Arjun Atwal Shares Second at The Heritage

Arjun Atwal

India’s Arjun Atwal fired a sparkling six-under-par 65 to share second place at The Heritage on Thursday.

Atwal fired a flawless round with six birdies in 12 holes to trail Garrett Willis of the United States by one stroke.

The former Asian Tour number one hopes to make amends after missing the cut in his first Major appearance at the Masters two weeks ago.

“Well, I struggled the last few weeks. I know it's coming around. I've struggled off the tees, but my irons and my short game has been pretty good. I had a lesson with my coach, Dale Lynch, yesterday, and he gave me a little key that's working,” said Atwal.

Atwal was the first Indian to win on the US PGA Tour when he won the Wyndham Championship last year and is eyeing to repeat his success if he can keep the ball on the green.

“The greens are firm. They're small. And you can hit it in the middle of the fairway and still left with a tough shot to hit the green. You've just got to hit it in the correct spots in the fairways and then just go at it, get the putts off those,” he added.

Highest Ranking Points Ever at Asian Tour

Matteo Manassero wins Maybank

The Maybank Malaysian Open received its highest ever world ranking points allocation last week, topping even the Texas Open on the PGA Tour.

Italian teenager Matteo Manassero earned a whopping 42 ranking points to shoot up to 33rd place on the latest world rankings issued on Monday while runner-up Gregory Bourdy of France leaped from 123rd to 88th position after picking up 25.2 points.

Iris star Rory McIlroy, who finished third, jumped from ninth to seventh place on the rankings after adding 16.8 points to his collection.

Ranking points were awarded until the tied 46th finishers in the Maybank Malaysian Open which was held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

The winner of the Texas Open, Brendan Steele, earned 28 points while points were awarded until the joint 30th finishers.

The allocation of world ranking points is based on the strength of the field each week. World number one Martin Kaymer of Germany competed in Malaysia along with new Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, also from South Africa.

The Maybank Malaysian Open was jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour, which allowed the Asian-based players to compete for higher world ranking points as well as a record US$2.5 million prize pot last week.

The top-three players in the world right now are Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald, both from England.

Second ranked Westwood will star in the inaugural Indonesian Masters starting at Royale Jakarta Golf Club on Thursday. The US$750,000 event is a full-field Asian Tour tournament.

Lahiri to Feature in Malaysian Open

Anirban Lahir

Indian prospect Anirban Lahiri will feature in this week’s US$2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open as the newest Asian Tour champion to emerge from the sub-continent.

Lahiri fulfilled his potential as one of India’s rising stars when he won the Panasonic Open (India) by defeating countryman Manav Jaini and Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat in a three-way play-off at the Delhi Golf Club on Saturday.

The victory has installed Lahiri as one of the players to watch at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club this week.

The Maybank Malaysian Open, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour, has attracted a world-class field, led by new Masters Tournament champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, world number one Martin Kaymer of Germany, British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, Irish star Rory McIlroy and last year’s champion Noh Seung-yul of Korea, the reigning Asian Tour number one.

Lahiri’s success was the second triumph by an Indian golfer in the past two months on the Asian Tour, following S.S.P. Chowrasia’s success at the season-opening Avantha Masters on home soil in February.

“I’ve been a professional for a few years and it was a matter of learning and gaining experience for me. I was finding my way and learning how to handle everything else outside of the golf course. Once I got a grasp of that, I was concentrating on playing my best, one shot at a time,” said the 23-year-old, who has notched eight top-10s on the Asian Tour since 2009.

Lahiri said winning his first Asian Tour title on home soil was the icing on the cake. “This is really a special feeling for me. Somebody once told me that if I could win at the Delhi Golf Club, I would probably be laughing as I have had such a bad record here. I guess the joke is on them now,” he added.

The career breakthrough, which was worth US$47,550, pushed Lahiri up to fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with a season haul of US$57,720.

Chowrasia maintained his stranglehold on the Order of Merit where he has a comfortable lead with his earnings of US$410,077. Another Indian, Sujjan Singh sits in second place on US$97,326.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, who won at the SAIL Open in India last month, is third on US$72,833 while countryman Chinnarat Phadungsil is fourth on US$72,269.

Niall Turner of the Team Ireland Golf Trust is in 40th place with $8,703.75 after playing two events ahead of this weeks US$2.5M Maybank Malaysian Open at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Thursday.  Turner is still a reserve and unlikely to play this week.

