McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, triumphed in the shootout with fellow LIV Golf star Patrick Reed and Andy Ogletree, the latest name confirmed on the LIV Golf roster after securing his place by being crowned the Order of Merit champion on The International Series for the 2023 season.

Hole In One rooftop challenge island pictured at the Wynn Palace hotel on 13 November, 2023

The trio were shooting it out in a fun nearest-the-pin competition from the Wynn Palace rooftop, 28 floors high, aiming at a floating pontoon par-three green 197 yards away in the hotel lake. Despite some windy conditions, McDowell fired a 7 iron to within just inches of the flag for the nearest of the pin.

The activation was held ahead of a press conference at the Wynn Palace to announce the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, which will take place from 14-17 March 2024 at the Macau Golf & Country Club – a new destination on The International Series schedule. It is the first International Series event to be confirmed for 2024.

McDowell said: “That was fun, it’s always enjoyable to have a bit of a challenge and banter. And what a stunning setting for a nearest the pin. It’s been a wonderful couple of days, I do love coming to this part of the world and this hotel is exceptional. The players on next year’s International Macau are in for a real treat, and their presence will help to further develop golf in the region.”

Images: Asian Tour

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The four-day tournament marks the region of Macau’s debut on The International Series, a set of 10 elevated events introduced on the Asian Tour through a landmark $300m investment with LIV Golf.

The high-profile tournament raises the stakes for golf in Macau and the region, drawing leading LIV Golf players and Major winners alike and signifying the Asian Tour’s increasing prestige on the global stage.

Golfing superstars including five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka, 2022 Champion Golfer of the Year Cam Smith, and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia have graced The International Series stage throughout the season, an example of the significant star power regularly competing with the cream of the Asian Tour in high-profile events across Asia, Middle East, and UK.

A special press conference to announce the partnership and date was held at the Wynn Macau, with 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Andy Ogletree, The International Series 2023 Order of Merit champion all in attendance after a fun activation where they targeted a floating green from an elevated tee box on the Wynn Macau rooftop.

Ms. Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau Limited, said: “We are proud to sponsor the very first International Series Macau, part of a new elite tier of sporting events and entertaining offerings in Asia. This world-class golf tournament underscores our commitment to supporting the Macao SAR Government’s ‘1+4’ diversification development strategy, growing the sports industry, and strengthening the city’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

Andy Ogletree, Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed on a rooftop during the announcement of the International Series Macau Presented by Wynn.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The International Series offers a dynamic platform with a proven track record for attracting big names. I would like to express my gratitude to Wynn Macau for allowing us to break new ground here, helping the Asian Tour and LIV Golf continue to develop what is now becoming the highest-level golf tournament series in Asia.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, warmly welcomed the tournament to Macau, and said: “We are truly excited The International Series will visit Macau for the first time in 2024. The Tour has visited Macau with regularity over the past two decades and today’s announcement is a tremendous development for golf in Macau’s burgeoning Greater Bay Area. The Asian Tour looks forward to working with Wynn Macau in helping to bring world-class golf to the area.”

International Series Macau is set to be an integral part of The International Series’ third season and ranks among one of the most elite international sporting events to take place in Macau. This top-tier golf tournament is a true testament of Wynn’s continued commitment toward elevating Macau’s position in the global sports arena and offering diversified experiences to visitors from around the world on an unprecedented level.

Graeme McDowell prepares to hit from the teebox on floor 28 of the Wynn Palace hotel, on his way to winning the Hole In One rooftop challenge in Macau.

Reed said: “Being a worldwide player is something that has always been important to me.  It is one of the reasons I joined LIV Golf and why I enjoy playing The International Series events on the Asian Tour. It’s exciting to come to new places to grow the game and to make golf a truly global sport.

“Macau is a stunning setting and an ideal destination for the International Series. From a player perspective it is a great addition to the calendar where you get to play world-class golf against a quality field while staying at the Wynn Palace, one of the finest luxury resort hotels in Macau.”

McDowell, who currently plays on the LIV Golf League and regularly participates in events on The International Series, said: “I’ve always enjoyed coming to this part of the world, and I think Macau has all the makings of a wonderful tournament venue.

