CHAN KIM (USA), FINAL ROUND, SIX-UNDER-PAR 65, TOTAL 272
I was in the cut line last year at the final round but ended up shooting four over and missed it. This time round, I’m in the cut line and my scores are even lower. I knew I needed to play well today, regardless of how many it was. I got off to a good start. I’ve missing a lot of short putts all week but finally make a putt on the 10th. Overall it was a good round. This week has been fun. I met a lot of new people. There are a lot of good players around. It was a really good experience. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Asian Tour. I live in the States but even in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation. I play on the Challenge Tour in Europe as well but it depends on what the schedules are. I’ll be based in Korea for this entire season as I’ve got a couple of relatives over there. Hopefully I can get something going this season!
TIM STEWART (AUS), FINAL ROUND, TWO-UNDER-PAR 69, TOTAL 274
I really enjoyed playing on the Asian Tour after playing the full season last year but I also have to do some work like figuring out what I’ve done wrong through the year. I guess it has all been paid off now and I’m feeling good. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. I think there are a lot of things that I can take out from this week. I’ve to be patient with my game, stick to my game more often and plan what I want to do for the year. I am always looking forward to my first win, including this week. I will just work harder this year and whatever my results might be will be.
LIONEL WEBER (A) (FRA), FINAL ROUND, THREE-UNDER-PAR 68, TOTAL 277
I’m very happy to play in the Asian Tour Q-School this week. It has been my dream to turn a professional golfer and begin my career on a major tour like the Asian Tour. It’s just fantastic for me. I’m planning to turn professional so you will be seeing me in Myanmar next month (Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine). I started playing golf at the age of six and I won the French Championship when I was 16. I was also the French Amateur Stroke Play Champion for 2012, as well as the Italian International Amateur Championship. I think this is a good timing for me to turn professional. I took part in the European Tour Q-school but missed by two shots. I’m happy to be able to play on the Asian Tour. I arrived in Hua Hin one month ago to train myself and get used to the playing conditions here. Perhaps that’s the reason why I am playing well this two weeks. I’ve never been here before in Asia but I do love to travel here.
CHOO TZE HUANG (SIN), FINAL ROUND, TWO-UNDER-PAR 69, TOTAL 281
I think I played really good today as per the last two days. I didn’t really feel the pressure until I was at the last hole. I just kept focusing on what I need to do and telling myself to take one shot at a time. I got ahead of myself a little bit after the 13th hole when I made a bogey on the 14th. I thought I should just remain composed and try to hang in there till the last hole. Overall I think I played really well and I can’t complain about it. We made mistakes out there but I’m happy I gave myself a chance to make it into the top 40. I really enjoyed myself throughout the four days here playing in the Asian Tour Q-School. I had a great start and my dad gave me a very good piece of advice that really helped me this week. He told me that this week is not a competition but a marathon because we’ve got four days out there. I was lucky enough to make the cut after the second day and I was able to give myself many chances over the last two days. I’m just pleased that I can put myself in that position. I’ll definitely have more events to play this year. I’m looking forward to getting better and I’ll try to make a mark on the Asian Tour.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 26: Korean-American Chan Kim made up for the disappointment of missing out on his Tour card last year by topping the class at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Saturday.

After four days of gruelling battle, Kim finally emerged tops with a closing six-under-par 65 to lead 41 players on 13-under-par 272 into the new 2013 Asian Tour season at Springfield Royal Country Club.
Canada’s Richard Lee signed for a 74 to take second place on 273 while Australia’s Tim Stewart regained his full status by posting a 66 to take third place.
France’s Lionel Weber and Spain’s Carlos Pigem were the two amateurs to earn their Tour cards after they closed with a 68 and 72 to take tied-sixth and 12th place respectively.
After finishing in tied-61st place at Qualifying School last year, Kim was determined not to let history repeat itself.
“I was staring at the cut line last year at the final round but ended up shooting four-over and missed it. I knew I needed to play well today, regardless of how many it was and I’m just glad I made it,” said Kim, who was raised in Hawaii where he won the Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play in 2007.
Kim is looking forward to returning to the birthplace of his parents now that he has earned his well-deserved Tour card.
“I live in the States but even in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing Tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation,” said Kim.
“I’ll be based in Korea for this entire season as I’ve got a couple of relatives over there. Hopefully I can get something going!” added Kim.
Meanwhile Lee is excited to revive his golfing career on the Asian Tour after losing his card on the Web.com Tour in the United States.
“I had status on Web.com for the last four years. Unfortunately I lost my Tour card this year. I wanted to try something new so I came out here and it has been going well,” said Lee.
“I’m Asian and I want to play out here as the competition and money is a lot better on the Asian Tour,” said Lee.
After finishing in 97th place on the Order of Merit last season, Stewart knew he had to get over his disappointment quickly and was delighted to regain his playing privileges for the 2013 season.

