Golf Msia January 2020

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CONTENTS JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY GOLF Malaysia

PGM MAYBANK ADT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 Nirun Beats Green
in Playoff to End
Four-year Wait

Genevieve Chalks Golf Jan Cov 1.indd 3 12/23/19 12:57:13 PM
Up Year-end Back-
to-back Wins Thai golfer, Nirun Sae-Ueng, staged a dramatic victory
at the PGM Maybank ADT Championship, played
COVER STORY at Saujana Golf & Country Club, when he eagled the
72nd hole to force a platyoff with Malaysia’s Gavin
PGM PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP Green, and then went on to clinch the title on the first
playoff hole. Maybank Ambassador, Green, looked to
18 Kim Scores have the tournament sewn up with his final round eight-
Massive Victory under 64, until Nirun eagled the last for a round of 66 to
at Season-ending draw level on 15-under 273. Nirun parred the 18th for
Championship his first victory in four years.
Genevieve Ling made it back-to-back wins when she
picked up her second title of the season after finishing
five strokes clear of second placed Michelle Koh. She
carded rounds of 79-70-74-73 for an eight-over 296 total
against Koh’s 75-76-75-75, that left her on 13-over 301.
Genevieve’s wins at the last two tournaments crushed
Koh’s chances of finishing the season as the No. 1 player
on the Order of Merit.

PGM TOUR NEWS PROS ON TOUR Kim Leun Kwang made it victory No. 2 when he
22 PGM Development 28 – Ainil Johani Bakar triumphed at the season-ending PGM Players’
Qualifying School Circuit Championship at Kota Seriemas Golf & Country
A Journey of a Lifetime Club, where he picked up the biggest winner’s cheque on
the schedule – RM47,150. He finished the tournament
with a nine-shot winning margin over S. Sivachandhran,
the biggest on Tour this season, which saw him rise to
the top of the PGM Tour Order of Merit rankings.
His final round 66 left him on 12-under 276, against
Sivachandhran’s closing 67 and three-under 285 total.

Nor Heikal Leads Pack of In an interview with Golf Malaysia, PGM Chairman,
Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, looks back on the
10 to Earn Tour Cards 30 PGM Tour Players year that was and shares his underlying approach, and
for 2020 Season Exemptions and the principles he adheres to, running the country’s only,
and most successful, professional golf Tour.
Play Better Golf: Category List

23 Pro Pointers/ ADVERTORIAL The staging of the Presidents Cup always brings the
Tips & Instructions 32 100 Years of TITONI spotlight on team play, in a sport known for going it
alone. The U.S. Team, captained by Player Captain
The Benefits of Using TITONI – True Quality Tiger Woods, went up against the International Team,
Pressure Mapping Time. Since 1919 captained by Ernie Els, and everyone around the world
Kipp Keuter got to watch golf and sportsmanship at its finest. The
Internationals led the way over the opening three-days
PGM TOUR NEWS TOURNAMENT to hold a 10-8 lead going into the final day’s Singles
24 PGM TourYear in 48 Presidents Cup matches. That’s when the tables turned and the U.S.
Team pulled ahead to claim a 16-14 victory. They have
Review 2019 Presidents Cup Remains in now won 11 times to one, with one tie.
U.S. Hands
When the Going Gets
Tough …

4 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020



CONTENTS JANUARY 2020

FEATURES PLAYER RANKING 48
56 What’s in Store for 2020 102 World Golf Ranking
REGULAR COLUMNS 8
An Unconfident Peek Ahead Rahm Moves Into Top-3 34
at the Men’s Majors for 2020 Editorial Perspective 40
103 European Tour Tour Updates 68
62 Best Bunker Players in – Race to Dubai Tour Scene 78
the Game Amateur News 115
Rahm Ends Season at No. 1 Industry News
Master Blasters from the Sand Tour Schedule Fixtures 110
104 Asian Tour Order of Merit 114
EQUIPMENT UPDATE READER’S SPECIAL 120
82 A Selection of Equipment Jazz Wins 2019 Asian Tour
Order of Merit Golf Malaysia Hole-in-One Club
to Fine Tune Your Game Golf Malaysia Eagles Club
105 PGM Tour Order of Merit Subscription Offers
IN THE INDUSTRY
98 Sam Bettinardi Kim Takes Over as Number One

Enter Bettinardi … when and 106 LPGATour
where it all comes down
to the putter Ko Concludes Thrilling Season

HEALTH & FITNESS 107 PGM Tour Ladies Order of Merit
100 Add THIS for a Healthy
Second Player of the Year Award
New YearAhead! for Ainil

Dr. Barry Kluner 108 Golf Malaysia HIO Club
Sharp Shooter’s Gallery

Mark Wilson/Golfplus Media

Playing Captain Tiger Woods parades the Presidents Cup in front of his victorious teammates as they celebrate their 16-14 victory over the
International Team. They snatched victory from the Internationals during the last day’s Singles matches and the American team has now
won 11 times to one, with one tie.

6 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

64

EDITORIAL

Welcome Back!

Officials at the Malaysian Open Press Conference on December 16. (Third from left) Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, Tang Meng Loon,
Kota Permai Director, Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, MGA President, Zulkifly Said, Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General and Arep Kulal,
CEO Winning Matters.

It seemed almost behold, our Yang DiPertuan Agong 2020 tournament calendar of the
DYMM, Seri Paduka Baginda, Al- Asian Tour, come March 3-5.
unconscionable, when the rug came Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-
off from under the Malaysian Open Mustaf Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum There’s something to really
in 2015. Maybank, had from 2006 Sultan Ahmad Shah, has consented gladden our hearts. Malaysian
to that point, been underwriting to be the Royal Patron of the MGA players have 40 slots, 30 for pros and
the event as title sponsor, but and is said to have helped break the 10 for leading amateurs, far more
fell out with the Malaysian Golf four-year impasse. than at anytime before, in the 156,
Association and decided to carry full field event.
on under its own umbrella. Enter So our national golf event makes
the Maybank Championship from its return. Our PRIDE has been We see also, a new venue, the
then on. restored. Given the game is ruled Kota Permai Golf & Country Club
by PASSION, it represents another that hosted the event in 2008 and,
That’s fact. As to why it opportunity for top players and therefore, with the DNA to do it
happened, both sides have their those wanting to rise to the pinnacle again.
side of the story. On the one hand, to strut their stuff.
the notion, why try to fix something There’s also a rookie promoter
that ain’t broke. It made sense. PROMINENCE is what the in the new mix, being given the
On the other, why not open the tournament brings to the country, as opportunity to prove himself. That’s
sponsorship bid. That made sense, 2020 is Visit Malaysia Year. There nice. So we have change. Isn’t that
too. we have it, the three words of the the only constant?
tournament’s tagline.
But, whatever the justification, What’s left is to wish the
it doesn’t matter any more. It’s now True, prize money has been resuscitated Malaysian Open, born
about moving forward, getting back scaled down, from US$3mil. in 1962 and held every year till the
on track for ‘Pride, Passion and (RM12.4mil) to US$1mil. break, all the very best, not just for
Prominence’, key words that say it (RM4.2mil.), which is still no small 2020, but the years beyond.
all – for King and country. Lo and change, enough to kick-start the
P.C. Shivadas

8 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020



www.golfmalaysia.com.my

Directors
Dato’ Ng Tieh Chuan • P. C. Shivadas

Managing Director
Dato’ Ng Tieh Chuan

Managing Editor
P. C. Shivadas

General Manager
Andrew Ng

Senior Assistant General Manager
Denise Sweeney

Advertising Sales Subscriptions Media/Sales Representative
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Correspondents No. 2, Persiaran Industri,
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Gerard Leong 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Jon Bogart – USA
Layout & Illustration Golf Press Association – USA Distributed Nationwide at: Golf Malaysia is available on:
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Back issues are available at RM20.00 per copy

A Memorandum of understanding was inked between the PGM Tour and Golf Malaysia magazine on 15 September 2011.

The PGM Tour and Golf Malaysia will
work hand-in-hand to develop professional golf in Malaysia.
While the PGM is the official body undertaking the
organisation and development of the PGM Tour,
Golf Malaysia magazine is the medium tasked with
providing publicity for the Tour and professional golfers.
The ultimate aim of both parties is to revive and
provide incentives for our local pros to excel.

Tun Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid, Chairman, PGM Tour

10 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020



COVER STORY PGM MAYBANK ADT CHAMPIONSHIP

PGM MAYBANK ADT CHAMPIONSHIP

27-30 November 2019 – Saujana Golf & Country Club
7,186 yards, Par-72
Prize Money : RM225,000 (Men) • RM35,000 (Ladies)
Winner’s Purse : RM39,375 (Men) • RM11,000 (Ladies)

Nirun Beats Green
in Playoff to End
Four-year Wait

Genevieve Chalks Up Year-end
Back-to-back Wins

Nirun Sae-Ueng staged a superb Tour (ADT) and came after Nirun
and Green both staged outstanding
late rally to win the Professional Golf comebacks from six and eight
of Malaysia (PGM) Tour’s Maybank shots back at the start of the
ADT Championship at Saujana Golf last round. They finished tied
& Country Club in Subang, Selangor. on 15-under-par 273 after
six-under-par 66 and eight-
The young Thai eagled the 72nd under 64, respectively.
hole to force a playoff with hometown
hero Gavin Green and then clinched it Third round leader
on the first extra hole. Atiruj Winaicharoenchai,
also of Thailand, failed
While all eyes were on the men’s to convert a commanding
tournament, Genevieve Ling quietly four-shot advantage into victory
and efficiently picked up her second after stumbling to a last round
title of the season, having won the two-over 74 and finish third on
PGM MIDF ADT the week prior. 275, while Malaysian Amir Nazrin
She finished five shots clear of second was another shot further back on 276
placed Michelle Koh on eight-over 296 in fourth spot, after closing with a one-
after a final round 73. under 71.

The victory ended a four-year title
drought on the Asian Development

12 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Nirun Sae-Ueng

The victory has opened up the opportunity
for me to try sneak into the Top-7. The Taifong
Open is a big money event and I can still earn my
Asian Tour card if I could finish Top-3 there.
Winning my first ADT title in four years has
restored my confidence and ambition.

13GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY PGM MAYBANK ADT CHAMPIONSHIP

There was a four-way tie for fifth he had done enough seal the deal, “I hit my third shot to about 75
place, as Ryuichi Oiwa of Japan, Nirun stepped up and eagled the 18th, yards (from the flag stick) and tried to
South Korean Park Seung, Matt Killen overturning a two-shot deficit and chip onto the green. I didn’t think it
of England and Thailand’s Suttijet forcing the playoff. would go in. In fact, I didn’t notice it
Kooratanapisan were locked on went in as the pin was behind the hill
10-under 278. The top-two returned to the par-5 (mound).
18th, where Nirun pipped Green to
Sarit Suwannarut was the other win the RM225,000 co-sanctioned “I only realised I made the eagle
Thai player in the Top-10, finishing tournament with a par. when I heard the loud cheers and
ninth on 279, while Sweden’s Oscar fellow players came to congratulate me
Zetterwall and Wolmer Murrilo of Nirun conceded that he too was as I approached the green.
Venezuela were joint 10th. taken aback with the eagle at the last
hole. “That eagle on the 18th really set
On a captivating fourth and final me up for the extra hole playoff. Gavin
day, Green impressed with some top- “Going to the last hole, I knew it was had a great advantage, as he hits it real
quality golf – registering eight birdies going to be tough to overtake Gavin, far, but I just focused on my game – put
to set the clubhouse lead. And just who was two shots clear at the top. And the ball on the fairway and then the
when many of the local fans thought to be honest, I was just trying to finish third shot into the green.
with a flourish by targeting a birdie.

Gavin Green

I’m disappointed in the playoff of course, but I had a
good final round. The putts went in and I hit it great to
make 17 out of 18 greens – I would say it’s still a solid
week. I have been working really hard on some stuff with
the swing and I like the way I’m striking it. It’s a great
preparation for the next year’s Maybank Championship,
that’s for sure.

14 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

“I two-putted for the win after ambition,” he added. share of the clubhouse lead with Atiruj
Gavin failed in his chip-in attempt and Maybank ambassador Green said: on a weather-disrupted first day.
missed the putt as well,” said Nirun,
who took home the winner’s cheque of “I’m disappointed in the playoff of These two had a one-shot cushion
RM39,375. course, but I had a good final round. over Pakistan’s Hamza Amin,
The putts went in and I hit it great to Choo Tze Huang of Singapore and
With an eye on the ADT Order of make 17 out of 18 greens – I would Kwanchai Tannin of Thailand.
Merit, where the Top-7 are rewarded say it’s still a solid week.
with Asian Tour playing rights the Play was suspended (5.15pm) due
following season, Nirun said: “The “I have been working really hard to lightning, before being abandoned
victory has opened up the opportunity on some stuff with the swing and I for the day an hour later. Thirty-eight
for me to try sneak into the Top-7. The like the way I’m striking it. It’s a great players did not finish their first round
Taifong Open is a big money event preparation for the next year’s Maybank as planned.
and I can still earn my Asian Tour card Championship, that’s for sure.”
if I could finish Top-3 there. Nazrin was the best-placed
Shinichi Mizuno of Japan, the Malaysian on the day, following a
“Winning my first ADT title in four defending champion, picked up where 68, while Malaysia’s number one
years has restored my confidence and he left off last year, signing for an Green was five shots off the pace after
opening six-under-par 66 to earn a carding a 71.

Atiruj Winaicharoenchai

Hamzimie Hamzah Amir Nazrin

15GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY PGM MAYBANK ADT CHAMPIONSHIP

For the ladies, both Michelle Koh Ryuichi Oiwa Local hopeful Nazrin (69) was
and Ainil Johani Bakar were tied at among the three players tied for fourth
three-over 75, with Aretha Pan two alongside countryman Atiruj, Mizuno place, just one shot back. Green, too,
shots further back on 77 in third and Killen. gave the home fans something to cheer
position. about, as he bounced back with an
Suttijet kept his hopes of winning improved 68 to move to three-way tie
Mizuno started in fine fashion as he his first title of the season alive when for ninth on 139.
registered an eagle on the par-4 11th he carded seven birdies against three
(his second hole of the day), before bogeys. The second round was suspended
gaining three more shots with birdies at (5.34pm) due to lightning. A total of 28
the 13th, 17th and 18th to turn in 31. Joint first round leaders Mizuno players did not complete their second
And then he traded two more birdies and Atiruj both maintained their round.
with a lone bogey on his second nine. position atop the leaderboard, following
matching 70s, to share the lead with Suttijet Kooratanapisan
“I was a bit nervous returning as Killen on eight-under 136.
the defending champion, but the early
eagle on the 11th, really got my round Matt Killen
going.

“I hit the driver and for the second
shot, it was about 145 yards, and I hit a
nine-iron. It landed just before the pin
and went in on the second bounce,” he
said.

Hoping to successfully defend a title
for the first time in his career, Mizuno
said: “It would be nice if I can do it.
Even looking back to my junior days,
I’ve won tournaments, but I have never
defended them.

“Obviously, there’s still many
rounds left to be played, but shooting
a 66 is a nice way to start off the week.
I intend to continue playing aggressive
and keep the birdies coming,” added
Mizuno.

Atiruj, 19, was also in the limelight
on the opening day. He had seven
birdies, including five over his last six
holes.

His only blemish was a double
bogey on par-4, 14th.

“I have a lot of confidence playing
at Saujana, having captured the
Saujana Amateur Championship back
in 2016,” he said.

“My iron shots and putting made
the difference today. Five of my birdies
were inside 10 feet, one through a chip-
in and another from two putts on the
par-5.

“I’m very pleased with my round.
I’m looking to do well this week, as I’m
preparing for the Asian Tour Q-School
next year,” said Atiruj, who turned pro
last year.

Suttijet shot a second successive
four-under-par 68 to grab a share
of the second round clubhouse lead,

16 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

(l-r) Ken Kudo, Asian Tour Associate Director for Partnerships; S.A. Nathan, General Manager, Saujana Golf & Country Club; M. Ramayah, PGM Director; Nik
Mustapha Nik Mohamed, PGM General Manager; Tun Ahmad Sarji, PGM Chairman; Nurin Sae-Ueng; Genevieve Ling; Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, Group President
& Chief Executive Officer of Maybank; Fahmy Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Global Marketing and Chew Fook Kiong, Tournament Director.

All the ladies managed to complete he moved to 15-under-par 201. seven-over 223, for a three strokes lead
their second round, with four of them Nazrin impressed with a 68 to give over Michelle, who shot a three-over-par
making the cut at eight-over-par and 75 for a total of 10-over 226 total.
below after 36 holes. Leading the pack himself another shot at capturing a
was Genevieve at five-over-par 149 maiden ADT title, after coming close Genevieve kept her game in check,
following a round of two-under 70. with a runner-up finish in Indonesia. posting a final round one-over 73 for an
Tied for second were Noraishah Che eight-over 296 total to take the title and
Omar and Michelle Koh at seven- Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarit winner’s cheque of RM11,000. Second
over par after rounds of 71 and 76 was third, a shot further back, while place went to Michelle after a round of
respectively. compatriot Nirun was fourth on 207. three-over par 75 left her on 13-over
301. It was Genevieve’s second title of
Atiruj fired a third day seven-under- But that was all before Nirun made the season and her hot run at the end
par 65 to take a four-shot lead into the his move with an eagle three at the 18th of the season effectively put the Player
final round. in the final round and then secured the of the Year award out of reach of
title in the playoff. Michelle, who was hot on Ainil’s heels
Nicknamed the Dragon, Atiruj had in the season-long race.
seven birdies on his bogey-free card as Meanwhile in the Ladies category,
Genevieve maintained her lead into final
round posting a two over 74 for a total of

Final Leaderboard

Total Par Name Scores (RM)

273 -15 Nirun Sae-Ueng (THA) 72-66-69-66 39,375.00

273 -15 Gavin Green (MAS) 71-68-70-64 25,875.00

275 -13 Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 66-70-65-74 15,750.00

276 -12 Amir Nazrin (MAS) 68-69-68-71 12,600.00

278 -10 Ryuichi Oiwa (JPN) 69-68-73-68 7,762.50

278 -10 Park Seung (KOR) 71-68-70-69 7,762.50

278 -10 Matt Killen (ENG) 68-68-72-70 7,762.50
278 -10 7,762.50
279 -9 Suttijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 68-68-72-70 5,175.00
282 -6 4,443.75
282 -6 Sarit Suwannarut (THA) 68-69-69-73 4,443.75
283 -5 3,712.50
283 -5 Oscar Zetterwall (SWE) 72-71-69-70 3,712.50
284 -4 3,285.00
Wolmer Murillo (VEN) 69-69-73-71

Choo Tze Huang (SGP) 67-77-68-71

Ben Leong (MAS) 74-68-69-72

Shinichi Mizuno (JPN) 66-70-72-76

(Won on first playoff hole)

Ladies

Genevieve Ling 296 8 Genevieve Ling 79-70-74-73 11,000.00
301 13 Michelle Koh 75-76-75-75 8,000.00

17GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY PGM PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

PGM PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

4-7 December 2019 – Kota Seriemas Golf & Country Club
6,313 metres, Par-72
Prize Money : RM275,000
Winner’s Purse : RM47,150

Kim Scores
Massive Victory
at Season-ending
Championship

Kim Leun Kwang capped his Another of the Tour’s stalwarts,
Sukree Othman, was fifth on one-
best season yet on the Professional over 289, followed by a three-way
Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour with tie for sixth place. M. Sasidaran,
an empathic triumph at the Players’ Shahriffuddin Ariffin and Khor
Championship, hosted at Kota Kheng Hwai had matching 290
Seriemas Golf & Country Club, in totals, while R. Nachimuthu was
Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. ninth, yet another stroke adrift on 291.

With a victory at the PGM
MNRB ADT Championship at Kelab
Golf Sarawak in September and a
joint runner-up finish at the MIDF
Championship, a fortnight prior to
Nilai, Kim captured the Players’ title
with a nine-shot winning margin – the
biggest on Tour this year.

He closed with a six-under 66
that gave him a 12-under-par 276
total to collect the winner’s cheque of
RM47,150 and left S. Sivachandhran
to settle for second place. The veteran
carded a last round 67, signed for
a three-under 285 total and won
RM31,429. Amir Nazrin was third,
another shot back, and U-Minn Woon,
fourth, on even-par 288.

18 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Kim Leun Kwang

I kept to my game plan and knew that I had to
shoot a low score to win, despite the overnight
lead. I knew in my mind that I could go low,
because I felt I was playing well – and in the
end I really did play well with that six-under.

19GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY PGM PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

Low Khai Jei, Farid Rashid and causing a few problems for us out S. Sivachandhran
T. Kiishaan rounded off the Top-10, there. But, in the end, I thought I
tied on four-over 292. handled it all right and I’m really very I gave all I had, but
happy to have won here.” was beaten by a
Kim started the fourth and final better player. But
round with a three-stroke cushion at He added: “The Kota Seriemas still,I’mpleasedwith
the top of the leaderboard and added layout and the condition of the course how I finished the
to that with a birdie at his first hole. were good and I enjoy playing here. season.It’sapositive
He gave the shot back with a bogey I finished tied second here two weeks note and maybe I
at the 3rd, but was never in danger ago, so to go out and win it, is nice.” can pick up from
after that, as he birdied the 6th and
then picked up another at the 10th Sivachandhran’s final round was there next time.
before stringing together a run of four his best of the week and he put it
successive birdies from the 12th hole. together at just the right time. His five-
That really put paid to all the chances under effort was flawless and came on
of the chasing pack and left the the back of five birdies, two over the
champion in a league of his own. front nine and three coming down the
homeward stretch.
Speaking after his last day 66,
which was the low round of the Looking back, he said: “Of course
tournament, Kim said he was “very I’m disappointed not to have won. But
happy” and could not have asked for Leun Kwang played really well and
more. deserved to win here.

