Indonesian Ladies 8th At 34th Queen Sirikit Cup

Indonesia finished eigth but South Korea showed why they'll continue to rule women's golf with an overwhelming victory in the prestigious Queen Sirikit Cup amateur tournament.

Ika Woro Palupi, Tatiana Wijaya and Victoria Chandra completed the tournament in Singapore with a total score of 449, three strokes behind joined six-placed Thailand and Chine among the 14 Asia and Pacific nations.

The South Koreans won by a landslide 27 strokes over second place New Zealand to clinch their sixth consecutive crown at the Tanah Merah Country Club Garden Course, with third placed Australia a further 2 strokes back.

Boosted by an overnight lead of 15 strokes over the Australians, the Koreans streaked further away with Baek Kyu-Jung shooting 66, Park Chae-Yoon 68 and Hyo-Joo Kim a steady 70.

Kim won the individual title at 12-under par from New Zealand's Lydia Ko (6 under) while Tatiana Wijaya was seventh (4 over).

Wonderful Westwood Wins At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By PTNS

Jakarta, April 22, 2012 - Lee Westwood overcame fatigue to win his first title of the year and 38th career victory with a successful title defence at the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS on Sunday.

The world number three golfer completed a marathon of 32 holes as he returned on Sunday morning to finish the third round before closing with a final round two-over-par 74 for a winning total of 16-under-par 272 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Lee Westwood retains the Indonesian Masters Cup with another win at Royale Jakarta Golf Club

The Englishman defeated former Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, who returned with a 67, by two shots while India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur finished in tied third place at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Westwood, who finished tied third at the Masters Tournament two weeks ago, held a dominant eight-shot lead going into the final round but tiredness began to kick in on his homeward nine as he shot one birdie and three bogeys.

“Today was hard. It is never easy playing in these conditions and I had to play 32 holes. It was draining out there and I was really feeling it on the back nine. When you are in contention and under pressure, it seems to zap your energy faster,” said Westwood.

“You never know how to play with such a big lead. You don’t know if you should attack or defend. It is quite hard to get your mental attitude around it. It was a case of staying patient and calm and playing the holes correctly. It was exhausting,” he added.

Westwood, who won US$118,875 and a batik jacket, which is afforded to every winner of the tournament, hopes to replicate his winning performance this week in the three remaining Major championships of the year.

“Hopefully this will kick-start my year. I’ve played well without any wins so hopefully I can go on and win other tournaments. It is tough when you are the favorite because if you don’t win then it will be disappointing. There was a lot of pressure so I’m glad I did it,”added Westwood, who turns 39 on Tuesday.

Westwood is the 10th player to successfully defend his title on the Asian Tour. The last successful title defense was by Lu Wen-teh of Chinese Taipei, winner of the Taiwan Masters in 2007 and 2008.

Thai star Thaworn, winner of the Order of Merit in 2005, birdied the last two holes to claim his best finish of the season.

“I felt tired after the 12th hole but I held on. I couldn’t really hit my shots properly so I’m quite surprised with the way I finished. I haven’t won in a while but I’ve come close this season so I hope to keep the momentum going,” said the 12-time Asian Tour winner.

Bhullar, who won his first Asian Tour title in Indonesia in 2009, posted his fourth top-10 finish on the Asian Tour this year and was delighted with his battling performance.

“Indonesia is one of my favorite destinations. I won my first title here. Obviously when I play here I have a lot of positive memories. I’m quite confident my time to win will come really soon. I went through a slump last year but I guess that’s part of the game and I’m over it,” said 23-year-old.

Lee Sung of Korea, who was born with a hearing impairment, turned in 32 to narrow Westwood’s lead by three but his title hopes were dashed after shooting three straight bogeys from the 10th hole followed by two more dropped shots on 15 and 16.

“I lost concentration out there. That has been the story for me since last year. I really need to maintain my focus if I want to win again,” said a devastated Lee, who won on the Asian Tour in 2007.

Sponsors and partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters enjoyed widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out live to over 200 countries and 650 million households, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World.

Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, also broadcasted the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact it has on the economy of Indonesia.

