https://www.scmp.com/rss/11350/feed Chuah Choo Chiang is senior director, marketing and communications, Apac for the PGA Tour, and is based in Kuala Lumpur. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com A mixed dose of brutal honesty and tough love from his father, Du Ryu, has kept Si Woo Kim well and truly grounded as he pushes to grow his legacy on the PGA Tour as one of Asia’s greatest golfers. Having hit fame early in his career following a string of historic achievements on golf’s biggest stage, the 27-year-old Korean has not let success get to his head despite seeing his trophy shelves being filled with silverware, the latest addition being the Sony Open in Hawaii trophy won in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3212609/humble-si-woo-kim-eyes-players-championship-crowning-glory-once-more-pga-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3212609/humble-si-woo-kim-eyes-players-championship-crowning-glory-once-more-pga-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:27:58 +0000 The DP World Tour’s swing through Asia moves onto Thailand this week, and again will give the region’s aspiring golfers a chance to chase history and cement their legacy in the game. In the past, the likes of Zhang Lian-wei of China, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and India’s Arjun Atwal have claimed historic wins in DP World Tour-sanctioned tournaments across Asia, and reaped immediate rewards by earning playing rights in what was formerly known as the European Tour. The stakes are now so much... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3210281/hong-kongs-kho-and-chinas-ding-dp-world-tour-represents-best-chance-reach-pinnacle-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3210281/hong-kongs-kho-and-chinas-ding-dp-world-tour-represents-best-chance-reach-pinnacle-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:04:55 +0000 The glint in the eyes and enduring smile have remained the same. So too have the charisma and passion that are hallmarks which have defined Isao Aoki as one of golf’s living legends following an illustrious career. Now 80 years young, Aoki is still in the forefront of the game, serving as chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation. While others his age may prefer a simpler lifestyle, Aoki attends board meetings, plays in tournament Pro-Ams and continues to keep in touch with today’s generation... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3206374/pga-tour-japans-isao-aoki-marks-40-years-historic-hawaii-triumph-made-him-first-asian-player-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3206374/pga-tour-japans-isao-aoki-marks-40-years-historic-hawaii-triumph-made-him-first-asian-player-win?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Jan 2023 05:29:57 +0000 The Tom Kim express finally ran out of steam after a whirlwind joyride which lasted nearly two months and ended at his dream destination – the PGA Tour. But for the 20-year-old South Korean phenom, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead, with the Presidents Cup being his next port of calling. Born in June 2002 as Joohyung Kim, the highly talented youngster with an easy demeanour and carefree approach has taken the world of golf by storm after first leaving his mark by winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3190245/tom-kim-poised-go-places-presidents-cup-next-stop-after-living-his-pga?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3190245/tom-kim-poised-go-places-presidents-cup-next-stop-after-living-his-pga?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Aug 2022 03:55:32 +0000 Asia’s glory-hunters have five tournaments left in the regular Korn Ferry Tour season, plus the three-event tour finals, as they target places on the PGA Tour. China’s Carl Yuan and South Korean duo An Byeong-hun and Kim Seong-hyeon are among those who have already succeeded in getting there, with the top 25 players being awarded PGA Tour cards and a further 25 cards available at the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. The trio may be rubbing their hands gleefully in anticipation of next season following... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3183414/marty-dou-and-kevin-yu-lead-charge-asias-aspirants-chase-pga-tour-cards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3183414/marty-dou-and-kevin-yu-lead-charge-asias-aspirants-chase-pga-tour-cards?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jun 2022 02:00:19 +0000 It was only when K.H. Lee was making strides as a golf professional that he learned how much hardship his mother endured to help him get there. Lee’s parents ran a restaurant in Seoul and had been putting aside money for years to fund his passion. His mother Hea Won-hong had even taken to sleeping alone in the eaterie because it was such a long journey home. She took care of the family business primarily on her own while Lee’s father Sang-moo took on the role of driver, chaperon and confidant... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3178095/pga-championship-kh-lees-hunger-success-nourished-family-restaurant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3178095/pga-championship-kh-lees-hunger-success-nourished-family-restaurant?