Tarlac, Philippines, December 20 - Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines fired a superb six-under-par 66 to claim a stylish win at the Philippine Open presented by ICTSI for his first Asian Tour title on Sunday.
The 21-year-old fired six birdies on his homeward nine to seal the deal with a winning total of 14-under-par 202 in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event which was reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather earlier this week.
Scott Barr of Australia missed out on winning his first Asian Tour title following a 68 but his lone second place result ensured that he would retain his Tour card for 2016 after jumping 15 spots to 49th place on the Order of Merit.
India’s Himmat Rai produced the round of the week at the Luisita Golf and Country Club with a sparkling 63 to share third place with Chinnarat Phadungsil (67) of Thailand on 204, two shots from the champion.
Lindsay Renolds of Canada, who held the lead in the opening two rounds, fired a disappointing 73 to finish in tied 10th place in the final Asian Tour event in 2015.
Indonesia's George Gandranata finished at a modest 52nd place at even par for the tournament. But given his failure to get his tour card for the 2015 Asian Tour, as well as to dominate the domestic Indonesian Golf Tour, this result will still give him some confidence that he is on his way back. Hopefully he can maintain this until at least the 2016 Asian Tour Q-school in January to secure his tour card for the upcoming season.
Home favorite Tabuena became the first Filipino to win his National Open since 2008 after making a brave charge at the turn highlighted by three straight birdies from the 12th hole.
“I’m glad the Philippine Open is my first Asian Tour title,” said Tabuena. “I’m really happy that my name will be on this prestigious trophy alongside some of the legends in golf in Asia’s oldest National Open.”
“I gave myself a goal at the start of the day which was to shoot a 66 or lower. There are a lot of birdie chances and people can make a move. I was one-under after the turn and I thought I lost some ground. I knew I needed to go out with all guns blazing,” he said.
The victory was a huge relief for Tabuena who fell short of winning his first Asian Tour title on numerous occasions including in Taipei this year where he settled for runner-up.
“You have to take your defeats as a positive and remind yourself that it is part of the process. It definitely made me a stronger golfer mentally. It helped a lot that I had already saved my Asian Tour card for 2016 earlier this year. I knew I was playing for the win.
“I played really well here before and I won on this course on the local circuit. I’m without words really. I’m happy and glad with the victory,” said Tabuena.
Barr retained his Asian Tour card for the 12th straight season after finishing one-shot behind Tabuena. He was in a good position to pip Tabuena to the title but let the chance slip when he bogeyed 17 after finding water. A birdie on the last earned him his best result since 2006.
“I couldn’t hole any putts for 14 holes. Once I did, it was game on and I holed my share. I did what I needed to do but it is a shame to finish one short. This week is a huge positive. I set very low expectations coming into the week but it is great that I’ve secured my card,” he said.
Rai, who lost in a play-off two weeks ago in Vietnam, continued his good run of form by returning with a flawless card to finish tied third.
“I didn’t have a number in my mind. I was thinking of eliminating my errors in round one and two. I wanted to play percentage golf and hitting it near the hole. I putted aggressively and that made a difference today,” said Rai, a one-time Asian Tour winner.
Chinnarat was delighted to hold on to his Asian Tour card. He was ranked 62nd on the Order of Merit at the start of the week but moved to 56th place thanks to his result at the Philippine Open. The top-63 players on the final Order of Merit secured playing rights on the 2016 season.
“It was an exciting week! There was so much pressure,” he laughed. After 13 holes I knew I had a chance to win but the putts didn’t drop. It is okay because my goal was to make the cut and get my Asian Tour card but this result will give me a better ranking on the Order of Merit!”
Other players who safely retained their Asian Tour cards include Unho Park of Australia (63rd), Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand (62nd), Adam Groom of Australia (61st) and Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei (60th).
There was heart break for 16-year-old Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand, who ended the season in 64th place on the Merit rankings.
Scores after round 3 of the Philippine Open being played at the par 72, 7042 Yards Luisita Course course
202 – Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 67-69-66
203 – Scott BARR (AUS) 69-66-68
204 – Himmat RAI (IND) 71-70-63, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 67-70-67
206 – Seukhyun BAEK (KOR) 69-71-66, Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG) 70-68-68, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 67-70-69, Niall TURNER (IRL) 69-68-69, Keith HORNE (RSA) 69-68-69
Selected:
216 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 70-72-74
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Trump's Anti-Muslim Stance May Affect His Golf Projects In Indonesia
Donald Trump’s call for a blanket ban on followers of Islam entering the USA comes after his travel companies signed deals to open five properties in Muslim-majority countries.
Trump Hotel Collection this autumn announced it would open resorts in West Java and Bali in Indonesia, while two Dubai golf courses and a luxury hotel in Azerbaijan are due to open next year.
The company said it had plans for the West Java property, Lido Lakes Resort, “to revive the allure of the fabled destination” and the Bali hotel at Nirwana was “a project designed to reflect the authenticity of the local culture”. Although Bali has a majority Hindu population, West Java is 97 per cent Muslim. Both project deals were signed with Hary Tanoesoedibjo's MNC Group, owner of the Lido Lakes and Nirwana Resorts.
The resorts' overall value is unknown but a Trump hotel in Vancouver, slated to open next year, will be in a building itself costing $360 million.
Mr Trump, whose net wealth Forbes puts at $4.5 billion, called for all Muslims to be banned from entering the United States following a terrorist attack, but has faced a worldwide backlash that risks threatening his business interests in the Middle East and countries where Islam is the major religion.
Despite his statement that claimed there is, "great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population", the business magnate has shown little hesitation to expand into countries where the majority of the population follows Islam.
Trump Hotel Collection this autumn announced it would open resorts in West Java and Bali in Indonesia, while two Dubai golf courses and a luxury hotel in Azerbaijan are due to open next year.
The company said it had plans for the West Java property, Lido Lakes Resort, “to revive the allure of the fabled destination” and the Bali hotel at Nirwana was “a project designed to reflect the authenticity of the local culture”. Although Bali has a majority Hindu population, West Java is 97 per cent Muslim. Both project deals were signed with Hary Tanoesoedibjo's MNC Group, owner of the Lido Lakes and Nirwana Resorts.
The resorts' overall value is unknown but a Trump hotel in Vancouver, slated to open next year, will be in a building itself costing $360 million.
Mr Trump, whose net wealth Forbes puts at $4.5 billion, called for all Muslims to be banned from entering the United States following a terrorist attack, but has faced a worldwide backlash that risks threatening his business interests in the Middle East and countries where Islam is the major religion.
Despite his statement that claimed there is, "great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population", the business magnate has shown little hesitation to expand into countries where the majority of the population follows Islam.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Ian Andrew Claims Victory After Playoff At The Grand Final Of The Indonesian Golf Tour
Karawaci, 10 December - The final round of the Grand Final of the 2015 Indonesian Golf Tour (IGT) presented by LINC Group really presented a fight that could be considered the "peak" of the IGT journey during the year. The Grand Final champion could only be determined after extended drama (play-off). The actors being Benita Y. Kasiadi, Ian Andrew, and 2014 champion Rinaldi Adiyandono. All three had an equal score of 208 (eight-under par) after completing the final round, therefore a play-off was unavoidable.
Ian Andrew eventually established himself as the champion of the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by LINC Group in 2015, held at Imperial Klub Golf, Karawaci Tangerang. A birdie from a distance of about two meters established the 27-year-old golfer as Indonesia's best golfer this season, while Benita and Rinaldi were only able to make par.
"I intentionally attacked the pin at the third shot, because I could Benita's ball was just half a meter from the pin. But, as it turned out my ball fell in front of the pin. Therefore, I was forced to attempt to make a birdie, and it worked!" said Ian, who was determined to win this Grand Final.
Ian completed the last round with a score of 70 (two-under par), maintaining his position atop the leaderboard that he shared with Rinaldi in the second round. However, Ian admitted he was worried to see Benita's game during the final round.
"At 17 I already lost hope, when I made bogey and Rinaldi scored birdie, leaving me behind by one stroke of Benita and Rinaldi who both were at eight-under par. They had a chance (to win) at hole 18, I was just determined to make birdie on the final hole. Fortunately, they failed to birdie the hole," said Ian, who took home a cash prize of Rp 48.000.000. "But Benita was remarkable today. He should have scored at least 10-under par. Unfortunately for him some of his short putts did not go in."
It looked like Benita played flawless. Without scoring a single bogey, the winner of three titles at the IGT 2015 series could match the total score of Ian and Rinaldi after carding a round of 66 (six-under par).
"My goal today was to finish at eight-under par. Therefore my target was reached. I didn't think of becoming champion as the second day I played very poorly. That's why I did not set that target. When I could compete for the play-offs, I thought this to be my best achievement after successfully reaching my target of eight-under par," said Benita.
Rinaldi, who failed to defend his title in the Grand Final, was not too disappointed with the final result at the play-offs, although he had a great opportunity to win. He considered the Grand Final as a try out for himself before plunging to the level of the Asian Tour next season.
"This becomes my stepping stone, because my main target is the Asian Tour Q-School in Thailand. This tournament can forge me mentally as well as my game, so that I can reach my peak at the time of Q-School," said Rinaldi.
He therefore was happy that Ian could win the Grand Final. For him, this indicates that the ability of several national professional golfers started to become more evenly, so that winners are not limited to one or two people. He saw his and other golfers overall score has improved in the past year.
"In my opinion, the implementation of IGT last season started a process of which we can see the results in improvements this season. As golfer we become more mature, and our competitive spirit becomes more visible," he added.
In addition to the announcement of the winner, during the Grand Final of the 2015 Indonesian Golf Tour (IGT) presented by LINC Group awards were also to the sponsors and golf courses that have supported the smooth implementation of the IGT season 2015. Some media also received attention and awards for their coverage of IGT 2015,
In the amateur category, Cahyo Adhitomo finally won the low amateur. The excellent play Cahyo displayed the day before did not make him waste this opportunity. On the final day Bobby, as he is usually called, completed his round with a score of 71 (one-under par), for an accumulated score of 215 (one-under par). Cahyo outperformed runner-up Dicky Prionggo by seven shots.
While for the ladies amateurs, Putri Aisha Amani won the battle with Michela Tjan through count back, and won the Low Amateur for ladies. Putri, who posted a score of 79 (seven over par) and Michela who today played with a score of 80 equally accumulated a total score of 239 (23-over par). The winner was decided by count back, based on final day scores made by both players over a number of predetermined holes.
Ian Andrew eventually established himself as the champion of the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by LINC Group in 2015, held at Imperial Klub Golf, Karawaci Tangerang. A birdie from a distance of about two meters established the 27-year-old golfer as Indonesia's best golfer this season, while Benita and Rinaldi were only able to make par.
"I intentionally attacked the pin at the third shot, because I could Benita's ball was just half a meter from the pin. But, as it turned out my ball fell in front of the pin. Therefore, I was forced to attempt to make a birdie, and it worked!" said Ian, who was determined to win this Grand Final.
Ian completed the last round with a score of 70 (two-under par), maintaining his position atop the leaderboard that he shared with Rinaldi in the second round. However, Ian admitted he was worried to see Benita's game during the final round.
"At 17 I already lost hope, when I made bogey and Rinaldi scored birdie, leaving me behind by one stroke of Benita and Rinaldi who both were at eight-under par. They had a chance (to win) at hole 18, I was just determined to make birdie on the final hole. Fortunately, they failed to birdie the hole," said Ian, who took home a cash prize of Rp 48.000.000. "But Benita was remarkable today. He should have scored at least 10-under par. Unfortunately for him some of his short putts did not go in."
It looked like Benita played flawless. Without scoring a single bogey, the winner of three titles at the IGT 2015 series could match the total score of Ian and Rinaldi after carding a round of 66 (six-under par).
"My goal today was to finish at eight-under par. Therefore my target was reached. I didn't think of becoming champion as the second day I played very poorly. That's why I did not set that target. When I could compete for the play-offs, I thought this to be my best achievement after successfully reaching my target of eight-under par," said Benita.
Rinaldi, who failed to defend his title in the Grand Final, was not too disappointed with the final result at the play-offs, although he had a great opportunity to win. He considered the Grand Final as a try out for himself before plunging to the level of the Asian Tour next season.
"This becomes my stepping stone, because my main target is the Asian Tour Q-School in Thailand. This tournament can forge me mentally as well as my game, so that I can reach my peak at the time of Q-School," said Rinaldi.
He therefore was happy that Ian could win the Grand Final. For him, this indicates that the ability of several national professional golfers started to become more evenly, so that winners are not limited to one or two people. He saw his and other golfers overall score has improved in the past year.
"In my opinion, the implementation of IGT last season started a process of which we can see the results in improvements this season. As golfer we become more mature, and our competitive spirit becomes more visible," he added.
In addition to the announcement of the winner, during the Grand Final of the 2015 Indonesian Golf Tour (IGT) presented by LINC Group awards were also to the sponsors and golf courses that have supported the smooth implementation of the IGT season 2015. Some media also received attention and awards for their coverage of IGT 2015,
In the amateur category, Cahyo Adhitomo finally won the low amateur. The excellent play Cahyo displayed the day before did not make him waste this opportunity. On the final day Bobby, as he is usually called, completed his round with a score of 71 (one-under par), for an accumulated score of 215 (one-under par). Cahyo outperformed runner-up Dicky Prionggo by seven shots.
While for the ladies amateurs, Putri Aisha Amani won the battle with Michela Tjan through count back, and won the Low Amateur for ladies. Putri, who posted a score of 79 (seven over par) and Michela who today played with a score of 80 equally accumulated a total score of 239 (23-over par). The winner was decided by count back, based on final day scores made by both players over a number of predetermined holes.
Monday, December 7, 2015
IGT 2015 Grand Final Kicks Off At Imperial Klub Golf
The Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour 2015 presented by Linc Group will start tomorrow Tuesday 8 December 2015 at Imperial Klub Golf, Karawaci - Tangerang. The three day event, sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Indonesia, will determine who will be crowned the 2015 IGT Champion on Thursday 10 December.
The 30 highest ranked professional players of the IGT will battle to determine who will succeed Rinaldi Adiyandono, who claimed the title last year. They will be accompanied by 9 men amateur players as well as 6 ladies amateur players.
The 30 professional players will be guaranteed a split of the total prize money of IDR 300,000,000, while the 3 highest ranked players will get the opportunity to play on the Asian Development Tour in 2016.
The 30 highest ranked professional players of the IGT will battle to determine who will succeed Rinaldi Adiyandono, who claimed the title last year. They will be accompanied by 9 men amateur players as well as 6 ladies amateur players.
The 30 professional players will be guaranteed a split of the total prize money of IDR 300,000,000, while the 3 highest ranked players will get the opportunity to play on the Asian Development Tour in 2016.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Indonesia To Attract Korean Golfers
Indonesia wants to attract Korean golfers to a country that boasts more than 140 courses.
The comment was made at the "Indonesia Tourism Insight: Policy and Strategy" conference hosted by the Indonesian Tourism Ministry on Nov. 24.
Noviendi Makalam, director of international marketing communication at the ministry, spoke about new Indonesian tourism regulations and destinations.
"We invite travelers from South Korea to enjoy golf resorts and religious pilgrimage in Indonesia," the director said at the conference at Courtyard by Marriott in Seoul. "Indonesia is home to some of the world's best golf resorts, complemented by international-standard amenities."
According to the ministry, Indonesia has been a venue for international golf tournaments, including the 6th Ballantine's Team-Am Golf Challenge in September and the World Amateur Golf Championship last month.
As part of promoting the country as an attractive golfing spot, the tourism ministry has a new strategy, "Three Greater: Jakarta, Batam and Bali." The three regions are working together so foreign tourists can enjoy Indonesia's nature.
"Indonesian golf courses are equipped with top facilities and services and supported by strategic locations," Makalam said. "Only in this country can golfers can indulge in different settings at each course."
He said the Indonesian government's new policies will attract more Korean travelers: free visa and more immigration checkpoints for Korean travelers, the abolition of clearance approval for Korean yachts to enter Indonesian territories via 18 ports, and the abolition of cabotage, which gives priority access to cruises to embark/disembark foreign tourists at five harbors in Indonesia.
"Our new policies will help South Koreans to travel more conveniently to Indonesia," Indonesia Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said.
Korean travelers can access more immigration checkpoints at arrival gates at five airports and nine ports. Additional immigration checkpoints are available at departure gates at 19 airports, 29 seaports and two landed ports.
