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)