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 May 2022 00:30:21 +0000 The same golfing gods who ensured a historic first Masters Tournament triumph for Asia some 12 months ago are now being called upon to ensure Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama is fully fit to put up a worthy title defence this week. His monumental one-stroke victory at Augusta National in Georgia sent a golf-loving nation into dizzying heights, leading thousands of enthusiasts to throng driving ranges, buy the same golf equipment that he uses and tee up at local golf courses while mimicking his trademark... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3173406/hideki-matsuyama-enters-masters-title-defence-mend-his-place-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3173406/hideki-matsuyama-enters-masters-title-defence-mend-his-place-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:00:43 +0000 His PGA Tour career stats read 193 starts, two wins, 12 top-10s, 33 top-25s, a career best 10th on the FedEx Cup and nearly US$9 million in prize earnings. Throw in seven other combined wins on the DP World Tour and Japan Tour and his resume makes for a celebrated golf career. More importantly, Y.E. Yang knows his name will forever be etched in the game’s folklore as the first Asian to hoist a major trophy, courtesy of a memorable head-to-head triumph over Tiger Woods at the 2009 PGA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3167295/tiger-tamer-ye-yang-excited-second-chapter-his-golf-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3167295/tiger-tamer-ye-yang-excited-second-chapter-his-golf-career?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Feb 2022 13:15:14 +0000 When Hideki Matsuyama thumped a magnificent 3-wood approach from 276 yards and landed his ball inside three feet of the flag on his way to equalling a record that has stood for more than a decade, KJ Choi was the least surprised to see that moment of magic. Choi, arguably the greatest golf export from South Korea, has proudly held the record of most PGA Tour victories by an Asian golfer with his haul of eight titles since 2011, and he was beaming with pride to see Matsuyama match his collection... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3164519/hideki-matsuyamas-triumph-hawaii-can-herald-start-golden-age-asian-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3164519/hideki-matsuyamas-triumph-hawaii-can-herald-start-golden-age-asian-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:15:22 +0000 As turning 46 looms, Tiger Woods says he is at peace with himself. While he knows he isn’t the same athlete he once was, it would be wrong to assume he has accepted his fate of not being able to match Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories or secure the historic 83rd PGA Tour triumph he so craves. This new-found inner peace could also mean Woods is happy at just being a father to his kids, Charlie and Sam, instead of throwing himself through the painful recovery to overcome his latest fight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3159541/tiger-woods-peace-ahead-pnc-championship-dont-bet-against-him-roaring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3159541/tiger-woods-peace-ahead-pnc-championship-dont-bet-against-him-roaring?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:15:09 +0000 India's Jeev Milkha Singh scrambled to a two-over-par 74 to safely make the cut at the Masters, but it was the end of the road for Liang Wenchong and an injured Prayad Marksaeng. Singh flew the flag for Asia by battling tough conditions at Augusta National, turning in 35 before dropping three bogeys, including two at the notorious Amen Corner. Asia's number one Liang carded a 78 to bow out in his Masters debut, while Thailand's Prayad retired after nine holes with a back injury. https://www.scmp.com/article/633508/singh-safe-liang-misses-cut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633508/singh-safe-liang-misses-cut?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Liang Wenchong never quite imagined his life could change so dramatically the moment a golf club was put in his hands some 14 years ago. The 29-year-old will this week become only the second mainland player to compete in the prestigious Masters and will do so as China's first-ever Asian Tour number one. Liang represents an exciting generation of golfers from the mainland who not only have the burning desire to excel on the global stage but also has the game and mentality to achieve success. He... https://www.scmp.com/article/633043/confident-liang-out-strike-blow-asia-masters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/633043/confident-liang-out-strike-blow-asia-masters?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng will be decked out in Thailand's national colours as they bid for glory at Mission Hills today. The Thai duo will use matching strips of white, blue and red shirts - colours of the Thai national flag - in the opening three rounds and will wear a yellow strip as a show of respect to the king of Thailand in Sunday's final round. Prayad said it was Thongchai's idea to use matching kits. 'We hope that this will inspire us,' said Prayad, a five-time winner on... https://www.scmp.com/article/616645/thais-want-show-their-true-colours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/616645/thais-want-show-their-true-colours?