Golf Indonesia - Issue 20

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ISSUE 20

DECEMBER 2014

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golfindonesia.biz December 2014

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CONTRIBUTORS' PROFILE

CONTENTS

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W W W.GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ

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Editor Simon Reynolds simon@golfindonesia.biz Management Edo Frese edo@golfindonesia.biz Group Editor in Chief Angela Richardson angela@golfindonesia.biz Editorial Assistant Gabriella Panjaitan gabriella@golfindonesia.biz Sales & Marketing Betty De Haan Dian Mardianingsih

ADAM TAYLOR Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Adam graduated from the Australian PGA as a full member professional with a Diploma in Golf Instruction in 2005.

Having been based at Royale Jakarta Golf Club for the past two years, Adam has devoted his passion and knowledge of the game to improving players of all levels and ages. His instructional techniques have featured in several television golf programs and golf magazines. He looks forward to improving your game through Golf Indonesia Magazine and at Ancora Golf Institute, Royale Jakarta.

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Arron Cole Anthony King John Rozelle Adam Taylor Circulation Enquiries info@golfindonesia.biz Subscription

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GOLF EQUIPMENT TaylorMade RSi Irons arrive in Indonesia: Nobody is Perfect!

By Simon Reynolds

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GOLF FITNESS Improved Athleticism Through Mobility

By John Rozelle

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LOCAL NEWS Indonesian Ryder Cup

By Anthony King

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ON TOUR Mardan Completes Runaway Six-Shot Victory at Resorts World Manila Masters

TIPS Short Game Techniques for Around the Greens

By Adam Taylor

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LOCAL NEWS Indonesian Junior Golf Program

By Arron Cole

STATS AND FACTS A Look at the Champions Tour in Numbers!

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CLASSIFIEDS + AGENDA

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ON TOUR Khan Seals Stylish Win at The Chiangmai Golf Classic Presented

by PTT

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Katarina Anindita

Contributors

ON TOUR Magical Moore Retains Title at CIMB Classic

GOLF EQUIPMENT Distance Without Compromise: Titleist Introduces New 915 Drivers

ON TOUR Chowrasia Caps Remarkable Comeback to Win Panasonic Open India

Frederick Ng

JOHN ROZELLE John Rozelle is a native of Los Angeles and one of Indonesia's top CrossFit coaches. As an active athlete his whole life in both competitive team and extreme sports, he has always enjoyed coaching. He is passionate about helping people understand the practical application of fitness science to develop athleticism.

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Nina Wyvar

Lini Verawaty

PGTI PLAYER PROFILE William Sjaichudin BySimon Reynolds

ON TOUR ADT Press Relsease Sattaya Cruises to Victory at PGM UMW Impian Championship

ON TOUR Watson's Moments of Brilliance Seal Win at WGC-HSBC Champions

Distribution

Finance & Admin

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Graphics

FEATURED COURSE REVIEW Padang Golf Halim II

By Simon Reynolds

EDITOR'S NOTE

Benny Kasaidi won, that we witness a local Indonesian champion? Nonetheless, this is Indonesia’s moment to shine, where all the months of preparation, practice and playing will pay off. 23 of Indonesia’s top professionals will be competing alongside 11 of Indonesia’s top amateurs in a total field of 144 golfers.

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We look forward to witnessing the drama and writing about an Indonesian champion in next month’s editorial.

Events events@golfindonesia.biz Classifieds classifieds@golfindonesia.biz Published by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia Jl. Kemang Raya No. 29A Kemang, Jakarta – Indonesia Phone: 021-7179-4550 Fax: 021-7179-4546 Office Hours: 09.00 – 17.00 Monday – Friday Golf Indonesia is published by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia.

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and the publisher does not accept any responsibility

ANTHONY KING Anthony is the archetypal expat who started his globe-trotting back in the late 70s. Having visited and played golf in all bar one continent he is still trying to find the course that suits a left handed golfer. His company is based in Singapore but he remains a member of JGCC and several of the local golfing societies.

for any errors, ommisions, or complaints arising there from.

No parts of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part, in print or electronically without permission of the publisher. All trademarks, logos, brands and designs are copyright and fully reserved by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia.

ON THE COVER

Hole # 4, 171m Par 3, Riverside Golf Club

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED WITH THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE RECYCLE IT.

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December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

LOCAL NEWS The Borobudur Classic From Borobudur International Golf Club, Magelang, Central Java: 18–21 November 2014

Arron Cole Currently the Director of Instruction for Asia Golf Institute and Indonesian Junior Golf Head Coach.

A fully qualified PGA High performance coach for 22 years creating: Tour, NCAA, National and Provisional Champions in 6 different countries. An expert in creating great players from all walks of life and every background and body type. Building on each players strengths and limiting their weaknesses to make them solid tournament players.

As we draw to the close and finale of the 2014 season of golf here in Indonesia, we have the final swan song to look forward to. The Bank BRI Indonesian Open 2014 from Damai Indah Golf’s PIK course sanctioned by the Asian Tour from the 4th–7th December. The Indonesian Open is Indonesia’s most prestigious and oldest professional golf tournament, which was first held in 1974 and in the first year won by Filipino golfer Ben Arda.

Since the first event, the Indonesian Open has witnessed champions from all over the world, many of which are household names internationally and in Asia; the late Payne Stewart won in 1981, the New Zealander Frank Nobilo won it twice whilst playing on the Asian Tour in 1994 and 1997.

Perhaps the most memorable year was 2005 under the name of The Enjoy Jakarta Standard Chartered Indonesia Open presented by Carlsberg, played at Cengkareng, when Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant ran away setting the open record with a total score of 255, 25 under par.

The Indonesian professional golf circuit keeps getting better and better - turn to page 10 & 11 to read up on the inaugural Borobudur Classic, an official ASEAN PGA tour event which was played at Borobudur International in November.

The course is located close to Borobudur temple and this stunning parkland course should feature on any avid golfer’s list whilst passing through Central Java. The ASEAN PGA is dominated by Thailand’s up-and-coming professional golfers, and for many acts as a stepping stone before they head for the Asian Tour. The 2014 champion of this inaugural event was won by Thailand’s Supravee Phatam, yet it was encouraging to see three Indonesian players finishing in the top 10. More events like this is a must, as our top local players will learn from and see how they can improve their games in order to win on Asia’s professional tours.

Last but not least, the week after the Bank BRI Indonesian Open, Indonesia’s Top 30 professionals will gather for the Indonesian Golf Tour Championship, modelled on the FedExCup Championships and the Race to Dubai from the PGA and European Tours. PGTI’s top 30 players will have one final shot at some prize money and a chance to put the icing on their cakes from this inaugural year of PGTI’s Indonesian Golf Tour.

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Professional golfers dream of playing and winning in their national opens and this year will see Indonesia’s top professionals, alongside a handful of the most talented amateurs, competing against the best players from the Asian Tour. In case you were not aware, this year’s Open will also feature three-time major winner Padraig Harrington.

After the inaugural year of the PGTI's Indonesian Golf Tour, it is clear that the standard of the local players' games has vastly improved. Several Indonesian players have been competing well and featuring high up the leader boards in Asian Tour, One Asia, ADT and ASEAN PGA events.

Could this be the first year since 1989, when

“What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive.”

-Arnold Palmer

Happy New Year from Golf Indonesia and see you all in 2015!

Simon Reynolds

golfindonesia.biz December 2014

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FEATURED COURSE REVIEW

BY SIMON REYNOLDS

Padang Golf Halim II COURSE INFORMATION

Padang Golf Halim II Societies Societies welcome.

Contact marketing dept. for arrangements.

Greens Fees (Publish Rates 18 Holes walking) All rates inclusive of Insurance, Caddy Fee & 10% PPN Tax (not including golf cart) Monday–Thursday: Rp. 301,000 Monday after 12pm: Rp. 270,000 Friday: Rp 312,000 Saturday / Sunday / Public Holiday: Rp. 543,000 Sunday after 12pm: Rp. 433,000 Closing Fees (please contact golf club for details) Memberships available (please contact golf club for details) Facilities Clubhouse Restaurant, Driving Range, Short Game Practice Areas, Locker Rooms, VIP / Function Rooms, Pro Shop, Half-way House Shelter’s, Spa Service, Golf Carts Location Jalan Skadron Halim, Perdanakusuma, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia Contact Phone: 8000793 – 8090729 – 8005762 – 8007523 E-mail: halimgolf@gmail.com Website: www.halimgolfclub.com Course 18 holes, Par 72 Black Tees 6,508m / Course Rating 74.0 / Slope Rating 130 Blue Tees 6,215m / Course Rating 72.2 / Slope Rating 128 White Tees 5,842m / Course Rating 70.1 / Slope Rating 124 Red Tees 5,257m / Course Rating 72.3 / Slope Rating 126

On hole #17, the long tree-lined par-3 at 221m it feels like Augusta National It is very green and zen-like at Halim II. Here is a corridor of large trees on Hole 17

Introduction Padang Golf Halim II (Halim II) is located on the Indonesian Air Force base south of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. It was built in 1971, alongside its sister course Halim I. The course is easy to get to, taking the Taman Mini Indonesia exit, having entered the Jagorawi toll road, so early morning the course is very easy to get to for Jakarta residents, in around 30 minutes from the SCBD district. Run by the Air Force and with male caddies, many of which have been there from the start, Halim II is a traditional course unlike the glamorous courses further up the toll road. The course is fun to play, with meandering tree-lined fairways, the copious amounts of greenery on-site creating an oasis of zen, which is a blessing so close to congested Jakarta.

Course The course plays 6,508m from the back tees.

Hardly short, the 230m par-3 17th may just be the longest par-3 in Indonesia and will have some players hitting drivers or 3-woods to the green. A walk along the fairways of holes 16 and holes 17 give golfers a feeling of being teleported into another country - it's really magical.

Like all the original Indonesian courses, Halim II uses the elephant grass variety, not the modern day grass like Bermuda found on upmarket modern day courses; disliked by some, but natural to Indonesian climatic conditions. Although the course stays open seven days a week, one will never find the course in bad nick. Fairways are mowed evenly and greens kept at a consistently slow speed - don’t expect slippery greens here.

Adopt a putting style with some added ‘wrist cock and pop’ to putt well here.

Nonetheless, the abundance of trees and plant life, lakes, ponds and aero-nautical relics - like space shuttles and jet planes create a dreamy, yet picturesque oasis of beauty, tranquility and calm.

