Indonesia to host three Asian golf tournaments
Indonesia to host three Asian golf tournaments
JAKARTA (JP): The participation of world rated golfers in the 1995 Sampoerna Indonesia Open is expected to boost local pro players in their efforts to develop their skill in the game, a top official of the Indonesia Golf Association (PGI) said.
Hale Irwin of the United States, New Zealand's Frank Nobilo who won last year's event, and American Todd Hamilton, champion of the Thai Open last week, are among foreign golfers who have confirmed their entry. The Thai Open was the opening leg of this year's Asian Tour which is made up of 16 tournaments, five more than previous years.
Irwin, 49, was the US Open champion in 1974, 1979 and 1990.
"I think our golfers have the opportunity to learn a lot when they play against such big names," PGI secretary Taufik Aziz said yesterday.
He said Indonesia will host three of the 16 events in the Asian Tour this year with each offering a handsome cash prize of US$250,000.
The posh par-72 Pantai Indah Kapuk will once again be the venue of the Sampoerna Indonesia Open due to tee off on March 15 until 19. The layout located in North Jakarta also hosted the competition last year.
The giant cigarette manufacturing company was the major sponsor of the annual tournament in 1993 held in the Bali Golf and Country Club.
The other two competitions are Sempati Bali Open to be staged at the Bali Golf & Country Club from March 23 to 26 and the Tugu Pratama PGA scheduled to be held at the Damai Indah Golf & Country Club on Nov. 9 through 12.
Following the opening leg in Thailand, the Asian Tour will move to Sabah in Malaysia, then to Davao City in the Philippines for the third leg. Before reaching Jakarta, the Tour will go to India and Kuala Lumpur. The Sabah Masters is one of this year's additions to the Tour.
Host Indonesia has the privilege to field ten golfers without going through selection. They are Kasyadi, the 1987 Indonesia Open champion, Maan Naasim, Ilyas Syak, Gemi Subagio, Budiono, Buari, Gimin Suwiryo, Warnoka, Djunaedi Alex and Sumarno. (rsl)