AS a six-year-old, Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul faced the biggest decision of her young life – pick either tennis or golf as the sport of her choice.

A NEW generation of regional golfers, including Malaysia's Anson Yeo and an in-form Zubair Firdaus, are in Dubai this week, each with a dream in tow that was sparked by the heroics of Hideki Matsuyama.

WHEN the Women's China Open first teed off in 2006, the occasion was quietly significant.

ASIAN golf has long yearned for a moment like this.

AS THE LPGA Tour enters the back nine of its milestone 75th anniversary season, it is primed to capitalise on the global growth of women's golf – thanks to recent leadership appointments and the continued rise of Asia‑Pacific golfers – both of which should strengthen the tour's foundation for longevity and deepen its impact on its fans worldwide.

The main thing is – McIlroy walks the talk.

WHEN the South Korean contingent shows up in strength at this week's The CJ Cup Byron Nelson – they will look back with great pride the trailblazing exploits of one man who defied all odds to ensure the American dream isn't quite the pipe dream.

GOLFER Kevin Yu recalls setting his alarm clock at around midnight for four days every April to watch the Masters Tournament live on TV.

WHEN it comes to this fickle sport called golf, the old saying ''different strokes for different folks'' holds true in the pursuit for perfection.

TGL (team golf league), backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, are making some impressive reading.

IF timing is everything in golf, a recent clarion call by two-time Major winner, Justin Thomas, to his fellow professionals to give more “access and insight” to TV viewers and fans may well be the perfect boost to complement the newly-launched PGA Tour Studios.

As another year draws to a close, one thing remains certain – the sun always rises in the Far East with Japan truly basking in the glory of its most famous golfing son – Hideki Matsuyama.