BALI, Indonesia - Bali's evolution into a legitimate international golf destination gained some remarkable new standing last weekend with the opening of Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, the fifth golf venue on the Island of the Gods and the first 18-hole, par-3 championship course in Indonesia.
Designed by Bob Moore of California-based JMP Golf Design Group and managed by AccorHotels, Bukit Pandawa G&CC is also the first phase of an unprecedented hospitality project taking shape on Bali's southern coastline, where the club's ownership group, luxury resort developer PT Bali Ragawisata (BRW), is planning to add hotels and residences managed by world-renowned brands Mandarin Oriental, Waldorf Astoria and Swissôtel and a soon-to-be-announced company that has long been synonymous with the finest things in life.
"We're setting the stage for everything that's to come," said Stephen Banks, general manager of Bukit Pandawa G&CC. "We're equal parts groundbreaking, eye-popping and extraordinary."
To drive home the level of excellence golfers can expect at Bukit Pandawa G&CC, the course partnered with iconic automaker BMW — which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year — to hold a novel, grand opening tournament on Oct. 8 for 160 invited players, each of whom had 18 chances to win a range of BMW-brand vehicles.
"I'm not sure there's ever been a tournament where at each hole you could win a car — let alone a premium car — with an ace," said Djie Tjian An, president/director of BRW. "Even though we didn't see a hole-in-one, everyone sure had fun trying."
The tournament was followed by a surprise unveiling of the futuristic BMW i8 — a cutting-edge hybrid supercar — that was celebrated with a champagne toast sponsored by French multinational luxury good conglomerate LVMH.
"Throughout its 100-year history, the BMW Group has constantly reinvented itself," said Karen Lim, president/director of BMW Group Indonesia. "The i8, the most progressive sports car in the world, is testament of that. And Bukit Pandawa, with its immaculate playing surface, is the perfect platform on which to roll out such a revolutionary driving machine."
Located on a spectacular limestone clifftop overlooking the world-famous surf breaks of Bukit Peninsula, AccorHotels' flagship course in Asia offers 18 exquisite par-3 holes ranging from 117 to 244 yards in length.
From the back tees, it plays 3,027 yards, a few hundred yards longer than lauded Turtle Hill Golf Club at Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, which ranks among GOLF Magazine USA's top 10 par-3 courses in the world.
Some holes at Bukit Pandawa G&CC are back-dropped by the Indian Ocean. Others are accented by waterfalls or terraced rice paddies. All are subject to the wind.
"It can be a real test," said Banks, a former playing professional from Manchester, England "When the breeze is up — and it almost always is — there's a good chance you'll use every club in the bag. Even driver."
One standout hole is the 148-yard 13th, which is framed by three bunkers and features curved stone walls in the foreground and a traditional Balinese kul-kul tower in the background.
Given how short the par-54 layout is compared to standard 18-hole setups, Djie Tjian An anticipates it will be especially popular with short-stay visitors and families.
"So often, a golfer might pass on the opportunity to play on vacation or during a business trip because it can burn a large portion of the day," he said. "But here, that's not an issue. A round takes no more than a couple hours to complete."
In designing Bukit Pandawa G&CC, Moore, whose firm is responsible for championship-caliber designs all over the world including the acclaimed Royale Jakarta Golf Club in Indonesia's capital, embraced the contours and characteristics of a site that was rife with ridge lines, architectural ruins and sea views. Indeed, the ocean is visible from 15 holes.
To round out the total golf experience at Bukit Pandawa G&CC and provide visitors a feeling of rapture when they arrive, a 3,000-square-meter clubhouse inspired by the ancient temples and towers of central Bali has been constructed.
Conceived by accomplished architects Antony Liu and Ferry Ridwan from StudioTonTon in Jakarta, the imaginative, twin-block structure was designed to blend into its natural surroundings through the liberal implementation of local materials (such as stone and wood), native grasses and, above all, water, which flows seamlessly through many of the building's spaces.
"We're extremely proud of this project," said Liu, who is one of Indonesia's foremost modern tropical architects. "It perfectly harnesses what's so great about the location — the views — and it has so much character."
That includes the singular facility's signature component, the rooftop restaurant, which overlooks the ocean and course and features al fresco dining and lounge areas that ooze exotic elegance.
Showing posts with label RJGC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RJGC. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
Maiden Asian Tour Victory For Poom Saksansin At BNI Indonesian Masters Presented By Zurich
Jakarta, October 9 - Baby-faced Poom Saksansin of Thailand cruised to a comfortable five-shot victory when he closed with a five-under-par 67 to win his first Asian Tour title at the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich on Sunday.
The 23-year-old held a two-shot lead at the start of the day and stayed ahead of the chasing pack by shooting six birdies against one bogey to finish on 18-under-par 270 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thai teenagers Phachara Khongwatmai (68) and Suradit Yongcharoenchai (68), both aged at 17 years old, and Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura (70) settled for tied second place at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won his sixth Asian Tour title last week, enjoyed another solid result by finishing in fifth place following a round of 67. He ended his campaign six shots back from the champion.
Poom, who won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title in Malaysia last year, showed no signs of nerves when he made the turn in 34 before tightening his grip with three straight birdies on holes 10, 11 and 12.
Dropping only two shots in 72 holes, Poom played solid golf throughout the week and stayed calm under pressure when a host of players briefly threatened his lead early in the round.
Poom Saksansin receiving the trophy from Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla, witnessed by Achmad Baiquni, President Director of BNI - Photo credit Collin/IMPL
http://indogolfnews.blogspot.co.id/2016/10/maiden-asian-tour-victory-for-poom.html “It feels great to be a champion. I just tried not to make bogeys today. Anything in the red numbers was good enough for me. Honestly, I was only hoping to make enough money to keep my Asian Tour card. This victory exceeded my expectations.
“I didn’t get into trouble in the first place so that’s why I only dropped two shots this week. My putting really saved me as well. My family will be very happy that I won, it also proves that I can play among the best players,” said Poom.
The victory earned him US$135,000, which moved him from 101st to 21st position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
“This win opens up so many doors and opportunities for me. I get to play in the big events now and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s still a lot of room for improvement for me and before I step up in the big events, I need to work even harder on my game,” added Poom.
Phachara, who secured his third top-five result in three weeks, got off to a fast start, holing four birdies in nine holes before making eight straight pars. He tapped in for birdie on the last to continue his superb form.
“I’m feeling very good but my putting on the back nine is very bad. I hit such good iron shots. I think I hit it near the pin on seven holes. I just couldn’t make my birdie putts until the last hole. I know Poom is playing very well and he is such a good player. I’m not surprised he won. I’m happy he won,” said Phachara.
The talented Suradit was delighted to finish inside the top-five in his debut appearance at the BNI Indonesian Masters as the result earned him a spot in the Venetian Macao Open on the Asian Tour next week. “I was aiming for a top-five finish this week so I can play in Macao next week. I didn’t expect myself to play so well. Being the last man to get in to the tournament, I didn’t have any expectations. This is my first time playing on this course so I am happy with my result,” he said.
28-year-old Bhullar found 14 fairways and 18 greens in regulation but was let down by a cold putter where he negotiated the greens in 31 putts. “A 62 was definitely out there. I’m pretty happy the way I played after winning last week. This course is one of my favorites on the Asian Tour. I’m glad that I was in contention during the week. There’s a lot of positives I can take out from the last two weeks,” said Bhullar.
Of the local players Rory Hie (71) took top honors finishing in a tie for 46th with a final score of 3-under. At one point he was at -5, but successive bogeys on holes 5 and 6 (for him the second nine) saw him drop back in the field.
Danny Masrin put in strong final round 68 to finish T52 at 287, surpassing Kurnia Herisiandy who was at -4 for the day after 11 holes, but then dropped 5 shots in 6 holes. A birdie on the last hole got him back to par for the day and 1 over for the tournament.
Nasin Surachman completed his final round in 74 strokes to finish 67th.
Scores after round 4 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
270 - Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 69-69-65-67
275 - Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 67-71-69-68, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 67-74-66-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-71-68-70
276 - Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 66-73-70-67. 277 - Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-67-73-67, LEE Chieh-Po (TPE) 71-70-68-68
278 - Casey O'TOOLE (USA) 69-69-73-67, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-67-70-72, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 68-69-69-72, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 68-68-69-73
Indonesian players:
285 - Rory HIE 74-70-70-71
287 - Danny MASRIN 72-72-75-68
289 - Kurnia HERISIANDY 71-71-75-72
295 - Nasin SURACHMAN 73-71-77-74
The 23-year-old held a two-shot lead at the start of the day and stayed ahead of the chasing pack by shooting six birdies against one bogey to finish on 18-under-par 270 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thai teenagers Phachara Khongwatmai (68) and Suradit Yongcharoenchai (68), both aged at 17 years old, and Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura (70) settled for tied second place at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won his sixth Asian Tour title last week, enjoyed another solid result by finishing in fifth place following a round of 67. He ended his campaign six shots back from the champion.
Poom, who won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title in Malaysia last year, showed no signs of nerves when he made the turn in 34 before tightening his grip with three straight birdies on holes 10, 11 and 12.
Dropping only two shots in 72 holes, Poom played solid golf throughout the week and stayed calm under pressure when a host of players briefly threatened his lead early in the round.
http://indogolfnews.blogspot.co.id/2016/10/maiden-asian-tour-victory-for-poom.html “It feels great to be a champion. I just tried not to make bogeys today. Anything in the red numbers was good enough for me. Honestly, I was only hoping to make enough money to keep my Asian Tour card. This victory exceeded my expectations.
“I didn’t get into trouble in the first place so that’s why I only dropped two shots this week. My putting really saved me as well. My family will be very happy that I won, it also proves that I can play among the best players,” said Poom.
The victory earned him US$135,000, which moved him from 101st to 21st position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
“This win opens up so many doors and opportunities for me. I get to play in the big events now and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s still a lot of room for improvement for me and before I step up in the big events, I need to work even harder on my game,” added Poom.
Phachara, who secured his third top-five result in three weeks, got off to a fast start, holing four birdies in nine holes before making eight straight pars. He tapped in for birdie on the last to continue his superb form.
“I’m feeling very good but my putting on the back nine is very bad. I hit such good iron shots. I think I hit it near the pin on seven holes. I just couldn’t make my birdie putts until the last hole. I know Poom is playing very well and he is such a good player. I’m not surprised he won. I’m happy he won,” said Phachara.
The talented Suradit was delighted to finish inside the top-five in his debut appearance at the BNI Indonesian Masters as the result earned him a spot in the Venetian Macao Open on the Asian Tour next week. “I was aiming for a top-five finish this week so I can play in Macao next week. I didn’t expect myself to play so well. Being the last man to get in to the tournament, I didn’t have any expectations. This is my first time playing on this course so I am happy with my result,” he said.
28-year-old Bhullar found 14 fairways and 18 greens in regulation but was let down by a cold putter where he negotiated the greens in 31 putts. “A 62 was definitely out there. I’m pretty happy the way I played after winning last week. This course is one of my favorites on the Asian Tour. I’m glad that I was in contention during the week. There’s a lot of positives I can take out from the last two weeks,” said Bhullar.
Of the local players Rory Hie (71) took top honors finishing in a tie for 46th with a final score of 3-under. At one point he was at -5, but successive bogeys on holes 5 and 6 (for him the second nine) saw him drop back in the field.
Danny Masrin put in strong final round 68 to finish T52 at 287, surpassing Kurnia Herisiandy who was at -4 for the day after 11 holes, but then dropped 5 shots in 6 holes. A birdie on the last hole got him back to par for the day and 1 over for the tournament.
