Sunday, January 30, 2011

Diethelm Travel Bring World's Biggest Corporate Golf Tournament To Asia

The world's biggest corporate golf challenge; Bringing the world of business together.

The world's biggest corporate golf tournament has arrived in Asia with the launch of the World Corporate Golf Challenge Asia series. Part of an international network of amateur corporate golf tournaments, Diethelm Travel have secured the rights to the World Corporate Golf Challenge Asia (WCGC Asia) from global rights holder, Madrid-based OM Premium.

Speaking at the signing, David Pettigrew, Director of Golf, Diethelm Travel, said “We're very excited about launching the World Corporate Golf Challenge Asia. It’s a unique concept where corporate two-player teams compete against other amateur corporate teams, with the winning team of each national final going on an all-expenses-paid-trip to the World Finals where they have a chance to become World Champions.”

An annual event, the World Corporate Golf Challenge attracts over 60,000 executives playing in 15,000 teams from more than 25 countries. Since it started in 1993, more than one million golfers have competed in the World Corporate Golf Challenge for the chance to represent their country.

Diethelm Travel have chosen Thailand to be the first World Corporate Golf Challenge Asia event. The 2010/2011 Thailand Finals will take place on 17th March at the only Greg Norman course in Thailand, the Thana City Golf & Sports Club, just outside Bangkok.

The event provides a playing environment where competitors will feel like they are playing in a PGA tournament, whilst at the same time having fun with plenty of opportunity for networking. Up to 72 teams (144 participants) will take part in the Thailand Finals.

The World Corporate Golf Challenge Asia is open to any company or organisation based in the country where the tournament is being held. The World Corporate Golf Challenge is an amateur handicap golf tournament where two players are eligible to represent the entrant. Each regional final consists of an 18 hole stableford competition.

The winner of each country's final go on an all-expenses-paid-trip to the World Finals which will be held 3 – 8 May 2011 at Simola in South Africa, where they will represent not only their company but also their country.
Diethelm Travel will launch a number of Asian events as part of the World Corporate Golf Challenge for the 2011/2012 series and will expand further into new markets in 2012/2013, having secured licences for events in the following countries: Cambodia; China; Hong Kong; Indonesia; Japan; Laos; North Korea; South Korea; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Taiwan; Philippines; Thailand and Vietnam.

Golf Course To Be Built Near Batur Caldera

Bangli (Bali Post) - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik on Thursday (13/1) visited, together with Investment Coordinating Board chairman Gita Wirjawan and expert staff of the Forestry Ministry, Kintamani to stimulate development of tourism in northern Bali. The reason for development here is to offload tourism in southern Bali, which is already overcrowded. At Kintamani a golf course is planned to be built around the Batur caldera.

Jero Wacik said he has always had the intention of building a new airport in northern Bali, as well as a train track around Bali. These intentions arose as a result of the uneven development and economic equality between north- and south Bali. Therefor now north Bali will begin to be developed to the fullest.

Particularly in the Kintamani area he has some development projects that have become his priority. One of the projects is the construction of a golf course on rocky grounds, thereby turning wasteland into green areas. In the town of Kintamani itself the Lake Batur Festival will be held in 2012.

Meanwhile the proposed plan to make Kintamani a geopark area is still under consideration by global research institutions. Hopefully the project can be realized, as the geopark will be very beneficial for tourism development in Bali. "When this can be realized then tourists come to Bali not merely for a vacation, but tourists also can conduct research. Moreover, the soil layers in Batur have a uniqueness and have their own history", he said.

Hopefully all the Balinese people come together and support these projects aimed to improve common welfare. But more importantly, the projects should be run while preserving the environment, and generated waste must be processed properly. This because Lake Batur is a sacred bathing place used by Hindus in Bali.

Introduce Your Friend To Golf

Have you got friends that have always wanted to try golf?
No golf clubs required, just bring yourself.

Saturday February 5th & February 12th 2011
Time 01.30pm to 03.00pm
at Cengkareng Golf Club, Driving Range

Fee Rp 225,000/day


Includes:
- Coaching with PGA Professional Aaron Cole
- All range balls during the coaching
- Free use of 2010 and 2011 latest golf equipment

For booking please call PGA Academy 021-559 10107
or email at academy@cengkarenggolfclub.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Zhang Beats Record Faldo Series Field In Kunming

Zhang Wei-Wei shot rounds of 73 and 72 to finish top of a record field at the fourth Faldo Series Kunming Championship on the Faldo Course at Lakeview Golf Club in China’s Yunnan Province.

