BALI, Indonesia - Bali's evolution into a legitimate international golf destination gained some remarkable new standing last weekend with the opening of Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, the fifth golf venue on the Island of the Gods and the first 18-hole, par-3 championship course in Indonesia.
Designed by Bob Moore of California-based JMP Golf Design Group and managed by AccorHotels, Bukit Pandawa G&CC is also the first phase of an unprecedented hospitality project taking shape on Bali's southern coastline, where the club's ownership group, luxury resort developer PT Bali Ragawisata (BRW), is planning to add hotels and residences managed by world-renowned brands Mandarin Oriental, Waldorf Astoria and Swissôtel and a soon-to-be-announced company that has long been synonymous with the finest things in life.
"We're setting the stage for everything that's to come," said Stephen Banks, general manager of Bukit Pandawa G&CC. "We're equal parts groundbreaking, eye-popping and extraordinary."
To drive home the level of excellence golfers can expect at Bukit Pandawa G&CC, the course partnered with iconic automaker BMW — which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year — to hold a novel, grand opening tournament on Oct. 8 for 160 invited players, each of whom had 18 chances to win a range of BMW-brand vehicles.
"I'm not sure there's ever been a tournament where at each hole you could win a car — let alone a premium car — with an ace," said Djie Tjian An, president/director of BRW. "Even though we didn't see a hole-in-one, everyone sure had fun trying."
The tournament was followed by a surprise unveiling of the futuristic BMW i8 — a cutting-edge hybrid supercar — that was celebrated with a champagne toast sponsored by French multinational luxury good conglomerate LVMH.
"Throughout its 100-year history, the BMW Group has constantly reinvented itself," said Karen Lim, president/director of BMW Group Indonesia. "The i8, the most progressive sports car in the world, is testament of that. And Bukit Pandawa, with its immaculate playing surface, is the perfect platform on which to roll out such a revolutionary driving machine."
Located on a spectacular limestone clifftop overlooking the world-famous surf breaks of Bukit Peninsula, AccorHotels' flagship course in Asia offers 18 exquisite par-3 holes ranging from 117 to 244 yards in length.
From the back tees, it plays 3,027 yards, a few hundred yards longer than lauded Turtle Hill Golf Club at Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, which ranks among GOLF Magazine USA's top 10 par-3 courses in the world.
Some holes at Bukit Pandawa G&CC are back-dropped by the Indian Ocean. Others are accented by waterfalls or terraced rice paddies. All are subject to the wind.
"It can be a real test," said Banks, a former playing professional from Manchester, England "When the breeze is up — and it almost always is — there's a good chance you'll use every club in the bag. Even driver."
One standout hole is the 148-yard 13th, which is framed by three bunkers and features curved stone walls in the foreground and a traditional Balinese kul-kul tower in the background.
Given how short the par-54 layout is compared to standard 18-hole setups, Djie Tjian An anticipates it will be especially popular with short-stay visitors and families.
"So often, a golfer might pass on the opportunity to play on vacation or during a business trip because it can burn a large portion of the day," he said. "But here, that's not an issue. A round takes no more than a couple hours to complete."
In designing Bukit Pandawa G&CC, Moore, whose firm is responsible for championship-caliber designs all over the world including the acclaimed Royale Jakarta Golf Club in Indonesia's capital, embraced the contours and characteristics of a site that was rife with ridge lines, architectural ruins and sea views. Indeed, the ocean is visible from 15 holes.
To round out the total golf experience at Bukit Pandawa G&CC and provide visitors a feeling of rapture when they arrive, a 3,000-square-meter clubhouse inspired by the ancient temples and towers of central Bali has been constructed.
Conceived by accomplished architects Antony Liu and Ferry Ridwan from StudioTonTon in Jakarta, the imaginative, twin-block structure was designed to blend into its natural surroundings through the liberal implementation of local materials (such as stone and wood), native grasses and, above all, water, which flows seamlessly through many of the building's spaces.
"We're extremely proud of this project," said Liu, who is one of Indonesia's foremost modern tropical architects. "It perfectly harnesses what's so great about the location — the views — and it has so much character."
That includes the singular facility's signature component, the rooftop restaurant, which overlooks the ocean and course and features al fresco dining and lounge areas that ooze exotic elegance.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Government To Convert Senayan Golf Range Into City Forest
Jakarta, 23 February 2016 - The government is transforming the former Senayan Golf Driving Range located in Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) into a city forest as part of an overhaul of the sports complex in preparation for the 2018 Asian Games.
GBK sports complex management center president director Winarto said the driving range had officially shut down as of Feb. 1 and would be turned into a recreational green zone as stipulated in the regional planning regulations.
In response to criticism regarding the conversion of a commercial area into free public space, Winarto said the change would be beneficial not only environmentally but also financially as a conventional space in the middle of the city, which would also tie-in with the upcoming construction of the underground mass rapid transit (MRT) system with stations located nearby.
"We believe the greening will increase the overall value of the area," Winarto said on Monday during a press conference.
The renovation process would be spearheaded by the management center in partnership with the Environment and Forestry Ministry and the Jakarta city administration, he added.
The team will collaborate on converting the 4.6 hectares of land by planting exotic trees and other greenery within the area.
The government is still in the early stages of design and aims to start the plantation and construction processes by March. The area is expected to be ready by late 2017.
Environment and Forestry Ministry secretary general Bambang Hendroyono said the area was included in the ministry's plan to create 5,000 hectares of city forest across the country in the next five years.
Source: The Jakarta Post
GBK sports complex management center president director Winarto said the driving range had officially shut down as of Feb. 1 and would be turned into a recreational green zone as stipulated in the regional planning regulations.
In response to criticism regarding the conversion of a commercial area into free public space, Winarto said the change would be beneficial not only environmentally but also financially as a conventional space in the middle of the city, which would also tie-in with the upcoming construction of the underground mass rapid transit (MRT) system with stations located nearby.
"We believe the greening will increase the overall value of the area," Winarto said on Monday during a press conference.
The renovation process would be spearheaded by the management center in partnership with the Environment and Forestry Ministry and the Jakarta city administration, he added.
The team will collaborate on converting the 4.6 hectares of land by planting exotic trees and other greenery within the area.
The government is still in the early stages of design and aims to start the plantation and construction processes by March. The area is expected to be ready by late 2017.
Environment and Forestry Ministry secretary general Bambang Hendroyono said the area was included in the ministry's plan to create 5,000 hectares of city forest across the country in the next five years.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Gandranata Receives Wildcard To Play At Maybank Championship Malaysia
Jakarta, 25 January 2016 - With the inaugural Maybank Championship Malaysia to commence next month, the organizers of the event expect regional players to make the most of the opportunity to challenge the world.
The field will feature 156 players and five of the slots are to be allocated for top professional players from Southeast Asia.
“We will reserve places for top ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] players,” Maybank Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor told The Jakarta Post in an interview recently.
“So for those ASEAN players who did not automatically qualify through the Order of Merit, then we go to the national associations and ask them for the top-ranked players,” he said. “And the Indonesian association has recommended George Gandranata.”
With no Indonesian players being in the top 67 of the Asian Order of Merit, George will be the only contender from the country at the US$3 million tournament, which will be staged at the Royal Selangor Golf Club from Feb. 18 to 21.
The 30-year-old player, who turned professional in 2012, is fired up to prove he is a worthy wildcard recipient.
“I feel honored to be invited to play in the Maybank Championship Malaysia. I think it’s a really great opportunity for me. Hopefully I can play well and make the event’s promoters feel that they made the right choice,” he said.
The invitation was officially extended by Tan Sri to Indonesia’s Jimmy Masrin, the chairman of the Asian Tour board, at Pondok Indah Golf course on Thursday.
Louis Oosthuizen, currently number 18 on the world rankings, and Martin Kaymer (30) are the highest ranked players in the tournament, and Tan Sri said he was expecting another player ranked higher than 18 to join.
“We have announced top two players [Oosthuizen and Kaymer] and we will be announcing three more in the coming days,” Tan Sri said.
The wildcard reservation for regional players is viewed as a reward to countries that are committed to actively promoting professional golf.
“Obviously, we are focusing on the countries that are active in promoting professional golf,” Tan Sri said.
He noted the significance of the tournament in offering leverage toward qualifying for this year’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where golf will be making its debut at the world’s largest multi-sport event.
“The key goal will be to provide as many playing opportunities for top Malaysian and ASEAN players. Why do we feel it’s important, because through the involvement of European Tour and Asian Tour, there’s a lot of world ranking points at stake. And this is, especially for this year, very important because with adequate ranking points you can qualify for the Olympics in Rio. In this sense, this is tremendous opportunity for a large number of ASEAN players to go after world ranking points,” he said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will take a pool of 60 players, each in the men’s and women’s division, based on the Olympic Golf Rankings. Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand are currently the only players from the region on the qualification list.
With a view to pushing the region to catch up with the rest of the world, especially Europe and America, in the development of golf, Tan Sri pointed out the need for national associations to be more active in exposing golf to youth.
“What has to be done will be to improve the organizations and infrastructure to enable easy access for players to compete and to ensure the flow of young players to senior ranks,” he said.
“Giving more opportunities for young players to play outside, especially in Europe, will help raise the standard of the game for the pros in the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jimmy, while acknowledging underperformance compared to other countries in the region, said that Indonesia had stepped up efforts in promoting the game to its youth in the last three years.
“The more you get exposure for the young, the more they are interested in golf,” he said. “Indonesia in the last three years has developed what we call a local platform, which is the Indonesian Golf Tour.”
The next level for tournaments, according to Jimmy, includes the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the Asian Tour and the co-sanctioned European-Asian Tour events.
The ADT series this year encompasses 19 tournaments, two of which will be hosted in Indonesia in June and August.
Tan Sri said he was keen to extend assistance to help raise Indonesian golf.
“We have provided a slot for Indonesia’s top golfer to come and play in the Maybank Championship. And we’ll continue to discuss with the association here what other roles we can play. A few years ago we sponsored an ADT event,” he said.
The field will feature 156 players and five of the slots are to be allocated for top professional players from Southeast Asia.
“We will reserve places for top ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] players,” Maybank Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor told The Jakarta Post in an interview recently.
“So for those ASEAN players who did not automatically qualify through the Order of Merit, then we go to the national associations and ask them for the top-ranked players,” he said. “And the Indonesian association has recommended George Gandranata.”
With no Indonesian players being in the top 67 of the Asian Order of Merit, George will be the only contender from the country at the US$3 million tournament, which will be staged at the Royal Selangor Golf Club from Feb. 18 to 21.
The 30-year-old player, who turned professional in 2012, is fired up to prove he is a worthy wildcard recipient.
“I feel honored to be invited to play in the Maybank Championship Malaysia. I think it’s a really great opportunity for me. Hopefully I can play well and make the event’s promoters feel that they made the right choice,” he said.
The invitation was officially extended by Tan Sri to Indonesia’s Jimmy Masrin, the chairman of the Asian Tour board, at Pondok Indah Golf course on Thursday.
