2014 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule Will Feature 2 Indonesian Tournaments

February 5 - This season’s ASEAN PGA Tour will boast at least 11 tournaments offering nearly US$1 million in overall prize money thanks to one of its strongest schedules.

Commencing with the Singha Esan Open in March, one of four tournaments jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour, the 2104 ASEAN PGA Tour will traverse the region with an emphasis on providing playing opportunities for up and coming players.

The Singha Pattaya Open, the Singha Hua Hin Open, and the Singha Chiang Mai Open, all part of the All Thailand Golf Tour, return to the schedule.

In addition three events will be jointly sanctioned with the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour in Melaka, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.

The Laos Open, which was inaugurated in 2012, returns to the schedule as does the Palembang Musi Championship and Gowa Classic in Indonesia.

The season will come to a close in January of 2015 with the Sabah Masters, an event which over the past two years has cemented its place as the season-ending Tour Championship.

Indeed, the success of the Sabah Masters recently led its main sponsor the Sabah Tourism Board to announce its support for the event for another three years starting in 2015.

“This year marks the eighth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour and its success is because it continues to be enthusiastically embraced by players, sponsors and tours,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.

It has been a prolific rise for the ASEAN PGA Tour which boasted five events when it was launched in 2007.

“The Tour is continually looking to expand in to new markets and is hopeful of announcing additional events in 2014, ” added Wong.

The 2013/2014 came to a close last month when Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat won the Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club.

The tournament also saw his compatriot Kwanchai Tannin claim the Order of Merit title.

He topped the Merit list, and secured a OneAsia card, with earnings of US$35,630 – an ASEAN PGA Tour record.

World Sport Group are the Official Commercial Partner for the ASEAN PGA Tour and will continue to produce a one-hour highlight show for each event on FOX Sports.

2014 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule

Singha Esan Open
March 27 to 30
Singha Park Golf Club, Khon Kaen, Thailand
US$ 100,000
Defending champion: Prayad Marksaeng (THA)


Singha Pattaya Open
Burapha Golf Club, Thailand
May 8 to 11
US$100,000
Defending champion: Kwanchai Tannin (THA)


PGM-ASEAN PGA A’Famosa Masters
A’Famosa Golf Resort, Melaka, Malaysia
May 28 to 31
US$60,000
Defending champion: Mardan Mamat (SIN)


Singha Hua Hin Open
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, Thailand
July 17 to 20
US$65,000
Defending champion: Phachara Khongwatmai (amateur) (THA)


PGM-ASEAN PGA Penang Classic
Penang Golf Club, Malaysia
August 6 to 9
US$60,000
Defending champion: Shaaban Hussin (MAS)


Singha Chiang Mai Open
Mae Jo Golf Club and Resort, Thailand
August 21 to 24
US$65,000
Defending champion: Thammanoon Sriroj (THA)


PGM-ASEAN PGA Staffield Championship
Staffield Country Resort, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
October 15 to 18
US$60,000
Defending champion: Kwanchai Tannin (THA)


Sabah Masters
Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, Malaysia
January (Specific Dates TBA)
US$75,000
Defending champion: Wisut Artjanawat (THA)


Palembang Musi Championship
Palembang Golf Club, Indonesia
Date TBA
US$150,000
Defending champion: Nicholas Fung (MAS)


Gowa Classic
Padivalley Golf Club, Indonesia
Date TBA
US$100,000
Defending champion: Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA)


Laos Open
Venue TBA
Date TBA
US$100,000
Defending champion: Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA)

Palembang MUSI Championship 2013 Cancelled

The ASEAN PGA Tour issued the following statement:

We regret to inform you that the Palembang MUSI Championship event due to be held at the end of October has been cancelled.

We were informed that currently there is a re-election of the South Sumatra local Government due to take place soon and there is no governor in charge to take directions for this year’s event.

Any inconvenience caused is much regretted, however, this event will be on next year’s schedule. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions.

2013 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule Released

January 23, 2013 - The ASEAN PGA Tour will burst into life in 2013 with a record number of events ensuring the overall prize money surpasses US$1 million for the first time.

A total of 12 tournaments will be played worth US$1,095,000 providing an abundance of lucrative playing opportunities.

The popular circuit will stage its’ established events while welcoming onboard new tournaments thanks to burgeoning ties between the All Thailand Golf Tour, run by Sports Management Group (SMG), and the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour.

The circuit will tee-off with the US$100,000 Singha Esan Open from February 14 to 17.

This has been a regular ASEAN PGA tournament since the Tour was formed in 2007 and will be one of four events this year joint-sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour.

The additional ones are the Singha Pattaya Open, the Singha Hua Hin Masters and the Singha Chiang Mai Open. The Pattaya event was first played on the ASEAN PGA Tour in 2009 while the other two are making their first appearances.

