La golfista Julia López, de Benahavis, incrementa las victorias españolas en la Liga Universitaria de EEUU

   

 

La golfista amateur de Benahavis, Julia López, ha incrementado el número de victorias españolas en la Liga Universitaria de Estados Unidos en la presente temporada al imponerse con brillantez en el SEC Individual Women's Championship celebrado en el recorrido de Greystone Golf & Country Club, en la localidad de Birmingham del estado de Alabama.

Julia López, que cursa su segundo año en la Universidad de Mississippi State y que formó parte de los equipos españoles que ganaron la medalla de oro en el Europeo Sub 18 Femenino 2021 y en el Mundial Universitario 2022, consiguió el triunfo tras rubricar un sobresaliente 4 bajo par en la ronda final que resultó decisivo en esta nueva victoria en tierras norteamericanas, que se suma a otras cinco obtenidas con anterioridad desde finales de 2021 hasta la actualidad.

En Alabama, un gran comienzo, plasmado en una ronda inicial de 69 golpes que la ubicó en la parte alta de la tabla tras los primeros 18 hoyos de competición, dio paso a su vuelta más discreta, 75 golpes que pusieron en peligro su victoria en el marco de una actuación en todo caso premonitoria, toda vez que su final de jornada incluyó 3 fantásticos birdies en los últimos tres hoyos.

Con un parcial de 144 golpes, Julia López estaba obligada a concretar una magnífica actuación para conseguir la victoria, una gesta a la que se puso manos a la obra desde el primer hoyo de la última jornada. Cuatro birdies y un solo bogey pusieron a Julia López en predisposición de ganar el título, si bien precisaba de un nuevo birdie en el último hoyo para superar la resistencia de Megan Schofill, golfista de Auburn.

Ajena a la enorme presión, Julia López embocó el putt ganador con maestría y determinación, consiguiendo una victoria que se suma a las cosechadas anteriormente en el Sam Golden Invitiational 2021, FAU Paradise Invitational, Westbrook Invitational, Palmer Cup y Blessings Collegiate Invitational, estos cuatro últimos en 2022.

Royal Country Club de Tanger: Chawad Yaquine obtiene su segundo mandato

                        

Para resumir las actuaciones realizadas o en curso en el Real Country Club de Tánger durante el primer mandato del presidente Chawad Yaquine y su comité, están los siguientes proyectos:

• Riego con agua 100% reciclada.

•La liberación de espacios cerrados en todo el circuito.

• Estacionamiento pagado para aumentar los ingresos del club.

•Renovación de la Sala de Socios.

•La construcción de una nueva práctica cubierta de madera.

•El desarrollo de un área de juego y ocio para los niños que acompañan a sus padres al Club.

• La reforma total de la cocina del restaurante, así como de su terraza.

•La construcción de un polideportivo.

Otra actuación decisiva llevada a cabo por la actual comisión RCCT gira en torno a la política de apertura que la convierte en un espacio de deporte, relax y ocio abierto a todas las clases sociales de la ciudad, además del rediseño de la Academia del Real Country Club de Tánger al alcance de todos los jóvenes, especialmente familias desfavorecidas, que deseen aprender a jugar al golf.

--Esta es la junta directiva del RCCT: 

  

Presidente: Yaquine Chawad

1er Vicepresidente: Dr. Kaddour Mansour

Segundo Vicepresidente: Dr. Montassir Laabi

Secretario General: Dr. Med Bensalem Guessous

Secretario General Adjunto: Me.Adil Berrada

Tesorero: Sr. Jamal Mikou

Tesorero Adjunto: Dr. Abdelillah Ammor

Asesor: Dra. Farida Abidin

Asesora: Sra. Sandra Gail Michel

Asesor: Dr. Mohcene Abadi

Asesor: Sr. Samir Diouri

Asesor: Sr. Nouamane El Hachimi El Belghiti

Formidable Kanaya well placed for second International Series victory

                                          

