Cheonan, October 27 - Korea’s Kim Seung-hyuk sank the putts when it mattered and waited for his closest pursuer to wilt under pressure en route to victory at the Kolon Korea Open on Monday, his second win of the season on OneAsia.
His four-day total of two-under par 282 saw him finish two shots ahead of highly rated countryman Noh Seung-yul and extend his lead in the 2014 OneAsia Order of Merit race.
A stroke ahead of amateur Ham Jeong-woo when the fourth round was halted by darkness on Sunday, Kim played patient golf on the restart and parred his five remaining holes for a closing 70 at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
“My game plan was just to make pars,” said the 28-year-old Kim, who won the SK Telecom Open in May. “It’s a difficult course and you really need to manage your game if you expect to win here.”
Ham had been leading the tournament until he reached the final nine holes when a bogey and double bogey brought him back to the field before play was suspended on Sunday.
His expected challenge when play resumed on Monday was derailed by bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes and he had to settle for a 75 and a tie for third.
Kim, who led the OneAsia money list with US$223,311 in winnings going into the tournament, called it right when he said after the final round was suspended on Sunday that the way he played the 16th and 17th holes would be the key to his lifting the title.
The in-form Kim, winner of the Top Cup Tokai Classic on the Japan Tour earlier this month, stared a bogey in the face on the par-three 16th after his chip ran past the hole but kept his slender lead with a brilliant 20-foot putt to save par.
On the 17th, he sank a tricky six-footer to again save par after his putt from the fringe came up short.
With a two-stroke lead over PGA Tour regular Noh, who had completed his round on Sunday and was the clubhouse leader at even par, Kim settled for a par on the 18th to cement his victory.
As the current leader of the OneAsia money list he will play the BMW Masters which tees off on Thursday in Shanghai, China.
Major winner Y. E. Yang, who was in a position to make a challenge, could not get things going and a succession of pars kept him four strokes behind the leader and out of contention. He closed with a 74 for sixth place on his own.
Indonesia's Rory Hie, who had dropped 5 strokes in the third round, was able to recover in the final round, and with 3 birdies and a single bogey he had his best round of the tournament, lifting him to tie for 14th place overall.
The Kolon Korea Open, which is one of the longest running national opens in Asia, was plagued by daily fog delays since it started on Thursday resulting in a Monday finish.
The next tournament on OneAsia is the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club from November 27-30.
Leading fourth round scores (Korean unless stated) (Par 71):
282 - Kim Seung-hyuk 73-68-71-70
284 - Noh Seung-yul 73-71-71-69
285 - Lee Tae-hee 72-72-72-69, Choi Ho-sung 67-79-67-72, Ham Jeong-woo (AM) 70-68-72-75
286 - Y. E. Yang 72-70-70-74
287 - Maeng Dong-seop 72-74-74-67, Hong Soon-sang 72-70-73-72, Park Ju-hyuk 71-70-72-74, Jun Seok Lee (Aus) 70-68-78-71, Kang Ji-man 69-69-77-72
Selected:
289 - Rory Hie (Ina) 72-72-76-69
Monday, October 27, 2014
2014 Indonesian Masters Winner Lahiri Adds Venetian Macau Open Crown
Macau, October 26 - Indian star Anirban Lahiri claimed a sensational one-stroke victory at the US$900,000 Venetian Macau Open after frontrunner Scott Hend of Australia agonizingly bogeyed the last hole on Sunday.
Lahiri started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Hend and trailed by four at one stage at the Macau Golf and Country Club before rallying on the home stretch to pip Hend and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat.
The 27-year-old Indian signed for a final round of five-under-par 66, which included six birdies, and a winning aggregate of 17-under-par 267. The winner’s cheque of US$162,000 raised his season’s tally to US$504,689 as he consolidated his second place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and narrowed the gap on leader David Lipsky of the United States.
Hend, the defending champion who arrived in Macau in top form after winning the Hong Kong Open last week, lipped out a par putt from four feet on the 72nd hole as the roles reversed from last year’s edition where Lahiri was the runner-up. Hend settled for a 69 while Prom charged up the leaderboard with a 66.
