunning season by winning The International Series Order of Merit and the International Series England, while there was another with long, flowing, golden locks who caught the eye, Travis Smyth.
The Australian’s moment of victory came a little later in the year compared to Vincent, who triumphed in June, but Smyth was ever present on the leader boards throughout the season in the build up to his maiden victory on the Asian Tour at the Yeangder TPC in Chinese-Taipei in September.
Smyth had actually finished solo second to Vincent in England and was bitterly disappointed not to land his first title there.
But he got the monkey off his back at the Yeandger event with brilliant back-to-back six-under-par 66s over the weekend at Linkou International Golf and Country Club, in Taipei.
The 27 year old from Sydney drew on a season of strong performances and near misses to finish the tournament on 19 under and beat defending champion Lee Chieh-po from Chinese-Taipei, by two shots.
Travis Smyth of Australia pictured in action during the Yeangder TPC at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 700.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 22-25, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan, Nicholas Fung from Malaysia, American Berry Henson, and Bjorn Hellgren from Sweden tied for third, five behind the winner.
Smyth started the final day with a one-shot lead and proved uncatchable after he birdied four out of the first six to make the turn in four under before virtually wrapping things up by making three birdies in a row from the 10th. With a healthy lead the surprise double bogey he made on the 15th, which were his only dropped shots of the day, proved inconsequential as he responded with his final birdie of the day on the next.
“Feels amazing!” said an overjoyed Smyth, who picked up a cheque for US$126,000.
“I got so close before. I felt like I let it go in England but it did allow me to play some LIV events, and after that experience I felt the need to just get back there. I want to be the player that I believe I can be, and winning this week is one step along the journey.”
He became the first Australian to win the prestigious title and, as he explained later, he was pushed all the way by playing-partner Lee.
He added: “The opening nine, or first five, six holes are quite easy, but it’s a tight course so you have to hit it straight. But you know the guy I was playing with, Lee Chieh-po, he played amazing. I was always like one, two or three shots within him, and he kept playing well and applying pressure, so it wasn’t easy that’s for sure.”
It is also important not to forget that his win was made even more impressive by the fact he had to endure the hardship of three days of pre-event COVID-19 mandatory quarantining in a government hotel, followed by trying to function in the tournament ‘bubble’ of hotel, golf club, hotel and so on for seven days.
For Lee it was his best finish on the Asian Tour as when he won this event in 2021 the tournament was held solely as a domestic competition – the result of travel restrictions caused by the global pandemic.
He said: “I think I did well today. Travis was just too good. I played well in this tough conditions. And my overall 72-hole score is better than my winning score last year so there is some improvement! I am happy with how I played this week. Happy to set a new personal best result on the Asian Tour.”
At the halfway point of the event, it was two very different players who captured the headlines: veteran Chapchai Nirat from Thailand and 14-year-old local amateur Hsieh Cheng-wei.
Four-time Asian Tour winner Chapchai, aged 39, proudly announced “my game is back” after firing one of his best tournament rounds for a considerable period, an eight-under-par 64, to take a two-shot lead.
The former Golden Boy of Thai golf had been notable by absence for many seasons – the last of his victories on the Asian Tour came in 2014 – but glimpses of his old self were on display when he shifted gear into first place.
Sadly, for his many fans, he was unable to maintain that pace over the weekend and eventually ended joint 14th but the signs are there that we may see more of the Thai star in the years ahead.
“I’m starting to have some confidence back from the past three events, I’m starting to play a bit better,” he said.
“Now I can see shooting minus seven or minus eight in a day, so I feel a lot more confident with my new game with this coach now. For the next year I’m planning to be in the top 10 again in a lot of tournaments, and I’m planning to come back and win again.”
Hsieh grabbed much of the attention, and set a global record, after adding a 74 to his opening 69 to reach one under and become the youngest male player to make the cut on one of the game’s main Tours.
At 14 years and 33 days old he beat the previous record set by China’s Guan Tian-lang, achieved at the 2013 Masters, when he was 14 years and 169 days.