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000 Thai hotshots Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng put on an exhibition of golf with a final-round eight-under-par 64 in the foursomes to win the Fortis International Challenge in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Thailand finished the qualifying event for November's Omega Mission Hills World Cup in Shenzhen with a 30-under-par 258 aggregate, three shots clear of the Netherlands' Maarten Lafeber and Robert-Jan Derksen, who closed with a 67. The top five teams qualified. Hong Kong's James Stewart and... https://www.scmp.com/article/609832/thailand-pair-prove-too-strong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/609832/thailand-pair-prove-too-strong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:00:00 +0000 India's Jeev Milkha Singh has tipped China's Liang Wenchong to succeed him as the Asian Tour's new UBS Order of Merit champion. The Asian Tour resumes its second half of the season next week with the staging of the Johor Open in Malaysia and current leader Liang will be keen to build on his advantage over South African Anton Haig in the merit race. The 29-year-old Liang (pictured) has enjoyed a stellar season with one victory and six other top-10s, pushing him towards the dream of becoming... https://www.scmp.com/article/604670/singh-sees-liang-his-obvious-successor-merit-stakes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/604670/singh-sees-liang-his-obvious-successor-merit-stakes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Aug 2007 16:00:00 +0000 A strong contingent of six Asian Tour members will compete in this week's US PGA Championship, the year's final major, but none would be more fired up than India's Jyoti Randhawa. The former Asian number one endured a futile wait at the previous major, the British Open, last month where he was first alternate but now that he has got his chance at Southern Hills this week, the Indian is determined to make full use of his start. 'It's the gathering of the world's best players. That's where I... https://www.scmp.com/article/603334/randhawa-keen-make-most-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/603334/randhawa-keen-make-most-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:00:00 +0000 Chinese star Liang Wenchong has received a special exemption to compete in the 89th US PGA Championship from August 9 to 12. Liang (pictured) has never played in a major and was delighted to receive his invitation from the PGA of America to play at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the year's fourth and final major. 'I am very surprised. I was in Japan fighting for a place in the British Open at the Mizuno Open last week when I received the good news. I am very happy and I am... https://www.scmp.com/article/598667/liang-delighted-major-invitation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/598667/liang-delighted-major-invitation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:00:00 +0000 Zhang Lianwei plans to launch a developmental tour in China as a way of giving back to the game. The 42-year-old Zhang, who will chase a record third victory at the Macau Open this week, said he wanted to create greater playing opportunities for China's leading amateurs and upcoming professionals. Zhang, a five-time winner on the Asian Tour, has held talks with the China Golf Association and if the pieces fall into place, the circuit will tee off in the latter half of this year with a... https://www.scmp.com/article/593010/zhang-plans-new-mainland-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/593010/zhang-plans-new-mainland-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 May 2007 16:00:00 +0000 Former Chinese number one Zhang Lianwei hopes to mark the 10th anniversary of the Macau Open next week by producing a record third victory at a venue he calls his second home. The 42-year-old, a five-time winner on the Asian Tour, is the only player to secure two wins at the challenging Macau Golf and Country Club but Zhang hopes to build on his reputation by playing his way into the record books once more. He will arrive in Macau with his confidence soaring following a tied 10th-place finish... https://www.scmp.com/article/592117/zhang-search-third-macau-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/592117/zhang-search-third-macau-title?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 May 2007 16:00:00 +0000 China's first million-dollar man, Liang Wenchong, wants another record - to become the first Chinese player to be number one in Asia. 'I am hoping to challenge for the UBS Order of Merit title, that's why I played in Korea,' said Liang, after his runner-up finish at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open at the weekend ensured he surpassed the US$1 million mark in career earnings. 'I would like to win this award.' Liang, 28, is in second place and a mere US$4,223 behind Anton Haig of South Africa on the... https://www.scmp.com/article/592008/liang-first-chinese-player-break-million-dollar-mark?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/592008/liang-first-chinese-player-break-million-dollar-mark?