The signature hole must be the classic par-4, hole #5 - playing about 345m, the fairway

a small pro-shop where you can pick up last minute essentials before heading to the first tee, equipped with golf balls, tees, markers golf gloves, golf hats, and golf shirts. There are also some interesting second-hand golf clubs available (whether or not they are authentic products I am not sure).

Compared to the modern, more luxurious courses further up the Jagorawi toll road, Halim II does not offer massage and spa services, or VIP rooms, Jacuzzi rooms, saunas that today’s Jakarta-based golfer has grown used to expecting. Yet it is fair to say the lack of luxury is reflected in the great green fee price at Halim II. plays uphill from the tee box, with large trees left and right. Hit the ball too close left or right and the old trees' branches will restrict you from playing a high shot to the green and you’ll be forced to go under. It’s not long but requires a straight drive or 3-wood to position yourself well enough to get on the green in regulation. Hole # 16, a sharp dogleg right par-5, plays at less 521m. The brave and the Tiger line is cut the corner with a long drive will have a shot at the green in two, otherwise play left and settle for on the green in three shots. Many of Halim II’s tee shots require shot shaping skills, a fade to the left or a draw to the right.

Hole #8 is also a dogleg right, playing very short at just 444m. Cut the corner and over the lake with a driver and you will have a good chance for an eagle, however firing to the green in two towards the smallest green onsite is challenging.

Facilities The course is somewhat dated, as it appears not much has changed since its opening in 1971. Nonetheless, Halim II is not about luxury; it’s a modest public course and golfers will have everything they require on site: ample changing room facilities, a decent clubhouse restaurant and also driving range and short-game practice areas.

There is a large atrium area in the centre of the clubhouse, which would be perfect for prize-giving ceremonies during golf tournaments and golf events. There is also

Ambience With its location on the Indonesian Air Force base, adjacent to Halim Airport and its establishment in the early 1970s, Halim II is by all means old-school in its charm.

Yes, there are female caddies but they are sparing; the caddie shack is dominated by mature caddies who have been pulling trolleys here for many years. If you fancy a round of golf in pleasant surroundings, for a good price, Halim II ticks all the right boxes. It’s not lavish and spectacular; it’s a well-designed course, with many interesting holes that will provide the setting for 18 holes of traditional walking golf, just 30 minutes from your apartment in Central Jakarta. It’s escapism from 21st century life at its best here in Jakarta. A golf course to slow down your clocks, and to re-energize.

Value A full 5/5 stars for value. Halim II is Rp.300,000 all-in weekdays and approx Rp.550,000 all-in at weekends. Considering its close proximity to the SCBD area and the beauty of the course, it really is fantastic value.

The time saved not stuck in a traffic jam is somewhat priceless nowadays. For US$50 dollars for 18 holes of walking golf during weekends and its public course status, Halim II offers humble golfers a real golfing treat in Jakarta, where playing golf is top of the agenda, not entertainment.

COURSE RATING

76%

COURSE FACILITIES CADDIES AMBIENCE VALUE

GOLF INDONESIA RATING

19/25

‹ The view from Tee Box hole #8, tree-lined fairway, dog-leg right, uphill par-5 at 444m 4

December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

PGTI PLAYER PROFILE

BY SIMON REYNOLDS

Meet the Golfer

William Sjaichudin

William Sjaichudin teeing off in full flow during his final round 65 at the Ciputra Golfpreneur ADT event, August 21st–24th: Photo courtesy of An An Arto

I had the pleasure to meet William Sjaichudin on one of his practice days at Royale Jakarta, as he prepared diligently for the BRI Bank Indonesian Open from 4th – 7th of December 2014 from Damai Indah’s PIK Course. William Sjaichudin’s first year as a professional has had its highs and lows for the 24-year-old. A final round 65 at the Asian Development Tour’s Ciputra Golfpreneur event at BSD for a tied 2nd place finish, also another 2nd place finish at the Panasonic Open Indonesia in October propelled him up the PGTI Order of Merit into 2nd place behind only George Gandranata on the local professional circuit.

The lows will also be reflected upon; numerous missed cuts on Asian Tour events where playing on tight, tree-lined, old-school courses have caused some problems. "It’s been tough finding the fairway, and my driving accuracy has not been good enough,” says an honest and frank William Sjaichudin, on an area of his game that must improve come 2015. A lot of the Asian Tour courses are unlike the US style courses he learned to play on whilst competing successfully in collegiate golf in the US for Purdue. With the upcoming Indonesian Open and the Indonesian Golf Tour Championship coming up at the start of December, there is plenty to play in order to end 2014 on a high.

William Sjaichudin took a tea break with me to sit down and chat at the driving range at his home course Royale Jakarta, as he prepared for the BRI Bank Indonesian Open. It’s a course that suits his aggressive style of play off the tee and he shot a second round 68 there during the Panasonic Open Indonesia earlier in the year on the way to a 2nd place finish.

It is an exciting time for golf here in Indonesia, with the birth of the PGTI Indonesian Golf Tour. Have you noticed the playing standards of local Indonesian players improving, having played more regular competitive events?

William's Profile

Country: Indonesia Date of Birth: 1990 / 10 / 15 Residence: Jakarta, Indonesia Turned Pro: 2014 Professional / Amateur Victories: • PON 2012 Golf Medalist representing DKI Jakarta • 2013 PGI Rawamangun classic (as an amateur)

For sure. As you can see the progress from the beginning of the year, scores of a couple under par were winning local events.

As 2014 progressed, scores were getting lower and lower, with a higher number of competitors shooting rounds under par during events. As this first season comes to a close, the level of competition is much better overall, resulting in more exciting and demanding playing conditions for all players involved.

How did you get into the game of golf?

Were you encouraged by your family to play the game?

Back in the day, my father used to play golf every single day. He used to frequently play golf with Bob Hasan at Matoa. My father encouraged me to learn the game and as a youngster; there was a driving range near my house in Ancol (no longer active). After kindergarten, I would follow my father there when I was just four years old. I started getting a little serious when I was seven, playing nearly every day and also practicing a lot.

I remember competing in my first junior event when I was eight years old. I remember playing with Rory Hie during this first event. When I was 11 years old my entire family moved to Australia, where I continued my golfing progress, competing in junior events and I also had a regular coach. I remember playing in the same event as Jason Day - even at that age he was an incredible golfer and unsurprisingly he won the event.

What was the highlight of your junior golf career?

When I was 15, I moved to the United States, where I attended the David Leadbetter Academy. Junior golf is well represented there with regular AJGA events. I played three years on the AJGA circuit which was the highlight, and was a great experience - I got to play with players like Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth. The AJGA was really well set up with lower level and higher level events, so I always had top level junior events to compete against the very best junior golfers in the USA. So, from a young age I was exposed to competitive, tournament golf against very good golfers.

It was a priceless experience. If you played well in the lower level events, you qualified for the higher level events like the FootJoy invitational, where junior golfers qualify from all over the world. I came 2nd in this event when I was 17, a shot ahead of Jordan Spieth.

Give us an insight into your experiences playing collegiate golf in the US at Purdue University. Did you make the team in your first year?

Thankfully, due to my good performances during AJGA, I was offered a scholarship to study and play golf at Purdue Univerity.

Playing collegiate golf was incredible and I learned vast amounts about playing tournament golf. Week in and week out you are competing against the very best amateur golfers in the world, so it keeps your game very sharp and you are always playing to keep your name on the team sheet. It keeps you motivated to keep practicing and to shoot low scores, otherwise another team player may take your place on match day. The level of golf was unbelievable, players were shooting 65s and 66s often during tournaments, forcing you to play aggressively and go for birdies. Every year the university recruits five or six new players, so if you don’t keep improving your game, your spot is in jeopardy.

do Indonesia’s top courses like Royale Jakarta and BSD rank alongside them?

Royale Jakarta with its length, difficulty and practice facilities would definitely hold its own against some of the best courses in the US. There is no doubt if an American collegiate golfer or tour pro came to play in Royale they would most likely be impressed by the golf course and the setup on-site.

I’ve played on several courses in Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia this season on tour and for me, generally the best Indonesian courses are more similar to the top standard of US courses in terms of length and course layout.

What would be your top five courses to play in Indonesia?

Royale Jakarta, Pondok Indah, BSD, Pantai Indah Kapuk, and last but not least, either Jababeka or Imperial rank as my favourites.

On these courses we get to play designs by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo. We are lucky here in Indonesia.

So, we come to the conclusion of your first year as a professional - how would you reflect on your 2014 season?

To be honest, I didn’t have a good year this year. I struggled with certain aspects of my game. I really learnt the difference of being a pro and playing professional golf. With money and tour cards at stake, the level of pressure and competition is far more intense.

I have learned that to play well and compete on the Asian Tour you don’t have to be particularly long off the tee, you just have to be very accurate and consistent. Driving accuracy is what I really have to work on to compete more and make cuts next year on the Asian Tour. A lot of the golf courses on the Asian Tour play very short compared to the US, but they’re very tight. If you can hit the fairways you will be in contention, if not it will be very hard to compete and shoot low scores. Now I know what I need to work on so I can come back better in 2015.

Playing in AJGA and US collegiate golf events, you must have played on many of the top golf courses in America. How golfindonesia.biz December 2014

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ON TOUR

ASIAN TOUR PRESS RELEASE

Magical Moore Retains Title at CIMB Classic an outward 33 but a poor drive on 10 led to a double bogey seven which eventually took the steam out of his title run.

“Front nine, I was quite good and gave myself a lot of chances and I just had a really bad break on 10, hit my tee shot a little left and hit the cart path, and the ball kind of disappeared. That one put me a little bit behind the eight ball,” said the Spaniard.

The 22-year-old Smith, a former Australian amateur champion, enjoyed his sixth straight top-10 on the Asian Tour and picked up US$226,000 for his biggest career cheque thus far which moved him up to fourth place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

“Beyond expectations for me. Yeah, I'm pretty happy,” beamed Smith. “I think I'm going to go (to the PGA Tour event next week). It would be a pretty hard offer to turn down.”

Angelo Que of the Phillipines—at 10 under for the event tie 8th overall

Kuala Lumpur: American Ryan Moore successfully defended his title at the US$7 million CIMB Classic after a holding off the combined challenges from last year’s runnerup Gary Woodland, Kevin Na and Sergio Garcia on 2 November.

Tied for the overnight lead, Moore, 31, produced some glorious golf down the stretch at a sun-kissed Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club to shoot a fiveunder-par 67 for a stylish three-stroke victory. He pocketed the champion’s cheque of US$1.26 million with his winning total of 17-under-par 271.