More than 80 golfers aged 12 to 21 competed in the final qualifying event of the season, with Zhang finishing two ahead of her nearest rival. The 14 year-old from Hainan now heads to the fifth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen on March 2-4.

Three additional age-group winners from the Kunming Championship will join Zhang for the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo: Jin Da-Xing (Boys’ Under-21), also from Hainan; Qingdao’s Hu Shu-Tong (Boys’ Under-16); and local girl Chen Cui-Xia from Kunming (Girls’ Under-21).

Launched in 1996 by the six-time Major Champion, the Faldo Series now includes 35 events in 25 countries across Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia. The Faldo Series Asia has grown to 17 tournaments in 12 countries, including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).

Former Faldo Series winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.

For results and more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.

Friday, January 21, 2011

World No. 1 Westwood To Headline Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, January 20: Indonesia will host its newest professional golf tournament on the Asian Tour in April with the inauguration of the US$750,000 Indonesian Masters at the prestigious Royale Jakarta Golf Club, officials announced today.

World number one Lee Westwood of England will headline the Indonesian Masters alongside Asia’s top stars from April 21-24, 2011, with the first champion taking home a winner’s cheque of US$118,875.

Sponsors of the elite and full-field Asian Tour event include Royale Jakarta and Four Seasons Hotel. The Professional Golf Association of Indonesia (PGPI) will also sanction the Indonesian Masters.

The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s premier golf championship on the Asian Tour, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.

Organisers lauded the event’s launch and believe that Westwood’s star presence will help mark a new milestone in the growth of professional golf in Indonesia and across Asia.

“Today heralds an exciting landmark for golf in Indonesia,” said Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour. “We are delighted to launch the Indonesian Masters, which will place Indonesian golf firmly on the world map and play a significant role in the expansion of the game here.

“With Lee Westwood competing in the inaugural edition, it will rubberstamp the Indonesian Masters as a premier event on the Asian Tour and reflect the importance of the game in this vibrant nation.

“The Asian Tour and our partners will make every effort to ensure the great success of the Indonesian Masters so that all of Indonesia can be proud of this new tournament.”

Westwood has enjoyed a phenomenal past two years where he was crowned the inaugural Race to Dubai winner on the European Tour in 2009 and subsequently became the world’s top player by dislodging Tiger Woods from his perch last season.

A winner of 32 international titles, the 37-year-old Englishman will be looking to add to his success in Asia where he has won previously in Japan, Macau and Malaysia.

“I am looking forward to competing in the inaugural Indonesian Masters. I have heard that Royale Jakarta is a magnificent golf course and I am really eager to compete on this venue,” said Westwood.

“Asia has always been good to me over the years as I have won several titles across the region and I hope to challenge for my first win in Indonesia. However, I know it will not be easy as the level of competition on the Asian Tour is really strong. Indonesia is a wonderful country to visit and I can’t wait to return.”

The Royale Jakarta Golf Club, located 15 minutes from Central of Jakarta, will become the permanent home of the Indonesian Masters. Designed by Bob Moore Jr. and JMP Group, the exclusive 27-hole golf club is one of Asia’s newest jewels where it uses the latest type of Sea Isle Supreme Paspalum grass to meet and exceed international standards.

“Of behalf of the Club, we are excited to forge a new partnership with the Indonesian Masters and Asian Tour. We have every confidence that this tournament will create a major impact on the landscape of professional golf in Indonesia and ultimately showcase Royale Jakarta to the world,” said Royale Jakarta Golf Club Chief Operating Officer, George Chandra.

The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 40 countries worldwide, reaching 440 million homes.

Han said the launch of the Asian Tour’s latest tournament was the continuation of several major announcements for the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region. Amongst the recent developments include a 12-year agreement with IMG Media to set-up a joint venture company which will manage all television production and global distribution.

PGPI’s Board Member Nursalam Tabusalla believes the Indonesian Masters will provide a wonderful opportunity for local stalwarts to compete in a world-class event.

“We are delighted to work with the Asian Tour in the staging of the Indonesian Masters. Through this new event, the Indonesian players will relish the opportunity to compete against the stars from Asia. It will be tremendous if one of our players win the Indonesian Masters,” he said.

