Saturday, July 20, 2013

IndoGolfNews Recognized For The Best Online News Coverage On Indonesian Masters 2013

This week it was announced that IndoGolfNews was winner of The Best Online News Coverage category in the Media Center Awards of the Indonesian Masters 2013.
In other "Best Coverage" categories the winners were TopSkor (Daily Newspaper), Golf Magazine (Magazine) and MNC Sport (Television).

More Media Center Awards were presented for “Most Helpful” to Ira Wardhany of The Jakarta Post, “Best Attendance” to Tommy of Prestige Viva Golfer (Magazine) and Dita Erlangga of Associated Press Jakarta Bureau (Others), “Best Attitude” to Siti Annisa of Tim Kompas TV (Television) and Fadrin Anggi of Tim Berita Satu TV (Television) and “Best Photo” to Ismar Fatriski of Antara Foto (Online News).

We thank Indonesian Masters Committee for this recognition of IndoGolfNews as the best source for online news.

Gandranata Drops, Hie Rises In Final Round Of Jakarta Classic At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 20 - James Bowen of the United States savored a memorable week when he posted a final round two-under-par 70 to claim his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the inaugural Jakarta Classic on Saturday.

The American totaled 12-under-par 276 to edge out Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang by two shots despite making bogeys on the second and 14th holes at the Imperial Klub Golf.

Chan, who was the first round leader, mixed his card with six birdies and two bogeys to settle for second place while Australian Darren Tan recorded a 71 for third place finish at the US$60,000 ADT event.

England’s Grant Jackson, a one-time winner on the ADT, and Malaysia’s Arie Fauzi took a share of fourth place after posting scores of 70 and 72 respectively at the Jakarta Classic, which is the seventh leg on the ADT schedule this season.

Best Indonesian player was Rory Hie, who finished in a tie for 7th place after a final round 70. Andik Mauludin (71) finished 3 shots further back in a tie for 12th, one shot ahead of Benny Kasiadi (72) who's in a tie for 15th. George Gandranata (77), who was in 7th place after round 3 dropped to a tie for 22nd after making more bogeys in his final round than the first rounds combined.

Bowen has been in commanding form all week since he took over the lead from Chan after the second round.

“I’m feeling great. Winning two professional titles in a year is a great accomplishment for me. It really means a great deal to me. I feel like my hard work is finally paying off,” said the 27-year-old, who traded four birdies and two bogeys.

“I had a great boost in confidence and I’m very excited about the remaining season ahead. It would be great if I can win again before the season ends,” added Bowen, who is hoping to earn his Asian Tour card for 2014 by finishing top three on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season.

Bowen, who earned US$10,500 for his victory, will take over the lead on the ADT Order of Merit from Malaysia’s Nicolas Fung.

The American will also receive six Official World Golf Ranking points courtesy of his triumph this week.

Meanwhile, Chan could not help but feel disappointed about missing out on his maiden ADT win after posting a brilliant final round 68.

However, he is still optimistic and confident of doing better in the remaining season ahead.

“I was so close to winning but I guess it’s alright. I am happy that I played well today. Finishing second in my first ADT event this year has given me a lot of confidence as well. I will continue to work hard and hopefully I can play better next time!” said Chan, who topped his country’s Order of Merit in 2010.

The top three players to finish on the ADT Order of Merit will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.

Starting this season, all ADT events will receive Official World Golf Ranking points which will help players qualify for the World Cup of Golf in November and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Leading final round scores (A denotes amateur):

276 – James BOWEN (USA) 70 66 70 70

278 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 67 73 70 68

280 – Darren TAN (AUS) 73 69 67 71

281 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 73 65 73 70, Arie FAUZI (MAS) 68 73 68 72

282 – Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 71 70 72 69

284 – Rory HIE (INA) 76 67 71 70, Iain STEEL (MAS) 73 72 69 70, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 70 71 72 71

Selected:

