Medco-Pondok Indah Golf 2026 Returns as a Platform for Young Golf Talents

Jakarta – The Medco-Pondok Indah International Amateur Golf Championship 2026 is not merely a contest for amateur golfers, but also envisaged as a platform for the emergence of Indonesia’s next golf stars on the international stage. The tournament, which will take place at Pondok Indah Golf Course from 14 to 16 July, has again been included in the Asian-Pacific amateur golf calendar as recognised by the Persatuan Golf Indonesia (PGI) and the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). “We are not chasing the number of participants, but the quality of players who meet the criteria to enter the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR),” said Deputy Chairman of the Pondok Indah Golf Club, Herry Winarno, at a press conference at Pondok Indah Golf Course on Tuesday. The tournament can accommodate 124 participants with handicap limits of eight for men and ten for women. To date, 53 golfers have registered. Registration for the tournament has been open from 1 May to 15 June 2026. The championship is open to male and female golfers aged 13 to 30 as of 14 July 2026. In addition to having a World Handicap System (WHS) handicap index, participants who do not have a handicap card are required to submit six scoring cards from rounds played between November 2025 and April 2026 for processing by the organisers. According to Herry, the presence of overseas golfers is important to enhance national players’ competitiveness while also strengthening the tournament’s status as one of Asia-Pacific’s prestigious amateur events. “We hope there are still other Asia-Pacific countries that will register as there is about one month left until the event,” he said. The event will also feature several prominent national amateur golfers. Defending men’s champion Randy Bintang is expected to return to defend his title, while defending women’s champion Elaine Widjaja (2023 and 2024) will make a comeback after missing last year’s edition. Coordinator for Regions Java, Kalimantan, and Bali, Organisation Division of the PGI, Budi Mangundap, said the tournament plays an important role in regenerating national golf athletes. “This tournament provides an excellent competitive experience for young players to improve their quality. From competitions like this, many potential players are produced,” said Budi. He cited a number of young Indonesian golfers who have progressed through amateur competition and are now starting to make their mark at the international level, including contributing silver and bronze medals at the SEA Games 2025. Meanwhile, MedcoEnergi representative Ervan Tedriyal emphasised the company’s commitment to continuing supporting the development of young athletes through the tournament. Pondok Indah Golf Course Director Erry Arsyad added that they would prepare a more challenging course to provide a competitive experience for all participants. “We want this tournament to be an impressive experience for amateur golfers and to continue developing into a prestigious event in the region,” Erry said.