Tiger Faces Difficult Path Back

Story By JIM SLATER

Tiger Woods, a global punch line for jokes in the wake of a humiliating personal scandal, must cope with being a target of ridicule before he can hope to regain his mystique as the world's top golfer.

Consider some of the Internet humour that over the past few months has turned the world's first billion-dollar athlete into a laughingstock and forced him to learn the hard way that money cannot buy happiness.

Woods drives well on a fairway but doesn't fare well on a driveway. Rivals want to know the best club to beat Tiger. He hit a tree and a hydrant because he couldn't decide between a wood and an iron.

There are video what-ifs of how a dispute between Woods and his wife Elin might have looked and gossip-page reports of multiple women linked to all manner of extra-marital betrayals by Woods. Privacy that Woods spent years protecting was shattered early on November 27 when he was taken to hospital after driving into a hydrant and a tree.

(For more details, do check out the latest issue of Golf Asia magazines vol.16/Issue 2 available at all news stands now!)

King's Cup Thriller

Photo by: Asian Tour

Taiwan's Chan Yih-shin claimed his maiden Asian Tour victory after winning a drama-filled three-way playoff at the King's Cup in Thailand.

Chan birdied the second play-off hole from five feet at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club to edge out England's Nick Redfern and a luckless Simon Yates of Scotland, who missed a three-foot birdie attempt to extend the contest.

The man from Taipei ended his campaign with a final round of two-under-par 70 for a 14-under-par 274 total which was matched by Redfern, who shot a blistering 66 and Yates, who returned a 68 in the season's final event.

The trio posted matching pars on the first extra hole but Chan rose to the occasion with an exquisite approach for his winning birdie putt to win the US$47,550 top prize.

(For more details, do check out the latest issue of Golf Asia magazines vol.16/Issue 2 available at all news stands now!)

Omega’s First Flagship Boutique in Singapore

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega is set to open its very first flagship store in Singapore at #01-11 in the iconic ION Orchard on the 21st of July. The latest opening marks Omega’s 53rd corporate boutique in the world.

The standalone boutique in Singapore will have the entire product palette on offer including the brand’s Luxury Timepieces collection, the Fine Jewellery Collection and Fine Leather Goods. Customers will also be able to enjoy the boutique’s priority allocated higher-end timepieces and special limited edition watches.

Another first for Omega is its fragrance for men, Aqua Terra, which will be launched exclusively at its flagship stores. The highly anticipated project has been fully developed in-house together with Alberto Morillas, one of the world’s leading perfumers.

The brand’s first flagship boutique in Singapore plays an important role in Omega’s overall distribution strategy. In December of 2000, Nicolas Georges Hayek, the Chairman of the Swatch Group, made a bold announcement at the grand opening of the first Omega Boutique in Zurich, Switzerland: Omega's ambitious goal, he said, was to extend the corporate boutique network to include 50 retail shops devoted exclusively to Omega products within ten years. Omega met that target in just eight years.

(For more details, do check out the latest issue of Golf Asia magazines vol.15/Issue 8'2009 available at all news stands now!)

TUMI’s Second Store In Singapore

Hailed as an important step in the global expansion of TUMI, Singapore’s trendsetters, celebrities and business elite were present to celebrate the opening of brand’s latest store; it’s second in the island state. Welcoming this opening, Eric Gusman, Senior Vice President of TUMI International, said, “The management of TUMI is extremely delighted to open its second boutique in Singapore, in one of the most lavish shopping centres in Singapore. We are also very pleased to be working with the Valiram Group, as we share a common interest in the global expansion and the development of the brand in this booming market.”
Ashvin Valiram, Director of the Valiram Group added, “It’s been an honour for us to be able to open the second TUMI Boutique, a brand known for its innovative design, superior craftsmanship and world-class service. We strongly believe that TUMI will strengthen its leadership position as the “gold standard” for travelling professionals and continuously attract loyal and dedicated consumers in Singapore with its unique blend of modern design and unparalleled performance.”
Since its founding in 1975, Tumi's commitment to design excellence, functional superiority and technical innovation has made it the brand of choice for the world's most discerning and demanding travellers. Tumi continues to evolve with a loyalty to preserving its heritage while moving forward with a modern, creative approach.

Elevating its standards, the luxe Townhouse collection of luggage, business and travel bags, the Alpha collection of updated Tumi classics, beautifully crafted women's handbags and accessories for men and women, represent the forward thinking manner of the brand. Utilising the finest materials, skilled production and ingenuity, Tumi embodies premium quality and design. Tumi is also available at fine department and specialty stores as well as over 125 Tumi stores around the world.
The interior design of the new store in Singapore aligns with a new global retail template that emphasizes luxury and style. Inspired by the 1920’s and 30’s, an era of glamorous travel, the overall environment created is one that is warm, inviting and luxurious in a discreet fashion.
Red murano glass chandeliers serve as a focal point in the store, and represent a new signature look for TUMI. Classical details from the limestone flooring with black granite trim, to the macassar ebony and chrome fixtures evoke a glamorous, art deco feel. An embossed leather wall with wave patterns, adds a final touch of luxurious texture. The overall effect is modern, yet soft and designed to appeal to both female and male customers.