Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Asian Golf Tourism Issue 2 Is Out Now

The second edition of Asian Golf Tourism, the go-to magazine that has been designed to be the most informative and thorough publication on golf tourism in Asia and the authoritative guide to both the trade and consumer alike, is out now.
In this edition you will find amongst others information on the upcoming Asia Pacific Golf Summit, where several major players in the golf (tourism) industry from Indonesia will be present, including Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, HE Mari Elka Pangestu, who will be the keynote speaker. Furthermore articles on developments in Bintan, Bali and a 8-page feature on the Jagorawi Toll Road golf courses, Jakarta's equivalent to Mission Hills.

Also articles on golf in Abu Dhabi, Thailand, Vietnam and much more. To read this online magazine click here.

Bingo Bango Bongo For Juniors At Bali Handara

Ready to have some fun Bali junior golfers......Bingo Bango Bongo is a points-based game.

In Bingo Bango Bongo, three types of achievements are rewarded with a point. The first player in a group to get his ball on the green gets a point (bingo). The player in the group whose ball is closest to the pin once all balls are on the green gets a point (bango). And the player in the group who is first to hole out gets a point (bongo).

Add up the points at the end of the game, high points wins.

Bingo Bango Bongo, 18-Hole Golf Competition round #1 is organized by the Bali Junior Golf Community and will be held at Bali Handara Golf Resort on Sunday 5 August 2012.

Junior Boys Division
A (14 - 17)
B (13 & under)
Boys A off white tees
Boys B off red tees

Junior Girls Division
A (14 - 17)
B (13 & under)
Girls A & B off red tees
Girls A can choose to "play up" subject to approval by organizer

Cost per junior player
Rp 325.000 BJGC members (valid card must be presented)
Rp 425.000 junior non-members

Inclusive : 1 rounds/18 holes green fees, trolley, caddie fee, prize for winner of each division ( Boys A, B and Girls A&B)
Excludes : caddie tips & lunch

Players also earn points which will enable you to qualify for our club championship tournaments.
Players must also play a minimum 5 of the fortnightly fun format tournaments to qualify for the championship tournaments.

Lunch
15% discount off menu at the golf cafe for lunch after the competition for juniors and parents.

How to register
To register simply send an email to info@balijuniorgolf.com with your name and age.

Payment
Can be made on the day in cash only to the BJGC hospitality desk located downstairs outside the golf cafe.

Free Juniors Clinic
beginners welcome
7.45am - 8.45am
Driving Range /Short Game Practice Area

Monday, July 30, 2012

Golf Wonderful Indonesia Launches New Web Portal

Jakarta, 28 July 2012 - Golf Wonderful Indonesia, a consortium of premium courses, hotels and lifestyle outlets, has today thrown open the doors to discerning golfers across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America with a series of golf travel packages that leverage the country’s unique standing as a golf destination.

The branded web portal, www.golfwonderfulindonesia.com, also launches today with a wealth of information, and packages, centered on golf and holiday-making across the Indonesian archipelago, with Jakarta as a hub and starting point.

“Golf Wonderful Indonesia is indeed unique because, contrary to the way many golf destinations are formed and administered, we happily have it backwards,” said Harmony Le Riche, President Director of PT Panorama Wisata Nusantara, the tour operator managing all in-bound traffic for Golf Wonderful Indonesia.

“Most regions claim the ‘golf destination’ mantle before there are truly enough quality courses, enough worthy hotels and off-course entertainment options to make that claim ring true. Indonesia, on the other hand, already boasts dozens of the finest golf courses in Asia-Pacific, most of them clustered together in established hubs like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Bogor and Bali. Indonesia has never really focused on golf-specific promotion and packaging; it has been a well kept secret.

“But now the secret is out, with the launch of Golf Wonderful Indonesia. We are ready to share with the world how travel here is affordable, practical and integral to everything else the country has to offer on the tourism front.”

Le Riche noted the Golf Wonderful Indonesia 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 and airline Garuda Indonesia is another partner, but privately owned entities form the remainder of consortium membership which, for now, centers on Jakarta, home to a surfeit of top-shelf courses and accommodations. According to Le Riche, additional courses, hotels and corresponding packages will be added across the country in the coming months.

Golf Wonderful Indonesia today includes the following golf course partners:
  • Cengkareng Golf Club, a Walter Raleigh Stewart-designed 18 that has played host to multiple Indonesian Opens, co-sanctioned by the European PGA Tour
  • Royale Jakarta Golf Club, the 27-hole JMP Design and site of the Asian Tour’s CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, presented by PNTS, through 2013
  • Emeralda Golf Club, whose 27 holes -- designed by none other than Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus -- have hosted the Dunhill Asian Masters and the Volvo Masters Asia.
  • Jababeka Golf & Country Club, a sterling 18 from the hand of 6-time major champion Nick Faldo that has earned the undying loyalty of Jakarta’s golf-savvy set.

The Golf Wonderful Indonesia consortium also includes four hotel partners, three in the 5-star realm -- The Hotel Mulia Senayan, The Park Lane Jakarta and Four Seasons Jakarta -- and another in the 4-star category: The Aston Rasuna.

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 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 and logistics. 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 Jawa Timur, from Yogyakarta to Bali.”

The new 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 (wherein Arjuna Wayang has just been introduced as GWI’s official mascot and enlightened warrior king); the GWI Facebook page (www.facebook.com/golfwonderfulindonesia); and Twitter account (follow GWI @golfwonderful).

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Indonesia's Tourism Minister To Speak At Asia Pacific Golf Summit

The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Mari Elka Pangestu has accepted an invitation to be a special VIP guest speaker at the 2012 Asia Pacific Golf Summit slated to be held in the oil-rich sultanate of Brunei Darussalam on December 11-13.

"We are very pleased to have a person of Mrs. Pangestu's standing to address the Summit this year and coming from the largest economy in Southeast Asia, is a clear indication as to the importance that Indonesia attaches to the golf industry," said Mike Sebastian, chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the owner and producer of the Summit.

Mrs. Pangestu will deliver her address on the opening day of the Summit which will be on December 11. "It is really an honour for us to be able to play host to not only one of Indonesia's most senior ministers but also a leader who is recognised throughout the region for her ability to lead and deliver results," pointed out Sebastian.

More than 60 world-class speakers and panellists have already been confirmed to take part in APGS 2012.

Indonesia Gets Focused on Golf Tourism


If there is one country in Asia that is awakening to the game of golf and the role that it can play in promoting tourism, it has got to be the Republic of Indonesia. It has been a nation that has been flying below the international golf radar for quite a while but all of a sudden, golf has shot into the forefront of tourism promotion.