Na, a former Asian Tour rookie of the year, battled tooth-and-nail with Moore for much of the final round but missed makeable birdie chances on 14 and 16 before his hopes took a dent when an errant tee shot on 17 got stuck in the trees which led to a double bogey.

The Korean-American recovered with a birdie at the last hole for a 70 to tie Woodland, who carded a 67 and world number four Garcia, who posted a closing 69, in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA TOUR. Asian Tour rookie Cameron Smith of Australia extended his dream season by finishing tied fifth on 276 alongside Korea’s Bae Sang-moon, an Asian Tour graduate, while Filipino Angelo Que and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat were amongst those who shared eighth position on 278, with all three earning exemptions into next week’s PGA TOUR event in Mississippi.

With massive crowds gathered at the KLGCC, Moore birdied three of the last five holes to race home to his fourth PGA TOUR victory and become the first repeat champion at the CIMB Classic, which inaugurated in 2010 as the first PGA TOUR event held in Southeast Asia.

“It was incredible to finish the way I did.

Coming down to the last few holes, I like to tell myself all the time that I'm a closer.

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December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

That's what I play golf for. These are the moments and what I'm out here for, so let's do what we can. Let's just hit good shots, and let’s see if we can close this thing, and I was able to do that,” said a delighted Moore.

Na, who won his first professional title in Malaysia in 2002 and chasing a second PGA TOUR victory, led by one at the turn before Moore drew level with his fifth birdie of the day on 10. The pivotal moment came on the drivable par four 14th hole when Na found the green while Moore laid up.

USA’s Ryan Moore successfully retained The CIMB Classic Trophy shooting 17 under for the week.

As it turned out, Na three-putted for par while Moore hit it superb approach for an easy birdie to lead for the first time on his own in the final round. He sandwiched a bogey with birdies on 15 and 17 but it was enough to allow him to stroll home at the last hole.

“On 14, Kevin hit a great drive that looked like kind of almost like a two-putt for birdie and I had laid up, but that was my strategy.

And to hit a great wedge shot in there was perfect,” said Moore.

“I then hit a great shot into 15, kind of made a mess of 16 but then bounced right back and hit just a great little wedge into 17 really to kind of cap it off. At that point, I could just cruise in.”

Na was disappointed to let victory slip from his grasp. ”It was my tournament but Ryan played fantastic. Hats off to him, he deserves it. It’s disappointing when you know you had the lead and it’s yours,” said Na. “I hit a good drive on 14 and a yard shorter, the ball would have come down stone dead for eagle. I hit a good putt and it broke the other way. On 16, I was a bit frustrated. A camera went off and I backed off and never regrouped (to miss his birdie chance). It’s my fault for hitting a bad putt. At the next hole, I got very unlucky, hit the trees and the ball never came down.”

Garcia, the highest ranked player in the field, stayed within touch of the leaders with

Nichloas Fung—the joint best Malaysian competitor with Danny Chia at +5 overall Scores after round 4 of the 2014 CIMB Classic being played at the par 72, 6,967 Yards Kuala Lumpur GCC course (am - denotes amateur):

271 Ryan Moore (USA) 68-69-67-67 274 Gary Woodland (USA) 71-70-66-67 Kevin Na (USA) 69-68-67-70 Sergio Garcia (ESP) 69-68-68-69 276 Cameron Smith (AUS) 70-69-69-68

Bae Sang-moon (KOR) 71-68-68-69 277 John Senden (AUS) 72-68-69-68 278 Rory Sabbatini (RSA) 70-72-70-66

Davis Love III (USA) 68-71-71-68

Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-71-70-69 Angelo Que (PHI) 67-72-69-70

Billy Hurley III (USA) 67-67-71-73 279 Jonas Blixt (SWE) 69-69-75-66

Danny Lee (NZL) 69-69-73-68 Brian Stuard (USA) 67-72-72-68 Lee Westwood (ENG) 72-65-74-68

Kevin Chappell (USA) 69-68-70-72

Brendon de Jonge (ZIM) 70-73-65-71 280 Scott Stallings (USA) 69-76-67-68

Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 74-70-68-68 281 Heath Slocum (USA) 71-73-70-67

Mike Weir (CAN) 73-68-72-68

Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 70-70-72-69

SELECTED SCORES 293

Danny Chia (MAS) Nicholas Fung (MAS)

75-74-72-72 73-74-75-71

ON TOUR

ASIAN TOUR PRESS RELEASE

Watson’s Moments of Brilliance Seal Win at WGC-HSBC Champions outside the U.S. is very special,” said Watson.

Clark looked in pole position to win the WGC-HSBC Champions in regulation play when he hit his third shot to four feet at the parfive 18th before closing with a three-under-par 69.

However, Watson’s amazing recovery followed by another heroic moment during the playoff meant the South African had to settle for second best.

Shanghai: American Bubba Watson produced two sheer moments of brilliance on the 18th hole to seal victory as he savoured a play-off triumph over South Africa’s Tim Clark at the US$8.5 million WGC-HSBC Champions on 9 November.

“Walking to 18 after making double bogey, I knew that I still had a chance. Then it was one of those lifetime kind of shot. I didn't know how to react and so I just kind of screamed and I lost my voice a little bit,” said Watson.

Watson looked to be heading out in disappointment at the Sheshan International Golf Club after he bogeyed 16 followed by a doublebogey five on 17.

Watson then produced another master class on his return to 18 by sinking a 20-foot birdie putt to win his first title outside the United States after Clark had left his birdie attempt short.

The Major winner however holed a spectacular bunker shot for eagle to force a tie with Clark, who had finished regulation play on 11-under-par 277 total.

“It means a lot to me to win outside the U.S. as that's one of my goals for my career. To win a World Golf Championships, one of our premiere events, and again

“I never expected to be in this position at the start of the week. I fought hard and I knew I needed to birdie that playoff. I just needed to play the playoff hole better and obviously I’m disappointed to be that close,” said Clark.

Asia was meanwhile left to wait longer for another WGC-HSBC Champions champion as Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata could only finished tied for third with American Rickie Fowler and Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell.

“It's still a little hard for me to swallow this as it was a tough way to finish a tournament. I had a

Chowrasia Caps Remarkable Comeback to Win Panasonic Open India on 16, he held his cool to birdie the last for a 71 to join the play-off.

Delhi: S.S.P. Chowrasia clinched his third Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open India after defeating Rahil Gangjee of India and Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera on the first extra hole on 9 November.

The popular Indian coolly rolled in a 15-footer birdie in extra time to cap a sensational comeback as he was five shots off the lead at the start of the day at the US$300,000 event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

With his trademark short game in full display at the Delhi Golf Club, Chowrasia returned with the day’s low score of six-underpar 66 highlighted by eight birdies to finish on 12-under-par 276.

The dejected Indian rued the missed opportunity to win his second Asian Tour title after leading for three days.

S.S.P Chowrasia from India the 2014 Panasonic Open India Champion— photo courtesy of Asian Tour

the belief that I could win on the Asian Tour again and I did,” he smiled.

After turning in 35, Chowrasia fired five birdies that included three in a row from the 15th hole which was the turning point in the thrilling final round which saw the lead exchange hands on numerous occasions.

“I worked very hard for this win because I wanted to boost my confidence. It is three years since I last won and I will take a lot of positives from the win,” said the 36-year-old Chowrasia, who won his first Asian Tour title at the 2008 Indian Masters on the same venue.

“At the start of the day, I was thinking that if I could shoot a four or five-under, I will have a chance to win. I was confident I could catch the leader. I played very well on the back nine and the hat-trick of birdies proved to be the turning point,” Chowrasia explained.

“I’ve lost in two play-offs before but it never crossed my mind. I was focused on making the birdie putt in the play-off. I always had

Gangjee battled tooth-and-nail after a poor front nine 37 but was in contention again following an eagle on 14. After dropping a shot

“I knew the momentum would swing through the final day and I told myself to play normally and not to worry too much about the leader-board. I missed out on a couple of chances towards the end and that just took the game away from me. It was a tough contest in the end with lot of contenders but S.S.P. played the best golf to come through,” said Gangjee.

Playing in his first ever play-off on the Asian Tour, Perera missed out on the chance to become the first Sri Lankan champion on the Asian Tour after narrowly missing a 10-footer birdie putt in extra time. He ended the day with a 70 highlighted by two opening birdies.

Indonesia had three professionals in the event. PGTI Order of Merit leader continued his solid form in Asia playing in his 8th Asian Tour event of 2014 although never threatened the leaderfinishing in a tie for 34th with

good feeling about my game as I really had a good chance to win “I'm upset at myself I couldn't make the playoff. It will take some time for this to sink in but I think I can learn a lot from this,” said Iwata.

The WGC-HSBC Champions is one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and

organised by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour. The other World Golf Championships include the WGC- Match Play, WGC-Cadillac Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Leading Scores after round 4 of the WGC-HSBC Champions being played at the par 72, 7261 Yards Sheshan International Golf Club course

277 Bubba WATSON (USA) 71-67-69-70 Tim CLARK (RSA) 69-70-69-69 (Watson defeated Clark in the first play-off hole) 278 Rickie FOWLER (USA) 69-70-69-70

Hiroshi IWATA (JPN) 73-65-68-72

Graeme MCDOWELL (NIR) 67-67-71-73 280 Ian POULTER (ENG) 70-67-72-71

Thorbjorn OLESEN (DEN) 72-68-69-71

Martin KAYMER (GER) 69-72-66-73 281 Marc LEISHMAN (AUS) 72-71-69-69 282 Jason DUFNER (USA) 72-70-72-68

Brandt SNEDEKER (USA) 69-74-69-70 283 George COETZEE (RSA) 72-73-69-69 Adam SCOTT (AUS) 70-72-71-70 284 Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 75-72-69-68

Alexander LEVY (FRA) 74-68-71-71 WU Ashun (CHN) 74-70-69-71

Louis OOSTHUIZEN (RSA) 70-70-72-72 Chris KIRK (USA) 69-74-69-72 Jonas BLIXT (SWE) 71-68-71-74

SELECTED SCORES 288 291

Anirban LAHIRI (IND) Thongchai JAIDEE (THA)

74-70-74-70 71-76-75-69

Scores after round 4 of the Panasonic Open India 2014 being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi GC course (a- denotes amateur)

276 S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 70-71-69-66 Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-67-69-70

Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-68-71-71 277 Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-65-68-71 278 Akinori TANI (JPN) 71-72-67-68 Unho PARK (AUS) 69-71-68-70

Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 70-67-69-72 279 Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-70-71-69

Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 70-68-69-72 280 Rashid KHAN (IND) 68-70-71-71 281 Shankar DAS (IND) 69-71-73-68

Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 73-70-68-70

Lionel WEBER (FRA) 73-66-69-73

Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 68-68-70-75 282 Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 71-72-72-67

Shamim KHAN (IND) 72-71-70-69 283 Martin ROMINGER (SUI) 73-70-73-67 284 Blair WILSON (AUS) 70-72-73-69

Manav JAINI (IND) 71-71-72-70

CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 68-73-71-72

SELECTED SCORES 291

305

George GANDRANATA (INA) Rory HIE (INA) Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA)

former Indonesian No. 1 Rory Hie competing in only his fourth Asian Tour event of the year. Rory Hie was looking all set for a Top 20 finish but a back problem on the final day restricted his dynamic swing as he limped in with a final round 76.

