Garuda Indonesia Official Airline For Indonesian Masters

Garuda Indonesia, the National flag carrier, has signed on as Official Airline for the Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS, an Asian Tour sanctioned event. The announcement comes with commitments from Asian Tour legend, Thongchai Jaidee and local golfing star Rory Hie to participate in the 2012 edition. World number three Lee Westwood has already confirmed his defence of the title at the Indonesian Masters presented by PNTS at Royale Jakarta Golf Club from April 19-22, 2012.
The Englishman claimed a memorable victory in the inaugural edition on
the Asian Tour earlier this year which coincided with his 38th birthday
and a return to the world's number one position, albeit briefly.

"Garuda Indonesia is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Indonesian Masters - an event which we regard as one of the most important sporting events in the country. We see a great synergy between golf and our company. This initiative achieves one of our goals of cementing Indonesia's position as a key player in the world's golfing community and we are delighted to be on board for what we believe will be splendid event. We are delighted to be a part of such a wonderful family of sponsors for golf in Indonesia," said Mr. Emir Satar, President Director of Garuda Indonesia.

Through this new partnership, Garuda Indonesia will also enjoy multiple opportunities to leverage its brand through the strong international and local media platforms that the event offers including the Asian Tour's global television platform, which reaches out to over 200 countries and 850 million households.

Asian Tour's Executive Chairman, Kyi Hla Han praised the partnership with Garuda Indonesia saying that it was another strong endorsement for the Indonesian Masters and professional golf in the country.

"I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Garuda Indonesia for its support towards the Indonesian Masters. This is a wonderful recognition towards the growing prestige of the Indonesian Masters," said Han.

Garuda Indonesia consistently directs its strategy and initiatives to meet its corporate goal and realize its mission to become the flag carrier of Indonesia to the world. Its Corporate Vision is to become a strong distinguished airline through providing quality services to serve people and goods around the world with Indonesian hospitality while its Corporate Mission is to be the flag carrier of Indonesia to the world, to support national economic development by delivering professional and profitable air travel services.

Thongchai, the only player to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns, is looking forward to a return to Indonesia. "I am excited to return to the Indonesian Masters. I came in second this year and I hope to walk away with the trophy next year. I will continue to play in as many Asian Tour events as I can as the Tour has helped me build my career to what it is today."

Local golf hero Rory also expressed his eagerness to compete against many of the world's best at Royale Jakarta Golf Club, regarded as Indonesia's premier golf club. "I was very happy with my performance this year. To finish in the top 10 for me with such a strong field and to have such fantastic support from golfing fans throughout the four days was a great experience. I hope to make my country proud again in the 2012 Indonesian Masters."

The players' early confirmations are a huge boost for the Indonesian Masters which is growing immensely following its launch this year as new sponsors such as Pelayaran Nasional Tanjungriau Service (PNTS), a leading demurrage solutions company, BMW (Official Car), Coca-Cola (Official Drinks Partner), Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Thiess Indonesia (Main Partner), Navigat Energy (Main Partner) and San Miguel (Official Beer) have joined the stable of sponsors for the premier event.

Local Players Must Sell Themselves Better: Asian Tour Official

Indonesian golfers risk losing their wild cards into Asian Tour events if they don’t compete in at least 15 tournaments next season, an official said on Tuesday.

The Asian Tour began providing Indonesian golfers a wild card into its tournaments in 1995, adding a second one last year.

“[The Asian Tour] has 28 tournaments throughout the year, but we rarely see Indonesian players in those tournaments,” Irfan Hamid, Asian Tour senior manager for tour development, said on Tuesday at a news conference in Jakarta for the 2012 Indonesian Masters.

“We hope Indonesian golfers will play in at least 15 tournaments next season or we will consider not giving them two wild cards.”

The other path into Asian Tour-sanctioned events is by earning a tour card at Qualifying School, which takes place on Jan. 11 to 21 in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Rory Hie was the only Indonesian to compete in Asian Tour events this year. He finished ninth at the Indonesian Masters in April but then failed to make the cut at this month’s Singapore Open and Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia.

Rory, who won the Tangshan China PGA Championship in September to become the first Indonesian golfer to win an international tournament outside his home country, played in 13 Asian Tour events in 2010.

Hamid said the dearth of Indonesian golfers was because they struggled to find sponsors.

“The PGPI [Indonesian Professional Golfers Association] should help them find sponsors,” he said. “They don’t know how to sell themselves. No one guides them. There are a lot of sponsors out there. These guys need to find them and the PGPI needs to educate them because it’s all about the value of the players.”

PGPI chairman Syafei Asnap admitted that a lack of sponsors was a primary problem in Indonesia’s golf development.