It's the big buzz word amongst stake-holders of the game in the country and the importance of golf tourism has taken a whole new meaning. It is regarded as of the "pillars of tourism" and the programme to drive Indonesia up the ladder of great golf destinations is being spearheaded by the Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Mari Elka Pangestu.

Mrs. Pangestu takes over this challenging portfolio after having has a very successful stint as the nation's Minister of Trade. In appointing her, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said, "I trust Mari Pangestu to lead the ministry and I want, in the next three years, to develop tourism and the creative economy."

Being the target-driven person that she is, Mrs. Pangestu has taken the bull by the horns and is determined to deliver the results that are expected of her. "I have drawn up a three-year master plan to develop a road map that will help us develop and grow golf tourism in the country," she emphasised.

In a discussion with the Asia Pacific Golf Group, the new tourism supremo declared, "From a base of some 20,000 golf tourists who come to Indonesia, my aim is to grow this number ten times over in the next three years". A truly bold statement that is just not political rhetoric. This is a lady who is realistic and who understands the challenges that she has to work against to achieve her goal. She has the vision and the intellect to get the job done – after all, before she ascended to a ministerial post, she was the executive director at the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

"We have all of the essential ingredients for success already in place," she explained. "We have some 162 golf courses in the country and most of our courses are really wonderful – a visitor can play golf in a myriad of settings – by spectacular volcanoes, by stunning oceans capes and spell-binding rainforests". "Combined with our rich culture, the warmth of the Indonesian people and the delectable variety of exotic food, Indonesia is a veritable showcase for golf," Mrs. Pangestu pointed out. To make her point, she singled out the Jagorawi toll road, a 59-kilometre stretch of highway that is dotted with 17 world-class golf courses. "Where else in Asia can one find a lay-out like this!" After having taken her advice and driven through this thoroughfare, one must admit that Jagorawi is indeed a "highway to golfing heaven".

A keen golfer herself, Mrs. Pangestu has adopted a highly holistic plan that will involve a number of regions within the sprawling archipelago of 13466 islands to develop golf tourism. "We have Jakarta, Bali and the islands of Batam and Bintan in the Riau archipelago and we plan to improve all of the supporting infrastructure around these destinations and to transform these centres into golfing havens," the Minister said.
Given her focus, drive and determination, there is absolutely nothing that can come in the way of Mrs. Pangestu as she pushes ahead to transform the Indonesian Republic into one of Asia's top golf tourism destinations.

Bali Junior Golf Community 5-Day Golf Development Camp at Bali Handara Golf Resort

Inspirational approach to kids golf

Golf is a game of integrity, character and mental fortitude and for five days, 16 selected juniors aged from 7 – 17 from Bali were given access to world class coaching at a world class course from July 18 - 22 at Bali Handara Golf Club.

Australian PGA Professional, Andrew Pitt, an elite golf coach from Australia supported juniors golfers from Bali in their respective pursuits for game development as well as game enjoyment.
His motivating approach left all attendees with the knowledge of how to develop their own golf games technically through set-up structures and ball flight variations, whilst also providing structures and routines to develop confidence as part of practice and on course play. Establishing good golf technique will have positive effects on their game for a lifetime.

The camp curriculum included: full swing mechanics, short game practice drills, review of golf jargon and etiquette. A training-intensive program complete with video analysis and on-course instruction, proper practice routines tailored to advanced junior golfers, as well as, tournament preparation.

The 16 junior golfers shared rooms, dined, practiced and played together, forming a very strong bond. Many life skills that can be applied to situations which arise both on and off the course were part of the learning experience.

Students began each day with range instruction and warm up. After lunch each day there were match play team events, best ball, worst ball, foursomes and individuals. Up for grabs was the BJGC Ryder Cup trophy. Evening activities after dinner, included Xbox golf challenge, movie night as well as a BBQ bonfire.

A strict menu was provided in order to teach the juniors the importance of eating correctly and ensuring they had the stamina to get through 8 hours of training and play. There was intentionally no rice included on the menu for the duration of the camp. Fresh fruit , health bars and lots of water were provided on the range and the course to ensure the juniors were kept hydrated and energized.

The juniors were presented with certificates of participation as well as a personal USB flash drive with their swing analysis showing their before and after swing as well as skill tests, practice schedules and drill sheets.

During the camp golf coaches and caddies from Bali Handara as well as New Kuta Golf also benefited from professional development with Coach Andrew Pitt.

Many times junior golfers must play in junior tournaments without caddies, so the opportunity to be taught by these Bali Handara caddies on the requirements of course maintenance proved to be quite an experience. These amazing caddies who were carefully selected to provide support for the juniors on course, showed the participants what is required to play golf without caddy.

BJGC would like to thank Mark Isley and his team at Bali Handara Golf and also Raja Balasingham from New Kuta Golf for their invaluable support for this truly inspirational and life changing event.

A very heartfelt thanks to Coach Andrew Pitt, who took time out of his busy teaching schedule at Bann Lynch Golf Academy at Yarra Bend Golf Course as well as his privately coached student Putu Andrew Mulyadi who acted as assistant coach, in making it such a fun experience for all involved.

Click here to see photos over the 5 days.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

1st Nirwana Cup Golf Tournament On 1 September

Nirwana Bali Golf Club will organize the 1st Nirwana Cup Golf Tournament on Saturday, 1 September 2012.

Shotgun starts
Morning Tee Time : 7am
Afternoon Tee Time : 1pm

Tournament system
18 holes stroke play-handicap 36 system

Tournament fees
Rp 1,700,000 nett/person
NBGC member Rp 850,000 nett/person

Fee includes 18 holes golf, snacks, goody bag, awards dinner and entertainment.

Hole in one prizes
Hole # 2: 2 Business class return air ticket Denpasar-Singapore by Garuda Indonesia
Hole # 7: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Dakar
Hole #11: Toyota Fortuner
Hole #14: Golf Cart by Club Car

Lucky draw prizes
King Koil bed mattress, Honda Scoopy, Samsung Galaxy Tab7.0 plus, iPad2, Blackberry, LED TV 32inch, foldable bike, return air ticket Denpasar-Singapore by Garuda Indonesia, and many more...