Nasin Surachman completed his final round in 74 strokes to finish 67th.
Scores after round 4 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
270 - Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 69-69-65-67
275 - Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 67-71-69-68, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 67-74-66-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-71-68-70
276 - Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 66-73-70-67. 277 - Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-67-73-67, LEE Chieh-Po (TPE) 71-70-68-68
278 - Casey O'TOOLE (USA) 69-69-73-67, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-67-70-72, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 68-69-69-72, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 68-68-69-73
Indonesian players:
285 - Rory HIE 74-70-70-71
287 - Danny MASRIN 72-72-75-68
289 - Kurnia HERISIANDY 71-71-75-72
295 - Nasin SURACHMAN 73-71-77-74
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Four Local Players In Final Rounds Of The BNI Indonesian Masters Presented By Zurich
Jakarta, October 8 - In a first in the history of the Indonesian Masters, four local players made the cut to challenge for the prize money at hand.
As the second round was suspended due to darkness Friday evening, several players had to finish their rounds Saturday morning. Among them were local hopefuls Rory Hie, Danny Masrin and Nasin Surachman. Closing their rounds in 70, 72 and 71 strokes respectively, all three were at even par 144 after 2 rounds, just enough to make the cut and join Kurnia Herisiandy, who had finished Friday with a total of 142, for weekend play.
Having four local players in the weekend marks a first for this tournament, who before this year had only seen a single local player making the cut, in its first edition.
Third round fortunes for the four were mixed, with Rory (70) slowly climbing the leaderboard, while Kurnia (75), Danny (75) and Nasin (77) were moving in opposite direction.
Rory Hie - photo: Asian Tour
Baby-faced Poom Saksansin of Thailand fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to seize the third round lead at the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich on Saturday. The 23-year-old Poom made a surprise charge up the leaderboard to lead by two shots on 13-under-par 203 from Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura (68) and Kalem Richardson of Australia (69) at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, a three-time Asian Tour number one, birdied the closing two holes for a 69 to tie in fourth place on 206 alongside Marcus Fraser (70) of Australia, who needs a victory at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club to overtake Scott Hend on the Order of Merit.
Poom will enter the final round as the leader for only the second time in his career on the Asian Tour after leading in the 2014 Queen’s Cup in Thailand before finishing second. With numerous players breathing down his neck, Poom hopes to put his experience of playing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) to good use as he chases for a first Asian Tour victory.
“I wanted to shoot under-par and not make any trouble. On the first hole I got into trouble but I saved par from 15 feet. I felt lucky after that. I only tried to make par but if I had a birdie chance, I would go for it and it worked,” said Poom, a one-time winner on the ADT. “After I was five-under, I felt like it would be my day so I started playing more aggressively. This is my second time in the last group on the Asian Tour. I will try not to be nervous on the final day. I just want to give myself a chance on the final day,” said the Thai.
After finishing third in the event last year, Richardson charged into contention again with two birdies and one eagle against one bogey. After almost quitting the game earlier this year, the Australian is now focused on winning his first Asian Tour title.
“Golf is the hardest game in the world really. It is a tough lifestyle but it is great to be playing golf for a living. I tried to remember that and I’m glad to be here playing golf. I feel like I’m playing good now."
“It will be massive if I do win. It will be a big day tomorrow. I’ll just focus on each shot and not get carried away,” said Richardson.
The 23-year-old Kawamura, who won his first Asian Tour title in 2013, traded six birdies against two bogeys as he heads into the final 18 holes, two shots back of Poom. “I am happy with where I stand right now. I am definitely aiming for a win tomorrow. I look forward to playing in the final group again. I will keep things the same tomorrow. Nothing changes,” said Kawamura.
Thongchai double bogeyed the fourth hole but steadied ship with one birdie and one eagle before the turn. He added another birdie on hole 10 and slipped back with a bogey on 15 before charging home with two closing birdies.
“I played really well on the last two holes. I hit two good irons there. I know the conditions are tough but finishing well on the last few holes is key here. I’m three shots behind so I have a chance tomorrow,” said Thongchai, who is aiming for a 14th Asian Tour title.
Scores after round 3 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
203 - Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 69-69-65
205 - Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-71-68, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 68-68-69. 206 - Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 68-69-69, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-67-70
207 - Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 67-74-66, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-72-67, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 67-71-69
208 - Tom JOHNSON (USA) 72-68-68, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 70-69-69, LIU Yan-wei (CHN) 68-70-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-69-70
Indonesian players:
214 - Rory HIE 74-70-70
217 - Kurnia HERISIANDY 71-71-75
219 - Danny MASRIN 72-72-75
221 - Nasin SURACHMAN 73-71-77
As the second round was suspended due to darkness Friday evening, several players had to finish their rounds Saturday morning. Among them were local hopefuls Rory Hie, Danny Masrin and Nasin Surachman. Closing their rounds in 70, 72 and 71 strokes respectively, all three were at even par 144 after 2 rounds, just enough to make the cut and join Kurnia Herisiandy, who had finished Friday with a total of 142, for weekend play.
Having four local players in the weekend marks a first for this tournament, who before this year had only seen a single local player making the cut, in its first edition.
Third round fortunes for the four were mixed, with Rory (70) slowly climbing the leaderboard, while Kurnia (75), Danny (75) and Nasin (77) were moving in opposite direction.
Baby-faced Poom Saksansin of Thailand fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to seize the third round lead at the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich on Saturday. The 23-year-old Poom made a surprise charge up the leaderboard to lead by two shots on 13-under-par 203 from Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura (68) and Kalem Richardson of Australia (69) at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, a three-time Asian Tour number one, birdied the closing two holes for a 69 to tie in fourth place on 206 alongside Marcus Fraser (70) of Australia, who needs a victory at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club to overtake Scott Hend on the Order of Merit.
Poom will enter the final round as the leader for only the second time in his career on the Asian Tour after leading in the 2014 Queen’s Cup in Thailand before finishing second. With numerous players breathing down his neck, Poom hopes to put his experience of playing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) to good use as he chases for a first Asian Tour victory.
“I wanted to shoot under-par and not make any trouble. On the first hole I got into trouble but I saved par from 15 feet. I felt lucky after that. I only tried to make par but if I had a birdie chance, I would go for it and it worked,” said Poom, a one-time winner on the ADT. “After I was five-under, I felt like it would be my day so I started playing more aggressively. This is my second time in the last group on the Asian Tour. I will try not to be nervous on the final day. I just want to give myself a chance on the final day,” said the Thai.
After finishing third in the event last year, Richardson charged into contention again with two birdies and one eagle against one bogey. After almost quitting the game earlier this year, the Australian is now focused on winning his first Asian Tour title.
“Golf is the hardest game in the world really. It is a tough lifestyle but it is great to be playing golf for a living. I tried to remember that and I’m glad to be here playing golf. I feel like I’m playing good now."
“It will be massive if I do win. It will be a big day tomorrow. I’ll just focus on each shot and not get carried away,” said Richardson.
The 23-year-old Kawamura, who won his first Asian Tour title in 2013, traded six birdies against two bogeys as he heads into the final 18 holes, two shots back of Poom. “I am happy with where I stand right now. I am definitely aiming for a win tomorrow. I look forward to playing in the final group again. I will keep things the same tomorrow. Nothing changes,” said Kawamura.
Thongchai double bogeyed the fourth hole but steadied ship with one birdie and one eagle before the turn. He added another birdie on hole 10 and slipped back with a bogey on 15 before charging home with two closing birdies.
“I played really well on the last two holes. I hit two good irons there. I know the conditions are tough but finishing well on the last few holes is key here. I’m three shots behind so I have a chance tomorrow,” said Thongchai, who is aiming for a 14th Asian Tour title.
Scores after round 3 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
203 - Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 69-69-65
205 - Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-71-68, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 68-68-69. 206 - Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 68-69-69, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-67-70
207 - Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 67-74-66, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-72-67, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 67-71-69
208 - Tom JOHNSON (USA) 72-68-68, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 70-69-69, LIU Yan-wei (CHN) 68-70-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-69-70
Indonesian players:
214 - Rory HIE 74-70-70
217 - Kurnia HERISIANDY 71-71-75
219 - Danny MASRIN 72-72-75
221 - Nasin SURACHMAN 73-71-77
Australians Fraser & Richardson Share Clubhouse Lead At BNI Indonesian Masters Present
Jakarta, October 7 2016 - Marcus Fraser of Australia birdied the closing two holes to share the second round clubhouse lead with countryman Kalem Richardson in the weather-interrupted BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich on Friday. Fraser, ranked second on the Order of Merit, finished in the morning session with seven birdies against two bogeys for a five-under-par 67 tie at the top alongside Richardson (68) on eight-under-par 136 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
The halfway stage of the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was suspended for the day at 5.45 pm due to fading light as a total of 27 players will return to resume their rounds at 6.30am on Saturday.
Play was suspended for an hour due to lightning threats in the afternoon. Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand dropped two shots in near darkness to finish the round on a 69 to trail by one alongside Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (68), S. Chikkarangappa (67) of India and co-overnight leader Masahiro Kawamura (71) of Japan.
Fraser, who needs a victory this week to overtake Scott Hend on the Order of Merit, was delighted to return to form and build on his two-day momentum. After finding 16 greens, the Australian was held back by a cold putter where he made 29 putts.
“My game was pretty steady. I felt like I played pretty similar to what I did yesterday. I just had one poor drive on 17. That was a terrible golf shot and I made a bogey. Other than that it was steady all day. Hopefully I can keep building on the score I’m on and keep playing well. Hopefully I can make some putts,” said Fraser.
After struggling with a knee injury earlier this year, Richardson, aiming for a first Asian Tour victory, stayed in the moment and was rewarded with a share of the lead. “I’ve been struggling a little bit with the game. It was nice to get through a couple of challenges today and stay in the moment. I’ve been getting carried away and that’s been costing me,” said the Australian. “My left knee was inflamed (from cycling) and I’ve been getting a lot of treatment from the staff here and managing it myself. It is feeling a lot better and I’ve not had any dramas in the last few weeks,” added Richardson.
Ranked 44th in the world, Thongchai, the only player to win three Order of Merit crowns, continued his rich vein of form after finishing inside the top-10 in Korea last week. He charged into contention with a solid round and was forced to finish the last hole as nightfall landed over the Royale Jakarta course to avoid an early morning call on Saturday.
“We rushed in the last two holes because we didn’t want to come back early tomorrow. I played very well and I have no complaints with the round. At least now I know I will have some rest and have a chance at the weekend,” said Thongchai.
With two top-10 results on the Asian Tour and a victory on the local circuit, the confident Chikkarangappa charged up the leaderboard with a solid homeward nine which included four birdies. “I’ve been going through positive weeks. It is not only this week. I’ve been following up on my solid performances and I’m really confident with how things are going. Hopefully I can do something this week."
“It feels like a home tour this week. Anirban (Lahiri) is here and we did some work on the range and helping each other. I have positive energy when he is around me because I get the best advice from him,” said the Indian, who is close friends with Lahiri.
Scores after round 2 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am - denotes amateur):
136 - Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 68-68, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-67
137 - Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 69-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-71, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-67, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 68-69
138 - Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 69-69, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 67-71, Casey O'TOOLE (USA) 69-69, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-69, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-69, LIU Yan-wei (CHN) 68-70, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 69-69
Selected Indonesian players:
(-2) - Kurnia HERISIANDY 71-14*
(-1) - Danny MASRIN 72-16, Rory HIE 74-15
144 - Nasin SURACHMAN 73-71
145 - George GANDRANATA 72-73
147 - Seandy ALFARABI 72-75 (am)
The halfway stage of the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was suspended for the day at 5.45 pm due to fading light as a total of 27 players will return to resume their rounds at 6.30am on Saturday.
