Thursday, January 31, 2013

Rory Hie Charging Forward At PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters

Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, January 31 - Malaysia’s Iain Steel took a share of the halfway lead at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters on Thursday, a week after missing out on an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School.

The Sabahan bounced back from the setback by shooting a four-under-par 68 to tie with Japanese Mitsuhiko Hashizume, who carded a 67, on an aggregate of eight-under-par 136 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Local hope R. Nachimuthu was a further shot back after an effort of 70 at the event, which is the first ADT tournament to receive Official World Golf Ranking points this season.

Singaporeans Lam Chih Bing and Quincy Quek, who has won once on the ADT, Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden and Uli Weinhandl of Austria trailed the leaders by three shots at the Rahman Putra Golf Club.

One shot further back is Indonesia's number one golfer Rory Hie, who shot 69 to move up the ranks to 8th palce. Fellow Indonesian George Gandranata, who was at par with Rory at day one, lost ground after writing down a 74, which saw him drop back to a share of 40th.

Steel has been suffering from a back injury for nearly two years and lost his Asian Tour card for the first time in 2011 since he joined the region’s established Tour in 2006.

He admits that changing career paths had crossed his mind when the opportunity to regain his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School slipped his grasp.

“I was kind of in the slumps after Qualifying School. Honestly, I didn’t really want to be here but after going through the practice motion, I was back in the groove again. I have a little bit of pride where I don’t just show up at events. Fortunately a few putts dropped today and I had two good results,” said the 41-year-old.

“After Qualifying School, I had thought of the future and it crossed my mind of changing careers. My wife keeps dropping hints and my dad keeps knocking on that door. But if my body is close to 90% then I think I can still be competitive,” he added.

But a pair of 68s after two days has provided a glimmer of hope in Steel’s career as he aims to finish inside the top three of the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season to earn an Asian Tour card for 2014.

“It was a more difficult 68 compared to yesterday. I birdied all the par fives and had two sloppy bogeys. If I can shoot the scores that I’ve been doing then it goes towards my confidence. When you are shooting these numbers, the back doesn’t hurt quite as much!” Steel said.

A total of 54 players made the halfway cut which was set at two-over-par 146.

Leading second round scores (Par 72)

136 - Iain STEEL (MAS) 68-68, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 69-67

137 - R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 67-70

139 - LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 69-70, Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-68 , Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 71-68, Uli WEINHANDL (AUT) 69-70

140 - Carl SANTOS-OCAMPO (PHI) 74-66, Rory HIE (INA) 71-69, James LAM (PHI) 70-70, Wolmer MURILLO (VEN) 68-72

141 - Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-74, Zaw MOE (MYN) 72-69, Wilson CHOO (MAS) 69-72, Grant JACKSON (ENG) 69-72, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 70-71, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 73-68

142 - P.Gunasegaran (MAS) 72-70, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-73, Sukree OTHMAN (MAS) 71-71, Nick REDFERN (ENG) 68-74, S. Murthy (MAS) 68-74, James BYRNE (SCO) 71-71, Darren GRIFF (CAN) 74-68

Selected:

145 - George Gandranata (INA) 71-74

Bell Ace Charity Golf Tournament At Cengkareng Golf Club

The Bell Ace (aid children education) Charity Golf Tournament is back on in 2013. It will be held at Cengkareng Golf Club on Thursday 28 February 2013.

11.00Registration
Lunch
12.30Shotgun start
17.30Diner
Entertainment
18.00Prize giving ceremony
Door prizes
Charity auction
FormatIndividual and Team Stroke Play with 36 handicap system

Registration fee: IDR 1,750,000 per person.

For registration contact Ika at:
· ika@golfeventsindonesia.com
· 0815 821 5160
· (021) 5793 6315

Slow Start For Rory Hie And George Gandranata At PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters

Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, January 30 - Local hope R. Nachimuthu and Singaporean star Mardan Mamat led the chase for Official World Golf Ranking points as they shared the opening round lead on five-under-par 67s at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters on Wednesday.

