Teams set for battle at LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok
Local golf fans will be out in force at this week’s LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok to cheer on Iron Heads GC, featuring Thai players Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmai alongside captain Kevin Na and Sihwan Kim, both from the US, after LIV Golf confirmed the 12 teams ready to compete in the US$25 million inaugural event, which starts on Friday, as LIV Golf’s season-long team competition hits the home stretch.
Securing four consecutive wins in five tournaments this season, the 4 Aces GC team of Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Pat Perez leads the pack as the series touches down on the all-new Stonehill course located on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The Smash GC team of Brooks Koepka, younger brother Chase, Peter Uihlein and Jason Kokrak will be looking to dethrone the 4 Aces after losing in Chicago by one stroke following Johnson’s final hole birdie to secure the team win.
Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson’s Hy Flyers GC, featuring Matthew Wolff, Bernd Wiesberger and Cameron Tringale are coming into form ahead of this week’s event. The Hy Flyers finished in third place in points at Chicago’s Rich Harvest Farms, edging out via tiebreaker the all-Australian Punch GC team of individual winner Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Wade Ormsby and Matt Jones. Both teams finished at 17 under and split third-place money.
Japan’s Hideto Tanihara, a 17-time winner on global tours, joins Chilean star and team captain Joaquin Niemann, Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Australia’s Jediah Morgan on an international Torque GC team in search of its first podium.
“We are eager to present LIV Golf’s innovative format and elite competition to one of the most exciting and rapidly developing golf landscapes in the world,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “The field is comprised of players with local ties and international acclaim, all committed to performing their best and supporting their teammates in pursuit of a title. It’s sure to be a weekend of excitement for LIV Golf’s Asian debut at Stonehill.”
PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – OCTOBER 05: Sadom Kaewkanjana during a practice round prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 05, 2022 in Pathum Thani, . (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf/Getty Images)
Alongside the team format, golf fans will also get the chance to watch 48 of the world’s best golfers compete in the individual format, with 2022 Open champion Smith and two-time major winner Johnson leading a star-studded field that includes 12 Major champions and four former World No. 1s.
The three-day event will offer a multitude of off-course excitement for visitors to Stonehill. A variety of opportunities to test one’s golfing skills will include a high-tech golf simulator, chipping green and mini-golf, as well as music and immersive entertainment. Younger fans will also be able to enjoy arts and crafts, educational workshops, face painting, and virtual reality entertainment.
Tickets for the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok remain available, with a single-day grounds pass starting at 800THB, with three-day passes on sale for 1600THB at LIVGolf.com or thaiticketmajor.com. Single day and three-day hospitality packages for the popular Club 54 and Gallery Club experiences are also available.
Complete, live coverage of LIV Golf tournaments is globally available direct to consumers on LIVGolf.com and YouTube. LIV Golf event broadcasts are also aired live on a global roster of leading premium and free-to-air broadcasters providing coverage in over 180 territories around the world. The list of global networks covering the LIV Golf Invitational Series is available on LIVGolf.com.
The eyes of the golfing world turn to Thailand this week as ‘the land of smiles’ gears up to host the biggest tournament ever-to-be-held on Asian soil: the US$25million LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok.
Forty-eight of the best golfers on the planet are in the Thai capital to battle it out for individual and team glory as LIV Golf breaks new ground with Asia’s debut LIV Golf Invitational, taking place at Stonehill, October 7-9.
A stellar field including defending Open champion Cameron Smith, big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau and multiple-major winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka are competing.
They will be joined by hometown heroes Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmai – two of 12 Asian Tour members playing – plus a host of Ryder Cup and major-winning stars including Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen and Patrick Reed.
The sixth event of eight in LIV’s inaugural year, the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok will hold the distinction of becoming the first international tournament to be staged at the all-new Stonehill in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, situated in the Pathum Thani province.
LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman said: “Everyone at LIV Golf is enormously excited to bring our innovative format and elite competition to Thailand and the people of Asia, one of the most exciting and rapidly developing golf landscapes in the world. At LIV Golf, we’re committed to creating opportunities that grow the game and reach new audiences around the globe. Thailand is our first Asian stop as we continue our launch, and the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok promises to be a truly incredible week for players and fans alike.”
“I’ve been looking forward to saying this for a long time: Asia, here we come!”
