Acehnese golfer turns up trumps

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Experience finally proved to be the most substantial factor as Ilyassak, who has been golfing competitively for over 20 years both at home and abroad, won the 5th Pemuda Pancasila Cup on Friday with 10-under total of 278 (70 72 67 69) at Matoa Nasional Golf Club (MNG) in Ciganjur, South Jakarta.

His closest rival, the country's young gun Indra Hermawan, a member of MNG who turned pro just last year, could not hold his 2-shot lead after the third round as Ilyassak, a member of Damai Indah Golf, overpowered him with a strong final round 3-under 69.

Indra finished in a tie for second place, at 280 overall, with one of Indonesia's leading golfers, Maan Nasim from Sawangan Golf Club.

Those three battled the whole way on Friday for the top cash prize of Rp 27,835,000 in the Rp 150 million (US$19,500) annual event organized by the Indonesian Pro Golfers Association (PGPI).

The Aceh-born Ilyassak shot four birdies on Friday, at the 10th, 11th, 13th and 18th to go with one bogey on the par-5 14th. He nearly had an eagle on the final hole just missing a 15-foot putt.

"I am very happy with the title and the cash prize I'll be able to use it for Lebaran," an elated Ilyas said, referring to the upcoming religious holiday season.

Indra, despite playing on his home course, looked unsure on many of the greens.

He had to be content with a 1-over 73 (37 36) on Friday and the tie with Maan whose total score ended on 280 (69 71 71 69).

Dana Mahmud from Damai Indah Golf, who took the lead after the second round on Wednesday finished fourth with a four-day total score of 4-under 284 (69 68 72 75).

In the amateur event, Hendri Nasim, whose mentor is Maan (his uncle), finished with the best score with a 4-day total even-par 288 (72 74 72 70). Hendri will represent Banten province at the National Games next year in Palembang, South Sumatra.