Special accommodation rate at Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort starts from Rp 1,500,000 nett/room/night including breakfast for two persons

For reservation please contact Nirwana Bali Golf Club
Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Tabanan 82171, Bali
Tel +62 361 815 900 ext 3016 Fax +62 361 812 151
golfreservation@panpacific.com

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship On ESPN HD

Tomorrow morning at 6am WIB ESPN HD will broadcast an one-hour program on the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championships held last June at Pantai Indah Kapuk golf course.

For those that have access to ESPN HD (and not yet overdosed after 4 days of direct broadcasts from the Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes) this is your chance to see the juniors in action in full HD quality. Don't miss it!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Ramadhan Golf Promo At Tamarin Santana

Play golf in Batam at Tamarin Santana Golf Club during the month of Ramadhan for only Rp 100,000!

Inclusive of:
  • Green Fee
  • Twin sharing caddy & buggy
  • Insurance
  • Tax
Terms & Conditions:
  • Valid on weekdays
  • Valid for 9-hole only
  • Tee off after 1pm
You'll also get 10% discount for buka puasa at Turi Beach Resort or Nongsa Point Marina Resort.

For further information & booking:
Tamarin Santan Golf Club
Jl Hang Lekiu Km 4, Nongsa
Phone: (0778) 761 069
Email: enquiries-tamarin@nongsaresorts.com

Special Ramadhan Package At Damai Indah Golf

Damai Indah Golf offers Special Ramadhan Package with golf cart at PIK and BSD Course:
BSD Course:Rp. 477,000 (With Member)
Rp. 520,000 (Without Member)
PIK Course:Rp. 620,000 (With Member)
Rp. 675,000 (Without Member)

Valid on weekdays only during fasting month and includes caddy fee, green fee, golf cart, VAT 10 %.

Complimentary ta’jil is provided for afternoon tee times. This offer cannot be combined with other promotion.

Please contact their booking office at 021-5370285 for further details.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Constitutional Court Rules Golf A Sport

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday approved a judicial review by the Indonesian Golf Association and several golf companies, stating that entertainment tax levied against the golf industry is unconstitutional.

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday approved a judicial review by the Indonesian Golf Association and several golf companies, stating that entertainment tax levied against the golf industry is unconstitutional.

Golf in Indonesia will now be legally classified as a sport, and subject to a different (and likely lower) realm of taxation.

“The word ‘golf’ in the Law on Regional and Retribution Tax is against the 1945 Constitution, and therefore no longer legally binding,” presiding judge Ahmad Sodiki said, as quoted by Antara.

Under the old law, golf was categorized as entertainment, and subject to similar taxes as karaoke, nightclubs, billiards, bowling, massage parlors and art performances.

The golf association and several companies complained that categorizing golf as entertainment resulted in an unfairly high taxation rate of up to 35 percent, with different regions given the discretion to set the rate at or below that number.

“Tax charges should consider all aspects, including the type of the business or event that could be subject to tax, as well as the justice . . . for tax payers,” judge Akil Mochtar said. He said that the classifying golf as a sport seemed more suitable, given that there were numerous national and international tournaments, and because people played golf for health and recreation purposes.

“Therefore, golf could not be categorized only as entertainment, and cannot be an object of entertainment taxes,” Akil said.

But one of the nine Constitutional Court judges dissented — justice Achmad Sodiki said that golf is indeed entertainment that happens to contain elements of a sport.

“Golf can not be seen as black and white,” Achmad said. “Many people like golf as entertainment for weekend recreation. [Golf] also makes efforts to lift up it’s image and enter certain respected social economic segments. It is also a communication media for friendship and business among elite people.”

Interested companies in the judicial review included Pondok Indah Padang Golf, Sentul Highlands Golf Club, Cengkareng Golf Club, Palm Hill Golf Course, New Kuta Golf and Ocean View, Merapi Golf, Karawang International Golf Course and Damai Indah Golf.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Bayron Grabs Win At BII Maybank ADT Challenge At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 14 - Philippines' Jay Bayron staged a remarkable comeback by closing with a flawless five-under-par 67 to win the inaugural BII Maybank ADT Challenge on Saturday.
Bayron's winning total of 12-under-par 204 after three rounds was enough to seal his victory while Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who held the lead for two rounds, was left to rue a calamitous back-nine that was marred by three costly bogeys and had to settle for second place at the US$50,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Philippines’ Jhonnel Ababa posted the day’s lowest score of 64 to take third place with a 206 total while Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Unho Park of Australia shared fourth place on matching 207 at the Imperial Klub Golf.

Starting the day three shots behind Fung, Bayron rallied back by firing five birdies on holes nine, 11, 13, 17 and 18 to win his second ADT title after Fung could not hold on to his overnight lead.

The Malaysian seemed to be cruising towards a wire-to-wire victory after holding a five-shot lead with six holes to play.

However, a bogey on the 13th hole, followed by another two on the 16th and 18th left Fung to ponder on what could have been a memorable week for him.

“I didn’t feel that much pressure as I was starting the day behind Fung. I just told myself that I have got to play catch-up and focus on doing well. My heart goes out to Nicholas as it could have been his week. But that’s golf,” said Bayron.

“I had a very solid run in my back-nine and I was growing in confident then. I’m happy that I’ve won,” added Bayron.

Best Indonesian was Benny Kasiadi who finished tied 12th after a final round 73, 3 shots ahead of Jordan Irawan, the only amateur in the field, who shot a 68 on the final day to finish on a tied 18th place.

Maybank, Malaysia’s regional financial leader, also title sponsors the Maybank Malaysian Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia, the ADT has gained support from Corporate Asia, growing its schedule from five tournaments in the first season to eight tournaments in the 2011 season.

A record total of 12 events will be played this season with the top three finishers on the Order of Merit earning Asian Tour cards for 2013, ensuring aspiring professionals a proper career pathway.

Leading final scores

204 - Jay BAYRON (PHI) 69-68-67

205 - Nicholas FUNG (MAL) 66-68-71

206 - Jhonnel ABABA (PHI) 71-71-64

207 - Danny CHIA (MAL) 72-69-66, Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71-67

208 - Michael BIBAT (PHI) 73-70-65

209 - Tim STEWART (AUS) 70-70-69

Selected scores

211 - Benny KASIADI (INA) 69-69-73

214 - Jordan Irawan (A) (INA) 71-75-68

216 - Maan NASIM (INA) 68-76-72

217 - Rory Hie (INA) 76-70-71

218 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 72-71-75

219 - I Nengah DHARMA (INA) 73-68-78, I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA) 72-74-73

220 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 74-73-73

221 - Kevin ROESLI (INA) 74-72-75

222 - ILYASYAK (INA) 75-71-76

223 - IRMANSYAH (INA) 74-73-76

Friday, July 13, 2012

Fung Keeps Lead At BII Maybank ADT Challenge

Jakarta, July 13 - Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung shrugged off the old superstitions surrounding the notorious Friday the 13th date by carding a flawless four-under-par 68 to hold the second round lead at the inaugural BII Maybank ADT Challenge on Friday.