“I kept to my game plan and knew “I did my best and thought the
that I had to shoot a low score to win, 67 showed how much I put into it. I
despite the overnight lead. I knew in
my mind that I could go low, because
I felt I was playing well – and in the
end I really did play well with that
six-under.”

He added that the conditions were
not always favourbale to scoring low at
Kota Seriemas.

“If anything, the wind did not
help,” Kim pointed out. “It (the wind)
got up from time to time and then
went from one direction to another,

Kim Leun Kwang

If anything, the wind did not
help. It got up from time to
time and then went from
one direction to another,
causing a few problems for
usoutthere.But,intheend,I
thoughtIhandleditallright

and I’m really very happy
to have won here.

Amir Nazrin

20 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

gave all I had, but was beaten by a (l-r) Shahril Jeffery, General Manager, Kota Seriemas Golf & Country Club; Kim Leun Kwang; Tun Ahmad
better player. But still, I’m pleased Sarji, PGM Chairman; Nik Mustapha Nik Mohamed, PGM General Manager; Fahmy Mubarak, Chief
with how I finished the season. It’s a Executive Officer, Gateway Global Marketing and Harbans Singh, Tournament Director.
positive note and maybe I can pick
up from there next time,” added 69 of his own, to go with his earlier and I will continue to charge for a low
Sivachandhran.
round of 70. He moved to five-under score – I have set my mind on winning
Nazrin slipped from second
overnight to third overall. He battled 139 and had a one-shot lead over this championship,” he added.
the elements as well as himself as he
finished with a one-over 73. Shahriffuddin, who signed for a 71. Indeed, the in-form Kim would

After opening with six straight After the third round, Kim go on to register a 66 the next day
pars, a bogey at the 7th did not help
– neither did two more bogeys, at the extended his lead to three shots. He to win handsomely in the Tour’s last
14th and 18th – do his chances any
good. He did post two birdies – at returned with a 71 for a 210 total, scheduled event of 2019. The prize
the 10th and 13th holes, but in the
bigger scheme of things it was just not which left Nazrin in second place, money boosted him past the other
enough to make an impact.
after he had a 70. contenders for 2019 PGM Tour Player
Shahriffuddin made a flying start,
as he shot an opening round 69. The “I kept to my game plan,” Kim of the Year and he currently ranks
two-time PGM Tour Player of the
Year had five birdies and two bogeys said afterwards. “I drove it well and first, with R148,943.25 in earnings,
on his card to take an early lead. He
was just one shot ahead of Kiishan, went for the pins, but was not too with a couple of external tournaments
Khor Kheng Hwai and Kim.
successful getting the ball close to the left to play that could affect the final
Shahriffuddin said after his round
that he just hoped to “keep the hole. Tomorrow it will be another day rankings.
number low tomorrow” and do the
simple things right. Final Leaderboard Scores (RM)

“You never know what tomorrow Total Par Name 70-69-71-66 47,150.00
will bring, but I will just try to do the 75-70-73-67 31,429.00
same. Play it simple and straight,” he 276 -12 Kim Leun Kwang 75-68-70-73 18,973.00
said. 285 -3 S. Sivachandhran 73-72-74-69 15,398.00
286 -2 Amir Nazrin 71-72-76-70 12,098.00
Kim seized the lead at the halfway 288 E U-Minn Woon 74-68-78-70
stage after shooting a three-under 289 +1 Sukree Othman 69-71-80-70 8,614.67
290 +2 M. Sasidaran 70-72-74-74 8,614.67
U-Minn Woon 290 +2 Shahriffuddin Ariffin 71-75-71-74 8,614.67
290 +2 Khor Kheng Hwai 78-72-75-67 6,323.00
291 +3 R. Nachimuthu 75-73-72-72 5,131.00
292 +4 Low Khai Jei 70-71-75-76 5,131.00
292 +4 Farid Rashid 76-74-67-76 5,131.00
292 +4 T. Kiishaan 71-80-72-71 4,260.00
293 +5 Kemarol Baharin 71-77-76-71 4,013.00
294 +6 Kenneth Tobuse 73-75-75-72 3,582.00
295 +7 Jaydon Pang 72-77-72-74 3,582.00
295 +7 Daeng Abdul Rahman 74-75-74-73 3,582.00
295 +7 Wilson Choo 3,270.00
296 +8 Airil Rizman Zahari

21GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

PGM TOUR NEWS

PGM DEVELOPMENT
QUALIFYING SCHOOL CIRCUIT

VENUE: IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB • DATE: 10-12 DECEMBER

NOR HEIKAL LEADS PACK OF 10 TO
EARN TOUR CARDS FOR 2020 SEASON

The fourth and final PGM rounds and Sheikh Abdul Razak
(A) +6, Nor Harith Nor Hadi (A)
qualifying school opened the door for +7, Nazri Zain +9, Musa Fakir +9,
10 players to earn their Tour cards M. Ramayah +10, Chin Jun Nian
for the coming season and amateur +12 and Shahizul Ahmad +14 all
golfer, Nor Heikal Nor Hadi, topped qualified.
the tournament leaderboard when
he finished on one-under 215, after Nor Heikal took the early lead,
carding rounds of 72-72-71. returning after the first round with
an even par 72, where he traded four
He finished just one better than birdies against four bogeys.
Galven Green, another amateur, after
Galven returned with rounds of 75- Just one stroke back in second
70-71 for second place. were Nazri Zain and Muspra Hasim,
at one-over-par.
Alex Tiong was third at one-over-
par and it was enough for him to Nor Heikal stayed consistent
earn back his right to play in 2020 and carded a second round 72 to
PGM Tour season. continue to lead the field by a stroke
He eagled the 3rd hole, a 509 yards
The cut line for the 57 players par-5, and added four birdies, at the
competing to qualify for a Tour first, 14th, 16th and 17th. Also on his
card was +15 and below after three

Nor Heikal Nor Hadi

card were bogeys at holes 2 and 9 and
double bogeys at holes 13 and 15.

Galven advanced up the leaderboard
after he turned in the lowest score of
the day, a two-under 70 that left him on
one-over 145. Alex was not far away on
three-over after a round of 71.

Veteran M. Ramayah came back
strong after an opening round 80 to card
a one-under 71 that lifted him into the
Top-10, sharing sixth on seven-over.

A total of 41 players advanced
through to the final round, including one
lady player, Shareen Lai, when the cut
off was set at 25-over.

22 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

PRO POINTER KIPP KEUTER

KIPP KEUTER

PGA Class A Certified PGA of America Professional • TrackMan Owner and Certified Professional
Academy at TPC Kuala Lumpur Performance Centre
Lessons can be booked @ Tel: +6017-8750965 • Email: [email protected]

MPTherBaeenpesfitpssofiuUnsirngge Using technology /

measuring devices to help better
analyse and improve golfer’s swings
is always fun for me. One of the
main devices I like to use to analyse
my students footwork, and how they
are using the ground during their
swings, is the BodiTrak pressure
mat.

BodiTrak allows the student to
see where and how much pressure is
on each foot ... right foot vs. left foot
and toe vs. heel ... during the swing
in real time. It is a great device to
use for me to explain why a player
may be struggling with the following
faults:
• Loss of distance.
• Off-centre strikes on the clubface.
• Hitting behind the ball, or low

smash factor at impact.
• Ineffective ball flight pattern.

I’ve noticed many times that
students often feel one thing that
is very different than reality. By
showing students where their foot
pressure is during their swing,
and where it needs to be in order
to improve their ball flight and/
or impact conditions, can make a
dramatic and immediate difference.
This device allows the student
to better understand why they’re
struggling with a certain swing fault
and helps bridge the gap between
reality and perception.

Feel free to contact me with any
questions, or if you are in need of
getting a pressure mapping analysis
of your swing. As always, thank you
very much for your time in reading
this month’s Pro Pointer.

All the best!

23GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

FEATURE PGM TOUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

WGehtesnTtohuegGho…ing
By Shiv Das
In a year-end 2019 interview centred on the PGM Tour, its
founder and guiding light, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, 81,
restated the underlying approach and principles he adheres
to in running it.

24 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

He’s an early riser, waking up around Championship played at Kota Seriemas Golf
& Country Club in December, with the highest
five in the morning for prayers, reading the prize money of RM275,000, open only to PGM
Quran and reciting “optional prayers”, before Tour card holders, concluded without a hitch.
a light breakfast around eight … a roti canai
with kaya, sometimes mee goreng prepared by All in all, the events had been very much in
the wife, (Toh Puan Sagiyah). On occasion, it’s line with the R&A governing body’s rules and
indulgence in nasi lemak with a goreng telur, his regulations, and the requirements of the Asian
favourites. Tour when it came to the Asian Development
Tour events.
He says he’s lost 10kg in weight of late, but
still remains “sprightly”, bolstered, no doubt, by Sponsors, too, had delivered on their
his bi-weekly round of golf. pledges. An eventful year, highlighted by the fact
that Malaysia lost to Indonesia in the annual
“But I don’t look as nice as I used to,” he says Ryder Cup-style PGM-Indonesian Golf Tour
with a hearty laugh, that’s quickly reined in as matchplay event, held in Indonesia this time.
he mentions two “dear friends” he’s lost recently (The event introduced in 2016 has seen a keen
– educationist K. Jegadeva and physician Xavier tussle with shared (2-2) honours thus far.
Anthony, who were his university schoolmates.
The darlings of the calendar, the nine ADT
Then in getting down to the business at events (total prize money RM2.025mil), that
hand, talking about the 2019 PGM Tour season, came with official world golf ranking points,
he says: “The year has passed with precision, as had foreign players providing stiffer opposition,
per schedule of tournaments, barring one that helping raise standards of play. Players were
required a shift in venue.” shooting double-digit under-par scores, the
winners routinely.
Otherwise, everything had gone like
clockwork. The season ending PGM Players’

25GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

FEATURE PGM TOUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

“Undeniably, the PGM Tour Tournament directors and referees players and his staff.
is proving to be the platform for were outsourced and “adequately The Tour had also kept itself out
professional golf in Malaysia,” he compensated” for doing what they
noted. clearly enjoyed. of any controversy that could have a
negative impact on its reputation. The
Remarkably, too, the Ladies Tour, Despite the current economic General Manager and he had made
coupled with 10 PGM events and downturn and some cutting back it a point not to issue statements on
offering prize money of RM350,000 on events following withdrawal of anything they considered frivolous or
in total, was catching on. There were funding, corporate pledges for the trivial.
now 11 participants and winners most part were being maintained. The
shooting low, above or below par Government had also been chipping “Some sponsors may have
scores showed the platform was also in all along. withdrawn because of financial
working for them. constraints, but good memories are
But, it was not just that. The Tour there and they could well come back
Those who qualified through had the services of staff who were when things improve. After all, they
the PGM Qualifying School had passionate about what they were enjoyed tax exemption status for their
to attend seminars on golf rules doing and it had led to an excellent contributions and it’s still there.”
and etiquette, as a prerequisite for relationship with the Asian Tour, he
receiving their Tour card. being its Patron for the past few years. With the Tokyo Olympics just
months away, the inevitable question:
Tun Sarji saw it as “quite The Tour had no payment issues Can there be a repeat of Malaysia’s
stupendous”, the ability of the skeletal with hosting clubs, or breaches of 2016 Games achievement of being
staff in PGM handling all of that. conduct and rules on the part of able to send the full quota of four

26 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

players (two men, two women)? Tan, currently playing on the LPGA for this a company that had already
Success, then, had been Tour, with the possibility. been set up years ago, but lying
dormant, would require revival.
largely due to ADT events and a The close of the 2019 Tour season
UMW sponsored special coaching had signaled the dawning of the 11th It came down to business plans
programme laid on for a dozen year of its existence. and finding joint venture partners.
front-runners having a chance to
qualify. Interest in the game has to be Looking to 2020, Tun Sarji said
stepped up, if the ranks of the fewer tournaments and some cutbacks
This time, no such support was professional players were to be in funding couldn’t be avoided. But
forthcoming, despite attempts made. boosted. the Tour, with its four schedules, were
Having as many ADT events (with there to keep the fire stoked.
their official world golf ranking points The country was not devoid
in the first half of the New Year) was of golf courses, but the number Given his own advancing age,
the only remaining option. of public courses was limited and the imperative of a successor is not
accessibility to cheap golf was not lost on him, but he skirts around
It had come down to just the there. In a country like Scotland, a suggestion that he must surely
ability of the players to put them in anyone wanting to play golf could do have someone in mind and instead
the zone (ranking of 300 and below) so easily. invites suggestions as to who it might
for qualification. So far, it’s only possibly be.
Gavin Green, with, perhaps, Nicholas More golf driving ranges, other
Fung in with a remote chance. than those in clubs, operating also So, for now, it remains academic
as golf academies, were part answer. as the fire continues to burn in him
Among the ladies it was Kelly PGM could provide the coaches and and its business as usual.

27GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

PROS ON TOUR AINIL JOHANI BAKAR

A Journey of

a Lifetime
Touring pro Ainil Johani Bakar soldiers
on in search of further victories.

By Roger Rodrigo Ainil’s best year came in Ainil also plays a few events on the China
2016, where her best finish LPGA Tour. In 2019 she played the
It can be a long, lonely road for came with her runner-up minimum of five tournaments and made
place in the ASGI Ladies cuts in all except one. She also fulfilled
a touring pro, a feeling which runs Open. She finished 29th in the minimum seven events on the Access
deep in the psyche of Malaysia’s lone the Order of Merit then. Series, but did not play enough events (6)
female warrior in Europe. on the LET.
2019 saw her devote
Ainil Johani Abu Bakar, or her efforts to playing on the “I’m playing all these events to get
simply Ainil Bakar, as she’s known Access Series, which is the my world ranking down. I will see what
on tour, is coming to her 10th year developmental feeder circuit for happens and decide later whether I
as a professional golfer and it doesn’t the LET. 2020 will see a change
always get better. in direction, as she will try to play
more on the main tour.
In 2019 Ainil played 12 times on
the Ladies European Tour’s Access “I was playing really well in the
Series (LETAS), making five cuts and beginning of the year. Then slowed,
finishing 63rd in the Order of Merit. got back up again, now slowed down
(again),” said Ainil of her 2019
She made a valiant effort to reach season.
the Top-20 echelon of the Order of
Merit, which would have got her into A lot of her performance hinges
a stronger exemption category for the on how well or badly she drives
2020 LET. the ball. Her dependence on her
favourite club remains high. Keeping
However, a season that blew hot the ball on the fairway is the key to
and cold, and inconsistency with her her game, as she can hit her shots
drives, posed a stumbling block in her to around her average of 240 yards,
attempt to improve her tour ranking which gives her a better than even
and world ranking as well. chance of putting herself in positions
to score more often.
Ranked 772, Ainil aims to move
up to a ranking around the 400 mark, Her back-up club, the 3-wood,
which would give her inroads to the though reliable, may not get her the
bigger tournaments on the LET. distance she needs, requiring her to
Though a tall order, she strives to use longer clubs, but with less control
stay positive. for her approach. “If you can’t put
the ball on the fairway that’s when
“Never say never!” exclaimed you lose a bit of confidence as well,”
a gritty Ainil. “This year (2019) she admitted.
is probably the worst year for me
in Europe. But giving up is not an Besides playing the PGM Tour,
option. I’m going to keep working
and hopefully, play some good golf
next season. And hopefully, I can get
it done!”

28 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020 22

want to go back to qualifying school under harsh conditions, providing a Ainil’s rookie year in 2010 was
(in Portugal) to get my ranking sort of baptism of fire for the then spent in the United States, where
improved,” she related. 27-year-old. she played in a few then Future
Tour events and Sun Coast Tour
The China LPGA Tour, however, “It was the first time I was tournaments.
is not her first choice and while she playing in the cold. It was cold and
has already secured her card for the raining at the same time. I was “I played badly then, missing a
15-tournament 2020 season, she wearing three layers of shirts at the lot of cuts. I found it lonely, having
figures her priority will still remain time,” she recalled. no friends to turn to and having
Europe. to do everything myself, unlike
“Beginning of the week I was my national amateur days when
Her schedule, which hovers not hitting it very well. I was on the everything was done for you,” she
around 30 events a year, may seem range when one of my friends helped related.
hectic for some. However, she does me out with my swing and then I
not return for every PGM Tour event. played the first round two-under-par. Despite the rough-and-tumble
(I was) one shot shy of the leader. introduction, Ainil, who later
“Usually I will skip some (PGM returned to Malaysia in 2011 to play
events) if there are upcoming “In the second round I played the Ladies Asian Golf Tour, wanted
tournaments in Europe in two weeks one-under, so I was three under to go back to the US for another
and stay with another tour player in and the leader was five-under, two attempt, but changed course after
Switzerland,” she said. shots ahead. On the third day, the a suggestion from her father, Abu
wind was blowing 50 mph and the Bakar.
Ainil managed to play all 10 ball was moving, but we still had
events on the PGM Tour in 2019, to play. It was tough playing then,” “He suggested I try Europe. So
topping the Order of Merit with she said. in 2011, with him on the bag, I went
winnings of RM59,500, RM3,500 to the LET Q-school in Morocco
ahead of Michelle Koh. Her best As it turned out, with bogeys on to try for one of the 30 spots. I got
finishes came with victories at the the first and second, she fought back through and played ever since,” she
PGM UMW ADT Championship to record birdies on the sixth and said.
in Johor in March and the PGM seventh holes, for an outward nine of
NORTHPORT Championship even-par. She took a one stroke lead, Like every tour player, Ainil
in Selangor in August. This is her as overnight leader Sarah Schober dreams of playing in a Major. She
second time claiming the title, she of Austria dropped down to three- tried unsuccessfully to make it in
also earned Player of the Year under with bogeys on the fourth and the Women’s British Open and the
honours in 2017. ninth. Evian Masters in 2017.

During the off-season she plans Ainil then took a commanding The 29-year-old has never
to work on improving her fitness, four-shot lead, as Schober bogeyed been one to shy away from a
visiting the gym, working with the the 10th and double-bogeyed the challenge and could well claim her
medicine ball, but without the use of par-3 12th. But it was Ainil who then spot to fame one day. Her goals
heavy weights. struggled over the last five holes, with for 2020 remain as straight as an
bogeys on the 14th and 17th, and a arrow – win tournaments and play
“I also need to work on my double bogey on the 18th. consistently.
putting. I need to feel comfortable
whenever I’m standing over a putt. The Austrian was unable to make With a decade of professional
My putting average is around 32 inroads into Ainil’s lead, recording golf behind her, she remains as
putts per round, which is higher than a birdie on the 15th, followed by one of Malaysia’s best known
the tour average,” she said. bogeys on the 17th and 18th, but ambassadors for golf and has
managed to maintain her second some wise words for the young and
Ainil now relies on her own place by one shot. upcoming female pros.
self examination and tips from her
friends on tour to keep her swing in Her maiden overseas triumph “Enjoy the process. That’s very
sync, long since departing from her came in 2013 at the Kenda Tires important!” she said. “Maybe you
coach Tony Maloney. Taiwan LPGA Championship, where will be successful on the first year,
a seven-under 65 in the second maybe you will not. You just need to
Though she doesn’t dwell on round set her on the road to victory. believe in yourself and keep working
the past, she still remembers her on it! The time will come if you
two victories overseas in Finland “I remember working on my work hard.
and Taiwan, two important stages putting under the guidance of Tony,
in her career that gave her a lot of the week before the tournament. I “And always find a friend! You
confidence. also bought a new putter. The win can get lonely on tour sometimes,
gave me a boost of confidence,” she so having a tour buddy it’s always
Her win in Finland at the 2016 recalled. good!”
EVLI Ladies Finnish Open came

2923 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

P G M T O U R P L A Y E R S E X E M P T I O N S A N D C A T E G O R Y L I S T (As at 20 December 2019)

(Total Players: MEN – 111 - LADIES: 12) 5 Irfan Yusoff 20 10-Oct-15 31-Dec-21
6 Razli Yahya 27 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
CAT Order of Merit Winners 2019 Effective Expiry 7 Periyono Dolsalim 50 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-21
1 OOM 8 M. Musa Fakir – 13-Dec-19 12-Nov-20

1 Shahriffuddin Ariffin 5 1-Jan-18 31-Dec-23

OOM Winner 2017, 2018

2 R. Nachimuthu 6 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-21 CAT 2019 Top 60 OOM Exemptions 2019 Effective Expiry
7 OOM
OOM Winner 2011

3 Danny Chia 12 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-20 1 Wafiyuddin Abd Manaf 16 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

OOM Winner 2015

4 Airil Rizman Zahari 15 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-20 2 Akhmal Tarmizee 18 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

OOM Winner 2014 3 U-Minn Woon 19 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