Nachimuthu and Mardan got off to a hot start to take a one-shot lead at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) event, which is the first Asian Development Tour (ADT) tournament to receive world ranking points in the new 2013 season.

Malaysians S. Murthy and Iain Steel, Gary Knight of the United States, Nick Redfern of England, Australian Darren Tan and Wolmer Murillo, the first Venezuelan to play on the ADT, were a further shot back on 68s at the Rahman Putra Golf Club.

Mardan, a three-time Asian Tour winner, credited the hours put into the gym during the off season for his splendid start where he holed a huge 30 foot eagle putt on the fifth hole and sank five other birdies against two bogeys.

“I’m satisfied with the way I played. I concentrated a lot on my fitness during the off season. I went to the gym for four times a week and work out for two hours which has helped my game,” said the 45-year-old.

Mardan believes the ADT’s Official World Golf Ranking status will elevate the stature of the ADT to even greater heights as it gives up-coming players the opportunity to play in the 2016 Olympics.

“This is great because it motivates the younger players to play on the ADT and if they win or finish high on the leaderboard, they will earn world ranking points which will help lift their careers,” added the Singaporean.

Nachimuthu, the PGM Tour’s number one in 2011, peppered the flags with acute iron shots and was rewarded with three birdies in the last four holes to share the first round honours.

“I’ve been working a lot with my coach (Andrew Argus) and it seems to be paying off. I kept calm and hit a lot of greens which helped. I think the players can really benefit from earning world ranking points,” said Nachimuthu.

Malaysians Wilson Choo, Khor Kheng Hwai and Irfan Yusof and Austrian Uli Weinhandl, Grant Jackson of England, Mitsuhiko Hashizume of Japan, Lam Chih Bing of Singapore, James Bowen of the United States, Lindsay Renolds of Canada and Edward Reyes of the Philippines posted identical 69s for tied ninth.

The two Indonesian players ended in a nine-way tie for 25th, but the way they got there was very different. George Gandranata had a solid round with 2 birdies and a single bogey to finish 1-under, whereas Rory Hie achieved this same score after hitting 6 birdies combined with 3 bogeys and double bogey.

Leading first round scores (Par 72)

67 - R. NACHIMUTHU (MAS), Mardan MAMAT (SIN)

68 - S. MURTHY (MAS), Gary KNIGHT (USA), Wolmer MURILLO (VEN), Darren TAN (AUS), Iain STEEL (MAS), Nick REDFERN (ENG)

69 - Wilson CHOO (MAS), Uli WEINHANDL (AUT), Grant JACKSON (ENG), Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN), KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS), LAM Chih Bing (SIN), James BOWEN (USA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Edward REYES (PHI), Irfan YUSOF (MAS)

Selected scores:

71 - Rory HIE (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

George Gandranata In Hunt For World Golf Ranking Points

Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, January 29 - The burgeoning Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour, enters a new and exciting era when the third season begins tomorrow with all events receiving Official World Golf Ranking points from this year onwards.

The RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters in Malaysia will enjoy the privilege of becoming the first ADT tournament to receive world ranking points, which will be used to determine the field when golf makes a return to the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro in 2016.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “This week marks a new dawn for the ADT. It is a wonderful recognition for the ADT to have Official World Golf Ranking status and this will offer emerging players the opportunity to boost their rankings and play their way into the Olympics in 2016 with consistent performances.

“From the record numbers of 748 golfers at our recent Qualifying School, we expect the fields in our ADT events to be even stronger this season.”

Highly rated Nicholas Fung of Malaysia is in buoyant mood ahead of the Rahman Putra Masters, having successfully earned his Asian Tour card through Qualifying School in Thailand last weekend.

“It is a very good opportunity to boost my points on the Official World Golf Ranking. I think this is good for up-coming players such as myself,” said the bespectacled Fung, who will be amongst the favourites at the Rahman Putra Club this week.