ORDER OF MERIT – TOP-20

1. S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) $410,077

2. Sujjan SINGH (IND) $97,326

3. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $72,833 

4. Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) $72,269 

5. Anirban LAHIRI (IND $57,720 

6. SIDDIKUR (BAN) $55,107

7. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $51,538 

7. Angelo QUE (PHI) $51,538 

9. Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) $42,967

10. Manav JAINI (IND) $40,215

11. Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) $40,177

12. Chapchai NIRAT (THA) $39,723 

12. Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) $39,723 

12. Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) $39,723 

15. Mardan MAMAT (SIN) $35,125

16. Jbe KRUGER (RSA) $34,239

17. Darren BECK (AUS) $31,716

18. Mark FOSTER (ENG) $30,996 

19. Mars PUCAY (PHI) $26,906

20. Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) $25,283 

20. Anthony KANG (USA) $25,283    

Still Business as Usual for Asian Tour

Asia's biggest golf tour insisted it was business as usual on Thursday after a senior official allegedly embezzled a large sum of money and then disappeared. 

The Asian Tour said Singapore police had been alerted after long-time finance and human resources manager Adrian Lee was sacked last month, and then apparently fled. 

Tour officials would not confirm media reports that Lee made off with $1 million in company funds. But they gave assurances the circuit would not be affected. 

"He (Lee) was discovered to have misappropriated company funds from the Asian Tour following internal checks and all attempts to contact Adrian have been unsuccessful," the tour said in a brief statement. 

"We have made a police report and are providing them with assistance. All accounting procedures have been reviewed and are stringently monitored internally and by the auditors. 

"Although this matter is regrettable, it has no impact on the day-to-day running of the Asian Tour."

The incident is poorly timed for the Singapore-based Asian Tour, which is in the midst of a regional fight for supremacy with ambitious rival circuit OneAsia, which sprang up in 2009. 

The Asian Tour rose to a high of 32 tournaments in 2008 but has since dropped back to 20-something events this year. OneAsia has grown to 13 stops for the current season.

Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han, who is in Augusta, Georgia for the US Masters, was not immediately available for comment.

Asian Young Guns Ready for Panasonic

Baek Seuk-hyun

The Asian Tour young guns will be eager to prove that age is not a barrier to success when the inaugural Panasonic Open (India) tees off next week.

Local prospect Rashid Khan, Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and Thai duo Atiwit Janewattananond and Panuphol Pittayarat, who have a combined age of 73, will be among the elite field at the Delhi Golf Club from April 6 to 9 (Wednesday to Saturday).

Highly rated Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka, who recently turned professional, will also be making his Asian Tour debut through a sponsor’s invite in the US$300,000 event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

Khan, 20, missed out on an opportunity to earn his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year after retiring from the second round due to illness and will seek redemption on his home course next week.

The young Indian stood tall among the more illustrious players at last week’s SAIL Open, held at the same venue, when he finished in tied 12th place. He hopes to fulfil his ambitions of playing on the Asian Tour.

“You look at Gaganjeet (Bhullar) and Anirban (Lahiri), they are both playing on the Asian Tour and have enjoyed success. It is my goal to follow in their footsteps,” said Khan.

Playing in his second year on the Asian Tour, Korea’s Baek has fond memories at the Delhi Golf Club where he was in contention in last year’s Indian Open before finishing in second place.

He will be equipped with his new found confidence after finishing in 21st place on the Order of Merit last season but is wary of the talented and experienced cast of players who will assemble in India next week.

“There are so many good players from various countries here. But when you play in a different country, you gain more experience and it builds your career,” said Baek.

As an amateur, Atiwit wrote a slice of history by becoming the youngest player at the age of 14 years and 71 days to make the halfway cut at the Asian Tour International in Thailand last year.

Atiwit, who has a hairstyle almost similar to Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa, shined beyond his age of 15 when he placed tied 30th in last week’s SAIL Open.

His compatriot Panuphol, 18, nicknamed “Coconut”, earned his Asian Tour card in Qualifying School and he hopes to make full use of the opportunity to elevate his career.

The carefree player said, “This is a very good chance to play with the top Asian Tour players. Hopefully I can continue to play well and make a living on the Asian Tour!”

Perera, the son of Sri Lankan golfer Nandasena, an Asian Games Silver medalists and winner of the 1991 Sabah Masters Malaysia, relishes the opportunity to play among the best players in Asia as he aims to sharpen his game.

However, these immensely young players will face tough challenges from the Asian Tour stars including Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, a 12-time Asian Tour winner, Jyoti Randhawa, a former number one in Asia and Siddikur of Bangladesh.

The top three players at the Panasonic Open (India) will be invited to play in Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, scheduled from September 22 to 25 at Biwako Country Club in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

Panasonic, the worldwide leader of electronic product manufacturers, has committed to the title sponsorship in India as an extension of the brand’s involvement with professional golf in Asia. The Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

Noh Seung-yul Eyes Malaysian Defence

Noh Seung-yul 

Noh Seung-yul of Korea will be on defence mode at the Maybank Malaysian Open next month as he aims to retain the title he dramatically won last year.