“The hotel is exceptional, and I look forward to playing tournament golf in front of the knowledgeable golf fans of the region. The International Series is a perfect fit for Macau as golf in China continues to develop.”

Andy Ogletree, Patrick Reed and Graeme McDowell line up shots on a teebox located on the rooftop of the Wynn Palace hotel in Macau.

Ogletree, a two-time winner on The International Series already this season with victories in Qatar and England, said: “I have played in many wonderful venues already on The International Series, and from my experience at the Wynn Macau, this is going to be a must-attend tournament next season.

“There is obviously real demand and great golf here, and this is a market that is only going to grow. Bringing some of the world’s best players next season can only help to cement Macau’s place on the international golfing market.”

Images: Asian Tour

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The Indonesian Masters will be played from November 16-19, once again playing a major role in the end of season action on the Asian Tour.

The long-standing tournament, which will boast minimum prize money of $1.5 million, will be the final event of this year’s 10-event International Series and one of the closing events on the Asian Tour’s season.

Importantly, the competition will have the final say in who wins the International Series Order of Merit (OOM) and secures a lucrative passage to the 2024 LIV Golf League.

Chairman of the Asian Tour and Founder of the Indonesian Masters, Jimmy Masrin, said: “The Asian Tour and The International Series have enjoyed outstanding starts to 2023, and we are thrilled that the Indonesian Masters will once again help contribute to an exciting climax to the season. The two work hand-in-hand, with The International Series being the single most important development in the history of the Asian Tour.”

Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut triumphed at the Indonesian Masters last year, during a memorable week when the tournament brought the curtain down on both the Asian Tour and International Series seasons. American Sihwan Kim claimed the Asian Tour OOM and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent the International Series OOM — both players have been competing on the LIV Golf League this season.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The Indonesian Masters has always been a fitting battle ground for global trophy hunters over the last 11 years, and as it was last year, it now has the added bonus of being the clincher for a lucrative ticket to one of the world’s most exciting franchises – the LIV Golf League.”

A prominent feature on the Asian Tour since its launch in 2011, the Indonesian Masters has always welcomed world-class fields and has a distinguished list of past champions including England’s Lee Westwood, a three-time champion and the winner of the inaugural edition, Justin Rose, Jazz Janewattananond and Anirban Lahiri.

News on the host venue and supporting sponsors will be announced in due course.

Last Sunday saw the fourth International Series event of the season completed, with Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent, young brother of Scott, claiming the International Series Vietnam after a nail-biting finish.

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The Zimbabwean, in just his second year as a professional, holed a decisive 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to beat Anirban Lahiri from India and Australian Kevin Yuan by one stroke.

Vincent shot a six-under-par 66, for a four-round aggregate of 19 under, while Lahiri carded a 64 and Yuan, who missed a similar length birdie putt on the last to force a sudden-death play-off, a 68.

Japan’s Takumi Kanaya had started the day with a three-shot advantage but, unlike the International Series Oman in February where he triumphed after also holding the third-round lead, he struggled on the back nine and closed with a 73 to tie for fourth, on 16-under, with American Michael Maguire (66), Korea’s Taehee Lee (67) and Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai (67), Pawin Ingkhapradit (68) and Jazz Janewattananond (70).

“It is surreal right now,” said the 25-year-old Vincent, who won $360,000.

“I think there are so many people I have to thank at this stage that have put so much time and effort into me that they deserve it more than myself.

“I feel like I am a lead singer in a band of people that have done so much for me. I am very appreciative. I don’t think it is going to sink in for a while.”

The Zimbabwean’s putter seemed to go cold on Saturday, but he bounced back on Sunday with six birdies and no dropped shots.

About his final putt, he said: “That is the game of golf, you win some, you lose some, some go in, some don’t, and I am just very thankful it went in at the right time, when I needed it, and so I was just lucky enough to keep giving myself opportunities. Yeah I could not have dreamed it any better.

He’s moved into second place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and third on the International Series OOM, giving him a chance to emulate his brother Scott who won last year’s International Series merit list and is now playing on the LIV Golf League.

American Andy Ogletree remains in pole position on both OOMs.

Yuan, playing in the last group, came close to spoiling the party for Vincent, in the group ahead, but narrowly missed his birdie putt on 18.