Second year PGTI professional Rinaldi Adiyandono fresh off his maiden Indonesian professional victory, Panasonic Open Indonesia

71-72-75-73 74-70-71-76 76-73-82-74

2014, gratefully accepted the invitation to compete in his first Asian Tour event outside Indonesia. Although finishing way down the leader-board, due to a disappointing third round, there were lots of positives to take from his adventures in India, and an interesting insight into what he needs to work on to compete at this higher level of professional golf. golfindonesia.biz December 2014

7

ON TOUR

ASIAN TOUR PRESS RELEASE

Khan Seals Stylish Win at The Chiangmai Golf Classic Presented by PTT March, reaped the benefits of working with his mental coach, Aparna Jain. “You can see the result from this week. She was asking me about my tournament and I told her that I had a chance to win. She just told me to stay patient and now I’m the winner.”

Chiangmai, Thailand: Rashid Khan of India produced a gutsy performance to win his second Asian Tour title by one-shot at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on 16 November.

Thanyakon, a two-time Southeast Asian Games medalist gold medalist in the team golf event, was disappointed with his threeputt bogey on 16. He took consolation that his runner-up finish earned him a Tour card for the 2015 season as he moved to 29th position on the Order of Merit.

Khan started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand before rallying on the back nine to defeat the Thai and countryman Jyoti Randhawa at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.

“I three-putted and it came at the wrong time. But overall I’m very proud with my performance. I was a bit nervous after the turn but a birdie on 13 made me feel relaxed.

I fought hard out there but Rashid deserves this win,” said Thanyakon.

The 23-year-old fired a four-under-par 68 highlighted by four birdies on holes nine, 10, 12 and 14 for a winning total of 17-under -par 271 at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.

Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner, put pressure on his young countryman when he posted a pair of birdies from the 14th hole.

He was disappointed to miss the birdie on 18 to force extra time.

Thanyakon three-putted for bogey on the 16th hole to slip out of contention. But a birdie on the last for a 71 earned him a tied second place finish alongside Randhawa, who settled for a 69 after missing a 20-foot birdie attempt on 18 which would have forced a play-off.

“I played under pressure these last two days and I managed to get my swing right. These young guys look up to me and try to beat me but now I have to keep up with them! I’m looking forward to it and I’m glad that I’m there and a threat to them,” said the 42-yearold Randhawa.

“This win is really special because it is my second win this year and first outside of India.

I was looking at the leaderboard and everyone was making a move. But I had faith in my game so heading into the last few holes, I was very confident I could win the tournament,” smiled Khan, who won US$135,000.

He was three shots back after Thanyakon opened with a birdie but Khan showed true character on his homeward nine where he seized the lead for the first time following a birdie on 12.

Indonesia was well represented all week.

With Local order of merit number one George Gandranata shooting an opening round 66 to share the lead after round one. Unfortunately rounds of 72,72,71 were not good enough to keep the momentum going but nonetheless a Top 20 finish of tie-16th for George Gandranata.

Rory Hie played solid golf all week shooting three consecutive 70’s and a final round even par 72 to finish the week in a tie for 25th on 6 under.

He gained another shot on 14 but it was a crucial 15-foot par save on hole 15 which proved to be the turning point.

“I found the bunker on the 15th hole. I had a shot but it was a tight line. It was very important because I only had a one-shot lead going into the 18th hole. That par gave me a bit of boost because I needed to maintain my one-shot lead. The last three holes were very exciting!” he explained.

These solid performances by both George Gandranata and Rory Hie will give them plenty of confidence that they can compete with Asia’s very best golfers as they prepare for the Bank BRI Indonesian Open at Pantai Indah Kapuk on the 4th–7th December.

Khan, who won his first Asian Tour title in Scores after round 4 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic 2014 being played at the par 72, 7481 Yards Alpine Golf Resort course (a- denotes amateur)

271 272

274 275

277

278

279 280

281

Rashid KHAN (IND) Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) Mithun PERERA (SRI) Kalem RICHARDSON (AUS) Jason DUFNER (USA) Danny CHIA (MAS) Jbe KRUGER (RSA) Scott BARR (AUS) Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) Brett MUNSON (USA) Miguel TABUENA (PHI) Javi COLOMO (ESP) Chikka S (IND) Paul PETERSON (USA) Scott HEND (AUS) MO Joong-kyung (KOR) George GANDRANATA (INA) Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) LIN Wen-tang (TPE)

282 286

Rory HIE (INA) Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA)

68-69-66-68 68-65-70-69 69-65-67-71 69-70-66-69 70-70-67-68 71-69-64-71 69-69-73-66 74-68-68-67 73-66-68-70 68-69-67-73 68-75-66-69 71-68-66-73 71-70-68-70 70-69-71-70 73-70-67-70 70-72-71-68 73-72-68-68 69-72-71-69 70-70-71-70 72-69-70-70 69-69-72-71 66-72-72-71 70-71-69-71 69-71-69-72

The Champion Mardan Mamat: photo courtesy of Arep Kulal

Mardan Completes Runaway Six-Shot Victory at Resorts World Manila Masters Manila: Overnight leader Mardan Mamat of Singapore ended a two-year title drought by romping to a commanding six-shot victory at the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters presented by 918.com on 23 November.

The 47-year-old veteran completed a stylish wire-to wire victory with a final round of three-under-par 69 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. His winning total of 20-under-par 268 sealed his fourth Asian Tour success and second in the Philippines.

Entering the week in 74th place on the Order of Merit, Mardan, who earned US$180,000, was in total control as he extended his overnight four-shot lead to six by turning in 34 with two birdies. He dropped a couple of bogeys coming home but three more birdies on the card ensured a victorious walk up the 18th fairway.

“It means a lot to me,” said Mardan, who fell on his knees kissing the ground after tapping in for par at the last hole for what was his career third start-to-finish victory.

“This is my last year of exemption (after winning the 2012 Philippine Open) and I needed to play well to keep my card. I wanted to win again to keep my exemption for the next few years. When I was on the range, the wind was pretty strong and I knew the scores won’t be low.

“I couldn’t control anyone, only myself and I focused on my own game. Playing with Kiradech, who hits it long, I knew I needed to keep to my own pace, keep to my own strength and it worked out.”

Despite holding a big lead down the stretch, Mardan conceded he only felt confident of

hoisting the Resorts World Manila Masters trophy after striking his second shot on the closing hole. “Anything can still happen.

I didn’t want to make any stupid mistakes and I just kept the ball in play. I didn’t feel comfortable until after I hit my second shot on 18. Only then did I feel comfortable about winning this tournament.”

Big-hitting Kiradech was disappointed he did not apply more pressure on Mardan. After opening with a birdie, he dropped a bogey on two and a double bogey on four subsequently saw him battling for survival.

“It didn’t go as I planned. I was just trying to attack the pin and play more aggressively so I can catch Mardan. The double on four was a big turning point and I couldn’t get my mind back,” said the 25-year-old.

Meanwhile Indonesia’s No. 1 George Gandranata continues his end of season rally as he pursues his Asian Tour card with sheer determination with another fine Top 20 finish on the Asian Tour, finishing in a tie for 20th with 3 others with consistent performance of four rounds in even par or better: 70-70-69-72. Gandranata must finish 60th or better on the end of season order of merit to earn his automatic playing rights for the 2015 season. Currently he sits in 64th, US $6,842 behind Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris in 60th. With 4 more Asian Tour events before the season close including the Bank BRI Indonesian Open first week of December, Gandranata with his current form has plenty of opportunities to play well and earn his tour card for 2015.

Sponsors of the Resorts World Manila Masters include Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Bally Technologies, Aristocrat, International Gaming Technology, Renoir Implementation Services, Marriott, Philippine Airlines, Maybank, PLDT and Avis.

Scores after round 4 of the Resorts World Manila Masters being played at the par 72, 7,337 Yards Manila Southwoods GcC course (a- denotes amateur)

268 274 276 278

279 280

Mardan MAMAT (SIN) Lionel WEBER (FRA) Prom MEESAWAT (THA) Sam BRAZEL (AUS) HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) Paul PETERSON (USA) Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) Nicholas FUNG (MAS) Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) Akinori TANI (JPN) Scott HEND (AUS) WANG Jeung-hun (KOR) Chiragh KUMAR (IND) Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) Arie IRAWAN (MAS) Danny CHIA (MAS) Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) Jbe KRUGER (RSA) Berry HENSON (USA)

65-68-66-69 70-70-64-70 73-72-63-68 67-75-67-69 67-71-69-71 68-70-69-71 66-69-68-75 69-69-68-73 75-70-68-67 72-69-70-69 73-69-69-69 68-65-77-70 72-71-67-70 71-68-70-71 71-71-67-71 66-71-71-72 65-73-70-72 70-73-64-73 74-68-64-74

SELECTED SCORES 70-70-70-72 77-68-73-68

SELECTED SCORES 281

8

December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

George GANDRANATA (INA)

70-70-69-72

LOCAL NEWS

BY ARRON COLE

Indonesian Junior Golf Program The Indonesian Juniors @ The McDonald Junior’s earlier in the year

than the older contenders.

This has produced exceptional players in the under eight and under 12 sections, which are highly competitive. Mid 70s scores are often produced and expected to win events in the younger divisions.

Their very own driving facility, sponsored by Srixon at Imperial Golf Klub complete with grass hitting areas.

Are your children getting into golf and wanting to play in tournaments? Now there is an Indonesian Junior Golf Circuit for them to cut their teeth into becoming Indonesian Champions or just enjoy a game of golf with new friends.

The pathway from national to international events has been created by a group of parents. The vision is to help not only their own children but other children develop their talents and characters playing competitive golf.

The parents have formed a committee that runs the events currently around Jakarta Golf Clubs. An event is organised every month so the juniors can continue to develop as players and test their skills in the heat of competition.

