Thursday, February 26, 2015

Ian Andrew Wins Second Series Of The Indonesian Golf Tour At Modern

Tangerang, 26 September 2015 - It's without doubt that the competition in Indonesian golf is getting tougher. After sharing first place alongside Kurnia Herisiandy, Johannes Dermawan, and Rory Hie after the second day, Ian Andrew scored his first victory in the Indonesian Golf Tour series at Padang Golf Modern.

With 3 holes remaining, Ian Andrew, Kelly Herisiandy and George Gandranata were equal with a score of seven-under-par. George almost holed a birdie on hole 18, but failed and finished his game with a total score of 209 to tie with Kurnia Herisiandy.

"I played well today. My iron play today was better than the first 2 days, and my short game was quite supportive, as I also did three chip-ins and had 6 birdies", said George Gandranata.

"The competition is very tight. You have to really score a lot of birdies to win", added the Order of Merit champion of the Indonesian Golf Tour 2014.

Ian Andrew sealed his victory on the last two holes. On hole 17 Ian scored a birdie and followed up with a birdie on hole 18 as well. He finished the tournament with a spectacular total score of nine-under-par 207 (72-68-67).

Who would have thought that training on his putting after the first round would bring Ian the championship.

"I'd been trying to find improvement on putting on youtube till night. The next day I arrived early and tried out the different putting technique that I found and it turned out fantastic! I used it on the second day and the results are good."

"Today was tense. On the 18th hole I aimed the ball to the middle of the fairway. Only when Heri (Kurnia Herisiandy) shot his ball slightly outside the fairway I began to feel calm. And all went smoothly after that", said Ian Andrew.

Naraaji finished as Lowest Amateur in this edition of the Indonesian Golf Tour. With a total score of two-over-par 218 (74-71-71), Naraajie overtook Faraby Ali, who had been the leading amateur on the first and second day. Finishing in second position in the amateur class was Rizky, with a total score of three-over-par, 72-74-73 (219).

The tight competition proves that the presence of Indonesian Golf Tour tournament series pushes the ability of the Indonesian professional and amateur golfers to a new level. The consistent support from sponsors and the PGA Tour of Indonesia (PGTI) in the organization of the Indonesian Golf Tour becomes evidence of a strong commitment to the advancement of golf in Indonesia.

Thanks goes to Padang Golf Modern, Nuanza, OB Golf & Lifestyle magazine, as well as the PGA Tour of Indonesia. Once more, the tournament was executed fantastically and ended in a great success.

Leading scores after the final round of the Indonesian Golf Tour at PG Modern:

(Indonesian unless stated)

207 - Ian ANDREW 72-68-67

209 - George GANDRANATA 71-72-66, Kurnia HERISIANDY 70-70-69

212 - Junaidi IBRAHIM 72-71-69, Rory HIE 68-72-72

213 - Johannes DERMAWAN 68-72-73

214 - Benita Y. KASIADI 74-70-70

215 - I Ketut SUGIARTA 69-73-73

216 - James BOWEN (USA) 72-73-71

217 - HARJITO 71-74-72, ILYASSAK 71-72-74

Four Players Vie For Honor After Second Round Of Indonesia Golf Tour At Modern

Tangerang, 25 February 2015 - Kurnia Herisiandy, Ian Andrew, and first round leaders Johannes Dermawan and Rory Hie are in a battle for the lead, when all are in a tie for first with a total score of 140 (-4) after the second round of the second leg of the Indonesian Golf Tour 2015. Both Johannes and Rory failed to repeat the results of yesterday because some shots failed.

"My approach shots were very bad, but I was still able to get par," said Johannes Dermawan.

Johannes Dermawan hopes his game from the first can be repeated on the third and final day, especially his approach shot.

After completing his round on the first day, Ian Andrew took time to improve his game at Padang Golf Modern. This was not in vain, as Ian Andrew played the second round well and he made most of his putts.