“My confidence is really high at the moment since Qualifying School. Earning my Asian Tour card really helped with my confidence and I’ve been playing very well. I was very happy when I finished inside the top-40 because I can play more on the Asian Tour and also hone my game on the ADT,” added Fung, who is the PGM Tour’s number one.

Sanctioned with the PGM Tour, the tournament will kick start the ADT Order of Merit race where the top three players at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2014.

All winners on the ADT will receive a minimum of six world ranking points while the top-six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.

Indonesia’s George Gandranata, who finished 32nd on the ADT Order of Merit last year, is excited at the opportunity of earning world ranking points and taking his career to the next level.

“It is a good opportunity to get world ranking points and also as much experience as I can get. Hopefully I can finish inside the coveted top three on the Order of Merit this season and play on the bigger stage (Asian Tour).

“The goal for me has changed because I’m playing in my second year on the ADT. I’m not just trying to make the cut now. I’ll try to win or finish high up on the leaderboard to get world ranking points,” said Gandranata.

Singapore’s Quincy Quek, winner of the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on the ADT last season, believes the standard of the ADT has grown substantially since its inauguration in 2010 when five tournaments were staged. Eight events were held in 2011 while a record 13 were played last season.

“It is good there is something to look forward to. It is a bonus to have world ranking points and it will also mean that the ADT fields will get stronger because the guys will see the benefits of playing here. It will be good for the Tour and I think it can bring it to another level,” said the 26-year-old.

American James Owen hopes to make amends for missing the grade at Qualifying School last week and is aiming to shine in his first season in Asia.

“There’s so much to offer in Asia especially the world ranking points. You can’t work your way up in your career in the smaller Tours back in the United States. But if you win here then you have a chance to move on to bigger things,” said Owen, who turned professional in 2008.

“I didn’t earn my Asian Tour card but my plan is to play on the ADT this season and try to make it on the big stage. The competition here is great and you get to travel the world and see different cultures. I’m more relaxed over here because it is a different type of experience,” he added.

Among the notable names playing at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters include Indonesian Rory Hie, Singaporeans Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing, Zaw Moe of Myanmar, Shaaban Hussin of Malaysia and Unho Park of Australia.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Dyson, Clarke And Campbell Ready To Take On Els And Daly At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013

Jakarta, 28 January 2013 - Irish star Darren Clarke and New Zealand’s Michael Campbell will join fellow Major champions Ernie Els and John Daly for the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 at Royale Jakarta Golf Club from May 2nd – 5th.


The inclusion of Clarke and Campbell, along with multiple Tour winner Simon Dyson of England, is a huge boost for the prestigious event, which will now have four Major winners competing against the best players from the Asian Tour.


Clarke and Els are both British Open champions, with both winning the world’s oldest Major in 2011 and 2012 respectively, winner while Campbell is a former U.S. Open Champion. Daly won the 1991 U.S. PGA Championship and 1995 British Open.


Dyson is a golfing hero in Asia in his own right. With several wins on both the Asian Tour and European Tour, he won the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown in 2000 during his rookie professional season and also claimed victory in the Indonesia Open in 2006.

“It is fantastic to see so many new stars confirmed for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 which signifies our rapid growth. Our aim when we took up the title sponsor position in 2012 was to be a part of an international golf tournament, which helps to inspire Indonesian golfers as well as assist in the development of the game at the junior and amateur level. With the participation of Simon Dyson, Darren Clarke, Michael Campbell, Ernie Els and John Daly in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 combined with the announcement of our Amateur League and Youth Development initiatives, we are confident that our event is setting the stage for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters to continue to grow into one of the biggest tournaments in the region,”

(L-R) M. Syafei Asnap (PGA Indonesia), Kyi Hla Han (Asian Tour), Gatot Subagio (Bank CIMB Niaga), George Chandra (Royale Jakarta Golf Club). Gives “thumbs up” in CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 Press Conference after the announcement of additional Star Player Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson and Michael Campbell. Photo by: OBGolf/Adil F. Anselm

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “It is wonderful to see the addition of international stars for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, which keeps growing in stature with each passing year. As a full-field Asian Tour tournament, our talented members look forward to competing against many of the best players in the world at a truly wonderful venue in the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. I would like to express our fullest appreciation to CIMB Niaga who is taking every effort to further raise the profile of this wonderful event which will profile Indonesia to the world.”