287 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 70 72 74 71

288 - Benny KASIADI (INA) 71 71 74 72

290 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 73 72 68 77

291 - I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA) 74 72 73 72, Maan NASIM (INA) 74 72 70 75

293 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 73 71 75 74

294 - Ade SEBUL (INA) 76 68 74 76

295 - Bramantyo ADI (A) (INA) 76 72 72 75

297 - I Nengah DHARMA (INA) 71 77 71 78

298 - IRMANSYAH (INA) 74 73 72 79

298 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 68 77 75 78, Rinaldi Adiyandono (INA) 74 75 73 76

299 - Jamel ONDO (INA) 74 74 73 78

303 - Sim MINSUB (A) (INA) 73 76 79 75

306 - Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) (INA) 75 74 79 78

Friday, July 19, 2013

Gandranata On A Charge In Jakarta Classic At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 19 - James Bowen of the United States cemented his lead atop the leaderboard when he carded a third round two-under-par 70 to extend his advantage to three at the inaugural Jakarta Classic on Friday.

Bowen, who held the overnight lead, compiled a three-day total of 10-under-par 206 to enjoy a three-shot cushion over Australian Darren Tan and Arie Fauzi of Malaysia as he heads into the final round at the Imperial Klub Golf.

Tan and Arie, who recently turned professional in April, signed for matching 209s to take a share of second place while Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, who was leading after the first day, carded a 70 to take fourth place.

England’s Grant Jackson slipped three places from second to fifth when he returned with a 73 at the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

George Gandranata, who is currently the highest placed Indonesian on the ADT Order of Merit, is looking to solidify this position after climbing 15 places to 7th place with a round of 68. One shot further back is Rory Hie who put in a solid 71. Four more Indonesians are in the top 25, with Maan Nasim (70), Benny Kasiadi (74) and Andik Mauludin (74) in a share of 16th and Ade Sebul (74) in a share of 24th place.

Bowen, who is currently second on the ADT Order of Merit, was delighted with his commanding performance which he described as a huge confidence booster.

“I’m glad I gave myself a lot of chances today. I didn’t make any mistakes today and I had a bogey-free round which was a huge confidence boost for me,” said Bowen.

“I hope I can enjoy a solid round again tomorrow. I will try and stick to my original game plan and we will see what happens,” added the 27-year-old.

Having claimed his maiden ADT breakthrough earlier this year, the American remains on course to seal his second title and potentially a spot on the region’s premier Tour at the end of the season.

The top three players to finish on the ADT Order of Merit will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.

Meanwhile Tan credited his recent good form for giving him the honor of recording the day’s lowest score of 67.

“I think I’ve just had my best ball-striking round today. I played my wedge shots well too. I’m really happy with my game. Hopefully, I can hole more putts tomorrow,” said Darren, who marked his blemish-free card with five birdies.

Tan once hogged the spotlight on the Asian Tour when he won a Kia Optima K5 after carding a hole-in-one during the second round of ISPS Handa Singapore Classic in 2012.

Starting this season, all ADT events will receive Official World Golf Ranking points which will help players qualify for the World Cup of Golf in November and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Leading third round scores (A denotes amateur):

206 – James BOWEN (USA) 70 66 70

209 – Darren TAN (AUS) 73 69 67, Arie FAUZI (MAS) 68 73 68

210 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 67 73 70

211 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 73 65 73

212 – Shuan MALONE (ENG) 69 72 71

213 – George GANDRANATA (INA) 73 72 68, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 71 70 72, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 70 71 72

Selected:

214 - Rory HIE (INA) 76 67 71

216 - Maan NASIM (INA) 74 72 70, Benny KASIADI (INA) 71 71 74, Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 70 72 74

218 - Ade SEBUL (INA) 76 68 74

219 - I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA) 74 72 73, Irmansyah (INA) 74 73 72, Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 73 71 75, I Nengah DHARMA (INA) 71 77 71

220 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 68 77 75, Bramantyo ADI (A) (INA) 76 72 72

221 - Jamel ONDO (INA) 74 74 73

222 - Rinaldi Adiyandono (INA) 74 75 73

228 - Sim MINSUB (A) (INA) 73 76 79, Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) (INA) 75 74 79

Lidya Ivana Memorial To Be Held 15 September On Senayan National Golf Club

‘The Reborn’ Senayan National Golf Club will be hosting the historical inaugural ‘LIDYA IVANA MEMORIAL’, a golf event to pay tribute to Lidya Ivana Jaya, the only current Indonesian female professional golfer who passed away recently. The event will be held on September 15th 2013.

