CHOI REKINDLES MAGIC

Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, October 7: Asian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi of Korea savoured the winning feeling all over again when he completed an energy-sapping week with a closing four-under-par 67 to win the CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi on Sunday.

Well known for his dedication to charitable causes, Choi will once again donate his total winnings of US$118, 875 to his KJ Choi Foundation, just like what he did with his victory last year.

Choi, the tournament host, walked away with the title for the second consecutive year with a winning total of 15-under-par 269.

“I’ve always said that this tournament is all about giving back to the community and that’s what I’m going to do with my winnings. I’ll never be where I’m today if not for golf and the great support from everyone,” said Choi.

Korea’s Bae Sang-moon, who was piling the pressure on Choi until a bogey-six on the 14th hole dented his confidence, had to settle for a share of second place with compatriot Jang Dong-kyu on 271.

Korea’s Kim Dae-hyun, who shared the third round lead with Choi, signed for a 71 to take fourth place while Australia’s Scott Hend and seven-time Asian Tour winner, Charlie Wi of Korea took a share of fifth place after they closed with matching 70s for a 274 total.

Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil’s putting touch deserted him on the final day and he finished in seventh place, six shots back of Choi at the US$750,000 which is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Korean Golf Tour.

After heavy fog had caused much delay to play over the last two days, Choi had to return in the morning to complete his remaining nine holes for his third round.

The Asian Tour honorary member was still trying to find the rhythm in his game as he marked his inward-nine with one bogey and one birdie.

“I was starting to warm up when I came back in the morning to complete my third round. But once I got through those nine holes, three key elements came back into my game- see, feel and trust,” said Choi.

After taking a 15-minute break between rounds, Choi came out strongly with two birdies in his opening four holes.

He dropped a shot on the ninth but demonstrated the composure and experience of a champion by answering back with a hat-trick of birdies starting from the 11th hole.

Choi then parred the rest of his holes coming home to seal his sixth Asian Tour victory.

“I could see, feel and trust every aspect of my ball striking as well as putting and from then on, I was really confident that I would go on and win,” said the Korean superstar.

Hend, meanwhile believes that he is returning to his best form with his performance at the CJ Invitational this week.

“I’ve good vibes about what’s going on and my best is not far away,” said Hend.

A pivotal moment in his round came at the 12th and 13th holes when his eagle-two and birdie hauled him back into contention.

However, back-to-back bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes put paid to his hopes of a comeback although the Australian did salvage his round with a closing birdie on the 18th hole.

“I thought I could make a comeback but made two soft bogeys there and that’s golf. You’re cruising along and it feels like you’re doing ok and suddenly you get smashed and you’ve to get back and have a go again,” said the Australian.

Chinnarat had high hopes coming into the final round after he took the second round lead and trailed Choi and Kim by one heading into the final round.

But three bogeys in his last seven holes saw him lose ground with Choi and prolonged his wait for his fourth Asian Tour title.

“Today, my putting was no good. I just could not putt like the last three days. But it’s okay, I’m happy with another top-10 finish,” said the 23-year-old Thai.

CJ Group, Korea’s food-to-entertainment conglomerate, has a three-year agreement to title sponsor the tournament which will be beamed live on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes. It will also be broadcast on KBS and J-Golf channel.

Scores after round 4 of the CJ Invitational Hosted by K.J. CHOI being played at the par 71, 7152 Yards Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
269 - K.J. CHOI (KOR) 69-65-68-67.
271 - JANG Dong-kyu (KOR) 68-71-65-67, BAE Sang-moon (KOR) 69-68-66-68.
273 - KIM Dae-hyun (KOR) 71-65-66-71.
274 - Scott HEND (AUS) 69-69-66-70, Charlie WI (KOR) 67-70-67-70.
275 - Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 68-64-71-72.
276 - Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 70-70-68-68.
277 - KIM Meen-whee (KOR) 69-67-69-72, Ryan YIP (CAN)  64-71-70-72.
278 - PARK Hyun-bin (KOR) 67-74-67-70, LEE Dong-hwan (KOR) 66-72-65-75, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-69-70-71, KIM Woo-chan (KOR) 73-72-67-66.

Selected scores
280 - Angelo QUE (PHI) 68-73-75-64, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 67-71-74-68
282 - Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 65-72-74-71.
283 - Ben CURTIS (USA) 69-65-76-73

ORDER OF MERIT

After The CJ Invitational Hosted By KJ Choi 1.   Marcus FRASER (AUS) $472,094.61   2. Jbe KRUGER (RSA) $453,588.59   3. Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN) $400,289.75   4. Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) $348,906.51   5. David LIPSKY (USA) $278,097.98   6. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $223,837.81   7. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $214,250.14   8. Scott HEND (AUS) $182,619.25   9. SIDDIKUR (BAN) $176,580.32   10. Felipe AGUILAR (CHI) $174,911.91

Australian Brad Kennedy wins Mizuno Open

Australian Brad Kennedy shot a 6-under 66 on Sunday to win his first tournament in Japan at the Mizuno Open while earning a place at next month's British Open.

