Jakarta, December 21 - The Indonesian Golf Association (PGI), Asian Tour and IMG have signed a landmark three-year agreement to stage the Indonesia Open from 2013 onwards, officials announced today.
The new partnership will focus on elevating the stature of the Indonesia Open into one of the most prestigious national championships on the Asian Tour, which is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia.
As a full member of the International Federation of PGA Tours, all Asian Tour tournaments receive the highest allocation of Official World Golf Ranking points in the region.
With golf returning to the Olympic Games in 2016, the exciting development will provide a clear pathway for Indonesian golfers to try and play their way to Rio de Janeiro in four years’ time through the accumulation of Official World Golf Ranking points.
The return of the Indonesia Open onto the Asian Tour platform will see the country welcoming an array of stars from the Asian Tour whose members hail from nearly 30 different nationalities. This will ensure a truly cosmopolitan field when the 2013 Indonesian Open is staged in the second half of 2013. The venue and tournament dates will be announced at a later time.
By being on the Asian Tour’s television platform, the Indonesia Open will beamed to over 200 countries and 650 million homes around the world, ensuring that Indonesia’s golf credentials are promoted extensively through the championship.
The PGI President Arifin Panigoro said: “On behalf of PGI, we are delighted to announce that we have entered into a partnership with the Asian Tour and IMG which will benefit our country immensely through a myriad of wonderful opportunities for junior development, the golfing industry and tourism in this country.
“This agreement marks a new dawn for our national championship and we are convinced the staging of the Indonesia Open in 2013 and beyond will be hugely successful so that the entire golfing fraternity in Indonesia will be proud of our flagship tournament.
“Through our association with the Asian Tour, we believe this will also mark the start of our quest to push the leading Indonesian golfers towards qualification for the Olympic Games in 2016. We are looking forward to exciting times for the PGI and the Indonesia Open.”
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “The Indonesia Open has always been one of the finest golf championships in Asia where our leading stars such as Thaworn Wiratchant, winner of the 2012 Asian Tour Order of Merit, and Thongchai Jaidee have won the tournament in the past.
“We are excited to have this opportunity to work closely with the PGI and we believe the Indonesia Open is right up there amongst the best of national Opens in Asia. Our players enjoy visiting Indonesia as the golf courses, facilities and hospitality are first class and we look forward to returning for the 2013 Indonesian Open.
”Through this new partnership, it will create the opportunity for Indonesian players to advance their golf careers and develop their games to a higher level in view of the qualification process for the 2016 Olympics. We believe the Indonesia Open will also provide the catalyst for more Indonesian players to compete on the Asian Tour.”
Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG Golf said: “We are very much looking forward to working with the PGI and our partners, the Asian Tour, to develop the Indonesia Open into one of Asia finest tournaments. We believe the players will really enjoy adding Indonesia to their schedules. It is a wonderful country to visit with fantastic golf courses and facilities and we look forward to delivering an Indonesia Open that will truly showcase all that Indonesia has to offer the global golf market.”
Established in 1974, the Indonesia Open’s roll of honour include prominent names such as the late American Payne Stewart, Frank Nobilo of New Zealand, Filipino legend Frankie Minoza, Australia’s Craig Parry, Chinese Taipei’s Lu Chien-soon and Myanmar’s Mya Aye.
Kasiadi is the only Indonesian player to have won his national Open in 1989.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Rory Hie Just Misses Cut At Australian PGA Championship
COOLUM, Australia, Dec 14 - An unheralded former security guard from China and a local hero inspired by his terminally ill father shared the lead on Friday after two rounds of the Australian PGA Championship, presented by Coca-Cola.
Overnight leader Daniel Popovic carded a 70 to go with his opening 64, while Zhang Xinjun had a second 67 to leave the pair at 10 under for the tournament and two shots clear of the field.
The A$1.5 million tournament -- the season finale for both OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia -- is being played at the Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast.
Keeping alive his hopes of snatching the OneAsia Order of Merit title, Matthew Griffin (67) shares third place with 2006 U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy (69), a winner here in 2008.
Fellow Aussies Matthew Goggin (66), Steven Bowditch (67) and Brad Kennedy (68) are fifth, a further stroke behind.
The cut was set at plus one.
Popovic, 26, played flawless golf in the morning and stretched his lead to five shots until a double-bogey on the 15th -- the same hole he recorded his only dropped shot of the first round.
"That 15th hole, I can’t get my head around it actually -- it is really tough judging the wind there," he said.
"It was a mind blank there’s no explanation for it apart from I just wasn’t in the shot."
Popovic revealed on Thursday that he almost gave up golf after his father was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, but was inspired to keep playing in pursuit of a victory for him.
He hadn't yet been able to speak to his father about his performance so far because he was in hospital having blood tests, but said his mother was a bundle of nerves.
"My mum was beside herself. She actually told me that she couldn’t watch she was just too nervous, but she was in tears and saw the final score so they were very happy."
While Popovic was taught to play by his father as a child, Zhang's journey to the halfway lead couldn't be more different.
Hailing from a village near the old Tang dynasty capital of Xi'an in western China, Zhang left school at 15 and set his sights on becoming a security guard, hopeful the 600 renminbi ($95) monthly paycheck would help support his farmer parents.
When his first assignment after completing three months of basic training was to a golf course, the impressionable youngster was immediately struck by the strange, foreign game and before long he was spending all his spare time on the driving range.
"I never thought I would become a pro golfer and play full time on a golf tour," said the 25-year-old.
"When I picked up a golf club, the best I could hope for was to maybe become a coach and earn my living by teaching golf."
On Friday he was giving the big names a lesson, with eight birdies -- including a run of four in-a-row -- offset by three bogeys.
Ogilvy, who had won the U.S. Open when Zhang was just learning the game, was also happy with his performance.
"I feel like I am in a good place. I think I like how I am playing and I am obviously quite comfortable on this golf course."
Defending champion Greg Chalmers and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke both shot 69s to ensure they'd be playing the weekend, while Rory Sabbatini slipped under the wire with a second-round 68 following an opening 76.
Nick Cullen and Park Sang-hyun, who could have won the OneAsia Order of Merit title had they triumphed this weekend, both missed the cut.
Indonesia's number 1 player Rory Hie, who shot 71 on day 1, saw his chances for a weekend appearance fade when he made double bogeys on the 1st and 6th hole, followed by bogeys on 7 and 8. Although he managed to counter with 4 birdies, another bogey on the final hole meant he missed the cut by just one stroke.
Scores after round two of the Australian PGA Championship, presented by Coca-Cola, being played at the par 72, 6,114-metres (6.686-yard) Palmer Coolum Resort course:
134 - Daniel Popovic (AUS) 64-70, Zhang Xin Jun (CHN) 67-67.
136 - Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 67-69, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-67.
137 - Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-66, Steven Bowditch (AUS) 70-67, Brad Kennedy (AUS) 69-68.
138 - Rod Pampling (AUS) 71-67, Peter Senior (AUS) 68-70.
139 - Stephen Leaney (AUS) 69-70, Steve Conran (AUS) 69-70, Matthew Millar (AUS) 73-66, Richard Green (AUS) 71-68, Darren Clarke (NIR) 70-69, Leigh McKechnie (AUS) 70-69, Jason Kang (USA) 70-69, Kurt Barnes (AUS) 74-65, Scott Strange (AUS) 66-73, Marc Leishman (AUS) 69-70, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 71-68.
Selected:
146 - Rory Hie (INA) 71-75.
Overnight leader Daniel Popovic carded a 70 to go with his opening 64, while Zhang Xinjun had a second 67 to leave the pair at 10 under for the tournament and two shots clear of the field.
The A$1.5 million tournament -- the season finale for both OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia -- is being played at the Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast.
Keeping alive his hopes of snatching the OneAsia Order of Merit title, Matthew Griffin (67) shares third place with 2006 U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy (69), a winner here in 2008.
Fellow Aussies Matthew Goggin (66), Steven Bowditch (67) and Brad Kennedy (68) are fifth, a further stroke behind.
The cut was set at plus one.
Popovic, 26, played flawless golf in the morning and stretched his lead to five shots until a double-bogey on the 15th -- the same hole he recorded his only dropped shot of the first round.
"That 15th hole, I can’t get my head around it actually -- it is really tough judging the wind there," he said.
"It was a mind blank there’s no explanation for it apart from I just wasn’t in the shot."
Popovic revealed on Thursday that he almost gave up golf after his father was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, but was inspired to keep playing in pursuit of a victory for him.
He hadn't yet been able to speak to his father about his performance so far because he was in hospital having blood tests, but said his mother was a bundle of nerves.
"My mum was beside herself. She actually told me that she couldn’t watch she was just too nervous, but she was in tears and saw the final score so they were very happy."
While Popovic was taught to play by his father as a child, Zhang's journey to the halfway lead couldn't be more different.
Hailing from a village near the old Tang dynasty capital of Xi'an in western China, Zhang left school at 15 and set his sights on becoming a security guard, hopeful the 600 renminbi ($95) monthly paycheck would help support his farmer parents.
When his first assignment after completing three months of basic training was to a golf course, the impressionable youngster was immediately struck by the strange, foreign game and before long he was spending all his spare time on the driving range.
"I never thought I would become a pro golfer and play full time on a golf tour," said the 25-year-old.
"When I picked up a golf club, the best I could hope for was to maybe become a coach and earn my living by teaching golf."
On Friday he was giving the big names a lesson, with eight birdies -- including a run of four in-a-row -- offset by three bogeys.
Ogilvy, who had won the U.S. Open when Zhang was just learning the game, was also happy with his performance.
"I feel like I am in a good place. I think I like how I am playing and I am obviously quite comfortable on this golf course."
Defending champion Greg Chalmers and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke both shot 69s to ensure they'd be playing the weekend, while Rory Sabbatini slipped under the wire with a second-round 68 following an opening 76.
Nick Cullen and Park Sang-hyun, who could have won the OneAsia Order of Merit title had they triumphed this weekend, both missed the cut.
Indonesia's number 1 player Rory Hie, who shot 71 on day 1, saw his chances for a weekend appearance fade when he made double bogeys on the 1st and 6th hole, followed by bogeys on 7 and 8. Although he managed to counter with 4 birdies, another bogey on the final hole meant he missed the cut by just one stroke.
Scores after round two of the Australian PGA Championship, presented by Coca-Cola, being played at the par 72, 6,114-metres (6.686-yard) Palmer Coolum Resort course:
134 - Daniel Popovic (AUS) 64-70, Zhang Xin Jun (CHN) 67-67.
136 - Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 67-69, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-67.
137 - Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-66, Steven Bowditch (AUS) 70-67, Brad Kennedy (AUS) 69-68.
138 - Rod Pampling (AUS) 71-67, Peter Senior (AUS) 68-70.
139 - Stephen Leaney (AUS) 69-70, Steve Conran (AUS) 69-70, Matthew Millar (AUS) 73-66, Richard Green (AUS) 71-68, Darren Clarke (NIR) 70-69, Leigh McKechnie (AUS) 70-69, Jason Kang (USA) 70-69, Kurt Barnes (AUS) 74-65, Scott Strange (AUS) 66-73, Marc Leishman (AUS) 69-70, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 71-68.
Selected:
146 - Rory Hie (INA) 71-75.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Medal Of Medal Golf Tournament At Pakuwon
Pakuwon Golf & Family Club is organizing the following activity:
| Title | : Medal Of Medal Golf Tournament |
| Day/Date | : Saturday, 15th December 2012 |
| Tee-off Time | : 07 am |
Participation Fee for this Golf Event
| Category | |
| Member | : Rp. 332.000 |
| Non Member | : Rp. 415.000 |
| Format | : Individual Stroke Play (Hcp format 36) |
| Flights | : Flight A & B |
Trophies:
| Overall : | BEST GROSS BEST NET |
| FLIGHT A : | BEST GROSS BEST NET |
| FLIGHT B : | BEST GROSS BEST NET |
| NEAREST TO THE PIN | |
Course Prizes:
| Hole In One | : Motor, 1 Year Individual Pakuwon Golf Membership |
| On The Green | : 1000 Driving range Ball Hire |
| Bull’s Eye Game | : 4 WE Green Fee voucher |
| Birdie Point | : 4 WD Green Fee voucher |
| Hole in One | : Motor Kawazaki |
Lunch:
| Day/Date | : Saturday, 15th December 2012 |
| Time | : 10 am |
| Venue | : Palms Cafe |
Senior Wins Emirates Australian Open
SYDNEY, Dec. 9 - Veteran Peter Senior gave his younger opponents a lesson in how to play in the wind on Sunday en-route to winning the Emirates Australian Open by a stroke at The lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
The 53-year-old shot rounds of 75, 68, 69 and an even-par 72 to finish the A$1.5 million OneAsia tournament at four under and claim his country's national open for a second time.
He earned A$225,000 for the win.
On a day fierce winds forced a suspension for over three hours and only six players broke par, Brendan Jones went one under to finish alone in second place.
Cameron Percy (73) was a stroke further behind, followed by Kim Felton (72), Kieran Pratt (75) and Justin Rose (76).
"It was one of the toughest days I have seen on a golf course," said Senior, who first won the title in 1989 as a 30-year-old.
"When the conditions are that tough, I feel that half the guys are out of the competition because they think it is going to be too difficult."
Although he now plays mostly on the U.S. Champions Tour, Senior has found his second win since re-applying himself to the sport after taking a sabbatical.
"I took quite a bit of time off between 42 and 48 and spent quite a bit of time at home," he said. "But I really felt like I wanted to play again. It is a game I still enjoy."
That enjoyment has also brought success.
Two years ago Senior won the Australian PGA Championship for a third time, and he will be back at Palmer Coolum Resort next week to have another crack at the title, which is the final event on both OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Senior had his son, Mitch, on his bag on Sunday, and dedicated the victory to him.
"We’ve been close over in America. We’ve lost three play-offs and come pretty close in a few other events. Just once I would like to say, 'well done mate, we’ve done it'."
Nevertheless, Senior did not expect to be winning at his age.
"I’m getting a bit long in the tooth now. If the conditions were good, the really good players would have shone this week. These are the conditions I thrive in where I just battle it out."
John Senden, who took an overnight lead into the final round for a second year in a row, had a miserable time on Sunday, dropping two shots on the first hole and finishing with an 82.
Playing partner Rose, the world number four and top ranked player in the field, saw his chances slip away with two bogeys in the last three holes.
Still, Senior praised his younger competitors.
"Justin Rose and the other guys are great players. Not for one moment do I think I am as good as those guys," he said.
"Winning golf tournaments, you need to have a good week at the right time. I’ve had a good week where I got it done."
Senior wasn't the only veteran to shine on Sunday. American Tom Watson, whose five Open Championships are testimony to the 63-year-old's ability to play in tough conditions, shot a 69 for the round of the day on what is likely to be his last tournament in Australia.
Indonesia's no. 1 player Rory Hie finished the tournament with a round of 76. His total of 293 put him in a share of 28th, together with the likes of Tom Watson, Liang Wenchong and Andre Stolz.
OneAsia moves to Coolum next week with the Order of Merit title still up for grabs.
Korean Kim Bi-o leads the race, but Australians Nick Cullen or Matthew Griffin could snatch it with a second victory of the season.
Scores after round four of the Emirates Australian Open being played at the par 72,6,290-metre (6,879-yard) The Lakes Golf Club (am- denotes amateur):
284 - Peter Senior (AUS) 75-68-69-72.
285 - Brendan Jones (AUS) 68-71-75-71.
286 - Cameron Percy (AUS) 72-69-72-73.
287 - Kim Felton (AUS) 68-75-72-72, Kieran Pratt (AUS) 71-71-70-75, Justin Rose (ENG) 68-73-70-76.
288 - Michael Hendry (NZL) 72-71-74-71, Scott Gardiner (AUS) 76-71-68-73, Stuart Appleby (AUS) 70-73-70-75.
289 - Brett Rumford (AUS) 73-69-75-72, Nick O'Hern (AUS) 71-73-73-72, Rodney Pampling (AUS) 74-69-73-73, Matthew Jones (AUS) 71-72-69-77.
290 - Cameron Smith (am, AUS) 72-74-69-75, Steven Jones (AUS) 73-68-73-76, Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-70-73-76, Adam Scott (AUS) 72-71-71-76.
291 - Nick Flanagan (AUS) 69-76-74-72, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 72-72-72-75, Matthew Stieger (AUS) 73-71-71-76, Nick Cullen (AUS) 70-70-74-77, John Senden (AUS) 66-73-70-82.
292 - Alistair Presnell (AUS) 75-72-71-74, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 75-69-71-77, Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 74-71-70-77, Greg Chalmers (AUS) 71-75-69-77, Matthew Millar (AUS) 74-71-69-78.
293 - Tom Watson (USA) 78-68-78-69, Stephen Allan (AUS) 69-73-80-71, James McLean (AUS) 72-72-75-74, Rory Hie (INA) 73-69-75-76, David Bransdon (AUS) 74-73-70-76, Timothy Wood (AUS) 70-74-72-77, Liang Wenchong (CHN) 73-71-72-77, Scott Laycock (AUS) 76-69-71-77, Stephen Leaney (AUS) 75-69-71-78, Andre Stolz (AUS) 72-71-71-79, Kyle Stanley (USA) 72-71-70-80.