"All my putts from a distance of two to three meters went in," said Ian Andrew.

"The opportunity to become champion is still wide open, I will play my best," added the golfer from Bali.

Seven amateur players survived the cut on the second day of the second series of the Indonesian Golf Tour at Modern. Faraby Ali is still the lead amateur with a total of 145 shots (+1), one shot ahead of Rizky who recorded a total of 146.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Johannes Dermawan And Rory Hie Take Early Lead In Indonesia Golf Tour At Modern

Tangerang, 24 February 2015 - The Indonesian Golf Tour saw two of its best golfers sitting in first place after the first round of the Indonesian Golf Tour series held at Padang Golf Modern.

Johannes Dermawan and Rory Hie both recorded a score of four-under-par (68). The increasingly fierce competition among professional golfers turns the Indonesian Golf Tour into a proving ground for golf champions in Indonesia.

I Ketut Sugiarta came home in third position with a score of three-under-par, with Kurnia Herisiandy one shot further back with a round of 70.

Faraby Ali became the new name to watch in the amateur class of the Indonesian Golf Tour, scoring a one-under-par 71. He shares fifth place with Harjito, George Gandranata and Ilyassak.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

ASEAN PGA Tour Set For Ninth Season

February 18 - This season’s ASEAN PGA Tour will boast at least nine tournaments offering US$660,000 in overall prize money and a strong line up of established and new events.

Starting with the Singha Esan Open in February, one of four tournaments jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour, the 2015 ASEAN PGA Tour marks the ninth season since the circuit was inaugurated.

The Singha Pattaya Open, the Singha Hua Hin Open, and the Singha Chiang Mai Open, all part of the All Thailand Golf Tour, return to the schedule.

In addition three events will be jointly sanctioned with the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Port Dickson.

The Borobudur Classic, which was launched last year with great success, also returns to the schedule.

The season will come to a close with the Sabah Masters, an event which over the past three years has cemented its place as the season-ending Tour Championship.

“We are excited to be embarking on our ninth season and we are looking forward to another memorable year which will provide more playing opportunities particularly for our region’s up and coming young players,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.

It has been a prolific rise for the ASEAN PGA Tour which boasted five events when it was launched in 2007.

“The Tour is continually looking to expand in to new markets and is hopeful of announcing additional events in 2015,” added Wong.

The 2014/2015 came to a close last month when Singapore’s Mardan Mamat won the Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club.

The tournament also saw Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul claim the Order of Merit title.

He topped the Merit list, and secured a OneAsia card, with earnings of US$34,299 following three victories.

2015 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule


Singha Esan Open
February 26 – March 1
Singha Park Golf Club, Khon Kaen, Thailand
US$ 100,000

Singha Pattaya Open
Burapha Golf Club, Thailand
March 26 - 29
US$100,000

PGM-ASEAN PGA UMW Impian Championship
Impian Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur
April 1 to 4
US$60,000

Singha Chiang Mai Open
Mae Jo Golf Club and Resort, Thailand
August 6 to 9
US$60,000

PGM-ASEAN PGA Penang Classic
Penang Golf Club, Malaysia
September 9 to 12
US$60,000

PGM-ASEAN PGA PD Championship
Penang Golf Club, Penang
October 14 to 17
US$60,000

Singha Hua Hin Open
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, Thailand
October 29 – November 1
US$60,000

Borobudur Classic
Borobudur Golf & Country Club, Magelang
November 18 to 21
US$60,000

Sabah Masters
Venue TBA
Dates TBA
US$100,000

Monday, February 16, 2015

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Saturday, February 14, 2015

George Gandranata And Jordan Irawan Let Top Placement Slip At PGM LADA Langkawi Championship

Langkawi, Malaysia, February 14 - Malaysia’s Wilson Choo earned his breakthrough on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) when he claimed a one-stroke victory at the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship on Saturday.

