Borobudur Classic Supporting Events 22-23 November 2014

In conjunction with the BOROBUDUR CLASSIC 2014 the following events are held at Borobudur International Golf & Country Club:

Pro Am Golf Tournament

Date: Saturday, 22 November 2014
Format: 4 Ball Team Best Nett Score
Entry Fee: Rp 5,500,000/team (3 Players)
Shotgun Start : 10.30 am
Facilities: Golf Clinic with ASEAN PGA, Light Lunch, Special Dinner at Borobudur Temple, Trophy, Lucky Draws, Grand Prize Daihatsu Ayla, Hole In One Prizes (Elvis Apartment, Toyota Innova, 2 Cash Money @ Rp 100,000,000)

Sunday Golf Tournament

Date: Sunday, 23 November 2014
Entry Fee: Rp 1,500,000/player
Shotgun Start: 07.00 am
Facilities: Breakfast, Lunch, Trophy, Lucky Draws, Grand Prize Daihatsu Ayla, Hole In One Prizes (Elvis Apartment, Toyota Innova, 2 Cash Money @ Rp 100,000,000)

Condition: LIMITED SEAT, FIRST PAID FIRST SERVED
Information & Reservation:
Borobudur International Golf (62 293) 313758
Haris (081310003504)
Sandra (085725737400)
Febry (085641956141)

George Gandranata Holds His Own At Venetian Macau Open

Macau, October 24 - Title holder Scott Hend stayed in the hunt for a second straight victory with a battling one-under-par 70 giving him the early second round lead at the US$900,000 Venetian Macau Open on Friday.

The big-hitting Aussie, who triumphed at the Hong Kong Open last week, birdied his last hole, the ninth, from close range for a two-day total of 10-under-par 132, which was one shot ahead of Switzerland’s Martin Rominger, who shot into contention with a 68.

Overnight leader Anirban Lahiri of India settled for 73 to slip to two shots back of the new leader while Thailand’s Pariya Junasavasdikul shot the morning’s best score of 67 as the Macau Golf and Country Club bared its fangs with swirling winds causing problems to the field.

Hend, 41, has continued to show the fine form which led him to a sixth Asian Tour victory last weekend. He dropped two shots in his first seven holes before clawing his way back with four birdies against another bogey.

“It was quite benign yesterday and today, we’ve seen what can happen out here. If the wind blows like this, you just try to hold on to your score and that’s pretty much what the whole group was doing. We were struggling. You have to play conservatively and hopefully roll in some putts. Everyone will make a bogey,” said Hend.

“Sometimes it’s two and a half club difference. Even on the par fives on the back nine, with the exception of 18, it’s ridiculously difficult. You’ve just got to sit back and adjust your game plan. If I had made 18 pars, I would have been ecstatic. To come in with one under I’m quite happy. It’s quite difficult, it was very tricky.”

He does not want to think too far ahead in his hopes of joining Zhang Lian-wei of China as the only men to win two Venetian Macau Open titles.

“It’s Friday, it’s 36 holes to go. I’m just plodding along. Today was just the trotting day. No galloping, just trotting,” he smiled.

“It’s put me in a strong position. It’s ice to play solid in the first two rounds and be there abouts and not having to shoot ridiculous scores in the weekend like last year to try to win the tournament. Like today, I could afford to not shoot five or six under. Now, everyone else will have to catch up.”

Rominger, lying in 55th place on the Order of Merit, thanked his wife Simona for his good week in Macau so far. She previously caddied for him regularly when he first came out to play on the Asian Tour but stopped her on-course duties when they started a family.

“It’s the first time in a while and she’s doing a good job. She doesn’t come from golf and I’ve taught her everything. She’s the best caddy for me. She knows exactly what I like and I taught her what I like in a caddy,” said Rominger, who is seeking a first Asian Tour victory.

“Today is the old Macau that we know. It was a bit gusty and windy and I played nicely, I’m happy. I did everything well, only one poor shot on the second shot into six where I plugged in the bunker and made double. The rest I played solid. Putted very good and made a lot of putts. It’s a good two days now.”

Lahiri, winner of the Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club earlier this year and second on the Order of Merit, was disappointed to take 12 shots more than his opening’s 61 as he posted three birdies against five bogeys.

