A year to remember for Asian golfers

K.H. Lee was the other big winner in 2022 as he successfully defended his AT&T Byron Nelson title, joining golf greats Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson as the only other players to successfully defend the tournament. He did so in style by shooting a career best 9-under 63 in the final round for a one-stroke victory over hometown hero Jordan Spieth.

"It's an amazing feeling. So I can't believe, still feels like dreaming," said a delighted Lee, who later qualified for his first Tour Championship in August to make it a record of three Asians qualifying for the lucrative FedExCup season-finale.

A back injury hampered Japanese superstar Hideki Matsuyama during the early portion of the year but not before he equaled the record of most wins by an Asian golfer where he notched his eighth career title at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January. He fought from being five shots back with nine holes remaining to beat Russell Henley in a playoff, courtesy of a stunning 3 wood approach from 276 yards that landed three feet of the flag for his winning eagle putt. It was one of the best shots of the year.

Korea's K.J. Choi, who also has eighth wins, remembered the first time he saw Matsuyama play: "He had a special golfing skill and was different from others. He had techniques which were unique," said Choi. "It is important he doesn't get injured. That's the top thing. If he keeps his condition, he definitely can win more events. I always think athletes are here to break records. I'm happy Hideki achieved what I have fulfilled," said Choi, who was the first South Korean to earn a PGA Tour card in 1999.

While a star-studded US Team secured its 12th victory in the Presidents Cup following a 17.5 — 12.5 victory in September, the International Team savored some small victories which augur well for the future. A record of four Koreans — Tom Kim, Kim Si-woo, Im Sung-jae, and K.H.Lee — made the team and showed they can become the backbone of future International Teams by being involved in 7.5 of the total points won during the week.

The emergence of Asia's rising stars through the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022 will see young talents Marty Dou Zecheng and Carl Yuan proudly flying the flag for China on the PGA Tour in the New Year while Kevin Yu, a former world amateur No 1, will join close friend and mentor C.T.Pan as representatives from Chinese Taipei. Korean rookie S.H. Kim and An Byeong-hun also earned PGA Tour cards via the pathway circuit to ensure Asia will continue to be strongly represented in 2023.

An, who was ranked in the world's top-50 until losing his PGA Tour card in 2021, summed up the Asian spirit as new challenges await. "The motivation is always in me. I always want to be the best golfer in the world. That's what everyone is playing for," he said.

The writer is a senior director, marketing and communications — APAC for the PGA Tour and is based in Malaysia.