Lidya Ivana Jaya was the only current Indonesian female golfer who played in professional golf tour in the world.

This tournament is held not only to commemorate and honor the figure of Lidya Ivana Jaya, but more so to revive her spirit and dream to bring Indonesia’s golf to the highest level. This spirit is expected to continue to live on in every Indonesian golf athlete to be able to achieve their goals.

In this inaugural tournament, we will be raising funds to be distributed to foundations, orphanages and also the golf academy that has been continuously supported by the late Lidya Ivana Jaya.

“Although we felt in deep sorrow that we learned we have lost one of our dear members, LAGT is proud to be involved in this memorial event and will do its best to assist. Many players expressed their wish to attend the event to remember Lidya, and we were able to select some of her best friends to do so”, said Mr. Koichi Kato, President of Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT).

Indonesia Golf Association (PGI) and Indonesia PGA (IPGA) share a deep loss of Lidya Ivana Jaya and they both support and look forward to this new tournament. Both PGI and IPGA hopes that this tournament will trigger all junior golfers, especially girls, to put their commitment to golf so that looking for Lidya Ivana Jaya's successor will not be a difficult task.

Nike Golf through PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk. (MAP Active) was involved from the very beginning and strongly supports this upcoming event as Lidya Ivana Jaya was the brand ambassador of Nike Golf since December 2010. “Late Lidya was a good friend and part of our MAP golf team family. She’s a wonderful person and has a great personality. She will always be in our heart and thoughts”, said Pilar Medina, Sr. Golf Marketing Manager, MAP Active.

At this inaugural event the tournament will be in the format of 'Skins Game', where the professional players will represent different charitable foundations to raise funds. In addition to the 'Skins Game' a tournament for amateur players will also be held as well as a pro-am will be held a day before the main event for the 'major sponsor'.

Fully supported by Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT), Indonesia Golf Association (PGI) & Indonesia PGA, this event offers fantastic entertainment for golf enthusiast in Indonesia. This inaugural event scheduled in September 2013 will involve Professionals from LAGT member countries. This will create one of the prime and credible tournaments in Indonesia and is destined to capture the imagination of the region’s golf fans.

As the first of its kind in LAGT, this tournament will definitely give more values to the tour.

16 Local Players Challenge For Top Spots In Jakarta Classic At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 18 - American James Bowen posted a second round six-under-par 66 to move atop the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the inaugural Jakarta Classic on Thursday.

The 27-year-old, who opened his campaign with a 70, fired seven birdies against one bogey to lead the field with a two-day total of eight-under-par 136 at the Imperial Klub Golf.

England’s Grant Jackson, who returned with the day’s lowest score of 65, trailed the American by two shots to take second place while Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan and overnight leader, Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei shared third place after signing for matching 140s at the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Johannes Dermawan, who was in second place after the 1st round, dropped to 22nd after a somewhat disappointing 77 today. Best of the local boys are now Andik Mauludin and Benny Kasiadi, who are in a share of 10th place with 142, with Rory Hie, Indonesia's top ranked player, one shot further back.

“I made a lot of putts today and I drove the ball pretty well. There was no wind in the morning and the course was kind of wet but overall, it was in a good shape. I’m really pleased with the way I putted today,” said a delighted Bowen, who stayed on track for his second ADT win after claiming his breakthrough in Malaysia earlier this year.