Play was suspended for an hour due to lightning threats in the afternoon. Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand dropped two shots in near darkness to finish the round on a 69 to trail by one alongside Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (68), S. Chikkarangappa (67) of India and co-overnight leader Masahiro Kawamura (71) of Japan.
Fraser, who needs a victory this week to overtake Scott Hend on the Order of Merit, was delighted to return to form and build on his two-day momentum. After finding 16 greens, the Australian was held back by a cold putter where he made 29 putts.
“My game was pretty steady. I felt like I played pretty similar to what I did yesterday. I just had one poor drive on 17. That was a terrible golf shot and I made a bogey. Other than that it was steady all day. Hopefully I can keep building on the score I’m on and keep playing well. Hopefully I can make some putts,” said Fraser.
After struggling with a knee injury earlier this year, Richardson, aiming for a first Asian Tour victory, stayed in the moment and was rewarded with a share of the lead. “I’ve been struggling a little bit with the game. It was nice to get through a couple of challenges today and stay in the moment. I’ve been getting carried away and that’s been costing me,” said the Australian. “My left knee was inflamed (from cycling) and I’ve been getting a lot of treatment from the staff here and managing it myself. It is feeling a lot better and I’ve not had any dramas in the last few weeks,” added Richardson.
Ranked 44th in the world, Thongchai, the only player to win three Order of Merit crowns, continued his rich vein of form after finishing inside the top-10 in Korea last week. He charged into contention with a solid round and was forced to finish the last hole as nightfall landed over the Royale Jakarta course to avoid an early morning call on Saturday.
“We rushed in the last two holes because we didn’t want to come back early tomorrow. I played very well and I have no complaints with the round. At least now I know I will have some rest and have a chance at the weekend,” said Thongchai.
With two top-10 results on the Asian Tour and a victory on the local circuit, the confident Chikkarangappa charged up the leaderboard with a solid homeward nine which included four birdies. “I’ve been going through positive weeks. It is not only this week. I’ve been following up on my solid performances and I’m really confident with how things are going. Hopefully I can do something this week."
“It feels like a home tour this week. Anirban (Lahiri) is here and we did some work on the range and helping each other. I have positive energy when he is around me because I get the best advice from him,” said the Indian, who is close friends with Lahiri.
Scores after round 2 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am - denotes amateur):
136 - Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 68-68, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 69-67
137 - Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 69-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-71, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-67, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 68-69
138 - Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 69-69, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 67-71, Casey O'TOOLE (USA) 69-69, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-69, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-69, LIU Yan-wei (CHN) 68-70, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 69-69
Selected Indonesian players:
(-2) - Kurnia HERISIANDY 71-14*
(-1) - Danny MASRIN 72-16, Rory HIE 74-15
144 - Nasin SURACHMAN 73-71
145 - George GANDRANATA 72-73
147 - Seandy ALFARABI 72-75 (am)
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Trio Lead At BNI Indonesian Masters Presented By Zurich
Jakarta, October 6 - Gaganjeet Bhullar of India continued his fine form when he shared the opening round lead with Gunn Charoenkul of Thailand and Masahiro Kawamura of Japan at the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich on Thursday.
Coming off the back of a victory in Korea last week, Bhullar produced a flawless round of six-under-par 66 to tie at the top alongside Kawamura and sponsor’s invite Gunn, who is finding his best form again after returning from a wrist injury.
Arjun Atwal, a former Asian Tour number one and first Indian to win on the PGA Tour, was a further shot back with Thai teenagers Phachara Khongwatmai and Suradit Yongcharoenchai at the US$750,000 event staged at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei, who won on home soil last week and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, the only player to win three Order of Merit crowns, were among nine players bunched up in seventh place on 68s.
The 28-year-old Bhullar, who started from the 10th tee, overcame early nerves to make the turn in 32 before adding birdies on seven and nine to stay in contention for back-to-back victories. “It was a bogey free round and at the end of the day, that’s the target. I’m trying to repeat what I did last week,” said Bhullar, a six-time Asian Tour winner.
“In the beginning I was a bit nervous. Coming straight after a victory, your mental aspect is slightly different. You try to go for a par and try not to attack the pins. I putted really well today especially on 12, 13 and 14 (birdies) and those were all from 10 or 15 feet which I holed,” he added.
Gunn suffered a wrist injury in 2014 and is slowly finding his form again after winning on the local circuit in Thailand in July and in China in September. He looks to Bhullar for inspiration as he seeks a return to the Asian Tour. “I’m feeling pretty excited to be tied at the top with Gaganjeet (Bhullar). He just came off an injury and won. I think we had the same injury as well (wrist injury). I’m glad that we are both playing well,” said the 24-year-old Gunn.
Japan’s Kawamura, who has one win on the Asian Tour, recovered from an opening bogey to fire seven birdies including one on the last to take his place among the leaders. “It was an easy round,” said Kawamura. “I hit it on the fairway and gave myself chances at birdies which I holed. I’m obviously happy with how I played but it is only the first round. Let’s see what happens in the next three rounds.”
After finishing inside the top-five in the last two Asian Tour events, Phachara played without any pressure to produce another solid round to keep up his chase for a first victory. “My game plan is easy. I don’t think ahead or set a goal for myself. I just want to play my best golf. I’m not worried if I play badly but I play good, then I’m happy. That was the case today,” said the 17-year-old Thai.
Several of the local players put in solid performances and are still in contention for weekend play. Kurnia Herisiandy leads the pack with 1-under in a tie for 51st. Indonesia's top players George Gandranata and Danny Masrin both came round at even par, together with leading amateur Seandy Alfarabi, good for a share of 62nd place.
Said Danny Masrin: "It was a very up-and-down day for me. I made some stupid mistakes out there but I don’t think it is going to affect me going into tomorrow. I have a game plan. I hit the ball pretty well today. Just a couple of mistakes today and if I clean that up tomorrow I will be fine. I get on tees and some people think they are difficult lines but I know the lines and where to be and where to miss.
Play was suspended at 5.55pm (local time) due to darkness. A total of five players will resume their rounds on Friday at 7am.
Scores after round 1 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am - denotes amateur):
66 - Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA), Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN)
67 - Arjun ATWAL (IND), Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA), Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA)
68 - LU Wei-chih (TPE), Thongchai JAIDEE (THA), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), Darren TAN (AUS), Janne KASKE (FIN), Shiv KAPUR (IND), Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS), Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA), Lionel WEBER (FRA)
Selected Indonesian players:
71 - Kurnia HERISIANDY
72 - Danny MASRIN, George GANDRANATA, Seandy ALFARABI (am)
73 - Ditya NOVIANTO, Cahyo ADHITOMO (am), Jordan IRAWAN, Nasin SURACHMAN
Coming off the back of a victory in Korea last week, Bhullar produced a flawless round of six-under-par 66 to tie at the top alongside Kawamura and sponsor’s invite Gunn, who is finding his best form again after returning from a wrist injury.
Arjun Atwal, a former Asian Tour number one and first Indian to win on the PGA Tour, was a further shot back with Thai teenagers Phachara Khongwatmai and Suradit Yongcharoenchai at the US$750,000 event staged at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei, who won on home soil last week and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, the only player to win three Order of Merit crowns, were among nine players bunched up in seventh place on 68s.
The 28-year-old Bhullar, who started from the 10th tee, overcame early nerves to make the turn in 32 before adding birdies on seven and nine to stay in contention for back-to-back victories. “It was a bogey free round and at the end of the day, that’s the target. I’m trying to repeat what I did last week,” said Bhullar, a six-time Asian Tour winner.
“In the beginning I was a bit nervous. Coming straight after a victory, your mental aspect is slightly different. You try to go for a par and try not to attack the pins. I putted really well today especially on 12, 13 and 14 (birdies) and those were all from 10 or 15 feet which I holed,” he added.
Gunn suffered a wrist injury in 2014 and is slowly finding his form again after winning on the local circuit in Thailand in July and in China in September. He looks to Bhullar for inspiration as he seeks a return to the Asian Tour. “I’m feeling pretty excited to be tied at the top with Gaganjeet (Bhullar). He just came off an injury and won. I think we had the same injury as well (wrist injury). I’m glad that we are both playing well,” said the 24-year-old Gunn.
Japan’s Kawamura, who has one win on the Asian Tour, recovered from an opening bogey to fire seven birdies including one on the last to take his place among the leaders. “It was an easy round,” said Kawamura. “I hit it on the fairway and gave myself chances at birdies which I holed. I’m obviously happy with how I played but it is only the first round. Let’s see what happens in the next three rounds.”
After finishing inside the top-five in the last two Asian Tour events, Phachara played without any pressure to produce another solid round to keep up his chase for a first victory. “My game plan is easy. I don’t think ahead or set a goal for myself. I just want to play my best golf. I’m not worried if I play badly but I play good, then I’m happy. That was the case today,” said the 17-year-old Thai.
Several of the local players put in solid performances and are still in contention for weekend play. Kurnia Herisiandy leads the pack with 1-under in a tie for 51st. Indonesia's top players George Gandranata and Danny Masrin both came round at even par, together with leading amateur Seandy Alfarabi, good for a share of 62nd place.
Said Danny Masrin: "It was a very up-and-down day for me. I made some stupid mistakes out there but I don’t think it is going to affect me going into tomorrow. I have a game plan. I hit the ball pretty well today. Just a couple of mistakes today and if I clean that up tomorrow I will be fine. I get on tees and some people think they are difficult lines but I know the lines and where to be and where to miss.
Play was suspended at 5.55pm (local time) due to darkness. A total of five players will resume their rounds on Friday at 7am.
Scores after round 1 of the BNI Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am - denotes amateur):
66 - Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA), Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN)
67 - Arjun ATWAL (IND), Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA), Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA)
68 - LU Wei-chih (TPE), Thongchai JAIDEE (THA), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), Darren TAN (AUS), Janne KASKE (FIN), Shiv KAPUR (IND), Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS), Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA), Lionel WEBER (FRA)
Selected Indonesian players:
71 - Kurnia HERISIANDY
72 - Danny MASRIN, George GANDRANATA, Seandy ALFARABI (am)
73 - Ditya NOVIANTO, Cahyo ADHITOMO (am), Jordan IRAWAN, Nasin SURACHMAN
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Icing On The Cake For Top Golfers At 2016 Indonesian Masters
JAKARTA, 4 October 2016 – Several of the region’s best golfers exchanged golf attire for aprons this morning at the official launch of the 2016 BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich, which tees off at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club this Thursday.
Anirban Lahiri, Marcus Fraser, Thongchai Jaidee, and Jamie Sadlowski, together with local players Danny Masrin and George Gandranata, rolled up their sleeves and took a lesson in cake decoration from celebrity chef and TV personality Farah Quinn.
Held at the JS Luwansa Hotel and Convention Center, the challenge was part of the players’ official welcome to the Indonesian capital, while showcasing that this year’s tournament is set to offer visitors a lot more than just golf.
Speaking about the players’ culinary skills, Farah, who has created her own signature dish as part of the tournament’s culinary offering, said: “I’m impressed! These guys have got the touch! Okay perhaps a bit too early for them to sell the golf clubs and take up life as a pastry-chef, but for professional sportmen, who don’t get to spend too much time in the kitchen, it was pretty good.”
