Huang Tao fired a brilliant three under par 69 in torrential conditions to win a weather-affected Faldo Series Chinese Taipei Championship at Sunrise Golf and Country Club.
With the fifth edition of the Chinese Taipei event reduced to 18 holes because of flooding, 19 year-old Huang came out firing with five birdies in a round of 69 to win by five and secure his spot in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China on March 2-4.
Also returning to the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event hosted by Sir Nick Faldo will be Faldo Series Europe Girls’ champion Liu Yi-Chen. 17 year-old Liu, who became the first Asian winner of the European girls’ title at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland last September, returned a three over par 75 at Sunrise to win by a massive ten shots from her nearest rival in the Girls’ Under-21 category.
The other two Taiwanese teens to join the line up at the fifth Grand Final in Shenzhen are Lee Chieh-Po and Wang Chi, winners of the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-16 categories respectively.
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region’s next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For results and more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lawson Shows Potential At First Stage Of OneAsia Q-School
Melbourne, 17 December 2010 - Australian Deyen Lawson is close to realizing his dream as he moves into the second week of the OneAsia Qualifying School First Stage in Australia. The promising 19-year-old scored three-under after four rounds, making him the halfway leader of the Aussie stage, but also the top contender for a OneAsia card for the 2011 season.
OneAsia, the Asia Pacific-based professional tournament destination for elite golfers, commenced its first ever qualifier in the sand belt of Australia this week, with 69 players vying for access to its Final Stage to contest eligibility to the Tour's 2011 elite schedule.
The two-week First Stage in Australia, held concurrently with the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School, will continue its run at the Peninsula Country Golf Club (North Course) on 20-23 December 2010.
And rookie Lawson knows that there is much at stake as he prepares for next week.
Lawson, who admires Korea's K.J. Choi for his consistency, first picked up a club at the age of ten and has since dreamt of making the game his life at a professional level. He is currently working part-time in the pro-shop at the Sands Torquay in Victoria.
"I'm trying not to worry too much about next week but I'll be so happy if I get my card to play on OneAsia," he said. "It would be a new experience for me, being able to play in Asia and take my career further without having to be too far away from home.
"It would definitely be the start of something big."
Lawson will need to keep on top of his game and finish in the top 30% of all OneAsia Qualifying School entrants next week, to advance to OneAsia's Final Stage in China.
OneAsia's Final Stage will be played at the magnificent Mission Hills Resort Haikou in China from 11-14 January 2011.
An alternative standalone OneAsia First Stage will also be conducted at the same venue a week before from 4-7 January 2011.
Leading players at the end of next week will not only move on to OneAsia's Final Stage to play for a start on all of the Tour's 2011 events, but also gain dual eligibility to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia for 2011.
So far, 13 events have been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months.
OneAsia will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season.
For this week's Qualifying School scores, please visit http://oneasia.asia/2011-oneasia-qualifying-school.html.
OneAsia, the Asia Pacific-based professional tournament destination for elite golfers, commenced its first ever qualifier in the sand belt of Australia this week, with 69 players vying for access to its Final Stage to contest eligibility to the Tour's 2011 elite schedule.
The two-week First Stage in Australia, held concurrently with the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School, will continue its run at the Peninsula Country Golf Club (North Course) on 20-23 December 2010.
And rookie Lawson knows that there is much at stake as he prepares for next week.
Lawson, who admires Korea's K.J. Choi for his consistency, first picked up a club at the age of ten and has since dreamt of making the game his life at a professional level. He is currently working part-time in the pro-shop at the Sands Torquay in Victoria.
"I'm trying not to worry too much about next week but I'll be so happy if I get my card to play on OneAsia," he said. "It would be a new experience for me, being able to play in Asia and take my career further without having to be too far away from home.
"It would definitely be the start of something big."
Lawson will need to keep on top of his game and finish in the top 30% of all OneAsia Qualifying School entrants next week, to advance to OneAsia's Final Stage in China.
OneAsia's Final Stage will be played at the magnificent Mission Hills Resort Haikou in China from 11-14 January 2011.
An alternative standalone OneAsia First Stage will also be conducted at the same venue a week before from 4-7 January 2011.
Leading players at the end of next week will not only move on to OneAsia's Final Stage to play for a start on all of the Tour's 2011 events, but also gain dual eligibility to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia for 2011.
So far, 13 events have been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months.
OneAsia will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season.
For this week's Qualifying School scores, please visit http://oneasia.asia/2011-oneasia-qualifying-school.html.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Kinoshita Captures Faldo Series In Japan
15 year-old Kohei Kinoshita will join compatriot Masamichi Ito at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final following his commanding two shot victory in the third Faldo Series Japan Championship at Shizu Hills Country Club in Ibaraki.
Kinoshita fired impressive rounds of 68 and 71 to finish on five under par and win by two from a field of more than 100 of Japan’s top young golfers. The talented teenager will now head to Mission Hills Golf Club in China for the fifth Grand Final on March 2-4, 2011 where Ito, 15, will be defending his title.
Also sealing their place at the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo were Yuki Osafune (Boys’ Under-21 winner), Mikumu Horikawa (Boys’ Under-18), Mai Arai (Girls’ Under-21) and Rie Tsuji (Girls’ Under-16).
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region’s next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For results and more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Kinoshita fired impressive rounds of 68 and 71 to finish on five under par and win by two from a field of more than 100 of Japan’s top young golfers. The talented teenager will now head to Mission Hills Golf Club in China for the fifth Grand Final on March 2-4, 2011 where Ito, 15, will be defending his title.
Also sealing their place at the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo were Yuki Osafune (Boys’ Under-21 winner), Mikumu Horikawa (Boys’ Under-18), Mai Arai (Girls’ Under-21) and Rie Tsuji (Girls’ Under-16).
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region’s next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For results and more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Order Of Merit Triumph For Liang Wenchong
Singapore, December 14, 2010: China's Liang Wenchong has signed off on a remarkable season to win OneAsia's 2010 Order of Merit, after yet another great finish at the season ending Australian PGA Championship.
The Tour's three-event minimum placed Liang at the top of the money list after his inspiring six-event run, which earned him US$560,737.
He had emerged champion at the Luxehills Chengdu Open and Thailand Open, and finished runner-up in the Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta. He has since kept on the upward climb with strong placings at the Midea China Classic (8T), Australian Open (24T) and Australian PGA Championship (12T).
"I am very happy and honoured. This is something that China supports and that gives me even more pride to take this trophy home," he said. "This win will be encouraging for the development of golf back at home."
The Tour's three-event minimum was put in place at the start of the season after OneAsia had doubled in size, in order to encourage the success of regular players on the Tour. And Liang, the highest ranked Chinese player in the world, has become one of OneAsia's biggest advocates in China.
"This is all about building a better Tour and getting the countries together to have better opportunities for younger players, so that they have a better chance for their future.
"If younger players want to improve, they need to come to more of these events, and play overseas with other professionals.... I have learnt a lot from playing with Australia's leading players these two weeks... This is the path they need to take to get better."
OneAsia's renewed eligibility structure for the 2011 season will seek to further clarify and simplify eligibility for top players across the region, as well as continue to enhance the opportunities for supporters of Asia Pacific's professional tournament destination for elite players.
The Tour will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season. 13 events have already been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months.
OneAsia kicks off the First Stage of its first-ever Qualifying School in Australia this week, with its China-leg to follow in January. For more information, click here.
OneAsia Order of Merit: Top 20 (after Australian PGA Championship)
For a full Order of Merit listing, please visit http://oneasia.asia.
The Tour's three-event minimum placed Liang at the top of the money list after his inspiring six-event run, which earned him US$560,737.
He had emerged champion at the Luxehills Chengdu Open and Thailand Open, and finished runner-up in the Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta. He has since kept on the upward climb with strong placings at the Midea China Classic (8T), Australian Open (24T) and Australian PGA Championship (12T).
"I am very happy and honoured. This is something that China supports and that gives me even more pride to take this trophy home," he said. "This win will be encouraging for the development of golf back at home."
The Tour's three-event minimum was put in place at the start of the season after OneAsia had doubled in size, in order to encourage the success of regular players on the Tour. And Liang, the highest ranked Chinese player in the world, has become one of OneAsia's biggest advocates in China.
"This is all about building a better Tour and getting the countries together to have better opportunities for younger players, so that they have a better chance for their future.
"If younger players want to improve, they need to come to more of these events, and play overseas with other professionals.... I have learnt a lot from playing with Australia's leading players these two weeks... This is the path they need to take to get better."
OneAsia's renewed eligibility structure for the 2011 season will seek to further clarify and simplify eligibility for top players across the region, as well as continue to enhance the opportunities for supporters of Asia Pacific's professional tournament destination for elite players.
The Tour will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season. 13 events have already been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months.
OneAsia kicks off the First Stage of its first-ever Qualifying School in Australia this week, with its China-leg to follow in January. For more information, click here.
OneAsia Order of Merit: Top 20 (after Australian PGA Championship)
| Pos. | Player | US$ |
| 1 | LIANG Wenchong (CHN) | 560,736.57 |
| 2 | KIM Dae-hyun (KOR) | 272,154.31 |
| 3 | Michael HENDRY (NZL) | 247,092.71 |
| 4 | BAE Sang-moon (KOR) | 220.343.74 |
| 5 | Simon YATES (SCO) | 208,759.59 |
| 6 | Kim FELTON (AUS) | 185,900.00 |
| 7 | Matthew GRIFFIN (AUS) | 165,243,26 |
| 8 | Andre STOLZ (AUS) | 160,920.73 |
| 9 | KIM Kyung-tae (KOR) | 132,592.77 |
| 10 | Michael WRIGHT (AUS) | 124,013.97 |
| 11 | Stephen ALLAN (AUS) | 122,769.13 |
| 12 | KIM Bi-o (KOR) | 115,538.44 |
| 13 | Brad KENNEDY (AUS) | 114,413.31 |
| 14 | KIM Hyung-tae (KOR) | 107,298.57 |
| 15 | KIM Do-hoon (753) (KOR) | 104,343.75 |
| 16 | KANG Kyung-nam (KOR) | 103,530.13 |
| 17 | Anthony BROWN (AUS) | 93,317.83 |
| 18 | Mitchell BROWN (AUS) | 82,587.99 |
| 19 | Anthony SUMMERS (AUS) | 81,585.33 |
| 20 | Scott ARNOLD (AUS) | 79,165.38 |
For a full Order of Merit listing, please visit http://oneasia.asia.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Australian Senior Claims First OneAsia Title
Sunshine Coast, December 13, 2010 - Peter Senior has today claimed his third Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola title, in a thrilling finish at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The victory is his first-ever on OneAsia, Asia Pacific's professional tournament destination for elite golfers.
Senior triumphed in a two-hole playoff over 2008 Australian PGA Championship winner Geoff Ogilvy who missed a putt on the second playoff hole to hand Senior the win.
Playing in the final group Senior chased down clubhouse leader Ogilvy and Andre Stolz who had birdied the 17th to join Ogilvy at the top on 12-under with one hole to play.
Faltering under the pressure Stolz drove his tee shot into the water on 18 and bogeyed his final hole of the tournament to finish at 11-under.
In what was one of the closest finishes in recent years, a number of other players also missed their chances to join the playoff, including Nick O’Hern and Peter Fowler who both missed long birdie putts to finish in equal second position.
But for Senior, it was one of his sweetest victories coming an incredible 21 years after his first Australian PGA Championship title.
"What a great way to finish the year off. I didn’t really play well the first few holes and the two best shots I hit all day were the two down 18, so to finish birdie on the last and to get into the playoffs was just fantastic," said Senior.
Senior, the oldest winner of Australia's oldest professional title, was impressed with the performance of the Asian contingent this week and hopes the event will see an influx of even more Asian talent to give the tournament fresh.
"It definitely injects a different element into the tournament every time when they come to play here and I am hoping to see more of them in the future."
At the 18th green presentation, the inaugural OneAsia Order of Merit trophy was also awarded to China’s number 1 player Liang Wenchong who finished equal 12th in this week’s event co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Runner-up Geoff Ogilvy also claimed the 2010 PGA Tour of Australasia Norman Von Nida Order of Merit title at the ceremony.
OneAsia will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season. 13 events have already been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months.
Australian PGA Championship, OneAsia
Leading final round scores – par 72
276 - Peter Senior (AUS) 70-67-68-71
276 - Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 70-69-71-66
277 - Nick O'Hern (AUS) 70-70-68-69, Peter Fowler (AUS) 66-70-70-71, Andre Stolz (AUS) 67-69-70-71
278 - Matthew Griffin (AUS) 68-70-72-68, Richard Green (AUS) 72-68-70-68, Aaron Townsend (AUS) 68-67-70-73, Bobby Gates (USA) 64-69-71-74
279 - Akio Sadakata (JPN) 67-72-67-73, John Senden (AUS) 69-65-74-71
280 - Liang Wenchong (CHN) 66-68-75-71, Robert Allenby (AUS) 70-68-72-70
Selected Scores:
285 - Hiroshi Iwata (JPN) 70-70-75-70
285 - Jung Hi-ho (KOR) 71-67-71-76
286 - Simon Yates (SCO) 71-73-73-69, Tetsuya Haraguchi (JPN) 69-74-74-69
287 - Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 70-71-71-75
Senior triumphed in a two-hole playoff over 2008 Australian PGA Championship winner Geoff Ogilvy who missed a putt on the second playoff hole to hand Senior the win.
Playing in the final group Senior chased down clubhouse leader Ogilvy and Andre Stolz who had birdied the 17th to join Ogilvy at the top on 12-under with one hole to play.
Faltering under the pressure Stolz drove his tee shot into the water on 18 and bogeyed his final hole of the tournament to finish at 11-under.
In what was one of the closest finishes in recent years, a number of other players also missed their chances to join the playoff, including Nick O’Hern and Peter Fowler who both missed long birdie putts to finish in equal second position.
But for Senior, it was one of his sweetest victories coming an incredible 21 years after his first Australian PGA Championship title.
"What a great way to finish the year off. I didn’t really play well the first few holes and the two best shots I hit all day were the two down 18, so to finish birdie on the last and to get into the playoffs was just fantastic," said Senior.
Senior, the oldest winner of Australia's oldest professional title, was impressed with the performance of the Asian contingent this week and hopes the event will see an influx of even more Asian talent to give the tournament fresh.
"It definitely injects a different element into the tournament every time when they come to play here and I am hoping to see more of them in the future."
At the 18th green presentation, the inaugural OneAsia Order of Merit trophy was also awarded to China’s number 1 player Liang Wenchong who finished equal 12th in this week’s event co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Runner-up Geoff Ogilvy also claimed the 2010 PGA Tour of Australasia Norman Von Nida Order of Merit title at the ceremony.
OneAsia will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season. 13 events have already been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months.
Australian PGA Championship, OneAsia
Leading final round scores – par 72
276 - Peter Senior (AUS) 70-67-68-71
276 - Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 70-69-71-66
277 - Nick O'Hern (AUS) 70-70-68-69, Peter Fowler (AUS) 66-70-70-71, Andre Stolz (AUS) 67-69-70-71
278 - Matthew Griffin (AUS) 68-70-72-68, Richard Green (AUS) 72-68-70-68, Aaron Townsend (AUS) 68-67-70-73, Bobby Gates (USA) 64-69-71-74
279 - Akio Sadakata (JPN) 67-72-67-73, John Senden (AUS) 69-65-74-71
280 - Liang Wenchong (CHN) 66-68-75-71, Robert Allenby (AUS) 70-68-72-70
Selected Scores:
285 - Hiroshi Iwata (JPN) 70-70-75-70
285 - Jung Hi-ho (KOR) 71-67-71-76
286 - Simon Yates (SCO) 71-73-73-69, Tetsuya Haraguchi (JPN) 69-74-74-69
287 - Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 70-71-71-75
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Australian Senior Leads Washed Out PGA Into Fifth Day
Sunshine Coast, December 12, 2010 - Peter Senior will lead the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola into a fifth day after the tournament was suspended today due to heavy rain and excessive water on the Hyatt Regency Coolum course.