Louis Oosthuizen, currently number 18 on the world rankings, and Martin Kaymer (30) are the highest ranked players in the tournament, and Tan Sri said he was expecting another player ranked higher than 18 to join.
“We have announced top two players [Oosthuizen and Kaymer] and we will be announcing three more in the coming days,” Tan Sri said.
The wildcard reservation for regional players is viewed as a reward to countries that are committed to actively promoting professional golf.
“Obviously, we are focusing on the countries that are active in promoting professional golf,” Tan Sri said.
He noted the significance of the tournament in offering leverage toward qualifying for this year’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where golf will be making its debut at the world’s largest multi-sport event.
“The key goal will be to provide as many playing opportunities for top Malaysian and ASEAN players. Why do we feel it’s important, because through the involvement of European Tour and Asian Tour, there’s a lot of world ranking points at stake. And this is, especially for this year, very important because with adequate ranking points you can qualify for the Olympics in Rio. In this sense, this is tremendous opportunity for a large number of ASEAN players to go after world ranking points,” he said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will take a pool of 60 players, each in the men’s and women’s division, based on the Olympic Golf Rankings. Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand are currently the only players from the region on the qualification list.
With a view to pushing the region to catch up with the rest of the world, especially Europe and America, in the development of golf, Tan Sri pointed out the need for national associations to be more active in exposing golf to youth.
“What has to be done will be to improve the organizations and infrastructure to enable easy access for players to compete and to ensure the flow of young players to senior ranks,” he said.
“Giving more opportunities for young players to play outside, especially in Europe, will help raise the standard of the game for the pros in the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jimmy, while acknowledging underperformance compared to other countries in the region, said that Indonesia had stepped up efforts in promoting the game to its youth in the last three years.
“The more you get exposure for the young, the more they are interested in golf,” he said. “Indonesia in the last three years has developed what we call a local platform, which is the Indonesian Golf Tour.”
The next level for tournaments, according to Jimmy, includes the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the Asian Tour and the co-sanctioned European-Asian Tour events.
The ADT series this year encompasses 19 tournaments, two of which will be hosted in Indonesia in June and August.
Tan Sri said he was keen to extend assistance to help raise Indonesian golf.
“We have provided a slot for Indonesia’s top golfer to come and play in the Maybank Championship. And we’ll continue to discuss with the association here what other roles we can play. A few years ago we sponsored an ADT event,” he said.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Indonesia To Attract Korean Golfers
Indonesia wants to attract Korean golfers to a country that boasts more than 140 courses.
The comment was made at the "Indonesia Tourism Insight: Policy and Strategy" conference hosted by the Indonesian Tourism Ministry on Nov. 24.
Noviendi Makalam, director of international marketing communication at the ministry, spoke about new Indonesian tourism regulations and destinations.
"We invite travelers from South Korea to enjoy golf resorts and religious pilgrimage in Indonesia," the director said at the conference at Courtyard by Marriott in Seoul. "Indonesia is home to some of the world's best golf resorts, complemented by international-standard amenities."
According to the ministry, Indonesia has been a venue for international golf tournaments, including the 6th Ballantine's Team-Am Golf Challenge in September and the World Amateur Golf Championship last month.
As part of promoting the country as an attractive golfing spot, the tourism ministry has a new strategy, "Three Greater: Jakarta, Batam and Bali." The three regions are working together so foreign tourists can enjoy Indonesia's nature.
"Indonesian golf courses are equipped with top facilities and services and supported by strategic locations," Makalam said. "Only in this country can golfers can indulge in different settings at each course."
He said the Indonesian government's new policies will attract more Korean travelers: free visa and more immigration checkpoints for Korean travelers, the abolition of clearance approval for Korean yachts to enter Indonesian territories via 18 ports, and the abolition of cabotage, which gives priority access to cruises to embark/disembark foreign tourists at five harbors in Indonesia.
"Our new policies will help South Koreans to travel more conveniently to Indonesia," Indonesia Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said.
Korean travelers can access more immigration checkpoints at arrival gates at five airports and nine ports. Additional immigration checkpoints are available at departure gates at 19 airports, 29 seaports and two landed ports.
"Since developing the marine tourism industry is one of our targets, the new policy allows cruises with foreign flags to take passengers in five ports in Indonesia," the minister said.
According to a recent presidential regulation, foreign yachts are now allowed more easily to enter Indonesian territories, with processing of their custom, immigration, quarantine and port documents available at 18 ports. The ministry expects the policy to increase the number of yachts visiting Indonesia to 5,000 in 2019.
The five cruise ship ports are Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, Belawan Port in Medan, Soekarno-Hatta Port in Makassar, and Benoa Port in Bali.
The government has also removed visas for citizens of 90 countries on short trips, including Korea.
"With these new policies, we're hoping to increase Indonesia's tourism values in the global industry," Makalam said.
According to the ministry, the number of Korean travelers is increasing. Last year, more than 370,000 Koreans visited Indonesia, and the ministry predicts the number will reach 500,000 this year.
The number of foreign tourists to the country in January-August was up to almost 3 percent compared with the same period last year.
By Rachel Lee, The Korean Times
The comment was made at the "Indonesia Tourism Insight: Policy and Strategy" conference hosted by the Indonesian Tourism Ministry on Nov. 24.
Noviendi Makalam, director of international marketing communication at the ministry, spoke about new Indonesian tourism regulations and destinations.
"We invite travelers from South Korea to enjoy golf resorts and religious pilgrimage in Indonesia," the director said at the conference at Courtyard by Marriott in Seoul. "Indonesia is home to some of the world's best golf resorts, complemented by international-standard amenities."
According to the ministry, Indonesia has been a venue for international golf tournaments, including the 6th Ballantine's Team-Am Golf Challenge in September and the World Amateur Golf Championship last month.
As part of promoting the country as an attractive golfing spot, the tourism ministry has a new strategy, "Three Greater: Jakarta, Batam and Bali." The three regions are working together so foreign tourists can enjoy Indonesia's nature.
"Indonesian golf courses are equipped with top facilities and services and supported by strategic locations," Makalam said. "Only in this country can golfers can indulge in different settings at each course."
He said the Indonesian government's new policies will attract more Korean travelers: free visa and more immigration checkpoints for Korean travelers, the abolition of clearance approval for Korean yachts to enter Indonesian territories via 18 ports, and the abolition of cabotage, which gives priority access to cruises to embark/disembark foreign tourists at five harbors in Indonesia.
"Our new policies will help South Koreans to travel more conveniently to Indonesia," Indonesia Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said.
Korean travelers can access more immigration checkpoints at arrival gates at five airports and nine ports. Additional immigration checkpoints are available at departure gates at 19 airports, 29 seaports and two landed ports.
"Since developing the marine tourism industry is one of our targets, the new policy allows cruises with foreign flags to take passengers in five ports in Indonesia," the minister said.
According to a recent presidential regulation, foreign yachts are now allowed more easily to enter Indonesian territories, with processing of their custom, immigration, quarantine and port documents available at 18 ports. The ministry expects the policy to increase the number of yachts visiting Indonesia to 5,000 in 2019.
The five cruise ship ports are Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, Belawan Port in Medan, Soekarno-Hatta Port in Makassar, and Benoa Port in Bali.
The government has also removed visas for citizens of 90 countries on short trips, including Korea.
"With these new policies, we're hoping to increase Indonesia's tourism values in the global industry," Makalam said.
According to the ministry, the number of Korean travelers is increasing. Last year, more than 370,000 Koreans visited Indonesia, and the ministry predicts the number will reach 500,000 this year.
The number of foreign tourists to the country in January-August was up to almost 3 percent compared with the same period last year.
By Rachel Lee, The Korean Times
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Jakarta Governor Promises To Turn Golf Course Into Football Field
The amount of green space in Jakarta is usually pegged at a depressingly small 9.3% of its total area (most urban planners say that a city should devote at least 30% of its land to green spaces). It’s even more depressing when you consider that a great deal of that green space is devoted to golf courses that are primarily enjoyed by the city’s rich elites.
Responding to a comment from Vice President Jusuf Kalla about the need for more football in Jakarta, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has announced that he will turn a large green area of Kemayoran, which is currently used as a golf course, into numerous football fields where youngsters can play the beautiful sport.
"We met last night with Pak JK (Jusuf Kalla) and we agree we would like to have a lot more football fields," Ahok said at City Hall today as quoted by Tempo.
"The golf course in Kemayoran contains tens of hectares, so you can create dozens of football fields from that," he said.
The land used for the Kemayoran golf course is actually state-owned land that was orginally granted to the city by the secretary of state. Ahok said part of the land would also be used to build low-cost apartment towers as well as housing for athletes competing at the 2018 Asian Games being hosted by Jakarta.
Ahok said he wants Jakarta to like a city in Brazilian, where kids play football everywhere there is space. He said he will also develop the capitol’s youth football leagues.
"Who knows, we could give birth to a football star," Ahok said.
Source: Coconuts Jakarta
Responding to a comment from Vice President Jusuf Kalla about the need for more football in Jakarta, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has announced that he will turn a large green area of Kemayoran, which is currently used as a golf course, into numerous football fields where youngsters can play the beautiful sport.
"We met last night with Pak JK (Jusuf Kalla) and we agree we would like to have a lot more football fields," Ahok said at City Hall today as quoted by Tempo.
"The golf course in Kemayoran contains tens of hectares, so you can create dozens of football fields from that," he said.
The land used for the Kemayoran golf course is actually state-owned land that was orginally granted to the city by the secretary of state. Ahok said part of the land would also be used to build low-cost apartment towers as well as housing for athletes competing at the 2018 Asian Games being hosted by Jakarta.
Ahok said he wants Jakarta to like a city in Brazilian, where kids play football everywhere there is space. He said he will also develop the capitol’s youth football leagues.
"Who knows, we could give birth to a football star," Ahok said.
Source: Coconuts Jakarta
Sunday, June 28, 2015
William Sjaichudin And George Gandranata Finish Top Ten At Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 28 - Matthew Giles of Australia sank a clutch birdie putt on the last hole to win the US$76,000 Bali National Golf Championship by one-shot on Sunday.
The 25-year-old was tied with Lindsay Renolds of Canada before holing a 30-feet birdie to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title with a closing three-under-par 69 at the Bali National Golf Club.
Renolds, who led by two shots early in the round, shot a 68 to settle for his fourth runner-up finish on the ADT while Sutijet Kooratanapisan of Thailand and current Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei finished third and fourth respectively.
There was local success with 2 Indonesian players finishing in the top 10. William Sjaichudin started with all pars on the front nine, then got momentum with an eagle on hole 10 followed by a birdie on hole 11 to go to 7 under, but bogeys on holes 12 and 16 saw him fall back to 5 under, good for a tie for 6th place.
Meanwhile George Gandranata had a flawless round with birdies on holes 2 and 13 to finish in a tie for 9th place at 2-under for the tournament.
“It is always nice to make a putt on the 18th hole to win an event. It feels fantastic. It has been a great week,” said Giles, who totaled 12-under-par 276 to win US$13,300 and earn six valuable Official World Golf Ranking points.