The Indonesian Masters will enjoy a comprehensive marketing and PR campaign for its partners to benefit from the exposure of a truly international golf tournament. Various activities will be organised during the week of the Indonesian Masters for all in the family to enjoy and savour.

Stars of the Asian Tour include newly crowned Order of Merit champion Noh Seung-yul of Korea, three-time number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka, Australia’s Marcus Fraser, Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, China’s Liang Wen-chong and Siddikur, the first Bangladeshi winner in the region.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Bali Junior Golf Tournament

PGI Bali together with Bali Junior Golf Community, will be holding the first Bali Junior Golf Tournament Series in Bali with the support of all five golf courses in Bali. Over 30 junior boys and girls aged from 8 - 17 are registered with players from Bali, Jakarta, Sulawesi, Surabaya and Perth - Australia will tee off at New Kuta Golf on Sunday 30th January 2011.

The tournament will be played on 18 holes Stroke Play Gross. The players will compete in 4 age group categories: 15-17 years old, 13-14 years old, 11-12 years old and below 10 years old.

We are encouraging juniors to enter all 5 tournaments which will earn them points towards the PGI Bali Junior Championship Cup to be held at the end of the five tournaments later in the year.

The PGI Bali Junior Golf Tournament 5 Series & The Bali Junior Championship Cup 2011 was initiated by PGI Bali as well as individual golfers who would like to see more children taking up the game in Bali. The concept behind the tournaments beside the competition aspect is also an educational one, where we be able to nurture some of the younger players in the area of rules, etiquette and sportsmanship at an international level whilst allowing them to experience playing at all five of the courses in Bali. With the collaborative effort by all five courses in Bali, as well as PGI Bali, The PGI Bali Junior Golf Tournament 5 Series & The Bali Junior Championship Cup 2011 will kick off on Sunday 30th January at New Kuta Golf.

Bali Junior Golf Community?s Mission is to provide a warm, caring, safe environment for young juniors in an ideal setting where they can gain social education, an understanding of Golf etiquette and sportsmanship as they grow. We want to be able to offer an opportunity where juniors can have inter school competitions as well as weekend club competition in addition to the tournaments and Family Fun Days and many other club programs for the juniors to participate in.

Any child that has a flair for golf needs to be given the opportunity to become another Aaron Bradley, Adam Scott, KJ Choi or Karie Webb or even Tiger Woods.

Parents have a major role to play and with their support and enthusiasm they can be a catalyst, ensuring a successful junior golf situation.

Sponsors are also an important element in the promotion of junior golf and we would like to acknowledge the support of our sponsors.

The involvement of all of these elements as critical to making Junior Golf a success in Bali.

For more information please see promotional material available on our website. You can also find us on Facebook.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Chaiyasith Inspired To Faldo Series Victory In Thailand

Watched by 2010 Faldo Series Asia Girls’ Champion Thidapa Suwannapura, female star Chonnikant Chaiyasith fired a brilliant three under par total of 141 to win the fourth Faldo Series Thailand Championship at Rose Garden Golf Club near Bangkok.

Thailand’s Suwannapura is unable to defend the title she won at Mission Hills in China last year having recently turned professional, but she was at Rose Garden to spend time with the players and pass on her experiences from her career so far. The 18 year-old also spent time with over 30 local school children who were invited to the tournament to experience golf for the first time.

Suwannapura’s advice certainly inspired compatriot Chaiyasith who saw off the challenge of over 80 players to card rounds of 68 and 73 and win by one from another girl, Wad Phawchimplee.

15 year-old Chaiyasith will now attempt to succeed Suwannapura as the girls’ champion when she lines up in the fifth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills on March 2-4, 2011.

Other qualifiers from Thailand for the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event in Shenzhen include Boys’ Under-21 winner Nattawat Teepakoornsukasem, Chaiwat Poolsombat (Boys’ Under-18), Thanadol Sonkoranee (Boys’ Under-16) and Saraporn Chamchoi (Girls’ Under-21).

Underwritten by the six-time Major winner himself, the Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, together with official golf wear partner UFL and official equipment supplier TaylorMade. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).

Further to the success of the Faldo Series Europe, launched in 1996, the Faldo Series Asia was established in 2006 to help develop the region’s next generation of champions. Over 30 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in more than 25 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia and former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all of whom have since won on Tour.

The 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 17 tournaments in 12 different countries including six in mainland China plus others in The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Thailand.

For scores and more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.