“Actually it was just a lot of fun. There was clearly some healthy competition out there and some good banter among the players as they tried to outdo each other, and I think they enjoyed it,” added the celeb chef.
Right to left: Farah Quinn judging creations of George Gandranata, Danny Masrin, Tongchai Jaidee, Anirban Lahiri, Marcus Fraser and Jamie Sadlowski
Asian Tour veteran Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand said: “It was great. A bit different to what we usually get up to and the boys were all trying to out-do each other with some pretty creations, but it was good fun and nice to be able to show a different side to our personalities than what we can on a golf course.”
Speaking about their welcome to the Indonesian capital, former Long Drive world champion Jamie Sadlowski of Canada added: “It’s great to be here. My first time playing golf in Indonesia and we get to kick it all off by baking some cakes! Great welcome for everyone though and really looking forward to the week ahead and to getting out on course. It should be a good tournament and for a nation that is so proud of it’s food culture, think it’s great to have a food theme running throughout the tournament. I hope I’ll get to try some of the dishes on offer!”
The BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich promises visitors to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club four days of top quality action on course and a feast of entertainment for the whole family off it.
Spectators can look forward to a gastronomic feast complete with food trucks and stalls, offering a range of authentic Indonesian and International cuisine and other culinary delights.
TV personality, host and chef extraordinaire Farah Quinn will be looking to cook up a storm with her signature dish – Rose Tea Pudding with Vanilla Cream dish, made solely using home-grown Indonesian ingredients. Comprising Rose tea with ginger crust and vanilla seeds, it is billed as a ‘tribute to older times’ and will see a traditional long-forgotten recipe given a modern twist.
Anirban Lahiri, Marcus Fraser, Thongchai Jaidee, and Jamie Sadlowski, together with local players Danny Masrin and George Gandranata, rolled up their sleeves and took a lesson in cake decoration from celebrity chef and TV personality Farah Quinn.
Held at the JS Luwansa Hotel and Convention Center, the challenge was part of the players’ official welcome to the Indonesian capital, while showcasing that this year’s tournament is set to offer visitors a lot more than just golf.
Speaking about the players’ culinary skills, Farah, who has created her own signature dish as part of the tournament’s culinary offering, said: “I’m impressed! These guys have got the touch! Okay perhaps a bit too early for them to sell the golf clubs and take up life as a pastry-chef, but for professional sportmen, who don’t get to spend too much time in the kitchen, it was pretty good.”
“Actually it was just a lot of fun. There was clearly some healthy competition out there and some good banter among the players as they tried to outdo each other, and I think they enjoyed it,” added the celeb chef.
Asian Tour veteran Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand said: “It was great. A bit different to what we usually get up to and the boys were all trying to out-do each other with some pretty creations, but it was good fun and nice to be able to show a different side to our personalities than what we can on a golf course.”
Speaking about their welcome to the Indonesian capital, former Long Drive world champion Jamie Sadlowski of Canada added: “It’s great to be here. My first time playing golf in Indonesia and we get to kick it all off by baking some cakes! Great welcome for everyone though and really looking forward to the week ahead and to getting out on course. It should be a good tournament and for a nation that is so proud of it’s food culture, think it’s great to have a food theme running throughout the tournament. I hope I’ll get to try some of the dishes on offer!”
The BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich promises visitors to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club four days of top quality action on course and a feast of entertainment for the whole family off it.
Spectators can look forward to a gastronomic feast complete with food trucks and stalls, offering a range of authentic Indonesian and International cuisine and other culinary delights.
TV personality, host and chef extraordinaire Farah Quinn will be looking to cook up a storm with her signature dish – Rose Tea Pudding with Vanilla Cream dish, made solely using home-grown Indonesian ingredients. Comprising Rose tea with ginger crust and vanilla seeds, it is billed as a ‘tribute to older times’ and will see a traditional long-forgotten recipe given a modern twist.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
2016 Indonesian Masters Set For October
Jakarta, April 27 - The Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Indonesia (PGATI) today announced that the 2016 Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich will return to the impressive surroundings of the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from October 6 to 9, 2016.
Buoyed by the addition of a new presenting partner, in leading global insurance provider Zurich, the four-day event will once again welcome the best golfers from Asia as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
Already the country’s preeminent golf tournament, the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich is fast building a reputation for delivering intense competition and grandstand finishes at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, as the top international players go head to head with the best of Asia.
Anirban Lahiri of India won the 2014 tournament in spectacular style, when he sank an eagle putt on the last hole to defeat Seukhun Baek of Korea and young Australian, Cameron Smith.
In 2015 it was recent Masters Tournament runner-up Lee Westwood’s turn to deliver a spectacular finale, surviving a play-off with Chapchai Nirat of Thailand who chased down the Englishman’s five-shot lead in the final round.
Westwood’s win made it a tournament hat trick, having won in 2011 and 2012. Other top players to have competed include four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit Winner Thongchai Jaidee, 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson of France.
The tournament has also welcomed some of Indonesia’s brightest professionals and amateurs over the years, including George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi.
Jimmy Masrin, Co-Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour said: ‘We’re pleased to announce the 2016 edition of the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich. Over the last five years, the tournament has clearly established itself as Indonesia’s preeminent golf tournament, and one of the most highly regarded events on the Asian Tour.
“We welcome Zurich on board as a presenting sponsor for the tournament. The combination of the company’s global profile and reputation within the international golf community, together with its local market understanding will undoubtedly help the tournament in fulfilling its objectives of creating top quality entertainment both on and off the golf course.”
Speaking about its new partnership with the tournament, Peter Huber, President Director of Zurich Topas Life and representing Zurich in Indonesia, said: “Zurich has been involved with golf for many years through key sponsorship engagements worldwide and we are very proud to now be presenting the 2016 Indonesian Masters.
“Golf is a game that many of our customers truly love. But our involvement in this sport means more to us than just supporting one of our customers’ passions, and associating our brand with highly positive, emotionally charged moments. It is a true partnership we feel with all of our customers and the community who truly love golf.
“Golf is one of the few sports that does not require a standardized playing area. While the basic rules apply regardless of the terrain, each course is different and players need to adapt their game accordingly if they wish to succeed. They need to be focused and disciplined while maintaining the flexibility to respond to unexpected challenges. This is something that we as insurance professionals have in common with golfers, which explains why Zurich is so engaged in the game worldwide.
“As the government aims to turn Indonesia into a major golfing destination in Asia, Zurich also sees the importance of developing elite local golf talent for the benefit of the sport and Indonesia as a whole. We invite Indonesian golfers to be involved in this prestigious tournament.”
The tournament will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, potentially reaching 740 million households in over 180 countries thereby showcasing Indonesia to a global audience.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGATI, the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich will feature 150 players; consisting of 96 players from the Asian Tour; the top 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia; the top four Indonesian Amateurs; 15 eligible/available players from the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking and 15 sponsor exemption places.
Buoyed by the addition of a new presenting partner, in leading global insurance provider Zurich, the four-day event will once again welcome the best golfers from Asia as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
Already the country’s preeminent golf tournament, the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich is fast building a reputation for delivering intense competition and grandstand finishes at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, as the top international players go head to head with the best of Asia.
Anirban Lahiri of India won the 2014 tournament in spectacular style, when he sank an eagle putt on the last hole to defeat Seukhun Baek of Korea and young Australian, Cameron Smith.
In 2015 it was recent Masters Tournament runner-up Lee Westwood’s turn to deliver a spectacular finale, surviving a play-off with Chapchai Nirat of Thailand who chased down the Englishman’s five-shot lead in the final round.
Westwood’s win made it a tournament hat trick, having won in 2011 and 2012. Other top players to have competed include four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit Winner Thongchai Jaidee, 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson of France.
The tournament has also welcomed some of Indonesia’s brightest professionals and amateurs over the years, including George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi.
Jimmy Masrin, Co-Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour said: ‘We’re pleased to announce the 2016 edition of the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich. Over the last five years, the tournament has clearly established itself as Indonesia’s preeminent golf tournament, and one of the most highly regarded events on the Asian Tour.
“We welcome Zurich on board as a presenting sponsor for the tournament. The combination of the company’s global profile and reputation within the international golf community, together with its local market understanding will undoubtedly help the tournament in fulfilling its objectives of creating top quality entertainment both on and off the golf course.”
Speaking about its new partnership with the tournament, Peter Huber, President Director of Zurich Topas Life and representing Zurich in Indonesia, said: “Zurich has been involved with golf for many years through key sponsorship engagements worldwide and we are very proud to now be presenting the 2016 Indonesian Masters.
“Golf is a game that many of our customers truly love. But our involvement in this sport means more to us than just supporting one of our customers’ passions, and associating our brand with highly positive, emotionally charged moments. It is a true partnership we feel with all of our customers and the community who truly love golf.
“Golf is one of the few sports that does not require a standardized playing area. While the basic rules apply regardless of the terrain, each course is different and players need to adapt their game accordingly if they wish to succeed. They need to be focused and disciplined while maintaining the flexibility to respond to unexpected challenges. This is something that we as insurance professionals have in common with golfers, which explains why Zurich is so engaged in the game worldwide.
“As the government aims to turn Indonesia into a major golfing destination in Asia, Zurich also sees the importance of developing elite local golf talent for the benefit of the sport and Indonesia as a whole. We invite Indonesian golfers to be involved in this prestigious tournament.”
The tournament will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, potentially reaching 740 million households in over 180 countries thereby showcasing Indonesia to a global audience.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGATI, the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich will feature 150 players; consisting of 96 players from the Asian Tour; the top 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia; the top four Indonesian Amateurs; 15 eligible/available players from the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking and 15 sponsor exemption places.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Enjoy Jakarta Golf Signs Up As Presenting Sponsor For Indonesian Masters 2015
Jakarta, 17 March 2015 – Indonesia's premier golf tournament, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf, today announced a series of
initiatives to ensure a truly memorable showpiece when the Asian Tour event returns to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 23 – 26.
Former world no. 1 Lee Westwood of England, Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri of India are sure to provide ample entertainment inside the ropes, while new developments away from the fairways are set to ensure that the tournament's fifth edition is as well remembered off-course, as it is on.
Enjoy Jakarta, the capital city's official tourism authority, will join the prestigious event as the Presenting Sponsor, bringing a distinctly local flavor to the four-day tournament. As visitors walk through the gates, they can expect to be greeted by the presence of Abang & None Jakarta (Mr. & Miss Jakarta) who will be onsite to champion the nation's capital city.
And in what is fast becoming a tournament tradition, the newly crowned champion will once again be presented with his very own Tenun Ikat motif jacket. While the inspiration behind the idea might come from the Masters Tournament in Augusta, observers at the 2015 edition can expect to see something a little closer to home.
The 2015 jacket was created by renowned Indonesian designer, Didiet Maulana.
Left-to-right: Andrew Wood (Indonesian Masters Pte Ltd), James Rompas (Vice CEO CIMB Niaga), Disiet Maulana (Creative Director IKAT Indonesia), Tryfena Sri Rahajoe (Marketing Communications Jaguar Indonesia) and Hari Wibowo (Marketing Director Enjoy Jakarta) unveil the winner's jacket.
The creative director from IKAT Indonesia, famous for his contemporary, locally inspired designs, has created his own version of the "Green Jacket", which will have an authentic Indonesian style.
With the countdown of the tournament well under-way, leading Indonesian golfer George Gandranata lauded the new announcements. Speaking by video message about the importance of the tournament in building Indonesia's fledgling golf industry and putting the country on the world map of golf, Gandranata said: "The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf plays a crucial role in the development of golf in Indonesia at a grass roots and golf industry level. Our nation has all the necessary ingredients to build an internationally recognized, healthy and sustainable golf industry benefiting many sectors of society."