The 38-year-old Kennedy carded four birdies on the front nine at the JFE Setonaikai Golf Club and added three more after the turn against a lone bogey on the par-4 No. 12. He finished at 17-under 271, three strokes ahead of Japanese golfers Toshinori Muto and Toru Taniguchi.

Kennedy's previous best finish on the Japanese tour was a tie for second at last year's Canon Open.

Noh Seung-yul enjoyed a career first top-10 on the PGA Tour

Asian Tour star Noh Seung-yul enjoyed a career first top-10 on the PGA Tour when he finished tied ninth at the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday.

The Korean, who won the 2010 Order of Merit, fired rounds of 68, 70, 70 and 71 for a 279 total to finish five shots behind winner Rickie Fowler. The American beat Rory McIlroy and DA Points in a play-off after the trio finished level on 274.

Noh’s achievement saw him earn US$156,000, his highest to date this season and moved him up 71^st place on the FedEx Cup rankings. He recently switched coaches from Butch Harmon to Sean Foley and will be delighted with his upswing in fortune.

India’s Arjun Atwal, Asia’s number one in 2003, finished tied 21^st following rounds of 68, 69, 75 and 69 for a 281 total.

In the Spanish Open, Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee enjoyed a joint 21^st outing after returning cards of 73, 69, 74 and 73. India’s Jeev Milkha Singh came in tied 32^nd on 292.

SEASON FINALE STATUS FOR ISKANDAR JOHOR OPEN

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, May 2: The Iskandar Johor Open will become the Asian Tour’s season-ending tournament in 2012, further raising the stature of one of the region’s fastest growing and premier championships.

 

This year, the prestigious event will offer a lucrative prize fund of US$2 million when it returns to the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club from December 13 to 16.

 

The tournament has grown immensely in just a matter of five years since its launch as a US$300,000 event in 2007 and is now widely regarded as one of the major championships on the Asian Tour.

 

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour, said: “We are delighted and honoured to announce that the Iskandar Johor Open will take up the premier position as the Tour’s season-ending championship in December. As the final full-field Asian Tour tournament of the 2012 season, the sixth edition of the Iskandar Johor Open will undoubtedly play a big role in determining the new Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.

 

“There will be plenty to play for at the Iskandar Johor Open as winning the Merit crown will earn exemptions into the British Open and World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship in the United States next year. It is for this reason that we expect all our top players who are vying for our prestigious Merit title to head to Horizon Hills. It certainly promises to be a spectacular week for golf fans and television viewers.”

 

Last year, Dutchman Joost Luiten claimed the coveted Iskandar Johor Open trophy and went home with the winner’s cheque of US$333,330, which propelled him to his highest world ranking position of 66th in the world.

 

Since the inaugural event, the Iskandar Johor Open has attracted an impressive line-up of world-class stars including the likes of South Africa’s Retief Goosen, K.J. Choi of Korea, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie of Scotland, Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Colombian Camilio Villegas, Anthony Kim of the United States and Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee.

 

Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion, won the Iskandar Johor Open in 2008, Choi claimed victory in 2009 while Harrington, a three-time Major winner, tasted success when Horizon Hills hosted the tournament for the first time in 2010.

 

“Having a good playing field and providing a competitive line-up of stars for our local professional golfers is a very important criterion to us and I believe we have achieved that every year,” said the President of Johor Golf Association, Y.A.M Tunku Abdul Majid Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

 

“This year will be no exception. The player field will consist of the best players from the Asian Tour, stars from around the world and the best local players who will once again have the opportunity to test their skills in the Iskandar Johor Open,” he added.

 

Such has been the quick growth of the Iskandar Johor Open that the event was honoured by the Asian Tour as the “Fastest Growing Tournament” in Asia during its Gala Awards Night last year.

 

The Iskandar Johor Open will be beamed live around the world on the Asian Tour’s global television platform. Through the Live, Highlights, Golf Show and Golfing World programmes, the Iskandar Johor Open will be accessible in over 200 countries and 650 million homes.