The ASEAN PGA Tour will also break new ground by working with Malaysia’s fast rising circuit at the PGM-ASEAN A’Famosa Masters, the PGM-ASEAN Penang Classic and the PGM-ASEAN Negeri Sembilan Masters.

Another new tournament to be played will be the Bali International Pro Am.

“The eighth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour is set to be our finest ever,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.

“We will meet our main objective of providing more playing opportunities for our ASEAN-based members, be they rookie professionals or more seasoned campaigners.

“We are also extremely confident this year’s schedule will be the catalyst for an ongoing expansion for our Tour.”

Prior to this year the ASEAN PGA Tour experienced its strongest schedule in 2010 when 10 tournaments were held offering US$590,000.

In 2013, the ASEAN PGA will welcome back the Palembang Musi Championship, which with prize money of US$250,000 is the most lucrative tournament.

Also returning are the Luang Prabang Laos Open, the Gowa Classic, and the Sabah Masters.

World Sport Group, Asia’s leading sports marketing agency; specializing in sports sponsorship, sports content, and sports event management, remain as the official commercial partner for the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Their television arm will continue to produce a one hour highlight show for each event which will be broadcast on ESPN Star Sports.

2013 ASEAN PGA Tour Schedule:

Singha Esan Open	Singha Park Golf Club Khon Kaen, Thailand	Feb 14-17	US$100,000
Singha Pattaya Open	Burapha Golf Club Thailand	Apr 18-21	US$100,000
Luang Prabang Laos Open	Luang Prabang Golf Club Laos	Apr 24-27	US$100,000
PGM-ASEAN A’Famosa Masters	A’Famosa Golf Resort Melaka, Malaysia	May 8-11	US$60,000
Palembang Musi Championship	Palembang Golf Club Indonesia	May 15-18	US$250,000
PGM-ASEAN Penang Classic	Penang Golf Resort Malaysia	Jun 12-15	US$60,000
Singha Hua Hin Masters	Royal Hua Hin Golf Club Thailand	Jul 18-21	US$65,000
Bali International Pro Am	New Kuta Golf Bali, Indonesia	Jul 31- Aug 3	US$60,000
Singha Chiang Mai Open	Venue TBC Thailand	Aug 8-11	US$65,000
PGM-ASEAN Negeri Sembilan Masters	Seremban International Golf Club, Malaysia	Oct 23-26	US$60,000
Gowa Classic	Padivalley Golf Club Gowa, Indonesia	Date TBC	US$100,000
Sabah Masters	Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, Malaysia	Date TBC	US$75,000

Inaugural Gowa Classic Launched On ASEAN PGA Tour

Makassar, November 1 - The ASEAN PGA Tour will once again chart new territory for professional golf in the region when it heads to the Gowa Classic in Makassar this month.

The US$100,000 tournament will be played at Padivalley Golf Club from November 14 to 17 and is the penultimate event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

The ASEAN PGA Tour has established a reputation for staging tournaments in cities and countries that are new to golf and Makassar is another fine example.

The Gowa Classic will be the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.

The staging of the event has been made possible by the construction of Padivalley, which is a brand new golf club that the tournament will play an important role in launching.

“At Padivalley we believe we have built a golf course that will quickly become known as one of the finest in Indonesia,” said Felix Tandiawan, Director, Padivalley Golf Club.

“We have already received excellent reviews about the course and clubhouse and so we are looking forward to unveiling our club to players on the ASEAN PGA Tour. The tournament provides us with an excellent opportunity to promote Padivalley in the early stages of its launch.”

Padivalley boasts a highly-rated 18-hole championship course designed by JMP Group. The club also has an impressive clubhouse with the Gowa highlands and their beautiful foothills providing a lush backdrop.

The starting field is currently being finalized but feature many leading players from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

“The debut of the Gowa Classic is another example of how golf is booming in all parts of Indonesia. The tournament is a truly welcome addition to the schedule for our local circuit and the ASEAN PGA Tour as it provides invaluable playing opportunities for members,” said Syafei Asnap, Chairman, Indonesia PGA.

For the Gowa Classic, like all ASEAN PGA events, a one-hour highlights show will be produced by World Sport Group and broadcast on ESPN.

“This year we staged a professional golf tournament in Laos for the first time and another first sees us heading to the wonderful city of Makassar. All the players and officials are truly looking forward to the Gowa Classic, a new tournament that has the potential to last for many years,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA.

Last Sunday Malaysian Nicholas Fung won his second title on the ASEAN PGA Tour when he claimed the Palembang Musi Championship.

He fired a final round four-under-par 68 to beat Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul by two at Palembang Golf Club and move to the top of the money list.

The result meant Fung, Gunn and Filipino Jay Bayron qualified for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open next week as they are the leading three players from the money list.

George Gandranata Just Misses Podium As Fung Wins Palembang Musi Championship

Palembang, October 27 - Malaysian Nicholas Fung ended a frustrating run of second place finishes by winning the US$150,000 Palembang Musi Championship today.

