Thai golfers look ahead to home fixture for International Series Thailand at Black Mountain GC

 

As the Asian Tour gears up for the third International Series event of 2023 at Black Mountain GC in Thailand, 9-12 March, professionals have been united in praise for the season openers in the Middle East.   161 players representing 31 different countries have teed up in The International Series 2023 to date at tournaments in Oman and Qatar.   Japan’s Takumi Kanaya claimed victory at Al Mouj Golf in Oman, followed by Andy Ogletree from the United States in Qatar who became the first two-time International Series winner.   The 24-year-old has earned US$496,750 from his two International Series appearances of 2023 and now sits atop both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and International Series Order of Merit. Singing the praises of his experience in Qatar following his victory, he said: “[I am] super pleased to be the champion here, it’s unbelievable!   “The International Series is generating very strong fields and I would like to think this is definitely growing the game by heading to different countries. [I am] super proud to win a golf tournament playing like this.”

Three-time Asian Tour winner Sangmoon Bae rolled back the years, securing his first top 10 finish since his military service ended in 2017. He said of Qatar:  "I love this country and I’m so excited to be here." Fellow Korean Bio Kim was similarly outspoken about the venue, he added: “I haven’t been to Qatar before, but the views from this golf course are amazing.”   Securing a tied 13th finish at the International Series Qatar, South African Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion and LIV Golf London 2022 winner, shared many fond memories of the country having first played in Qatar 20 years ago. Reminiscing about his Doha debut, he said: “I’ve been coming here since I first got my tour card in 2003, which was my first full year out. This was always one of the better stops. They’ve lengthened it and made other changes but being here brings back nice memories.”

International Series Thailand   The International Series comprises of 10 events on the Asian Tour schedule, enhanced to provide more playing opportunities with elevated prize funds and a pathway to the biggest stages in golf.   The International Series returns to Thailand at the Black Mountain Golf Club from 9-12 March 2023 for the third series event of 2023, with a guaranteed minimum prize purse of $2m.   Phachara Khongwatmai, who finished tied fourth in Qatar, discussed returning to his home country. He said: “I’m looking to be the winner because that one last year, I finished second, hopefully I can win this year.”   Fellow countryman and 2019 Asian Tour Order of Merit Champion Jazz Janewatananond also outlined his excitement for the series to return to Black Mountain Golf Club: “It’s amazing because the first ever International Series event played last year was at Black Mountain Golf Club. Playing in front of my family and in front of Thai fans is going to be amazing.”

The full list of tournament entries for the International Series Thailand can be viewed here.   More information about the International Series Thailand, can be found by visiting: Asian Tour | Professional Golf Tour in Asia

Peninsula, primer “sustainability partner” de la Solheim Cup 2023

  

El principal proveedor mundial independiente de energía marina ha firmado un acuerdo de patrocinio como “sustainability partner” de la Solheim Cup 2023, que se disputará del 18 al 14 de septiembre en el recorrido malagueño de Finca Cortesín       Con una red global de suministro físico y una cartera de clientes que incluye a las mayores compañías navieras del mundo, Peninsula es un actor clave en la descarbonización de la industria marítima. Por ello, esta empresa se muestra muy orgullosa de apoyar la actividad de sostenibilidad de la Solheim Cup 2023 y de desarrollar nuevos objetivos junto a este evento en los próximos meses. La Solheim Cup es una competición bienal por equipos en la que se enfrentan las 12 mejores golfistas europeas contra las 12 mejores golfistas estadounidenses, y del 18 al 24 de septiembre se celebrará en España por primera vez, concretamente en Finca Cortesín, en la provincia de Málaga. "Estoy encantado de que Peninsula sea el primer “sustainability partner” de la Solheim Cup 2023. Estamos firmemente comprometidos con la descarbonización y la sostenibilidad de la industria de la energía marina y siempre buscamos oportunidades para ir más allá. La agenda de sostenibilidad de la Solheim Cup encaja perfectamente con nuestras aspiraciones, pero esta asociación va mucho más allá en muchos otros aspectos”, ha declarado John A. Bassadone, fundador y consejero delegado de Peninsula. "Al igual que la Solheim Cup, también estamos firmemente comprometidos con el avance de la presencia de la mujer en el sector marítimo y nos enorgullece apoyar este evento, que sitúa la excelencia femenina en el centro de atención, donde realmente debe estar. Personalmente, me siento muy orgulloso de que Península participe en este evento ineludible y estoy deseando que se celebre en el increíble recorrido de Finca Cortesín ¡Vamos Girls!", concluyó Bassadone. Por su parte, Alicia Garrido, presidenta de Deporte & Business, ha señalado que "el hecho de que Peninsula sea el primer “sustainability partner” de la Solheim Cup demuestra el compromiso de esta empresa líder en el mercado con la transición energética mundial como proveedor de energías más limpias". "Estamos convencidos de que los valores que Peninsula defiende coinciden con los de un torneo como la Solheim Cup y no tenemos ninguna duda de que esta competición será la plataforma perfecta para dar a conocer los productos, servicios y soluciones que esta empresa ofrece a sus clientes", finalizó Garrido.     Deporte & Business prensa@deporteandbusiness.com