The Malaysian will head into the third and final round of the US$50,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event with a three-shot lead over Jay Bayron of Philippines after compiling a two-day total of 10-under-par 134.

Bayron closed with an eagle-three on the par-five ninth to move up to second place on 68 while local hope Benny Kasiadi of Indonesia signed for a 69 to take third place on 138.

Singapore’s Mitchell Slorach posted a 69 to secure fourth place while five players which include Chinese Taipei’s Chiang Chen-chih, Australia’s Unho Park and Tim Stewart, India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu and Sri Lanka’s Anura Rohana are tied for fifth on 140 at the Imperial Klub Golf.

Fung, who took the opening round lead with a 66, dispelled the myth that Friday the 13th is a day of bad luck with another commanding performance which was highlighted by birdies on holes four, five, eight and 15.

“I’m very happy with how I’ve played today as it was very windy. I managed to hit the ball well and only missed a couple of short putts,” said Fung.

“There’s always going to be pressure especially when you head into the final round with the lead. I’ll try to do my best and hopefully the result will come,” added the Malaysian.

Maybank, Malaysia’s regional financial leader, also title sponsors the Maybank Malaysian Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia, the ADT has gained support from Corporate Asia, growing its schedule from five tournaments in the first season to eight tournaments in the 2011 season.

A record total of 12 events will be played this season with the top three finishers on the Order of Merit earning Asian Tour cards for 2013.

The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals.

Leading second round scores:

134 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 66-68

137 - Jay BAYRON (PHI) 69-68

138 - Benny KASIADI (INA) 69-69

139 - Mitchell SLORACH (SIN) 70-69

140 - Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 72-68, CHIANG Chen-Chih (TPE) 67-73, Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71, Anura Rohana (SRI) 69-71, Tim STEWART (AUS) 70-70

Selected score:

141 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 72-69

Fung Takes Lead At BII Maybank ADT Challenge At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 12 - Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung opened his campaign at the inaugural BII Maybank ADT Challenge with a six-under-par 66 to grab the first round lead on Thursday.

Fung marked his card with seven birdies against one bogey to take a one-shot lead over Chinese Taipei’s Chiang Chen-chin who returned with a 67 at the three-day US$50,000 event Asian Development Tour (ADT) event which is held at the Imperial Klub Golf.

Philippines’ Mars Pucay carded a 68 to take a share of third place with Indonesia’s Maan Nasim, while Maybank ambassador Shaaban Hussin of Malaysia is among the seven players bunched in tied-fifth place on 69.

Fung, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation this week, does not hold an ADT card but has set his sights on earning his playing rights on the Tour by signing up for next year’s Qualifying School.

“I do not have a card on the Asian Tour and I was invited by Maybank to play in this week’s event,” said Fung.

“I hit the ball really well today and my putting was very solid. My performance today has given me lots of confidence and I’m planning to sign up for Qualifying School next year and hopefully earn more playing opportunities,” added the Malaysian.

Meanwhile Shaaban is hopeful that he can end the week with a good result as it will boost his chances of regaining his Tour card. The Malaysian previously held a full Asian Tour card in 2010 and he has set himself a target of finishing in the top-three of the ADT Order of Merit .

“Every event that I play in will give me lots of confidence and this week’s BII Maybank ADT Challenge is no different. I’m happy with how I’ve played today and hopefully I can come away with a good performance this week,” said Shaaban.

Maybank, Malaysia’s regional financial leader, also title sponsors the Maybank Malaysian Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia, the ADT has gained support from Corporate Asia, growing its schedule from five tournaments in the first season to eight tournaments in the 2011 season.

A record total of 12 events will be played this season with the top three finishers on the Order of Merit earning Asian Tour cards for 2013.

The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals.

Leading first round scores

66 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS)

67 - CHIANG Chen-Chih (TPE)

68 - Mars PUCAY (PHI), Maan NASIM (INA)

69 - Unho PARK (AUS), Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) Jay BAYRON (PHI), Anura Rohan (SRI), Joon LEE(KOR), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Benny KASIADI (INA)

Selected scores:

70 - Quincy QUEK (SIN)

72 - Danny CHIA (MAS)

74 - Sujjan SINGH (IND)

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Professional Tournaments ... How Can It Impact Your Club?

Do you remember the days when Asia hardly had any professional golf tournaments. Then came along the Asian Tour which has grown over the years. We now have another major professional tour in Asia - the OneAsia Tour. Together with professional tours in Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand and India, professional tournaments have become a major feature on the regular golfing calendar.

Asia is also growing in importance for foreign professional tours. These days, the PGA Tour of America, the European Tour and the LPGA Tour all stage events in Asia. In years to come, this trend will grow.

In light of this anticipated growth, a special panel session will be staged at the 2012 Asia Pacific Golf Summit to be staged in the oil-rich Sultanate of Brunei on December 11-13.

The panel will be chaired by Paul Stringer, Executive Vice President of Nicklaus Design.

The panel will comprise:
  • Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group and Secretary General of OneAsia Tour
  • Harald Ellison, General Manager of Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand
  • Mark Adams, Senior Vice President of IMG Golf Management Services
  • Adrian Wahyudi, General Manager of Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Indonesia (host venue of the Indonesian Masters)
If you are a golf club owner, operator, general manager or a business executive involved in growing the club experience, make sure that you block out the dates now! December 11 - 13, 2012.

The Sultanate of Brunei will roll out the red carpet to welcome you to a truly peaceful abode!

Act Now! – Book your seat for the 2012 Asia Pacific Golf Summit at: https://secure.golfconference.org/

New Golf Course May Destroy Historical Lamuri Kingdom Site

BANDA ACEH, 21 June 2012 - The Aceh Provincial Government will review information that mentions the threat of loss of a historic site of the former Lamuri kingdom as a result of golf course development plans in the area of ​​Bukit Lamreh in Aceh Besar regency.

"I will ask the Department of Culture and Tourism of Aceh to review and study the findings or the report," said Aceh Secretary Teuku Setia Budi in Banda Aceh on Wednesday.

After the launch of a biography of "Leumiek Aaron Keuchik, Heritage Rescuer", the Secretary said the government would find a way out of the findings of the institution.

