It's A Brilliant Barnes-Stormer In Nanjing!


Nanjing (April 26): Big-hitting Kurt Barnes became the first Australian to win on the Omega China Tour after closing with an even-par 72 to seal a one-stroke victory in the RMB1.2 million Sofitel Zhongshan IGC Open in Nanjing. Barnes, 27, finished with a four-under total of 284, one ahead of Thailand’s Wisut Arjanawat, who shot a 68, and two clear of Zhang Lian-wei, who posted a 75 after playing with the Australian for the second straight day at the Nanjing Zhongshan International Golf Club. Liu Guojie (72) was fourth on one-over, Yuan Hao (74) was fifth on two-over, while 18-year-old Korean Eom Jae-woong (72), Ye Xionghui (75) and Australian Craig Scott (76) shared sixth on three-over. Barnes, whose last victory was the 2005 Victorian Open, was congratulated by compatriots, caddies and fans as he broke a four-year trophy drought and won his first title outside of Australia in the Omega China Tour’s richest event.

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Coup For Callaway As Teen Titan Lee Signs Up


New Orleans (April 22): Korean-born Danny Lee, one of golf's hottest prospects, heads into this week's Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a lucrative contract with Callaway Golf in his back pocket. Lee, winner of last year's US Amateur championship who turned pro following the Masters Tournament a fortnight ago, has confirmed he will endorse all Callaway Golf equipment. Although the terms and conditions of the contract were not divulged, 18-year-old Lee, a naturalised New Zealander, will use Callaway clubs and balls, carry a Callaway Golf branded bag and wear the Company’s logo.

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Fate Of Asian Tour 'Rebels' Yet To Be Determined


Singapore (April 21): The fate of the so-called 'rebels' who defied Asian Tour directives and played in last week's Volvo China Open is yet to be determined. According to Kyi Hla Han, the Asian Tour's executive chairman, a verdict will be delivered when the Tournament Players' Committee (TPC) next meets, possibly as early as next week. Despite being aware of the potential consequences of their actions, the Australian trio of Chris Gaunt, Jason King and Ashley Hall all chose to line-up in the US$2.2 million Volvo China Open in Beijing. Originally the event was due to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the European Tour. However, the China Golf Association (CGA), which owns the rights to the national Open, opted to align with the fledgeling OneAsia Super Series at the expense of the Asian Tour.

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Publicity-Shy O'Grady Proves A Slippery Customer In Beijing


Beijing (April 20): Quite where the European Tour fits into the complicated equation of golf in Asia remains a mystery. And as long as its executive director George O’Grady continues to duck and weave with such dexterity it’s unlikely a clearer picture will emerge any time soon. Whether he likes it or not, O’Grady currently finds himself in a high stakes game of poker with Asian organisations that may well have a significant bearing on the way in which the region’s golfing landscape will be shaped. O’Grady should also be seriously concerned about the knock-on effect the current turmoil in Asian professional golf may have on the European Tour and its membership.

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China 'Boss' Zhang Calls The Shots For OneAsia


Beijing (April 19): Zhang Xiaoning took centre stage as the controversial OneAsia Super Series officially announced its arrival on the scene this morning. Amid the spin and smoke and mirrors, the China Golf Association’s (CGA) leading official outlined the way forward for the new series that also involves the PGA of Australia, the Korea Golf Tour (KPGA) and the Korea Golf Association. To gasps of incredulity in the packed press conference, Zhang also announced that he has a letter from the International Federation of PGA Tours confirming their admittance to the body that represents all the world’s leading professional circuits.

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Money Matters For Man Who Could Not Afford To Miss Out


Beijing (April 18): Ashley Hall is a polite, well spoken 25-year-old with an ambition to carve himself a respectable living as a touring professional golfer. The strapping Australian is due to be married at the end of September and desperately needs to earn some money, to pay for the wedding, among other things. He finished 93rd on last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit, meaning he lost his full playing rights for the circuit. At not inconsiderable expense, he returned to the region to try and regain his Tour card for 2009 via the Qualifying School. He missed the cut. As a result he's left to fight for scraps in the shape of starting spots in tournaments.

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