"It is essential that we are staging elite, world class tournaments such as this to showcase Indonesian golf to the world and inspire future generations."
"I extend my congratulations to both Enjoy Jakarta on its partnership with the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. They will bring their own color and style to the tournament, adding to the carnival atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. I look forward to joining everyone in Jakarta next month," added Gandranata.
Speaking in lieu of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Governor of Jakarta, the Director Marketing Of Enjoy Jakarta, Hari Wibowo, said about the partnership: "We are very proud to announce the partnership between Enjoy Jakarta and the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2015. The collaboration with this Asian Tour event will enable us to showcase the city of Jakarta not just to the thousands of visitors that come to the tournament, but to golf enthusiasts throughout the region".
"Indonesia's capital city has an important role to play in the development of golf among ASEAN. Bringing internationally recognized events such as this tournament, as well as the Asia Golf Tourism Conference – an IAGTO global golf tourism event that will be staged in Jakarta the week following the tournament – are strategic objectives for the city of Jakarta. We look forward to welcoming the international golf community to our vibrant and highly diverse capital city next month.”
Speaking on behalf of the tournament sponsor, James Rompas, Vice CEO of CIMB Niaga added, "We are delighted to welcome both Enjoy Jakarta and Didiet Maulana to this year‟s tournament. With just over a month to go before the Asian golf community arrives in Jakarta, visitors can look forward to a world class golf tournament, complimented by a host of tourist attractions brought to us in true Indonesian style. I would like to thank both partners for their commitment to making this tournament one of the very best in the region."
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia's top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play.
Former world no. 1 Lee Westwood of England, Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri of India are sure to provide ample entertainment inside the ropes, while new developments away from the fairways are set to ensure that the tournament's fifth edition is as well remembered off-course, as it is on.
Enjoy Jakarta, the capital city's official tourism authority, will join the prestigious event as the Presenting Sponsor, bringing a distinctly local flavor to the four-day tournament. As visitors walk through the gates, they can expect to be greeted by the presence of Abang & None Jakarta (Mr. & Miss Jakarta) who will be onsite to champion the nation's capital city.
And in what is fast becoming a tournament tradition, the newly crowned champion will once again be presented with his very own Tenun Ikat motif jacket. While the inspiration behind the idea might come from the Masters Tournament in Augusta, observers at the 2015 edition can expect to see something a little closer to home.
The 2015 jacket was created by renowned Indonesian designer, Didiet Maulana.
The creative director from IKAT Indonesia, famous for his contemporary, locally inspired designs, has created his own version of the "Green Jacket", which will have an authentic Indonesian style.
With the countdown of the tournament well under-way, leading Indonesian golfer George Gandranata lauded the new announcements. Speaking by video message about the importance of the tournament in building Indonesia's fledgling golf industry and putting the country on the world map of golf, Gandranata said: "The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf plays a crucial role in the development of golf in Indonesia at a grass roots and golf industry level. Our nation has all the necessary ingredients to build an internationally recognized, healthy and sustainable golf industry benefiting many sectors of society."
"It is essential that we are staging elite, world class tournaments such as this to showcase Indonesian golf to the world and inspire future generations."
"I extend my congratulations to both Enjoy Jakarta on its partnership with the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. They will bring their own color and style to the tournament, adding to the carnival atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. I look forward to joining everyone in Jakarta next month," added Gandranata.
Speaking in lieu of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Governor of Jakarta, the Director Marketing Of Enjoy Jakarta, Hari Wibowo, said about the partnership: "We are very proud to announce the partnership between Enjoy Jakarta and the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2015. The collaboration with this Asian Tour event will enable us to showcase the city of Jakarta not just to the thousands of visitors that come to the tournament, but to golf enthusiasts throughout the region".
"Indonesia's capital city has an important role to play in the development of golf among ASEAN. Bringing internationally recognized events such as this tournament, as well as the Asia Golf Tourism Conference – an IAGTO global golf tourism event that will be staged in Jakarta the week following the tournament – are strategic objectives for the city of Jakarta. We look forward to welcoming the international golf community to our vibrant and highly diverse capital city next month.”
Speaking on behalf of the tournament sponsor, James Rompas, Vice CEO of CIMB Niaga added, "We are delighted to welcome both Enjoy Jakarta and Didiet Maulana to this year‟s tournament. With just over a month to go before the Asian golf community arrives in Jakarta, visitors can look forward to a world class golf tournament, complimented by a host of tourist attractions brought to us in true Indonesian style. I would like to thank both partners for their commitment to making this tournament one of the very best in the region."
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia's top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play.
Friday, December 19, 2014
2015 Indonesian Masters Set For 23-26 April
Jakarta, December 18 - PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) as the title sponsor, Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia (PGTI) today announced that the 2015 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will return to the magnificent Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 23-26, 2015.
The fifth edition of the Asian Tour-sanctioned event will welcome top players from across the region as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
President Director of CIMB Niaga Arwin Rasyid said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which will be held from April 23-26, 2015. In its five years, we’ve had some fantastic winners in the past with Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger and Anirban Lahiri in April this year. We’re all eagerly looking forward to seeing who will come out on top at the 2015 tournament.
“As one the leading banks here in Indonesia, we are committed to growing our ties with the local community through our youth development and amateur league programs in the country. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has been a fantastic opportunity for the bank to give back to the community in the past three years. We look forward to working with the organizers on another fantastic event in 2015.
Chairman of Professional Golf Tour Indonesia Johannes Dermawan thanked CIMB Niaga for their continued support of the tournament. “We’re extremely fortunate to have such an active and supportive partner as CIMB Niaga. Our partnership has enabled the tournament to grow, attracting some of the biggest names in world golf to play alongside our own golfers from Indonesia. CIMB Niaga’s youth programme has also been hugely successful in developing the sport and it is wonderful to have a sponsor who is so committed to the junior game.”
The tournament will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, reaching 625 million households in over 180 countries thereby showcasing Indonesia to a global audience.
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “On behalf of our players, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to CIMB Niaga for its wonderful support. Since its launch, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has developed into a truly top-class international golf tournament that the country can be proud of. Our players are looking forward to returning in 2015 and entertaining golf fans and television viewers once again.”
Manager of International Promotion for Enjoy Jakarta Hari Wibowo, commented: “Major sporting and cultural events are a wonderful way to promote our beautiful country worldwide. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is one such event. The broadcast of the tournament enables us to reach golfers and non-golfers alike, encouraging them to come and visit Indonesia.”
Hari added: “Golf tourism is extremely important for Indonesia’s growing tourism industry. Events like the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters play a very important role in driving this traffic and the associated revenue so we will work very closely with the tournament to ensure maximum impact across the region. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the event next year.”
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGTI, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will feature 24 Indonesian golfers; 20 professionals from the PGTI and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs. Previous editions have welcomed Indonesia’s brightest professionals and amateurs such as George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi.
Besides fostering local talents, the tournament also has a tradition of hosting many of the world’s top golfers including the winner of the 2011 and 2012 tournament, Lee Westwood of England, four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit Winner Thonghchai Jaidee of Thailand, 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson of France.
The 2014 tournament was won in spectacular style by Anirban Lahiri of India when he holed an eagle putt on the last hole to defeat Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and young Australian Cameron Smith. The victory was Lahiri’s first win outside India and his fourth on the Asian Tour.
The fifth edition of the Asian Tour-sanctioned event will welcome top players from across the region as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
President Director of CIMB Niaga Arwin Rasyid said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which will be held from April 23-26, 2015. In its five years, we’ve had some fantastic winners in the past with Lee Westwood, Bernd Wiesberger and Anirban Lahiri in April this year. We’re all eagerly looking forward to seeing who will come out on top at the 2015 tournament.
“As one the leading banks here in Indonesia, we are committed to growing our ties with the local community through our youth development and amateur league programs in the country. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has been a fantastic opportunity for the bank to give back to the community in the past three years. We look forward to working with the organizers on another fantastic event in 2015.
Chairman of Professional Golf Tour Indonesia Johannes Dermawan thanked CIMB Niaga for their continued support of the tournament. “We’re extremely fortunate to have such an active and supportive partner as CIMB Niaga. Our partnership has enabled the tournament to grow, attracting some of the biggest names in world golf to play alongside our own golfers from Indonesia. CIMB Niaga’s youth programme has also been hugely successful in developing the sport and it is wonderful to have a sponsor who is so committed to the junior game.”
The tournament will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, reaching 625 million households in over 180 countries thereby showcasing Indonesia to a global audience.
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “On behalf of our players, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to CIMB Niaga for its wonderful support. Since its launch, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has developed into a truly top-class international golf tournament that the country can be proud of. Our players are looking forward to returning in 2015 and entertaining golf fans and television viewers once again.”
Manager of International Promotion for Enjoy Jakarta Hari Wibowo, commented: “Major sporting and cultural events are a wonderful way to promote our beautiful country worldwide. The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is one such event. The broadcast of the tournament enables us to reach golfers and non-golfers alike, encouraging them to come and visit Indonesia.”
Hari added: “Golf tourism is extremely important for Indonesia’s growing tourism industry. Events like the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters play a very important role in driving this traffic and the associated revenue so we will work very closely with the tournament to ensure maximum impact across the region. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the event next year.”
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGTI, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will feature 24 Indonesian golfers; 20 professionals from the PGTI and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs. Previous editions have welcomed Indonesia’s brightest professionals and amateurs such as George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi.
Besides fostering local talents, the tournament also has a tradition of hosting many of the world’s top golfers including the winner of the 2011 and 2012 tournament, Lee Westwood of England, four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit Winner Thonghchai Jaidee of Thailand, 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson of France.
The 2014 tournament was won in spectacular style by Anirban Lahiri of India when he holed an eagle putt on the last hole to defeat Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and young Australian Cameron Smith. The victory was Lahiri’s first win outside India and his fourth on the Asian Tour.
Monday, October 27, 2014
2014 Indonesian Masters Winner Lahiri Adds Venetian Macau Open Crown
Macau, October 26 - Indian star Anirban Lahiri claimed a sensational one-stroke victory at the US$900,000 Venetian Macau Open after frontrunner Scott Hend of Australia agonizingly bogeyed the last hole on Sunday.
Lahiri started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Hend and trailed by four at one stage at the Macau Golf and Country Club before rallying on the home stretch to pip Hend and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat.
The 27-year-old Indian signed for a final round of five-under-par 66, which included six birdies, and a winning aggregate of 17-under-par 267. The winner’s cheque of US$162,000 raised his season’s tally to US$504,689 as he consolidated his second place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and narrowed the gap on leader David Lipsky of the United States.
Hend, the defending champion who arrived in Macau in top form after winning the Hong Kong Open last week, lipped out a par putt from four feet on the 72nd hole as the roles reversed from last year’s edition where Lahiri was the runner-up. Hend settled for a 69 while Prom charged up the leaderboard with a 66.
“It’s really special. Hendy was playing great golf and it was sad to see him missing that putt on the last,” said Lahiri, who secured his second win of the season and fifth Asian Tour victory. Earlier this year he won the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I knew he was playing some good golf and I told myself that I was going to keep coming back, keep coming back and keep attacking. I wanted to make him think I was not going to go away. I think I played really well.”