Giles got off to a slow start when he turned in one-over-par 36 but bounced back on his homeward nine with five birdies against one bogey.
“This is a demanding course. There are holes where you can make birdies or eagles but if you hit a bad shot then you will be punished. Every hole has its own little challenge. I just stayed in the moment and thankfully it worked out.
“The front nine is more challenging. I grinded out on the front and was lucky enough to birdie 10, 11, 13 and 15. I think I probably played 10 or nine-under on the back nine for the tournament,” he smiled.
It was a case of so close but yet so far for Renolds, who holed seven birdies against three bogeys to charge in contention before being defeated by Giles’ brilliant birdie finish.
“I had a lot of demons in the past with how I finished events but I didn’t give the tournament away because Matthew Giles made a really good putt on the last to win. It is not a good way of losing but it is the way a tournament should be won,” said Phuket-based Renolds.
After earning an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, Renolds hopes to carry this momentum heading into the second half of the season on the region’s premier Tour.
“The more you give yourself opportunities, the closer you come to a win. This is a good confidence booster heading into the Asian Tour. There are a lot of positives this week. I didn’t really make any mistakes. I had a few bad shots but that happens in golf,” he explained.
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Leading scores after the final round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
276 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70-69
277 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70-68
279 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-73-69-66
280 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71-72
281 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69-71
283 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74-71, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70-71
285 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69-74
286 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 70-72-72-72, Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 70-69-74-73, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70-74, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70-75, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73-78
Selected:
291 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77-71
292 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72-74
296 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77-73
301 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81-74
302 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76-81
304 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77-79
The 25-year-old was tied with Lindsay Renolds of Canada before holing a 30-feet birdie to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title with a closing three-under-par 69 at the Bali National Golf Club.
Renolds, who led by two shots early in the round, shot a 68 to settle for his fourth runner-up finish on the ADT while Sutijet Kooratanapisan of Thailand and current Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei finished third and fourth respectively.
There was local success with 2 Indonesian players finishing in the top 10. William Sjaichudin started with all pars on the front nine, then got momentum with an eagle on hole 10 followed by a birdie on hole 11 to go to 7 under, but bogeys on holes 12 and 16 saw him fall back to 5 under, good for a tie for 6th place.
Meanwhile George Gandranata had a flawless round with birdies on holes 2 and 13 to finish in a tie for 9th place at 2-under for the tournament.
“It is always nice to make a putt on the 18th hole to win an event. It feels fantastic. It has been a great week,” said Giles, who totaled 12-under-par 276 to win US$13,300 and earn six valuable Official World Golf Ranking points.
Giles got off to a slow start when he turned in one-over-par 36 but bounced back on his homeward nine with five birdies against one bogey.
“This is a demanding course. There are holes where you can make birdies or eagles but if you hit a bad shot then you will be punished. Every hole has its own little challenge. I just stayed in the moment and thankfully it worked out.
“The front nine is more challenging. I grinded out on the front and was lucky enough to birdie 10, 11, 13 and 15. I think I probably played 10 or nine-under on the back nine for the tournament,” he smiled.
It was a case of so close but yet so far for Renolds, who holed seven birdies against three bogeys to charge in contention before being defeated by Giles’ brilliant birdie finish.
“I had a lot of demons in the past with how I finished events but I didn’t give the tournament away because Matthew Giles made a really good putt on the last to win. It is not a good way of losing but it is the way a tournament should be won,” said Phuket-based Renolds.
After earning an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, Renolds hopes to carry this momentum heading into the second half of the season on the region’s premier Tour.
“The more you give yourself opportunities, the closer you come to a win. This is a good confidence booster heading into the Asian Tour. There are a lot of positives this week. I didn’t really make any mistakes. I had a few bad shots but that happens in golf,” he explained.
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Leading scores after the final round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
276 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70-69
277 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70-68
279 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-73-69-66
280 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71-72
281 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69-71
283 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74-71, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70-71
285 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69-74
286 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 70-72-72-72, Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 70-69-74-73, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70-74, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70-75, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73-78
Selected:
291 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77-71
292 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72-74
296 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77-73
301 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81-74
302 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76-81
304 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77-79
William Sjaichudin Back In Top Ten After Third Round Of The Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 27 - Matthew Giles of Australia shot a two-under-par 70 to seize the third round lead at The Bali National Golf Championship after Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei struggled in the closing three holes on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Giles produced three birdies and one eagle against three bogeys to lead by one shot on nine-under-par 207 at the challenging Bali National Golf Club.
Current Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit leader Hsieh was cruising on 11-under through 15 holes before making two disappointing double bogeys on holes 16 and 17.
He birdied 18 for a 71 to share second place with overnight leader Jake Stirling of Australia, who returned with a 73 at the US$76,000 ADT event.
Lindsay Renolds of Canada was a further shot back following a 70 while Micah Lauren Shin of the United States registered a 69 to trail the leader by three shots.
Local player William Sjaichudin got himself back in the top ten with a round of 70. He's now in a tie for 8th at 4-under-par. Meanwhile George Gandranata (71) moved up to a tie for 20th at even par.
“I missed the cut last week in Koh Samui on the Asian Tour but I’m hitting the ball well. This is a course that suits me. It is wide off the tees and you need to control your ball in the wind. It is a lot similar we play back home,” said Giles.
Playing in his first ADT event, the Australian will not take his slim lead for granted in the windy conditions at Bali National.
“Everyone here is trying to win and the level of play on the ADT is really good. I’ll just take one hole as it comes and focus on my own game. Tomorrow is a new day. The wind has been blowing in the same direction but you never know what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Hsieh, a two-time ADT winner, was disappointed not to build on his performance through 15 holes after losing his ball on 16 and finding the water hazard on the par three island green 17th hole.
“I played awesome for 15 holes. It was a terrible last three holes but I still have a chance because I’m trailing by only one shot. I don’t want to think too much about my round today. Tomorrow is a new round,” said the 24-year-old.
Stirling, who is aiming for a second straight win on the ADT, saw his overnight two-shot lead erased after a wayward tee shot on the tricky first hole forced him to take an unplayable. He battled back with four birdies against two bogeys to stay in the hunt.
“I just tried to hang in there. I’m surprised that I’m still in contention. Hsieh had it going early. He made a couple of mistakes coming in. With three holes to go, I was out of it because he was running away with it but he dropped a few shots and that kind of helps everybody,” said Stirling.
Leading scores after the third round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
207 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70
208 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73
209 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70
210 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69
211 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70
212 - Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 74-69-69, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 72-71-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70, Gyeongjun LEE (KOR) 65-75-72, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 67 72 73, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74
Selected:
216 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71
218 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72
220 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77
221 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76
222 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77
225 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77
227 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81
The 25-year-old Giles produced three birdies and one eagle against three bogeys to lead by one shot on nine-under-par 207 at the challenging Bali National Golf Club.
Current Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit leader Hsieh was cruising on 11-under through 15 holes before making two disappointing double bogeys on holes 16 and 17.
He birdied 18 for a 71 to share second place with overnight leader Jake Stirling of Australia, who returned with a 73 at the US$76,000 ADT event.
Lindsay Renolds of Canada was a further shot back following a 70 while Micah Lauren Shin of the United States registered a 69 to trail the leader by three shots.
Local player William Sjaichudin got himself back in the top ten with a round of 70. He's now in a tie for 8th at 4-under-par. Meanwhile George Gandranata (71) moved up to a tie for 20th at even par.
“I missed the cut last week in Koh Samui on the Asian Tour but I’m hitting the ball well. This is a course that suits me. It is wide off the tees and you need to control your ball in the wind. It is a lot similar we play back home,” said Giles.
Playing in his first ADT event, the Australian will not take his slim lead for granted in the windy conditions at Bali National.
“Everyone here is trying to win and the level of play on the ADT is really good. I’ll just take one hole as it comes and focus on my own game. Tomorrow is a new day. The wind has been blowing in the same direction but you never know what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Hsieh, a two-time ADT winner, was disappointed not to build on his performance through 15 holes after losing his ball on 16 and finding the water hazard on the par three island green 17th hole.
“I played awesome for 15 holes. It was a terrible last three holes but I still have a chance because I’m trailing by only one shot. I don’t want to think too much about my round today. Tomorrow is a new round,” said the 24-year-old.
Stirling, who is aiming for a second straight win on the ADT, saw his overnight two-shot lead erased after a wayward tee shot on the tricky first hole forced him to take an unplayable. He battled back with four birdies against two bogeys to stay in the hunt.
“I just tried to hang in there. I’m surprised that I’m still in contention. Hsieh had it going early. He made a couple of mistakes coming in. With three holes to go, I was out of it because he was running away with it but he dropped a few shots and that kind of helps everybody,” said Stirling.
Leading scores after the third round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
207 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70
208 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73
209 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70
210 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69
211 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70
212 - Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 74-69-69, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 72-71-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70, Gyeongjun LEE (KOR) 65-75-72, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 67 72 73, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74
Selected:
216 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71
218 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72
220 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77
221 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76
222 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77
225 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77
227 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81
Friday, June 26, 2015
Ramadhan Alwie And William Sjaichuddin In Top Ten After First Round Of The Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 25 - Gyeongjun Lee of Korea took advantage of his early preparation as he fired a seven-under-par 65 to lead by two shots at The Bali National Golf Championship on Thursday.
The 19-year-old teenager arrived a week earlier to prepare for the US$76,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event and his efforts was rewarded with a blemish free round at the Bali National Golf Club.
ADT winners Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Nirun Sae-Ueng of Thailand and Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, the currently ADT Order of Merit leader were bunched in second place alongside India’s Khalin Joshi.
Ramadhan Alwie was the best placed local player in tied sixth place with Australians Matthew Giles and Jake Stirling, who returned on matching 68s.
Aided by his father who was on his bag, Lee, who is searching for a first ADT win, enjoyed a solid round where he did not miss a single fairway.
“I’m very happy with how I played. I hit it so well off the tees. I also missed only three greens so I would call my round an almost ‘perfect’ round,” smiled Lee, who turned professional two years ago.
“I came here one week earlier so I had the opportunity to play three to four practice rounds. I usually stay back or go earlier for events. That’s my style. My father caddies for me and we are a good team. I pity my dad because he is old and he gets tired but whenever he doesn’t caddy for me, I don’t play well,” he laughed.
Gym-buff Hsieh, who is a two-time ADT winner, got off to a flying start as he was five-under at the turn. He picked up another birdie on hole four before dropping his only shot of the day on the seventh hole.
“I’m lucky to have a good score. This is my first time in Bali and I’m enjoying myself here. I finished badly on the last three holes. I played very well on the front nine where I was five-under. I hit it very nice there and my putts dropped,” said the 24-year-old.
The 22-year-old Joshi produced six birdies against one bogey after hitting a poor drive and seeing his par putt lip out on the fifth hole. The Indian is enjoying a good run of form as he missed only one cut in six appearances and finished tied second in Bangladesh on the Asian Tour last month.