Noh, the youngest ever to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, will be joined by former champions Thongchai Jaidee, who won back-to-back Malaysian Open titles in 2004 and 2005 and Anthony Kang of the United States this April 14 to 17.

Peter Hedblom of Sweden and Alastair Forsyth of Scotland, winners of the tournament in 2007 and 2002 respectively will also feature in the US$2.5 million showpiece co sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour at the majestic Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Noh secured his second Asian Tour title last year after producing a sublime chip shot over the left-hand bunker to within 18 inches of the 18th hole to defeat countryman K.J. Choi by one stroke.

Since his victory, Noh went on to enjoy one of his best seasons on the Asian Tour where he claimed four top-10s and missed only one cut the entire season. Noh reckons he is well prepared in his title defence next month.

“The first time I played in Malaysia, I had to adjust to the scorching weather. This time, I have prepared myself mentally and physically to withstand the heat in hopes to win the title again.

“The first win for me was meaningful because I defeated my boyhood idol K.J. Choi. This time around if I win again, I’ll dedicate it to my parents,” said Noh.

Major winners Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who is currently ranked number one on the Official World Golf Ranking, have also confirmed their participation. They will be joined by South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

This year, the tournament reaches a milestone as it celebrates its 50th edition.

Making history as the first ever co-sanctioned tournament in Asia by both the Asian and European Tours in 1999, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will feature top players from the rankings of both these world-leading circuits to make up the 156-player line-up. 

Points earned at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and will also add to the player’s 2011 Race to Dubai Ranking, granting them a chance to qualify for the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

 

Focus On - Marcus Both

Marcus Both

Australia’s Marcus Both, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, goes through the motion and answers 10 questions that you may not know about him. 

1. What is your favourite club in the bag?

My putter. I absolutely love it. It’s a Scotty Cameron putter and I got it built to my exact specifications.

2. Who was your idol when you were growing up?

Greg Norman. When I was growing up, he was the world number one and every Australian golfer looked up to him.

3. What car do you drive at home and what is your dream car?

I just bought a HSV (Holden Special Vehicle) GTS which has 500bps of power. My dream car would be to own a Mercedes-Benz SLS.

4. If you were not a golfer, what would you be?

Probably a Tour rep with one of the manufacturers.

5. What’s playing on your ipod now?

It’s a mix of everything. I’ve got Match Box 20 and a band called Script. You should check it out.

6. Who is your favourite roommate on Tour?

I like to room by myself. I get to wake up whenever I want to without disrupting the other player.

7. How do you spend time at home when you’re not on the Asian Tour?

I like to hang out with my friends. Of course I’ll also work with my coach (Adam Fraser) and I like getting onto the race track because I love my car!

8. What do you do when the pressure is on during a Sunday afternoon?

I’ll do exactly the same thing as I did not Thursday. You don’t want to change your routine.

9. Do you have any rituals when you play?

I used to not play the number 3 ball. But it doesn’t matter now. I’ll play any ball numbered five, six, seven or eight.

10. If you had US$10 million in the bank, what would you do?

I’ll donate a bit to charity. Over the past few years, we’ve helped a bit during the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open and it was good. Of course I’d love to buy my flash car as well!

About Marcus 

Country: Australia

Date of Birth: June 8, 1979

Residence: Melbourne

Family: Single

Turned pro: 2003

ASIAN TOUR VICTORIES: (2) 2003 Sanya Open, China, 2009 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Marcus ended a six-year title drought when he won the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open in 2009, claiming a one-shot victory to add to his lone triumph in the 2003 Sanya Open in China. He has been knocking on the door on several occasions after revamping his swing under the guidance of Adam Fraser, a former Asian Tour regular. He started the year strongly with a tied third finish but missed numerous cuts before bouncing back with top-10s in the Hero Honda Indian Open and Barclays Singapore Open to enjoy his best ever season to date. In 2010, Marcus endured a mixed bag but produced his best golf towards the end of the year to finish tied fifth in the Hero Honda Indian Open, equal sixth in his defence in Cambodia and tied eighth in the season-ending Black Mountain Masters.

PERSONAL: Marcus was a scholarship holder at the Australian Institute of Sports from 1998 to 2002 and said the experience helped in the transition from amateur to pro ranks. Said he enjoyed his first season in Asia not because of the fact that he won on Tour but because he enjoyed the different cultures and different cities across the region. “The experience was tremendous and I thoroughly enjoyed my first year in Asia,” he said.

Philippine Open Returns to Celebrate 95th

Artemio Murakami

The Philippine Open, Asia’s oldest national championship, will make a welcome return onto the Asian Tour Schedule after a two-year lapse.

