KUALA LUMPUR, 31 March - Indonesia’s Kevin Caesario Akbar had to overcome a shaky start to retain his boys’ Under-18 crown in the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championships.
The 18-year-old completed a wire-to-wire victory by nine shots over local hopeful Adam Arif Madzri at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) on Thursday.
Four ahead of the field overnight, Kevin bogeyed his first two holes of the day but recovered strongly to pull away from the chasing pack.
He went on to card six birdies and two bogeys en route to a two-under 70 and an even-par 216 total.
“I’m very happy to win today ... pleased with how I responded to the early blemishes,” said Kevin.
“I’ve been making a lot of birdies, which I think is the key to my win this week. I had six today ... and 15 overall.”
Kevin’s victory makes up for last year’s disappointment when he finished runner-up at the MPI-Saujana Amateur Championship.
It’s also the second victory by an Indonesian golfer in as many weeks after his professional compatriot George Gandranata clinched the Asian Development Tour (ADT) co-sanctioned PGM LADA Langkawi Championship last Sunday.
Samantha Martirez kept the girls’ Under-18 title for the Philippines when she prevailed in a three-way playoff.
Samantha holed a long birdie on the first extra hole to beat Malaysian duo Kelie Kan and Warda Amira Abdul Rawof after the three finished on 223 total.
Showing posts with label junior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label junior. Show all posts
Friday, April 1, 2016
Thursday, September 17, 2015
R&A Helps Refine Development Program In Indonesia
Indonesian golf has gained support from world golf governing body The R&A for its development program in the hopes of bearing more strong golfers in the future.
The Indonesian Golf Association (PGI), under the chairmanship of Murdaya Widyawimarta, known as Po, has brought in professionals from The R&A to assist in refining and developing the country’s golf from an early stage.
“The initiative came from Pak Po. He asked and then we said, ‘How can we help?’” The R&A’s director for Asia-Pacific, Dominic Wall, told reporters over the weekend at the association’s office in the Pondok Indah Golf Course-Golf Gallery Building, Jakarta.
The R&A, which takes its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, is the ruling authority of golf throughout the world except in the US and Mexico, where this responsibility rests with the United States Golf Association (USGA). It works in collaboration with national amateur and professional golf organizations in more than 110 countries.
The R&A cooperates with the USGA in producing and regularly revising the “Rules of Golf”, and the two bodies have issued the rules jointly since 1952. The rules are revised on a four-year cycle and with the latest edition, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2012, for the first time a single common set of rules applied throughout the world.
Dading Soetarso, a PGI official in charge of development affairs for young golfers, said that the program had been launched due to concerns about low growth rates of junior golfers in the country.
“Out of around 250 million people in Indonesia, we only have 250 junior golfers. Therefore, we need to do something to grow the sport — one among many things is by attracting children to reach golf,” he told The Jakarta Post.
Wall said he had learned that Indonesia had an enormous potential in golf.
“Indonesia is like a sleeping giant of golf around the region. You got so many things in place here. It’s just a matter of refining the system and providing maybe some more expertise to help people here to understand how to develop the sport,” said the Australian.
Wall, who took up his current position in 2009 and has since been based in Hong Kong, further said that Indonesia’s success in collecting one bronze and two silver medals in the golf competition at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in June, which came about after a six-to-nine-month elite program, testified to his conviction about the country’s potential for thriving golf.
At the biennial multisport event featuring athletes from the 11 countries in the region, Indonesian golfers were ranked in the top three after Thailand (four gold, one bronze) and Singapore (two silver, two bronze) in golf.
“I think the potential is there if you have the right system in place. You’ve got wonderful golf courses across the country, you’ve got practice facilities, and I think now you’ve got a supportive PGI through Pak Po […] to build a healthy situation [for the development of Indonesian golf]. The future of Indonesian golf is exciting,” said Wall, who is tournament director for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.
Wall has more than 20 years of experience in national- and international-level sports management, which includes 16 years in a number of roles for the Australian Golf Union (AGU) and Golf Australia (GA). He also spent five years as development manager for the Australian Coaching Council based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
As an initial step of the development program, the PGI has begun introducing the sport to young students at several schools in Greater Jakarta.
Wall said that he saw positive responses from children following the PGI team’s visits to schools to introduce the sport. “The program is dedicated after school-hour sessions. If the kids are really enjoying it, I think it’s going to be great to have the program on a weekly basis.”
In providing ongoing support to children with potential golf skills, Wall suggested the program could also work hand in hand with local golf clubs. “I think it’s great for the school kids to experience playing on a golf course — not necessarily at cost, but maybe something that a golf club can provide on times that the course isn’t busy.”
In return, he said, golf courses could enjoy benefits as those children might become their members in the future. Clubs are encouraged to grow the sport — starting from the junior players — in order to grow the business.
The R&A and the PGI are currently working closely to refine and develop the program, which is expected to be done by the end of this year. If things go well, the program is set to run within six to 12 months next year, which could then provide the development team with key indicators of performance in order to grow the program across the country.
“We’re very much now focusing on the internal view of The R&A on performance targets, measures and accountability. I think the environment is quite right to do [so],” said Wall.
Dading said that the program was packaged in a fun and exciting activity in order to create excitement among children.
The program has so far reached children at the Global Jaya and Binus private schools in Greater Jakarta. Dading said the PGI may host a school-level competition when more than 10 schools were involved in the program.
Source: The Jakarta Post
The Indonesian Golf Association (PGI), under the chairmanship of Murdaya Widyawimarta, known as Po, has brought in professionals from The R&A to assist in refining and developing the country’s golf from an early stage.
“The initiative came from Pak Po. He asked and then we said, ‘How can we help?’” The R&A’s director for Asia-Pacific, Dominic Wall, told reporters over the weekend at the association’s office in the Pondok Indah Golf Course-Golf Gallery Building, Jakarta.
The R&A, which takes its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, is the ruling authority of golf throughout the world except in the US and Mexico, where this responsibility rests with the United States Golf Association (USGA). It works in collaboration with national amateur and professional golf organizations in more than 110 countries.
The R&A cooperates with the USGA in producing and regularly revising the “Rules of Golf”, and the two bodies have issued the rules jointly since 1952. The rules are revised on a four-year cycle and with the latest edition, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2012, for the first time a single common set of rules applied throughout the world.
Dading Soetarso, a PGI official in charge of development affairs for young golfers, said that the program had been launched due to concerns about low growth rates of junior golfers in the country.
“Out of around 250 million people in Indonesia, we only have 250 junior golfers. Therefore, we need to do something to grow the sport — one among many things is by attracting children to reach golf,” he told The Jakarta Post.
Wall said he had learned that Indonesia had an enormous potential in golf.
“Indonesia is like a sleeping giant of golf around the region. You got so many things in place here. It’s just a matter of refining the system and providing maybe some more expertise to help people here to understand how to develop the sport,” said the Australian.
Wall, who took up his current position in 2009 and has since been based in Hong Kong, further said that Indonesia’s success in collecting one bronze and two silver medals in the golf competition at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in June, which came about after a six-to-nine-month elite program, testified to his conviction about the country’s potential for thriving golf.
At the biennial multisport event featuring athletes from the 11 countries in the region, Indonesian golfers were ranked in the top three after Thailand (four gold, one bronze) and Singapore (two silver, two bronze) in golf.
“I think the potential is there if you have the right system in place. You’ve got wonderful golf courses across the country, you’ve got practice facilities, and I think now you’ve got a supportive PGI through Pak Po […] to build a healthy situation [for the development of Indonesian golf]. The future of Indonesian golf is exciting,” said Wall, who is tournament director for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.
Wall has more than 20 years of experience in national- and international-level sports management, which includes 16 years in a number of roles for the Australian Golf Union (AGU) and Golf Australia (GA). He also spent five years as development manager for the Australian Coaching Council based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
As an initial step of the development program, the PGI has begun introducing the sport to young students at several schools in Greater Jakarta.
Wall said that he saw positive responses from children following the PGI team’s visits to schools to introduce the sport. “The program is dedicated after school-hour sessions. If the kids are really enjoying it, I think it’s going to be great to have the program on a weekly basis.”
In providing ongoing support to children with potential golf skills, Wall suggested the program could also work hand in hand with local golf clubs. “I think it’s great for the school kids to experience playing on a golf course — not necessarily at cost, but maybe something that a golf club can provide on times that the course isn’t busy.”
In return, he said, golf courses could enjoy benefits as those children might become their members in the future. Clubs are encouraged to grow the sport — starting from the junior players — in order to grow the business.
The R&A and the PGI are currently working closely to refine and develop the program, which is expected to be done by the end of this year. If things go well, the program is set to run within six to 12 months next year, which could then provide the development team with key indicators of performance in order to grow the program across the country.
“We’re very much now focusing on the internal view of The R&A on performance targets, measures and accountability. I think the environment is quite right to do [so],” said Wall.
Dading said that the program was packaged in a fun and exciting activity in order to create excitement among children.
The program has so far reached children at the Global Jaya and Binus private schools in Greater Jakarta. Dading said the PGI may host a school-level competition when more than 10 schools were involved in the program.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Fadhli Soetarso Joins Golf Class At University Of Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky's 2015-16 men's golf class is now complete with the addition of Fadhli Soetarso it was announced by head coach Brian Craig on Monday.
"Fadhli brings a wealth of talent and big time amateur experience to our team,” Craig said. “He is technically very sound and has already proven to be a very competitive player at the highest level of amateur golf, including being the low amateur in the Asian Tour's Indonesian Open. Fadhli is also a fine young man and a gentleman in every regard. He will make a tremendous addition to our Wildcat golf family and I can't wait to coach him."
Soetarso joins fall signees Lukas Euler and Jalen Ledger to complete the 2015-16 class.
Soetarso is one of the top amateur players from Indonesia and has a wealth of top-level tournament experience. He is set to compete this summer in the South East Asian Games in Singapore. Soetarso will represent his home country as well as compete as an individual in the event.
No stranger to success, Soetarso won his first major junior tournament in 2012. He claimed the title by eight strokes at the Indonesia's National Junior Championships. Soetarso carded rounds of 71-69-75 en route to his first victory.