Play was first suspended at 2.00pm local Queensland time with the decision to call off play for the day coming at 5.00pm.
Tournament officials had hoped to send players back out in the late afternoon, but water on the course forced the day’s play to be canceled.
Play is expected to resume at 6.00am tomorrow, Monday morning.
This will be the first time in over 20 years that an Australian tournament has been forced to conclude on a Monday.
The last postponement occurred during the 1987 Australian Open at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
As of 2.00pm Sunday Peter Senior led the tournament at -12, while Peter Fowler and Bobby Gates shared second at -11.
Matthew Griffin, Geoff Ogilvy, Richard Green and Andre Stolz share 4th position at -10.
China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong had a bogey-free morning and is the leading Asian player in the tournament at -7. He has seven holes to finish tomorrow.
For the full leaderboard click here.
Play was first suspended at 2.00pm local Queensland time with the decision to call off play for the day coming at 5.00pm.
Tournament officials had hoped to send players back out in the late afternoon, but water on the course forced the day’s play to be canceled.
Play is expected to resume at 6.00am tomorrow, Monday morning.
This will be the first time in over 20 years that an Australian tournament has been forced to conclude on a Monday.
The last postponement occurred during the 1987 Australian Open at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
As of 2.00pm Sunday Peter Senior led the tournament at -12, while Peter Fowler and Bobby Gates shared second at -11.
Matthew Griffin, Geoff Ogilvy, Richard Green and Andre Stolz share 4th position at -10.
China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong had a bogey-free morning and is the leading Asian player in the tournament at -7. He has seven holes to finish tomorrow.
For the full leaderboard click here.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Asian Players Chase Gates In Bid For Kirkwood Cup
Sunshine Coast, December 11, 2010 - American Bobby Gates will tomorrow hope to become the first international winner of the Australian PGA Championship in over ten years following a thrilling day of play at the Hyatt Regency Coolum.
Gates will start the final round at 12-under par, but will have to overcome the experience of one of Australia’s most successful professionals in Peter Senior who sits in second at 11-under alongside Newcastle’s Aaron Townsend.
Should he win tomorrow, Gates is also almost certain to take out the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Order of Merit which among other benefits will give him an instant start in the US Open and the World Golf Championship-Cadillac Championship.
The win will also give him a start in the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational- not a bad potential haul for a young man who also recently earned his US PGA Tour card for 2011.
"The first five holes were pretty tough today," said Gates. "There weren't many times that we looked up and the wind was doing the same thing as it was 30 seconds ago. But that's the fun of golf, you kind of grind through it and get to where you can make some birdies."
Gates played the round alongside Australia's John Senden and China's Liang Wenchong, who slipped from joint second to share eleventh with South Korea's Jung Ji-ho.
Liang's start to the day was tainted by a double-bogey on the first-hole, which threw him off for the day. The 32-year-old Zhongshan resident had a further three more bogeys throughout the course of the day.
"I pushed the ball to the right and it bounced off a rock into a bunker and I had to chip around a bit," Liang said of the unfortunate first hole. "The wind was also blowing quite hard as I was hitting towards the green, so it wasn't a good start to the day."
The Asian contingent is now led by Japan's Akio Sadakata, who has leapt up the leaderboard on the third day shooting a five-under 67.
"I didn't feel like I had a good round today and I'll have to go low tomorrow if I want to catch up," said the Osaka-based Sadakata. "But I'm in good spirits seeing my fellow countrymen also on the leaderboard putting up a good fight. I still have a chance but we'll see tomorrow."
Play gets underway in the third round from 6.20am on Sunday morning with the leaders teeing off at 11.00am.
For the full leaderboard, visit http://oneasia.asia.
Gates will start the final round at 12-under par, but will have to overcome the experience of one of Australia’s most successful professionals in Peter Senior who sits in second at 11-under alongside Newcastle’s Aaron Townsend.
Should he win tomorrow, Gates is also almost certain to take out the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Order of Merit which among other benefits will give him an instant start in the US Open and the World Golf Championship-Cadillac Championship.
The win will also give him a start in the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational- not a bad potential haul for a young man who also recently earned his US PGA Tour card for 2011.
"The first five holes were pretty tough today," said Gates. "There weren't many times that we looked up and the wind was doing the same thing as it was 30 seconds ago. But that's the fun of golf, you kind of grind through it and get to where you can make some birdies."
Gates played the round alongside Australia's John Senden and China's Liang Wenchong, who slipped from joint second to share eleventh with South Korea's Jung Ji-ho.
Liang's start to the day was tainted by a double-bogey on the first-hole, which threw him off for the day. The 32-year-old Zhongshan resident had a further three more bogeys throughout the course of the day.
"I pushed the ball to the right and it bounced off a rock into a bunker and I had to chip around a bit," Liang said of the unfortunate first hole. "The wind was also blowing quite hard as I was hitting towards the green, so it wasn't a good start to the day."
The Asian contingent is now led by Japan's Akio Sadakata, who has leapt up the leaderboard on the third day shooting a five-under 67.
"I didn't feel like I had a good round today and I'll have to go low tomorrow if I want to catch up," said the Osaka-based Sadakata. "But I'm in good spirits seeing my fellow countrymen also on the leaderboard putting up a good fight. I still have a chance but we'll see tomorrow."
Play gets underway in the third round from 6.20am on Sunday morning with the leaders teeing off at 11.00am.
For the full leaderboard, visit http://oneasia.asia.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Liang Leads Asian Invasion In Coolum
Sunshine Coast, December 10, 2010 - Asian players on OneAsia have finished well in Queensland today as they challenge Australia's finest for the coveted Kirkwood Cup at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola this week.
This is OneAsia's second year in Coolum and despite what are considered difficult conditions to the Asian style of playing, China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong has quickly adapted, leading the Asian contingent of players who have climbed up the leaderboard.
Liang shot a four-under 68 to share joint-second with Australia's John Senden in a bogey-free round that has left him with a ten-under finish, one shot behind 25-year-old American Bobby Gates who posted a 69.
The 32-year-old Zhongshan farmer-turned-golf pro has enjoyed his first two rounds, playing alongside defending champion Robert Allenby and colourful PGA Tour star John Daly.
"These two rounds have been good," Liang said. "My putting was better yesterday so I had more birdies but I am satisfied with my results today. I feel more comfortable on the course and I had no bogeys today. I hope to give the competition my best this weekend and have a good finish.
Liang is full of admiration for his Australian group mate Allenby, a three-time winner of this tournament.
"Robert didn't do too well yesterday but has performed very well under pressure today," he said. "He is a great player as he concentrates on his own game. I hope we will be in the same group again on the final day, to compete for the championship cup."
Korea's Jung Ji-ho shares 9th with three other Australian players including Allenby. He posted a 67 on the water hazard-laden course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, with a six-under finish after the round.
Jung has had a slew of good finishes on the Korean Tour and is currently ranked 27th on its money list. He has played regularly on OneAsia this year, taking advantage of the increased number of earning opportunities provided across the Asia Pacific region.
"The game was not easy today but my short game helped me with a good final score," said Jung. "I had to concentrate on my putting strategically as my swing has not been feeling good. Luckily that worked out well."
"I'm happy to have managed a good score today and being the leading Korean is encouraging me to play harder. I'll try to keep up the fight till the end for Korea."
Akio Sadakata of Japan is also on track for a good result at five-under after two rounds, sharing 13th alongside the likes of Geoff Ogilvy and Rod Pampling. The Osaka-based professional is playing his first OneAsia tournament this week with a "it's never too late" attitude, and was drawn down under by the prospect of a summertime multi-cultural experience.
"It is good to know other cultures and to play with leading players from around the region," he said. "If I have to chance, I will definitely play more OneAsia tournaments next year for this experience."
Other OneAsia players who will play into the weekend include Gu Cuilin and CJ Gatto of the China Tour, Lee In-woo, Choi Joon-woo and Son Joon-eob of the Korean Tour, Hiroshi Iwata and Tetsuya Haraguchi of the Japan Tour, Panuphol Pittayarat, Borworn Chaisri and Pornpong Phatlum of the South East Asian Mercedes-Benz Tour, and Simon Yates of the Asian Tour.
The cut was made at even par with Adam Scott and John Daly among the big names to miss out on a weekend spot.
This is OneAsia's second year in Coolum and despite what are considered difficult conditions to the Asian style of playing, China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong has quickly adapted, leading the Asian contingent of players who have climbed up the leaderboard.
Liang shot a four-under 68 to share joint-second with Australia's John Senden in a bogey-free round that has left him with a ten-under finish, one shot behind 25-year-old American Bobby Gates who posted a 69.
The 32-year-old Zhongshan farmer-turned-golf pro has enjoyed his first two rounds, playing alongside defending champion Robert Allenby and colourful PGA Tour star John Daly.
"These two rounds have been good," Liang said. "My putting was better yesterday so I had more birdies but I am satisfied with my results today. I feel more comfortable on the course and I had no bogeys today. I hope to give the competition my best this weekend and have a good finish.
Liang is full of admiration for his Australian group mate Allenby, a three-time winner of this tournament.
"Robert didn't do too well yesterday but has performed very well under pressure today," he said. "He is a great player as he concentrates on his own game. I hope we will be in the same group again on the final day, to compete for the championship cup."
Korea's Jung Ji-ho shares 9th with three other Australian players including Allenby. He posted a 67 on the water hazard-laden course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, with a six-under finish after the round.
Jung has had a slew of good finishes on the Korean Tour and is currently ranked 27th on its money list. He has played regularly on OneAsia this year, taking advantage of the increased number of earning opportunities provided across the Asia Pacific region.
"The game was not easy today but my short game helped me with a good final score," said Jung. "I had to concentrate on my putting strategically as my swing has not been feeling good. Luckily that worked out well."
"I'm happy to have managed a good score today and being the leading Korean is encouraging me to play harder. I'll try to keep up the fight till the end for Korea."
Akio Sadakata of Japan is also on track for a good result at five-under after two rounds, sharing 13th alongside the likes of Geoff Ogilvy and Rod Pampling. The Osaka-based professional is playing his first OneAsia tournament this week with a "it's never too late" attitude, and was drawn down under by the prospect of a summertime multi-cultural experience.
"It is good to know other cultures and to play with leading players from around the region," he said. "If I have to chance, I will definitely play more OneAsia tournaments next year for this experience."
Other OneAsia players who will play into the weekend include Gu Cuilin and CJ Gatto of the China Tour, Lee In-woo, Choi Joon-woo and Son Joon-eob of the Korean Tour, Hiroshi Iwata and Tetsuya Haraguchi of the Japan Tour, Panuphol Pittayarat, Borworn Chaisri and Pornpong Phatlum of the South East Asian Mercedes-Benz Tour, and Simon Yates of the Asian Tour.
The cut was made at even par with Adam Scott and John Daly among the big names to miss out on a weekend spot.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Buckle And Gates Set The Pace At Coolum
Sunshine Coast, December 9, 2010 - With a star studded field assembled at Coolum for the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, no one would have predicted that it would be Queenslander Andrew Buckle and American Robert Gates that would lead the chase for the Joe Kirkwood Cup on day one.
Gates joined morning pacesetter Andrew Buckle at the top of the leaderboard at eight-under following a low-scoring day at the Hyatt Regency Coolum in the final event of OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Buckle made the most of the ideal morning conditions holing eight birdies on the way to a round of 64, while Gates, who earlier this year won the New Zealand Open, began his round with an eagle and picked up seven more birdies to dominate the afternoon field.
Local Sunshine Coast professional Steven Bowditch currently shares third place two shots back at six-under with China’s number one player Liang Wenchong and PGA Tour of Australasia veteran Peter Fowler.
Matthew Millar, James Nitties, Andre Stolz, Kieran Pratt and Japan's Akio Sadakata all sit in equal sixth position at five-under par.
A further 10 players sit in equal 11th position at four-under par including Matthew Griffin, Rod Pampling and New Zealander Gareth Paddison.
Of the tournament headliners, 2010 Australian Open champion Geoff Ogilvy finished at two-under alongside defending champion Robert Allenby, while US import John Daly is at one-under par.
Adam Scott finished the day at one-over with the help of a quadruple bogey eight at the par-four 13th where he found the water twice.
For Aussie leader Buckle, who has gone four years since his last win on the Nationwide Tour, the round was a promising sign for what has otherwise been a disappointing season.
"Today I just tried to get back to just using my instincts a little bit which I haven't really done since I was a kid, so it was a lot of fun to play that way again instead of just thinking about my swing," said Buckle who said he needs to overcome his self-doubt in order to succeed at the highest level.
“I love playing golf for a living and I love doing this as a job and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do so it’s not easy at times; you travel a lot, you’re away from family, you get away from friends, close friends and things like that – I love it too much- I’ll keep going and get there.”
Gates, who in 2011 will play the US PGA Tour after finishing in the Top 25 on the2010 Nationwide Tour moneylist, said he put the performance down to his relaxed attitude that comes with being on ‘vacation’.
“It’s a long way to come but we enjoy it, it's kind of carefree so we come down and look at it as a way to relax and work on our game while it’s cold at home,” said Gates.
“It’s been awesome, this is one of the National Championships down here and it’s a way for the Australian guys to showcase that they are some of the best players in the world so to come down here and see how my game stacks up against them is pretty awesome.”
Following his win earlier in the year in New Zealand, Gates is also in contention to win the 2010 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit which, if he wins, will give him exemptions into a number of Majors and World Golf Championship events.
China's hero Liang Wenchong is similarly well-placed for the OneAsia Order of Merit title.
He scored a six-under 66 to share joint third with Australia's Steven Bowditch and Peter Fowler. He was on a morning roll with six birdies but missed three putts on the back nine, costing him a second place finish behind the leaders.
"I feel really good about today - It has been an encouraging start and I feel that half the battle has been won with a good beginning," said Liang.
"The course has been wet by the rain in the past week so these softer and wetter conditions are better for me. My coach, Kel Llewellyn, has helped me with my swing over the past three years so I have felt more confident this year."
Having taken victories at the 2010 season-opening Luxehills Chengdu Open and the Thailand Open, the 32-year-old Zhongshan resident is hoping for yet another win to finish the OneAsia season on a high note. He will tee off early tomorrow at 6.10am again alongside Round 1 buddies Daly and Allenby.
Gates is also off early at 6.30am, while Buckle tees off at 11.20am.
Gates joined morning pacesetter Andrew Buckle at the top of the leaderboard at eight-under following a low-scoring day at the Hyatt Regency Coolum in the final event of OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Buckle made the most of the ideal morning conditions holing eight birdies on the way to a round of 64, while Gates, who earlier this year won the New Zealand Open, began his round with an eagle and picked up seven more birdies to dominate the afternoon field.
Local Sunshine Coast professional Steven Bowditch currently shares third place two shots back at six-under with China’s number one player Liang Wenchong and PGA Tour of Australasia veteran Peter Fowler.
Matthew Millar, James Nitties, Andre Stolz, Kieran Pratt and Japan's Akio Sadakata all sit in equal sixth position at five-under par.
A further 10 players sit in equal 11th position at four-under par including Matthew Griffin, Rod Pampling and New Zealander Gareth Paddison.
Of the tournament headliners, 2010 Australian Open champion Geoff Ogilvy finished at two-under alongside defending champion Robert Allenby, while US import John Daly is at one-under par.
Adam Scott finished the day at one-over with the help of a quadruple bogey eight at the par-four 13th where he found the water twice.
For Aussie leader Buckle, who has gone four years since his last win on the Nationwide Tour, the round was a promising sign for what has otherwise been a disappointing season.