“It’s really special. Hendy was playing great golf and it was sad to see him missing that putt on the last,” said Lahiri, who secured his second win of the season and fifth Asian Tour victory. Earlier this year he won the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I knew he was playing some good golf and I told myself that I was going to keep coming back, keep coming back and keep attacking. I wanted to make him think I was not going to go away. I think I played really well.”
Hend took charge early on and doubled his overnight lead to four shots after nailing an eagle on two and a birdie on seven. However, a tenacious Lahiri fought back with birdies on eight and nine to make the turn only two back. The pivotal moment came on 14 when Lahiri hit a superb seven iron into the par three hole for an easy birdie while Hend bogeyed.
Lahiri, who had opened his campaign with a stunning 61 on Thursday, then led for the first time in the final round with a birdie on 15 but Hend leveled with a birdie at the next hole until his slip-up at the last.
“I hit a perfect golf shot on 14,” said Lahiri. “I had just missed a putt at the previous hole and I knew I needed a birdie to catch Hendy and that was just magic the way it came down. I hit a seven iron as hard and high as I could and it came out perfect. One of the best shots of the week.
“I was chasing all day and on 14, that’s where the momentum switched a bit. It’s fantastic to win my second of the year. I missed the cut last week (in Hong Kong) after a long time so I had time to think about what I was doing wrong and how was I was not thinking positively on the course. I’m happy I managed to turn that around.”
Hend was disappointed he missed his par putt which would have forced a play-off and also the opportunity to join China’s Zhang Lian-wei as the only two-time Venetian Macau Open champion.
“I hit too many loose shots and then on the last hole, I had a lip out which I thought I put a good putt on it. Unfortunately it lipped out. I looked up to see it lipping out. I thought I had made the putt,” said Hend.
“To be honest, the tournament had slipped as the tee shot wasn’t in play. I had to hit the fairway which would have made it a lot easier but I missed the fairway which made my job a little bit harder.”
Prom came home strongly in 32 but fell one short shy of forcing a play-off. He rued a roller-coaster start where he went bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie in his opening four holes. “I had a good back nine but it was up and down in the first four holes. But to finish on five under for the round, I’m happy. My goal was to stay inside the top-three. It was not going to be easy to catch Hendy or Anirban,” said Prom.
George Gandranata closed out the tournament with a round of 74, finishing with a total of 288 at 4 over par. The final 9 holes for the Indonesian were he lost most with a double bogey on the 10th and bogeys on 12, 16 and 17. Luckily 2 birdies on 15 and the final hole kept him from losing too much.
Meanwhile, The Venetian Macao® has extended its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macau Open for a further two years until 2016 following its successful association with Macau’s premier golf championship this week. The Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB) and its partners, the Asian Tour, Macau Golf Association and IMG, jointly announced that next year’s edition will return to the Macau Golf and Country Club from October 15-18, 2015.
Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Air Macau, Blue Girl, Lamborghini and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection, Twinwoods Wine and Munsingwear.
Scores after round 4 of the Venetian Macau Open 2014:
267 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 61-73-67-66
268 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-70-64-66, Scott HEND (AUS) 62-70-67-69
270 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 65-67-72-66
272 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-70-68-65, Unho PARK (AUS) 70-69-68-65
273 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 67-70-67-69
274 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 73-67-67-67
275 – Kieran PRATT (AUS) 70-69-68-68
Selected:
281 - Ernie ELS (RSA) 70-72-69-70
288 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-70-72-74
Lahiri started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Hend and trailed by four at one stage at the Macau Golf and Country Club before rallying on the home stretch to pip Hend and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat.
The 27-year-old Indian signed for a final round of five-under-par 66, which included six birdies, and a winning aggregate of 17-under-par 267. The winner’s cheque of US$162,000 raised his season’s tally to US$504,689 as he consolidated his second place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and narrowed the gap on leader David Lipsky of the United States.
Hend, the defending champion who arrived in Macau in top form after winning the Hong Kong Open last week, lipped out a par putt from four feet on the 72nd hole as the roles reversed from last year’s edition where Lahiri was the runner-up. Hend settled for a 69 while Prom charged up the leaderboard with a 66.