Each tournament has highly trained rules officials passed by the Royal and Ancient.

The parents' commitment to holding the events doesn't stop with just the organisation. They are fully involved on the ground during the day of the tournament. With each of them covering registration, starters announcing on the tee box, to the scoring team giving the appearance and feel of a professional event. This dedication to detail has allowed the juniors to become accustomed to tournament procedures at a very early age.

Age groups and divisions include boys and girls from under eight to under 18 years old divisions. Each age division plays from different tee boxes, relative to their age and skill levels. The under eights have a tee box of their own ‘yellow’ where the par-4s are around 200 yards, giving them the same chance to shoot par or birdies creating lower scores

The older players, both boys and girls, are truly tested in every way, playing boys from black tee boxes, girls from blue or white. The juniors move up in age divisions not only by age but by ability. Therefore we are always creating a more difficult test of their abilities as they progress into older age divisions or with improved playing skills.

from Franklin, Astra and Aufa. They are showing, with dedicated correct practice and supportive parents, huge improvements can be made in anyone's game.

The parents have created a safe and enjoyable competitive environment where the best compete and train together. This will lead to even better players, personalities and people in the game of golf for Indonesia.

Indonesian parents are leading the way in golf development. If you’re looking to develop your children's characters and golf games, we look forward to you contacting us.

This year, for the first time an Indonesian Junior team went to Thailand to compete in the end of year national event. The event brings together teams from around Asia and the Pacific including Taiwan, Japan, Australia and Malaysia. The team did exceptionally well with all of them finishing top 30 or higher. The girls finished strong to climb over Malaysia, Japan and Australia to come third behind Thailand and Taiwan.

To complement the tournament series, this year has seen the development of a year-long Indonesian junior coaching program. The program has international, national and development juniors training together for 18 hours a week. The juniors choose the days they are able to attend depending on school and family commitments.

This program has many of the best age group players in Indonesia. The girls' section is headed by two of Indonesia’s best juniors - Michela, winner of this year's National Amateur Title and Patricia or ‘Patty’ who won golds in the recent Porda competition. Matthew heads the boys with a current total of fourteen victories in the under eight age group with scoring averages well under 80. We also have Brian and JoJo fighting it out many times for top placings in the under 12 division events. MJ, a strong basketball player and golfer, has a healthy competition with Bergasterous.

The older boys' section has a strong group of under 14-yearolds that are playing in the senior events. Glen at 13 came top ten in this year's open nationals, Grady and Alex are the most consistent when it comes to podium finishes.

Also there is Aqil, being one of the longest players at just fourteen years old, and a swing very much in the mold of John Daly’s. Three of the biggest improverments have come

The Indonesian Juniors @ Imperial Golf Klub

Arron Cole—PGA High Performance Coach Director of Instruction—Asia Golf Institute Indonesian Junior Training Coach Imperial Klub Golf, Lippo Karawaci .

Coach to Tour , NCAA , National and Provincial Champions in six countries for over 20 years National Coach Contact E-mail: Arron@asiagolfinstitute.com Phone 081 319 114 699 Facebook: Imperial High Performance Golf Center Indonesian Junior Golf Contacts Phone: 087809069000 BB Pin: 22485ABE E-mail: indonesianjuniorgolf@yahoo.com Website www.indonesianjuniorgolf.com

golfindonesia.biz December 2014

9

LOCAL NEWS

BY SIMON REYNOLDS

The Borobudur Classic From Borobudur International Golf Club, Magelang, Central Java: 18th – 21st November 2014

© Adil Anselm of OB Golf and Events

big-hitting bombers. This played into the hands of the local Indonesian professionals who are often not as long as the Thai players off the tee.

Thailand’s Supravee Phatam capitalised on good karma in the shadow of the world famous Borobudur Temple and sauntered to a convincing victory in the US$60,000 Borobudur Classic. The final round was full of drama as the top Thai golfers battled it out for the trophy.

Supravee completed an impressive wire-towire win after closing with a one-under-par 71 at Borobudur Golf Club, located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest Buddhist temple.

He ended the ASEAN PGA Tour event on 11-under-par 277 and finished two strokes ahead of compatriot Pijit Petchkasem, who fired a 69.

Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat returned a 67, finishing a stroke further behind.

Supravee fired a course record, 65 on the opening and never looked back with ensuing rounds of 72, 69 and 71.

“I am pleased to get my first win as a professional. I have been working very hard since I turned professional three years ago,” said Supravee, who earned a cheque for US$9,750.

“It was a tough battle as Pijit pushed me all the way. I had a feeling he might come through. I had a couple of three putts on the back and made some poor approach shots.”

Andik Mauluddin, the strongest Indonesian contender finishing up in a tie for 4th place

18_ 21 November: The Borobudur Classic tee’d off for the first time on the ASEAN PGA Tour circuit at Borobudur International Golf Club, Magelang. The US$60,000 tournament is a welcome new addition to the circuit and was the eighth leg of the 2014/15 season. The event has been set up in order to support Magelang golf and tourism. “An event like this is able to attract international tourists to this small town in Central Java,” said SD Darmono, CEO and founder of PT Jababeka Tbk. “In addition to visiting Borobudur, golfers can also go to other tourist attractions such as Mendut Temple or Mount Merapi.”

By choosing Magelang as the location of the tournament, he hopes that participants will also visit the Borobudur temple, which is only about 20 kilometers from the golf course. OB Golf magazine were the presenting sponsor of the event, while the official hotel of the event was the Atria Hotel, managed by Parador Hotels & Resorts.

The event was co-sanctioned by PGTI (Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia) in collaboration with the ASEAN PGA. This co-sanction saw a total competitive playing field of 66 golfers; 57 professionals and 9 amateurs. All of the amateurs are based in Indonesia including Jo Seik, Indonesia’s reigning amateur champion. ASEAN PGA is strongly represented by top professional golfers from Thailand and the Borobudur Classic welcomed nine professional golfers from Thailand to compete in the event.

10 December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

© Adil Anselm of OB Golf and Events

Supravee had a four-shot lead at the start of the day. He began well by going out in two under before giving the chasing pack some hope by making bogey on 13 and 14.

Pijit fired four birdies and dropped one shot on the homeward stretch to put the pressure on the leader but had to settle for second place.

“It is one of my best finishes on the ASEAN PGA Tour. I just ran out of holes,” said Pijit.

Jo Seik Indonesia’s 2014 amateur champion, finished as the top amateur at the Borobudur Classic and a tie for 8th overall

From The PGTI Order of Merit coming into the event, 10 of the top 20 local Indonesian professional competed, including Andik Mauludin (3rd) and Rinaldi Adiyandono (5th). The Borobudur Classic turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for Indonesia’s professional golfers to test their skills against some of Thailand’s strongest up and coming young professionals. Traditionally in Thailand, young professionals will polish their games in the local Thai and ASEAN PGA events before making the leap up towards Asian Tour events.

From day one, the class of the Thai players

was evident as they dominated the leaderboard until the final round and closing of play. For Indonesia it was promising to see several local Indonesia players playing solid golf, with nine players finishing in the top 20.

The inaugural Borobudur Classic was played out on an interesting course layout that is the Borobudur International Golf Club. The course is hardly long at less than 6,000m from the back tees, tucked into a small plot of land beside Gunung Tidar in Central Java. The course favours the straight and accurate, not necessarily the

Wisut, a five-time winner on the ASEAN PGA Tour, made his expected final day charge and after dropping a shot on the fourth, he shifted gear and accelerated up the leaderboard with birdies on seven, eight and nine and then 11, 13 and 18.

Andik Mauluddin shot a 72 to finish as the leading Indonesian in joint fourth place along with Thailand’s Tanatchan Puaktes, who carded a 73.

Indonesian Jo Seik, whose Korean parents raised him in Jakarta, finished as the leading amateur in a tie for eighth position following a 73. Earlier this year he claimed the Indonesian Amateur Championship.

The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the season-ending US$75,000 Sabah Masters at Sutera Harbour Golf Club from January 14 to 17.

© Adil Anselm of OB Golf and Events

© Adil Anselm of OB Golf and Events

The final leaderboard at the inaugural Borobudur Classic, from Borobudur International Golf Club

Leading final round scores: Par 72 277 – Supravee PHATAM (THA) 65 72 69 71 279 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 74 67 69 69 280 – Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 74 66 73 67 284 – Andik MAULUDDIN (INA) 71 70 71 72, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 73 68 70 73 286 – GOH Kun Yang (SIN) 71 76 68 71, Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72 69 72 73 287 – Jo SEIK (am) (INA) 71 70 73 73, Pasamet POGAMNERD (THA) 68 75 70 74 289 – Kurnia HERISHANDY (INA) 75 72 72 70 290 – Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA) 71 75 73 71 295 – Fahmi REZA (INA) 74 72 76 73, Eugene SIM Min Hwee (SIN) 76 73 73 73, Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 73 73 71 78, Rinaldi ADIYANDONO (INA) 73 72 71 79 296 – Indra HERMAWAN (INA) 75 75 74 72, Stephen LINDSKOG (SWE) 77 72 75 72, ADE Sebul (INA) 73 75 74 74 The champion, Thailand’s Supravee Phatam was in fine form all week

golfindonesia.biz December 2014

11

ON TOUR

ADT PRESS RELEASE

Sattaya Cruises to Victory at PGM UMW Impian Championship Irawan, also of Malaysia, recorded the day’s lowest score of 66 to share fourth place with American Casey O’Toole (68) and Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert (69) on 207.

Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, placed second on the Order of Merit, failed to topple Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert on the top of the merit rankings as he closed with a 69 to share seventh place with local veteran R. Nachimuthu on 208.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Thailand’s Sattaya Supupramai carded a third consecutive five-under-par 67 to clinch his third Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory at the weather-disrupted PGM UMW Impian Championship on 8 November.

The RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event, which was affected by several suspensions due to inclement weather throughout the week, had earlier been reduced to 54-holes by tournament officials. The third and final round, scheduled to resume at 9.30am local time, was delayed by two hours on Saturday morning due to persistent rain.

Sattaya compiled a three-day total of 15-under-par 201 to win by two shots over Ben Leong of Malaysia, who signed for a 67, at the Impian Golf and Country Club.

Malaysia’s Airil Rizman settled for third place on 205 following a 67 while Arie

12 December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

Pavit, who signed for a closing 70 to finish tied-29th, remained on top of the money list where he now leads by a mere US$252.

Sattaya took home a winner’s prize purse of US$10,635 and six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points following his victory.