The announcement comes at the same time as new sponsors sign up to be part of Indonesia’s most prestigious international golfing event. Telkomsel (Official Communications partner) and Sari Pan Pacific Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel) join the family of sponsors in celebrating all the new developments of the event.

The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 will also start its Amateur League series at Royale Jakarta Golf Club this month. All Amateurs are welcome to play on any Tuesday or Wednesday at the host venue, off the black tees and can enter their scores at the end of each round to be counted in the Order of Merit which will be featured on the event’s website www.indonesianmasters.co.id . A minimum of three rounds must be played to qualify for a ranking and the leading amateur at the end of March 2013 will win a spot to play in the tournament proper representing the Indonesian Golf Association (Persatuan Golf Indonesia).

The Youth Development initiatives include monthly clinics for the juniors of Indonesia, selected by the Indonesian Golf Association, as well as a one-day qualifying tournament for 40 of Indonesia’s best juniors who can attempt to win a spot to play in tournament proper. The best performing juniors will also be given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the event during the event week as an added incentive for them to give their best performance during the clinics.

“The initiatives for Amateurs and Juniors of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is certainly very welcomed by the Indonesian Golf Association. Our focus is to keep developing our young golfers and also provide a strong platform for them to grow into our future talents for the nation. We are thankful to CIMB Niaga and all the other partners as well as the organisers of the event for encompassing all aspects of the game through their event. It is clear that they have the goal to have a sustainable event for the country and we are proud to support the event together with the Professional Golfers Association of Indonesia, PGA Indonesia” said Rizal Arya from Persatuan Golf Indonesia.

Besides developing the Youth and Amateurs of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is also committed to giving back to the community through their association with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. The event serves to raise funds to build homes for families in need in Indonesia and have so far managed to help 25 families by providing them with a decent home to live in.

The 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.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Golf Day At Indah Puri Golf Resort Batam

On Sunday 17th February 2013 Indah Puri Golf Resort at Batam will have a Member’s Golf Day

This Ambrose Texas Scramble Tournament is also open for registration to Non-Members.

Please send enquiries to marketing@indahpuri.com (Ms. Cream) for more details.

2013 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule Released

January 23, 2013 - The ASEAN PGA Tour will burst into life in 2013 with a record number of events ensuring the overall prize money surpasses US$1 million for the first time.

A total of 12 tournaments will be played worth US$1,095,000 providing an abundance of lucrative playing opportunities.

The popular circuit will stage its’ established events while welcoming onboard new tournaments thanks to burgeoning ties between the All Thailand Golf Tour, run by Sports Management Group (SMG), and the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour.

The circuit will tee-off with the US$100,000 Singha Esan Open from February 14 to 17.

This has been a regular ASEAN PGA tournament since the Tour was formed in 2007 and will be one of four events this year joint-sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour.

The additional ones are the Singha Pattaya Open, the Singha Hua Hin Masters and the Singha Chiang Mai Open. The Pattaya event was first played on the ASEAN PGA Tour in 2009 while the other two are making their first appearances.

The ASEAN PGA Tour will also break new ground by working with Malaysia’s fast rising circuit at the PGM-ASEAN A’Famosa Masters, the PGM-ASEAN Penang Classic and the PGM-ASEAN Negeri Sembilan Masters.

Another new tournament to be played will be the Bali International Pro Am.

“The eighth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour is set to be our finest ever,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.

