Ian Poulter in Korea to Win Ballantine's

Ian Poulter

Ian Poulter brought his refreshingly honest approach to Korea by declaring that he has made the journey from the east coast of America to the Far East for one reason only: to win the Ballantine’s Championship.

The Englishman is looking to go one better than his last visit to Korea when he finished second at the 2008 Korea Open, and he is in his usual confident form going into the €2.2 million event at the Blackstone Golf Club.

“I’m here to win the golf tournament, simple as that,” said the matter-of-fact Englishman, currently ranked 17th on the Official World Golf Ranking. “I am not saying that I will definitely win but you have to believe that you are going to win every week.

“You are not going to win every week –in the same way that you are not going to birdie every hole that you play but I can honestly say that I will be trying to birdie every hole this week. I know I won’t do it but I will try and that is what I have to do.”

Poulter is relishing the chance to go head to head with his friend and World Number One Lee Westwood this week as well as a number of the game’s very best.

“Lee Westwood is back to World Number One and he is the man to beat this week. Yes, any player in this field could win the tournament if they play to their very best but you have to look at Lee and say he is the man to beat because he is the best in the business right now.

“I’m confident coming into the week, my game is in decent shape and I now that if I prepare well and get ready for the tournament properly then I will have a good chance."

Ballantine's Championship Korean Flavour

Y.E. Yang

As the prestigious Ballantine’s Championship tees off at the beautiful Blackstone Resort in Seoul this week, the tagline is a timely reminder of the impact that Korean players have made in world of golf.

The Korean golf explosion can be traced back to the days when Kang Wook-soon first ignited the scene in the 1990s.

Kang, nicknamed Hahoetal which means friendly face, was the king of the fairways back then and inked his place in the annals of history by becoming the first Korean to win two Order of Merit crowns in Asia along with seven career titles.

Fast forward a decade and it is the illustrious names of Y.E. Yang and K.J. Choi who are creating the headlines these days. Like Kang, they’ve brought golf in Korea up to unprecedented levels with their successes, first on the Asian Tour and then aboard.

Yang made his name as the first Asian-born player to win a Major with a come-from-behind victory over then world number one Tiger Woods while Choi is the first Korean-born player to earn his PGA Tour card, and also broke into top 10 of the world rankings.

The dynamic duo have been recognised by the Asian Tour for their exemplary achievements and have been accorded the distinguished honorary member status.

"I hope this win will create an impact both to golf in Korea as well as golf in Asia so that all the young golfers, Korean and Asian, would build their dreams and expand their horizons," said Yang in his victory speech after winning the PGA Championship in 2009.

Voted Korean PGA Tour rookie of the year in 1999, Yang honed his game on the Asian Tour where he played regularly from 1999 to 2003 before moving on to Japan where he won five titles.

The strongman eventually followed in the close foot-steps of his close friend Choi by leaving for the United States.

“The Asian Tour opened the door to international competitions for me. I started my playing career on the Korean Tour but I found out through the Asian Tour that there was a high level of competition. There were so much more possibilities for me and I practiced and persevered and I was diligent enough to succeed,” said Yang who will star at the Ballantine’s Championship which is sanctioned by the Asian, European and Korean PGA Tours.

Choi joined the Asian Tour in the mid-1990s and won the Korean Open in 1999 before venturing to Japan. He would later earn his US Tour card from Qualifying School at the end of 1999.

Like Yang, Choi also recognises where the secret of his success lie.

“The Asian Tour set the foundation for my golfing career. Through the opportunity to travel to different countries, I learned about different cultures, playing in different conditions, and these things taught me to be patient,” said Choi, who has won four times on the Asian Tour.

Since its establishment year in 2004 till 2009, the Asian Tour has sanctioned 17 tournaments in Korea close to a total of US$20 million, with pride of place going to the Ballantine’s Championship, inaugurated in 2008 and carrying a lucrative US$2.8 million in total prize money this week.

The opportunities to hone and develop into world-class players on the Asian Tour are endless.

Like the path that his predecessors have taken, it’s now the turn of 19-year old Noh Seung-yul to benefit from the playing opportunities on the Asian Tour.