"Today I just tried to get back to just using my instincts a little bit which I haven't really done since I was a kid, so it was a lot of fun to play that way again instead of just thinking about my swing," said Buckle who said he needs to overcome his self-doubt in order to succeed at the highest level.
“I love playing golf for a living and I love doing this as a job and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do so it’s not easy at times; you travel a lot, you’re away from family, you get away from friends, close friends and things like that – I love it too much- I’ll keep going and get there.”
Gates, who in 2011 will play the US PGA Tour after finishing in the Top 25 on the2010 Nationwide Tour moneylist, said he put the performance down to his relaxed attitude that comes with being on ‘vacation’.
“It’s a long way to come but we enjoy it, it's kind of carefree so we come down and look at it as a way to relax and work on our game while it’s cold at home,” said Gates.
“It’s been awesome, this is one of the National Championships down here and it’s a way for the Australian guys to showcase that they are some of the best players in the world so to come down here and see how my game stacks up against them is pretty awesome.”
Following his win earlier in the year in New Zealand, Gates is also in contention to win the 2010 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit which, if he wins, will give him exemptions into a number of Majors and World Golf Championship events.
China's hero Liang Wenchong is similarly well-placed for the OneAsia Order of Merit title.
He scored a six-under 66 to share joint third with Australia's Steven Bowditch and Peter Fowler. He was on a morning roll with six birdies but missed three putts on the back nine, costing him a second place finish behind the leaders.
"I feel really good about today - It has been an encouraging start and I feel that half the battle has been won with a good beginning," said Liang.
"The course has been wet by the rain in the past week so these softer and wetter conditions are better for me. My coach, Kel Llewellyn, has helped me with my swing over the past three years so I have felt more confident this year."
Having taken victories at the 2010 season-opening Luxehills Chengdu Open and the Thailand Open, the 32-year-old Zhongshan resident is hoping for yet another win to finish the OneAsia season on a high note. He will tee off early tomorrow at 6.10am again alongside Round 1 buddies Daly and Allenby.
Gates is also off early at 6.30am, while Buckle tees off at 11.20am.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Dates Announced For fifth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final
Sir Nick Faldo is looking forward to celebrating the fifth edition of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final when the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event returns to the Faldo Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China on March 2-4, 2011.
“Five years is a milestone worth celebrating, especially when you consider that the number of Faldo Series Asia tournaments and competitors has almost tripled in that time,” commented Faldo. “And just as important to me is the number of younger children that have been exposed to the game through grass-roots activities at our tournaments during that period.”
The six-time Major Champion continued: “I thank all our sponsors, venues and host organisations, including our major partners Mission Hills, The R&A and ISPS, whose support and vision makes the Faldo Series possible and allows us to continue providing opportunities to young people through golf.”
Tenniel Chu, Executive Director of Mission Hills added: “As the home of the Faldo Series Asia since the start, Mission Hills is honoured to be playing a role in the development of tomorrow’s champions and we are particularly looking forward to the fifth Grand Final in March. Sir Nick should be proud of his efforts, especially with the Grand Final now considered a Major in youth golf and an impressive list of former winners that includes Yani Tseng, Rashid Khan and reigning champion Masamichi Ito.”
After a record season that has seen more than 1,000 talented young golfers compete in 16 Faldo Series Asia tournaments across 12 different countries, the top 80 boy and girl qualifiers, all aged from 12 to 21, will join Faldo at Mission Hills where they will compete over three rounds on the Faldo Course for the title of Faldo Series Asia champion.
Defending his title will be 15 year-old Ito from Japan who, following his play-off victory at Mission Hills last March, became the first player to claim the Faldo Series ‘double’ by also winning the 2010 Faldo Series Europe Grand Final played over the Faldo Course at the Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September.
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006. Underwritten by Faldo himself, it is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. The Grand Final is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC) and the Guangdong Golf Association.
For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
“Five years is a milestone worth celebrating, especially when you consider that the number of Faldo Series Asia tournaments and competitors has almost tripled in that time,” commented Faldo. “And just as important to me is the number of younger children that have been exposed to the game through grass-roots activities at our tournaments during that period.”
The six-time Major Champion continued: “I thank all our sponsors, venues and host organisations, including our major partners Mission Hills, The R&A and ISPS, whose support and vision makes the Faldo Series possible and allows us to continue providing opportunities to young people through golf.”
Tenniel Chu, Executive Director of Mission Hills added: “As the home of the Faldo Series Asia since the start, Mission Hills is honoured to be playing a role in the development of tomorrow’s champions and we are particularly looking forward to the fifth Grand Final in March. Sir Nick should be proud of his efforts, especially with the Grand Final now considered a Major in youth golf and an impressive list of former winners that includes Yani Tseng, Rashid Khan and reigning champion Masamichi Ito.”
After a record season that has seen more than 1,000 talented young golfers compete in 16 Faldo Series Asia tournaments across 12 different countries, the top 80 boy and girl qualifiers, all aged from 12 to 21, will join Faldo at Mission Hills where they will compete over three rounds on the Faldo Course for the title of Faldo Series Asia champion.
Defending his title will be 15 year-old Ito from Japan who, following his play-off victory at Mission Hills last March, became the first player to claim the Faldo Series ‘double’ by also winning the 2010 Faldo Series Europe Grand Final played over the Faldo Course at the Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September.
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006. Underwritten by Faldo himself, it is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. The Grand Final is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC) and the Guangdong Golf Association.
For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Ogilvy Looks To OneAsia For Second Win
Sunshine Coast, December 7, 2010 - Australia's Geoff Ogilvy has set his sights on yet another OneAsia victory in Coolum this week. Freshly-minted from his Australian Open win, the Australasian and PGA Tour champion tees up at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from 9 to 12 December.
Following his maiden National Open victory, Ogilvy has leapt up the world-rankings to 31 just above Asian professionals Kim Kyung-tae (32), Ryo Ishikawa (36) and Y.E. Yang (43). He has had much interest watching Asian talent on the rise and looks to OneAsia as the future of his already thriving career.
"Asia is the region where golf is growing the fastest, where it's probably the most scoped to get big and where the interest is," he said. "I think OneAsia is doing great and it is exciting that Australia is involved in what is pretty much a very exciting area in golf at the moment."
Based in Del Mar, California, the 33-year-old Melbournite has battled a hectic schedule which have foiled his intentions on playing on the OneAsia circuit this year.
"There were a couple of times when I nearly made it down, but I could never seem to book a flight back out on the Sunday evening after the tournament which would get me back in time.
"I would love to play more in Asia in the future. It makes more sense for an Australian to play in the Asian region than the United States. This year was especially hard as I'd overplayed the last couple of years.
"I've also had three kids in four years so home life has been busy. But as my schedule balances out, I definitely see myself gravitating back towards OneAsia so I can play closer to home."
Having spent some time with dual OneAsia 2010 winner Liang Wenchong on the first two rounds of the Australian Open, Ogilvy expressed his admiration China's best player's sheer grit on the course.
"Liang is a great player - He's very canny and knows how to put a score together," he said. "Only a good head on his shoulders can have a guy play kind of rough on the first day and still end up having a good tournament. He's obviously a wise golfer and really knows his game well.
"There's definitely a feeling amongst everyone that the top 50 players in the world will be full of Asian players soon."
Ogilvy joins defending champion Robert Allenby and American John Daly who have previously announced that they will contest the Australian PGA Championship.
The Australian PGA Championship will be the final tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia, with players competing for a total prize pool of AUD$1,500,000.
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of the event will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Following his maiden National Open victory, Ogilvy has leapt up the world-rankings to 31 just above Asian professionals Kim Kyung-tae (32), Ryo Ishikawa (36) and Y.E. Yang (43). He has had much interest watching Asian talent on the rise and looks to OneAsia as the future of his already thriving career.
"Asia is the region where golf is growing the fastest, where it's probably the most scoped to get big and where the interest is," he said. "I think OneAsia is doing great and it is exciting that Australia is involved in what is pretty much a very exciting area in golf at the moment."
Based in Del Mar, California, the 33-year-old Melbournite has battled a hectic schedule which have foiled his intentions on playing on the OneAsia circuit this year.
"There were a couple of times when I nearly made it down, but I could never seem to book a flight back out on the Sunday evening after the tournament which would get me back in time.
"I would love to play more in Asia in the future. It makes more sense for an Australian to play in the Asian region than the United States. This year was especially hard as I'd overplayed the last couple of years.
"I've also had three kids in four years so home life has been busy. But as my schedule balances out, I definitely see myself gravitating back towards OneAsia so I can play closer to home."
Having spent some time with dual OneAsia 2010 winner Liang Wenchong on the first two rounds of the Australian Open, Ogilvy expressed his admiration China's best player's sheer grit on the course.
"Liang is a great player - He's very canny and knows how to put a score together," he said. "Only a good head on his shoulders can have a guy play kind of rough on the first day and still end up having a good tournament. He's obviously a wise golfer and really knows his game well.
"There's definitely a feeling amongst everyone that the top 50 players in the world will be full of Asian players soon."
Ogilvy joins defending champion Robert Allenby and American John Daly who have previously announced that they will contest the Australian PGA Championship.
The Australian PGA Championship will be the final tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia, with players competing for a total prize pool of AUD$1,500,000.
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of the event will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Ogilvy Claims Stonehaven Cup
Sydney - December 5, 2010: Geoff Ogilvy has claimed his first Australian Open title after a final round of three-under at The Lakes Golf Club today.
Showing the class that has helped him to a total of eight other international career titles, Ogilvy maintained his dominance over the chasing pack to claim the Stonehaven Cup by four shots over Victorian Alistair Presnell (67) and Sydney’s Matt Jones (68) who both finished at 15-under.
Ogilvy’s lead never looked under threat throughout the final round of the championship with his third round lead more than enough of a buffer to hold off the chasing pack.
“Today was probably the day I struggled most with my game,” said Ogilvy after his round, “but all I had to do was not mess up really.”
Ogilvy said the win was vindication for what had otherwise been a lackluster year on the golf course other than his early win in the US in his first tournament of the year.
“I won the first week and then play relatively horrible golf all year.”
“I didn’t enjoy golf as much this year because how I was playing.”
“But anytime you win an Australian Open you’ll look back and think you’ve had a great year.”
“This is the 90 year old trophy, this is the real jewel.”
Of the other stories at this week’s Australian Open presented by Century 21, 22-year-old Adelaide professional Jordan Sherratt put his name firmly on the map with a final round of 5-under to finish in equal 4th alongside 2006 Australian Open champion John Senden (69).
Sherratt turned professional just over a month ago and upstaged his more experienced rivals as the tournament came to a close.
American-Korean David Oh had his best OneAsia finish to date, holding his game to the end to tie sixth with Australia's Greg Chalmers and Bronson La'Cassie.
Also making headlines, Andrew Dodt made the only hole-in-one of the tournament, the Queenslander acing the 184m par 3 15th on the final day with the help of his seven iron.
The win is Ogilvy’s second PGA Tour of Australasia title and his first for OneAsia, the AUD$270,000 prize cheque putting the Victorian in the lead for the 2010 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.
During his acceptance speech Ogilvy thanked all the event sponsors and made particular mention of Century 21’s CEO Charles Tarby who came on board to support the tournament as a presenting partner only days before the championship teed off.
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and was played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.
The PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia now move to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for the staging of the 2010 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
The Australian PGA Championship will be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from December 9-12 for a prizepool of AUD$1,500,000.
Showing the class that has helped him to a total of eight other international career titles, Ogilvy maintained his dominance over the chasing pack to claim the Stonehaven Cup by four shots over Victorian Alistair Presnell (67) and Sydney’s Matt Jones (68) who both finished at 15-under.
Ogilvy’s lead never looked under threat throughout the final round of the championship with his third round lead more than enough of a buffer to hold off the chasing pack.
“Today was probably the day I struggled most with my game,” said Ogilvy after his round, “but all I had to do was not mess up really.”
Ogilvy said the win was vindication for what had otherwise been a lackluster year on the golf course other than his early win in the US in his first tournament of the year.
“I won the first week and then play relatively horrible golf all year.”
“I didn’t enjoy golf as much this year because how I was playing.”
“But anytime you win an Australian Open you’ll look back and think you’ve had a great year.”
“This is the 90 year old trophy, this is the real jewel.”
Of the other stories at this week’s Australian Open presented by Century 21, 22-year-old Adelaide professional Jordan Sherratt put his name firmly on the map with a final round of 5-under to finish in equal 4th alongside 2006 Australian Open champion John Senden (69).
Sherratt turned professional just over a month ago and upstaged his more experienced rivals as the tournament came to a close.
American-Korean David Oh had his best OneAsia finish to date, holding his game to the end to tie sixth with Australia's Greg Chalmers and Bronson La'Cassie.
Also making headlines, Andrew Dodt made the only hole-in-one of the tournament, the Queenslander acing the 184m par 3 15th on the final day with the help of his seven iron.
The win is Ogilvy’s second PGA Tour of Australasia title and his first for OneAsia, the AUD$270,000 prize cheque putting the Victorian in the lead for the 2010 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.
During his acceptance speech Ogilvy thanked all the event sponsors and made particular mention of Century 21’s CEO Charles Tarby who came on board to support the tournament as a presenting partner only days before the championship teed off.
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and was played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.
The PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia now move to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for the staging of the 2010 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
The Australian PGA Championship will be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from December 9-12 for a prizepool of AUD$1,500,000.
Ogilvy In Command At Australian Open
Sydney - December 4, 2010: Following another solid round of five-under par at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, Victorian Geoff Ogilvy is one round away from capturing his second Australian title.
Extending his lead over the rest of the field, Ogilvy leads the Australian Open presented by Century 21 by five shots. He leads over Matt Jones (71) in second , while Greg Chalmers (66) and Alistair Presnell (67) are a further shot back in equal third at 10-under.
2006 Australian Open champion John Senden (70) is lurking in equal 5th at nine-under alongside Matthew Griffin (72), while American David Oh (67) and Bronson La’Cassie (68) share seventh at eight-under.
But with only 18 holes of play left in the 2010 Australian Open presented by Century 21, the tournament which is co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA of Australasia looks to be firmly in the hands of Ogilvy.
Trading birdies with his playing partner for the duration of the front nine, it wasn’t until Jones bogeyed the seventh that Ogilvy looked to have the tournament firmly in his control.
Ogilvy’s game couldn’t be faulted until the final hole of the day when the World Number 43 missed the 18th green on approach to finish with the only bogey of his round.
“It’s never nice to finish like that no matter what you shoot,” said Ogilvy after his round, although it didn’t take him long to look at the positives.“I feel I played well and made the most of the day.”
“I’ve been blessed so far- I haven’t had to hit a shot in the rain.”
Having captured the Australian PGA Championship in 2008 tomorrow Ogilvy will look to claim his second PGA Tour of Australasia title and his first on OneAsia.
“It will be hard not to think about it," he said. "The Australian Open in general has a pretty impressive honour roll…so it would be a nice one to get.”
Korean Tour regular David Oh of USA enjoyed a bogey-free round finishing with a three-under 67 to tie seventh with Australia's Bronson La'cassie. He birdied five-times on the front nine, with a short game featuring a 12-foot putt on the ninth hole and a 40-foot putt on the twelfth.
"There's something special about Australia for me. I feel really good and relaxed and seem to play well here," he said, referring to his performance in last year's Australian Open where he shared a joint fifth after the third round.
"The Australian Open has a great tournament feel and I was having fun out there so I really wasn't thinking too much until I sunk the 12-foot birdie on the ninth. That was a pleasant surprise and I started to look at the scoreboard a bit, which is probably why I didn't do as well on the back nine.
"I also hit the ball left in the trees on 12 but I managed to make a 35-40 foot par there so I really got away with that one. My short game felt solid."
Fellow American-Korean John Huh carded a 69 for the day to tie 17th with Australians Rohan Blizzard, Michael Campbell, Peter Senior and Steven Bowditch.