“I gave it my all out there today,” Yuan said. “I left a few shots out there today and a few shots out there this week, but I’m happy with where my game is and the progression that it’s on. I think it was an awesome round by Kieran today and a huge win for him, congrats to him. But overall, I’m pretty satisfied with how my tournament went and looking for more good things to come.”

The result continued a remarkable run of form by the up-and-coming golfer from Sydney, who has made the cut in all eight events on the Asian Tour this season. His result improved upon his previous best finish, which was fifth place at the International Series Thailand last month.

Seven-time Asian Tour winner Lahiri was attempting to win his first Asian Tour title in eight years and was a strong favourite after storming through the field in the fifth from last group making eight birdies in his first 14 holes, with no dropped shots, but he could only par the last four holes.

“I’m happy with the way I played, disappointed not to make a couple more coming in,” said Lahiri, the Asian Tour’s number one player in 2015 before embarking on a successful career on the PGA Tour.

“You know I got off to a really good start. I kind of found my rhythm yesterday and today so that was nice. Yeah, a little upset not to make maybe one or two in the last four holes which are very gettable. So yeah, great week, but it’s disappointing. I’ve had so many seconds now I need to break this habit of mine.”

The Indian star heads to the LIV Golf Adelaide event next week before LIV Golf Singapore.

“Excited to take this form into the next few weeks. I think it is going to be an important stretch over the next month, month-and-a-half. You know, you get into the meat of the season. And very exciting to go to Australia. I’ve been to Adelaide and I’m hearing great things about the venue, about the people and the anticipation, the buzz is great. I’m expecting it to be one of the best events of the year actually, for LIV. So yeah, you know, we’ll be off tomorrow and the show goes on.”

The Asian Tour heads to Korea next for the Maekyung Open, which will be played at its regular home Nam Seoul County Club from May 4-7. Korean Bio Kim is the defending champion.

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The 24-year-old from Hiroshima carded a six-under 66 for an impressive tournament total of 17-under, with Australian Kevin Yuan and Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand in second place, on the Greg Norman-designed championship course at KN Golf Links.

Yuan also returned a 66, while Jazz, the overnight leader, carded a 71.

Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent is in solo fourth after a 71, four behind the Japanese frontrunner.

This week is Kanaya’s first Asian Tour event since Oman, where he became the maiden player from Japan to win an International Series event and the first from his country to claim an Asian Tour event outside of Japan in 13 years.

“Yeah, I’m feeling so great right now,” said Kanaya, a three-time winner on the Japan Tour, with his most recent coming in 2021 at the Token Homemate Cup.

“Today the greens were very firm and bouncy, the conditions were difficult but still my shots were good, and I was putting really well, so I’ll just keep going tomorrow.

“I’ll do my best tomorrow, just focus shot by shot and just do it.”

Yuan is in the form of his life having made the cut in all eight events on the Asian Tour this season, highlighted by a fifth place finish in the International Series Thailand.

He said: “I’d say the biggest thing would just be improving my ball striking, not shooting too many high numbers when I don’t really have my game together. You know, there’s so many good Asian Tour players, it is always very competitive. So, it gives me a lot of confidence to keep making cuts when I’m not playing my best.

“I felt good out there, like on the driving range I was hitting the shots that I wanted, seeing the ball flights that I wanted, and it continued throughout the round. So, I felt it was a pretty stress free, bogey free round today.”

Yuan has also been seeing the same coach as Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, Jonathan Wallett. Kho hit the headlines three weeks ago when he triumphed in the World City Championship in Hong Kong.

“Taichi winning has really motivated me to do better because he’s such a good player, just seeing his game and stuff like that,” said the Australian.

“And after Hong Kong, just going back to Australia working on a few things and it’s good to see that I’m also heading in the right direction. John’s been really helpful, like very supportive, whenever I need him he is there. You know, we talk every day, text every day, so it’s been very good.”

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The $2 million tournament will be played from August 17-20 and represents the fifth stop on The International Series in 2023.

The England event made its debut last summer, in the same region, and was a landmark event for the International Series and Asian Tour as it marked the first time the Tour had staged an event in the United Kingdom.