At 19 years and 204 days, Noh became the youngest ever player to win the prestigious Order of Merit crown last season. Noh rise to the top has also been quick.

Since bursting onto the Asian Tour in 2008 through our Qualifying School, the young Korean has won two titles and played in three Majors through his own merit. In just three years, he has earned over US$1.3 million on the Asian Tour to be ranked in the top-20 of the career earnings list. He is also the youngest player to surpass the million dollar mark in Asia.

The teen titan is touted as the next big star to spearhead the new wave of golfers from the Land of the Morning Calm.

“The Asian Tour has done so much in my career and I am thankful for the opportunities that I have enjoyed since coming through from Qualifying School in 2008. My game has become better over the years through the high level of competition on the Asian Tour and I will continue to represent the Asian Tour proudly,” said Noh.

Westwood Targets Long Stay at the Top

Lee Westwood [Courtesy European Tour]

Lee Westwood returned to the summit of the game following his victory at the Indonesian Masters last week and is determined to make his stay at the top a long one with another win.

The English ace will be the first current world number one ever to play in Korea and wants to live up to his stature as the world’s best golfer

“It’s nice to get back to number one on Sunday. I played well last week and my confidence is high,” said Westwood.

“I’ve great expectations of myself and I hope to do well and win this championship on Sunday afternoon,” added the world number one.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Korea PGA 

Yang Plan Home Success at Ballantine's

Y.E. Yang

Y.E Yang of Korea believes that success will follow him at this week’s Ballantine’s Championship after suffering a series of mishaps recently.

The Korean, who was competing in China last week, missed the weekend cut and was involved in a minor car accident on his way to the airport. Yang had to endure further frustrations when he missed his connecting flight to Seoul after a flight delay in Shanghai.

However, all that is behind the 39-year-old Korean now as he received welcome news upon his return home.

Yang inked a new sponsorship agreement with KB Star Bank, one of Korea’s leading banks and he wants to repay their faith in him with a win at the €2.2 million (approximately US$2.8 million) Ballantine’s Championship this week.

“I had to deal with many flight issues this year and it had to happen again last week. I was also involved in a very minor car accident on my way here. However, this week has started off very well. I just signed a new sponsorship deal with KB Star Bank and hopefully this is a sign of better things to come,” said Yang.

A star-studded field that includes some of the world’s biggest stars such as world number one Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter of England, South Africa’s Ernis Els and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee will challenge for top honours and Yang knows that the best reward for his fans will be a home win.

“My message to my Korean fans is this. I don't play that often in Korea. I come maybe every six months, in spring and fall and I think the best way to reward them is a win. I always try to do my best whenever I compete and I’ll do the same again this week,” said the Asian Tour honorary member who has a huge fan base in Korea, having made a name for himself by becoming the first Asian-born player to win a Major and achieving much success aboard.

Yang acknowledges that while the Ballantine’s Championship is staged in Korea, it will be a level playing field for all as the majority of the field are playing at the Blackstone Golf Club for the first time.

“I don't think Korean players will necessarily have an advantage, because nobody is really that familiar with this golf course. I understand that a few Korean players may have played here once or twice but I don't think that they have a particular advantage,” said Yang.

“Instead, I think players who have been around the world, who have been to various golf courses, who have a lot of experience, might have an advantage,” added Yang, who will be making his third appearance at the Ballantine’s Championship.

Dustin Johnson Makes First Trip to Korea

Dustin Johnson

American ace Dustin Johnson and 18-time European Tour winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez play the Ballantine’s Championship this week in Korea. 

Big-hitting Johnson – who has four victories on the PGA Tour, including two last year – will be making his first competitive appearance in Asia. 

“It will be my first time playing in Korea and I'm really looking forward to the experience – not just from a golf point of view but also as a chance to travel and experience a different culture,” he said. 

“I've heard great reports about Korean golf and I know the fans are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the game, so I know it will be a memorable trip for me. 

“Ballantine's have been busy assembling a fantastic field for the tournament and with so many great players taking part, I'm excited to get out there and give it my best for the Korean galleries.” 

