Lindskog reserved about Olympic Open prospect
Lindskog reserved about Olympic Open prospect
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Reigning golf champion Stephen Atako Linskog appeared reserved about his prospect of defending his title at the upcoming Olympic Open tournament, which will start at the end of next month.
"I have not bothered myself with setting a goal. I won't. Enjoy golf. That's it," Linskog, from Sweden, told The Jakarta Post after a press conference here on Thursday.
Lindskog, who has made Indonesia a stopping point for his golf career after having stayed here for seven years, has became the player to beat in Indonesia with many tournaments victories to his name.
His victories include winning the Olympic Open twice, in Bogor in 1999 and Surabaya in 2001.
Despite his strong presence, Lindskog signaled he would not take the upcoming championship for granted, given the fact that it is the first time he has competed at the event venue -- Cikarang Golf & Country Club.
"I have never played there before," he said. "I will try it out a week before the tournament. Maybe for two or three days. That's enough for me to test a new field," he added.
The tournament, which is scheduled for July 29 to Aug. 2, will offer a record Rp 450 million (US$53,000) in Indonesia. There has been a consistent increase in prize money provided by the Olympic Open organizers every year since it was first played in 1999.
"Hopefully, the large amount of money will be able to lure not only local players but also those from overseas. This is for the sake of golf development in the country," said Agus Soelewah, the chairman of the organizing committee.
The tournament features 120 golfers, 20 of whom are from overseas, according to Avie K. Utomo, a committee official.
The foreign participants include Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and 2000 champion Wang Ter Chiang of Chinese Taipei. Other visitors will come from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
"We expect 54 out of the nation's top 60 professional players to turn up," Avie said.
Among local entrants will be Indra Hermawan, Iin Setiawan and Wahyu Widarsa. The three only turned pro this year.
"This will be my first experience as a pro. And it is an international event where I'm up against foreign players," Wahyu, who underwent a two-year training stint in the United States, said.
Wahyu added he had played almost 10 times in Cikarang, 50 kilometers east of here, but he refused to single out one hole as the most challenging.
"All holes are hurdles to clear," he said.