Hend took charge early on and doubled his overnight lead to four shots after nailing an eagle on two and a birdie on seven. However, a tenacious Lahiri fought back with birdies on eight and nine to make the turn only two back. The pivotal moment came on 14 when Lahiri hit a superb seven iron into the par three hole for an easy birdie while Hend bogeyed.
Lahiri, who had opened his campaign with a stunning 61 on Thursday, then led for the first time in the final round with a birdie on 15 but Hend leveled with a birdie at the next hole until his slip-up at the last.
“I hit a perfect golf shot on 14,” said Lahiri. “I had just missed a putt at the previous hole and I knew I needed a birdie to catch Hendy and that was just magic the way it came down. I hit a seven iron as hard and high as I could and it came out perfect. One of the best shots of the week.
“I was chasing all day and on 14, that’s where the momentum switched a bit. It’s fantastic to win my second of the year. I missed the cut last week (in Hong Kong) after a long time so I had time to think about what I was doing wrong and how was I was not thinking positively on the course. I’m happy I managed to turn that around.”
Hend was disappointed he missed his par putt which would have forced a play-off and also the opportunity to join China’s Zhang Lian-wei as the only two-time Venetian Macau Open champion.
“I hit too many loose shots and then on the last hole, I had a lip out which I thought I put a good putt on it. Unfortunately it lipped out. I looked up to see it lipping out. I thought I had made the putt,” said Hend.
“To be honest, the tournament had slipped as the tee shot wasn’t in play. I had to hit the fairway which would have made it a lot easier but I missed the fairway which made my job a little bit harder.”
Prom came home strongly in 32 but fell one short shy of forcing a play-off. He rued a roller-coaster start where he went bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie in his opening four holes. “I had a good back nine but it was up and down in the first four holes. But to finish on five under for the round, I’m happy. My goal was to stay inside the top-three. It was not going to be easy to catch Hendy or Anirban,” said Prom.
George Gandranata closed out the tournament with a round of 74, finishing with a total of 288 at 4 over par. The final 9 holes for the Indonesian were he lost most with a double bogey on the 10th and bogeys on 12, 16 and 17. Luckily 2 birdies on 15 and the final hole kept him from losing too much.
Meanwhile, The Venetian Macao® has extended its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macau Open for a further two years until 2016 following its successful association with Macau’s premier golf championship this week. The Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB) and its partners, the Asian Tour, Macau Golf Association and IMG, jointly announced that next year’s edition will return to the Macau Golf and Country Club from October 15-18, 2015.
Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Air Macau, Blue Girl, Lamborghini and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection, Twinwoods Wine and Munsingwear.
Scores after round 4 of the Venetian Macau Open 2014:
267 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 61-73-67-66
268 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-70-64-66, Scott HEND (AUS) 62-70-67-69
270 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 65-67-72-66
272 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-70-68-65, Unho PARK (AUS) 70-69-68-65
273 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 67-70-67-69
274 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 73-67-67-67
275 – Kieran PRATT (AUS) 70-69-68-68
Selected:
281 - Ernie ELS (RSA) 70-72-69-70
288 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-70-72-74
Lahiri started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Hend and trailed by four at one stage at the Macau Golf and Country Club before rallying on the home stretch to pip Hend and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat.
The 27-year-old Indian signed for a final round of five-under-par 66, which included six birdies, and a winning aggregate of 17-under-par 267. The winner’s cheque of US$162,000 raised his season’s tally to US$504,689 as he consolidated his second place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and narrowed the gap on leader David Lipsky of the United States.
Hend, the defending champion who arrived in Macau in top form after winning the Hong Kong Open last week, lipped out a par putt from four feet on the 72nd hole as the roles reversed from last year’s edition where Lahiri was the runner-up. Hend settled for a 69 while Prom charged up the leaderboard with a 66.
“It’s really special. Hendy was playing great golf and it was sad to see him missing that putt on the last,” said Lahiri, who secured his second win of the season and fifth Asian Tour victory. Earlier this year he won the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I knew he was playing some good golf and I told myself that I was going to keep coming back, keep coming back and keep attacking. I wanted to make him think I was not going to go away. I think I played really well.”
Hend took charge early on and doubled his overnight lead to four shots after nailing an eagle on two and a birdie on seven. However, a tenacious Lahiri fought back with birdies on eight and nine to make the turn only two back. The pivotal moment came on 14 when Lahiri hit a superb seven iron into the par three hole for an easy birdie while Hend bogeyed.
Lahiri, who had opened his campaign with a stunning 61 on Thursday, then led for the first time in the final round with a birdie on 15 but Hend leveled with a birdie at the next hole until his slip-up at the last.
“I hit a perfect golf shot on 14,” said Lahiri. “I had just missed a putt at the previous hole and I knew I needed a birdie to catch Hendy and that was just magic the way it came down. I hit a seven iron as hard and high as I could and it came out perfect. One of the best shots of the week.
“I was chasing all day and on 14, that’s where the momentum switched a bit. It’s fantastic to win my second of the year. I missed the cut last week (in Hong Kong) after a long time so I had time to think about what I was doing wrong and how was I was not thinking positively on the course. I’m happy I managed to turn that around.”
Hend was disappointed he missed his par putt which would have forced a play-off and also the opportunity to join China’s Zhang Lian-wei as the only two-time Venetian Macau Open champion.
“I hit too many loose shots and then on the last hole, I had a lip out which I thought I put a good putt on it. Unfortunately it lipped out. I looked up to see it lipping out. I thought I had made the putt,” said Hend.
“To be honest, the tournament had slipped as the tee shot wasn’t in play. I had to hit the fairway which would have made it a lot easier but I missed the fairway which made my job a little bit harder.”
Prom came home strongly in 32 but fell one short shy of forcing a play-off. He rued a roller-coaster start where he went bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie in his opening four holes. “I had a good back nine but it was up and down in the first four holes. But to finish on five under for the round, I’m happy. My goal was to stay inside the top-three. It was not going to be easy to catch Hendy or Anirban,” said Prom.
George Gandranata closed out the tournament with a round of 74, finishing with a total of 288 at 4 over par. The final 9 holes for the Indonesian were he lost most with a double bogey on the 10th and bogeys on 12, 16 and 17. Luckily 2 birdies on 15 and the final hole kept him from losing too much.
Meanwhile, The Venetian Macao® has extended its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macau Open for a further two years until 2016 following its successful association with Macau’s premier golf championship this week. The Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB) and its partners, the Asian Tour, Macau Golf Association and IMG, jointly announced that next year’s edition will return to the Macau Golf and Country Club from October 15-18, 2015.
Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Air Macau, Blue Girl, Lamborghini and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection, Twinwoods Wine and Munsingwear.
Scores after round 4 of the Venetian Macau Open 2014:
267 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 61-73-67-66
268 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-70-64-66, Scott HEND (AUS) 62-70-67-69
270 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 65-67-72-66
272 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-70-68-65, Unho PARK (AUS) 70-69-68-65
273 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 67-70-67-69
274 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 73-67-67-67
275 – Kieran PRATT (AUS) 70-69-68-68
Selected:
281 - Ernie ELS (RSA) 70-72-69-70
288 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-70-72-74
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Gandranata's Game Change Pays Off At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
Before coming to the tournament, Gandranata decided to move away from his usual aggressive approach and play more conservatively.
That change in tactics saw him emerge as the sole Indonesian to have made the weekend cut, which was the first in three attempts for the 28-year-old at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I decided to play a little more conservative this time round and I didn’t attack as much as I did in the past. My caddy and I discussed about how to attack the course on the day before we came for the practice round. I did some work with my coach as well. I am happy the plan worked out for me,” added Gandranata.
Although he posted a four-day total of one-under-par 287 to finish in tie-44th place, Gandranata, who is Indonesia’s highest ranked golfer, was thankful for the huge support he received from the local crowd.
“It has been a great week. I obtained my first goal which was to make the cut but didn’t achieve my second goal which is to get into contention. My worst round this week is better than my best round in the last two years! The local crowd has been very supportive and I hope I did not disappoint them,” said Gandranata, who mixed his card with four birdies against three bogeys.
Since turning professional in 2012, Gandranata has been playing regularly on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which he claimed has been a great learning platform to hone his game.
“Playing on the ADT has obviously helped a lot in my game. The competition on the ADT is getting better and better. You gained the experience from getting into contention in ADT events which is the closest you get to Asian Tour events. It has been a great learning experience,” said Gandranata.
While he is determined to perform well on the premier Asian Tour and the ADT, Gandranata is ready to lend his support for the new domestic Tour- Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia (PGTI).
“My plan for the remaining of the season is to get into as many Asian Tour events as I can. I will continue to play on the ADT as well as the new domestic Tour which I have mentioned earlier. I want to be there for the new Tour and give it all the support I can to help it grow,” said Gandranata.
Last Hole Drama As Lahiri Takes Crown At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
The 26-year-old Indian, who is getting married next month, survived a gamut of emotions on the final day before breaking away from the chasing pack to seal victory with a four-under-par 68 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun enjoyed a stroke of fortune despite carrying an elbow injury when he finished second alongside Australian rookie Cameron Smith after signing off with a 65.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand showed he is inching his way back into the winner’s circle again with a fourth placed finish at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which celebrated yet another successful conclusion to the fourth edition of the prestigious event in Indonesia.
Arwin Rasyid, President Director of CIMB Niaga said, “On behalf of CIMB Niaga and all the other sponsors and partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014, I would like to give my heartfelt congratulations to Anirban Lahiri.
He played very well and was amazing to watch. This year’s event has been another huge success and we are very happy to conclude on such a high note. We look forward to being a part of the future editions of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and bringing you the best of golf right here at Royale Jakarta Golf Club. See you all next year!”
Starting the day trailing by a single shot behind Smith, Lahiri went out quickly by firing three successive birdies starting from the second hole.
However a double-bogey six on 13 after a lengthy three-hour rain delay saw the Indian ride out a tense finish as a host of marquee players from the Asian Tour were wrestling for the lead then.
“I had an awkward lie on 13. During the rain delay I was just thinking that I have to get up and down there. I got a bad break there but I know Lin Wen-tang dropped a shot as well. Unfortunately I got a double bogey there but I am glad I came back strong,” said Lahiri.
With Baek holding the clubhouse lead at 16-under, Lahiri knew he had to produce a superlative effort on 18 to get the outright win.
“My mind was blank when I prepared for the last putt on 18. All I told myself was I had to get it into the hole. When I was walking up to the greens, I was actually thinking if I need to prepare for a playoff tomorrow morning,” said Lahiri.
The Lahiri did not disappoint and screamed in delight when he watched his 20-ft eagle putt sink into the hole for a winning total of 17-under-par 271.
“It’s really great to get my first win outside of India. I have missed out on it for a long time and I am so glad I managed to do it today. I need the world ranking points so I am really happy I can win this week,” said Lahiri.
Although Baek missed out on a grandstand finish, the Korean took pride in his battling performance which saw him pipped to his maiden title by a single shot by Lahiri.
“I actually thought of withdrawing just before the start of the first round this week. On the first day, I told my caddy if I can par the first hole, I will continue to play. I managed to do that and I moved on with my game.
On the second day, I thought I should just try and make the cut. I have no confidence at all. Until today, I didn’t expect myself to do so well. My elbow got better so I just try and focus on my game. I didn’t look at the leaderboard because I don’t want to give myself any pressure,” said Baek, who carded rounds of 71,68, 68 and 65.
Meanwhile overnight leader Smith believes his game will only get better as he savors his best performance at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters since graduating from the Asian Tour Qualifying School earlier in the year.
“This is my best result so far in a professional tournament. It would have been good to win but I guess this is just another day. This has definitely boosted my confidence in my game.