“I am very happy because this win will secure my place in top-five on the merit rankings now. The conditions have been tough, especially having to stop and restart our rounds so many times. Having a strong mindset is really important in situations like this. I told myself to stay patient and focused out there. I’m glad it worked out well for me,” said the 30-year-old Thai.

Sattaya had notched a top-10 finish at the Asian Tour’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters earlier in September, two weeks after claiming his second ADT victory in Malaysia.

“That top-10 finish on the Asian Tour gave me a lot of confidence. It shows that I am able to compete against the top players in the region. I’m looking forward to playing on the Asian Tour in the next couple of weeks,” added Sattaya, who mixed his card with six birdies against a lone bogey.

Leong, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour, capped a flawless back nine highlighted by two birdies and one eagle to mark his best finish on the ADT this season.

“It has been a good week for me. I couldn’t expect more. I’m actually surprised with my score. It’s been good since returning to competitive golf, having secured one win on the domestic tour and a second-placed finish this week.

“I’ll be playing a couple more events on the local Tour before heading to the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School early next year. Hopefully I can keep up my momentum,” said the 28-year-old Malaysian, who sat out the entire 2013 season due to a back injury.

16-year-old Tirto Tamardi continues his steady improvement competing in ADT events finishing on six under and a tie for 12th place after closing with two impressive rounds of 68. To score this well and compete against some of Asia’s finest players at such a young age will give the young man from Surabaya lots of confidence as he continues his progress to become a regular player on the Asian Tour. Promising signs for Indonesian golf, as Tirto finished tied for 8th previously at the ADT MNRB Sarawak Championship earlier in September.

LEADING THIRD ROUND SCORES

201 203 205 207

208

209

Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) Ben LEONG (MAS) Airil Rizman ZAHARI (MAS) Arie IRAWAN (MAS) Casey O’TOOLE (USA) Annop TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) R. Nachimuthu (MAS) Danny CHIA (MAS) Michael MOORE (AUS) Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS)

67-67-67 67-69-67 69-69-67 72-69-66 68-71-68 68-70-69 71-68-69 70-66-72 75-67-67 71-70-68 68-69-72

SELECTED SCORES 210

Tirto TAMARDI (A) (INA)

74-68-68

GOLF EQUIPMENT

complete performance of Titleist 915 drivers can be further refined through precision fitting using Titleist’s patented, industryleading SureFit Tour adjustable hosel technology.

The Titleist 915 driver hosel is compatible with 913 and 910 model shafts.

915D2 is available in 7.5º, 8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º and 12º lofts. 915D3 is available in 7.5º, 8.5º, 9.5º, and 10.5º.(7.5º lofts are RH only and available through custom.)

PLAYER TESTING RESULTS: In player testing, golfers that had previously played a 913D2 experienced an average of 115rpm (and up to 300rpm) lower spin with the new 915D2 model—with an average of three yards (and up to 15 yards) more carry distance.

Distance Without Compromise: Titleist Introduces New 915 Drivers New Active Recoil Channel™, Radial Speed Face and High-MOI Design Deliver Lower Spin and Higher Speed with Exceptional Forgiveness

Jakarta (November 20, 2014): New Titleist 915 drivers, are unleashed to Indonesian golfers at Royale Jakarta Golf club Driving Range. Titleist Indonesia put on a fun launching weekend where golfers could test out the whole range of 915 products.

Attendees could compete in a longest drive competition complete with TRACKMAN monitoring, and the longest recorded drive would win a brand new 915 driver!

The winner was expat Golfer: leftie Greg Hayne who spanked 281m with the 915 D2 9.5 fitted with the Fujikura Speeder 652.

This is what he had to say about the 915: “It’s really forgiving, even if I don’t catch the sweet spot it still goes long!”

• A precise, high-MOI design with a low and deep center of gravity location that delivers stability and forgiveness by preserving off-center ball speed for more distance, more often.

Those technologies, combined with the fitting precision of Titleist’s industry-leading SureFit Tour hosel and tour-validated looks, sound and feel, make for the most complete, consistent driver performance in the game.

“The new 915 drivers are a game-changer for us,” said Dan Stone, Vice President of Research and Development, Titleist Golf Clubs. “We’ve increased speed and lowered spin without sacrificingMOI or forgiveness —and we’re the first to get that combination right.

“The Active Recoil Channel is a major technical leap in the area of spin reduction.

In player testing, we’ve seen significant distance gains, up to 15 yards for players who need spin control.

The improved performance of Titleist 915 drivers, underlining the Titleist Golf Club R&D team’s driver design strategy of “distance and forgiveness,” is the result of three key advancements: • The proprietary Active Recoil Channel, a long, wide and deep sole channel that actively flexes at impact and recoils to launch the ball off the face with higher speed and lower spin; • Radial Speed Face, a high-speed forged face insert with a radially thinner perimeter in the heel and toe, which works with the Active Recoil Channel to increase ball speed on off-center hits; and

The 915D2 driver is a 460cc full-pear shaped head designed for maximum forgiveness and a slight draw bias. The 915D3 features a 440cc pear shape that is forgiving and workable, and offers 250rpm less spin than 915D2 to produce a lower peak trajectory.

Both models launch similar to their previous generation Titleist 913 models.

Eighteen players put new 915 drivers into play the first week they were available at the PGA Tour’s QuickenLoan Invitational in late June—including Geoff Ogilvy, who trusted his 915D2 9.5º driver to victory at the Barracuda Championship a few weeks later.

Twenty-four players used 915 drivers in early August at the PGA Championship, as the momentum continued to build on the PGA Tour and across the worldwide professional tours.

Golfers who previously played a 913D3 saw an average of 250rpm (and up to 500 rpm) lower spin with the new 915D3—with an average of nine yards (and up to 20 yards) more carry distance.

LOWER SPIN, HIGHER SPEED THROUGH NEW ACTIVE RECOIL CHANNEL: The new Active Recoil Channel —a long, wide, deep channel, positioned along the sole of the club head, close to the leading edge—delivers more distance by actively flexing at impact to launch the ball with lower spin and higher speed.

The Active Recoil Channel (ARC™) allows the entire clubface, both crown and sole, to deflect at impact for high speed. (Clubs without ARC technology have a more rigid sole and deflect mostly in the face and crown at impact resulting inless speed and higher spin.)

With both 915 models, players experienced more consistent speeds and lower spin across the facethan their 913 drivers.

915 DRIVERS ON TOUR: More than 25 players on the PGA Tour have relied upon new 915 drivers in competition since the tour seeding and validation process began in late June, as well as nearly 100 players across the worldwide professional tours — including Adam Scott (915D3 10.5º), Zach Johnson (915D2 8.5º), Jimmy Walker (915D2 9.5º), Bill Haas (915D2 8.5º) and Graham DeLaet (915D3/7.5).

INCREASED BALL SPEED THROUGH RADIAL SPEED FACE: Working in combination with the Active Recoil Channel, the Radial Speed Face insert increases ball speed on off-center hits for moredistance and more consistent speeds across the clubface.

Geoff Ogilvy was one of 18 players to put a new 915 driver in play the first week it was available at the Quicken Loans Invitational at Congressional Country Club. A few weeks later, Ogilvy played his 915D2 9.5º model in winning the Barracuda Championship for his first PGA Tour title in four years. He also finished tied for second at the Deutsche Bank Championship in September.

The high-speed, variable thickness face insert has a central thick portion, but is thinner and organically tapered as you move out from center. During the development of 915, Titleist R&D identified specific areas on the face insert, particularly in the heel and toe, which could be thinned further to increase performance on off-center hits.

WHAT PLAYERS ARE SAYING…

HIGH MOI DESIGN FOR DISTANCE AND FORGIVENESS: Distance gains from the Active Recoil Channel and Radial Speed Face are preserved by the 915’s precise, high-MOI design.

“Many golfers understand high MOI as straightness or accuracy, but high MOI is truly about speed and distance,” Stone said.

“It’s about maintaining speed across the face for increased distance consistency. We’ve added great performance with the Active Recoil Channel and Radial Speed Face to lower spin and increase speed, and by having high MOI we don’t have to give any of it up.”

INDUSTRY-LEADING ADJUSTABILITY WITH SUREFIT TOUR HOSEL: The distance potential and

Jimmy Walker: “The golf ball comes off more consistent. We don’t always hit it in the center of the club, and I think mishits are coming off with a lot more control than they used to. When you mishit shots, the ball is still coming off with ample amount of speed whereas before in previous driver versions, if you hit one off the center of the club face a little bit, you were seeing a dramatic drop in speeds and increases in spin. This new driver, the 915, if you’re just off center a little bit, it’s really keeping the speed up, keeping the spin down, and allowing you to hit better shots more consistently.”

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: The new 915D2 and 915D3 drivers will be available in Indonesian golf shops beginning Nov. 21.

INDONESIAN CONTACT: Feby Riani, Marketing Manager (feby@snd.co.id); Tel: 081222454528)

golfindonesia.biz December 2014

13

GOLF EQUIPMENT

BY SIMON REYNOLDS

TaylorMade RSi Irons Arrive in Indonesia

Nobody is Perfect!

Indonesia’s golf fanatics and media gathered at Pondok Indah Driving Range and G allery at the end of November 2014 to witness the unveiling of TaylorMade’s new irons: the RSi 1 and RSi 2 irons.

Turn to page 20 of this issue of Golf Indonesia tabloid and one will see the location of golf balls hitting Sergio Garcia’s iron clubface. Unsurprisingly, the grouping of his irons golf balls focus around the sweet spot. Considering he is one of the best ball strikers of the modern era, this comes hardly as a shock. Beside this image, we see the shots played by an average golfer with an iron and as we can see the ball impact is located all over the clubface with several hot towards the toe, heel and away from the sweet spot, where in the past maximum performance would have to be located.

Previously, shots played from off the sweet spot would experience dramatic loss in distance, accuracy and control.

What TaylorMade have achieved with their new face slot technology is a set of irons which will perform well from shots hit all over the club face. It has been estimated that from amateur golfers, as many as 70% of iron shots will be hit from off the sweet spot or centre - nobody is perfect!

The feedback from touring Justin Rose is hugely positive. “The numbers I get with off centre hits is really comforting, even with off centre hits the results and performance of shots is very similar to shots which I know flew off the middle. It’s nice to know the decrease in performance of my off centre shots is not very significant like from previous models. The size of the sweet spot has increased substantially."

We had the pleasure with Joey Chuasiriporn (Product Manager, TaylorMade, Asia) to discuss the merits of the RSi 1 & 2 irons just released here in Jakarta, and what makes them so special.