MARDAN ON HIGH IN MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur, March 11: Mardan Mamat of Singapore held off a late charge from Malaysian Rashid Ismail to win the PGM-CCM- Impian Masters by one shot on Sunday.   Mardan continued his rich vein of form to shoot a final round three-under-par 69 to defeat a fast charging Rashid, who fired a blistering course record 62 at the Impian Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in the season-opening event of the Asian Development Tour.   Danny Chia, a winner on the Asian Tour, closed with a solid 66 to finish in third place on 273 while R. Nachimuthu, winner of the PGM Order of Merit last year, ended his campaign two shots back at the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000).   Overnight leader Mardan, winner of the ICTSI Philippine Open on the Asian Tour last month, was on level terms with Rashid after 16 holes and needed a birdie on 17 to seal his first Asian Development Tour title.   “Thank God, I didn’t know (Rashid’s score)! I was pretty much focussed on what I needed to do. I didn’t know until I entered score recording and found out I defeated Rashid by one,” said the Singaporean veteran, who totalled 18-under-par 270 and won US$10,465.   Mardan predicted a bright future for the ADT, which is running in its third season and affords the top-three players on the Order of Merit at the end of the season with Asian Tour cards.   “It will benefit a lot of the younger players. We need this development tour to develop the young players. This is like a platform for them to build up their game to the next level. This is good for the young players,” said Mardan, who will play in the HANDA FALDO CAMBODIAN CLASSIC on the Asian Tour next week.   Playing five flights in front of the leading flight, Rashid took advantage of his home course knowledge to shoot a flawless round highlighted by 10 birdies to overcome an eight-shot deficit.   The highlight of his day came when he narrowly missed a hole-in-one by one feet at the 16th hole.   “I’m not disappointed with how I played even though I didn’t win. I rediscovered my putting form so I hope I can continue until the Malaysian Open. This is a good start to the year for me. This ADT tournament helps the local players gain more experience. This is a good stepping stone for us,” said Rashid, who represented Malaysia in the 2000 World Cup of golf with Chia.   Leading final round scores 270 - Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 66-67-68-69 271 - Rashid ISMAIL (MAS) 69-70-70-62 273 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 68-70-69-66 275 - R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 64-69-71-71 276 - Jay BAYRON (PHI) 68-70-70-68, Senroku ISA (JPN) 68-70-68-70, Dodge KEMMER (USA) 67-68-69-72 277 - Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 68-70-69-70, Glenn JOYNER (AUS) 66-72-69-70 278 - Jani PERTTILA (FIN) 70-70-72-66, Elmer SALVADOR (PHI) 71-71-69-67, LIM Eng-Seng (MAS) 65-75-69-69, Hirotaro NAITO (JPN) 72-66-67-73 279 - Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 71-71-70-67, Matthew ROSENFELD (USA) 72-69-69-69, S.Siva Chandhran (MAS) 70-67-72-70, Kenichi SAWADA (JPN) 69-69-71-70, Neil REILLY (ENG) 67-67-72-73   Ends.   About the Asian Development Tour The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals.

Mamat retains advantage

Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the ICTSI Philippine Open after Filipino teenager Miguel Tabuena boosted his hopes of a maiden Asian Tour win with a stunning 67 on day three.

Mamat, whose last Asian Tour win came in 2006, managed a host of impressive par saves en route to a battling two under par 70 at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s East course.

His round, which featured just 23 putts, lifted him to seven under, one clear of Tabuena, who equalled the course record with the aid of seven birdies.

Korea’s Mo Joong-kyung was a further shot back on five under after a 68, with no other player under par.

Mamat, 44, said: “I was struggling with my irons and hit a lot of fliers. But I holed a lot of putts. The putt on number eight was unbelievable.

“Yesterday, I hit the ball good but didn’t putt it good. Today, I didn’t hit it good but putted good. It comes and goes. Hopefully both will come together tomorrow,”

Tabuena, who opened with four birdies in six holes today, said: “I can’t wait for tomorrow. It wasn’t easy. I just told myself to stay patient and hit fairways and greens and it worked. It is really hard to make mistakes when you’re in a zone.

“There was a lot of pressure especially when you’re playing on home soil. I’m happy I coped with it.

“I’ve got nothing to lose. I just want to go out there and have some fun. It’ll mean everything (if I can win). I’ve been dreaming about winning this tournament for a long time. I just kept telling myself that I can win the Philippine Open.”

DUO CARRY LOCAL DREAMS

 Local duo Antonio Lascuna and Ferdinand Aunzo battled into the joint clubhouse lead with American Ben Fox in the early stages of the second round of the ICTSI Philippine Open on Friday.

Aunzo fired a two-under-par 70 for a two-day total of two-under-par 142 at the demanding Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s East course, which did not yield too many red numbers on an overcast day in the Philippines capital city.

 

Veteran Lascuna scrambled to a 71 while Fox carded a 73 in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event which is Asia’s oldest national championship. The ICTSI Philippine Open is being beamed live on the Asian Tour’s global television platform of over 200 countries.

The treacherous Wack Wack claimed more victims on Friday. Joint overnight leader Anthony Kang of the United States was five under for the tournament with two holes to play but double bogeyed the par three eighth hole and tripled bogeyed the next hole after finding water to settle for an even par 144 total.