Choo, who led the first two rounds, fired a closing six-under-par 66 for a winning total of 18-under-par 270 at the Gunung Raya Golf Resorts, becoming the second Malaysian after Arie Irawan to win on the ADT this season.

Overnight leader Micah Lauren Shin of the United States marked his best performance on the ADT by signing for a 69 for a runner-finish while Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing took third place on 272 following a 68 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event.

Thailand’s Nakarintra Ratanakul settled for fourth place while Arie (69) and Australian Jack Munro (66) took fifth and sixth positions respectively at the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship, which is the second leg of the ADT schedule this season.

The Indonesians duo of George Gandranata and Jordan Irawan both failed to capitalize their good position after round 3, when George shot a 73 to finish at tie for 19th and Jordan shot a 75 to finish in a tie for 29th, shared with Rory Hie who finished his tournament with a round of 69. Meanwhile Ian Andrew finished with a 73 to tie for 38th. All in all with 4 players in the top 40 this has not been to bad a week for Indonesian golf.

Choo was a very relieved man after battling tooth and nail with his spirited rivals who piled the pressure on him all day.

“I can finally calm down now. My heart was really beating fast out there. I kind of adjusted my game plan as it was a little windy and playing condition was slightly different today. I made some changes with my club approaches and my putting was much better as well,” said the 25-year-old Malaysian, who had previously won once on his local circuit in 2013.

“Micah and Lam were really close as we headed into the last few holes but I told myself to stay calm and not rush through things. I learnt a lot from this week. I played with Anthony Kang at the National Open last week and today, I played with his good friend, Lam. Lam gave me a very good spike out there and I really enjoyed myself,” added Choo.

Choo, who fired three straight birdies starting from the second hole, stumbled with a double bogey on the fifth but recovered swiftly with a birdie on the next before punching a five-iron to three feet for eagle on the eighth. He added three more birdies but dropped a shot on the 16th on his way home.

Lam Chih Bing (SIN)“It has always been my target to win on the ADT and now that I’ve achieved it, I will try and win a couple more to play my way onto the Asian Tour. That’s my ultimate goal,” added Choo, who took home US$9,829 and receive six Official World Golf Ranking points courtesy of his victory.

Leading final round scores:

270 – Wilson CHOO (MAS) 64-67-73-66

271 – Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 68-67-67-69

272 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 70-67-67-68

274 – Nakarintra RATANAKUL (THA) 70-67-70-67

275 – Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 70-66-70-69

276 – Jack MUNRO (AUS) 70-68-72-66

277 – Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 70-68-72-66

278 – Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 73-71-68-66, Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 67-71-72-68

Selected:

282 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-71-69-73

284 - Rory HIE (INA) 72-70-73-69, Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 72-69-68-75

286 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 74-70-69-73

Friday, February 13, 2015

Jordan Irawan and George Gandranata Enter Top Ten At PGM LADA Langkawi Championship

Langkawi, Malaysia, February 13 - Teenage professional Micah Shin of the United States put on a brilliant display when he carded a second consecutive five-under-par 67 to take over the lead at the penultimate round of the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship on Friday.

Starting the round four shots back, Shin fired six birdies against a lone bogey for a two-shot lead on 14-under-par 202 at the Gunung Raya Golf Resorts.

Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing also returned with a second straight 67 to share second place with overnight leader Wilson Choo of Malaysia, who battled to a 73, at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Janne Kaske of Finland, playing in only his second event on the ADT, stayed one shot back in fourth following a 68 while Arie Irawan, highest ranked Malaysian in the world, matched his opening efforts of a 70 to sit in fifth place on 206 at the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship.

Three Indonesians finished their rounds in the 60's, propelling Jordan Irawan (68) and George Gandranata (69) into the top ten, while Ian Andrew (69) climbed 23 places to a tie for 28th. Meanwhile Rory Hie had to settle for a round of 73 and slipped to a tie for 41st.

Shin credited his composure for another solid round which put him right on track for a maiden victory on the ADT.