"What we need the proof, is it true that the planned golf course will be built on the Lamuri kingdom site. Please give us evidence which then can be re-examined," said Teuku Setia Budi.

The Secretary also said his office plans to coordinate with Aceh Besar regency related to this report on the golf course development plans that are afraid to affect the location of this Lamuri kingdom site.

As reported previously, the People's Care for Aceh History (Masyarakat Peduli Sejarah Aceh or Mapesa) rejected the construction of the golf course in Bukit Lamreh, because it is to be built in the historic site of the Kingdom of Lamuri that had its glory days in the 10th century.

"We firmly reject the construction of the golf course in the historical heritage site of the Lamuri kingdom," said Mapesa Secretary Muhajir.

He said the area's historic Lamuri kingdom site in Bukit Lamreh covers 200 hectares. Of this area, ​​100 hectares are designated for a new golf course.

"The permit for the construction of the golf course is given to investors from China, which reportedly will invest Rp 120 billion in the project," he said.

According to him, if the golf course is still to be constructed, the traces of the Lamuri kingdom would disappear forever. In fact, the Kingdom of Lamuri is the forerunner of the Sultanate of Aceh that ruled in the 13th century.

Source: KOMPAS.com

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Merdeka Challenge At New Kuta Golf

The next Member & Guest tournament at New Kuta Golf will be the Merdeka Challenge in honor of Independence Day

Sunday 12th August 2012
at 1 pm Shotgun start


Tournament Fees:
MemberRp 350,000
Member's GuestRp 900,000
Indonesia Residents/KIMS holderRp 1,150,000
VisitorRp 1,550,000
JuniorRp 600,000

Tournament Fee includes Hole-In-One, Refreshment, Dinner, Trophy, Lucky Draw prizes and tax. As the tee time is limited, please make your reservation at your earliest convenience. Closing date is 10th August 2012 or when 144 participants have registered.

Special 9-Hole and Buka Puasa Bersama at 3pm


HOLE IN ONE:
  • 1 Daihatsu Terios
  • Yearly membership NKG
  • Garuda Air ticket, Denpasar-Perth-Denpasar
  • Garuda Air ticket, Denpasar-Seoul-Denpasar
  • Jackpot
For more information & registration, please contact:
Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Jl Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bali 80361
T: +62 361 8481 333, F: +62 361 8481 400
E: reservation@newkutagolf.com www.newkutagolf.com

Sujjan Singh Seals Sensational Victory

Pasuruan, East Java, July 7 - Sujjan Singh of India completed a sensational wire-to-wire victory with a closing even-par 72 and dedicated his win on Saturday at the Taman Dayu Championship to his new born daughter.
Singh’s 10-shot advantage going into the final round never looked threatened as he cruised to a first victory outside of India with a 22-under-par 266 total at the majestic Taman Dayu Golf and Resort.

Australians Michael Moore and Anthony Choat battled to a 66 and 68 respectively to share second place with Filipino veteran Antonio Lascuna (68) on 272, six shots from the champion Singh, at the inaugural US$75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Rory Hie finished as the best placed Indonesian in tied fifth place with Myanmar’s Zaw Moe on a 275 total at the Taman Dayu Championship, which is promoted by Asian Golf Group (AGG).

“I have to dedicate my win to my new born daughter Serena and also to my sister. I just welcomed a baby girl in May and you start to feel that golf is not everything. That kind of eases the pressure and it worked for me this week,” said Singh, who won US$13,125.

t was a relatively quiet round for Singh compared to his previous days’ scores of 64, 63 and 67 as he returned with two birdies and one double bogey on the par four 10th hole when his approach shot to the green got plugged in the greenside bunker.

“I had to concentrate on my own game which was much harder because I was struggling with my ball striking. I missed a lot of fairways and this course will get tougher when you do that. I was still happy with the way I hung in there. I think my short game was fantastic,” said the 31-year-old, Singh, who played on a sponsor’s invitation.

“I’ve been working really hard for a long time. It is good to know my game is heading in a positive direction. I hope this is the first of many. I didn’t make it easy on myself and I know it wasn’t going to be easy winning outside of India. It is a little bit extra special when the win is abroad,” he added.

Playing on the same flight as Singh, Choat, who has been playing on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) for the last four years, admitted that it was a tough task of chasing Singh’s lead.

“I wanted to make a lot of birdies but I got off to a slow start. When we started making birdies on the back nine, we could see that the pressure was getting to him (Singh). He still had a huge lead so it was in his advantage,” said Choat.

“It was good fun. He played really well and defended his lead. I was just trying to concentrate on my own game but it was always going to be a big task to run down the lead,” added the Australian.

Filipino Lascuna, who equaled the course record of 63 in the third round, was delighted with his finish where he birdied the last hole in front of a cheering crowd.

“It was good fun and I’m not disappointed with how I finish. Singh had a huge lead and it was tough to chase him down. All in all, I enjoyed this tournament. The course was fantastic and the tournament was well run,” said Lascuna, an Asian Tour regular.

Leading final round scores:

266 - Sujjan SINGH (IND) 64-63-67-72

272 - Michael MOORE (AUS) 69-68-69-66, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 72-69-63-68, Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 67-74-63-68

275 - Rory HIE (INA) 66-70-71-68, Zaw MOE (MYN) 69-69-68-69

276 - KIM Gi-whan (KOR) 71-70-70-65

277 - Tim STEWART (AUS) 69-69-72-67

278 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-70-68-70, Anura Rohana (SKL) 72-65-69-72

279 - Mars PUCAY (PHI) 72-70-68-69, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-71-65-73

280 - CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 70-71-72-67

281 - Grant JACKSON (ENG) 73-70-71-67, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 72-69-70-70

282 - Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 71-72-72-67, Will YANAGISAWA (USA) 71-71-69-71

283 - James LAM (PHI) 69-73-72-69, Charles HONG (PHI) 71-71-71-70

Selected scores:

290 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 71-74-74-71, George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-77-68

291 - Indra HERMAWAN (INA) 73-69-70-79

292 - Ilyasyak (INA) 72-72-71-77

297 - Roby SUGARA (INA) 70-74-76-77

302 - HARDJITO (INA) 75-71-74-82

Friday, July 6, 2012

Singh Continues Magical Run As Hie Loses Ground

Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia, July 6 - Sujjan Singh of India edged closer to the finishing line of the Taman Dayu Championship after shooting a third round five-under-par 67 for a massive 10-shot lead on Friday.