Another local hope Mars Pucay was also four under with three holes to play but ran up a seven at the par four seventh hole and bogeyed the eighth coming home.

The 41-year-old Lascuna is chasing a first victory on the Asian Tour and put himself in position for a dream victory with a battling performance. He traded three birdies against two bogeys which left him beaming from ear to ear.

“I’m very happy. My driving is okay and I putted good. Pins were difficult today. Even par today, one under is a good score,” said Lascuna, who spent most of the pre-season preparation on his putting technique.

Competing on home soil attracts immense pressure, especially when he is chasing a first major professional victory but Lascuna is determined enjoy his presence on the leaderboard.

“I think I have a chance. I’ll just enjoy the game. I’m playing good now,” he said.  “It’s exciting. Every Philippine Open, I have been contending. Last year, I was even par after two rounds but was hit by gout at the weekend and couldn’t play well in the weekend. I finished third in 2002 when Rick Gibson was the champion. After the last round, I’ll answer your question on how it feels if I can win it. I need a couple of two under par rounds over the weekend. Six under will be a good score. I’ve kept my Asian Tour card for the last five years. So there’s no’s pressure on me”.

Fox was in contention in the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open last week before finishing equal sixth. He put himself in good shape for a maiden Asian Tour victory despite not being on top of his game.

“I just played terrible today. I know I happen to be up there but it didn’t feel like I played well. I was sloppy tee to green, made some good up and downs in the middle of the round which was important and it kept me in it. Short game saved me, minus a couple of three putts,” said the 24-year-old American, who is playing in his third season on the Asian Tour.

“My biggest goal coming into the year was to get into contention more often. It was nice to get the lead in the first round last week and I was up there the whole way and again this week. I’m in good shape. It’s nice to be in the thick of things for two weeks in a row.”

Filipino teenager Miguel Tabuena battled to a level par 72 with one birdie against lone bogey. “It was a good grind for me. Although I hit a lot of greens, my putts weren’t easy. I had big breaks and downhill putts. I’m glad I shot even par. I’m playing solid. My goal was to make the cut and now that I’ve done it, I will be more aggressive,” said the 17-year-old.

“It’s exciting for me. It’s my second time being in contention as a pro. I like being in contention. It’s a lot of fun.”

But he conceded that he would need to focus well during the weekend to stay in contention. “It’s very difficult (to focus). The Filipinos expect us to compete for our own national Open but it’s good as we have a lot of support, especially my family who is here every day and that’s why I’ve been playing well. I’ve got a lot of support on twitter as well,” he said.

Korea’s Mo Joong-kyung carded a 71 to stay one off the clubhouse lead. “The course is really tough and this course never goes low. You just try to make a putt,”

PRATT SEALS FIRST WIN

Kieran Pratt of Australia birdied the second play-off hole to win his first Asian Tour title at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan on Sunday.

 

Pratt, Adam Blyth of Australia and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand were tied on 15-under-par 273 in regulation play which forced a three-way play-off at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.

 

Kiradech, who closed with a 72, was the first to bow out after narrowly missing his birdie putt from 35 feet as Pratt and Blyth birdied the 18th hole at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

 

But it was Pratt who was the last man standing, making another birdie on the same hole as Blyth made par after his tee shot found water.

 

“Fantastic. It feels great to win the first event of the year. Obviously you want to get off to a fast start but to win is obviously better,” smiled Pratt, who closed with a four-under-par 68.

 

Pratt, once ranked 15th in the World Golf Amateur Ranking, was five shots off the lead after the third round but made a superb charge highlighted by an eagle-three on the 18th hole which he sank from 15 feet.

 

Playing three flights behind the leading flight, Pratt had an agonizing wait in the clubhouse before the play-off was confirmed.

 

“I felt like I was a long way from the lead but walking up the 14, 15 and 16 holes, I kind of felt like the leaders were going nowhere. I told myself if I could get a couple of birdies on the way back, I could force a play-off and then I eagled the 18th hole,” said the 23-year-old.

 

“I had to wait for Kiradech to par the 18th hole in the clubhouse and that was quite a nervous wait. It was pretty cool and unexpected to sneak into the play-off,” added Pratt, who is playing in his second year on the Asian Tour after earning his card at Qualifying School.

 

Blyth overcame an eight-shot deficit with a sensational round of 65 to join the play-off. This was his third runner-up finish on the Asian Tour since 2007.  

 

“I was never expecting to have a chance to win. I’m disappointed that I had the opportunity to win and didn’t. But I’m still happy with the outcome and how I played. It is a great way to start the season,” said Blyth, who is still searching for his first Asian Tour victory.

 

He rued his tee shot on the second play-off hole which bounced off the cart-path and into the water.