Soetarso qualified for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final held in Mission Hills, China in both 2014 and 2015. During the 2015 competition, he fired scores of 69-72-73 and finished in a tie for eighth overall.
A fifth-place finish at the 80th Singha Thailand Amateur Open is another one of his career highlights. He earned the fifth-place showing with rounds of 73-69-72-70 in the four-round event. Furthermore, he finished as the low amateur at the 2014 Bank BRI Indonesia Open. He finished in a tie for 38th in the Asian Tour event with rounds of 69-73-73-68.
"Fadhli brings a wealth of talent and big time amateur experience to our team,” Craig said. “He is technically very sound and has already proven to be a very competitive player at the highest level of amateur golf, including being the low amateur in the Asian Tour's Indonesian Open. Fadhli is also a fine young man and a gentleman in every regard. He will make a tremendous addition to our Wildcat golf family and I can't wait to coach him."
Soetarso joins fall signees Lukas Euler and Jalen Ledger to complete the 2015-16 class.
Soetarso is one of the top amateur players from Indonesia and has a wealth of top-level tournament experience. He is set to compete this summer in the South East Asian Games in Singapore. Soetarso will represent his home country as well as compete as an individual in the event.
No stranger to success, Soetarso won his first major junior tournament in 2012. He claimed the title by eight strokes at the Indonesia's National Junior Championships. Soetarso carded rounds of 71-69-75 en route to his first victory.
Soetarso qualified for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final held in Mission Hills, China in both 2014 and 2015. During the 2015 competition, he fired scores of 69-72-73 and finished in a tie for eighth overall.
A fifth-place finish at the 80th Singha Thailand Amateur Open is another one of his career highlights. He earned the fifth-place showing with rounds of 73-69-72-70 in the four-round event. Furthermore, he finished as the low amateur at the 2014 Bank BRI Indonesia Open. He finished in a tie for 38th in the Asian Tour event with rounds of 69-73-73-68.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Kevin Akbar Extends His Lead At AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 8 April - Malaysia’s hopes of retaining the boys’ Under-18 title category won by Low Khai Jei rests on the shoulders V. Khavish Varman.
Khavish, a member of the national junior squad, shot a 74 to climb one rung to second but is still four shots behind leader Kevin Akbar. The Indonesian extended his lead when he carded a 73, with his club mate M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan moving up a spot to third after a second consecutive 76.
meanwhile Adam Arif Madzri of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) will be Malaysia’s best bet to secure at least one title on the final day of the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship.
On Wednesday, Adam put himself in the driver’s seat for the boys’ Under-15 title after shooting a second consecutive even-par 72 to stretch his lead to 10 shots – with a two-day total of 144 – at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).
Lee Chong Li of Johor Golf & Country Club (JGCC) carded a 77 to sit in second with a 154-total while fellow Johorean Irfan Norshah, of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ), was a further shot back after shooting 80 for 155.
“I’m pleased with my game today but, overall, it can still be improved,” said Adam.
“Even though I have a good lead, my goal will be to try and maintain my game tomorrow. I’m confident of doing that.”
Perlis Sukma champion Loy Hee Ying is still very much in contention for the girls’ Under-18 crown but she won’t have it easy against the Philippines’ Abegail Arevalo and favorite Princess Mary Superal, the defending champion.
The 18-year-old Hee Ying, who is slated to make her SEA Games debut in Singapore in June, trails leader Abegail by a single stroke after carding a two-over 73 for a share of second spot alongside Princess Mary, who lifted the prestigious US Girls’ Junior Championship last year.
The Philippines also look set to capture the girls’ Under-15 crown, with last year’s winner Sofia Chabon maintaining her three stroke lead over Indonesia's Rivani Adelia Sihotang after both players carded a round of 74.
Scores of Indonesian juniors playing at the AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship
145 - Kevin Caesario AKBAR 72-73 (1st place Boys U18)
148 - Rivani Adelia SIHOTANG 74-74 (2nd place Girls U15)
152 - M. Rifqi Alam RAMADHAN 76-76 (3rd place Boys U18)
Khavish, a member of the national junior squad, shot a 74 to climb one rung to second but is still four shots behind leader Kevin Akbar. The Indonesian extended his lead when he carded a 73, with his club mate M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan moving up a spot to third after a second consecutive 76.
meanwhile Adam Arif Madzri of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) will be Malaysia’s best bet to secure at least one title on the final day of the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship.
On Wednesday, Adam put himself in the driver’s seat for the boys’ Under-15 title after shooting a second consecutive even-par 72 to stretch his lead to 10 shots – with a two-day total of 144 – at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).
Lee Chong Li of Johor Golf & Country Club (JGCC) carded a 77 to sit in second with a 154-total while fellow Johorean Irfan Norshah, of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ), was a further shot back after shooting 80 for 155.
“I’m pleased with my game today but, overall, it can still be improved,” said Adam.
“Even though I have a good lead, my goal will be to try and maintain my game tomorrow. I’m confident of doing that.”
Perlis Sukma champion Loy Hee Ying is still very much in contention for the girls’ Under-18 crown but she won’t have it easy against the Philippines’ Abegail Arevalo and favorite Princess Mary Superal, the defending champion.
The 18-year-old Hee Ying, who is slated to make her SEA Games debut in Singapore in June, trails leader Abegail by a single stroke after carding a two-over 73 for a share of second spot alongside Princess Mary, who lifted the prestigious US Girls’ Junior Championship last year.
The Philippines also look set to capture the girls’ Under-15 crown, with last year’s winner Sofia Chabon maintaining her three stroke lead over Indonesia's Rivani Adelia Sihotang after both players carded a round of 74.
Scores of Indonesian juniors playing at the AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship
145 - Kevin Caesario AKBAR 72-73 (1st place Boys U18)
148 - Rivani Adelia SIHOTANG 74-74 (2nd place Girls U15)
152 - M. Rifqi Alam RAMADHAN 76-76 (3rd place Boys U18)
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Kevin Akbar Tops First Day Of AmBank Junior Open Golf Championship
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 7 April - Kevin Akbar of Indonesia shot a par 72 to seize the opening round lead in the boys’ Under-18 category of the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championships at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).
Kevin, a runner-up at the Indonesian National Junior Championship two months ago, is two strokes ahead of Kim Tae-woo of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KPGA). Malaysian Golf Association’s V. Khavish Varman is third after posting a 75.
“I played well, but had a rough start in the early part of my game,” said Khavish.
“I hope to play better and improve my score tomorrow. The main thing is to have fun and I believe the result will come naturally.”
In the boys’ Under-15 contest, Adam Madzri of KGPA carded a two-over 74 to open a three-shot cushion over Irfan Norshah of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ).
Abegail Arevalo of the Philippines was in her element, carding a one-under 71 to grab the lead in the girls’ Under-18 event.
Sofia Chabon, also of the Philippines, set the pace in the Under-15 category with her 71 to take a three-shot lead over Indonesian Rivani Adelia.
A total of 99 golfers are participating in the three-day championships.
Results of the Indonesian players at the AmBank Junior Open Golf Championship:
72 - Kevin Caesario Akbar (1st place Boys U18)
74 - Rivani Adelia Sihotang (2nd place Girls U15)
76 - M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan (4th place Boys U18)
Kevin, a runner-up at the Indonesian National Junior Championship two months ago, is two strokes ahead of Kim Tae-woo of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KPGA). Malaysian Golf Association’s V. Khavish Varman is third after posting a 75.
“I played well, but had a rough start in the early part of my game,” said Khavish.
“I hope to play better and improve my score tomorrow. The main thing is to have fun and I believe the result will come naturally.”
In the boys’ Under-15 contest, Adam Madzri of KGPA carded a two-over 74 to open a three-shot cushion over Irfan Norshah of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ).
Abegail Arevalo of the Philippines was in her element, carding a one-under 71 to grab the lead in the girls’ Under-18 event.
Sofia Chabon, also of the Philippines, set the pace in the Under-15 category with her 71 to take a three-shot lead over Indonesian Rivani Adelia.
A total of 99 golfers are participating in the three-day championships.
Results of the Indonesian players at the AmBank Junior Open Golf Championship:
72 - Kevin Caesario Akbar (1st place Boys U18)
74 - Rivani Adelia Sihotang (2nd place Girls U15)
76 - M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan (4th place Boys U18)
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso Stays In Contention For Win At Faldo Series Asia Grand Final
Shenzhen, China, March 19 - Japan’s Yuki Kamasu snared a final-hole birdie to soar to the top of the leaderboard after the second round of the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.
At 21 the eldest competitor in the elite 82-player field, Kamasu signed for a five-under-par 67 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
That gave him a 36-hole total of six-under 138 – and a one-stroke lead from Czech Republic’s Simon Zach and American Zachary Bauchou heading into Friday’s final round in the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event.
Also in contention in what promises to be a thrilling finale are Hong Kong’s Leon Philip D'Souza [140], Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso [141] and Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines [142], the leading female.
Among a group of six players within striking distance on 143 are Minami Hiruta, the reigning Japan Women’s Amateur champion, and first-round leader Yuki Shino, who was left to rue a triple-bogey eight at the fourth where he took three off the tee and also found water.
“It’s poised for a memorable final-round shootout,” said tournament host Sir Nick Faldo, who beguiled competitors at a short-game clinic following the second round.
The six-time Major champion, Britain’s most successful golfer, added: “We’ve had several dramatic finishes here before and it looks like it’s going to go all the way to wire tomorrow.”
Kamasu trailed playing partner Bauchou by one shot going to the 516-yard 18th. But while the Japanese secured a closing four, his American rival could manage only a bogey-six as the lead exchanged hands.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Kamasu dropped his only shot of the round at the ninth to turn in two-under 34.
Further birdies at 12, 15 and 18 enabled him to return the joint lowest round of the week.
But he knows he’ll have to be at his best to hold off the threat of Bauchou and Zach, who qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA.
As well as attempting to earn the distinction of becoming the first non-Asian winner at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, Bauchou and Zach will resume their own personal battle.
Five months ago, Bauchou, from Forest, Virginia, edged out Zach in a sudden-death play-off to win the 18th Faldo Series Grand Final at The Greenbrier. There, Bauchou birdied the 18th to force a play-off with Zach and then clinched the title with a tap-in par putt on the first extra hole.