Japan’s Takumi Kanaya opened up a three-shot lead after the penultimate round of the US$2 million International Series Vietnam today, showing the skill and composure that helped him record a breakthrough victory in the International Series Oman in February.   The 24 year old from Hiroshima carded a six-under-par 66, for an impressive tournament total of 17 under, with Australian Kevin Yuan and Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand in second place, on the Greg Norman-designed championship course at KN Golf Links.   Yuan also returned a 66, while Jazz, the overnight leader, carded a 71.   Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent is in solo fourth after a 71, four behind the Japanese frontrunner.
This week is Kanaya’s first Asian Tour event since Oman, where he became the maiden player from Japan to win an International Series event and the first from his country to claim an Asian Tour event outside of Japan in 13 years.   “Yeah, I’m feeling so great right now,” said Kanaya, a three-time winner on the Japan Tour, with his most recent coming in 2021 at the Token Homemate Cup.   “Today the greens were very firm and bouncy, the conditions were difficult but still my shots were good, and I was putting really well, so I’ll just keep going tomorrow.   “I’ll do my best tomorrow, just focus shot by shot and just do it.”   Yuan is in the form of his life having made the cut in all eight events on the Asian Tour this season, highlighted by a fifth place finish in the International Series Thailand.   He said: “I'd say the biggest thing would just be improving my ball striking, not shooting too many high numbers when I don't really have my game together. You know, there's so many good Asian Tour players, it is always very competitive. So, it gives me a lot of confidence to keep making cuts when I'm not playing my best.   “I felt good out there, like on the driving range I was hitting the shots that I wanted, seeing the ball flights that I wanted, and it continued throughout the round. So, I felt it was a pretty stress free, bogey free round today.”   Yuan has also been seeing the same coach as Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, Jonathan Wallett. Kho hit the headlines three weeks ago when he triumphed in the World City Championship in Hong Kong.   “Taichi winning has really motivated me to do better because he's such a good player, just seeing his game and stuff like that,” said the Australian.   “And after Hong Kong, just going back to Australia working on a few things and it's good to see that I'm also heading in the right direction. John's been really helpful, like very supportive, whenever I need him he is there. You know, we talk every day, text every day, so it's been very good.”   Jazz led with Kanaya for much of the day but a poor back nine, which he played in one over including a bogey on 18, saw him slip back.   “Just got really bad momentum on the back nine you know, just couldn't get it back,” said the seven-time Asian Tour winner.   “But all in all, I’m still in the game, I didn't lose it completely. I almost lost it completely but not totally out of it yet so still have a chance. Just got to go out there and get some good breaks, hopefully get that momentum going again.”   Thailand’s Pawin Ingkhapradit (64) and Pavit Tangkamolprasert (68), Chinese amateur Ding Wenyi (67), the 2022 US Junior Amateur champion, and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung (67) are equal fifth, five off the lead.   American Andy Ogletree, presently ahead on both the Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merits, returned a 70, to go to minus eight.   England’s Paul Casey, who fought his way into contention with a second round 64, shot a 72 today and is six under.   It is the fourth event on the International Series this season which could prove to be a crucial part of the schedule as many players are battling it out for the top spot on The International Series Order of Merit - fighting for the chance for a place in next year’s flourishing LIV Golf League.   More information about the International Series Vietnam can be found by visiting: Asian Tour | Professional Golf Tour in Asia.

The International Series to support people in need in Khan Hoa province, Vietnam

                                  

 

The Khanh Hoa Study & Talent Promotion Fund has become the latest benefactor of The International Series philanthropic drive, receiving a donation of US$25,000 that will help support scholarships for students, teachers and those in need. KN Golf Links duly matched the donation, adding more financial support to the noble cause.   The Fund received the cheque on the sidelines of this week’s inaugural International Series Vietnam, being played at KN Golf Links, in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province, where some of the children and staff were given the opportunity to meet the players and watch the action.