“Players have tried to find sponsors by themselves. The PGPI will start being actively involved in helping the players, and I think we have a good chance because lots of PGPI officials are entrepreneurs,” he said.

“Now that the Asian Tour has given its warning, we’ll pay close attention to this matter. We don’t want to lose the wild cards.”

Indonesian Masters organizers confirmed on Tuesday that world No. 3 and defending champion Lee Westwood would play in the 2012 event, which will take place on April 19 to 23 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Asian Tour star Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, the only player to win the tour’s Order of Merit title three times, and Rory also confirmed they would compete in the $750,000 tournament.

“I am excited to return to the Indonesian Masters. I came in second this year and I hope to walk away with the trophy next year. I will continue to play in as many Asian Tour events as I can as the Tour has helped me build my career to what it is today,” Thongchai said in a statement.

Team Indonesia Finishes 4th At WGC World Finals

The Indonesian team of Pieter J Prinsloo, Wawan Setiawan, Vincent N Kusame, Yusmansyah A Thamrin and Cing Suharsono finished in a respectful 4th place at the World Golfers Championship World Finals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Thailand took first place, with the Chinese team taking second and a third place for the host nation's South Africa 1. 26 Teams from all over the world participated at this event, held from 29 October until 5 November 2011.
For full results visit www.worldgolfers.com.

Keppel Group Raises $360,000 For Community Building And Relief Efforts In Indonesia

The Keppel Group raised $360,000 in support of Gawad Kalinga Indonesia, Singapore Red Cross as well as for education and needy students in Bintan through a charity golf tournament at the Ria Bintan Golf Resort in Bintan Island, Indonesia, today.

Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Corporation, said, "Keppel is committed to empower lives and nurture communities wherever we operate and this fund-raising event aims to benefit Indonesia through community building and relief efforts. We have been privileged to grow with Indonesia through our businesses and this is one of the ways we are giving back."

The cheque was presented by Keppel Corporation's Chairman Dr Lee Boon Yang and Mr Choo to the Yang Terhormat Bapak Khazalik, Deputy Bupati of Bintan; Mr Ed Macesar, Head of GK Indonesia and Mr Tee Tua Ba, Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross.

The Keppel Group continues to grow with Indonesia through a quality portfolio of properties in Indonesia including Jakarta Garden City, an integrated township; International Financial Centre comprising two office towers in Jakarta's CBD; BG Junction, a retail complex in Surabaya; the 36-hole Ria Bintan Golf Club and Bintan Offshore, a subsidiary of Keppel FELS, involved in steel structure fabrication and outfitting works.

Home Team Exceeds Expectations At SEA Games

Jakarta, Indonesia -
After keeping golf fans throughout Indonesia on edge for days, eventually the host golf team exceeded expectations at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia 2011, which ended on Thursday (17/11) on the New Course Jagorawi Golf & Country Club.

Indonesia's ladies golfer Tatiana came out as champion and won an individual gold medal after a play-off against Pinrath L from Thailand with a total score of 217 (74-74-69). Pinrath had to settle for a silver medal while Dottie Ardina (Philippines) got the bronze medal.

The hosts ladies golf team, consisting of Tatiana, Juriah and Ika Woro Palupi, also won the gold medal in ladies team event number with a total score of 439.

Meanwhile, the two gold medals in the men's division went to Thailand, with the men's individual's gold taken by Rattanon from Thailand, with a total score of 2 under (75-68-73-70), and the men's team gold medal for the Thai team consisting of Rattanon, Natiphong, Chanachok and Poom.S with a total score of 865. Individual silver medal was taken by Natipong S (Thailand) with a score of 290 (70-75-72-73) and bronze medals won by George Gandranata (Indonesia) with a score of 291 (70-81-70-70).

Indonesia's men's golf team consisting of George Gandranata, Ian Andrew, and Suprapto Rinaldi won the silver medal team event with a total score of 873.

Bronze medal went to the Malaysian team of Abel Tam, Arie Fauzi, Kenneth De Silva and Low Khai Jei with a total score of 889.

Malaysia Leads After First Day Of SEA Games Ladies Golf

Jakarta, Indonesia — With rivals hell bent on dethroning them, the defending champion Philippines’ Chihiro Ikeda, Andrea Unson and Dottie Ardina found themselves trailing by five against current leader Malaysia in the opening round of women’s golf competition in the 26th Southeast Asian Games.

It’s a crowded top four with only single-digit leads separating the teams. Malaysia is off to a fine start with 142 followed by Thailand (143), Singapore (144), and the Philippines (147).