He fired a final round four-under-par 68 to beat Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul by two at Palembang Golf Club.

Gunn came in with a 70 in the ASEAN PGA Tour’s richest event of the season.

The result was retribution for Fung as he was beaten by his Thai opponent in a sudden-death play-off in the previous ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Singha Esan Open in August.

Antonio Lascuna from the Philippines claimed third place after shooting a 66. He finished two shots behind Gunn.

George Gandranata ended as the leading Indonesian in fourth after returning 69.

The result meant Fung, Gunn and Filipino Jay Bayron qualify for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks as they are the leading three players from the money list.

“This is fantastic,” said Fung, who finished 18 under for the tournament.

“Gunn has been playing so well so it gives me a lot of confidence. Now I get to play in the Barclays Singapore Open. It is my dream to play with Phil Mickelson.”

Fung was two shots behind playing partner Gunn at the turn but he stormed ahead with a birdie on 11 and an eagle on the par-five 14th.

While the Malaysian was charging Gunn bogeyed the 13th to see the title slip away.

Said Gunn: “It was raining for a few holes on the back nine and that really put me off. I am not used to it. It was my first time playing in rain in a tournament. I am not too disappointed as I get to play in the Singapore Open.”

Fung claimed a cheque for US$24,050, to move to the top of the Merit list, while Gunn earned US$16,465.

Fung, aged 22, also won the PGM Negeri Sembilan Classic on the Malaysian local circuit last week and will thus head to Singapore brimming with confidence.

He won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam in 2010, which was his rookie year, and following that he finished runner-up on four occasions including in last year’s Palembang Musi Championship.

Indonesia’s Andik Mauluddin, Mardan Mamat from Singapore, and Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and Varut Chomchalam tied for fifth.

Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand returned a 71 to finished tied for ninth.

Indonesia's top golfer Rory Hie kept improving his score and managed to finish just outside the top ten after carding a 67.

The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the US$100,000 Gowa Padivalley Classic in Makassar, Indonesia.

The tournament is the penultimate event of the season and will be played at Padivalley Golf Club.

Leading final round scores (Par 72):

270 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68 66 68

272 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70 67 70

274 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69 70 66

277 - George Gandranata (INA) 67 74 67 69

279 - Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70 74 68, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70 69 68, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71 72 66 70, Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69 67 71

281 - Andi Yatmo (INA) 70 71 72 68, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67 72 71

282 - Rory Hie (INA) 75 71 69 67, Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 73 70 70 69, S. Murthy (MAS) 73 70 69 70, S Siva Chandran (MAS) 68 75 69 70, Jay Bayron (PHI) 72 71 67 72, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70 72 73

283 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69 69 77

George Gandranata Aiming For Podium At Palembang Musi Championship

Palembang, October 26 - Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul and Nicholas Fung from Malaysia moved into a share of the lead in the US$150,000 Palembang Musi Championship today to set up their second successive final day face off.

Gunn beat Fung in a sudden-death play-off in the previous ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Singha Esan Open in August, and with a four shot lead over the rest of the field they are set for another exciting showdown.

The Thai golfer started the day with a one shot lead over Fung at Palembang Golf Club and shot a five-under-par 67.

Fung caught him with a 66 to leave them tied on 14-under-par 202.

“I am a bit disappointed as I made a great eagle on 14 to lead after holing a 25 yard chip shot but then I three putted the next for a bogey,” said 20-year-old Gunn.

“Fung came at me with a lot of birdies today so I am happy I responded well.”

His victory in the Singha Esan Open was his first win since turning professional last year. He claimed an event last week on the local Thai tour, also in a play-off, to quickly establish himself as one of his country’s most exciting young players.

Fung finished second here last year finishing five shots behind Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat.

“Let’s start the play-off now,” joked Fung.

Like Gunn he has triumphed once before on the ASEAN PGA Tour, in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam, and with a host of other top finishes he is hungry for victory.

“It will be tough to win though as Gunn is playing really well but I really want to catch him this time,” added Fung.

Both players also have an eye on qualification for the Barclays Singapore Open from November 8 to 11.

The leading three players on the ASEAN PGA Order of Merit after this event make it through to the US$6 million tournament at Sentosa Golf Club.

Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list while Fung is fifth, although in third qualification spot as two players above him have gained entry via other channels.

However with first place worth US$24,050, second US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50 much could change in the final round.

Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn, 19th on the Merit list and looking leapfrog dozens of players, is in outright third place after shooting 69.

Two strokes further back are Thailand’s Varut Chomchalam (67), Antonio Lascuna (70) from the Philippines, and Indonesian George Gandranata (67) who recovered from a poor showing yesterday to get back in contention for a podium finish.

Defending champion Wisut fired a 72 and is eight behind the leaders.