"Since developing the marine tourism industry is one of our targets, the new policy allows cruises with foreign flags to take passengers in five ports in Indonesia," the minister said.
According to a recent presidential regulation, foreign yachts are now allowed more easily to enter Indonesian territories, with processing of their custom, immigration, quarantine and port documents available at 18 ports. The ministry expects the policy to increase the number of yachts visiting Indonesia to 5,000 in 2019.
The five cruise ship ports are Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, Belawan Port in Medan, Soekarno-Hatta Port in Makassar, and Benoa Port in Bali.
The government has also removed visas for citizens of 90 countries on short trips, including Korea.
"With these new policies, we're hoping to increase Indonesia's tourism values in the global industry," Makalam said.
According to the ministry, the number of Korean travelers is increasing. Last year, more than 370,000 Koreans visited Indonesia, and the ministry predicts the number will reach 500,000 this year.
The number of foreign tourists to the country in January-August was up to almost 3 percent compared with the same period last year.
By Rachel Lee, The Korean Times
The comment was made at the "Indonesia Tourism Insight: Policy and Strategy" conference hosted by the Indonesian Tourism Ministry on Nov. 24.
Noviendi Makalam, director of international marketing communication at the ministry, spoke about new Indonesian tourism regulations and destinations.
"We invite travelers from South Korea to enjoy golf resorts and religious pilgrimage in Indonesia," the director said at the conference at Courtyard by Marriott in Seoul. "Indonesia is home to some of the world's best golf resorts, complemented by international-standard amenities."
According to the ministry, Indonesia has been a venue for international golf tournaments, including the 6th Ballantine's Team-Am Golf Challenge in September and the World Amateur Golf Championship last month.
As part of promoting the country as an attractive golfing spot, the tourism ministry has a new strategy, "Three Greater: Jakarta, Batam and Bali." The three regions are working together so foreign tourists can enjoy Indonesia's nature.
"Indonesian golf courses are equipped with top facilities and services and supported by strategic locations," Makalam said. "Only in this country can golfers can indulge in different settings at each course."
He said the Indonesian government's new policies will attract more Korean travelers: free visa and more immigration checkpoints for Korean travelers, the abolition of clearance approval for Korean yachts to enter Indonesian territories via 18 ports, and the abolition of cabotage, which gives priority access to cruises to embark/disembark foreign tourists at five harbors in Indonesia.
"Our new policies will help South Koreans to travel more conveniently to Indonesia," Indonesia Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said.
Korean travelers can access more immigration checkpoints at arrival gates at five airports and nine ports. Additional immigration checkpoints are available at departure gates at 19 airports, 29 seaports and two landed ports.
"Since developing the marine tourism industry is one of our targets, the new policy allows cruises with foreign flags to take passengers in five ports in Indonesia," the minister said.
According to a recent presidential regulation, foreign yachts are now allowed more easily to enter Indonesian territories, with processing of their custom, immigration, quarantine and port documents available at 18 ports. The ministry expects the policy to increase the number of yachts visiting Indonesia to 5,000 in 2019.
The five cruise ship ports are Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, Belawan Port in Medan, Soekarno-Hatta Port in Makassar, and Benoa Port in Bali.
The government has also removed visas for citizens of 90 countries on short trips, including Korea.
"With these new policies, we're hoping to increase Indonesia's tourism values in the global industry," Makalam said.
According to the ministry, the number of Korean travelers is increasing. Last year, more than 370,000 Koreans visited Indonesia, and the ministry predicts the number will reach 500,000 this year.
The number of foreign tourists to the country in January-August was up to almost 3 percent compared with the same period last year.
By Rachel Lee, The Korean Times
Thursday, November 19, 2015
GM of Riverside GC Joins AGIF Board
SHANGHAI, China - The Asian Golf Industry Federation [AGIF] has welcomed representatives from Golf Facility Members onto its Board of Directors.
During the Federation's Annual General Meeting in Shanghai, the nominations of Steven Thielke, General Manager at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, and Wee Peng Siong, General Manager at Indonesia's Riverside Golf Club, were unanimously approved.
Tim Trinka, who was re-elected President for a further term, said: "We are delighted to welcome Steven and Peng Siong to the Board.
"Given the increased focus of the AGIF on education and the recent tie-up with the Club Managers Association of America, it makes perfect sense to have two of the most respected golf club General Managers in the region take their places on our Board.
"Their knowledge and input will be invaluable as the AGIF strives to grow and develop."
Since the introduction of the Golf Facility Member category 18 months ago, dozens of the region's most prominent clubs have signed up as members.
"Golf facilities represent an enormous part of our industry and as we continue to run an increasing number of educational events for course superintendents and club managers, and offer more benefits to clubs, we are confident that this category of membership will grow," said Trinka.
Currently the AGIF has Golf Facility members in 11 countries or regions - Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Paul Burley, Vice President of IMG Golf Course Services, has assumed the position of Vice President of the AGIF.
Also joining the AGIF Board is Rudy Anderson, Vice President of International Development at Pacific Links International.
During the Federation's Annual General Meeting in Shanghai, the nominations of Steven Thielke, General Manager at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, and Wee Peng Siong, General Manager at Indonesia's Riverside Golf Club, were unanimously approved.
Tim Trinka, who was re-elected President for a further term, said: "We are delighted to welcome Steven and Peng Siong to the Board.
"Given the increased focus of the AGIF on education and the recent tie-up with the Club Managers Association of America, it makes perfect sense to have two of the most respected golf club General Managers in the region take their places on our Board.
"Their knowledge and input will be invaluable as the AGIF strives to grow and develop."
Since the introduction of the Golf Facility Member category 18 months ago, dozens of the region's most prominent clubs have signed up as members.
"Golf facilities represent an enormous part of our industry and as we continue to run an increasing number of educational events for course superintendents and club managers, and offer more benefits to clubs, we are confident that this category of membership will grow," said Trinka.
Currently the AGIF has Golf Facility members in 11 countries or regions - Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Paul Burley, Vice President of IMG Golf Course Services, has assumed the position of Vice President of the AGIF.
Also joining the AGIF Board is Rudy Anderson, Vice President of International Development at Pacific Links International.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Wonderful Indonesia Golf Challenge
The Organising Commitees of the Bintan & Batam Golf Clubs have announced that the Wonderful Indonesia Golf Challenge 2015 will be simultaneously held at 9 golf courses in Batam & Bintan on Saturday 10 October 2015. This truly unique golf tournament, that is aiming for induction into MURI (Indonesia Museum of Records), will be attracting more than 1,000 golfers across this region.
Adopting System 36 modified format, this 18-holes golf tournament will provide each golfer a chance to win Hole-In-One prizes with a total value of IDR 1,000,000,000 at nine golf courses, while attractive prizes, dinner and a fun-filled event awaits at the Planet Holiday Hotel in Batam.
The entry fee is IDR 1,750,000 which is inclusive of 18-holes golf, twin share accommodation, lunch, Gala Dinner, land transfers, goody bag, Grand Lucky Draw and many more attractive prizes to be won.
The Wonderful Indonesia Golf Challenge 2015 is the 1st event hosted by the Batam & Bintan Golf Courses in Riau Islands province, with Planet Holiday Hotel as official hotel partner. This event is endorsed by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.
Located just 45 minutes via a ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Resorts is a multi-award winning integrated tropical beach resort destination with world-class facilities. “Bintan Resorts” refers generally to the area on the entire northern coast of the Indonesian island of Bintan, which is master-planned and managed by PT Bintan Resort Cakrawala. There are currently five independently owned and operated beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as a range of recreational facilities and attractions located within it.
The Potential of Batam as a golf destination is captured in the slogan “Batam Golf Paradise”. All courses have their own uniqueness & identity, a few with a seafront view, others are surrounded by secondary forest and mangrove. Needless to say that each imposes iys challenge in different ways.
After playing at one of these beautifully laid-out courses, golfers will be spoilt for choice at the numerous shopping malls to visit, soaking at a traditional spa or Javanese massage, eating authentic Indonesian or local Chinese seafood dishes that tempt the taste bud of every visitor.
Wonderful Indonesia Golf Challenge Golf hosted by:
Adopting System 36 modified format, this 18-holes golf tournament will provide each golfer a chance to win Hole-In-One prizes with a total value of IDR 1,000,000,000 at nine golf courses, while attractive prizes, dinner and a fun-filled event awaits at the Planet Holiday Hotel in Batam.
The entry fee is IDR 1,750,000 which is inclusive of 18-holes golf, twin share accommodation, lunch, Gala Dinner, land transfers, goody bag, Grand Lucky Draw and many more attractive prizes to be won.
The Wonderful Indonesia Golf Challenge 2015 is the 1st event hosted by the Batam & Bintan Golf Courses in Riau Islands province, with Planet Holiday Hotel as official hotel partner. This event is endorsed by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.
Located just 45 minutes via a ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Resorts is a multi-award winning integrated tropical beach resort destination with world-class facilities. “Bintan Resorts” refers generally to the area on the entire northern coast of the Indonesian island of Bintan, which is master-planned and managed by PT Bintan Resort Cakrawala. There are currently five independently owned and operated beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as a range of recreational facilities and attractions located within it.
The Potential of Batam as a golf destination is captured in the slogan “Batam Golf Paradise”. All courses have their own uniqueness & identity, a few with a seafront view, others are surrounded by secondary forest and mangrove. Needless to say that each imposes iys challenge in different ways.
After playing at one of these beautifully laid-out courses, golfers will be spoilt for choice at the numerous shopping malls to visit, soaking at a traditional spa or Javanese massage, eating authentic Indonesian or local Chinese seafood dishes that tempt the taste bud of every visitor.
Wonderful Indonesia Golf Challenge Golf hosted by:
- Ria Bintan Golf Club (course designed by Gary Players)
- Bintan Lagoon Resort (course designed by Jack Nicklaus)
- Laguna Bintan Golf Club (course designed by Greg Norman)
- Padang Golf Sukajadi (course designed by Thomson, Wolveridge & Perret)
- SouthLinks Country Club (course designed by Hisamitsu Ohnishi)
- Indah Puri Golf Resort (course designed by Ronald Fream)
- Palm Springs Golf & Beach Resort (course designed by Larry Nelson & IMG)
- Tering Bay Golf & Country Club (course designed by Greg Norman)
- Tamarin Santana Golf Club (course designed by Jack Nicklaus)
- Planet Holiday Hotel as a official hotel partner
INA-Van Oord Golf Tournament 2015 - 23 October 2015
The Indonesia Netherlands Association (INA, Indonesian Benelux Chamber of Commerce) is organizing its annual golf tournament to be held on:
Date: 23 October 2015
Location: Riverside Golf Club
Registration is at 6.30 am with tee-off at 7.00 am sharp.
Registration fees are Rp 1,250,000 for INA members and Rp 1,500,000 for non-members. Tournament is open to any nationality.
Fees include entry into the event (golf, caddie, cart fee), lunch and chance to win KLM Business Class tickets to Amsterdam and various other prizes (Hole-in-One, Longest Drive, Nearest-to-the-pin, Best Ladies).
To register contact INA at events@ina.or.id
The event is sponsored by Van Oord, KLM, BAM International, Grand Kartech, Rabobank, ANZ Bank, Aqua, Bir Bintang and Rheumacyl.
Date: 23 October 2015
Location: Riverside Golf Club
Registration is at 6.30 am with tee-off at 7.00 am sharp.
Registration fees are Rp 1,250,000 for INA members and Rp 1,500,000 for non-members. Tournament is open to any nationality.
Fees include entry into the event (golf, caddie, cart fee), lunch and chance to win KLM Business Class tickets to Amsterdam and various other prizes (Hole-in-One, Longest Drive, Nearest-to-the-pin, Best Ladies).
To register contact INA at events@ina.or.id
The event is sponsored by Van Oord, KLM, BAM International, Grand Kartech, Rabobank, ANZ Bank, Aqua, Bir Bintang and Rheumacyl.
Indonesia Open Postponed Until 2016
SINGAPORE, Sept 25 - Singapore will step in to stage a new $750,000 World Classic Championship on the Asian Tour in November after organizers of the Indonesia Open asked for their event to be postponed.
The new 144-man tournament will be played at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club from Nov. 12-15, the Asian Tour said on Friday.
The $750,000 Indonesia Open, won last year by triple major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland, was scheduled for the same dates but will now be played sometime in 2016.
"The organisers of the Indonesia Open remain committed to hosting the event on the Asian Tour in the near future and we look forward to working with them for the betterment of the game in Indonesia and around Asia," tournament organisers said in a statement on Friday.
The Indonesia Open, the country's oldest professional golf tournament, was due to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year after returning to the Asian Tour in 2013 following three years on the rival OneAsia circuit.
It joins the Dubai Open, Solaire Open, Philippine Open, King's Cup, Vascory Classic, Chiang Mai Classic and Selangor Masters in falling off the Asian Tour calendar this year.
The circuit, though, has added new events in Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam.
It marks the second time in two years the Laguna Club have stepped into stage an Asian Tour event.
Last year they came in at short notice to host The Championship for the circuit following 'staging issues' in its original South Korea location.
Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr was appreciative of the support of Laguna, owned by Indonesian-born motoring and property entrepreneur Peter Kwee.
"It's fantastic that our players will have another opportunity to return to Singapore to compete at the World Classic Championship at Laguna National," he said in a statement on Friday.
"We are grateful to our partners IMG and the management at Laguna National Golf and Country Club for their commitment and support towards this event."
Last month, the Singapore-based Asian Tour announced they had entered into "an innovative joint vision for the future of professional golf" with the European Tour, thought to be a merger.
Source: REUTERS, by Patrick Johnston. Editing by Sudipto Ganguly
The new 144-man tournament will be played at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club from Nov. 12-15, the Asian Tour said on Friday.
The $750,000 Indonesia Open, won last year by triple major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland, was scheduled for the same dates but will now be played sometime in 2016.
"The organisers of the Indonesia Open remain committed to hosting the event on the Asian Tour in the near future and we look forward to working with them for the betterment of the game in Indonesia and around Asia," tournament organisers said in a statement on Friday.
The Indonesia Open, the country's oldest professional golf tournament, was due to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year after returning to the Asian Tour in 2013 following three years on the rival OneAsia circuit.
It joins the Dubai Open, Solaire Open, Philippine Open, King's Cup, Vascory Classic, Chiang Mai Classic and Selangor Masters in falling off the Asian Tour calendar this year.
The circuit, though, has added new events in Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam.
It marks the second time in two years the Laguna Club have stepped into stage an Asian Tour event.
Last year they came in at short notice to host The Championship for the circuit following 'staging issues' in its original South Korea location.
Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr was appreciative of the support of Laguna, owned by Indonesian-born motoring and property entrepreneur Peter Kwee.
"It's fantastic that our players will have another opportunity to return to Singapore to compete at the World Classic Championship at Laguna National," he said in a statement on Friday.
"We are grateful to our partners IMG and the management at Laguna National Golf and Country Club for their commitment and support towards this event."
Last month, the Singapore-based Asian Tour announced they had entered into "an innovative joint vision for the future of professional golf" with the European Tour, thought to be a merger.
Source: REUTERS, by Patrick Johnston. Editing by Sudipto Ganguly
Thursday, September 17, 2015
R&A Helps Refine Development Program In Indonesia
Indonesian golf has gained support from world golf governing body The R&A for its development program in the hopes of bearing more strong golfers in the future.
The Indonesian Golf Association (PGI), under the chairmanship of Murdaya Widyawimarta, known as Po, has brought in professionals from The R&A to assist in refining and developing the country’s golf from an early stage.
“The initiative came from Pak Po. He asked and then we said, ‘How can we help?’” The R&A’s director for Asia-Pacific, Dominic Wall, told reporters over the weekend at the association’s office in the Pondok Indah Golf Course-Golf Gallery Building, Jakarta.
The R&A, which takes its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, is the ruling authority of golf throughout the world except in the US and Mexico, where this responsibility rests with the United States Golf Association (USGA). It works in collaboration with national amateur and professional golf organizations in more than 110 countries.
The R&A cooperates with the USGA in producing and regularly revising the “Rules of Golf”, and the two bodies have issued the rules jointly since 1952. The rules are revised on a four-year cycle and with the latest edition, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2012, for the first time a single common set of rules applied throughout the world.
Dading Soetarso, a PGI official in charge of development affairs for young golfers, said that the program had been launched due to concerns about low growth rates of junior golfers in the country.