“It’s really special. Hendy was playing great golf and it was sad to see him missing that putt on the last,” said Lahiri, who secured his second win of the season and fifth Asian Tour victory. Earlier this year he won the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“I knew he was playing some good golf and I told myself that I was going to keep coming back, keep coming back and keep attacking. I wanted to make him think I was not going to go away. I think I played really well.”
Hend took charge early on and doubled his overnight lead to four shots after nailing an eagle on two and a birdie on seven. However, a tenacious Lahiri fought back with birdies on eight and nine to make the turn only two back. The pivotal moment came on 14 when Lahiri hit a superb seven iron into the par three hole for an easy birdie while Hend bogeyed.
Lahiri, who had opened his campaign with a stunning 61 on Thursday, then led for the first time in the final round with a birdie on 15 but Hend leveled with a birdie at the next hole until his slip-up at the last.
“I hit a perfect golf shot on 14,” said Lahiri. “I had just missed a putt at the previous hole and I knew I needed a birdie to catch Hendy and that was just magic the way it came down. I hit a seven iron as hard and high as I could and it came out perfect. One of the best shots of the week.
“I was chasing all day and on 14, that’s where the momentum switched a bit. It’s fantastic to win my second of the year. I missed the cut last week (in Hong Kong) after a long time so I had time to think about what I was doing wrong and how was I was not thinking positively on the course. I’m happy I managed to turn that around.”
Hend was disappointed he missed his par putt which would have forced a play-off and also the opportunity to join China’s Zhang Lian-wei as the only two-time Venetian Macau Open champion.
“I hit too many loose shots and then on the last hole, I had a lip out which I thought I put a good putt on it. Unfortunately it lipped out. I looked up to see it lipping out. I thought I had made the putt,” said Hend.
“To be honest, the tournament had slipped as the tee shot wasn’t in play. I had to hit the fairway which would have made it a lot easier but I missed the fairway which made my job a little bit harder.”
Prom came home strongly in 32 but fell one short shy of forcing a play-off. He rued a roller-coaster start where he went bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie in his opening four holes. “I had a good back nine but it was up and down in the first four holes. But to finish on five under for the round, I’m happy. My goal was to stay inside the top-three. It was not going to be easy to catch Hendy or Anirban,” said Prom.
George Gandranata closed out the tournament with a round of 74, finishing with a total of 288 at 4 over par. The final 9 holes for the Indonesian were he lost most with a double bogey on the 10th and bogeys on 12, 16 and 17. Luckily 2 birdies on 15 and the final hole kept him from losing too much.
Meanwhile, The Venetian Macao® has extended its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macau Open for a further two years until 2016 following its successful association with Macau’s premier golf championship this week. The Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB) and its partners, the Asian Tour, Macau Golf Association and IMG, jointly announced that next year’s edition will return to the Macau Golf and Country Club from October 15-18, 2015.
Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Air Macau, Blue Girl, Lamborghini and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection, Twinwoods Wine and Munsingwear.
Scores after round 4 of the Venetian Macau Open 2014:
267 – Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 61-73-67-66
268 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-70-64-66, Scott HEND (AUS) 62-70-67-69
270 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 65-67-72-66
272 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-70-68-65, Unho PARK (AUS) 70-69-68-65
273 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 67-70-67-69
274 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 73-67-67-67
275 – Kieran PRATT (AUS) 70-69-68-68
Selected:
281 - Ernie ELS (RSA) 70-72-69-70
288 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-70-72-74
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Solid Rounds For Rory Hie At Kolon Korea Open
Cheonan, October 25 - Major champion and former winner Y. E. Yang, looking for a morale-boosting victory after a poor season, nosed ahead midway through the third round of the fog-disrupted Kolon Korea Open on Saturday.
Yang, who won the Kolon Korea Open for the second time in 2010 a year after his success at the PGA Championship, shot three birdies in his opening nine holes to move to three-under for the tournament at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
He was a stroke ahead of six players - countrymen Chang Yi-keun, Jeon Yun-cheol, Park Ju-hyuk, Ham Jeong-woo and Kang Ji-man and Australia’s Jun Seok Lee - when play was halted because of darkness.
The OneAsia tournament has been delayed by early-morning fog every day and nobody finished the third round on Saturday. Play is scheduled to resume at 7am on Sunday.
As the halfway leaders faltered early in the third round, Yang took his opportunity to strike with birdies at the second, fifth and eighth hole.