“Conditions were not like yesterday, and it was windy but still it was not that hard,” said the Indian star.

“The greens were quicker and I couldn’t get my speed right with the putts. I couldn’t adjust to them. I’m playing well but I need to tighten up some loose ends. I’m still in with a great chance in the tournament.”

South African star Ernie Els, who is an honorary member and international ambassador of the Asian Tour, should squeeze into the weekend rounds after saving bogey on his last hole from four feet.

“I was battling on the whole back nine. I started on the first and made bogey and bogeyed the second which is a birdie-able hole. I knew I couldn’t be more than even par. On nine, I never saw the branch which I hit. I knew I had to make the putt to make the cut or hopefully make the cut,” said Els, who played alongside Hend.

“Hopefully I can play some better golf. I’m not pleased. I love the course. It’s in great shape and I like something in the red if I play this weekend. I think I can make improvements everywhere. I’m putting well. Last week, I struggled with some putts and hit the ball well but this week, the swing is not quite there. If I can get it on the greens in regulation, I can make some birdies.”

George Gandranata, Indonesia's current number one player, also just made the cut by coming in at 1-under today, for a 2 round even par score. William Sjaichuddin, the only other Indonesian player at this event, had to retire.

Leading scores after second round (Par 71):

132 - Scott HEND (AUS) 62-70, Adam GROOM (AUS) 65-67

133 - Martin ROMINGER (SUI) 65-68

134 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 61-73, CHAN Shih-Chang (TWN) 70-64

136 - Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 69-67

137 - Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 64-73, Daniel CHOPRA (SWE) 69-68, Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 67-70, Jaakko MAKITALO (FIN) 69-68

Selected:

142 - Ernie ELS (RSA) 70-72, George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-70

Bank BRI New Title Sponsor For Indonesia Open

Jakarta, October 23 - Organizers of Indonesia’s national open announced a double-dose of good news today as Indonesia’s oldest bank, BANK BRI, stepped up to become title sponsor of the tournament, and defending champion, Gaganjeet Bhullar confirmed his attendance at this year’s event, to be played at Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course in Jakarta from December 4 to 7.

BANK BRI was a platinum partner of the 2013 edition and following the success of that partnership, the bank has agreed to become title sponsor of Indonesia’s oldest golf tournament. The tournament will now be called the “BANK BRI Indonesia Open” and will offer a purse of at least USD 500,000.

Firman Taufick, Executive Vice President of BANK BRI, commented “We are absolutely delighted to become the title sponsor of the oldest professional tournament in Indonesia and to put our name to the ‘BANK BRI Indonesia Open’. Both the bank and the tournament share a rich and storied history that makes us natural partners. We both understand the importance of tradition, yet appreciate the need to always evolve and innovate.”

“Starting with the ‘BANK BRI Indonesia Open 2014’, BANK BRI will launch a number of new loyalty program privileges for our premium customers, especially for those who are fans of golf. By participating in international events, BANK BRI will reinforce its position as a bank ready to take part in the global market,” said Firman.

“Everyone at BANK BRI is extremely excited about our partnership. I’d like to thank Persatuan Golf Indonesia for their support and IMPL for their hard work in bringing this partnership to fruition,” concluded Firman.

In a further boost for the tournament, Bhullar, a five-time Asian Tour winner, will return to Jakarta in December to defend the crown he won in such style last year. Shooting four rounds in the 60s – 64, 67, 69 and 68 – the popular Indian completed a wire-to-wire victory in 2013 with a 16 under par total.

“Last year’s victory was my biggest career win to date so it’s really important for me to come back and play well and try to defend my title. I haven’t played much in Asia this year and I’m looking forward to getting back to the region, seeing my fans and playing some good golf,” said Bhullar.

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han is confident of another great showing from the best players from the Asian Tour and is looking forward to another exciting edition of the Indonesia Open.

“We’re looking forward to welcome the return of the best players from the Asian Tour to the 2014 Indonesia Open. The Asian Tour has celebrated the success of many worthy winners recently. With the Indonesia Open highly regarded as one of the popular national Opens in Asia, we’re confident of another success story waiting to be written this year.”

Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta (Po), President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organisers of the “BANK BRI Indonesia Open”, was thrilled with the dual announcement:

“This year will be the 37th Indonesia Open and we are delighted that one of Indonesia’s most respected and trusted financial institutions, BANK BRI, has committed to a partnership with the tournament. With their support, the ‘BANK BRI Indonesia Open’ will continue to grow and develop and we look forward to a bright future for the tournament.”

“It’s also wonderful that we are able to confirm the return of our defending champion so far in advance of the event. Gaganjeet played some magnificent golf last year and was a worthy winner of our event. We’re all looking forward to welcoming him, and a host of other fine golfers, back to Pantai Indah Kapuk for what I’m sure will be another thrilling tournament.”

“This event will surely support the growth of the national golf scene, even allowing amateur golfers to take part in developing golf in Indonesia,” concluded Murdaya.

Franciscus Welirang, Director of PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk, said, “Golf is a sport that has great potential in Indonesia, and the increasing number of world class golf tournaments will grow the interest of local golfers. In any sport, including golf, good nutrition is essential for athletes to stay healthy, active and for them to reach their full potential. Indofood, as a food and beverage company with a vision to become a ‘Total Food Solutions Company’, is honored to participate in supporting the ‘Bank BRI Indonesia Open 2014’, which will inspire national golfers to reach success in the international arena.

Grant Slack from IMPL commented: “We would like to thank BANK BRI for their continued and enhanced commitment to the BANK BRI Indonesia Open. It is fantastic for the National Open to have such strong support from the Indonesia business community and we look forward to working with BANK BRI, the PGI, PIK, Jaguar, Indofood, and all of our other sponsors in this year’s tournament.”

144 ASEAN Golfers Ready For The Borobudur Classic 2014

Jakarta, October 21, 2014 - A total of 144 golfers from ASEAN countries will take part in a golf tournament called the Borobudur Classic 2014 - ASEAN PGA Tour 2014 Series in Magelang, Central Java from November 17 to 21, 2014. The tournament, co-sanctioned by PGTI, is held in Magelang to support tourism in the region.

According to S.D. Darmono, CEO and founder of PT. Jababeka Tbk, it gives serious attention to the sport of golf and the tourism sector. By choosing Magelang as the location of the match, he hopes the tournament participants can visit the Borobudur temple complex which is only about 30 kilometers from the tournament location. Borobudur Temple is known as the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is a protected site by UNESCO.

In addition to visiting Borobudur, the competitors can also visit other nearby tourist attractions such as Mendut Temple or Mount Merapi. "Events such as this are able to attract international tourists to this small town in Central Java," said Darmono at the President Lounge, Menara Batavia, Jakarta, this Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the organizing committee, Rully Lasahido of Jababeka Hospitality Management, said this tournament will become an annual event in Magelang. It will be held at Borobudur International Golf Club, which was chosen to boost the number of tourists who come to Magelang to enjoy the beauty of Borobudur and experience Javanese culture, for four days with a cash prize of US$ 60,000.

To support the event, OB Golf as the presenting sponsor contributes US$ 20,000. The magazine, explains Jimmy Masrin, reviews the sport of golf as well as lifestyle topics. Meanwhile the hotel in Magelang that supports the Borobudur Classic 2014 is Atria Hotel, which is managed by Parador Hotels & Resorts.

In closing Rully expressed his hope that next year even more competitors and sponsors will line up for this event, which would allow for even more attractive prizes.

Top Seven Finish For Rory Hie At ADT Chang Hwa Open

Chang Hwa, Chinese Taipei, October 19 - Overnight leader Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand outclassed the talented field by firing a four-under-par 67 to win by four shots at the 15th ADT Chang Hwa Open on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Thai, who compiled a four-day total of 13-under-par 271, matched the efforts of Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang in claiming a total of four ADT victories since the burgeoning circuit was inaugurated as a gateway to the Asian Tour in 2010.

Pavit walked away with the winner’s prize purse of US$17,500 and surpassed previous leader Chan at the top of the ADT Order of Merit with his season’s haul of US$68,428.

Niall Turner of Ireland battled to a 70 to sit in second place while England’s Grant Jackson, who carded a 68, stayed a further shot back in third on 276 at the US$100,000 ADT event, which returned to the ADT schedule for the second straight year this season.