“Out of around 250 million people in Indonesia, we only have 250 junior golfers. Therefore, we need to do something to grow the sport — one among many things is by attracting children to reach golf,” he told The Jakarta Post.
Wall said he had learned that Indonesia had an enormous potential in golf.
“Indonesia is like a sleeping giant of golf around the region. You got so many things in place here. It’s just a matter of refining the system and providing maybe some more expertise to help people here to understand how to develop the sport,” said the Australian.
Wall, who took up his current position in 2009 and has since been based in Hong Kong, further said that Indonesia’s success in collecting one bronze and two silver medals in the golf competition at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in June, which came about after a six-to-nine-month elite program, testified to his conviction about the country’s potential for thriving golf.
At the biennial multisport event featuring athletes from the 11 countries in the region, Indonesian golfers were ranked in the top three after Thailand (four gold, one bronze) and Singapore (two silver, two bronze) in golf.
“I think the potential is there if you have the right system in place. You’ve got wonderful golf courses across the country, you’ve got practice facilities, and I think now you’ve got a supportive PGI through Pak Po […] to build a healthy situation [for the development of Indonesian golf]. The future of Indonesian golf is exciting,” said Wall, who is tournament director for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.
Wall has more than 20 years of experience in national- and international-level sports management, which includes 16 years in a number of roles for the Australian Golf Union (AGU) and Golf Australia (GA). He also spent five years as development manager for the Australian Coaching Council based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
As an initial step of the development program, the PGI has begun introducing the sport to young students at several schools in Greater Jakarta.
Wall said that he saw positive responses from children following the PGI team’s visits to schools to introduce the sport. “The program is dedicated after school-hour sessions. If the kids are really enjoying it, I think it’s going to be great to have the program on a weekly basis.”
In providing ongoing support to children with potential golf skills, Wall suggested the program could also work hand in hand with local golf clubs. “I think it’s great for the school kids to experience playing on a golf course — not necessarily at cost, but maybe something that a golf club can provide on times that the course isn’t busy.”
In return, he said, golf courses could enjoy benefits as those children might become their members in the future. Clubs are encouraged to grow the sport — starting from the junior players — in order to grow the business.
The R&A and the PGI are currently working closely to refine and develop the program, which is expected to be done by the end of this year. If things go well, the program is set to run within six to 12 months next year, which could then provide the development team with key indicators of performance in order to grow the program across the country.
“We’re very much now focusing on the internal view of The R&A on performance targets, measures and accountability. I think the environment is quite right to do [so],” said Wall.
Dading said that the program was packaged in a fun and exciting activity in order to create excitement among children.
The program has so far reached children at the Global Jaya and Binus private schools in Greater Jakarta. Dading said the PGI may host a school-level competition when more than 10 schools were involved in the program.
Source: The Jakarta Post
The Indonesian Golf Association (PGI), under the chairmanship of Murdaya Widyawimarta, known as Po, has brought in professionals from The R&A to assist in refining and developing the country’s golf from an early stage.
“The initiative came from Pak Po. He asked and then we said, ‘How can we help?’” The R&A’s director for Asia-Pacific, Dominic Wall, told reporters over the weekend at the association’s office in the Pondok Indah Golf Course-Golf Gallery Building, Jakarta.
The R&A, which takes its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, is the ruling authority of golf throughout the world except in the US and Mexico, where this responsibility rests with the United States Golf Association (USGA). It works in collaboration with national amateur and professional golf organizations in more than 110 countries.
The R&A cooperates with the USGA in producing and regularly revising the “Rules of Golf”, and the two bodies have issued the rules jointly since 1952. The rules are revised on a four-year cycle and with the latest edition, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2012, for the first time a single common set of rules applied throughout the world.
Dading Soetarso, a PGI official in charge of development affairs for young golfers, said that the program had been launched due to concerns about low growth rates of junior golfers in the country.
“Out of around 250 million people in Indonesia, we only have 250 junior golfers. Therefore, we need to do something to grow the sport — one among many things is by attracting children to reach golf,” he told The Jakarta Post.
Wall said he had learned that Indonesia had an enormous potential in golf.
“Indonesia is like a sleeping giant of golf around the region. You got so many things in place here. It’s just a matter of refining the system and providing maybe some more expertise to help people here to understand how to develop the sport,” said the Australian.
Wall, who took up his current position in 2009 and has since been based in Hong Kong, further said that Indonesia’s success in collecting one bronze and two silver medals in the golf competition at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in June, which came about after a six-to-nine-month elite program, testified to his conviction about the country’s potential for thriving golf.
At the biennial multisport event featuring athletes from the 11 countries in the region, Indonesian golfers were ranked in the top three after Thailand (four gold, one bronze) and Singapore (two silver, two bronze) in golf.
“I think the potential is there if you have the right system in place. You’ve got wonderful golf courses across the country, you’ve got practice facilities, and I think now you’ve got a supportive PGI through Pak Po […] to build a healthy situation [for the development of Indonesian golf]. The future of Indonesian golf is exciting,” said Wall, who is tournament director for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.
Wall has more than 20 years of experience in national- and international-level sports management, which includes 16 years in a number of roles for the Australian Golf Union (AGU) and Golf Australia (GA). He also spent five years as development manager for the Australian Coaching Council based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
As an initial step of the development program, the PGI has begun introducing the sport to young students at several schools in Greater Jakarta.
Wall said that he saw positive responses from children following the PGI team’s visits to schools to introduce the sport. “The program is dedicated after school-hour sessions. If the kids are really enjoying it, I think it’s going to be great to have the program on a weekly basis.”
In providing ongoing support to children with potential golf skills, Wall suggested the program could also work hand in hand with local golf clubs. “I think it’s great for the school kids to experience playing on a golf course — not necessarily at cost, but maybe something that a golf club can provide on times that the course isn’t busy.”
In return, he said, golf courses could enjoy benefits as those children might become their members in the future. Clubs are encouraged to grow the sport — starting from the junior players — in order to grow the business.
The R&A and the PGI are currently working closely to refine and develop the program, which is expected to be done by the end of this year. If things go well, the program is set to run within six to 12 months next year, which could then provide the development team with key indicators of performance in order to grow the program across the country.
“We’re very much now focusing on the internal view of The R&A on performance targets, measures and accountability. I think the environment is quite right to do [so],” said Wall.
Dading said that the program was packaged in a fun and exciting activity in order to create excitement among children.
The program has so far reached children at the Global Jaya and Binus private schools in Greater Jakarta. Dading said the PGI may host a school-level competition when more than 10 schools were involved in the program.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Trump Hotel Collection Partners With MNC Group In Lido Resort
New York, Friday, 11th September 2015 = Trump Hotel Collection has announced it will advance its vision for delivering exceptional resort offerings across the globe with a new ultra-luxury resort in Indonesia located in Lido in West Java.
The development will be the second property in Asia for Trump Hotel Collection in partnership with globally-renowned MNC Group, Indonesia's leading investment firm.
"We are thrilled with the strong growth and momentum of the Trump Hotel Collection. Today's announcement further illustrates our commitment to introduce our signature experiences and unrivaled services to key resort destinations around the world," said Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions of The Trump Organization.
"Trump Hotel Collection is involved in the master plan of this spectacular development, which will include the first Trump golf course in Asia as well as a world-class spa, luxurious hotel and residences," explained Trump. "Being on board at this early stage ensures the Lido development will reflect Trump Hotel Collection's exacting standards and keen attention to detail."
Currently one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies globally with a portfolio of 14 award-winning hotels, Trump properties are known for their unmatched standard of excellence, personalized service and prime locations worldwide. The rapidly expanding luxury brand is opening four hotels in 2016 alone in major cities such as Washington D.C., Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Baku.
The Lido news arrives hot on the heels of Trump Hotel Collection and MNC Group's official New York City announcement to develop an opulent resort and residential development in Bali, a project designed to reflect the authenticity of the local culture in a magnificent location overlooking the southwest coast. Both the Bali and the Lido developments, with the latest agreement officially signed on August 19, 2015, represent landmark projects for MNC Group in partnership with key global players such as Trump Hotel Collection.
"MNC is repositioning and rebranding what is currently known as Lido Lakes to be the pride of Indonesia," said Group President and CEO Bapak Hary Tanoesoedibjo. "The area will be a 3,000-hectare world-class integrated lifestyle resort destination, heralded by the completion of the Bogor-Sukabumi toll road – also developed by MNC Group – which will enable guests an unprecedented opportunity to escape to this new destination. We look forward to creating a new 'point of departure' in the most populated archipelago in the world with this iconic resort development."
Trump Hotel Collection will be involved with phase one of the 700-hectare Lido development including a six-star luxury resort, 18-hole signature Ernie Els championship golf course, elite Lifestyle Country Club, wellness destination Spa as well as a high-end residential offering including luxury villas and condominiums.
Set within the lush tropical forests of the mountains of West Java, approximately 65 kilometers south of Jakarta, the ultra-luxury resort will offer residents a luxurious retreat within a short distance, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Trump Hotel Collection plans to revive the allure of the fabled destination by offering a retreat with elevated services for luxury-minded guests, establishing Lido as the preferred getaway in West Java.
The golf course in Lido will be Trump's first in Asia as well as Ernie Els' first in Indonesia, and will showcase the Trump brand's impeccable standard of excellence by offering a captivating golf experience that features state-of-the-art facilities, 24/7 lifestyle concierge at the Lifestyle Country Club, uncompromising personal service and attention to detail.
As the foremost golf course developer in the world, Trump delivers the finest portfolio of award-winning courses, set against the most spectacular landscapes, presenting new levels of challenge. Aligned with other Trump Golf clubs across the globe, the ultra-exclusive Lido destination will offer unprecedented lifetime membership opportunities to a select few, providing unmatched access to experiences only limited by one's imagination.
The new Bogor-Sukabumi toll road, developed by MNC Group, will provide direct access to Lido Lakes, reducing the drive time fromJakarta to 60 minutes. Lido is located in Bogor city in West Java and is within 45 minutes driving distance to the famous protected forests of Bodogol and Cikaweni waterfalls. In addition to the Trump luxury components in the development's first phase, MNC Group will introduce Indonesia's first world-class theme park in partnership with a global leading design and production firm based in Los Angeles.
Source : Trump Hotel Collection
The development will be the second property in Asia for Trump Hotel Collection in partnership with globally-renowned MNC Group, Indonesia's leading investment firm.
"We are thrilled with the strong growth and momentum of the Trump Hotel Collection. Today's announcement further illustrates our commitment to introduce our signature experiences and unrivaled services to key resort destinations around the world," said Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions of The Trump Organization.
"Trump Hotel Collection is involved in the master plan of this spectacular development, which will include the first Trump golf course in Asia as well as a world-class spa, luxurious hotel and residences," explained Trump. "Being on board at this early stage ensures the Lido development will reflect Trump Hotel Collection's exacting standards and keen attention to detail."
Currently one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies globally with a portfolio of 14 award-winning hotels, Trump properties are known for their unmatched standard of excellence, personalized service and prime locations worldwide. The rapidly expanding luxury brand is opening four hotels in 2016 alone in major cities such as Washington D.C., Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Baku.
The Lido news arrives hot on the heels of Trump Hotel Collection and MNC Group's official New York City announcement to develop an opulent resort and residential development in Bali, a project designed to reflect the authenticity of the local culture in a magnificent location overlooking the southwest coast. Both the Bali and the Lido developments, with the latest agreement officially signed on August 19, 2015, represent landmark projects for MNC Group in partnership with key global players such as Trump Hotel Collection.
"MNC is repositioning and rebranding what is currently known as Lido Lakes to be the pride of Indonesia," said Group President and CEO Bapak Hary Tanoesoedibjo. "The area will be a 3,000-hectare world-class integrated lifestyle resort destination, heralded by the completion of the Bogor-Sukabumi toll road – also developed by MNC Group – which will enable guests an unprecedented opportunity to escape to this new destination. We look forward to creating a new 'point of departure' in the most populated archipelago in the world with this iconic resort development."
Trump Hotel Collection will be involved with phase one of the 700-hectare Lido development including a six-star luxury resort, 18-hole signature Ernie Els championship golf course, elite Lifestyle Country Club, wellness destination Spa as well as a high-end residential offering including luxury villas and condominiums.
Set within the lush tropical forests of the mountains of West Java, approximately 65 kilometers south of Jakarta, the ultra-luxury resort will offer residents a luxurious retreat within a short distance, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Trump Hotel Collection plans to revive the allure of the fabled destination by offering a retreat with elevated services for luxury-minded guests, establishing Lido as the preferred getaway in West Java.
The golf course in Lido will be Trump's first in Asia as well as Ernie Els' first in Indonesia, and will showcase the Trump brand's impeccable standard of excellence by offering a captivating golf experience that features state-of-the-art facilities, 24/7 lifestyle concierge at the Lifestyle Country Club, uncompromising personal service and attention to detail.
As the foremost golf course developer in the world, Trump delivers the finest portfolio of award-winning courses, set against the most spectacular landscapes, presenting new levels of challenge. Aligned with other Trump Golf clubs across the globe, the ultra-exclusive Lido destination will offer unprecedented lifetime membership opportunities to a select few, providing unmatched access to experiences only limited by one's imagination.
The new Bogor-Sukabumi toll road, developed by MNC Group, will provide direct access to Lido Lakes, reducing the drive time fromJakarta to 60 minutes. Lido is located in Bogor city in West Java and is within 45 minutes driving distance to the famous protected forests of Bodogol and Cikaweni waterfalls. In addition to the Trump luxury components in the development's first phase, MNC Group will introduce Indonesia's first world-class theme park in partnership with a global leading design and production firm based in Los Angeles.
Source : Trump Hotel Collection
Junaidi Ibrahim Seals Vistory At IGT @ LotusLakes
KARAWANG, September 11th - Junaidi Ibrahim finally was able to realize his desire to become champion again. This year, the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group Series VI title, held at the LotusLakes Golf Club in Karawang. is going to the man from Aceh. With great determination and remarkable patience, Junaidi could surpass defending champion George Gandranata, who kept a close fight during the 18 holes to loose by a margin of one stroke.
Junaidi and George started with the same score of one-under par, playing in the last group. "Honestly at the beginning of the game today, I actually think Mr. Maan (Maan Nasim, who was 2 strokes behind) will win," said Junaidi. Playing in a group with defending champion George also provided its own pressure for Junaidi. "I also saw George play very thorough and it was very difficult to find a gap to attack. Therefore, I tried to stay calm today and play relaxed," he added.
Junaidi's confidence began to rise after scoring a long birdie putt on hole 5. From there his game began to change, more daring. Junaidi and George both posted even par on the first nine holes. Their scores were both still at one-under par, where they were joined by Ditya Novianto who enlivened the competition by carding the same score.
Junaidi success began with a birdie on hole 12, followed by birdies on the next two holes. With three birdies in a row. Junaidi was still on top of the leaderboard with a total score while a four-under par, while George was still at one-under par. Ditya dropped out of the competition after posting three consecutive bogeys on holes 14, 15, and 16,
Then Junaidi tripped on hole 16 with a bogey and with a par at 17, he is at three-under-under before the final hole, while George reduced the difference with a birdie at holes 17, going to two-under par. Both players were determined at hole 18. The spectators who were present at the final round predicted a playoff would happen.
However, when George's ball entered the water on the par 5 hole 18, that prediction was dispersed. Unfortunately, Junaidi did not utilize this opportunity properly. Although successfully crowned champion, the 36-year-old man closed the game with a bogey, which resulted in a score of 71 (total score of 214). George had to settle for second place with a score of 215 after finishing the game with a score of 72.
"During the whole round I held strong. On hole 18 when the ball from George entered the water, I felt relaxed at that time. However, when I tried to approach the 18th green I shot it over and into the bunker. From there I began to stress. I was lucky to win. This is proof that I am still a champion," said Junaidi. For the winner of the Matoa Pro Championship in 2004, the Pro-Am Jagorawi 2004, and Mercedes-Benz Emeralda Golf Tournament 2010, the IGT Series VI title turned into a birthday present for his beloved child on September 9 and wife on September 10.
For the second time, George failed to win the title, and only managed second place. While at IGT Series II losing to Ian Andrew, this time George had to recognize the excellence of seniors. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old man was not disappointed with the result today.
"I've tried hard today. I played better and my game has been according to plan. Pak June (Junaidi Ibrahim) played well, and deserved this victory. My game started to change when he (Junaidi) birdied with a ;ong putt," said George.