Johnson, 26, is regarded as one of the most thrilling talents in world golf and last year became the first player since Tiger Woods to go straight from college and win in each of his first three years on the PGA Tour. 

Currently ranked No.12 in the world, he is the second longest hitter on the PGA Tour, behind Bubba Watson, averaging more than 311 yards per drive. 

In addition to his PGA Tour victories, he had top-10 finishes in both the US Open and PGA Championship last year. Earlier this month, he finished runner-up at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Miami. 

Spanish icon Jiménez, meanwhile, has a brilliant record in the Far East with European Tour victories in Hong Kong – twice – Thailand and China. It will be his first competitive appearance in Korea since finishing joint second in the 2004 Korea Golf Championship. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed my last visit to Korea and it really has been too long since I returned, so I’m greatly looking forward to taking part in the Ballantine’s Championship,” said the Ryder Cup star. 

“I’m planning to relax, enjoy the Korean culture and hospitality and play my natural game. Hopefully I can put on a great show for the fans there." 

The €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship will be staged at the prestigious Blackstone Resort in Seoul. The first three editions of the tournament were played at Pinx Golf Club on the holiday island of Jeju. 

Korean hero YE Yang, Asia’s first Major winner, will be joined by Noh, still only 19 and regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world golf. 

Noh ranks as the third youngest European Tour winner in history thanks to his victory in the 2010 Malaysian Open and he followed up that landmark effort by finishing fourth in the Ballantine’s Championship. 

He crowned a fantastic 2010 season by becoming the youngest ever winner of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. 

“I had a fantastic time at the Ballantine's Championship last year, finishing in the top five,” said Noh. “Now, I’m more than happy to play once again on my home turf with so many great players from around the world. 

“I've yet to win as a professional in front of my home fans and the Ballantine's Championship would be the perfect time to do so. I’m really looking forward to it.” 

Meanwhile, taking his place alongside the big names will be 20-year-old Korean professional Lee Han Gu, winner of the 2011 Road to the Ballantine’s Championship reality TV contest. 

Lee beat 11 other players over three rounds at Blackstone Resort – with the competition televised on Korea’s J Golf Channel – to book his place in the main event. 

“I can't believe I won this competition,” said a delighted Lee. “It will be an honour for me to play with so many great players at the Ballantine's Championship. I really appreciate the role of Ballantine’s in giving rookie players the chance to make their dreams come true. 

“I still need to work very hard to prepare myself for the Ballantine’s Championship and I will be doing my best to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.” 

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA. 

Blackstone Resort, in Icheon, just south of Seoul, will host the event for at least the next three years. It is the first time that the exclusive venue – which opened only in 2009 and has just 300 members – has staged a professional tournament.

Fraser Searching for Ballantine's Repeat

Marcus Fraser

Seven years is a long time to endure a win less streak and the ecstasy of landing the biggest win of his career last year when the unassuming Australian, Marcus Fraser clinched an emotional victory at the Ballantine’s Championship in 2010.

Since his lone triumph in 2003, Fraser has endured a roller-coaster ride with several near-misses while in search for his second professional victory. It was a constant battle not only on the golf course but also against his mental state of mind where at one stage, thoughts of quitting the game were even contemplated.

No doubt, he fell out of love with game but on Jeju, touted as Korea’s honeymoon island, the Australian regained his passion for the sport.

“I thought about giving it away because I was playing terrible. My golf swing wasn't improving and everything wasn't really getting any better. I thought I was wasting my time and started to question myself and asking whether I deserved to be out playing,” said Fraser.

However, he demonstrated that sheer determination and true grit would finally prevail when he carded a final round of three-under-par 69 for a three-day total of 12-under-par 204 to win the weather-shortened €2.2 million (approximately US$2.9 million) showpiece.

Fraser led wire-to-wire to win by four shots, fending off the challenges of closest rivals, Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland and compatriot Brett Rumford who took a share of second place on 208 at the picturesque Pinx Golf Club.