Singh held a comfortable lead with a three-day total of 22-under-par 194 over Australian Anthony Choat and Filipino Antonio Lascuna, who both charged up the leaderboard with sensational 63s at the US$75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Jay Bayron of the Philippines, a winner on the ADT, veteran Zay Moe of Myanmar, Michael Moore of Australia and Sri Lankan Anura Rohana were a further two shots back on 206 in tied fourth place at the remarkable Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort.

Rory Hie remains as the best placed Indonesian following his round of 71 as he sits in eighth place, 13 shots from the leader Singh.

Singh, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, fired his highest score of the week but still remained on track of securing his first career victory outside of India.

“I got nothing to complain. Just another standard round if you can call a 67 that. I hit the ball probably better, the best I’ve hit it in the last three days surprisingly. I just misread the course a little bit,” said Singh, who mixed six birdies against one bogey.

Singh believes such a big lead might work against him if he gets ahead of himself in the final round.

“Really strange things have happened and 18 holes is a long time. It is a little bit difficult because you can get ahead of yourself. The good thing I’ve been doing this week is playing each shot at a time and focusing on the task at hand. Hopefully I can do it for one more day,” said the Singh, who is also an accomplished drummer.

Australian Choat, currently in 21st position on the ADT Order of Merit, has a lot to play for as he aims to boost his rankings on the money list. The highlight of his day came on the 17th hole when he holed a massive 45-feet putt for eagle.

“I have a lot to play for and hopefully I can finish the second half of the year strongly and finish in the top three of the Order of Merit. It is everything. Coming from Australia, it is not easy to make a living on the smaller Tours but once you make it on the main Tour and start establishing yourself as a player, you can really make a living,” said Choat.

Having played on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) for the past four years with Singh, Choat concedes that it will take a herculean effort to knock him off his perch.

“I played a bit of golf with Sujjan (Singh) in India. He is the type of player I don’t expect to fall down. He has won before and he keeps going. I’ll just go out there and take one shot at a time. Hopefully the putter is hot again,” added the Australian.

Bayron posted a 65 with eight birdies against one bogey but admits that he will only be playing for second place.

“It is disappointing but we are all playing for second. He (Singh) has been playing fantastically and I don’t think he will lose this lead. I have my own goal of finishing as high as I can on the Order of Merit and I’ll need a good result this week to accomplish that,” said Bayron.

Leading third round scores

194 - Sujjan SINGH (IND) 64-63-67

204 - Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 67-74-63, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 72-69-63

206 - Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-71-65, Zaw MOE (MYN) 69-69-68, Michael MOORE (AUS) 69-68-69, Anura Rohana (SRI) 72-65-69

207 - Rory HIE (INA) 66-70-71

208 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-70-68

210 - Mars PUCAY (PHI) 72-70-68, Tim STEWART (AUS) 69-69-72

211 - Will YANAGISAWA (USA) 71-71-69, CHANG Tse-Peng (TPE) 71-70-70, KIM Gi-whan (KOR) 71-70-70, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 72-69-70

212 - Indra HERMAWAN (INA) 73-69-70, CHIANG Chen-Chih (TPE) 75-69-68, Sukree OTHMAN (MAS) 72-69-71, S. Siva Chandhran (MAS) 69-72-71, Michael BIBAT (PHI) 69-70-73

Maan Nassim Wins ASM Indonesia (Batam) 2012

From 30 June to 2 July 2012 the first leg of the Asian Senior Masters (ASM) was held at the Tering Bay Golf & Country Club in Batam.

The winner was Maan Nassim (INA) who returned 207 to be 9 under for the 3 day US$ 20,000 AST tournament. More info at www.asm-indonesia.com/tournament_results.asp?tournID=279

The new ASM Indonesia (Batam) 2012 Amateur Champion is Azmi Akob (MAL) who returned an impressive score of 223 at 7 over par over the 3 day tournament. More info at www.asm-indonesia.com/tournament_results.asp?tournID=278

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Super Singh Soars With 63

Pasuruan, East Java, July 5 - Sujjan Singh of India fired his career’s best score of nine-under-par 63 to extend his lead by nine shots at the inaugural Taman Dayu Championship on Thursday.

Starting from the 10th tee, Singh rode on a hot putter as he turned in 29 highlighted by five straight birdies from the 14th hole at the scenic Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort.

Singh’s two-day total of 17-under-par 127 was also a new record on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), replacing the previous record of 13-under-par 131 set by Siddikur at the 2011 Grameenphone Bangladesh Masters.

Local favourite Rory Hie returned with a 70 for 136 to lie in second place while Anura Rohana of Sri Lanka and Michael Moore of Australia were a further shot back in the US$75,000 ADT event.

Singh was blemish free in a round of nine birdies as he credited his hot putter for his incredible round.

“My putter was on fire on my first nine (started from the 10th tee) and after I holed my birdie putt just off the green on the 17th hole, I told myself I’m just going along for the ride and enjoy myself today. It was magical,” said Singh.

“I don’t think I ever had a better round of putting in my life. I don’t even know what score I shot until I submitted my card, so only God knows how many putts I made!”

Playing on a sponsor’s invitation, Singh rewrote the one-day-old course record, which he set in the opening round, but he is still not thinking of a victory yet.

“The course is in amazing condition. I’ve had a hot week and great greens to back me up. You still can’t think about the big “W”, we have two more days to go and a long road ahead,” said the 31-year-old, who is also an accomplished drummer.

Hie, the first Indonesian to earn an Asian Tour card in 2009, chipped in from 67 yards for an eagle two on the first hole and is not prepared to throw in the towel yet.

“It was bittersweet. I made a lot of good shots but couldn’t capitalize on them because I couldn’t read the green speeds. I left a couple of putts short out there. It could have been better but I’m still happy to be in second place.

“Anything can happen with a big lead. We’ve seen it before in professional tournaments. If I can play well, hopefully I can put pressure on him (Singh),” said Hie.

Australian Moore, who traded seven birdies against three bogeys for 68, will be on attack mode as he aims to cut Singh’s vast lead.

“I’m going to have to be a little bit aggressive because of Singh’s lead. I have to definitely hit it closer to the pins to try and find some birdies. I’m looking forward to it,” said the 27-year-old, who is playing in his second season on the ADT.

“There are pins out there where you can’t attack and there are some where you can so I’m going to wait for the opportunities and see how it unfolds,” added Moore.

The halfway cut was set at two-over-par 146 with a total of 57 players qualifying for the last two rounds.