Close House Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton, said: “Welcoming the International Series back to Northumberland for a second consecutive year is an exciting development.

“Having had the pleasure to visit the International Series Oman in February, it was fantastic to see the growth of the Series over the last year and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Asian Tour to create a memorable event in England.”

The Scott Macpherson-designed Lee Westwood Colt Course (Westy is the club’s ‘Attached Tour Professional’) will be used for the tournament. The par-71 layout measures just under 7,000 yards, and incorporates historical features throughout and ancient woodland. It is one of two courses at Close House, with the other being the Lee Westwood Filly course.

“I am sure that the players will relish the challenge of the Colt along with enjoying a very warm welcome from the members and guests,” said Close House owner, Graham Wylie.

“The people of the North-East are extremely passionate about sport and to host another world class event in the region is a huge honour.”

The International Series was launched last year through a historic investment by LIV Golf that created a premier level of events to develop the next generation of stars and offer unprecedented pathways to top competition in the LIV Golf League. The ground-breaking initiative sits with the Asian Tour schedule and saw seven International Series events staged last season across seven countries in three continents.

“The Asian Tour is excited to be returning to Newcastle for the International Series England. We enjoyed a very successful event there last June, which marked the Tour’s first trip to the United Kingdom,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.

“To be able to stage the tournament this year at Close House, a fantastic venue that has such strong ties with Lee Westwood — a nine-time winner on the Asian Tour — adds an exciting new dimension to the tournament and provides another great opportunity for our membership.”

A strong field will once again make the trip to Newcastle hoping to emulate Scott Vincent’s win at Slaley Hall which was the start of a brilliant season for the Zimbabwean that culminated in him winning the International Series Order of Merit and a place in the LIV Golf League in 2023.

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The duo lead from Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond who fired 65s at Black Mountain Golf Club, in Hua Hin.

Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, American Turk Pettit, Andrew Dodt from Australia, Korean Bio Kim and Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong, Danthai Boonma, Ekpharit Wu, and Settee Prakongvech, all came in with 66s.

The $2 million event is the fifth event of the season on the Asian Tour, and third International Series tournament.

Last year Tabuena endured an uncharacteristically poor season and only just retained his Tour card. The top 70 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit kept their cards and Tabuena finished 70th, exactly $71.89 ahead of none other than Kemmer, in 71st position.

But he has returned with a vengeance this year and finished in the top 15 in his last two events on Tour, the International Series tournaments in Oman and Qatar.

“It is a bit of a long story, I didn’t play too well last year,” said the 28-year-old.

“I had some time off, but I was lucky enough to keep my card by about 50 dollars, I was the last person to get in, and I told myself that is never going to happen again.

“I worked really hard during the off season, and I guess it is showing a bit. I finished 13th in Oman and top 10 in Qatar. The game has been there, even back home. I am just glad it’s coming together.”

He made four birdies on each nine including one on the final hole.

He added: “The course is pretty gettable in the morning. I was lucky enough to get off to a hot start. I was four under after six. I actually left a couple of putts out there, mis-read two of them. I was lucky enough to finish with a birdie on the last. Can’t complain shooting 64.”

The Filipino’s fine round could not have come at a better time as he was watched all the way by his family.

“My whole family is here, finally, it has been a few years. It’s just been my wife for the past couple of tournaments, but I am very, very grateful to have my dad here, my mum, brother and sister,” said Tabuena, who last victory came in 2018 at the Queen’s Cup, also here in Thailand.

Kemmer made up for not keeping his card via the Merit list by earning it through a top 10 finish on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit.

“Kind of a slow start, got a lot of chances and took a while to figure out the greens,” said Kemmer, who played the back nine in six-under 30 which included a three putt for par on 18.

“I turned in two-under and then started hitting my wedges pretty close, a bunch of them within four or five feet, that took some of the guess work out of the greens.

“I will try and do better tomorrow, keep swinging aggressively and maybe learn a little bit more about the greens and make even more putts.”

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As Miguel Tabuena shot a brilliant eight-under 64 at the International Series Thailand to take the early Round 1 lead, Asian Tour commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant was busy behind the scenes with his charity cap on.

