On the Road from Kent Links to Kasumigaseki Country Club

Sandwich, England: It’s a long way from Sandwich to Saitama. But it’s a journey that a handful of Asia-Pacific professional golfers can’t wait to make.

Having completed their time in the southern English county of Kent at the 149th Open Championship, a quartet of former Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) participants are now setting their sights on Kasumigaseki Country Club, venue for the men’s golf event at the Tokyo Olympics from July 29 to August 1.

Through their outstanding performances, Cameron Smith (Australia), Ryan Fox (New Zealander), Jazz Janewattananond (Thailand) and CT Pan (Chinese Taipei) have earned the right to represent their respective countries at the Olympiad.

After finishing tied for 33rd at Royal St George’s, Smith’s attention turned immediately to the Far East.

“That will be awesome. I can't wait to get over to Japan. It's one of my favourite countries. I love it there and I love the golf there,” said Smith, who posted top-10 finishes in the AAC in 2011 (fourth) and 2012 (tied seventh).

“I’m playing really good golf at the moment. Hopefully, I can go over there and just have a good week with Leish (Marc Leishman). We've had good weeks in the past, so hopefully we can go have another one.”

Having ended in joint 67th spot at The Open after fading in the final two rounds, Kiwi Fox is planning on recharging his batteries before his arrival in Tokyo.

Fox, who appeared in the first three editions of the ACC with a best of joint 17th in 2011, said: “I’ll be getting ready for Tokyo next week, so I'll take a few days off. I've played four weeks in a row. I think probably mentally, physically, I was a little tired over the weekend here this week as well, which is no surprise.

“I need a little time to refresh and then a couple of days practice to get ready for Japan.”

Jazz, the 2019 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, saved his best for last at the Open Championship, closing with a three-under 67 to finish in a share of 46th place, on even-par ‒ his best finish in three appearances in golf’s eldest Major.

The Thai made his sole AAC appearance in 2010 when aged 15 and missed the cut.

Pan, meanwhile, had three top-10s in the AAC, his best effort being second place at Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand in 2012.

In Japan, Pan, who has one win on the PGA Tour to his credit, will be hoping to fare better than he did at Sandwich where he failed to qualify for the weekend.