Leading second round scores

127 - Sujjan SINGH (IND) 64-63

136 - Rory HIE (INA) 66-70

137 - Anura Rohana (SRI) 72-65, Michael MOORE (AUS) 69-68

138 - Zaw MOE (MYN) 69-69, Tim STEWART (AUS) 69-69, HSIEH Chi-hsien (TPE) 68-70

139 - Michael BIBAT (PHI) 69-70

140 - Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-70

141 - Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 72-69, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 72-69, Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 67-74, S. Siva Chandhran (MAS) 69-72, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-71, Sukree OTHMAN (MAS) 72-69, KIM Gi-whan (KOR) 71-70, Philip MATSSON (THA) 70-71, CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 70-71, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 73-68, CHANG Tse-Peng (TPE) 71-70


Selected other scores:

142 - Indra HERMAWAN (INA) 73-69

144 - Roby SUGARA (INA) 70-74, Ilyasyak (INA) 72-72

145 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 71-74, George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70

146 - HARDJITO (INA) 75-71

Missed cut:

147 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 74-73, Ian ANDREW (A) (INA) 75-72

148 - Hendri NASIM (INA) 75-73

152 - Jamel ONDO (INA) 77-75, Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 77-75

155 - Sardi (INA) 76-79, KASIADI (INA) 79-76

156 - Burhan BORA (INA) 77-79

157 - Haryono Min (INA) 79-78, Nyoman Sarjana (INA) 77-80

159 - Raja Saharudin (INA) 81-78

161 - Suja'i (INA) 82-79

162 - Hariyadi T. (INA) 83-79, Handoko (INA) 82-80

163 - Warno (INA) 82-81

164 - Sahid (INA) 77-87

166 - Wahyudi Sucahyo (INA) 85-81

169 - Sujarwo S (INA) 84-85

172 - Yarifin (INA) 86-86

Ramadhan Promo At Royale Jakarta Golf Club

During the fasting month of Ramadhan, the Royale Jakarta Golf Club will have the following promotion:

DAYPROMO RATEREGULAR RATE
MonRp 444,000Rp 519,000
Tue-ThuRp 544,000Rp 719,000
FriRp 644,000Rp 789,000
Sat (am)
Public Holiday
Rp 1,295,000Rp 1,819,000
Sat (pm)
Public Holiday
Rp 1.045,000Rp 1,190,000
Sun (am)Rp 925,000Rp 1,235,000
Sun (pm)Rp 725,000Rp 919,000
All prices above include green fee, golf fee, and VAT 10%.

Also get discounts on VIP Rooms

Conditions:
  1. Prices only valid during Ramadhan/fasting month
  2. During Ramadhan/fasting month the Senior, Ladies, Junior promo's and other prices are not valid
  3. This Ramadhan promo can not be combined with any other promo
  4. Players who play 2x18 holes will not get 40% discount, price remains the same
  5. Above prices are valid for 18 holes or 9 holes
  6. Same price is valid for guest without founder and guest with founder
  7. Includes complimentary Ta'jil for afternoon golfers

Titleist Advanced Fitting Days - July Schedule

WHAT IS IT?

It's NOT a demo day. It's by appointment only and you will have the personal and full attention of the qualified fitters.

They use the most advanced technology such as Trackman Launch Monitor (used on tour) and a huge variety of fitting options in shafts, heads and tools.

TOUR PLAYER EXPERIENCE

You get your equipment analyzed just as well as a tour player does.. and with Titleist's outstanding product line - market leading positions in most equipment categories - they're confident of building a set of clubs that work for YOUR GAME.

FITTING COST

You'll be charged a fitting fee of Rp 400,000 that can be refunded through Titleist's Fitting Partners with certain purchases (terms and conditions apply).

PROFESSIONAL FITTER

A full time Titleist Fitting Professional (Brendan Green - PGA-Australia), dedicated to optimizing your bag of equipment, will thoroughly analyze all parts of your equipment from set composition, head types, shaft type, length, i.e. lie angle, with the ultimate goal of properly fitted clubs that improve your ball flight and maximize your distance and accuracy.

For further information contact: 0811 8162498 or email clubfitting@snd.co.id

JULY SCHEDULE :
DAYSDATELOCATIONS
Saturday7-July-2012Cengkareng Golf Course
Tuesday10-July-2012Jagorawi Golf Course
Saturday14-July-2012Cengkareng Golf Course
Tuesday17-July-2012Emeralda Golf Club
Friday20-July-2012Royale Jakarta Golf Course
Tuesday24-July-2012Jagorawi Golf Course
Friday27-July-2012Cengkareng Golf Course

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Singh, Hie Set Pace At Taman Dayu Championship

Pasuruan, East Java, July 4 - Sujjan Singh of India fired a blistering round of eight-under-par 64 to set a new course record in the first round of the Taman Dayu Championship on Wednesday.

Singh, playing on an invite, posted nine birdies and one bogey for a two-shot lead over local favourite Rory Hie at the US$75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event staged at the picturesque Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort.

Anthony Choat of Australia and Tseng Hong-sheng of Chinese Taipei were tied third on 67s while Hsieh Chi-hsien was a further shot back in the inaugural ADT event.

S. Siva Chandhran of Malaysia, the 2010 ADT number one, veteran Zaw Moe of Myanmar and Tim Stewart of Australia were among seven players who shared sixth place on matching 69s.

Singh, who is also an accomplished drummer, has been out of sync with his game on the Asian Tour but found his rhythm during the first round after changing his grip.

“My form has been patchy. I’ve changed a lot of things in my game in the last few months. The reason why I wanted to play here (ADT) is because I wanted to put to use what I’ve changed and it seems to be alright.

“Any golfer would know that once you change your grip, your swing will feel brand new. For a few months, I’ve been hitting the ball sideways but now it is all getting together. I made my grip more neutral and I’m hitting it more comfortably now,” said Singh, a former state squash player in Chandigarh.

He saluted the immaculate conditions and layout at the Jack Nicklaus designed Taman Dayu Golf Club, which he rates as one of the best in Asia.

“This is a brilliant golf course. I was telling my friend that I haven’t played on a bad course in Indonesia and this is probably the best that I’ve played anywhere in Asia. Clearly I have a score to show for it,” smiled Singh.

Hie, the first Indonesian to earn an Asian Tour card in 2009, raised local cheers as he stayed within two shots from the leader and playing partner with a flawless 66.

He surprised even himself with the effort as he had never set foot in Surabaya prior to the Taman Dayu Championship.

“You can’t win it in the first round but you can lose it but I’m happy with the way I’m played. This is actually the first time I’ve been to Surabaya and I’m pleasantly surprised at how well I played,” said Hie.