The International Series has once again chosen the Bright Dawn Foundation to be the benefactor of its CSR initiative in Thailand as competition got under way at Black Mountain Golf Club.

The Thai children’s charity has now received $50,000 from The International Series, which launched in Thailand in 2022, with this year’s cheque handed over by Cho.

Bright Dawn’s mission is to improve the lives of low-income Thai children around rural Hua Hin through the provision of healthcare and educational support to the primary schools they attend.

Donny Nimmo, CEO, Bright Dawn Foundation, said: “Our gratitude towards everyone involved in selecting us as beneficiaries cannot be overstated – this is a significant sum that will vastly improve the lives of the children in our care. Getting this money from the Asian Tour is honestly a godsend.”

Set up 13 years ago, the charity now supports 700 children across five schools. This week’s donation of US$25,000 will support ongoing healthcare and education programmes, including annual medicals and provision of eye tests and glasses to those who need them.

Nimmo added: “We are looking more at agriculture, cradle to grave, with market gardens and a fishpond. They grow fruit and vegetables, which the kids see the lifespan of from planting through to being served in the school canteens. Anything we think can be used as a practical vocational skill.”

Committed to the communities of the places it visits, The International Series’ CSR initiative offers US$25,000 to a broad range of initiatives targeting education, environmental sustainability, golf development programmes, and the well-being of communities in the short and long term.

The series will visit a further seven countries following Thailand, with its aim to donate to local causes to help further the development of each region.

Cho said: “It’s hugely important for us at the Asian Tour and The International Series to be able to contribute to the communities that support us.

“The Asian Tour has been coming to Black Mountain for the last decade. In fact the first tournament here was in 2009. We visit Hua Hin on a regular basis. We have several tournaments per year here, we host qualifying school here and to give back to the community that supports us so much over the years is fantastic.

“It’s really good for us to visit the school and see what they do with our own two eyes. To see the kids in the school in the playground, learning how to use computers, seeing the facilities that have been provided through the Bright Dawn Foundation is remarkable. It’s a great initiative and it’s great for us to be here.”

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DETAILS

When: March 9-12
Where: Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin District, Prachaubkirikhan, Thailand
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,552 yards
Field: 156 players from 26 different countries, including 45 players from Thailand
Last year’s winner: Sihwan Kim
Purse: $2 million

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Andy Ogletree. LIV Golf

ANDY OGLETREE – The International Series Order of Merit leader has won two of the last four International Series tournaments going back to last season, including the most recent one in Qatar last month. The American’s last five Asian Tour starts include two wins and two other top 10s. “Confidence-wise, I don’t know how I could get a lot higher,” said the former US Amateur champ.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA – Thailand’s top-ranked golfer, who played the full LIV Golf season in 2022, tied for 32nd in this event last year. In his eight International Series starts since then, he has six top 10 finishes, including a tie for second earlier this season in Oman.

TAKUMI KANAYA – The winner in Oman currently ranks second in the International Series Order of Merit. The 24-year-old from Japan was ranked as the No. 1 amateur for more than a year prior to turning pro in 2020. His most recent start was a T28 at the Thailand Classic.

RATCHANON “TK” CHANTANANUWAT – The teenage amateur from Thailand, who just turned 16 years old on March 4, makes his first International Series start of the season. It was less than a year ago that he won an Asian Tour event to become the youngest golfer to win on any elite tour.

WHAT THEY SAID

Prom Meesawat. Asian Tour

Australian Travis Smyth had to withdraw after the first round last year at Black Mountain but is glad to return to Thailand. “We’re in paradise,” Smyth said. “The weather is amazing, it’s not too hot. We’re on the ocean and we’re playing a little golf on the side this week, so it’s pretty special. Thailand is unbelievable.”

The 28-year-old has had two top 10s from three events in 2023 and likes his chances. “I wouldn’t be surprised if I were to win this week,” he said.

Describing what it means to him to play so close to where he grew up, Prom Meesawat said: “As a Thai player we’re always very excited to play in Thailand. This week is very special for me in particular as I’m in my hometown where I can stay in my own bed and see my family here in Hua Hin.”

The three-time Asian Tour winner said the International Series is “good for the Asian Tour and it’s exciting for players like me and the younger generation to play for more money and to have the opportunity to qualify for LIV.”