“No one really enjoys being back here in Q School after getting to play a full season last year. I had to do some work and figure out what went wrong last year. I guess it has all paid off now,” said Stewart.
“I’ve to stay patient and not try new things that I tend to do throughout the year like changing equipment. I’m always looking forward to my first win and I’ll just have to work harder this year,” added the Australian
Following an impressive amateur career that saw him win the French Amateur Stroke Play Championship and the Italian International Amateur Championship last year, Weber is now ready to make the bold leap into the professional ranks.
“It has been my dream to turn a professional golfer and begin my career on a major Tour like the Asian Tour. You’ll be seeing me in Myanmar next month!” exclaimed Weber.

The 22-year-old’s maiden voyage to Asia saw him arriving in Hua Hin a month ago to practise and acclimatise himself to the climate.
It proved to be a decision that has paid off handsomely for the Frenchman.
“I arrived in Hua Hin one month ago to train and get used to the playing conditions here. Perhaps that’s the reason why I am playing well these two weeks,” said Weber.
“I’ve never been here before in Asia but I do love to travel here. I’m happy that I’ll get to do more of these travels this year,” added Weber.
Weber joins the list of promising amateurs who have earned their Asian Tour card through Qualifying School through the years.
They include Korea’s Jin Yong-gab and Australia’s Vernon Sexton-Finck at Qualifying School in 2005 and more recently in 2011, Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, who agonisingly missed a place in the top-40 by one shot after he signed for a closing 72.
Notable names who finished in the top-40 and ties to earn their Asian Tour card for 2013 include Japan’s Kodai Ichihara, Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, India’s Rahil Gangjee and Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
Leading final round scores
272 Chan KIM (USA) 70-68-69-65
273 Richard LEE (CAN) 65-68-66-74
274 Tim STEWART (AUS) 69-70-66-69
276 Thomas PETERSSON (SWE) 66-73-66-71, Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN) 67-69-67-73
277 Lionel WEBER (A) (FRA) 72-70-67-68, Miles TUNNICLIFF (ENG) 66-68-72-71, David LUTTERUS (AUS) 69-70-67-71, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 68-65-71-73, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 64-66-72-75
278 Nicolas MEITINGER (GER) 67-76-68-67, Sam CYR (USA) 70-68-72-68, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 71-72-67-68, Peter GUSTAFSSON (SWE) 69-71-68-70, Carlos PIGEM (A) (ESP) 71-68-67-72, Adam GROOM (AUS) 66-71-68-73
279 Konosuke NAKAZATO (JPN) 68-71-71-69, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 68- 69-69-73, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 68-70-68-73,Yoshinobu TSUKADA (JPN) 68-66-70-75
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 25: Australia’s Marcus Fraser remained on course of ending his three-year title drought when he fired a flawless five-under-67 to take a share of the second round lead at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Thursday.
Fraser, who finished second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, compiled a two-day total of nine-under-par 135 to take pole position alongside Spain’s Sergio Garcia, first round Portuguese leader Ricardo Santos and Germany’s Martin Kaymer at the Doha Golf Club.
Fraser’s last win on the Asian Tour came at the Ballantine’s Championship in 2010 but his form has been on an upswing especially last season where he was enjoyed four top-10s and was pipped to the Order of Merit title by Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant only at the season-ending event in Johor.
“Overall I felt like I played pretty steadily most of the day. I made a few birdies once I got on to the back nine, which was the front nine, but I’m pretty happy with the day,” said Fraser, who marked his card with birdies on holes one, two, four, six and seven.
“It is definitely one of those courses where you need to be patient and just take your chances where you can get them,” added the Australian.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger improved on his opening 70 by carding a 68 to stay three shots back of the leaders in tied-15th place while Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee is a further shot back in tied-20th place on 139.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand matched his opening 71 to take equal 50th place while India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia made it safely into the final two rounds after carding rounds of 70 and 73.
Over at the Framers Insurance Open in the US, Asian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi of Korea took his place atop the leaderboard with defending champion Brandt Snedeker of the United States.
Choi birdied three of his last four holes on the tougher South Course at Torrey Pines for a 65.
It was a score which left the Korean extremely delighted as he is not a regular at Torrey Pines and only decided to show up after hearing from his host family in San Diego that the Korean community wanted to see him play
“Best shot ever on the South Course , ever,” said a grinning Choi.
Ends.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 25: Malaysia’s Arie Fauzi is planning to break out of the amateur ranks after he edged closer to securing his Tour card by carding a two-under-par 69 at the third round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who recently graduated from the University of Tulsa on a golf scholarship, put together a three-day total of seven-under-par 207 and is in tied-18th place at the Springfield Royal Country Club.
“I actually came here with the intention of finishing inside the top-20 although I know the goal is top-40. If I set the benchmark higher, I know a top-40 finish will just take care of itself,” said Arie.