“The season has been great for me so far. I’ve been in contention several times this year and my golf game has been pretty consistent. I think this has got to be the best season that I’ve had so far,” added the American.

Meanwhile Jackson, who clinched his first ADT victory in Malaysia in April, is pleased with his recent good run of form.

The Englishman is targeting a top-three finish on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season as that would allow him to earn his Asian Tour card for 2014.

“I gave myself some chances and I played nicely today. The greens were tricky and the course was wet. I actually felt like I was playing on a different course as compared to yesterday!” said Jackson, who mixed his card with seven birdies, one eagle and two bogeys.

“I’m very excited about my weekend rounds. I think it’s going to be very interesting! I’ll try to enjoy myself out there and hopefully I can continue to play solid over the next two days,” smiled Jackson.

The halfway cut was set at five-over-par with 57 players, including 16 Indonesians, advancing to the final two rounds.

Starting this season, all ADT events will receive Official World Golf Ranking points which will help players qualify for the World Cup of Golf in November and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Leading second round scores (A denotes amateur):

136 – James BOWEN (USA) 70 66

138 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 73 65

140 – KOH Deng Shan (SIN) 72 68, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 67 73

141 – Arie FAUZI (MAS) 68 73, Shaun MALONE (ENG) 69 72, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 70 71, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 71 70, Anthony SMITH (AUS) 74 67

142 – Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 70 72, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 70 72, Benny KASIADI (INA) 71 71, Darren TAN (AUS) 73 69

Selected:

143 - Rory HIE (INA) 76 67

144 - Ade SEBUL (INA) 76 68, Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 73 71

145 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 73 72, Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 68 77

146 - Maan NASIM (INA) 74 72, I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA) 74 72

147 - Irmansyah (INA) 74 73

148 - Jamel ONDO (INA) 74 74, Bramantyo ADI (A) (INA) 76 72, I Nengah DHARMA (INA) 71 77

149 - Sim MINSUB (A) (INA) 73 76, Rinaldi Adiyandono (INA) 74 75, Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) (INA) 75 74

CUT

150 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 76 74, Rudianto R (INA) 76 74, K. Soewarno (INA) 76 74

151 - Nasin SURACHMAN (INA) 77 74, Hendri NASIM (INA) 75 76, Joeh SEIK (A) (INA) 75 76, Asep SUGANDA (INA) 78 73, Harmen TABUSALLA (INA) 77 74

152 - Dicky PRIONGGO (A) (INA) 74 78, Dede IDRIS (INA) 78 74, Jason MARTINUS (A) (INA) 74 78, Ilyasyak (INA) 76 76

153 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA) 76 77, Adrian HALIMI (A) (INA) 74 79, Ian ANDREW (INA) 78 75, Hamzah RACHMADI (INA) 76 77

154 - Michael SONG (INA) 76 78, SARMILIH (INA) 76 78, S SANUSI (INA) 76 78, KASIADI (INA) 79 75

155 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 80 75

156 - Abhi SAHARI (A) (INA) 79 77

157 - Randy Mawuntu (INA) 81 76

158 - Jemin SAPUTRA (INA) 82 76

159 - SUDYHARTONO (INA) 76 83

160 - Yudiansyah (INA) 81 79

161 - Aria KAMSURI (INA) 88 73

162 - Rokhib R (INA) 78 84

163 - Denni HERMAWAN (INA) 83 80, Kajum JUMAR (INA) 82 81, JEONG Hyn Jae (A) (INA) 83 80

164 - Hendri SUCIPTO (INA) 82 82

166 - WARNO (INA) 86 80

168 - William MANANTA (INA) 84 84

170 - Sujarwo S (INA) 88 82

171 - Reno MUNADHI (INA) 87 84

172 - Clement SADELI (INA) 83 89

183 - Erwin SITORUS (INA) 98 85

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Johannes Dermawan One Shot Of The Lead In First Round Of Jakarta Classic At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 17 - Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei shot a five-under-par 67 to snatch the opening round lead at the inaugural US$60,000 Jakarta Classic at the Imperial Klub Golf on Wednesday.