With two more IGT events, Series VII and the Grand Finale, George is optimistic he can win at least one championship. Even if he is ultimately unsuccessful, he's taking many positive lessons during this 2015 season. "Although this is a down year for me, the positive is that I can still compete to be in the top 10, even top 5. And it calms my mind," said the winner of the PGA Tour Order of Merit of Indonesia in 2014.
The third position is occupied Ian Andrew who collected a total score of 216 (even par), while Ditya Novianto finished fourth with 217 (one-over par)
Junaidi and George started with the same score of one-under par, playing in the last group. "Honestly at the beginning of the game today, I actually think Mr. Maan (Maan Nasim, who was 2 strokes behind) will win," said Junaidi. Playing in a group with defending champion George also provided its own pressure for Junaidi. "I also saw George play very thorough and it was very difficult to find a gap to attack. Therefore, I tried to stay calm today and play relaxed," he added.
Junaidi's confidence began to rise after scoring a long birdie putt on hole 5. From there his game began to change, more daring. Junaidi and George both posted even par on the first nine holes. Their scores were both still at one-under par, where they were joined by Ditya Novianto who enlivened the competition by carding the same score.
Junaidi success began with a birdie on hole 12, followed by birdies on the next two holes. With three birdies in a row. Junaidi was still on top of the leaderboard with a total score while a four-under par, while George was still at one-under par. Ditya dropped out of the competition after posting three consecutive bogeys on holes 14, 15, and 16,
Then Junaidi tripped on hole 16 with a bogey and with a par at 17, he is at three-under-under before the final hole, while George reduced the difference with a birdie at holes 17, going to two-under par. Both players were determined at hole 18. The spectators who were present at the final round predicted a playoff would happen.
However, when George's ball entered the water on the par 5 hole 18, that prediction was dispersed. Unfortunately, Junaidi did not utilize this opportunity properly. Although successfully crowned champion, the 36-year-old man closed the game with a bogey, which resulted in a score of 71 (total score of 214). George had to settle for second place with a score of 215 after finishing the game with a score of 72.
"During the whole round I held strong. On hole 18 when the ball from George entered the water, I felt relaxed at that time. However, when I tried to approach the 18th green I shot it over and into the bunker. From there I began to stress. I was lucky to win. This is proof that I am still a champion," said Junaidi. For the winner of the Matoa Pro Championship in 2004, the Pro-Am Jagorawi 2004, and Mercedes-Benz Emeralda Golf Tournament 2010, the IGT Series VI title turned into a birthday present for his beloved child on September 9 and wife on September 10.
For the second time, George failed to win the title, and only managed second place. While at IGT Series II losing to Ian Andrew, this time George had to recognize the excellence of seniors. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old man was not disappointed with the result today.
"I've tried hard today. I played better and my game has been according to plan. Pak June (Junaidi Ibrahim) played well, and deserved this victory. My game started to change when he (Junaidi) birdied with a ;ong putt," said George.
With two more IGT events, Series VII and the Grand Finale, George is optimistic he can win at least one championship. Even if he is ultimately unsuccessful, he's taking many positive lessons during this 2015 season. "Although this is a down year for me, the positive is that I can still compete to be in the top 10, even top 5. And it calms my mind," said the winner of the PGA Tour Order of Merit of Indonesia in 2014.
The third position is occupied Ian Andrew who collected a total score of 216 (even par), while Ditya Novianto finished fourth with 217 (one-over par)
Friday, September 11, 2015
Generational Clash Atop Of The Leaderboard At IGT @ LotusLakes
KARAWANG, September 10 - LotusLakes Golf Club is once again turning into a nightmare for the participants of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group Series VI. Narrow fairways and extensive but difficult to read greens meant the participants had to work hard to achieve good scores, including Junaidi Ibrahim.
Atop the leaderboard with a score of four-under par (68) the day before, Junaidi struggled to remain in the elite group. Today he played poorly with a score of 75 (three-over par). "Today I carried a little bit of a burden. From the moment I arrived and started practicing my driving, my shots already felt uncomfortable. My mood also was uneasy. Other parts of my game were no problem. But, if the drive is no good, and my ball goes into the forest, it is difficult to recover."
Luckily, Junaidi remained in the top position with a score of one-under par (143). He shared the spot with George Gandranata who today looked slick. Junaidi is still optimistic that he can achieve good results in the last round. "Tomorrow my goal is to be champion. It's been a long time I did not become a champion," the 36-year-old golfer stressed.
Meanwhile, George became one of only two golfers were able to record a score under par in the second round. Scoring 71 (one-under par), the 27-year-old was immediately propelled to the top of the leaderboard of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group Series VI, together with Junaidi. "Actually, my game is not much different from yesterday. In addition to hitting my driver better today, I was more confident with my shots and putted well," he explained.
The fight between Junaidi and George at the top of the leaderboard was interesting because it represents the rivalry between big and little brother or senior and junior. Not only that, they're closely followed by their senior, Maan Nasim, who is only one shot behind. The 55-year-old veteran golfer was still eager to become champion. "From the outset I want to play here (Indonesian Golf Tour Series VI) because I want to win! Hopefully I can if I'm still in excellent physical condition tomorrow, and luck is with me. What I rely on is; I still can have fun in my game. I measure from my ability, my shots are not what they used to be. I participate to seek victory, but on the other hand I also want to exert pressure in the game," said Maan.
Right behind Maan, Junaidi, and George, the juniors are ready to surprise. They are Ditya Novianto in 4th position with a total score of 144 (one-over par), as well as Rinaldi Adiyandono, Ian Andrew, and Asep Saefulloh in a tie for 5th position with 145 (two-over par).
Atop the leaderboard with a score of four-under par (68) the day before, Junaidi struggled to remain in the elite group. Today he played poorly with a score of 75 (three-over par). "Today I carried a little bit of a burden. From the moment I arrived and started practicing my driving, my shots already felt uncomfortable. My mood also was uneasy. Other parts of my game were no problem. But, if the drive is no good, and my ball goes into the forest, it is difficult to recover."
Luckily, Junaidi remained in the top position with a score of one-under par (143). He shared the spot with George Gandranata who today looked slick. Junaidi is still optimistic that he can achieve good results in the last round. "Tomorrow my goal is to be champion. It's been a long time I did not become a champion," the 36-year-old golfer stressed.
Meanwhile, George became one of only two golfers were able to record a score under par in the second round. Scoring 71 (one-under par), the 27-year-old was immediately propelled to the top of the leaderboard of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group Series VI, together with Junaidi. "Actually, my game is not much different from yesterday. In addition to hitting my driver better today, I was more confident with my shots and putted well," he explained.
The fight between Junaidi and George at the top of the leaderboard was interesting because it represents the rivalry between big and little brother or senior and junior. Not only that, they're closely followed by their senior, Maan Nasim, who is only one shot behind. The 55-year-old veteran golfer was still eager to become champion. "From the outset I want to play here (Indonesian Golf Tour Series VI) because I want to win! Hopefully I can if I'm still in excellent physical condition tomorrow, and luck is with me. What I rely on is; I still can have fun in my game. I measure from my ability, my shots are not what they used to be. I participate to seek victory, but on the other hand I also want to exert pressure in the game," said Maan.
Right behind Maan, Junaidi, and George, the juniors are ready to surprise. They are Ditya Novianto in 4th position with a total score of 144 (one-over par), as well as Rinaldi Adiyandono, Ian Andrew, and Asep Saefulloh in a tie for 5th position with 145 (two-over par).
Thursday, September 10, 2015
First Day Of IGT @ LotusLakes Belongs To The Veterans
The "Veteran" Show Superiority
KARAWANG, September 9 - The first round of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group Series VI belonged to the veterans. with Junaidi Ibrahim, Sanusi, Maan Nasim, and Sarmilih, who all already play in the national professional golf arena for more than 15 years, vying to win the tournament with total prizes of 200 million at the LotusLakes Golf Club, Karawang. The four were perched in the top four sports of the leaderboard.
Junaidi, who is now 36-year-old, posted a score of 68 (four-under par), and sits atop the leaderboard.
Having played even par on the first nine holes (with two birdies against two bogeys), Junaidi's position continued to move to the top position after four birdies on holes 10, 12, 16, and 18. "Today was very satisfying. I learned today to play disciplined and keep control of my emotions. Because I kept control of my emotions, I controlled the game very well," said the golfer who had several times won national professional tournaments, including the Matoa Pro Championship in 2004, the Pro-Am Jagorawi 2004, and Mercedes-Benz Emeralda Golf Tournament 2010.
Facing the second round, Junaidi sure can maintain his current position. "As preparations for tomorrow basically I want more discipline and control my emotions well. I believe in skill, just need to keep the emotion," he explained. While in the lead, the golfer from Aceh was just three strokes ahead of his seniors, Maan (55 years), Sanusi (46 years), and Sarmilih. The three golfer scored 71 (one-under par), and are in a tie for second place.
George Gandranata, Asep Saefulloh, and Abhinawa Safari trailed their elders with a score of even par (72). George who started the game on the 10th tee was holding on to a score of one-under par until his 117th hole, before making a bogey on hole 9 which closed the game for the day.
The 2014 Order of Merit winner of the PGA Tour of Indonesia did not show his best performance as in last season. He is still looking for a first title in 2015. "This year was a down year for me. At least I tried to chase victory. My target is to get a win, I long to be able to get the victory. Greg Norman says 'You do not appreciate success until you taste failure'," he said.
However, George saw the positive side of the IGT competition this season. "I guess that between my game is not good or the competition becoming increasingly better. it is a combination of the two. I think this is good. Nice because I see more and more scores under par and this is something that proves that the Indonesian Golf Tour has a very positive impact," added the defending champion of IGT @ LotusLakes 2014.
Meanwhile, Asep must be satisfied with his score today because of his own mistakes. "I played calm today, but I made mistakes on the greens of hole 9 and hole 14. I made three-putts on these holes. Indeed, my putting was the problem," said Asep, who already was at one-under par until hole 12, but stumbled to a bogey on hole 14.
"Learning from today's game I need to improve my putting. That was my main problem. I need to learn to read the greens better," he said.
Junaidi, who is now 36-year-old, posted a score of 68 (four-under par), and sits atop the leaderboard.
Having played even par on the first nine holes (with two birdies against two bogeys), Junaidi's position continued to move to the top position after four birdies on holes 10, 12, 16, and 18. "Today was very satisfying. I learned today to play disciplined and keep control of my emotions. Because I kept control of my emotions, I controlled the game very well," said the golfer who had several times won national professional tournaments, including the Matoa Pro Championship in 2004, the Pro-Am Jagorawi 2004, and Mercedes-Benz Emeralda Golf Tournament 2010.
Facing the second round, Junaidi sure can maintain his current position. "As preparations for tomorrow basically I want more discipline and control my emotions well. I believe in skill, just need to keep the emotion," he explained. While in the lead, the golfer from Aceh was just three strokes ahead of his seniors, Maan (55 years), Sanusi (46 years), and Sarmilih. The three golfer scored 71 (one-under par), and are in a tie for second place.
George Gandranata, Asep Saefulloh, and Abhinawa Safari trailed their elders with a score of even par (72). George who started the game on the 10th tee was holding on to a score of one-under par until his 117th hole, before making a bogey on hole 9 which closed the game for the day.
The 2014 Order of Merit winner of the PGA Tour of Indonesia did not show his best performance as in last season. He is still looking for a first title in 2015. "This year was a down year for me. At least I tried to chase victory. My target is to get a win, I long to be able to get the victory. Greg Norman says 'You do not appreciate success until you taste failure'," he said.
However, George saw the positive side of the IGT competition this season. "I guess that between my game is not good or the competition becoming increasingly better. it is a combination of the two. I think this is good. Nice because I see more and more scores under par and this is something that proves that the Indonesian Golf Tour has a very positive impact," added the defending champion of IGT @ LotusLakes 2014.
Meanwhile, Asep must be satisfied with his score today because of his own mistakes. "I played calm today, but I made mistakes on the greens of hole 9 and hole 14. I made three-putts on these holes. Indeed, my putting was the problem," said Asep, who already was at one-under par until hole 12, but stumbled to a bogey on hole 14.
"Learning from today's game I need to improve my putting. That was my main problem. I need to learn to read the greens better," he said.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Indonesian Golf Tour Heading To LotusLakes Golf Club
JAKARTA, September 8 - For its next outing the national professional golf circuit "Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group" will bring a visit to LotusLakes Golf Club, Karawang, West Java. The sixth event of the 2015 season will take place on the course that was designed Naoyuki Saito from 9 to 11 September. Here the best professional golfers Indonesia will compete for a total prize of 200 million.
While at the previous (5th) event at Jababeka Golf & Country Club the national golfers were presented with the challenge of long distances, slippery greens contours and strong winds blowing, this time they will encounter a course that offers a layout that is no less challenging, especially for persons with low handicaps when playing from the championship tees.
During the event the golfers will play the Lotus (9 holes) and Orchid Courses (9 holes). The Lotus Course measures 3,548 yards and features more water hazards, while the Orchid Course with a distance of 3,649 yards offers a course layout with tropical trees, which are separated by rivers and lakes.
The toughness of LotusLakes Golf Club, until November 2013 known as Karawang International Golf Club (KIGC), was proven during last season's IGT event when George Gandranata had to work hard to win the IGT @ LotusLakes.
George won the tournament with a total score of even-par, 216 (70-73-73). He was only one stroke ahead of amateur golfer Kevin C. Akbar, who finished second overall and winning Low Amateur with a total score of one-over-par, 217 (74-71-72).
"This course is very challenging and nice. The greens really made us have to think hard to conquer," said George.
Could the IGT Series VI at LotusLakes champion this year post a score under par?
While at the previous (5th) event at Jababeka Golf & Country Club the national golfers were presented with the challenge of long distances, slippery greens contours and strong winds blowing, this time they will encounter a course that offers a layout that is no less challenging, especially for persons with low handicaps when playing from the championship tees.
During the event the golfers will play the Lotus (9 holes) and Orchid Courses (9 holes). The Lotus Course measures 3,548 yards and features more water hazards, while the Orchid Course with a distance of 3,649 yards offers a course layout with tropical trees, which are separated by rivers and lakes.
The toughness of LotusLakes Golf Club, until November 2013 known as Karawang International Golf Club (KIGC), was proven during last season's IGT event when George Gandranata had to work hard to win the IGT @ LotusLakes.
George won the tournament with a total score of even-par, 216 (70-73-73). He was only one stroke ahead of amateur golfer Kevin C. Akbar, who finished second overall and winning Low Amateur with a total score of one-over-par, 217 (74-71-72).
"This course is very challenging and nice. The greens really made us have to think hard to conquer," said George.
Could the IGT Series VI at LotusLakes champion this year post a score under par?
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Jakarta Governor Promises To Turn Golf Course Into Football Field
The amount of green space in Jakarta is usually pegged at a depressingly small 9.3% of its total area (most urban planners say that a city should devote at least 30% of its land to green spaces). It’s even more depressing when you consider that a great deal of that green space is devoted to golf courses that are primarily enjoyed by the city’s rich elites.
Responding to a comment from Vice President Jusuf Kalla about the need for more football in Jakarta, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has announced that he will turn a large green area of Kemayoran, which is currently used as a golf course, into numerous football fields where youngsters can play the beautiful sport.
"We met last night with Pak JK (Jusuf Kalla) and we agree we would like to have a lot more football fields," Ahok said at City Hall today as quoted by Tempo.
"The golf course in Kemayoran contains tens of hectares, so you can create dozens of football fields from that," he said.
The land used for the Kemayoran golf course is actually state-owned land that was orginally granted to the city by the secretary of state. Ahok said part of the land would also be used to build low-cost apartment towers as well as housing for athletes competing at the 2018 Asian Games being hosted by Jakarta.
Ahok said he wants Jakarta to like a city in Brazilian, where kids play football everywhere there is space. He said he will also develop the capitol’s youth football leagues.
"Who knows, we could give birth to a football star," Ahok said.
Source: Coconuts Jakarta
Responding to a comment from Vice President Jusuf Kalla about the need for more football in Jakarta, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has announced that he will turn a large green area of Kemayoran, which is currently used as a golf course, into numerous football fields where youngsters can play the beautiful sport.
"We met last night with Pak JK (Jusuf Kalla) and we agree we would like to have a lot more football fields," Ahok said at City Hall today as quoted by Tempo.
