JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-two teams from 16 countries will grace the posh Bumi Serpong Damai layout for both the Putra Cup and Sirikit Cup amateur golf championships.

This marks the first time in the 34 year histories of Asia's most prestigious amateur golfing events that they have been held in the same country.

The Putra Cup, named after the first Malaysian prime minister, will be played over 72 holes starting on May 17. The Sirikit Cup, named after the Queen of Thailand, is contested over 3-days of play from May 18 to 20.

Indonesia, which has won the event four times in 1977, 1978, 1988 and in 1992, will be headed by veteran Sukamdi, who has played in the Putra Cup for the last seven years.

"I hope Sukamdi can inspire his younger teammates in our bid to reclaim the title from the hands of Singaporean golfers," Indonesia Golf Association (PGI) secretary, Taufik Aziz, said.

Sukmadi will be joined by Bahtiar, Dana Mahmud and Deny Supriadi.

Last year's championship was hosted by Hong Kong and was a soggy one, with only 54 holes played due to rain and gales.

In the last two Indonesian triumphs, in Papua New Guinea in 1988 and in Brunei four years later Sukamdi was also the champion in the individual event.

Sirikit Cup

Australia has been tipped to regain the Sirikit Cup title it won last year in Perth, with the teams from South Korea and Japan rated as tough challengers.

The Sirikit Cup is returning here after 14 years. Indonesia hosted the event in 1979 one year after its inauguration which was also won by the Australian women.

"I think if our team could manage to finish among the best five among the 13 teams it would be a good achievement," Taufik said.

Host Indonesia has named Ani Iman, Retno Mustari and Elly Mulani to represent their country.

The other teams are China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand.

The four-day event is jointly organized by PGI, Garuda Indonesia and HM Sampoerna. (rsl)