“My game’s feeling good. I didn’t miss a single fairway today. My putting was good too. It’s always nice to be playing well,” said the lanky 18-year-old.

Shin had launched his bid for an Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School in Thailand last month where he fought bravely through the first stage, only to miss the mark after finishing outside top-40 at the final stage the following week.

“I will focus on playing well on the ADT this year. I will keep it the same for tomorrow and continue to do what I have been doing. Hopefully I can claim my first victory but we will see how it goes,” added Shin.

Despite falling off the lead, Choo held his head high and is determined to revive his challenge for a maiden ADT victory when he heads into the all-important final round.

“I just didn’t give myself enough chances to make birdies and I didn’t putt as well today but I have no complaints. I’m still happy to keep myself into contention heading into the final round. I will try and stay as calm as possible tomorrow and we will see how it goes,” said the 25-year-old Malaysian.

“Arie and Nicholas (Fung) have done really well on the ADT and it’s good to see that. My aim is to play my way onto the Asian Tour. That will be my motivation to play well,” added Choo, who mixed his card with three birdies against four bogeys.

Leading third round scores:

202 – Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 68-67-67

204 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 70-67-67, Wilson CHOO (MAS) 64-67-73

205 – Janne KASKE (FIN) 67-70-68

206 – Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 70-66-70

207 – Nakarintra RATANAKUL (THA) 70-67-70

208 – Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 70-68-70, Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 68-66-74

209 – CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 71-70-68, Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 72-69-68, George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-71-69, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 71-67-71, LOW Khai Jei (A) (MAS) 67-70-72

Selected:

213 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 74-70-69

215 - Rory HIE (INA) 72-70-73

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Indonesians Keeping Up The Fight At PGM LADA Langkawi Championship

Langkawi, Malaysia, February 12 - Wilson Choo of Malaysia continued his good form by shooting a five-under-par 67 to seize the lead at the halfway stage of the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship on Thursday.

Choo, the joint overnight leader, compiled a two-day total of 13-under-par 131 to open up a three-shot lead over Thailand’s Natthapong Niyomchon, who carded a 66, at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Thailand’s Nattapong Putta, who also held a share of the overnight lead, signed for a 71 to sit in third place with American Micah Lauren Shin, who posted a 67, at the Gunung Raya Golf Resorts.

Arie Irawan, the highest ranked Malaysian in the world, returned with a 66 to stay five shots off the pace in fifth place while four other players, including Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing and local amateur Low Khai Jei, shared sixth on 137.

Indonesia is represented with 5 players, with George Gandranata (140, T-19), Jordan Irawan (141, T-22)), Rory hie (142, T-34) and Ian Andrew (144, T-51 all making the cut. Only Bramantio Adi (161, 103) will have to return home early.

Choo double bogeyed the 11th hole after losing focus but regained momentum when he holed a 30-footer eagle on the 15th hole before closing with a birdie to keep up his chase for a first ADT win.

“I scrambled a little bit but it was still a good round. I had a good start but I struggled on the 11th and 14th holes. I got a bit nervous and lost my focus but I was glad I managed to recover from it,” said the 25-year-old Choo.

“I’m happy to be in the lead. I will stick to the same game plan for the next two rounds. Everything will be the same for me. Hopefully I can continue to play well and get my first win on the ADT,” added Choo.

A total of 59 players made the halfway cut which was set at even-par 144.

The winner of the PGM LADA Langkawi Championship will take home US$9,678 and receive six Official World Golf Ranking points.

The ADT will reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.

With the Olympic Games looming in 2016 where golf will be reintroduced as a medal sport, players in the region could earn their spots in Rio de Janeiro by earning Official World Golf Ranking points through the Asian Tour and ADT.

