Jakarta, April 26 2015 - England’s Lee Westwood fended off the spirited challenge from Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat by defeating him at the first play-off hole to clinch his third CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf 2015 title on Sunday.
The former world number one’s bid to claim his hat-trick of titles at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event was secured when he birdied the play-off 18th hole as Chapchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner, could only make par.
“There are a lot of good players on the Asian Tour now and the standard is getting higher on this Tour and it’s harder to come over here and win, especially today.
“It’s nice to come back and play with them on their own Tour where they get to show everybody in Asia how good they are. To come to this tournament this week and win it three times is obviously extra special,” said Westwood.
The Englishman appeared to be cruising towards an emphatic victory until two successive bogeys on 16 and 17 blew the title race wide open.
He had the opportunity to win with a birdie at the last but misread the green and was forced to settle for a par and a four-day total of seven-under-par 281.
But after returning to the 18th hole for extra-time, Westwood made no mistake from the exact spot again.
“It was a tough putt coming into the hill over on 18. I misread it slightly and hit it to about five-feet and missed it. But fortunately in the play-off, I hit it to the exact same spot, I knew the line and it was a nice straight putt for the win.
“I’ve never been beaten around this golf course which is great and this win will give me the confidence for the year ahead,” said Westwood.
Despite falling short in his bid for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters title, Chapchai remained upbeat about his season ahead.
The Thai, who holds the world 72-hole scoring record, surmounted a late charge by storming up the leaderboard with seven birdies and one bogey to force Westwood into a play-off.
The 31-year-old found trouble when his second shot landed in the bunker during the play-off.
After hitting out from the bunker where his ball would land about 10-feet away from the pin, Chapchai could also make par, handing the advantage over to Westwood, who would go on to sink his decisive birdie putt.
“When I started out, I told myself a top-three finish would be fantastic, considering how good Lee has played this week. Getting into the play-off was a bonus and I’m very proud of myself despite the defeat.
“I managed to sort out my putting this week. And that’s important as it’ll help in the long season ahead,” said Chapchai.
Ian Andrew, the only surviving Indonesian player in the field, was able to recover somewhat from the previous rounds. Making the turn in 2-over, he managed to maintain par in the last 9 holes with 2 birdies and a single double bogey for a total of 302 for the tournament.
Leading scores after round 4 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf 2015 being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
281 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73-66
*Westwood defeated Chapchai at the first play-off hole with a birdie
282 - Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70-67
283 - Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71-70
284 - Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67-69, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69-71
285 - Angelo QUE (PHI) 72-75-72-66
286 - Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-73-73-69, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 73-72-72-69, Berry HENSON (USA) 75-72-69-70
Selected:
302 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77-74
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Westwood Takes Charge Going Into The Final Round Of The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By Enjoy Jakarta Golf
Jakarta, April 25 - England’s Lee Westwood’s superb ability of staying patient was rewarded when he stormed ahead to snatch the third round lead with a seven-under-par 65 at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf on Saturday.
The former world number one cut a frustrated figure in his front-nine but an astonishing back-nine 29 saw Westwood compile a three-day total of eight-under-par 208 to establish a five-shot lead going into the final round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul carded a 71 to tie for second with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Korea’s Y.E. Yang on matching 213 total at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
It was a tale of two different nines for Westwood, the double CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters champion, who had started the day in seventh place.
The Englishman turned in 36 after mixing one birdie and one bogey.
However a stunning eagle-three on 12 lifted the world number 33 to the top of the leaderboard.
“I was struggling for a bit of momentum around the front-nine as I found it hard to read the greens. That eagle from about 25 ft really got me going and I went on to birdie the next five holes,” said Westwood.
Five successive birdies from 13 then saw him sprint away from the chasing pack, giving him a commanding advantage before the final round beckons.
“Nobody was really doing anything around the front-nine. I was sort of plodding along and even-par till 11 and only two behind then. But I managed to have a good run after that and stamp a bit of authority when nobody was doing it,” said Westwood.
With a hat-trick of titles in sight, Westwood is determined to make his visit to Jakarta another enjoyable one.
“I’ve been here twice and I won both times so I like to keep that going. I’ve never been beaten before so I’m going in with a big chance tomorrow,” said Westwood.
Despite Westwood’s healthy lead, Bjorn believes he still has a chance to dent the Englishman’s title aspirations.
“I haven’t been playing particularly well. But I managed to scramble my way around. It’s very much in his hands but I’ll still give a go and see how it goes.
“I got to putt well and shoot really low tomorrow as I can’t let anything slip early,” said the Dane.
Namchok is also determined to stop Westwood in his tracks by going on a birdie sprint early.
“I’ve got to start applying the pressure early and see how it goes. There’s still a chance and I’m going to do my best and try to make a charge early tomorrow,” said the Thai.
Ian Andrew, the only Indonesian left in the tournament, carded a 77. Still at par after his first nine holes, he finished his round with 5 birdies on the second nine.
Leading scores after round 3 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
208 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65
213 – Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 69-73-71
214 – Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN) 69-76-69
215 – Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 71-76-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 73-77-65, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 74-71-70, Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 71-71-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 66-75-74
Selected:
228 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77
The former world number one cut a frustrated figure in his front-nine but an astonishing back-nine 29 saw Westwood compile a three-day total of eight-under-par 208 to establish a five-shot lead going into the final round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul carded a 71 to tie for second with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Korea’s Y.E. Yang on matching 213 total at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
It was a tale of two different nines for Westwood, the double CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters champion, who had started the day in seventh place.
The Englishman turned in 36 after mixing one birdie and one bogey.
However a stunning eagle-three on 12 lifted the world number 33 to the top of the leaderboard.
“I was struggling for a bit of momentum around the front-nine as I found it hard to read the greens. That eagle from about 25 ft really got me going and I went on to birdie the next five holes,” said Westwood.
Five successive birdies from 13 then saw him sprint away from the chasing pack, giving him a commanding advantage before the final round beckons.
“Nobody was really doing anything around the front-nine. I was sort of plodding along and even-par till 11 and only two behind then. But I managed to have a good run after that and stamp a bit of authority when nobody was doing it,” said Westwood.