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 May 2007 16:00:00 +0000 World number five Ernie Els rolled into Shanghai for the BMW Asian Open yesterday with happy memories of his record-breaking triumph two years ago. The South African headlines an elite field for the US$2.3 million event, which tees off today, and, while he may be jetlagged, Els knows his form is good enough to claim a first title of the year after finishing second in the Verizon Heritage on the US Tour, a tournament that finished only on Monday. It was Els' third top-three finish of 2007, but... https://www.scmp.com/article/589526/els-draws-upon-record-round-guide-him-asian-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/589526/els-draws-upon-record-round-guide-him-asian-open?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:00:00 +0000 Chung Shan Golf Club is famous for being the home of the first course in China - it could become even more famous for being the 'mother' of Chinese number one Liang Wenchong. Liang has big dreams, like playing on the USPGA Tour and becoming the first Chinese to play in the Open Championship in Britain. The 28-year-old has taken his destiny into his own hands by dispensing with his high-profile management company, and electing to manage his own affairs with the help of his wife, Xiao Jiahui,... https://www.scmp.com/article/588091/liangs-long-march-fame-and-fortune?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/588091/liangs-long-march-fame-and-fortune?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Apr 2007 16:00:00 +0000 American veteran Mike Cunning and New Zealand's Mark Brown established a course record of six-under-par 66 to lead the first round of the Motorola International in Bintan, Indonesia, yesterday. The inaugural US$350,000 Asian Tour event enjoyed a spectacular launch at the Ria Bintan Golf Club as Malaysia's P. Gunasegaran and England's Yasin Ali produced holes in one en route to a 68 and 69 respectively. Thai newcomer Kwanchai Tannin also delivered the fireworks with eight birdies for a 67 to... https://www.scmp.com/article/586038/record-rounds-give-cunning-and-brown-joint-lead-indonesia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/586038/record-rounds-give-cunning-and-brown-joint-lead-indonesia?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:00:00 +0000 Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol claimed the clubhouse lead with a blemish-free, opening-round, six-under-par 65 at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open yesterday. Chawalit, 32, led the way with six birdies and was followed by Finland's Mikko Ilonen, who was a stroke adrift at the Damai Indah Golf and Country Club. India's Shiv Kapur, the 2005 Asian Tour's Rookie of the Year, blasted five birdies against a lone bogey is tied for third alongside Mads Vibe-Hastrup of Denmark, who carded a 67 at... https://www.scmp.com/article/582118/chawalit-claims-clubhouse-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/582118/chawalit-claims-clubhouse-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Feb 2007 16:00:00 +0000 India's Jeev Milkha Singh capped a dream season when he scooped up three main honours at the Asian Tour's UBS Awards Gala in Bangkok on Sunday night. In a stunning year which saw Singh claim four titles around the globe, the tenacious Indian made it a night to remember when he was feted by his peers after being voted the Players' Player of the Year and winning the inaugural Special Achievement Award. The two accolades were in addition to the prestigious Order of Merit title which Singh... https://www.scmp.com/article/575901/stellar-singh-sweeps-three-top-asian-tour-awards-memorable-night?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/575901/stellar-singh-sweeps-three-top-asian-tour-awards-memorable-night?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Title holder Retief Goosen of South Africa cruised into a three-shot halfway lead at the Volkswagen Masters-China in Sanya, Hainan, yesterday, thanks to an imperious seven-under-par 65. The world number seven overcame a stuttering outward nine at the Yalong Bay Golf Club before roaring home in 30, which included four birdies and a superb eagle at his last hole for an outstanding two-day total of 15-under-par 129. Overnight leader Lu Wen-teh of Taiwan and 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell... https://www.scmp.com/article/567577/imperious-goosen-roars-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/567577/imperious-goosen-roars-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Taiwanese veteran Lu Wen-teh eclipsed major champions Michael Campbell of New Zealand and South African Retief Goosen with a stunning nine-under-par 63 for the first-round lead in the Volkswagen Masters-China yesterday in Sanya, Hainan. Lu, 43, fired a blistering 10 birdies at Yalong Bay Golf Club to lead by one stroke from title holder Goosen and Campbell, who returned matching 64s in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event. England's Yasin Ali, tied sixth in the Taiwan Open last week, extended his... https://www.scmp.com/article/567420/veteran-lu-stuns-campbell-and-goosen-race-first-round-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/567420/veteran-lu-stuns-campbell-and-goosen-race-first-round-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's James Stewart and David Freeman fell from the top of the leaderboard at the World Cup golf qualifying in Malaysia yesterday after a disappointing second day. The pair shot a seven-over 78 and dropped to a tie for fourth. Where the putts had been dropping on Wednesday, it was a struggle for Stewart and Freeman on the greens of the Seri Selangor Golf Club in the foursomes alternate shot format yesterday. 