“I know the course and understand how to play it,” said Yang, a two-time winner on OneAsia. “I will just keep my pace and play my game tomorrow and not attack the course.”
Earlier on Saturday, in-form Lee, runner-up in OneAsia’s Nanshan China Masters at the beginning of the month, birdied the 18th hole to join a four-way tie for the halfway lead.
Lee, who is enjoying a banner season after winning Q-School’s final stage at Sabah in March, carded a 68 to sit atop the leaderboard with Kang (69), Jeon (71) and amateur Ham (68).
Kang finished his second round on Friday while Lee, Jeon and Ham completed their remaining holes on Saturday morning.
Korean-born Lee, currently sixth on the OneAsia Order of Merit with winnings of US$118, 996, started his third round with a bogey and also bogeyed the seventh - his last hole before play was stopped - which dropped him to two-under par for the tournament.
Ham also slipped off the lead with back-to-back bogeys at the third and fourth holes. The same fate had befallen first round leader Jeon who was tripped by bogeys on the fifth and seventh hole.
Even veteran Kang, who was grinding it out with consecutive pars from the start, succumbed to a double bogey on the seventh hole to add himself to the six-man logjam in second spot.
“Woo Jeong Hills has a way of biting back if you lose your concentration,” said Kang. “I know I will play well if I concentrate."
Chang, who recorded a top-10 finish at the Nanshan China Masters, moved into the picture with a four-under 32 on the front nine that included five birdies and a lone bogey.
Rory Hie from Indonesia, who finished his second round on Friday, had played both rounds in 1-over, what put him in share of 18th place.
Leading second round scores (Korean unless stated) (Par 71)
138 - Kang Ji-man 69-69, Jeon Yun-cheol 67-71, Jun Seok Lee (AUS) 70-68, Ham Jeong-woo (AM) 70-68
141 - Park Ju-hyuk 71-70, Kim Seung-hyuk 73-68
142 - Park Jun-won 71-71, Hwang In-choon 73-69, Choi Jin-ho 71-71, Hong Soon-sang 72-70, Y.E. Yang 72-70
Selected:
144 - Rory Hie (INA) 72-72
Yang, who won the Kolon Korea Open for the second time in 2010 a year after his success at the PGA Championship, shot three birdies in his opening nine holes to move to three-under for the tournament at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
He was a stroke ahead of six players - countrymen Chang Yi-keun, Jeon Yun-cheol, Park Ju-hyuk, Ham Jeong-woo and Kang Ji-man and Australia’s Jun Seok Lee - when play was halted because of darkness.
The OneAsia tournament has been delayed by early-morning fog every day and nobody finished the third round on Saturday. Play is scheduled to resume at 7am on Sunday.
As the halfway leaders faltered early in the third round, Yang took his opportunity to strike with birdies at the second, fifth and eighth hole.
“I know the course and understand how to play it,” said Yang, a two-time winner on OneAsia. “I will just keep my pace and play my game tomorrow and not attack the course.”
Earlier on Saturday, in-form Lee, runner-up in OneAsia’s Nanshan China Masters at the beginning of the month, birdied the 18th hole to join a four-way tie for the halfway lead.
Lee, who is enjoying a banner season after winning Q-School’s final stage at Sabah in March, carded a 68 to sit atop the leaderboard with Kang (69), Jeon (71) and amateur Ham (68).
Kang finished his second round on Friday while Lee, Jeon and Ham completed their remaining holes on Saturday morning.
Korean-born Lee, currently sixth on the OneAsia Order of Merit with winnings of US$118, 996, started his third round with a bogey and also bogeyed the seventh - his last hole before play was stopped - which dropped him to two-under par for the tournament.
Ham also slipped off the lead with back-to-back bogeys at the third and fourth holes. The same fate had befallen first round leader Jeon who was tripped by bogeys on the fifth and seventh hole.
Even veteran Kang, who was grinding it out with consecutive pars from the start, succumbed to a double bogey on the seventh hole to add himself to the six-man logjam in second spot.
“Woo Jeong Hills has a way of biting back if you lose your concentration,” said Kang. “I know I will play well if I concentrate."
Chang, who recorded a top-10 finish at the Nanshan China Masters, moved into the picture with a four-under 32 on the front nine that included five birdies and a lone bogey.