The Khanh Hoa Study & Talent Promotion Fund was founded in 2016 and has presented over 5,000 scholarships and awards totaling over VND8 billion.   Chief Executive Officer of Khanh Hoa Study & Talent Promotion Fund, Mrs. Bui Thi Hong Tien said: “We now have more funds available for scholarships for our students thanks to The International Series and the Asian Tour – this will help contribute to the process of cultivating talent in the province and building a brighter future.”   The Fund gives opportunities to people in the province who are most greatly in need and typically receives donations from local companies and enterprises – with The International Series and the Asian Tour warmheartedly joining that list.   Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, said: “The International Series is proud to be able to support the Khanh Hoa Study & Talent Promotion Fund, which is an inspiring initiative. This donation will not only help young people in the Khan Hoa province but will help the overall educational development in the area and we are delighted to be a part of that.”   The International Series has committed to donations at various tournaments throughout the season thus far, with a US$25,000 donation to the Oman Golf Association helping grow participation for junior golfers and Omani women.   Bright Dawn Foundation also received a donation of US$25,000 at International Series Thailand helping improve the lives of low-income Thai children around rural Hua Hin through the provision of healthcare and educational support to the primary schools they attend.   The International Series will continue to donate to valuable causes at each event throughout 2023. As part of a continued effort that will enable beneficiaries to impact the communities around them, the support given will aid their charitable efforts beyond the tournaments that take place.   More information about the International Series Oman, can be found by visiting: Asian Tour | Professional Golf Tour in Asia

Course record sees Jazz race into lead at International Series Vietnam

 

  

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond shot an inspired course record 10-under-par 62 to take the lead at the halfway mark of the International Series Vietnam today at KN Golf Links, in Cam Ranh, on the south-central coast of Vietnam.   Eight birdies, an eagle, and his second successive bogey-free round saw him move to 13 under par for the US$2 million event, which gave him a one-shot advantage over Kieran Vincent from Zimbabwe.   Vincent, younger brother of Scott Vincent, last year’s International Series Order of Merit winner returned a 65, while Japan’s Takumi Kanaya (64), Chapchai Nirat (65) from Thailand, Filipino Miguel Tabuena (67), Korea’s Taehee Lee (68), and overnight leader Bai Zhengkai (69) from China are one shot further back.

England’s Paul Casey, the event’s marquee player, shot a 64, 10 shots better than his first round, to get back in contention on six under for the tournament.   “I mean, it passes by pretty quick when you’re playing good,” said Jazz, who won the International Series Morocco last November for his first Asian Tour win in three years.   “I hit most of the fairways, most of the greens and holed some putts, that's about it. I mean, this golf course is a risk and reward golf course, right? If you don't miss the fairways, it's not gonna punish you that bad. I only missed a couple of so far, so that's why the score reflects that. I had a couple of close calls with the bogeys but managed to have some good putts and hole some big pars.”   The 27 year old’s performance is yet further evidence that his best form is returning, especially coming off the back of two joint sixth place finishes in the previous two Asian Tour events.   He said: “I mean, it's close, right? Like finishing sixth or anywhere in the top 10 is so close to breaking through to the win. It's just a very fine line to just jump across, so hopefully this is the week I jump across.”   The seven-time Asian Tour winner started his round on the 10th and caught fire starting from the 14th making three birdies and then an eagle, before also touring the front nine in 31 with five birdies.   Vincent, in only his second year in the professional game, was also bogey free, and after beginning on the first he made the turn in three under before a fantastic finish saw him birdie four of his last five holes, including 17 and 18.   He said: “It was good. It was enjoyable, had a good group out there. Just remained patient and just enjoyed my time, so it was a great day. Love being out here in Vietnam, first time here so just soaking it in.   “Obviously, you know, you look to start off fast but it's all about the finish. And you know, that's kind of the way I try and picture it, you know, a good strong start can get you in position but it's the way you finish is how you're going to actually finish up there on the leaderboard. So, I was just thankful that we had some good numbers, and we were able to kind of hit the targets that we aimed at, so lucky for that.”   The Zimbabwean made a brilliant birdie on par four last, getting up and down from a bunker 50 yards from the putting surface.   “It came out a little bit better than I expected,” he said.   “The ball was a little bit below the feet but lucky enough that it just kind of checked up on the green there, and actually ended up lipping out. So got a little lucky with the way it kind of panned out. But, you know, luckily, we were able to practice those. The green near the practice bunker here is about 40 yards, so I was lucky enough to get a decent amount of practice in before this.”   Takumi is making his first appearance on the Asian Tour since winning the International Series Oman in February – which saw him become the first player from his country to win on the Asian Tour.   “From playing in Oman and coming into this week, my overall game has felt great,” said the Japanese star.   “I'm really happy with my play over the last couple of days. Playing on the Asian Tour has been a fantastic experience, and I'm really looking forward to the weekend.   “Winning in Oman was the spark that gave me the confidence coming into this week, so winning again with a field as strong as this week's will give me a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season.”   American Andy Ogletree, the current leader of the Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merit, carded a 68 and, like Casey, is six under, in a tie for 25th, with the tournament wide open heading into what will be an exciting weekend.