Chan posted a bogey-free round that was highlighted by five birdies to take a one-shot lead over Indonesia’s Johannes Dermawan and Malaysia’s Arie Fauzi who posted matching 68s at the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

England’s Shaun Malone carded a 69 to secure the fourth place while American James Bowen, Indonesia’s Andik Mauludin, Australia’s Jake Stirling and Japan’s Mitsuhiko Hashizume are bunched in equal fifth place on matching 70s at the Jakarta Classic, which is the seventh leg on the ADT schedule.

“Overall, I’m very happy with how I played today. I shot a total of five birdies and did not make a single bogey,” said Chan, who is playing in his first event (of the year) on the ADT, which is the feeder circuit to the premier Asian Tour.

Chan topped his country’s Order of Merit in 2010 and has been touted as the next generation of stars to emerge from Chinese Taipei following the likes of Asian Tour winners, Lin Wen-tang, Chan Yih-shin and Lu Wen-teh.

The 27-year-old believes his recent good run of form will provide him with a timely confidence boost as he goes in search of his maiden ADT win this week.

“I’m feeling good about my game. I’ve been in a good run of form lately and I played pretty well at a charity golf event back home last week. Hopefully I can continue to produce more good results this week,” said Chan.

Meanwhile Dermawan credited his solid iron play for an encouraging start to emerge as the leading local player after day one.

“My iron play was good today. My putts were not going in as much as I wanted them to on the front nine but luckily things got better on the back nine. I’m happy with my result today although my driving was not as solid,” said the father of two, who is also a current general manager of a golf club in Indonesia.

The top three players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for the following year.

All ADT events in 2013 will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points, which is a great boost to players as it helps them to qualify for the World Cup of Golf in November and the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

The winner of the Jakarta Classic will receive a total of six world ranking points while the top six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.

The Official Water for this week’s Jakarta Classic is Jeju Sam Da Soo, one of the leading Korean Water Brands.

Leading first round scores (A denotes amateur):

67 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE)

68 – Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Arie FAUZI (MAS)

69 – Shaun MALONE (ENG)

70 – Jake STIRLING (AUS), Andik MAULUDIN (INA), Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN), James BOWEN (USA)

71 – Mitchell SLORACH (SIN), Benny KASIADI (INA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Michael MOORE (AUS), I Nengah DHARMA (INA)

Selected:

73 - George GANDRANATA (INA), Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA), Sim MINSUB (A) (INA)

74 - Jason MARTINUS (A) (INA), I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA), Adrian HALIMI (A) (INA), Irmansyah (INA), Maan NASIM (INA), Dicky PRIONGGO (A) (INA), Jamel ONDO (INA), Rinaldi Adiyandono (INA)

75 - Cahyo ADHITOMO (A) (INA), Hendri NASIM (INA), Joeh SEIK (A) (INA)

76 - Ade SEBUL (INA), Sarmilih (INA), S SANUSI (INA), Rory HIE (INA), Ilyasyak (INA), SUDYHARTONO (INA), Bramantyo ADI (A) (INA), Hamzah RACHMADI (INA), Michael SONG (INA), Ramadhan ALWIE (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA), Rudianto R (INA), K. Soewarno (INA)

77 - Harmen TABUSALLA (INA), Nasin SURACHMAN (INA)

78 - Dede IDRIS (INA), Asep SUGANDA (INA), Ian ANDREW (INA), Rokhib R (INA)

79 - KASIADI (INA), Abhi SAHARI (A) (INA)

80 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA)

81 - Yudiansyah (INA), Randy Mawuntu (INA)

82 - Hendri SUCIPTO (INA), Jemin SAPUTRA (INA), Kajum JUMAR (INA)

83 - Clement SADELI (INA), Denni HERMAWAN (INA), JEONG Hyn Jae (A) (INA)

84 - William MANANTA (INA)

86 - WARNO (INA)

87 - Reno MUNADHI (INA)

88 - Aria KAMSURI (INA), Sujarwo S (INA)

98 - Erwin SITORUS (INA)

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Bowen Takes On Local Heroes At Imperial Klub Golf To Regain Top Spot In ADT

Jakarta, July 16 - American James Bowen hopes to make his return to the top of the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit when he steps up to the tee at the inaugural Jakarta Classic which starts tomorrow.

