M. Rashid Ismail wins West Java Open

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Malaysia's M. Rashid Ismail proved unbeatable at the West Java Open golf tournament, winning by 13 strokes over Dana Mahmud of Jakarta and South Korean amateur Cho Min at the Satelindo Golf Course in Bogor, some 60 kilometers south of here, on Friday.

Ismail booked an even par 72 on the final day to chalk up an overall 11-under 277 for the tournament, which began on Tuesday.

Mahmud and Cho finished tied for second place at 2-over 290.

Going into the final round on Friday with an 11 stroke lead, Ismail got off to a nervous start with a bogey on the second hole and a double-bogey on the third.

He regained his composure and dropped an eagle putt on the par-5 sixth hole and a birdie on the par-3 seventh, finishing the front nine with a 1-over 37.

Ismail finished the back nine with one birdie and eight pars for a 1-under 35, clinching the first prize of Rp 35 million (US$3,888).

For his efforts Dana earned Rp 20 million while Cho, as an amateur, did not receive any of the Rp 200 million in prize money that was up for grabs.

Finishing in third place was another Malaysian golfer, P. Gunasagaran, who like Ismail is a familiar face on the Indonesian golfing scene. He pocketed Rp 14.9 million for his total score of 3-over 291 (73 75 71 72).

"I am happy that I can play golf in Indonesia, and for sure I will be back here for another championship. Indonesia is a safe haven to play a round of golf," an elated Ismail said.