Faultless 64 sees Bai Zhengkai lead International Series Vietnam

               

 

China’s Bai Zhengkai, a graduate from this year’s Asian Tour Qualifying School, made a flying start on the opening day of the inaugural International Series Vietnam today shooting an unblemished eight-under-par 64. 

 

Korean Taehee Lee, helped by two dazzling eagles in his last five holes, India’s Honey Baisoya and Lee Chieh-po from Chinese-Taipei also began brightly carding 65s to sit in second place – in what is the Asian Tour’s first event in Vietnam for seven years.

 

Filipino Miguel Tabuena, still in fine form after an outstanding start to the season highlighted by victory in The DGC Open presented by Mastercard last month, carded a 66, along with Jaco Ahlers from South Africa, Thai Gunn Charoenkul, China’s Chen Guxin, American Michael Maguire and Douglas Klein from Australia.

 

 

The US$2 million event is being played on a Greg Norman-designed links-style layout at KN Golf Links, in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province, in the south-central coast region of Vietnam.

 

“Feels nice, had a good round today,” said Bai, whose 64 set a new course record.

 

“Off the tee was great. I had a lot of wedges into the greens, so I was able to attack a lot of the pins. Made a few putts, it was pretty good. 

 

“The course is kind of open, so I was able to hit some drivers off the tee.”

 

He was in danger of dropping a shot on his last hole, a par four, and had to lay up with his second but managed to get up and down for what he described as his best hole of the day.

 

Taehee Lee has won once before on the Asian Tour, having claimed the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in 2019 on home soil.

 

But any chance of contending this week appeared highly likely for the Korean at the start of the week.

 

He said: “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, wind was strong, I played bad, very bad, but today the wind is nothing. Course was easy today, many players low score.”

 

Two birdies on the front nine and another birdie on 10 laid the foundation for what was to come, as he eagled the par-five 14th, dropped his only shot of the day on 16, before another eagle followed on the par-five 17th. He then signed off in the perfect manner with a birdie on the last.

 

“I didn’t make any mistakes, there was no wind, so the course played easy,” he added.

 

Baisoya’s round will come as no surprise to many as the Indian has shot some stunning low rounds so far this season. A 62 at the International Series Thailand and a 65 at The DGC Open put him in the running in both events, although he was unable to keep that going. He tied for 34th in Thailand and equal sixth at The DGC Open.

 

“It was a very good round,” said Baisoya, who impressively made nine birdies, including four in a row from the sixth, but recorded two bogeys.

 

“I hit my ball well off the tee, my approach shots were good, and I made many putts but then I missed a lot of putts so it could have been better, but I’ll take it.”