With a hat-trick of titles in sight, Westwood is determined to make his visit to Jakarta another enjoyable one.
“I’ve been here twice and I won both times so I like to keep that going. I’ve never been beaten before so I’m going in with a big chance tomorrow,” said Westwood.
Despite Westwood’s healthy lead, Bjorn believes he still has a chance to dent the Englishman’s title aspirations.
“I haven’t been playing particularly well. But I managed to scramble my way around. It’s very much in his hands but I’ll still give a go and see how it goes.
“I got to putt well and shoot really low tomorrow as I can’t let anything slip early,” said the Dane.
Namchok is also determined to stop Westwood in his tracks by going on a birdie sprint early.
“I’ve got to start applying the pressure early and see how it goes. There’s still a chance and I’m going to do my best and try to make a charge early tomorrow,” said the Thai.
Ian Andrew, the only Indonesian left in the tournament, carded a 77. Still at par after his first nine holes, he finished his round with 5 birdies on the second nine.
Leading scores after round 3 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:
208 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74-65
213 – Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71-69, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 69-73-71
214 – Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN) 69-76-69
215 – Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 71-77-67, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 71-76-68, Bryce EASTON (RSA) 73-77-65, Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) 75-70-70, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 74-71-70, Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 71-71-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74-73, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 66-75-74
Selected:
228 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79-77
Ian Andrew Only Indonesian Making Cut At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf
Jakarta, April 24 - Singapore-based Australian Unho Park battled the gusty conditions before signing for a second round one-over-par 73 to stake his place atop the leaderboard at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf on Friday.
On a windy day where only four players broke par at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Park continued to put himself in contention for his maiden Asian Tour win at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event with his two-day total of four-under-par 140.
Overnight co-leader Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei eagled his closing ninth hole to haul himself back into contention, taking the outright second place with a 75 after struggling for most part of the day.
Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul and Chapchai Nirat signed for matching 142 total to share third place with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Japan’s Yosuke Tsukada while birthday boy Lee Westwood of England returned with a 74 to stay in touch with the leaders in seventh place.
Starting the day tied for second, Park stumbled early with a bogey on the first hole.
He recovered briefly with two birdies on 14 and 16 but dropped three more shots in his inward-nine.
“It was a tough day in the office today. I actually felt the winds were blowing harder today. I didn’t hit it as good as yesterday but I still managed to hit some decent shots,” said Park.
The 41-year-old, who has surprised even himself by holding the lead, is upbeat of his chances this week.
“I always surprise myself when I play well. Today, I just hung in there as it was really a grind today. But overall, it’s still a good position heading into the weekends,” said Park.
Chan meanwhile produced a spectacular masterclass on his last hole by chipping in from the edge of the green for an eagle-three.
That brought out the cheers for the 28-year-old who was staring at a five-over-par score before his last hole heroics changed the equation.
“I needed that eagle on the last hole to get me back into the game. It was definitely a big relief as I was four-over at the turn and needed something special like that to bring me back into contention.
“I’m used to such windy conditions as that’s what it’s like back home too but I struggle with the distance as this is a fairly long course and I’ve to hit it really long,” said Chan.
Westwood also conceded the gusty winds made play tough but remained confident of securing a hat-trick of titles at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
“It was tough and one of the toughest I’ve ever seen in Asia. Conditions were really extreme. We didn’t get a break with the weather. Normally it’s quite calm in the morning but it was blowing from the get-go this morning.
“I feel like under-par will still get you into contention and I’m still in there. I think it’s going to be bunched up and a scramble on the Sunday. So it’s just the case of being within a few shots of the leaders,” said Westwood, winner of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in 2011 and 2012.
Ian Andrew was the only Indonesian golfer who managed to make the cut. In the first edition of the Indonesian Masters it was only Rory Hie who went through. Similarly, two years later it was Andik Mauludin left to play the weekend. This year it was Ian going through after posting a total of 151 strokes after two days of play.
"Today there was exceptional wind. I lost it at the par 3 hole 4. The ball landed in the water and I made seven shots (quadruple bogey). I immediately started to play safe, go for par, but made bogey instead. On the eighth hole I saved par and hole 9 I made birdie, so it motivated me again. Until hole 15 I made pars and was still 7 over and I just maintained the game", he said.
Ian claimed that not only the wind became an obstacle for him on this day, but also a slick green. Especially when he reached the 18th hole and it was already getting dark, he was just trying to land the ball closer to the pin. He also successfully recorded a par to keep the score for the day.
For all the other Indonesian players the wind was too much of a challenge and they all failed to make the cut. Best of the rest was amateur Kevin C Akbar, who missed playing the cut by only 1 shot.
Leading scores after round 2 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters (A – denotes amateur):
140 – Unho PARK (AUS) 67-73
141 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 66-75
142 – Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 69-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76, Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 71-71
143 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74
144 – Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-73, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 69-75, Paul SPARGO (AUS) 70-74
Selected:
151 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79
CUT
152 - Kevin C. AKBAR (A) (INA) 77 75
156 - Denny A. WIJAYA (INA) 75 81, Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 76 80
157 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA) 76 81, Rory HIE (INA) 76 81, Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 76-81
158 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 80 78
159 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 81-78, George GANDRANATA (INA) 79 80, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 79-80
160 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 79-81
161 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) (INA) 77-84, Almay RAYHAN (A) (INA) 81-80
162 - I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA) 78-84
164 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) (INA) 82-82
165 - Bramantio ADI (INA) 77-88
166 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 75-91
167 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 81-86
170 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 84-86
171 - Daniel WIRAWAN (A) (INA) 79-92
173 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA) 87-86
83 - Sarmilih (INA) 83-WDN
77 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 77-RTD
On a windy day where only four players broke par at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Park continued to put himself in contention for his maiden Asian Tour win at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event with his two-day total of four-under-par 140.
Overnight co-leader Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei eagled his closing ninth hole to haul himself back into contention, taking the outright second place with a 75 after struggling for most part of the day.
Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul and Chapchai Nirat signed for matching 142 total to share third place with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and Japan’s Yosuke Tsukada while birthday boy Lee Westwood of England returned with a 74 to stay in touch with the leaders in seventh place.