He is a stroke ahead of Singapore’s Mardan Mamat who carded a 69.

“I have been hitting the ball really well but just can’t hole a putt. It is a short course so that is why scoring is low but you still need to get the putter working,” said the 44-year-old, who won the Philippine Open earlier this year.

Indonesia's number one player Rory Hie (69) continued his charge and climbed further to a share of 20th, just two shots behind countrymen Andi Yatmo (72) and Andik Mauluddin (74).

Leading third round scores (Par 72):

202 Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68 66, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70 67

206 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69 69

208 Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69 67, George Gandranata (INA) 67 74 67, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69 70

209 Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71 72 66, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70 72

210 Jay Bayron (PHI) 72 71 67, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67 72

211 Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70 69

212 S Siva Chandran (MAS) 68 75 69, S. Murthy (MAS) 73 70 69, Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 67 74 71

213 Mohd Rashid Ismail (MAS) 75 70 68, Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 73 70 70, Andi Yatmo (INA) 70 71 72, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70 74

214 Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 72 72 70

215 Rory Hie (INA) 75 71 69, Mohd Hafiy Afiq Suhaili (MAS) 72 70 73

Indonesians Out-Gunn-ed At Palembang Musi Championship

Palembang, October 25 - Gunn Charoenkul stayed in front at the halfway mark of the Palembang Musi Championship displaying a calm coolness that has seen him emerge as one of the stars on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

The Thai carded a two-under-par 70 at Palembang Golf Club to lead the US$150,000 event on nine-under-par 135.

Malaysian Nicholas Fung, second in this event last year, carded a 68 to lie one stroke off the lead.

Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn and Annop Tangkamolprasert finished a stroke further back after returning rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.

In August, Gunn burst through with a brilliant wire-to-wire victory in the Singha Esan Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

It was the 20-year-old’s first win as a professional and he did it by beating Fung in a sudden-death play-off.

On his final hole today he holed a 25-foot birdie putt to once again squeeze ahead of his Malaysian opponent.

“I really didn’t expect to win in Esan. This year I just wanted to work on keeping my Tour card. Winning was a real shock but also a great learning experience,” said Gunn, whose uncle “Tu” is caddying for him.

Gunn, who claimed a title on the Thai PGA Tour last week also in a playoff, has an eye on the top prize and qualification for the Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks.

The leading three players on the Order of Merit after this event qualify for the US$6 million event at Sentosa Golf Club.

Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list but with first place worth US$24,050, second US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50, a host of players are in with a chance.

“This is going to be a tough last two rounds, perhaps more than Esan, because we are chasing a place in the Barclays Singapore Open. I am going to have to keep my head down and stick with the game. However I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself,” added Gunn.

Fung returned a bogey free round to give himself a chance of turning the tables on Gunn.

“I feel very comfortable on this course. I am playing well and feel I have a great chance this week,” said Fung.

The Malaysian is fifth on the Merit list but with two players above him gaining entry into the Singapore Open via other channels he presently holds the third qualifying spot.

He said: “There is a lot at stake but this is what we like to play for. This is what makes it exciting”.

Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat who won this tournament last year by five strokes from Fung made his move by firing a 67.

Wisut, who went on to win the Order of Merit title, moved to six under along with Filipino Antonio Lascuna, who carded a 69.

Singapore’s Mardan Mamat fired a 70 to lie at two under for the tournament. The 44-year-old triumphed in the Philippine Open in February and PGM-CCM Impian Masters in Malaysia in March and will be expected to make a challenge over the next two days.

George Gandranata couldn't repeat the good round from yesterday and dropped to a share of ninth after a round of 74 today. He was surpassed by countrymen Junaidi Ibrahim and Andik Mauluddin who both carded a 70 today and now share 7th place together.

Meanwhile Indonesia's no 1 golfer Rory Hie was able to improve somewhat from his 75 yesterday with a 71 today, but still is in just a share of 39th position at the midpoint.

Leading second round scores (Par 72):

135 Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65 70

136 Nicholas Fung (MAS) 68 68

137 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 68 69, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67 70

138 Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 69 69, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 67

139 Junaidi Ibrahim (INA) 69 70, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 69 70

141 Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 67 74, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 66 75, Andi Yatmo (INA)70 71, George Gandranata (INA) 67 74, Varut Chomchalam (THA) 72 69

142 Mardan Mamat (SIN) 72 70, Mohd Hafiy Afiq Suhaili (MAS) 72 70

Selected:

144 Maan Nasim (INA) 73 71, Hendri Nasim (INA) 72 72, Benny Kasiadi (INA) 72 72

145 Hermawan Indra (INA) 70 75, Edi Sembiring (INA) 76 69, Ilyasyak (INA) 73 72

146 Heri Ki (INA) 71 75, Johannes Dermawan (INA) 74 72, Rory Hie (INA) 75 71

George Gandranata Fighting Thai Invasion In Palembang Musi Championship

Palembang, October 24 - Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to take the first round lead in the Palembang Musi Championship.

