Feature
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive R&A, invited to speak at the APGC AGM
Farzan Heerjee posing with the champion’s trophy
wholeheartedly endorsed that the Asia-Paci¿ c region would become a
superpower in the game in very near future.
Kanaya wins the 10th AAC
On Sunday, Takumi Kanaya followed in the footsteps of his renowned
countryman Hideki Matsuyama when he won the 10th Asia-Paci¿ c
Amateur Championship. Continuing his impressive form, Kanaya wasn’t
fazed by the suspension in play due to inclement weather. Following the
hour delay, he powered ahead of the ¿ eld with three consecutive birdies
starting at the 14th hole, he went on to ¿ nish two strokes ahead of
India’s Rayhan Thomas and compatriot Keita Nakajima. Kanaya earned
an invitation to the 2019 Masters Tournament and a place in The 148th
Open at Royal Portrush. As runners-up, both Thomas and Nakajima got
the opportunity to play in The Open Qualifying Series. “This is simply
like a dream. I have been dreaming of going to the Masters ever since
I was a kid,” said a delighted Kanaya, who received a congratulatory
call from Matsuyama moments after winning the championship. The
win makes Kanaya the second Japanese after Hideki Matsuyama to
win the AAC but it was the third time that Japan lifted the title with
Matsuyama winning twice in 2010 and 2011. Thomas was disappointed
with the four-over 74 start he had in the ¿ rst round, which eventually
made all the difference. He, however achieved the best-ever ¿ nish by
an Indian in the decade-long history of the championship. “One thing I
de¿ nitely learned from this week is that you can’t win a championship
of this level after starting with a four-over round,” said Thomas, who
made only one bogey in his last 45 holes. He added that he loved every
moment of the championship knowing that he had the ability to win
when he came back next year.
The Indian contingent at the 10th AAC
Overall it was India’s best ever AAC with ¿ ve of the six Indian players
making the cut to play that week. Indian teenager Rayhan Thomas who
came within striking distance of creating history before ¿ nishing tied
2nd at the AAC was followed by Kartik Sharma tied 13th at the bogey-
bogey ¿ nish. Yuvraj Sharma also dropped two shots in the last four
holes and ¿ nished tied 25th while Kshitij Naveed was tied 38th and
Varun Parikh was tied 57th.
Thomas fought back from a disappointing 4-over on the ¿ rst day
and was the only player in the Top-6 to have an over par during the
week. “The second place means a lot to me. After the disappointment
of the ¿ rst day I proved I could come back so close” he said to applause
all around.
Prize Distribution
Representing the IGU at various tournaments across many countries,
meeting, recognizing and interacting with of¿ cials, a reunion of sorts
from event to event, has enriched my outlook on the world of golf.
It’s a pleasure to meet men who have the mental and moral strength
Tom Watson with the boys
to be good leaders and observe how they push things through, get
things done and make things happen to desired effect. Being in touch
with such leaders of the game has not only sharpened my analytical
skills but helped me to better understand the challenges and complex
dynamics of the game- a learning experience indeed!
The Prize Distribution, as part of the closing ceremony was a
perfectly conceived and executed formal affair in the presence of
Founding partners Fred Ridley, Chairman of The Masters, Martin
Slumbers, CEO of the Royal & Ancient, Kei Muratsu, Chairman
and Taimur Hassan Vice-Chairman, APGC, from Pakistan. I had a
wonderful opportunity once to meet Taimur in Scotland in 1990 along
with my good friend Uttam Mundy and reminded him of the occasion.
He was amazed at the memory recall. It gave me a sense of pride
seeing someone from our neighbouring country seated along with the
Founding partners of the APGC.
A key reason for the prestige of the AAC is the prizes that are on
offer. The winner of the tournament receives an invitation to compete
in the 2019 Masters Tournament plus a direct entry into the 148th
Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019. The runners-up
receive a place in The Open Qualifying Series with an opportunity
to qualify for the Royal Portrush. The incredible opportunities
reÀ ects the changing dynamics of global golf and the kind of success
this tournament has had in encouraging elite amateur golfers to À ourish
across this region.
The Asia Paci¿ c Amateur Championship is now regarded as one
of the world’s premier amateur events and it will continue to grow in
status whilst quality courses in the region are selected as venues. It
will also showcase how quality golf courses can be created in diverse
environments and climates. As golf continues to grow in the emerging
markets of the Asia- Paci¿ c Region we can expect to see new venues
created to cater to the inevitable growth in golf’s popularity.
GolfPlus
NOVEMBER
2018
47