“This is a good start to the tournament. I’m feeling good about my game and my scores prove it. I came here with a relaxed mind because I’ve heard a lot about Bali. It is beautiful around here. I’m happy and fortunate to be here,” said Joshi.
The 20-year-old Nirun, who won on the ADT in May, was disappointed not to return with a lower score when he three putted the last hole for bogey. “My approach and putting were very good but I’m slightly disappointed because I three putted on the last hole. It is only the first day so we have a long way more to go. This is a very nice golf course and it suits my game. I look forward to the challenge,” said Nirun.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia. Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free.
Leading scores after first round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
65 - Gyeongjun LEE (KOR)
67 - Khalin JOSHI (IND), HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN), Sean RIORDAN (NZL), Nirun SAE-UENG
68 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA), Jake STIRLING (AUS) ,Matthew GILES (AUS)
69 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Micah Lauren SHIN (USA), Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA)
Selected:
71 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA), Ian ANDREW (INA), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)
72 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA)
73 - Rory HIE (INA), Asep SAEFULLOH (INA)
74 - Suprapto (INA)
75 - Komang DARMAWAN (INA), Suwarno (INA), Clement KURNIAWAN (A) (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
76 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) (INA)
77 - Maan NASIM (INA), Aria KAMSURI (INA), Nyoman SARJANA (INA)
78 - Iwan SUWANTONO (INA), Elki KOW (A) (INA), Mahpudin M (INA), Bramantio ADI (INA), Supriyatna (INA)
79 - I Nengah DHARMA (INA), Danny MASRIN (INA), Abhinawa (INA), Sujarwo S (INA)
80 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Andik MAULUDIN (INA), Jordan IRAWAN (INA), Sarmilih (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA)
81 - Bonyamin ASHARI (INA), Pudio (INA)
82 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA), Dede IDRIS (INA), Andi SOEYATMO (INA), Ketut SANDIARTA (INA)
84 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA), Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA)
85 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA (INA), Yohannes RUDIATO (INA)
86 - Zulkarnaen TANJUNG (INA)
88 - Rudi HARTONO (INA)
89 - Nyoman SUASTANA (INA)
90 - Warno (INA)
91 - Bambang MUSTARI (INA)
The 19-year-old teenager arrived a week earlier to prepare for the US$76,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event and his efforts was rewarded with a blemish free round at the Bali National Golf Club.
ADT winners Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Nirun Sae-Ueng of Thailand and Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, the currently ADT Order of Merit leader were bunched in second place alongside India’s Khalin Joshi.
Ramadhan Alwie was the best placed local player in tied sixth place with Australians Matthew Giles and Jake Stirling, who returned on matching 68s.
Aided by his father who was on his bag, Lee, who is searching for a first ADT win, enjoyed a solid round where he did not miss a single fairway.
“I’m very happy with how I played. I hit it so well off the tees. I also missed only three greens so I would call my round an almost ‘perfect’ round,” smiled Lee, who turned professional two years ago.
“I came here one week earlier so I had the opportunity to play three to four practice rounds. I usually stay back or go earlier for events. That’s my style. My father caddies for me and we are a good team. I pity my dad because he is old and he gets tired but whenever he doesn’t caddy for me, I don’t play well,” he laughed.
Gym-buff Hsieh, who is a two-time ADT winner, got off to a flying start as he was five-under at the turn. He picked up another birdie on hole four before dropping his only shot of the day on the seventh hole.
“I’m lucky to have a good score. This is my first time in Bali and I’m enjoying myself here. I finished badly on the last three holes. I played very well on the front nine where I was five-under. I hit it very nice there and my putts dropped,” said the 24-year-old.
The 22-year-old Joshi produced six birdies against one bogey after hitting a poor drive and seeing his par putt lip out on the fifth hole. The Indian is enjoying a good run of form as he missed only one cut in six appearances and finished tied second in Bangladesh on the Asian Tour last month.
“This is a good start to the tournament. I’m feeling good about my game and my scores prove it. I came here with a relaxed mind because I’ve heard a lot about Bali. It is beautiful around here. I’m happy and fortunate to be here,” said Joshi.
The 20-year-old Nirun, who won on the ADT in May, was disappointed not to return with a lower score when he three putted the last hole for bogey. “My approach and putting were very good but I’m slightly disappointed because I three putted on the last hole. It is only the first day so we have a long way more to go. This is a very nice golf course and it suits my game. I look forward to the challenge,” said Nirun.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia. Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free.
Leading scores after first round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
65 - Gyeongjun LEE (KOR)
67 - Khalin JOSHI (IND), HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN), Sean RIORDAN (NZL), Nirun SAE-UENG
68 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA), Jake STIRLING (AUS) ,Matthew GILES (AUS)
69 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Micah Lauren SHIN (USA), Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA)
Selected:
71 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA), Ian ANDREW (INA), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)
72 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA)
73 - Rory HIE (INA), Asep SAEFULLOH (INA)
74 - Suprapto (INA)
75 - Komang DARMAWAN (INA), Suwarno (INA), Clement KURNIAWAN (A) (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
76 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) (INA)
77 - Maan NASIM (INA), Aria KAMSURI (INA), Nyoman SARJANA (INA)
78 - Iwan SUWANTONO (INA), Elki KOW (A) (INA), Mahpudin M (INA), Bramantio ADI (INA), Supriyatna (INA)
79 - I Nengah DHARMA (INA), Danny MASRIN (INA), Abhinawa (INA), Sujarwo S (INA)
80 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Andik MAULUDIN (INA), Jordan IRAWAN (INA), Sarmilih (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA)
81 - Bonyamin ASHARI (INA), Pudio (INA)
82 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA), Dede IDRIS (INA), Andi SOEYATMO (INA), Ketut SANDIARTA (INA)
84 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA), Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA)
85 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA (INA), Yohannes RUDIATO (INA)
86 - Zulkarnaen TANJUNG (INA)
88 - Rudi HARTONO (INA)
89 - Nyoman SUASTANA (INA)
90 - Warno (INA)
91 - Bambang MUSTARI (INA)
Friday, May 8, 2015
Top 5 For William Sjaichudin At Midpoint Of PGM Sabah Championship
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, May 7 - Local prospect Zen Dharmaratne took over the reins from compatriot and overnight leader Danny Chia after carding a four-under-par 68 to lead at the halfway stage of the PGM Sabah Championship on Thursday.
The 24-year-old Malaysian, who opened his campaign with a 70, fired five birdies against a lone bogey to grab a slender one-shot lead over Chia on six-under-par 138 total at the Sabah Golf and Country Club.
Chia battled to a 72 to settle for second place with reigning Order of Merit champion Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand, who returned with a 69, in the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event, which is the 10th leg of the schedule this season.
A total of six players including Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung (67), Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai (72) and William Syaichudin (66) of Indonesia - who played lowest round of the day -, shared fourth place on 140s while Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei signed for a disappointing 77 to slipped from tied-third to tied-38th position.
Dharmaratne, who is chasing for a first professional win, got off to a strong start, sinking three consecutive birdies from the first hole before dropping a shot on the seventh. He recovered strongly by picking up two more birdies on the 12th and 13th holes on his way home.
“I had a great start to the round. I kept to my routine and hung in there. I was just focused on hitting the greens and fairways out there and I am glad I was able to keep myself in it,” said Dharmaratne, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in 2013.
“I played with no expectations and I didn’t think about the scores. I just played shot by shot. I like this golf course. I always feel good coming here. It’s a golf course that suits my game a lot,” added the young Malaysian, who has not missed a single cut in all three attempts at the PGM Sabah Championship held at the Sabah Golf and Country Club.
Pavit Tangkamolprasert of ThailandPavit, who enjoyed a third-place finish last year, is relishing his prospects of securing a record fifth ADT title as he heads into the weekend rounds in a favorable position on the leaderboard.
The four-time ADT winner currently shares the record of having the most number of victories on the region’s burgeoning Tour with Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang.
“I managed to get up and down in a couple of holes today which gave me a bit of confidence in my game. The greens are very firm and it’s difficult to control the ball. I’ve played well here last year but the conditions are really different now. It was rainy last year but this week, it’s dry and windy,” said the 26-year-old Pavit.
“This is only my third ADT event this year and I feel like it’s getting a lot tougher out here compared to how it was last year. It’s so much more competitive now. I’ve been playing good so far this season so hopefully I can stay consistent in game and get my first win of the season soon,” added Pavit, who mixed his card with four birdies against one bogey.
A total of 50 players, including Indonesians Jordan Irawan (71) and Rory Hie (75), made the halfway cut at the PGM Sabah Championship which was set at four-over-par 148.
Leading second round scores
138 – Zen DHARMARATNE (MAS) 70-68
139 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-69, Danny CHIA (MAS) 67-72
140 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 73-67, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 72-68, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 74-66, YE Jian-feng (CHN) 71-69, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-72, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 70-70
Selected:
145 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 74-71
148 - Rory HIE (INA) 73-75
The 24-year-old Malaysian, who opened his campaign with a 70, fired five birdies against a lone bogey to grab a slender one-shot lead over Chia on six-under-par 138 total at the Sabah Golf and Country Club.
Chia battled to a 72 to settle for second place with reigning Order of Merit champion Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand, who returned with a 69, in the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event, which is the 10th leg of the schedule this season.
A total of six players including Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung (67), Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai (72) and William Syaichudin (66) of Indonesia - who played lowest round of the day -, shared fourth place on 140s while Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei signed for a disappointing 77 to slipped from tied-third to tied-38th position.
Dharmaratne, who is chasing for a first professional win, got off to a strong start, sinking three consecutive birdies from the first hole before dropping a shot on the seventh. He recovered strongly by picking up two more birdies on the 12th and 13th holes on his way home.
“I had a great start to the round. I kept to my routine and hung in there. I was just focused on hitting the greens and fairways out there and I am glad I was able to keep myself in it,” said Dharmaratne, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in 2013.
“I played with no expectations and I didn’t think about the scores. I just played shot by shot. I like this golf course. I always feel good coming here. It’s a golf course that suits my game a lot,” added the young Malaysian, who has not missed a single cut in all three attempts at the PGM Sabah Championship held at the Sabah Golf and Country Club.
Pavit Tangkamolprasert of ThailandPavit, who enjoyed a third-place finish last year, is relishing his prospects of securing a record fifth ADT title as he heads into the weekend rounds in a favorable position on the leaderboard.
The four-time ADT winner currently shares the record of having the most number of victories on the region’s burgeoning Tour with Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang.
“I managed to get up and down in a couple of holes today which gave me a bit of confidence in my game. The greens are very firm and it’s difficult to control the ball. I’ve played well here last year but the conditions are really different now. It was rainy last year but this week, it’s dry and windy,” said the 26-year-old Pavit.
“This is only my third ADT event this year and I feel like it’s getting a lot tougher out here compared to how it was last year. It’s so much more competitive now. I’ve been playing good so far this season so hopefully I can stay consistent in game and get my first win of the season soon,” added Pavit, who mixed his card with four birdies against one bogey.