 

The Indian sensationally holed out from a greenside bunker on 18 for a birdie three.

 

Lee Chieh-po had the distinction of going bogey free, with five of his birdies coming on the back nine.  

 

“The course is very similar to my home course in Taiwan, the design, the green speed. I am feeling great, very comfortable,” said the Chinese-Taipei golfer, who finished second behind Australian Travis Smyth in the Yeangder TPC last year for his best Asian Tour result.

 

India’s Anirban Lahiri, the Asian Tour number one in 2015 and a seven-time winner on the Tour, carded a 69, current Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merit leader Andy Ogletree from the United States returned a 70 while Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the Tour’s top player in 2013, fired a 71.

 

Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, winner of the World City Championship last month, came in with a 72, England’s Paul Casey a 74.

  

Paul Casey relishing International Series Vietnam test

                               

   

Paul Casey, the winner of 21 tournaments around the world, is looking to add to his impressive trophy cabinet this week at the International Series Vietnam - being played on the Greg Norman-designed KN Golf Links in Cam Rahn.   The US$2 million event will tee off tomorrow and will be the fourth event on the International Series this season and the eighth stop on the Asian Tour with many players battling it out for the top spot on The International Series Order of Merit and duly winning a place in next year’s flourishing LIV Golf League.   Casey who has never played in Vietnam says his goal this week is to triumph in what is the biggest and most lucrative golf tournament ever staged in the country: “The goal is always, when you get on a plane at any event around the world is, to win. I’ve won I think a couple of times on the Asian Tour but never on The International Series and never won in Vietnam, never played golf in Vietnam, so that’s the goal this week.   “We’ve got some great players in Ogletree and Ormsby playing this week and Anirban is playing this week, I’ve got to keep my head down and try to play some great golf on a great golf course and see what happens.”

The 45 year old has previously won twice on the Asian Tour with both victories coming in China in 2005, at the TCL Classic and the Volvo China Open. Most recently Casey has found success on the LIV Golf League winning the team event with Crushers GC at LIV Golf Mayakoba, where he also finished in fourth place individually.   Speaking of his LIV Golf experience, he said: “It was my second time on a podium, first team victory so that was quite cool. I guess that is the interesting thing about LIV now, I’m a guy who played college golf, I played with, believe it or not, Pat Perez, Matt Jones and there’s other guys who went to the famous Sun Devils (Arizona State University) – Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm. I’ve sent Jon Rahm a lot of texts this year saying congratulations, I just copy and paste now!”

Casey alluded to the innovative initiative that is The International Series and recognises how important it is to have the newly formed enterprise as part of the Asian Tour.   “I think it is very important now. I’ve played sporadically on the Asian Tour and coming back and playing a couple of them you can feel the vibe, you can actually feel that things have been elevated, there’s a clear pathway now for guys who play well on the Asian Tour,” he said.   “You can feel that there is a different level to everything but yet it’s got the same warm feeling that the Asian Tour has always had, the people are so nice, the staff are amazing. I’m really happy with this is, where it’s at and it's going to get better and better and better and a great reward for the guys that play well so The International Series is real.”

The Englishman will tee it off at 11:50am local time alongside the previous winner on The International Series stage, Wade Ormsby who triumphed in Thailand last month and Taichi Kho who was victorious in latest Asian Tour event at the World City Championship.   Casey has his family here supporting this week, and is looking forward to the all-round experience in Vietnam for both himself and his children: “It’s great fun, it’s nice to bring the kids somewhere around the world and wonderful they get to see Vietnam a little bit, it’s an experience. It’s not just living in your neighbourhood wherever that happens to be around the world, you’ve got to see the world a little bit and this is something that is very different to what they experience at home.”   The full list of tee times for the International Series Vietnam can be found here with the first tee time beginning at 5:55am local time.   More information about the International Series Vietnam can be found by visiting: Asian Tour | Professional Golf Tour in Asia