 

“I hit it my tee shot probably about 20 or 25 yards further maybe through adrenaline. It hit the cart path and it bounced over the trees and into the water. A bit of unluckiness there but I made a good five to put the pressure on Kieran,” said Blyth.

 

Kiradech, known for his grip-it and rip-it style of play, made 13 straight pars before trading one birdie and bogey on holes 14 and 15 respectively to miss his chance of winning a second Asian Tour title.

 

“I’m pleased with myself. I was hitting it very well but couldn’t sink my putts. I three putted for bogey on the 15th hole and that was a big mistake. That was the turning point. Overall I’m still happy and confident for the year,” said the

 

There was heartbreak for overnight leader Scott Hend of Australia, who held a comfortable two-shot lead after the eighth hole but shot a quadruple bogey on nine, where his ball found water twice.

 

He finished in tied fourth place after a 74 with Thai rising star Arnond Vongvanij, who is making his Asian Tour debut.

 

Scores after round 4 of the Zaykabar Myanmar Open 2012 being played at the par 72, 7218 Yards Royal Mingalardon GCC course (a- denotes amateur):

273 - Kieran PRATT (AUS) 70-69-66-68, Adam BLYTH (AUS) 71-68-69-65, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 66-66-69-72.

(Kieran Pratt wins on second play-off hole)

274 - Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 67-69-71-67, Scott HEND (AUS) 64-67-69-74.

275 - Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 68-73-71-63, Anthony KANG (USA) 72-69-68-66, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 72-67-66-70, Ben FOX (USA) 64-69-69-73, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 68-66-68-73.

276 - Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 67-72-72-65, Makoto INOUE (JPN) 72-66-69-69, PARK Hyun-bin (KOR) 69-71-66-70, Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN) 67-67-70-72.

277 - Javi COLOMO (ESP) 71-70-70-66, Jesper KENNEGARD (SWE) 71-63-74-69, BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 67-71-70-69, Martin ROMINGER (SUI) 67-70-70-70, Jonathan MOORE (USA) 70-67-67-73.

278 - PARK Jung-ho (KOR) 68-73-69-68, Niall TURNER (IRL) 69-68-72-69, Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 68-67-72-71, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 64-70-72-72, Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 69-66-67-76.

ORMSBY HOLDS SLENDER LEAD

Yangon, February 3: Asian Tour rookie Wade Ormsby of Australia maintained the pace in his title charge at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan after taking the early second round lead with a two-under-par 70 on Friday.

 

Overnight joint leader Ormsby, who earned his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, holds a one-shot lead over proven winner Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand with 10-under-par 134 at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

 

Another Asian Tour graduate Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand shot a 69 to tie with Japanese Masanori Kobayashi on 136 in the US$300,000 event, returning on the Asian Tour schedule after a one-year lapse.

 

“I hit it just as well as yesterday but didn’t make any putts out there. The pins are a bit tricky and the wind was picking up a bit but it was still pretty similar. Anytime you are in the front it is all good. I feel good out there so it doesn’t matter if I’m leading or being a couple of shots back,” said Ormsby, a former European Tour player.

 

Ormsby, who hit 16 greens in regulation, failed to produce his opening round magic but was still delighted to be in the running of winning his first Asian Tour title.

 

“Your expectations get high after a good day so I thought shooting a seven-under would be a good one today. I had my chances but I’m pretty happy with my performance. I really feel like I can be up there and win a bit more out here which is something I haven’t been able to do in Europe,” said Ormsby, who is among 15 Australians playing this week.

 

Highly rated Arnond of Thailand, 23, made an early charge with four birdies in seven holes but dropped a double bogey on the 18th hole where his second shot found water.

 

“Some of the pins were tough to get close. I think it is still pretty fair. I’m happy with the way I’ve played in the last two days. If I try to eliminate the mistakes, I think there’s a chance to win at the end,” said the finance degree graduate from the University of Florida.

 

Overnight leaders Scott Hend and Ben Fox will tee off in the afternoon.

 

FOX FLEXES HIS MUSCLES

Yangon, February 2: 

Ben Fox of the United States reaped the benefits of the extra hours put in the gym when he shot a sparkling eight-under-par 64 to share early opening round lead at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan on Thursday.

 

Fox fired a flawless round with eight birdies that was matched by Scott Hend of Australia, who has won once on the Asian Tour, at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

 

Chinnarat Phadungsil of Thailand, a three-time Asian Tour winner, was a further shot back on 65 with Asian Tour graduate Kim Gi-whan of Korea in the US$300,000 event, returning on the Asian Tour schedule after a one-year lapse.

 

Fox, who is searching for his first Asian Tour victory, credited the hard work in the gym during the off-season for his fast start.

 

“I worked hard in the off-season. I don’t like working out during the season but during the break I was hitting it hard in the gym and on the practice range. I tried to get a little bit stronger in the gym and it is showing because I’m hitting it 10 or 15 yards further this year,” said the 24-year-old.