Gunn, full of confidence following victory on the Thai PGA Tour last week, made seven birdies at Palembang Golf Club to lead from his compatriot Pawin Ingkhapradit, who shot 66.

Indonesia’s George Gandranata and Annop Tangkamolprasert and Panuwat Muenlek from Thailand are in joint third place after carding 67s.

Boasting prize money of US$150,000 the tournament is the richest event on this year’s ASEAN PGA Tour.

It is also the final counting event for the Barclays Singapore Open with the leading three players on the Order of Merit qualifying for the US$6 million event in two weeks.

Gunn, aged 20, won the Singha Esan Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour in August for his first win since turning professional last year.

He won that event in a play-off, against Malaysian Nicholas Fung, plus he also triumphed in extra time last week in the Sir James Classic and after today’s sizzling round it looks like he will again be challenging for honours.

“Got the birdies going and had a bogey free round so I am happy with that,” said Gunn.

“The greens are a bit slow and the course is not that hard because we are playing preferred lies.”

The talent young Thai is halfway through studying business at Bangkok University and will graduate at the end of 2014.

However, after an impressive start to his professional career he may not need to rely on academic qualifications.

Gunn is presently in third place on the Merit list and his fine first round means he is in a strong position to qualify for the Singapore Open, which will be played from November 8 to 11.

First place this week is worth US$24,050, second is US$16,465 and third US$9,145.50, meaning the race to qualify for Sentosa Golf Club is wide open.

“I really want to make it through to the Barclays Singapore Open. That really is a huge goal this week with so many in with a chance of making it through.”

Gunn says his success is the result of a huge improvement in his putting.

He said: “I have been working really hard on my putting with my father. I have been working on making a bigger arc as I used to have a really short follow through.”

Fung, who was second here last year, returned a 68 along with S. Siva Chandran from Malaysia and Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn.

Piya went out in six-under-par 30 but struggled home in two over.

Defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, winner by five shots last season, came in with a 71 while Indonesia number one Rory Hie carded a 74.

Leading first round scores (Par 72):

65 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA)

66 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA)

67 - George Gandranata (INA), Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA), Panuwat Muenlek (THA)

68 - S Siva Chandran (MAS), Piya Swangarunporn (THA), Nicholas Fung (MAS)

69 - Andik Mauluddin (INA), Borworn Chaisri (THA), Junaidi Ibrahim (INA), Antonio Lascuna (PHI)

70 - Andi Yatmo (INA), Sirapong Maitreeyuenyong (THA), Indra Hermawan (INA), Stephen Lindskog (SWE)

71 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA), Jamel Ondo (INA), Alwie Ramadhan (INA), Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA), Denny A Wijaya (INA), Nguyen Thai Duong (VNM), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Heri KL (INA)

Selected:

72 – Mardan Mamat (SIN), Jay Bayron (PHI)

75 - Rory Hie (INA)

Pulses Racing As Palembang Musi Championship Provides Pathway To US$6 Million Barclays Singapore Open

Palembang, October 23 - The Palembang Musi Championship tees-off this Wednesday on the ASEAN PGA Tour playing an exciting and crucial role in determining who gets to play in the lucrative Barclays Singapore Open in two weeks.

The leading three players from the ASEAN PGA Order of Merit after this week’s tournament gain entry into the US$6 million event and with the prize money for Palembang having been increased to US$150,000 – twice as much as last year – the race is wide open.

Not surprisingly a strong field has entered including Indonesian number one Rory Hie, defending champion Wisut Artjanawat from Thailand, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat and Malaysian Nicholas Fung.

The tournament is being played at Palembang Golf Club and the rise in the purse makes it the most lucrative ASEAN PGA event this season.

Wisut, by virtue of winning last year’s Merit title, has already earned a place in the Singapore Open as has Mamat but the likes of Hie and Fung will be eyeing the US$24,050 first place cheque to see them through to Sentosa Golf Club.

In fact finishing second or third, worth cheques for US$16,465 and US$9,145.50, could also be enough.

“I am really psyched about this week. A top three finish should be able to earn a place in the Barclays Singapore Open,” said Hie, who is in 10th place on the Merit list.

Last week he finished in a tie for 25th in the Kolon Korea Open on OneAsia and the week before that he was equal eighth in the Nanshan China Masters, also on OneAsia.

“I have been playing really well this year and have stepped up a gear from last year,” added Hie.

In Palembang last season Hie was just three off the pace at the halfway stage but a final round two-over-par 74 saw him end in a tie for 12th.

Fung finished second in Palembang five shots behind Wisut and is also excited about the prospect of playing Singapore.

The young man from Sabah is fifth on the Merit list but with two players above him, Merit list leader Thaworn Wiratchant from Thailand and his countryman Thanyakon Khrongpha, having already earned their berths in Singapore through other channels, he presently holds the third qualifying place.