A total of 50 players, including Indonesians Jordan Irawan (71) and Rory Hie (75), made the halfway cut at the PGM Sabah Championship which was set at four-over-par 148.
Leading second round scores
138 – Zen DHARMARATNE (MAS) 70-68
139 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-69, Danny CHIA (MAS) 67-72
140 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 73-67, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 72-68, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 74-66, YE Jian-feng (CHN) 71-69, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-72, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 70-70
Selected:
145 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 74-71
148 - Rory HIE (INA) 73-75
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Westwood Takes His Third Crown After Playoff At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By Enjoy Jakarta Golf 2015
Jakarta, April 26 2015 - England’s Lee Westwood fended off the spirited challenge from Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat by defeating him at the first play-off hole to clinch his third CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf 2015 title on Sunday.
The former world number one’s bid to claim his hat-trick of titles at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was secured when he birdied the play-off 18th hole as Chapchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner, could only make par.
“There are a lot of good players on the Asian Tour now and the standard is getting higher on this Tour and it’s harder to come over here and win, especially today.
“It’s nice to come back and play with them on their own Tour where they get to show everybody in Asia how good they are. To come to this tournament this week and win it three times is obviously extra special,” said Westwood.
The Englishman appeared to be cruising towards an emphatic victory until two successive bogeys on 16 and 17 blew the title race wide open.
He had the opportunity to win with a birdie at the last but misread the green and was forced to settle for a par and a four-day total of seven-under-par 281.
But after returning to the 18th hole for extra-time, Westwood made no mistake from the exact spot again.
“It was a tough putt coming into the hill over on 18. I misread it slightly and hit it to about five-feet and missed it. But fortunately in the play-off, I hit it to the exact same spot, I knew the line and it was a nice straight putt for the win.
“I’ve never been beaten around this golf course which is great and this win will give me the confidence for the year ahead,” said Westwood.
Despite falling short in his bid for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters title, Chapchai remained upbeat about his season ahead.
The Thai, who holds the world 72-hole scoring record, surmounted a late charge by storming up the leaderboard with seven birdies and one bogey to force Westwood into a play-off.
The 31-year-old found trouble when his second shot landed in the bunker during the play-off.
After hitting out from the bunker where his ball would land about 10-feet away from the pin, Chapchai could also make par, handing the advantage over to Westwood, who would go on to sink his decisive birdie putt.
“When I started out, I told myself a top-three finish would be fantastic, considering how good Lee has played this week. Getting into the play-off was a bonus and I’m very proud of myself despite the defeat.
“I managed to sort out my putting this week. And that’s important as it’ll help in the long season ahead,” said Chapchai.
Ian Andrew, the only surviving Indonesian player in the field, was able to recover somewhat from the previous rounds. Making the turn in 2-over, he managed to maintain par in the last 9 holes with 2 birdies and a single double bogey for a total of 302 for the tournament.
Leading scores after round 4 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf 2015 being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
281 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73-66
*Westwood defeated Chapchai at the first play-off hole with a birdie
282 - Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70-67
283 - Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71-70
284 - Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67-69, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69-71
285 - Angelo QUE (PHI) 72-75-72-66
286 - Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-73-73-69, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 73-72-72-69, Berry HENSON (USA) 75-72-69-70
Selected:
302 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77-74
The former world number one’s bid to claim his hat-trick of titles at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was secured when he birdied the play-off 18th hole as Chapchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner, could only make par.
“There are a lot of good players on the Asian Tour now and the standard is getting higher on this Tour and it’s harder to come over here and win, especially today.
“It’s nice to come back and play with them on their own Tour where they get to show everybody in Asia how good they are. To come to this tournament this week and win it three times is obviously extra special,” said Westwood.
The Englishman appeared to be cruising towards an emphatic victory until two successive bogeys on 16 and 17 blew the title race wide open.
He had the opportunity to win with a birdie at the last but misread the green and was forced to settle for a par and a four-day total of seven-under-par 281.
But after returning to the 18th hole for extra-time, Westwood made no mistake from the exact spot again.
“It was a tough putt coming into the hill over on 18. I misread it slightly and hit it to about five-feet and missed it. But fortunately in the play-off, I hit it to the exact same spot, I knew the line and it was a nice straight putt for the win.
“I’ve never been beaten around this golf course which is great and this win will give me the confidence for the year ahead,” said Westwood.
Despite falling short in his bid for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters title, Chapchai remained upbeat about his season ahead.
The Thai, who holds the world 72-hole scoring record, surmounted a late charge by storming up the leaderboard with seven birdies and one bogey to force Westwood into a play-off.
The 31-year-old found trouble when his second shot landed in the bunker during the play-off.
After hitting out from the bunker where his ball would land about 10-feet away from the pin, Chapchai could also make par, handing the advantage over to Westwood, who would go on to sink his decisive birdie putt.
“When I started out, I told myself a top-three finish would be fantastic, considering how good Lee has played this week. Getting into the play-off was a bonus and I’m very proud of myself despite the defeat.
“I managed to sort out my putting this week. And that’s important as it’ll help in the long season ahead,” said Chapchai.
Ian Andrew, the only surviving Indonesian player in the field, was able to recover somewhat from the previous rounds. Making the turn in 2-over, he managed to maintain par in the last 9 holes with 2 birdies and a single double bogey for a total of 302 for the tournament.
Leading scores after round 4 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf 2015 being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
281 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73-66
*Westwood defeated Chapchai at the first play-off hole with a birdie
282 - Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70-67
283 - Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71-70
284 - Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67-69, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69-71
285 - Angelo QUE (PHI) 72-75-72-66
286 - Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-73-73-69, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 73-72-72-69, Berry HENSON (USA) 75-72-69-70
Selected:
302 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77-74
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Westwood Takes Charge Going Into The Final Round Of The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By Enjoy Jakarta Golf
Jakarta, April 25 - England’s Lee Westwood’s superb ability of staying patient was rewarded when he stormed ahead to snatch the third round lead with a seven-under-par 65 at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf on Saturday.
The former world number one cut a frustrated figure in his front-nine but an astonishing back-nine 29 saw Westwood compile a three-day total of eight-under-par 208 to establish a five-shot lead going into the final round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul carded a 71 to tie for second with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Korea’s Y.E. Yang on matching 213 total at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
It was a tale of two different nines for Westwood, the double CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters champion, who had started the day in seventh place.
The Englishman turned in 36 after mixing one birdie and one bogey.
However a stunning eagle-three on 12 lifted the world number 33 to the top of the leaderboard.
“I was struggling for a bit of momentum around the front-nine as I found it hard to read the greens. That eagle from about 25 ft really got me going and I went on to birdie the next five holes,” said Westwood.
Five successive birdies from 13 then saw him sprint away from the chasing pack, giving him a commanding advantage before the final round beckons.
“Nobody was really doing anything around the front-nine. I was sort of plodding along and even-par till 11 and only two behind then. But I managed to have a good run after that and stamp a bit of authority when nobody was doing it,” said Westwood.
With a hat-trick of titles in sight, Westwood is determined to make his visit to Jakarta another enjoyable one.
“I’ve been here twice and I won both times so I like to keep that going. I’ve never been beaten before so I’m going in with a big chance tomorrow,” said Westwood.
Despite Westwood’s healthy lead, Bjorn believes he still has a chance to dent the Englishman’s title aspirations.
“I haven’t been playing particularly well. But I managed to scramble my way around. It’s very much in his hands but I’ll still give a go and see how it goes.
“I got to putt well and shoot really low tomorrow as I can’t let anything slip early,” said the Dane.
Namchok is also determined to stop Westwood in his tracks by going on a birdie sprint early.
“I’ve got to start applying the pressure early and see how it goes. There’s still a chance and I’m going to do my best and try to make a charge early tomorrow,” said the Thai.
Ian Andrew, the only Indonesian left in the tournament, carded a 77. Still at par after his first nine holes, he finished his round with 5 birdies on the second nine.
Leading scores after round 3 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
208 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65
213 – Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 69-73-71
214 – Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN) 69-76-69
215 – Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 71-76-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 73-77-65, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 74-71-70, Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 71-71-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 66-75-74
Selected:
228 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77
The former world number one cut a frustrated figure in his front-nine but an astonishing back-nine 29 saw Westwood compile a three-day total of eight-under-par 208 to establish a five-shot lead going into the final round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul carded a 71 to tie for second with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Korea’s Y.E. Yang on matching 213 total at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
It was a tale of two different nines for Westwood, the double CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters champion, who had started the day in seventh place.
The Englishman turned in 36 after mixing one birdie and one bogey.
However a stunning eagle-three on 12 lifted the world number 33 to the top of the leaderboard.
“I was struggling for a bit of momentum around the front-nine as I found it hard to read the greens. That eagle from about 25 ft really got me going and I went on to birdie the next five holes,” said Westwood.
Five successive birdies from 13 then saw him sprint away from the chasing pack, giving him a commanding advantage before the final round beckons.
“Nobody was really doing anything around the front-nine. I was sort of plodding along and even-par till 11 and only two behind then. But I managed to have a good run after that and stamp a bit of authority when nobody was doing it,” said Westwood.
With a hat-trick of titles in sight, Westwood is determined to make his visit to Jakarta another enjoyable one.
“I’ve been here twice and I won both times so I like to keep that going. I’ve never been beaten before so I’m going in with a big chance tomorrow,” said Westwood.
Despite Westwood’s healthy lead, Bjorn believes he still has a chance to dent the Englishman’s title aspirations.
“I haven’t been playing particularly well. But I managed to scramble my way around. It’s very much in his hands but I’ll still give a go and see how it goes.
“I got to putt well and shoot really low tomorrow as I can’t let anything slip early,” said the Dane.
Namchok is also determined to stop Westwood in his tracks by going on a birdie sprint early.
“I’ve got to start applying the pressure early and see how it goes. There’s still a chance and I’m going to do my best and try to make a charge early tomorrow,” said the Thai.
Ian Andrew, the only Indonesian left in the tournament, carded a 77. Still at par after his first nine holes, he finished his round with 5 birdies on the second nine.
Leading scores after round 3 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
208 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65
213 – Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 69-73-71
214 – Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN) 69-76-69
215 – Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 71-76-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 73-77-65, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 74-71-70, Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 71-71-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 66-75-74
Selected:
228 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
George Gandranata Aiming For Indonesian Success At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By Enjoy Jakarta Golf
Jakarta, April 21 - Former world number Lee Westwood of England is ready to renew his affinity with the US$750,000 CIMB Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf when it tees off on Thursday.
Regarded as Indonesia’s premier golf tournament, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters welcomed Westwood into its distinguished roll of honor twice in 2011 and 2012.
Significantly, it was the Westwood’s inaugural win in 2011 that saw the Englishman regain his world number one ranking from Germany’s Martin Kaymer then.
“I love coming to Asia. Obviously, I had great success here in 2011 and 2012 and I hope to make it a hat-trick this week. I remember winning on the Sunday which was also my birthday and going back to world number one then. It was a triple joy and definitely a great feeling,” said Westwood.
