16 local golfers to play in Tugu Pratama c'ship
16 local golfers to play in Tugu Pratama c'ship
JAKARTA (JP): Sixteen Indonesian pro golfers are eligible to
play next month in the US$300,000 Tugu Pratama PGA Championship
1997.
The Indonesia Golf Association's secretary-general, Taufik
Azis, told a press conference yesterday that Kasiadi, Maan Nasim
and Ilyasyak, the country's best hopes, are expected to fare well
in the championship.
Kasiadi, who is placed 31st in the Omega Tour, is expected to
finish in the top 10 in the championship.
About 10 Asian top golfers, including Jeev Singh of India, Zaw
Moe of Myanmar, Prayat Marksaeng of Thailand and Park No-seok of
South Korea, will also compete in the championship, which became
a part of the Omega Tour since last year.
The championship, which will take place from Nov. 26 to Nov.
29, will be staged at the Bumi Serpong Damai golf course,
Tangerang.
Taufik said that this year, the organizers decided not to
invite world top players but give more places to Asian golfers.
"Only 30 percent of players from outside Asian golfers will
compete in the championship," he said.
Taufik said the championship will emphasize on improving Asian
golfers' ranking in the Omega Tour.
"Now, from the top 20 in the Omega Tour, 10 are Asians. We
hope that one of the Indonesian golfers will soon join the top 20
in the tour," he said.
Sonny Dwi Harsono, the Tugu Pratama Indonesia president
director, said the increase of prize money, from $250,000 to
$300,000, is to make the event more interesting for pro golfers
to compete in the annual event.
Meanwhile Joy Safelo, executive captain of the course, said
the long dry season has not affected the course for the
championship.
"We prepared the course two months ago and despite the dry
season, I think it's ready for use," he said.
Matoa Open
Maan Naasim from Sawangan golf club took an early lead in the
Rp 50 million Matoa Nasional Open by four strokes after finishing
a perfect 5-under par-67 (33 34) yesterday.
Maan, who had been playing poorly when he was sent abroad,
including the Omega Tour around the Asian region and the BMW Open
in Germany a few months ago, looked set to eradicate the futile
image by carding the day's best score.
The 5-under total came from five birdies in the 3rd, 7th, 9th,
13th and 17th and a brilliant final shot in the 18th with an
eagle.
Bunched and tied at second place, with 1-under-par-71,
includes national leading player Kasiadi from Surabaya's Yani
Golf Club who went out with a 39 and came home with a 32.
"My putting was very poor, which punished me with a poor
finishing. I'll try to do my best tomorrow (today)," said
Kasiadi, who in 1989, made golf history by winning the Indonesian
Open title.
Other players who shared the second placing are Ilyasak from
JGC (36 35), M. Sura from Sawangan golf club (37 34), Burhan from
Makasar Golf Club (36 35) and Eddi Sembiring (35 36).
Burhan Bura was the Prasidha East Java Open surprise champion
played in the Ciputra Golf & Keluarga in Surabaya last August
with a 3-over 291 (77 75 73 66).
The Matoa Nasional golf course is located some 45 km south of
the capital, which was the venue for the 19th SEA Games golf
competition concluded last week.
The organizers will also stage the pro-am tournament on Nov.
30, which will provide $20,000 prize money.
The amateur event saw host golfer Sofyan Idup lead joined top
spot with Denny Supriadi, Aan Suryadi, Nasim Surachman and Jemin
Saputra, each with a 75. (yan/rsl)
Selected results:
67 - Maan Naasim
71 - Kasiadi, M. Sura, Burhan Bora, Edi Sembiring, Ilyasaak
72 - Sanusi, Sudihartono
74 - Budi Djumadi, Bachtiar Sanja, Gimin Suwiryo, Junaidi Alex,
Acep Caprie
75 - Stephen Atako-Lindskog, MT Anto, Jayadi