 

Playing in his third year on the Asian Tour, Fox made a 25-feet chip-in birdie from the edge of the seventh hole to tie for the lead.

 

“It was one of my goals coming into the year to get off to a good start more frequently. It is nice to kind of done that in the first week. Obviously, you just don’t plan on shooting eight-under but it was a nice round. I got off to a good start and just kept it going,” said Fox, who missed only two greens in regulation today.

 

Hend, who is among 15 Australians in the field this week, predicts a low scoring week as he aims to end a three-year title drought.

 

“I hit good shots and holed my putts. I missed a couple but you can’t complain when you shoot an eight-under. This is the first round of the year and this is a nice round to put away because it is going to be a low score that wins the tournament. To put eight birdies out of the way, I’m probably going to need another 12 birdies in the next three days,” said Hend, winner of the of the 2008 Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational.

 

Asian Tour rookie Kim of Korea made four straight birdies from the 14th hole but was disappointed not to share the lead after making his only blemish of the day on the ninth hole.

 

“That stretch of birdies was good because it gave me the confident to keep going. My putting was great. I sank all my putts inside 10 feet so that was good except on the last hole,” said the 21-year-old, who played in Japan last year.

 

“I wanted to play on the Asian Tour because many Koreans have tasted success here like Noh Seung-yul and K.J. Choi. I hope I can be like them,” added Kim.

 

Ends.

 

About the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan

The Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan is a US$300,000 full field Asian Tour event which will be staged at the highly-rated Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club from February 2-5, 2012 and is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Myanmar Professional Golf Association. Myanmar’s national championship will return to the Asian Tour Schedule after a year’s lapse. It was inaugurated in 1996 and the list of champions includes illustrious names such as three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, countryman Boonchu Ruangkit, American Anthony Kang, South African James Kingston, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Keng-chi and Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka who won the event in 2010. Sponsors include Zaykabar as the title sponsor and Air Bagan as the presenting sponsor. The other co-sponsors are A1 Construction Co. Ltd, Alpine Purified Drinking Water, Asia Metal Group of Companies, Srixon, Tiger Beer, Canon and 100Plus while the hole-in-one sponsors are the Zaykabar Group of Companies, CEO (Cost Effectiveness Oriented Group Co. Ltd) and

Aung Hein Min Co. Ltd (Sumitomo).

 

About the Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Smartphone and Tablet) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Qualifying School Final Stage

Cha Am, Thailand, January 21: David Lipsky of the United States won the Qualifying School Final Stage on Saturday to lead a strong cast of young guns into the new 2012 Asian Tour season.

 

Lipsky, who is half Korean, closed with a final round four-under-par 68 to win the all-important Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand by two shots over highly rated Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand, Dodge Kemmer of the United States, India’s Rahil Gangjee, who shot a sparkling 63 and Australian Adam Groom.

 

Among the notable names who finished in the top-40 and ties to earn their Asian Tour card for 2012 include James Byrne of Scotland, last year’s Walker Cup star, former Asian Tour winner Artemio Murakami of the Philippines and Australian Adam Blyth at the Springfield Royal Country Club.

 

Lipsky enjoyed a successful college career at the Northwestern University in Chicago and credited his victory to words of encouragement received from world number one Luke Donald on the social network Twitter.

 

“Luke Donald and my coach sent me some good messages this week. That really encouraged me. It was just a Tweet from Luke telling me good luck. Nothing too serious but that always helps with the confidence when you have the world number one wishing you luck,” said the 23-year-old, who was one shot off the lead before battling to a winning total 14-under-par 274.

 

Lipsky, who surprised even himself with his debut victory in Asia, said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Charlie Wi, who encouraged him to ply his trade in the far East.

 

“Being on the Asian Tour exceeds my expectations. I grew up with Charlie Wi as my friend and he has been successful out here. He talked to me a little bit about it and my coach encouraged me to travel and play. That was really the deciding factors. I don’t have any regrets and it seems like it is going to be a great experience,” added Lipsky.

 

Arnond, who is highly tipped to be the next star from Thailand, birdied the last hole from 20 feet for 69 to finish in tied second place.

 

“It was scary but it worked out. I finished at 12-under but left a few putts out there. Overall I played well. It would have been nice to win but second place is not bad. I’m not feeling anything right now and I’m just going to enjoy the moment,” said Arnond, who grew up in Thailand before moving to Florida to play golf at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

 

Gangjee, a former Asian Tour winner, fired the round of the day highlighted by one eagle and eight birdies against one bogey to make his return to Asia after he spent most of last season playing on the Nationwide Tour.