Meanwhile, Sen Cao leads the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People’s Republic. With a two-day total of 145, Sen is one shot ahead of Yan Liu and two in front of Jie Hong.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
141 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso 69-72 (Boys U18, 2nd), 5th overall
143 - Tirto Tamardi 70-73 (Boys U16, 2nd), 7th overall
154 - Ida Ayu Melati 79-75 (Girls U21, 5th), 42nd overall
155 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang 80-75 (Girls U16, 7th), Faraby Ali 77-78 (Boys U21, 11th), 49th overall
At 21 the eldest competitor in the elite 82-player field, Kamasu signed for a five-under-par 67 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
That gave him a 36-hole total of six-under 138 – and a one-stroke lead from Czech Republic’s Simon Zach and American Zachary Bauchou heading into Friday’s final round in the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event.
Also in contention in what promises to be a thrilling finale are Hong Kong’s Leon Philip D'Souza [140], Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso [141] and Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines [142], the leading female.
Among a group of six players within striking distance on 143 are Minami Hiruta, the reigning Japan Women’s Amateur champion, and first-round leader Yuki Shino, who was left to rue a triple-bogey eight at the fourth where he took three off the tee and also found water.
“It’s poised for a memorable final-round shootout,” said tournament host Sir Nick Faldo, who beguiled competitors at a short-game clinic following the second round.
The six-time Major champion, Britain’s most successful golfer, added: “We’ve had several dramatic finishes here before and it looks like it’s going to go all the way to wire tomorrow.”
Kamasu trailed playing partner Bauchou by one shot going to the 516-yard 18th. But while the Japanese secured a closing four, his American rival could manage only a bogey-six as the lead exchanged hands.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Kamasu dropped his only shot of the round at the ninth to turn in two-under 34.
Further birdies at 12, 15 and 18 enabled him to return the joint lowest round of the week.
But he knows he’ll have to be at his best to hold off the threat of Bauchou and Zach, who qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA.
As well as attempting to earn the distinction of becoming the first non-Asian winner at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, Bauchou and Zach will resume their own personal battle.
Five months ago, Bauchou, from Forest, Virginia, edged out Zach in a sudden-death play-off to win the 18th Faldo Series Grand Final at The Greenbrier. There, Bauchou birdied the 18th to force a play-off with Zach and then clinched the title with a tap-in par putt on the first extra hole.
Meanwhile, Sen Cao leads the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People’s Republic. With a two-day total of 145, Sen is one shot ahead of Yan Liu and two in front of Jie Hong.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
141 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso 69-72 (Boys U18, 2nd), 5th overall
143 - Tirto Tamardi 70-73 (Boys U16, 2nd), 7th overall
154 - Ida Ayu Melati 79-75 (Girls U21, 5th), 42nd overall
155 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang 80-75 (Girls U16, 7th), Faraby Ali 77-78 (Boys U21, 11th), 49th overall
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso And Tirto Tamardi In Contention For Top Honors At Faldo Series Asia Grand Final
Shenzhen, China, March 18 - Japan's Yuki Shino set a blistering pace on the opening day of the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.
The talented 17-year-old threw down the gauntlet to his rivals in the elite 82-player field with a four-under-par 68 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
Playing aggressively, Shino scattered six birdies and an eagle-two at the short par-four 15th to offset two bogeys and one double-bogey.
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Britain's most successful golfer, said: "What an explosive performance from Yuki! If he maintains that form then he's going to be the player to beat."
Shino, who secured his starting place here after emerging victorious in the Faldo Series Japan Championship, attacked from the outset, picking up shots at each of the first three holes.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Shino reached the turn in one-under 35. Showing no signs of nerves, he covered the back nine in three-under 33.
Thanks to that effort, Shino will take a one-stroke lead over Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso and Chinese Taipei's Tsai Kai-jen into Thursday's second round in the 54-hole event.
Underlining the quality of the field, a total of 11 players bettered par, including Indonesian Tirto Tamardi and American Zachary Bauchou [both 70] and Simon Zach from the Czech Republic and Brazilian Rohan Boettcher [both 71].
Bauchou, Zach and Boettcher all qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Leading the female challenge is Shino's compatriot Minami Hiruta. The reigning Japan Women's Amateur champion is tied for fourth after carding a two-under 70 – two strokes ahead of Malaysian Nur Durriyah Damian, Chinese Taipei's Wu Yi-ching, Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines and New Zealand's Brooke Hamilton.
Hamilton produced the shot of the day with a hole-in-one at the island green, par-three 16th hole.
Meanwhile, Yan Liu and Liang En Qi both returned 74s to lead the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People's Republic.
As well as receiving the Faldo Series Asia trophy, the overall winner will be granted an exemption into an Asian Tour event. The Girls' winner will be given a start in a Ladies European Tour event.
Both will also earn themselves an overseas trip to compete in the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign has stretched over 11 months and has been made up of 18 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year's Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
69 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (Boys U18, 2nd), 2nd overall
70 - Tirto Tamardi (Boys U16, 2nd), 4th overall
77 - Faraby Ali (Boys U21, 9th), 45th overall
79 - Ida Ayu Melati (Girls U21, 10th), 55th overall
80 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang (Girls U16, 7th), 61st overall
The talented 17-year-old threw down the gauntlet to his rivals in the elite 82-player field with a four-under-par 68 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
Playing aggressively, Shino scattered six birdies and an eagle-two at the short par-four 15th to offset two bogeys and one double-bogey.
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Britain's most successful golfer, said: "What an explosive performance from Yuki! If he maintains that form then he's going to be the player to beat."
Shino, who secured his starting place here after emerging victorious in the Faldo Series Japan Championship, attacked from the outset, picking up shots at each of the first three holes.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Shino reached the turn in one-under 35. Showing no signs of nerves, he covered the back nine in three-under 33.
Thanks to that effort, Shino will take a one-stroke lead over Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso and Chinese Taipei's Tsai Kai-jen into Thursday's second round in the 54-hole event.
Underlining the quality of the field, a total of 11 players bettered par, including Indonesian Tirto Tamardi and American Zachary Bauchou [both 70] and Simon Zach from the Czech Republic and Brazilian Rohan Boettcher [both 71].
Bauchou, Zach and Boettcher all qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Leading the female challenge is Shino's compatriot Minami Hiruta. The reigning Japan Women's Amateur champion is tied for fourth after carding a two-under 70 – two strokes ahead of Malaysian Nur Durriyah Damian, Chinese Taipei's Wu Yi-ching, Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines and New Zealand's Brooke Hamilton.
Hamilton produced the shot of the day with a hole-in-one at the island green, par-three 16th hole.
Meanwhile, Yan Liu and Liang En Qi both returned 74s to lead the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People's Republic.
As well as receiving the Faldo Series Asia trophy, the overall winner will be granted an exemption into an Asian Tour event. The Girls' winner will be given a start in a Ladies European Tour event.
Both will also earn themselves an overseas trip to compete in the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign has stretched over 11 months and has been made up of 18 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year's Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
69 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (Boys U18, 2nd), 2nd overall
70 - Tirto Tamardi (Boys U16, 2nd), 4th overall
77 - Faraby Ali (Boys U21, 9th), 45th overall
79 - Ida Ayu Melati (Girls U21, 10th), 55th overall
80 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang (Girls U16, 7th), 61st overall
Saturday, January 17, 2015
CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Cultivates Stars Of The Future
Jakarta, 15 January 2015 - The prestigious CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will once more be a stop on the Asian Tour end of this April. As the top tier golf event in Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has consistently supported the development of young Indonesian golfers.
In keeping with this principle, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has incorporated a Youth Development program, which seeks to support budding Indonesian golfers in further sharpening their skills. The program offers the opportunity for talented junior golfers to learn a variety of golfing techniques within a special coaching curriculum.
The coaching workshop will be divided into three sessions and will draw junior golfers from the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI) and the CIMB Foundation. Approximately 20 junior golfers will participate in each of the sessions, which will be held on January 25, February 15, and March 15. 5 outstanding participants from each session will be selected to receive exclusive access to the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2015. They will be afforded the opportunity to attend various tournament functions and meet with the stars of the event.
PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) as the title sponsor of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters fully supports the Youth Development program.
“One of our goals in being the lead sponsor of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is to encourage the growth of youth golf in Indonesia. Through the Youth Development program, junior golfers are able to enjoy the feeling of a championship atmosphere that comes through an association with world class golfers. We are confident in reaching this goal and we are delighted to be a part of this growth process,” said CIMB Niaga President Director Arwin Rasyid.
Since its inception, the Youth Development program has worked closely with the PGI and CIMB Foundation which has proved integral in achieving the long-term goals of the program.
This Youth Development component has clear synergies with CIMB Foundation having one of the most extensive junior golf programs in the ASEAN region.
The collaboration of CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and the CIMB Foundation has already succeeded in creating a junior golf framework that is similar in standards to the world of professional golf. A good example is Jordan Surya Irawan, a 19 year-old golfer who, with the support of the CIMB Foundation, was fortunate enough to join a number of other ASEAN golfers in training at the US PGA Tour Academy in Sawgrass, Florida five years ago.
After completing his training, Jordan was successful in winning a number of titles, including the champion of Enjoy Jakarta Junior World Golf Open 2011 and the ASEAN Schoolboys Golf Championship 2012. Jordan also won public attention as the youngest participant in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2012 at the age of 17.
Another product of the CIMB Foundation programme is Joshua Andrew Wirawan, who also had the opportunity to train in Florida. Like his predecessor, Andrew went on to become the champion of the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship 2012 and secured the runner-up position in a series of six Indonesian Golf Tour events.
“The PGI, along with other stakeholders, is very eager to further develop golf in Indonesia. We must increase programs aimed at the junior golfers in order to assure that there is a solid foundation for the regeneration of youth golf in Indonesia. The Youth Development program at CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is very much aligned with our programs. This is what we need to continue to work on and increase the appeal of golf to parents and children alike”, Head of Junior Division of the PGI, Budi Kosasih was quoted as saying.
CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters hopes that young golfers experience the benefits of the Youth Development program and that this generation of budding young golfers has a better future in store.