The International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), which is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating container ports and terminals worldwide, has provided a huge boost for the prestigious championship by title sponsoring the 95th edition from May 12 to 15, 2011 at its traditional home, the newly renovated Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s East Course.

A total prize fund of US$300,000 will be on offer to Asia’s elite players at the ICTSI Philippine Open. It was played as a domestic event in 2009 and 2010, won by Elmer Salvador and Artemio Murakami respectively. 

The last time the Philippine Open featured prominently on the Asian Tour Schedule was in 2008 when local star Angelo Que claimed a popular home victory at Wack Wack.

Enrique K. Razon, Jr., Chairman and President of ICTSI, said: “We are honoured to title sponsor the Philippine Open, which is the jewel in the crown for golf in the Philippines.

“As Asia’s oldest golf championship, we firmly believe the ICTSI Philippine Open deserves to be placed on a high pedestal and we look forward to working closely with the Asian Tour and National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) to ensure a successful 95thedition in May.”

NGAP President Leandro R. Mendoza welcomed the Open’s return onto the Asian Tour, which will stage an expanded Schedule in 2011 with a record US$45 million in prize money to Asia’s talented cast who include the likes of Filipino stalwarts Que, Murakami, Antonio Lascuna, Juvic Pagunsan, Gerald Rosales and upcoming teen talent Miguel Tabuena.

“With the ICTSI Philippine Open featuring prominently on the Asian Tour Schedule, we are looking forward to welcoming the stars of the game from across the region to Wack Wack’s East Course,” said Mendoza.

“It will be a tremendous opportunity for our local heroes to compete in the Philippine Open as they will go head to head with the Asian Tour’s best players. Through the Asian Tour sanction, it will also provide a direct route to stardom if one of our Filipino players triumph as the champion will receive a two-year winner’s exemption on the Asian Tour.”

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour, expressed his appreciation to ICTSI and NGAP for actively initiating the return of the Philippine Open to the Asian Tour’s 2011 Schedule.

“The ICTSI Philippine Open is one of the most revered national championships in Asia due to its long and celebrated history. Over the years, we have witnessed many great champions emerging from the Philippine Open including Frankie Minoza and Angelo Que in recent times,” said Han.

“We are honoured that the championship will feature on the Asian Tour Schedule again and I would like to express our fullest appreciation to ICTSI for its outstanding support and the NGAP for working closely with us in promoting and developing the game at the highest level in Asia.”

After 24 months of extensive renovation works, the fabled East Course at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club was reopened in October, 2010. Newly reshaped but retaining the charm of the renowned indigenous Manila Grass, the layout will offer a more demanding test for the competitors this year.

Wack Wack has played host to the Philippine Open on numerous occasions and its location within the central business district is ideal for fans to watch Asia’s finest challenging for the coveted title.

“Wack Wack is happy and proud to once again host the prestigious ICTSI Philippine Open. We thank ICTSI and the rest of our sponsors for supporting this event,” said Philip E. Juico, President, Wack Wack Golf & Country Club. 

The co-sponsors of the ICTSI Philippine Open include San Miguel Corporation, Globe Telecom, Lexus and HSBC while Srixon, Ricoh, BlackBerry and Lancaster Hotel Manila will support the event as official suppliers.

Turner Makes Maiden Asian Sail Cut

Siddikur

Niall Turner of Muskerry carded a second consecutive one under par round of 71 at the SAIL Open to finish on 2 under par in Thursday - and well inside the cut of 2 over par - in his maiden Asian Tour event in New Delhi

Siddikur of Bangladesh produced what he claimed was excellent play after he took a share of the second round lead with Akinori Tani of Japan and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand at the SAIL Open on Wednesday.

Siddikur, Tani and Kiradech returned on matching five-under-par 67s for a two-day total of nine-under-par 135 to hold a one stroke lead at the Delhi Golf Club.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69), Ajeetesh Sandhu (67) and Prom Meesawat (68) of Thailand were tied in fourth on a 136 total in the US$300,000 showpiece co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGTI.

Siddikur, who has been in sensational form since winning the Brunei Open last year, posted three birdies in each half but slipped back with a bogey on the last hole.

“I’m happy with what I shot these two days. It was excellent play. I have been playing well because I’ve been hitting good and my short game has been perfect. Everything seems to be falling into place for me,” said the 26-year-old.

Siddikur said India was like a second home to him. “I started my golf career on the PGTI and India feels like my second home. This is a very challenging course and every shot is very important especially the tee shot. I’m looking forward to the next two days,” he added.