Westwood’s last outing to Asia in December saw him emerge victorious in Thailand and he is returning to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club high on confidence.
“I don’t really know the reason why I do so well here (Asia). It’s a mystery to me but I’ve always felt comfortable here as the golf courses are very good and I’ve certainly improved over the years,” said Westwood, the world number 33, who is the highest ranked player at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week.
With the growing dominance by Asian players in recent months, the Englishman is however playing down his chances and focusing on his own abilities instead.
“We’re playing against a high quality field and you know that anybody on his day can contend for this championship. So you really have to concentrate on your own game, keep up your level of fitness and try to play as good as you can,” said Westwood, who turns 42 on Friday.
Standing in Westwood’s way of another triumph at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, a 15-time European Tour winner, who is seeking his first win in Asia this week.
The Dane has triumphed in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Africa and hopes to add another feather to his cap with a win in Jakarta.
“It has been one of those things (winning in Asia) that has been slipping away from me over the years. I’ve come so close on a couple of occasions and eventually I’m sure I’ll get over the line,” said Bjorn.
With the erratic weather expected to make the event even more challenging, the big Dane has his preparations all mapped out.
“Dealing with the weather is part and parcel of what we do. But when you get into such conditions and especially when you come from the northern part of Europe, it can be difficult.
“It’s extreme but it’s not impossible. As long as your energy levels are there with food and drinks, you’ll push through,” said Bjorn.
Meanwhile local hopeful George Gandranata is looking forward to putting Indonesia on the world map with a solid performance this week.
“I hope to put the Indonesian flag up there in the international stage,” said Gandranata.
The 29-year-old is also relishing the opportunity to play alongside his boyhood heroes and hopes he can put up a performance of his own against these heavyweights.
“It’s actually an honor to play against some of the best players in the world, especially with these guys right here. I grew up watching these guys on TV and to be able to sit here with them is just special.
“I look forward to playing well this week and also learn a lot from these guys so that I can see where my standard lies,” said Gandranata.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play. Preser
Regarded as Indonesia’s premier golf tournament, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters welcomed Westwood into its distinguished roll of honor twice in 2011 and 2012.
Significantly, it was the Westwood’s inaugural win in 2011 that saw the Englishman regain his world number one ranking from Germany’s Martin Kaymer then.
“I love coming to Asia. Obviously, I had great success here in 2011 and 2012 and I hope to make it a hat-trick this week. I remember winning on the Sunday which was also my birthday and going back to world number one then. It was a triple joy and definitely a great feeling,” said Westwood.
Westwood’s last outing to Asia in December saw him emerge victorious in Thailand and he is returning to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club high on confidence.
“I don’t really know the reason why I do so well here (Asia). It’s a mystery to me but I’ve always felt comfortable here as the golf courses are very good and I’ve certainly improved over the years,” said Westwood, the world number 33, who is the highest ranked player at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week.
With the growing dominance by Asian players in recent months, the Englishman is however playing down his chances and focusing on his own abilities instead.
“We’re playing against a high quality field and you know that anybody on his day can contend for this championship. So you really have to concentrate on your own game, keep up your level of fitness and try to play as good as you can,” said Westwood, who turns 42 on Friday.
Standing in Westwood’s way of another triumph at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, a 15-time European Tour winner, who is seeking his first win in Asia this week.
The Dane has triumphed in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Africa and hopes to add another feather to his cap with a win in Jakarta.
“It has been one of those things (winning in Asia) that has been slipping away from me over the years. I’ve come so close on a couple of occasions and eventually I’m sure I’ll get over the line,” said Bjorn.
With the erratic weather expected to make the event even more challenging, the big Dane has his preparations all mapped out.
“Dealing with the weather is part and parcel of what we do. But when you get into such conditions and especially when you come from the northern part of Europe, it can be difficult.
“It’s extreme but it’s not impossible. As long as your energy levels are there with food and drinks, you’ll push through,” said Bjorn.
Meanwhile local hopeful George Gandranata is looking forward to putting Indonesia on the world map with a solid performance this week.
“I hope to put the Indonesian flag up there in the international stage,” said Gandranata.
The 29-year-old is also relishing the opportunity to play alongside his boyhood heroes and hopes he can put up a performance of his own against these heavyweights.
“It’s actually an honor to play against some of the best players in the world, especially with these guys right here. I grew up watching these guys on TV and to be able to sit here with them is just special.
“I look forward to playing well this week and also learn a lot from these guys so that I can see where my standard lies,” said Gandranata.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play. Preser
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)
Sunday, April 5, 2015
No Glory For William Sjaichudin At PGM UMW Impian Championship
Selangor, Malaysia, April 4 - Kemarol Baharin won his first ASEAN PGA Tour title and third Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour event when he claimed the PGM UMW Impian Championship crown with a three-stroke victory today.
The 29-year-old from Kuala Lumpur shot a final round four-under 68 at Impian Golf & Country Club that gave him a 17-under 271 total and earned him the winner’s cheque of RM30,600 in the co-sanctioned event.
The Thailand pair of Settee Prakongvech (68) and Sutijet Kooratanapisan (70) finished joint runners-up on 14-under-par 274, while their compatriot and joint second round leader Natthapong Niyomchon (70) was fourth, a shot further back.
William Sjaichudin from Indonesia, who at 7-under still was in a top ten position at the midway point, fell back dramatically and finished in a tie for 31st place after rounds of 77 and 75. Compatriot Rudianto finished in 51st position at 12-over-par.
Pleased with his victory that came after a week’s break, Baharin said: “I am very happy to have won again.
“I think the week’s break from golf was really good for me. I played consistently well and I also got a few lucky breaks, which really helped me. Overall, my game was good as I did not feel much pressure and I think that was because of the break from the game. I hit the ball solid and when I did get into some trouble I also got a few lucky escapes.”
On a final day of low scoring Malaysian Shaaban Hussin equaled the course record of Rashid Ismail, carding a bogey-free 62 that comprised an eagle and eight birdies.
After rounds of 73, 69 and 73 over the first three days, Hussin settled for seventh place on 11-under 277.
Shaaban, who went out in the first flight of the day, had a run of six-under over the five-hole stretch from the second.
“I felt that there was nothing to lose,” he said. “And with no-one in front of us I just played as aggressively as I could and it worked out very nice.
“I parred the opening hole and then went birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie over the next five holes. I had another birdie at the par-four eighth to make the turn in seven-under-par.”
Hussin’s attack mode did not relent and he fired another three birdies on the back nine, at the 11th, 14th and 17th holes.
Despite this outstanding showing of golf, he said he still needed to practice.
“I need to practice more,” he said. “I need to become more consistent with rounds of golf like today. I must concentrate on shooting low for four days and not just one or two rounds a tournament,” added the 35-year-old.
Leading scores after the final round:
271 - Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69-67-68
274 - Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65-69-68, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67-68-70
275 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64-68-70
276 - R NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66-66=72, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65-69-73
277 - Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 73-69-73-62
278 - Pipatpong NAEWSUK (THA) 71-69-69-69
280 - Mohd Rizal AMIN (MAS) 70-70-69-71
281 - Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 70-73-68-70. Airil RIZMAN (MAS) 68-73-68-72
Selected:
289 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69-77-75
300 - RUDIANTO (INA) 300 76-70-78-76
The 29-year-old from Kuala Lumpur shot a final round four-under 68 at Impian Golf & Country Club that gave him a 17-under 271 total and earned him the winner’s cheque of RM30,600 in the co-sanctioned event.
The Thailand pair of Settee Prakongvech (68) and Sutijet Kooratanapisan (70) finished joint runners-up on 14-under-par 274, while their compatriot and joint second round leader Natthapong Niyomchon (70) was fourth, a shot further back.
William Sjaichudin from Indonesia, who at 7-under still was in a top ten position at the midway point, fell back dramatically and finished in a tie for 31st place after rounds of 77 and 75. Compatriot Rudianto finished in 51st position at 12-over-par.
Pleased with his victory that came after a week’s break, Baharin said: “I am very happy to have won again.
“I think the week’s break from golf was really good for me. I played consistently well and I also got a few lucky breaks, which really helped me. Overall, my game was good as I did not feel much pressure and I think that was because of the break from the game. I hit the ball solid and when I did get into some trouble I also got a few lucky escapes.”
On a final day of low scoring Malaysian Shaaban Hussin equaled the course record of Rashid Ismail, carding a bogey-free 62 that comprised an eagle and eight birdies.
After rounds of 73, 69 and 73 over the first three days, Hussin settled for seventh place on 11-under 277.
Shaaban, who went out in the first flight of the day, had a run of six-under over the five-hole stretch from the second.
“I felt that there was nothing to lose,” he said. “And with no-one in front of us I just played as aggressively as I could and it worked out very nice.
“I parred the opening hole and then went birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie over the next five holes. I had another birdie at the par-four eighth to make the turn in seven-under-par.”
Hussin’s attack mode did not relent and he fired another three birdies on the back nine, at the 11th, 14th and 17th holes.
Despite this outstanding showing of golf, he said he still needed to practice.
“I need to practice more,” he said. “I need to become more consistent with rounds of golf like today. I must concentrate on shooting low for four days and not just one or two rounds a tournament,” added the 35-year-old.
Leading scores after the final round:
271 - Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69-67-68
274 - Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65-69-68, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67-68-70
275 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64-68-70
276 - R NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66-66=72, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65-69-73
277 - Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 73-69-73-62
278 - Pipatpong NAEWSUK (THA) 71-69-69-69
280 - Mohd Rizal AMIN (MAS) 70-70-69-71
281 - Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 70-73-68-70. Airil RIZMAN (MAS) 68-73-68-72
Selected:
289 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69-77-75
300 - RUDIANTO (INA) 300 76-70-78-76
Saturday, April 4, 2015
William Sjaichudin On Course For Top Ten At PGM UMW Impian Championship
Selangor, Malaysia, April 2 = Thailand brothers Donlaphatchai and Natthapong Niyomchon blazed a hot trail in the second round of the PGM UMW Impian Championship today.
Donlaphatchai fired a fine seven-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead into the next round with a 10-under-par 134 total, ahead of Malaysia’s Kemarol Baharin, who carded a 69 and fellow Thai Sutiyet Kooratanapisan (67). They finished on eight-under 136.
Natthapong, meanwhile, shot a 64 – just two shots off Rashid Ismail’s course record at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang.
The 26-year-old, who has two wins in Thailand but still seeking a first victory here in Malaysia, was joint fourth on seven-under-par 137, alongside compatriots Smithti Teeratrakul (69) and Settee Prakongvech, who also had a 65, and Indonesia’s William Sjaichudin (69).
v Pleased with his showing today Natthapong said he was happy to play himself into contention and with his ability to stay focused in the heat of the battle.
“The competition is very tough in these events as there are many good players. So for me to a low score today and get myself among the leaders is good,” he added.
Turning to his game, Natthapong said his putting was what made the difference and hoped to continue with it through the next two days.
“I putted very well today,” he said. “I played some iron shots and I drove the ball well off the tee box, but my putting was what was really good – so I am very happy at the moment.”