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and is being played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.
Extending his lead over the rest of the field, Ogilvy leads the Australian Open presented by Century 21 by five shots. He leads over Matt Jones (71) in second , while Greg Chalmers (66) and Alistair Presnell (67) are a further shot back in equal third at 10-under.
2006 Australian Open champion John Senden (70) is lurking in equal 5th at nine-under alongside Matthew Griffin (72), while American David Oh (67) and Bronson La’Cassie (68) share seventh at eight-under.
But with only 18 holes of play left in the 2010 Australian Open presented by Century 21, the tournament which is co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA of Australasia looks to be firmly in the hands of Ogilvy.
Trading birdies with his playing partner for the duration of the front nine, it wasn’t until Jones bogeyed the seventh that Ogilvy looked to have the tournament firmly in his control.
Ogilvy’s game couldn’t be faulted until the final hole of the day when the World Number 43 missed the 18th green on approach to finish with the only bogey of his round.
“It’s never nice to finish like that no matter what you shoot,” said Ogilvy after his round, although it didn’t take him long to look at the positives.“I feel I played well and made the most of the day.”
“I’ve been blessed so far- I haven’t had to hit a shot in the rain.”
Having captured the Australian PGA Championship in 2008 tomorrow Ogilvy will look to claim his second PGA Tour of Australasia title and his first on OneAsia.
“It will be hard not to think about it," he said. "The Australian Open in general has a pretty impressive honour roll…so it would be a nice one to get.”
Korean Tour regular David Oh of USA enjoyed a bogey-free round finishing with a three-under 67 to tie seventh with Australia's Bronson La'cassie. He birdied five-times on the front nine, with a short game featuring a 12-foot putt on the ninth hole and a 40-foot putt on the twelfth.
"There's something special about Australia for me. I feel really good and relaxed and seem to play well here," he said, referring to his performance in last year's Australian Open where he shared a joint fifth after the third round.
"The Australian Open has a great tournament feel and I was having fun out there so I really wasn't thinking too much until I sunk the 12-foot birdie on the ninth. That was a pleasant surprise and I started to look at the scoreboard a bit, which is probably why I didn't do as well on the back nine.
"I also hit the ball left in the trees on 12 but I managed to make a 35-40 foot par there so I really got away with that one. My short game felt solid."
Fellow American-Korean John Huh carded a 69 for the day to tie 17th with Australians Rohan Blizzard, Michael Campbell, Peter Senior and Steven Bowditch.
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and is being played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Refreshed Ogilvy Leads Australian Open
Sydney - December 3, 2010: Victorian Geoff Ogilvy will take a one shot lead into the third round of the 2010 Australian Open presented by Century 21 after a stunning performance at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney today.
Out early in the morning field Ogilvy made the most of the perfect conditions sinking seven birdies on his way to the outright lead for the event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
At the halfway mark Ogilvy leads at 11-under, only one shot ahead of fellow US Tour player Matt Jones who shot an incredible round of eight-under in tough afternoon conditions.
Matt Griffin is a further shot back at nine-under while American Dudley Hart shares fourth position with 2006 Australian Open Champion John Senden.
In the media centre for this first time this week, a refreshed Ogilvy attributed his form to some much needed time off over the last two months back in his home town of Melbourne.
“I am much happier with (my game) this time than I was this time last year. I was pretty over it this time last year. This was my sixth tournament in seven weeks last year,” said an honest Ogilvy who finished outside of the top 30 in the 2009 Australian Open.
“I’m pretty happy with what I have done. I had a really good time away from the game. I have practised pretty hard for a month, starting the week before the Masters. It has been nice to be in Melbourne for two full months.”
Teeing off the 10th hole alongside defending champion Adam Scott and China’s No. 1 player Liang Wenchong, Ogilvy’s day started slowly before holing three consecutive birdies from the 13th.
With two more birdies on 17 and 18 Ogilvy turned at five-under through his first nine holes.
As the wind started to increase in the afternoon Ogilvy sank two more birdie putts on 3 and 8 finishing the morning field in the clear lead leaving it up to the afternoon field to chase down his score.
“It’s a tournament we all want to win as Australians,” said Ogilvy.
“I played really well for the score I had today. If I keep playing like that I’m sure I’ll be there or thereabouts.”
Liang became the joint-top Asian in the field after a bogey-free 68 put him two-under, level with Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat (72) as well as Korean Tour player John Huh (71) of the USA.
Despite fatigue and a nagging wrist injury that has bothered Liang for several months, the three-time OneAsia winner is still gunning for a good result this week.
"My focus today was not on a low score but performing to my best ability," Liang said. "I am playing with many great players this week so it is a chance to learn from them and to improve myself."
Geoff’s other playing partner Scott fought back to ensure he will be in contention for back to back titles, the Queenslander shooting seven-under to finish day two in a tie for 16th at three-under.
Yuan Hao, China’s biggest hitter, also made the cut after shooting a 71 to lie even-par.
Of the amateurs in the field English import Tom Lewis is faring the best and currently sits at two-under after an even round.
A total of 64 players made the cut at one-over par. For the full Round 2 leaderboard click here.
Play will get underway from 7:51am tomorrow, Saturday morning with Ogilvy teeing off in the final group of the day alongside Jones and Griffin.
For all Round 3 tee times click here.
Transcripts from today’s press conferences are available at www.australianopengolf.com.au .
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and is being played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.
Out early in the morning field Ogilvy made the most of the perfect conditions sinking seven birdies on his way to the outright lead for the event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
At the halfway mark Ogilvy leads at 11-under, only one shot ahead of fellow US Tour player Matt Jones who shot an incredible round of eight-under in tough afternoon conditions.
Matt Griffin is a further shot back at nine-under while American Dudley Hart shares fourth position with 2006 Australian Open Champion John Senden.
In the media centre for this first time this week, a refreshed Ogilvy attributed his form to some much needed time off over the last two months back in his home town of Melbourne.
“I am much happier with (my game) this time than I was this time last year. I was pretty over it this time last year. This was my sixth tournament in seven weeks last year,” said an honest Ogilvy who finished outside of the top 30 in the 2009 Australian Open.
“I’m pretty happy with what I have done. I had a really good time away from the game. I have practised pretty hard for a month, starting the week before the Masters. It has been nice to be in Melbourne for two full months.”
Teeing off the 10th hole alongside defending champion Adam Scott and China’s No. 1 player Liang Wenchong, Ogilvy’s day started slowly before holing three consecutive birdies from the 13th.
With two more birdies on 17 and 18 Ogilvy turned at five-under through his first nine holes.
As the wind started to increase in the afternoon Ogilvy sank two more birdie putts on 3 and 8 finishing the morning field in the clear lead leaving it up to the afternoon field to chase down his score.
“It’s a tournament we all want to win as Australians,” said Ogilvy.
“I played really well for the score I had today. If I keep playing like that I’m sure I’ll be there or thereabouts.”
Liang became the joint-top Asian in the field after a bogey-free 68 put him two-under, level with Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat (72) as well as Korean Tour player John Huh (71) of the USA.
Despite fatigue and a nagging wrist injury that has bothered Liang for several months, the three-time OneAsia winner is still gunning for a good result this week.
"My focus today was not on a low score but performing to my best ability," Liang said. "I am playing with many great players this week so it is a chance to learn from them and to improve myself."
Geoff’s other playing partner Scott fought back to ensure he will be in contention for back to back titles, the Queenslander shooting seven-under to finish day two in a tie for 16th at three-under.
Yuan Hao, China’s biggest hitter, also made the cut after shooting a 71 to lie even-par.
Of the amateurs in the field English import Tom Lewis is faring the best and currently sits at two-under after an even round.
A total of 64 players made the cut at one-over par. For the full Round 2 leaderboard click here.
Play will get underway from 7:51am tomorrow, Saturday morning with Ogilvy teeing off in the final group of the day alongside Jones and Griffin.
For all Round 3 tee times click here.
Transcripts from today’s press conferences are available at www.australianopengolf.com.au .
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and is being played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Griffin Marches To Round 1 Lead At The Australian Open
Sydney - December 2, 2010: Victorian Matthew Griffin made the most of the morning conditions to fire a bogey-free 7-under par 65 to take the lead following the opening round of the Australian Open presented by Century 21 at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
Starting on the first tee, Griffin birdied the second hole before completing three birdies in a row between the sixth and eighth holes. Birdies on the 13th, 14th and 17th completed the 65 and a clean slate.
“No blemishes. That does not happen too often,” Griffin said.
“Almost the most pleasing thing is not to have a bogey. I was standing over a three-footer at the last and telling myself to make sure I got it.”
Griffin has played across the Asia-Pacific on OneAsia this year and is hoping for his first big win at the AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event, which is co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
"This has definitely been my best round on OneAsia so far," he said. "There are a lot of top quality players to beat this week but if I play four rounds like today, I think we'll be right there on Sunday."
2006 champion John Senden holds second place following an impressive 6-under par 66 as the wind picked up in the afternoon.
The Queenslander said he was pleased with his position.
“I had a good day. My preparation has been good and I feel like I’ve been playing well going into this event so want to continue that.”
Alistair Presnell, who in contention early at the JBWere Masters, is in third place at five-under par.
“I feel a lot better about my game this week. At the Masters I was not overly comfortable with it. I was thinking that if I made the cut, the week would be fine. This week I have done some work with my coach and have had a couple of weeks’ break,” Presnell said.
Nine players are tied in fourth place at 4-under par including Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Peter Senior, Rod Pampling and Marc Leishman.
Chinese Taipei's Yeh Weitze shot a satisfying first round this morning, finishing 69 at three-under par alongside two time Major champion John Daly and Aussies Greg Chalmers and Steve Collins. The 2006 Sega Sammy Cup star has played most of his golf in Japan this year and the Australian Open marks his first-time in Australia.
"I was concerned about the unfamiliarity of the environment but my performance has surprised me," Yeh said. "I did not expect to do as well as I did this morning. Hopefully, I can be in contention this weekend."
Other promising Asian players include Korea's Bang Doo-hwan and Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat who have tied for 18th at two-under 70 at the end this round.
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
Starting on the first tee, Griffin birdied the second hole before completing three birdies in a row between the sixth and eighth holes. Birdies on the 13th, 14th and 17th completed the 65 and a clean slate.
“No blemishes. That does not happen too often,” Griffin said.
“Almost the most pleasing thing is not to have a bogey. I was standing over a three-footer at the last and telling myself to make sure I got it.”
Griffin has played across the Asia-Pacific on OneAsia this year and is hoping for his first big win at the AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million) event, which is co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
"This has definitely been my best round on OneAsia so far," he said. "There are a lot of top quality players to beat this week but if I play four rounds like today, I think we'll be right there on Sunday."
2006 champion John Senden holds second place following an impressive 6-under par 66 as the wind picked up in the afternoon.
The Queenslander said he was pleased with his position.
“I had a good day. My preparation has been good and I feel like I’ve been playing well going into this event so want to continue that.”
Alistair Presnell, who in contention early at the JBWere Masters, is in third place at five-under par.
“I feel a lot better about my game this week. At the Masters I was not overly comfortable with it. I was thinking that if I made the cut, the week would be fine. This week I have done some work with my coach and have had a couple of weeks’ break,” Presnell said.
Nine players are tied in fourth place at 4-under par including Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Peter Senior, Rod Pampling and Marc Leishman.
Chinese Taipei's Yeh Weitze shot a satisfying first round this morning, finishing 69 at three-under par alongside two time Major champion John Daly and Aussies Greg Chalmers and Steve Collins. The 2006 Sega Sammy Cup star has played most of his golf in Japan this year and the Australian Open marks his first-time in Australia.
"I was concerned about the unfamiliarity of the environment but my performance has surprised me," Yeh said. "I did not expect to do as well as I did this morning. Hopefully, I can be in contention this weekend."
Other promising Asian players include Korea's Bang Doo-hwan and Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat who have tied for 18th at two-under 70 at the end this round.
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
PGGC Monthly Tournament - 9 December 2010
The December 2010 edition of the Permata Gading Golf Club (PGGC) monthly tournament will be held on:
There are many attractive prizes to be won in this tournament, including tours to Yogyakarta and Bali as Hole-In-One prizes.
For registration please contact PGGC Secretariat at:
Graha Cempaka Mas, Blok B/9, Jakarta 10640, phone (021) 426 3758, fax (021) 426 3760, mobile 0816 148 3801.
| Date | : Thursday, 9 December 2010 |
| Location | : Riverside Golf Club |
| Registration | : 06.30 WIB |
| Tee Off | : 07.00 WIB |
| Registration Fee | : Rp 405,000 (members, all-in) : Rp 650,000 (guests, all-in) |
| Jackpot | : Rp 50,000 for all |
For registration please contact PGGC Secretariat at:
Graha Cempaka Mas, Blok B/9, Jakarta 10640, phone (021) 426 3758, fax (021) 426 3760, mobile 0816 148 3801.
Kunming Offers Last Chance To Qualify For Faldo Final
Asia’s leading young stars will be given a final chance to qualify for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final when the Faldo Series Kunming Championship tees off at Lakeview Golf Club in China’s Yunnan Province on January 25-26, 2011.
Played on the award-winning Lakeview course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the fourth edition of the Kunming Championship is the final qualifying event of a 2010/2011 season that features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries across Asia and the Middle East.
With golfers from all across Asia eligible to enter the Kunming Championship, a field of over 50 boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will compete under strict tournament conditions over 36 holes for four places on offer at the fifth Grand Final next March.
With the field in Kunming divided into four age categories, two for boys and two for girls (Under-21 and Under-16), the winners of each category who will qualify for the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event hosted by Faldo at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China.
Underwritten by the six-time Major winner himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region’s next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series Kunming Championship at Lakeview Golf Club on January 25-26, please visit www.lakeview.cn or email stevegong@lakeview.cn. For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook.
Played on the award-winning Lakeview course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the fourth edition of the Kunming Championship is the final qualifying event of a 2010/2011 season that features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries across Asia and the Middle East.
With golfers from all across Asia eligible to enter the Kunming Championship, a field of over 50 boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will compete under strict tournament conditions over 36 holes for four places on offer at the fifth Grand Final next March.
With the field in Kunming divided into four age categories, two for boys and two for girls (Under-21 and Under-16), the winners of each category who will qualify for the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event hosted by Faldo at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China.
Underwritten by the six-time Major winner himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region’s next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series Kunming Championship at Lakeview Golf Club on January 25-26, please visit www.lakeview.cn or email stevegong@lakeview.cn. For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook.
Stage Set For Australian Open Start
Sydney - December 1, 2010: Despite a heavy rain on Wednesday, the stage is set for the opening round of the Australian Open presented by Century 21 at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
The action gets underway on the 10th tee from 7.15am with marquee group John Daly (USA) joined by two time champion Aaron Baddeley and Marc Leishman. Following them are five-time Australian Open champion Greg Norman with fellow Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples (USA) and JBWere Masters champion Stuart Appleby.
In the afternoon, fans will get their first glimpse of defending champion Adam Scott at 12.10pm on the first tee paired with Geoff Ogilvy and China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong.
Marquee groups:
Morning:
7.15am, 10th Tee, John Daly, Marc Leishman, Aaron Baddeley
7.25am, 10th Tee, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Stuart Appleby
7.35am, 10th Tee, Nathan Green, Rod Pampling, Takuya Taniguchi
Afternoon:
12.00pm, 1st Tee, John Senden, Craig Parry, Peter Senior
12.10pm, 1st Tee, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Liang Wenchong
12.20pm, 1st Tee, Nick O’Hern, Peter O’Malley, Kim Do-Hoon
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of both events will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
The action gets underway on the 10th tee from 7.15am with marquee group John Daly (USA) joined by two time champion Aaron Baddeley and Marc Leishman. Following them are five-time Australian Open champion Greg Norman with fellow Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples (USA) and JBWere Masters champion Stuart Appleby.