Kiradech registered a hat-trick of birdies from the fourth hole before adding a bogey on the seventh hole. He recovered with a birdie on eight and tapped in for birdie on 17 followed by another three feet birdie on the last.

After making changes to his putting earlier this year, Kiradech believes he has found the missing link to winning his first Asian Tour title.

“I feel very comfortable with the new changes that I’ve made to my putting. I think with these new changes, I will be able to win on the Asian Tour,” said Kiradech, who came close to winning on the Asian Tour on four occasions last year.

Tani, who earned his Asian Tour card in Qualifying School earlier this year, was wary of the tight fairways at the Delhi Golf Club but took the risk of using his driver on nine holes.

“This course is very narrow but my strength in my game is accuracy and this golf course suits my game,” said the 36-year-old who has won twice on the Japan Challenge Tour.

“Many players don’t use their driver on this course but I used it at least nine times. It helped that I was hitting it straight and avoided the bushes. My irons were also solid as all my birdies dropped from inside 10 feet,” said Tani.

Home favourite Bhullar, a two-time Asian Tour champion, narrowly missed a hole-in-one on hole five when his tee shot landed two feet from the pin. With new irons in his golf bag, Bhullar is eyeing to make a move in the last two rounds.

“I've hit it very close over the last two days and I want to repeat this performance over the next two rounds,” said Bhullar.

Overnight leader Anirban Lahiri failed to mount a charge as he closed with a 71 for a 137 total, two strokes from the leaders. Highly rated Miguel Tabuena, 16, posted a 72 for a 141 total to make his first Asian Tour cut.

A total of 69 players made the halfway cut which was set at two-over-par 146.

Leading second round scores

135 - Akinori Tani (JPN) 68-67, Siddikur (BAN) 68-67, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 68-67

136 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 67-69, Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), 69-67Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-68

137 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) 66-71

138 - Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) 67-71

139 - Shamim Khan (IND) 72-67

140 - Mars Pucay (PHI) 69-71, Ross Bain (SCO) 72-68, Md. Zamal Hossain Mollah (BAN) 69-71, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 69-71, Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 69-71, Sanjay Kumar (IND) 70-70, Atiwit Janewattananond (THA) 72-68

141 - Ali Sher (IND) 71-70, Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA) 72-69, Lee Sung (KOR) 72-69, Manav Jaini (IND) 68-73, Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 69-72, Ben Fox (USA) 70-71, Ranjit Singh (IND) 70-71, Anthony Choat (AUS) 72-69, Berry Henson (USA) 72-69

SAIL Open Round 2 Scores

Rory Hie Set for Indonesian Masters

Rory Hie

Local prospect Rory Hie is eager to put on a heroic display at the star-studded Indonesian Masters next month.

Hie, the first Indonesian to earn his Asian Tour card in 2009, will lead the local charge to face world number two Lee Westwood of England, Thailand’s trailblazer Thongchai Jaidee and India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 21st to 24th.

The inaugural Indonesian Masters will become the newest Asian Tour tournament in 2011 with a lucrative prize fund of US$750,000.

Hie believes the Asian Tour’s involvement with professional golf in Indonesia is a massive boost for the development of the game and reckons Westwood’s star presence along with the cream of the crop from the Asian Tour will inspire many young golfers in the country.

“We have a lot of sponsors who are more interested in sponsoring golf tournaments now and this bodes well with the game in Indonesia. To have the world number two golfer play here is exceptional for the young players as well as the fans,” said the 22-year-old.

Hie hopes to put his course knowledge of the Royale Jakarta Golf Club to good effect and challenge for the Indonesian Masters title.

“I’ve been playing at the Royale Jakarta course and I find the greens to be quite tricky. But the more I practice there, the more comfortable I get. I’ve also been hitting the ball really well and that’s a great boost to my game,” he said.

Despite finishing outside the top-61 on the Order of Merit last season, Hie will still have playing opportunities on the Asian Tour this season through the country exemption category.

He missed six consecutive cuts last season but produced a sparkling performance at the end of the year when he placed tied 12th at the season-ending Black Mountain Masters, just four strokes from winner Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan.

“I changed my grip in the middle of last year and it worked wonders for me. I started playing more consistently and my last three tournaments were definitely the highlight. I’m hoping to maintain my momentum and if I play well maybe even win on the Asian Tour,” said Hie.

Hie played a practice round with three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington at the Iskandar Johor Open last year and he is now relishing the prospect of playing alongside Westwood.

“I learned a lot from playing with Padraig last year and it will be a dream come true if I get to play with Lee. I’m sure I’ll learn even more from him and that will be a bonus for my game,” he added.

The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.

Ken Schofield Joins Asian Tour Board

Ken Schofield

Ken Schofield, the former European Tour Executive Director, has been appointed into the Board of Directors of the Asian Tour, Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han announced today.