 

“It was one of those great days where everything fell into place. Each putt fell in perfectly. I was quite sure I would do well. I was getting better day by day. I knew if I shot under-par I would get my card. But a nine-under was a pleasant surprise,” said Gangjee.

 

Byrne of Scotland said the pressure started to build up after the bogey on 17 but he held his nerve to sink a pivotal birdie on the last to seal his place among the Asian Tour graduates.

 

“I’m happy with the way I finished. The pressure was there no doubt about it. The cut is always on the back of your mind. You try not to think about it but it is hard to avoid the fact that you are right there,” said the 24-year-old.

 

“I’m delighted to have some where to play on. I could have received some invites on the Challenge Tour but I didn’t want to go down that route where you play about seven events a year. I feel like I’m good enough to be able to win on the Asian Tour,” added Byrne, who is half Singaporean.

 

A total of 42 players earned their Asian Tour cards for 2012 with the cut at three-under-par 285.

 

Leading fourth round scores

274 - David LIPSKY (USA) 72-65-69-68

276 - Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 73-70-70-63, Adam GROOM (AUS) 69   -71-68-68, Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 69-64-74-69, Dodge KEMMER (USA) 66-70-69-71

277 - Sushi ISHIGAKI (JPN) 66-69-73-69, Stephen LEWTON (ENG) 68-74-66-69

278 - Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 63-71-71-73

280 - Javi COLOMO (ESP) 65-72-74-69, Makoto INOUE (JPN) 70-70-70-70, Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN) 70-67-68-75

281 - Jesper KENNEGARD (SWE) 71-70-74-66, Joon H. LEE (KOR) 67-71-71-72, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 69-71-68-73, Martin ROMINGER (SUI) 72-63-72-74

282 - Paul DONAHOO (AUS) 70-71-73-68, Sam CYR (USA) 70-70-72-70, Ron HARVEY Jnr (CAN) 70-70-75-67, Kunal BHASIN (AUS) 69-70-71-72

283 - Nils FLOREN (SWE) 73-69-72-69, PARK Jung-ho (KOR) 71-72-72-68, HONG Soon-Sang (KOR) 70-68-74-71, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 71-67-74-71, Matthew ROSENFELD (USA) 69-71-72-71, Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 68-69-73-73, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 72-69-68-74, Guy WOODMAN (ENG) 64-69-74-76

CHOI VOWS TO FUEL GROWTH

Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, October 24: K.J. Choi vowed to grow his own tournament, the CJ Invitational, into one of Asia’s finest despite being an ungracious host by winning the inaugural event on Sunday.

The Korean star comfortably triumphed at the immaculate Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club, denying young compatriot Noh Seung-yul, the reigning Asian Tour number one by two shots.

Choi, an Asian Tour honorary member and an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour, expects next year’s second edition to be raised several notches with the inclusion of more stars from the PGA Tour.

“This year, we’ve got Anthony Kim playing and I’m very happy he is supporting my tournament. The problem is the Presidents Cup in Australia (next month). Many players are stopping over in China, Singapore and Melbourne. There are too many tournaments for them,” said Choi, the world’s number 14.

“Some top players have talked to me that they’ll play in my tournament next year. In the future, we’ll have more big names coming over. I want players to say that I want to play in the CJ Invitational as it’s a good tournament with a good golf course, good condition, good food and good management to make it the best tournament.

“That’s why I’m checking everything. I’ve got two jobs,” he said.

Choi took a hands-on approach in the US$750,000 tournament which was sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Korean Golf Tour. He ensured the roping for the galleries was done to allow crowds to watch the action comfortably and also enforced a ban on cameras and handphones. He also moved several tee boxes forward to ensure the galleries could watch the action from the back of the tees. His Foundation also supported various community projects.

The 41-year-old Korean, the Asian Tour’s first graduate to hit the PGA Tour, played host to players and sponsors all week long and was the last man to leave the club after the pro-am dinner on Wednesday night.

“The players felt how good the course conditions were and I think they were impressed in many ways. This tournament is going to get better. I’m looking forward to seeing this tournament grow into a top-class tournament in the world,” said Choi.

“I’m so happy. I’m very proud. First event I’m hosting and then winning it. We were very successful and this was a first class tournament in Asia. Haesley Nine Bridges and CJ were fantastic,” said Choi.

Three-time PGA Tour winner Kim was also delighted to support Choi’s first hosting of a tournament.

“Everything about this tournament is first class. I know K.J. has put a lot of time into it to make it a world-class event. More players will start coming. The scheduling didn’t work out especially with the Presidents Cup. The tournament is what I expected it to be. This is run as good as any tournament I’ve played,” said Kim.

“It was a great week. K.J. put on a great tournament and the fans came out for this event and showed support. Hopefully I can come back next year and put on a better show.”