Phachara Khongwatmai (picture by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf/via Getty Images).
The revolutionary tournament format of LIV Golf aims to supercharge the sport of golf. Each event sees a world-class 48-man field compete in 12 teams of four, with a shotgun start, on-course music and entertainment that creates an electric atmosphere.
After three rounds of golf, both an individual and team champion is crowned and a prize of US$25million shared.
An incredibly strong field for Bangkok features no less than 12 Major champions and four former World No.1s set to be on the hunt for individual and team glory.
Thai star Phachara has featured in all five of this year’s LIV Golf Invitationals, earning his spot through some top performances in the Asian Tour’s new marquee International Series events, which are supported by LIV Golf.
He said: “To be playing in an event of this scale at home in Thailand is something I could only have dreamed of growing up. The quality of the field is unlike any golf event that will ever have competed here, which makes this a huge moment for not only golf, but sport in Thailand and in Asia.
“These LIV events bring together the best golfers in the world, in a new format which works for both players and spectators. The atmosphere has been incredible in all the events I have played so far, and to be able to experience the same on home turf is something I’m really going to relish. It’ll be something very special for Thai golf and golf fans.”
Sadom, a two-time Asian Tour winner who has also teed it up in all LIV Golf events so far this season, said: “Playing in Thailand confirms that LIV Golf is a global league, bringing the best in the world to our country and growing the game across the region. LIV Golf is something different, something very exciting, and this week is further evidence that the series is connecting with new audiences all around the world.”
Indian star Anirban Lahiri, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour, is delighted to be bringing the series to Asia. Lahiri, who signed on with LIV Golf in late August, finished runner-up on his Boston debut in a thrilling three-way playoff defeat to Johnson, which also featured Chilean star Joaquin Niemann.
He said: “From my experience so far, LIV Golf is something very special – I could hardly have got off to a better start. The LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok brings something special to Thailand and also the wider region. There are so many golf fans in the Asian region and they will all be able to enjoy some world-class golf featuring some of the best in the game. The players love the atmosphere at the tournaments, as well as the format, and the fans in Asia are in for a real treat.”
Asian Tour Destinations have named The Toro Company as official partner for golf course equipment and irrigation. Toro and distributors throughout the region will support the network of world-class venues with products, technologies and service to help them create optimal course conditions for players and members.
The strategic alliance is part of Toro’s overall commitment to supporting the development of golf in Asia. Beyond supplying equipment, Toro will help advise golf courses on irrigation techniques and practices for achieving the best quality of cut and after-cut appearance. Toro distributors will also provide equipment health checks and training on equipment operation and maintenance.
“We’re honored to have this opportunity to work with Asian Tour Destinations,” said Richard Walne, Managing Director, APAC, at The Toro Company. “There’s an excellent synergy between Toro and the venues, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with them to create high-quality playing experiences that advance the game of golf in this market.”
In addition, venues in the Asian Tour Destinations network will have access to Toro’s full line of hybrid and electric equipment and water-saving irrigation solutions.
“Toro has a long history of dedication to sustainability with innovations that support our mission to enhance the beauty of the land,” Walne said. “These venues are the latest to join golf courses like Sentosa Golf Club in using Toro solutions to support their sustainability goals.”
Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club has a 10-year partnership with Toro for golf course maintenance equipment and irrigation systems that align with its pledge to become the world’s first carbon-neutral golf club.
Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course.
“The venues in the Asian Tour Destinations network are key to elevating the game of golf in Asia, and Toro is proud to provide the products and expertise they need,” Walne added. “We can’t wait to see what the future brings as we grow together.”
Asian Tour Destinations is an exclusive network of world-class golfing venues with direct ties to the Asian Tour. Presently, 12 golf clubs ‒ representing the top-tier of golfing properties in Asia ‒ are part of this affiliate network programme.
David Rollo [main picture, left], Chief Operating Officer of the Asian Tour, said: “As a global brand reaching over 125 countries, The Toro Company holds the leadership position in nearly every product category in which it competes. High-quality products, exemplary service and support, and legacy of trusted relationships industry-wide have made Toro the global leader of innovative turf maintenance equipment and irrigation technologies for the golf market.
“We are delighted to welcome Toro as a Partner to Asian Tour Destinations. With their expertise and technology, Toro not only has the ability to support Asian Tour Destinations network venues, but also tournaments on the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour.”
