Golf Indonesia -- Issue 10

FR EE INDONESIA'S FREE GOLF TABLOID

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ISSUE 10

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FEBRUARY 2014

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YANIK TSCHESCHLOK FROM STUTTGART, GERMANY, PRACTICING HIS BUNKER SHOTS ON THE BEACH AT KRI ISLAND IN RAJA AMPAT. PICTURE BY DENNIS G. KLOETH - INDOGOLF.COM. TURN TO PAGE 8 FOR THE FULL STORY

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS' PROFILE

W W W. G O L F I N D O N E S I A . B IZ

Editor Simon Reynolds simon@golfindonesia.biz Management Edo Frese edo@golfindonesia.biz Group Editor in Chief Angela Richardson angela@golfindonesia.biz

DICK VAN TOULON Dick van Toulon van der Koog (61, Dutch, what’s in a name ?) is a pensionado resident of Jakarta. He has been a keen follower (obsessed is the right word, according to friends) of the US and European golf tours, ever since he took up golf in 1973. A mediocre amateur golfer, he thoroughly enjoys the great courses of Jabotabek. If his knowledge of historical professional golf data borders on the bizarre, so what ?

JOHN RUSSELL Once a zero handicapper, John Russell is a business strategist with a deep understanding of golf. Previously advisor to KADIN Indonesia, HIPMI, and an executive in Bechtel Corporation, John has always used golf as a tool for business. In 1999 John entered the golf world full time, becoming Indonesia’s pre-eminent golf personality with golf schools, television appearances, articles in golf media, and now weekly articles in Jakarta Globe. Understanding how golf can be applied for better business, John became a pioneer of corporate golf in Asia. His innovations are now common practice. John can be contacted at john@johnrussellgolf.com

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GOLF INSIGHT The LINC Group Jakarta Invitational

by Antony Sutton & Simon Reynolds

06

GOLF INSIGHT The OWGR's Part 3

by Dick von Toulon

07

GOLF INSIGHT The 7th Faldo Series, Indonesian Championship

by Simon Reynolds

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GOLF TRAVEL Golf in Papua, "Birdies in the Jungle"

by Dennis G. Kloeth

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FEATURED COURSE REVIEW Pondok Indah Golf Course

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GOLF INSIGHT A New Perspective in Discovering a Golf Course

12

TIPS The Setup & Alignment

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PROFESSIONAL DIARY My Year on Tour

by Rory Hie

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HUMOUR Curious Tales from the Golf Course

Editorial Assistant Gabriella Panjaitan gabriella@golfindonesia.biz Sales & Marketing Dian Mardianingsih Betty De Haan ads@golfindonesia.biz Distribution Dian Mardianingsih dian@golfindonesia.biz Graphics Frederick Ng fred@golfindonesia.biz Finance & Admin Lini Verawaty

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.

RORY HIE An Indonesian professional golfer who is proud to be the no. 1 ranked player in the country for the past three years. Winner of three international professional golf tournaments and 11 Indonesia PGA events. Educated at the University of Southern California, and holds the all-time university record of 62 (shot twice in 2008).

The only Indonesian to be awarded First-team AllAmerican honors in golf as a sophomore at USC in 2008.

Inspired by Tiger woods as a kid and dreamt of being a professional since the age of 10 years old. Looking forward to f lying the Indonesian f lag on the OneAsia and Asian Tour in the new 2014 season.

EDITOR'S NOTE

lini@golfindonesia.biz Contributors

round after a scintillating 1st round 66, despite dreadful conditions. Gandranata not known for his length off the tee, competed for his maiden victory with a fantastic display of short game skills all week, and fell just short at the final hurdle.

William Ashbee Rory Hie Dennis G. Kloeth John Russell Antony Sutton Adam Taylor Dick van Toulon Circulation Enquiries info@golfindonesia.biz Subscription subscriptions@golfindonesia.biz Events events@golfindonesia.biz Classifieds classifieds@golfindonesia.biz

DENNIS G. KLOETH Born June 1946, in Menteng, Jakarta, after a stint of 26 years in Europe, Dennis returned to Indonesia in 1987. In 1998, he founded Golf Promo Indonesia, promoting abroad Indonesia’s fabulous world of golf and leisure. Long before most countries in the world had even begun to imagine the potential for golf tourism in 1999 he started the golf dedicated website www.indogolf.com.

As a prolific writer and photographer, he first published the Golfer’s Guide Indonesia in 2001. His articles on, and photographs of Indonesia’s golf courses are published in Asia, Europe and the United States. For more than one decade he is considered the go-to source for information on golf in Indonesia.

Published by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia Jl. Kemang Raya No. 29A Kemang, Jakarta–Indonesia Tel: 021 7179 4550 Fax: 021 7179 4546 Office hours: 09.00–17.00 Monday–Friday Golf Indonesia is published monthly by PT. Koleksi Klasik.

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

ANTONY SUTTON Antony is a freelance writer who has been hanging around Southeast Asia for about 20 years. Unfortunately he hasn't picked a club in anger since his days in Bangladesh on the Kurmitola course where he benefited greatly from the words and wisdom of Nelson, the one-armed caddy.