Natthapong had nine birdies in his round – three over the front nine and six on the homeward stretch, including a run of four-on-the-trot from hole No. 12. His only blemish was a bogey four at the par-3 7th hole.
Another player who left the course a happy man was Malaysia’s Shah Irwan Rusli. The 37-year-old amateur, who did not make the cut after an 82, struck the perfect shot at the 174-yard par-3 12th.
“That is my second hole-in-one,” he declared after his round. “And although I didn’t make the cut, I am still very, very happy.”
He used a 7-iron that went left, before the ball kicked right and rolled into the cup for the ace.
Leading scores after the second round:
134 - Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65
136 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67. Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69
137 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65, Smithti TEERATRAKUL (THA) 68-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69
138 - R. NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 69-69
139 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 70-69, Supravee PHATAM (THA) 69-70
Selected:
146 - RUDIANTO (INA) 76-70
149 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO (INA) 75-74
154 - Kurnia HERISHANDY (INA) 78-76
161 - Adi BRAMANTIO (INA) 83-78
Donlaphatchai fired a fine seven-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead into the next round with a 10-under-par 134 total, ahead of Malaysia’s Kemarol Baharin, who carded a 69 and fellow Thai Sutiyet Kooratanapisan (67). They finished on eight-under 136.
Natthapong, meanwhile, shot a 64 – just two shots off Rashid Ismail’s course record at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang.
The 26-year-old, who has two wins in Thailand but still seeking a first victory here in Malaysia, was joint fourth on seven-under-par 137, alongside compatriots Smithti Teeratrakul (69) and Settee Prakongvech, who also had a 65, and Indonesia’s William Sjaichudin (69).
v Pleased with his showing today Natthapong said he was happy to play himself into contention and with his ability to stay focused in the heat of the battle.
“The competition is very tough in these events as there are many good players. So for me to a low score today and get myself among the leaders is good,” he added.
Turning to his game, Natthapong said his putting was what made the difference and hoped to continue with it through the next two days.
“I putted very well today,” he said. “I played some iron shots and I drove the ball well off the tee box, but my putting was what was really good – so I am very happy at the moment.”
Natthapong had nine birdies in his round – three over the front nine and six on the homeward stretch, including a run of four-on-the-trot from hole No. 12. His only blemish was a bogey four at the par-3 7th hole.
Another player who left the course a happy man was Malaysia’s Shah Irwan Rusli. The 37-year-old amateur, who did not make the cut after an 82, struck the perfect shot at the 174-yard par-3 12th.
“That is my second hole-in-one,” he declared after his round. “And although I didn’t make the cut, I am still very, very happy.”
He used a 7-iron that went left, before the ball kicked right and rolled into the cup for the ace.
Leading scores after the second round:
134 - Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65
136 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67. Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69
137 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65, Smithti TEERATRAKUL (THA) 68-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69
138 - R. NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 69-69
139 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 70-69, Supravee PHATAM (THA) 69-70
Selected:
146 - RUDIANTO (INA) 76-70
149 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO (INA) 75-74
154 - Kurnia HERISHANDY (INA) 78-76
161 - Adi BRAMANTIO (INA) 83-78
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Svingolf Launches 2015 Golf Apparel Collection
Jakarta, February 26, 2015 - Hosting local press and golf industry players, SVINGOLF launched their new products for the 2015 Collection with a glamorous fashion show.
In a presentation, Leonardi Husada, the 33-year young entrepreneur and founder of the SVINGOLF brand, laid out the history, philosophy and strategy of the brand.
Leonardi Husada has been engaged in the garment industry since 2008, when he joined PT Narawata Makmur, a garment manufacturing company belonging to his family that has been operating for more than 25 years.
He started off with the "Clatik" brand, a collared shirt combined with batik cloth. Then in 2013, Leo, how he is called, saw a business opportunity in golf fashion. Thus he decided to create his own brand.
This could be considered bold because he has to compete with other international brands already established in Indonesia, but this was not an obstacle for him, because before the starting the Svingolf brand, he got experience in producing sports clothing for an international brand.
The SVINGOLF name itself is taken from the word Swing and Golf.
Brand Ambassador George Gandranata (center) surrounded by models wearing the new collection.
Which sets SVINGOLF apart from other brands is a very competitive price but still using quality materials and good technology. A combination with batik motif is a special characteristic that often is used in the fashion design of SVINGOLF. Before SVINGOLF was launched on the market, there was not one local brand that combined batik in their golf fashion design.
One of SVINGOLF other advantages is "product customization", meaning any individual, group, organization or company can now determine and have golf apparel designed specifically according to their needs and taste.
With the needs of each individual buyer in mind, SVINGOLF has introduced 'custom apparel' through an application system that also serves as an online store: www.svingolf.com/shop. Here all customers can make their own unique golf shirt by following the steps on this website. Customers can even add their initials or logos when desired to be put on the golf shirt.
As owner of SVINGOLF, Leonardi Husada argued that:
"It is not easy to build a brand, but if we are alert to opportunities that exist then I believe that nothing is impossible, and we should be able to make our products characteristic so that it will have brand value of its own."
"And it's not less important that we provide the best service to each of our customers, we listen to the wishes of our customers, so that SVINGOLF can make a product that is right on target", added Leo who's main hobbies are golf and running.
By introducing 'Made in Indonesia', SVINGOLF has become one of the partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters since 2013. The most prestigious golf tournament in Indonesia became a very good platform for SVINGOLF to market its brand to the international market, because the tournament is broadcast live to almost 650 million households worldwide.
SVINGOLF is also proud to recruit George Gandranata as 'brand ambassador'. George Gandranata was in 2014 the top ranking golfer on the Order of Merit of the PGA Tour Of Indonesia and was the only Indonesian golfers who made the cut and played all 4 days at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014.
In a presentation, Leonardi Husada, the 33-year young entrepreneur and founder of the SVINGOLF brand, laid out the history, philosophy and strategy of the brand.
Leonardi Husada has been engaged in the garment industry since 2008, when he joined PT Narawata Makmur, a garment manufacturing company belonging to his family that has been operating for more than 25 years.
He started off with the "Clatik" brand, a collared shirt combined with batik cloth. Then in 2013, Leo, how he is called, saw a business opportunity in golf fashion. Thus he decided to create his own brand.
This could be considered bold because he has to compete with other international brands already established in Indonesia, but this was not an obstacle for him, because before the starting the Svingolf brand, he got experience in producing sports clothing for an international brand.
The SVINGOLF name itself is taken from the word Swing and Golf.
Which sets SVINGOLF apart from other brands is a very competitive price but still using quality materials and good technology. A combination with batik motif is a special characteristic that often is used in the fashion design of SVINGOLF. Before SVINGOLF was launched on the market, there was not one local brand that combined batik in their golf fashion design.
One of SVINGOLF other advantages is "product customization", meaning any individual, group, organization or company can now determine and have golf apparel designed specifically according to their needs and taste.
With the needs of each individual buyer in mind, SVINGOLF has introduced 'custom apparel' through an application system that also serves as an online store: www.svingolf.com/shop. Here all customers can make their own unique golf shirt by following the steps on this website. Customers can even add their initials or logos when desired to be put on the golf shirt.
As owner of SVINGOLF, Leonardi Husada argued that:
"It is not easy to build a brand, but if we are alert to opportunities that exist then I believe that nothing is impossible, and we should be able to make our products characteristic so that it will have brand value of its own."
"And it's not less important that we provide the best service to each of our customers, we listen to the wishes of our customers, so that SVINGOLF can make a product that is right on target", added Leo who's main hobbies are golf and running.
By introducing 'Made in Indonesia', SVINGOLF has become one of the partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters since 2013. The most prestigious golf tournament in Indonesia became a very good platform for SVINGOLF to market its brand to the international market, because the tournament is broadcast live to almost 650 million households worldwide.
SVINGOLF is also proud to recruit George Gandranata as 'brand ambassador'. George Gandranata was in 2014 the top ranking golfer on the Order of Merit of the PGA Tour Of Indonesia and was the only Indonesian golfers who made the cut and played all 4 days at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Four Players Vie For Honor After Second Round Of Indonesia Golf Tour At Modern
Tangerang, 25 February 2015 - Kurnia Herisiandy, Ian Andrew, and first round leaders Johannes Dermawan and Rory Hie are in a battle for the lead, when all are in a tie for first with a total score of 140 (-4) after the second round of the second leg of the Indonesian Golf Tour 2015. Both Johannes and Rory failed to repeat the results of yesterday because some shots failed.
"My approach shots were very bad, but I was still able to get par," said Johannes Dermawan.
Johannes Dermawan hopes his game from the first can be repeated on the third and final day, especially his approach shot.
After completing his round on the first day, Ian Andrew took time to improve his game at Padang Golf Modern. This was not in vain, as Ian Andrew played the second round well and he made most of his putts.
"All my putts from a distance of two to three meters went in," said Ian Andrew.
"The opportunity to become champion is still wide open, I will play my best," added the golfer from Bali.
Seven amateur players survived the cut on the second day of the second series of the Indonesian Golf Tour at Modern. Faraby Ali is still the lead amateur with a total of 145 shots (+1), one shot ahead of Rizky who recorded a total of 146.
"My approach shots were very bad, but I was still able to get par," said Johannes Dermawan.
Johannes Dermawan hopes his game from the first can be repeated on the third and final day, especially his approach shot.
After completing his round on the first day, Ian Andrew took time to improve his game at Padang Golf Modern. This was not in vain, as Ian Andrew played the second round well and he made most of his putts.
"All my putts from a distance of two to three meters went in," said Ian Andrew.
"The opportunity to become champion is still wide open, I will play my best," added the golfer from Bali.
Seven amateur players survived the cut on the second day of the second series of the Indonesian Golf Tour at Modern. Faraby Ali is still the lead amateur with a total of 145 shots (+1), one shot ahead of Rizky who recorded a total of 146.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
2014 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule Will Feature 2 Indonesian Tournaments
February 5 - This season’s ASEAN PGA Tour will boast at least 11 tournaments offering nearly US$1 million in overall prize money thanks to one of its strongest schedules.
Commencing with the Singha Esan Open in March, one of four tournaments jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour, the 2104 ASEAN PGA Tour will traverse the region with an emphasis on providing playing opportunities for up and coming players.
The Singha Pattaya Open, the Singha Hua Hin Open, and the Singha Chiang Mai Open, all part of the All Thailand Golf Tour, return to the schedule.
In addition three events will be jointly sanctioned with the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour in Melaka, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.
The Laos Open, which was inaugurated in 2012, returns to the schedule as does the Palembang Musi Championship and Gowa Classic in Indonesia.
The season will come to a close in January of 2015 with the Sabah Masters, an event which over the past two years has cemented its place as the season-ending Tour Championship.
Indeed, the success of the Sabah Masters recently led its main sponsor the Sabah Tourism Board to announce its support for the event for another three years starting in 2015.