'We missed every single putt, except for making two birdies which we couldn't... https://www.scmp.com/article/564005/were-not-out-it-stewart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/564005/were-not-out-it-stewart?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Sep 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's James Stewart and David Freeman congratulate each other on another birdie as they start their World Cup qualifying campaign in great style in Malaysia. The pair combined for an eight-under-par 63 yesterday for the first-round lead at the Seri Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur. Asian Tour regular Stewart and Freeman, a teaching professional at the Hong Kong Golf Club, lead by a stroke from the Philippines (Juvic Pagunsan and Gerald Rosales) with Malaysia (Iain Steel and Danny Chia)... https://www.scmp.com/article/563861/top-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/563861/top-world?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant got into the mix with the big guns, cruising quietly on to the leaderboard after an impressive second-round four-under-par 68. The Asian Tour number one produced a wonderful performance at Royal Liverpool to safely make the weekend rounds with his two-day total of five-under-par 139. After becoming the second Thai to make the cut in the year's third major, Thaworn is determined to stick around the leaders, although he concedes the vagaries of links golf still... https://www.scmp.com/article/557716/thaworn-keeps-pace-big-boys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/557716/thaworn-keeps-pace-big-boys?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jul 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Shiv Kapur says he feels like a movie celebrity in his maiden Open appearance but India's latest prospect is keeping his eye firmly on the ball this week. The 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise on the Asian Tour since turning professional 18 months ago, has soaked in the atmosphere at Royal Liverpool, signing dozens of autographs during practice rounds and being greeting warmly along the streets of Hoylake. 'It's great being here,' said Kapur. 'The whole town is buzzing. People make... https://www.scmp.com/article/557206/kapur-hoping-indian-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/557206/kapur-hoping-indian-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:00:00 +0000 India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa hope their historic double act this week will capture the imagination of the golfing world. Singh, the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit leader, and 2002 Asian number one Randhawa carry the continent's hopes at Winged Foot. It's the first time two Indians have been featuring in a US Open, with Singh making his second appearance and Randhawa set for his debut. They earned their spots by qualifying in England this month. 'It should be a big day for... https://www.scmp.com/article/552757/singh-randhawa-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/552757/singh-randhawa-double?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:00:00 +0000 South African veteran Hendrik Buhrmann ended an agonising 11-year wait for a first title in Asia when he claimed a two-stroke victory at the inaugural Aamby Valley Asian Masters on Sunday. The 42-year-old Buhrmann carded a final round of one-under-par 71 for a total of 11-under-par 277 at the magnificent Aamby Valley Golf Club to win ahead of Simon Hurd, who closed with a 73 in the US$400,000 Asian Tour event. Australian Terry Pilkadaris finished third, a further stroke back, following a 70,... https://www.scmp.com/article/548844/buhrmanns-11-years-waiting-finally-pays?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/548844/buhrmanns-11-years-waiting-finally-pays?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 May 2006 16:00:00 +0000 South Korea rolled out the red carpet for Michelle Wie but another star was unearthed at the SK Telecom Open, burly Thai Prom Meesawat. The 21-year-old Prom realised his potential with a breakthrough triumph on Sunday, winning the weather-shortened tournament with a 15-under-par 201 total. The US$127,523 winners' cheque, lifted Prom to sixth place in Asian Tour's Order of Merit. Prom's victory completed a remarkable, and sometimes, difficult journey for one of Thailand's most gifted golfers.... https://www.scmp.com/article/548021/focus-wie-new-star-emerges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/548021/focus-wie-new-star-emerges?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 May 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Michelle Wie, the hottest thing in women's golf, headlines next week's US$600,000 SK Telecom Open where she will bid to make her first halfway cut against the men in eight appearances. The 16-year-old phenomenon will be the third high profile woman golfer after Laura Davies of England and Japan's Ai Miyazato to feature on the Asian Tour where she will face the likes of defending champion and three-time US PGA Tour winner KJ Choi of Korea at Sky 72 Golf Club in Incheon, on the outskirts of the... https://www.scmp.com/article/546358/wie-aims-make-cut-seoul-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/546358/wie-aims-make-cut-seoul-event?