Chipre, Dubái, Los Cabos, Carolina del Sur y Tailandia premiados en Premios IAGTO 2023

                                 

En la 22.ª edición anual de los Premios IAGTO, cinco destinos de golf muy diferentes: Chipre, Dubái, Los Cabos,Carolina del Sur y Tailandia han sido proclamados como Destino de Golf del Año para 2023.

Establecido en 2000 y reconocido como los premios más prestigiosos. en la industria mundial del turismo de golf, la edición 2023 de la IAGTO los  premios celebran no solo estos cinco destinos de golf, sino también el excelente servicio brindado por 60 resorts de golf, campos de golf, hoteles, operadores receptivos y juntas de turismo en 22 países. Este año, miembros de la Asociación Internacional de Tour de Golf Operadores (IAGTO) de los cinco continentes fueron invitados a votar por destinos y negocios que brindaron una gran experiencia para viajeros de golf en 2022.

El presidente ejecutivo de IAGTO, Peter Walton, dijo: "Los operadores turísticos de golf de IAGTO manejan el 90% de los viajes internacionales de golf, ventas de vacaciones en todo el mundo, por lo que están en una excelente posición para evaluar el desempeño de los destinos de golf  y el servicio que brindan los socios de la industria, a través de la experiencia de sus clientes. Nosotros actualmente contamos  con 669 tour operadores de golf en 61 países lo que explica la diversidad geográfica de estos premios...Es genial ver destinos de golf relativamente pequeños como Chipre, Dubái y Los Cabos en la mezcla con los gigantes establecidos de Carolina del Sur y Tailandia...Destinatarios de nuestro Premio al Servicio Destacado incluyen los renombrados campos de golf de Adare Manor, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Casa de Campo, Fancourt y SO/ Sotogrande Resort, junto con los recién llegados de Vattanac Golf Resort en Camboya, Hoiana Shores Golf Club en Vietnam y Monte Rei Golf & Country Club en Portugal.

“También hay nombres que probablemente no sean familiares para los propios golfistas, ya que los premios también reconocen a especialistas operadores receptivos de golf, como PAGS en Portugal y Desert Gate Tourism en los Emiratos Árabes Unidos Emirates, que organiza los arreglos en tierra para los operadores turísticos de golf internacionales. Menos conocido los ganadores incluyen El Gouna Golf Club en la costa del Mar Rojo de Egipto y Heritage Hotels en Kenia.

   

“Finalmente, felicitaciones a las juntas de turismo que hicieron un gran trabajo apoyando la industria del turismo de golf. El año pasado, incluido Cádiz Turismo en la región de Andalucía de España, la Primera Costa de Golf de Florida en el noresteFlorida y la Costa del Golf de Inglaterra, en el noroeste del país, entre otros”. 

Asian Tour : Ogletree Bidding to Scale New Peaks at Black Mountain

 

