Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

Championship and Shriners Children’s Open. Although he only appeared in seven Asian Tour events, including four top-six finishes and a worst of tied 45th, he was just US$5,000 shy of claiming a top-10 place in the Merit list. In a year which saw three-time former Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thongchai Jaidee claim his maiden victory on the Champions Tour in America, it was appropriate that Thailand was the most successful nation on the 2022 Asian Tour with six victories and five players in the top-10 in the Merit standings. Among them was Jazz Janewattananond, who earned plaudits at the start of the year when he courageously spoke about mental health issues he endured during the pandemic. Displaying a welcome return to form, the 2019 Merit champion claimed his seventh Asian Tour title at the International Series Morocco. Another serial winner in the limelight was Gaganjeet Bhullar. In capturing the Mandiri Indonesia Open for the third time, he collected his 10th Asian Tour crown, extending his position as the most In any poll for ‘shot of the season’ it would be hard to vote against Harold Varner III’s 92-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole at the season-opening PIF Saudi International. 14 A S I A N T O U R 2 0 2 2 : B A C K I N T H E S W I N G successful Indian golfer in Asian Tour history. En route to his latest success, Bhullar struck some stunning shots. But in any poll for ‘shot of the season’ it would be hard to vote against Harold Varner III’s 92-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole at the season- opening US$5 million PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisers, the richest event on the Asian Tour schedule. That masterstroke not only secured Varner a dramatic one-stroke victory from fellow-American Bubba Watson, but also ensured a flying start for what proved to be a truly historic year in the annals of the Asian Tour. It was also a poignant year that saw the passing of the much-loved Kyi Hla Han, the Order of Merit champion in 1999 who went on to serve as the Asian Tour’s Executive Chairman. In a fitting tribute, the Han family and the Asian Tour have come together to establish the Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Programme. Beginning in 2023, this initiative will help nurture some of Asia’s most promising young professional golfers as they start their rookie seasons on the Asian Tour. A fitting legacy for a genuine legend of Asian golf. Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat (ABOVE) balanced study with playing tournaments during his sensational season. Joohyung Kim (RIGHT) being congratulated by Kiradech Aphibarnrat after winning the Wyndham Championship.