In keeping with this principle, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has incorporated a Youth Development program, which seeks to support budding Indonesian golfers in further sharpening their skills. The program offers the opportunity for talented junior golfers to learn a variety of golfing techniques within a special coaching curriculum.
The coaching workshop will be divided into three sessions and will draw junior golfers from the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI) and the CIMB Foundation. Approximately 20 junior golfers will participate in each of the sessions, which will be held on January 25, February 15, and March 15. 5 outstanding participants from each session will be selected to receive exclusive access to the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2015. They will be afforded the opportunity to attend various tournament functions and meet with the stars of the event.
PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) as the title sponsor of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters fully supports the Youth Development program.
“One of our goals in being the lead sponsor of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is to encourage the growth of youth golf in Indonesia. Through the Youth Development program, junior golfers are able to enjoy the feeling of a championship atmosphere that comes through an association with world class golfers. We are confident in reaching this goal and we are delighted to be a part of this growth process,” said CIMB Niaga President Director Arwin Rasyid.
Since its inception, the Youth Development program has worked closely with the PGI and CIMB Foundation which has proved integral in achieving the long-term goals of the program.
This Youth Development component has clear synergies with CIMB Foundation having one of the most extensive junior golf programs in the ASEAN region.
The collaboration of CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and the CIMB Foundation has already succeeded in creating a junior golf framework that is similar in standards to the world of professional golf. A good example is Jordan Surya Irawan, a 19 year-old golfer who, with the support of the CIMB Foundation, was fortunate enough to join a number of other ASEAN golfers in training at the US PGA Tour Academy in Sawgrass, Florida five years ago.
After completing his training, Jordan was successful in winning a number of titles, including the champion of Enjoy Jakarta Junior World Golf Open 2011 and the ASEAN Schoolboys Golf Championship 2012. Jordan also won public attention as the youngest participant in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2012 at the age of 17.
Another product of the CIMB Foundation programme is Joshua Andrew Wirawan, who also had the opportunity to train in Florida. Like his predecessor, Andrew went on to become the champion of the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship 2012 and secured the runner-up position in a series of six Indonesian Golf Tour events.
“The PGI, along with other stakeholders, is very eager to further develop golf in Indonesia. We must increase programs aimed at the junior golfers in order to assure that there is a solid foundation for the regeneration of youth golf in Indonesia. The Youth Development program at CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is very much aligned with our programs. This is what we need to continue to work on and increase the appeal of golf to parents and children alike”, Head of Junior Division of the PGI, Budi Kosasih was quoted as saying.
CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters hopes that young golfers experience the benefits of the Youth Development program and that this generation of budding young golfers has a better future in store.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Ali Upstages Tamardi In Faldo Series Indonesia Championship
Jakarta, January 15 - Faraby Ali held his nerve to upstage in-form Tirto Tamardi and claim top honors in the eighth Faldo Series Indonesia Championship.
Thanks to a closing two-under-par 70 over Damai Indah Golf’s BSD Course near Jakarta, Ali overturned a one-stroke overnight deficit and edged out defending champion Tamardi.
It was a fine performance from Ali who posted a 54-hole aggregate of one-under-par 215 in the 18th leg of the record-breaking 2014-2015 Faldo Series Asia season.
That was one shot ahead of 15-year-old Tamardi who was a model of consistency throughout, signing for three rounds of even-par 72.
Although Tamardi was unable to retain his title, he will be part of a five-strong Indonesian contingent that will contest the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills Shenzhen in March.
[Left to right]: Faldo Series Indonesia Championship age group winners Ida Ayu Melati, Rivani Adelia Sihotang, Faraby Ali, Fadhli Rahman Soetarso and Tirto Tamardi
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso flourished in the Boys’ Under-18 Division, securing first place following a sudden-death play-off against M. Seandy Alfarabi.
Among the females, Ida Ayu Melati was a runaway winner in the Girls’ Under-21 Division. She set the tone with a solid opening 72 and never looked in danger of relinquishing her early advantage.
It was a closer contest in the Girls’ Under-16 Division with Rivani Adelia Sihotang holding off a brave last-round fightback from Inez Beatrice Wanamarta. Five shots in arrears heading into the final day, Wanamarta closed with a 74, reducing Sihotang’s margin of victory to two strokes.
But making light of a thunder delay on day one and a 45-minute stop for torrential rain on day two it was the performance of Ali that caught the eye as he won the Boys’ Under-21 Division for the second year in succession. This year, though, he showed a marked improvement, bettering his score from 2014 by no fewer than 12 strokes.
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “To improve by 12 shots from last year is an outstanding effort from Faraby Ali. His victory will, I’m sure, give him plenty of confidence as he prepares for the forthcoming Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.”
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months and is made up of 19 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year’s Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Faldo Series Indonesia Championship, leading final scores:
215 – Faraby Ali (77-68-70)
227 – Christopher Johan (75-74-78)
239 – Putu Andrew Mulyadi (83-80-76)
219 – Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (76-71-72), M. Seandy Alfarabi (71-75-73)
223 – Yuma Salmun (74-78-71)
216 – Tirto Tamardi (72-72-72)
222 – Kevin Caesario Akbar (77-75-70), Stevanus Daniel Wirawan (73-72-77)
228 – Ida Ayu Melati (72-78-78)
237 – Victoria Chandra (80-78-79)
244 – Yeyen Safitri (83-82-79)
229 – Rivani Adelia Sihotang (73-79-77)
231 – Inez Beatrice Wanamarta (78-79-74)
233 – Nathania Damarisa Rim (83-82-79).
Thanks to a closing two-under-par 70 over Damai Indah Golf’s BSD Course near Jakarta, Ali overturned a one-stroke overnight deficit and edged out defending champion Tamardi.
It was a fine performance from Ali who posted a 54-hole aggregate of one-under-par 215 in the 18th leg of the record-breaking 2014-2015 Faldo Series Asia season.
That was one shot ahead of 15-year-old Tamardi who was a model of consistency throughout, signing for three rounds of even-par 72.
Although Tamardi was unable to retain his title, he will be part of a five-strong Indonesian contingent that will contest the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills Shenzhen in March.
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso flourished in the Boys’ Under-18 Division, securing first place following a sudden-death play-off against M. Seandy Alfarabi.
Among the females, Ida Ayu Melati was a runaway winner in the Girls’ Under-21 Division. She set the tone with a solid opening 72 and never looked in danger of relinquishing her early advantage.
It was a closer contest in the Girls’ Under-16 Division with Rivani Adelia Sihotang holding off a brave last-round fightback from Inez Beatrice Wanamarta. Five shots in arrears heading into the final day, Wanamarta closed with a 74, reducing Sihotang’s margin of victory to two strokes.
But making light of a thunder delay on day one and a 45-minute stop for torrential rain on day two it was the performance of Ali that caught the eye as he won the Boys’ Under-21 Division for the second year in succession. This year, though, he showed a marked improvement, bettering his score from 2014 by no fewer than 12 strokes.
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “To improve by 12 shots from last year is an outstanding effort from Faraby Ali. His victory will, I’m sure, give him plenty of confidence as he prepares for the forthcoming Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.”
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months and is made up of 19 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year’s Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Faldo Series Indonesia Championship, leading final scores:
Boys’ Under-21:
215 – Faraby Ali (77-68-70)
227 – Christopher Johan (75-74-78)
239 – Putu Andrew Mulyadi (83-80-76)
Boys’ Under-18:
219 – Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (76-71-72), M. Seandy Alfarabi (71-75-73)
223 – Yuma Salmun (74-78-71)
Boys’ Under-16
216 – Tirto Tamardi (72-72-72)
222 – Kevin Caesario Akbar (77-75-70), Stevanus Daniel Wirawan (73-72-77)
Girls’ Under-21
228 – Ida Ayu Melati (72-78-78)
237 – Victoria Chandra (80-78-79)
244 – Yeyen Safitri (83-82-79)
Girls’ Under-16
229 – Rivani Adelia Sihotang (73-79-77)
231 – Inez Beatrice Wanamarta (78-79-74)
233 – Nathania Damarisa Rim (83-82-79).
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Tamardi Set For Faldo Series Indonesia Championship Defence
Jakarta, January 8 - Highly-rated teenager Tirto Tamardi will be the player to beat when the eighth edition of the Faldo Series Indonesia Championship tees-off this weekend.
Following a succession of outstanding performances alongside the region’s leading professionals in recent months, the 15-year-old from Surabaya is already being touted as a star of the future.
But Tamardi’s immediate focus is simply to retain the Faldo Series Indonesia Championship title he won at a canter last year.
Since his seven-stroke success over Damai Indah Golf’s BSD Course in West Java exactly 12 months ago, Tamardi has enjoyed a memorable sequence.
Among the many highlights were a top-10 finish in September’s PGM MNRB Sarawak Championship, an Asian Development Tour event featuring a host of seasoned Asian professionals.
Tamardi also had the distinction of being one of only two amateurs to make the half-way cut in last month’s Bank BRI Indonesia Open, a fully-fledged Asian Tour event won by Irishman Padraig Harrington over Damai Indah’s PIK Course.
Those experiences are sure to stand Tamardi in good stead as he attempts to secure a return trip to Mission Hills China for the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo in March.
Tamardi will certainly be drawing on the memory of his brilliant performance last year when an opening nine-under-par 63 set him on course for a runaway victory.
He said: “Winning tournaments will always be the best experience. The one that I won’t forget was when I won the Faldo Series Indonesia last year. I had the lowest scores and that was one of the greatest experiences for me.”
Speaking ahead of the 18th leg of the record-breaking 2014-2015 Faldo Series Asia season, six-time Major championship winner Sir Nick, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “Tirto is clearly a talented player who has already proved that he has both the game and the temperament to succeed.
“I will be following closely his progress at Damai Indah in what promises to be another exciting tournament.”
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months and is made up of 19 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year’s Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Following a succession of outstanding performances alongside the region’s leading professionals in recent months, the 15-year-old from Surabaya is already being touted as a star of the future.
But Tamardi’s immediate focus is simply to retain the Faldo Series Indonesia Championship title he won at a canter last year.
Since his seven-stroke success over Damai Indah Golf’s BSD Course in West Java exactly 12 months ago, Tamardi has enjoyed a memorable sequence.