“We will meet our main objective of providing more playing opportunities for our ASEAN-based members, be they rookie professionals or more seasoned campaigners.

“We are also extremely confident this year’s schedule will be the catalyst for an ongoing expansion for our Tour.”

Prior to this year the ASEAN PGA Tour experienced its strongest schedule in 2010 when 10 tournaments were held offering US$590,000.

In 2013, the ASEAN PGA will welcome back the Palembang Musi Championship, which with prize money of US$250,000 is the most lucrative tournament.

Also returning are the Luang Prabang Laos Open, the Gowa Classic, and the Sabah Masters.

World Sport Group, Asia’s leading sports marketing agency; specializing in sports sponsorship, sports content, and sports event management, remain as the official commercial partner for the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Their television arm will continue to produce a one hour highlight show for each event which will be broadcast on ESPN Star Sports.

2013 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule:

Singha Esan
Open
Singha Park Golf Club
Khon Kaen, Thailand
Feb 14-17US$100,000
Singha Pattaya
Open
Burapha Golf Club
Thailand
Apr 18-21US$100,000
Luang Prabang
Laos Open
Luang Prabang Golf Club
Laos
Apr 24-27US$100,000
PGM-ASEAN
A’Famosa Masters
A’Famosa Golf Resort
Melaka, Malaysia
May 8-11US$60,000
Palembang Musi
Championship
Palembang Golf Club
Indonesia
May 15-18US$250,000
PGM-ASEAN
Penang Classic
Penang Golf Resort
Malaysia
Jun 12-15US$60,000
Singha Hua Hin
Masters
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club
Thailand
Jul 18-21US$65,000
Bali International
Pro Am
New Kuta Golf
Bali, Indonesia
Jul 31-
Aug 3
US$60,000
Singha Chiang
Mai Open
Venue TBC
Thailand
Aug 8-11US$65,000
PGM-ASEAN
Negeri Sembilan
Masters
Seremban International
Golf Club, Malaysia
Oct 23-26US$60,000
Gowa ClassicPadivalley Golf Club
Gowa, Indonesia
Date TBCUS$100,000
Sabah MastersSutera Harbour Golf &
Country Club, Malaysia
Date TBCUS$75,000

Monday, January 14, 2013

Jack Nicklaus B’day Golf Tournament At Taman Dayu

Taman Dayu Golf & Resort invites you to join their January 2013 Monthly Medal – Jack Nicklaus Birthday Golf Tournament on Sunday, 20 January 2013 (shot gun at 07:00am).

Tournament fees are IDR 550,000 for members and IDR 1,100,000 for guests.

Grand Prizes:

2 (two) Return Tickets Surabaya – Singapore by Garuda Indonesia

2 (two) return tickets Surabaya – Bangkok by Garuda Indonesia

2 (two) return tickets by Surabaya – Hongkong by Garuda Indonesia

For regsitration and information contact Taman Dayu at (0343) 633 411/412 or marcom@tamandayu.com.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

The Golf Academy Bali To Open At New Kuta Golf

The Golf Academy Bali will open for coaching in January at the world renowned New Kuta Golf Club. It is the second academy of its kind in Asia behind its sister company The Golf Academy Borneo. With a reputation for providing high quality coaching all the way to the highest level they are excited about the new academy opening.

Their mission is to offer the highest quality of coaching within the area, and through their coaches and the fun atmosphere provided they are sure that your golf will improve.

Their are many programmes available and they cater for all abilities from beginner to tour professional and don't forget their famous Junior Programme and 2,3 and 5 day golf schools. Their is something for everyone.

On the 15th & 16th January they will be having an open day at New Kuta Golf where you can meet the team and find out about the programmes they will be running. It's open to the public between 1-4pm.

Head Professional at The Golf Academy Bali will be Rory Young and you can contact him at rory@golfacademybali.com.

