Indonesia stays on top in golf event

By Robert Soelistyo

JAKARTA (JP): Despite a strong challenge from close rivals in both the men's and ladies' events at the SEA Games golf competition, Indonesia remained at the top of the standings going into today's final matches at Matoa Nasional Golf and Country Club in South Jakarta yesterday.

Headed by veteran Sukamdi, Indonesia carded a three-day total team score of 638 (212 209 217), seven shots ahead of arch-rival Thailand with 645 (218 212 215) in second place. The Philippines, who have been tipped as one of the favorites, was third after collecting 650 (220 220 210).

The women's event was led by national leading golfer Ani Iman, who carded yesterday's best score of 71 (34 37) and re-affirmed Indonesia's top position with a two-day team total of 291 (146 145).

The Philippines was in second place with 293 (248 245) followed by Malaysia in third place carding a total score of 299 (149 150).

An in-form Sukamdi, who carded an even-par 72 (35 37), his worst score after three days of competition, was still strong enough for his team to remain in the lead.

"I don't know why my putting was so poor the whole round today (Thursday)," said Sukamdi, repeating the cliche, "That's golf".

Old buddies, in the team for many major international events including the Putra Cup and the Asian Games, Dana Mahmud and Denny Supriadi, helped Sukamdi retain the top position after carding 73 and 72 respectively yesterday for 217.

The Philippines yesterday stole some of the thunder when Gerald Rosales carded the day's best score of 67 (32 35) -- just one shot off the course record. Teammate Edgardo Cantada collected 70 (33 37) and Rogelio Ill Lao 73 for a total score of 210, the best total score overall after three days of competition.

Yesterday also saw Malaysia (213) and Thailand (215) manage to collect better total scores than Indonesia (217), but they came too late as Indonesia was already ahead by nine shots entering yesterday's round.

If they can keep up the form they produced yesterday and if the host players can not make better scores, Indonesia's bid to win the SEA Games golf title it has been trying to get for 10 years may be in danger.

Ten years ago in the 1977 SEA Games at the Jakarta Golf Club, Indonesia was in the lead by eight shots on entering the final day but was beaten by one stroke in the final by the Philippines. One year later, also at the same venue, Indonesia was again in a commanding lead by eight shots but was again beaten by one point by Thailand in the Putra Cup.

Ladies event

Ani, the most seasoned player in the ladies team, also lead the standing in the individual event after carding a two-day total of 143 (72 71).

Filipina leading golfer, Dorothy Joy Delasin, was second with 144 (72 72) followed by Indonesia's Sri Retno Purwandari with a 148 (74 74).

"I really don't know what strategy we will use for tomorrow's (Friday) final. Let's just see what the situation on the field is like," said Ani with a big smile.

Ani, Retno and Titi are Indonesia's best young hopes and have been preparing to replace their seniors for some eight years.

"What we have been doing over the years can be seen now. I hope they can play even better in the final," said Taufic Aziz, Indonesia Golf Association secretary-general.