Han said Schofield’s vast experience and high standing in the world of golf will benefit the Asian Tour and provide further thrust for the Tour’s next phase of growth and development.

The Asian Tour is primed for an expanded 2011 Schedule with over US$45 million in total prize money, driven by a new long-term production and distribution partnership with IMG Media.

“As the Asian Tour continues to expand across the region, we are delighted to welcome Ken Schofield as our newest Board Member. His experience having brought together the European Tour from a large geography of multiple demographics is similar to what the Asian Tour is facing today. We believe these similar experiences are unique and transferable, and that Ken’s experience is suited to our stage of development,” said Han.

“We have a very strong and experienced Board at the Asian Tour whose members have been instrumental in our recent steps to strengthen and enhance our product offering to our members and partners. With Ken’s experience and expertise gathered during his illustrious career, it will complement that of our existing board members very effectively.”

Schofield retired as head of the European Tour in December, 2004 after being at the helm for over 30 years. During his tenure, Schofield and his successor George O’Grady grew the Tour from prize money of less than £500,000 to £80 million.

He has also been instrumental in the growth of the Ryder Cup which is now one of the world’s greatest sporting spectacles and was one of the architects behind the establishment of European Tour Productions, the largest producer of golf programming in the world.

Schofield said: “The Asian Tour has grown tremendously over the years and I am excited to be given this opportunity to be a part of the team which will chart the Tour’s future and growth plans. The Asian Tour has established itself as a strong brand and with the success of its players both at home and abroad, the potential to grow is unlimited.

“I have long been aware of the enormous potential of golf in Asia and in recent years have enjoyed observing its ever more influential status on the global golfing map. I am delighted to be joining such a forward thinking and successful enterprise and hope that the knowledge I have gleaned from my years in golf will be of some benefit to the members. I look forward to being part of their next exciting stage of growth.

Schofield will join Rick Siemens, Gautam Thapar, Ho Lon Gee, Zhang Lian-wei, Boonchu Ruangkit, Unho Park, Iain Steel and Han on the Board of Directors.

Ken Schofield was born in 1946 and raised in Perthshire, Scotland, Ken began his working life in the banking profession, and at the age of 23 became Scotland's youngest bank manager. He succeeded John Jacobs on January 1, 1975 with the task of developing the autonomous European Tour. Ken set up the Tour’s charity-support programme, which has helped raise more than £25 million for many deserving causes. In 1993, Ken Schofield was awarded the Order of Merit from the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, followed by the Commander of the British Empire Award for Services to Golf and the Christer Lindberg Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Growth of Golf by the PGA of Europe in 1996. 

In 2002 he won the Links Golfing Society Award and has been awarded both the Association of Golf Writers Award for Outstanding Services to Golf and the Sports Journalists’ Association Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sport off the field of play. In 2006, Ken was appointed by the ECB to conduct an enquiry into the state of English cricket, following the national side’s collapse in the Ashes Series that year. 19 of the report’s 20 recommendations were adopted, contributing to a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of the national team. 

Outside of golf, Ken is a passionate supporter of Scottish football club St Johnstone and a keen follower of athletics and cricket.

Panasonic Open Added to Asian Tour

The inaugural Panasonic Open (India) will make its debut on the Asian Tour in April in a move destined to reinforce the massive popularity of the game in the sub-continent.

The newest tournament will be one of three Indian events to feature on the Asian Tour’s 2011 Schedule. The Panasonic Open (India) will attract top international golfers from the Asian Tour including India’s leading stars such as S.S.P. Chowrasia, winner of the Avantha Masters last month, and Gaganjeet Bhullar, who is a two-time Asian Tour champion.

Officials announced that the new US$300,000 full-field tournament will be staged at the Delhi Golf Club from April 6 (Wednesday) to 9 (Saturday), 2011, with four days of highlights to be broadcast daily on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches over 40 countries and 440 million homes.

The Panasonic Open (India) will also be co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). Panasonic, the worldwide leader of electronic product manufacturers, has decided the title sponsorship in India as the extension of the brand’s involvement with professional golf in Asia as it also hosts the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan, a tournament jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

The top three players of the Panasonic Open (India) will be invited to play in Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, scheduled from September 22 (Thursday) to 25 (Sunday) at Biwako Country Club in Shiga Prefecture.

Panasonic India President, Mr. Daizo Ito said: “We are delighted to launch the Panasonic Open (India) which we believe will benefit the game positively in India. Professional golf has grown immensely in the sub-continent with the emergence of great Indian champions on the Asian Tour and we look forward to welcoming a worthy winner in our tournament.”