“I had so many chances to win over the last seven years. So to go out there and play like how I did today and this week was simply unbelievable,” said Fraser, who subsequently took up membership with the Asian Tour.

“It has been a lot of hard work over the last couple of years to get back into this position which is definitely a life changing one,” added Fraser who took home the winner’s cheque of US$496,000.

Korea’s rising star Noh Seung-yul closed with a 68 to take equal fourth with England’s Oliver Fisher on 209 while Singapore’s Mardan Mamat enjoyed his best result of the season by signing for a 72 to take a share of sixth place alongside Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands on 210.

Noh touted as the next big star to come out of Asia, flew the flag for the home nation after compatriot Ted Oh, who started the day tied for fifth, fell out of contention with an 81.

“It was a tough week especially with the fog delay during the opening round. The weather conditions were tough but I’m happy I played well under all these circumstances and I know that my game can only get better when I play with these strong players and under all these testing conditions,” said Noh.

Defending champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand signed off with a 75 to finish tied-ninth on 211.

Five Irish Join Westwood for Ballantine's

Gareth Maybin heads the Irish entry list for the Ballantine's Championship this week having finished in  a share of second place last year, when the event  was hosted at the Pinx Golf Club in Jeju Island.

Michael Hoey, Damien McGrane and Shane Lowry join him, after completing the Volvo China Open on Sunday, having all made the cut.

Paul McGinley plays in Korea after missing the cut in Luxe Hills Golf and Country Club last week.

Lee Westwood will headline the strongest field in the history of the Ballantine’s Championship this week, fresh from regaining the World Number One spot.

The Englishman has a superb record in the Far East with seven victories to his name, the latest of which came in last week’s Indonesian Masters on the Asian Tour on the day he celebrated his 38th birthday. 

Westwood has the chance to make it back-to-back successes in the Far East when he makes his second appearance in the Ballantine’s Championship, which moves from its home of three years, Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, to Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, near Seoul. 

With four of the world’s top 17 players in the field - Westwood, Dustin Johnson, Ernie Els and Ian Poulter - the tournament is set to carry strong World Ranking points as Westwood attempts to strengthen his grip on the top spot, having dislodged Martin Kaymer from the game’s summit. 

Westwood said: “Korea has really put itself on the world golf map these past few years with the performances of its top players and the facilities there are second to none, so it has all the makings of a great week. 

“I’ve never been to Seoul before and it’s always nice to experience new places and cultures – and the courses in Asia are normally good, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m delighted to be coming to the Ballantine’s Championship as World Number One.

“Being top of the Official World Golf Ranking makes me feel very proud and I’m sure Korea’s knowledgeable and passionate golf fans are aware of the hard work and dedication it takes to reach that position.

“I’m very much looking forward to the tournament and hopefully I’ll give the galleries plenty to cheer about in the coming days.”

Westwood held the World Number One spot from November to February before Kaymer succeeded him but the Englishman heads to Korea as the game’s leading player once more, with a world class field ready to challenge him. 

Big-hitting Johnson, the World Number 12, is making his debut in the tournament on a rare venture outside America, where he has won four times on the US PGA Tour. 

Another player making the trip from the United States is Poulter, who is seeking his 11th European Tour title after capturing victory number ten on his last trip to the Far East in the UBS Hong Kong Open. 

He is also making his first appearance in the tournament and like compatriot Westwood, he is hoping to capitalise on his previous good form in Asia, having also won the 2009 Barclays Singapore Open as well as the Japan Golf Tour’s 2007 Phoenix Open. 

“It’s going to be another fun week, I’m very much looking forward to it and hopefully I can go one better than the last time I was in Korea,” said the 35 year old, who finished runner-up in the 2008 Korean Open. 

Three-time Major Champion Els is chasing his second victory of the 2011 season after winning the South African Open Championship in his homeland. He finished tied ninth in last year’s tournament which was won by Australian Marcus Fraser after being reduced to 54 holes because of heavy rain. 

Another Major Champion in the field is Korean YE Yang, who will spearhead the home challenge having played in last week’s Volvo China Open, where he was defending champion but missed the cut. 