Ikeda and Ardina are no strangers to this kind of situation. Call it a déjà vu of sorts but this is the same story line that happened in the first day in the 2009 Laos SEAG in Vientiane. Eventually, they caught fire in the last two days to capture the gold team and individual medals.

In fact, the managers and coaches of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and host Indonesia know too well that the Philippines have the strongest team coming here and are even more dangerous when their backs are against the wall, especially with high-caliber players like Ikeda and Ardina.

“I expect the ladies to bounce back in a big way on Wednesday. There will only be a few adjustments as they played decent rounds today," said national coach Bong Lopez.

Lopez’s major adjustment would focus on limiting mistakes on specific holes where the trio recorded a combined five double-bogeys at the narrow, tree-lined fairways of the Jagorawi Golf and Country Club’s New Course.

Ikeda paced with an even 72, highlighted by three birdies on Nos. 1, 3 and 10. She got into trouble on the 12th where she had a double bogey and on the 13th for her only bogey.

Unson, a first-time in the SEA Games, added a 75 in the three-to-play, two-to-count format as she accounted for the PHL’s 147 total. Dottie Ardina, the third member, managed a 76.

Malaysia, meanwhile, leaned on the two-under 70 of Kelly Tan and the 72 of Aretha Pan. Thailand’s Pinrath Loonboonruang also made a 70 and was backed up by Pannita’s 73. Koh Sock Hwee shot the day’s best of 69 while Amelia Yong added a 75 for Singapore.

In the men’s division, powerhouse Thailand overtook Indonesia for the lead after the second round even as the Philippines stayed in fourth place in the competition also played at Jagorawi.

Rupert Zaragosa, the many-time Junior World champion, churned out a one-under 71 to spearhead the Philippines campaign. Jobim Carlos and Art Arbole each returned with a 74 that gave the country a 219 for the day and 242 in 36 holes.

Thai Rattanon Wannasric rattled off with a superb four-under 68 and got ample support from Poom Saksansin (72) and Natipong Srithong (75) for 218 and 433 aggregate. Malaysia jumped to second with 222-440, one ahead from erstwhile leader Indonesia (227-441).

Indonesia In The Lead On First Day Of SEA Games

Jakarta, Indonesia - In the first round of men’s competition, Indonesia displayed extensive course knowledge as it assembled a 214 to grab an early four-shot lead against Thailand while the Philippines pooled in a 223 for fourth place, one behind Malaysia.

Indonesian George G. provided the spark as he scored on a two-under-par 70. After limping a bit with a 37 at the back side where he started, he dropped in three birdies on holes 1, 2 and 9 at the front nine to wound up with a 33 for that 70.

Also buoyed up with the cheers of the handful of local fans that showed up at Jagorawi, Ian Andrew and Rinaldi Adiyandono each supported George G. with a 72 for Indonesia’s tournament-leading 214.

Filipino pint-sized golfer Rupert Zaragosa played steadily with an even 72 despite the New Course’s narrow fairways, fast greens and tall roughs for the Philippines, which finished third in the 2009 Laos SEA Games in Vientiane.

Jobim Carlos, who was expected to score heavily, struggled in the early holes, making a double bogey on the 13th and bogeys on 14th and 16th. He birdied the 17th then added three more on three of five holes at the turn that gave him a 74.

Art Arbole was actually on his way to a good round until he got busted with a horrible 9 on the par-5 eighth hole. His drive sliced to the right and went out-of-bounds then on his third shot, he missed on the ball completely on his chip but was still assessed as a stroke that added to his woes.

Still Arbole made it to the scoring column format (four-to-play, three-to-count) with a 77.

Thailand had a 218 on the 70 of Natipong Srithong, 73 of Poom Saksansin and 75 of Chanachock D. Malaysia was led by Low Khai Jei’s 70 followed by Kenneth de Silva’s 73 and Muhammad Arie’s 79.

BELL Ace Charity Golf Tournament 2011

BELL Foundation is a non profit organization that was formed to focus on underprivileged children's schooling and to help them getting the best education they can get.

For the 6th time, BELL Foundation will be hosting its annual event "BELL Ace Charity Golf Tournament" on Friday 2nd December 2011 at Cengkareng Golf Club. This event is organized to raise fund to finish building a school in West Jakarta.

Please support this good cause by participating in the tournament and contribute to Indonesian children's education.