Other partners participating as the event’s Presenting Sponsor include: Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), Garuda Indonesia (Official Airline), Indonesian World Class Energy Company, Pertamina, BMW (Official Car), Coca-Cola (Official Drinks Partner), Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Thiess Indonesia (Main Partner), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), Linc Group (Main Partner), Hush Puppies Golf (Official Apparel), San Miguel (Official Beer), Blackberry (Official Handset), Srixon (Official Ball), Ricoh (Official Office Equipment) and Casillero del Diablo (Official Wine).
Scores after round 4 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters Presented by Pnts being played at the par 72, 7262 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:

272 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 65-68-65-74.

274 - Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 72-69-66-67.

276 - Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 72-70-65-69, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 68-71-70-67.

277 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 74-68-66-69.

278 - BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 72-70-68-68.

279 - Angelo QUE (PHI) 69-73-68-69, LEE Sung (KOR) 68-71-67-73, Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) 70-68-72-69.

281 - Berry HENSON (USA) 69-73-69-70, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 71-73-66-71, Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN) 69-68-74-70, Zaw MOE (MYN) 68-67-75-71.

282 - Scott BARR (AUS) 74-69-69-70, Ben FOX (USA) 73-70-68-71, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 71-73-67-71, Jonathan MOORE (USA) 73-72-68-69, Adam GROOM (AUS) 72-69-70-71, Kieran PRATT (AUS) 73-65-69-75.

283 - Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-75-68-72, Darren BECK (AUS) 73-71-69-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 70-72-70-71.

Selected scores:

286 - Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 75-69-74-68

298 - Andik MAULUDDIN (INA) 74-73-73-78

Westwood Solidifies Lead At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By PNTS

Jakarta, April 21, 2012 - Lee Westwood of England continued to dominate the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS when he returned Sunday morning to complete the third round with a seven-under-par 65.

Westwood, who finished third at the Masters tournament two weeks ago, holds a distant eight-shot lead over Korea’s Lee Sung, who posted a 67 at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.

The third round was suspended yesterday due to a lightning threat which meant a total of 69 players returned at 6.45am today to complete their rounds at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Crowds gather as Westwood finishes his 3rd round

The world number three completed 14 holes with seven birdies against two bogeys for an 18-under-par 198 total to put him in a good position of successfully defending his title.

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, a two-time Asian Tour winner, fired a 65 to lie in tied third place with former Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Kieran Pratt of Australia, nine shots from Westwood.

Sponsors and partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will enjoy widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out live to over 200 countries and 650 million households, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World.

Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, will also be broadcasting the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact it has on the economy of Indonesia.

Other partners participating as the event’s Presenting Sponsor include: Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), Garuda Indonesia (Official Airline), Indonesian World Class Energy Company, Pertamina, BMW (Official Car), Coca-Cola (Official Drinks Partner), Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Thiess Indonesia (Main Partner), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), Linc Group (Main Partner), Hush Puppies Golf (Official Apparel), San Miguel (Official Beer), Blackberry (Official Handset), Srixon (Official Ball), Ricoh (Official Office Equipment) and Casillero del Diablo (Official Wine).

Lightning Stops Westwood's Charge At The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By PNTS

Jakarta, April 21, 2012 - Lee Westwood’s charge in the third round of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS came to a halt as play was abandoned due to adverse weather on Saturday.

The world number three birdied the first and fourth holes to move to 13-under before play was suspended due to lightning threats at 1.08pm. Play was subsequently called off for the day at 5pm as weather conditions did not improve at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Lee Westwood tees off during round 3 of the Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club

Title holder Westwood, who finished third at the Masters tournament two weeks ago, will be among 69 players who will return at 6.45am Sunday to complete their rounds.

“The suspension stopped a bit of momentum going but if it is dangerous weather out there then it is the safest thing to do. It is disappointing for everybody – the players, sponsors and the spectators but this is the nature of the weather in this part of the world.

“I’m in a good position and I’ll come out tomorrow and try to keep the form up,” said the Englishman, ranked third in the world.

Zaw Moe of Myanmar was Westwood’s closest challenger as he lies on nine-under through four holes at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.

“You have to be mentally strong especially in this sort of weather delays. I made four straight pars so I’ll need to get some momentum going when I return tomorrow (Sunday),” said Moe, who last won on the Asian Tour in 1997.

Lee Sung of Korea played through five holes and was seven-under with Shiv Kapur of India and Bernd Wiesberger of Austria, who both completed four holes before play was stopped.

Sponsors and partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will enjoy widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out live to over 200 countries and 650 million households, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World.

Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, will also be broadcasting the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact it has on the economy of Indonesia.