“This year marks the eighth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour and its success is because it continues to be enthusiastically embraced by players, sponsors and tours,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.
It has been a prolific rise for the ASEAN PGA Tour which boasted five events when it was launched in 2007.
“The Tour is continually looking to expand in to new markets and is hopeful of announcing additional events in 2014, ” added Wong.
The 2013/2014 came to a close last month when Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat won the Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club.
The tournament also saw his compatriot Kwanchai Tannin claim the Order of Merit title.
He topped the Merit list, and secured a OneAsia card, with earnings of US$35,630 – an ASEAN PGA Tour record.
World Sport Group are the Official Commercial Partner for the ASEAN PGA Tour and will continue to produce a one-hour highlight show for each event on FOX Sports.
Singha Esan Open
March 27 to 30
Singha Park Golf Club, Khon Kaen, Thailand
US$ 100,000
Defending champion: Prayad Marksaeng (THA)
Singha Pattaya Open
Burapha Golf Club, Thailand
May 8 to 11
US$100,000
Defending champion: Kwanchai Tannin (THA)
PGM-ASEAN PGA A’Famosa Masters
A’Famosa Golf Resort, Melaka, Malaysia
May 28 to 31
US$60,000
Defending champion: Mardan Mamat (SIN)
Singha Hua Hin Open
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, Thailand
July 17 to 20
US$65,000
Defending champion: Phachara Khongwatmai (amateur) (THA)
PGM-ASEAN PGA Penang Classic
Penang Golf Club, Malaysia
August 6 to 9
US$60,000
Defending champion: Shaaban Hussin (MAS)
Singha Chiang Mai Open
Mae Jo Golf Club and Resort, Thailand
August 21 to 24
US$65,000
Defending champion: Thammanoon Sriroj (THA)
PGM-ASEAN PGA Staffield Championship
Staffield Country Resort, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
October 15 to 18
US$60,000
Defending champion: Kwanchai Tannin (THA)
Sabah Masters
Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, Malaysia
January (Specific Dates TBA)
US$75,000
Defending champion: Wisut Artjanawat (THA)
Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang Golf Club, Indonesia
Date TBA
US$150,000
Defending champion: Nicholas Fung (MAS)
Gowa Classic
Padivalley Golf Club, Indonesia
Date TBA
US$100,000
Defending champion: Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA)
Laos Open
Venue TBA
Date TBA
US$100,000
Defending champion: Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA)
Commencing with the Singha Esan Open in March, one of four tournaments jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour, the 2104 ASEAN PGA Tour will traverse the region with an emphasis on providing playing opportunities for up and coming players.
The Singha Pattaya Open, the Singha Hua Hin Open, and the Singha Chiang Mai Open, all part of the All Thailand Golf Tour, return to the schedule.
In addition three events will be jointly sanctioned with the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour in Melaka, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.
The Laos Open, which was inaugurated in 2012, returns to the schedule as does the Palembang Musi Championship and Gowa Classic in Indonesia.
The season will come to a close in January of 2015 with the Sabah Masters, an event which over the past two years has cemented its place as the season-ending Tour Championship.
Indeed, the success of the Sabah Masters recently led its main sponsor the Sabah Tourism Board to announce its support for the event for another three years starting in 2015.
“This year marks the eighth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour and its success is because it continues to be enthusiastically embraced by players, sponsors and tours,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.
It has been a prolific rise for the ASEAN PGA Tour which boasted five events when it was launched in 2007.
“The Tour is continually looking to expand in to new markets and is hopeful of announcing additional events in 2014, ” added Wong.
The 2013/2014 came to a close last month when Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat won the Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club.
The tournament also saw his compatriot Kwanchai Tannin claim the Order of Merit title.
He topped the Merit list, and secured a OneAsia card, with earnings of US$35,630 – an ASEAN PGA Tour record.
World Sport Group are the Official Commercial Partner for the ASEAN PGA Tour and will continue to produce a one-hour highlight show for each event on FOX Sports.
2014 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule
Singha Esan Open
March 27 to 30
Singha Park Golf Club, Khon Kaen, Thailand
US$ 100,000
Defending champion: Prayad Marksaeng (THA)
Singha Pattaya Open
Burapha Golf Club, Thailand
May 8 to 11
US$100,000
Defending champion: Kwanchai Tannin (THA)
PGM-ASEAN PGA A’Famosa Masters
A’Famosa Golf Resort, Melaka, Malaysia
May 28 to 31
US$60,000
Defending champion: Mardan Mamat (SIN)
Singha Hua Hin Open
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, Thailand
July 17 to 20
US$65,000
Defending champion: Phachara Khongwatmai (amateur) (THA)
PGM-ASEAN PGA Penang Classic
Penang Golf Club, Malaysia
August 6 to 9
US$60,000
Defending champion: Shaaban Hussin (MAS)
Singha Chiang Mai Open
Mae Jo Golf Club and Resort, Thailand
August 21 to 24
US$65,000
Defending champion: Thammanoon Sriroj (THA)
PGM-ASEAN PGA Staffield Championship
Staffield Country Resort, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
October 15 to 18
US$60,000
Defending champion: Kwanchai Tannin (THA)
Sabah Masters
Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, Malaysia
January (Specific Dates TBA)
US$75,000
Defending champion: Wisut Artjanawat (THA)
Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang Golf Club, Indonesia
Date TBA
US$150,000
Defending champion: Nicholas Fung (MAS)
Gowa Classic
Padivalley Golf Club, Indonesia
Date TBA
US$100,000
Defending champion: Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA)
Laos Open
Venue TBA
Date TBA
US$100,000
Defending champion: Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA)
Sunday, January 12, 2014
George Gandranata Misses Win By One Shot, Jordan Irawan Tenth At Jakarta Invitational
American James Bowen, Malaysia’s Iain Steel and Canadian Lindsay Renolds were also rewarded with 2014 Asian Tour cards after finishing inside the top-four of the final 2013 ADT Order of Merit, topped by Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who had already secured his card through the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
Indonesia'stop player Rory Hie (72) finished in 8th position, while Indonesian amateur Jordan Irawan managed to get back in a share of tenth place with a final round 71.
Pavit, one of the most promising stars to emerge from Thailand, compiled a four-day total of nine-under-par 275 for a one-shot victory over Japan’s Mitsuhiko Hashizume and joint overnight leader, George Gandranata of Indonesia. They closed with rounds of 68 and 71 respectively at the Jababeka Golf and Country Club.
England’s Grant Jackson, who needed a victory to break into top four on the ADT merit list, settled for fourth on 277 while Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei battled to a 69 to finish fifth at the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event, which is the season finale for the 2013 ADT schedule.
Pavit, who turned professional in 2007, reveled in delight after clinching his first professional win outside of Thailand. The victory also moved him up to seventh on the final ADT rankings after winning US$10,500 and earning six Official World Golf Ranking points.
“I never thought I could win. It is my first professional win outside of Thailand. George played really well this week. I think I was just luckier than him. My three birdies in the front nine gave me an advantage,” said the 24-year-old.
“My game is good right now. I hope I can play well at the King’s Cup Golf Hua Hin (on the Asian Tour) next week as well. If I can get a good finish, I would not have to go to Qualifying School. I’m looking forward to it and we will see how it goes,” added Pavit.
Despite missing out on a win, Gandranata remained optimistic that his first career victory will come soon. This week’s event has prepared him for the Asian Tour Qualifying School in Thailand next month.
“It was a good week for me. This is my first time being in the lead on the ADT. I stuck to my plan all week. I only made three bogeys in total so I’m happy with how I played. I could’ve done a lot of things better but this would be a good experience for me,” said the 27-year-old, who traded two birdies against two bogeys today.
After a season long battle on the burgeoning ADT, Bowen, Steel and Renolds are relishing the opportunity of playing on the region’s premier Tour.
Bowen compiled a season’s haul of US$39,824 to finish second on the Order of Merit and hopes the experience of playing on the ADT will prepare him for tough test against the Asian Tour stars in the new season.
“The ADT has been a great stepping stone for me. I gained world ranking points and it helped put me on the world map as well. It has been great playing on the ADT in 2013. I’m really excited now that I’ve got my card. I can’t wait to play on the Asian Tour,” said Bowen, who claimed two victories on the ADT in 2013.
Malaysia’s Steel, who finished tied 33rd at the Linc Group Jakarta Invitational, was delighted to get his Asian Tour career back on track after losing his Tour card two seasons ago.
“This is a second chance for me. I feel really good getting back to where I belong after missing out on the card for two years. I’m looking forward to get back on the Asian Tour. The ADT has been a great platform for me to sharpen my game,” said Steel.
Steel, who claimed two consecutive wins on the ADT in 2013, claimed third place on the Order of Merit with total earnings of US$37,135 while Renolds settled for fourth with US$35,975.
It has been a nervous week for Renolds, who carded a final round 74 to tie for 25th position. He could have missed the Asian Tour card for the second consecutive year if Jackson had won this week.
“It was a really close one for me. I am just glad I managed to keep my card. The ADT has served as a platform for me to practice my game. I had a great experience playing on the ADT for the last two years,” said the Canadian, who enjoyed a relatively good season with seven top-10 finishes to get to where he is on the merit list despite not claiming any wins.
The ADT was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011 and 13 in 2012. This week’s final event was the 16th leg of the season.
Leading final round scores:
275 - Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 69 66 70 70
276 - Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 68 70 70 68, George GANDRANATA (INA) 66 68 71 71
277 - Grant JACKSON (ENG) 69 72 67 69
278 - CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 71 68 70 69
279 - Jack MUNRO (AUS) 68 70 71 70
282 - Anthony KANG (USA) 73 71 69 69
284 - Rory HIE (INA) 70 71 71 72
285 - James BOWEN (USA) 75 68 70 72
288 - Wolmer MURILLO (VEN) 75 72 72 69, Jordan IRAWAN (A) (INA) 72 71 74 71, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 72 71 73 72
Selected:
289 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 72 74 72 71
290 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72 73 74 71, Benny KASIADI (INA) 75 71 71 73, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 75 69 71 75
292 - Denny A. WIJAYA (INA) 73 71 75 73, Ilyasyak (INA) 70 75 74 73
293 - Maan NASIM (INA) 71 71 74 77
294 - Jamel ONDO (INA) 76 71 71 76
295 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 70 80 71 74
296 - Kevin C. AKBAR (A) (INA) 77 77 72 70
298 = Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 75 74 74 75
299 - Nicholas SMITS (A) (NED) 78 70 72 79, Danny MASRIN (A) (USA) 74 74 77 74, Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 77 76 72 74
300 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA) 76 76 72 76
302 - Hardjito (INA) 74 73 77 78, Ade SEBUL (INA) 73 74 77 78, Asep CAPRIE (INA) 78 74 73 77
303 - S SANUSI (INA) 77 72 76 78, Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 78 74 77 74
304 - SIM Min Sub (A) (INA) 72 80 78 74
310 = Joeh SEIK (A) (INA) 75 79 80 76
311 - Bramantio ADI (INA) 73 75 81 82, Sarmilih (INA) 77 76 79 79
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