Rory Hie from Indonesia, who finished his second round on Friday, had played both rounds in 1-over, what put him in share of 18th place.
Leading second round scores (Korean unless stated) (Par 71)
138 - Kang Ji-man 69-69, Jeon Yun-cheol 67-71, Jun Seok Lee (AUS) 70-68, Ham Jeong-woo (AM) 70-68
141 - Park Ju-hyuk 71-70, Kim Seung-hyuk 73-68
142 - Park Jun-won 71-71, Hwang In-choon 73-69, Choi Jin-ho 71-71, Hong Soon-sang 72-70, Y.E. Yang 72-70
Selected:
144 - Rory Hie (INA) 72-72
Friday, October 24, 2014
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:
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)
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)
Pro Am Golf Tournament
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2014Format: 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 2014Entry 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
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
Thursday, October 23, 2014
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.”
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.”
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
144 ASEAN Golfers Ready For The Borobudur Classic 2014
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.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
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
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
Saturday, October 18, 2014
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
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
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
Friday, October 17, 2014
Second Round 66 Propels Rory Hie At ADT Chang Hwa Open
Chang Hwa, Chinese Taipei, October 17 - Local hope Lin Chien-bing surged to the top of the leaderboard after signing for a bogey-free five-under-par 66 at the halfway stage of the 15th ADT Chang Hwa Open on Friday.
Lin, who opened with a 70, reeled in nine straight pars before closing with five consecutive birdies to lead by one shot on six-under-par 136 total at the US$100,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, a three-time ADT winner, moved into second place following a 67 while Niall Turner of Ireland (66), Indonesia’s Rory Hie (66), Chinese Taipei duo Hsu Hao-sheng (67) and Lien Chi-wei (67) shared third place on 138 at the Chang Hwa Golf Club.
Defending champion Hung Chien-yao stayed eight shots off the pace after signing for a 71 to take a share of 30th place at the Chang Hwa Open, which is returning onto the ADT schedule for the second straight year this season.
It has been a steady outing for Lin, who credited his course knowledge and strong mental game for a remarkable round today.
“I had a few birdie chances on my front nine but I didn’t manage to take advantage of it. I just tried to play my own game out there and it’s thrilling to finish the round with five straight birdies! I sank a four-footer for birdie on the 14th hole and that kind of got my game going,” said an excited Lin.
“Overall, I guess everything worked out well for me today. I am familiar with this course so I guess that is an advantage for me. I have been playing one shot by one shot for the past two rounds and it has been really smooth for me so far. I only made one bogey on the ninth hole yesterday,” added the 41-year-old.
Pavit, placed second on the merit rankings, is delighted to put himself in a good position to chase for his fourth title on the ADT, which was inaugurated in 2010 as a gateway to the premier Asian Tour.
“I hit very good tee shots and I putted much better today. It’s not easy to putt well on the kind of grasses out here so I am happy with how I played. It was less windy this morning so it was slightly easier too. I will have to keep the ball in play and focus on the tee shots in the next two rounds as I think that would be the key to play well here,” said the 25-year-old Thai.
A win this week will allow Pavit to topple current leader Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei on the ADT Order of Merit.
“It’s getting tougher in every tournament because everyone is playing well and it’s getting very competitive with only a few tournaments left to play. I will just try to play my best and not think too much about the outcome,” added Pavit, who mixed his card with seven birdies against three bogeys.
The halfway cut was set at three-over-par 145 with a total of 54 players, including a local amateur, progressing into the final two rounds.
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 second round scores:
136 – LIN Chien-bing (TPE) 70-66
137 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-67
138 – Niall TURNER (IRE) 72-66, Rory HIE (INA) 72-66, HSU Hao-sheng (TPE) 71-67, LIEN Chi-wei (TPE) 71-67
139 – Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 68-71, HUNG Chun-kang (TPE) 72-67
140 – YEH Chang-ting (TPE) 70-70, YU Chun-an (A) (TPE) 70-70
141 – TSENG Hong-sheng (TPE) 73-68, CHAN Yih-shin (TPE) 67-74, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 71-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 71-70, Grant JACKSON (ENG) 67-74
Lin, who opened with a 70, reeled in nine straight pars before closing with five consecutive birdies to lead by one shot on six-under-par 136 total at the US$100,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, a three-time ADT winner, moved into second place following a 67 while Niall Turner of Ireland (66), Indonesia’s Rory Hie (66), Chinese Taipei duo Hsu Hao-sheng (67) and Lien Chi-wei (67) shared third place on 138 at the Chang Hwa Golf Club.