Rory Hie Storms To Fourth While Lascuna Claims Victory At Sabah Masters

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, January 12 - Filipino Antonio Lascuna ended a long frustrating wait for his first win on the ASEAN PGA Tour today by triumphing in the US$75,000 Sabah Masters.

The popular 42-year-old beat pre-tournament favourite Mardan Mamat from Singapore on the third hole of a sudden-death play-off at Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club.

Lascuna started the day five shots adrift of Mamat, who led after each of the first three rounds, but stormed through with a five-under-par 66.

Mamat closed with a 71, in the final event of the 2012-2013 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

The two players finished the tournament tied on 11-under-par 273.

Lascuna’s magical short game carried him to victory on the par-four 18th. He made a brilliant sand save on his 72nd hole and when they returned to the 18th for the play-off he made superb up and downs for par on the first two extra holes.

Mamat found water with his second shot on the third extra hole to hand victory to his Filipino opponent.

“I am really excited. It is a relief to finally win. It was a great battle with Mardan who kept giving me chances,” said Lascuna, who has won 18 times on the Philippine domestic circuit.

The Filipino first started playing on the ASEAN PGA Tour in 2008 and accumulated two second place finishes, a couple of third placings and a total of nine top fives.

“I always told myself to be patient and not force things. I felt a win would come eventually,” added Lascuna, who earned a cheque for US$12,918.

He carded a bogey-free round with four birdies on the front and one on the homeward stretch.

Mamat, chasing his third ASEAN PGA title, surprisingly stumbled on the back with bogeys on 14 and 18.

“I ran out of steam a bit but it has been a great week and a good start to the year. We are all happy Antonio finally got the monkey off his back,” said 45-year-old Mamat.

Filipino Anthony Fernando, joint second here in 2011, shot a 65 to claim solo possession of third place.

A stellar last round performance by Indonesia's number 1 golfer Rory Hie saw him climb to fourth place. With 7 birdies and a single bogey on the 16th hole he also recorded a 65, the lowest round score at the tournament.

Meanwhile George Gandranata maintained his 15th place with a mixed round of birdies and bogeys. His final tally of 286 saw him finish at 2 over for the tournament.

Malaysian Nicholas Fung ended in eighth position after carding a 74. The young man from Kota Kinabalu finished the season as the Order of Merit champion with winnings of US$31,884. He won the Palembang Musi Championship in Indonesia and lost in a play-off at the Singha Esan Open in Thailand.

Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, who beat Fung in Esan, took second place with earnings of US$28,742.

The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the season-opening Singha Esan Open from February 14 to 17. The US$65,000 tournament will be played at Singha Park Golf Club in Khon Kaen.

Leading final round scores (Par 71):

273 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 67 69 71 66, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 67 66 69 71 (Lascuna won in play-off on third extra hole)

276 - Anthony Fernando (PHI) 72 70 69 65

277 - Rory Hie (INA) 71 73 68 65, R Nachimuthu (MAS) 72 71 66 68

279 - Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 71 67 68, Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 69 68 69 73

280 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 72 65 69 74

281 - S Siva Chandran (MAS) 71 68 71 71

282 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 69 70 70, Danny Chia (MAS) 69 73 68 72

284 - Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70 72 71 71, Rufino Bayron (PHI) 70 70 72 72

285 - Mhark Fernando (PHI) 77 70 71 67

286 - George Gandranata (INA) 74 72 68 72

Friday, January 11, 2013

Rory Hie And George Gandranata Charge Ahead At Sabah Masters

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, January 11 - Singapore’s top golfer Mardan Mamat continued to dominate the US$75,000 Sabah Masters today by taking a four shot lead after the third round.

The 45-year-old carded a two-under-par 69 at Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club to move to 11-under-par for the tournament.

Malaysian star Nicholas Fung, who hails from Kota Kinabalu, and Somkiat Srisanga from Thailand are in joint second position after also shooting 69.

Fung’s round put him on course to be crowned the ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit champion tomorrow, in what is the final event of the 2012-2013 season.