Panasonic India is confident its newest venture in professional golf will present the cosmopolitan face of the brand in India and also showcase India to the world.

Mr. Manish Sharma, Head Marketing, Panasonic India, said: “As the television broadcasts will reach over 40 countries and 440 million homes worldwide, the Panasonic Open (India) here will display the best of India to a global audience and raise further awareness that world-class golf is being played on the established Asian Tour.

“Our venture in India is also part of our corporate vision and mission to support sports at the highest level. We are already a sponsor of the Olympic Games and successfully host and title sponsor the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan.”

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour, lauded Panasonic’s latest commitment to the Asian Tour. “As one of the most famous brands in the world, we are honoured that Panasonic continues to support professional golf at the elite level via the Asian Tour,” said Han.

“The launch of the Panasonic Open (India) reinforces the Asian Tour’s growth and appeal as a brand due to our cosmopolitan membership which consists of players from over 30 different nationalities. This tournament will raise the profile and popularity of golf in the country and with the extensive television coverage, it will make India a preferred golfing destination for golf enthusiasts.”

Padamjit Sandhu, Director PGTI said: "These are robust and exciting times for professional golf in India. We welcome and thank Panasonic for coming on board and helping create another strong platform to further grow the sport in the region and look forward to a highly competitive week of professional golf. We are confident, the PGTI & Asian Tour joint sanctioned Panasonic Open (India) will grow over the years."

Maruyama Still Planning for SAIL Open

Daisuke Maruyama

Japanese ace Daisuke Maruyama will be determined to shine in his debut appearance at the SAIL Open in India next week.

Maruyama, a two-time Asian Tour champion, will be joined by countrymen Kenichi Kuboya, a four-time winner in Japan, and Kodai Ichihara at the Delhi Golf Club from March 22 to 25 (Tuesday to Friday).

Big-hitting Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Lam Chih Bing of Singapore and Marcus Both of Australia will also feature in the elite field at the US$300,000 event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGTI.

Since 2004, no Japanese has won on Indian soil and Maruyama will be aiming to end the jinx. He has only played once in India in the past two years where he finished 45th at the Avantha Masters last month.

Maruyama, who enjoyed a stint on the US PGA Tour, burst onto the Asian scene in superb fashion by winning the 2009 Qualifying School in Thailand. He subsequently ended a four-year title drought with a victory at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on home soil.

He was also a member of the Asian Tour in 2000 where he won his first title in Taipei before turning his attention to the PGA Tour where he produced a top-three and four top-10 finishes in 2006, followed by one top-10 in 2007.

Thailand’s rising star Kiradech was unlucky to not win his first Asian Tour title last season after battling into contention on four occasions. However, he feels his time will soon come for a maiden Asian Tour victory.

“I always lose on the last day, I don’t know why. But I have to keep going. The day will come when I will finally win,” said the 21-year-old.

Australian Both, a two-time winner in Asia, will be making an anticipated return to the challenging Delhi Golf Club where he placed tied ninth last season.

He struggled early last season but came to life in the last three events of the year when he ended the season with three straight top-10s.

Danny Chia, the first Malaysian to play in all four rounds of the British Open last season, Ben Fox of the United States, Korea’s Lee Sung, a winner on the Asian Tour and veteran Lu Wen-teh of Chinese Taipei will also feature in the SAIL Open.

Carlsberg to Sponsor Malaysian Open

Carlsberg has signed a five-year deal from 2011 to 2015 as main sponsors for the Maybank Malaysian Open, officials announced today.

To celebrate this new sponsorship, Carlsberg will also tie-up with Ben Leong, a winner on the Asian Tour, S. Siva Chandhran, last year’s Asian Development Tour Order of Merit champion, M. Sasidaran, Khor Kheng Hwai and Nicholas Fung.

As part of the tie-up, if any of these five players finish in the top-25 of the Maybank Malaysian Open, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour, they will be rewarded with cash incentive of RM50,000.

“It is indeed appropriate that Carlsberg celebrates the 50th year of the prestigious Malaysian Open with our renewed five-year commitment and the addition of RM50,000 reward aimed at encouraging the development of the five Malaysian players,” said Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, Soren Ravn.

This year’s Maybank Malaysian Open will offer a prize pot of US$2.5 million and will be played at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club from April 14 to 17.

Twenty-Three Asian Tour Players in Top 200

Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand

Y.E. Yang of Korea reclaimed his spot as the highest ranking Asian in the world after finishing second at the Honda Classic in Florida on Sunday.

Yang, Asia’s first Major champion, moved to 29th place to lead 22 other Asian Tour members in the top-200 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

Countrymen Kim Kyung-tae and Asian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi lie in 33rd and 45th places respectively while Japanese Hiroyuki Fujita, a two-time Asian Tour champion, occupies 49th place.