5 Nicholas Fung – 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-21

OOM Winner ‘12, ‘13 & ‘16 4 M. Fakhrul Akmal 21 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

CAT Winners of Asian Tour / 2019 Effective Expiry 5 Brandon Lau Ka Kin 22 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
2 OneAsia Tour OOM
1 Gavin Kyle Green
– 1-Jan-18 31-Dec-22 6 Kiishaan Tharmalingam 23 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

CAT Multiple Tournament Winners 2019 Effective Expiry 7 Shaifubari Muda 24 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
3 (Same Year) OOM

1 Kim Leun Kwang 1 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-23 8 Kenneth Tobuse 25 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
2 Sukree Othman
3 Khor Kheng Hwai 4 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-22
4 Ben Leong
10 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-21 9 Zurie Harun 26 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

– 1-Jan-17 31-Dec-21

CAT Co-Sanctioned 2019 10 M. Amli Mohiyadeen 28 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
4 Tournament Winners OOM
Effective Expiry 11 Muhammad Danial Faidz 29 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
1 S. Sivachandhran
2 M. Rizal Amin 7 21-Mar-14 31-Dec-20 12 Fadzlan Faruk 30 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
3 Kemarol Baharin 8 7-Dec-14 31-Dec-21
4 Wilson Choo Zhe Ming 11 5-Apr-15 31-Dec-20 13 Farid Rashid 31 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
5 Kenneth De Silva 13 15-Feb-15 31-Dec-20
14 25-Jan-15 31-Dec-20 14 Keegan Kam 32 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

CAT PGM Tour Players’ C’ship & 2019 Effective Expiry 15 Nick Ang Xia Ee 33 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
5 T’ment of Champions Winners OOM
– Refer to CAT 1, CAT 3 & CAT 4 –
16 Chan Soo Keong 34 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

CAT PGM Tournament Winners 2019 Effective Expiry 17 Hui Yong Sherng 35 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
6 OOM 18 Tony Lam Kong Loong
19 Jaydon Pang
1 Amir Nazrin 2 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-21 20 M. Syakir Adli Azmi 36 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

2 Daeng Abdul Rahman 3 26-Apr-17 31-Dec-21 37 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

3 M. Sasidaran 9 25-May-17 31-Dec-20

4 Low Khai Jei 17 30-Aug-15 31-Dec-20 38 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20

30 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

21 Norazlee Idris 39 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 13 Anugerah bin Roslan 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
14 Rozaini Said AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
22 Jonathan Wong 40 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 15 Kenny Tee Sian Yew 11-Apr-20
16 Muhammad Ikhmal Basry 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
23 Mior Asyraf Haziq 41 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 17 Calvin Wong Chin Tong AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
18 Muhammad Azren Noor Azam 11-Apr-20
24 Azlan Fauzy Abd Samat 42 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 19 Ching Wei Chieh 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
20 Safaruddin Abdullah AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
25 S. Murthy 43 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 21 Yusof Affandy Jamaludin AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
22 Hans Jamil 11-Apr-20
26 Kelana Ibrahim 44 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 23 Muhammad Zul Helmi Ramle 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
24 Jamaludin bin Bador AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
27 Henry Ong Hern Li 45 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 2nd LEG 2019-PORT DICKSON
25 Marcus Lim Pang Chuen 12-Apr-19 11-Jul-20
28 Helmie A. Yusof 46 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 26 Syady bin Sheikh Ismail 12-Apr-19 11-Jul-20
27 Justin Chin Lou Young 12-Apr-19 11-Jul-20
29 Zafran Abdullah 47 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 3rd LEG 2019-DANAU
28 Marcus Low Khai Loon AM 12-Jul-19 24-Oct-20
30 Azhar Tahir 48 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 29 Mohd Firdaus Che Mohd Sabri 12-Jul-19 24-Oct-20
30 Lam Yu Shuen 12-Jul-19 24-Oct-20
31 M. Adam Shafiq 49 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 31 Loh Jun-You 24-Oct-20
32 Tan Yih Wei 25-Oct-19 24-Oct-20
32 Zamri Sariff 51 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 33 Tan Yih Heng AM 25-Oct-19 24-Oct-20
34 Muhammad HaziqAemanAbd Ghani 24-Oct-20
33 Mukhtar Alwi 52 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 35 Ahmad Sharul Anuar Shafie 25-Oct-19 24-Oct-20
34th LEG 2019-IMPIAN AM 25-Oct-19
34 Ezmeer Rezzea Merican 53 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 36 Nor Heikal Nor Hadi 12-Nov-20
37 Galven Green 25-Oct-19 12-Nov-20
35 Maveen Kumar 54 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 38 Alex Tiong AM 25-Oct-19 12-Nov-20
39 Sheikh Abdul Razak AM 25-Oct-19 12-Nov-20
36 M. Muhazim Bakhtiar 55 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 40 Nor Harith Nor Hadi AM 25-Oct-19 12-Nov-20
41 Nazri Zain 12-Nov-20
37 Ricky Yeow 56 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 42 M. Ramayah AM 13-Nov-19 12-Nov-20
43 Chin Jun Nian AM 13-Nov-19 12-Nov-20
38 M. Talha Lokman 57 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 44 Shahizul Ahmad 12-Nov-20
13-Nov-19
39 Johnny Tan 58 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 AM 13-Nov-19
AM 13-Nov-19
40 Iszaimi Ismail 59 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20
13-Nov-19
41 Diddy Ibnu 60 1-Jan-19 31-Dec-20 13-Nov-19
Effective Expiry 13-Nov-19
CAT Amateur Wins in 2019/Top 60 OOM – 13-Nov-19
8 – Effective Expiry
– 9-Feb-18 8-Feb-20
– None – 20-Jul-18 06-Jul-20
12-Apr-19 30-Nov-20
CAT Tour Card Holders in 2019 OOM Effective
9 Expiry

1 Calvin Say

2 Paul San

3 Syahiran Syakir Sobri

CAT Tour Card Holders from
10 PGM Development Q-School Circuit

1st LEG 2019-PORT DICKSON CAT Ladies 2019 Effective Expiry
1 Izzat Safuan 11 OOM 31-Dec-23
2 Muhammad Afif Razif 31-Dec-21
3 Chong Chee Ming 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 1 Ainil Johani Bakar 1 1-Jan-20 31-Dec-21
4 Kuhanesh A/L Ganesan 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 31-Dec-21
5 Paramaswaran A/L Perumal 11-Apr-20 2 Michelle Koh 2 1-Jan-20 31-Dec-23
6 Alif Fitri Saidin 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 31-Dec-23
7 Mohd Rizam bin Ali AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 3 Aretha Pan 3 1-Jan-20 31-Dec-20
8 Mohd. Aidil Muafa Mustaffa 11-Apr-20 31-Dec-21
9 Muhammad Azmer Merzam 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 4 Dianne Luke 4 1-Jan-20 31-Dec-23
10 Nuralif Mohd Zahari 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 31-Dec-20
11 Shawn Liew Hoa Yan 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 5 Genevieve Ling 5 1-Jan-20 31-Dec-20
12 Mohamed Izzad Ibrahim AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 19-Jul-20
12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20 6 Kelly Tan Guat Chen 6 1-Jan-20
AM 12-Apr-19 11-Apr-20
12-Apr-19 7 Noraishah Alisa Che Omar 7 1-Jan-20
AM 12-Apr-19
8 Norezrina Alisa Che Omar 8 1-Jan-20

9 Nur Durriyah Damian 9 1-Jan-20

10 Norshahirah Alisa Che Omar 10 1-Jan-20

11 Qistina Balqis Azhar 11 1-Jan-20

12 Loy Hee Ying AM 20-Jul-19

31GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

ADVERTORIAL 100 YEARS OF TITONI

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32 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

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33GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR UPDATES

The RSM Classic

Titleist T-Series Irons – Powered by Max ImpactSea Island Resort (Seaside) Sea Island, GA
November 21-24
Prize Money: US$6.6 million
Winner’s Purse: US$1,188,000 • FedExCup Points: 500

Underdog Duncan Claims Breakthrough Win

Streeter Lecka-Getty Images

Tyler Duncan earned his In the playoff, both parred the victory, despite starting the day with
breakthrough Tour win when he birdied opening hole, before Duncan birdied the a two-shot lead. Not since Dustin
the second extra hole, the par-4 18th, 18th the second time through. Johnson in 2017 had anyone won three
against the highest ranked player in the straight starts on the PGA TOUR,
field, Webb Simpson. Sebastian Muñoz ended the while not since Tiger Woods in 2006
tournament just out of the playoff, a had anyone claimed three successive
A playoff ensued after Duncan stroke adrift, following his two-under tournaments on the Tour schedule.
and Simpson finished level pegged 68.
at 19-under 263 through 72 holes in Final Leaderboard 67-61-70-65
regulation. Brendon Todd was looking for a 263 Tyler Duncan 65-68-63-67
hat-trick, but he blew up with a two- 263 Webb Simpson 67-63-66-68
Duncan had finished with a flurry, over 72 to finish outright fourth at 16- 264 Sebastian Muñoz 66-66-62-72
birdieing three of the final four holes, under 266. Todd, coming off wins at 266 Brendon Todd
including his remaining two, for a five- the inaugural Bermuda Championship (Won on second playoff hole)
under-par 65, while Simpson carded a and Mayakoba Golf Classic – was
final-round 67. unable to secure his third consecutive

34 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Hero World Challenge
Albany, New Providence, BAH
December 4-7
Prize Money: US$3.5 million
Winner’s Purse: US$1,000,000

Stenson Reigns as Hero Champion

For his first win in two-years, Henrik Rob Carr/Getty Images
Stenson pipped Jon Rahm by a stroke,
when he finished on 18-under 270 Andrew Redington-Getty Images
after a final round 66. He began the
tournament on a special invite and left Final Leaderboard 69-67-68-66
holding the trophy, his first since the 270 Henrik Stenson 70-66-69-66
2017 Wyndham Championship. 271 Jon Rahm 66-66-74-66
272 Patrick Reed 72-66-67-69
He started the final round a shot 274 Tiger Woods
off the lead, but he quickly overtook
Gary Woodland early on and moved
into contention, on a day when six
players held at least a share of the lead,
including the tournament host, Woods.

Stenson racked up five birdies in his
first 13 holes, but still trailed defending
champion, Rahm, until he made the shot
of the tournament for an eagle on the
15th that turned tide in his favour.

Rahm had no intention of
relinquishing the trophy easily, carding a
bogey-free 66 that was highlighted by a
stretch from 14-16, where he made two
birdies and an eagle to briefly take sole
possession of the lead. He was looking
to win his third straight worldwide
start, but instead he came up one short
behind Stenson.