Defending champion Hung Chien-yao stayed eight shots off the pace after signing for a 71 to take a share of 30th place at the Chang Hwa Open, which is returning onto the ADT schedule for the second straight year this season.
It has been a steady outing for Lin, who credited his course knowledge and strong mental game for a remarkable round today.
“I had a few birdie chances on my front nine but I didn’t manage to take advantage of it. I just tried to play my own game out there and it’s thrilling to finish the round with five straight birdies! I sank a four-footer for birdie on the 14th hole and that kind of got my game going,” said an excited Lin.
“Overall, I guess everything worked out well for me today. I am familiar with this course so I guess that is an advantage for me. I have been playing one shot by one shot for the past two rounds and it has been really smooth for me so far. I only made one bogey on the ninth hole yesterday,” added the 41-year-old.
Pavit, placed second on the merit rankings, is delighted to put himself in a good position to chase for his fourth title on the ADT, which was inaugurated in 2010 as a gateway to the premier Asian Tour.
“I hit very good tee shots and I putted much better today. It’s not easy to putt well on the kind of grasses out here so I am happy with how I played. It was less windy this morning so it was slightly easier too. I will have to keep the ball in play and focus on the tee shots in the next two rounds as I think that would be the key to play well here,” said the 25-year-old Thai.
A win this week will allow Pavit to topple current leader Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei on the ADT Order of Merit.
“It’s getting tougher in every tournament because everyone is playing well and it’s getting very competitive with only a few tournaments left to play. I will just try to play my best and not think too much about the outcome,” added Pavit, who mixed his card with seven birdies against three bogeys.
The halfway cut was set at three-over-par 145 with a total of 54 players, including a local amateur, progressing into the final two rounds.
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 second round scores:
136 – LIN Chien-bing (TPE) 70-66
137 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-67
138 – Niall TURNER (IRE) 72-66, Rory HIE (INA) 72-66, HSU Hao-sheng (TPE) 71-67, LIEN Chi-wei (TPE) 71-67
139 – Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 68-71, HUNG Chun-kang (TPE) 72-67
140 – YEH Chang-ting (TPE) 70-70, YU Chun-an (A) (TPE) 70-70
141 – TSENG Hong-sheng (TPE) 73-68, CHAN Yih-shin (TPE) 67-74, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 71-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 71-70, Grant JACKSON (ENG) 67-74
Top Five Finish In Sight For Kurnia Herishandy At PGM-ASEAN PGA Port Dickson Championship
The 23-year-old leads by a shot from experienced campaigner Mohd Sukree Othman of Malaysia and Thailand’s Ratchapol Jantavara, who is looking for his first top-10 finish of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Unheralded Thai Natthapong Niyomchon shot up the leaderboard into joint fourth place – two shots off the pace – with a best of the day 65. He is tied with countrymen Tanatchan Puaktes (69) and Pipatpong Naewsuk, the first round pacesetter who fell back with a level-par 71.
Another round of 2 under par saw Indonesian Kurnia Herishandy climb to a tie for 7th place on the leaderboard, just 3 shots from the leader. Another good round tomorrow could propel him into a deserving PGM-ASEAN PGA Tour Ctop-5 spot.
De Silva, who came to prominence with victory in the PGM Sarawak Masters in 2012, slipped out of the lead when playing partner Pipatpong birdied the opening two holes at Port Dickson Golf and Country Club.
But the erratic Pipatpong could not hold onto the advantage with three bogeys against two birdies in five holes and was one behind De Silva, who carded two birdies and a bogey in the outward nine, at the turn.
Pipatpong, currently fifth on the 2014 Road to Sabah Masters rankings, was steadier on the back nine with eight pars and a bogey for a 71 but found himself two adrift after De Silva cancelled out two birdies with two bogeys for a total of seven-under 206.