Other partners participating as the event’s Presenting Sponsor include: Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), Garuda Indonesia (Official Airline), Indonesian World Class Energy Company, Pertamina, BMW (Official Car), Coca-Cola (Official Drinks Partner), Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Thiess Indonesia (Main Partner), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), Linc Group (Main Partner), Hush Puppies Golf (Official Apparel), San Miguel (Official Beer), Blackberry (Official Handset), Srixon (Official Ball), Ricoh (Official Office Equipment) and Casillero del Diablo (Official Wine).

Rory Hie Misses Cut At Volvo China Open

TIANJIN, April 20 - England's Gary Boyd and Jean-Baptiste Gonnet from France shot a pair of five-under-par 67s on Friday to share the lead after two rounds of the Volvo China Open at Binhai Lake Golf Club in Tianjin.

They go into the weekend at 11 under par, a shot ahead of South African Branden Grace and two in front of defending champion Nicolas Colsaerts, from Belgium, who both also recorded 67s.

The U.S $3 million tournament, which is co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the European tour, is being played for the first time at the links-style Binhai Lakes course, which at 7,667 yards is one of the longest on either circuit. A cold snap and gusting winds made playing conditions even tougher, and the cut was made at two-under.

Boyd, whose only professional win was the European Challenge Tour's Tusker Kenyan Open in 2009, offset six birdies with a lone bogey.

“It was good today because the conditions were tough," he said afterwards. "It was cold and windy out there so it makes the score all the more satisfying."

He credited a return to his old coach for getting his head straight after fiddling too much with his game.

"I was a bit lost in too many thoughts and trying too many different things for a while and that is not something that you want to be doing in tournament golf," he said.

“There wasn’t a lot wrong there but this is such a mental game that if the confidence slips a little bit it can just start to multiply the problems pretty quickly and all of a sudden you are down on yourself."

Gonnet also credits a rethink about why he plays with a much improved game recently.

“ I know this is a job but, for me, I have to enjoy it and remember why I started playing this game," he said.

"I have to go back to the five year old kid and try to play for fun. That will be the main aim for the weekend -- to go out there and try to enjoy it because there is no point in playing the game if you are not having fun.”

South African rookie Grace, a two-time European tour winner already this season, continued his excellent form with a blemish-free round that included an eagle on the par four seventh.

"I thought about it and realised that I had been driving the ball really good today so I went for it and hit it straight at it, got a nice bounce forward to five feet and rolled the putt in."

Grace, who earned his European Tour card at Q school last year, has made an immediate impact having won the Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions tournament over successive weekends in South Africa in January, victories that propelled him into the world's top 100.

Indonesian Rory Hie, who opted to play here instead of the Indonesian Masters, played at the same time in his native country at Royale Jakarta Golf Club, missed the cut with a second round of 74 to add to his first round 72 for a total of 146. As he finished second behind Lee Westwood at the Indonesian Masters last year, he probably may have second thoughts about his choice to play the China Open this year instead.

Disaster of the day went to Englishman Paul Casey who recorded a 10 on the par-five 12th hole, as well as two double bogey sevens on the second and 18th for a 79.

Westwood Holds Clubhouse Lead At The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By PNTS

Jakarta, April 20, 2012 - Lee Westwood was rewarded for his patience with a flawless four-under-par 68 as he took the second round clubhouse lead at the weather-hit CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS on Friday.
Westwood, who finished tied third at the Masters, made eight consecutive pars before adding birdies on holes 18 and three followed by two closing birdies for 11-under-par 133 at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.

