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.