Othman, who shared the lead going into the PGM-ASEAN PGA Melaka Championship in March before slipping down the leaderboard with a final-round 76, mixed four birdies and two bogeys to stay in touch with De Silva.
Two birdies in the closing four holes helped Ratchapol to a one-under 70 as he stayed on course for his best finish of the year.
Leading third round scores (Par 71):
206 – Kenneth De Silva (Mas) 68-68-70
207 – Mohd Sukree Othman (Mas) 69-69-69, Ratchapol Jantavara (Tha) 68-69-70
208- Natthapong Niyomchon (Tha) 70-73-65, Tanatchan Puaktes (Tha) 72-67-69, Pipatpong Naewsuk (Tha) 64-73-71
209 – Kurnia Herishandy (Ina) 71-69-69, Wilson Choo Zhe Ming (Mas) 69-69-71, Lim Eng Seng (Mas) 69-68-72
210 – Mohd Azman Basharudin (Mas) 69-71-70, Varan Israbhakdi (Tha) 70-70-70
Selected:
224 - Adi Bramantio (Ina) 74-73-77
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Kurnia Herishandy Enters Top Ten At Halfway Point Of PGM-ASEAN PGA Port Dickson Championship
De Silva, who came to prominence with victory in the PGM Sarawak Masters in 2012, shot a second-round 68 for a total of six-under-par 136 and a one-stroke advantage over countryman Lim Eng Seng (68) and Thais Pipatpong and Ratchapol Jantavara.
Pipatpong, currently fifth on the 2014 Road to Sabah Masters rankings, looked to have righted the ship with four birdies in six holes after going bogey, bogey early in his the round but dropped out of the lead with a double bogey at the seventh (his 16th after starting at the 10th) and a bogey at the next.
The Thai, a double gold medalist at the 2007 SEA Games, also bogeyed the third hole on his way to a two-over 73.
De Silva had an up-and-down day mixing six bogeys with three birdies at Port Dickson Golf and Country Club.
The 23-year-old was 30th in a PGM event over the course in late September and finished joint 14th in the PGM-ASEAN PGA Melaka Championship in May.
Ratchapol, who has made the cut in all six events on the ASEAN PGA Tour this season but has still to register a top-10 finish, carded five birdies, a double bogey and a bogey in a round 69.
Thailand’s Kwanchai Tannin, last season’s ASEAN PGA Tour number one who was joint third after the first round, fell back with a 74 and his teenaged countryman Phachara Khongwatmai, who won last year’s Singha Hua Hin Open aged just 14, added a 73 to his opening 74 and lies in joint 50th spot.
Indonesia's Kurnia Herishandy was able to enter to top ten with a round of 2 under par following an even par 71 on the first day. Adi Bramantio, the only other Indonesian player here, was in 50th place with rounds of 74 and 73.
Leading second round scores (Par - 71):
136 - Kenneth De Silva (Mas) 68-68
137 - Ratchapol Jantavara (Tha) 68-69, Pipatpong Naewsuk (Tha) 64-73, Lim Eng Seng (Mas) 69-68
138 - Varut Chomchalam (Tha) 66-72, Wilson Choo Zhe Ming (Mas) 69-69, Mohd Sukree Othman (Mas) 69-69
139 - Tanatchan Puaktes (Tha) 72-67, Kemarol Baharin (Mas) 67-72
140 - Airil Rizman (Mas) 68-72, Varan Israbhakdi (Tha) 70-70, Mohd Azman Basharudin (Mas) 69-71, Kurnia Herishandy (Ina) 71-69
Selected:
147 - Adi Bramantio (INA) 74-73
Friday, October 10, 2014
I Ketut Sugiarta Claims Second Win On The Indonesian Golf Tour At Palm Hill
Leading from the second round, Ketut recorded 70-71-68 and posted a total score of seven-under-par 209. Ketut, who currently ranks third in the Order of Merit successfully fulfilled his hope to finish in the top five of the 8th edition where he sealed the tournament as the champion of the day.
“In the second round my putting was not good enough. I scored ‘under-par’, but still, it is not enough. I practiced my putting yesterday and it worked well today, and that helped a lot.”
“The Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group is giving us motivation to play well. The tournament series also gives opportunity for amateur golfers to participate and improve their ability. This is good for golf development in Indonesia.” said the two-time Indonesian Golf Tour champion.
