The Asia Pacific Amateur is underway in Japan. And if you enjoy late-night golf on TV, you're in for a treat because it is being televised in 190 countries.
This year's event is being hosted in Japan at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba. The hillside course, located southwest of Tokyo, offers majestic views of Mount Fuji. Shunsuke Kato designed it in 1977, and it was renovated in 2018, overseen by Rees Jones with consultation from PGA Tour star Hideki Matsuyama.
The Asia Pacific Amateur will again provide a pathway to the game's biggest stages. The winner receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and exemptions into the Open and Amateur Championships.
PLAYER NOTES
* First round leader Randy Bintang (profile) of Indonesia fired 5-under 65. He is closely trailed by a trio of players, two of them from the host country
* Defending champ Jasper Stubbs of South Africa got off to a slow start and was 4-over after 11 holes. But he made two birdies coming in to salvage a 2-over 72.
* The top-ranked player-(view rankings) in the field - China's Wenyi Ding -- is on the first page of the leaderboard after firing 3-under 67.
DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTSDid you miss the late-night action? Catch up on round one and experience the gorgeous course by watching the day one highlight reel below.
TV TIMES
The Asia Pacific Amateur is broadcast in 190 countries around the world. In the United States, it can be watched on ESPN2 at the following times. (All times Eastern Daylight Time)
Thursday, October 3
1:00 am - 4:00 am
Friday, October 4
1:00 am - 4:00 am
Saturday, October 5
11:00 pm - 02:00 am
Sunday, October 6
11:00 pm - 02:00 am