What is the motivation behind TaylorMade bringing out the RSi irons just six months after the release of the SLDR irons? Is that a reflection of the performance of the SLDR irons?

SLDR irons got some of the best feedback from our irons over the past year. The SLDR irons were brought out to match the SLDR drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, as when the SLDR was first released it was just the driver alone.

So ,what we are doing now is going back to what we used to do in bringing out irons first, with the RSis then coming out with the driver and woods afterwards with the R15 and R series, which will come out next year.

14 December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

What does RSi stand for?

Good question. RSi stands for R Series Slotted Irons. The R is meant to bring our customers back to a familiarity that is understanding that R is a revolutionary term for our products. When you look at our innovative history, many times we have come out with a R-Series product. So, the RSi irons and their face slot technology shows golf innovation and performance at its best.

How can you summarize the technology found in the new RSi irons?

TaylorMade have developed the successful speed pocket technology used in the speed blade irons, which helps shots that miss the sweet spot vertically. With the new face slots left and right of the sweet spot on the RSi irons, Taylor Made have maximized the performance of shots which miss the sweet spot horizontally on the club face, all in all improving overall performance of shots positioned all over the clubface. After all, the likelihood of a weekend golfer hitting the sweet spot on their irons is far less than a tour pro.

We had the chance to chat with Ashok Kumar (Senior General Manager of Golf Division MAP Active) to find out a bit about sales of golf equipment in Indonesia over the past five years.

How have the sales of Taylor Made been over the past five years? How are things looking for Taylor Made here in Indonesia?

Golf sales grew substantially from 2010 to 2013 for Taylor Made. Unfortunately, golf sales all over the world have been a bit flat in 2014. It has had the same effect here in Indonesia.

Joey Chuasiriporn (Product Manager, TaylorMade, Asia) introduces the all new RSi TaylorMade irons to the Indonesian market at Pondok Indah Golf and Gallery. Image courtesy of MAP Indonesia.

What factors contributed to slow and low golf sales globally in 2014?

A few things in my opinion. Formally, people thought that having four hours to play golf and socialize was a great way to get to know someone. Yet nowadays with social media, smart phones etc., there is no need to play for four hours to socialize and network.

Secondly, for many people four to five hours is far too long a duration to spend on one activity, especially with people’s busy daily schedules. People seem to be turning to what I call ‘sexier’ games like futsal, gym, running and cycling. For the younger generations, these are sexier sports.

The challenge for all nations like Indonesia, is how to get the younger kids playing golf?

They are the future.

Indonesian professional Jordan Irawan is sponsored by TaylorMade. Testing the new RSI irons hooked up with trackman, he recorded a 7 iron which travelled over 210m. Image courtesy of MAP Indonesia.

GOLF FITNESS

BY JOHN ROZELLE

Improved Athleticism Through Mobility In a recent conversation, a follower of our monthly workouts mentioned he has been doing yoga and it is helping him a lot. I know for some yoga can be intimidating so, while I always include some warm-down stretches to focus on each month, let’s spend this month developing a personal 'mobility' routine. Why do I call it mobility? Because it helps to focus on our goal. The goal is not to prepare you for yoga or have you 'get better at stretching', it is to improve your ability to move. Increased mobility equals improved athleticism.

I am going to describe some poses first, then we will talk about putting them together. Our goal is to find a series of stretches that are pleasant and beneficial, and while you want to gently challenge yourself, there’s no benefit from really pushing it. I will describe one side, but you’ll obviously want to complete both sides as you move through. Let’s start with the two most famous yoga poses, Upward and Downward Dog. For Upward Dog, the easiest way to find the pose is to start laying down with your hands just below your shoulders. You will then raise your chest off the ground by activating your back, core and pushing with your hands.

Look up at a gentle comfortable angle. The toes should be pointed, with the tops of the feet down. As you get more comfortable the hips and thighs may come up off the ground, so just the hands and feet are touching.

For Downward Dog you should place your hands on the ground in front of you just outside your shoulders, fingers spread wide and the index finger pointed forward. The feet should be on the ground behind you just wider than your hips. The goal is to create an upside down V-like like posture with strong straight arms pushing back with a tight core to raise your hips into the air and drive your heels into the ground. Find a distance between your hands and feet that is comfortable but challenging so that your heels are touching or close to touching. In the beginning your heels may be off the ground, but if you’re finding the position effective for your shoulders, back, gluteus, hamstrings and calves then that’s OK. We will call our next pose the Twisting Chest Opener. Laying on your chest, place your right hand straight out to the side at a 90 degree angle, then slide it up so it is even with your forehead. You’re then going to twist yourself, keeping the arm in place, by lifting your chest and hips toward the right arm.

The left arm can reach to try and clasp the right hand, and the knees bend and come up to give yourself leverage in the twist — as seen in our picture. If you can get both feet on the ground it will add stability to the pose.

Do not force it. Take your time with this pose.

It is a very deep stretch of the shoulder.

Next we will come to our back for HalfPigeon. Place your left foot on the ground with your knee bent, and then place your right heel on your left knee. Flex the foot, so your toes come back towards your shin to support your ankle. Then reach your right hand through your legs and clasp your hands behind your left knee. Now pull your left knee to your chest to stretch your hip and gluteus.

Half-Pigeon

Twisting Chest Opener

comfortably wide, with both toes facing forward, and no discomfort in your ankles or legs. Fold forward to touch the ground, adjusting your feet if this is not possible.

Explore this position, rocking back and forth as well as walk the hands over to each foot. Next, place your right hand in the middle between your feet and straighten your torso so it is parallel with the ground. Reach up with your left hand so you are creating a straight line with your arms, and look up at your left hand. When you switch sides don’t forget to walk your hands to each foot in between twists.

We are going to walk through the modifications for our next pose as Camel Pose can be intense. Remember our goal.

Start out standing on your knees with your toes on the ground. Place both hands on your hips and lean back while pushing your hips forward. Your head will naturally look up and drop back. Your hips should stay over or slightly in front of your knees.

If this feels easy you can drop your hands from your hips to your heels. Be sure to engage your core and push the hips forward over the knees. The full pose has you drop your feet from your toes to the tops of your feet.

Lastly, as a warm down and warm up the Cross-legged Forward Fold is one of my favourites. Sit cross-legged on the floor.

Fold forward working to eventually place your forehead on the ground with your hands out flat in front of you. Next, place your forehead on your left knee, and then to your right knee. Come back up and switch your feet so the opposite leg is in front, then repeat the three positions.

In yoga, breath is just as important as the movement. So each pose is timed by the number of breaths you take. It keeps you focused as well as releases positive chemicals within the brain and endocrine system. We will start with seven breaths at each of these poses or stages of a pose.

I want you to move slowly, feeling calm.

If a particular pose feels more necessary, then hold it longer.

Wide-Legged Twist

Camel Pose

Our sequence this month will be (fyi x3 = 3 sets): 1. Cross-Legged Forward Fold, (Upward Dog, Downward Dog) x3 2. Wide Legged Twist x2, (Upward Dog, Downward Dog) x3 3. Twisting Chest Opener, Half Pigeon, (Upward Dog, Downward Dog) x3 4. Wide Legged Twist, Camel,Upward Dog, Downward Dog, Wide Legged Twist, Camel(Upward Dog, Downward Dog) x3 5. Twisting Chest Opener x2, Half Pigeon x2, Camel, (Upward Dog, Downward Dog) x3 6. Camel, Cross-Legged Forward Fold.

Complete this sequence from 1 to 3 times several times a week. At first I wouldn’t recommend more than three days in a row, but after a few weeks you could perform it daily. Don’t push yourself too hard and you will see results in your golf game within a month. Your added mobility in your body just may lead to added distance.

Cross-Legged Forward Fold

Another twist that adds in the hips and legs is the Wide Legged Twist. Step your feet

golfindonesia.biz December 2014

15

LOCAL NEWS

BY ANTHONY KING

Indonesian Ryder Cup What does Gleneagles in Scotland have in common with Jakarta? Apart from both places including a multitude of lovers of ‘water of life’ or single malt whisky, both hosted the Ryder Cup this year. Yes, you read this correctly, as a replica trophy was contested for on the links of Cengkareng and using the same basic format as that used a few weeks earlier in Gleneagles.

However, there is one big variation and that is in Indonesia the trophy is played for each year, whereas the real Ryder Cup is biennial. Initially the Indonesian tournament was staged at Rainbow Hills, but several years back it moved venue to its current home and display place for the Trophy.

The move coincided when the principal sponsor (Navigat) joined and took the competition to new heights which are being used as the base format ever since.

The evening before the competition saw all players gather in the Sari Pan Pacific for a meal, the first day’s match draws and distribution of the shirts for the following days.

The Americans were full of confidence as they managed to take the trophy by a narrow margin in 2013 and definitely felt they were going to retain it for another year. Each of the European and American captains had selected a core team of 12 players (plus a few reserves in case work or other commitments meant a player could not play for three continuous days). However, this year the Americans had to expand their empire and draw upon some remote ‘colonial’ parts of USA such as New Zealand, Australia and Canada in order to fill the team. Certainly expectations and interest started to mount and talk of who was going to do what to whom was vibrating around the dinner table; something that increased as each pairing was announced.

The format is Day 1 fourball better ball; Day 2 Foursomes; Day 3 Singles; with every day using the Championship black tees. At the end of each day’s play the teams gather for a meal, review of the day’s play and results together with hearing the following day’s pairings. This is where the captains’ strategies emerge and definitely there were some surprises in who was paired together and against whom they were pitted. Without any doubt, the most challenging and taxing selection is Day 2 as the Captains have to select players whose game can compliment each other and whose characters harmonise. Additionally, there is a forbidden word in this format and that is “sorry” … even when you are playing your shot from a part of the course that you have never seen before!!

The First day traditionally has been the strong day for the Americans but this year saw Europeans take a two point 16 December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

lead although most matches; with the exception of the European past Captain and the winner of the Bali Classic taking apart their opposition 6:5; were sufficiently close that they could have gone either way.

Second day could have been a disaster for the Europeans but thanks to the final three pairings all picking up points they edged further ahead by another single point. Once again the matches were evenly balanced and it came down to the stronger nerves that decided the majority of these matches.