Starting the final round tied in third place with Jordan Surya Irawan , Ian Andrew fought his way to finish in second place. Ian played brilliantly, generating seven birdies in the final round alone with a total score of five-under-par, 211 (71-73-67).
Finishing in third place, Rinaldi Adiyandono scored three-under-par, 213 (68-74-71).
“I Ketut played very well today, he controlled his emotions and was very calm. Even when he made a bogey on hole 10, he stayed calm as if nothing happened. I learnt so much from him today.” Said Rinaldi.
During the prize giving ceremony, Ketut expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group. “Thank you to Linc Group for this magnificent golf tour series. A big thanks to Palm Hill Golf Club too who provided us with a very nice, yet challenging golf course. We need this kind of tournament series to get better.” said I Ketut Sugiarta in his champion speech.
The top 30 playeers from the Indonesian Golf Tour Order of Merit are now confirmed. These 30 golf professionals will compete in the Road to Indonesian Golf Championship, Indonesian Golf Tour Grand Final in December 2014.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
I Ketut Sugiarta Goes Top In Second Round Of The Indonesian Golf Tour At Palm Hill
"I played well today. My putting has been good throughout the whole round. I hope I can finish top five tomorrow, and qualify for the grand finale where I'm aiming to be in top three." smiled Ketut with confidence.
Rinaldi Adiyandono rolled to second place in round two, playing 74 with total score two-under-par 142. Not satisfied with his putting, Rinaldi wants to maintain his focus for the final day.
"My putts are a bit off today. Not as good as yesterday. I actually birdied all par 5s, but not many on par 4s. I will try to keep my focus on each of my strokes for tomorrow and have fun on the course." said 28-years-old Rinaldi Adiyandono.
Jordan Surya Irawan who played consistently 72-72, recorded an even-par both days in a row with total score 144 and tied with Ian Andrew in third place.
Overnight amateur leader, Sim Min Sub still hold his position at the top, but unfortunately no amateur will play in the final round of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group as all missed the cut.
Hashilla Rivai Makes Impression In USA At Thornton Academy
Indonesia's Hashilla Rivai arrived from metropolitan Jakarta in Saco, Maine USA (population 18,500), to further her education and improving her golf game. That she's doing very well you can read in the following article in the Portland Press Herald.
http://www.pressherald.com/2014/09/30/thornton-golfer-from-indonesia-fitting-right-in/
http://www.pressherald.com/2014/09/30/thornton-golfer-from-indonesia-fitting-right-in/
Early Lead For Rinaldi In The Indonesian Golf Tour At Palm Hill
“I learned that the green surface was a bit hard during my practice round. So I changed my game plan and it worked really well. I tried to generate as many birdies as I could and successfully produced 5 birdies on the front nine and 2 on the back nine.” Said Rinaldi.
Closing tight in second place was Irwansyah who finished round one with a two-under-par, 70. Irwansyah and Rinaldi were tied with four-under-par before Irwansyah ended up scoring 2 bogeys on his back nine to hand the lead over to Rinaldi Adiyandono.
Meanwhile in the amateur division, Sim Min Sub leads round one after recording a 7-over-par, 79. Sim successfully overcame all of the other amateur golfers who participated in this first ever, professional/amateur golf tour circuit in Indonesia. The Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group field is unique where the participants consist of 80 professional golfers, 30 male amateur golfers, 20 female amateur golfers, and 14 invitee golfers all playing in one field under tournament conditions.
Palm Hill Golf club proudly hosts the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group for the second time this year. The Golf course's support is a major boost for golf professional development in Indonesia. The series hopes to see more support from the golf industry in Indonesia as Indonesian Golf Tour is slated to take Indonesian Professional Golf to a new level.
With the Tour leading into a Grand Finale in December this year, the 8th edition of Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group is getting more competitive. Every player is pushing their game to get into the top 30 so they can qualify for the grand finale.
The top 30 golf professionals and top 10 amateurs will play for the grand prize purse of Rp.500.000,000 with all golf professionals guaranteed winnings in the 4-day tournament as well as the three top professional securing themselves a country exemption spot on the Asian Development Tour for the 2015 season.
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