Leading second round scores:

131 – Wilson CHOO (MAS) 64-67

134 – Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 68-66

135 – Nattapong PUTTA (THA) 64-71, Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 68-67

136 – Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 70-66

137 – Janne KASKE (FIN) 67-70, LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 70-67, Nakarintra RATANAKUL (THA) 70-67, LOW Khai Jei (A) (MAS) 67-70

138 – Torben BAUMANN (GER) 65-73, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 70-68, Jack MUNRO (AUS) 70-68, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 71-67, Brett MUNSON (USA) 70-68, Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 67-71

Selected:

140 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 69-71

141 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 72-69

142 - Rory HIE (INA) 72-70

144 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 74-70

161 - Bramantio ADI (INA) 78-83

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Westwood Back To Reclaim Crown At 2015 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, February 10 - The international golfing community turned its attention to Indonesia last week as organizers on Wednesday February 4 celebrated the launch and fifth anniversary of the country’s preeminent golf tournament with an official clock to count down the 78 days to the start of the 2015 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.

The occasion was marked by the confirmation of three star players who will feature in 2015 edition of the tournament, in defending champion Anirban Lahiri from India, former World No. 1 Lee Westwood, and European Tour and Ryder Cup veteran, Thomas Bjorn from Denmark.

The three players will join a stellar 150 player field when the US$ 750,000 Asian Tour tournament returns to the beautiful surroundings of the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 23-26 this year.

27 year old Lahiri will be hoping to pick up where he left off last April, when he eagled the last hole of the tournament to claim a one shot victory over Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and 2014 Rookie of the Year Cameron Smith of Australia.

Lahiri notched up a second victory in Macau and a further six top-ten finishes in a year that culminated with a second place finish on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and being voted 2014 Players’ Player of the Year for his exploits on the Asian Tour.

Speaking about his title defense in Jakarta, Lahiri said, “2014 was a very special year but it was this tournament where it really came together and set me up for the rest of the year. The eagle on the last hole is a putt I will never forget, so I have very happy memories of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and look forward to coming back to defend my title. It’s always a very competitive tournament and a great event.”

Two time tournament champion and veteran of 41 professional wins, Lee Westwood will be looking to prove that experience counts over youth as he looks to make it three wins at the tournament he claimed back to back victories at in 2011 and 2012. Coinciding with his birthday, landing the hat trick in Jakarta would be a welcome start to his 42nd year.

“The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is a tournament that I know well and, having won twice there, I have always felt very comfortable. It’s a great course and CIMB Niaga stage a truly first class tournament. I would love to make it a hat trick of wins.” added the Englishman.

Meanwhile Denmark’s Bjorn will be hoping to rediscover the form that has seen him land prestigious titles including the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters in a professional career that began back in 1993.

The veteran of six victorious European Ryder Cup campaigns said, “I’m looking forward to making my debut at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. I’ve heard good things about the tournament and look forward to lining up alongside Anirban and Lee in April. The tournament comes quickly after the Masters so I’ll be looking for a good result in Indonesia to serve as a springboard for a successful summer in Europe.”

Speaking on behalf of the tournament sponsor, Arwin Rasyid, President Director of CIMB Niaga said, “2015 is a special year for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. It marks the fifth year of the tournament as well as four years of CIMB Niaga’s involvement. During that time, the tournament has grown in stature, attracting both the best players on the Asian Tour as well as some of the most recognized names in the history of the modern game who come to compete in Indonesia.

“In addition to our continued support for junior golf development in Indonesia, it is our hope that the tournament will inspire a future generation of Indonesians to fulfill their potential as players and represent our country on the world stage in years to come”, added Arwin.

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said, “Through CIMB Niaga’s commitment and sponsorship, the Indonesian Masters has grown into one of the most popular events on our schedule since 2011 where it has attracted many leading stars. The exciting event is also an important fixture for the Indonesian golfers as it provides them with the opportunity to play against the best players from the Asian Tour and also the world.”

The countdown clock will be on public display between now and the tournament at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, CIMB Tower and the JS Luwansa Hotel and Convention Center which will once again be the Official Hotel of the tournament, providing hospitality and accommodation for players and tournament officials.

Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia (PGTI), the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGTI and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play.