When it comes to listings of the world’s most exotic and desired golfing getaways, Phuket invariably features prominently. Feature by Spencer Robinson, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour.
With its spectacular array of courses, immaculately manicured fairways and greens, and world-renowned caddies, this southern province of Thailand provides a stunning backdrop for a golfing holiday.
Add in pristine white beaches, cooling blue lagoons, tropical mountains and arguably Thailand’s most beautiful sunsets and it’s easy to understand the pulling power of the largest island in the country, located off the west coast of the mainland in the Andaman Sea.
Proudly rated among the Phuket region’s most cherished golfing gems are Laguna Golf Phuket [main picture] and Aquella Golf & Country Club.
In terms of distance, they may be some 60 kilometres apart, but the two venues are inextricably linked as part of the elite Asian Tour Destinations network, signifying their presence among the top tier of golfing properties in Asia.
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “Being part of Asian Tour Destinations means that each venue is certified Tour-calibre and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready conditions, all-year round.
Phacahra Khongwatmai of Thailand won the Asian Tour’s Laguna Phuket Championship at Laguna Golf Phuket, in December 2021. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“We’re delighted that Laguna Golf Phuket and Aquella Golf & Country Club have joined the network. In the process, they’re underscoring the reputation and appeal of Phuket as a genuinely world-class golfing getaway.”
Set within Laguna Phuket Resort – Asia’s first fully integrated destination resort with a variety of hotel options, including Banyan Tree Phuket – the Laguna Golf Phuket course is an idyllic golfing paradise.
Darren Robson, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Phuket, said: “We’re proud to partner with the Asian Tour as an official Asian Tour Destinations venue.
“Whether you’re just setting out on your golfing journey … or you’re an Asian Tour professional, the layout offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities.”
As well as staging a Faldo Series Thailand amateur event, the course hosted the Singha Phuket Open on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2017. Late last year it was the venue for the inaugural Laguna Phuket Championship as the Asian Tour resumed play following the Covid-19 pandemic. Two more ADT events were held there in April, 2022.
Following its renovation in 2015, Laguna Golf Phuket’s landscape provides golfers with two distinct scenic experiences – lush tropical foliage on the front nine, and coconut groves and sand bunkers on the back nine.
Aquella Golf & Country Club.
The layout also highlights sustainable environmental conservation with great emphasis placed on the natural surroundings and local wildlife. A native cultural experience has been well represented with reused wooden steps, golf course furniture and decorative traditional Thai fishing boats to provide a local essence.
One of the club’s unique selling points is that golf buggies are not compulsory, meaning you can walk the course if you so choose, in the company of a highly-trained caddie.
“A lot of golfers who come here, especially Europeans, enjoy walking the course. So, too, do many of our guests at Banyan Tree, who tee-off after 2.30 pm and play nine holes,” said Robson, who has noticed a post Covid-19 pandemic rise in traffic on the course.
That is partly due, he says, to an increase in the number of direct flights coming into Phuket from Singapore and Korea, and also a reduction in green fees.
Majority-owned by Pacific Century Premium Developments and managed by Absolute Golf Services (AGS), Aquella Golf & Country Club is separated geographically from Phuket by the Sarasin Bridge.
Located on the pristine Andaman Sea coastline at Thai Muang Beach, 40 minutes north of Phuket International Airport, the property sprawls over 177 hectares and includes an 18-hole miniature putting course as well as a covered driving range with automatic ball dispensers. The elegant clubhouse features a pro-shop, restaurant, first-class spa and an extensive gym.
The centrepiece, however, is the 18-hole golf course sculpted by Phil Ryan and Paul Reeves of Pacific Coast Design that is primed to host its first Asian Development Tour event in the near future.
James Shippey, Managing Director at AGS, said: “Aquella has been redesigned and developed into a beachfront golf course with a fun and challenging layout set amongst a luxurious residential complex. It’s our intention for the facility to set new standards of excellence – not only in Phuket and Phang Nga, but in the region.
“In conjunction with the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour, we very much look forward to staging top-level tournaments at Aquella in the months and years ahead. We are confident that the facility and course lends itself very well for hosting events of the calibre of the Asian Tour.”