"The golf course in Kemayoran contains tens of hectares, so you can create dozens of football fields from that," he said.
The land used for the Kemayoran golf course is actually state-owned land that was orginally granted to the city by the secretary of state. Ahok said part of the land would also be used to build low-cost apartment towers as well as housing for athletes competing at the 2018 Asian Games being hosted by Jakarta.
Ahok said he wants Jakarta to like a city in Brazilian, where kids play football everywhere there is space. He said he will also develop the capitol’s youth football leagues.
"Who knows, we could give birth to a football star," Ahok said.
Source: Coconuts Jakarta
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Klub Golf Bogor Raya Festival Of Golf 2015
From August 28 until August 30 the nineteenth Klub Golf Bogor Raya Festival Of Golf will be held.
This annual golf extravaganza has become a fixture on the annual golf calendar, and also this year many great prizes are to be won during this 4 day, 8 tournament festival.
Luxurious Hole-In-One Prizes include 1 luxury residential, 12 exclusive cars, and 8 Yamaha buggy carts.
Spectacular Grand Prizes are 8 Motorcycles, 8 LED TV's and many more..
For more information contact:
Dania, Endang, Nina, Nana, Arie
Phone: (0251) 8271 888 / 8271 517 / 8271 513
Fax: (0251) 8271 777
Pin BB: 269F9571
Email: kgbr@bogorraya.co.id
This annual golf extravaganza has become a fixture on the annual golf calendar, and also this year many great prizes are to be won during this 4 day, 8 tournament festival.
Luxurious Hole-In-One Prizes include 1 luxury residential, 12 exclusive cars, and 8 Yamaha buggy carts.
Spectacular Grand Prizes are 8 Motorcycles, 8 LED TV's and many more..
TOURNAMENT FEES
Thursday 27 August 2015 | ||||
OPEN TOURNAMENT | OPEN TOURNAMENT | |||
| Morning | Afternoon | |||
| Member | 700,000 | Member | 650,000 | |
| Guest | 1,400,000 | Guest | 1.250,000 | |
Friday 28 August 2015 | ||||
OPEN TOURNAMENT | OPEN TOURNAMENT | |||
| Morning | Afternoon | |||
| Member | 700,000 | Member | 650,000 | |
| Guest | 1,200,000 | Guest | 1.250,000 | |
Saturday 29 August 2015 | ||||
MEMBER & GUEST TOURNAMENT | OPEN TOURNAMENT | |||
| Morning | Afternoon | |||
| Member | 700,000 | Member | 650,000 | |
| Guest | 2,950,000 | Guest | 1,550,000 | |
Sunday 30 August 2015 | ||||
MEMBER & GUEST TOURNAMENT | OPEN TOURNAMENT | |||
| Morning | Afternoon | |||
| Member | 700,000 | Member | 650,000 | |
| Guest | 2,300,000 | Guest | 1,400,000 | |
For more information contact:
Dania, Endang, Nina, Nana, Arie
Phone: (0251) 8271 888 / 8271 517 / 8271 513
Fax: (0251) 8271 777
Pin BB: 269F9571
Email: kgbr@bogorraya.co.id
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Third IGT Win Solidifies Benita Kasiadi's Order Of Merit Lead
Cikarang, August 6 - There were no surprises in the results of the Indonesia Golf Tour Series V at Jababeka Golf & Country Club. As predicted, Benita Yuniarto Kasiadi successfully established himself as champion at the most recent leg of the national professional golf circuit with a total of 200 million in prize money. The total score of seven-under par (206) for Benita was difficult to follow any golfer, including I Ketut Sugiarta who finished second with a score of 217 (four-over par).
Although closing the game with a score of even par in the final round, this did not change the position at the top of the Order of Merit of the Indonesia PGA 2015 Tour. "My game plan did not meet my target, making 3 under or 4 under today. i made no change in how I played. Everything was the same as yesterday", said Benita, who took home the Rp 32 million first prize.
With this result Benita nestled himself more firmly at the top of the 2015 Order of Merit. His success this time was also a record in the history of the IGT, with the largest winning margin of 11 strokes.
This IGT V Series title is Benita third title this season. He is eying another title again this season to meet his target. "Based on the management target, especially for this year, I should be able to win as much as 4 times on the IGT. Then the next target is to play an ADT tournament. Hopefully I can qualify for next year's Asian Tour", added Benita.
Series V IGT presented indeed a venue that was difficult enough for the participants. The heat became a separate obstacle for most players. They also had to face fairways that were "unfriendly". The ball seemed to stop and it seemed difficult to roll in the fairway. Plus, the slippery green conditions made it difficult for participants to make low scores.
Benita also recognized the challenges posed at this 18-hole course. "The condition of the pitch is quite hot and windy and very draining," said Benita. I Ketut Sugiarta agreed regarding the state of the pitch. He also found it difficult to develop his game. "The weather was windy which impacted my second shot, that often was caught by the wind and swirled to the left," said Ketut.
Ketut praised Benita's game that was not affected by his playing partners. Despite failing to win, Ketut was satisfied because he was beaten by a young golfer. He is also pleased that the IGT can produce young golfers with potential. "Looking at the current competition in the IGT, there are many young professionals that have extraordinary abilities. I am very proud to see new seeds that will carry the name of Indonesia to the international level", he added. For him, the IGT became a very good tournament for Indonesian professionals to compete at the local level in preparation for the international level.
After chasing one another, Kadek Adi Putra Saksama and Adrian Halimi ended up sharing the title of Low Amateur. Both had a total score of 227 (14-over par). This is the first time in the history that IGT's best amateur champion was won by two golfers.
Leading scores after the final round of IGT Series V (Par 71):
206 - Benita Y. KASIADI 67-68-71
217 - I Ketut SUGIARTA 74-71-72
220 - Johannes DERMAWAN 71-77-72, Indra HERMAWAN 70-76-74
221 - Danny MASRIN 78-74-69, Jordan Surya IRAWAN 77-74-70, Ramadhan ALWIE 75-73-73
222 - Hendry NASIM 75-74-73, Kurnia HERISIANDY 74-74-74
223 - Junaidi IBRAHIM 75-74-74, Fajar Win NURYANTO 73-75-75
Although closing the game with a score of even par in the final round, this did not change the position at the top of the Order of Merit of the Indonesia PGA 2015 Tour. "My game plan did not meet my target, making 3 under or 4 under today. i made no change in how I played. Everything was the same as yesterday", said Benita, who took home the Rp 32 million first prize.
With this result Benita nestled himself more firmly at the top of the 2015 Order of Merit. His success this time was also a record in the history of the IGT, with the largest winning margin of 11 strokes.
This IGT V Series title is Benita third title this season. He is eying another title again this season to meet his target. "Based on the management target, especially for this year, I should be able to win as much as 4 times on the IGT. Then the next target is to play an ADT tournament. Hopefully I can qualify for next year's Asian Tour", added Benita.
Series V IGT presented indeed a venue that was difficult enough for the participants. The heat became a separate obstacle for most players. They also had to face fairways that were "unfriendly". The ball seemed to stop and it seemed difficult to roll in the fairway. Plus, the slippery green conditions made it difficult for participants to make low scores.
Benita also recognized the challenges posed at this 18-hole course. "The condition of the pitch is quite hot and windy and very draining," said Benita. I Ketut Sugiarta agreed regarding the state of the pitch. He also found it difficult to develop his game. "The weather was windy which impacted my second shot, that often was caught by the wind and swirled to the left," said Ketut.
Ketut praised Benita's game that was not affected by his playing partners. Despite failing to win, Ketut was satisfied because he was beaten by a young golfer. He is also pleased that the IGT can produce young golfers with potential. "Looking at the current competition in the IGT, there are many young professionals that have extraordinary abilities. I am very proud to see new seeds that will carry the name of Indonesia to the international level", he added. For him, the IGT became a very good tournament for Indonesian professionals to compete at the local level in preparation for the international level.
After chasing one another, Kadek Adi Putra Saksama and Adrian Halimi ended up sharing the title of Low Amateur. Both had a total score of 227 (14-over par). This is the first time in the history that IGT's best amateur champion was won by two golfers.
Leading scores after the final round of IGT Series V (Par 71):
206 - Benita Y. KASIADI 67-68-71
217 - I Ketut SUGIARTA 74-71-72
220 - Johannes DERMAWAN 71-77-72, Indra HERMAWAN 70-76-74
221 - Danny MASRIN 78-74-69, Jordan Surya IRAWAN 77-74-70, Ramadhan ALWIE 75-73-73
222 - Hendry NASIM 75-74-73, Kurnia HERISIANDY 74-74-74
223 - Junaidi IBRAHIM 75-74-74, Fajar Win NURYANTO 73-75-75
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Benita Kasiadi Takes Second Title At IGT @ Gading Raya
JAKARTA, July 9 - Do not give up until the last ball is being played. This motto was representative for Benita Y. Kasiadi appearance in the final round of the Indonesian Golf Tour Series IV, which took place from July 7 to 9 at Gading Raya Padang Golf & Klub, Serpong, Tangerang. Starting the final round 3 shots behind leader Rinaldi Adiyandono, he even fell behind as much as six strokes after the first nine holes. He finally caught up pace gradually until it he equaled Rinaldi's score at the final hole. Both accumulated a score of ten-under par (206).
This fight is reminiscent of the duel the duo fought in the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group 2014 at Imperial Klub Golf in December last year. The difference that that time Rinaldi won the final with a one-shot lead over Benita.
This time, the duel was repeated. With the winner being determined through the play-offs. Rinaldi missed a ball from a distance of 2 meters for a birdie putt to clinch victory with his first putt. He also missed his second putt which would have forced a second play-off hole. He had to finish with a three putt making bogey.
In contrary Benita recorded a par to take his second title at the 2015 IGT. It became a memorable victory for Benita when winning in IGT Series I at the Matoa Nasional Golf Club, Ciganjur, mid January. This time, he did not predict he would win, including bringing home the prize money of Rp32 million.
"The target is still to play by managing the course. Play 4-5 under. If not winning so be it. That means the opponent is better," said the son of Indonesian golf legend, Kasiadi.
On the second nine holes, Rinaldi made a bogey on hole 13. That put the difference between the two players at 3 shots, Rinaldi at 11-under and Benita at 8-under. Rinaldi tripped again on hole 16 for another bogey, while he only made par on holes 17 and 18. Benita actually posted two birdies in these hole. That meant play-offs had to be done, which was then won by Benita.
In the finishing shots of the game Rinaldi choked up. "I was shaking when hitting putts of two meters in the play-offs. I do not know why. In fact, I've been focused with my game plan. Did not think about a tie or play-off," said Rinaldi.
Meanwhile, in the amateurs, Tirto Tamardi established himself as the best in IGT 2015 Series IV. The golfer, who just fulfilled the task of representing his country at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, posted a total score of one-over par after closing the game on the final day with a two-in under par (70).
"I am quite satisfied with today's game, although my putting shots must be improved again," said the bronze medalist for the SEA Games team in 2015.
Tirto admitted this tournament series is a major influence in his game. "Participating in the IGT can improve you game, and gain knowledge from professionals," he said. He did not target anything when appearing in this professional event. "It becomes a means for self-evaluation," said the golfer born 8 April 1999.
The opportunity to learn from professionals was felt directly by Clement Kurniawan who played for the first time in the IGT and who became second runner up in IGT Series IV. Playing with Rory Hie for three days, Clement learned interesting things.
"A lot of knowledge that can be taken from Rory Hie. He was calmer, and learn how he hits. My first experience in IGT provides many positive lessons before I go back to America today. Hopefully next year I can join IGT again and win the tournament," he said.
Indonesian Golf Tour Series V will be held in Jababeka Golf & Country Club, Cikarang, on August 11 to 13.
This fight is reminiscent of the duel the duo fought in the Grand Final of the Indonesian Golf Tour presented by Linc Group 2014 at Imperial Klub Golf in December last year. The difference that that time Rinaldi won the final with a one-shot lead over Benita.
This time, the duel was repeated. With the winner being determined through the play-offs. Rinaldi missed a ball from a distance of 2 meters for a birdie putt to clinch victory with his first putt. He also missed his second putt which would have forced a second play-off hole. He had to finish with a three putt making bogey.
In contrary Benita recorded a par to take his second title at the 2015 IGT. It became a memorable victory for Benita when winning in IGT Series I at the Matoa Nasional Golf Club, Ciganjur, mid January. This time, he did not predict he would win, including bringing home the prize money of Rp32 million.
"The target is still to play by managing the course. Play 4-5 under. If not winning so be it. That means the opponent is better," said the son of Indonesian golf legend, Kasiadi.
On the second nine holes, Rinaldi made a bogey on hole 13. That put the difference between the two players at 3 shots, Rinaldi at 11-under and Benita at 8-under. Rinaldi tripped again on hole 16 for another bogey, while he only made par on holes 17 and 18. Benita actually posted two birdies in these hole. That meant play-offs had to be done, which was then won by Benita.
In the finishing shots of the game Rinaldi choked up. "I was shaking when hitting putts of two meters in the play-offs. I do not know why. In fact, I've been focused with my game plan. Did not think about a tie or play-off," said Rinaldi.
Meanwhile, in the amateurs, Tirto Tamardi established himself as the best in IGT 2015 Series IV. The golfer, who just fulfilled the task of representing his country at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, posted a total score of one-over par after closing the game on the final day with a two-in under par (70).
"I am quite satisfied with today's game, although my putting shots must be improved again," said the bronze medalist for the SEA Games team in 2015.
Tirto admitted this tournament series is a major influence in his game. "Participating in the IGT can improve you game, and gain knowledge from professionals," he said. He did not target anything when appearing in this professional event. "It becomes a means for self-evaluation," said the golfer born 8 April 1999.
The opportunity to learn from professionals was felt directly by Clement Kurniawan who played for the first time in the IGT and who became second runner up in IGT Series IV. Playing with Rory Hie for three days, Clement learned interesting things.
"A lot of knowledge that can be taken from Rory Hie. He was calmer, and learn how he hits. My first experience in IGT provides many positive lessons before I go back to America today. Hopefully next year I can join IGT again and win the tournament," he said.
Indonesian Golf Tour Series V will be held in Jababeka Golf & Country Club, Cikarang, on August 11 to 13.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
William Sjaichudin And George Gandranata Finish Top Ten At Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 28 - Matthew Giles of Australia sank a clutch birdie putt on the last hole to win the US$76,000 Bali National Golf Championship by one-shot on Sunday.
The 25-year-old was tied with Lindsay Renolds of Canada before holing a 30-feet birdie to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title with a closing three-under-par 69 at the Bali National Golf Club.
Renolds, who led by two shots early in the round, shot a 68 to settle for his fourth runner-up finish on the ADT while Sutijet Kooratanapisan of Thailand and current Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei finished third and fourth respectively.
There was local success with 2 Indonesian players finishing in the top 10. William Sjaichudin started with all pars on the front nine, then got momentum with an eagle on hole 10 followed by a birdie on hole 11 to go to 7 under, but bogeys on holes 12 and 16 saw him fall back to 5 under, good for a tie for 6th place.
Meanwhile George Gandranata had a flawless round with birdies on holes 2 and 13 to finish in a tie for 9th place at 2-under for the tournament.
“It is always nice to make a putt on the 18th hole to win an event. It feels fantastic. It has been a great week,” said Giles, who totaled 12-under-par 276 to win US$13,300 and earn six valuable Official World Golf Ranking points.
Giles got off to a slow start when he turned in one-over-par 36 but bounced back on his homeward nine with five birdies against one bogey.
“This is a demanding course. There are holes where you can make birdies or eagles but if you hit a bad shot then you will be punished. Every hole has its own little challenge. I just stayed in the moment and thankfully it worked out.
“The front nine is more challenging. I grinded out on the front and was lucky enough to birdie 10, 11, 13 and 15. I think I probably played 10 or nine-under on the back nine for the tournament,” he smiled.
It was a case of so close but yet so far for Renolds, who holed seven birdies against three bogeys to charge in contention before being defeated by Giles’ brilliant birdie finish.
“I had a lot of demons in the past with how I finished events but I didn’t give the tournament away because Matthew Giles made a really good putt on the last to win. It is not a good way of losing but it is the way a tournament should be won,” said Phuket-based Renolds.
After earning an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, Renolds hopes to carry this momentum heading into the second half of the season on the region’s premier Tour.
“The more you give yourself opportunities, the closer you come to a win. This is a good confidence booster heading into the Asian Tour. There are a lot of positives this week. I didn’t really make any mistakes. I had a few bad shots but that happens in golf,” he explained.