The 53-year-old shot rounds of 75, 68, 69 and an even-par 72 to finish the A$1.5 million OneAsia tournament at four under and claim his country's national open for a second time.
He earned A$225,000 for the win.
On a day fierce winds forced a suspension for over three hours and only six players broke par, Brendan Jones went one under to finish alone in second place.
Cameron Percy (73) was a stroke further behind, followed by Kim Felton (72), Kieran Pratt (75) and Justin Rose (76).
"It was one of the toughest days I have seen on a golf course," said Senior, who first won the title in 1989 as a 30-year-old.
"When the conditions are that tough, I feel that half the guys are out of the competition because they think it is going to be too difficult."
Although he now plays mostly on the U.S. Champions Tour, Senior has found his second win since re-applying himself to the sport after taking a sabbatical.
"I took quite a bit of time off between 42 and 48 and spent quite a bit of time at home," he said. "But I really felt like I wanted to play again. It is a game I still enjoy."
That enjoyment has also brought success.
Two years ago Senior won the Australian PGA Championship for a third time, and he will be back at Palmer Coolum Resort next week to have another crack at the title, which is the final event on both OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Senior had his son, Mitch, on his bag on Sunday, and dedicated the victory to him.
"We’ve been close over in America. We’ve lost three play-offs and come pretty close in a few other events. Just once I would like to say, 'well done mate, we’ve done it'."
Nevertheless, Senior did not expect to be winning at his age.
"I’m getting a bit long in the tooth now. If the conditions were good, the really good players would have shone this week. These are the conditions I thrive in where I just battle it out."
John Senden, who took an overnight lead into the final round for a second year in a row, had a miserable time on Sunday, dropping two shots on the first hole and finishing with an 82.
Playing partner Rose, the world number four and top ranked player in the field, saw his chances slip away with two bogeys in the last three holes.
Still, Senior praised his younger competitors.
"Justin Rose and the other guys are great players. Not for one moment do I think I am as good as those guys," he said.
"Winning golf tournaments, you need to have a good week at the right time. I’ve had a good week where I got it done."
Senior wasn't the only veteran to shine on Sunday. American Tom Watson, whose five Open Championships are testimony to the 63-year-old's ability to play in tough conditions, shot a 69 for the round of the day on what is likely to be his last tournament in Australia.
Indonesia's no. 1 player Rory Hie finished the tournament with a round of 76. His total of 293 put him in a share of 28th, together with the likes of Tom Watson, Liang Wenchong and Andre Stolz.
OneAsia moves to Coolum next week with the Order of Merit title still up for grabs.
Korean Kim Bi-o leads the race, but Australians Nick Cullen or Matthew Griffin could snatch it with a second victory of the season.
Scores after round four of the Emirates Australian Open being played at the par 72,6,290-metre (6,879-yard) The Lakes Golf Club (am- denotes amateur):
284 - Peter Senior (AUS) 75-68-69-72.
285 - Brendan Jones (AUS) 68-71-75-71.
286 - Cameron Percy (AUS) 72-69-72-73.
287 - Kim Felton (AUS) 68-75-72-72, Kieran Pratt (AUS) 71-71-70-75, Justin Rose (ENG) 68-73-70-76.
288 - Michael Hendry (NZL) 72-71-74-71, Scott Gardiner (AUS) 76-71-68-73, Stuart Appleby (AUS) 70-73-70-75.
289 - Brett Rumford (AUS) 73-69-75-72, Nick O'Hern (AUS) 71-73-73-72, Rodney Pampling (AUS) 74-69-73-73, Matthew Jones (AUS) 71-72-69-77.
290 - Cameron Smith (am, AUS) 72-74-69-75, Steven Jones (AUS) 73-68-73-76, Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-70-73-76, Adam Scott (AUS) 72-71-71-76.
291 - Nick Flanagan (AUS) 69-76-74-72, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 72-72-72-75, Matthew Stieger (AUS) 73-71-71-76, Nick Cullen (AUS) 70-70-74-77, John Senden (AUS) 66-73-70-82.
292 - Alistair Presnell (AUS) 75-72-71-74, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 75-69-71-77, Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 74-71-70-77, Greg Chalmers (AUS) 71-75-69-77, Matthew Millar (AUS) 74-71-69-78.
293 - Tom Watson (USA) 78-68-78-69, Stephen Allan (AUS) 69-73-80-71, James McLean (AUS) 72-72-75-74, Rory Hie (INA) 73-69-75-76, David Bransdon (AUS) 74-73-70-76, Timothy Wood (AUS) 70-74-72-77, Liang Wenchong (CHN) 73-71-72-77, Scott Laycock (AUS) 76-69-71-77, Stephen Leaney (AUS) 75-69-71-78, Andre Stolz (AUS) 72-71-71-79, Kyle Stanley (USA) 72-71-70-80.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Rory Hie Drops Back At Emirates Australian Open
SYDNEY, Dec. 8 - Former champion John Senden could be forgiven the feeling of déjà vu after firing a two-under-par 70 on Saturday for a two-stroke lead going into the final round of the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
The PGA Tour regular, who won his national open in 2006, led going into the final round of last year's tournament but was pipped at the post by countryman Greg Chalmers and lost by a shot.
Senden's tournament total of 209 leaves him at seven under, with England's Justin Rose (70) two strokes behind and Australians Matthew Jones (69), Peter Senior (69) and Kieran Pratt (70) a shot further back.
The wind played havoc with the field at the A$1.25 million OneAsia event on Saturday -- particularly for the late starters -- and putting became treacherous on the baked greens.
"You have to be able to control the ball any time you play golf, but in these conditions you have to rely on your game -- especially distance control in cross winds and into the breeze," said Senden.
"It got very dry -- especially the 18th green -- and the 14th green was quite dry around the hole. It had nothing to do with the set up or what they had done early in the morning, it is the wind."
Senden's round was ignited after a sluggish start by an eagle on the 528-metre (577-yard) par-five 11th when a sweetly struck three wood left him with a 10 footer.
"All the par fives are risk-reward," he said. "I took a risk there and pulled it off."
The tall Queenslander, whose consistency since finishing joint 10th at this year's U.S. Open has propelled him into the world's top 50, will be paired with Rose on Sunday, who feels anyone can win if the conditions stay the same.
"One or two shots don’t make much difference," said Rose, the marquee attraction at the penultimate tournament on both the OneAsia and PGA Tour of Australasia calendars.
"The wind is going to switch and blow just as hard. The last man standing could win the golf tournament. I think it is going to be a battle."
Rose's only other appearance at the Australian Open came 13 years ago, shortly after he turned professional and in the middle of a miserable run of 21 missed cuts.
Now the world number four, he feels he has the experience to win the tournament.
"I have been in contention quite a lot this year and I am beginning to feel comfortable with it and enjoy it … relish it," he said.
"The Australian guys will be more familiar with these conditions, but I definitely feel good about my chances. The first three days are all about putting yourself in position to have a good chance and I think that is exactly what I have done."
Overnight leader Marcus Fraser dropped four shots on Saturday and goes into the final round at two under despite an eagle on the par-five 14th. Home favourite Adam Scott, the 2009 champion, shot 71 and is also two under.
Three of this year's OneAsia winners are still not out of it and determined to do well with the Order of Merit race to be decided at the Australian PGA Championship next week.
Australian Nick Cullen, winner of the Indonesia Open earlier this year, is two under after a third round 74, countryman Matt Griffin (71), who won the Charity High1 Resort Open is at one under, and Liang Wenchong (72), the Nanshan China Masters champion, is level par.
Indonesian Rory Hie couldn't maintain Friday's progress and finished the day with a 75 for a total 1 over.
Defending champion Greg Chalmers (69) is one under, while American veteran Tom Watson has yo-yoed around in 78, 68 and 78.
Scores after round three of the Emirates Australian Open being played at the par 72,6,290-metre (6,879-yard) The Lakes Golf Club (a- denotes amateur):
209 - John Senden (AUS) 66-73-70.
211 - Justin Rose (ENG) 68-73-70.
212 - Matthew Jones (AUS) 71-72-69, Peter Senior (AUS) 75-68-69, Kieran Pratt (AUS) 71-71-70.
213 - Stuart Appleby (AUS) 70-73-70, Kyle Stanley (USA) 72-71-70, Cameron Percy (AUS) 72-69-72.
214 - Matthew Millar (AUS) 74-71-69, Adam Scott (AUS) 72-71-71, Josh Geary (NZL) 70-73-71, Andre Stolz (AUS) 72-71-71, Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-70-73, Steven Jones (AUS) 73-68-73, Nick Cullen (AUS) 70-70-74, Brendan Jones (AUS) 68-71-75, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-69-76.
215 - Scott Gardiner (AUS) 76-71-68, Cameron Smith (am, AUS) 72-74-69, Greg Chalmers (AUS) 71-75-69, Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 74-71-70, Stephen Leaney (AUS) 75-69-71, Matthew Stieger (AUS) 73-71-71, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 75-69-71, Kim Felton (AUS) 68-75-72, Gareth Paddison (NZL) 68-73-74.
216 - Scott Laycock (AUS) 76-69-71, Liang Wenchong (CHN) 73-71-72, Timothy Wood (AUS) 70-74-72, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 72-72-72, Daniel Popovic (AUS) 71-73-72, Rodney Pampling (AUS) 74-69-73.
217 - James Nitties (AUS) 77-71-69, David Bransdon (AUS) 74-73-70, Nick O'Hern (AUS) 71-73-73, Michael Hendry (NZL) 72-71-74, Brett Rumford (AUS) 73-69-75, Rory Hie (INA) 73-69-75, Richard Green (AUS) 68-73-76.
The PGA Tour regular, who won his national open in 2006, led going into the final round of last year's tournament but was pipped at the post by countryman Greg Chalmers and lost by a shot.
Senden's tournament total of 209 leaves him at seven under, with England's Justin Rose (70) two strokes behind and Australians Matthew Jones (69), Peter Senior (69) and Kieran Pratt (70) a shot further back.
The wind played havoc with the field at the A$1.25 million OneAsia event on Saturday -- particularly for the late starters -- and putting became treacherous on the baked greens.
"You have to be able to control the ball any time you play golf, but in these conditions you have to rely on your game -- especially distance control in cross winds and into the breeze," said Senden.
"It got very dry -- especially the 18th green -- and the 14th green was quite dry around the hole. It had nothing to do with the set up or what they had done early in the morning, it is the wind."
Senden's round was ignited after a sluggish start by an eagle on the 528-metre (577-yard) par-five 11th when a sweetly struck three wood left him with a 10 footer.
"All the par fives are risk-reward," he said. "I took a risk there and pulled it off."
The tall Queenslander, whose consistency since finishing joint 10th at this year's U.S. Open has propelled him into the world's top 50, will be paired with Rose on Sunday, who feels anyone can win if the conditions stay the same.
"One or two shots don’t make much difference," said Rose, the marquee attraction at the penultimate tournament on both the OneAsia and PGA Tour of Australasia calendars.
"The wind is going to switch and blow just as hard. The last man standing could win the golf tournament. I think it is going to be a battle."
Rose's only other appearance at the Australian Open came 13 years ago, shortly after he turned professional and in the middle of a miserable run of 21 missed cuts.
Now the world number four, he feels he has the experience to win the tournament.
"I have been in contention quite a lot this year and I am beginning to feel comfortable with it and enjoy it … relish it," he said.
"The Australian guys will be more familiar with these conditions, but I definitely feel good about my chances. The first three days are all about putting yourself in position to have a good chance and I think that is exactly what I have done."
Overnight leader Marcus Fraser dropped four shots on Saturday and goes into the final round at two under despite an eagle on the par-five 14th. Home favourite Adam Scott, the 2009 champion, shot 71 and is also two under.
Three of this year's OneAsia winners are still not out of it and determined to do well with the Order of Merit race to be decided at the Australian PGA Championship next week.
Australian Nick Cullen, winner of the Indonesia Open earlier this year, is two under after a third round 74, countryman Matt Griffin (71), who won the Charity High1 Resort Open is at one under, and Liang Wenchong (72), the Nanshan China Masters champion, is level par.
Indonesian Rory Hie couldn't maintain Friday's progress and finished the day with a 75 for a total 1 over.
Defending champion Greg Chalmers (69) is one under, while American veteran Tom Watson has yo-yoed around in 78, 68 and 78.
Scores after round three of the Emirates Australian Open being played at the par 72,6,290-metre (6,879-yard) The Lakes Golf Club (a- denotes amateur):
209 - John Senden (AUS) 66-73-70.
211 - Justin Rose (ENG) 68-73-70.
212 - Matthew Jones (AUS) 71-72-69, Peter Senior (AUS) 75-68-69, Kieran Pratt (AUS) 71-71-70.
213 - Stuart Appleby (AUS) 70-73-70, Kyle Stanley (USA) 72-71-70, Cameron Percy (AUS) 72-69-72.
214 - Matthew Millar (AUS) 74-71-69, Adam Scott (AUS) 72-71-71, Josh Geary (NZL) 70-73-71, Andre Stolz (AUS) 72-71-71, Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-70-73, Steven Jones (AUS) 73-68-73, Nick Cullen (AUS) 70-70-74, Brendan Jones (AUS) 68-71-75, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-69-76.
215 - Scott Gardiner (AUS) 76-71-68, Cameron Smith (am, AUS) 72-74-69, Greg Chalmers (AUS) 71-75-69, Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 74-71-70, Stephen Leaney (AUS) 75-69-71, Matthew Stieger (AUS) 73-71-71, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 75-69-71, Kim Felton (AUS) 68-75-72, Gareth Paddison (NZL) 68-73-74.
216 - Scott Laycock (AUS) 76-69-71, Liang Wenchong (CHN) 73-71-72, Timothy Wood (AUS) 70-74-72, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 72-72-72, Daniel Popovic (AUS) 71-73-72, Rodney Pampling (AUS) 74-69-73.
217 - James Nitties (AUS) 77-71-69, David Bransdon (AUS) 74-73-70, Nick O'Hern (AUS) 71-73-73, Michael Hendry (NZL) 72-71-74, Brett Rumford (AUS) 73-69-75, Rory Hie (INA) 73-69-75, Richard Green (AUS) 68-73-76.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Rory Hie Climbs The Ranks At Emirates Australian Open
SYDNEY, Dec. 7 - Marcus Fraser fired a second successive three-under-par 69 on Friday for one-shot lead going into the weekend at the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
Overnight leader John Senden was one over for the day and five under for the tournament in second place with Brendan Jones (68, 71), while a fourth Australian, Nick Cullen (70, 70), was a further shot back.
Two years ago Fraser was told he would never play again unless he underwent a neck operation, but he showed he had fully recovered with five birdies and two bogeys around the the 6,290-metre (6,879-yard) course.
The A$1.25 million tournament, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia, is the penultimate event for both.
"If I hadn't had the operation there is no way I would have played again -- no chance at all," said Fraser, "so it was a pretty easy decision to make."
"He replaced a disc in my neck -- put an artificial one in there, a carbon-fibre cage around the disc and also a metal plate. Just a pretty basic operation …".
Fraser has played seven weeks in-a-row -- including a failed bid to earn his U.S. PGA Tour card at Q-School -- but the European Tour regular still has a spring in his step.
His tournament actually came alive in the first round at the 11th when he found himself three over for the tournament and already thinking of a flight home to Melbourne.
He birdied the next four holes -- and then aced the par-three 15th -- to ignite his round, and continued the good work on Friday.
"It turned the tournament right around," said Fraser. "Hopefully we can keep the momentum going into the weekend."
The morning starters had the best of the conditions on Friday with the stiff afternoon wind playing havoc with any lofted shot and also further drying the slick green.
Marquee attraction Justin Rose, the world's number four, struggled to a 73 and a share of fifth place, while Adam Scott (71) bettered his opening round by one to stand five shots off the pace.
Indonesia's Rory Hie climbed up the leader board until his last hole, the par-three ninth, when an errant tee shot followed by a mis-hit chip to a tricky ridge left him with a double bogey for a 69 and two under for the tournament.
"I'm pretty happy with what I've done so far and hopefully the next two days will get even better," said Hie.
Veteran American Tom Watson, who won the Australian Open in 1984 -- the year after collecting the last of his eight Majors -- shot 68 on Friday, ten strokes better than his opening round, to comfortably make a cut set at plus four.
Third-placed Cullen, winner of OneAsia's Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open earlier this year, could still win the tour's Order of Merit with a strong finish here and at the final event of the season, next week's Australian PGA Championship.
Fellow Australian Matt Griffin, who won the Charity High1 Resort Open, and China"s Liang Wenchong, the Nanshan China Masters winner, are also in the hunt as they go into the weekend at level par.
Defending champion Greg Chalmers is two over for the tournament with it all to do at the weekend.
Scores after round two of the Emirates Australian Open being played at the par 72, 6,290-metre The Lakes GC course:
138 - Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-69.
139 - Brendan Jones (AUS) 68-71, John Senden (AUS) 66-73.
140 - Nick Cullen (AUS) 70-70.
141 - Steven Jones (AUS) 73-68, Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-70, Justin Rose (ENG) 68-73, Gareth Paddison (NZL) 68-73, Richard Green (AUS) 68-73, Cameron Percy (AUS) 72-69.