QBE Shootout Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Florida
December 13-15 Rory Sabbatini Kevin Tway 58-67-60
Prize Money: US$3.5 million 57-68-62
Winner’s Purse: US$435,000 Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell, Final Leaderboard 55-70-63
one behind overnight, finished the final -31 Sabbatini /Tway 59-66-63
Sabbatini and round four adrift on 27-under after a 63. -29 Poston/Kokrak 61-65-63
Tway Rule the Day -28 Varner III/Palmer
Lexi Thompson and Sean O’Hair -28 Todd/Horschel
Rory Sabbatini and Kevin Tway finished at eight-under, to be last of the -27 McDowell/Poulter
teamed up to capture the QBE Shootout 12 teams.
pairs event by two shots.

Five teams were tied going into the
last round’s Better-Ball format, but
Tway and Sabbatini triumphed with a
12-under 60 for a 31-under total.

Sabbatini, who has previously
finished runner-up twice, was in fine
form with the putter and calmly sank
an eight-footer at the last for his team’s
11th birdie of the day, in addition to an
eagle at the 14th.

Jason Kokrak and J.T. Poston were
second after a 62.

Brendon Todd-Billy Horschel and
Harold Varner III-Ryan Palmer tied for
third at 28-under after 63s.

35GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR UPDATES

PNC Father Son Championship
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando,
Florida • December 5-8
Prize Money: US$1.085 million
Winner’s Purse: US$200,000

Second Win for Team Langer

Team Langer, Bernhard and his It all came down to Team Langer’s
son Jason, claimed their second PNC final putt, as they had a chance to make
Father Son Challenge in five years eagle and win the tournament. It was
after overcoming a two shot deficit at Jason who stepped up and nailed the
the halfway point and win on the first winner, dropping the ball into the middle
playoff hole. It was the fifth playoff in of the hole for victory and the Will Park
the tournament’s history and the first Trophy.
since 2015.
Langer is now solo second in the all-
Team Goosen were the overnight time list of tournament winners behind
leaders after a stunning round of 58, but Raymond Floyd (5).
the Langers caught them and passed
them in a three team playoff. Final Leaderboard 60-60
24-under Team Langer 61-59
Coming up to the 18th, Team Lehman 24-under Team Lehman 58-62
looked strong after posting a 24-under 24-under Team Goosen 60-63
score. The last group, the Goosens and 21-under Team Duval
the Langer’s, both made birdie putts to (Won on first playoff hole) Bernhard and Jason Langer
take the event into the playoff.

DP World Tour Championship, Dubai
Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE
November 21-24
Prize Money: US$8 million
Winner’s Purse: €2,712,722.67

Rahm Makes a it a Andrew Redington-Getty Images
Clean Sweep

Jon Rahm topped the leaderboard at No. 1, finishing third after both Rahm Final Leaderboard 66-69-66-68
the DP World Tour Championship Dubai, and Fleetwood passed him. 269 Jon Rahm 67-68-70-65
picking up his fourth Rolex Series title 270 Tommy Fleetwood 63-69-69-70
and the season finale with a one-shot win Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre won 271 Mie Lorenzo-Vera 64-74-65-73
over Tommy Fleetwood. the European Tour’s Rookie of the Year 276 Rory McIlroy 69-72-67-69
award, cementing his status as an up- 277 Danny Willett
Rahm made a birdie 4 on the 72nd and-coming player with a great season.
hole, making the final putt on the par-5 to
card a round of 68 and finish on 19-under
269. Fleetwood finished with a 65 for
second.

Mike Lorenzo-Vera finished solo third
on 17-under, after shooting a final-round
70. Rory McIlroy was one-over with 73
in the final round to slip into solo fourth
on 276.

This was the final event of the
season’s Race to Dubai points race.
Rahm picked up 2,000 points for the
win, which was enough to bypass
Bernd Wiesberger and move to the
top of the Race to Dubai for the first
time. This added US$2 million to his
first place winner’s cheque for the
DP.

The Top-5 players in the standings
were paid from the Race to Dubai bonus
pool. Wiesberger started the week at

36 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Alfred Dunhill Championship
Leopard Creek Country Club,
South Africa • November 28-1 Dec
Prize Money: €1.5 million
Winner’s Purse: €237,750.00

Larrazabal Struggles to Fifth Tour Victory

Pablo Larrazabal started the Sjoholm’s final-round 69 almost saw
new season with victory at the Alfred him capture his first Tour victory.
Dunhill Championship. He started the
day with a three-shot overnight lead, There was a three-way tie for third on
that he promptly lost, and then made 282, between Wil Bessling (74), Branden
three birdies on his last four holes for a Grace (73) and Charl Schwartezel (7),
dramatic one-stroke victory. who just returned to action after eight
months off due to a wrist injury.
He birdied the par-5 18th to finish at
eight-under 280, just one ahead of Joel Besseling led, or held a share of the
Sjoholm. lead, through much of the final round, but
he made bogey on the last, which opened
Larrazabal struggled throughout the way for Larrazabal to win it on the
the final round with blisters on his feet, last. He laid up with his second and then
falling three shots behind at one point. fired his third shot in close to tap in for
His final round 75 comprised six bogeys birdie and the win.
and a double bogey, but he rallied to
clinch his fifth European Tour title and Final Leaderboard 66-69-70-75
first in four years. His victory at Leopard 280 Pablo Larrazabal 70-74-68-69
Creek Country Club came at the event 281 Joel Sjoholm 65-73-70-74
where he started his professional career 282 Wil Besseling 68-70-71-73
12 years ago. 282 Branden Grace 70-72-70-70
282 Charl Schwartzel

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open
Heritage Golf Club, Heritage Bel Ombre, Mauritius
December 5-8
Prize Money: €1 million • Winner’s Purse: €158,500.00

Youth Triumphs in Mauritius, as Højgaard Wins Three-way,
Three-hole Playoff

Eighteen-year-old Rasmus Højgaard Hebret (66), all on 270. Final Leaderboard 66-69-66-68
from Denmark made a huge splash when China’s Wu Ashun and India’s Jyoti 269 Rasmus Højgaard 69-67-66-67
he sunk an eagle on the third playoff hole 269 Renato Paratore 67-67-66-69
for his first Tour title. Randhawa flew the Asian flag when 269 Antoine Rozner
they finished in a share of 13th and 17th (Won on third playoff hole)
The teenager was fresh from respectively.
securing his European Tour card
at Qualifying School and was only
appearing in his fifth tournament before
chalking up his breakthrough win.

He made a crucial birdie on the 72nd
hole to force his way into the three-way
playoff with Renato Paratore (67) and
Antoine Rozner (69), after closing with
a four-under-par 68 and 19-under-par
269 total.

On the first trip back up the par-5
18th, Højgaard missed a 12-foot eagle
putt for the title. Paratore bowed out
after hitting his ball into the water and
the fight was between Højgaard and
Rozner for top honours. Both made
birdies on their second playoff hole,
before Hojgaard’s eagle earned him the
title the third time around.

There was a four-way tie for fourth,
with Louis De Jager (64), Thomas Detry
(70), Grant Forrest (66) and Benjamin

37GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR UPDATES

CME Group Tour Championship
Tiburon Golf Club, Florida
November 21-24
Prize Money: US$5 million
Winner’s Purse: US$1.5 million • Race to the CME Globe Points: 3,500

Sei-Young Shines
Bright at Season’s End

Kim Sei-Young held her nerve and Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
sank a 25-foot birdie on the final hole to
win US$1.5 million, the richest prize in with Nelly Korda. Final Leaderboard 65-67-68-70
the history of women’s golf. Korda, who had a chance to get to 270 Kim Sei-Young 72-67-66-66
271 Charley Hull 69-70-68-65
She closed with a two-under 70 for No. 2 in the world with a victory, tied for 272 Danielle Kang 67-68-66-71
an 18-under 270 total for a wire-to wire the lead with a birdie on the fourth hole. 272 Nelly Korda 68-67-71-67
victory that marked her third of the year But she fell back before birding the last 273 Brook Henderson
and career 10th. She finished second for a 71 to tie for third with Kang. Brooke
on the LPGA money list behind Ko Henderson shot 67 and finished alone
Jin-Young, who tied for 11th, won LPGA in fifth.
player of the year, the money title and
the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring
average, having won four times this year,
including two Majors.

Kim beat Charley Hull, who birdied
the last three holes for a 66, the last one a
12-footer that put her in a tie for the lead.
Kim, who missed three straight birdie
chances from 12 feet, showed no nerves
when it came to the winning money putt,
she hit it with perfect pace and it broke
sharply to the right before dropping.

Danielle Kang pressured Kim and
then Hull down the home stretch. Kang
made five birdies on the front nine, sank
a 30-foot eagle putt on the 17th and
closed with a 65 to share third on 272

Magical Kenya Ladies Open
Vipingo Ridge, Kenya
December 5-8 • Prize Money: €300,000
Winner’s Purse: €45,000

Van Dam Retains Spanish Open Title

Anne Van Dam successfully shot for eagle on the 9th hole. Although
defended her title in the Spanish Open, she double bogeyed the short 13th to
to collect her fifth Ladies European Tour drop into a share of the lead with Van
victory. Dam, she birdied the 16th to regain the
advantage.
Van Dam was three strokes behind
Nanna Koerstz Madsen after the third Azahara Muñoz, who won the title in
round and was still one behind coming 2016 and 2017, tied for fourth (71) with
to the 18th tee. However, Madsen Olivia Cowan (72) and Julia Engstrom
carded double bogey, while Van Dam (75), while Cheyenne Woods, Christina
rolled in a two-foot putt for par to seal Kim and Marianne Skarpnord shared
the victory at 13-under 275, her second seventh.
of the season, following her earlier win
at the ActewAGL Canberra Classic. Final Leaderboard
275 Anne Van Dam 68-69-68-70
Madsen finished with a round of 74 276 Aditi Ashok 70-67-69-70
in a tie for second with Aditi Ashok (70) 276 Nanna Koerstz Madsen 71-66-65-74
on 12-under 276. 279 Azahara Muñoz 71-70-67-71
279 Olivia Cowan 65-73-69-72
She had taken a two-stroke lead into 279 Julia Engstrom 69-71-64-75
the back nine after holing her second

38 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Magical Kenya Ladies Open
Vipingo Ridge, Kenya
December 5-8 • Prize Money: €300,000
Winner’s Purse: €45,000

Henseleit Bags Tournament and
Order of Merit Honours

Esther Henseleit produced a course 274, one better than Aditi Ashok,
record eight-under-par 64 to win the who shot 65. Overnight leader Julia
inaugural Magical Kenya Ladies Open Engström finished third after a round
by one shot and clinch the Ladies of 74.
European Tour Order of Merit title.
Henseleit started the day seven
In her first year as a professional, strokes behind Engström, but quickly
she became only the third player in the made a charge with birdies on the 1st,
41-year history of the Ladies European 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th to get within two
Tour to capture the Order of Merit and at the turn. She managed to move
Rookie of the Year titles in the same three strokes clear at one point, but
season, following Dame Laura Davies in saw her lead cut to one as Ashok
1985 and Carlota Ciganda, in 2012. birdied the 16th and 18th. Henseleit
ended with three pars for the win.
The victory saw her bypass
Marianne Skarpnord as the European Final Leaderboard 69-70-71-64
No. 1 and become the first German 274 Esther Henseleit 73-70-67-65
player to win either the Order of Merit 275 Aditi Ashok 67-66-70-74
or Rookie of the Year titles. 277 Julia Engström 70-70-74-68
282 Cheyenne Woods
Henseleit posted eight birdies to
post a winning total of 14-under-par,

BNI Indonesian Open
Royal Jakarta Golf Club, Indonesia
December 12-15
Prize Money: US$750,000 • Winner’s Purse: US$135,000

Jazz Earns Masters Poom Saksansin to triumph in the event, Final Leaderboard 68-70-62-65
Berth with Latest which forms the third leg of the 2019/20 265 Jazz Janewattananond 68-65-68-69
Victory Panasonic Swing. 270 Gunn Charoenkul 73-65-68-65
271 Kim Tae-Woo 66-65-74-66
Jazz Janewattananond made his Gunn posted a 69 to finish second, 271 Josh Younger
remarkable season even more memorable while Kim Tae-Woo and Josh Younger
when he secured his fifth Asian Tour carded respective rounds of 65 and 66 to
victory and a third one this season. share third on 271.