In the afternoon, fans will get their first glimpse of defending champion Adam Scott at 12.10pm on the first tee paired with Geoff Ogilvy and China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong.
Marquee groups:
Morning:
7.15am, 10th Tee, John Daly, Marc Leishman, Aaron Baddeley
7.25am, 10th Tee, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Stuart Appleby
7.35am, 10th Tee, Nathan Green, Rod Pampling, Takuya Taniguchi
Afternoon:
12.00pm, 1st Tee, John Senden, Craig Parry, Peter Senior
12.10pm, 1st Tee, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Liang Wenchong
12.20pm, 1st Tee, Nick O’Hern, Peter O’Malley, Kim Do-Hoon
The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of both events will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Unwavering Liang Chases OneAsia Order Of Merit Down Under
Sydney - November 30, 2010: China's No. 1 Liang Wenchong continues his Order of Merit chase as he heads Down Under for the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia this week.
Liang, the highest-ranked Chinese player in the world, is OneAsia's most successful player with three championship victories to his name. He was OneAsia's first Chinese champion when he won last year's Midea China Classic, and has triumphed twice this season at the Luxehills Chengdu Open - OneAsia's 2010 season opener - as well as the Thailand Open.
Currently second on OneAsia's Order of Merit with winnings of US$520,200.00, the determined 31-year-old is confident of putting up a good fight at both The Lakes and the Hyatt Regency Coolum, in order to overtake Korea's Y.E. Yang who took the lead after winning the Kolon Korea Open in October.
Liang has had a frenzied globetrotting season, playing in Europe, the United States, as well as all over Asia with seven top ten finishes on the PGA Tour, Japan Tour and OneAsia.
His performance at the US PGA Championship in August boosted his confidence, when he finished eighth in an elite field after shooting a course record eight-under-par 64 in the third round.
"I am looking forward to playing my best at these tournaments. It is coming to the end of the season so I've been feeling a bit tired. But I hope I will be able to cope with the mental challenge," said Liang.
He added, "And as for the OneAsia Order of Merit, I had set my sights on it before and I will try my best to win it."
The Australian Open will be played at The Lakes in Sydney from December 2 to 5, offering a prize purse of AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million).
The 2010 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from December 9-12, 2010.
It will be the final tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia, with players competing for a total prize purse of AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million).
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of both events will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Liang, the highest-ranked Chinese player in the world, is OneAsia's most successful player with three championship victories to his name. He was OneAsia's first Chinese champion when he won last year's Midea China Classic, and has triumphed twice this season at the Luxehills Chengdu Open - OneAsia's 2010 season opener - as well as the Thailand Open.
Currently second on OneAsia's Order of Merit with winnings of US$520,200.00, the determined 31-year-old is confident of putting up a good fight at both The Lakes and the Hyatt Regency Coolum, in order to overtake Korea's Y.E. Yang who took the lead after winning the Kolon Korea Open in October.
Liang has had a frenzied globetrotting season, playing in Europe, the United States, as well as all over Asia with seven top ten finishes on the PGA Tour, Japan Tour and OneAsia.
His performance at the US PGA Championship in August boosted his confidence, when he finished eighth in an elite field after shooting a course record eight-under-par 64 in the third round.
"I am looking forward to playing my best at these tournaments. It is coming to the end of the season so I've been feeling a bit tired. But I hope I will be able to cope with the mental challenge," said Liang.
He added, "And as for the OneAsia Order of Merit, I had set my sights on it before and I will try my best to win it."
The Australian Open will be played at The Lakes in Sydney from December 2 to 5, offering a prize purse of AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million).
The 2010 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from December 9-12, 2010.
It will be the final tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia, with players competing for a total prize purse of AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million).
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of both events will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sentul Highlands Challenge Golf Tournament 2010 Series
After the successful "Sentul Highlands Challenge Golf Tournament 2009" event that was held 4 times that year every 3 months, and that became part of the annual golf calendar for the amateur golfers at the Sentul Highlands Golf Club, the Tournament Golf Series was followed this year by the "Sentul Highlands Challenge Golf Tournament 2010 Series".
The 4th leg of this series will be held on:
(Fee includes : Golf Fee, Breakfast, Lunch, Souvenir T-shirt by NICKENT, Hole In One & Grand Lucky Draw)
For further information please contact Marketing Dept. of Sentul Highlands (Mrs. Sarlis, Sriwit or Rika) at phone 021-8796 0266 or Fax 021-8796 0265.
The 4th leg of this series will be held on:
| Day/date | : Wednesday, 15 December 2010 |
| Tee off time | : 06.30 (shot gun) |
| Location | : Sentul Highlands Golf Club |
| Fee | : Regular Rp 850.000.-/pax |
(Fee includes : Golf Fee, Breakfast, Lunch, Souvenir T-shirt by NICKENT, Hole In One & Grand Lucky Draw)
For further information please contact Marketing Dept. of Sentul Highlands (Mrs. Sarlis, Sriwit or Rika) at phone 021-8796 0266 or Fax 021-8796 0265.
Confident Hong aims for breezy win Down Under
Singapore - November 29, 2010: Korean Tour regular Hong Chang-kyu is bracing himself for an Australian comeback this week. He will be among a contingent of 18 Koreans teeing off Down Under at OneAsia's season-ending swing.
Adam Scott will defend his title at the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from December 2-5 while the following week Robert Allenby puts his trophy on the line at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. The latter is hosted at the Hyatt Regency, Coolum.
Both events offer prize money of AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million) and are co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Hong currently ranks 9th on the Korean Tour and is optimistic for a good end-of-season finish. But having focused much of his year in his homeland, Hong's concerns are more to do with acclimatising to the Australian weather.
"I am feeling really good about my game at the moment," said Hong. "I know next week will be a challenge as Australia's conditions are warm and soft, as opposed to the dormant conditions I've been playing in Korea. The greens have been hard and the ball runs a lot. I'm sure this sudden change will affect my game but I'm confident I'll be able to find my feet."
Having made his Australian debut at the Australian Open last year, Hong was stunned by windy conditions at the New South Wales Golf Club.
Hong recalled, "It was such an incredible experience. I had never experienced anything like it before so I was literally blown away. We never get that kind of wind in Korea but it was something the Australians were used to.
"I will be watching their game very closely to see how I can adapt fast. I hear they hit the ball lower than the wind and that they chip around the green. We're definitely the underdogs when we're out there so any tips will help!"
The 29-year-old has had a slew of successful top 10 finishes since his 2009 win at the Lakehills Open and is searching for that breakthrough victory in Australia.
Hong has been an American citizen since he moved to the States 17 years ago to pursue an English education and career in golf. Known by his friends as "Charles", he is currently based in Seoul with his wife, Nicole, whom he married just a year ago. He keeps his game fun by hitting the fairways with his mother at least once a week.
"OneAsia is a good incentive for leading players in Asia to work harder and do better," he said. " I hope OneAsia will be able to grow to 20 tournaments next year!"
The Korean contingent in Australia boasts several winners on the Korean Tour, including this year's Shinhan Donghae Open winner John Huh, Tomato Savings Bank Open winner Kim Do-hoon (753) and winner of the J-Golf 53rd KPGA Championship, Son Joon-eob.
They are also joined by Asia's first-ever British Amateur champion, 20-year-old Korean Jin Jeong, who will travel north from Melbourne where he is currently based.
The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be the final tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of both events will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Adam Scott will defend his title at the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from December 2-5 while the following week Robert Allenby puts his trophy on the line at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. The latter is hosted at the Hyatt Regency, Coolum.
Both events offer prize money of AU$1.5 million (approximately US$1.48 million) and are co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Hong currently ranks 9th on the Korean Tour and is optimistic for a good end-of-season finish. But having focused much of his year in his homeland, Hong's concerns are more to do with acclimatising to the Australian weather.
"I am feeling really good about my game at the moment," said Hong. "I know next week will be a challenge as Australia's conditions are warm and soft, as opposed to the dormant conditions I've been playing in Korea. The greens have been hard and the ball runs a lot. I'm sure this sudden change will affect my game but I'm confident I'll be able to find my feet."
Having made his Australian debut at the Australian Open last year, Hong was stunned by windy conditions at the New South Wales Golf Club.
Hong recalled, "It was such an incredible experience. I had never experienced anything like it before so I was literally blown away. We never get that kind of wind in Korea but it was something the Australians were used to.
"I will be watching their game very closely to see how I can adapt fast. I hear they hit the ball lower than the wind and that they chip around the green. We're definitely the underdogs when we're out there so any tips will help!"
The 29-year-old has had a slew of successful top 10 finishes since his 2009 win at the Lakehills Open and is searching for that breakthrough victory in Australia.
Hong has been an American citizen since he moved to the States 17 years ago to pursue an English education and career in golf. Known by his friends as "Charles", he is currently based in Seoul with his wife, Nicole, whom he married just a year ago. He keeps his game fun by hitting the fairways with his mother at least once a week.
"OneAsia is a good incentive for leading players in Asia to work harder and do better," he said. " I hope OneAsia will be able to grow to 20 tournaments next year!"
The Korean contingent in Australia boasts several winners on the Korean Tour, including this year's Shinhan Donghae Open winner John Huh, Tomato Savings Bank Open winner Kim Do-hoon (753) and winner of the J-Golf 53rd KPGA Championship, Son Joon-eob.
They are also joined by Asia's first-ever British Amateur champion, 20-year-old Korean Jin Jeong, who will travel north from Melbourne where he is currently based.
The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be the final tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The tournament will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 260 million homes in more than 40 countries.
Full coverage of both events will be available domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International, Sky Sports NZ, ESPN3 & America One in the USA, ViaSat & Bloomberg Television among others in Europe.
Top Thai Golfers Target Further Faldo Series Success
Thailand's top young golfers will be looking to compatriots Nakarin Ratanakul and Thidapa Suwannapura for inspiration when they tee off in the Faldo Series Thailand Championship at Rose Garden Golf Club near Bangkok on January 13-14.
The big-hitting Ratanakul, otherwise known as 'Boom', won the inaugural Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China back in 2006 while Suwannapura was crowned the 2010 Faldo Series Asia Girls' champion at Mission Hills earlier this year.
21 year-old Ratanakul is now a member of the Purdue University golf team in the US where he keeps in regular contact with Sir Nick Faldo for advice and support, while Suwannapura has used her win at Mission Hills as a springboard to further overseas victories, including the Handa Junior Masters in Australia, the Malaysian Amateur Open and the Riverwoods Junior Open in The Netherlands. 18 year-old Suwannapura is also well placed to challenge for playing rights on the LPGA Tour next year having progressed through Sectional Qualifying in the US.
With other Asian nationalities also eligible to enter the fourth Thailand Championship, a field of over 70 boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will be divided into five age categories, three for boys (Under-21, Under-18 and Under-16) and two for girls (Under-21 and Under-16). The winner of each category will qualify for the fifth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event which the six-time Major Champion will host on the Faldo Course at Mission Hills in Shenzhen next March.
As part of Faldo's drive to popularise the game at the grass-roots level as well, younger children from the local community will also be attending Rose Garden during the tournament to receive a free coaching clinic and then watch the competitors in action.
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region's next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series Thailand Championship at Rose Garden Golf Club near Bangkok on January 13-14, please visit www.tsgu.com or email tsgugolf@hotmail.com. For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
The big-hitting Ratanakul, otherwise known as 'Boom', won the inaugural Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China back in 2006 while Suwannapura was crowned the 2010 Faldo Series Asia Girls' champion at Mission Hills earlier this year.
21 year-old Ratanakul is now a member of the Purdue University golf team in the US where he keeps in regular contact with Sir Nick Faldo for advice and support, while Suwannapura has used her win at Mission Hills as a springboard to further overseas victories, including the Handa Junior Masters in Australia, the Malaysian Amateur Open and the Riverwoods Junior Open in The Netherlands. 18 year-old Suwannapura is also well placed to challenge for playing rights on the LPGA Tour next year having progressed through Sectional Qualifying in the US.
With other Asian nationalities also eligible to enter the fourth Thailand Championship, a field of over 70 boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will be divided into five age categories, three for boys (Under-21, Under-18 and Under-16) and two for girls (Under-21 and Under-16). The winner of each category will qualify for the fifth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event which the six-time Major Champion will host on the Faldo Course at Mission Hills in Shenzhen next March.
As part of Faldo's drive to popularise the game at the grass-roots level as well, younger children from the local community will also be attending Rose Garden during the tournament to receive a free coaching clinic and then watch the competitors in action.
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region's next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series Thailand Championship at Rose Garden Golf Club near Bangkok on January 13-14, please visit www.tsgu.com or email tsgugolf@hotmail.com. For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Ambassadors Care Golf Tournament - 4 December 2010
In mind of the recent natural disasters across the country, The Jakarta Ambassador Golf Association (JAGA) and Jakarta Golf Club have come together to put on a golf tournament on Saturday, December 4th 2010 to raise funds for the victims in need.
The Ambassadors Care Golf Tournament will be a fun tournament to attend with a Texas Scramble format with tickets on sale for Rp 1,200,000 per person inclusive of golf, breakfast and lunch, free flow drinks and lucky draw prizes.
Let's come together in the name of golf and raise funds for those who are in need of our help.
Please see event details below:
Date: Saturday, December 4th 2010
Tee Time: 8am
Venue: Jakarta Golf Club, Rawamangun
Ticket Price: Rp 1,200,000 per person / Rp 4,800,000 per team
Note: Individual entries accepted. Closing date for entries - 1st December 2010.
We also have great sponsorship packages on offer for Rp 10,000,000 which will not only give your company great exposure at the event but also entitle you to 1 complimentary flight to play in the event.
Please note that all money raised from the event will go to helping the Merapi and Mentawai victims.
Should you be interested in participating contact:
Harmony Le Riche
PT Visi Prima Golf
Tel: +62 21 70947806
Mobile: +62 817147371
The Ambassadors Care Golf Tournament will be a fun tournament to attend with a Texas Scramble format with tickets on sale for Rp 1,200,000 per person inclusive of golf, breakfast and lunch, free flow drinks and lucky draw prizes.
Let's come together in the name of golf and raise funds for those who are in need of our help.
Please see event details below:
Date: Saturday, December 4th 2010
Tee Time: 8am
Venue: Jakarta Golf Club, Rawamangun
Ticket Price: Rp 1,200,000 per person / Rp 4,800,000 per team
Note: Individual entries accepted. Closing date for entries - 1st December 2010.
We also have great sponsorship packages on offer for Rp 10,000,000 which will not only give your company great exposure at the event but also entitle you to 1 complimentary flight to play in the event.
Please note that all money raised from the event will go to helping the Merapi and Mentawai victims.
Should you be interested in participating contact:
Harmony Le Riche
PT Visi Prima Golf
Tel: +62 21 70947806
Mobile: +62 817147371
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation Golf Invitational
On Thursday 9 December 2010 the Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation Golf Invitational will be held for the 7th year in a row.
The mission of the PHMF is to provide direct and on-going assistance to Indonesian children in need, with a focus on meeting their basic nutritional, shelter and educational requirements.
So join the fun day and contribute to children in need!
Please register with Isma Wootten at Golf Events Indonesia
Phone : (62-21) 5793 6315–16, Fax. (62-21) 5793 6316
E-mail : ismawootten@golfeventsindonesia.com
Fee includes lunch, dinner, drinks, lots of prizes and many other surprises
The mission of the PHMF is to provide direct and on-going assistance to Indonesian children in need, with a focus on meeting their basic nutritional, shelter and educational requirements.