In-form Andy Ogletree will be aiming to continue his rich vein of form when he spearheads a strong entry for the second edition of the International Series Thailand.   Six of the top-seven from the current Asian Tour Order of Merit have confirmed their participation in the event at Hua Hin’s Black Mountain Golf Club which will carry a purse of US$2 million, a 25% increase on last year’s prize money.   To be held from March 9-12, the tournament is the fifth leg of the 2023 Asian Tour season and the third stop for the International Series, following Oman and Qatar.   Riding high after winning the International Series Qatar a fortnight ago, American Ogletree is looking to further press his claims to top this year’s Merit standings.   He will also be hoping to win the International Series Order of Merit, which brings with it automatic qualification onto the ultra-lucrative LIV Golf League.   “Trying to win the Order of Merit out here is my number one goal this year. That’s all I’m really focused on,” said the 24-year-old.   In the first three Asian Tour events of 2023, Ogletree placed ninth in the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, tied for seventh in the International Series Oman and triumphed at Qatar’s Doha Golf Club.   “Confidence-wise, I don’t know how I could get a lot higher,” added Ogletree, whose last five starts have yielded four top-10s and two wins.   His success in Qatar meant he became the first player to capture two International Series titles, having also won the International Series Egypt last November.   At Black Mountain, Ogletree will be seeking his third title in just his 10th Asian Tour tournament. But he can expect plenty of tough opposition from an array of proven champions in Asia and Europe.   Leading a concerted Thai bid will be world number 75 Sadom Kaewkanjana, Ntithorn Thippong, Jazz Janewattananond and Phachara Khongwatmai, who posted a 24-under-par total in last year’s International Series Thailand but had to settle for second place, two shots behind American Sihwan Kim.   Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, who recorded a brilliant second place finish in Qatar, is also competing.   Two Swedes with strong connections to Black Mountain will also be intent on stamping their mark.   Johan Edfors and Rikard Karlberg have both been supported by Black Mountain for many years and have a close affinity with the club. Indeed, after his victory in the inaugural Black Mountain Masters in 2009, Edfors bought a villa on the site and has been a regular visitor.   Like many other European professionals, Edfors and 2015 Italian Open champion Karlberg make use of Black Mountain’s outstanding practice facilities whenever they’re in the country.   They are part of a strong continent of players affiliated with Black Mountain, the others being Jazz, Swede’s Bjorn Hellgren and Sebastion Soderberg, and American Berry Henson, who was runner-up at the International Series Oman.   Next week’s field will also be buoyed by the appearance of a sprinkling of Asian Tour greats including Thai superstars Thaworn Wiratchant, Prayad Marksaeng and Chapchai Nirat, Indians Jyoti Randhawa and Jeev Milkha Singh, China’s Liang Wenchong, Singaporean Mardan Mardan, Angelo Que of the Philippines and Australian Marcus Fraser.   At the other end of the spectrum, the tournament will also welcome back amateur prodigy Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat.   Last year, ‘TK’ contended throughout, eventually finishing in a share of 11th place. A matter of weeks later, he won the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup, becoming the youngest golfer to win on a Tour recognised by the Official World Golf Ranking at the age of 15 years and 37 days.

LIV GOLF MAYAKOBA FINAL ROUND RECAP: HOWELL, CRUSHERS GC SWEEP TITLES

 

 

