STARTING THE YEAR GREAT

When the first tee shot is struck at The Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan this month, it not only signifies the start of our 2012 Asian Tour season but also marks another great year ahead where we will witness the very best of Asian golf all over again.

It’s definitely an exciting beginning as the Zaykabar Myanmar Open will give me another homecoming opportunity as I’m based in Singapore now and welcome back the region’s finest players

It will indeed be a hectic Schedule in February as the Tour will head to Myanmar followed by the Philippines and finally to India for the Avantha Masters.

Speaking of the Philippines, I’m sure our newly crowned Order of Merit champion, Juvic Pagunsan will relish playing in front of his home fans for the first time as Asia’s number one at the ICTSI Philippines Open, which is Asia’s oldest national championship.

I am sure it will be a special treat for many of Juvic’s fans to watch him up close and personal at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club since he inked his place in the history books as the first Filipino to lift the prestigious trophy.

The championship will also be broadcast live for the first time over four rounds, which will be tremendous for the tournament and the Philippines.

Like Juvic, I also have my own piece of history at the Philippines with the country holding many fond memories for me.

My father was a diplomat and was transferred to the United States as a military attaché when I was two.We moved to Manila in the early 1970s when I was nine and that was where I actually started playing competitive golf.
 
Another local hero whom I’m sure many fans endear to is S.S.P Chowrasia.

Chowrasia was a popular winner when he won the Avantha Masters on home soil last season.

His home success played a huge part in securing third place on the Order of Merit last season and I’m sure Chowrasia will be eager to repeat that winning performance again.

For Juvic, Chowrasia and the other Tour professionals, there’s never a dull day in the office as each week is always a different one.

The countries will be different, food choices may vary and course set-up different. 

Different experiences with only one constant- The desire to play well each week.

Like our players, everyone involved with the Tour will have stories to tell of their experiences as they travel around the region.

Our Asian Tour officials that travel week in and week out in support of the Tour are sometimes likened to a travelling circus crew.

While they ensure that the organisation and running of each Asian Tour event is always maintained at the highest level, there are always interesting tales away from the golf courses.

Many have acquired basic local language in the country that they go to and have integrated well into the various places they travel to over the years.

So, whether they are those quirky stories that arise from being lost at the airport, arriving at the wrong city, navigating through horrendous traffic conditions never seen before or even spooky tales from the hotels, the weeks spent away from home are often memorable.

As for me, I may have travelled the length and breadth of the world but India still ranks amongst one of the most fascinating places for me.

The hospitality and warmth of the people there never fails to put a smile on me each time I visit the sub continent and of course, no trip to India is complete without trying the chicken tikka marsala, tandoori dishes and assortment of curries.

Everyone will have a story to share and as the season unravels, I’m sure we’ll continue to hear more of these stories that make inspirational or compelling read.

Now, let’s bring on the bookmarks as the stories will be long and interesting just like our season for 2012!