Lee Westwood at Royale Jakarta Golf Club

The world number three holds a dominant five-shot lead over Kieran Pratt of Australia, winner of the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan in February, who posted a sparkling 65 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Zaw Moe of Myanmar was on eight-under through 12 holes before play was abandoned at 5.27pm local time due to lightning threat. Play was also suspended earlier in the day for two hours and 20 minutes for the same reason.
Moe will be among 74 players who will return at 6.30am Saturday to complete their rounds.
Westwood, who played in the morning, struggled with the humidity but he believes the extra rest will give him an edge over the chasing pack.
“You want to be leading tournaments and I obviously got the hang of playing on this golf course. More importantly, I was patient and I didn’t force things to happen. I’m glad I finished, I can relax this afternoon and prepare for the weekend,” said the Englishman.
“Yesterday was quite windy and overcast. It was very hot and humid early on and I suffered with that a little bit. It is just one of those things where it can be so hot that you can’t replenish the fluids. That’s Asia for you. I’m going to have to fluid up this afternoon,” he added.
Kieran, playing in his second year on the Asian Tour, three-putted for bogey on his opening hole but made a brave comeback with 10 birdies against two bogeys for a 138 total.
It was a polished performance from the Australian, who shot an opening 73. “I was frustrated yesterday. I felt like I was sort of playing okay but didn’t putt very well. I never had confidence on the greens and I did a bit of work with my coach last night and sort of ironed out a few things and holed some putts.
“I’ve been in this position before. It is only two rounds in so I need to keep going through the weekend. Obviously, Lee (Westwood) is a world class player and he is not going to back up but we are going to go out there and chase him,” said the 23-year-old.
Moe, who has won once on the Asian Tour, got off to a fast start, shooting birdies on holes 10, 14 and 18 highlighted by a 20-foot eagle putt on the 12th hole.
“The suspension didn’t stop any momentum in my game. I’ve been playing well so I’m not worried. I’m three back at the moment with a few more holes to play. I won’t rush anything, I’ll just play my game and hopefully at the start of the third round, I’ll be in the same flight as Westwood,” said Moe, who has yet to miss a single cut on the Asian Tour.
Sponsors and partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will enjoy widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches out live to over 200 countries and 650 million households, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World.

Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, will also be broadcasting the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact it has on the economy of Indonesia.

Other partners participating as the event’s Presenting Sponsor include: Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), Garuda Indonesia (Official Airline), Indonesian World Class Energy Company, Pertamina, BMW (Official Car), Coca-Cola (Official Drinks Partner), Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Thiess Indonesia (Main Partner), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), Linc Group (Main Partner), Hush Puppies Golf (Official Apparel), San Miguel (Official Beer), Blackberry (Official Handset), Srixon (Official Ball), Ricoh (Official Office Equipment) and Casillero del Diablo (Official Wine).

Scores after round 2 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters Presented by Pnts being played at the par 72, 7262 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a- denotes amateur):

133 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 65-68.

138 - Kieran PRATT (AUS) 73-65.

139 - Shiv KAPUR (IND) 68-71.

140 - Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 72-68, James BYRNE (SCO) 73-67.

141 - Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 71-70, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 72-69.

142 - BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 72-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 70-72, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 70-72, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 72-70, Rick KULACZ (AUS) 69-73, Angelo QUE (PHI) 69-73, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 74-68, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 74-68.

143 - Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-75, Himmat RAI (IND) 72-71, Sam CYR (USA) 68-75, Adilson DA SILVA (BRA) 73-70, Scott BARR (AUS) 74-69.

144 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 75-69, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 75-69, Scott HEND (AUS) 74-70, Tim STEWART (AUS) 72-72.

145 - Jonathan MOORE (USA) 73-72, Jason KNUTZON (USA) 75-70.

Selected scores:

151 - James ONDO (INA) 77-74, SARMILIH (INA) 73-78.

156 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 84-72.

158 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 79-79.

161 - Asep SUGANDA (INA) 83-78.

162 - Zulharmen TUBASALLA (INA) 80-82.

163 - Chandra LEO (INA) 78-85.

164 - Nasin SURACHMAN (INA) 81-83.

165 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA) 81-84, Ade SEBUL (INA) 83-82.

169 - Roby SUGARA (INA) 84-85.

170 - Zainuddin SYAFIE (INA) 82-88.

Tourism Ministery Outlines Plans To Grow Special Tourism Sectors

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is developing its special interest tourism portfolio, focusing on six sectors: cruise; culinary; golf and sports; spa and wellness; shopping; and diving and marine tourism.

Rizki Handayani, newly appointed marketing director of MICE and Special Interest Tourism, said: “Indonesia has all these products, with each sector having its own association and community, so we need to package and promote (the products) the right way to the right targets.”

Citing golf as an example, Rizki said Indonesia had not been successful in attracting golfers to play in the country despite having many world-class golf courses and a golf association. She plans to work with international golfing associations to promote the destination.

Rizki added that the NTO would also participate in special interest tradeshows and invite Indonesian industry players catering to these markets.

On the domestic front, her marketing division will collaborate with the product development department to create and package products to meet market demand.