“The next event after Qualifying School would be in Myanmar next month. There’s still time to consider and there’s a very high chance that I’ll turn pro. But I’ll have to discuss with my family first,” added the Malaysian.
The young Malaysian has been harbouring thoughts of turning professional, having enjoyed a chequered amateur career which has been highlighted by his win at the Malaysian Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 2008.
“The Asian Tour Qualifying School is a benchmark to see where I am with the pros and so far it has been good,” added Arie.
Having honed his skills in the United States, Arie counts himself as the next generation of golfers to lead golf in Malaysia to greater heights.
“I played four years of college golf at the University of Tulsa and just graduated last month in December. Playing college golf really got me mentally stronger as it was a tough transition, having to play under all-weather conditions in the US,” said Arie.
“I believe I can step up and spearhead Malaysia’s challenge. There are others like Gavin (Kyle Green) who has done well at the Iskandar Johor Open. Gavin and I share a friendly rivalry. Malaysia golf is going in the right direction and I’m willing to do more for Malaysia,” added Arie.
After steering his country into the World Cup in 2009, Pakistan’s Muhammad Munir is now hoping for another achievement by earning his Asian Tour card.
Munir posted rounds of 72, 69 and 66 to end the day in equal 18 alongside six other players that include Arie.

“It was a good feeling, having Pakistan represented at the World Cup then. For now, I just want to concentrate on doing my best and see what happens,” added the Pakistani.
While golf may not command the same kind of attention as popular sports like cricket or hockey in Pakistan, Muhammad is hoping to be among the pioneers to turn the spotlight on the sport by performing well on the Asian Tour.
“There’re not many golf courses in Pakistan and also not many big sponsors stepping up to support the sport. God willing, I hope to attract more sponsorship by playing well on the Asian Tour.
Despite signing for a 70 where he is just one shot back from the top-40 and ties, Indonesia’s Rory Hie remained upbeat of his chances of securing his Tour card.
“I feel like I’ve had two different rounds this morning. The front nine was really good but the back nine was very bad. Overall I shot a one-under so if I can play well tomorrow, I should be able to make it into the top-40,” said Hie.
Hie was once ranked the sixth best-amateur in the world before he turned professional in 2008.
One of the events that Hie is looking forward to play on the Asian Tour this year is the Indonesian Open, which will return to the Tour’s 2013 schedule.