So join the fun day and contribute to children in need!
| Day/Date | Thursday, 9th December 2010 |
| Place | Cengkareng Golf Club |
| Format | 4 Man Team Texas Scramble |
| Fee | Rp. 6,000,000 / team (4 players) |
| Registration | 11.00 - 11.30 am |
| Shotgun | 12.00 noon |
Please register with Isma Wootten at Golf Events Indonesia
Phone : (62-21) 5793 6315–16, Fax. (62-21) 5793 6316
E-mail : ismawootten@golfeventsindonesia.com
Fee includes lunch, dinner, drinks, lots of prizes and many other surprises
Thursday, November 11, 2010
KGBR Offers Year End Xtravaganza Tournament Package
Play at Klub Golf Bogor Raya and Enjoy our ......
From 1st November until 30th December 2010, Klub Golf Bogor Raya is offering an attractive Year End Xtravaganza Tournament Package.
The package includes:
For Reservation : +62 251 8271 888 (Event Tournament/ Dania & Inge) or email to : kgbr@indo.net.id
From 1st November until 30th December 2010, Klub Golf Bogor Raya is offering an attractive Year End Xtravaganza Tournament Package.
The package includes:
- Morning Tee Time : Green Fee, Cart Fee, Caddy Fee, Insurance, Rain Guidance, Scoring, Banners Installation, Breakfast + Lunch and Mineral Water at the golf cart.
- Afternoon Tee Time : Green Fee, Cart Fee, Caddy Fee, Insurance, Rain Guidance, Scoring, Banners Installation, Light Meal Lunch Box, Dinner and Mineral Water at the golf cart.
- Complimentary use of a function room.
- Valid on Tuesday - Friday (1st November - 30th December 2010)
| Tue-Fri | AM | PM |
| Package 40 | 25,000,000 net | 23,700,000 net |
| Package 60 | 37,100,000 net | 35,535,000 net |
| Package 80 | 48,965,000 net | 47,200,000 net |
| Sunday | AM | PM |
| Package 40 | 62,200,000 net | 36,010,000 net |
| Package 60 | 89,900,000 net | 54,000,000 net |
| Package 80 | 115,400,000 net | 71,840,000 net |
For Reservation : +62 251 8271 888 (Event Tournament/ Dania & Inge) or email to : kgbr@indo.net.id
OneAsia launches inaugural Qualifying School for enhanced player access
Singapore, 9 November 2010 - OneAsia today announced the launch of its inaugural OneAsia Qualifying School for the upcoming 2011 season. Held in two stages (First Stage and Final Stage), the OneAsia Q-school will provide enhanced alternative access for leading players from across the region and the globe, to all of OneAsia's 2011 elite tournaments.
Players will have the opportunity to choose from two alternative First Stage venues: the sand belt in Australia or the beautiful island of Hainan in China.
Opportunity for dual eligibility with PGA of Australasia
First Stage of the OneAsia Qualifying School, held concurrently with the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School, will take place over two weeks: 14-17 December 2010 and 20-23 December 2010.
Leading players from the First Stage Qualifying School in Australia will not only gain access to the Final Stage of the OneAsia Qualifying School to play for eligibility for all 2011 events on OneAsia, but will also simultaneously gain eligibility to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia for 2011.
The alternative standalone OneAsia First Stage in China will be at the magnificent Mission Hills Resort Haikou from 4-7 January 2011.
Final Stage of OneAsia Qualifying School will be held the following week at the same venue from 11-14 January 2011.
Additionally, many experienced players from across the globe will be exempt directly into Final Stage.
Enhanced playing opportunities for leading Q-school players
The tournament winner of the Final Stage will play for guaranteed entry into every OneAsia event of the 2011 season, including co-sanctioned or limited field events.
Additionally, players ranked 2 through 10 at the OneAsia Qualifying School will receive priority ranking in OneAsia's eligibility categories, providing these players with the opportunity to tee up at all OneAsia full field events. Players ranked 11 through 40 will also be eligible for OneAsia membership.
13 events have been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months. OneAsia will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season.
For detailed information on OneAsia's Qualifying School for 2011, please visit http://oneasia.asia.
Players will have the opportunity to choose from two alternative First Stage venues: the sand belt in Australia or the beautiful island of Hainan in China.
Opportunity for dual eligibility with PGA of Australasia
First Stage of the OneAsia Qualifying School, held concurrently with the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School, will take place over two weeks: 14-17 December 2010 and 20-23 December 2010.
Leading players from the First Stage Qualifying School in Australia will not only gain access to the Final Stage of the OneAsia Qualifying School to play for eligibility for all 2011 events on OneAsia, but will also simultaneously gain eligibility to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia for 2011.
The alternative standalone OneAsia First Stage in China will be at the magnificent Mission Hills Resort Haikou from 4-7 January 2011.
Final Stage of OneAsia Qualifying School will be held the following week at the same venue from 11-14 January 2011.
Additionally, many experienced players from across the globe will be exempt directly into Final Stage.
Enhanced playing opportunities for leading Q-school players
The tournament winner of the Final Stage will play for guaranteed entry into every OneAsia event of the 2011 season, including co-sanctioned or limited field events.
Additionally, players ranked 2 through 10 at the OneAsia Qualifying School will receive priority ranking in OneAsia's eligibility categories, providing these players with the opportunity to tee up at all OneAsia full field events. Players ranked 11 through 40 will also be eligible for OneAsia membership.
13 events have been confirmed on OneAsia's preliminary schedule for 2011, with further additions to be made in the coming weeks and months. OneAsia will stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific for the 2011 season.
For detailed information on OneAsia's Qualifying School for 2011, please visit http://oneasia.asia.
OneAsia revamps Eligibility Structure for 2011
Singapore, 9 November 2010 - OneAsia today announced changes to its eligibility structure for its upcoming 2011 season, which will further consolidate the tournament platform as a true destination for leading golfers across the Asia Pacific.
For full details on 2011 membership and eligibility categories, please see http://oneasia.asia.
The renewed structure will clarify and simplify eligibility for top players across the regional tours, provide a clearer channel of communication with players, as well as expand OneAsia access to a broader pool of talent across the region.
This criteria will apply to all OneAsia tournaments for 2011. OneAsia has released its preliminary 2011 schedule, with 13 events currently confirmed for its new season. Further additions will be made to this preliminary schedule in the coming weeks and months, with a view to stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific region in 2011.
Continued exemptions for leading players across the region
OneAsia will continue to provide a direct pathway for the current Founding Parties of OneAsia, namely the China Golf Tour, the Korean Golf Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
OneAsia will also continue to provide access to leading players from other regional tours, such as the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) and Asian Tour.
And as before, exemptions will be granted to the best Asian players from the Official World Golf Rankings.
Extended exemptions for leading players from South East Asia
This year, leading players from South East Asia were granted OneAsia eligibility for the final six OneAsia tournaments in Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, China and Australia, via the Mercedes-Benz Tour.
Young Thai star Namchok Tantipokakul was close to taking the ultimate advantage of these exemptions at the Thailand Open, when he finished one-shot behind tournament champion Liang Wenchong and walked home with US$84,750.
In 2011, leading players from the Mercedes-Benz Tour conducted by the ASEAN PGA will be eligible for all OneAsia tournaments. This will continue to provide invaluable elite playing opportunities to the best developing players from South East Asia.
Creation of a OneAsia Qualifying School
To further assist with the identification of new talent across the region, OneAsia will conduct a Qualifying School for its 2011 season. This will broaden the reach to elite golfers across the region, providing more leading players with access to OneAsia.
Further details will be made available shortly.
Inclusion of positions for the world's top Asian amateurs
Aside from the top Asian professionals, OneAsia will also provide exemptions to Asia's leading amateur golfers from the R & A World Amateur Rankings for each event, giving elite amateurs a valuable stepping stone to the professional ranks and a more viable career in the region.
Continued local exemptions for enhanced local relevance
As before, OneAsia will guarantee positions to the relevant local authority for each tournament to ensure local relevance, as well as to reward and development.
Preliminary 2011 Schedule
For full details on 2011 membership and eligibility categories, please see http://oneasia.asia.
The renewed structure will clarify and simplify eligibility for top players across the regional tours, provide a clearer channel of communication with players, as well as expand OneAsia access to a broader pool of talent across the region.
This criteria will apply to all OneAsia tournaments for 2011. OneAsia has released its preliminary 2011 schedule, with 13 events currently confirmed for its new season. Further additions will be made to this preliminary schedule in the coming weeks and months, with a view to stage a total of 15 to 17 elite tournaments across the Asia Pacific region in 2011.
Continued exemptions for leading players across the region
OneAsia will continue to provide a direct pathway for the current Founding Parties of OneAsia, namely the China Golf Tour, the Korean Golf Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
OneAsia will also continue to provide access to leading players from other regional tours, such as the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) and Asian Tour.
And as before, exemptions will be granted to the best Asian players from the Official World Golf Rankings.
Extended exemptions for leading players from South East Asia
This year, leading players from South East Asia were granted OneAsia eligibility for the final six OneAsia tournaments in Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, China and Australia, via the Mercedes-Benz Tour.
Young Thai star Namchok Tantipokakul was close to taking the ultimate advantage of these exemptions at the Thailand Open, when he finished one-shot behind tournament champion Liang Wenchong and walked home with US$84,750.
In 2011, leading players from the Mercedes-Benz Tour conducted by the ASEAN PGA will be eligible for all OneAsia tournaments. This will continue to provide invaluable elite playing opportunities to the best developing players from South East Asia.
Creation of a OneAsia Qualifying School
To further assist with the identification of new talent across the region, OneAsia will conduct a Qualifying School for its 2011 season. This will broaden the reach to elite golfers across the region, providing more leading players with access to OneAsia.
Further details will be made available shortly.
Inclusion of positions for the world's top Asian amateurs
Aside from the top Asian professionals, OneAsia will also provide exemptions to Asia's leading amateur golfers from the R & A World Amateur Rankings for each event, giving elite amateurs a valuable stepping stone to the professional ranks and a more viable career in the region.
Continued local exemptions for enhanced local relevance
As before, OneAsia will guarantee positions to the relevant local authority for each tournament to ensure local relevance, as well as to reward and development.
Preliminary 2011 Schedule
| Date | Tournament | Prize Money |
| Mar 24 - 27 | New Indonesian Championship | US$1,000,000 |
| April | Volvo China Open | US$2,500,000 |
| May 05 - 08 | Maekyung Open | KRW1,000,000,000 |
| May 12 - 15 | New Korea Event | US$1,000,000 |
| May 19 - 22 | SK Telecom Open | KRW1,000,000,000 |
| Jun 09 - 12 | Thailand Open | US$1,000,000 |
| Jun 30 - Jul 03 | Indonesia Open | US$1,000,000 |
| October | Kolon Korea Open | KRW1,000,000,000 |
| Oct 13 -16 | Midea China Classic | US$1,000,000 |
| October | New China Event | US$1,000,000 |
| November | Australian Open | AU$1,500,000 |
| November | Australian PGA Championship | AU$1,500,000 |
| Dec 08 - 11 | New OneAsia Championship | US$1,500,000 |
Monday, November 8, 2010
Pagunsan Storms To 11-Stroke Victory In Bali Open
New Kuta, Bali, November 6: Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines strolled to a commanding 11-stroke victory at the inaugural US$60,000 Bali Open after a final round of six-under-par 66 on Saturday.
Leading by three overnight, the sweet-swinging Pagunsan did not give his closest challenger Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden a sniff at the title with another accomplished round which included seven birdies at the New Kuta Golf Resort.
Former Ryder Cup star Sandelin, playing on a sponsor's invite, finished a distant second after a closing 74 while Japan's Masaki Sakata and Martin Rominger of Switzerland shared third place.
In what was the final event of the inaugural Asian Development Tour season, Malaysia's Akhmal Tarmizee clung on to third place on the Order of Merit to join countryman and top-ranked S. Siva Chandhran and Chinese Taipei's Hsu Chia-jen, who finished second on the rankings, on the Asian Tour next season.
Closest challengers T.J. Kim of Korea, Thailand's Thanyakorn Khrongpha and Indonesian Rory Hie failed to produce the results to dislodge Akhmal, who had missed the halfway cut on Thursday.
But the star of the show was Pagunsan, who is a winner on the Asian Tour. Playing on a sponsor's invite, he tightened his grip on the Bali Open with an outward 33 and with Sandelin failing to keep pace, Pagunsan cruised home with further birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes and totaled 15-under-par 273 for the week.
"I played well, everything worked for me this week," said Pagunsan, who earned US$10,500. "I knew I needed to get ahead of Jarmo and waited for him to make mistakes. After the front nine, I was in total control."
"This win will be a good confidence booster as we've got the Barclays Singapore Open and UBS Hong Kong Open coming up on the Asian Tour," added the Filipino.
Sandelin, a five-time winner on the European Tour, tipped his cap to the winner. "Juvic played fantastic golf. Looking back, my momentum was stopped yesterday when I made the mistake by lifting my ball on the 12th hole," said the Swede.
"I didn't hole a putt all day, only one on 18. But I've enjoyed my time in Bali and a second will always be a second no matter what tournament it is. Hopefully I can build on this," he added.
The 20-year-old Akhmal was overjoyed to earn a priceless Asian Tour card for next year which was the reward for the top three finishers on the Order of Merit.
"It’s a big relief," said the Malaysian, who thought he had blown his chances after rounds of 75 and 82. "I was worried over the last two days as there were a few players who could have caught me."
"Now that I've got my Asian Tour card, I'm going to work really hard on my game and prepare well for next season," added Akhmal.
Leading final round scores
273: Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 72-67-68-66
284: Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 71-69-70-74
288: Martin Rominger (Swi) 74-74-71-69, Masaki Sakata (Jpn) 73-68-75-72
289: Simon Dunn (Sco) 75-69-71-74, Nick Redfern (Eng) 75-76-70-68
290: Jason King (Aus) 73-75-75-67
292: Zaw Moe (Myn) 75-74-72-71, Blair Wilson (Aus) 72-78-69-73, Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 71-74-71-76
293: Bryan Saltus (USA) 74-74-72-73, Lam Zhiqun (Sin - am) 73-70-76-74
Leading by three overnight, the sweet-swinging Pagunsan did not give his closest challenger Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden a sniff at the title with another accomplished round which included seven birdies at the New Kuta Golf Resort.
Former Ryder Cup star Sandelin, playing on a sponsor's invite, finished a distant second after a closing 74 while Japan's Masaki Sakata and Martin Rominger of Switzerland shared third place.
In what was the final event of the inaugural Asian Development Tour season, Malaysia's Akhmal Tarmizee clung on to third place on the Order of Merit to join countryman and top-ranked S. Siva Chandhran and Chinese Taipei's Hsu Chia-jen, who finished second on the rankings, on the Asian Tour next season.
Closest challengers T.J. Kim of Korea, Thailand's Thanyakorn Khrongpha and Indonesian Rory Hie failed to produce the results to dislodge Akhmal, who had missed the halfway cut on Thursday.
But the star of the show was Pagunsan, who is a winner on the Asian Tour. Playing on a sponsor's invite, he tightened his grip on the Bali Open with an outward 33 and with Sandelin failing to keep pace, Pagunsan cruised home with further birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes and totaled 15-under-par 273 for the week.
"I played well, everything worked for me this week," said Pagunsan, who earned US$10,500. "I knew I needed to get ahead of Jarmo and waited for him to make mistakes. After the front nine, I was in total control."
"This win will be a good confidence booster as we've got the Barclays Singapore Open and UBS Hong Kong Open coming up on the Asian Tour," added the Filipino.
Sandelin, a five-time winner on the European Tour, tipped his cap to the winner. "Juvic played fantastic golf. Looking back, my momentum was stopped yesterday when I made the mistake by lifting my ball on the 12th hole," said the Swede.
"I didn't hole a putt all day, only one on 18. But I've enjoyed my time in Bali and a second will always be a second no matter what tournament it is. Hopefully I can build on this," he added.
The 20-year-old Akhmal was overjoyed to earn a priceless Asian Tour card for next year which was the reward for the top three finishers on the Order of Merit.