Starting the day tied for second, Park stumbled early with a bogey on the first hole.
He recovered briefly with two birdies on 14 and 16 but dropped three more shots in his inward-nine.
“It was a tough day in the office today. I actually felt the winds were blowing harder today. I didn’t hit it as good as yesterday but I still managed to hit some decent shots,” said Park.
The 41-year-old, who has surprised even himself by holding the lead, is upbeat of his chances this week.
“I always surprise myself when I play well. Today, I just hung in there as it was really a grind today. But overall, it’s still a good position heading into the weekends,” said Park.
Chan meanwhile produced a spectacular masterclass on his last hole by chipping in from the edge of the green for an eagle-three.
That brought out the cheers for the 28-year-old who was staring at a five-over-par score before his last hole heroics changed the equation.
“I needed that eagle on the last hole to get me back into the game. It was definitely a big relief as I was four-over at the turn and needed something special like that to bring me back into contention.
“I’m used to such windy conditions as that’s what it’s like back home too but I struggle with the distance as this is a fairly long course and I’ve to hit it really long,” said Chan.
Westwood also conceded the gusty winds made play tough but remained confident of securing a hat-trick of titles at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.
“It was tough and one of the toughest I’ve ever seen in Asia. Conditions were really extreme. We didn’t get a break with the weather. Normally it’s quite calm in the morning but it was blowing from the get-go this morning.
“I feel like under-par will still get you into contention and I’m still in there. I think it’s going to be bunched up and a scramble on the Sunday. So it’s just the case of being within a few shots of the leaders,” said Westwood, winner of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters in 2011 and 2012.
Ian Andrew was the only Indonesian golfer who managed to make the cut. In the first edition of the Indonesian Masters it was only Rory Hie who went through. Similarly, two years later it was Andik Mauludin left to play the weekend. This year it was Ian going through after posting a total of 151 strokes after two days of play.
"Today there was exceptional wind. I lost it at the par 3 hole 4. The ball landed in the water and I made seven shots (quadruple bogey). I immediately started to play safe, go for par, but made bogey instead. On the eighth hole I saved par and hole 9 I made birdie, so it motivated me again. Until hole 15 I made pars and was still 7 over and I just maintained the game", he said.
Ian claimed that not only the wind became an obstacle for him on this day, but also a slick green. Especially when he reached the 18th hole and it was already getting dark, he was just trying to land the ball closer to the pin. He also successfully recorded a par to keep the score for the day.
For all the other Indonesian players the wind was too much of a challenge and they all failed to make the cut. Best of the rest was amateur Kevin C Akbar, who missed playing the cut by only 1 shot.
Leading scores after round 2 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters (A – denotes amateur):
140 – Unho PARK (AUS) 67-73
141 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 66-75
142 – Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 69-73, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-74, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 66-76, Yosuke TSUKADA (JPN) 71-71
143 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 69-74
144 – Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-73, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 73-71, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 69-75, Paul SPARGO (AUS) 70-74
Selected:
151 - Ian ANDREW (INA) 72-79
CUT
152 - Kevin C. AKBAR (A) (INA) 77 75
156 - Denny A. WIJAYA (INA) 75 81, Johannes DERMAWAN (INA) 76 80
157 - Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA) 76 81, Rory HIE (INA) 76 81, Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA) 76-81
158 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA) 80 78
159 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 81-78, George GANDRANATA (INA) 79 80, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 79-80
160 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA) 79-81
161 - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) (INA) 77-84, Almay RAYHAN (A) (INA) 81-80
162 - I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA) 78-84
164 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) (INA) 82-82
165 - Bramantio ADI (INA) 77-88
166 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA) 75-91
167 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 81-86
170 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA) 84-86
171 - Daniel WIRAWAN (A) (INA) 79-92
173 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA) 87-86
83 - Sarmilih (INA) 83-WDN
77 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA) 77-RTD
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Team Indonesia Fails To Impress At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By Enjoy Jakarta Golf
Jakarta, April 23 - Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang showed his mettle as he opened his account with a six-under-par 66 to share the first round lead with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn at the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf on Thursday.
Bjorn, who is seeking his first win in Asia, overcame the hot and humid conditions at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club by trading seven birdies against one bogey to tie for the lead in his debut appearance in the Asian Tour event.
Singapore-based Australian Unho Park rediscovered his putting touch by posting a 67 to share third place with India’s Abhijit Chadha, who had the honor of holing the first hole-in-one at the par-three 15 this week.
Former world number one Lee Westwood of England returned with a 69 to share seventh place with six other players that also featured Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, India’s Rashid Khan and Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena.
One of the most successful players on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) with four wins, Chan showed his class and composure in his first start on the Asian Tour this year.
Chan came off the blocks quickly by reaching the turn in 32 after four birdies in the morning.
The 28-year-old continued his birdie sprint on 12 and 14 before dropping his only shot of the day on 16. However, he redeemed himself quickly with a closing birdie.
“I’ve won four times on the ADT and I’m really serious about winning on the Asian Tour now,” said Chan.
“I hope to bring my wealth of experience, playing and winning on the ADT to the Asian Tour. It’s definitely a big step up for me and I’m looking forward to my breakthrough,” he added.
Bjorn, who boasts 21 professional victories worldwide including 15 on the European Tour, is also upbeat of landing his first win in Asia after overcoming the early morning humidity.
“I played pretty solid and I got onto a nice run in my back-nine which kind of brought the round to a really good score.
“It was humid but nice in the morning especially the first 10 to 11 holes. You’ve got to focus really hard and not let your guard down here,” said the big Dane.
Having missed the cut in all of his previous three starts on the Asian Tour this season, Park’s superb round brought back that vital self-belief required to jump start his season.
“I always surprise myself when I play this well. It was really tough out there in the afternoon as it was extremely windy. But I managed to hit my irons well and hole the putts when I needed to for a change.
“I actually played well in my first two events where I just missed the cut by one as my putting was really bad. But I worked on it and the big difference today came down to my putting,” said Park, who is chasing his first win on the Asian Tour this week.
Chadha, who secured his Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year in Thailand, also received a timely confidence boost when he aced the 15th hole with his six-iron.