“At this stage I am in but that could all change by Sunday as the prize money is very good this week and a lot of good players are here,” said Fung.

“However I played well here last year and feel I am playing well enough to have a high finish this week.”

Also competing and eager to qualify for Sentosa are Jay Bayron from the Philippines, who is second on the Merit list, and Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, winner of the Singha Esan Open in August and third on the Merit list.

Other fancied runners include Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang and Koh Dengshan, Filipinos Antonio Lascuna and Gerald Rosales and Malaysian Kenneth De Silva.

The Palembang Musi Championship made its debut on the ASEAN PGA Tour last year and was an outstanding success.

It was an event on the domestic circuit for a couple of years but organizers chose to elevate it to a more regional status.

In 2011 it also acted as a teaser for the 26th Southeast Asian Games which was held in Jakarta and Palembang.

Palembang Golf Club will provide an excellent test for competitors who will also be able to enjoy playing what is one of the eldest golf clubs in the country as it was opened in 1926.

Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra Province and is located on the banks of the Musi River. It has a population of nearly 1.5 million and is the nation’s seventh-largest city.

Wisut Cruises To Palembang Win

Palembang, Indonesia, October 16: Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat handled the pressure of leading going into the final round of the US$75,000 Palembang Musi Championship today with consummate ease by strolling to a five stroke victory.

Ahead by one at the start of the day he proved to be uncatchable as he fired a bogey free six-under-par 66 at Palembang Golf Club.

He finished with an impressive four-round aggregate of 17-under-par 271.

Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung took second place after shooting a 69 while a stroke further back were Jay Bayron from the Philippines and Thailand’s Supravee Phatam.

Bayron stormed through with a 64 while Supravee returned 67.

It is Wisut’s third victory on the ASEAN PGA Tour and the US$12,111 winners’ cheque moved him up to third on the Order of Merit from 43rd. The huge leap also puts him into prime position to qualify for the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open as the top seven from the Merit list as of November 6 make it through.

“I felt relaxed and just focused on what I had to do and nothing else. This win puts me on track to be able to work towards playing like this in the big events in the region. I am really happy,” said Wisut.

He made six birdies including on 17 and 18. The only real concern during his round came on the par-four 17th where after a stray tee shot he had to chip sideways into the fairway. Remarkably he then holed his third shot from the fairway to put one hand firmly on the trophy.

“I didn’t panic on 17. I deliberately chipped out so that I only had 50 yards left which is a distance I am very comfortable with. Holing it was a bit of luck though,” added the 29 year old from Bangkok.

On the par-four 18th he finished off in style after nailing his second shot to four feet.

Wisut is a proven winner having won the Thailand PGA Championship last year and in 2008 he won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam and the Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

He turned professional in 2006 after enjoying a distinguished amateur career which saw him claim the individual and team titles in the 2005 Putra Cup.

Playing partner Fung tried valiantly to catch Wisut and was two shots behind at the turn.

However it was not to be and a bogey on the final hole saw him slip further behind.

“I wasn’t feeling well at the start of the week. I had a stomach upset and nearly pulled out so I really am happy to finish second,” said Fung who won US$8,346.
Indonesian veteran Ilyassak, the halfway leader who was one shot behind Wisut after round three, carded a 72. The 46 year old from Aceh ended in sole possession of fifth place to be the leading local player.

The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the US$60,000 Sabah Masters which will be played at Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club from November 3 to 6.
Leading Final Round Scores:

(Par 72)

Indonesian unless stated

271 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 68 66 66

276 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 69 73 65 69

277 - Jay Bayron (PHI) 73 72 68 64, Supravee Phatam (THA) 72 72 66 67

278 - Ilyasyak 68 69 69 72

280 - Tanatchan Puaktes (THA) 68 71 70 71

281 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 66 74 71 70

282 – Jamel Ondo 72 66 73 71

283 - Gerald Rosales (PHI) 76 70 70 67, Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 73 67 72 71

284 - A Abrahamsyah 70 71 73 70

285 - Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 70 72 72 71, Marvin Dumandan (PHI) 72 73 69 71, Rory Hie 73 67 71 74

286 - Maan Nasim 75 71 72 68, Pornlapat Wongchindawest (THA) 74 73 70 69, Ade Sebul 72 71 73 70, Tepphatud Sanawong (THA) 74 70 71 71, Apichai Leelakajornjit (THA) 73 74 68 71

287 - Airil Rizman (MAS) 73 76 67 71

Wisut Takes Control In Palembang

Palembang, Indonesia, October 15: Wisut Artjanawat, the highly-rated Thai golfer who many believe has the ability to succeed at the highest level, took the third round lead in the US$75,000 Palembang Musi Championship today.