Jazz, who already locked down the
2019 Asian Tour Order of Merit crown
the week prior, signed for a closing
seven-under-par 65 and a four-day 23-
under 265 total to win by five shots over
countryman Gunn Charoenkul.

With 20 Official World Golf Ranking
points on offer at the tournament, Jazz
is set to break into the world’s Top-
50 following this victory and secure a
coveted berth at The Masters in April and
at the World Golf Championships-FedEx
St. Jude Invitational.

Starting the day with a one-shot lead,
he reeled off five straight pars before
sinking three birdies to turn in 33. He then
pulled four shots clear after a second
straight eagle on the 574-yard, par-5,
12th hole.

He closed out with three birdies
against one bogey in his closing five holes
to become the second Thai following

39GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR SCENE

The Malaysian Open

… back with renewed vigour and a new template

By Shiv Das

Officials at the Malaysian Open Press Conference on December 16. (Third from left) Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, Tang Meng Loon,
Director, Club Operations, Township and Property Management, Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, MGA President, Zulkifly Said, Tourism Malaysia Deputy
Director General and Arep Kulal, CEO, Winning Matters.

For Pride, Passion and after Maybank, the previous title Tan Sri Anwar sidetracked a little
Prominence – a tagline that says it all sponsor, last hosted the event in when he congratulated the country’s
for the Malaysian Open golf tourney 2015 and went on to have its own ladies team, comprising Natasha
making its comeback after four years Maybank Championship. Andrea Oon, Ashley Lau and Alyaa
in hibernation. Abdul Ghani, for winning a silver
The Malaysian Open, as MGA’s medal (team) at the recent SEA
And in making this most welcome flagship event all along, will now be Games in Manila.
announcement, Malaysian Golf held this coming March 5-8, at Kota
Association President Admiral (Rtd.) Permai Golf & Country Club, which In the Men’s category, the
Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor last hosted it in 2008 and, as such, country’s leading amateur Ervin
had something more to be pleased is seen to be well positioned to do it Chang missed a medal, coming
about. The Yang DiPertuan Agong, again. fourth. They were among those doing
DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Al- their college studies and playing golf
Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- Prize money is US$1mil. (about in the United States and Australia
Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhrum RM4.2mil.), with the winner and it was making a difference.
Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al- pocketing US$180,000 (about
Musta’in Billah has consented to be RM750,000). The event is sanctioned Locally, MGA had links with
the association’s Royal Patron. by the Asian Tour in partnership University Utara, (in Sintok, Kedah,
with Japan Golf Tour Organisation with branch campus in Kuala
It’s a singular honour and His (JGTO), thus bringing in leading Lumpur) and its National Golf
Majesty, as a sports enthusiast Asian and Japanese stars for the Academy, set up in 2010 as a centre
himself, is bound to “ignite, reaffirm action. for programmes to develop golfers
and reinforce MGA’s objectives to and industry players and having
develop and promote golf in the The really good news is that ties with international bodies and
country”, said Tan Sri Anwar. Malaysian players will have 40 universities in the US, Korea, Japan
slots (for 30 pros and 10 leading and Thailand.
He was clearly happy to get the amateurs), when previously it was
proverbial monkey off his back, just 22, in the 156-full field line-up, a Asian Tour’s Commissioner and
having the national Open reinstated playing opportunity not to be missed. CEO, Cho Minn Thant, thanked the

40 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

MGA for the return of the event that world’s Top-50 (45, as of December), leading up to it.”
represented “a massive boost for the thus gaining entry to all the Majors. His aim was to give the event
Tour” and become a significant part
of its 2020 season. Tournaments such as the a world-class touch. He was to say
Malaysian Open would bring Asian later in a Q&A with media reps, that
“The Malaysian Open (that talent to the fore, said Cho and the he was grateful that both the MGA
began in 1962) has been arguably MGA, with its amateur development and the Asian Tour were willing to
the most prestigious and long- programme, would help produce the give him a shot at proving himself, as
standing professional golf event game’s future stars. generally the preference had been for
in Asia in its time.” (Which saw tried and tested promoters.
prize money peak at US$3mil, after Host club’s Tang Meng Loong,
Maybank took over as title sponsor Director Club Operations, Township In 2020 the event would have the
from 2006-2015). and Property Management, drew added pull of Visit Malaysia Year.
attention to the fact that KPGCC “We aim to go all out to attract golf
As the official sanctioning body had grown by leaps and bounds since tourists and enthusiasts,” he added.
for pro golf in Asia, the Tour is the the event was last held (2008).
only recognised pan-Asian entity The Seagram Cup, (the winner
providing world ranking points that “We are more than ready to will have his name engraved on
enable the region’s players to qualify welcome the event and join forces it), made a grand entrance and
to play on the bigger European and with all parties concerned and put on was displayed on stage for photo
American PGA Tours. a great show,” he said. opportunities.

This year, Thai player Jazz There’s always room for A taste of next year’s Visit
Janewattananond, who has won something new and in this case Malaysia was showcased by ushers
three times, most recently in Jakarta, it’s promoter, Winning Matters dressed in finery of multi-racial
at the Indonesian Masters, is Asia’s (it certainly does). Its CEO, Arep Malaysia and a gamelan orchestra
No. 1. He started on the Asian Tour Kulal, said he was delighted to playing lilting background music.
when he was 14 and worked his way play a role in the country’s “most
up the ranks and is now among the storied” event and “we are planning The stage is being set to welcome
exciting activities in the week back the country’s national golf
Open.

41GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR SCENE

Six Book Tickets to
Maybank Championship
via PGM Maybank ADT

The winner and five regional stars
from the PGM Maybank ADT
Championship score qualifying slots
at 2020 Maybank Championship.

Six golden tickets were handed Tour (ADT), served as the qualifying Nirun Sae-Ueng of Thailand celebrating his win
out at the conclusion of the PGM event for the ASEAN category for the at the PGM Maybank ADT Championship.
Maybank ADT Championship, lucrative Maybank Championship.
played at Saujana Golf & Country The deserving players were offered
Club, to some of the region’s coveted places at the Asian Tour
leading golfers, who have received and European Tour co-sanctioned
entry to the 2020 Maybank tournament, after finishing as the
Championship. Top-5 ASEAN players, as well as the
winner at the 2019 PGM Maybank
This year marked the first time ADT Championship.
that the PGM Maybank ADT
Championship, co-sanctioned by The six places were given to the
the Professional Golf of Malaysia winner of the tournament, Thailand’s
(PGM) and the Asian Development Nirun Sae-Ueng, and five players

PGM Maybank ADT Championship Prize Presentation. (l-r) Ken Kudo, Asian Tour Associate Director for Partnerships; S.A. Nathan, General Manager, Saujana
Golf & Country Club, M. Ramayah, PGM Director; Nik Mustapha Nik Mohamed, PGM General Manager; Tun Ahmad Sarji, PGM Chairman; Nurin Sae-Ueng;
Genevieve Ling; Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, Group President & Chief Executive Officer of Maybank; Fahmy Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Global
Marketing and Chew Fook Kiong, Tournament Director.

42 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

from the ASEAN region; namely, for the players to take their game to a and in particular Malaysia.
Atiruj Winaicharoenchai and Suttijet new level, whilst giving them a chance “I would like to thank Maybank
Kooratanapisan from Thailand, to pit their skills against some of the
Singaporeans Choo Tze Huang world’s best. for their unwavering support in
and Quincy Quek, and Indonesia’s growing the game of golf in the
George Gandranata. “We want to make the ASEAN region – not only this season, but
dream a reality, both on and off the over the years,” he said. “The
“I didn’t expect to win, but I fairways,” said Datuk Abdul Farid ADT itself has proven to be a great
am very happy that I did,” said the Alias, Group President and CEO of platform for budding golfers to hone
24-year-old Nirun, who also won Maybank. their skills and work their way onto
the PGM Sabah ADT Masters in the Asian Tour proper, and now the
2017. “I came here with one mission “By reserving spots for the five Maybank Championship, which is
– to qualify for the 2020 Maybank ASEAN players at the upcoming co-sanctioned with the European
Championship, so to get that and Maybank Championship, we not only Tour.
finish on top today was amazing. It recognise deserving talent, but also
has always been a dream of mine to encourage a thriving and competitive “The PGM Maybank ADT
play at the Maybank Championship.” ASEAN golfing landscape that will Championship is a great occasion
grow into a global stage. Together for ASEAN players and all the other
With a US$3 million purse, the with support from the Tours, we hope ADT hopefuls to try and compete in
Maybank Championship is now to nurture a league of champions for the Maybank Championship, which is
the biggest and most lucrative golf this generation and those to come. one of the most celebrated events on
tournament in ASEAN, whose past the Asian Tour,” added Cho.
winners include Australians Marcus “We also want to recognise the
Fraser (2016) and Scott Hend (2019), winner of the PGM Maybank ADT He said that players who
Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti (2017) Championship and provide him the had previously competed in the
and Asian Tour Order of Merit platform to accelerate to the next level Maybank Championship under
champion Shubhankar Sharma in his career,” added Datuk Abdul the ASEAN umbrella proved to be
(2018). Farid. no pushovers. Indeed, Angelo Que
of the Philippines and Indonesia’s
The ASEAN category, introduced Asian Tour Commissioner Danny Masrin did a good job to
in 2017 as part of Maybank’s and Chief Executive Officer impress in the 2019 tournament,
initiatives and efforts to elevate Cho Minn Thant applauded where they finished T25th and T36th
regional talent, provides a platform Maybank’s continued support of the respectively.
development of golf in the region,

ASEAN Qualifiers for the upcoming Maybank Championship.

43GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR SCENE

Park Sung-Hyun Set to Defend HSBC
Women’s World Championship Title

‘Asia’s Major’ returns to Sentosa with the World
Number 2 confirmed to defend her title.

Park Sung-Hyun with the HSBC Women's World Championship Trophy. it always feels like one of the
Majors because of the calibre of
Defending Champion and The 26-year-old trailblazer competition. I was lucky to have
World No. 2, Park Sung-Hyun announced her arrival on the a lot of support out on course,
has confirmed she will compete LPGA Tour back in 2017 and has so I’m looking forward to seeing
at the HSBC Women’s World been turning heads ever since. In the fans and getting back out next
Championship when it returns her rookie year, Park made the cut February.”
to the New Tanjong Course at in all 23 events she competed in
Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore from and became a Rolex First-Time Looking ahead to the 2020
February 27 to March 1, 2020. Winner at the U.S. Women’s Open. tournament, Tony Cripps, CEO,
Her phenomenal start to life as an HSBC Singapore, commented:
During the course of her three LPGA player saw her take home “We are thrilled that Park Sung-
years on the LPGA circuit, the both the Rookie of the Year and Hyun will defend her title with us
supremely talented 26-year-old has Player of the Year awards in the at the 2020 edition of the HSBC
secured seven LPGA titles including same year – a feat last achieved Women’s World Championship.
two Majors, namely the 2017 by Nancy Lopez in 1978. She also She is a special talent and a
U.S. Women’s Open and the 2018 became the fastest player in LPGA wonderful ambassador for the
Women’s PGA Championship. history to reach US$2 million in game. As a business we believe
career earnings in just 19 starts, at that when people come together
Her win at the 2019 HSBC seven months and 13 days. incredible things can happen.
Women’s World Championship, Hosting this tournament in
where she shot the lowest round Park said: “I’m excited to return one of HSBC’s most important
of the tournament with an eight- to Singapore next year to defend international hubs showcases our
under-par final round to claim a my title at the HSBC Women’s firm commitment to Singapore
two-shot victory over Lee Min-Jee, World Championship. It was an and women in sport. We are truly
re-established Park at the top of the exhilarating final day this year and proud of our role in bringing
Rolex World Rankings. Following I managed to put in a strong final world class golf to Singapore. The
victory in Singapore, she went round to take the championship. event has become an unmissable
on to clinch the Walmart NW fixture on Singapore’s sporting and
Arkansas Championship presented “The HSBC Women’s World social calendars, inspiring all who
by P&G in June and achieved seven Championship is one of my attend.
Top-10 finishes in 2019. favourite events on the Tour and
Sung Hyun has remarkable
support everywhere she goes,
including here in Singapore, and
we look forward to welcoming her
and her loyal fans back to Sentosa,
as she aims to become the first
player to successfully defend her
title. Such an early announcement
to confirm one of the world’s best
players is yet again testament to the
strength of ‘Asia’s Major’.”

Besides the stellar action on
the course, spectators can look
forward to four days of unmissable,
off-course entertainment,
underpinning the tournament’s
standing as one of the most fun
events on the LPGA schedule.

44 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Three Qualify for 49TH OPEN,
at The Emirates Australian Open

Matt Jones, Aaron Pike and World Jones was in control throughout claimed the other qualifying spots for
Number 1 amateur, Takumi Kanaya, the final round, never relinquishing Royal St George’s after finishing tied
secured their places in The 149th his lead, with a two-under-par 69 for third on nine-under-par 275.
Open after qualifying at the Emirates enough to see his name engraved
Australian Open. on the Stonehaven Cup as the 2019 Following birdies on the 14th and
champion. 15th holes, Pike became acutely aware
The 104th playing of Australia’s of the opportunity on offer. A further
national championship took place at This becomes the third time that birdie on the par-4 17th saw him
The Australian Golf Club in Sydney Jones has earned a place in The record a final round two-under 69. He
and was the first event in The Open Open via The Open Qualifying will now make his debut in The Open
Qualifying Series, which gives golfers Series – he qualified for The 145th when he joins the world’s best golfers
around the world opportunities to Open at Royal Troon after winning at Royal St George’s in July.
book their place at Royal St George’s the 2015 Australian Open, qualifying
from July 12-19, 2020. again for The 147th Open at The final round proved a
Carnoustie after finishing runner- challenge for Kanaya, who found
Playing his home course, Matt up at the 2017 Australian Open. himself two-over par at the turn.
Jones recorded a one-shot victory on The Australian Golf Club being the Fighting back with a birdie at the
a 15-under-par total of 269 to secure qualification venue each time. par-3 11th , it took until the 72nd
his second Australian Open title, after hole and a six foot birdie putt for the
he also won at The Australian Golf A final round of five-under-par 21-year-old to secure his place in The
Club in 2015. 66, highlighted by an eagle at the Open.
18th, from South African Louis
The Australian took control of Oosthuizen saw the 2010 Champion This will be the second Open
the top of the leaderboard during Golfer of the Year finish runner-up appearance for Kanaya, who made
the second round with a blistering with a 14-under-par total of 270. his debut at The 148th Open
six-under-par 65, followed by a third at Royal Portrush after winning
round three-under-par 68 to start the With Oosthuizen already exempt the 2018 Asia-Pacific Amateur
final round with a three-shot lead. for the 149th Open, Pike and Kanaya Championship.

45GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOUR SCENE

Hong Kong Open Slated for
Early January 2020

Organisers of the Hong Kong Luke Walker-Getty Images
Open have confirmed that the 61st
edition will take place at Hong Aaron Rai of England poses with the Honma Hong Kong Open trophy.
Kong Golf Club from January 9-12,
2020. fans from Hong Kong and overseas. field with players eager to get their
We look forward to welcoming seasons off to a fast start.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and everybody to the Club.”
the Hong Kong Golf Association, “Hong Kong Golf Club has
the 120-player field will once again Kenneth Lam, President of always been one of the favourite
include a number of top international the Hong Kong Golf Association, stops on the Asian Tour, so the
golfers who will compete for Official added: “The decision to proceed postponement was received
Golf World Ranking points and with the 61st edition of the Hong with mixed emotions from our
a US$ 1 million prize purse. The Kong Open in the early new year membership. We look forward to
European Tour will underlines the commitment of competing again on the storied
continue to stage the the Hong Kong Golf Association fairways of Hong Kong Golf Club in
tournament, which and Hong Kong Golf Club to the cool conditions in January and expect
is Hong Kong’s ongoing development and promotion a highly competitive tournament
longest standing of the game in Hong Kong and as always, which will set the stage
professional sporting the region. We look forward to for what is going to be yet another
event and which will be televised to welcoming the international golf exciting 2020 season.”
a global audience. community back to Hong Kong in
January and to showcasing the depth Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of
Spectators attending the of homegrown talent competing in the European Tour, said: “While we
tournament, which had originally the tournament.” are unable to sanction this edition of
been scheduled to take place at the the Hong Kong Open due to other
end of November, will continue to Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner tournament commitments, we are
enjoy free access to Hong Kong Golf and Chief Executive Officer of the delighted to retain an integral role in
Club on Thursday and Friday, with Asian Tour said: “We are pleased staging one of Hong Kong’s best-
under-21s benefiting from free entry to announce the 61st Hong Kong loved sporting events and we very
throughout the week. Open will now be the curtain raiser much look forward to returning next
for our 2020 season. As our season November when the 62nd Hong
With the tournament set-up opening event, there will be an Kong Open will kick off our 2021
unchanged, event-goers will once undoubtedly strong Asian Tour European Tour season.”
again be able to enjoy four days of
world-class action on the historic
Composite Course at Fanling as well
as a host of fun and family-friendly
activities for fans of all ages in the
Spectator Village.

William Doo, Jr., Captain of
Hong Kong Golf Club, said: “After
the disappointing postponement of
the championship, we’re delighted
to be able to confirm that the 61st
Hong Kong Open will be played in
January. The early-year date helps
ensure the participation of a number
of leading international players, while
the Composite Course remains in
optimal condition.

“We’d like to thank the Asian
Tour, the Hong Kong Golf
Association, the Hong Kong Tourism
Board, the European Tour and all the
tournament sponsors and the many

46 GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

Thongchai Fully Exempt on
PGA TOUR Champions

Thongchai Jaidee shot a brilliant eagles on the 9th and 17th holes in Karlsson was selected by Padraig
final round nine-under 62 to earn his final 18 holes. He had carded Harrington to be a vice captain at the
full exempt status for the 2020 PGA earlier scores of 67, 71 and 68. 2020 Ryder Cup.
TOUR Champions, after he finished
second in the Qualifying Tournament Shane Bertsch made a six-foot Thongchai, the leading career
Final Stage. par putt on the 18th hole to complete money earner on the Asian Tour,
a final-round 65 and pip Thongchai won the First Stage in California by
The three-time Asian Tour No. by one stroke, with a 17-under total. three shots with a four-day score of
1 and eight-time European Tour Apart from Bertsch and Thongchai, 13-under. He turned in rounds of
winner entered the last day outside the next three players on the 61-73-71-66, making eight birdies
the Top-5, which rewards players leaderboard were Sweden’s Robert and an eagle to turn in the opening
with full playing rights on the Karlsson, Robin Byrd and Australia’s round 61. He has been a staple on the
Champions and Thongchai, the first Stephen Leaney. Asian Tour for a long time, collecting
Thai player to play in the Presidents 13 wins, second most all-time behind
Cup in 2015, made the biggest final- Karlsson was the 54-hole leader countryman Thaworn Wiratchant.
round jump as he improved from T11 and earned one of the five cards, He also has eight career wins on the
overnight to second with a 16-under after a final-round 69 gave him a European Tour. The Thai legend
total. He carded five birdies and two third-place finish at 14-under. An 11- turned 50 in November.
time winner on the European Tour,

Stuart Franklin-Getty Images

47GOLF MALAYSIA JANUARY 2020

TOURNAMENT PRESIDENTS CUP

Presidents Cup
in U.S. Hands

By Paul Prendergast

(Back l-r) Assistant Captain Steve Stricker, Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Playing Captain Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar, Gary Woodland, Dustin Johnson, Tony
Finau, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, (front l-r) Assistant Captain Fred Couples, Assistant Captain Zach Johnson, Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas and
Rickie Fowler of the United States team celebrate victory.

48 GOLF MALAYSIA DECEMBER 2019