The hole-in-one set the Indian on his way to a promising start when he would go on to mark his card with four birdies and one bogey.
“It was good today. I started off well by getting a hole-in-one on the 15th and that really kept myself in it. I hit a six-iron, aimed straight at the flag and it went right into the hole.
“I’ve made a hole-in-one in my career but this is really special as I’ve made it on the Asian Tour. That gave me lots of confidence not only for the rest of the round but the entire week ahead,” said Chadha.
Meanwhile the Indonesian team failed to impress, with only one player in the top 70 after round 1. Ian Andrew leads the squad in a tie for 24th after scoring a par 72, three shots ahead of the trio of Asep Saefulloh, Denny A. Wijaya and Kurnia Herisiandy Santoso who are in a 19-way tie for 74th. Leading amateur is Tirto Tamardi who is one shot further back together with among others Rory Hie.
George Gandranata (79), who finished highest of the local players in last years edition, has to work extremely hard tomorrow to make the cut. Currently only in 129th position, he has to make up some 5 shots to get to the top 50, a difficult task indeed.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play.
Leading scores after round 1 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (A - denotes amateur):
66 - CHAN Shih-chang (TPE), Thomas BJORN (DEN)
67 - Abhijit CHADHA (IND), Unho PARK (AUS)
68 - Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG), Chapchai NIRAT (THA)
69 - Rashid KHAN (IND), Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA), Shaun NORRIS (RSA), Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), Lee WESTWOOD (ENG), Miguel TABUENA (PHI)
Selected:
72 - Ian ANDREW (INA)
75 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA), Denny A. WIJAYA (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA)
76 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Rory HIE (INA), Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA)
77 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA), Bramantio ADI (INA), Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A), Kevin C. AKBAR (A) (INA)
78 - I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA), Almay RAYHAN (A) (INA)
79 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA), William SJAICHUDIN (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA), Daniel WIRAWAN (A) (INA)
80 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA)
81 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)
82 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) (INA)
83 - Sarmilih (INA)
84 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA)
87 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA)
Bjorn, who is seeking his first win in Asia, overcame the hot and humid conditions at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club by trading seven birdies against one bogey to tie for the lead in his debut appearance in the Asian Tour event.
Singapore-based Australian Unho Park rediscovered his putting touch by posting a 67 to share third place with India’s Abhijit Chadha, who had the honor of holing the first hole-in-one at the par-three 15 this week.
Former world number one Lee Westwood of England returned with a 69 to share seventh place with six other players that also featured Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, India’s Rashid Khan and Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena.
One of the most successful players on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) with four wins, Chan showed his class and composure in his first start on the Asian Tour this year.
Chan came off the blocks quickly by reaching the turn in 32 after four birdies in the morning.
The 28-year-old continued his birdie sprint on 12 and 14 before dropping his only shot of the day on 16. However, he redeemed himself quickly with a closing birdie.
“I’ve won four times on the ADT and I’m really serious about winning on the Asian Tour now,” said Chan.
“I hope to bring my wealth of experience, playing and winning on the ADT to the Asian Tour. It’s definitely a big step up for me and I’m looking forward to my breakthrough,” he added.
Bjorn, who boasts 21 professional victories worldwide including 15 on the European Tour, is also upbeat of landing his first win in Asia after overcoming the early morning humidity.
“I played pretty solid and I got onto a nice run in my back-nine which kind of brought the round to a really good score.
“It was humid but nice in the morning especially the first 10 to 11 holes. You’ve got to focus really hard and not let your guard down here,” said the big Dane.
Having missed the cut in all of his previous three starts on the Asian Tour this season, Park’s superb round brought back that vital self-belief required to jump start his season.
“I always surprise myself when I play this well. It was really tough out there in the afternoon as it was extremely windy. But I managed to hit my irons well and hole the putts when I needed to for a change.
“I actually played well in my first two events where I just missed the cut by one as my putting was really bad. But I worked on it and the big difference today came down to my putting,” said Park, who is chasing his first win on the Asian Tour this week.
Chadha, who secured his Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year in Thailand, also received a timely confidence boost when he aced the 15th hole with his six-iron.
The hole-in-one set the Indian on his way to a promising start when he would go on to mark his card with four birdies and one bogey.
“It was good today. I started off well by getting a hole-in-one on the 15th and that really kept myself in it. I hit a six-iron, aimed straight at the flag and it went right into the hole.
“I’ve made a hole-in-one in my career but this is really special as I’ve made it on the Asian Tour. That gave me lots of confidence not only for the rest of the round but the entire week ahead,” said Chadha.
Meanwhile the Indonesian team failed to impress, with only one player in the top 70 after round 1. Ian Andrew leads the squad in a tie for 24th after scoring a par 72, three shots ahead of the trio of Asep Saefulloh, Denny A. Wijaya and Kurnia Herisiandy Santoso who are in a 19-way tie for 74th. Leading amateur is Tirto Tamardi who is one shot further back together with among others Rory Hie.
George Gandranata (79), who finished highest of the local players in last years edition, has to work extremely hard tomorrow to make the cut. Currently only in 129th position, he has to make up some 5 shots to get to the top 50, a difficult task indeed.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play.
Leading scores after round 1 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (A - denotes amateur):
66 - CHAN Shih-chang (TPE), Thomas BJORN (DEN)
67 - Abhijit CHADHA (IND), Unho PARK (AUS)
68 - Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG), Chapchai NIRAT (THA)
69 - Rashid KHAN (IND), Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA), Shaun NORRIS (RSA), Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), Lee WESTWOOD (ENG), Miguel TABUENA (PHI)
Selected:
72 - Ian ANDREW (INA)
75 - Asep SAEFULLOH (INA), Denny A. WIJAYA (INA), Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO (INA)
76 - Johannes DERMAWAN (INA), Rory HIE (INA), Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA)
77 - Junaidi IBRAHIM (INA), Bramantio ADI (INA), Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A), Kevin C. AKBAR (A) (INA)
78 - I Ketut SUGIARTA (INA), Almay RAYHAN (A) (INA)
79 - Benita YUNIARTO (INA), William SJAICHUDIN (INA), George GANDRANATA (INA), Daniel WIRAWAN (A) (INA)
80 - Andik MAULUDIN (INA)
81 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA), Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)
82 - Rizchy SUBEKTI (A) (INA)
83 - Sarmilih (INA)
84 - Andrew WIRAWAN (INA)
87 - Fajar WINURYANTO (INA)
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
George Gandranata Aiming For Indonesian Success At CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented By Enjoy Jakarta Golf
Jakarta, April 21 - Former world number Lee Westwood of England is ready to renew his affinity with the US$750,000 CIMB Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf when it tees off on Thursday.