If you’re looking for assistance in organising and facilitating your trip to Laguna Golf Phuket and Aquella Golf & Country Club, then Golfasian fits the bill perfectly.
The foremost golf tour operator in Southeast Asia, Golfasian has been bringing golfers to Asian golfing hotspots for more than a decade with Phuket high on the list of preferred destinations for golfers from all over the world.
In recognition of the role it plays in delivering a personalised golfing journey combined with exploring the culture of the countries visited, Golfasian is also part of the Asian Tour Destinations network.
Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian, said: “Phuket has long been a favourite with golfers from Europe as well as around Asia.
“At Golfasian, we have always prided ourselves on working with the best golfing venues in Asia. In terms of the overall golfing experience, there’s no doubt that Laguna Golf Phuket and Aquella Golf & Country Club fit comfortably into that category.”
Chan Shih-chang claimed the US$1million Mercuries Taiwan Masters today, to finally win an Asian Tour event on home soil for the first time, but only after a titanic battle with India’s Rashid Khan.
The Chinese-Taipei star beat Khan on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off at Taiwan Golf and Country Club, incredibly, after coming from three shots behind with five to play before making birdie three times on the par-four 18th.
A brilliant nine-foot birdie putt saw him secure the title, after Khan had missed his birdie attempt from 20 feet, while Chan holed a 21-foot putt for birdie on the first extra hole, before Khan made his from two feet. Chan sensationally forced the play-off when he holed a nine-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole as Khan agonisingly missed his birdie chance from six feet.
Both players carded four-under-par 68s to finish on 15 under and beat the previous best tournament total – set by Chinese-Taipei’s Tsai Chi-huang’s in 2002 – by one shot.
Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman and Sarit Suwannarut from Thailand tied for third, six shots back after both carding 71s.
“Really happy to win my first Asian Tour title at home. I have always wanted to do this. To be honest, it’s really pressurising. My friends, sponsors and family were out there supporting me today,” said the 36-year-old Chan, who won US$200,000 and moved into 10th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Rashid Khan.
The Chinese-Taipei star started his come from behind win with a birdie on the 15th, before his Indian opponent dropped a shot on the penultimate hole to set up the thrilling showdown on the last.
“This is my first time playing in the final group in my many years of playing in this tournament. I just keep telling myself to stay calm and stick to my game plan and stay positive out there,” he added.
This is Chan’s fifth victory on the Asian Tour and third in 10 months: he won the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship at the end of November last year, which was the Asian Tour’s first event back after a two-month break caused by the pandemic; and he won in Thailand again this year at the Royal’s Cup in February. He was also victorious in the King’s Cup in Thailand in 2016 and two months later the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup in Japan.
He also tied third here last year and equal second the year before, when on both occasions the event wasn’t on the Asian Tour schedule because of travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The win also maintained his one hundred percent record in play-offs, as he has won two on the Asian Development Tour and one on the Taiwan PGA circuit.
Two-time Asian Tour winner Khan was in search of his first Asian Tour title in eight years, with both of his previous successes coming in 2014, at the SAIL-SBI Open in India, and the Chiangmai Golf Classic, in Thailand.
Siddikur Rahman (Picture by Khalid Redza/Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images).
He had a one-shot lead at the turn and after a birdie on 10 and 13 he looked a safe bet for the title.
“It was going really well, just that I knew the last four holes are crucial,” said Khan, who also three-putted the par-five 15th having reached the green in two.
“I hit a good shot on the 15th hole, but I ended up missing it on the side of the green where I haven’t practiced. And I had no idea about the read at all. So, I three putted and that’s where you know … because last two holes are not so easy to play.
“On the 17th hole I got a little hurried, hit a good shot and I thought it’s gonna be fine on the left side of the green, but it ended up being just over the bunker in the rough. And you know, I thought the green is slow from the front, but it wasn’t, and I missed it like 15 feet past the pin.”
Rahman, who last won on the Asian Tour at the Hero Indian Open in 2013, was thrilled with his best finish for some time.
He said: “Oh, it was a wonderful day, I just couldn’t putt well today, rest of the game was excellent. Just because of putting I couldn’t make a better score, but, overall, I’m happy about my round.”
The result will also allow him to keep his playing privileges for next season.