So entering the final day with Europe three points ahead, it meant that the Americans had to replicate the Medina feat of the Europeans a few years previously and pull back a large deficit. The European Captain was heard to say that he put out his potentially stronger players at the head of the field and was clearly expecting to gain the necessary points early. This message either had not got to the Americans or they ignored it as at the halfway stage it appeared that the Americans may actually pull off the big comeback. In fact, at the turn the Americans were not only going to retain the cup but actually win it. This struck a discomfortng chord with the European Captain who chivvied his players to dig deep and pull the ‘rabbit from the hat’. Slowly but surely the team started to wear down the resilience of the Americans and gradually they started to climb back into their respective matches. However, it was left to the captain in the penultimate group to get ahead on the 18th hole, for the first and only time in the match, for the Europeans to regain the trophy and then a scrambling half in the final match, where the American captain charged his first putt allowing the Europeans a comfortable two putt, meant that Day 3 ended all square.

So the competition ended with Europeans regaining the Ryder Cup by 13½: 10½ and all of this three day excitement was captured through stills and videos by MMS Dream Team. During the presentation there was hilarity as both teams had awards for the MVP and LVP [Least Valuable Player] distributed.

Eager anticipation is already evident as players talk about next year’s event and whether they will retain or regain the magnificent trophy.

If you are an avid European or American golfer based here in Jakarta please feel free to get in touch with me for consideration in future Ryder Cups held in Jakarta: anthonygwking@yahoo.co.uk

GOLF TIPS

BY ADAM TAYLOR

Simple Drills to Improve Putting Skills Putting is the area of the game that is the least practiced in golf, however the putter is the club we use the most on the course. If you’re looking to improve your putting and your overall score, performing some simple drills on the practice green is a fast an easy way to lowering your score.

Putter Face Direction

Distance Control

Distance Control Speed is the most important key to holing putts. Picking the correct line is important of course, but if the speed of the ball is either too little or too much, the ball is never going to drop. From the October issue of Golf Indonesia, l detailed a pre-putt routine whereby you look toward the hole or your target line left or right of the hole as you perform your practice putt, as this is a great way to improve your feel for the length of the stroke required for your actual putt.

For your practice drill, you can perform this from different distances but with a slight twist. Close your eyes when you are performing your actual stroke. Your stroke length will be very accurate in your practice as your eyes act as distance readers. The goal is to match the feeling of your practice stroke to your real stroke when your eyes are closed. If you can start to improve your distance control from different distances, you're well on your way to having less putts, and a lower score.

Putter Face Impact Position

Putter Face Direction

Putter Face Impact Position

Putter Face Direction

The first drill is to test if you're hitting the ball in the centre of your putter face. Off centre hits are one of the main reasons why your ball can go offline. Place a tee on either side of your putter with just enough room for your putter to fit through. If you can consistently hit the ball without striking the tees, you’re hitting the ball in the centre of the putter face.

The next drill is to see if you're hitting the ball with a square face, because the face has a greater impact on the direction of the ball than the path.

Find an area on the practice green with a hole on a line that is very straight, and a distance starting two putter lengths from the hole. Lining up the ball first, the test here is to see if you can roll the ball in a straight line to the hole. If you're doing this, your face is square at impact. If not, it’s either opening or closing the face throughout your stroke.

To improve this, place two clubs along either side of your line about a hole width apart, trying to roll your ball without touching them.

Ancora Golf Institute, Royale Jakarta Golf Club Jl. Raya Halim Tiga, Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta 13610

Hope these tips improve your game the next time you're on the course. Good golfing.

If you would like any further information about this article, or to have a personal lesson with me, please contact Ancora Golf Institute @ Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Phone +62 21 8087 2222 ext. 310-311 Email: royale.lesson@ancorasports.com Web: www. ancorasports.com

golfindonesia.biz December 2014

17

Jay Haas a 17-time winner of the Champions Tour also converts 67.14% for sand saves.

His son Bill Haas leads the PGA Tour in Sand Saves with 62.15%. Photo courtesy of golfweek

By Stats Man

A Look at the Champions Tour

in Numbers!

Many golfers who come late to golfnow dream of joining the Champions Tour. It’s possible but extremely tough. Most events have 78 places, of which 69 are reserved for former PGA players, leaving 9 places to compete for. To even be considered, players must pay $3000 and then wait to be invited to grueling: Q School.

The success of Bernard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Fred Perry and Fred Couples has prompted many to make comparisons with the PGA Tour. The Stats from the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour websites are as follows:

PGA Tour Leader

Average

Average

Champions Tour Leader

288.8

Driving Distance

270.5

John Riegger (295.3)

David Toms (74.49%)

61.33%

Driving Accuracy

69.86%

Joe Durant (85.40%)

Chad Campbell (72.43%)

64.08%

Greens in Regulation

68.13%

Bernhard Langer (79.01%)

Jim Furyk (69.33%)

57.38%

Scrambling

56.23%

Jay Haas (73.33%)

Bill Haas (62.15%)

49.41%

Sand Saves

45.91%

Jay Haas (67.14%)

Bubba Watson (314.3)

1.781

Rory McIlroy (1.708) Jordan Spieth (45.86%) Bubba Watson (68.52)

38.95% NA

Putting Average One-putt percentage Scoring Average

1.789 31.54% NA

David Frost (1.701) Scott Hoch (41.53%) Bernhard Langer (68.03)

It’s close—even within the Haas family! But is it a valid comparison? Fairway width standards are the same for both tours at 30 to 32 yards at landing zones, coming down to 24 yards for some majors, compared to amateur fairway widths of 35-45 yards. Course length on both tours has increased but stats are hard to find. In 2009 average PGA course length was 7,215 yards. In the 1980s, the Champions Tour courses averaged 6,500 yards but now average over 7,000 yards and can be over 7,500 yards.

The small number of players who play on both tours have shot on average 1.2 shots less on the Champion’s Tour in the same year.

Since the 1980’s, Champions Tour performances have improved significantly. Scoring averages reduced by over 2 shots from 73.3 to now 71. Driving distances increased from 249 yards in 1984 to the current 270.5 yards, with technology changes and more players fit and competing. Initially, the younger players dominated but now there is only 0.04 shot difference between the average scores of players on the 50–54 and 55–59 age groups.

Except for majors, events are only 54 holes, with no cut, one reason suggested for Champion’s Tour players tend to play more aggressively.

The fact that many of them are already millionaires may also help!

GUESS THE GOLFER Sponsored by Titleist and FootJoy Indonesia It’s Simple… Guess this Titleist Tour Professional golfer in this image, for your chance to win unique prizes sponsored by Titleist and FootJoy Indonesia: • One Sleeve of Titleist ProV1x golf balls • One Sleeve of Titleist NXT S golf balls • One Sleeve of Titleist DT Solo golf balls E-mail your answers to: info@golfindonesia. biz for your chance to win one of the prizes!

Congratulations to the November Issue winners, the correct answer was Jason Dufner: Alexander Valentino (ProV1x Golf balls), Helen Natasaputera (Titleist Visor) and Angelia Hartawan (Titliest Ball Pouch)

18 December 2014 golfindonesia.biz

AGENDA — DECEMBER 2014

Dec 03–Dec 06 PGM MIDF KLGCC Championship Asian Development Tour Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Malaysia Dec 04–Dec 07 Indonesian Open, Asian Tour PIK Course, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Dec 05–Dec 07 Dongfeng Nissan Cup, OneASIA Foison Golf Club, Guangzhou, China Dec 09–Dec 12 Indonesian Golf Tour Championship Final (Top 30 Professionals) Imperial Klub Golf, Karawaci, Tangerang

Dec 11–Dec 14 Thailand Golf Championship, Asian Tour Amata Spring Country Club, Thailand Dec 11–Dec 14 Australian PGA Championship, OneASIA RACV Royal Pines Resort, Australia Dec 16–Dec 18 Pondok Indah International Junior Championship PGI, Pondok Indah Golf Club Dec 17–Dec 19 Indonesian Golf Tour: PGTI Qualifying School 2015 Padang Golf Matoa Nasional, Ciganjur, Jabodetabek Dec 18–Dec 21 Dubai Open, Asian Tour The Els Club, Dubai

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE: 2014 PING Scottsdale Trx Anser Adjustable Putter —contact info@golfindonesia.biz / 087782056421—for details regarding prices FOR SALE: 3-5 Girls Golf Set, Pink – LYNX, including stand bag with shoulder strap, right-handed, manufactured in the USA, Incl: 1 Wood, 1 Iron, 1 Putter: Asking Price Rp. 550,000 Call Hal on 061317366675 or h_hayne@yahoo.com FOR SALE: Complete Golf set for sale – including: • S-Yard TBL9 driver 10d loft R flex with original shaft • Hybrid Nickent 19d R85 Adila Voodoo shaft.

• NeverCompromise Mallet putter • S-Yard UX forged steel combination irons 5-9, P, A & S with original R1 flex shaft & new grips The set can be tried and tested at request at Pondok Indah Golf Driving Range, contact: Kiat to arrange via email at limmeefong@hotmail.com

GOLF56: is a family-run business specializing in a wide variety of quality 2nd hand golf equipment, it also stocks new equipment. It is located at: Bintaro Permai Raya No. 56 (Golf 56) Jakarta Selatan-12320 IndonesiaPhone: 62 (0) 21 7377172 MEMBERSHIP FOR SALE: If you would like to become a member of Jababeka Golf and Country Club (Cikarang) please send an offer to me at chrisbotting1@gmail.com MEMBERSHIP FOR SALE: A Lifetime Membership at Rainbow Hills Golf Club is for sale for 100,000,000 Rupiah.

Buyer will be responsible for the payment of annual fees and for any membership transfer expense. If interested, please contact me at: busch1958@gmail.com To Sell: Left Handed—Callaway Big Bertha War Bird Titanium Woods: Driver, 3 Wood, 5 Wood – Graphite Regular Flex – Good Condition—e-mail: idreynolds1@gmail.com

To Sell: Left Handed - Callaway Big Bertha X-12 Irons 3—SW (9 pieces) Graphite Shaft Firm Flex, Good Condition— e-mail: idreynolds1@gmail.com To Sell: Left Handed - Ping I3+ Irons Set 4-PW,GW,SW,LW (10 pieces) Steel Regular Shaft—Good Condition—Include PING Cart Bag Blue—e-mail: idreynolds1@gmail.com To Sell: (BRAND NEW)Titleist 913D3 – Driver 9.5 degrees, RH, Mitsubishi Diamana Blue Regular 62g Shaft— Brand New Condition—e-mail: info@golfindonesia.biz /087782056421 To Sell: Titleist AP1 Ironset RH, regular steel shafts Nippon 950GH and Taylormade RBZ Driver 10.5, with regular graphite shaft—contact: 081237474799

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20 December 2014 golfindonesia.biz