About the K.J. Choi Foundation
K.J. Choi, one of the most successful golfers to come from Korea, did not want to stop with his own personal success, but felt a strong social responsibility to give back to society and realized he needed a reliable means of doing so. Joining together with other community leaders in Korea who share the common idea, he established the K.J. Choi Foundation in 2007 for this purpose. K.J. Choi Foundation conducts major charitable projects for those who are faced in hopeless situations in Korean domestic and International communities. The Foundation especially focuses in the support of underprivileged children by lovingly providing welfare services and professional help, thus providing young people with hopes and dreams. K.J. Choi also works closely with many community leaders to help support junior golfers in difficult financial and environmental situations fulfil their dreams through his junior golf program, K.J. Choi Dream Team. K.J. Choi Foundation’s vision is to be a community leader that provides hope and happiness for all, and its purpose is to be a Foundation for everyone.

About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

About KGT
KGT is the governing body and representative group for Korean professional golfers. In this function it organizes, stages and sanctions tournaments for professional golfers in Korea. KGT holds more than 20 events each year. It aims to be one of the five major golf tours worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with other Tours through close cooperation around the world.

GLEESON IS THE HERO IN INDIA

New Delhi, October 16: David Gleeson of Australia completed his renaissance by winning the Hero Indian Open with a final round four-under-par 68 on Sunday.

Gleeson, who missed five consecutive cuts earlier this year, showed no signs of losing his overnight lead as he closed with a 20-under-par 268 total at the Delhi Golf Club, the lowest winning score on the Indian Open.

Chiragh Kumar of India enjoyed his best finish on the Asian Tour, finishing second after shooting a 70, three strokes from the champion in the US$1.25 million event.

Scotland’s Ross Bain and Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei, winner of last week’s Yeangder TPC, shot matching 67s to share third place on 272.

Gleeson was four-under after five holes and made 13 consecutive pars which were enough to secure him his third Asian Tour title. The highlight of his day came on the par-four third hole where he chipped in from 140 yards.

“Once I made that eagle I started playing more conservatively. It is unbelievable to win again. My victories have been sporadic and hopefully this win will change that,” said Gleeson who bagged US$198,125 and ended a three-year title drought.

The Australian admitted he struggled with his game earlier in the year but enjoyed a change of fortunes when he traded in his old set of golf clubs for a new set where he was immediately rewarded with a second place finish at the Macau Open last month.

“And after making some changes to my clubs, I finally found what I wanted and it snowballed into some confidence. I’ve been playing well ever since,” said Gleeson.

Kumar, the 2006 Asian Games team silver medallist, was a shot back going into the final round but failed to make a title charge as he putter went cold.

“I’m not disappointed about finishing second. This is a great result for me considering this is my national Open. If someone had told me prior to the event that I would finish second I would’ve taken it,” said the 27-year-old.

“I played well but David just ran away with it. He made an amazing start and kept up the momentum till the end. He did not give me an opportunity to put any kind of pressure on him,” said Kumar.

Lu continued his rich vein of form in a round of six birdies against one bogey to give himself another strong finish after winning his second Asian Tour title on home soil last week.

“I’ve played here many times and missed many cuts because I wasn’t used to the tight fairways and tricky greens. I was more prepared this time around and it showed with my result,” said Lu.

The Dubai based Bain turned in 33 but double bogeyed the 11th hole before recovering with two birdies and one eagle on the 14th hole to enjoy his first top-10 finish since 2009.

“I’ve been playing really good this year and got nothing out of it. It is satisfying to finish in tied third. I’ve worked hard and played pretty good,” said the 35-year-old.

“This is a process for me and I need to get back in contention more often and get my confidence where it should be,” said Bain, who is still searching for a maiden Asian Tour victory.

Ends.

Leading fourth round scores

268 - David GLEESON (AUS) 68-66-66-68.

271 - Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 64-67-70-70.

272 - Ross BAIN (SCO) 65-72-68-67, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 71-68-66-67.

274 - Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 69-67-71-67.

275 - Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 70-73-66-66.

276 - Himmat RAI (IND) 69-70-69-68, S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 69-70-68-69.

277 - SIDDIKUR (BAN) 70-70-69-68, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 72-66-69-70, Adilson DA SILVA (BRA) 68-71-68-70.

279 - LIN Wen-hong (TPE) 65-77-71-66, Manav JAINI (IND) 71-74-67-67, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 71-73-65-70.

280 - Edoardo MOLINARI (ITA) 71-70-70-69, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 73-69-69-69, Zaw MOE (MYN) 65-74-70-71.

281 - Rick GIBSON (CAN) 70-70-72-69, Peter KARMIS (RSA) 72-70-69-70, Harendra GUPTA (IND) 72-66-71-72.

Ends.

For further information please contact Doyle De Costa at the Hero Indian Open media centre at +91 11 320 80962.

About the Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.