He comfortably leads the Merit list with Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert, the only player who could overtake him by winning this week, carding a 71 to trail on level par.

Mamat has led the tournament since day one and will be favorite to prevail tomorrow although he admitted today that maintaining his focus was difficult.

He said: “I made a few mistakes on the back nine but managed to hang in there and finish even par on the back. It is hard to concentrate for four and a half hours every day. I made a few bad decisions.”

Mamat has won twice before on the ASEAN PGA Tour in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore and in the following year’s Mercedes-Benz Masters Malaysia.

“The key is to not make any bad mistakes. If I can finish under par tomorrow I will be very happy. I need to keep my confidence up. It is going to be a long year and this is just the start,” added Mamat, who turned professional in 1996.

He marched to victory in the Philippine Open last year for his third triumph on the Asian circuit.

Fung, aged 22, finished joint second in the 2011 Sabah Masters, the last time the event was played, and would dearly love to win the tournament and Merit title on his home patch.

“There is plenty of support here for me this week and so I am really happy that I have been able to perform well,” said Fung.

He triumphed in the Palembang Musi Championship last year and currently leads the Merit list with earnings of US$29,933.

Filipino Antonio Lascuna carded a 71 and is five behind the leader in solo possession of fourth.

Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand returned a 70 and is 10 back of Mamat. He is now in 10th place together with Rufino Bayron from the Philippines and Indonesia's Rory Hie, who gained 7 spots after returning a 68.

His countryman George Gandranata also a carded a 68 and moved up the ranks to 15th, 12 shots off the lead.

Leading third round scores (Par 71):

202 - Mardan Mamat (SIN) 67 66 69

206 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 72 65 69, Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 69 68 69

207 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 67 69 71

209 - R Nachimuthu (MAS) 72 71 66

210 - Danny Chia (MAS) 69 73 68, S Siva Chandran (MAS) 71 68 71

211 - Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 71 67, Anthony Fernando (PHI) 72 70 69

212 - Rory Hie (INA) 71 73 68, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 69 70, Rufino Bayron (PHI) 70 70 72

213 - Mohd Sukree Othman (MAS) 72 72 69, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70 72 71

214 - George Gandranata (INA) 74 72 68

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Rory Hie Off To A Slow Start In Sabah Masters

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, January 10 - Evergreen Mardan Mamat produced another authoritative round to keep his lead in the Sabah Masters.

He carded a second round five-under-par 66 at Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club to lead on nine-under.

Antonio Lascuna from the Philippines is three shots behind after firing 69, in the final event of the 2012-2013 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

A stroke further back is Malaysian Nicholas Fung and Somkiat Srisanga from Thailand, who carded rounds of 65 and 68 respectively.

Fung, whose hometown is Kota Kinabalu, currently leads the ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit and after his fine round, consisting of six birdies, he is on the cusp of securing top spot.

Mamat, aged 45, started the day in a tie for the lead with Lascuna, but took control of the event by making birdie on his first three holes.

The Singaporean number one started on the 10th and made another birdie on the 14th. He dropped shots on 15 and 18 but then toured the next nine in three under.

“I made an amazing start and that gave me a lot of confidence,” said Mamat.

“You need to keep your ball in the fairway off the tee here and that is one of the things I do well. It is hard to stop the ball on the greens so you need a good lie for approach shots.”

Mamat last played in the Sabah Masters in 1999 when it was also played at Sutera Harbour and American Robert Huxtable triumphed. The tournament was not played for a decade until being revived in 2011 by the ASEAN PGA and the Sabah Tourism Board.

Last year Mamat showed he is getting better with age by winning the Philippine Open.

“I am a veteran not a senior yet. The key for me these days is to enjoy playing. I don’t hit it as far as the young guys but there is a lot more to the game than that,” added Mamat.

Mamat has won twice before on the ASEAN PGA Tour in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore and in the following year’s Mercedes-Benz Masters Malaysia.