“I finished tied-second two years ago and was tied-ninth last year. Hopefully I can play well again this year. I hope to get my rankings up and play in co-sanctioned events if I can get my card this week,” said Hie.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 24: Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, fired a four-under-par 68 to stay three shots back of Portuguese leader Ricardo Santos after the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha on Wednesday.
The Australian, who was pipped to the Order of Merit crown by Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant at the season-ending event in Malaysia last season, traded five birdies against one bogey on the par-three 13th to stay firmly in contention for the first win of his 2013 season at the Doha Golf Club.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger, who finished one place behind Fraser in third on the Order of Merit last season, posted a 70 to take a share of 36th place with 11 other players that include India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia and three-time Order of Merit winner, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand signed for a 71 to take tied-48th while India’s Jeev Milkha Singh would be hoping to make up grounds after he struggled with an opening 72, seven shots behind Santos.
Ends.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 24: China’s Hu Mu believes golf in China will reach greater heights if more golfers join the professional ranks like him.
Leading by example, the 23-year-old Chinese fired a second round four-under-par 68 at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club to safely make it into the final two rounds of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Thursday.

With his two-day total of nine-under-par 134, Hu is among the 112 players who will continue to do battle at the Asian Tour Qualifying School where only the top-40 and ties will earn their full playing status for the 2013 season.
“We have a huge golf population in China and more junior golfers coming up but not many of them are playing professionally. I think you’ve to have enough professional golfers in order to promote the game. We can certainly do better in those aspects,” said Hu, who had a promising amateur career when he won the under 18-year-old division at the China Junior Golf Open in 2001.

Hu is hoping for more playing opportunities on the Asian Tour and remains upbeat about his chances now that he has edged closer to securing his Tour card.
“My plans for the year would be to play in as many tournaments as I can. I should just keep working hard and doing the same routine like now,” said Hu.
“I’m not particularly happy with my scores today but I guess I played okay. I felt I left a lot of shots out there so there’s still room for improvement,” added Hu, who marked his card with six birdies against two bogeys to end the day in equal fourth.
Hu is one of the two Chinese players, hoping to secure their Tour cards this week. China’s other representative, Ye Jian-feng missed the cut after rounds of 70 and 79.
The cut was set at even-par after 36 holes.
Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena is returning to Qualifying School again as he wants another shot at glory on the Asian Tour again.
After losing his card when he finished in 82nd place on the Order of Merit last season, the 18-year-old is determined to regain his place so that he can play against the best players on the Asian Tour.
“The reason why I want to come back and play on the Asian Tour is because it opens up so many doors for me. You get to play the co-sanctioned events and play against so many good players on the Tour as well,” said Tabuena.
Despite nursing a bout of flu, the teenager still managed to sign for a 72 to secure tied-30th place on 139 total.
“I wasn’t feeling well today but I think you play better when you’re not thinking so much about your game. I didn’t give myself too many birdie chances but I’m happy with the way I played today,” said the Filipino.
Tabuena’s best moment in 2012 came on home soil at the ICTSI Philippine Open where he went into the final round, one shot back of Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat. However, he had a round to forget when he closed with a 81.
As the new season beckons, Tabuena is hoping to start afresh and reignite his title ambitions.
“My aims for this year would be to get through Qualifying School, get a good ranking and win at least a tournament on the Asian Tour,” said Tabeuna.
Meanwhile Ajeetesh Sandhu emerged as the leading Indian after posting rounds of 68 and 71.

Sandhu, who claimed his maiden professional title on the domestic circuit in India two months ago, is now hoping to find more playing opportunities beyond the comforts of home.
“I took up golf when I was about four years old and it has been my life ever since. Hopefully I can play good enough to get my card this week and play on the Asian Tour,” said Sandhu.
“There are many great golf courses on the Asian Tour and it’s a good place to start my career,” added the Indian.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 23: Thailand’s Donlaphatchai Niyomchon is excited with the prospect of playing alongside his idol, Thaworn Wiratchant on a regular basis after he set the early pace with an opening seven-under-par 64 at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Wednesday.

Compatriot Sattaya Supupramai carded a 65 to stay one shot back in tied-second alongside Canada’s Richard Lee, Australia’s Anthony Choat and Sweden’s Thomas Petersson.
China’s Hu Mu and Indonesia’s Benny Kasiadi are among the nine players bunched in equal sixth place after they signed for matching five-under-pars.
The first two rounds of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage are staged at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club where the course is played at par-72 and par-71 respectively.
Donlaphatchai hogged the opening limelight when he marked his card with seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys.
The 22-year, who joined the play-for-pay ranks last year, believes he is ready to compete against the region’s best players and is looking forward to play more often with Thaworn, a 15-time Asian Tour winner.