142 - Rory Hie (INA) 73-69, Marc Leishman (AUS) 70-72, Kieran Pratt (AUS) 71-71, Brett Rumford (AUS) 73-69, Stephen Allan (AUS) 69-73.
Overnight leader John Senden was one over for the day and five under for the tournament in second place with Brendan Jones (68, 71), while a fourth Australian, Nick Cullen (70, 70), was a further shot back.
Two years ago Fraser was told he would never play again unless he underwent a neck operation, but he showed he had fully recovered with five birdies and two bogeys around the the 6,290-metre (6,879-yard) course.
The A$1.25 million tournament, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia, is the penultimate event for both.
"If I hadn't had the operation there is no way I would have played again -- no chance at all," said Fraser, "so it was a pretty easy decision to make."
"He replaced a disc in my neck -- put an artificial one in there, a carbon-fibre cage around the disc and also a metal plate. Just a pretty basic operation …".
Fraser has played seven weeks in-a-row -- including a failed bid to earn his U.S. PGA Tour card at Q-School -- but the European Tour regular still has a spring in his step.
His tournament actually came alive in the first round at the 11th when he found himself three over for the tournament and already thinking of a flight home to Melbourne.
He birdied the next four holes -- and then aced the par-three 15th -- to ignite his round, and continued the good work on Friday.
"It turned the tournament right around," said Fraser. "Hopefully we can keep the momentum going into the weekend."
The morning starters had the best of the conditions on Friday with the stiff afternoon wind playing havoc with any lofted shot and also further drying the slick green.
Marquee attraction Justin Rose, the world's number four, struggled to a 73 and a share of fifth place, while Adam Scott (71) bettered his opening round by one to stand five shots off the pace.
Indonesia's Rory Hie climbed up the leader board until his last hole, the par-three ninth, when an errant tee shot followed by a mis-hit chip to a tricky ridge left him with a double bogey for a 69 and two under for the tournament.
"I'm pretty happy with what I've done so far and hopefully the next two days will get even better," said Hie.
Veteran American Tom Watson, who won the Australian Open in 1984 -- the year after collecting the last of his eight Majors -- shot 68 on Friday, ten strokes better than his opening round, to comfortably make a cut set at plus four.
Third-placed Cullen, winner of OneAsia's Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open earlier this year, could still win the tour's Order of Merit with a strong finish here and at the final event of the season, next week's Australian PGA Championship.
Fellow Australian Matt Griffin, who won the Charity High1 Resort Open, and China"s Liang Wenchong, the Nanshan China Masters winner, are also in the hunt as they go into the weekend at level par.
Defending champion Greg Chalmers is two over for the tournament with it all to do at the weekend.
Scores after round two of the Emirates Australian Open being played at the par 72, 6,290-metre The Lakes GC course:
138 - Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-69.
139 - Brendan Jones (AUS) 68-71, John Senden (AUS) 66-73.
140 - Nick Cullen (AUS) 70-70.
141 - Steven Jones (AUS) 73-68, Mathew Goggin (AUS) 71-70, Justin Rose (ENG) 68-73, Gareth Paddison (NZL) 68-73, Richard Green (AUS) 68-73, Cameron Percy (AUS) 72-69.
142 - Rory Hie (INA) 73-69, Marc Leishman (AUS) 70-72, Kieran Pratt (AUS) 71-71, Brett Rumford (AUS) 73-69, Stephen Allan (AUS) 69-73.
Monday, December 3, 2012
National Junior Golf Championship 2012
In order to improve the performance of junior golfers (boys/girls) nationally, the Indonesian Golf Federation (PB PGI) will hold the "National Junior Golf Championship 2012", which results will be included in the calculation for points in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) of the R&A on:
Date: 26 - 28 December 2012
Place: Jagorawi Golf & Country Club (New Course)
All junior golfers (boys and girls) from all over Indonesia who have not reached their 18th birthday on December 28, 2012 (except exhibition class) are eligible to participate in this championship.
For more information and online registration, please register through the official website of PB PGI at www.pbpgi.org.
Registration will close 14 December 2012, or sooner when all slots are taken.
Date: 26 - 28 December 2012
Place: Jagorawi Golf & Country Club (New Course)
| BOYS & GIRLS | Age | Max Course H'cap |
| AB & AG | 15-17 years | 15 down |
| BB & BG | 12-14 years | 18 down |
| CB & CG | 10-11 years | 22 down |
| Exhibition (ABE & AGE) | 18 - 21 years |
All junior golfers (boys and girls) from all over Indonesia who have not reached their 18th birthday on December 28, 2012 (except exhibition class) are eligible to participate in this championship.
For more information and online registration, please register through the official website of PB PGI at www.pbpgi.org.
Registration will close 14 December 2012, or sooner when all slots are taken.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Rory Hie Helps Asian Pacific In Victory Over China At Dongfeng Nissan Cup
SHENZHEN, China, Dec 2 - An Asia-Pacific select side rallied from behind with a string of powerful singles performances on Sunday to beat Team China 14 1/2 - 9 1/2 in the Ryder Cup-style Dongfeng Nissan Cup at the CTS Tycoon Club in Shenzhen, China.
Trailing 7-5 after the fourball and foursome rounds, the Asia-Pacific team won nine and halved one of the 12 singles matches to retain the trophy they claimed at the inaugural OneAsia event last year.
China's sole victories on the final day came from veteran Zhang Lianwei, considered the father of professional golf in the country, and Liang Wenchong, who succeeded him as the mainland's best and most successful player.
ut it was left to the next generation to lead the way on Sunday when China sent out 14-year-old amateur sensation Guan Tianlang in the first singles match against New Zealander Mark Brown -- who was winning tournaments before his young opponent was even born.
"He certainly has a future," Brown said after securing a 2 & 1 victory against Guan, who next year will be the youngest ever player to compete in the U.S. Masters having secured a spot by virtue of winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur championship last month.
"He plays so well that it's easy to forget just how young he is."
China has invested heavily in pulling together a national squad to fly the flag in Brazil when golf makes a return to the Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and their Dongfeng Nissan players form the backbone of that squad.
Newly named Olympic captain Liang Wenchong led by example and raced five-up against fellow OneAsia Order of Merit winner Andre Stolz before taking his foot off the gas and easing out a 3 & 1 winner.
In the third pair it was Indonesia's Rory Hie, who hadn't been able to contribute points on the first 2 days in the foursomes and four balls, against Ouyang Zhang. Even though Rory was 2 shots behind after just 6 holes, this didn't make him loose his concentration, as he was back at all square before the turn. After losing again on the 10th hole, he eventually took control of the match with 3 consecutive points on holes 11-14 to finish his game 2 & 1.
Jin Daxing managed to squeeze a half for China against Choo Tze Huang in the fourth match, but from then it was a procession in blue -- summed up by Jason Kang's 6 & 5 victory against Yuan Hao.
The biggest win of the day, however, belonged to the veteran Zhang, who was shaking hands on the 12th against Soushi Tajima after winning 7 & 5.
It was left to Asia-Pacific playing vice-captain Scott Laycock -- who didn't lose a match all weekend -- to wrap up the proceedings against Zhang Xinjun with a birdie putt on the 18th for a one-up victory.
"I am very proud of the way the players came together on the final day," said Asia-Pacific captain Peter Thomson, the legendary five-time Open Championship winner and the first Australian to be inducted in world golf's Hall of Fame.
"I wasn't sure we would be able to pull if off after the first two rounds, but the players buckled down and showed great character in the singles."
China captain Wang Jun said he was disappointed, but said the team would learn from the defeat.
"I hope we can come back stronger and next year score our first victory." Result
Asia-Pacific 14 1/2, China 9 1/2
Singles (Chinese names first): Guan Tianlang (A) lost to Mark Brown (2&1), Liang Wenchong beat Andre Stolz (3&1), Ouyang Zheng lost to Rory Hie (2&1), Jin Daxing halved with Choo Tze Huang, Zhou Guowu lost to Nicholas Fung (one up), Yuan Tian lost to Yosuke Tsukada (4&3), Wu Weihuang lost to Michael Long (3&2), Wu Kangchun lost to Wisut Artjanawat (3&2), Han Ren lost to Choi Jin-ho (3&2), Yuan Hao lost to Jason Kang (6&5), Zhang Lianwei beat Soshi Tajima (7&6), Zhang Xinjun Scott Laycock.
Trailing 7-5 after the fourball and foursome rounds, the Asia-Pacific team won nine and halved one of the 12 singles matches to retain the trophy they claimed at the inaugural OneAsia event last year.
China's sole victories on the final day came from veteran Zhang Lianwei, considered the father of professional golf in the country, and Liang Wenchong, who succeeded him as the mainland's best and most successful player.
ut it was left to the next generation to lead the way on Sunday when China sent out 14-year-old amateur sensation Guan Tianlang in the first singles match against New Zealander Mark Brown -- who was winning tournaments before his young opponent was even born.
"He certainly has a future," Brown said after securing a 2 & 1 victory against Guan, who next year will be the youngest ever player to compete in the U.S. Masters having secured a spot by virtue of winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur championship last month.
"He plays so well that it's easy to forget just how young he is."
China has invested heavily in pulling together a national squad to fly the flag in Brazil when golf makes a return to the Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and their Dongfeng Nissan players form the backbone of that squad.
Newly named Olympic captain Liang Wenchong led by example and raced five-up against fellow OneAsia Order of Merit winner Andre Stolz before taking his foot off the gas and easing out a 3 & 1 winner.
In the third pair it was Indonesia's Rory Hie, who hadn't been able to contribute points on the first 2 days in the foursomes and four balls, against Ouyang Zhang. Even though Rory was 2 shots behind after just 6 holes, this didn't make him loose his concentration, as he was back at all square before the turn. After losing again on the 10th hole, he eventually took control of the match with 3 consecutive points on holes 11-14 to finish his game 2 & 1.
Jin Daxing managed to squeeze a half for China against Choo Tze Huang in the fourth match, but from then it was a procession in blue -- summed up by Jason Kang's 6 & 5 victory against Yuan Hao.
The biggest win of the day, however, belonged to the veteran Zhang, who was shaking hands on the 12th against Soushi Tajima after winning 7 & 5.
It was left to Asia-Pacific playing vice-captain Scott Laycock -- who didn't lose a match all weekend -- to wrap up the proceedings against Zhang Xinjun with a birdie putt on the 18th for a one-up victory.
"I am very proud of the way the players came together on the final day," said Asia-Pacific captain Peter Thomson, the legendary five-time Open Championship winner and the first Australian to be inducted in world golf's Hall of Fame.
"I wasn't sure we would be able to pull if off after the first two rounds, but the players buckled down and showed great character in the singles."
China captain Wang Jun said he was disappointed, but said the team would learn from the defeat.
"I hope we can come back stronger and next year score our first victory." Result
Asia-Pacific 14 1/2, China 9 1/2
Singles (Chinese names first): Guan Tianlang (A) lost to Mark Brown (2&1), Liang Wenchong beat Andre Stolz (3&1), Ouyang Zheng lost to Rory Hie (2&1), Jin Daxing halved with Choo Tze Huang, Zhou Guowu lost to Nicholas Fung (one up), Yuan Tian lost to Yosuke Tsukada (4&3), Wu Weihuang lost to Michael Long (3&2), Wu Kangchun lost to Wisut Artjanawat (3&2), Han Ren lost to Choi Jin-ho (3&2), Yuan Hao lost to Jason Kang (6&5), Zhang Lianwei beat Soshi Tajima (7&6), Zhang Xinjun Scott Laycock.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Els And Daly Sign Up For CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters
Jakarta, November 21 - Major champions Ernie Els and big-hitting John Daly have confirmed their participation in the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in 2013.
Els, the reigning British Open champion and Daly, a two-time Major winner, will headline the event alongside the talented Asian Tour stars at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from May 2 to 5, 2013.
PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) was excited to continue their title sponsorship for the second year and emphasized their commitment to develop the game of golf in Indonesia.
“I am delighted that the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 will once again welcome some of the world’s best golfers. Ernie Els and John Daly are not only legends in golf but are also very popular and I am sure their presence will further enhance our country’s premier tournament. We are committed to developing golf in Indonesia and strongly believe that this event serves as a great platform for junior, amateur and professional golfers to aspire to,” said Arwin Rasyid, President Director of CIMB Niaga.
Els, also known as “Big Easy”, has won more than 60 professional tournaments around the world, including seven World Match Play titles and four Major victories. He captured his second British Open title at Royal Lytham and St Annes in July.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I love playing in Asia and I am excited about returning to Indonesia. I thoroughly enjoyed playing in Bali many years back and I am sure playing in Jakarta at Royale Jakarta will be as good an experience for me. My game is coming into form and I look forward to contending in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013”, said the South African.
Fan Favourite Daly is one of the most colorful and charismatic players. His “grip it and rip it” style of play will be put to test at the majestic Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I always enjoy playing on new courses. Indonesia and Royale Jakarta Golf Club have a great reputation for golf so I am looking forward to my first trip there in May next year. I am also looking forward to playing against some of the best golfers from the Asian Tour as well as my old friend Ernie Els who is a great guy. It will be a great week and hopefully I can put up a show for the fans,” said Daly.
A total of 156 players will compete in the US$750,000 event, with 120 from the Asian Tour and 20 from the Indonesia PGA (Professional Golfers Association of Indonesia). There will also be four invites going to the Amateur Golf Association of Indonesia (PGI), with one spot up for grabs to the winner of the event’s Amateur golf league which runs from January to March, 2013.
Indonesian Professional Golfer Association chairman Syafei Asnap said he expected Indonesian golfers to win the tournament. George Gandranata, Ian Andrew, Rinaldi Adiyandono and Suprapto, who won silver in the men’s group event at the 2011 SEA Games, began their professional career earlier this year.
Andik Mauludin, the only Indonesian to make the cut in the 2012 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, is also expected to play in next year’s tournament.
The Amateur League of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters offers amateurs the opportunity to play a minimum of three rounds at Royale Jakarta Golf Club within the qualifying period. Their average scores will be entered into an Order of Merit, which will rank their position on the event website, www.indonesianmasters.com. The winner of the Order of Merit on March 31st will progress to the main event.
“The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters continues to set new standards for golf in the nation, which is something that it has always done since its inauguration. With a list of great players attending the event, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has earned its place as a tournament that helps to build the foundations for the development of golf tournaments in Asia,” said Mari Pangestu, Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.
For the past two seasons, Royale Jakarta Golf Club has hosted the event and continues to be a great venue and challenge for the golfers.
“We are excited to continue attracting some of the region’s greatest golfers to our fairways and greens and to have names like Ernie Els and John Daly confirmed for the tournament is indeed an honor for our course”, said George Chandra, COO of Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “We are looking forward to the third edition of the CIMB Niaga Indonesia Masters. In a matter of a few years, the tournament has become a truly world-class championship and features prominently on the Asian Tour Schedule.
“As the premier event in Indonesia, we are grateful for the support from CIMB Niaga and also from Indonesia PGA and PGI who work closely with us towards developing golf at the highest level in Asia through the participation of Indonesian players in the tournament.”
England’s, Lee Westwood, triumphed in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS this year after completing 32 holes on the final day due to rain delays. Westwood managed to defend his title from 2011 and was clearly the favorite, finishing at 16-under, one shot ahead of Thailand’s, Thaworn Wiratchant.
CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will have widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out to over 200 countries and 650 million households on the Live, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World. Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, will also be broadcasting the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact to the golf industry and overall economy of Indonesia.
Partners include Title Sponsor CIMB Niaga, Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), Salonpas by Hisamitsu, BMW (Official Car), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), and San Miguel (Official Beer).
Els, the reigning British Open champion and Daly, a two-time Major winner, will headline the event alongside the talented Asian Tour stars at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from May 2 to 5, 2013.
PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) was excited to continue their title sponsorship for the second year and emphasized their commitment to develop the game of golf in Indonesia.
“I am delighted that the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 will once again welcome some of the world’s best golfers. Ernie Els and John Daly are not only legends in golf but are also very popular and I am sure their presence will further enhance our country’s premier tournament. We are committed to developing golf in Indonesia and strongly believe that this event serves as a great platform for junior, amateur and professional golfers to aspire to,” said Arwin Rasyid, President Director of CIMB Niaga.
Els, also known as “Big Easy”, has won more than 60 professional tournaments around the world, including seven World Match Play titles and four Major victories. He captured his second British Open title at Royal Lytham and St Annes in July.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I love playing in Asia and I am excited about returning to Indonesia. I thoroughly enjoyed playing in Bali many years back and I am sure playing in Jakarta at Royale Jakarta will be as good an experience for me. My game is coming into form and I look forward to contending in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013”, said the South African.
Fan Favourite Daly is one of the most colorful and charismatic players. His “grip it and rip it” style of play will be put to test at the majestic Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I always enjoy playing on new courses. Indonesia and Royale Jakarta Golf Club have a great reputation for golf so I am looking forward to my first trip there in May next year. I am also looking forward to playing against some of the best golfers from the Asian Tour as well as my old friend Ernie Els who is a great guy. It will be a great week and hopefully I can put up a show for the fans,” said Daly.
A total of 156 players will compete in the US$750,000 event, with 120 from the Asian Tour and 20 from the Indonesia PGA (Professional Golfers Association of Indonesia). There will also be four invites going to the Amateur Golf Association of Indonesia (PGI), with one spot up for grabs to the winner of the event’s Amateur golf league which runs from January to March, 2013.
