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
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