LIV Golf Mayakoba Team Champions Crushers GC; (L-R) Anirban Lahiri, Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey, Individual Champion, Charles Howell III and the caddies (Photo by Montana Pritchard/LIV Golf)      Fueled by one of Charles Howell III’s most impressive rounds in his 23 years as a professional golfer, Crushers GC captured both the individual and team trophies in resounding fashion Sunday at LIV Golf Mayakoba, the season opener of the new LIV Golf League.   Howell’s bogey-free 8-under 63 was the lowest score of any player this week, and his first eight holes were even more impressive, as he produced six birdies to overtake 36-hole co-leaders Peter Uihlein (Smash GC) and Talor Gooch (RangeGoats GC). He eventually finished at 16 under, four strokes better than Uihlein, who shot a 68. Stinger GC’s Branden Grace was third at 10 under after shooting 67.   It’s Howell’s fourth worldwide victory of his career, and his first at El Camaleon, a course he first competed on in 2007 and was playing for the 14th time this week.   “Obviously, I don’t think you ever see a win coming,” said the 43-year-old Howell. “I’ve played in a lot of golf tournaments in my life, and I haven’t won a lot of them, and you have the doubts and the feelings, will you ever win again?   “To do it against this competition with these guys standing up here is more than I could ever dream of. I’m extremely thankful.”   Certainly his fellow Crushers teammates were thankful to have Howell going so low. Last season during the beta-test LIV Golf Invitational Series, the Crushers finished second twice and also had a third-place finish in the five regular-season events after Bryson DeChambeau became captain and stabilized his roster with veterans Howell, Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri.   That consistency led to a No. 2 seed at the Miami Team Championship, but the Crushers did not make it to the final day. Now they’ve started the new season with a huge breakthrough victory, nine shots ahead of last year’s dominant team and defending champs 4Aces GC (17 under). Torque GC finished third at 13 under.   “I knew it would happen,” DeChambeau said of his team winning. “I just didn’t know when it would happen. To start off the year with a crushing victory … How much more can you ask for a statement piece? The 4Aces, OK, yeah, great, they won a lot last year. But it’s a different year. It’s 2023.”   To support Howell’s low round, DeChambeau contributed a 3-under 68 while Casey ­– the first-round co-leader – added a 70. For the captain, it was the first round this week that counted. Lahiri had contributed in the first two rounds.   “Not counting the first few days for me, it was pretty rough last night, so I gave myself a kick in the butt and played a little better today,” DeChambeau said.   In the end, Howell’s 16 under score was almost enough to beat the 4Aces by himself. Casey, who didn’t look at a leaderboard until he reached the final green, was shocked to see the wide margin in which his team was leading. He then asked his caddie about Howell. The response: “He’s crushing it.”   Added Lahiri: “There will be days like this where you kind of ride the hot round, and Charles pulled it through for us.”   Howell had started the final round one stroke off the lead, but while he was producing birdies, the co-leaders kept finding trouble. Uihlein’s errant approach shot at the third hole led to bogey, although he bounced back with a birdie and eagle. Gooch had two bogeys on the front, and then struggled down the stretch. When Uihlein triple-bogeyed the 12th, the tournament was essentially in Howell’s hands.   “He won it on the front,” Uihlein said. “He did a heck of a job. … There wasn’t any pressure on him, and he did exactly what he needed to do, and he executed. He’s a worthy champion.”   Howell knows how El Camaleon can offer plenty of birdies and plenty of trouble. His experience paid off this week.   “I’ve seen a lot of crazy things happen on every hole out here,” Howell said. “… On the 12th tee today, we had our group of three hit seven tee balls off that tee. Talor hit three drives and Peter hit three drives. I mean, that shows you how crazy it is.”   There was nothing crazy for Howell and the Crushers, though, except for their jubilant champagne celebration on the podium. They now lead the team standings going into the LIV Golf League’s next event, LIV Golf Tucson on March 17-19.    TEAM COUNTING SCORES   Here are the standings and counting scores for Rd. 3 of the team competition at LIV Golf Mayakoba. The three best scores from each team count in every round for their total team score. The top three teams receive prize earnings from the $5 million team purse.   1. CRUSHERS GC (-26): Charles Howell III 63, Bryson DeChambeau 68, Paul Casey 70 (Rd3: 12 under)   2. 4ACES GC (-17): Pat Perez 66, Peter Uihlein 68, Patrick Reed 74 (Rd3: 5 under)   3. TORQUE GC (-13): Joaquin Niemann 68, Sebastian Munoz 68, Mito Pereira 68 (Rd3: 9 under)   4. STINGER GC (-12): Branden Grace 67, Charl Schwartzel 69, Dean Burmester 70 (Rd3: 7 under)   5. RIPPER GC (-12): Cameron Smith 67, Matt Jones 68, Marc Leishman 72 (Rd3: 6 under)   6. FIREBALLS GC (-11): Eugenio Chacarra 70, Abraham Ancer 71, Carlos Ortiz 71 (Rd3: 1 under)   7. HYFLYERS GC (-10): Brendan Steele 65, Phil Mickelson 67, Cameron Tringale (Rd3: 11 under)   8. RANGEGOATS GC (-10): Harold Varner III 68, Bubba Watson 71, Thomas Pieters 71 (Rd3: 3 under)   9. SMASH GC (-6): Brooks Koepka 71, Matthew Wolff 71, Jason Kokrak 71 (Rd3: Even)   10. IRON HEADS GC (-1): Scott Vincent 68, Kevin Na 69, Danny Lee 74 (Rd3: 2 under)   11. MAJESTICKS GC (-1): Henrik Stenson 69, Ian Poulter 70, Lee Westwood 74 (Rd3: Even)   12. CLEEKS GC (+4): Richard Bland 71, Bernd Wiesberger 71, Graeme McDowell 72 (Rd3: 1 over)   STAT LEADERS   Driving distance – Bryson DeChambeau, 345.9-yard average   Driving accuracy – Abraham Ancer, Henrik Stenson, 78.57% (11 of 14 fairways hit)   Greens in regulation – Sebastian Munoz, Joaquin Niemann, 83.33% (15 of 18)   Scrambling – Charles Howell III (6 of 6), 100%   Fewest putts – Charles Howell III, 22 putts   Most birdies – Charles Howell III, 8   Bogey-free rounds – Charles Howell III (63)