He carded a six-under-par 66 at Palembang Golf Club giving him an opportunity to win his third title on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Wisut leads the tournament on 11-under-par 205 by one shot from overnight leader Ilyassak from Indonesia, who fired a 69.

Young Malaysian star Nicholas Fung carded a 65, the lowest round of the week, to move into sole possession of third place two shots behind the leader.

“I have been struggling with my short game for a while but the greens here are a little slower which I prefer. I am holing a lot of putts,” said Wisut.

The 29 year old carded a bogey free round and twice made three birdies in a row from the seventh and later from the 15th.

Wisut is a proven winner having won the Thailand PGA Championship last year and in 2008 he won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam and the Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

He turned professional in 2006 after enjoying a distinguished amateur career which saw him claim the individual and team titles in the 2005 Putra Cup.

In an attempt to take his golf to the next level he re-invented his approach to the game this year.

“I have been working very hard with a mental and physical coach in Thailand. I am improving my fitness so that I don’t get tired so easily. I was getting tired after three rounds and did not have enough energy to finish off a tournament properly. Also I am working on my level of concentration so that I can stay focused and not clutter my mind with too many thoughts,” added the Thai.

Veteran Ilyassak, aged 46, led for most of the day but found water on the par four 17th and made a double bogey.

“That was a careless mistake which I am disappointed about. However, I feel a bit more comfortable going into the final round one shot off the lead,” said the strapping golfer for Aceh.

A five time winner on the local Indonesian circuit he is looking for his first victory on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Fung, who recently claimed back to back titles on the Malaysian Tour, catapulted himself into contention with a brilliant round.

He dropped a shot on the third but then nailed eight birdies despite nursing an upset tummy.

“I have been practicing really hard and it showed today as I hit a lot of shots close and had many short birdies putts. This week has been a bit of a struggle as I have not been feeling that well. I played in the Korea Open last week on OneAsia and I think going from the food there to the food here has upset my stomach. I am feeling better now and looking forward to the final round,” said the 21 year old.

Thailand’s Tanatchan Puaktes returned a 70 and is four back.

Indonesia’s top golfer Rory Hie fired a 71 and is six behind Wisut to give him an outside chance of claiming the title.

Leading Third Round Scores:

(Par 72)

Indonesian unless stated

205 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 68 66

206 - Ilyasyak 68 69 69

207 - Nicholas Fung (MAS) 69 73 65

209 - Tanatchan Puaktes (THA) 68 71 70

210 - Supravee Phatam (THA) 72 72 66

211 - Rory Hie 73 67 71, Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 66 74 71, Jamel Ondo 72 66 73

212 - Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 73 67 72

213 - Jay Bayron (PHI) 73 72 68

214 - Marvin Dumandan (PHI) 72 73 69, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 70 72 72, A Abrahamsyah 70 71 73

215 - Johannes Dermawan 72 73 70, Apichai Leelakajornjit (THA) 73 74 68, Tepphatud Sanawong (THA) 74 70 71, Anthony Fernando (PHI) 69 71 75

216 - Gerald Rosales (PHI) 76 70 70, S Suprapto 76 70 70, Ade Sebul 72 71 73, Airil Rizman (MAS) 73 76 67

Ilyassak Takes Halfway Lead

Palembang, Indonesia, October 14: Veteran Ilyassak loving the local layout but battling from an overdose of coffee moved into the lead in the US$75,000 Palembang Musi Championship today.

He shot a three-under-par 69 at Palembang Golf Club for a two round total of seven-under-par 137.

The 46 year old Indonesian leads by one stroke from compatriot Jamel Ondo.

Ondo shot a 66 in the fifth event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat and Tanutchan Puaktes are a stroke further behind after carding rounds of 68 and 71 respectively.

Ilyassak comes from Aceh where he says his local course is very similar to Palembang.

“The speed of the greens and the course conditions are just like Aceh. I am very comfortable playing here. I am a bit tired though as I have not slept well the past two nights. I have been drinking too much coffee. Last night was really bad as the waiter at the hotel mistakenly gave me an extra strong cup. I couldn’t sleep and felt hungry in the middle of the night,” said Ilyassak.

He has won five times on the local Indonesian circuit during a long career. A win this week would be his most significant so far and judging by the way he played today he has every chance.

The Indonesian fired an eagle, four birdies, a double bogey and a bogey to take command.

“The front nine was very good but I made some mistakes on the back nine. I teed up my ball too high on the par-three 11th and hit a bad tee shot into trouble. I took a double there,” added Ilyassak.

Ondo has been a professional for 10 years and is looking for his first victory.

He played like a winner on the outward half making birdies on one, three, four, seven, eight and nine. A level par back nine ensured he was very much in the hunt.

“My iron play was great and I hit it close on a lot of holes. All my birdie putts where short. I am a teaching professional at Royale Jakarta Golf Club so I love having the opportunity to play in tournaments on the ASEAN PGA Tour,” said Ondo.