Regarded as Indonesia’s premier golf tournament, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters welcomed Westwood into its distinguished roll of honor twice in 2011 and 2012.
Significantly, it was the Westwood’s inaugural win in 2011 that saw the Englishman regain his world number one ranking from Germany’s Martin Kaymer then.
“I love coming to Asia. Obviously, I had great success here in 2011 and 2012 and I hope to make it a hat-trick this week. I remember winning on the Sunday which was also my birthday and going back to world number one then. It was a triple joy and definitely a great feeling,” said Westwood.
Westwood’s last outing to Asia in December saw him emerge victorious in Thailand and he is returning to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club high on confidence.
“I don’t really know the reason why I do so well here (Asia). It’s a mystery to me but I’ve always felt comfortable here as the golf courses are very good and I’ve certainly improved over the years,” said Westwood, the world number 33, who is the highest ranked player at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week.
With the growing dominance by Asian players in recent months, the Englishman is however playing down his chances and focusing on his own abilities instead.
“We’re playing against a high quality field and you know that anybody on his day can contend for this championship. So you really have to concentrate on your own game, keep up your level of fitness and try to play as good as you can,” said Westwood, who turns 42 on Friday.
Standing in Westwood’s way of another triumph at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, a 15-time European Tour winner, who is seeking his first win in Asia this week.
The Dane has triumphed in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Africa and hopes to add another feather to his cap with a win in Jakarta.
“It has been one of those things (winning in Asia) that has been slipping away from me over the years. I’ve come so close on a couple of occasions and eventually I’m sure I’ll get over the line,” said Bjorn.
With the erratic weather expected to make the event even more challenging, the big Dane has his preparations all mapped out.
“Dealing with the weather is part and parcel of what we do. But when you get into such conditions and especially when you come from the northern part of Europe, it can be difficult.
“It’s extreme but it’s not impossible. As long as your energy levels are there with food and drinks, you’ll push through,” said Bjorn.
Meanwhile local hopeful George Gandranata is looking forward to putting Indonesia on the world map with a solid performance this week.
“I hope to put the Indonesian flag up there in the international stage,” said Gandranata.
The 29-year-old is also relishing the opportunity to play alongside his boyhood heroes and hopes he can put up a performance of his own against these heavyweights.
“It’s actually an honor to play against some of the best players in the world, especially with these guys right here. I grew up watching these guys on TV and to be able to sit here with them is just special.
“I look forward to playing well this week and also learn a lot from these guys so that I can see where my standard lies,” said Gandranata.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play. Preser
Regarded as Indonesia’s premier golf tournament, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters welcomed Westwood into its distinguished roll of honor twice in 2011 and 2012.
Significantly, it was the Westwood’s inaugural win in 2011 that saw the Englishman regain his world number one ranking from Germany’s Martin Kaymer then.
“I love coming to Asia. Obviously, I had great success here in 2011 and 2012 and I hope to make it a hat-trick this week. I remember winning on the Sunday which was also my birthday and going back to world number one then. It was a triple joy and definitely a great feeling,” said Westwood.
Westwood’s last outing to Asia in December saw him emerge victorious in Thailand and he is returning to the Royale Jakarta Golf Club high on confidence.
“I don’t really know the reason why I do so well here (Asia). It’s a mystery to me but I’ve always felt comfortable here as the golf courses are very good and I’ve certainly improved over the years,” said Westwood, the world number 33, who is the highest ranked player at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week.
With the growing dominance by Asian players in recent months, the Englishman is however playing down his chances and focusing on his own abilities instead.
“We’re playing against a high quality field and you know that anybody on his day can contend for this championship. So you really have to concentrate on your own game, keep up your level of fitness and try to play as good as you can,” said Westwood, who turns 42 on Friday.
Standing in Westwood’s way of another triumph at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, a 15-time European Tour winner, who is seeking his first win in Asia this week.
The Dane has triumphed in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Africa and hopes to add another feather to his cap with a win in Jakarta.
“It has been one of those things (winning in Asia) that has been slipping away from me over the years. I’ve come so close on a couple of occasions and eventually I’m sure I’ll get over the line,” said Bjorn.
With the erratic weather expected to make the event even more challenging, the big Dane has his preparations all mapped out.
“Dealing with the weather is part and parcel of what we do. But when you get into such conditions and especially when you come from the northern part of Europe, it can be difficult.
“It’s extreme but it’s not impossible. As long as your energy levels are there with food and drinks, you’ll push through,” said Bjorn.
Meanwhile local hopeful George Gandranata is looking forward to putting Indonesia on the world map with a solid performance this week.
“I hope to put the Indonesian flag up there in the international stage,” said Gandranata.
The 29-year-old is also relishing the opportunity to play alongside his boyhood heroes and hopes he can put up a performance of his own against these heavyweights.
“It’s actually an honor to play against some of the best players in the world, especially with these guys right here. I grew up watching these guys on TV and to be able to sit here with them is just special.
“I look forward to playing well this week and also learn a lot from these guys so that I can see where my standard lies,” said Gandranata.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf will feature 24 Indonesian golfers, 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and four of Indonesia’s top amateurs who will compete in the 150 player field over 72 holes of individual stroke play. Preser
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Kevin Akbar Extends His Lead At AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 8 April - Malaysia’s hopes of retaining the boys’ Under-18 title category won by Low Khai Jei rests on the shoulders V. Khavish Varman.
Khavish, a member of the national junior squad, shot a 74 to climb one rung to second but is still four shots behind leader Kevin Akbar. The Indonesian extended his lead when he carded a 73, with his club mate M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan moving up a spot to third after a second consecutive 76.
meanwhile Adam Arif Madzri of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) will be Malaysia’s best bet to secure at least one title on the final day of the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship.