“Thaworn is my hero and I always look up to him for what he has achieved not only for himself but for Thailand. He has done everyone proud and I hope that I’ll get the opportunity to play with him on the Asian Tour once I earn my Tour card,” said Donlaphatchai.
Sattaya also got off to the best of starts when he opened with four birdies starting from his par-four 10th.
The Thai parred holes 14, 15 and 16 before continuing his birdie blitz on the 17th and 18th holes to turn in 30.
Sattaya seemed poised for a grandstand finish when he birdied four of his five holes after the turn but was pegged back after dropping four shots in his last three holes.
“I was unlucky on the last three holes probably because of the bad lie where I made double-bogeys,” said Sattaya.
Sattaya, who often relied on his country exemption status for playing opportunities on the Asian Tour, is now yearning for full playing rights following his opening round exploits.
“Earning my Tour card would mean a lot as that will give me a lot of opportunities to play on the Asian Tour,” said Sattaya.
Having played four events on the Asian Tour last year, Hu is looking forward to extend his playing opportunities this season.
The Chinese is also determined to secure his full status so that he can earn those crucial world ranking points that are vital for Olympic qualification.
“I like the environment on the Asian Tour, especially where all the players try to get better and really work on their game. There’re also a lot of world ranking points to be played out here,” said Hu.
“I was coming into the tournament trying to get inside the top-40 and get my status. But with my good start today, I’m hoping to build on that and win,” added the Chinese.
A bronze medallist at the 2007 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, Benny is eager to reproduce his good amateur form now that he has progressed to the professional ranks.

The Indonesian turned in 33 after carding three birdies on holes 11, 15 and 16 in his opening back-nine.
He dropped his only shot of the day on the par-four second but made up grounds by marking his card with another three birdies on holes three, eight and nine.
“It was an amazing day as I managed to keep my focus throughout the day and my putting and driving were all excellent,” said Benny.
“I’ve always wanted to play on the Asian Tour and I hope that I can make it by earning my Tour card this week,” said Benny, who hails from a golfing family where his father was the only local player to have won the Indonesia Open, an event which will be featured on the 2013 Asian Tour schedule.
The cut will be made after 36 holes with the top 100 and ties progressing to the final two rounds at the Springfield Royal Country Club. Following that, only the top-40 and ties will earn playing privileges for the 2013 Asian Tour season.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 22: Australia’s Jake Higginbottom believes his pathway to success lies with making the grade at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand which starts on Wednesday.
The gruelling test where the top-40 and ties earn playing privileges for the 2013 Asian Tour season will be played at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club.
Higginbottom served notice of his talent when he became the first amateur in more than half a century to win the New Zealand Open last year. He immediately turned professional two days after his breakthrough victory and has been hailed by many as the next star to emerge from Australia.
“The reason why I want to play on the Asian Tour is because Asia’s a good place and it’s close to home. It’s going to be a long week but I do look forward to playing. The course is nice so I think it should be good,” said Higginbottom.
Having played alongside some of the world’s best players that include American legend Tom Watson, the 19-year-old is hoping that he can get the opportunity to play against Asia’s best if he makes it through the week.
“I’m definitely looking forward to playing with the top Asian Tour players. There are a lot of good Asian players around. I’m now trying to get a spot here on the Asian Tour and really looking forward to play here this year,” said the Australian.
China’s Hu Mu is also eyeing a coveted place at this week’s Asian Tour Qualifying School.

An accomplished golfer who won the under 18-year-old division at the China Junior Golf Open in 2001 when he was just 11 year old, Hu is now bent on setting his sights higher.
“I’ve played four events on the Asian Tour last year and I really like the environment so I decided to take a run at it and try to get a full status out here,” said Hu.
The 23-year-old moved to the United States with his family to train, compete and study at age 11.
He earned a scholarship to University of Florida, where he featured prominently on the U.S. college circuit before graduating with a business degree.
However, it’s the play-for-pay ranks that the Chinese is now hoping to make his career breakthrough.
“I’ve been playing golf all my life and through all these years of hard work, I thought I should give it a shot and start playing professional golf,” said Hu.