The Blackstone Golf Club was designed by Blackstone, JMP Design, who also designed the Luxehills International Country Club in Chengdu, where last week’s Volvo China Open was played.

Ballantine's Championship entry list

Ernie Els Still Looking for Major Titles

Ernie Els in 2010 Ballantine's Championship

A determined Ernie Els believes he can still win another Major and has made that his top target this year. 

The South African superstar – who will return to Korea next month to play in the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship – is adamant he can still work his magic over the closing holes of golf’s big four tournaments. 

“Yes, absolutely, I can win another Major,” insisted Els, winner of the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and the British Open in 2002. “That is what I’m working on right now. 

“I’m trying to get my putting going as good as I can as that’s the one thing that’s holding me back a little bit, and then I’ll just work on my confidence and try and get it going." 

“I’ve got all the experience in the world, I just need to let it all blend in and happen. I’m definitely looking forward to a Major this year.” 

Els, 41, famous for his globe-trotting schedule, revealed he was cutting back on tournament commitments and relaxing more. 

“I did that this year for the first time. I had a five-week break before playing in the Match Play [WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson from 23-27 February]. I normally play in the Middle East and on the US West Coast, but I had a nice break and took it easy.” 

Els started this season with a bang, winning the South African Open Championship for an astonishing fifth time, and will be looking to make it third time lucky at the Ballantine’s Championship after top 10 finishes in the past two years. 

“I had a chance last year and I didn’t play a good final nine holes,” said the world No.13. “So I’m coming back this year with the objective to try and win the tournament. 

“It’s a prestigious event and they get a number of really good players, so if you can win, you’ve beaten a really good field. I would love to win, especially on a new course.” 

The Ballantine’s Championship, to be staged from 28 April to 1 May, is moving to the prestigious Blackstone Resort in Seoul after the first three editions were played at Pinx Golf Club on the holiday island of Jeju. 

Joining Els in Korea’s biggest golf tournament will be world No.2 Lee Westwood, his fellow Englishman and world No.14 Ian Poulter, and Korean hero YE Yang, Asia’s first Major winner. 

Els insisted he would do his homework ahead of the event. “I always read up on who designed the course,” he confirmed. 

“It will be a long flight to get there so you can do a bit of background research and start reading up on the designer and his philosophy. 

“You also take a look at the weather report, so you start to familiarise yourself with what you might expect.” 

Els, one of golf’s truly global players with more than 60 victories worldwide, was full of praise for Asian golf and the advances it has made. 

“The changes have been huge,” he said. “I’ve been playing in Asia since the early Nineties, so I’ve seen some of the players come and go, but I’ve never seen it as strong as it is now. 

“Golf in Asia has exploded, everywhere you go it is such a popular sport. They televise tournaments from Europe and the US and, of course, there is such a large audience.” 

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA. 

Blackstone Resort, in Icheon, just south of Seoul, will host the event for at least the next three years. It is the first time that the exclusive venue – which opened only in 2009 and has just 300 members – has staged a professional tournament.

Asian Duo Show Promising Future in Jakarta

Park Hyun-bin [Courtesy Asian Tour]

Asia welcomed two potential young stars in Korea’s Park Hyun-bin and Thai teenager Thitiphun Chuayprakong after their impressive showing at the just concluded Indonesian Masters.

Park, 24, and the 18-year-old Thitiphun contended all week in the inaugural US$750,000 Asian Tour tournament at Royale Jakarta Golf Club before finishing equal third behind winner Lee Westwood of England, who regained his world number one ranking on his 38thbirthday, and Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee.

Their fine performances, which earned praises from Westwood, once again showed that the road to success on the Asian Tour begins from Qualifying School.

They had earned their Tour card through the demanding Q-School in Hua Hin, Thailand in January and Sunday’s cheque of US$34,725 would go a long way in helping them to secure full playing rights for 2012 with top-60 finishes on the Order of Merit.

“They are obviously two young players and they’ve got a big future in the game. You have to have a lot of confidence in yourself and do your own thing,” said Westwood of Park and Thitiphun.