Malaysia’s Arie Irawan returned with the day’s lowest score of 65 to settle for a share of fourth place with Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and Lin Chien-bing of Chinese Taipei on 278 total at the Chang Hwa Golf Club.

Rory Hie maintained his 7th place with a final round 69, bringing his total to 279. With all rounds at par or better this has been a solid performance from the Indonesian.

Starting the round with a one-shot edge, Pavit continued his consistent form by marking his card with five birdies against a lone bogey to close with a third consecutive 67 in the 15th ADT Chang Hwa Open.

“I’m playing good golf at the moment. This win means everything to me. It gives me a lot of confidence for my next tournament in Macau,” said Pavit, who had received an invitation to play at the US$900,000 Venetian Macau Open held on the Asian Tour next week.

“It’s great to top the ADT Order of Merit. I feel like my hard work has paid off. I feel more confident to play on the Asian Tour now. It’s been a great week for me. I just play my own game out there and not think about anything else today. I tried to stay relax and I’m happy to get a good result,” added Pavit.

Meanwhile Turner, who won his maiden ADT victory in Jakarta in July, was left to wait longer for his second title.

“I struggled a bit with my game today but I’m still happy with how I played. Pavit played very well and I didn’t think I had a chance to win. Overall I am happy to finish second, especially having to cope with a jetlag coming to this week,” said the 31-year-old Irishman, who traded two birdies against a lone bogey.

The Chang Hwa Open is the ADT’s third and final stop in Chinese Taipei this season, following the successful staging of the Taifong Open and Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship in July and August respectively.

Since its inauguration in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 21 tournaments in 2014. The top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2015.

All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) status which is a boost for the game in the region.

Leading fourth round scores:

271 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-67-67-67

275 – Niall TURNER (IRE) 72-66-67-70

276 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 67-74-67-68

278 – Arie IRAWAN (MAS) 70-73-70-65, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 71-70-69-68, LIN Chien-bing (TPE) 70-66-72-69

279 – Rory HIE (INA) 72-66-72-69, Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 72-71-67-69, YU Chun-an (A) (TPE) 70-70-69-70

281 – YEH Wei-tze (TPE) 73-69-70-69, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 71-70-68-72

Rory Hie Keeps Eyes On Top Three Finish At ADT Chang Hwa Open

Chang Hwa, Chinese Taipei, October 18 - Thailand’s rising star Pavit Tangkamolprasert stood on the brink of his fourth Asian Development Tour (ADT) title when he shot a second straight five-under-par 67 to grab the third round lead at the 15th ADT Chang Hwa Open on Saturday.

The talented Thai, who claimed two ADT victories within a month in August and September, nailed five birdies against a lone bogey to lead by one shot on nine-under-par 204 total at the US$100,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Ireland’s Niall Turner carded a 67 to sit in second place on 205 while England’s Grant Jackson, who also carded a 67, stayed three shots back in third place with overnight leader Lin Chien-bing of Chinese Taipei at the Chang Hwa Golf Club.

Local amateur Yu Chun-an signed for a 69 to share fifth place with Japan’s Mitsuhiko Hashizume on 209 at the Chang Hwa Open, which is returning onto the ADT schedule for the second straight year this season.

One shot further back is Indonesia's Rory Hie, who lost a few places after playing even for the day. He's in a 5-way tie for seventh, still in striking distance of a top 3 finish.

Defending champion Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei finally put up a red number on the board when he posted a 68 to stay eight shots off the pace in tied-13th position.

Pavit, whose breakthrough victory came at the 2013 season-ending event in Jakarta held earlier in January, has enjoyed a splendid run this season where he claimed two victories and five top-five finishes.

“My tee shots were good and I hit good fairways and greens. The turning point came on the eighth hole where I hit my second shot from 130 yards to about three feet from the pin. I picked up some confidence from that hole and it got my game going,” said the 25-year-old Thai.

“I’m definitely feeling excited about the final round tomorrow but it’s going to be pretty much the same thing for me. I will just play my best and continue to enjoy my game out there,” added Pavit.

Pavit sits in second place on the ADT merit rankings with a current haul of US$50,928, trailing leader Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei by about US$16,000.