“It is a really nice golf course and the tournament is well run. The golf course is amazing. It is probably the best course I’ve played in Indonesia,” added the 23-year-old.

Chinese Taipei’s Tseng said he was calm and patient in a blemish free round highlighted by a 15 feet chip-in birdie on the par three third hole.

“This is such a beautiful place and I don’t know why but it made me feel very calm. It was quite an easy round and I’m happy with how I played,” said the 30-year-old Tseng.

The Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort is located in the resort area of Prigen, East Java, which is within a one-hour drive from Surabaya.

The course is part of an integrated resort that covers 600 hectares of prime land including exclusive residential homes and villas, spa, waterpark and clubhouse facilities, which include 38 hotel rooms and luxurious villa accommodation along the golf course.

Leading first round scores

64 - Sujjan SINGH (IND)

66 - Rory HIE (INA)

67 - Anthony CHOAT (AUS), TSENG Hong-sheng (TPE)

68 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TPE)

69 - S. Siva Chandhran (MAS), Michael MOORE (AUS), Greg NICOLSON (SCO), Zaw MOE (MYN), Tim STEWART (AUS), Michael BIBAT (PHI), James LAM (PHI)

70 - Jay BAYRON (PHI), CHOO Tze Huang (SIN), Philip MATSSON (THA), Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA), Choengchai PANPUMPO (THA), Clarke LUTTON (SCO), Roby SUGARA (INA)

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Short Game Wizard Perera Eyes Taman Dayu Win

Pasuruan, East Java, July 3 - Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka will rely on his consistent short game to guide him to victory at the inaugural Taman Dayu Championship, starting Wednesday.

Perera averages 274 yards off the tees but what he lacks in distance, he will make up with an acute short game at the US$75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event staged at the panoramic Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort.

Perera, whose best finish was tied second on the Asian Tour earlier this year, will be among a strong cast of players gathered at the Taman Dayu Championship, which is the fifth of a record 12 ADT events this year.

An in-form Mardan Mamat of Singapore will headline the event alongside rising star Lam Zhiqun, current ADT Order of Merit leader Ryan Bulloch of Australia, who won last week, and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva.

Rory Hie, Andik Mauluddin, Indra Hermawan and Benny Kasiadi will lead the local charge this week.

“I kind of started my career playing on the ADT and in India. It has been a good experience for me and I believe I can win this week because I have a good and accurate short game” said Perera.

“I don’t like long golf courses but I somehow play well on it! I want to get more experience of playing on different courses. I’m not a long hitter so it is important for me to plan my game on various golf courses.”

He credited his short game prowess to regular practise in Sri Lanka and believes he has become a better player by playing on the ADT and on the Asian Tour.

“This is a good experience of playing with the top players. I’m a relatively new player in the professional ranks so you really need to be playing on the ADT with some of these top guys.”

Newcomer Lam, eyeing for a first career victory, was amazed by the layout of the Jack Nicklaus designed course, where the Mount Bromo volcano acts as a scenic backdrop on some holes.

“This course has a fantastic layout and the weather is perfect. It is nice to be playing on the ADT and try to boost your confidence. We have a strong field this week,” said Lam.

“This is a perfect platform for the younger guys to sharpen their game. There are so many ADT events this year and it is a good stepping stone for them to get on the Asian Tour,” added the Singaporean.

Rizal Amin of Malaysia, currently eighth on the ADT Order of Merit, knows it will be an important week for him to move up the rankings as the top three players on the money list at the end of the season will earn 2013 Asian Tour cards.

“There’s a lot to play for this week. This is a big week for me to move up the ladder a little bit and I’m looking forward to it. It is a great golf course but it is a bit hilly and tough. You got to have full concentration on your tee shots,” said the burly golfer, who played mostly in the United States as an amateur.

Ajeetesh Sandhu of India, a former David Leadbetter Golf Academy student, hopes to translate his recent form on the local circuit into a victory this week.

“I’ve been finishing in the top-10 in India which is good. I’m playing well so I’m looking forward to the week. It is going to be exciting,” said Ajeetesh.

“Winning is always the best thing because it solves a lot of issues straight away. Hopefully it will come this weekend. The field is pretty good. I’m seeing a lot of regular Asian Tour guys playing here so it is going to be a good week with the competition,” said the 23-year-old.

The Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort is located in the resort area of Prigen, East Java, which is within a one-hour drive from Surabaya.

The course is part of an integrated resort that covers 600 hectares of prime land including exclusive residential homes and villas, spa, waterpark and clubhouse facilities, which include 38 hotel rooms and luxurious villa accommodation along the golf course.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Bulloch Aims To Extend Winning Form In Taman Dayu

Pasuruan, East Java, July 2 - Ryan Bulloch of Australia hopes to continue his superb run of form at this week’s inaugural Taman Dayu Championship after claiming a life-changing victory last week.

Bulloch previously worked as a greenskeeper in Perth before turning professional earlier this year to pursue his dream of attaining glory in the play-for-pay ranks.

His determination was rewarded with a commanding start-to-finish victory at the PGM Terengganu Masters in Malaysia and he hopes to carry his form into the newest US$75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event here which starts on Wednesday.

“It is great to carry a bit of momentum. Winning is a great feeling and I want to continue this into my next tournament for sure,” said the 34-year-old Bulloch.

With his maiden professional victory, Bulloch moved to the top of the ADT Order of Merit and will be among a strong line-up of players gathered at the beautiful Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort, which will host the fifth ADT event this year.

Mardan Mamat of Singapore, a three-time Asian Tour champion, will feature the event alongside his country’s rising stars Quincy Quek and Lam Zhiqun.

Jay Bayron of the Philippines, Gavin Flint of Australia, S. Siva Chandhran, the ADT number one in 2010 and Peter Richardson of England, all winners on the fledging Tour, will also compete in Taman Dayu.

The Taman Dayu Golf Club and Resort is located in the resort area of Prigen, East Java, which is within a one-hour drive from Surabaya. The championship course is most impressive and is a creation of golfing great, Jack Nicklaus.

The course is part of an integrated resort that covers 600 hectares of prime land including exclusive residential homes and villas, spa, waterpark and clubhouse facilities, which include 38 hotel rooms and luxurious villa accommodation along the golf course.

“I haven’t been to Indonesia before but I heard it is a really nice golf course. I can’t wait to check it out and play,” said Bulloch.

The ADT will stage a record of 12 events in 2012. The top-three players on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards in 2013.