I hit the ball and putted well. There is not much more that you can really do. I am looking forward to the next tournament on the Asian Tour already,” said the 20-year-old rookie.
Despite closing his campaign two shots back of Lahiri, Kiradech believes he can be the man to watch again after a stellar 2013 season where he was crowned Asia’s number one.
“With my current ball striking, I think I can win a tournament on the Asian Tour soon! It has been a year since I last won. I’m confident it will come soon, maybe next week! I just have to continue to stay the way I am striking the ball,” said Kiradech.
Leading scores after round 4 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
271 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 70-69-64-68
272 - BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 71-68-68-65, Cameron SMITH (AUS) 68-67-67-70
273 - Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-69-65-68
274 - Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 71-72-67-64, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 68-70-69-67, LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 70-64-72-68, S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 71-66-69-68
275 - Rashid KHAN (IND) 70-70-64-71
276 - Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-68-72-68, Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) 68-71-69-68, Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) 70-69-67-70
Saturday, April 26, 2014
George Gandranata Aims To Finish On A High At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
As the sole Indonesian to have made the weekend cut at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, Gandranata struggled to a three-over-par 75 but is determined to end his week at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club with a flourish.
Despite returning with a disappointing score, Gandranata is thankful for all the support he received from the home crowd this week.
“It has been a really good experience playing in this big event. I got a lot of support from the home crowd which is really helpful for me. I was having a tough time today but they cheered me up,” added Indonesia’s highest ranked golfer.
Gandranata believes more Indonesians can make a similar impact on the Asian Tour if they take advantage of the playing opportunities available.
He has been honing his game on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) since turning professional in 2012 and the results are beginning to show as he finally made the cut for the first time in two appearances at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
“I know I am the only Indonesian who made the cut but I will try not to think too much and get stressed about that. Golf is golf. I think the most important thing is to stay focused and concentrate on playing one shot at a time. I am pretty sure we will get to see more Indonesians making the cut in future. We have a new Tour so I am confident the standard of golf in Indonesia will continue to grow,” said Gandranata.
Rookie Smith takes The Lead At CIMB NIAGA Indonesia Masters
Smith, who has enjoyed a distinguished amateur career, compiled a three-day total of 14-under-par 202 to head into the final round in pole position in what is only his second professional event on the Asian Tour.
India’s Anirban Lahiri displayed the qualities that made him a EurAsia Cup hero when he fired a flawless 64 to trail Smith by one in second place while compatriot Rashid Khan was equally impressive as he also matched Lahiri’s effort with a 64 to take third place.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand meanwhile signed for a 65 to take fourth place on 205 total at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Smith made a bold decision to move into the play-for-pay ranks after an illustrious amateur career where he won a host of events including the 2013 Australian Amateur, Australian Junior Championship and Australian Stroke Play Championship in 2011.
Having earned his Asian Tour card when he finished tied-18th at Qualifying School earlier this year, the 20-year-old missed the cut in his first professional event in the Philippines in March.
However it has been a refreshing change of fortune for the Australian as he now finds himself atop the leaderboard for the first time after rounds of 68, 67 and 67 at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
“I’m feeling good, pretty ecstatic right now. I am actually leading a professional tournament for the first time!” said Smith, who traded five birdies, an eagle and two bogeys.
“I started off a bit slow. The eagle on the ninth kept the birdies coming. That was the highlight of the day as I holed a pretty long putt. It has been great three rounds so far. I’ll keep to the same game plan tomorrow which is to hit as many fairways and greens as I can and continue to putt well,” added Smith.
Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner, could be on the verge of landing his first title outside of India after he posted the day’s lowest score alongside Khan.
“It was a relief for me to actually play the kind of round that I did back home at the Delhi Golf Club. I’ve been playing very well and it’s nice to finally see it reflecting on the leaderboard,” said Lahiri.
Lahiri, who played a key role in Team Asia’s epic 10-10 draw with Team Europe at the EurAsia Cup last month, continued to impress when he got off the starting tee quickly with birdies on holes two, five, six and nine for an outward 32.
He further asserted himself with three successive birdies starting from the par-four 10th and would complete a sensational round by closing with another birdie on 18.
“I’m just glad I have put myself in a good position going into the final round as I am obviously looking to break into the top 100 on the world rankings so that I can get into the bigger events,” said Lahiri, who is currently ranked 102nd on the Official World Golf Ranking.
“I’m hitting the ball good. I don’t have to do anything different tomorrow. If I can just keep hitting the fairways and greens tomorrow like how I did today, that would help. I am confident with how I am playing right now,” added Lahiri.
Still riding high on confidence following his career breakthrough at the Asian Tour season-opening event in India, Khan was equally impressive as he marked his card with seven birdies, an eagle and one bogey.
“This is my third tournament on the Asian Tour and it really gives you a good boost when you’ve won a tournament. Everything looks easy after that win but you still have to score well to win a tournament,” said Khan.
After two rounds of matching 70s, Khan found the greens too quick for his liking and returned to the putting green for practice which eventually paid off.
“I didn’t really expect to post such a good score today as I’ve been struggling with the fast greens here. But I managed to hole putts today and got comfortable with the greens as I’ve been practising on the putting green,” said Khan.
Tournament marquee names Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and France’s Victor Dubuisson were forced to withdraw from the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters because of a back and shoulder injury respectively.
“As much as I would love to, I cannot carry on playing at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters as I’ve hurt my back and I’m unable to swing my club. The hospitality and the atmosphere at the event has been fantastic. I’m very disappointed and hope to be back again next year. I want to thank everyone concerned about my injury and I hope to recover soon,” said Oosthuizen, 2010 Open Championship winner.
Leading scores after round 3 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a- denotes amateur):
202 - Cameron SMITH (AUS) 68-67-67
203 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 70-69-64
204 - Rashid KHAN (IND) 70-70-64
205 - Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-69-65
206 - Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) 70-69-67, S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 71-66-69, LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 70-64-72
207 - Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 72-68-67, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 69-70-68, BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 71-68-68, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 68-70-69
Friday, April 25, 2014
Talented Gandranata Outshines Top Stars At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
The 28-year-old compiled a two-day total of three-under-par 141 to emerge as the highest-ranked Indonesian in tied-23rd place, two shots ahead of Thongchai and Dubuisson, who took a share of 38th place after returning with rounds of 72 and 69 respectively at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Gandranata is feeling upbeat about his chances at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters as he managed to make cut for the first time in two appearances.
“It’s the first time I made cut here at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. I did not do well last year. I’m glad I rewrote history today. I came into the tournament hoping to make the cut. Now that I’ve achieved that, I really hope to see myself in contention tomorrow!” said Gandranata, who marked his card with five birdies against three bogeys.
Despite playing on home soil, Gandranata does not feel the pressure of having to play well in front of home crowd this week.
“I think playing on home soil actually helps my game. We don’t have lots of big tournaments here and I treasure every opportunity I get to play here. Playing at home makes me feel like there are a lot of people supporting me,” added Gandranata, who has been a regular player on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) since turning professional in 2012.
The second round of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters was suspended at 5pm local time due to lightning threats on Friday.
Local amateur Fadhli Rahman Soetarso will be one of the 19 players to resume their second rounds at 6.45am on Saturday. Soetarso is currently the second-placed Indonesian on tied-47th. He is even-par through 11 holes.
Indonesia's top-ranked player Rory Hie had to retire at hole 16 because of a wrist injury.
Round three will not start before 8am tomorrow.
Scores of the Indonesian players after day 2 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a - denotes amateur, leader at -10):
141 - George GANDRANATA 71-70
(Par) - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) 72 Par (11)
148 - Ramadhan ALWIE 76-72
149 - Fahmi REZA 77-72
150 - William SJAICHUDIN 76-74, Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO 75-75
(+6) - Jamel ONDO 78 Par (11)
151 - Denny A. WIJAYA 77-74, Jordan IRAWAN 74-77, Sarmilih 73-78
152 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 78-74
(+8) - Andik MAULUDIN 77 +3 (12)
153 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) 77-76
(+9) - Benny KASIADI 78 +3 (14)
(+10) - Johannes DERMAWAN 75 +7 (14), Bramantio ADI 81 +1 (13), Ilyasyak 79 +3 (10)
155 - Ian ANDREW 77-78
156 - Asep SAEFULLOH 81-75, Ade SEBUL 80-76
157 - Kevin C. AKBAR (A) 77-80, Junaidi IBRAHIM 81-76
167 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) 79-88
168 - Abhi SAHARI 84-84
Rory HIE 76 RTD (16)
Refreshed Lin Stays Cool In The Heat At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
Lin, a six-time Asian Tour winner, is clearly the man to catch when play resumes on Saturday morning as he marked his card with nine birdies against one lone bogey to take his place atop the leaderboard with his two-day total of 10-under-par 134.
Inclement weather brought a halt to the day’s action at 5pm (local time) and 19 players will now have to return to Royale Jakarta Golf Club to resume their round at 6.45pm (local time) tomorrow.
Australian rookie Cameron Smith continued to impress in what is only his second start on the Asian Tour by carding a 67 to trail Lin by one while a grieving Nicholas Fung of Malaysia held back his emotions and battled to a 69 to share third place with Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.
Lin was forced to withdraw from an event in Malaysia last week because of heat and fatigue.
But having taken a well-rested break, the 40-year-old came out with all guns blazing in the morning.
“I wasn’t feeling very well coming to this week. I had to withdraw from the tournament in Malaysia last week because the weather was just too hot! I spent two days resting in the hotel. I have never slept so much before it was quite scary. I guess my body really needed some rest,” said Lin.
Taking advantage of the cooler conditions in the morning, Lin reached the turn with an outward 33.
He then played like a man possessed as he ran off two birdies in three holes before surging ahead with three successive birdies from the seventh hole.
“I don’t really like playing in the hot weather. I’ve to walk with an umbrella and use ice to cool my face all the time. But I guess I had an advantage today because the weather was cooler when I started in the morning. I putted better than yesterday too. My drive has been pretty good the last two rounds as well,” said Lin.
After missing the cut in his debut event in the Philippines in March, Smith is relishing the prospect of playing in the weekend rounds at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
The Asian Tour graduate, who finished tied-18th in Qualifying School earlier this year, traded eight birdies against three bogeys to put himself into contention for his maiden win.
“Today was a better start for me as I got the ball rolling pretty quickly early. I got a couple of bogeys which was disappointing but hopefully I can wipe them off the cards over the weekend,” said Smith.
“My life has changed a little bit since I turned professional. There’s a little bit more travel, more work into golf which is nice but overall it’s not a bad job that I have,” added the Australian.
Despite carrying a heavy heart with the passing of his grandmother, Fung continued his chase for his career breakthrough on the region’s premier Tour.
The Malaysian, who started on the front-nine, simply could not find those decisive birdie putts as he made 11 straight pars.
“I think I lost focus in my front nine. Then my caddy told me to put aside the unhappiness of my grandma’s passing and concentrate on my game,” said Fung.
A superb eagle-three on 12 hauled Fung back into the mix before a birdie on 16 ensured he would head into the weekend rounds in a favorable position on the leaderboard.
“I will try and win this week just for my grandma. I’m very happy with my 69 today and still seeing my name on the leaderboard,” said the Malaysian.
Chapchai believes he is close to rediscovering his winning form as he fired four birdies, one eagle and two bogeys to put himself in a good position of ending his five-year title drought at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
The three-time Asian Tour winner’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour came in 2009 where he posted a stunning 32-under-par 256 winning total in India to set a 72-hole world scoring record.