Among the many highlights were a top-10 finish in September’s PGM MNRB Sarawak Championship, an Asian Development Tour event featuring a host of seasoned Asian professionals.
Tamardi also had the distinction of being one of only two amateurs to make the half-way cut in last month’s Bank BRI Indonesia Open, a fully-fledged Asian Tour event won by Irishman Padraig Harrington over Damai Indah’s PIK Course.
Those experiences are sure to stand Tamardi in good stead as he attempts to secure a return trip to Mission Hills China for the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo in March.
Tamardi will certainly be drawing on the memory of his brilliant performance last year when an opening nine-under-par 63 set him on course for a runaway victory.
He said: “Winning tournaments will always be the best experience. The one that I won’t forget was when I won the Faldo Series Indonesia last year. I had the lowest scores and that was one of the greatest experiences for me.”
Speaking ahead of the 18th leg of the record-breaking 2014-2015 Faldo Series Asia season, six-time Major championship winner Sir Nick, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “Tirto is clearly a talented player who has already proved that he has both the game and the temperament to succeed.
“I will be following closely his progress at Damai Indah in what promises to be another exciting tournament.”
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months and is made up of 19 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year’s Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Gavrilla Ayra Signs With Wichita State Athletics
WICHITA, Kansas, USA – Wichita State women’s golf has signed Gavrilla Ayra to a national letter of intent in the early signing period, Head Coach Tom McCurdy announced on Nov. 20.
“Gavrilla is a really solid player,” McCurdy said. “She has a tremendous amount of good international experience and she has played against the best. She understands what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level and she has a great work ethic.
“Fundamentally, her swing is beautiful and in her short game she has all the shots. She’s a great thinker on the golf course and the kind of player we like to develop at Wichita State. She has a great foundation to build upon and her attitude is amazing, she is such a positive person. As hard as she works, she has a really good balance of not being too hard on herself and she has the ability to still have fun while grinding at the same time. I think she is going to be a fantastic addition immediately to our program.”
Ayra, a native of Jakarta, Indonesia, attends Laurel Springs School. She is a two-time winner of the Indonesian National Junior Golf Championship with victories in 2011 (77-73-76) and 2012 (76-79-72). In 2013, she was runner-up at the Enjoy Jakarta Junior World Golf Championship (75-74-77) and earned her first amateur title at the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open (70-67-76).
Also in 2013, she finished in fourth place at the Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open (74-71-70) and finished in fifth place at the U.S. Kids Golf Teens World Golf Championships (75-74-73).
Gavrilla represented Indonesia for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships five years in a row (2010-14) and is a member of the 2013 Indonesian National Golf Team. While with the National Golf Team, she represented Indonesia in the South East Asian Team Championships in the Philippines and helped the team to a third place finish. She also represented the team in the South East Asian Games in Myanmar and helped the team to a fourth place finish.
“Gavrilla is a really solid player,” McCurdy said. “She has a tremendous amount of good international experience and she has played against the best. She understands what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level and she has a great work ethic.
“Fundamentally, her swing is beautiful and in her short game she has all the shots. She’s a great thinker on the golf course and the kind of player we like to develop at Wichita State. She has a great foundation to build upon and her attitude is amazing, she is such a positive person. As hard as she works, she has a really good balance of not being too hard on herself and she has the ability to still have fun while grinding at the same time. I think she is going to be a fantastic addition immediately to our program.”
Ayra, a native of Jakarta, Indonesia, attends Laurel Springs School. She is a two-time winner of the Indonesian National Junior Golf Championship with victories in 2011 (77-73-76) and 2012 (76-79-72). In 2013, she was runner-up at the Enjoy Jakarta Junior World Golf Championship (75-74-77) and earned her first amateur title at the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open (70-67-76).
Also in 2013, she finished in fourth place at the Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open (74-71-70) and finished in fifth place at the U.S. Kids Golf Teens World Golf Championships (75-74-73).
Gavrilla represented Indonesia for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships five years in a row (2010-14) and is a member of the 2013 Indonesian National Golf Team. While with the National Golf Team, she represented Indonesia in the South East Asian Team Championships in the Philippines and helped the team to a third place finish. She also represented the team in the South East Asian Games in Myanmar and helped the team to a fourth place finish.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Junior Tirto Tamardi Outplays Seniors At UMW Impian Championship
Kuala Lumpur, November 7 - Thailand’s Sattaya Supupramai carded a second consecutive five-under-par 67 to seize the halfway lead at the PGM UMW Impian Championship on Friday.
Sattaya, who took a share of the opening round lead, returned to the Impian Golf and Country Club on Friday morning to complete the last four holes of his second round, marking his card with one eagle and four birdies against a lone bogey.
The two-time ADT winner holds a two-shot lead over Malaysian duo Ben Leong and R. Nachimuthu, who signed for rounds of 69 and 66 respectively at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
The third round of the PGM UMW Impian Championship has commenced at 10.00am local time. The halfway cut was set at three-over-par with a total of 52 players progressing into the final two rounds. Sattaya will tee off at 11.20am with Leong and Nachimuthu.
Indonesian junior amateur Tirto Tamardi surprised the field by shooting a second round 68, which put him in 20th place halfway. He's the only amateur player making the cut, a major achievement for this 15-year old from Surabaya. Countryman Jordan Irawan (77) had more difficulties, and his tally of 154 means he misses the cut.
Local hope Kemarol Baharin sits in fourth place on 137 following a 69 while compatriot Airil Rizman posted a second straight 69 to stay one shot back in fifth place with Annop Tangkamolprasert of Thailand at the PGM UMW Impian Championship, which is the penultimate tournament of the 2014 ADT season.
Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, placed second on the Order of Merit, recorded a 68 to share seventh place with four other players while Order of Merit leader Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand stayed 11 shots off the pace in tied-37th position.
Sattaya, who enjoyed a top-10 finish at the Asian Tour’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in September, is relieved to regain some of his best form this week.
“I told myself not to think so much out there. I just play my own game. I felt my swing was better these two days. It was a little off for the past few weeks but it’s much better now. I will keep to the same game plan and continue to do what I’ve been doing,” said the 30-year-old Thai.
Leong, who sat out the entire 2013 season due to a back injury, regained confidence in his game following two commendable rounds at the PGM UMW Impian Championship.
“The back to back birdies after the turn made me believe in my round again, especially after shooting nine straight pars on the front nine. Today’s round was a test of my character and my patience. I missed a few putts which I shouldn’t have but this is golf,” said the 28-year-old Malaysian.
Leong, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour but not since 2008, had showed glimpses of his old form when he won a domestic tournament in August.
“I’m trying to get to a final score of 12-under-par this week. I will just play within myself. It’s a goal for me to achieve. I haven’t been playing for a month and I’ve been struggling with my putting after the win. My goal was to win once this year and I have already done it. A second win would be a bonus but I am not thinking a lot about it right now,” added Leong.
Nachimuthu, winner of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour’s Order of Merit in 2011, is delighted to soar into the lead after marking his card with one eagle and five birdies against a lone bogey.
“I got off to a great start from the 10th with three birdies in four holes. I had a pretty solid round today. I hit the ball good and I putted well too. I will keep to the same game plan for the next two rounds and we will see how it goes,” said the local stalwart, who sank a 10-foot putt for eagle on the third hole.
Since its inauguration in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 21 tournaments in 2014. The top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2015.
All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points which is a boost for the game in the region.
Leading second round scores:
134 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-67
136 – R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 70-66, Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-69
137 – Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 68-69
138 – Airil Rizman (MAS) 69-69, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68-70
139 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 71-68, Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-69, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 68-71, Mohd Amli MOHIYADEEN (MAS) 69-70, Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-69
Selected:
142 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 74-68
154 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 77-77
Sattaya, who took a share of the opening round lead, returned to the Impian Golf and Country Club on Friday morning to complete the last four holes of his second round, marking his card with one eagle and four birdies against a lone bogey.
The two-time ADT winner holds a two-shot lead over Malaysian duo Ben Leong and R. Nachimuthu, who signed for rounds of 69 and 66 respectively at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
The third round of the PGM UMW Impian Championship has commenced at 10.00am local time. The halfway cut was set at three-over-par with a total of 52 players progressing into the final two rounds. Sattaya will tee off at 11.20am with Leong and Nachimuthu.
Indonesian junior amateur Tirto Tamardi surprised the field by shooting a second round 68, which put him in 20th place halfway. He's the only amateur player making the cut, a major achievement for this 15-year old from Surabaya. Countryman Jordan Irawan (77) had more difficulties, and his tally of 154 means he misses the cut.
Local hope Kemarol Baharin sits in fourth place on 137 following a 69 while compatriot Airil Rizman posted a second straight 69 to stay one shot back in fifth place with Annop Tangkamolprasert of Thailand at the PGM UMW Impian Championship, which is the penultimate tournament of the 2014 ADT season.
Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, placed second on the Order of Merit, recorded a 68 to share seventh place with four other players while Order of Merit leader Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand stayed 11 shots off the pace in tied-37th position.
Sattaya, who enjoyed a top-10 finish at the Asian Tour’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in September, is relieved to regain some of his best form this week.
“I told myself not to think so much out there. I just play my own game. I felt my swing was better these two days. It was a little off for the past few weeks but it’s much better now. I will keep to the same game plan and continue to do what I’ve been doing,” said the 30-year-old Thai.
Leong, who sat out the entire 2013 season due to a back injury, regained confidence in his game following two commendable rounds at the PGM UMW Impian Championship.
“The back to back birdies after the turn made me believe in my round again, especially after shooting nine straight pars on the front nine. Today’s round was a test of my character and my patience. I missed a few putts which I shouldn’t have but this is golf,” said the 28-year-old Malaysian.
Leong, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour but not since 2008, had showed glimpses of his old form when he won a domestic tournament in August.
“I’m trying to get to a final score of 12-under-par this week. I will just play within myself. It’s a goal for me to achieve. I haven’t been playing for a month and I’ve been struggling with my putting after the win. My goal was to win once this year and I have already done it. A second win would be a bonus but I am not thinking a lot about it right now,” added Leong.