Indonesian Professional Golfer Association chairman Syafei Asnap said he expected Indonesian golfers to win the tournament. George Gandranata, Ian Andrew, Rinaldi Adiyandono and Suprapto, who won silver in the men’s group event at the 2011 SEA Games, began their professional career earlier this year.
Andik Mauludin, the only Indonesian to make the cut in the 2012 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, is also expected to play in next year’s tournament.
The Amateur League of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters offers amateurs the opportunity to play a minimum of three rounds at Royale Jakarta Golf Club within the qualifying period. Their average scores will be entered into an Order of Merit, which will rank their position on the event website, www.indonesianmasters.com. The winner of the Order of Merit on March 31st will progress to the main event.
“The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters continues to set new standards for golf in the nation, which is something that it has always done since its inauguration. With a list of great players attending the event, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has earned its place as a tournament that helps to build the foundations for the development of golf tournaments in Asia,” said Mari Pangestu, Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.
For the past two seasons, Royale Jakarta Golf Club has hosted the event and continues to be a great venue and challenge for the golfers.
“We are excited to continue attracting some of the region’s greatest golfers to our fairways and greens and to have names like Ernie Els and John Daly confirmed for the tournament is indeed an honor for our course”, said George Chandra, COO of Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “We are looking forward to the third edition of the CIMB Niaga Indonesia Masters. In a matter of a few years, the tournament has become a truly world-class championship and features prominently on the Asian Tour Schedule.
“As the premier event in Indonesia, we are grateful for the support from CIMB Niaga and also from Indonesia PGA and PGI who work closely with us towards developing golf at the highest level in Asia through the participation of Indonesian players in the tournament.”
England’s, Lee Westwood, triumphed in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS this year after completing 32 holes on the final day due to rain delays. Westwood managed to defend his title from 2011 and was clearly the favorite, finishing at 16-under, one shot ahead of Thailand’s, Thaworn Wiratchant.
CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will have widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out to over 200 countries and 650 million households on the Live, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World. Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, will also be broadcasting the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact to the golf industry and overall economy of Indonesia.
Partners include Title Sponsor CIMB Niaga, Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), Salonpas by Hisamitsu, BMW (Official Car), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), and San Miguel (Official Beer).
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Stormy Finish At Padivalley Gowa Classic
Gowa, November 17 - Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert came of age today with a fine victory in the storm interrupted Gowa Classic on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
The promising young golfer registered his first win since turning professional in 2007 after shooting a three-under-par 69 to triumph by three shots over Singaporean rookie Choo Tze Huang, who also carded 69.
In a dramatic finish at Padivalley Golf Club, a lightning and heavy rain storm hit just as the final group, consisting of Annop, Choo and Thailand’s Pravee Visalkit walked off the 17th green.
Annop led by three from Choo at that stage but play was stopped for two hours and 15 minutes before both players returned to make par.
“I was a bit worried because I thought the delay would stop my flow,” said Annop.
“I made a par though so it went to plan. I didn’t really expect anything this week so I am really happy. It will be a big confidence boost.”
He finished with a four-round total of nine-under-par 279.
The 22-year-old started the day with a three shot lead and was never really threatened until the storm hit at about 2pm and left an element of uncertainty.
However, Annop so often in the shadow of his older brother Pavit, comfortably handled the situation.
“I will call my mum first before I call him (Pavit),” joked Annop, who is based at Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand.
Pavit, a regular on the ASEAN PGA Tour and OneAsia, chose not to play this week as he is at home in Thailand awaiting the arrival of his visa so that he can play in the final stage of the forthcoming Japan Tour qualifying school.
Annop picked up a cheque for US$16,675 while Choo earned US$11,350.
It was also the finest performance of Choo’s fledgling professional career.
He turned professional last November and despite a brilliant amateur career has found life in the paid ranks difficult.
Making the cut in last week’s US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open - where he won US$19,200 – appears to be a key turning point for the 25-year-old.
“I am really pleased with myself as I played very well,” said Choo.
“It is turning out to be a great finish to the year. I am learning all the time and being in the final group in the final round today for the first time in a pro event was good experience.”
He is Singapore’s most successful amateur, having won the individual title in the Putra Cup in 2006 and 2011, and now appears to be on his way to success as a professional.
Pravee returned a 71 to finish in third place five shots behind Annop.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, winner of last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title, finished in sole possession of fourth place on two-under for the tournament. He fired a 72.
Indonesians George Gandranata and Andik Mauluddin finished best for the host nation with a total score of 289 for a share of 7th place.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
The next event of the 2012/13 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour schedule is the US$75,000 Sabah Masters.
The tournament, won last year by Wisut, will be played at Sutera Harbour Golf Club from January 9 to 12, and is the final counting event for the Order of Merit.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
279 - Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70 67 69
282 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70 72 69
284 - Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71 70 71
286 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70 71 72
287 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72 73 69
288 - Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71 77 68
289 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 79 73 69 68, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70 70 72, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72 73 73, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71 71 74
290 - Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71 72 75
291 - Ian Andrew (INA) 74 77 73 67
292 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73 73 72
The promising young golfer registered his first win since turning professional in 2007 after shooting a three-under-par 69 to triumph by three shots over Singaporean rookie Choo Tze Huang, who also carded 69.
In a dramatic finish at Padivalley Golf Club, a lightning and heavy rain storm hit just as the final group, consisting of Annop, Choo and Thailand’s Pravee Visalkit walked off the 17th green.
Annop led by three from Choo at that stage but play was stopped for two hours and 15 minutes before both players returned to make par.
“I was a bit worried because I thought the delay would stop my flow,” said Annop.
“I made a par though so it went to plan. I didn’t really expect anything this week so I am really happy. It will be a big confidence boost.”
He finished with a four-round total of nine-under-par 279.
The 22-year-old started the day with a three shot lead and was never really threatened until the storm hit at about 2pm and left an element of uncertainty.
However, Annop so often in the shadow of his older brother Pavit, comfortably handled the situation.
“I will call my mum first before I call him (Pavit),” joked Annop, who is based at Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand.
Pavit, a regular on the ASEAN PGA Tour and OneAsia, chose not to play this week as he is at home in Thailand awaiting the arrival of his visa so that he can play in the final stage of the forthcoming Japan Tour qualifying school.
Annop picked up a cheque for US$16,675 while Choo earned US$11,350.
It was also the finest performance of Choo’s fledgling professional career.
He turned professional last November and despite a brilliant amateur career has found life in the paid ranks difficult.
Making the cut in last week’s US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open - where he won US$19,200 – appears to be a key turning point for the 25-year-old.
“I am really pleased with myself as I played very well,” said Choo.
“It is turning out to be a great finish to the year. I am learning all the time and being in the final group in the final round today for the first time in a pro event was good experience.”
He is Singapore’s most successful amateur, having won the individual title in the Putra Cup in 2006 and 2011, and now appears to be on his way to success as a professional.
Pravee returned a 71 to finish in third place five shots behind Annop.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, winner of last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title, finished in sole possession of fourth place on two-under for the tournament. He fired a 72.
Indonesians George Gandranata and Andik Mauluddin finished best for the host nation with a total score of 289 for a share of 7th place.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
The next event of the 2012/13 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour schedule is the US$75,000 Sabah Masters.
The tournament, won last year by Wisut, will be played at Sutera Harbour Golf Club from January 9 to 12, and is the final counting event for the Order of Merit.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
279 - Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70 67 69
282 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70 72 69
284 - Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71 70 71
286 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70 71 72
287 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72 73 69
288 - Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71 77 68
289 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 79 73 69 68, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70 70 72, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72 73 73, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71 71 74
290 - Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71 72 75
291 - Ian Andrew (INA) 74 77 73 67
292 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73 73 72
Friday, November 16, 2012
Andik Mauluddin Overtakes Gandranata In Podium Chase At Padivalley Gowa Classic
Gowa, November 16 - Annop Tangkamolprasert from Thailand took control of the US$100,000 Gowa Classic today by posting a third round five-under-par 67 for a three stroke lead.
The 22-year-old put himself in an excellent position to claim his maiden professional title by making an eagle, five birdies and just two bogeys.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Pravee Visalkit from Thailand lie in second place at Padivalley Golf Club.
Choo shot a 72 while Pravee carded 70 in the second from last event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit champion, returned a 71 and is four behind the front runner.
His compatriot Apichart Papitak, the leader after the first two rounds, tumbled down the leaderboard with an 82.
For the second day in a row a lengthy delay due to bad weather that lasted about two and a half hours hit as players were nearing the end of their rounds.
Annop was forced off the course on the 17th and returned later to birdie it although he dropped a shot on the last.
“I have been playing well for the past three months but today’s round is more than I expected,” said Annop, whose brother Pavit also plays on Tour.
The Thai golfer leads on six-under-par 210.
“I have never won as a professional so I feel quite nervous. My best finish is second in Thailand. I will just stick to my game plan, play safe and see what happens tomorrow.”
He turned professional in 2007 and plays his golf at Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand.
Rookie pro Choo is also in search if his first professional victory.
“It is great to be in this position. It is proving to be quite a test with these delays but I am staying patient and relaxed,” said 25-year-old Choo.
The Singaporean was the region’s top amateur before turning professional in November last year. He won the individual title in the Putra Cup in 2006 and 2011 and played college golf at the University of Washington.
Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin came in with 71 and is five behind Annop along with Kenneth De Silva from Malaysia who fired a 72.
Roby Sugara from Indonesia, who is based at Padivalley, shot a 66 for the best round of the week but is six over for the tournament.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
Leading third round scores:
210 - Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70 67
213 - Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71 70, Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70 72
214 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70 71
215 - Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71 71, Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71 72
216 - Benny Kasiadi (INA) 73 71 72, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72 73
217 - Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70 70
218 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72 73
219 - Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 71 74 74, Choengchai Panpumpo (THA) 70 74 75
220 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73 73, Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71 77
221 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 79 73 69, Egon Nielsen (THA) 75 73 73, Apichart Papitak (THA) 69 70 82
222 - Blair Wilson (AUS) 75 75 72, Roby Sugara (INA) 79 77 66
The 22-year-old put himself in an excellent position to claim his maiden professional title by making an eagle, five birdies and just two bogeys.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Pravee Visalkit from Thailand lie in second place at Padivalley Golf Club.
Choo shot a 72 while Pravee carded 70 in the second from last event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit champion, returned a 71 and is four behind the front runner.
His compatriot Apichart Papitak, the leader after the first two rounds, tumbled down the leaderboard with an 82.
For the second day in a row a lengthy delay due to bad weather that lasted about two and a half hours hit as players were nearing the end of their rounds.
Annop was forced off the course on the 17th and returned later to birdie it although he dropped a shot on the last.
“I have been playing well for the past three months but today’s round is more than I expected,” said Annop, whose brother Pavit also plays on Tour.
The Thai golfer leads on six-under-par 210.
“I have never won as a professional so I feel quite nervous. My best finish is second in Thailand. I will just stick to my game plan, play safe and see what happens tomorrow.”
He turned professional in 2007 and plays his golf at Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand.
Rookie pro Choo is also in search if his first professional victory.
“It is great to be in this position. It is proving to be quite a test with these delays but I am staying patient and relaxed,” said 25-year-old Choo.
The Singaporean was the region’s top amateur before turning professional in November last year. He won the individual title in the Putra Cup in 2006 and 2011 and played college golf at the University of Washington.
Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin came in with 71 and is five behind Annop along with Kenneth De Silva from Malaysia who fired a 72.
Roby Sugara from Indonesia, who is based at Padivalley, shot a 66 for the best round of the week but is six over for the tournament.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
Leading third round scores:
210 - Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70 67
213 - Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71 70, Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70 72
214 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70 71
215 - Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71 71, Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71 72
216 - Benny Kasiadi (INA) 73 71 72, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72 73
217 - Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70 70
218 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72 73
219 - Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 71 74 74, Choengchai Panpumpo (THA) 70 74 75
220 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73 73, Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71 77
221 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 79 73 69, Egon Nielsen (THA) 75 73 73, Apichart Papitak (THA) 69 70 82
222 - Blair Wilson (AUS) 75 75 72, Roby Sugara (INA) 79 77 66
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Gandranata Continues Chase For Top Spot At Padivalley Gowa Classic
Gowa, November 15 - Thailand’s Apichart Papitak maintained his lead at the halfway mark of the US$100,000 Gowa Classic today.
He carded a two-under-par 70 at Padivalley Golf Club to move to five-under for the tournament, which is the penultimate event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang is in second place, two shots behind, after also carding a 70.
First round leader Apichart, starting on the 10th, got off to a poor start and was three over after seven holes.
However, the 24-year-old stormed back into contention by making a birdie on the 18th followed by birdies on two, four, five and seven.
“I am just trying to play steady golf,” said Apichart, who turned professional in 2010.
“This is turning out to be one of my best tournaments and I am very excited to be in this position.”
His best finish on the ASEAN PGA Tour came in last year’s Sabah Masters when he tied for sixth.
Apichart enjoyed an impressive amateur career which was highlighted by being part of the Thai team that triumphed in the 2009 Putra Cup.
He had the privilege of being taught to play golf at the age of 12 by the great Boonchu Ruangkit at the Royal Army Course.
Inclement weather caused a two hour and 15 minutes delay mid way thru the round.
Choo was on the green of his last hole facing an eagle putt when players were called off the course. He returned later and two putted for a birdie, for his third birdie on the trot.
The rookie is still on a high after a fine performance in last week’s Barclays Singapore Open - where he made the cut and earned a cheque for US$19,200.
Said Choo: “My game has been up and down this year. It is because of my mental game. I have been trying too hard and putting pressure on myself. I have not been letting things go naturally. Last week was a big confidence boost for me. Playing on a hard course with the big guys gave me a mental boost.”
Lying in a tie for third place four shots off the lead are Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, Chawinroj Krobteeranon, Annop Tangkamolprasert, and Pravee Visalkit and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva and George Gandranata from Indonesia.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
Leading second round scores:
139 - Apichart Papitak (THA) 69 70
141 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70
143 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70, Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72, Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70, Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71
144 - Benny Kasiadi (INA) 73 71, Choengchai Panpumpo (THA) 70 74, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71
145 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72, Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 71 74
147 - Varit Chomchalam (THA) 76 71, Tanatchan Puaktes (THA) 76 71, Johannes Dermawan (INA) 74 73, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73
He carded a two-under-par 70 at Padivalley Golf Club to move to five-under for the tournament, which is the penultimate event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang is in second place, two shots behind, after also carding a 70.
First round leader Apichart, starting on the 10th, got off to a poor start and was three over after seven holes.
However, the 24-year-old stormed back into contention by making a birdie on the 18th followed by birdies on two, four, five and seven.
“I am just trying to play steady golf,” said Apichart, who turned professional in 2010.
“This is turning out to be one of my best tournaments and I am very excited to be in this position.”
His best finish on the ASEAN PGA Tour came in last year’s Sabah Masters when he tied for sixth.
Apichart enjoyed an impressive amateur career which was highlighted by being part of the Thai team that triumphed in the 2009 Putra Cup.
He had the privilege of being taught to play golf at the age of 12 by the great Boonchu Ruangkit at the Royal Army Course.
Inclement weather caused a two hour and 15 minutes delay mid way thru the round.
Choo was on the green of his last hole facing an eagle putt when players were called off the course. He returned later and two putted for a birdie, for his third birdie on the trot.
The rookie is still on a high after a fine performance in last week’s Barclays Singapore Open - where he made the cut and earned a cheque for US$19,200.
Said Choo: “My game has been up and down this year. It is because of my mental game. I have been trying too hard and putting pressure on myself. I have not been letting things go naturally. Last week was a big confidence boost for me. Playing on a hard course with the big guys gave me a mental boost.”
Lying in a tie for third place four shots off the lead are Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, Chawinroj Krobteeranon, Annop Tangkamolprasert, and Pravee Visalkit and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva and George Gandranata from Indonesia.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
Leading second round scores:
139 - Apichart Papitak (THA) 69 70
141 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70
143 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70, Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72, Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70, Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71
144 - Benny Kasiadi (INA) 73 71, Choengchai Panpumpo (THA) 70 74, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71
145 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72, Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 71 74
147 - Varit Chomchalam (THA) 76 71, Tanatchan Puaktes (THA) 76 71, Johannes Dermawan (INA) 74 73, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Gandranata And Kow In Hot Pursuit At Padivalley Gowa Classic
Gowa, November 14 - Thailand’s Apichart Papitak, taught to play golf by the great Boonchu Ruangkit, took the first round lead in the inaugural US$100,000 Gowa Classic today.
He carded a three-under-par 69 at Padivalley Golf Club on the ASEAN PGA Tour, while his countryman Choengchai Panpumpo fired a 70.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang, Wittawat Sae-Ung from Thailand, and Indonesians George Gandranata and amateur Elki Kow all shot 71.
“I went out in four under but then missed four short birdie putts on the back nine so it is a bit disappointing,” said Apichart.
“This is a really good golf course and great to play but it was very windy at times so that also made scoring hard. I haven’t played well this year so it is nice to make a good start.”
He made an eagle and two birdies on the outward half.
His eagle on the par-five seventh came after he reached the green with his five wood second shot and holed a huge 50 foot putt. His only bogey of the day came on the 11th.