Gunn Charoenkul was plagued by injury throughout the COVID pandemic but has bounced back emphatically, highlighted by earning the biggest payday of his career with a second place in the International Series Qatar. He now stands third in the International Series Order of Merit.

“The International Series is the next level of Asian Tour tournaments and special in every way,” said the Thai veteran, who represented his country in the Tokyo Olympics. “They always pick good golf courses and all of us enjoy playing International Series events, especially when we have one on home soil.”

Gunn played impressively in the New Zealand Open last weekend, finishing in a tie for sixth.

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The impressive 24-year-old from Mississippi closed with a one-over 73 to finish on seven-under and win by three from Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, who fired a 68, helped by an eagle on the par-five 18th.

Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai finished one shot back in third following a 72, while his compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai returned a 67 to claim fourth, another stroke behind.

Ogletree, who won the International Series Egypt in November and has two wins in just nine starts on the Asian Tour, started the day with a five-shot lead and was never really challenged, when for the fourth day in a row strong wind were unrelenting.

At the turn his lead was six and while a double-bogey on hole 10, where he was unable to get up and down after an errant second shot went long and left, briefly offered some hope to his pursuers, he proceeded to steady the ship with seven pars and a birdie on the last.

“I think it just comes from all the work that I’ve put in,” said former LIV Golfer Ogletree, who won $450,000.

“I’ve worked really hard this off-season post Egypt, and just have a lot of confidence because I work so hard. I don’t think anyone wants it more than me. I want to keep giving myself more opportunities and this is the route that I can do that. So, I’m really focused, and trying to win the Order of Merit out here is my No. 1 goal this year, and that’s all I’m really focused on. And you got to win to do that, so this feels great.”

Ogletree moved to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit and International Series OOM thanks to an outstanding start to the season. He finished ninth in the season-opening PIF Saudi International and tied for seventh in last week’s International Series Oman.

“I mean, confidence wise, I don’t know how I could get a lot higher. My last six starts internationally, four top-10s and two wins, so I think I’m playing really good golf,” he said.

“I’m executing my game plan really well and kind of eliminating some of the silly mistakes. I had a couple today, but throughout the week this week it was really good tee to green.

“Eliminating three putts, eliminating short-sided iron shots, eliminating bogeys with wedges and eliminating bogeys on par fives is just kind of the goal. So that’s how I define how I’m playing, if I’m doing those things, and I’ve done that really well the last few weeks.”

It’s all a far cry for a player who, hindered by a hip injury, struggled to make an impact when he turned professional in 2020 following a stellar amateur career.

The former Georgia Tech college golf star reached the pinnacle of the amateur game in 2019 when he won the US Amateur, and that same year was part of the victorious United States team at the Walker Cup.

He said: “Yeah, I mean, obviously, just being able to play pain free is awesome. I’ve had a really good run the past few months, my body has felt great. I’ve never lost my confidence mentally. But now that I’m getting some reassurance from my body, it’s gaining even more confidence. So super pleased to be champion here. It’s unbelievable.

“What a great test we had this week. It was really hard. The course got really firm and fast, there was so much wind. I grew up playing in no wind, so super proud to win a golf tournament in wind like this.”

A storming finish allowed Gunn to snatch second at the very end. He birdied 13 and 14, dropped a shot on the next before making birdie on 16 and an eagle on 18.

It’s his best finish on the Asian Tour since he came third in the Hong Kong Open at the beginning of 2020. He has also been struggling with injuries over the past few seasons.

“I don’t know what to say, it’s been a while since I started playing well again and could say that all the credit goes to my coach Sam Cyr is here,” said Gunn, who has been playing on a medical exemption.

“We’ve been working really hard for the past six months and this has been the first time that he’s come out here and working with me. We really did grind it out during the practice days, and he put me in the present moment throughout the weekend, encouraged me throughout the whole day and you know, don’t put my head down.

“This is my biggest cheque I’ve received so far, and I mentioned that to Sam as well. And, you know, we’re looking up, and it’s not just here, and he wants me to look forward to like, up there. Top 10, maybe number one in the world. It’s a little crazy right now, but hopefully we get there.”

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