“That’s a big relief for me because I was really struggling from the beginning of this year. I mean, and now I just finished tied third, so I think I have secured my card for next year. Definitely, I will be able to play without tension,” he added.
The Asian Tour heads to the International Series Morocco next from Royal Golf Dar Es Salam from November 3-6.
India’s Rashid Khan opened up a healthy four-shot lead after round two of the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters today after firing a masterful seven-under-par 65.
He leads on 12 under from Chinese-Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang (68) and Wang Wei-hsiang (70), the defending champion and first-round leader, and Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand (69), who are all in second position.
A trio of Thai golfers, Danthai Boonma (66), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (69) and Donlaphatchai Niyomchon (71) are two shots further back, at Taiwan Golf and Country Club – in what is Chinese-Taipei’s richest golf tournament.
Khan, whose two victories on the Asian Tour came back in 2014, has been a regular contender this year and looks hungry to transfer form into silverware this week after a bogey free round with four birdies on the front, and three on the back.
“It was pretty good, it was stress free,” said the 31 year old, who began his round on 10.
“I really enjoyed it. I was hitting the ball well and even rolling the putts really well. So just keeping myself on the green, give yourself a lot of chances and that’s what I did. I only missed like two greens, I’ll say, the 10th where I started, and the last hole, but a really good par on the last.”
Nitithorn Thippong.
On that final hole, the ninth, he just missed out of bounds with his tee shot, chipped out leaving himself an approach from 140 yards from where he hit his third to 25 feet and courageously holed the putt to complete a brilliant round.
He added: “I played well here last time also, I finished fifth [in 2019]. I know that a lot of things are required at this golf course, especially if you miss the green, the ups and downs are not easy. So, I’m just gonna hit the greens and you know, give myself chances.”
His round was two shots short of the course record set by Chinese-Taipei’s Lin Wen-hong in 2008.
Nitithorn, the highest ranked player in the field sitting in third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, put himself in perfect position to attempt to win for the third time this year.
He said: “I had a really great round today. I think I missed only three greens today, same as yesterday. Just like keep playing and a lot of positive things today.”
The rising star, who won The DGC Open presented by Mastercard in March and the International Series Singapore in August, eagled the par-five ninth after drilling his second into nine feet and holing the putt. He moved further up the leaderboard with birdies on 13 and 14 before dropping his only shot of the day on 15.
“I have been playing really good on the first day, but the last three days, like before this tournament, I don’t know just some of the days my mentality was not so good. It’s not the pressure, but I play too comfortable and like too confident. So, this week, I just tried to really focus on my game and my process,” he added.
Wang Wei-hsiang. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Wang shot a 66 yesterday to make the ideal start to his title defence but endured a rocky front nine mixing three birdies with three bogeys before he steadied the ship with a two under par back nine thanks to birdies on 15 and 16.
“The pin positions were tricky today,” said Wang, whose brother Wang Wei-hsuan claimed the title in 2020.
“Overall, it’s still ok. Still in a good position for the weekend. Will keep to the same strategy and see how it goes. Not thinking too much about it. Just go out and play. The conditions out there are pretty much the same as yesterday. Wind direction was hard to gauge. Just had one bad hole on the sixth where I lost my ball. But overall, it’s alright.”
Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai, the winner here in 2019 when the event was last played on the Asian Tour, carded a 71 and is further shot back with Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman (69) and Filipino Miguel Tabuena (70)
Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat, Thailand’s 15-year-old amateur star, returned a 73 to end the day one under and sit in a tie for 27th.
Defending champion Wang Wei-hsiang picked up today where he left off in last year’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters by shooting a six-under-par 66 to take the first-round lead.
A bogey-free scorecard at Taiwan Golf and Country Club, with four birdies on the front and two on the back, saw him top the leader board again in the US$1 million event and comfortably handle the fact that this year the event is back on the Asian Tour, unlike last season when, because of the global pandemic, it had to be played as a local event.
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Donlaphatchai Niyomchon and Nitithorn Thippong, India’s Rashid Khan, and Hung Chien-yao from Chinese-Taipei shot 67s
Suradit Yongcharoenchai from Thailand, the winner here in 2019, and Chinese-Taipei star Chan Shih-chang fired 68s, along with four other players.