Programme:
11.00 Registration and lunch
12.30 Shotgun Start
17.30 Dinner with entertainment
18.00 Trophies and prize giving ceremony, door prizes
         Charity Auction

Format:
4 Man Team Stroke Play, using System 36 Handicapping

Tournament Fee:
Rp. 1,750,000

Registration and RSVP:
Syela - Golf Events Indonesia
(021) 5793 6315/16 - 0856 9162 6874
eventscoordinator@golfeventsindonesia.com
Susan - BELL Foundation
(021) 565 8388 - 0815 818 3221
susan_erlyta@yahoo.com

The Sutowo Amateur Open Golf Tournament

The Sutowo Amateur Open Golf Tournament 2011 will be held at Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club on Sunday 27 November 2011.
The tournament will be a 18-hole Individual Stroke Play Competition with Shotgun Start at 7am.

Tournament registration fee is Rp 650,000 for Members and Juniors, Rp 750,000 for Indonesian citizens and KITAS/KIMS holders, and Rp 850,000 for visitors.
Registration fee includes Green, Cart and Caddy Fees, buffet lunch, on-course snacks, 1 mineral water, golf souvenir, lucky draw and Hole-in-One prizes, and trophies awarded to the winners in Men's, Ladies, and Junior Divisions.

Special Room Rates (26-27 Nov) Rp 350,000 for Members and Juniors, Rp 400,000 for Indonesian citizens and KITAS/KIMS holders and Rp 450,000 for Visitors includes 1 night accommodation in a Superior Room and breakfast for 2. Upgrade to a Deluxe Golf View Room for only Rp 150,000 or a Bungalow for only Rp 250,000.

Special 18-hole Practice Round Rates on 26 November of Rp 300,000 for Members and Juniors, Rp 450,000 for Indonesian citizens and KITAS/KIMS holders and Rp 650,000 for Visitors.

All rates are nett. For more information and registration contact Bali Handara Sales Team at sales@balihandarakosaido.com or (0361) 288 944, fax (0361) 287 358.

Thai Golfers Target Three Of Four Golds In Jakarta

Thailand's golf chief aims to win three of the four gold medals that are available at the SEA Games.

The Thai squad are expected to win in the men's individual and team events and the women's individual competition. "I have confidence in three events particularly the men's competitions," Rungsrid Luxitanond, president of the Thailand Golf Association, said yesterday.

"Every man is in good form and can win gold if they can play to their standard during the tournament."

In the men's team, Thailand made a late change with Chanachoke Aphirattanamongkol replacing Nattawat Suvajanakorn who is injured.

The other three men are Poom Saksansin, Natipong Srithong and Rattanon Wannasrichan.

The women's team feature Pinrat Loomboonruang, Panitta Yusabai and Pavarisa Yoktuan.

"In the women's event, Pinrat is one of the favourites to win the women's individual title," Rungsrid said.

"In the women's team competition, the Philippines and Indonesia are the teams to beat."

Thailand coach Gerry Norquist said his players were fit physically and mentally and that any of his men could win the individual title.

But he refused to predict how many gold medals his squad would win as this could put extra pressure on himself and the athletes.

Instead, he said he would try to motivate them to win in every event.

"Rungsrid's prediction will not put us under pressure," said the American who has been with the team since November 2009.

It is difficult to predict golf results because it is a battle between players and the course, he said.

Singpapore and the Philippines could be Thailand's toughest opponents in the men's and women's events respectively while Indonesia could be a surprise package thanks to home field advantage, Norquist said.

The golf tournament will be held at Jagorawi Country Club in Jakarta. The Thai team will fly to Indonesia on Friday.

Thailand swept all four gold medals at the 24th SEA Games on home soil in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2007 and took two golds and two silvers at the previous tournament in Laos in 2009.

Thai Wisut Wins Again, Rory Finishes 4th At Sabah Masters

KOTA KINABALU: Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat claimed the US$60,000 Sabah Masters yesterday to become the first player to win four times on the Asean PGA Tour and also the first golfer to claim back-to-back titles.

Wisut recorded a one-stroke victory over Filipino Anthony Fernando and Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung at the Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club to add to his success in last month’s Palembang Musi Champion­ship in Indonesia.

The 30-year-old fired a four-under 66 for a two-under 278 total. He had started the final round three shots behind leader Fernando but stormed into the lead with a brilliant front nine of four-under 32, which included birdies on the first two holes.

Fernando carded a 70 while Fung, who started with a costly double bo­­gey seven, came in with a 69. Indonesian Rory Hie and Thai Tanat­chan Puaktes shared fourth place.

“I’m delighted and very excited after winning my first back-to-back titles as a professional. Everything came together for me today, every part of my game worked well and I stayed calm and focused,” said Wisut, who won US$9,750.

He moved to the top of the Order of Merit with earnings of US$23,092

“It is definitely a confident booster ahead of my trip to Australia next week for the Australian Open. A world class field will gather there and after these two wins, I believe that I can get a good result Down Under,” said Wisut.