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Leading scores after the final round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
276 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70-69
277 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70-68
279 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-73-69-66
280 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71-72
281 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69-71
283 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74-71, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70-71
285 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69-74
286 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 70-72-72-72, Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 70-69-74-73, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70-74, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70-75, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73-78
Selected:
291 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77-71
292 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72-74
296 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77-73
301 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81-74
302 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76-81
304 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77-79
The 25-year-old was tied with Lindsay Renolds of Canada before holing a 30-feet birdie to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title with a closing three-under-par 69 at the Bali National Golf Club.
Renolds, who led by two shots early in the round, shot a 68 to settle for his fourth runner-up finish on the ADT while Sutijet Kooratanapisan of Thailand and current Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei finished third and fourth respectively.
There was local success with 2 Indonesian players finishing in the top 10. William Sjaichudin started with all pars on the front nine, then got momentum with an eagle on hole 10 followed by a birdie on hole 11 to go to 7 under, but bogeys on holes 12 and 16 saw him fall back to 5 under, good for a tie for 6th place.
Meanwhile George Gandranata had a flawless round with birdies on holes 2 and 13 to finish in a tie for 9th place at 2-under for the tournament.
“It is always nice to make a putt on the 18th hole to win an event. It feels fantastic. It has been a great week,” said Giles, who totaled 12-under-par 276 to win US$13,300 and earn six valuable Official World Golf Ranking points.
Giles got off to a slow start when he turned in one-over-par 36 but bounced back on his homeward nine with five birdies against one bogey.
“This is a demanding course. There are holes where you can make birdies or eagles but if you hit a bad shot then you will be punished. Every hole has its own little challenge. I just stayed in the moment and thankfully it worked out.
“The front nine is more challenging. I grinded out on the front and was lucky enough to birdie 10, 11, 13 and 15. I think I probably played 10 or nine-under on the back nine for the tournament,” he smiled.
It was a case of so close but yet so far for Renolds, who holed seven birdies against three bogeys to charge in contention before being defeated by Giles’ brilliant birdie finish.
“I had a lot of demons in the past with how I finished events but I didn’t give the tournament away because Matthew Giles made a really good putt on the last to win. It is not a good way of losing but it is the way a tournament should be won,” said Phuket-based Renolds.
After earning an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, Renolds hopes to carry this momentum heading into the second half of the season on the region’s premier Tour.
“The more you give yourself opportunities, the closer you come to a win. This is a good confidence booster heading into the Asian Tour. There are a lot of positives this week. I didn’t really make any mistakes. I had a few bad shots but that happens in golf,” he explained.
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Leading scores after the final round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
276 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70-69
277 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70-68
279 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-73-69-66
280 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71-72
281 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69-71
283 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74-71, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70-71
285 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69-74
286 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 70-72-72-72, Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 70-69-74-73, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70-74, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70-75, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73-78
Selected:
291 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77-71
292 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72-74
296 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77-73
301 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81-74
302 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76-81
304 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77-79
William Sjaichudin Back In Top Ten After Third Round Of The Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 27 - Matthew Giles of Australia shot a two-under-par 70 to seize the third round lead at The Bali National Golf Championship after Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei struggled in the closing three holes on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Giles produced three birdies and one eagle against three bogeys to lead by one shot on nine-under-par 207 at the challenging Bali National Golf Club.
Current Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit leader Hsieh was cruising on 11-under through 15 holes before making two disappointing double bogeys on holes 16 and 17.
He birdied 18 for a 71 to share second place with overnight leader Jake Stirling of Australia, who returned with a 73 at the US$76,000 ADT event.
Lindsay Renolds of Canada was a further shot back following a 70 while Micah Lauren Shin of the United States registered a 69 to trail the leader by three shots.
Local player William Sjaichudin got himself back in the top ten with a round of 70. He's now in a tie for 8th at 4-under-par. Meanwhile George Gandranata (71) moved up to a tie for 20th at even par.
“I missed the cut last week in Koh Samui on the Asian Tour but I’m hitting the ball well. This is a course that suits me. It is wide off the tees and you need to control your ball in the wind. It is a lot similar we play back home,” said Giles.
Playing in his first ADT event, the Australian will not take his slim lead for granted in the windy conditions at Bali National.
“Everyone here is trying to win and the level of play on the ADT is really good. I’ll just take one hole as it comes and focus on my own game. Tomorrow is a new day. The wind has been blowing in the same direction but you never know what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Hsieh, a two-time ADT winner, was disappointed not to build on his performance through 15 holes after losing his ball on 16 and finding the water hazard on the par three island green 17th hole.
“I played awesome for 15 holes. It was a terrible last three holes but I still have a chance because I’m trailing by only one shot. I don’t want to think too much about my round today. Tomorrow is a new round,” said the 24-year-old.
Stirling, who is aiming for a second straight win on the ADT, saw his overnight two-shot lead erased after a wayward tee shot on the tricky first hole forced him to take an unplayable. He battled back with four birdies against two bogeys to stay in the hunt.
“I just tried to hang in there. I’m surprised that I’m still in contention. Hsieh had it going early. He made a couple of mistakes coming in. With three holes to go, I was out of it because he was running away with it but he dropped a few shots and that kind of helps everybody,” said Stirling.
Leading scores after the third round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
207 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70
208 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73
209 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70
210 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69
211 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70
212 - Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 74-69-69, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 72-71-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70, Gyeongjun LEE (KOR) 65-75-72, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 67 72 73, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74
Selected:
216 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71
218 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72
220 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77
221 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76
222 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77
225 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77
227 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81
The 25-year-old Giles produced three birdies and one eagle against three bogeys to lead by one shot on nine-under-par 207 at the challenging Bali National Golf Club.
Current Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit leader Hsieh was cruising on 11-under through 15 holes before making two disappointing double bogeys on holes 16 and 17.
He birdied 18 for a 71 to share second place with overnight leader Jake Stirling of Australia, who returned with a 73 at the US$76,000 ADT event.
Lindsay Renolds of Canada was a further shot back following a 70 while Micah Lauren Shin of the United States registered a 69 to trail the leader by three shots.
Local player William Sjaichudin got himself back in the top ten with a round of 70. He's now in a tie for 8th at 4-under-par. Meanwhile George Gandranata (71) moved up to a tie for 20th at even par.
“I missed the cut last week in Koh Samui on the Asian Tour but I’m hitting the ball well. This is a course that suits me. It is wide off the tees and you need to control your ball in the wind. It is a lot similar we play back home,” said Giles.
Playing in his first ADT event, the Australian will not take his slim lead for granted in the windy conditions at Bali National.
“Everyone here is trying to win and the level of play on the ADT is really good. I’ll just take one hole as it comes and focus on my own game. Tomorrow is a new day. The wind has been blowing in the same direction but you never know what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Hsieh, a two-time ADT winner, was disappointed not to build on his performance through 15 holes after losing his ball on 16 and finding the water hazard on the par three island green 17th hole.
“I played awesome for 15 holes. It was a terrible last three holes but I still have a chance because I’m trailing by only one shot. I don’t want to think too much about my round today. Tomorrow is a new round,” said the 24-year-old.
Stirling, who is aiming for a second straight win on the ADT, saw his overnight two-shot lead erased after a wayward tee shot on the tricky first hole forced him to take an unplayable. He battled back with four birdies against two bogeys to stay in the hunt.
“I just tried to hang in there. I’m surprised that I’m still in contention. Hsieh had it going early. He made a couple of mistakes coming in. With three holes to go, I was out of it because he was running away with it but he dropped a few shots and that kind of helps everybody,” said Stirling.
Leading scores after the third round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
207 - Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69-70
208 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70-71, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67-73
209 - Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70-70
210 - Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72-69
211 - Arie Irawan (MAS) 71-71-69, Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74-70
212 - Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 74-69-69, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 72-71-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73-70, Himmat RAI (IND) 73-69-70, Gyeongjun LEE (KOR) 65-75-72, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 67 72 73, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71-74
Selected:
216 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70-71
218 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78-72
220 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71-77
221 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74-76
222 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74-77
225 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77-77
227 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73-81
Saturday, June 27, 2015
8 Local Players Into The Weekend At The Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 26 - Jake Stirling of Australia stayed patient in the windy conditions to snatch the halfway stage lead with a five-under-par 67 at The Bali National Golf Championship on Friday.
The 26-year-old holed a 40 feet chip-in eagle on the 16th hole to lead by two shots on a nine-under-par 135 total at the US$76,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event staged at the scenic Bali National Golf Club.
Current Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei and Matthew Giles of Australia posted a 70 and 69 respectively to share second place while Khalin Joshi of India was a further shot back.
Overnight leader Gyeongjun Lee of Korea slipped down the leaderboard following a 75.
Despite none of the Indonesian players being in the top 10, with 5 top 30 players and another 3 making the cut, this shows that they're overall playing very well. William Sjaichudin (73) is best in class and is currently in 12th position at 2-under=par. One shot further back is Benita Yuniarto (71).
George Gandranata (70), Andrew Wirawan (74) and Rinaldi Adiyandono (74) are in a tie for 29th at 1-over-par 145. Asep Saefulloh (73), Ramadhan Alwie (78) and Ian Andrew (77) also made the cut that was set at 148.
Stirling, who won his first ADT title earlier in June, kept things simple and was rewarded with four birdies and one eagle.
“I can understand why the scores are a little bit high but I managed to keep the ball low and stay patient on the greens. I started to hit it a bit lower and that kind of game suits this golf course. That’s one of the reasons why I’m right up there,” said Stirling.
“If you are frustrated, you tend to swing harder. A lot of good golfers go the other way. I’m still trying to work it out. Stay patient, relaxed and keeping it really basic seem to help my game,” he added.
Hsieh endured a mix round highlighted by an eagle three on the 13th hole which kept him in the hunt for a third ADT title.
“I feel that my game wasn’t good today but I tried to slow my tempo down on every hole and focus on my shots. I saw that the afternoon scores are not good so I’m very happy with a two-under,” said Hsieh.
After struggling with a cold putter, the 22-year-old Joshi had something to smile about when he chipped in for birdie on the challenging 17th hole par three island green.
“I’m disappointed with my round. I didn’t putt or hit the ball good. Overall it was a bad day but I’m happy with my birdie on 17. That birdie sort of gave me some positives when I ended my round,” said Joshi.
Scores after the second round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
135 - Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67
137 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70, Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69
138 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71
139 - Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 70-69, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-70, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 67-72, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70
140 - Gyeongjun LEE (KOR) 65-75
141 - Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74, Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72
Selected:
142 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73
143 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71
145 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70, Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74, Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74
146 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73, Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78
148 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77
Missed cut:
149 - Danny MASRIN (INA) 79-70, Suprapto (INA) 74-75, Rory HIE (INA) 73-76
150 - Clement KURNIAWAN (A) (INA) 75-75, Maan NASIM (INA) 77-73
151 - Suwarno (INA) 75-76, Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) (INA) 76-75, Andik MAULUDIN (INA)80-71
154 - Mahpudin M (INA) 78-76
156 - Komang DARMAWAN (INA) 75-81, Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 80-76, I Nengah DHARMA (INA) 79-77
157 - Sarmilih (INA) 80-77
158 - Bramantio ADI (INA) 78-80, Abhinawa (INA) 79-79, Iwan SUWANTONO (INA) 78-80, Fajar WINURYANTO (INA) 84-74, Dede IDRIS (INA) 82-76
159 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 80-79
160 - Andi SOEYATMO (INA) 82-78, Ketut SANDIARTA (INA) 82-78, Bonyamin ASHARI (INA) 81-79
161 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA) 80-81, Supriyatna (INA) 78-83
162 - Aria KAMSURI (INA) 77-85, Sujarwo S (INA) 79-83
163 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA) 82-81, Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 84-79
164 - Nyoman SARJANA (INA) 77-87
167 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA (INA) 85-82
169 - Nyoman SUASTANA (INA) 89-80
172 - Zulkarnaen Tanjung (INA) 86-86
173 - Pudio (INA) 81-92
178 - Yohannes RUDIATO (INA) 85-93
179 - Rudi HARTONO (INA) 88-91
184 - Bambang MUSTARI (INA) 91-93
90 - Warno (INA) 90-RTD
The 26-year-old holed a 40 feet chip-in eagle on the 16th hole to lead by two shots on a nine-under-par 135 total at the US$76,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event staged at the scenic Bali National Golf Club.
Current Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei and Matthew Giles of Australia posted a 70 and 69 respectively to share second place while Khalin Joshi of India was a further shot back.
Overnight leader Gyeongjun Lee of Korea slipped down the leaderboard following a 75.
Despite none of the Indonesian players being in the top 10, with 5 top 30 players and another 3 making the cut, this shows that they're overall playing very well. William Sjaichudin (73) is best in class and is currently in 12th position at 2-under=par. One shot further back is Benita Yuniarto (71).
George Gandranata (70), Andrew Wirawan (74) and Rinaldi Adiyandono (74) are in a tie for 29th at 1-over-par 145. Asep Saefulloh (73), Ramadhan Alwie (78) and Ian Andrew (77) also made the cut that was set at 148.
Stirling, who won his first ADT title earlier in June, kept things simple and was rewarded with four birdies and one eagle.
“I can understand why the scores are a little bit high but I managed to keep the ball low and stay patient on the greens. I started to hit it a bit lower and that kind of game suits this golf course. That’s one of the reasons why I’m right up there,” said Stirling.
“If you are frustrated, you tend to swing harder. A lot of good golfers go the other way. I’m still trying to work it out. Stay patient, relaxed and keeping it really basic seem to help my game,” he added.
Hsieh endured a mix round highlighted by an eagle three on the 13th hole which kept him in the hunt for a third ADT title.
“I feel that my game wasn’t good today but I tried to slow my tempo down on every hole and focus on my shots. I saw that the afternoon scores are not good so I’m very happy with a two-under,” said Hsieh.
After struggling with a cold putter, the 22-year-old Joshi had something to smile about when he chipped in for birdie on the challenging 17th hole par three island green.
“I’m disappointed with my round. I didn’t putt or hit the ball good. Overall it was a bad day but I’m happy with my birdie on 17. That birdie sort of gave me some positives when I ended my round,” said Joshi.
Scores after the second round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
135 - Jake STIRLING (AUS) 68-67
137 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 67-70, Matthew GILES (AUS) 68-69
138 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-71
139 - Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 70-69, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-70, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 67-72, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-70
140 - Gyeongjun LEE (KOR) 65-75
141 - Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 67-74, Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-72
Selected:
142 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 69-73
143 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 72-71
145 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 75-70, Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 71-74, Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 71-74
146 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 73-73, Ramadhan ALWIE (INA) 68-78
148 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 71-77
Missed cut:
149 - Danny MASRIN (INA) 79-70, Suprapto (INA) 74-75, Rory HIE (INA) 73-76
150 - Clement KURNIAWAN (A) (INA) 75-75, Maan NASIM (INA) 77-73
151 - Suwarno (INA) 75-76, Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) (INA) 76-75, Andik MAULUDIN (INA)80-71
154 - Mahpudin M (INA) 78-76
156 - Komang DARMAWAN (INA) 75-81, Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 80-76, I Nengah DHARMA (INA) 79-77
157 - Sarmilih (INA) 80-77
158 - Bramantio ADI (INA) 78-80, Abhinawa (INA) 79-79, Iwan SUWANTONO (INA) 78-80, Fajar WINURYANTO (INA) 84-74, Dede IDRIS (INA) 82-76
159 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 80-79
160 - Andi SOEYATMO (INA) 82-78, Ketut SANDIARTA (INA) 82-78, Bonyamin ASHARI (INA) 81-79
161 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA) 80-81, Supriyatna (INA) 78-83
162 - Aria KAMSURI (INA) 77-85, Sujarwo S (INA) 79-83
163 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA) 82-81, Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 84-79
164 - Nyoman SARJANA (INA) 77-87
167 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA (INA) 85-82
169 - Nyoman SUASTANA (INA) 89-80
172 - Zulkarnaen Tanjung (INA) 86-86
173 - Pudio (INA) 81-92
178 - Yohannes RUDIATO (INA) 85-93
179 - Rudi HARTONO (INA) 88-91
184 - Bambang MUSTARI (INA) 91-93
90 - Warno (INA) 90-RTD
Friday, June 26, 2015
Ramadhan Alwie And William Sjaichuddin In Top Ten After First Round Of The Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 25 - Gyeongjun Lee of Korea took advantage of his early preparation as he fired a seven-under-par 65 to lead by two shots at The Bali National Golf Championship on Thursday.