The US$60,000 ADT event will be played at the Imperial Klub Golf and will feature leading players from Indonesia as well as an international mix of players from over 17 countries.

Bowen, who occupied pole position atop the rankings before being displaced by Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung when he won the PGM UMW Templer Park Masters last month, is determined to prove his worth again.

“The course is in a pretty good shape and I am very excited about coming to Indonesia and play at the inaugural Jakarta Classic this week. I feel good about my game and hopefully I can overtake Nicholas (Fung) to lead the ADT Order of Merit again,” said the confident American.

The 27-year-old claimed his maiden ADT victory at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters in Malaysia earlier this year and is also looking forward to play his way back into the region’s premier Tour having missed out on his full playing rights on the Asian Tour at Qualifying School in January.

The top-three players on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.

Meanwhile Singapore’s Quincy Quek believes the key to doing well at the Jakarta Classic is to enjoy himself as he sets his target of winning his second ADT title following his breakthrough at the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship in the Philippines last year.

“I’m looking to have fun this week. Imperial is a really nice course and I’ve always enjoyed playing here. I’m happy to have events to play while the Asian Tour is on a break. A win would definitely be a bonus,” said the 26-year-old Singaporean.

Quek’s best result on the ADT this year was a second-placed finish at the season-opening event in Malaysia. He also finished tied-12th at the Queen’s Cup on the Asian Tour last month.

“It’s great that the ADT has grown from strength to strength. It’s such a good platform for guys who don’t have a card on the main tour to gain exposure. I like the way the course is set up this week,” added Quincy.

Quek’s challenge will be put to test against a strong local field that includes Rory Hie,George Gandranata, Andik Mauludin and Benny Kasiadi.

The Jakarta Classic is the seventh leg on the ADT which is the feeder circuit to the Asian Tour.

All ADT events will receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points starting this year, which is a huge boost for players.

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.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

George Gandranates Aims For Win In Jakarta Classic At Imperial Klub Golf

Jakarta, July 11 - Promising talent George Gandranata of Indonesia aims to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the inaugural US$60,000 Jakarta Classic next week.

Gandranata, ranked 19th on the ADT Order of Merit, will lead the local challenge alongside Andik Mauludin, Rory Hie and Benny Kasiadi at the Imperial Klub Golf from July 17 to 20.
Gandranata, who has been playing regularly on the ADT since turning professional in 2012, claimed his best result when he finished tied eighth at the PGM Northport Glenmarie Masters in March in Malaysia.

He is eager to land his first ADT silverware on home soil to boost his chances of earning an Asian Tour card for 2014 where he will need to finish inside the top-three on the Order of Merit at the end of the season.

Should Gandranata win next week, he will also earn six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which will be used to determine the field for the World Cup of Golf in Melbourne in November and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“I learned a lot from there and my game has improved from last year. I understand how professional golf is different compared to amateur golf now,” said Gandranata, who won the silver and bronze medals in the team and individual categories respectively at the 2011 South East Asian Games.

“It means a lot to play at home. By having tournaments like this, the game of golf will grow and there will be more professional events because sponsors will be willing to come and say ‘Hey this is a good emerging market,” he added.

The experience of playing on the ADT has taught the 27-year-old to cope with the pressure of playing competitively.

“Pressure is always there whenever you play professional golf. The hardest pressure usually comes from yourself. I learnt from my rookie year that pressure is pressure so whatever you do, it will always be there,” said Gandranata.

The ADT was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011 and 13 last year. It has proven to be a successful circuit for upcoming players to gain entry into the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

So far, a total of 12 tournaments have been confirmed this season on the ADT, with several others to be announced in due course.