RESULTS

278: Wisut Artjanawat (Tha) 72-68-72-66
279: Nicholas Fung (Mas) 70-68-72-69, Anthony Fernando (Phi) 68-70-71-70
281: Rory Hie (Ina) 71-71-71-68, Tanatchan Puaktes (Tha) 68-73-71-69
283: Apichart Papitak (Tha) 70-74-72-67, Gerald Rosales (Phi) 75-73-67-68, S. Sivachandran (Mas) 70-68-72-73
284: Jay Bayron (Phi) 65-71-75-73
286: S. Murthy (Mas) 74-75-70-67
287: C. J. Gatto (US) 71-76-73-67, Marvin Dumandan (Phi) 75-74-69-69, Lim Eng Seng (Mas) 72-74-71-70
288: Marlon Dizon (Phi) 69-73-73-73
289: Nicholas Pua (Mas) 76-71-73-69, Varut Chomchalam (Tha) 74-75-71-69, Rashid Ismail (Mas) 74-72-73-70

Ministry Of Tourism & Creative Economy Visits U.S. To Build Awareness And Encourage Travel To The Country

NEW YORK,2 Nov 2011 -- Indonesia is proving to be the hot new destination for U.S. tourists. The Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy for the Republic of Indonesia reports that during the first six months of 2011, U.S. visitors to the country increased 7.4 percent from 85,385 to 91,569 over the same period last year.

The Ministry is intent on further strengthening the position of Indonesia as a preferred holiday destination for international tourists and increasing the number of visitor numbers coming from the U.S. by 10 percent by the end of 2011. To achieve its goal, the Ministry is participating in a series of events and sponsorships in the U.S., including the upcoming ING New York City Marathon on November 6, 2011.

The Ministry has appointed IMG to strategize and execute the sponsorship and marketing of Indonesia tourism at the 'ING New York City Marathon.' In New York, Indonesia will be represented in a variety of consumer-driven events, including the "International Taste of Travel" and "Parade of Nations." The Ministry believes the 'ING New York City Marathon' is an ideal platform to promote tourism in Indonesia to both U.S. and international tourists by showcasing Indonesia's vast offerings.

"Indonesia offers everything, from award-winning golf courses and spas to marvelous cultural attractions and natural wonders. We see the sponsorship of these international events surrounding the 'ING New York City Marathon' as a unique opportunity to promote our islands and introduce travelers to all we have to offer," said Sapta Nirwandar, Vice-Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.

In addition to engaging in sponsorship opportunities, the Ministry is exploring new ways within the cruise industry to attract more travelers. As the country is conveniently located in close proximity to Southeast Asia's largest cruise hub, Singapore, the Ministry will be campaigning for new cruise routes in the next few years that explore islands beyond Bali.

Buoyed by the solid growth in travelers from the U.S. market, the Ministry announced that it will open a Visit Indonesia Tourism Office (VITO) in New York City in 2012. The role of the VITO is to promote Indonesia as a leisure and business destination. The U.S. office will join the family of 12 other VITOs located around the world in countries that are key tourism markets for Indonesia.

2011 Rotary Club Nusa Dua Charity Golf Tournament

Bali's Charity Golf Event
of the Year

Jeep

presents the
2011 Rotary Club Nusa Dua Charity Golf Tournament

All Proceeds will be Dedicated

to the

Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua
Community Projects
including
Bali Clean and Green - Cleft Lip - HIV/Aids - Shelter Box

The tournament is supported by:
· Garuda Indonesia · Bali Classic 2010 · Bali Hotels Association ·
· Club Car · Samsung ·

Shothun Start 1.00pm - Saturday November 12, 2011
at
Bali Golf & Country Club
Entries Limited to First 144 Players to Register
Great Golf Festivities - Sponsored "Goodies" on All Holes

Unique Golf Trophies & Prizes
2x Long Drive Holes - Nearest the Line - 2x Nearest the Pin Holes

Hole in One Prizes
Hole #6 and #15 Round Trip Air Tickets
Hole #12 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 70th Anniversary Model

Great Lucky Draw & Grand Prizes
Entry Fee Rp 1,250,000 Nett, inclusive of Golf-Poolside BBQ Awards Dinner
Entertainment - Golfer's Goodie Bag
Golf Trophies & Prizes
Non Golfers are Very Welcome to Join in the Fun
Poolside BBQ Award Dinner - Rp 250,000 Nett

Information & Entry Hotlines
Ms. Dede Rai Viany - 771 791 Ext 104
Ms. Komang Puspa - 771 791 Ext 105
Bali Golf & Country Club Pro Shop