Burhan sets course record for 1st title

SURABAYA (JP): After struggling for three years on the professional circuit, Burhan Bora from Makasar Golf Club won the Prasidha East Java Open golf title by a stroke at the Ciputra Golf course here yesterday, setting a course record of 66 (33 33).

Burhan, who has represented Indonesia in many major amateur international championships, including the prestigious Putra Cup, Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, gained the ultimate reward as a professional when he walked away with Rp 17,550,000 for his victory.

With no ranking among a field of 65 national pros after a poor showing in the first two rounds with 77 and 78, the 30-year-old Makasar-born Burhan improved his score with 73 Friday and was placed in joint eighth position with a 7-over par-228.

"I really didn't plan to win the event as I was placed a long way behind the leaders and favorite golfers when I began yesterday's game," Burhan told The Jakarta Post.

"With nothing to lose and 11 shots behind the overnight leader Kasiadi, I decided to play aggressively and I was amazed to see the results," said an elated Burhan, who usually only finished among the top eight.

He opened the round yesterday with an even par put and continued his success until reaching the 305 meter par-4 sixth hole with a birdie put.

Spurred on by his birdie shot, Burhan made a good approach when reaching the next hole where he birdied again. And after another par, he went out with the third birdie for a fine 3-under 33.

Burhan shot three other birdies and six pars for another 33 to make a 66, a new course record at the plush golf link which was rated among the best in East Java. The course was designed by American world-class golf architect Andy Dye.

"Ciputra Golf (course) is a complete test of golfers' skills and shot-making ability, as well as a test of their imagination and creativity," Dye said.

One stroke behind the leader at 292 for second place were home favorite Kasiadi (72 76 69 75), winner of the Bukit Darmo Cup last March, and Stephen Lindskog of Sweden (73 74 73 72), champion at the Bali Open last May.

Kasiadi defeated Lindskog at the Bukit Darmo Cup and Lindskog took revenge in Bali.

One shot further back for third place were Bahtiar Sanja, Gimin Suwirjo and first round Iljasak each a 293.

"Despite some shortcomings in organizing the event, I am happy with responses we received from the players who took part in the tournament," said Mansjur Tandiono, president of the Prasidha Group which sponsored the annual competition. "We'll do our best to organize it again next year." (rsl)

Results: 291 - Burhan Bora (Ina) 77 75 73 66 292 - Kasiadi (Ina) 72 76 69 75, Stephen Lindskog (Swe) 73 74 73 72 293 - Bakhtiar Sanja (Ina) 72 74 73 74, Gimin Suwiryo (Ina) 77 71 70 75, Iljasaak (Ina) 70 78 70 75 296 - Sumarno (Ina) 78 75 72 71 303 - Buari (Ina) 72 79 74 78 305 - M Said (Ina) 74 73 79 79, Ahmad (Ina) 73 77 74 81 306 - Asep Capri (Ina) 73 79 77 77, Djoko Setyobudi (Ina) 80 72 76 78 307 - Surisman (Ina) 75 80 75 77, Budiono (Ina) 76 78 78 75, Jonathan Porter (Aus) 79 74 76 78

Amateur: 301 - Suprapto (Ina) 76 77 74 74 305 - Supari (Ina) 84 85 82 82 307 - Sahid (Ina) 75 79 76 79