Created along the lines of the European Challenge Tour and Web.com Tour in the United States, the ADT will reward the top-three players on the final Order of Merit with Asian Tour cards for the following year.

8th Nongsa Cup At Palm Springs & Tering Bay Batam

On 27 and 28 October 2013 the 8th Nongsa Cup will be played on Batam Island. This 2-day tournament will be played over 36 holes on 2 courses, Tering Bay Golf & Country Club and Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort.
There are many prizes to be won, including a total Rp 400,000,000 hole-in-one.
The tournament format is 2 x 18 holes stroke play.

Registration fee is IDR 2,088,000 per golfer (twin sharing) or IDR 2,488,000 per golfer (single), including:
  • Transfer airport/ferry-Club-Hotel vv
  • 2x 18 holes green fee (Tering Bay & Palm Springs)
  • Buggy & caddy (twin sharing)
  • Accomodation at Turi Beach Resort or Batam View Beach Resort
  • 2x Lunch
  • 1x Fusion BBQ Dinner
  • Goodie bag
  • Prizes and Lucky Draw
  • Live entertainment
For bookings or more information please contact:
Batam View Beach Resort:reservation@batamview.com
Tel. +62 778 761740 Toll free (Sin) 800 6211121

Tering Bay Golf & Country Club:sales@teringbay.com.sg
Tel. +65 68767890, +62 778 761818

Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort:booking@palmsprings.com.sg
Tel. +65 62761027, +62 778 761219

Turi Beach:reservations@turibeach.com
Tel. +62 778 761080

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Asia Pacific Golf Summit: Get Ready For The Q-Principle

A DYNAMITE APPROACH TO SERVICE DELIVERY!

What is a big challenge for the management of golf clubs in today's rapidly changing club business environment? Have we got you stumped? Would you believe if we told you that one of the most pressing challenges faced by golf clubs today concerns member expectations and the delivery of quality service.

In the early days of golf clubs in Asia, member expectations and service quality were not really a major issue with club management. This was primarily due to the fact that there were not too many comparisons to be made. But today, with the growth in the number of quality restaurants and world class hotels, there are new and demanding benchmarks to be measured against. Members demand and expect more in terms of product quality and expect very high service standards.

Recognizing this, the 2013 Asia Pacific Golf Summit will bring in a world class authority to grapple with this challenge and provide solutions that will keep club members happy and returning for more.
Andy Stangenberg

The expert is Andy Stangenberg, the founder of Q-Principle Inc, who is an author and world class life coach. With over 27 years of experience in the operational field of the service industry in six different countries, Stangenberg has developed a tremendous understanding of service excellence and the importance of service engagement between associates and guests, members and customers. He has taught the school of service and leadership in many countries and has owned and operated private hospitality schools in Aruba and Maui.

His experience as an executive hotel director required him to play a constant role as a coach and trainer, strengthening the engagement quality between people.

Stangenberg has been featured as a keynote speaker in many conventions around the globe, including World Conferences in Las Vegas, Orlando, New Orleans, San Diego, London, Shanghai, Zurich and Honolulu. Stangenberg is used by world leading companies as master coach, responsible for employee and leadership development. His high energy and captivating presentation style has earned him the reputation as one of the top speakers of our times and a master in the art of storytelling.
He is just one of a number of world class speakers who have been booked to speak at the 2013 Asia Pacific Golf Summit, held from 5-7 November 2013 at the Shangri-La Jakarta.

To miss Stangenberg is to miss a rare opportunity to grapple with the challenge of change and come out a winner.

