110 golfers to play at Bukit Darmo

JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and ten professional and amateur golfers will compete in the Bukit Darmo Golf Open in Surabaya, East Java, from March 19 to March 22.

Tournament director Avie Oetomo said in Surabaya on Thursday that golfers at the tournament, at the Bukit Darmo golf course, would vie for a Rp 50 million (US$22,500) cash prize.

Seventy professionals, including Jonathan Porter and Patrick Davis of Australia and Steven Leadcock of Sweden, and 40 amateurs have entered the tournament.

"This will be the biggest golf tournament ever held in Indonesia. The Aceh Open and the Jakarta Circuit only give a total prize of Rp 40 million," Avie was quoted by Antara as saying.

Avie said the tournament would use a cut-off system so that only the top 20 golfers would make it through to the third and final rounds.

"The golfers have to do their best from the tee off since only 20 golfers will be eligible for the third round. This tournament helps the golfers improve their playing skills and at the same time is a good experience for the amateur golfers," Avie said.

Kasiyadi, the champion of last year's tournament, said he was ready to give his best and was optimistic about winning this year.

"I will try my best to defend my title since I am quite familiar with the Bukit Darmo course," Kasiyadi said. (lnt)