The 24-year-old turned professional in 2010 a year after helping Thailand win the Putra Cup in a team that included Thanyakon Khrongpha.
“When I was 12 years old I first started playing golf at the Royal Army Course where Boonchu (Ruangkit) played and he gave me my first lessons. He spent seven years coaching me,” added Apichart.
Apichart has a long way to go to match the feats of Boonchu, who has triumphed twice in the Thailand Open in 1992 and 2004.
However, the Bangkok native showed today that he is starting to find his feet in the professional game.
Choo made a solid start clearly still boosted by a fine performance in last week’s Barclays Singapore Open that saw him make the cut and earn a handsome cheque for US$19,200.
Said Choo: “It was tough out there with the wind. I made a great up and down to save par on the last and help make a good start to the week. I am feeling focused and working hard at staying patient.”
Fellow rookie Gandranata, one of Indonesia’s rising stars, bounced back after a poor two over par front nine by touring the inward stretch in three under that included four birdies in the last seven holes.
“I hung in there and never gave up. That paid off. It is very important for me to play well in my country,” said Gandranata.
He was paired with Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, who won last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title.
Wisut shot a 73, an impressive round considering he arrived late last night and did not get a practice round on what is a brand new golf course.
Lidya Ivana Jaya, Indonesia’s only female professional, carded a commendable 84.
Leading first round scores:
69 - Apichart Papitak (THA)
70 - Choengchai Panpumpo (THA)
71 - Elki Kow (am) (INA), Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA), Choo Tze Huang (SIN), George Gandranata (INA)
72 - Hamzah Rachmadi (INA), Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA), Pravee Visalkit (THA), Kenneth De Silva (MAS)
73 - Andik Mauluddin (INA), Justin Han (SIN), Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Benny Kasiadi (INA), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Piya Swangarunporn (THA)
74 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA), Nguyen Thai Duong (VNM), Pornlapat Wongchindawest (THA), Jordan Irawan (am) (INA), Ian Andrew (INA), Johannes Dermawan (INA), Asep Caprie Supriyatna (INA)
He carded a three-under-par 69 at Padivalley Golf Club on the ASEAN PGA Tour, while his countryman Choengchai Panpumpo fired a 70.
Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang, Wittawat Sae-Ung from Thailand, and Indonesians George Gandranata and amateur Elki Kow all shot 71.
“I went out in four under but then missed four short birdie putts on the back nine so it is a bit disappointing,” said Apichart.
“This is a really good golf course and great to play but it was very windy at times so that also made scoring hard. I haven’t played well this year so it is nice to make a good start.”
He made an eagle and two birdies on the outward half.
His eagle on the par-five seventh came after he reached the green with his five wood second shot and holed a huge 50 foot putt. His only bogey of the day came on the 11th.
The 24-year-old turned professional in 2010 a year after helping Thailand win the Putra Cup in a team that included Thanyakon Khrongpha.
“When I was 12 years old I first started playing golf at the Royal Army Course where Boonchu (Ruangkit) played and he gave me my first lessons. He spent seven years coaching me,” added Apichart.
Apichart has a long way to go to match the feats of Boonchu, who has triumphed twice in the Thailand Open in 1992 and 2004.
However, the Bangkok native showed today that he is starting to find his feet in the professional game.
Choo made a solid start clearly still boosted by a fine performance in last week’s Barclays Singapore Open that saw him make the cut and earn a handsome cheque for US$19,200.
Said Choo: “It was tough out there with the wind. I made a great up and down to save par on the last and help make a good start to the week. I am feeling focused and working hard at staying patient.”
Fellow rookie Gandranata, one of Indonesia’s rising stars, bounced back after a poor two over par front nine by touring the inward stretch in three under that included four birdies in the last seven holes.
“I hung in there and never gave up. That paid off. It is very important for me to play well in my country,” said Gandranata.
He was paired with Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, who won last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title.
Wisut shot a 73, an impressive round considering he arrived late last night and did not get a practice round on what is a brand new golf course.
Lidya Ivana Jaya, Indonesia’s only female professional, carded a commendable 84.
Leading first round scores:
69 - Apichart Papitak (THA)
70 - Choengchai Panpumpo (THA)
71 - Elki Kow (am) (INA), Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA), Choo Tze Huang (SIN), George Gandranata (INA)
72 - Hamzah Rachmadi (INA), Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA), Pravee Visalkit (THA), Kenneth De Silva (MAS)
73 - Andik Mauluddin (INA), Justin Han (SIN), Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Benny Kasiadi (INA), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Piya Swangarunporn (THA)
74 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA), Nguyen Thai Duong (VNM), Pornlapat Wongchindawest (THA), Jordan Irawan (am) (INA), Ian Andrew (INA), Johannes Dermawan (INA), Asep Caprie Supriyatna (INA)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
George Gandranata Aiming For Victory At Inaugural Gowa Classic
Gowa, November 13 - Indonesian rookie George Gandranata has one huge advantage over his rivals in this week’s inaugural Gowa Classic at Padivalley Golf Club.
Last year he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in economics and as the great Bobby Jones once famously said: "Golf is 99% mental, and the other 1% is in your mind!"
The US$100,000 Gowa Classic, which tees off tomorrow, is the penultimate event on this year’s ASEAN PGA Tour.
Gandranata leads a strong field of players hoping to claim the top prize of US$16,675.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, winner of last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title, Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Koh Dengshan, and Malaysian Kenneth de Silva are some of the fancied runners.
Andik Mauludin and Benny Kasiadi lead the local challenge along with Gandranata.
Gandranata turned professional in January this year and has produced a number of strong performances including fourth place in last month’s Palembang Musi Championship, on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Said the 26-year-old: “I did well at university but I always knew I was going to turn pro. I love traveling and it is a good life. I am not really keen on being stuck in an office.”
In last year’s SEA Games he won bronze in the individual section which helped his country claim silver.
“This year could have been better. As a golfer we are never satisfied but considering this is my first year I am pretty happy with it. You have to put things into perspective. We are out here playing golf and it is a blessing,” said the Indonesian.
He was born in Jakarta but moved to high school in America when he was 15 where he excelled in the amateur game.
In 2009 he triumphed in the Northern Californian Amateur and the following year was successful in the San Francisco Championship - the oldest amateur tournament in the world – and the Alameda Commuters tournament. Those victories including 14 successive Matchplay wins.
He also played in the 2005 US Amateur, won by Italian Edoardo Molinari, and the 2009 US Amateur, where New Zealand’s Danny Lee triumphed.
Said Gandranata: “Next year my plan is to get full status on either OneAsia or the Asian Tour and within three or four years the European Tour or even the PGA Tour. We should dream big. Might as well right? What I have learned this year is to have fun. We do this week in and week out and you just have to enjoy it.”
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
The staging of the event has been made possible by the construction of Padivalley, which is a brand new golf club that the tournament will play an important role in launching.
“At Padivalley we believe we have built a golf course that will quickly become known as one of the finest in Indonesia,” said Felix Tandiawan, Director, Padivalley Golf Club.
Padivalley boasts a highly-rated 18-hole championship course designed by JMP Group. The club also has an impressive clubhouse with the Gowa highlands and their beautiful foothills providing a lush backdrop.
Last year he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in economics and as the great Bobby Jones once famously said: "Golf is 99% mental, and the other 1% is in your mind!"
The US$100,000 Gowa Classic, which tees off tomorrow, is the penultimate event on this year’s ASEAN PGA Tour.
Gandranata leads a strong field of players hoping to claim the top prize of US$16,675.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, winner of last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title, Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Koh Dengshan, and Malaysian Kenneth de Silva are some of the fancied runners.
Andik Mauludin and Benny Kasiadi lead the local challenge along with Gandranata.
Gandranata turned professional in January this year and has produced a number of strong performances including fourth place in last month’s Palembang Musi Championship, on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Said the 26-year-old: “I did well at university but I always knew I was going to turn pro. I love traveling and it is a good life. I am not really keen on being stuck in an office.”
In last year’s SEA Games he won bronze in the individual section which helped his country claim silver.
“This year could have been better. As a golfer we are never satisfied but considering this is my first year I am pretty happy with it. You have to put things into perspective. We are out here playing golf and it is a blessing,” said the Indonesian.
He was born in Jakarta but moved to high school in America when he was 15 where he excelled in the amateur game.
In 2009 he triumphed in the Northern Californian Amateur and the following year was successful in the San Francisco Championship - the oldest amateur tournament in the world – and the Alameda Commuters tournament. Those victories including 14 successive Matchplay wins.
He also played in the 2005 US Amateur, won by Italian Edoardo Molinari, and the 2009 US Amateur, where New Zealand’s Danny Lee triumphed.
Said Gandranata: “Next year my plan is to get full status on either OneAsia or the Asian Tour and within three or four years the European Tour or even the PGA Tour. We should dream big. Might as well right? What I have learned this year is to have fun. We do this week in and week out and you just have to enjoy it.”
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
The staging of the event has been made possible by the construction of Padivalley, which is a brand new golf club that the tournament will play an important role in launching.
“At Padivalley we believe we have built a golf course that will quickly become known as one of the finest in Indonesia,” said Felix Tandiawan, Director, Padivalley Golf Club.
Padivalley boasts a highly-rated 18-hole championship course designed by JMP Group. The club also has an impressive clubhouse with the Gowa highlands and their beautiful foothills providing a lush backdrop.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Indonesia Runner Up At World Golfers Championship
The spirit of national pride and prestige that embellishes World Golfers Championship was proudly borne by the winners of The 18th Amateur World Golfers Championship. In a runaway victory, Malaysia proudly raised the winning team trophy after finishing on an impressive 1191 Nett, 31 shots ahead of Indonesia who finished in 2nd place on 1230 Nett and South Africa Team 1 clipped their counterparts to finish in a proud 3rd place on 1243 Nett over the four day’s championship golf.
Abnormal storms and torrential rain across KZN played havoc with the conditions for play throughout the championship, but the golfers accepted the adverse golfing conditions as ‘par for the course’, kept their heads down and their eyes fixed on the trophy at stake.
Determination, perseverance and the ‘drive to win’ for TEAM South Africa culminated in a well deserved home victory in D Division for Andries Claassens who made the team for the second year in a row, and a 3rd placing for Babs Narsiah in the C Division. Sixteen-year-old sensation, Jessica Dreesbeimdieke from Namibia, brought the ‘girl power’ back to the A Division with her win, making it the second consecutive year that this flight has been won by a lady.
The WGI saw a dominating presence from the eastern countries throughout the championship with Sweden taking the trophy home for 2012. Close on their heels in second place was AM Bank 2 from Malaysia with Malaysia 1 claiming the third place on the podium.
In memory of the endearing, loving and kind spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that the founder of World Golfers Championship, Sven Tumba brought to the world of golf, the Sven Tumba Spirit Trophy is awarded to the team that embraces this same philosophy. This year, the ladies from Namibia return home with the trophy in recognition of their enthusiasm, playing the championship with a positive attitude and total compliance on all requirements.
In a further tribute to the vision of Sven Tumba to develop numeracy and literacy through sport, MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu, together with World Golf Events South Africa handed over a cheque for R100 000 to the Sven Tumba Education Fund in commitment to Sven’s legacy that every child has the right to grow up with love, with play, with sports and above all with education.
Commenting on the province’s hosting of The 18th Amateur World Golfers Championship, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, said, “In view that most of the golfers are people with premier standings in their respective countries and the world over, we see them as our social partners and ambassadors that will emerge out of this event with beautiful stories to share about KwaZulu-Natal with fellow compatriots and friends who consider visiting and investing in the province.”
Nils Nordh, CEO and Chairman of World Golfers Championship, said, “I am proud to report that the high standard of organisation and facilities has once again been achieved and that South Africa has been the perfect location for new golfers to the championship to tee-off for the first time.”
Craig Clay-Smith, spokesperson for World Golf Events South Africa, the local event owners and organisers, said, “The success and international acclaim for this year’s event is attributed to the joint collaboration of World Golf Events SA, Tourism Kwazulu-Natal, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, lead by the visionary MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu MPP and his unwavering support and belief in golf as a sport that promotes tourism and closes the divide between cultural diversity. A further thanks also goes out to Tsogo Sun for coming on board as the new host accommodation partner and to the Independent Newspaper Group and Business Report for their fantastic media coverage.”
The final results of The 18th Amateur World Golfers Championship are as follows:
CHAMPIONSHIP
The top 3 countries
0-5 Flighting
6-10 Flighting
11-15 Flighting
16-20 Flighting
21-25 Flighting
INVITATIONAL
The top 3 countries
0-5 Flighting
6-10 Flighting
11-15 Flighting
16-20 Flighting
21-25 Flighting
26-30 Flighting
Abnormal storms and torrential rain across KZN played havoc with the conditions for play throughout the championship, but the golfers accepted the adverse golfing conditions as ‘par for the course’, kept their heads down and their eyes fixed on the trophy at stake.
Determination, perseverance and the ‘drive to win’ for TEAM South Africa culminated in a well deserved home victory in D Division for Andries Claassens who made the team for the second year in a row, and a 3rd placing for Babs Narsiah in the C Division. Sixteen-year-old sensation, Jessica Dreesbeimdieke from Namibia, brought the ‘girl power’ back to the A Division with her win, making it the second consecutive year that this flight has been won by a lady.
The WGI saw a dominating presence from the eastern countries throughout the championship with Sweden taking the trophy home for 2012. Close on their heels in second place was AM Bank 2 from Malaysia with Malaysia 1 claiming the third place on the podium.
In memory of the endearing, loving and kind spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that the founder of World Golfers Championship, Sven Tumba brought to the world of golf, the Sven Tumba Spirit Trophy is awarded to the team that embraces this same philosophy. This year, the ladies from Namibia return home with the trophy in recognition of their enthusiasm, playing the championship with a positive attitude and total compliance on all requirements.
In a further tribute to the vision of Sven Tumba to develop numeracy and literacy through sport, MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu, together with World Golf Events South Africa handed over a cheque for R100 000 to the Sven Tumba Education Fund in commitment to Sven’s legacy that every child has the right to grow up with love, with play, with sports and above all with education.
Commenting on the province’s hosting of The 18th Amateur World Golfers Championship, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, said, “In view that most of the golfers are people with premier standings in their respective countries and the world over, we see them as our social partners and ambassadors that will emerge out of this event with beautiful stories to share about KwaZulu-Natal with fellow compatriots and friends who consider visiting and investing in the province.”
Nils Nordh, CEO and Chairman of World Golfers Championship, said, “I am proud to report that the high standard of organisation and facilities has once again been achieved and that South Africa has been the perfect location for new golfers to the championship to tee-off for the first time.”
Craig Clay-Smith, spokesperson for World Golf Events South Africa, the local event owners and organisers, said, “The success and international acclaim for this year’s event is attributed to the joint collaboration of World Golf Events SA, Tourism Kwazulu-Natal, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, lead by the visionary MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu MPP and his unwavering support and belief in golf as a sport that promotes tourism and closes the divide between cultural diversity. A further thanks also goes out to Tsogo Sun for coming on board as the new host accommodation partner and to the Independent Newspaper Group and Business Report for their fantastic media coverage.”
The final results of The 18th Amateur World Golfers Championship are as follows:
CHAMPIONSHIP
The top 3 countries
| 1st | Malaysia | 1191 Nett | |
| 2nd | Indonesia | 1230 Nett | |
| 3rd | South Africa 1 | 1243 Nett |
0-5 Flighting
| 1st | Jessica Dreesbeimdieke | Namibia | 300 Nett |
| 2nd | Vikkash Babu | Singapore | 306 Nett |
| 3rd | Nguyen Ngoc Bao | Vietnam | 307 Nett |
6-10 Flighting
| 1st | Pakhrudin Adb Majid | Malaysia | 291 Nett |
| 2nd | Butrinov Audrey | Russia | 304 Nett |
| 3rd | Sergey Gayduk | Armenia | 308 Nett |
11-15 Flighting
| 1st | F Wangdduoli | China | 294 Nett |
| 2nd | Wilna Bredenhann | Namibia | 303 Nett |
| 3rd | Babs Narsiah | South Africa | 306 Nett |
16-20 Flighting
| 1st | Andries Claassens | South Africa | 294 Nett |
| 2nd | Leornard Kim | Indonesia | 295 Nett |
| 3rd | Zainal Abidin Ujud | Malaysia | 299 Nett |
21-25 Flighting
| 1st | Chiang Sooi Yee | Malaysia | 289 Nett |
| T2nd | F Xuhong | China | 303 Nett |
| T2nd | Soh Seow Poh | Singapore | 303 Nett |
INVITATIONAL
The top 3 countries
| 1st | Sweden 1 | 597 Nett | |
| 2nd | AM Bank Malaysia 2 | 610 Nett | |
| 3rd | Malaysia 1 | 625 Nett |
0-5 Flighting
| 1st | Leif Jansson | Sweden | 310 Nett |
| 2nd | Hans Lichtenberg | Vietnam | 312 Nett |
| 3rd | Sue Dieners | Germany | 317 Nett |
6-10 Flighting
| 1st | Patrik Hogland | Sweden | 287 Nett |
| 2nd | Jari Siebenberg | Finland | 310 Nett |
| 3rd | Isac Saminathan | Malaysia | 311 Nett |
11-15 Flighting
| 1st | Farroul Hossey Adbullah | Malaysia | 314 Nett |
| 2nd | Hans Borgstrom | Sweden | 318 Nett |
| 3rd | Tomas Llanza Ortiz | Spain | 320 Nett |
16-20 Flighting
| 1st | Hamden A Rahman | Malaysia | 302 Nett |
| 2nd | Khamsiah Ahmad | Malaysia | 308 Nett |
| 3rd | Shaharudin Ismail | Malaysia | 310 Nett |
21-25 Flighting
| 1st | Indri Pietoyo | Indonesia | 320 Nett |
| 2nd | Krzysztof Materna | Poland | 326 Nett |
| 3rd | Sebastian Cheng Chee Yin | Singapore | 329 Nett |
26-30 Flighting
| 1st | Jason Dinata | Indonesia | 316 Nett |
| 2nd | Pawel Kubicki | Poland | 329 Nett |
| 3rd | Wlodzimierz Bryla | Poland | 332 Nett |
George Gandranata Aiming At Victory At PGM-MIDF-KLGCC Masters
Kuala Lumpur, November 7 - Talented hopefuls Jeremiah Kim of Malaysia and George Gandranata of Indonesia are taking aim at a maiden victory at the PGM-MIDF-KLGCC Masters, starting Thursday.