Act now and make a date to learn from a true great expert on service standards - delegate registration is open on-line and we are waiting to hear from you:
Official Website Link: http://www.golfconference.org

Registration Link: https://secure.golfconference.org/event/asia-pacific-golf-summit-2013

2013 Asia Pacific Golf Summit - Setting New Standards For The Golf Club Industry!


NEWSFLASH: Watch out for news on a major game-changer for the golf industry in Asia. D-Day for the news to break is August 1, 2013

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

GolfAsia Challenge 2013 At Ria Bintan

Sign up now for the

Event: GolfAsia Challenge 2013

Venue: Ria Bintan Golf Club, Ocean Course

Date: Friday 13 September 2013

Shot gun start: 10.15 am (Bintan time)

Scoring format: System 36 modified, Stableford

Entry Fee: S$230 (Golf Asia subscriber/Ria Bintan member), S$260 (public)

Entry fee includes:
  • Return ferry tickets
  • Goodie bag (including one BCLN golf shirt worth more than S$200)
  • One round of tournament golf
  • Pre-golf breakfast
  • Post-golf lunch
Win an opportunity to play with China's top amateurs in the China Amateur Golf Tour, prize fully sponsored by BCLN (T&C's apply). Plus, stand to win fantastic golf equipment and golf accessories worth more than S$5000. Hole-In-One prizes: Ria Bintan One Year unlimited golfing plan and prize money of IDR 50,000,000.

Register by downloading entry form from www.golfasia.sg or www.riabintan.com

Enquiries: +65 6546 7555 or booking@riabintan.com
+65 6446 6888 or marketing@regentmedia.sg

Pre & post tournament accommodation and golf at preferred rates available

Registration closes 25 August 2013

Monday, July 1, 2013

Jakarta Classic Set For Debut On Asian Development Tour

Jakarta, July 1 - The Asian Development Tour (ADT) will provide another new playing opportunity for emerging stars with the launch of the inaugural Jakarta Classic later this month, which raises the season’s schedule to 12 tournaments.

The US$60,000 event will be played at the Imperial Klub Golf from July 17 to 20 where leading players from Indonesia will compete against an international field from the ADT, which is the feeder circuit to the premier Asian Tour.

With the addition of a new tournament, the region’s rising stars will enjoy another occasion to improve their world rankings as all ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points starting this year, which is a huge boost for players.

The OWGR will be used to determine the top 60-man field at the World Cup of Golf in Australia this November and the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro in 2016.

OB Golf Events, the event promoter, hailed the launch of the Jakarta Classic, saying it would provide an impetus for Indonesia’s budding golfers to raise their standard of play while competing against players from the ADT.

“We are delighted to announce the establishment of the Jakarta Classic, which we believe will offer a strong platform for Indonesia’s golfers to further excel in the game. I believe this new tournament can greatly impact our players’ careers as they seek to establish themselves on the ADT, which provides a pathway onto the Asian Tour,” said OB Golf Events.

“It is fantastic that all ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points and this will be important for Indonesian players as they will have the opportunity to improve their rankings.”

A total of 144 players will compete in the Jakarta Classic, with the field being split equally between the ADT and Indonesian PGA.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said Indonesia was a growing and important market for the Asian Tour and ADT.

Apart from the Jakarta Classic, there are two other events staged in Indonesia on the Asian Tour schedule, namely the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which was held in May and the Indonesia Open which is scheduled from November 28 to December 1.

“There are a lot of young and talented golfers from Indonesia who are keen to gain more playing experience and sharpen their skills. While they may not be competing regularly on the Asian Tour, the opportunity to compete in the Jakarta Classic on the ADT will be a good first stepping stone,” said Han.

“I believe Indonesian players will benefit from the ADT platform and I would like to express our fullest appreciation to OB Golf Events for taking this initiative to launch the Jakarta Classic,” he added.

The Jakarta Classic will be the seventh leg of the 2013 ADT season. So far, a total of 12 tournaments have been confirmed this season, with several others to be announced in due course.

The ADT was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011 and 13 last year. It has proven to be a successful platform for upcoming players to gain entry into the region’s premier Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

Created along the lines of the European Challenge Tour and Web.com Tour in the United States, the ADT will reward the top-three players on the final Order of Merit with Asian Tour cards for the following year.