On Wednesday, Adam put himself in the driver’s seat for the boys’ Under-15 title after shooting a second consecutive even-par 72 to stretch his lead to 10 shots – with a two-day total of 144 – at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).
Lee Chong Li of Johor Golf & Country Club (JGCC) carded a 77 to sit in second with a 154-total while fellow Johorean Irfan Norshah, of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ), was a further shot back after shooting 80 for 155.
“I’m pleased with my game today but, overall, it can still be improved,” said Adam.
“Even though I have a good lead, my goal will be to try and maintain my game tomorrow. I’m confident of doing that.”
Perlis Sukma champion Loy Hee Ying is still very much in contention for the girls’ Under-18 crown but she won’t have it easy against the Philippines’ Abegail Arevalo and favorite Princess Mary Superal, the defending champion.
The 18-year-old Hee Ying, who is slated to make her SEA Games debut in Singapore in June, trails leader Abegail by a single stroke after carding a two-over 73 for a share of second spot alongside Princess Mary, who lifted the prestigious US Girls’ Junior Championship last year.
The Philippines also look set to capture the girls’ Under-15 crown, with last year’s winner Sofia Chabon maintaining her three stroke lead over Indonesia's Rivani Adelia Sihotang after both players carded a round of 74.
Scores of Indonesian juniors playing at the AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship
145 - Kevin Caesario AKBAR 72-73 (1st place Boys U18)
148 - Rivani Adelia SIHOTANG 74-74 (2nd place Girls U15)
152 - M. Rifqi Alam RAMADHAN 76-76 (3rd place Boys U18)
Khavish, a member of the national junior squad, shot a 74 to climb one rung to second but is still four shots behind leader Kevin Akbar. The Indonesian extended his lead when he carded a 73, with his club mate M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan moving up a spot to third after a second consecutive 76.
meanwhile Adam Arif Madzri of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA) will be Malaysia’s best bet to secure at least one title on the final day of the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship.
On Wednesday, Adam put himself in the driver’s seat for the boys’ Under-15 title after shooting a second consecutive even-par 72 to stretch his lead to 10 shots – with a two-day total of 144 – at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).
Lee Chong Li of Johor Golf & Country Club (JGCC) carded a 77 to sit in second with a 154-total while fellow Johorean Irfan Norshah, of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ), was a further shot back after shooting 80 for 155.
“I’m pleased with my game today but, overall, it can still be improved,” said Adam.
“Even though I have a good lead, my goal will be to try and maintain my game tomorrow. I’m confident of doing that.”
Perlis Sukma champion Loy Hee Ying is still very much in contention for the girls’ Under-18 crown but she won’t have it easy against the Philippines’ Abegail Arevalo and favorite Princess Mary Superal, the defending champion.
The 18-year-old Hee Ying, who is slated to make her SEA Games debut in Singapore in June, trails leader Abegail by a single stroke after carding a two-over 73 for a share of second spot alongside Princess Mary, who lifted the prestigious US Girls’ Junior Championship last year.
The Philippines also look set to capture the girls’ Under-15 crown, with last year’s winner Sofia Chabon maintaining her three stroke lead over Indonesia's Rivani Adelia Sihotang after both players carded a round of 74.
Scores of Indonesian juniors playing at the AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship
145 - Kevin Caesario AKBAR 72-73 (1st place Boys U18)
148 - Rivani Adelia SIHOTANG 74-74 (2nd place Girls U15)
152 - M. Rifqi Alam RAMADHAN 76-76 (3rd place Boys U18)
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Raja Golf Opens Pro Shop At Ciputra Golf
Raja Golf, one of the leading golf pro shops in Indonesia, is opening a new outlet at Ciputre Golf, Club & Hotel in Surabaya.
To celebrate they offer free TITLEIST balls, TITLEIST caps as well as FOOTJOY T-shirts while stock lasts, so hurry there.
Promo runs from 9-13 April. T&C apply. For more info call (031) 741 8247
To celebrate they offer free TITLEIST balls, TITLEIST caps as well as FOOTJOY T-shirts while stock lasts, so hurry there.
Promo runs from 9-13 April. T&C apply. For more info call (031) 741 8247
Kevin Akbar Tops First Day Of AmBank Junior Open Golf Championship
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 7 April - Kevin Akbar of Indonesia shot a par 72 to seize the opening round lead in the boys’ Under-18 category of the RSGC AmBank Junior Amateur Open Golf Championships at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).
Kevin, a runner-up at the Indonesian National Junior Championship two months ago, is two strokes ahead of Kim Tae-woo of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KPGA). Malaysian Golf Association’s V. Khavish Varman is third after posting a 75.
“I played well, but had a rough start in the early part of my game,” said Khavish.
“I hope to play better and improve my score tomorrow. The main thing is to have fun and I believe the result will come naturally.”
In the boys’ Under-15 contest, Adam Madzri of KGPA carded a two-over 74 to open a three-shot cushion over Irfan Norshah of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ).
Abegail Arevalo of the Philippines was in her element, carding a one-under 71 to grab the lead in the girls’ Under-18 event.
Sofia Chabon, also of the Philippines, set the pace in the Under-15 category with her 71 to take a three-shot lead over Indonesian Rivani Adelia.
A total of 99 golfers are participating in the three-day championships.
Results of the Indonesian players at the AmBank Junior Open Golf Championship:
72 - Kevin Caesario Akbar (1st place Boys U18)
74 - Rivani Adelia Sihotang (2nd place Girls U15)
76 - M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan (4th place Boys U18)
Kevin, a runner-up at the Indonesian National Junior Championship two months ago, is two strokes ahead of Kim Tae-woo of Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KPGA). Malaysian Golf Association’s V. Khavish Varman is third after posting a 75.
“I played well, but had a rough start in the early part of my game,” said Khavish.
“I hope to play better and improve my score tomorrow. The main thing is to have fun and I believe the result will come naturally.”