Nachimuthu, winner of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour’s Order of Merit in 2011, is delighted to soar into the lead after marking his card with one eagle and five birdies against a lone bogey.
“I got off to a great start from the 10th with three birdies in four holes. I had a pretty solid round today. I hit the ball good and I putted well too. I will keep to the same game plan for the next two rounds and we will see how it goes,” said the local stalwart, who sank a 10-foot putt for eagle on the third hole.
Since its inauguration in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 21 tournaments in 2014. The top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2015.
All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points which is a boost for the game in the region.
Leading second round scores:
134 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-67
136 – R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 70-66, Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-69
137 – Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 68-69
138 – Airil Rizman (MAS) 69-69, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68-70
139 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 71-68, Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-69, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 68-71, Mohd Amli MOHIYADEEN (MAS) 69-70, Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-69
Selected:
142 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 74-68
154 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 77-77
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Hashilla Rivai Makes Impression In USA At Thornton Academy
Indonesia's Hashilla Rivai arrived from metropolitan Jakarta in Saco, Maine USA (population 18,500), to further her education and improving her golf game. That she's doing very well you can read in the following article in the Portland Press Herald.
http://www.pressherald.com/2014/09/30/thornton-golfer-from-indonesia-fitting-right-in/
http://www.pressherald.com/2014/09/30/thornton-golfer-from-indonesia-fitting-right-in/
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Top Indonesian Juniors To Participate In Kids Golf World Championship 2014 In Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, August 20 - Young golfers from around the region and as far as South Africa will be heading to Malaysia to compete in the Kids Golf World Championship 2014 to be held in Johor Baru from December 8 to 12.
Among them will be top junior golfers from Indonesia who have keenly participated in the tournament for the past two years.
Among the Indonesian juniors who took podium placing last year were Alfred Raja Sitohang who came in second in the Boys 11-year category and Gavrilla Arya who was Runner-Up in the 15-18 year age group for girls.
Among those who finished third last year were Almer Noreen Nurdaffa (Boys 10-years) and Rivani Adelia Sihotang (Girls 13-14 age group).
Over 400 young people between the ages of five and 18 years from over 20 countries are expected to compete in the prestigious tournament, which is being held in Malaysia for the third consecutive year.
The championship is the international version of the prestigious US Kids Golf Tournament and provides an excellent opportunity for young people to compete in a World Championship in their quest to become future top professional players.
Chris Vonderkall, Vice President for Tournaments for U.S. Kids Golf, said it was great that the tournament held in Malaysia has seen growth over the past two years.
“Having players come back year after year is a great testament to the success and organisation of the championship. The juniors in Malaysia and surrounding countries greatly benefit from the championship. It is a great stage to showcase their talents and show the world how good these junior players are,” he said in an interview.
He said bringing the great game of golf to juniors and their families was a mission of U.S. Kids Golf and added that the Malaysian chapter helps fulfill this mission.
“We hope it continues for many years to come. I think the organizing team has done a great job. It is a major undertaking organizing that many juniors, their families, courses and volunteers. Each year the team learns more and comes better the following year,” he said.
He said the U.S. Kids Golf being held around the world have over 10,000 juniors from 40 over countries participating in the program and the international growth was a big opportunity for more youngsters to play top notch golf and added that U.S. Kids Golf was excited to help grow junior golf in Malaysia.
Kids Golf World Championship Malaysia 2014 is an offshoot of the US Kids Golf Foundation established in 2001. The US Kids Golf World Championship was envisioned as a platform to provide kids and their families to participate in the game of golf through instruction and competition. Its primary mission is to help kids have fun learning the basics of golf while encouraging interaction among family members to build lasting memories.
The Kids Golf World Championship is presented by US Kids Golf in partnership with Royal Sporting House (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and managed by Concept Collaboration Sdn Bhd.
The championship is also sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association and supported by Malaysia Major Events, a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The championship offers world amateur ranking points.
B. Sukumaran of Concept Collaboration said the response from the juniors have been overwhelming with over 180 juniors from overseas sending their requests to participate.
“Only the US Kids tournament has the format where the juniors get to play against players in the same age group. Exposure of competing with kids from around the world is a rare opportunity for Malaysian youngsters and they get to do it in Malaysia.
“It is also cost effective for the local participants. For foreign participants coming to Malaysia it is much cheaper and the experience that they gained money can’t buy,” he said.
The tournament offers prizes for boys in 8 categories and girls in 7 categories. Boys’ categories are: 7 years and below, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, 11 years, 12 years, combined age group of 13 and 14 years and 15 to 18 years. Girls’ categories are 8 years and below, 9 years, 10 years, 11 years, 12 years, combined 13 and 14 years and 15 to 18 years.
The last day of the tournament will feature a Best of Malaysia vs Rest of the World, in a match play format akin to the Ryder Cup.
The Kids Golf World Championship provides junior boys and girls of all ages with the most competitive field and the ultimate tournament experience thus preparing them for their future in the world of golf.
Many of the players travel to Malaysia with their family members and also get to enjoy the sights, sounds and warm hospitality of Malaysians thus returning home with happy memories of the host country, thus help promote tourism in the country.
Among them will be top junior golfers from Indonesia who have keenly participated in the tournament for the past two years.
Among the Indonesian juniors who took podium placing last year were Alfred Raja Sitohang who came in second in the Boys 11-year category and Gavrilla Arya who was Runner-Up in the 15-18 year age group for girls.
Among those who finished third last year were Almer Noreen Nurdaffa (Boys 10-years) and Rivani Adelia Sihotang (Girls 13-14 age group).
Over 400 young people between the ages of five and 18 years from over 20 countries are expected to compete in the prestigious tournament, which is being held in Malaysia for the third consecutive year.
The championship is the international version of the prestigious US Kids Golf Tournament and provides an excellent opportunity for young people to compete in a World Championship in their quest to become future top professional players.
Chris Vonderkall, Vice President for Tournaments for U.S. Kids Golf, said it was great that the tournament held in Malaysia has seen growth over the past two years.
“Having players come back year after year is a great testament to the success and organisation of the championship. The juniors in Malaysia and surrounding countries greatly benefit from the championship. It is a great stage to showcase their talents and show the world how good these junior players are,” he said in an interview.
He said bringing the great game of golf to juniors and their families was a mission of U.S. Kids Golf and added that the Malaysian chapter helps fulfill this mission.
“We hope it continues for many years to come. I think the organizing team has done a great job. It is a major undertaking organizing that many juniors, their families, courses and volunteers. Each year the team learns more and comes better the following year,” he said.
He said the U.S. Kids Golf being held around the world have over 10,000 juniors from 40 over countries participating in the program and the international growth was a big opportunity for more youngsters to play top notch golf and added that U.S. Kids Golf was excited to help grow junior golf in Malaysia.
Kids Golf World Championship Malaysia 2014 is an offshoot of the US Kids Golf Foundation established in 2001. The US Kids Golf World Championship was envisioned as a platform to provide kids and their families to participate in the game of golf through instruction and competition. Its primary mission is to help kids have fun learning the basics of golf while encouraging interaction among family members to build lasting memories.
The Kids Golf World Championship is presented by US Kids Golf in partnership with Royal Sporting House (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and managed by Concept Collaboration Sdn Bhd.
The championship is also sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association and supported by Malaysia Major Events, a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The championship offers world amateur ranking points.
B. Sukumaran of Concept Collaboration said the response from the juniors have been overwhelming with over 180 juniors from overseas sending their requests to participate.
“Only the US Kids tournament has the format where the juniors get to play against players in the same age group. Exposure of competing with kids from around the world is a rare opportunity for Malaysian youngsters and they get to do it in Malaysia.
“It is also cost effective for the local participants. For foreign participants coming to Malaysia it is much cheaper and the experience that they gained money can’t buy,” he said.
The tournament offers prizes for boys in 8 categories and girls in 7 categories. Boys’ categories are: 7 years and below, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, 11 years, 12 years, combined age group of 13 and 14 years and 15 to 18 years. Girls’ categories are 8 years and below, 9 years, 10 years, 11 years, 12 years, combined 13 and 14 years and 15 to 18 years.
The last day of the tournament will feature a Best of Malaysia vs Rest of the World, in a match play format akin to the Ryder Cup.
The Kids Golf World Championship provides junior boys and girls of all ages with the most competitive field and the ultimate tournament experience thus preparing them for their future in the world of golf.
Many of the players travel to Malaysia with their family members and also get to enjoy the sights, sounds and warm hospitality of Malaysians thus returning home with happy memories of the host country, thus help promote tourism in the country.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Joshua Wirawan Leads After First Round Of Indonesian Golf Tour At Jababeka Golf & Country Club
Heat and windy weather was an issue for many but it did not stop the participating golfers to showcase their brilliant golf skills. Joshua pushed himself to enable him to lead the pack for the day. Jababeka Golf & Country Club is proving to be a challenge for all the golfers on this edition of the Indonesian Golf Tour.
"Actually, this course is quite difficult. It has many long fairways and some of the greens are slumped. However, it depends on how we can adjust our shots. I didn’t have any specific strategy today. As long as my driver could reach the fairways, I could get a safe second or third shot and reach the green, I was happy as it was then down to my putting. Overall, my game today was good although on hole 13 I scored double-bogey." Said Joshua.
Indonesian Golf Tour 5th series (Padang Golf Modern) runner-up I Ketut Sugiarta is chasing the lead and could well have been leading for the day but fell to second place after a bogey on the Par 5 14th and 16th to tie with William Sjaichudin at two under-par (69).
“My swing was quite good today. On hole 16, my ball went into the water. The course is not my problem, it's the fairways which are proving to be long for me. Its probably due to my age. The strong wind also affected my game, but it's not a big deal. Basically I will play safe for the next two days.” said I Ketut.
Two-times Indonesian Golf Tour series champion, George Gandranata on the other hand was struggling to find his game. A double-bogey on the 15th pulled him back to end his round with a four-over-par 75.
"Like I've said before, golf is a day-by-day game. My ball striking was not really good today. I’ve been practicing my swing for the past few days, but I don't think it came into effect yet. My putting wasn’t good as well. A little windy today. Golf is a shot-by-shot game and each week will be different for sure, but we’ll see," said current Order of Merit leader George Gandranata.