Remarkably, when Wang Wei-hsiang triumphed in 2021 it came a year after his brother Wang Wei-hsuan had been victorious – again when, due to COVID-19, the event was not on the Asian Tour schedule.
“Not thinking too much about my title defence,” said Wang Wei-hsiang, 26 and three years older than his brother, who carded a 74 today.
Sarit Suwannarut. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Not much pressure to be honest. I told myself to stay relax and not give myself too much pressure. The conditions this week are not quite similar to last year. The course has improved and the greens are faster. It felt like summer wind out there, different from past years. Felt like we were playing in Southeast Asia. I was actually aiming to shoot even par today.”
He has engaged the services of local professional Chen Yu-zhen to caddie for him this week, which based on today’s round, could well mean he is the man to beat this week.
“It’s his home course here so he knows the course very well. He helped me a lot with the greens this week. He gave me a lot of good advice,” he added.
Sarit chose laundry over practice yesterday, but that rest day paid dividends today when after dropping a shot on the first he birdied the second and third before more birdies followed on seven, 11, 15 and 16.
“I skipped a day of practice yesterday because I ran out of golf shirts after last week,” said the Thai golfer.
“I stayed in to do laundry and just did a workout in the hotel. Everyone was telling me the greens are tough and it’s not easy out there, so I didn’t expect much.
Chan Shih-chang (picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour)
“Started with a three-putt bogey today but was nice to bounce back strong. I hit my wedges really well today. It’s really hot out there. Quite easy without much wind. It’s good to start with an under-par round, sets me well for tomorrow. I took advantage of the par fives today. Hit it good off the tee, gave myself easy iron shots and then easy chips to make birdies.”
Donlaphatchai was the last Asian Tour player to win in Chinese-Taipei before the global pandemic stopped play as he claimed the Taifong Open on the Asian Development Tour at the end of 2019.
He said: “Feels good to be back in Chinese-Taipei, especially after I won the ADT Taifong Open here in 2019. Hopefully I can continue to play the same tomorrow.
“This is my first time here so I’m very happy to shoot a 67 today. I hit my approach shots very well, giving myself a lot of birdie chances which I managed to convert. Not so much wind today so it’s slightly easy.”
As expected Chan, a four-time Asian Tour winner including two in the last 10 months, is in the hunt, making five birdies and dropping one shot.
“I made a great birdie on 10 from seven yards; on this course, long putts are easier than short ones, I think. The short ones are hard to read the lines and speed. That’s the challenging part of the Tamsui course,” sad Chan, who is eager to win an Asian Tour event for the first time on home soil.
“So, I think I putted well overall today. Was hoping to make it three birdies in a row on the eighth but the ball stopped right outside the hole. The wind direction was pretty messy today. It’s hard to gauge. The greens are better now. Last time, it was hard to stop the ball. That’s why you see some low scoring this week.”
Thailand’s teenage amateur star Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat came in with a 70 to put himself in a good position to make the halfway cut, something which he didn’t do in last week’s Yeangder TPC, which was his first Asian Tour event since June.
Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Photo by Arep Kulal/Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images).
“I am happy with that, I am going to be honest, I have not been playing great, I didn’t play well last week,” said the 15 year old, who won the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup on the Asian Tour in April.
“I started off bogeying the first very easy holes today, like the way I played last week, which was not great so just happy I pulled myself back and shot four under for the rest of the round so I am definitely happy, but I think I need to get back into that proper mindset, the real TK mindset. I made four bogeys today, the real TK would be disgusted, so I need to get my confidence back.
“I am enjoying playing the course, it’s tough and reminds me when we played Tanah Merah at the start of the year when only three of us, including me, finished under par.”
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and Donlaphatchai Niyomchon shot five-under-par 67s to take the clubhouse lead with half the field having completed their rounds mid-way through day one of the US$1million Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
Chinese-Taipei star Chan Shih-chang fired a 68, along with Benjamin Follet-Smith from Zimbabwe, and Australian Daniel Fox at Taiwan Golf and Country Club.
Sarit chose laundry over practice yesterday, but the rest day looked to pay dividends today when after dropping a shot on the first he birdied the second and third before more birdies followed on seven, 11, 15 and 16.
“I skipped a day of practice yesterday because I ran out of golf shirts after last week,” said the Thai golfer.
“I stayed in to do laundry and just did a workout in the hotel. Everyone was telling me the greens are tough and it’s not easy out there, so I didn’t expect much.