In the boys’ Under-15 contest, Adam Madzri of KGPA carded a two-over 74 to open a three-shot cushion over Irfan Norshah of Starhill Golf Resort Johor (SGRJ).
Abegail Arevalo of the Philippines was in her element, carding a one-under 71 to grab the lead in the girls’ Under-18 event.
Sofia Chabon, also of the Philippines, set the pace in the Under-15 category with her 71 to take a three-shot lead over Indonesian Rivani Adelia.
A total of 99 golfers are participating in the three-day championships.
Results of the Indonesian players at the AmBank Junior Open Golf Championship:
72 - Kevin Caesario Akbar (1st place Boys U18)
74 - Rivani Adelia Sihotang (2nd place Girls U15)
76 - M. Rifqi Alam Ramadhan (4th place Boys U18)
Sunday, April 5, 2015
No Glory For William Sjaichudin At PGM UMW Impian Championship
Selangor, Malaysia, April 4 - Kemarol Baharin won his first ASEAN PGA Tour title and third Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour event when he claimed the PGM UMW Impian Championship crown with a three-stroke victory today.
The 29-year-old from Kuala Lumpur shot a final round four-under 68 at Impian Golf & Country Club that gave him a 17-under 271 total and earned him the winner’s cheque of RM30,600 in the co-sanctioned event.
The Thailand pair of Settee Prakongvech (68) and Sutijet Kooratanapisan (70) finished joint runners-up on 14-under-par 274, while their compatriot and joint second round leader Natthapong Niyomchon (70) was fourth, a shot further back.
William Sjaichudin from Indonesia, who at 7-under still was in a top ten position at the midway point, fell back dramatically and finished in a tie for 31st place after rounds of 77 and 75. Compatriot Rudianto finished in 51st position at 12-over-par.
Pleased with his victory that came after a week’s break, Baharin said: “I am very happy to have won again.
“I think the week’s break from golf was really good for me. I played consistently well and I also got a few lucky breaks, which really helped me. Overall, my game was good as I did not feel much pressure and I think that was because of the break from the game. I hit the ball solid and when I did get into some trouble I also got a few lucky escapes.”
On a final day of low scoring Malaysian Shaaban Hussin equaled the course record of Rashid Ismail, carding a bogey-free 62 that comprised an eagle and eight birdies.
After rounds of 73, 69 and 73 over the first three days, Hussin settled for seventh place on 11-under 277.
Shaaban, who went out in the first flight of the day, had a run of six-under over the five-hole stretch from the second.
“I felt that there was nothing to lose,” he said. “And with no-one in front of us I just played as aggressively as I could and it worked out very nice.
“I parred the opening hole and then went birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie over the next five holes. I had another birdie at the par-four eighth to make the turn in seven-under-par.”
Hussin’s attack mode did not relent and he fired another three birdies on the back nine, at the 11th, 14th and 17th holes.
Despite this outstanding showing of golf, he said he still needed to practice.
“I need to practice more,” he said. “I need to become more consistent with rounds of golf like today. I must concentrate on shooting low for four days and not just one or two rounds a tournament,” added the 35-year-old.
Leading scores after the final round:
271 - Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69-67-68
274 - Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65-69-68, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67-68-70
275 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64-68-70
276 - R NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66-66=72, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65-69-73
277 - Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 73-69-73-62
278 - Pipatpong NAEWSUK (THA) 71-69-69-69
280 - Mohd Rizal AMIN (MAS) 70-70-69-71
281 - Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 70-73-68-70. Airil RIZMAN (MAS) 68-73-68-72
Selected:
289 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69-77-75
300 - RUDIANTO (INA) 300 76-70-78-76
The 29-year-old from Kuala Lumpur shot a final round four-under 68 at Impian Golf & Country Club that gave him a 17-under 271 total and earned him the winner’s cheque of RM30,600 in the co-sanctioned event.
The Thailand pair of Settee Prakongvech (68) and Sutijet Kooratanapisan (70) finished joint runners-up on 14-under-par 274, while their compatriot and joint second round leader Natthapong Niyomchon (70) was fourth, a shot further back.
William Sjaichudin from Indonesia, who at 7-under still was in a top ten position at the midway point, fell back dramatically and finished in a tie for 31st place after rounds of 77 and 75. Compatriot Rudianto finished in 51st position at 12-over-par.
Pleased with his victory that came after a week’s break, Baharin said: “I am very happy to have won again.
“I think the week’s break from golf was really good for me. I played consistently well and I also got a few lucky breaks, which really helped me. Overall, my game was good as I did not feel much pressure and I think that was because of the break from the game. I hit the ball solid and when I did get into some trouble I also got a few lucky escapes.”
On a final day of low scoring Malaysian Shaaban Hussin equaled the course record of Rashid Ismail, carding a bogey-free 62 that comprised an eagle and eight birdies.
After rounds of 73, 69 and 73 over the first three days, Hussin settled for seventh place on 11-under 277.
Shaaban, who went out in the first flight of the day, had a run of six-under over the five-hole stretch from the second.
“I felt that there was nothing to lose,” he said. “And with no-one in front of us I just played as aggressively as I could and it worked out very nice.
“I parred the opening hole and then went birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie over the next five holes. I had another birdie at the par-four eighth to make the turn in seven-under-par.”
Hussin’s attack mode did not relent and he fired another three birdies on the back nine, at the 11th, 14th and 17th holes.
Despite this outstanding showing of golf, he said he still needed to practice.
“I need to practice more,” he said. “I need to become more consistent with rounds of golf like today. I must concentrate on shooting low for four days and not just one or two rounds a tournament,” added the 35-year-old.