“I feel I’ve got a good chance to do well this week. I’ve been hitting the ball really good and I know that I just got to stay patient and not get too distracted to get that win.
It has been a long time and it will really be nice if I can land another victory. But I don’t want to think too far just yet as I only want to put myself into contention on Sunday,” said Chapchai.
George Gandranata Spearheads Local Charge At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
The 28-year-old, who plays regularly on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which is the Tour’s secondary circuit, fired three birdies against two bogeys to stay on track for a possible breakthrough win on home soil.
Gandranata was delighted with his solid round after riding on a hot putter which was the key for him at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I already have a plan on attacking this golf course according to my skills set and I must say it went well for me today. I think the key to playing well on this course is to putt well. You got to put the ball in the right place and you need to putt well to score well. The greens here are really sloppy,” said Gandranata.
Gandranata hopes to take advantage of his experience of playing on the ADT and make his impression at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week.
“Playing on the ADT has really helped my game. It has given me a lot of experience playing with the professionals out here. The competition is really good here and it gives you the opportunity to hone your game,” said Gandranata, who has been playing on the ADT since turning professional in 2012.
Local amateur Fadhli Rahaman Soetarso signed for a 72 while compatriot Sarmilih is tied on 61st after carding a 73.
Scores of the Indonesian players after round 1 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a - denotes amateur, leaders at 67):
71 - George GANDRANATA
72 - Fadhli SOETARSO (a)
73 - SARMILIH
74 - Jordan IRAWAN
75 - Johannes DERMAWAN, Kurnia Herisian SANTOSO
76 - Rory HIE, Ramadhan ALWIE, William SJAICHUDIN
77 - Ian ANDREW, Andik MAULUDIN, Fahmi REZA, Denny A. WIJAYA, Kevin C. AKBAR (a), Tirto TAMARDI (a)
78 - Benny KASIADI, Jamel ONDO, Rinaldi ADIYANDONO
79 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (a), ILYASSYAK
80 - Ade SEBUL
81 - Junaidi Ibrahim, Bramantio ADI, Asep SAIFULLOH
85 - Abhi SAHARI
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Fang Shines While Kang Surprises At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, a three-time Asian Tour winner, signed for a 68 to take a share of third place with defending champion Bernd Wiesberger of Austria, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, India’s Sujjan Singh as well as Australia’s Jake Higginbottom and Cameron Smith who graduated from Qualifying School earlier this year.
Still riding high on the EurAsia Cup euphoria where Team Asia battled to an epic draw with Team Europe last month, Fung is putting his experience of playing against the world’s best players to good use at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“It’s nice to see my name on the leaderboard. I made the cut in Malaysia for the first time last week and that gave me a huge confidence boost. Of course, the experience from EurAsia Cup has helped me as well. Playing with Jamie Donaldson and Graeme McDowell and Miguel Angel Jimenez at the EurAsia Cup has taught me a lot. I’ve learned to be patient with my game, try to calm down and always stay positive,” said Fung.
The Malaysian held his own and emerged as the best player in the morning’s marquee group which included 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat (71) of Thailand and Major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa (72).
“It’s great playing with Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Louis Oosthuizen. I started very well today when I was three-under after five holes. It was all good for me out there today and I’m feeling very confident,” said Fung.
Evergreen Kang, who does not look a day older than his 41 years of age, sprung a big surprise when he made his presence felt atop the leaderboard.
Kang’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour dates back to 2009 when he won his third title in Malaysia.
While he may not be at the peak of his career today, Kang is happy he can still put up a good showing at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
“I surprised even myself with such a good score. You know, I’m getting old and I’m just enjoying my time on the golf course nowadays.
But today’s score shows that I still have the talent to play good golf. It’s a positive start and hopefully I can continue to play that way I did today,” said Kang.
Meanwhile Wiesberger was largely out of the radar when he reached the turn with an outward 35.
However he showed never to be underestimated when he got his game back on track with another birdie on 13 before finishing with two birdies in his closing three holes.
“I didn’t take several chances early in the round but it was a good finish especially with my birdies on 16 and 17,” said Wiesberger.
The Austrian is determined to put up a strong defence of his title and he believes the weather conditions will be in his favour when he tees off early for his second round.
“I’ve been looking forward since Sunday last year to come back and defend my title. This is a golf course which I really like and can play well here.
There will be a little bit of advantage for me to play in the morning tomorrow as there will be less humidity and I hope to capitalise on that. The conditions in the morning are more favourable for scoring,” said Wiesberger.
Chapchai’s decision to change a new putter has paid off.
After missing the cut in his last two events in the Philippines and Malaysia, the Thai got back into the mix by firing six birdies against two bogeys to stay within sight of the leaders.
“I changed my putter recently and the results have paid off today. I haven’t been putting that well recently and I thought it’s time for a change. It showed today as I managed to hole several long putts and that has brought back lots of confidence,” said Chapchai.
Leading scores after round 1 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
67 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS), Anthony KANG (USA)
68 - Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Cameron SMITH (AUS), Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA), Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT), Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS), Sujjan SINGH (IND). 69 - WANG Jeung-hun (KOR), Richard T. LEE (CAN), Marcus BOTH (AUS), Danny CHIA (MAS), LEE Tae-hee (KOR), Chan KIM (USA), Adilson DA SILVA (BRA), Wolmer MURILLO (VEN)
Dubuisson Eager To Renew Rivalry With EurAsia Cup Heroes At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters
The world number 23 will also be looking forward to renewing rivalry with the EurAsia Cup heroes including India’s Anirban Lahiri who defeated him twice in the Foursomes and Singles matches at the Ryder Cup style event last month.
“I’m very impressed with the quality of golf in Asia. Anirban was too good for me in our match. I played well but he was perfect. It is not a big surprise as I’ve also been watching players like Thongchai, Kiradech and Gaganjeet for years and they are all great players with big chances to win important tournaments,” said Dubuisson.
The Frenchman, who turned 24 on Tuesday, came into prominence when he won his maiden European Tour title by fending off the combined challenges of Tiger Woods, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose in Turkey last year.
Although he was defeated by Australia’s Jason Day in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February, Dubuisson is also well remembered for his flamboyant style of golf which saw him pull off several extraordinary shots during the final match.
Looking ahead to the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week, Dubuisson is excited for the galleries as he knows they will be in for a golfing bonanza given the quality of players on show at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“There is much more depth here which is great for golf and will make the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters exciting to watch,” said Dubuisson.
Meanwhile South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen also promised to show the crowd his Major winning credentials when he takes on the star-studded field.
The 2010 Open Championship winner arrived in Indonesia for the first time and is looking forward to making his maiden trip a rewarding one.
“This is my first trip to Jakarta and it has been great so far. It is a great golf course and it is going to be a good week. This is a long golf course, especially the par-fives and you have to push it a little further from the tee. You need to drive well to make things a little bit easier,” said Oosthuizen.
“It was a great feeling to win the Open Championship at St. Andrews. Even going into the week, I was not playing that great but as I got into it, everything seemed to come together. The win was very special as to lift the Claret Jug is something everyone dreams about,” added the South African.
Apart from the blustery condition synonymous with links-style course at the Open Championship, Oosthuizen showed he can also thrive under the region’s heat and humidity when he finished tied-second in Malaysia last week.
“I live in Florida so I am used to the humidity although it is not as bad as in Asia. You just need to make sure you take in lots of fluids to stay hydrated in the hot weather. I had a good week last week. Hopefully I can keep the good form going,” said Oosthuizen.
Like Oosthuizen, defending champion Bernd Wiesberger of Austria is also enjoying a good run of form heading into this week’s CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
Wiesberger finished second together with Oosthuizen in Malaysia and believes he can excel on winning ground again.
“I try to play my best every week, regardless of whether I’m the defending champion or not. It does feel good to know that you’re back on the golf course where you’ve done well before and you enjoyed playing,” said Wiesberger.
‘I know I can win this week if I play my best golf but there are a lot of strong players this week. A lot of them have played well in the last couple of months. They know how to play well here. It’s going to make my title defence quite tough but like I said, I’m in a good form so I’m looking forward to the first round tomorrow,” added the Austrian.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Order Of Merit Leader Karlberg Poised To Maintain Momentum At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters
The 27-year-old Swede surged to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit following his tied-fifth finish in Malaysia last week and believes he can continue to do well against a star-studded field at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and EurAsia Cup stars Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, India’s Anirban Lahiri and Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman will headline the event.
“I’m feeling very confident after that good result in Malaysia last week and I hope to have a good week here in Jakarta as well. This is a course that suits me as it’s long off the tee and you can get pretty good opportunities. I’m also having lots of good vibes especially with my position on the Order of Merit and I hope it continues that way,” said Karlberg.
Winless on the Asian Tour since his double victory in India in 2010, Karlberg knows he is close to rediscovering that winning form especially with two top-five finishes in three starts.
“I just feel that if I get impatient, I’ll not get it. So I don’t think about it that much anymore and it’s showing. It’s going to be tough as the field is strong and you got to play really well to win. And that’s always a constant on this Tour,” said Karlberg.
Karlberg is looking to achieve what he has not done in the last four years since he made his debut on the region’s premier Tour in 2010. While it is still early days, the Swede is determined to earn the honor of being Asia’s number one by the end of the season.
“I finished third in my rookie season and I’ve always wanted to be number one. I haven’t really succeeded but hopefully I can do that this year,” said Karlberg.
Meanwhile EurAsia Cup hero Siddikur is determined to display that similar fighting spirit where Asia rallied back to force a 10-10 draw with Europe in the Ryder Cup style event last month.
“The EurAsia Cup was a great event and will always remain as a good memory for me. It never fails to bring a smile to my face each time I think about the EurAsia Cup as we fought back really hard and I want to bring that same fighting spirit over to every event I play in,” said Siddikur, who contributed two points in that memorable draw with Europe.
The two-time Asian Tour winner posted his best result of tied-third at the inaugural CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in 2011 and is looking forward to better that result this week.
“I’ve been playing the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters every year since it started and I really enjoy coming back to Royale Jakarta Golf Club. I’m still feeling confident although I did not get that desired result in Malaysia last week. I’m hitting the ball well and I’m feeling positive about my game. If I can continue to hit like that, I stand a good chance this week,” said Siddikur.
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond is also highly charged and ready to show his prodigious talent again at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand also feels sure and ready to show his exceptional talents at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
Playing in his third straight event, the 18-year-old is raring to get off the blocks quickly again.
“This is my third week playing competitive golf and it’s a brand new experience as I have not played three events in a row before. Mentally, I’m feeling energise as I’m already into competition mode and I can’t wait to get started again,” said Jazz.
Jazz showed his talent at an early age when he became the youngest ever player to make the halfway cut at the 2010 Asian Tour International in Bangkok at the age of 14 years and 71 days.
Having the opportunity of playing alongside some of the world’ best players in recent weeks, the young Thai is looking to put that experience to good effect at the CIMB Niaga Indonesia Masters.
“I played with Francesco Molinari and Marcel Siem in Malaysia last week and it was a good opportunity for me to observe their playing styles. I didn’t really care about the end result as the more important thing was what I managed to learn from the week. It’ll be good if I can get the chance to play alongside the star players again this week as this would mean I’m doing well,” said Jazz.
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has enjoyed strong support with many of leading names committed to ensuring the event continues to be successful.
They include main partners Pertamina, BMW Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia, Freeport, Oakley and SvinGolf.
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will also reach out to over 200 countries and 627 million households via the Asian Tour’s global television platform.
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