Lascuna, a perennial runner-up on the ASEAN PGA Tour, made three birdies and dropped one shot.

“I played well and am quite happy but Mardan will be hard to catch,” said 42-year-old Lascuna.

The Filipino has won 18 titles on the Philippine Golf Tour and in 2007 he was victorious in the Selangor Masters.

Malaysian amateur star Arie Fauzi is putting together an impressive tournament. The 22-year-old, who is on a golf scholarship at the University of Tulsa, fired a 68 and is in solo possession of seventh place on one under.

“It was a little bit windy but I am used to that as we have plenty in Tulsa,” said Fauzi.

He plans to play in this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open as an amateur before deciding if the time is right to turn professional.

Fauzi first surfaced on the ASEAN PGA Tour when he tied for eighth in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Masters Malaysia.

Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert is even par for the tournament following a 72. He is third on the Merit list and needs to win this week, and see Fung finish outside the top-10, to top the money list.

Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, who shot 69, and Malaysia’s top golfer Danny Chia, in with a 73, are tied with Annop.

The Indonesians meanwhile are off to a slow start. Rory Hie shot 4 birdies today, but 2 double bogeys and 2 bogeys meant he ended the day at 2 over 73. After an even par round yesterday he's now in a share of 17th with 144 total. George Gandranata shot 72 for the day, totaling 146 at the midpoint for a share of 28th place.

Leading second round scores (Par 71):

133 - Mardan Mamat (SIN) 67 66

136 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 67 69

137 - Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 69 68, Nicholas Fung (MAS) 72 65

139 - S Sivachandran (MAS) 71 68

140 - Rufino Bayron (PHI) 70 70

141 - Arie Fauzi (Am) (MAS) 73 68

142 - Pasavee Lertvilai (THA) 71 71, Marvin Dumandan (PHI) 70 72, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70 72, Danny Chia (MAS) 69 73, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 69, Anthony Fernando (PHI) 72 70

143 - Jhonnel Ababa (PHI) 72 71, R Nachimuthu (MAS) 72 71, Pijit Petchkasem (THA) 71 72 144 - Iain Steel (MAS) 70 74. Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 71, Rory Hie (INA) 71 73, Mohd Sukree Othman (MAS) 72 72, Jay Bayron (PHI) 73 71, Yu Shuen Lam (MAS) 72 72, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 69 75

Selected:

146 - George Gandranata (INA) 74 72

Missed cut:

163 - Imay Hendra (INA) 80 83

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Junior Golf Community of Surabaya Tournament

Sunday 27 January 2013 Series 1 of the JPM 3 Tournament Series of the Junior Golf Community of Surabaya (JGCS) will be held at at Finna Golf & Country Club Resort in Pandaan, East Java.

The tournament is open to all juniors under the age of 18 years old.

Age Divisions For Boys & Girls


A: 15-17 years
Boys blue tee / Girls white tee

B: 13-14 years
Boys blue tee / Girls white tee

C: 11-12 years
Boys white tee / Girls red tee

D: 9-10 years
Boys and Girls red tee


Beginner Divsions:

(Forward tee and may ride golf cart)
9-10 years

8 years & under

Tournament details


Tee Off
12.00 noon. Format is 18 holes individual stroke play.

Entry Fee
Rp. 400.000/18 Holes (inclusive caddy fee and dinner, exclude caddy tips)

Awards
Awards will be presented to top 3 in each age division (boys and girls combined)

Registration
Registration by email to igcs27@yahoo.com or sms to 0812 303 4630.

Payment
Transfer to Winarto Wijono JGCS, BNI KCP Tg Perak account no. 871 234 5870

Deadline
Closing date for registration and payment is Thursday 24 January 2013.


For further information contact Indarso Tjandra at 0878 545 88899 or Winarto Wijono at 0812 303 4630 and visit www.facebook.com/JGCSurabaya.