Kim and Gandranata, both playing in their first season as a professional, are among a strong cast gathered at the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000) event, which is the penultimate Asian Development Tour (ADT) tournament.
Peter Richardson of England, second on the Order of Merit, Ryan Bulloch of Australia and Chinese Taipei duo Hsieh Chi-hsien and Hsu Mong-nan, who finished tied second in Sarawak last week, will resume their Merit chase at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Meanwhile Kim, ranked 41st on the Order of Merit, is aware that the ADT offers more than just an Asian Tour card for 2013 as the top-15 players starting from fourth position on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn berths to the 2013 Qualifying School Final Stage in Thailand.
“I want to try and finish as high as I can on the Order of Merit. The goal is to earn an Asian Tour card but if I can’t do that, at least the ADT gives me the chance to skip the First Stage of Qualifying School and go straight to the Final stage,” said the 18-year-old.
With many young players earning their stripes on the Asian Tour, Kim is hopeful that he will follow in their footsteps in the future.
“I’m enjoying my time on the ADT but it is tough. There are many talented young players on the Asian Tour and I feel that I can get to their level too. All these come with experience which I’m getting on the ADT,” said Kim.
Gandranata hopes to accomplish his ultimate goal of winning an ADT title at the PGM-MIDF-KLGCC Masters.
“The goal hasn’t changed. I hope I can win one tournament but it isn’t as easy as it sounds. All these guys are good. In terms of goals, I’m still gunning for the win and an Asian Tour card,” said the 26-year-old.
Like Kim, the Indonesian has seen vast improvements in his game and was rewarded with two top-20s on the ADT this season.
“At the start of the year, I was gunning to make the cut but now I’m trying for top-10 or even to win. I’ve seen a lot of improvement. My scoring average is lower so there’s definitely an improvement,” added the Indonesian, who holds a Masters in economics from the University of Berkeley in California.
The ADT has grown from five events since its inauguration in 2010 and has expanded to a record of 13 events this year. The ADT will also be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking status in 2013 which is a huge boost for the development of the game in Asia.
Kim and Gandranata, both playing in their first season as a professional, are among a strong cast gathered at the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000) event, which is the penultimate Asian Development Tour (ADT) tournament.
Peter Richardson of England, second on the Order of Merit, Ryan Bulloch of Australia and Chinese Taipei duo Hsieh Chi-hsien and Hsu Mong-nan, who finished tied second in Sarawak last week, will resume their Merit chase at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Meanwhile Kim, ranked 41st on the Order of Merit, is aware that the ADT offers more than just an Asian Tour card for 2013 as the top-15 players starting from fourth position on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn berths to the 2013 Qualifying School Final Stage in Thailand.
“I want to try and finish as high as I can on the Order of Merit. The goal is to earn an Asian Tour card but if I can’t do that, at least the ADT gives me the chance to skip the First Stage of Qualifying School and go straight to the Final stage,” said the 18-year-old.
With many young players earning their stripes on the Asian Tour, Kim is hopeful that he will follow in their footsteps in the future.
“I’m enjoying my time on the ADT but it is tough. There are many talented young players on the Asian Tour and I feel that I can get to their level too. All these come with experience which I’m getting on the ADT,” said Kim.
Gandranata hopes to accomplish his ultimate goal of winning an ADT title at the PGM-MIDF-KLGCC Masters.
“The goal hasn’t changed. I hope I can win one tournament but it isn’t as easy as it sounds. All these guys are good. In terms of goals, I’m still gunning for the win and an Asian Tour card,” said the 26-year-old.
Like Kim, the Indonesian has seen vast improvements in his game and was rewarded with two top-20s on the ADT this season.
“At the start of the year, I was gunning to make the cut but now I’m trying for top-10 or even to win. I’ve seen a lot of improvement. My scoring average is lower so there’s definitely an improvement,” added the Indonesian, who holds a Masters in economics from the University of Berkeley in California.
The ADT has grown from five events since its inauguration in 2010 and has expanded to a record of 13 events this year. The ADT will also be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking status in 2013 which is a huge boost for the development of the game in Asia.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Inaugural Gowa Classic Launched On ASEAN PGA Tour
Makassar, November 1 - The ASEAN PGA Tour will once again chart new territory for professional golf in the region when it heads to the Gowa Classic in Makassar this month.
The US$100,000 tournament will be played at Padivalley Golf Club from November 14 to 17 and is the penultimate event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
The ASEAN PGA Tour has established a reputation for staging tournaments in cities and countries that are new to golf and Makassar is another fine example.
The Gowa Classic will be the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.
The staging of the event has been made possible by the construction of Padivalley, which is a brand new golf club that the tournament will play an important role in launching.
“At Padivalley we believe we have built a golf course that will quickly become known as one of the finest in Indonesia,” said Felix Tandiawan, Director, Padivalley Golf Club.
“We have already received excellent reviews about the course and clubhouse and so we are looking forward to unveiling our club to players on the ASEAN PGA Tour. The tournament provides us with an excellent opportunity to promote Padivalley in the early stages of its launch.”
Padivalley boasts a highly-rated 18-hole championship course designed by JMP Group. The club also has an impressive clubhouse with the Gowa highlands and their beautiful foothills providing a lush backdrop.
The starting field is currently being finalized but feature many leading players from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
“The debut of the Gowa Classic is another example of how golf is booming in all parts of Indonesia. The tournament is a truly welcome addition to the schedule for our local circuit and the ASEAN PGA Tour as it provides invaluable playing opportunities for members,” said Syafei Asnap, Chairman, Indonesia PGA.
For the Gowa Classic, like all ASEAN PGA events, a one-hour highlights show will be produced by World Sport Group and broadcast on ESPN.
“This year we staged a professional golf tournament in Laos for the first time and another first sees us heading to the wonderful city of Makassar. All the players and officials are truly looking forward to the Gowa Classic, a new tournament that has the potential to last for many years,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.
Last Sunday Malaysian Nicholas Fung won his second title on the ASEAN PGA Tour when he claimed the Palembang Musi Championship.
He fired a final round four-under-par 68 to beat Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul by two at Palembang Golf Club and move to the top of the money list.
The result meant Fung, Gunn and Filipino Jay Bayron qualified for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open next week as they are the leading three players from the money list.
The US$100,000 tournament will be played at Padivalley Golf Club from November 14 to 17 and is the penultimate event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
The ASEAN PGA Tour has established a reputation for staging tournaments in cities and countries that are new to golf and Makassar is another fine example.
The Gowa Classic will be the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.
The staging of the event has been made possible by the construction of Padivalley, which is a brand new golf club that the tournament will play an important role in launching.
“At Padivalley we believe we have built a golf course that will quickly become known as one of the finest in Indonesia,” said Felix Tandiawan, Director, Padivalley Golf Club.
“We have already received excellent reviews about the course and clubhouse and so we are looking forward to unveiling our club to players on the ASEAN PGA Tour. The tournament provides us with an excellent opportunity to promote Padivalley in the early stages of its launch.”
Padivalley boasts a highly-rated 18-hole championship course designed by JMP Group. The club also has an impressive clubhouse with the Gowa highlands and their beautiful foothills providing a lush backdrop.
The starting field is currently being finalized but feature many leading players from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
“The debut of the Gowa Classic is another example of how golf is booming in all parts of Indonesia. The tournament is a truly welcome addition to the schedule for our local circuit and the ASEAN PGA Tour as it provides invaluable playing opportunities for members,” said Syafei Asnap, Chairman, Indonesia PGA.
For the Gowa Classic, like all ASEAN PGA events, a one-hour highlights show will be produced by World Sport Group and broadcast on ESPN.
“This year we staged a professional golf tournament in Laos for the first time and another first sees us heading to the wonderful city of Makassar. All the players and officials are truly looking forward to the Gowa Classic, a new tournament that has the potential to last for many years,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.
Last Sunday Malaysian Nicholas Fung won his second title on the ASEAN PGA Tour when he claimed the Palembang Musi Championship.
He fired a final round four-under-par 68 to beat Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul by two at Palembang Golf Club and move to the top of the money list.
The result meant Fung, Gunn and Filipino Jay Bayron qualified for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open next week as they are the leading three players from the money list.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Indonesian Junior Golfer Inspires CIMB To Engage In Charity
Kuala Lumpur, 30 October 2012 - Twenty-three top junior golfers from the ASEAN region were honoured at the CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme player recognition ceremony last week.
Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, group chief executive of CIMB Group, presented certificates of achievement to the top juniors in this year’s CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme.
The juniors were honoured for their numerous successes in local, regional and international tournaments.
Among the recipients were Thailand’s Puwit Anupansuebsai, who won the World Masters of Junior Golf Tournament 2012 in the Boys 11-12 years category; Benyapa Niphatsophon, also of Thailand, winner of the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship 2012 in the girls’ 15-17 age category; and Indonesia’s Jordan Surya Irawan, the youngest participant at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2012. All three were successful at the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship 2012 (EJWJGC), held last June at Pantai Indah Kapuk course, as well.
Ten Malaysian juniors were also among the recipients of the certificates of achievement, including Sarfina Seretharan (pic), Loy Hee Ying, Natasha Andrea Oon, Albright Chong, Ervin Chang and Paul San.
Raja Noorma Othman, the chief executive officer of CIMB Foundation, said: “When we assumed the title sponsorship of the CIMB Classic in 2010, we launched the CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme to inspire a generation of juniors to pursue their dreams of playing professional golf at the highest level.
“Judging from the quality of achievements that has been accomplished by these junior golfers today, I firmly believe that we are moving rapidly towards seeing these juniors becoming top professionals,” she said.
CIMB Foundation also donated RM50,000 to the IJN Foundation and it will go towards providing cardiac treatment for underprivileged children.
The idea of funding medical treatment for children was inspired by an essay penned by Indonesia’s Paquita Gadin, who had written about her vision of providing free medical treatment to needy children when she reaches the top echelons of professional golf.
Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, group chief executive of CIMB Group, presented certificates of achievement to the top juniors in this year’s CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme.
The juniors were honoured for their numerous successes in local, regional and international tournaments.
Among the recipients were Thailand’s Puwit Anupansuebsai, who won the World Masters of Junior Golf Tournament 2012 in the Boys 11-12 years category; Benyapa Niphatsophon, also of Thailand, winner of the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship 2012 in the girls’ 15-17 age category; and Indonesia’s Jordan Surya Irawan, the youngest participant at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2012. All three were successful at the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship 2012 (EJWJGC), held last June at Pantai Indah Kapuk course, as well.
Ten Malaysian juniors were also among the recipients of the certificates of achievement, including Sarfina Seretharan (pic), Loy Hee Ying, Natasha Andrea Oon, Albright Chong, Ervin Chang and Paul San.
Raja Noorma Othman, the chief executive officer of CIMB Foundation, said: “When we assumed the title sponsorship of the CIMB Classic in 2010, we launched the CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme to inspire a generation of juniors to pursue their dreams of playing professional golf at the highest level.
“Judging from the quality of achievements that has been accomplished by these junior golfers today, I firmly believe that we are moving rapidly towards seeing these juniors becoming top professionals,” she said.
CIMB Foundation also donated RM50,000 to the IJN Foundation and it will go towards providing cardiac treatment for underprivileged children.
The idea of funding medical treatment for children was inspired by an essay penned by Indonesia’s Paquita Gadin, who had written about her vision of providing free medical treatment to needy children when she reaches the top echelons of professional golf.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
George Gandranata Just Misses Podium As Fung Wins Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang, October 27 - Malaysian Nicholas Fung ended a frustrating run of second place finishes by winning the US$150,000 Palembang Musi Championship today.
He fired a final round four-under-par 68 to beat Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul by two at Palembang Golf Club.
Gunn came in with a 70 in the ASEAN PGA Tour’s richest event of the season.
The result was retribution for Fung as he was beaten by his Thai opponent in a sudden-death play-off in the previous ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Singha Esan Open in August.
Antonio Lascuna from the Philippines claimed third place after shooting a 66. He finished two shots behind Gunn.
George Gandranata ended as the leading Indonesian in fourth after returning 69.
The result meant Fung, Gunn and Filipino Jay Bayron qualify for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks as they are the leading three players from the money list.
“This is fantastic,” said Fung, who finished 18 under for the tournament.
“Gunn has been playing so well so it gives me a lot of confidence. Now I get to play in the Barclays Singapore Open. It is my dream to play with Phil Mickelson.”
Fung was two shots behind playing partner Gunn at the turn but he stormed ahead with a birdie on 11 and an eagle on the par-five 14th.
While the Malaysian was charging Gunn bogeyed the 13th to see the title slip away.
Said Gunn: “It was raining for a few holes on the back nine and that really put me off. I am not used to it. It was my first time playing in rain in a tournament. I am not too disappointed as I get to play in the Singapore Open.”
Fung claimed a cheque for US$24,050, to move to the top of the Merit list, while Gunn earned US$16,465.
Fung, aged 22, also won the PGM Negeri Sembilan Classic on the Malaysian local circuit last week and will thus head to Singapore brimming with confidence.
He won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam in 2010, which was his rookie year, and following that he finished runner-up on four occasions including in last year’s Palembang Musi Championship.
Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin, Mardan Mamat from Singapore, and Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and Varut Chomchalam tied for fifth.
Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand returned a 71 to finished tied for ninth.
Indonesia's top golfer Rory Hie kept improving his score and managed to finish just outside the top ten after carding a 67.
The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the US$100,000 Gowa Padivalley Classic in Makassar, Indonesia.
The tournament is the penultimate event of the season and will be played at Padivalley Golf Club.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
270 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68 66 68
272 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70 67 70
274 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69 70 66
277 - George Gandranata (INA) 67 74 67 69
279 - Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70 74 68, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70 69 68, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71 72 66 70, Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69 67 71
281 - Andi Yatmo (INA) 70 71 72 68, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67 72 71
282 - Rory Hie (INA) 75 71 69 67, Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 73 70 70 69, S. Murthy (MAS) 73 70 69 70, S Siva Chandran (MAS) 68 75 69 70, Jay Bayron (PHI) 72 71 67 72, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70 72 73
283 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69 69 77
He fired a final round four-under-par 68 to beat Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul by two at Palembang Golf Club.
Gunn came in with a 70 in the ASEAN PGA Tour’s richest event of the season.
The result was retribution for Fung as he was beaten by his Thai opponent in a sudden-death play-off in the previous ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Singha Esan Open in August.
Antonio Lascuna from the Philippines claimed third place after shooting a 66. He finished two shots behind Gunn.
George Gandranata ended as the leading Indonesian in fourth after returning 69.
The result meant Fung, Gunn and Filipino Jay Bayron qualify for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks as they are the leading three players from the money list.
“This is fantastic,” said Fung, who finished 18 under for the tournament.
“Gunn has been playing so well so it gives me a lot of confidence. Now I get to play in the Barclays Singapore Open. It is my dream to play with Phil Mickelson.”
Fung was two shots behind playing partner Gunn at the turn but he stormed ahead with a birdie on 11 and an eagle on the par-five 14th.
While the Malaysian was charging Gunn bogeyed the 13th to see the title slip away.
Said Gunn: “It was raining for a few holes on the back nine and that really put me off. I am not used to it. It was my first time playing in rain in a tournament. I am not too disappointed as I get to play in the Singapore Open.”
Fung claimed a cheque for US$24,050, to move to the top of the Merit list, while Gunn earned US$16,465.
Fung, aged 22, also won the PGM Negeri Sembilan Classic on the Malaysian local circuit last week and will thus head to Singapore brimming with confidence.
He won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam in 2010, which was his rookie year, and following that he finished runner-up on four occasions including in last year’s Palembang Musi Championship.
Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin, Mardan Mamat from Singapore, and Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and Varut Chomchalam tied for fifth.
Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand returned a 71 to finished tied for ninth.
Indonesia's top golfer Rory Hie kept improving his score and managed to finish just outside the top ten after carding a 67.
The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the US$100,000 Gowa Padivalley Classic in Makassar, Indonesia.