“Started with a three-putt bogey today but was nice to bounce back strong. I hit my wedges really well today. It’s really hot out there. Quite easy without much wind. It’s good to start with an under-par round, sets me well for tomorrow. I took advantage of the par fives today. Hit it good off the tee, gave myself easy iron shots and then easy chips to make birdies.”
Donlaphatchai Niyomchon.
Donlaphatchai was the last Asian Tour player to win in Chinese-Taipei before the global pandemic stopped play as he claimed the Taifong Open on the Asian Development Tour at the end of 2019.
He said: “Feels good to be back in Chinese-Taipei, especially after I won the ADT Taifong Open here in 2019. Hopefully I can continue to play the same tomorrow.
“This is my first time here so I’m very happy to shoot a 67 today. I hit my approach shots very well, giving myself a lot of birdie chances which I managed to convert. Not so much wind today so it’s slightly easy.”
As expected Chan, a four-time Asian Tour winner including two in the last 10 months, is in the hunt, making five birdies and dropping one shot.
“I made a great birdie on 10 from seven yards; on this course, long putts are easier than short ones, I think. The short ones are hard to read the lines and speed. That’s the challenging part of the Tamsui course,” sad Chan, who is eager to win an Asian Tour event for the first time on home soil.
“So, I think I putted well overall today. Was hoping to make it three birdies in a row on the eighth but the ball stopped right outside the hole. The wind direction was pretty messy today. It’s hard to gauge. The greens are better now. Last time, it was hard to stop the ball. That’s why you see some low scoring this week.”
Thailand’s teenage amateur star Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat came in with a 70 to put himself in a good position to make the halfway cut, something which he didn’t do in last week’s Yeangder TPC, which was his first Asian Tour event since June.
“I am happy with that, I am going to be honest, I have not been playing great, I didn’t play well last week,” said the 15 year old, who won the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup on the Asian Tour in April.
“I started off bogeying the first very easy holes today, like the way I played last week, which was not great so just happy I pulled myself back and shot four under for the rest of the round so I am definitely happy, but I think I need to get back into that proper mindset, the real TK mindset. I made four bogeys today, the real TK would be disgusted, so I need to get my confidence back.
“I am enjoying playing the course, it’s tough and reminds me when we played Tanah Merah at the start of the year when only three of us, including me, finished under par.”
The Indonesian Masters is set to become the nation’s most lucrative sporting event when it makes its highly anticipated return this year boasting an overall purse of US$1.5 million and is played at its traditional home Royale Jakarta Golf Club from December 1-4.
In addition, the popular tournament – which has not been held for two years because of the global pandemic – will become part of the Asian Tour’s ground-breaking new International Series.
It will also celebrate its 10th staging and as one of the year-end events it will help bring the curtain down on the 2022 season.
Said Jimmy Masrin, Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour: “To be in position now to announce and confirm details for the 10th staging of the Indonesian Masters is an incredibly rewarding feeling, particularly as we are back this year with so many exciting developments.
“Becoming part of the International Series will see the Indonesian Masters join a million-dollar plus series of elite-level events with superior playing fields, the likes of which have not been seen before in Asia, and we are absolutely thrilled that the Indonesian Masters will be the country’s representative event in this exciting initiative.”
Jimmy Masrin, Chairman, Asian Tour/Founder Indonesian Masters.
First played in 2011, when England’s Lee Westwood won the first of his three Indonesian Masters titles, the event was last played in 2019 – the year that Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand lifted the trophy to help him secure the Asian Tour Order of Merit title.
“The Indonesian Masters has long been one of our premier events which has contributed to so many great moments in our history,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour.
“The Asian Tour is delighted it will return to our schedule this year and be part of the International Series – a visionary project playing an integral part of the Asian Tour as a whole.”
The International Series was launched earlier this year thanks to a new landmark partnership between the Asian Tour and LIV Golf to invigorate the game in Asia and the Middle East.
“LIV Golf remains committed to strengthening the golf ecosystem and growing the game globally,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman.
“The Indonesian Masters is another showcase addition to the International Series which is creating player pathways for tremendous talent all around the world. LIV Golf is proud to support another marquee tournament for our great sport.”
The Series has so far visited Thailand, England, Singapore and Korea, and is due to make the trip to Morocco and Egypt in November.