The 19-year-old teenager arrived a week earlier to prepare for the US$76,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event and his efforts was rewarded with a blemish free round at the Bali National Golf Club.
ADT winners Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Nirun Sae-Ueng of Thailand and Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, the currently ADT Order of Merit leader were bunched in second place alongside India’s Khalin Joshi.
Ramadhan Alwie was the best placed local player in tied sixth place with Australians Matthew Giles and Jake Stirling, who returned on matching 68s.
Aided by his father who was on his bag, Lee, who is searching for a first ADT win, enjoyed a solid round where he did not miss a single fairway.
“I’m very happy with how I played. I hit it so well off the tees. I also missed only three greens so I would call my round an almost ‘perfect’ round,” smiled Lee, who turned professional two years ago.
“I came here one week earlier so I had the opportunity to play three to four practice rounds. I usually stay back or go earlier for events. That’s my style. My father caddies for me and we are a good team. I pity my dad because he is old and he gets tired but whenever he doesn’t caddy for me, I don’t play well,” he laughed.
Gym-buff Hsieh, who is a two-time ADT winner, got off to a flying start as he was five-under at the turn. He picked up another birdie on hole four before dropping his only shot of the day on the seventh hole.
“I’m lucky to have a good score. This is my first time in Bali and I’m enjoying myself here. I finished badly on the last three holes. I played very well on the front nine where I was five-under. I hit it very nice there and my putts dropped,” said the 24-year-old.
The 22-year-old Joshi produced six birdies against one bogey after hitting a poor drive and seeing his par putt lip out on the fifth hole. The Indian is enjoying a good run of form as he missed only one cut in six appearances and finished tied second in Bangladesh on the Asian Tour last month.
“This is a good start to the tournament. I’m feeling good about my game and my scores prove it. I came here with a relaxed mind because I’ve heard a lot about Bali. It is beautiful around here. I’m happy and fortunate to be here,” said Joshi.
The 20-year-old Nirun, who won on the ADT in May, was disappointed not to return with a lower score when he three putted the last hole for bogey. “My approach and putting were very good but I’m slightly disappointed because I three putted on the last hole. It is only the first day so we have a long way more to go. This is a very nice golf course and it suits my game. I look forward to the challenge,” said Nirun.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia. Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free.
Leading scores after first round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
65 - Gyeongjun LEE (KOR)
67 - Khalin JOSHI (IND), HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN), Sean RIORDAN (NZL), Nirun SAE-UENG
68 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA), Jake STIRLING (AUS) ,Matthew GILES (AUS)
69 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Micah Lauren SHIN (USA), Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA)
Selected:
71 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA), Ian ANDREW (INA), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)
72 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA)
73 - Rory HIE (INA), Asep SAEFULLOH (INA)
74 - Suprapto (INA)
75 - Komang DARMAWAN (INA), Suwarno (INA), Clement KURNIAWAN (A) (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
76 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) (INA)
77 - Maan NASIM (INA), Aria KAMSURI (INA), Nyoman SARJANA (INA)
78 - Iwan SUWANTONO (INA), Elki KOW (A) (INA), Mahpudin M (INA), Bramantio ADI (INA), Supriyatna (INA)
79 - I Nengah DHARMA (INA), Danny MASRIN (INA), Abhinawa (INA), Sujarwo S (INA)
80 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Andik MAULUDIN (INA), Jordan IRAWAN (INA), Sarmilih (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA)
81 - Bonyamin ASHARI (INA), Pudio (INA)
82 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA), Dede IDRIS (INA), Andi SOEYATMO (INA), Ketut SANDIARTA (INA)
84 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA), Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA)
85 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA (INA), Yohannes RUDIATO (INA)
86 - Zulkarnaen TANJUNG (INA)
88 - Rudi HARTONO (INA)
89 - Nyoman SUASTANA (INA)
90 - Warno (INA)
91 - Bambang MUSTARI (INA)
The 19-year-old teenager arrived a week earlier to prepare for the US$76,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event and his efforts was rewarded with a blemish free round at the Bali National Golf Club.
ADT winners Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Nirun Sae-Ueng of Thailand and Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, the currently ADT Order of Merit leader were bunched in second place alongside India’s Khalin Joshi.
Ramadhan Alwie was the best placed local player in tied sixth place with Australians Matthew Giles and Jake Stirling, who returned on matching 68s.
Aided by his father who was on his bag, Lee, who is searching for a first ADT win, enjoyed a solid round where he did not miss a single fairway.
“I’m very happy with how I played. I hit it so well off the tees. I also missed only three greens so I would call my round an almost ‘perfect’ round,” smiled Lee, who turned professional two years ago.
“I came here one week earlier so I had the opportunity to play three to four practice rounds. I usually stay back or go earlier for events. That’s my style. My father caddies for me and we are a good team. I pity my dad because he is old and he gets tired but whenever he doesn’t caddy for me, I don’t play well,” he laughed.
Gym-buff Hsieh, who is a two-time ADT winner, got off to a flying start as he was five-under at the turn. He picked up another birdie on hole four before dropping his only shot of the day on the seventh hole.
“I’m lucky to have a good score. This is my first time in Bali and I’m enjoying myself here. I finished badly on the last three holes. I played very well on the front nine where I was five-under. I hit it very nice there and my putts dropped,” said the 24-year-old.
The 22-year-old Joshi produced six birdies against one bogey after hitting a poor drive and seeing his par putt lip out on the fifth hole. The Indian is enjoying a good run of form as he missed only one cut in six appearances and finished tied second in Bangladesh on the Asian Tour last month.
“This is a good start to the tournament. I’m feeling good about my game and my scores prove it. I came here with a relaxed mind because I’ve heard a lot about Bali. It is beautiful around here. I’m happy and fortunate to be here,” said Joshi.
The 20-year-old Nirun, who won on the ADT in May, was disappointed not to return with a lower score when he three putted the last hole for bogey. “My approach and putting were very good but I’m slightly disappointed because I three putted on the last hole. It is only the first day so we have a long way more to go. This is a very nice golf course and it suits my game. I look forward to the challenge,” said Nirun.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia. Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free.
Leading scores after first round of the Bali National Golf Championship:
65 - Gyeongjun LEE (KOR)
67 - Khalin JOSHI (IND), HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN), Sean RIORDAN (NZL), Nirun SAE-UENG
68 - Ramadhan ALWIE (INA), Jake STIRLING (AUS) ,Matthew GILES (AUS)
69 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Micah Lauren SHIN (USA), Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA)
Selected:
71 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA), Ian ANDREW (INA), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)
72 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA)
73 - Rory HIE (INA), Asep SAEFULLOH (INA)
74 - Suprapto (INA)
75 - Komang DARMAWAN (INA), Suwarno (INA), Clement KURNIAWAN (A) (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA)
76 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) (INA)
77 - Maan NASIM (INA), Aria KAMSURI (INA), Nyoman SARJANA (INA)
78 - Iwan SUWANTONO (INA), Elki KOW (A) (INA), Mahpudin M (INA), Bramantio ADI (INA), Supriyatna (INA)
79 - I Nengah DHARMA (INA), Danny MASRIN (INA), Abhinawa (INA), Sujarwo S (INA)
80 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Andik MAULUDIN (INA), Jordan IRAWAN (INA), Sarmilih (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA)
81 - Bonyamin ASHARI (INA), Pudio (INA)
82 - Hamzah RACHMADI (INA), Dede IDRIS (INA), Andi SOEYATMO (INA), Ketut SANDIARTA (INA)
84 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA), Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA)
85 - Zulharmen TABUSALLA (INA), Yohannes RUDIATO (INA)
86 - Zulkarnaen TANJUNG (INA)
88 - Rudi HARTONO (INA)
89 - Nyoman SUASTANA (INA)
90 - Warno (INA)
91 - Bambang MUSTARI (INA)
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Gandranata Leads Local Challenge At The Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 24 - George Gandranata hopes to become the first Indonesian to win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) at The Bali National Golf Championship which starts on Thursday.
The talented Gandranata, who won four titles on the local circuit last year, will spearhead the local challenge at the US$76,000 ADT event staged at picturesque Bali National Golf Club.
The current top five on the Order of Merit including Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei, Nirun Sae-Ung of Thailand and Malaysia’s Arie Irawan will headline the event.
Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, the 2013 ADT Order of Merit winner, teen titan Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand, Masaru Takahashi of Japan and Niall Turner of Ireland will also challenge for honors in Bali.
The 29-year-old Gandranata predicts that the local golfers are inching closer towards a first win on the ADT after gaining confidence and experience of playing in more Asian Tour and ADT events on home soil and around the region.
“We’ve seen a lot more guys playing on the ADT and some of us have led on the ADT before. We just need to get four rounds to click and win. When we have more Indonesians playing on the ADT then we will stand a better change to have a local winner,” said Gandranata.
He will be among 45 Indonesian golfers including Rory Hie, Ian Andrew, Jordan Irawan and Andik Mauludin who will aim to etch a small slice of history in the ADT event which will be played on the holiday island of Bali.
“The golf course is beautiful. It is in good shape. It is scenic and the design is really good. The greens are really challenging so if you consider all these, in my opinion this is one of the best golf courses in Indonesia,” said Gandranata.
“It is good for golf for Indonesia and Bali to welcome the international players who will see a different outlook in Indonesia. There is no better spot than here. This week will be a good week for the players to enjoy golf and time outside the course,” he smiled.
Gandranata has not missed a single cut in five appearances on the ADT and he hopes to continue his form and challenge for the title this week.
“I’ve been working hard but the results have not come yet. I need to be more patient because I’ve just made some swing changes. My game is coming along nicely and hopefully it will come together this week,” he explained.
The talented Gandranata, who won four titles on the local circuit last year, will spearhead the local challenge at the US$76,000 ADT event staged at picturesque Bali National Golf Club.
The current top five on the Order of Merit including Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei, Nirun Sae-Ung of Thailand and Malaysia’s Arie Irawan will headline the event.
Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, the 2013 ADT Order of Merit winner, teen titan Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand, Masaru Takahashi of Japan and Niall Turner of Ireland will also challenge for honors in Bali.
The 29-year-old Gandranata predicts that the local golfers are inching closer towards a first win on the ADT after gaining confidence and experience of playing in more Asian Tour and ADT events on home soil and around the region.
“We’ve seen a lot more guys playing on the ADT and some of us have led on the ADT before. We just need to get four rounds to click and win. When we have more Indonesians playing on the ADT then we will stand a better change to have a local winner,” said Gandranata.
He will be among 45 Indonesian golfers including Rory Hie, Ian Andrew, Jordan Irawan and Andik Mauludin who will aim to etch a small slice of history in the ADT event which will be played on the holiday island of Bali.
“The golf course is beautiful. It is in good shape. It is scenic and the design is really good. The greens are really challenging so if you consider all these, in my opinion this is one of the best golf courses in Indonesia,” said Gandranata.
“It is good for golf for Indonesia and Bali to welcome the international players who will see a different outlook in Indonesia. There is no better spot than here. This week will be a good week for the players to enjoy golf and time outside the course,” he smiled.
Gandranata has not missed a single cut in five appearances on the ADT and he hopes to continue his form and challenge for the title this week.
“I’ve been working hard but the results have not come yet. I need to be more patient because I’ve just made some swing changes. My game is coming along nicely and hopefully it will come together this week,” he explained.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
ADT Champions Getting Ready For Bali National Golf Championship
Bali, Indonesia, June 19 - Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit leader Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei will spearhead an immensely talented field at The Bali National Golf Championship next week.
Hsieh, a two-time ADT winner, will be among 16 ADT champions who will challenge for the title at the picturesque Bali National Golf Club from June 25 to 28.
Jake Stirling of Australia, who won his first ADT title last week, Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, the 2013 ADT Order of Merit winner, teen titan Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand, Sean Riordan of New Zealand and Niall Turner of Ireland will also feature in the US$76,000 event.
George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Andik Mauludin, and Ian Andrew will lead the local charge with the aim of becoming the first Indonesian winner on the ADT.
The 2015 ADT season has welcomed numerous new champions this season including Stirling, who romped to a two-shot victory in Malaysia last week.
The win moved him to third place on the Order of Merit, a position which he will aim to hold on to until the end of the season to earn an Asian Tour card for 2016.
“I have been playing on the ADT for a couple of years now and I am very happy to win. Playing on the ADT hasn’t been easy but it’s been a great experience. It took me awhile to get used to the different greens out here in Asia,” said Stirling.
The Australian makes up a truly cosmopolitan field at The Bali National Golf Championship which has attracted players from over 20 countries.
Among those countries, Erwan Vieilledent is the sole representative from France and he hopes to make The Bali National Golf Championship a truly memorable event as he takes aim at a first professional win.
Vieilledent was persuaded by Asian Tour regular Lionel Weber to play at the Qualifying School earlier this year where he missed the grade. He hopes to fight his way onto the region’s premier Tour through the ADT.
“Lionel told me I should go over and try qualifying school because the Asian Tour is growing bigger and bigger. You get to travel to interesting places and my father told me it will be a good opportunity to play here because it is different than Europe,” said Vieilledent.
“This is my first year in Asia and I love it. The ambiance is very good and the players are helpful. It is a nice tour to be on. People help each other a lot,” added the former French national team player.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia. Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free.
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Hsieh, a two-time ADT winner, will be among 16 ADT champions who will challenge for the title at the picturesque Bali National Golf Club from June 25 to 28.
Jake Stirling of Australia, who won his first ADT title last week, Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, the 2013 ADT Order of Merit winner, teen titan Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand, Sean Riordan of New Zealand and Niall Turner of Ireland will also feature in the US$76,000 event.
George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Andik Mauludin, and Ian Andrew will lead the local charge with the aim of becoming the first Indonesian winner on the ADT.
The 2015 ADT season has welcomed numerous new champions this season including Stirling, who romped to a two-shot victory in Malaysia last week.
The win moved him to third place on the Order of Merit, a position which he will aim to hold on to until the end of the season to earn an Asian Tour card for 2016.
“I have been playing on the ADT for a couple of years now and I am very happy to win. Playing on the ADT hasn’t been easy but it’s been a great experience. It took me awhile to get used to the different greens out here in Asia,” said Stirling.
The Australian makes up a truly cosmopolitan field at The Bali National Golf Championship which has attracted players from over 20 countries.
Among those countries, Erwan Vieilledent is the sole representative from France and he hopes to make The Bali National Golf Championship a truly memorable event as he takes aim at a first professional win.
Vieilledent was persuaded by Asian Tour regular Lionel Weber to play at the Qualifying School earlier this year where he missed the grade. He hopes to fight his way onto the region’s premier Tour through the ADT.
“Lionel told me I should go over and try qualifying school because the Asian Tour is growing bigger and bigger. You get to travel to interesting places and my father told me it will be a good opportunity to play here because it is different than Europe,” said Vieilledent.
“This is my first year in Asia and I love it. The ambiance is very good and the players are helpful. It is a nice tour to be on. People help each other a lot,” added the former French national team player.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia. Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free.
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Fadhli Soetarso Joins Golf Class At University Of Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky's 2015-16 men's golf class is now complete with the addition of Fadhli Soetarso it was announced by head coach Brian Craig on Monday.
"Fadhli brings a wealth of talent and big time amateur experience to our team,” Craig said. “He is technically very sound and has already proven to be a very competitive player at the highest level of amateur golf, including being the low amateur in the Asian Tour's Indonesian Open. Fadhli is also a fine young man and a gentleman in every regard. He will make a tremendous addition to our Wildcat golf family and I can't wait to coach him."
Soetarso joins fall signees Lukas Euler and Jalen Ledger to complete the 2015-16 class.
Soetarso is one of the top amateur players from Indonesia and has a wealth of top-level tournament experience. He is set to compete this summer in the South East Asian Games in Singapore. Soetarso will represent his home country as well as compete as an individual in the event.
No stranger to success, Soetarso won his first major junior tournament in 2012. He claimed the title by eight strokes at the Indonesia's National Junior Championships. Soetarso carded rounds of 71-69-75 en route to his first victory.
Soetarso qualified for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final held in Mission Hills, China in both 2014 and 2015. During the 2015 competition, he fired scores of 69-72-73 and finished in a tie for eighth overall.