Despite trailing by five shots going into the last round, Park showed his mettle by pushing Westwood all the way on the front nine and tied the Englishman at the turn with an outward 31. 

However, Westwood’s experience saw him push through as Park faded coming home with three late bogeys preventing him from finishing second.

The slender Park turned professional five years ago and decided to play on the Asian Tour to elevate his career, much in the same manner as reigning Asian Tour number one Noh Seung-yul. Park finished tied 33rd at Qualifying School.

“I like the way the Asian Tour is run and I’m enjoying myself. I’m also used to the weather because I always practice in Thailand during the winter season,” said Park, who moved up to 24th place on the latest Order of Merit.

“It is still a good result for me and I hope to continue playing my best. Lee is a very long hitter and after playing with him, I feel more confident. Maybe I’ll even win on the Asian Tour soon,” he added.

Thitiphun showed Thailand’s depth in the game by emerging as a surprise contender. Despite his young age, he showed great poise to earn a good cheque and moved into 20th place on the rankings.

Nicknamed ‘Tote’ by his friends which means slow as Thitiphun does things in his own pace, the young Thai could well be set for a speedy rise in his career if he continues to produce the kind of attacking golf that earned Westwood’s admiration.

Playing alongside the world number one was a priceless experience which he hopes will make him a winner on the Asian Tour soon. “You won’t get many opportunities to play with one of the world’s best golfers,” said Thitiphun.

India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia continues to lead the Order of Merit with his haul of US$410,077, thanks largely to his victory in the Avantha Masters on home soil. Bangladeshi Siddikur maintained his second place with US$152,332 after adding US$34,725 to his season’s collection for his joint third finish in Indonesia.

Thongchai, the only man to win three Order of Merit crowns, jumped to third position with US$134,284, thanks to his runner-up cheque of US$81,375.

Asian Tour Strong Presence at Ballantine's

Arjun Atwal

A strong field will tee off at the €2.2 million (approximately US$2.8 million) Ballantine’s Championship next week.

The line-up includes three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and India’s Arjun Atwal, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win on the US PGA Tour at the Wyndham Championship last year.

Reigning Asian Tour number one Noh Seung-yul and Asia’s first Major champion Y.E. Yang, an honorary member of the Asian Tour, will carry Korea’s challenge at the Blackstone Resort in Seoul.

Thongchai is no stranger to success at the Ballantine’s Championship, having won the championship in 2009. The 41-year-old, who served in the Royal Thai Army as a paratrooper before turning professional at the age of 30, also holds the most number of victories on the Asian Tour with 13 titles.

Having won an unprecedented three Order of Merit triumphs in 2001, 2004 and 2009, Thongchai is presently the most successful golfer in Asia. He is also the leader of the career earnings ranking with over US$4 million in winnings since breaking into the scene in 1999.

Thongchai has shown that he is the man for the big occasion and will undoubtedly be among the leading contenders for the prized title. In 12 seasons on the Asian Tour, the Thai star has finished outside the top-10 of the merit list only twice to cement his reputation as one of the most consistent performers on the region’s elite circuit.

Atwal, a former Asian Tour number one in 2003, will also be looking for more success following his PGA Tour triumph where he was also the first Monday qualifier to win a tournament in 24 years.

The 38-year-old Indian who is now based in Florida will return to Asia with an eye on the chance to add another title to his seven Asian Tour wins.

Other Asian Tour stars in the exciting line-up of heavyweights include Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang, who finished second on the Order of Merit in 2008, India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, a six-time Asian Tour winner and Singapore’s Mardan Mamat who enjoyed a tied-sixth finish at the Ballantine’s Championship last year.

Defending champion Marcus Fraser, who promptly took up an Asian Tour membership to expand his playing opportunities following his win at the Ballantine’s Championship last year, will also be part of the world-class field that includes England’s Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter and American Dustin Johnson, who will be making his first competitive appearance in Korea.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

Blackstone Golf Club, in Icheon, just south of Seoul, will host the event for at least the next three years. It is the first time that the exclusive venue – which opened only in 2009 and has just 300 members – has staged a professional tournament.