Indonesia’s top golfer Rory Hie carded a 67 and is just three behind the leader along with first round leader Somsak Khaoprathum from Thailand who fired 74.

Malaysian Nicholas Fung is five back after coming in with a 73.

The halfway cut was made at six over par meaning that Singaporean amateur Choo Tze Huang surprisingly missed the cut.

Choo, the region’s top amateur having won the individual and team titles in last month’s Putra Cup, shot rounds of 72 and 79 to miss by one. A quadruple bogey eight on the 18th, which was his ninth hole of the day, did most of the damage.

Leading Second Round Scores:

(Par 72)

Indonesian unless stated

137 - Ilyassak 68 69
138 - Jamel Ondo 72 66
139 – Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71 68, Tanutchan Puaktes (THA) 68 71
140 – Rory Hie 73 67, Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 66 74, Wittawat Sae-Ung (THA) 73 67, Anthony Fernando (PHI) 69 71
141 - Abrahamsyah 70 71
142 - Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 70 72, Nicholas Fung (MAS) 69 73
143 - Ade Sebul 72 71, Andik Mauluddin 72 71
144 - Tepphatud Sanawong (THA) 74 70, Supravee Phatam (THA) 72 72, Maman Suherman 72 72,
145 - Borworn Chaisri (THA) 73 72, Johannes Dermawan 72 73, I Irwansyah 74 71, Aminuddin Ali 72 73, Andi Yatmo 73 72, Marvin Dumandan (PHI) 72 73, Jay Bayron (PHI) 73 72

Selected scores:

146 - Gerald Rosales (PHI) 76 70, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 72 74, Varut Chomchalum (THA) 73 73
148 – Jerome Ng (Sin) (a) 76 72
149 – Airil Rizman (MAS) 76 73
151 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) (a) 72 79

Somsak Shines In Palembang

Palembang, Indonesia, October 13: Thailand’s Somsak Khaoprathum experienced the thrill of leading a tournament for the first time in his fledgling career today when he fired a six-under-par 66 on the opening day of the US$75,000 Palembang Musi Championship.

A brilliant five-under-par back nine, which included four birdies in a row from the 14th, at Palembang Golf Club saw him shine in the fifth event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Ilyassak, the elder statesman of Indonesian golf, rolled back the years and carded a 68 to tie for second place with Thailand’s Tanutchan Puaktes.

Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung and Anthony Fernando from the Philippines are a stroke further behind.

“It is my best round as a professional. I felt very relaxed and holed a lot of putts from about 20 feet. I wasn’t thinking about my score too much and so when I finished it was only then I realized that I was leading,” said Somsak.

The 24 year old from Bangkok made the turn in one under before bursting into life on the homeward stretch.

“I have mainly been playing on the local Tour in Thailand this year so it feels great to be able to play overseas for a change. It is exciting and definitely lifted my game today,” added Somsak, who turned professional in 2008.

In contrast to the young Thai leader, Ilyassak has over two decades of experience of playing in tournaments around the region. He has long been one of the most recognizable golfers from his country with his thick distinctive moustache and tall frame.

“This is an old style golf course which I am very used to playing. It gives me a bit of an advantage although it will difficult to keep this going against all these young players,” said the man from Aceh who has won multiple titles in Indonesia.

Ilyassak made five birdies and dropped one stroke.

Fung, one of the pre-tournament favourites having won back to back events on the PGM Tour of Malaysia last month was content with his opening salvo.

“It is a tricky course that requires a sharp short game. It is not a very long course but requires a lot of concentration. It was a good start for me,” said Fung, who claimed last year/s Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

Singapore amateur Choo Tze Huang, winner of the individual and team titles in last month’s Putra Cup, made a solid start after carding a 72 and lies joint 10th with 14 other players.

Indonesia’s Rory Hie, the country’s top golfer, came in with a 73.

The former US college star is another of the favourties this week having finished second this year in the Indonesia PGA Championship and Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta, both of which are on OneAsia.

Leading First Round Scores:

(Par 72)

Indonesian unless stated

(a) denotes amateur

66 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA)
68 – Ilyassak, Tanutchan Puaktes (THA)
69 – Anthony Fernando (PHI), Nicholas Fung (MAS)
70 – Nasin Surachman, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA), A. Abrahamsyah
71 – Wisut Artjanwat (THA)
72 – Andik Mauludin, Maman Suherman, Marvin Dumandan (PHI), Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS), Pavit Tangkamloprasert (THA), Rinaldi Adiandono, Alan Chin (MAS), I Irmansyah,, Ade Sebul, Johannes Dermawan, Choo Tze Huang (SIN) (a), Kasiadi, Aminuddin Ali, Jamel Ondo, Supravee Phatam (THA)

Selected scores:
73 – Rory Hie, Airil Rizman (MAS), Jay Bayron (PHI), Varut Chomchalam (THA)