Should he win the 15th ADT Chang Hwa Open tomorrow, he will walk away with a winner’s prize purse of US$17,500 which will eventually propel him to the top of the Order of Merit.

Turner, placed fifth on the Order of Merit, kept up his chase for a second victory as he put himself in a good position heading into the all-important final round.

“I hit the ball well and I made good putts out there. I got off to a very good start and that got my momentum going. Pavit is playing very solid but I have a good chance too. I am looking forward to the final round tomorrow,” said the tall Irishman, who claimed his maiden ADT victory in Jakarta in July.

Jackson, who took a share of the first round lead, was delighted to haul himself back into contention.

“I’m happy to put up another good round. I will be fighting all the way tomorrow. My putting was much better today and I guess that made the difference,” said the 32-year-old, who is based in Thailand.

The Chang Hwa Open is the ADT’s third and final stop in Chinese Taipei this season, following the successful staging of the Taifong Open and Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship in July and August respectively.

Since its inauguration in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 21 tournaments in 2014. The top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2015.

All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) status which is a boost for the game in the region.

Leading third round scores:

204 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-67-67

205 – Niall TURNER (IRE) 72-66-67

208 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 67-74-67, LIN Chien-bing (TPE) 70-66-72

209 – Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 71-70-68, YU Chun-an (A) (TPE) 70-70-69

210 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 72-71-67, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 71-70-69, CHAN Yih-shin (TPE) 67-74-69, LIEN Chi-wei (TPE) 71-67-72, Rory HIE (INA) 72-66-72

Kurnia Herishandy Finishes 10th At PGM-ASEAN PGA Port Dickson Championship

Port Dickson, Malaysia, October 18 - Malaysia’s Lim Eng Seng beat countryman Mohd Sukree Othman at the third hole of a thrilling playoff to win the PGM-ASEAN PGA Port Dickson Championship on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Lim, a prolific winner at amateur level, birdied the 18th for the second time in the playoff to lift his first ASEAN PGA Tour title.

Lim, three shots behind overnight, burst out of the pack with two birdies in the final three holes for a closing 67 to set the clubhouse target of eight-under-par 276 at Port Dickson Golf and Country Club.

Sukree, an experienced campaigner who shared the lead going into the final round of the PGM-ASEAN PGA Melaka Championship in March before slipping down the leaderboard with a 76, took the tournament into extra holes thanks to a final round 69 that included key birdies at the 14th and 16th holes.

Both players birdied the first playoff hole and parred the second before Lim broke the deadlock with a birdie to Sukree’s par at the third extra hole.

Unheralded Thai Natthapong Niyomchon, who put himself in contention with a 65 on Friday, held the lead after three straight birdies from the ninth but a bogey at the penultimate hole saw him card a 69 and miss the playoff by a shot.

He finished equal third with Malaysia’s Mohd Azman Basharudin who bounced back from a bogey at the first with five birdies, including three in the closing four holes, for a fine 67.

Malaysia’s Kenneth De Silva, one shot ahead overnight, made a nightmarish start with bogeys at the first and third holes and did not register a birdie until the last. He carded a 72 and finished in joint fifth place with Thailand’s Pipatpong Naewsuk (70).

Indonesian Kurnia Herishandy finished with an even par round 71 for a total score of 280, which meant a deserving share of 10th place.

Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai, who won last year’s Singha Hua Hin Open as a 14-year-old amateur, saved his best for last with a closing seven-under-par 64 catapulting him up to 12th place.

Leading final round scores (Par - 71):

276 - Lim Eng Seng (Mas) 69-68-72-67, Mohd Sukree Othman (Mas) 69-69-69-69 (Lim won at third extra hole)

277 - Mohd Azman Basharudin (Mas) 69-71-70-67, Natthapong Niyomchon (Tha) 70-73-65-69

278 - Pipatpong Naewsuk (Tha) 64-73-71-70, Kenneth De Silva (Mas) 68-68-70-72

279 - Khor Kheng Hwai (Mas) 72-69-74-64, Tanatchan Puaktes (Tha) 72-67-69-71, Ratchapol Jantavara (Tha) 68-69-70-72

280 - Varan Israbhakdi (Tha) 70-70-70-70, Kurnia Herishandy (Ina) 71-69-69-71