"It’s a big relief," said the Malaysian, who thought he had blown his chances after rounds of 75 and 82. "I was worried over the last two days as there were a few players who could have caught me."
"Now that I've got my Asian Tour card, I'm going to work really hard on my game and prepare well for next season," added Akhmal.
Leading final round scores
273: Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 72-67-68-66
284: Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 71-69-70-74
288: Martin Rominger (Swi) 74-74-71-69, Masaki Sakata (Jpn) 73-68-75-72
289: Simon Dunn (Sco) 75-69-71-74, Nick Redfern (Eng) 75-76-70-68
290: Jason King (Aus) 73-75-75-67
292: Zaw Moe (Myn) 75-74-72-71, Blair Wilson (Aus) 72-78-69-73, Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 71-74-71-76
293: Bryan Saltus (USA) 74-74-72-73, Lam Zhiqun (Sin - am) 73-70-76-74
Friday, November 5, 2010
Brilliant Pagunsan Stretches Lead At Balli Open
New Kuta, Bali, November 5: Filipino star Juvic Pagunsan raced into a three-shot lead after a solid four-under-par 68 in the third round of the inaugural US$60,000 Bali Open on Friday.
Overnight leader Pagunsan, who started the day one ahead of the field, was in near brilliant form as he sank three birdies and one eagle in his opening 10 holes at the New Kuta Golf Resort before dropping a bogey on the 15th hole. He finished with a flourish, shooting another birdie at the 18th hole.
Former Ryder Cup star Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden stayed neck and neck with playing partner Pagunsan with a front nine 32 but called a penalty of himself on the 12th hole after he mistakenly replaced his ball in the semi-rough,which sparked three straight bogeys.
He signed for a 70 in what is the final Asian Development Tour event of the year which will reward the top-three finishers on the Order of Merit an Asian Tour card for next season.
Indonesia's Rory Hie, Korea's T.J. Kim and Thailand's Thanyakorn Khrongpha have uphill tasks in their bid to break into the top-three after lackluster third round performances.
With third-ranked Akhmal Tarmizee of Malaysia missing the halfway cut, it left the door open for them, but seventh-ranked Hie, who need nothing less than a win this week, ended the third round in tied 19th position after a 79 while fourth-ranked Kim, looking for a top three finish, shot a 74 to slip to equal 12th position.
Thanyakorn, searching for a second place finish, failed to move up the leaderboard with a 74 leaving him in tied 19th place.
Pagunsan, whose lone Asian Tour victory was achieved in Indonesia three years ago, will not rest on his laurels. "Three shots is not a big lead. It can disappear in one hole here," said the Filipino. "I played really well on the front nine and I'll stay aggressive in the last round."
Shot of the day came at the par five ninth hole when the sweet-swinging Pagunsan hammered a three wood approach from 270 yards out to eight feet for his eagle. "That was really nice, certainly the shot of the day," said Pagunsan.
Sandelin praised Pagunsan's play. "It's the first time I've played with him and he is playing really well. But it's not over until it's over," said the five-time European Tour winner.
"I don't know what happened to me on the 12th. I replaced my ball (due to the preferred lie ruling) but realized it was in the semi-rough by six inches and called a penalty on myself. Then I bogeyed the next three holes. If I can play like how I did in the first 11 holes tomorrow, then I will have a chance," added the Swede.
Kim is six shots back of third placed Simon Dunn of Scotland and knows he must produce some fireworks to finish third. "It was hot and really tough out there. I knew at the start of the week that I needed to finish in the top three to get my Asian Tour card and I came here with high expectations. Unfortunately, I've not been able to score despite feeling good about my game this week. I'll need to go really low to have a chance tomorrow," said the 40-year-old.
Merit leader S. Siva Chandhran, who has an unassailable lead, is not competing in Bali this week while second-ranked Hsu Chia-jen, who ended the third round in tied 12th place, should be safe for a top-three finish on the rankings.
Leading third round scores
207: Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 72-67-68
210: Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 71-69-70
215: Simon Dunn (Sco) 75-69-71
216: Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 71-74-71, Masaki Sakata (Jpn) 73-68-75
217: Michael Bibat (Phi) 73-76-68
219: Brian Wilson (Aus) 72-78-69, Martin Rominger (Swi) 74-74-71, Lam Zhiqun (Sin) 73-70-76
220: Bryan Saltus (USA) 74-74-72, Stephen Lindskog (Swe) 72-75-73
Overnight leader Pagunsan, who started the day one ahead of the field, was in near brilliant form as he sank three birdies and one eagle in his opening 10 holes at the New Kuta Golf Resort before dropping a bogey on the 15th hole. He finished with a flourish, shooting another birdie at the 18th hole.
Former Ryder Cup star Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden stayed neck and neck with playing partner Pagunsan with a front nine 32 but called a penalty of himself on the 12th hole after he mistakenly replaced his ball in the semi-rough,which sparked three straight bogeys.
He signed for a 70 in what is the final Asian Development Tour event of the year which will reward the top-three finishers on the Order of Merit an Asian Tour card for next season.
Indonesia's Rory Hie, Korea's T.J. Kim and Thailand's Thanyakorn Khrongpha have uphill tasks in their bid to break into the top-three after lackluster third round performances.
With third-ranked Akhmal Tarmizee of Malaysia missing the halfway cut, it left the door open for them, but seventh-ranked Hie, who need nothing less than a win this week, ended the third round in tied 19th position after a 79 while fourth-ranked Kim, looking for a top three finish, shot a 74 to slip to equal 12th position.
Thanyakorn, searching for a second place finish, failed to move up the leaderboard with a 74 leaving him in tied 19th place.
Pagunsan, whose lone Asian Tour victory was achieved in Indonesia three years ago, will not rest on his laurels. "Three shots is not a big lead. It can disappear in one hole here," said the Filipino. "I played really well on the front nine and I'll stay aggressive in the last round."
Shot of the day came at the par five ninth hole when the sweet-swinging Pagunsan hammered a three wood approach from 270 yards out to eight feet for his eagle. "That was really nice, certainly the shot of the day," said Pagunsan.
Sandelin praised Pagunsan's play. "It's the first time I've played with him and he is playing really well. But it's not over until it's over," said the five-time European Tour winner.
"I don't know what happened to me on the 12th. I replaced my ball (due to the preferred lie ruling) but realized it was in the semi-rough by six inches and called a penalty on myself. Then I bogeyed the next three holes. If I can play like how I did in the first 11 holes tomorrow, then I will have a chance," added the Swede.
Kim is six shots back of third placed Simon Dunn of Scotland and knows he must produce some fireworks to finish third. "It was hot and really tough out there. I knew at the start of the week that I needed to finish in the top three to get my Asian Tour card and I came here with high expectations. Unfortunately, I've not been able to score despite feeling good about my game this week. I'll need to go really low to have a chance tomorrow," said the 40-year-old.
Merit leader S. Siva Chandhran, who has an unassailable lead, is not competing in Bali this week while second-ranked Hsu Chia-jen, who ended the third round in tied 12th place, should be safe for a top-three finish on the rankings.
Leading third round scores
207: Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 72-67-68
210: Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 71-69-70
215: Simon Dunn (Sco) 75-69-71
216: Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 71-74-71, Masaki Sakata (Jpn) 73-68-75
217: Michael Bibat (Phi) 73-76-68
219: Brian Wilson (Aus) 72-78-69, Martin Rominger (Swi) 74-74-71, Lam Zhiqun (Sin) 73-70-76
220: Bryan Saltus (USA) 74-74-72, Stephen Lindskog (Swe) 72-75-73
Gunung Geulis Monthly Medal
The Gunung Geulis Monthly Medal will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at the East Course with shotgun start at 7:00AM.
You can enjoy Sundanese food & fried duck, sweet dessert, lucky draw, music from an acoustic band and Bull’s Eye on all par 3's with cash money.
Entrance fees:
Members : Rp. 318.000,-
Guest Member & Guest : Rp. 950.000,-
Club : Rp. 500.000,- / Pax (Minimal 2 Pax)
For registration contact :
Gunung Geulis Reception: (0251) 8257400/500, Fax (0251) 8257430
Marketing: Lina 087885735588
You can enjoy Sundanese food & fried duck, sweet dessert, lucky draw, music from an acoustic band and Bull’s Eye on all par 3's with cash money.
Entrance fees:
Members : Rp. 318.000,-
Guest Member & Guest : Rp. 950.000,-
Club : Rp. 500.000,- / Pax (Minimal 2 Pax)
For registration contact :
Gunung Geulis Reception: (0251) 8257400/500, Fax (0251) 8257430
Marketing: Lina 087885735588
Pagunsan Powers Into Halfway Lead At Bali Open
Bali, November 4: Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines produced a sparkling five-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead from former Ryder Cup star Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden at the halfway stage of the inaugural Bali Open on Thursday.
The sweet-swinging Filipino lit up his game with five birdies at the challenging New Kuta Golf Resort to top the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour event on five-under-par 139.
Sandelin, playing on a sponsor's invite, moved into contention with a battling 69 while Japan's Masaki Sakata shot a 68 for third place. Singapore amateur Lam Zhiqun returned a commendable 70 to share fourth position with Australian Richard Moir (72) while Indonesia's Rory Hie stumbled to a 74 to sit five back.
In what is the final event of the year on the Asian Development Tour, Malaysia's Akhmal Tarmizee left himself in a precarious position after missing the halfway cut by one shot with a disappointing 82.
With the top three players on the Order of Merit winning Asian Tour cards for 2011, the young Malaysian will have an anxious wait to see if his closest rivals will overtake him on the rankings.
Pagunsan, who has one Asian Tour victory in Indonesia, was delighted with his sterling effort. "I played well and all parts of my game clicked. I made a lot of putts from inside of 10 feet and it's nice when this happens," said Pagunsan.
"The course was not easy with the winds blowing but I hit it really good. This is good preparation for me as well for the Barclays Singapore Open next week," added the Filipino, who birdied the 18th, fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth holes.
Sandelin, who has five European Tour victories, coped better with the tricky greens at New Kuta as he hit four birdies. "I played good from tee to green and managed to get the speed of the greens right. I'm happy to be up there. All good things have to start from somewhere, so I'm looking for a good finish here," said the Swede.
"This year, I felt I've played better than my results have shown but a big part of the game is down to putting. If it turns around here, it could make a difference."
Lam, a national amateur player for Singapore, took advantage of his length to birdie three of the par fives. "I made only small mistakes. It was pretty solid as it was quite windy especially on the front nine. I'm just trying to finish as high as possible this week and I feel I'm playing well enough," said the 21-year-old.
Hie, ranked seventh on the merit list, needs nothing less than a victory to have a chance of finishing in the top-three but made life a bit harder with a round littered by errors. "I didn't take advantage of my early start time and I had a bad start with two bogeys in the first three holes," said the 22-year-old.
"I kept hitting it a club shorter for some reason and didn’t putt well enough. It seems like I didn't focus well out there. It's a good thing I’m still in the hunt and I'm going to give it a shot."
Akmal was disappointed to bow out meekly of the Bali Open. "It was a bad day. I couldn't get my swing going for two days and it was a real struggle out there. I'll just have to wait and see what happens with the other players. I can't do much more than that," said the 20-year-old.
Leading second round scores
139: Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 72-67
140: Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 71-69
141: Masaki Sakata (Jpn) 73-68
143: Lam Zhiqun (Sin) 73-70, Richard Moir (Aus) 71-72
144: Rory Hie (Ina) 70-74, Simon Dunn (Sco) 75-69
145: Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 71-74, Andik Mauludin (Ina) 71-74
146: Tseng Hua-yen (Tpe) 70-76
147: Hsu Jia-chen (Tpe) 77-70, Chang Chi-wei (Tpe) 75-72, Stephen Lindskog (Swe) 72-75, T.J. Kim (Kor) 77-70
The sweet-swinging Filipino lit up his game with five birdies at the challenging New Kuta Golf Resort to top the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour event on five-under-par 139.
Sandelin, playing on a sponsor's invite, moved into contention with a battling 69 while Japan's Masaki Sakata shot a 68 for third place. Singapore amateur Lam Zhiqun returned a commendable 70 to share fourth position with Australian Richard Moir (72) while Indonesia's Rory Hie stumbled to a 74 to sit five back.
In what is the final event of the year on the Asian Development Tour, Malaysia's Akhmal Tarmizee left himself in a precarious position after missing the halfway cut by one shot with a disappointing 82.
With the top three players on the Order of Merit winning Asian Tour cards for 2011, the young Malaysian will have an anxious wait to see if his closest rivals will overtake him on the rankings.
Pagunsan, who has one Asian Tour victory in Indonesia, was delighted with his sterling effort. "I played well and all parts of my game clicked. I made a lot of putts from inside of 10 feet and it's nice when this happens," said Pagunsan.
"The course was not easy with the winds blowing but I hit it really good. This is good preparation for me as well for the Barclays Singapore Open next week," added the Filipino, who birdied the 18th, fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth holes.
Sandelin, who has five European Tour victories, coped better with the tricky greens at New Kuta as he hit four birdies. "I played good from tee to green and managed to get the speed of the greens right. I'm happy to be up there. All good things have to start from somewhere, so I'm looking for a good finish here," said the Swede.
"This year, I felt I've played better than my results have shown but a big part of the game is down to putting. If it turns around here, it could make a difference."
Lam, a national amateur player for Singapore, took advantage of his length to birdie three of the par fives. "I made only small mistakes. It was pretty solid as it was quite windy especially on the front nine. I'm just trying to finish as high as possible this week and I feel I'm playing well enough," said the 21-year-old.
Hie, ranked seventh on the merit list, needs nothing less than a victory to have a chance of finishing in the top-three but made life a bit harder with a round littered by errors. "I didn't take advantage of my early start time and I had a bad start with two bogeys in the first three holes," said the 22-year-old.
"I kept hitting it a club shorter for some reason and didn’t putt well enough. It seems like I didn't focus well out there. It's a good thing I’m still in the hunt and I'm going to give it a shot."
Akmal was disappointed to bow out meekly of the Bali Open. "It was a bad day. I couldn't get my swing going for two days and it was a real struggle out there. I'll just have to wait and see what happens with the other players. I can't do much more than that," said the 20-year-old.
Leading second round scores
139: Juvic Pagunsan (Phi) 72-67
140: Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 71-69
141: Masaki Sakata (Jpn) 73-68
143: Lam Zhiqun (Sin) 73-70, Richard Moir (Aus) 71-72
144: Rory Hie (Ina) 70-74, Simon Dunn (Sco) 75-69
145: Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 71-74, Andik Mauludin (Ina) 71-74
146: Tseng Hua-yen (Tpe) 70-76
147: Hsu Jia-chen (Tpe) 77-70, Chang Chi-wei (Tpe) 75-72, Stephen Lindskog (Swe) 72-75, T.J. Kim (Kor) 77-70
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Home Hero Hie Battles Into Three-Way Tie At Bali Open
Bali, November 3: Indonesian prospect Rory Hie grabbed a share of the first round lead at the Bali Open on Wednesday to raise his hopes for a top-three finish on the Asian Development Tour.
The talented 22-year-old sank four birdies against two bogeys at the New Kuta Golf Club to top the leaderboard with countryman Irmansyah and Tseng Hua-yen of Chinese Taipei.
Former Ryder Cup star Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden, playing on a sponsor's invite, Australia's Richard Moir, Indonesian Andik Mauludin and Thailand's Nakul Vichitryuthasastr are amongst those bunched on 71 in the final event of the year on the Asian Development Tour.
There is plenty at stake at the inaugural US$60,000 Bali Open as the top three finishers on the Order of Merit will earn playing rights on the elite Asian Tour next season.
Knowing that only a victory will see him break into the top three, Hie, currently ranked seventh, gave himself the best of starts to his Tour hopes with an all-round solid display.
"It was a good day. I hit the ball really good, especially with the irons. I made a couple of bogeys through some unforced errors but it's a tough course this week. My game is coming around and hopefully it’ll keep going," said Hie.