As well as Westwood’s three wins (2011, 2012, 2015) and Jazz, the other distinguished winners are Bernd Wiesberger (2013), Anirban Lahiri (2014), Poom Saksansin (2016, 2018), Justin Rose (2017).
Six-time Asian Tour champion Lin Wen-tang competes in this week’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters – an event which he won in 2009 and finished runner-up in 2018 and 2005 – short on playing time on the Asian Tour, nursing an injury but all the better for being able to spend more time with the family. Story by Olle Nordberg, Contributing Editor – Asian Tour.
“Everybody knows that COVID-19 is very dangerous,” said Lin.
“And if you went outside Chinese-Taipei to another country you needed to stay at your house for about two weeks. Now maybe it’s just one week. So, my family told me, okay no problem, you don’t go to play outside Taiwan, just play local events. So, it was family time.”
The 48 year old played in the Yeangder TPC last week where he finished tied 39th, a solid performance considering it was his first tournament back for 10 months following a shoulder injury he got from working out in the gym.
He adds: “Yeah, my wife told me for the last three years you go to travel all the time, and now every day you stay at the house. So, my wife was happy, and my friends were happy. Because we always wanted to go together as a family, always wanted to go somewhere. Now I just go to play the Chinese-Taipei Tour sometimes, go to eat some good food and enjoy my life.”
The iconic Taiwan Golf and Country Club is well known for being one of the more demanding layouts on the Asian Tour, but the past champion knows how to tackle it.
Says Lin: “Everybody knows the wind is very tricky at the Tamsui golf course. I mean the fairways are small and the greens are sometimes a bit difficult. Last month they were good, but they aerified them since, so now maybe a little bit better. So, we hope they will be good this week.”
Lin Wen-tang. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“On the difficult holes number 12 to 14, because the wind always changes, you need to hit a low ball and you need good chipping and putting. You also need to hit it straight. Make the cut first, and I don’t know, just do it.”
Turning 50 in June of 2024, Lin still has his sights set on the Senior circuit in the U.S., although the shoulder injury means it is not a certainty.
“I want to go, and my sponsors told me to go to the PGA Tour Champions in America, but I injured my shoulder going to the gym, and now it’s not so good. I don’t know, maybe I’ll try. Maybe after a year I will try to see how I feel. If no chance, I’ll just pay local events” he says.
Even if the plans to go play in the U.S. after turning 50 don’t materialize, he still has had a career full of moments to be very proud of, such as winning the 2008 DP World Tour co-sanctioned Hong Kong Open against future Major winners Rory McIlroy and Francesco Molinari in a playoff.
He did so by hitting a miracle shot out of the left trees to four feet on the first playoff hole to match McIlroy’s birdie and wedged it to a foot on the second playoff hole for the win.
Says Lin: “Yeah, I always remember the Hong Kong Open, because on the first playoff hole my lie in the trees is very bad. So, I needed to get lucky, I just remember that God helped me.”
He adds: “I remember McIlroy telling me it’s a very good shot, and maybe at that time he’s one of the best players in Europe. So was very happy because he is a good player, I have played with him three times. Now I have the video in my phone, sometimes I look at it and it just makes me happy, because it’s a long time ago. My family told me just last night, we all enjoy the 2008 Hong Kong Open. So, I mean it’s just very important in my life.”
The banner season of 2008 saw Lin finish the year 49th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), which meant an invitation to the Masters the following year – a lifetime experience for the Chinese Taipei player.
Lin Wen-tang. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“Everybody told me at Augusta the greens are very fast, but I just enjoyed it because for a long time no Chinese-Taipei player could go to America and play the Masters,” he said.
“I very much enjoyed the Masters week, because my friends and sponsors came with me too so we just enjoyed it. There were a lot of spectators, guests and sponsors, so I was a bit nervous on the first tee. I had to put the ball on the tee three times on the first day.”
Lin also had the honor to represent Chinese-Taipei in golf’s return to the Olympics in Rio in 2016, one of many great moments in an accomplished career since turning professional in 1996.
Said Lin: “Now I’m just happy because I’m 48 and I’ve played in the Olympics and the Masters, sometimes in Europe and America. I’m happy with my life, maybe I’m finished but I don’t know.”
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