Vijay Singh of Fiji, also an Asian Tour honorary member, sits one rung outside the top-50 followed by Korea’s Noh Seung-yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, in 65th place.

Former Order of Merit champions Liang Wen-chong of China and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand are placed 76th and 77th respectively while Japanese Tetsuji Hiratsuka is ranked 78th.

Welshman Rhys Davies (86th) made up the final Asian Tour presence in the top-100.

Asian Tour members in the world’s top-200 include: Jbe Kruger of South Africa (118th), India’s Arjun Atwal (123rd), Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant (148th), Australian Marcus Fraser (168th), Daisuke Maruyama of Japan (171st), Rikard Karlberg of Sweden (173rd), Indians Jeev Milkha Singh (175th) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (176th), Korean Bae Sang-moon (177th), Thailand’s Pariya Junhasavasdikul (186th) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (189th), Bangladeshi Siddikur (197th) and Australian Andrew Dodt (198th).

Karlberg Aiming for Delhi Hat-trick

Rikard Karlberg

Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg is targeting a successful return to the SAIL Open later this month as he aims for a third Asian Tour victory in India, as well as a hat-trick of wins at the Delhi Golf Club.

The 2010 Asian Tour’s Rookie of the Year will be hoping that the winning memories at the fabled venue will carry him to a successful title defence in the US$300,000 event from March 22 to 25.

A strong cast of Asian Tour champions including local hero Jyoti Randhawa, Thai legend Thaworn Wiratchant, a 12-time winner in Asia, Australian Darren Beck and Chinese Taipei’s Chan Yih-shin will also feature in the fourth edition of the SAIL Open.

The Delhi Golf Club, known for its challenging layout and sprinkling of historical tombs and monuments on the golf course, was also conquered by the talented Swede in the Hero Honda Indian Open in December which helped him finish third on the Order of Merit.

“It feels just amazing. I feel so comfortable when I’m in India. I receive a lot of support from the fans and I really like it there,” said the 24-year-old.

Randhawa, a former Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, will be hoping that a return to Delhi Golf Club will spark a boost to his form after a lacklustre 2010 season.

The eight-time Asian Tour winner finished third in the SAIL Open 12 months ago and has won two Indian Opens at the Delhi Golf Club, which will mark him out as one of the early title contenders.

Chinese Taipei’s Chan believes he has become a better player since winning the 2009 King’s Cup in Thailand. He secured three top-10s last year and was one of the most consistent players on the Asian Tour with only four missed cuts in 17 appearances.

“I played in many Asian Tour tournaments last season and I gained more experience. I’m able to handle the pressure now. That’s one reason why I performed so well last season,” said Chan, who claimed his best placing on the 2010 Order of Merit in 18th position.

South African Peter Karmis, who broke through last year with a victory at the Handa Singapore Classic, and Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha, victorious at the King’s Cup on home soil, are the other top names who will be looking to dethrone Karlberg at the SAIL Open.

Noh Seung-yul Qualifies for Accenture

Noh Seung-yul

Asian Tour number one Noh Seung-yul has qualified for his first WGC-Acenture Match Play after the cut-off for the top-64 qualifiers was made with the Official World Golf Ranking on Monday. 

The Korean teenage star, the youngest ever to win the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit title last season, maintained his 63rd position on the list despite missing the halfway cut at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic by one shot last week.

The 19-year-old will join countrymen and Asian Tour honorary members K.J. Choi (49th) and Y.E. Yang (44th), along with the 27th-ranked Kim Kyung-tae in the US$8.5 million showpiece at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Arizona from February 21-27.

Japanese veteran Hiroyuki Fujita, the only player to win three times on the Asian Tour last season, has also qualified for the first World Golf Championships tournament by virtue of his 50th place ranking.

“This is fantastic news for Noh and the Asian Tour,” said Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour. “After the season that he had with us, we are confident he will fly the Asian flag proudly at the Accenture Match Play.”

Noh’s inclusion in the Match Play will enhance his hopes of qualifying for the Masters Tournament, the year’s opening Major in April. He will need to break into the world’s top-50 in the week prior to the Masters. Barring any withdrawals, Noh will face world number two Martin Kaymer of Germany in the opening round.

As the Asian number one, he has been exempted into the US$8.5 million WGC-Cadillac Championship next month, which would give him another opportunity to move up the rankings before the Masters, and the British Open in July.

There was no such joy for three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee. The Thai ace missed the halfway cut in Dubai and dropped one rung to 68th position on the world list.

Last year, the former paratrooper produced a superb run in the Match Play when he scalped several seeded players to qualify for the quarter-finals before losing to eventual winner Ian Poulter of England.