"I think if I can pull off a win, I will have a good chance for the top-three position. That's the goal. I'll try to play the best that I can over the next few days but it could be a tougher course if the wind blows. It didn't blow today."
The 24-year-old Tseng shot five birdies on the card to raise his title hopes on the world renowned holiday isle. After representing Chinese Taipei's amateur team for five years, he joined the play-for-pay ranks last season.
"My putter worked really well. All my birdies were from around 10 feet and I managed to convert those opportunities. It's my first time leading a tournament and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week," said Tseng.
Lurking a stroke behind is five-time European Tour winner Sandelin, who is making his first visit to Bali. After missing out on the Barclays Singapore Open qualifying on Monday by two strokes, he opted to compete in the Bali Open although the tricky greens got the better of him today.
"I played pretty solid but I had a few three putts. It's tough for Europeans to play on grainy greens but I've been around for so long so I should know better," said Sandelin, who has won in Taipei previously.
"When I heard about the Bali Open, I decided to come over as I've heard that Bali is beautiful and luckily I got in. I'm happy to be here," he added.
The pressure to retain their second and third positions on the Order of Merit increased for Chinese Taipei's Hsu Chia-jen and Malaysia's Akhmal Tarmizee as they shot 77 and 75 respectively.
"I hit some poor shots and just struggled with my game," said the 20-year-old Akhmal. "I'm in the midst of changing my swing and it's taking time for me to get comfortable with it. Obviously, I hope to finish in the top three and will stick to my game plan," added the Malaysian.
Leading first round scores
70: Rory Hie (Ina), Irmansyah (Ina), Tseng Hua-yen (Tpe)
71: Takafumi Kawane (Jpn), Burhan Bora (Ina), Richard Moir (Aus), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Andik Mauludin (Ina), Nakul Vichitryuthasastr (Tha), Chang Tse-peng (Tpe)
72: Stephen Lindskog (Swe), Blair Wilson (Aus), Juvic Pagunsan (Phi), Hardjito (Ina), Justin Evans (Eng)
73: Lam Zhiqun (Sin – am), Jason King (Aus), Michael Bibat (Phi)
The talented 22-year-old sank four birdies against two bogeys at the New Kuta Golf Club to top the leaderboard with countryman Irmansyah and Tseng Hua-yen of Chinese Taipei.
Former Ryder Cup star Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden, playing on a sponsor's invite, Australia's Richard Moir, Indonesian Andik Mauludin and Thailand's Nakul Vichitryuthasastr are amongst those bunched on 71 in the final event of the year on the Asian Development Tour.
There is plenty at stake at the inaugural US$60,000 Bali Open as the top three finishers on the Order of Merit will earn playing rights on the elite Asian Tour next season.
Knowing that only a victory will see him break into the top three, Hie, currently ranked seventh, gave himself the best of starts to his Tour hopes with an all-round solid display.
"It was a good day. I hit the ball really good, especially with the irons. I made a couple of bogeys through some unforced errors but it's a tough course this week. My game is coming around and hopefully it’ll keep going," said Hie.
"I think if I can pull off a win, I will have a good chance for the top-three position. That's the goal. I'll try to play the best that I can over the next few days but it could be a tougher course if the wind blows. It didn't blow today."
The 24-year-old Tseng shot five birdies on the card to raise his title hopes on the world renowned holiday isle. After representing Chinese Taipei's amateur team for five years, he joined the play-for-pay ranks last season.
"My putter worked really well. All my birdies were from around 10 feet and I managed to convert those opportunities. It's my first time leading a tournament and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week," said Tseng.
Lurking a stroke behind is five-time European Tour winner Sandelin, who is making his first visit to Bali. After missing out on the Barclays Singapore Open qualifying on Monday by two strokes, he opted to compete in the Bali Open although the tricky greens got the better of him today.
"I played pretty solid but I had a few three putts. It's tough for Europeans to play on grainy greens but I've been around for so long so I should know better," said Sandelin, who has won in Taipei previously.
"When I heard about the Bali Open, I decided to come over as I've heard that Bali is beautiful and luckily I got in. I'm happy to be here," he added.
The pressure to retain their second and third positions on the Order of Merit increased for Chinese Taipei's Hsu Chia-jen and Malaysia's Akhmal Tarmizee as they shot 77 and 75 respectively.
"I hit some poor shots and just struggled with my game," said the 20-year-old Akhmal. "I'm in the midst of changing my swing and it's taking time for me to get comfortable with it. Obviously, I hope to finish in the top three and will stick to my game plan," added the Malaysian.
Leading first round scores
70: Rory Hie (Ina), Irmansyah (Ina), Tseng Hua-yen (Tpe)
71: Takafumi Kawane (Jpn), Burhan Bora (Ina), Richard Moir (Aus), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Andik Mauludin (Ina), Nakul Vichitryuthasastr (Tha), Chang Tse-peng (Tpe)
72: Stephen Lindskog (Swe), Blair Wilson (Aus), Juvic Pagunsan (Phi), Hardjito (Ina), Justin Evans (Eng)
73: Lam Zhiqun (Sin – am), Jason King (Aus), Michael Bibat (Phi)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Jakarta Abang None Championship 2010
On Saturday 30 Octobet 2010 the “Jakarta Abang None Championship 2010” will take place at the East Course of Gunung Geulis Country Club.
Shotgun start at 07:00 AM by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ir. Jero Wacik, SE
For invitations contact Gunung Geulis Country Club.
Phone : (0251) 8257400/500, Fax (0251) 8257430
Participation fee is Rp. 1.600.000,- (includes breakfast, lunch, trophies, lucky draw)
Shotgun start at 07:00 AM by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ir. Jero Wacik, SE
For invitations contact Gunung Geulis Country Club.
Phone : (0251) 8257400/500, Fax (0251) 8257430
Participation fee is Rp. 1.600.000,- (includes breakfast, lunch, trophies, lucky draw)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Mercedes Benz Masters Indonesia
On 12 October a press conference took place to announce the arrival of the season ending Mercedes Benz Masters Indonesia that will be held at the Emeralda Golf & Country Club between 27 and 30 October.
Sanctioned by the PGPI (Indonesia Professional Golfers Association) the tournament carries a total purse of $80.000 while this year's event marks the third successive season that it takes place at Emeralda.
A total of 10 events were scheduled for 2010. Counted after the penultimate leg, held two weeks ago in Vietnam, only the top-60 from the current Mercedes Benz Tour Order of Merit are eligible to enter the Mercedes Benz Masters Indonesia (MBMI). Current MBMI money leader is Filipino Juvic Pagunsan, but due to commitments to play in the first PGA CIMB Niaga event ever held in Asia, he will be playing in Malaysia.
In total, 12 top amateurs from the ASEAN region are invited to compete, and in doing so they are given a chance to gain valuable experience playing with Tour pros. As the tournament has no cut, all players are guaranteed prize money. A check of US$13.000 awaits the winner at Emeralda.
Uniquely, the top-6 from this Mercedes Benz Tour Order of Merit will earn a place in the field of the US$6 million Barclay's Singapore Open come November.
For more information on the Mercedes Benz tour visit www.mercedes-benztour.com.
Sanctioned by the PGPI (Indonesia Professional Golfers Association) the tournament carries a total purse of $80.000 while this year's event marks the third successive season that it takes place at Emeralda.
A total of 10 events were scheduled for 2010. Counted after the penultimate leg, held two weeks ago in Vietnam, only the top-60 from the current Mercedes Benz Tour Order of Merit are eligible to enter the Mercedes Benz Masters Indonesia (MBMI). Current MBMI money leader is Filipino Juvic Pagunsan, but due to commitments to play in the first PGA CIMB Niaga event ever held in Asia, he will be playing in Malaysia.
In total, 12 top amateurs from the ASEAN region are invited to compete, and in doing so they are given a chance to gain valuable experience playing with Tour pros. As the tournament has no cut, all players are guaranteed prize money. A check of US$13.000 awaits the winner at Emeralda.
Uniquely, the top-6 from this Mercedes Benz Tour Order of Merit will earn a place in the field of the US$6 million Barclay's Singapore Open come November.
For more information on the Mercedes Benz tour visit www.mercedes-benztour.com.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Change Of Dates For Faldo Series Indonesia Championship
Some of Indonesia's top young golfers will have a chance to compete for a place in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final when the Faldo Series Indonesia Championship tees off at the Damai Indah Golf BSD Course on the new dates of November 22-23.
One of the favourites to claim the fourth edition of the Indonesia Championship when it returns to the BSD Course will be Fahmi Reza who finished as the leading Indonesian player at the last Grand Final in March. Watched by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, the 19 year-old from Jakarta returned a 10-over-par total of 226 over three rounds at Mission Hills Golf Club in China to finish third in the Boys' Under-18 age-group and claim a top 20 finish overall.
Reza will be up against over 60 of his compatriots at the regular Tour venue in Jakarta as he bids to book a return trip to the fifth Grand Final at Shenzhen's Mission Hills. The mixed field will be divided into five age categories, three for boys (Under-21, Under-18 and Under-16) and two for girls (Under-21 and Under-16), and the winner of each category over 36 holes will qualify for the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event next March.
In addition to providing opportunities for talented golfers, the Faldo Series Asia also aims to help the younger generation gain access to golf at its tournaments. Damai Indah Golf will invite over 50 children from the local community to attend the Indonesia Championship for a free golf clinic and the chance to watch the competitors in action.
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A. It is also backed by official golf wear partner Alpine Creations and official equipment supplier TaylorMade and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region's next generation of champions. Over 30 tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former Faldo Series winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series Indonesia Championship at Damai Indah Golf BSD Course on November 22-23, please visit www.damaiindah-golf.com. For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook.
One of the favourites to claim the fourth edition of the Indonesia Championship when it returns to the BSD Course will be Fahmi Reza who finished as the leading Indonesian player at the last Grand Final in March. Watched by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, the 19 year-old from Jakarta returned a 10-over-par total of 226 over three rounds at Mission Hills Golf Club in China to finish third in the Boys' Under-18 age-group and claim a top 20 finish overall.
Reza will be up against over 60 of his compatriots at the regular Tour venue in Jakarta as he bids to book a return trip to the fifth Grand Final at Shenzhen's Mission Hills. The mixed field will be divided into five age categories, three for boys (Under-21, Under-18 and Under-16) and two for girls (Under-21 and Under-16), and the winner of each category over 36 holes will qualify for the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event next March.
In addition to providing opportunities for talented golfers, the Faldo Series Asia also aims to help the younger generation gain access to golf at its tournaments. Damai Indah Golf will invite over 50 children from the local community to attend the Indonesia Championship for a free golf clinic and the chance to watch the competitors in action.
Underwritten by Faldo himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A. It is also backed by official golf wear partner Alpine Creations and official equipment supplier TaylorMade and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region's next generation of champions. Over 30 tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former Faldo Series winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.
The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.
For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series Indonesia Championship at Damai Indah Golf BSD Course on November 22-23, please visit www.damaiindah-golf.com. For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Record Breaker Ito Wins Faldo Series Europe Grand Final
Ito carded a closing round of two over par 74 for a two under par three round aggregate of 214 to finish four shots ahead of fellow Asian, Yi-Chen Liu, and six shots in front of England's Jack Colgate and Poland's Adrian Meronk.
Ito's victory meant that he became the first Asian golfer to win the Faldo Series Europe Boys' title. The Japanese youngster also became the first golfer to claim both the Faldo Series Europe and Faldo Series Asia titles and he superseded European Tour star Nick Dougherty as the youngest golfer to claim the Faldo Series Europe title at the age of 15 years and 46 days.
Liu began the day with a three shot lead over England's Abi Laker and she became the first Asian to win the Faldo Series Europe Girls' title when she closed with a three under par 69 that saw her finish five shots ahead of English Curtis Cup player, Holly Clyburn, on two over par 218.
Laker fell back with a closing 82 but her consolation was to claim a single shot victory over Ireland's Chloe Ryan in the Girls' Under-16 age group category. The other four age group winners after three days of gruelling competition over the testing Faldo Course were England's Hugo Dobson (Boys' Under-21), England's Jack Colegate (Boys' Under-18), Ito (Boys' Under-16) and Liu (Girls' Under-21). All now qualify to play in the 2011 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final to be played next March at Mission Hills, China. Ito and Liu will also be invited to play in a professional Tour event.
Ito came into the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final with the record as the youngest golfer ever to make the cut at a Japan Golf Tour event and he displayed all of his precocious talent with three rounds of 70, 70 and 74 to leave a strong international field comprising 81 golfers from 18 different countries trailing in his wake.
The diminutive Japanese golfer, who won his Faldo Series Asia title at Mission Hills in March, began the day with a fright when he hit his second shot into the water at the 367-yard par-4 1st but he recovered to post a bogey and then got that shot back on the 370-yard par-4 7th to go out in level par 37.
He dropped two more shots when he found water at the 321-yard par-4 10th but recovered his composure with a birdie on the 554-yard par-5 14th and then closed in style with a 5-iron to 10-feet for a birdie in front of a large crowd on the last.
"It's a great feeling to win and add this title to the Faldo Series Asia title I won in March," he said. "I didn't know until a few minutes ago that I am the first person to win both titles but that makes me very proud."
"I’m very tired but also very happy."
Liu claimed a comprehensive five shot victory in the Girls' event and came within four shots of catching Ito at the top of the leaderboard with a marvelous three under par 69 that included no less than three birdie twos.
She was level par for the day when she carded the first of those twos on the 174-yard par-3 5th and went to three under when she registered the same score at the 148-yard par-3 15th after a bogey on the 7th and birdies on the 11th and 12th. She made her sixth birdie of the day on the 491-yard par-5 16th but then dropped two shots when she hit her second into the water on the 304-yard par-4 17th before recovering in style with a 6-iron and a 9-foot putt for her third two of the day on the 153-yard par-3 18th.
"It was an exciting way to finish," said Liu. "For the first time all week I felt good with the putter and that was the difference between today and the first two days."
"I can't believe I have won," she added. "I came over here to do my best but it wasn't until we finished on Tuesday that I began to think I could win."
"It's a great honour to win a trophy with Sir Nick Faldo's name on it and I'd like to thank him for all he's done for us this week."
Sir Nick Faldo, the eponymous Faldo Series founder, and six-time Major champion, congratulated both Ito and Liu for their outstanding victories: "Both Masamichi and Yi-Chen played marvelous golf and fully deserved their victories. Golf is now a truly international game and that message was reinforced with the results today."
"I have had a tremendous week," Faldo added. "It's been great fun watching the competitors on the course and also helping them off the course. That's why I set up the Faldo Series and it's very gratifying to see how much it has grown since we started it back in 1996."
It turned out to a disappointing day for the local Irish contingent at Lough Erne Resort. 2010 Faldo Series Ireland Champion Conor Glynn (Carton House) climbed up to a tie for tenth overall with a fine closing 71 while Kieran Lynch (Skibbereen & West Carberry) was tied 14th after a 76 and Patrick Small (Bangor) was 26th after posting the same score on the last day. 16-year old Chloe Ryan (Castleroy) posted a final round 80 and suffered the anguish of finishing second one shot behind England's Abi Laker in the Girls' Under-16 age group category.
That meant Ryan narrowly missed out on a trip to Mission Hills, China, for the 2011 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.
The final day of the 2010 Faldo Series Europe Grand Final was completed when the assembled field watched Faldo, former Faldo Series winner, Rory McIlroy, the Touring Professional at Lough Erne Resort, and the five age-group winners take part in a one-club challenge over the 17th and 18th holes. McIlroy also joined the six-time Major winner for the subsequent gala dinner and prize presentation.
The Faldo Series Europe Grand Final is an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event. It is supported by The R&A, the European Tour and the Lough Erne Resort. It is also backed by the PGA.
Full final results can be found at www.nickfaldo.com.
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