A fifth-place finish at the 80th Singha Thailand Amateur Open is another one of his career highlights. He earned the fifth-place showing with rounds of 73-69-72-70 in the four-round event. Furthermore, he finished as the low amateur at the 2014 Bank BRI Indonesia Open. He finished in a tie for 38th in the Asian Tour event with rounds of 69-73-73-68.
"Fadhli brings a wealth of talent and big time amateur experience to our team,” Craig said. “He is technically very sound and has already proven to be a very competitive player at the highest level of amateur golf, including being the low amateur in the Asian Tour's Indonesian Open. Fadhli is also a fine young man and a gentleman in every regard. He will make a tremendous addition to our Wildcat golf family and I can't wait to coach him."
Soetarso joins fall signees Lukas Euler and Jalen Ledger to complete the 2015-16 class.
Soetarso is one of the top amateur players from Indonesia and has a wealth of top-level tournament experience. He is set to compete this summer in the South East Asian Games in Singapore. Soetarso will represent his home country as well as compete as an individual in the event.
No stranger to success, Soetarso won his first major junior tournament in 2012. He claimed the title by eight strokes at the Indonesia's National Junior Championships. Soetarso carded rounds of 71-69-75 en route to his first victory.
Soetarso qualified for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final held in Mission Hills, China in both 2014 and 2015. During the 2015 competition, he fired scores of 69-72-73 and finished in a tie for eighth overall.
A fifth-place finish at the 80th Singha Thailand Amateur Open is another one of his career highlights. He earned the fifth-place showing with rounds of 73-69-72-70 in the four-round event. Furthermore, he finished as the low amateur at the 2014 Bank BRI Indonesia Open. He finished in a tie for 38th in the Asian Tour event with rounds of 69-73-73-68.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Pondok Indah To Host Indonesia Open 2015
Jakarta, June 11 - Organizers of the 2015 Indonesia Open today announced that this year’s edition will be played at Pondok Indah Golf Course, located in the heart of the country’s capital city, Jakarta.
The tournament, which offers a US$750,000 prize purse, is Indonesia’s oldest professional golf tournament and will take place from November 12-15.
Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta Po, President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organizers of the Indonesia Open, commented, “As this is our national Open we feel that the tournament should move around and be ‘shared’ amongst the top courses in Jakarta. Entry to this year’s event will be free to all spectators which is our way of giving back to the game and further contribute to the overall development of the sport in our country.
Everyone is very excited about the new venue for this year’s tournament. Pondok Indah Golf Course is a magnificent course and I have no doubt they will put on a great show for players and spectators.”
The Pondok Indah Golf Course was established on August 17, 1976, and designed by the renowned course architect, Robert Trent Jones. The course has hosted several professional events, including the 1983 World Cup of Golf.
Kyi Hla Han, Chairman of the Asian Tour, said, “The Indonesia Open is highly regarded as one of the popular national Opens in Asia. With the Indonesia Open celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, we look forward to witnessing more defining moments from the tournament again. The tournament has been growing in stature each year and we are excited to welcome the return of the best players from the Asian Tour to the 2015 Indonesia Open”.
Pak Budi Kosasih, General Manager of Pondok Indah Golf Course, was understandably thrilled with the news. He said, “Everyone at the golf club is honored that we have been chosen to host Indonesia’s most prestigious golf tournament, our national open. We have a wonderful golf course; it is a real test of skill and judgement, and we are all looking forward to welcoming the professionals to our club.”
The 2014 Indonesia Open was won by three-time Major winner, Padraig Harrington. He defeated Thai rookie Thanyakon Khrongpha on the final hole of the tournament, to win by two strokes.
The tournament, which offers a US$750,000 prize purse, is Indonesia’s oldest professional golf tournament and will take place from November 12-15.
Mr. Murdaya Widyawimarta Po, President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia and organizers of the Indonesia Open, commented, “As this is our national Open we feel that the tournament should move around and be ‘shared’ amongst the top courses in Jakarta. Entry to this year’s event will be free to all spectators which is our way of giving back to the game and further contribute to the overall development of the sport in our country.
Everyone is very excited about the new venue for this year’s tournament. Pondok Indah Golf Course is a magnificent course and I have no doubt they will put on a great show for players and spectators.”
The Pondok Indah Golf Course was established on August 17, 1976, and designed by the renowned course architect, Robert Trent Jones. The course has hosted several professional events, including the 1983 World Cup of Golf.
Kyi Hla Han, Chairman of the Asian Tour, said, “The Indonesia Open is highly regarded as one of the popular national Opens in Asia. With the Indonesia Open celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, we look forward to witnessing more defining moments from the tournament again. The tournament has been growing in stature each year and we are excited to welcome the return of the best players from the Asian Tour to the 2015 Indonesia Open”.
Pak Budi Kosasih, General Manager of Pondok Indah Golf Course, was understandably thrilled with the news. He said, “Everyone at the golf club is honored that we have been chosen to host Indonesia’s most prestigious golf tournament, our national open. We have a wonderful golf course; it is a real test of skill and judgement, and we are all looking forward to welcoming the professionals to our club.”
The 2014 Indonesia Open was won by three-time Major winner, Padraig Harrington. He defeated Thai rookie Thanyakon Khrongpha on the final hole of the tournament, to win by two strokes.
End To Luxury Tax On Golf Clubs
Golf clubs and horse saddles are set for tax breaks in Indonesia as the government revises the definition of luxury goods to boost consumer spending.
Other items previously classed as luxuries, including branded bags and fishing rods as well as more everyday items such as microwaves and washing machines, will also be exempt from a luxury sales tax starting next week, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday.
The measures are aimed at boosting the household spending that makes up more than half of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. President Joko Widodo has pledged to spur growth from its slowest in five years and reduce inequality, with policy makers having announced plans to halve some micro lending rates, loosen loan rules for mortgages and cut corporate tax.
“The downgrade of still typically elitist items such as riding saddles and golf clubs might be deemed premature,” said Wellian Wiranto, an economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. in Singapore. “Overall this move alone is not going to present the government with a hole in one in their quest to support consumption growth.”
The economy expanded 4.71 percent in the first quarter, the least since 2009. A government growth target of 5.7 percent for this year might be difficult to achieve, Brodjonegoro said this week.
The change in luxury tax could end up costing the government up to 900 billion rupiah in lost revenue, said Sigit Priadi Pramudito, the finance ministry’s tax director general. Luxury goods are taxed between 10 percent and 200 percent, with saddles at 40 percent and golf clubs at 50 percent.
The government wants to lift tax revenue by about 30 percent this year, yet as of May it had achieved 29 percent of its full-year target, according to the finance ministry.
The government will also expand tax allowances for companies in priority industries in some provinces, especially outside Java, and for companies making large investments, Brodjonegoro said.
Policy makers are over-emphasizing supply-side measures as domestic demand slows, and need to be more realistic about setting targets instead of making policies that are not well prepared and jeopardize credibility, said Eric Sugandi, an economist at Standard Chartered Plc. in Jakarta.
“If the government only provides tax incentives for the rich, this will only have limited impact on the aggregate demand,” said Sugandi. “The government should do a combo strategy: supply-side incentives and demand-side stimulus.”
Other items previously classed as luxuries, including branded bags and fishing rods as well as more everyday items such as microwaves and washing machines, will also be exempt from a luxury sales tax starting next week, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday.
The measures are aimed at boosting the household spending that makes up more than half of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. President Joko Widodo has pledged to spur growth from its slowest in five years and reduce inequality, with policy makers having announced plans to halve some micro lending rates, loosen loan rules for mortgages and cut corporate tax.
“The downgrade of still typically elitist items such as riding saddles and golf clubs might be deemed premature,” said Wellian Wiranto, an economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. in Singapore. “Overall this move alone is not going to present the government with a hole in one in their quest to support consumption growth.”
The economy expanded 4.71 percent in the first quarter, the least since 2009. A government growth target of 5.7 percent for this year might be difficult to achieve, Brodjonegoro said this week.
The change in luxury tax could end up costing the government up to 900 billion rupiah in lost revenue, said Sigit Priadi Pramudito, the finance ministry’s tax director general. Luxury goods are taxed between 10 percent and 200 percent, with saddles at 40 percent and golf clubs at 50 percent.
The government wants to lift tax revenue by about 30 percent this year, yet as of May it had achieved 29 percent of its full-year target, according to the finance ministry.
The government will also expand tax allowances for companies in priority industries in some provinces, especially outside Java, and for companies making large investments, Brodjonegoro said.
Policy makers are over-emphasizing supply-side measures as domestic demand slows, and need to be more realistic about setting targets instead of making policies that are not well prepared and jeopardize credibility, said Eric Sugandi, an economist at Standard Chartered Plc. in Jakarta.
“If the government only provides tax incentives for the rich, this will only have limited impact on the aggregate demand,” said Sugandi. “The government should do a combo strategy: supply-side incentives and demand-side stimulus.”
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Asian Development Tour Returns To Bali For The Bali National Golf Championship
Jakarta, Indonesia, June 10 - The Asian Development Tour (ADT) will make a welcome return to the holiday isle of Bali for the staging of The Bali National Golf Championship this month.
The newest ADT event will offer a prize fund of US$76,000 and sees the return of the region’s most promising talents to Bali, which last hosted an ADT event in 2010.
Played at the highly-rated Bali National Golf Club, which offers spectacular views against the majestic backdrops of Gunung Agung and the Indian Ocean, the event is expected to unearth the next generation of stars from Indonesia and the region when it gets underway from June 25-28.
With the addition of The Bali National Golf Championship, the ADT schedule now boasts an unprecedented 22 tournaments in Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Philippines and Indonesia.
Pak Gita Wirjawan, owner of the Bali National Golf Club, believes players from the ADT will face a challenging test at their redesigned golf course and is confident The Bali National Golf Championship will provide players with the opportunities to excel in their game.
“We’re looking forward to the staging of The Bali National Golf Championship. The course undergone a complete redesign and was reconstructed to meet international standards recently. It will be a good test for all players,” said Gita.
Add Gita “Apart from promoting Bali as a world-class holiday destination, this event will also give everyone the chance to catch some very exciting golf action on the island.”
Asian Tour Associate Director Irfan Hamid also expressed his delight with the staging of The Bali National Golf Championship as it will provide players with another opportunity to advance their career.
“The ADT is always on the lookout for new opportunities to further strengthen the growth of the Tour.
“With The Bali National Golf Championship featuring on our ADT Schedule, players can take advantage of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points on offer and continue to fight their way into the premier Asian Tour through a top-five finish on the ADT Order of Merit,” said Irfan.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship, which has already partnered with Hotel Mercure Bali Nusa Dua as its official hotel, will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia.
Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
The newest ADT event will offer a prize fund of US$76,000 and sees the return of the region’s most promising talents to Bali, which last hosted an ADT event in 2010.
Played at the highly-rated Bali National Golf Club, which offers spectacular views against the majestic backdrops of Gunung Agung and the Indian Ocean, the event is expected to unearth the next generation of stars from Indonesia and the region when it gets underway from June 25-28.
With the addition of The Bali National Golf Championship, the ADT schedule now boasts an unprecedented 22 tournaments in Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Philippines and Indonesia.
Pak Gita Wirjawan, owner of the Bali National Golf Club, believes players from the ADT will face a challenging test at their redesigned golf course and is confident The Bali National Golf Championship will provide players with the opportunities to excel in their game.
“We’re looking forward to the staging of The Bali National Golf Championship. The course undergone a complete redesign and was reconstructed to meet international standards recently. It will be a good test for all players,” said Gita.
Add Gita “Apart from promoting Bali as a world-class holiday destination, this event will also give everyone the chance to catch some very exciting golf action on the island.”
Asian Tour Associate Director Irfan Hamid also expressed his delight with the staging of The Bali National Golf Championship as it will provide players with another opportunity to advance their career.
“The ADT is always on the lookout for new opportunities to further strengthen the growth of the Tour.
“With The Bali National Golf Championship featuring on our ADT Schedule, players can take advantage of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points on offer and continue to fight their way into the premier Asian Tour through a top-five finish on the ADT Order of Merit,” said Irfan.
The Bali National Golf Resort Championship, which has already partnered with Hotel Mercure Bali Nusa Dua as its official hotel, will be the 15th leg of the 2015 ADT season and also the first of the three stops in Indonesia.
Admission to The Bali National Golf Championship is free
Since it was inaugurated in 2010, the ADT has grown from five events in the first year to a record 22 tournaments in 2015.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Rudianto Takes Surprise Win In IGT @ PG Halim II
JAKARTA, 29 May 2015 - The third leg of the Indonesian Golf Tour, which took place from 27-29 May at Padang Golf Halim II in Jakarta, ended with a big surprise. Rudianto emerged as the champion with a total score of 213 (3 under par). The golfer who the day before was in in a tie for 7th was thrusted into the top position after posting four birdies on the last day without a single bogey. In addition, the success of the golfer from Pekanbaru in Riau province, was inseparable from the failure of Maan Nasim to take advantage of opportunities.
After completing 18 holes, Rudi Anto shared the spot at the top of the leaderboard with Maan with three under (under par). Maan himself still had five holes to play with a great opportunity to become champion of the third leg of the 2015 IGT season. However, he actually stumbled on the last hole when forced to make a three-putt bogey.
"I actually would have been quite satisfied with the second position. Moreover, Bang Maan was more likely to win because he still had some holes to go. However, after Friday prayers, I was actually surprised when told that I had won. Thank God ..., " said the golfer who had played for the Riau team in PON 2008 and 2012. Rudi Anto took home the prize money amounting to Rp 32 million.
Meanwhile, Maan who was actually more favored to carve his first title since 2010 had to settle for a tie for second with a total score of 212 (two under par). Although disappointed, he viewed his failure positively.
"I have not been lucky. On the green of the final hole my ball was too far away from the pin, so I made a three putt. Today my putting was not too good," said Maan, who today posted three birdies and two bogeys.
Amateur golfer Elky Kow scored his best achievement to date in this third leg of IGT 2015. In addition to being the only amateur golfer who made the cut, the 21-year-old golfer finished in a tie for second, sharing the place with veteran golfer Maan. This is the first appearance of the former PON DKI athlete in an IGT event this season.
"Looking at the total score of today, I am actually satisfied. I could make a better score, especially in the final round. My putting was not working well," said Elky, who made three birdies and two bogeys.
Leading final scores of the IGT @ PG Halim II
213 - Rudianto 73-72-68
214 - Elky Kow (A) 71-72-71, Maan Nasim 74-69-71
215 - Dede Idris 73-73-69, Agusnam 71-73-71
216 - Rinaldi Adiyandono 74-70-72
217 - Ramadhan Alwie 74-72-71, Ian Andrew 69-74-74
218 - Benita 74-73-71, Indra Hermawan 68-78-72
After completing 18 holes, Rudi Anto shared the spot at the top of the leaderboard with Maan with three under (under par). Maan himself still had five holes to play with a great opportunity to become champion of the third leg of the 2015 IGT season. However, he actually stumbled on the last hole when forced to make a three-putt bogey.
"I actually would have been quite satisfied with the second position. Moreover, Bang Maan was more likely to win because he still had some holes to go. However, after Friday prayers, I was actually surprised when told that I had won. Thank God ..., " said the golfer who had played for the Riau team in PON 2008 and 2012. Rudi Anto took home the prize money amounting to Rp 32 million.
Meanwhile, Maan who was actually more favored to carve his first title since 2010 had to settle for a tie for second with a total score of 212 (two under par). Although disappointed, he viewed his failure positively.
"I have not been lucky. On the green of the final hole my ball was too far away from the pin, so I made a three putt. Today my putting was not too good," said Maan, who today posted three birdies and two bogeys.
Amateur golfer Elky Kow scored his best achievement to date in this third leg of IGT 2015. In addition to being the only amateur golfer who made the cut, the 21-year-old golfer finished in a tie for second, sharing the place with veteran golfer Maan. This is the first appearance of the former PON DKI athlete in an IGT event this season.
"Looking at the total score of today, I am actually satisfied. I could make a better score, especially in the final round. My putting was not working well," said Elky, who made three birdies and two bogeys.
Leading final scores of the IGT @ PG Halim II
213 - Rudianto 73-72-68
214 - Elky Kow (A) 71-72-71, Maan Nasim 74-69-71
215 - Dede Idris 73-73-69, Agusnam 71-73-71
216 - Rinaldi Adiyandono 74-70-72
217 - Ramadhan Alwie 74-72-71, Ian Andrew 69-74-74
218 - Benita 74-73-71, Indra Hermawan 68-78-72
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