Leading scores after the final round:
271 - Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69-67-68
274 - Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65-69-68, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67-68-70
275 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64-68-70
276 - R NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66-66=72, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65-69-73
277 - Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 73-69-73-62
278 - Pipatpong NAEWSUK (THA) 71-69-69-69
280 - Mohd Rizal AMIN (MAS) 70-70-69-71
281 - Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 70-73-68-70. Airil RIZMAN (MAS) 68-73-68-72
Selected:
289 - William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69-77-75
300 - RUDIANTO (INA) 300 76-70-78-76
Saturday, April 4, 2015
President Charity Golf Tournament 2015
Golferation (Golf Club President University) and Jababeka Golf & Country Club proudly invite you to:
Friday, 17 April 2015
Registration and lunch : 10.30 pm
Shot gun : 12.30 pm
Format : stroke play (white tee)
ENTRY FEE:
Student : Rp 500.000,-
Member : Rp 575.000,-
Guest : Rp 675.000,-
Inclusive:
Anne (081310215504)
Line: anne_ BB: 51EE02C6
Cia (087804678271)
Line : cayana / BB : 749CA20F
"Only 10 minutes from exit toll KM 34,7 (Cibatu)"
First pay first serve
-PCGT 2015. We Swing, We Give, We Share-
"PRESIDENT CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 2015"
Friday, 17 April 2015
Registration and lunch : 10.30 pm
Shot gun : 12.30 pm
Format : stroke play (white tee)
ENTRY FEE:
Student : Rp 500.000,-
Member : Rp 575.000,-
Guest : Rp 675.000,-
Inclusive:
- Golf fee 18 holes
- Lunch & Dinner
- Winner prize
- Lucky draw (voucher, golf equipments etc)
- Entertainment
- T-shirt and drinks
- hole in one chance : 1 unit of Suzuki Ertiga (under confirmation)
Anne (081310215504)
Line: anne_ BB: 51EE02C6
Cia (087804678271)
Line : cayana / BB : 749CA20F
"Only 10 minutes from exit toll KM 34,7 (Cibatu)"
First pay first serve
-PCGT 2015. We Swing, We Give, We Share-
William Sjaichudin On Course For Top Ten At PGM UMW Impian Championship
Selangor, Malaysia, April 2 = Thailand brothers Donlaphatchai and Natthapong Niyomchon blazed a hot trail in the second round of the PGM UMW Impian Championship today.
Donlaphatchai fired a fine seven-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead into the next round with a 10-under-par 134 total, ahead of Malaysia’s Kemarol Baharin, who carded a 69 and fellow Thai Sutiyet Kooratanapisan (67). They finished on eight-under 136.
Natthapong, meanwhile, shot a 64 – just two shots off Rashid Ismail’s course record at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang.
The 26-year-old, who has two wins in Thailand but still seeking a first victory here in Malaysia, was joint fourth on seven-under-par 137, alongside compatriots Smithti Teeratrakul (69) and Settee Prakongvech, who also had a 65, and Indonesia’s William Sjaichudin (69).
v Pleased with his showing today Natthapong said he was happy to play himself into contention and with his ability to stay focused in the heat of the battle.
“The competition is very tough in these events as there are many good players. So for me to a low score today and get myself among the leaders is good,” he added.
Turning to his game, Natthapong said his putting was what made the difference and hoped to continue with it through the next two days.
“I putted very well today,” he said. “I played some iron shots and I drove the ball well off the tee box, but my putting was what was really good – so I am very happy at the moment.”
Natthapong had nine birdies in his round – three over the front nine and six on the homeward stretch, including a run of four-on-the-trot from hole No. 12. His only blemish was a bogey four at the par-3 7th hole.
Another player who left the course a happy man was Malaysia’s Shah Irwan Rusli. The 37-year-old amateur, who did not make the cut after an 82, struck the perfect shot at the 174-yard par-3 12th.
“That is my second hole-in-one,” he declared after his round. “And although I didn’t make the cut, I am still very, very happy.”
He used a 7-iron that went left, before the ball kicked right and rolled into the cup for the ace.
Leading scores after the second round:
134 - Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65
136 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67. Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69
137 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65, Smithti TEERATRAKUL (THA) 68-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69
138 - R. NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 69-69
139 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 70-69, Supravee PHATAM (THA) 69-70
Selected:
146 - RUDIANTO (INA) 76-70
149 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO (INA) 75-74
154 - Kurnia HERISHANDY (INA) 78-76
161 - Adi BRAMANTIO (INA) 83-78
Donlaphatchai fired a fine seven-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead into the next round with a 10-under-par 134 total, ahead of Malaysia’s Kemarol Baharin, who carded a 69 and fellow Thai Sutiyet Kooratanapisan (67). They finished on eight-under 136.
Natthapong, meanwhile, shot a 64 – just two shots off Rashid Ismail’s course record at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang.
The 26-year-old, who has two wins in Thailand but still seeking a first victory here in Malaysia, was joint fourth on seven-under-par 137, alongside compatriots Smithti Teeratrakul (69) and Settee Prakongvech, who also had a 65, and Indonesia’s William Sjaichudin (69).
v Pleased with his showing today Natthapong said he was happy to play himself into contention and with his ability to stay focused in the heat of the battle.
“The competition is very tough in these events as there are many good players. So for me to a low score today and get myself among the leaders is good,” he added.
Turning to his game, Natthapong said his putting was what made the difference and hoped to continue with it through the next two days.
“I putted very well today,” he said. “I played some iron shots and I drove the ball well off the tee box, but my putting was what was really good – so I am very happy at the moment.”
Natthapong had nine birdies in his round – three over the front nine and six on the homeward stretch, including a run of four-on-the-trot from hole No. 12. His only blemish was a bogey four at the par-3 7th hole.
Another player who left the course a happy man was Malaysia’s Shah Irwan Rusli. The 37-year-old amateur, who did not make the cut after an 82, struck the perfect shot at the 174-yard par-3 12th.
“That is my second hole-in-one,” he declared after his round. “And although I didn’t make the cut, I am still very, very happy.”
He used a 7-iron that went left, before the ball kicked right and rolled into the cup for the ace.
Leading scores after the second round:
134 - Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69-65
136 - Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 69-67. Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 67-69
137 - Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 73-64, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-65, Smithti TEERATRAKUL (THA) 68-69, William SJAICHUDIN (INA) 68-69
138 - R. NACHIMUTHU (MAS) 72-66, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 69-69
139 - Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 70-69, Supravee PHATAM (THA) 69-70
Selected:
146 - RUDIANTO (INA) 76-70
149 - Fajar WIN NURYANTO (INA) 75-74
154 - Kurnia HERISHANDY (INA) 78-76
161 - Adi BRAMANTIO (INA) 83-78
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