Lee Chieh-po of Chinese Taipei pictured during round four, Sunday September 25, 2022, during the Yeangder TPC at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club. The US$ 700.000 Asian Tour event is staged from September 22-25, 2022. Pic0ure by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond had held the Asian Tour record having made it through to the weekend at the Asian Tour International in 2010, when he was 14 years and 71 days.
Said Hsieh, who started playing golf at the age of four and had the benefit of Linkou being his home course: “I started preparing for this tournament after I found out I could play when I won the Yeangder amateur event in June. I have been practising here a lot.”
Story from the 2022 Asian Tour Yearbook.
Organisers of the prestigious Indonesian Masters announced today that PT Bank Negara Indonesia Tbk (BNI) will title sponsor this year’s event for the second successive year – fortifying its long-standing position as the country’s premier golf tournament.
The popular event will also return to Royale Jakarta Golf Club, its permanent home since its inception in 2011, and will be played from November 16-19.
It will once again be part of the burgeoning International Series – a ground-breaking new series of 10 elite events sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
And with a total purse of US$1.5 million, it resumes its’ place as the richest golf event in Indonesia.
The tournament will be the 10th and final International Series event of the season, and crown the winner of The International Series Order of Merit, who will earn a coveted place on next year’s multi-million dollar LIV Golf League.
Jimmy Masrin (main picture), Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “We take great pride in unveiling the 11th edition of the Indonesian Masters, and we thank BNI for collaborating with us once again – they remain steadfast in their commitment to furthering the growth of the sport of golf in Asia, and especially in Indonesia.
VIPS discussing the latest news about this year’s BNI Indonesian Masters at today’s press conference in Jakarta. Picture by OB Golf.
“The tournament’s continued association with the exciting and innovative International Series is also an incredible opportunity for the Indonesian Masters to reach an even wider audience, especially as our event will be the final event of The International Series.”
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut recorded a brilliant four-stroke victory last year, with Royale Jakarta Golf Club –a 27-hole facility, designed by Bob Moore and JMP Golf Design – looking forward to more exceptional golf this November.
President Director of Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Hendro Sutandi, added: “We are honoured to host the 11th edition of the Indonesian Masters. This Asian Tour event has helped to firmly established Royale Jakarta Golf Club as a top golfing destination in Indonesia. As we prepare for the 2023 BNI Indonesian Masters, we are fully prepared to offer a venue that will leave a memorable impact on both players and spectators attending this International Series tournament.”
And with BNI again being one of the driving forces behind the Indonesian Masters the stage has been set for an incredible week of golf.
President Director of PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Royke Tumilaar, explained: “The tournament’s 11-event legacy has encouraged BNI to reaffirm our commitment to the Indonesian Masters. As a marquee event on the Asian Tour, the Indonesian Masters stands as Indonesia’s most successful tournament to date. This aligns perfectly with our vision as a leader in providing exceptional service and sustainable excellence.”
Alongside BNI, the Indonesian Masters has secured backing from Wonderful Indonesia and Enjoy Jakarta as supporting sponsors. Furthermore, the event enjoys sponsorship from a variety of other partners, including PT Lautan Luas Tbk, JS Luwansa Hotel, SvinGolf, V2 Indonesia, Hytera, Bali Hai, Indofood, You-C1000, GoodGame, Oma Elly, Bali Wein, Batavia, and Astragraphia.
England’s Lee Westwood claimed the inaugural Indonesian Masters in 2011 and was victorious on two more occasions, in 2012 and 2015.
Austrian Bernd Wiesberger won in 2013, India’s Anirban Lahiri in 2014, Poom Saksansin from Thailand in 2016 and 2018, Englishman Justin Rose in 2017, and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond clinched the title in 2019.
Sarit Suwannarut pictured winning last year at Royale Jakarta.
The tournament was not played in 2020 and 2021 because of the global pandemic but it has since returned in a position of even greater prominence.
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