Meanwhile Brunei’s Prince Hakeem Jefri is also among the hopefuls eager to pass the brutal test and earn his Tour card this week.
Having grown up watching his grandfather play golf, the 39-year-old is relishing the experience of seeing how far his game has progressed this week.
“This is a new experience for me and I’m excited to see how I’m going to fare. Golf has always been my love from young,” said Hakeem who picked up the sport when he was seven years old.
“I’ve always wanted to turn professional and was just looking for the right time to do so. If I do it any later, it will probably not worth doing it. I’m here and I want to enjoy this ride for as long as I can,” added the Prince.
Prince Hakeem, who is the eldest son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the Brunei Sultan could become the first Bruneian to graduate from the Asian Tour Qualifying School if he plays true to form.
However, he prefers to stay grounded and not get ahead of himself.
“I’m very realistic with my goals and being here for the first time, I’ll just take whatever comes my way,” said Hakeem.
Other notable names this week include India’s Rashid Khan, a member of the silver medal winning team in the 2010 Asian Games, Han Chang-won of Korea, the 2009 Asian Amateur Championship winner and Kenichi Kuboya, a multiple winner in Japan.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 21: Thai stalwart Thongchai Jaidee kept his Masters Tournament bid alive after claiming a second successive top-10 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Sunday.
The three-time Order of Merit winner was in contention to win the event but slipped back with a final round one-over-par 73 to finish six shots from the champion Jamie Donaldson of Wales at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Thongchai, who improved his world ranking of 63rd to 56th in the latest rankings released today, needs to break into the top-50 by April 1 to secure a spot in the first Major tournament of the season.
South African Jbe Kruger shared ninth place with Thongchai following a 70 for a 280 total while S.S.P. Chowrasia of India and Andrew Dodt of Australia were a further shot back in tied 17th.

Kuala Lumpur, January 21: Gaganjeet Bhullar of India believes a sharpened short game will lead him to more glory as he aims to better last season’s successful campaign when the new 2013 Asian Tour season begins next month.
The talented Indian enjoyed one of his best years in 2012, winning twice at the Yeangder Tournament Players’ Championship in Chinese Taipei and the Venetian Macau Open. He also capped his season with six other top-10s across the region to finish a career high fifth on the Order of Merit with US$451,245 in earnings.
“It was a great season. I had a couple of top-10s, top-fives and two victories. There’re still a lot to learn but I have a lot of positives from last season,” said Bhullar.
“I’ve been trying to stay patient for a long time and I think I handled it well. Patience and a good short game will definitely help me over the years. I would love to practice day-in and day-out on my short game and bring it up to a higher level,” added the 24-year-old.
Bhullar, who is amongst a new generation of stars to emerge from India, showed he could hold his ground against the elites of the game when he posted a top-10 outing at the CIMB Classic sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour. However, it was still his wire-to-wire triumph at the Venetian Macau Open which stood out the most for him.
“The victory at the Venetian Macau Open was the highlight of the season. Every victory is special but the win in Macau was very special because I won it wire-to-wire. I’ve done that a couple of times in India but to do it on the international level proves that you are a frontrunner,” he said.
Despite enjoying a stellar season, Bhullar, who is the ambassador for Hero, the title sponsor of the Indian Open, lamented the missed opportunity of contending in his national Open which was held for the first time at the Karnataka Golf Association course in Bengaluru last year.
“If I could re-hit one shot, it will probably be at the Hero Indian Open on Sunday. I played really bad on number 16 where I made a double bogey. I wish I could hit that tee shot on the fairway and maybe get a birdie and finish higher up on the leaderboard.
“There were a couple of low points (in 2012) but from my point of view, I usually look at things in a positive way and keep moving forward,” said Bhullar.
The Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine will be the first tournament on the Asian Tour from February 21-24.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.