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Magnificent seven enjoy rookie seasons

Seven new kids on the block have enjoyed a smashing year on the Asian Tour, qualifying for the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia and retaining their full playing cards for 2006.

Thailand's Chapchai Nirat, American Ron Won, New Zealanders Richard Lee and Mahal Pearce and Australians Gary Simpson, Adam Blyth and Andrew Buckle completed the US$600,000 grand finale, exclusive to the top-60 players on the Order of Merit.

The magnificent seven graduated from Qualifying School in Malaysia in January and have stamped their mark with some impressive performances.

For some, the journey has been memorable, and challenging. “It was a good learning process for me throughout this season where I was a first-timer to almost all the golf courses that I played at,” said Chapchai, who finished second in the Taiwan Open behind compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant.

The burly Chapchai finished 29th in the Order Of Merit with earnings of US$111,656. He carded a total of an eight-under-par 280 and was tied seventh with Korea's Kang Wook-soon after the fourth and final round at the Volvo Masters of Asia.

“I am aiming for the top 20 next year. I will know what to expect and will not be ill-prepared. I thought that my fitness level was good until I joined the Asian Tour but now I know I have to work on my stamina to cope with the number of tournaments next year,” he said.

Korean-American Won enjoyed a good first half of the year with his best outing at the Philippines Open in March where he finished in tied fourth position.

“It was an awesome year for me and especially as I’ve kept my card for next season,” said Won, who completed the season in 47th with a total earning of US$71,238.

“I have never played so many tournaments in a year so it was quite an experience. I am not certain what is in store next year but I’m definitely hoping for another successful season,” said the 24-year-old.

The American, having adjusted to the various courses on the Asian Tour, posted a top-10 finish in the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam followed by a similar feat in the Volvo China Open.

Won finished tied 33rd on 290 at the Volvo Masters of Asia with fellow American Edward Loar, Canadian Rick Gibson, Thailand's Thammanoon Srirot and Australian duo Scott Barr and Unho Park.

Simpson also enjoyed a solid rookie season and squeezed into the top 60 after competing in only 13 events. The highlight of his year was finishing seventh in the Indonesian Open in March where he took home US$24,350 and he posted another four top-20s.

“This season was great and how can I forget the time when I played alongside Retief Goosen and Michael Campbell in China. It was incredible,” said the Australian, who was 21st at the Volvo Masters of Asia. He shared 21st position on 285 alongside countryman Scott Strange and American Jason Knutzon.

December 9, 2005