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Five months after winning in Shenzhen, the defence begins England's Paul Casey bids for a special double this weekend. The one-time Ryder Cup star will spearhead a strong European contingent that includes Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who is touted as the next 'special one' from Europe. Casey, who has five career victories, said it was a special feeling to be defending the Open championship of China. 'It is an early defence and it seems only like yesterday that I was in Shenzhen lifting up the... https://www.scmp.com/article/544511/casey-twice-nice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/544511/casey-twice-nice?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Asian number one Thaworn Wiratchant hopes he can cap a career milestone this week with a grand victory. The Thai star will feature in his 200th Asian Tour tournament, giving him the honour of holding the most number of appearances in the region. Thaworn, last year's Order of Merit winner and an eight-time winner, has come close to winning the China Open in the past, most recently a third-place finish in the 2004 edition in Shanghai. Two years on, he hopes to be two rungs better. 'My goal is... https://www.scmp.com/article/544510/iron-man-plans-celebrate-200th-asian-tour-outing-style?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/544510/iron-man-plans-celebrate-200th-asian-tour-outing-style?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Shiv Kapur's walk with destiny brings him to Beijing this week as he bids to become the first man to hold two prestigious Asian titles at the same time. The talented Indian tees up in the Volvo China Open at the Beijing Honghua International Golf Club tomorrow, looking to add a second trophy to his name following his Masters of Asia triumph in Bangkok last December. Kapur, 24, is one of Asia's hottest young properties and his schedule this year will include a maiden appearance at the British... https://www.scmp.com/article/544416/kapur-set-next-step-path-stardom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/544416/kapur-set-next-step-path-stardom?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Thongchai Jaidee's debut saw him board the dreaded bogey train at Augusta National as he settled for a six-over 78. The Thai star, Asia's number one in 2001 and 2004, split the opening hole's fairway with a picture perfect drive but it didn't settle the early nerves as he failed to come to grips with the slippery greens. Thongchai parred the first two holes but dropped a shot on the third and continued to drop a bogey on each hole till the seventh. The Asian Tour stalwart steadied his game and... https://www.scmp.com/article/543909/thongchai-comes-grief-greens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/543909/thongchai-comes-grief-greens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 India's rising star Shiv Kapur and Australian duo Jarrod Lyle and Unho Park earned their maiden appearance at the British Open after surviving a nerve jangling final round at the Asian qualifying tournament yesterday. Lyle, who survived a battle against leukaemia seven years ago, and Singapore-based Park finished atop the leaderboard on six-under-par 138 after rounds of 71 and 70 respectively at Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course. Kapur, 24, needed four extra holes in sudden-death to earn his... https://www.scmp.com/article/543908/leukaemia-survivor-lyle-through-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/543908/leukaemia-survivor-lyle-through-open?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Sweden's Henrik Stenson, touted as the next 'special one' from Europe, and revitalised Frenchman Jean van de Velde will join the race for the Volvo China Open crown next week. Stenson, ranked 12th in the world, has signed up for the US$1.8 million event at Beijing Honghua Golf Club from April 13-16 where he will start as a firm favourite to lift the title of the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event. The 30-year-old Swede has emerged as one of the brightest stars from the continent... https://www.scmp.com/article/543751/stenson-van-de-velde-join-china-open-field?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/543751/stenson-van-de-velde-join-china-open-field?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 India's rising star Shiv Kapur is hoping inspiration drawn from English cricket captain Andrew Flintoff will lead him to a maiden major appearance at the British Open in July. The 24-year-old Kapur is among 34 players entered for the two-day International Final Qualifying Asia starting today at Sentosa Golf Club's award winning Serapong course. Three tickets are available to the year's third major at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in England from July 20-23. Other hopefuls at Sentosa include local... https://www.scmp.com/article/543696/kapur-takes-tips-flintoff?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/543696/kapur-takes-tips-flintoff?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Thongchai Jaidee lived his dream with a first taste of Augusta National Golf Club on Monday, and has set his sights on becoming the first Thai to play in all four rounds at the US Masters this week. Thongchai enjoyed a practice session with Japan's Shingo Katayama and the 36-year-old, who received a special invitation to feature in the year's first major, revelled in the atmosphere. 