The tournament is the penultimate event of the season and will be played at Padivalley Golf Club.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
270 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68 66 68
272 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70 67 70
274 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69 70 66
277 - George Gandranata (INA) 67 74 67 69
279 - Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70 74 68, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70 69 68, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71 72 66 70, Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69 67 71
281 - Andi Yatmo (INA) 70 71 72 68, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67 72 71
282 - Rory Hie (INA) 75 71 69 67, Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 73 70 70 69, S. Murthy (MAS) 73 70 69 70, S Siva Chandran (MAS) 68 75 69 70, Jay Bayron (PHI) 72 71 67 72, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70 72 73
283 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69 69 77
Friday, October 26, 2012
George Gandranata Aiming For Podium At Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang, October 26 - Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul and Nicholas Fung from Malaysia moved into a share of the lead in the US$150,000 Palembang Musi Championship today to set up their second successive final day face off.
Gunn beat Fung in a sudden-death play-off in the previous ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Singha Esan Open in August, and with a four shot lead over the rest of the field they are set for another exciting showdown.
The Thai golfer started the day with a one shot lead over Fung at Palembang Golf Club and shot a five-under-par 67.
Fung caught him with a 66 to leave them tied on 14-under-par 202.
“I am a bit disappointed as I made a great eagle on 14 to lead after holing a 25 yard chip shot but then I three putted the next for a bogey,” said 20-year-old Gunn.
“Fung came at me with a lot of birdies today so I am happy I responded well.”
His victory in the Singha Esan Open was his first win since turning professional last year. He claimed an event last week on the local Thai tour, also in a play-off, to quickly establish himself as one of his country’s most exciting young players.
Fung finished second here last year finishing five shots behind Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat.
“Let’s start the play-off now,” joked Fung.
Like Gunn he has triumphed once before on the ASEAN PGA Tour, in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam, and with a host of other top finishes he is hungry for victory.
“It will be tough to win though as Gunn is playing really well but I really want to catch him this time,” added Fung.
Both players also have an eye on qualification for the Barclays Singapore Open from November 8 to 11.
The leading three players on the ASEAN PGA Order of Merit after this event make it through to the US$6 million tournament at Sentosa Golf Club.
Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list while Fung is fifth, although in third qualification spot as two players above him have gained entry via other channels.
However with first place worth US$24,050, second US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50 much could change in the final round.
Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn, 19th on the Merit list and looking leapfrog dozens of players, is in outright third place after shooting 69.
Two strokes further back are Thailand’s Varut Chomchalam (67), Antonio Lascuna (70) from the Philippines, and Indonesian George Gandranata (67) who recovered from a poor showing yesterday to get back in contention for a podium finish.
Defending champion Wisut fired a 72 and is eight behind the leaders.
He is a stroke ahead of Singapore’s Mardan Mamat who carded a 69.
“I have been hitting the ball really well but just can’t hole a putt. It is a short course so that is why scoring is low but you still need to get the putter working,” said the 44-year-old, who won the Philippine Open earlier this year.
Indonesia's number one player Rory Hie (69) continued his charge and climbed further to a share of 20th, just two shots behind countrymen Andi Yatmo (72) and Andik Mauluddin (74).
Leading third round scores (Par 72):
202 Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68 66, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70 67
206 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69 69
208 Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69 67, George Gandranata (INA) 67 74 67, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69 70
209 Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71 72 66, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70 72
210 Jay Bayron (PHI) 72 71 67, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67 72
211 Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70 69
212 S Siva Chandran (MAS) 68 75 69, S. Murthy (MAS) 73 70 69, Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 67 74 71
213 Mohd Rashid Ismail (MAS) 75 70 68, Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 73 70 70, Andi Yatmo (INA) 70 71 72, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70 74
214 Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 72 72 70
215 Rory Hie (INA) 75 71 69, Mohd Hafiy Afiq Suhaili (MAS) 72 70 73
Gunn beat Fung in a sudden-death play-off in the previous ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Singha Esan Open in August, and with a four shot lead over the rest of the field they are set for another exciting showdown.
The Thai golfer started the day with a one shot lead over Fung at Palembang Golf Club and shot a five-under-par 67.
Fung caught him with a 66 to leave them tied on 14-under-par 202.
“I am a bit disappointed as I made a great eagle on 14 to lead after holing a 25 yard chip shot but then I three putted the next for a bogey,” said 20-year-old Gunn.
“Fung came at me with a lot of birdies today so I am happy I responded well.”
His victory in the Singha Esan Open was his first win since turning professional last year. He claimed an event last week on the local Thai tour, also in a play-off, to quickly establish himself as one of his country’s most exciting young players.
Fung finished second here last year finishing five shots behind Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat.
“Let’s start the play-off now,” joked Fung.
Like Gunn he has triumphed once before on the ASEAN PGA Tour, in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam, and with a host of other top finishes he is hungry for victory.
“It will be tough to win though as Gunn is playing really well but I really want to catch him this time,” added Fung.
Both players also have an eye on qualification for the Barclays Singapore Open from November 8 to 11.
The leading three players on the ASEAN PGA Order of Merit after this event make it through to the US$6 million tournament at Sentosa Golf Club.
Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list while Fung is fifth, although in third qualification spot as two players above him have gained entry via other channels.
However with first place worth US$24,050, second US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50 much could change in the final round.
Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn, 19th on the Merit list and looking leapfrog dozens of players, is in outright third place after shooting 69.
Two strokes further back are Thailand’s Varut Chomchalam (67), Antonio Lascuna (70) from the Philippines, and Indonesian George Gandranata (67) who recovered from a poor showing yesterday to get back in contention for a podium finish.
Defending champion Wisut fired a 72 and is eight behind the leaders.
He is a stroke ahead of Singapore’s Mardan Mamat who carded a 69.
“I have been hitting the ball really well but just can’t hole a putt. It is a short course so that is why scoring is low but you still need to get the putter working,” said the 44-year-old, who won the Philippine Open earlier this year.
Indonesia's number one player Rory Hie (69) continued his charge and climbed further to a share of 20th, just two shots behind countrymen Andi Yatmo (72) and Andik Mauluddin (74).
Leading third round scores (Par 72):
202 Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68 66, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70 67
206 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69 69
208 Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69 67, George Gandranata (INA) 67 74 67, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69 70
209 Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71 72 66, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70 72
210 Jay Bayron (PHI) 72 71 67, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67 72
211 Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70 69
212 S Siva Chandran (MAS) 68 75 69, S. Murthy (MAS) 73 70 69, Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 67 74 71
213 Mohd Rashid Ismail (MAS) 75 70 68, Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 73 70 70, Andi Yatmo (INA) 70 71 72, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70 74
214 Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 72 72 70
215 Rory Hie (INA) 75 71 69, Mohd Hafiy Afiq Suhaili (MAS) 72 70 73
Indonesians Out-Gunn-ed At Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang, October 25 - Gunn Charoenkul stayed in front at the halfway mark of the Palembang Musi Championship displaying a calm coolness that has seen him emerge as one of the stars on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
The Thai carded a two-under-par 70 at Palembang Golf Club to lead the US$150,000 event on nine-under-par 135.
Malaysian Nicholas Fung, second in this event last year, carded a 68 to lie one stroke off the lead.
Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn and Annop Tangkamolprasert finished a stroke further back after returning rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.
In August, Gunn burst through with a brilliant wire-to-wire victory in the Singha Esan Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
It was the 20-year-old’s first win as a professional and he did it by beating Fung in a sudden-death play-off.
On his final hole today he holed a 25-foot birdie putt to once again squeeze ahead of his Malaysian opponent.
“I really didn’t expect to win in Esan. This year I just wanted to work on keeping my Tour card. Winning was a real shock but also a great learning experience,” said Gunn, whose uncle “Tu” is caddying for him.
Gunn, who claimed a title on the Thai PGA Tour last week also in a playoff, has an eye on the top prize and qualification for the Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks.
The leading three players on the Order of Merit after this event qualify for the US$6 million event at Sentosa Golf Club.
Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list but with first place worth US$24,050, second US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50, a host of players are in with a chance.
“This is going to be a tough last two rounds, perhaps more than Esan, because we are chasing a place in the Barclays Singapore Open. I am going to have to keep my head down and stick with the game. However I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself,” added Gunn.
Fung returned a bogey free round to give himself a chance of turning the tables on Gunn.
“I feel very comfortable on this course. I am playing well and feel I have a great chance this week,” said Fung.
The Malaysian is fifth on the Merit list but with two players above him gaining entry into the Singapore Open via other channels he presently holds the third qualifying spot.
He said: “There is a lot at stake but this is what we like to play for. This is what makes it exciting”.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat who won this tournament last year by five strokes from Fung made his move by firing a 67.
Wisut, who went on to win the Order of Merit title, moved to six under along with Filipino Antonio Lascuna, who carded a 69.
Singapore’s Mardan Mamat fired a 70 to lie at two under for the tournament. The 44-year-old triumphed in the Philippine Open in February and PGM-CCM Impian Masters in Malaysia in March and will be expected to make a challenge over the next two days.
George Gandranata couldn't repeat the good round from yesterday and dropped to a share of ninth after a round of 74 today. He was surpassed by countrymen Junaidi Ibrahim and Andik Mauluddin who both carded a 70 today and now share 7th place together.
Meanwhile Indonesia's no 1 golfer Rory Hie was able to improve somewhat from his 75 yesterday with a 71 today, but still is in just a share of 39th position at the midpoint.
Leading second round scores (Par 72):
135 Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70
136 Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68
137 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70
138 Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67
139 Junaidi Ibrahim (INA) 69 70, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70
141 Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 67 74, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 66 75, Andi Yatmo (INA)70 71, George Gandranata (INA) 67 74, Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69
142 Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70, Mohd Hafiy Afiq Suhaili (MAS) 72 70
Selected:
144 Maan Nasim (INA) 73 71, Hendri Nasim (INA) 72 72, Benny Kasiadi (INA) 72 72
145 Hermawan Indra (INA) 70 75, Edi Sembiring (INA) 76 69, Ilyasyak (INA) 73 72
146 Heri Ki (INA) 71 75, Johannes Dermawan (INA) 74 72, Rory Hie (INA) 75 71
The Thai carded a two-under-par 70 at Palembang Golf Club to lead the US$150,000 event on nine-under-par 135.
Malaysian Nicholas Fung, second in this event last year, carded a 68 to lie one stroke off the lead.
Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn and Annop Tangkamolprasert finished a stroke further back after returning rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.
In August, Gunn burst through with a brilliant wire-to-wire victory in the Singha Esan Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
It was the 20-year-old’s first win as a professional and he did it by beating Fung in a sudden-death play-off.
On his final hole today he holed a 25-foot birdie putt to once again squeeze ahead of his Malaysian opponent.
“I really didn’t expect to win in Esan. This year I just wanted to work on keeping my Tour card. Winning was a real shock but also a great learning experience,” said Gunn, whose uncle “Tu” is caddying for him.
Gunn, who claimed a title on the Thai PGA Tour last week also in a playoff, has an eye on the top prize and qualification for the Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks.
The leading three players on the Order of Merit after this event qualify for the US$6 million event at Sentosa Golf Club.
Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list but with first place worth US$24,050, second US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50, a host of players are in with a chance.
“This is going to be a tough last two rounds, perhaps more than Esan, because we are chasing a place in the Barclays Singapore Open. I am going to have to keep my head down and stick with the game. However I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself,” added Gunn.
Fung returned a bogey free round to give himself a chance of turning the tables on Gunn.
“I feel very comfortable on this course. I am playing well and feel I have a great chance this week,” said Fung.
The Malaysian is fifth on the Merit list but with two players above him gaining entry into the Singapore Open via other channels he presently holds the third qualifying spot.
He said: “There is a lot at stake but this is what we like to play for. This is what makes it exciting”.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat who won this tournament last year by five strokes from Fung made his move by firing a 67.
Wisut, who went on to win the Order of Merit title, moved to six under along with Filipino Antonio Lascuna, who carded a 69.
Singapore’s Mardan Mamat fired a 70 to lie at two under for the tournament. The 44-year-old triumphed in the Philippine Open in February and PGM-CCM Impian Masters in Malaysia in March and will be expected to make a challenge over the next two days.
George Gandranata couldn't repeat the good round from yesterday and dropped to a share of ninth after a round of 74 today. He was surpassed by countrymen Junaidi Ibrahim and Andik Mauluddin who both carded a 70 today and now share 7th place together.
Meanwhile Indonesia's no 1 golfer Rory Hie was able to improve somewhat from his 75 yesterday with a 71 today, but still is in just a share of 39th position at the midpoint.
Leading second round scores (Par 72):
135 Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70
136 Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68
137 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70
138 Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67
139 Junaidi Ibrahim (INA) 69 70, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70
141 Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 67 74, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 66 75, Andi Yatmo (INA)70 71, George Gandranata (INA) 67 74, Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69
142 Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70, Mohd Hafiy Afiq Suhaili (MAS) 72 70
Selected:
144 Maan Nasim (INA) 73 71, Hendri Nasim (INA) 72 72, Benny Kasiadi (INA) 72 72
145 Hermawan Indra (INA) 70 75, Edi Sembiring (INA) 76 69, Ilyasyak (INA) 73 72
146 Heri Ki (INA) 71 75, Johannes Dermawan (INA) 74 72, Rory Hie (INA) 75 71
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
George Gandranata Fighting Thai Invasion In Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang, October 24 - Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to take the first round lead in the Palembang Musi Championship.
Gunn, full of confidence following victory on the Thai PGA Tour last week, made seven birdies at Palembang Golf Club to lead from his compatriot Pawin Ingkhapradit, who shot 66.
Indonesia’s George Gandranata and Annop Tangkamolprasert and Panuwat Muenlek from Thailand are in joint third place after carding 67s.
Boasting prize money of US$150,000 the tournament is the richest event on this year’s ASEAN PGA Tour.
It is also the final counting event for the Barclays Singapore Open with the leading three players on the Order of Merit qualifying for the US$6 million event in two weeks.
Gunn, aged 20, won the Singha Esan Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour in August for his first win since turning professional last year.
He won that event in a play-off, against Malaysian Nicholas Fung, plus he also triumphed in extra time last week in the Sir James Classic and after today’s sizzling round it looks like he will again be challenging for honours.
“Got the birdies going and had a bogey free round so I am happy with that,” said Gunn.
“The greens are a bit slow and the course is not that hard because we are playing preferred lies.”
The talent young Thai is halfway through studying business at Bangkok University and will graduate at the end of 2014.
However, after an impressive start to his professional career he may not need to rely on academic qualifications.
Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list and his fine first round means he is in a strong position to qualify for the Singapore Open, which will be played from November 8 to 11.
First place this week is worth US$24,050, second is US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50, meaning the race to qualify for Sentosa Golf Club is wide open.
“I really want to make it through to the Barclays Singapore Open. That really is a huge goal this week with so many in with a chance of making it through.”
Gunn says his success is the result of a huge improvement in his putting.
He said: “I have been working really hard on my putting with my father. I have been working on making a bigger arc as I used to have a really short follow through.”
Fung, who was second here last year, returned a 68 along with S. Siva Chandran from Malaysia and Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn.
Piya went out in six-under-par 30 but struggled home in two over.
Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, winner by five shots last season, came in with a 71 while Indonesia number one Rory Hie carded a 74.
Leading first round scores (Par 72):
65 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA)
66 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA)
67 - George Gandranata (INA), Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Panuwat Muenlek (THA)
68 - S Siva Chandran (MAS), Piya Swangarunporn (THA), Nicholas Fung (MAS)
69 - Andik Mauluddin (INA), Borworn Chaisri (THA), Junaidi Ibrahim (INA), Antonio Lascuna (PHI)
70 - Andi Yatmo (INA), Sirapong Maitreeyuenyong (THA), Indra Hermawan (INA), Stephen Lindskog (SWE)
71 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA), Jamel Ondo (INA), Alwie Ramadhan (INA), Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA), Denny A Wijaya (INA), Nguyen Thai Duong (VNM), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Heri KL (INA)
Selected:
72 – Mardan Mamat (SIN), Jay Bayron (PHI)
75 - Rory Hie (INA)
Gunn, full of confidence following victory on the Thai PGA Tour last week, made seven birdies at Palembang Golf Club to lead from his compatriot Pawin Ingkhapradit, who shot 66.
Indonesia’s George Gandranata and Annop Tangkamolprasert and Panuwat Muenlek from Thailand are in joint third place after carding 67s.
Boasting prize money of US$150,000 the tournament is the richest event on this year’s ASEAN PGA Tour.
It is also the final counting event for the Barclays Singapore Open with the leading three players on the Order of Merit qualifying for the US$6 million event in two weeks.
Gunn, aged 20, won the Singha Esan Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour in August for his first win since turning professional last year.
He won that event in a play-off, against Malaysian Nicholas Fung, plus he also triumphed in extra time last week in the Sir James Classic and after today’s sizzling round it looks like he will again be challenging for honours.
“Got the birdies going and had a bogey free round so I am happy with that,” said Gunn.
“The greens are a bit slow and the course is not that hard because we are playing preferred lies.”
The talent young Thai is halfway through studying business at Bangkok University and will graduate at the end of 2014.
However, after an impressive start to his professional career he may not need to rely on academic qualifications.
Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list and his fine first round means he is in a strong position to qualify for the Singapore Open, which will be played from November 8 to 11.
First place this week is worth US$24,050, second is US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50, meaning the race to qualify for Sentosa Golf Club is wide open.