On the amateur scene, 2-times lowest score amateur champion on the Indonesian Golf Tour series, Joeh Se Ik came in 4th place with a par 71, while Renata scored one-over-par at 72 and took the lead in the Indonesian Golf Tour ladies amateur.
The Indonesian Golf Tour at Jababeka Golf & Country Club is the 6th in a series of twelve 3-day events that are being hosted at selected courses in the greater Jakarta area with each boasting Rp200,000,000 prize purses.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Indonesia Wins Girls Overall, Thailand Boys At Enjoy Jakarta Workd Junior Golf Championship
JAKARTA, 6 JUNE -- An Indonesian golfer managed to win one of the prestigious titles, the individual title for All Girls' Classes, at the the 20th Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship (EJWJGC) supported by Ciputra Group. Rivani Adelia Sihotang won the title over Kanyalak Preedasuttijit (THA), the defending champion from last year, at Damai Indah Golf, BSD course.
Rivani, who is in Class-B Girls (13-14 years old), played beautifully by scoring 3 under in the last round. That score made her total score 5-under (211; 73, 69, 69)Princess Mary Superal (PHI) and Kanyalak from Class-A Girls both scored 216 (1-under), and Paphankorn Tavatanakit from Class-B Girls scored 214 (2-under).
"I am very happy today that I won, because other golfers that I have to face are indeed excellent," said Rivani. "Nonetheless, since the beginning I have confidence that I can win. And I felt that confidence again when playing the last hole, 'I think I will win'. Just like that, I don't why I felt that all the sudden." The title is the first International title that she won.
Meanwhile, for Boys Individual, Japanese golfer Ryo Toyoyama won the "battle" over Thanakorn Torsee (THA). As both had the same result, a decision had to be made through a play-off, and Ryo finally won the title after scoring birdie on hole 18 while Thanakorn only scored par.
"I was so nervous when I started today. But when I reached hole 8, I got my confidence back," said Ryo. After making bogey on hole 3, Ryo made another bogey on hole 8. After that, his game was relatively stable by scoring birdie in hole 9, 15, 17 and 18. He admitted that the positive result was due to his good iron play. In addition, he was motivated to win in his second time joining EJWJGC.
Except for the Individual title, Thailand still maintained the team titles. The Boys Team for Thailand, Parathakorn Suyasri (Class-B Boys) and Thanakorn Torsee (Class-A Boys) became the winners of the Boys Team title. With a collective total score of 577 they were followed by the Philippines team of Kristoffer Arevalo (Class-B Boys) and Rupert Zaragosa (Class-A Boys) with a total score 584. Third place went to Indonesia, with Theodore Rahardja and Kevin Caesario Akbar scoring a total of 601.
For the Girls Team, defending champions Paphangkorn Tavatanakit (Class-B Girls) and Kanyalak (Class-A Girls) retained the title with a total score 249. Indonesia, with Ida Ayu Indira Melati (Class-B Girls) and Rivani Adelia Sihotang (Class-A Girls) were in 2nd place with a total score 431, followed in 3rd place by Japanese girls Nasa Hataoka (Class-B Girls) and Sara Ota (Class-A Girls) with the score 440.
This year the 20th Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship supported by Ciputra Group prepared a special title named Ciputra Trophy in honor of the founder of the tournament. The title is awarded to the player with the lowest score from all classes Boys and Girls (Best of The Best). This year the trophy went to Thitaporn Saithip from Thailand with an impressive total score of 208 (67, 71 and 70) or 8 under.
Not only for team titles, Thailand also dominated almost all individual classes for Boys and Girls. Thanakorn won Class-A Boys, followed by Rupert Zaragosa (PHI) with the total score 287 (1 under) and Joeh Se Ik (KOR) with the total score of 288 (par).
The Class-B Boys was also dominated by Thai golfers. Kritchayapol Sinchai was the winner with a total score of 287 (1-under), followed by Puwit Anupansuebsai with a total score of 290 (2-over) and Aidric Chan from Philippines in 3rd place with the total score 293 (5-over).
In Class-A Girls, Princes Mary Superal from Philippines became the winner. The winner of 2 gold medals in the SEA Games, she closed her game with a convincing score of 68 (4-under). Even though she collected the same total score (215) as Kanyalak (THA), Superal won on count back. Kanyalak scored 73 in the last round (1-over), so she had to accept 2nd place. The 3rd position was taken by Japanese junior golfer Nasa Hataoka with a total score 218 (2-over).
In Class-B Girls a Thai golfer again took the winning spot. Paphankorn Tavatanakit, the defending champion of EJWJGC 2013, led the leaderboard for the last 3 days and closed the tournament with a total score of 214 (2-under), 8 strokes ahead of Sara Ota (JAP) who scored 222, and 11 strokes ahead of Inez Beatrice Wanamarta (INA) who scored 225 for 3rd position.
To view complete scores of the tournament, please visit EJWJGC 2014 website, and click on Live Scoring & Pairing Info.
Rivani, who is in Class-B Girls (13-14 years old), played beautifully by scoring 3 under in the last round. That score made her total score 5-under (211; 73, 69, 69)Princess Mary Superal (PHI) and Kanyalak from Class-A Girls both scored 216 (1-under), and Paphankorn Tavatanakit from Class-B Girls scored 214 (2-under).
"I am very happy today that I won, because other golfers that I have to face are indeed excellent," said Rivani. "Nonetheless, since the beginning I have confidence that I can win. And I felt that confidence again when playing the last hole, 'I think I will win'. Just like that, I don't why I felt that all the sudden." The title is the first International title that she won.
Meanwhile, for Boys Individual, Japanese golfer Ryo Toyoyama won the "battle" over Thanakorn Torsee (THA). As both had the same result, a decision had to be made through a play-off, and Ryo finally won the title after scoring birdie on hole 18 while Thanakorn only scored par.
"I was so nervous when I started today. But when I reached hole 8, I got my confidence back," said Ryo. After making bogey on hole 3, Ryo made another bogey on hole 8. After that, his game was relatively stable by scoring birdie in hole 9, 15, 17 and 18. He admitted that the positive result was due to his good iron play. In addition, he was motivated to win in his second time joining EJWJGC.
Except for the Individual title, Thailand still maintained the team titles. The Boys Team for Thailand, Parathakorn Suyasri (Class-B Boys) and Thanakorn Torsee (Class-A Boys) became the winners of the Boys Team title. With a collective total score of 577 they were followed by the Philippines team of Kristoffer Arevalo (Class-B Boys) and Rupert Zaragosa (Class-A Boys) with a total score 584. Third place went to Indonesia, with Theodore Rahardja and Kevin Caesario Akbar scoring a total of 601.
For the Girls Team, defending champions Paphangkorn Tavatanakit (Class-B Girls) and Kanyalak (Class-A Girls) retained the title with a total score 249. Indonesia, with Ida Ayu Indira Melati (Class-B Girls) and Rivani Adelia Sihotang (Class-A Girls) were in 2nd place with a total score 431, followed in 3rd place by Japanese girls Nasa Hataoka (Class-B Girls) and Sara Ota (Class-A Girls) with the score 440.
This year the 20th Enjoy Jakarta World Junior Golf Championship supported by Ciputra Group prepared a special title named Ciputra Trophy in honor of the founder of the tournament. The title is awarded to the player with the lowest score from all classes Boys and Girls (Best of The Best). This year the trophy went to Thitaporn Saithip from Thailand with an impressive total score of 208 (67, 71 and 70) or 8 under.
Not only for team titles, Thailand also dominated almost all individual classes for Boys and Girls. Thanakorn won Class-A Boys, followed by Rupert Zaragosa (PHI) with the total score 287 (1 under) and Joeh Se Ik (KOR) with the total score of 288 (par).
The Class-B Boys was also dominated by Thai golfers. Kritchayapol Sinchai was the winner with a total score of 287 (1-under), followed by Puwit Anupansuebsai with a total score of 290 (2-over) and Aidric Chan from Philippines in 3rd place with the total score 293 (5-over).
In Class-A Girls, Princes Mary Superal from Philippines became the winner. The winner of 2 gold medals in the SEA Games, she closed her game with a convincing score of 68 (4-under). Even though she collected the same total score (215) as Kanyalak (THA), Superal won on count back. Kanyalak scored 73 in the last round (1-over), so she had to accept 2nd place. The 3rd position was taken by Japanese junior golfer Nasa Hataoka with a total score 218 (2-over).
In Class-B Girls a Thai golfer again took the winning spot. Paphankorn Tavatanakit, the defending champion of EJWJGC 2013, led the leaderboard for the last 3 days and closed the tournament with a total score of 214 (2-under), 8 strokes ahead of Sara Ota (JAP) who scored 222, and 11 strokes ahead of Inez Beatrice Wanamarta (INA) who scored 225 for 3rd position.
To view complete scores of the tournament, please visit EJWJGC 2014 website, and click on Live Scoring & Pairing Info.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
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.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Round 3 Of The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Youth Development Program
For the third time this year, the highly commendable Youth Development Program that is run by Australian Certified Golf Professional Aaron Cole, was held at the Driving Range at Royale Jakarta Golf Course on Sunday, the 6th of April 2014.
Aaron Cole at work with juniors at Royale Jakarta GC Driving Range
Each program includes an one and a half hour clinic followed by a nine-hole playing lesson. The top five most talented juniors from each session will win a rare chance of having exclusive behind the scenes access at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014 and meet the Star Players of the tournament, like defending champion Bernd Wiesberger and other stars such as South African Louis Oosthuizen, Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and Thailand’s top players Kiradech Aphibarnrat dan Thongchai Jaidee.
Each program includes an one and a half hour clinic followed by a nine-hole playing lesson. The top five most talented juniors from each session will win a rare chance of having exclusive behind the scenes access at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014 and meet the Star Players of the tournament, like defending champion Bernd Wiesberger and other stars such as South African Louis Oosthuizen, Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and Thailand’s top players Kiradech Aphibarnrat dan Thongchai Jaidee.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Looking To Build More Homes For Those In Need
Since its launch in 2011, organizers behind the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters have been instrumental in building 29 homes for families in need.
Together with National Energy Company, Pertamina, it has also provided over 10,000 people in the Cilamaya area with clean water solution.
