Maan to challenge world stars in Super Tour

JAKARTA (JP): Golfing enthusiasts will again have the chance to watch world class players Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Jesper Parnevik in action when they take on Asia's top golfers, including Indonesia's Maan Naasim, in the Johnnie Walker Super Tour at the Emaralda Golf Country Club in December.

Wales' Woosnam, England's Faldo, South Africa's Els and Sweden's Parnevik will be joined by Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit, the Philippines' Felix Casas, Taiwanese rising amateur star Hong Chia-yuh and Indonesia's 1996 top money earner Maan in the innovative and unique eight-man tournament.

Unfortunately, local golfing buffs will not get to watch the whole four days because the tournament will be played over six days, from Dec. 9, with each of the four rounds being played in a different country.

Rounds will be played in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan.

After first round at the Emaralda layout, players will board a chartered jet for Bangkok's Panya Indira Golf Club on Dec. 11.

Round three is Dec. 13 at Boracay's new Fairways and Bluewater Resort and Country Club in the Philippines, and the players will tee off again the next day at Taiwan's Ta Shee Golf and Country Club.

United Distillers' director for Asia, Steven Foxroft, said "the Johnnie Walker Super Tour is golf's boldest new initiative. Johnnie Walker's progressive and innovative approach to golf is nowhere more evident than in the sponsorship of this unique tournament."

The rigors of constant travel combined with competitive golf will challenge even the most hardened tour players.

First place in the Super Tour is US$100,000 with the runner-up receiving $65,000. No player goes home empty-handed, with eighth place worth $10,000.

Indonesia Golf Association's secretary general, Taufik Aziz, said "Maan was chosen to represent Indonesia because of his number one national ranking".

Maan started the year strongly finishing fifth at the Bukit Darmo Open in Surabaya and the Satelindo Indonesia Open at the Jagorawi course. He then came second in the Bali Open in May.

Last year's competitors were Scotland's Colin Montgomerie Fiji's Vijay Singh, Taiwan's Lin Keng-chi, South Korea's Park Nam-sin, Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol, Els, Woosnam and Casas. Els won last year's by going 19 under after a playoff.

The Super Tour is part of Johnnie Walker International Golf Program.

The Scotch whisky company's program includes the Johnnie Walker Classic, the Ryder Cup and the Johnnie Walker International Club Championship which will be at the Emaralda golf club on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 this year. (rsl)