Asian Tour Graduates Raring To Go
The new Asian Tour graduates are keen to announce their arrival on the big stage as they set their sights on winning the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan next week.
The graduates believe they are ready to take on the Asian Tour stars at the US$300,000 event after earning playing rights for 2012 at the Qualifying School Final Stage in Thailand last week.
Dodge Kemmer of the United States, highly rated Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand, Shakhawat Sohel, the second Bangladeshi to earn an Asian Tour card, Ron Harvey Jnr of Canada and James Byrne of Scotland, last year's Walker Cup star, will feature in the popular event played from February 2 to 5.
They will be among a star-studded cast at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club who include title holder Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Mo Joong-kyung of Korea and Australian Scott Hend, who are all winners on the Asian Tour.
Multiple Japan Tour winner Yuta Ikeda will also feature in Myanmar.
Arnond, who was born in Hawaii but grew up in Thailand before moving to Florida to play golf at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, is eager to make his debut at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan.
"I have a lot of friends over here and playing on the Asian Tour will be good for my career because there are a lot of good players on this Tour. There's going to be pressure for me to perform but I'm going to focus on my game plan and if I can stick to it then I'll be fine," said the 23-year-old, who finished tied second in Qualifying School.
Byrne enjoyed a solid amateur career and is ready to take his game to greater heights on the Asian Tour. He is also relishing the opportunity of returning to his Asian roots.
"I have family in Asia and the Asian Tour is an expanding Tour. It is getting better all the time, it offers a lot of money and there are good players here," said the 24-year-old.
"Yeah, I'm coming back to my roots. My mum is Singaporean. I've been in Singapore only four times and briefly in Japan. I haven't really spent much time in Asia. It is definitely different for me. It's not something I'm used to playing in a heat like this. The food is a lot different too. I don't do any changes in my game but a couple of lifestyle changes," he added.