“Giving back to the community is always a priority for CIMB Niaga and we are very happy as title sponsor to be a part of an event that has already achieved so much in terms of building homes and providing a clean water solution to the families in need of Indonesia. CIMB Niaga together with our other fellow sponsors and partners will strive to build more homes with each passing year of our sponsorship,” said Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications CIMB Niaga, Harsya Denny Suryo.
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the charity initiative and said: “From the very beginning, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has made strong efforts to give back to the community. The Asian Tour is proud to be associated with an event that has a family of sponsors and partners that prioritizes helping people through the sport of golf.”
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has cemented its place as the nation’s most prestigious event and has featured prominently on the Asian Tour Schedule since 2011.
Since it was launched, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has attracted many leading stars including Lee Westwood, Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Michael Campbell, to name a few.
The fourth edition of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will welcome a stellar field that includes reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, defending champion Bernd Wiesberger of Austria, and Thai star Thongchai Jaidee.
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters has also received a significant boost as it welcomes on board Taylormade as the tournament equipment partner, Loewe as Official TV, Beringer as Official Wine, Srixon as Official Ball and Ricoh as Official Office Equipment.
These new sponsors join a host of corporates already committed to the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. They include Linc Group, Pertamina, BMW Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia, Salonpas, Telkomsel, San Miguel, SvinGolf, JS Luwansa Hotel, Noble Group and Oakley.
While the Asian Tour event has attracted a host of world class players, it has also placed much emphasis on the development of golf in Indonesia.
The Youth Development initiatives of the tournament include three golf clinics conducted at Royale Jakarta Golf Club for 20 Juniors selected by the Indonesian Golf Association (Persatuan Golf Indonesia) and CIMB Foundation (CIMB Group's Junior Development Program for Golf).
Each program is conducted monthly beginning in January 2014 and includes a one and a half hour clinic followed by a nine-hole playing lesson.
The top five most attentive juniors from each session will stand a chance to win an exclusive behind the scenes access to the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014 as well as an opportunity to meet the Star Players of the event.
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Amateur League qualifies one Indonesian amateur for the tournament proper.
Indonesian amateurs can participate in this league by entering the newly established Indonesia Golf Tour, which sees 14 tournaments conducted this year.
30 male amateurs have the opportunity to play together with Indonesian golf professionals in three-day tournaments conducted across Jakarta.
The highest ranked amateur following their participation in the series between January and April 2014 (three events total) wins the opportunity to play against the best of the Asian Tour and PGA Indonesia in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Little Glory But A Lot Of Experience Gained For Indonesian Team At Faldo Series Asian Grand Final
Shenzhen, China, 13 March 2014 - Mikumu Horikawa of Japan stormed to victory in the eighth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China. The 21-year-old from Kanagawa fired a superb final round 68 on the Faldo Course to win by three shots and follow in the footsteps of compatriot Masamichi Ito who won the title in 2010 and 2012.
“The time is now for the Faldo Series, Mikumu’s come from behind victory caps an amazing week which has seen us crown champions from around the world,” said Sir Nick Faldo. Today’s winners will travel on to America later this year where they will be vying to emulate the success of Korean American Megan Khang, who became our first girl champion at The Greenbrier last October. It’s an international story and I’m proud of that.”
“This victory means so much to me as it was my third final and last chance to win the Faldo Series,” said an emotional Mikumu on receiving his trophy from Faldo. “I picked up a putting tip from Sir Nick yesterday which really made a difference to my game today.”
Horikawa opened with three birdies in his first four holes to stun overnight leader Paul Kinnear. He went on to reach nine-under par and finish three ahead of England’s Kinnear who closed with a 73 to finish second.
Pauline Del Rosario held off a strong challenge from fellow Filipino Princess Mary Superal to win the Girls’ Division. The 15-year-old qualifies for the 2014 Faldo Series Grand Final along with Horikawa, Boys’ Under-18 winner Marc Ong of Singapore and Wang Mei-Xing (Girls Under-21) from China.
Bai Zheng-Kai from Guangdong made it a double success for China by winning the Boys Under-16 division. The 16-year-old also claimed the Mission Hills Trophy as the highest-placed finisher from mainland China.
Best Indonesian players were Ida Putri (Girls U-16) and Fadhli Soetars (Boys U-18) who both finished in a tie for 17th place at 225 (+9). The other Indonesian participants finished further down the board with Tirto Tamardi (230, Boys U-16) in a tie for 34th, Faraby Ali (232, Boys U-21) in 44th place and Victoria Chandra (235, Girls U-21) sharing 48th place in the 81 strong field.
Established in 1996, 40 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.
In September 2014, Faldo will begin taking students at a full-time residential academy for education and golf development in America. The first ever Faldo Series Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona is also home to the Faldo Series USA and marks the next significant step in the programme’s history.
The 2013/2014 Faldo Series Asia schedule featured a record 19 tournaments in 15 countries, including four in mainland China, two in India and others in The Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
The eighth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final was supported by ISPS Handa, Mission Hills, The R&A, Audemars Piguet, CBS, Golf Channel, MasterCard, Tricor, PGA Tour and PGA of America. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation and the Guangdong Golf Association.
Leading final scores:
Boys’ Under-21:
207 – Mikumu Horikawa (JPN) 70-69-68
210 – Paul Kinnear (ENG) 66-71-73
218 – Syed Saqib Ahmed (IND) 75-75-68
232 - Faraby Ali (INA) - 80-82-70
Boys’ Under-18:
213 – Marc Ong (SIN) 70-73-70
215 – Zachary Bauchou (USA) 69-71-75
218 – Simon Zach (CZE) 71-76-71
225 - Fadhli Soetarso (INA) 77-71-77
Boys’ Under-16:
216 – Bai Zheng-Kai (CHN) 73-71-72
220 – Shota Seki (JPN) 74-71-75
221 – Jakub Hrinda (SK) 74-78-69, Ye Wo-Cheng (CHN) 75-75-71
230 - Tirto Tamardi (INA) 79-74-77
Girls’ Under-21:
229 - Wang Mei-Xing (CHN) 75-79-75, Nur Durriyah Damian (MAL) 78-76-75, Shina Kanazawa (JPN) 76-77-76, Zhu Kai-Lin (CHN) 76-76-77
235 - Victoria Chandra (INA) 79-81-75
Girls’ Under-16:
216 – Pauline Del Rosario (PHI) 72-69-75
217 – Princess Mary Superal (PHI) 72-74-71
222 – Minami Hiruta (JPN) 72-73-77
225 - Ida Putri (INA) 73-75-77
“The time is now for the Faldo Series, Mikumu’s come from behind victory caps an amazing week which has seen us crown champions from around the world,” said Sir Nick Faldo. Today’s winners will travel on to America later this year where they will be vying to emulate the success of Korean American Megan Khang, who became our first girl champion at The Greenbrier last October. It’s an international story and I’m proud of that.”
“This victory means so much to me as it was my third final and last chance to win the Faldo Series,” said an emotional Mikumu on receiving his trophy from Faldo. “I picked up a putting tip from Sir Nick yesterday which really made a difference to my game today.”
Horikawa opened with three birdies in his first four holes to stun overnight leader Paul Kinnear. He went on to reach nine-under par and finish three ahead of England’s Kinnear who closed with a 73 to finish second.
Pauline Del Rosario held off a strong challenge from fellow Filipino Princess Mary Superal to win the Girls’ Division. The 15-year-old qualifies for the 2014 Faldo Series Grand Final along with Horikawa, Boys’ Under-18 winner Marc Ong of Singapore and Wang Mei-Xing (Girls Under-21) from China.
Bai Zheng-Kai from Guangdong made it a double success for China by winning the Boys Under-16 division. The 16-year-old also claimed the Mission Hills Trophy as the highest-placed finisher from mainland China.
Best Indonesian players were Ida Putri (Girls U-16) and Fadhli Soetars (Boys U-18) who both finished in a tie for 17th place at 225 (+9). The other Indonesian participants finished further down the board with Tirto Tamardi (230, Boys U-16) in a tie for 34th, Faraby Ali (232, Boys U-21) in 44th place and Victoria Chandra (235, Girls U-21) sharing 48th place in the 81 strong field.
Established in 1996, 40 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.
In September 2014, Faldo will begin taking students at a full-time residential academy for education and golf development in America. The first ever Faldo Series Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona is also home to the Faldo Series USA and marks the next significant step in the programme’s history.
The 2013/2014 Faldo Series Asia schedule featured a record 19 tournaments in 15 countries, including four in mainland China, two in India and others in The Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
The eighth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final was supported by ISPS Handa, Mission Hills, The R&A, Audemars Piguet, CBS, Golf Channel, MasterCard, Tricor, PGA Tour and PGA of America. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour, the Asia Pacific Golf Federation and the Guangdong Golf Association.
Leading final scores:
Boys’ Under-21:
207 – Mikumu Horikawa (JPN) 70-69-68
210 – Paul Kinnear (ENG) 66-71-73
218 – Syed Saqib Ahmed (IND) 75-75-68
232 - Faraby Ali (INA) - 80-82-70
Boys’ Under-18:
213 – Marc Ong (SIN) 70-73-70
215 – Zachary Bauchou (USA) 69-71-75
218 – Simon Zach (CZE) 71-76-71
225 - Fadhli Soetarso (INA) 77-71-77
Boys’ Under-16:
216 – Bai Zheng-Kai (CHN) 73-71-72
220 – Shota Seki (JPN) 74-71-75
221 – Jakub Hrinda (SK) 74-78-69, Ye Wo-Cheng (CHN) 75-75-71
230 - Tirto Tamardi (INA) 79-74-77
Girls’ Under-21:
229 - Wang Mei-Xing (CHN) 75-79-75, Nur Durriyah Damian (MAL) 78-76-75, Shina Kanazawa (JPN) 76-77-76, Zhu Kai-Lin (CHN) 76-76-77
235 - Victoria Chandra (INA) 79-81-75
Girls’ Under-16:
216 – Pauline Del Rosario (PHI) 72-69-75
217 – Princess Mary Superal (PHI) 72-74-71
222 – Minami Hiruta (JPN) 72-73-77
225 - Ida Putri (INA) 73-75-77
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