“I really want to make it through to the Barclays Singapore Open. That really is a huge goal this week with so many in with a chance of making it through.”
Gunn says his success is the result of a huge improvement in his putting.
He said: “I have been working really hard on my putting with my father. I have been working on making a bigger arc as I used to have a really short follow through.”
Fung, who was second here last year, returned a 68 along with S. Siva Chandran from Malaysia and Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn.
Piya went out in six-under-par 30 but struggled home in two over.
Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, winner by five shots last season, came in with a 71 while Indonesia number one Rory Hie carded a 74.
Leading first round scores (Par 72):
65 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA)
66 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA)
67 - George Gandranata (INA), Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Panuwat Muenlek (THA)
68 - S Siva Chandran (MAS), Piya Swangarunporn (THA), Nicholas Fung (MAS)
69 - Andik Mauluddin (INA), Borworn Chaisri (THA), Junaidi Ibrahim (INA), Antonio Lascuna (PHI)
70 - Andi Yatmo (INA), Sirapong Maitreeyuenyong (THA), Indra Hermawan (INA), Stephen Lindskog (SWE)
71 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA), Jamel Ondo (INA), Alwie Ramadhan (INA), Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA), Denny A Wijaya (INA), Nguyen Thai Duong (VNM), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Heri KL (INA)
Selected:
72 – Mardan Mamat (SIN), Jay Bayron (PHI)
75 - Rory Hie (INA)
Indonesian Junior Golfer Eye-To-Eye With Tiger
Kuala Lumpur, 24 October 2012 - Tiger Woods, the world’s highest paid athlete, is in town and already creating a storm in the CIMB Classic, which begins at the Mines Resort and Golf Club tomorrow.
The current world No. 2, behind Rory McIlroy, arrived in the city early yesterday and wasted no time checking out the golf course, which he last played on 13 years ago.
Here Tiger Woods shared a light moment with Group Chief Executive CIMB Group Datuk Seri Nazir Razak and four CIMB junior golfers (from left) Putt Sridarma (Thailand), Lucius Toh (Singapore), Paquita Gadin (Indonesia) and Natasha Andrea Oon (Malaysia).
Woods last played on the course in the 1999 World Cup, partnering Mark O’Meara to clinch the title by five strokes for the United States.
The current world No. 2, behind Rory McIlroy, arrived in the city early yesterday and wasted no time checking out the golf course, which he last played on 13 years ago.
Woods last played on the course in the 1999 World Cup, partnering Mark O’Meara to clinch the title by five strokes for the United States.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
GWI Portfolio Extends To Yogyakarta And Surabaya
Surabaya, 23 Oct. 2012 - Five golf courses and three hotels have joined the Golf Wonderful Indonesia cooperative, signaling the momentum and appeal of this new destination-marketing initiative and delivering on the promise of organizers to offer international golf holiday-makers premium stay-and-play options across the Archipelago.
Golf Wonderful Indonesia, a consortium of premium courses, hotels and lifestyle outlets, has gathered these tourism partners in order to assemble series of custom golf travel packages that leverage the country's unique standing as a golf destination. Those packages are available via the branded web portal, www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, which also serves as a clearinghouse of information centered on golf and tourism activities in country.
In August, Golf Wonderful Indonesia launched the site and an initial set of packages, with Jakarta as a hub and starting point. Today it adds courses and hotels in and around the ancient city of Yogyakarta and the country's second city, Surabaya.
New golf course partners include:
* Taman Dayu Golf Club & Resort, in Surabaya, a stunning Jack Nicklaus design laid out at the foot of Mt. Welirang.
* Finna Golf, in Surabaya, designed by Australian legend Peter Thompson amid the lush, tropical highlands of East Java.
* Bukit Darmo Golf, another sterling Nicklaus effort, located just 10 minutes from Surabaya's city center.
* Merapi Golf & Mountain Resort, in Yogyakarta, designed by Thompson some 800 meters above sea level and ringed by volcanic peaks.
* Borobudur International Golf & Country Club, in Yogyakarta, laid out by Douglas Duncanson next door to the famed 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument for which the club is named.
New Golf Wonderful hotel partners include:
* The Majapahit Hotel Surabaya, an historic 5-star property founded in 1910 by the Sarkies family, whose collection of grand hotels included Raffles in Singapore, The Strand in Rangoon, and The Eastern & Oriental in Penang.
* The Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, an elegant 5-star property set amid 24 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens on the outskirts of the city, the cultural heart of Java.
* The JW Marriott Surabaya, a gleamingly modern, 5-star high-rise whose 25 floors look out upon the city's most fashionable shopping district.
Golf tour packages to Surabaya and Yogyakarta, incorporating the new Golf Wonderful properties above, will be released by the end of October and posted at www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, according to Harmony Le Riche, president director of PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara, the tour operator managing all in-bound traffic for Golf Wonderful Indonesia.
"Our efforts here differ from those of typical destination marketing and golf tour-packaging efforts in that the golf courses are already here -- some 170 of them -- and golf aficionados acknowledge the cream of the crop to be among the best resort tracks in Asia-Pacific," said Le Riche.
"Golf Wonderful is determined to bring in the pick of that litter as course partners, and this new group of courses in Yogyakarta and Surabaya certainly meet that high standard. Interest from top courses and hotels -- in the 4- and 5-star categories -- has been exceptionally high. We expect to announce partnerships by the start of 2013 that enable golfers to choose and customize itineraries from combinations of courses and hotels in Jakarta, Bogor, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung and Bali."
Le Riche noted the Golf Wonderful Indonesia (GWI) brand clearly displays the strong support and partnership it enjoys from the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, whose overarching slogan is "Wonderful Indonesia". National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is another GWI partner - the airline is now flying golf clubs free of charge.
That said, privately owned entities form the remainder of consortium membership, which also includes restaurants (for example, Negev, Jakarta's hottest new bistro) and golf teaching facilities (the Leadbetter Golf Academy at Cengkareng Golf Club).
Tour operator PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara has secured from all of its partners special rates enabling remarkably affordable and flexible packages available only through Golf Wonderful Indonesia.
"It's important that golfers and our fellow tour operators and travel agents understand how this works," said Le Riche. "We have secured exclusive rates with our partner courses and hotels, enabling extremely affordable packages that we intend to sell directly to golfers through golfwonderfulindonesia.com. That said, we fully expect and welcome international tour operators and travel agents to partner with us in the selling of these packages, as well, because PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara will handle all logistics on the ground here in Jakarta and across Indonesia.
"We can guarantee the quality of the Golf Wonderful Indonesia experience, the reliability of our transport, our logistics and local knowledge. But flexibility is also paramount. That's why we've provided a range of hotel partners to suit the budgets of various traveling golfers. We also recognize there is life outside golf -- we're eager to customize packages to enable golfing tourists the chance to experience all that Indonesia has to offer, from Jakarta to East Java, from Yogyakarta to Bali."
The website, www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, is not merely the definitive source of information on golf in Indonesia. It is complemented by interactive media components including the Golf Wonderful Blog (recent items include a court victory ensuring that taxes burdens on Indonesian golf courses -- and resulting green fees -- will remain low), the GWI Facebook page (www.facebook.com/golfwonderfulindonesia) and Twitter account (follow GWI @golfwonderful).
For more information on Golf Wonderful Indonesia, contact PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara at +62 21.536.4469 or drop an email to info@golfwonderfulindonesia.com
Golf Wonderful Indonesia, a consortium of premium courses, hotels and lifestyle outlets, has gathered these tourism partners in order to assemble series of custom golf travel packages that leverage the country's unique standing as a golf destination. Those packages are available via the branded web portal, www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, which also serves as a clearinghouse of information centered on golf and tourism activities in country.
In August, Golf Wonderful Indonesia launched the site and an initial set of packages, with Jakarta as a hub and starting point. Today it adds courses and hotels in and around the ancient city of Yogyakarta and the country's second city, Surabaya.
New golf course partners include:
* Taman Dayu Golf Club & Resort, in Surabaya, a stunning Jack Nicklaus design laid out at the foot of Mt. Welirang.
* Finna Golf, in Surabaya, designed by Australian legend Peter Thompson amid the lush, tropical highlands of East Java.
* Bukit Darmo Golf, another sterling Nicklaus effort, located just 10 minutes from Surabaya's city center.
* Merapi Golf & Mountain Resort, in Yogyakarta, designed by Thompson some 800 meters above sea level and ringed by volcanic peaks.
* Borobudur International Golf & Country Club, in Yogyakarta, laid out by Douglas Duncanson next door to the famed 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument for which the club is named.
New Golf Wonderful hotel partners include:
* The Majapahit Hotel Surabaya, an historic 5-star property founded in 1910 by the Sarkies family, whose collection of grand hotels included Raffles in Singapore, The Strand in Rangoon, and The Eastern & Oriental in Penang.
* The Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, an elegant 5-star property set amid 24 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens on the outskirts of the city, the cultural heart of Java.
* The JW Marriott Surabaya, a gleamingly modern, 5-star high-rise whose 25 floors look out upon the city's most fashionable shopping district.
Golf tour packages to Surabaya and Yogyakarta, incorporating the new Golf Wonderful properties above, will be released by the end of October and posted at www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, according to Harmony Le Riche, president director of PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara, the tour operator managing all in-bound traffic for Golf Wonderful Indonesia.
"Our efforts here differ from those of typical destination marketing and golf tour-packaging efforts in that the golf courses are already here -- some 170 of them -- and golf aficionados acknowledge the cream of the crop to be among the best resort tracks in Asia-Pacific," said Le Riche.
"Golf Wonderful is determined to bring in the pick of that litter as course partners, and this new group of courses in Yogyakarta and Surabaya certainly meet that high standard. Interest from top courses and hotels -- in the 4- and 5-star categories -- has been exceptionally high. We expect to announce partnerships by the start of 2013 that enable golfers to choose and customize itineraries from combinations of courses and hotels in Jakarta, Bogor, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bandung and Bali."
Le Riche noted the Golf Wonderful Indonesia (GWI) brand clearly displays the strong support and partnership it enjoys from the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, whose overarching slogan is "Wonderful Indonesia". National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is another GWI partner - the airline is now flying golf clubs free of charge.
That said, privately owned entities form the remainder of consortium membership, which also includes restaurants (for example, Negev, Jakarta's hottest new bistro) and golf teaching facilities (the Leadbetter Golf Academy at Cengkareng Golf Club).
Tour operator PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara has secured from all of its partners special rates enabling remarkably affordable and flexible packages available only through Golf Wonderful Indonesia.
"It's important that golfers and our fellow tour operators and travel agents understand how this works," said Le Riche. "We have secured exclusive rates with our partner courses and hotels, enabling extremely affordable packages that we intend to sell directly to golfers through golfwonderfulindonesia.com. That said, we fully expect and welcome international tour operators and travel agents to partner with us in the selling of these packages, as well, because PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara will handle all logistics on the ground here in Jakarta and across Indonesia.
"We can guarantee the quality of the Golf Wonderful Indonesia experience, the reliability of our transport, our logistics and local knowledge. But flexibility is also paramount. That's why we've provided a range of hotel partners to suit the budgets of various traveling golfers. We also recognize there is life outside golf -- we're eager to customize packages to enable golfing tourists the chance to experience all that Indonesia has to offer, from Jakarta to East Java, from Yogyakarta to Bali."
The website, www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, is not merely the definitive source of information on golf in Indonesia. It is complemented by interactive media components including the Golf Wonderful Blog (recent items include a court victory ensuring that taxes burdens on Indonesian golf courses -- and resulting green fees -- will remain low), the GWI Facebook page (www.facebook.com/golfwonderfulindonesia) and Twitter account (follow GWI @golfwonderful).
For more information on Golf Wonderful Indonesia, contact PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara at +62 21.536.4469 or drop an email to info@golfwonderfulindonesia.com
Pulses Racing As Palembang Musi Championship Provides Pathway To US$6 Million Barclays Singapore Open
Palembang, October 23 - The Palembang Musi Championship tees-off this Wednesday on the ASEAN PGA Tour playing an exciting and crucial role in determining who gets to play in the lucrative Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks.
The leading three players from the ASEAN PGA Order of Merit after this week’s tournament gain entry into the US$6 million event and with the prize money for Palembang having been increased to US$150,000 – twice as much as last year – the race is wide open.
Not surprisingly a strong field has entered including Indonesian number one Rory Hie, defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat and Malaysian Nicholas Fung.
The tournament is being played at Palembang Golf Club and the rise in the purse makes it the most lucrative ASEAN PGA event this season.
Wisut, by virtue of winning last year’s Merit title, has already earned a place in the Singapore Open as has Mamat but the likes of Hie and Fung will be eyeing the US$24,050 first place cheque to see them through to Sentosa Golf Club.
In fact finishing second or third, worth cheques for US$16,465 and US$9,145.50, could also be enough.
“I am really psyched about this week. A top three finish should be able to earn a place in the Barclays Singapore Open,” said Hie, who is in 10th place on the Merit list.
Last week he finished in a tie for 25th in the Kolon Korea Open on OneAsia and the week before that he was equal eighth in the Nanshan China Masters, also on OneAsia.
“I have been playing really well this year and have stepped up a gear from last year,” added Hie.
In Palembang last season Hie was just three off the pace at the halfway stage but a final round two-over-par 74 saw him end in a tie for 12th.
Fung finished second in Palembang five shots behind Wisut and is also excited about the prospect of playing Singapore.
The young man from Sabah is fifth on the Merit list but with two players above him, Merit list leader Thaworn Wiratchant from Thailand and his countryman Thanyakon Khrongpha, having already earned their berths in Singapore through other channels, he presently holds the third qualifying place.
“At this stage I am in but that could all change by Sunday as the prize money is very good this week and a lot of good players are here,” said Fung.
“However I played well here last year and feel I am playing well enough to have a high finish this week.”
Also competing and eager to qualify for Sentosa are Jay Bayron from the Philippines, who is second on the Merit list, and Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, winner of the Singha Esan Open in August and third on the Merit list.
Other fancied runners include Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Koh Dengshan, Filipinos Antonio Lascuna and Gerald Rosales and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva.
The Palembang Musi Championship made its debut on the ASEAN PGA Tour last year and was an outstanding success.
It was an event on the domestic circuit for a couple of years but organizers chose to elevate it to a more regional status.
In 2011 it also acted as a teaser for the 26th Southeast Asian Games which was held in Jakarta and Palembang.
Palembang Golf Club will provide an excellent test for competitors who will also be able to enjoy playing what is one of the eldest golf clubs in the country as it was opened in 1926.
Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra Province and is located on the banks of the Musi River. It has a population of nearly 1.5 million and is the nation’s seventh-largest city.
The leading three players from the ASEAN PGA Order of Merit after this week’s tournament gain entry into the US$6 million event and with the prize money for Palembang having been increased to US$150,000 – twice as much as last year – the race is wide open.
Not surprisingly a strong field has entered including Indonesian number one Rory Hie, defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat and Malaysian Nicholas Fung.
The tournament is being played at Palembang Golf Club and the rise in the purse makes it the most lucrative ASEAN PGA event this season.
Wisut, by virtue of winning last year’s Merit title, has already earned a place in the Singapore Open as has Mamat but the likes of Hie and Fung will be eyeing the US$24,050 first place cheque to see them through to Sentosa Golf Club.
In fact finishing second or third, worth cheques for US$16,465 and US$9,145.50, could also be enough.
“I am really psyched about this week. A top three finish should be able to earn a place in the Barclays Singapore Open,” said Hie, who is in 10th place on the Merit list.
Last week he finished in a tie for 25th in the Kolon Korea Open on OneAsia and the week before that he was equal eighth in the Nanshan China Masters, also on OneAsia.
“I have been playing really well this year and have stepped up a gear from last year,” added Hie.
In Palembang last season Hie was just three off the pace at the halfway stage but a final round two-over-par 74 saw him end in a tie for 12th.
Fung finished second in Palembang five shots behind Wisut and is also excited about the prospect of playing Singapore.
The young man from Sabah is fifth on the Merit list but with two players above him, Merit list leader Thaworn Wiratchant from Thailand and his countryman Thanyakon Khrongpha, having already earned their berths in Singapore through other channels, he presently holds the third qualifying place.
“At this stage I am in but that could all change by Sunday as the prize money is very good this week and a lot of good players are here,” said Fung.
“However I played well here last year and feel I am playing well enough to have a high finish this week.”
Also competing and eager to qualify for Sentosa are Jay Bayron from the Philippines, who is second on the Merit list, and Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, winner of the Singha Esan Open in August and third on the Merit list.
Other fancied runners include Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Koh Dengshan, Filipinos Antonio Lascuna and Gerald Rosales and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva.
The Palembang Musi Championship made its debut on the ASEAN PGA Tour last year and was an outstanding success.
It was an event on the domestic circuit for a couple of years but organizers chose to elevate it to a more regional status.
In 2011 it also acted as a teaser for the 26th Southeast Asian Games which was held in Jakarta and Palembang.
Palembang Golf Club will provide an excellent test for competitors who will also be able to enjoy playing what is one of the eldest golf clubs in the country as it was opened in 1926.
Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra Province and is located on the banks of the Musi River. It has a population of nearly 1.5 million and is the nation’s seventh-largest city.
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