'It was a lot of fun to play a practice round with Shingo,' said Thongchai, who became friends with the Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/article/543570/thai-lives-dream-augusta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/543570/thai-lives-dream-augusta?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Two-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee saw his lifelong dream come true when he received a special invitation to play in next week's US Masters. The Thai star received confirmation from Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the year's first major, and will become only the second player from his country after Sukree Onsham (1970-71) to feature in the Masters. 'It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Masters,' said Thongchai (pictured) from Bangkok yesterday. 'When I... https://www.scmp.com/article/542453/thongchai-cherishes-masters-invitation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/542453/thongchai-cherishes-masters-invitation?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 BMW China Junior Golf team members Hu Mu and Ye Jian-feng have been selected by the China Golf Association to take part in next month's 2006 BMW Asian Open at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club. Hu Mu, 16, finished the 2005 season as world number eight on the Golfweek world rankings and is widely tipped to become China's version of Tiger Woods. At age 11, he won the 15 to 18-year-old age group at the 2001 China Junior Golf Open and then moved from his native Shenzhen to Florida for schooling... https://www.scmp.com/article/541830/hu-and-ye-fly-flag-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/541830/hu-and-ye-fly-flag-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 England's Paul Casey has confirmed his title defence of the US$1.8 million Volvo China Open next month as he bids for a rare double. The Ryder Cup star will spearhead a strong European contingent that includes former British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland. A number of other proven winners in Scotland's Scott Drummond, Anders Hansen of Denmark, England's Kenneth Ferrie, Frenchman Jean Francois Remesy, Ignacio Garrido of Spain and Wales's Phillip Price will also be in the field. The event... https://www.scmp.com/article/541626/casey-goes-unique-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/541626/casey-goes-unique-double?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Singapore's Mardan Mamat pulled one stroke clear at the halfway stage of the OSIM Singapore Masters yesterday after a late trip by Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand. Mamat, the co-overnight leader, rebounded from two early bogeys to shoot a two-under-par 70 at Laguna National Golf and Country Club and remained on course to become the first home winner in the six-year history of the event. Mamat heads the US$1 million event, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour, on nine-under-par... https://www.scmp.com/article/539854/mamat-raises-home-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/539854/mamat-raises-home-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 China's Liang Wenchong is ready to step out from the shadows of his more illustrious compatriot Zhang Lianwei when he takes aim at the US$1 million OSIM Singapore Masters starting today. The 27-year-old Liang has often been touted as China's next big thing in golf and as he settles into his seventh season in the professional ranks, he feels the Lion City could be the launchpad to greater feats and ultimately lead him to play against Tiger Woods on the US PGA Tour. With five consecutive seasons... https://www.scmp.com/article/539633/liang-aims-roar-home-lion-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/539633/liang-aims-roar-home-lion-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Thongchai Jaidee has an old score to settle with Laguna National Golf and Country Club, venue of this week's Singapore Masters. The Thai star, a two-time Asian Tour number one, enters this week's US$1 million event as one of the favourites after a rich vein of form that has included top-three finishes in his past two tournaments. However, Thongchai is not taking anything for granted because he missed the halfway cut here last year after finding the water that protects the Laguna National... https://www.scmp.com/article/539503/thongchai-has-point-prove-laguna?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/539503/thongchai-has-point-prove-laguna?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong players will for the first time be able to contest the pre-qualifiers for the US$1.8 million Volvo China Open, which returns to the capital next month. The tournament became a true open last year when it introduced pre-qualifying, allowing eight mainland golfers entry into the tournament and the chance of a lifetime. Organisers have now expanded the pre-qualifying process to allow players from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan to chase a spot in the 156-strong field. Last year, 177 players... https://www.scmp.com/article/538645/china-open-opens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/538645/china-open-opens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:00:00 +0000