Today, he keeps threatening to head to the local diving range to shake off the cobwebs, but hasn't yet made good with that promise. Instead he contents himself with a few quiet, cold beers once in a while and helping his son become a good Arsenal fan!

without permission of the publisher. All trademarks, logos, brands and designs are copyright and fully reserved by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia.

recycle When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

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WILLIAM ASHBEE A new arrival in Jakarta and recent politics graduate, William works in the commodities sector. A single figure handicapper having learnt the game in England, he has certainly arrived in golfing heaven here in Indonesia.

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olfing in Indonesia and a country of tropical weather patterns presents several unique challenges. January has been a very wet month indeed, with areas in northern Jakarta practically underwater. The rainy season here in Indonesia may cause many golfers to pack up their clubs for a month or two and perhaps work on their fitness, frequenting the gym to put on some extra muscle in search of that extra distance. For the golf fanatics amongst us golf goes on, even if it means a full soaking from the rain and no roll with the driver off the tee.

January witnessed the inaugural Jakarta Invitational, the Asian Development Tour finale, the venue, Jababeka Golf & Country Club. Heavy rain pounded down on the course prior to the event and the first two rounds of play also had several rain delays to the playing schedule. The Nick Faldo designed course is long off the back tees and with the sodden fairways pros were getting absolutely no roll with their tee offs plugging into the fairways.

The greens remained fast with good drainage and it was amazing to see the half way cut being set at +12, a score similar to that of the US Open’s. Golfers relish a challenge, yes it has been wet, the ball isn’t rolling on the fairway or towards the green, but a least we get a chance to hit other shots, and just remember to tap that putter a little firmer on the greens.

Congratulations to the talented Thai golfer Pavit Tangkamolprasert for winning his very first ADT event. Hats off to local professional George Gandranata who led from the first

Dennis G. Kloeth inspired us to pack our golf travel bags and head to Sulawesi in the previous edition, and in this issue we are introduced to the wonders of Golf in Papua; golf on our lonely planet’s final frontier.

Truly golf in paradise, and with several of Indonesian airlines operating reasonably priced air fares to Papua, a trip to play golf in the jungle should definitely be considered, a trip to be added to your bucket list. I assure you, playing golf on a course designed by Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw, whilst being surrounded by 100ft fig trees and the sounds of the birdsong of the birds of paradise may be a life-changing and spiritual experience. If the traffic and the pollution is getting a bit too much for you and you are ticked off by five hour weekend rounds, perhaps golf in Papua could be what the doctor calls for. Indonesia is full of surprises so when you are playing golf in Jayapura, and your barefoot caddy forgets to remove the pin before your putt, don’t be surprised... just smile.

The curious tales from the golf course continues and it is amazing to hear tales of what marvellous and strange feats people have achieved in golf. The Golf Nuts, a team of wacky golf trivia fanatics have scoured the record books of the PGA, LPGA, European Tour, R & A for some quirky facts and moments that will raise an eyebrow or two.

Sometimes we get a bit tired of hearing about Tiger Wood’s putting average is….

We invite you golfers of Indonesia to send in your very own golfing stories to: info@ golfindonesia.biz We would love to hear about some interesting antics or records from your golfing lives.

Happy Golfing!

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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GOLF INSIGHT

BY ANTONY SUTTON & SIMON REYNOLDS

following three birdies with a two over six on the ninth while Hashizume hit three birdies and two bogies Gandranata finally broke par on the 10th but was unable to build on that, not breaking again until the 16th.

The Champion, Pavit Tangkamolprasert scramblin’ on the final day.

THE 2014 LINC GROUP JAKARTA INVITATIONAL

The Asian Development Tour Finale

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n exciting inaugural LINC Jakarta Invitational saw 24-year-old Thai Pavit Tangkamolprasert win his first ever Asian Development Tour, pocketing $10,500 along the way.

After, Pavit referred to the effect the eagle had on his confidence.

“I felt like I was on fire after that eagle and I moved on to make a birdie on the 17th. The weather is hot and the greens are tough out there. I had to work on my mental game.”

A final round 70 was enough to see Pavit end nine under, enough to overcome the efforts of Japan’s Mitsuhiko Hashizume who turned in an impressive 68 on the final day, leaving him just one shot shy of the impressive young Thai.

It was not such a good day for Hashizume who dropped shots on five holes yet still finished at one under.

Tied with Hashizume was young Indonesian hopeful George Gandranata, while Grant Jackson from the UK ended 4th with 277.

But it could have been oh so different.

Local favourite, George Gandranata, topped the leaderboard for the first 3 rounds.

Gandranata, who was featured in issue 04 of Golf Indonesia, flew out of the blocks, hitting an opening five under 66, putting him two shots clear of Hashizume at the Jababeka Golf and Country Club, west of Jakarta.

In fact, the opening day ended well for Indonesians, with four hitting below par, Rory Hie, Andil Mauludin and Ilyasyak finding themselves in the top nine on the leaderboard.

The highlight for Gandranata on the opening day came without doubt on the back nine as he birdied the 14th, 15th and 16th.

Hashizume, on the other hand, was handicapped straightway, dropping a shot on the first hole of the day before dropping another on the 9th, two shots that would prove costly over the competition for the Japanese player.

Pavit started steadily, parring the 4

THE LEADING FINAL SCORE

1st: 275 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 69-66-70-70 T-2nd: 276 – Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 68-70-70-68, George GANDRANATA (INA) 66-68-71-71 4th: 277 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 69-72-67-69

first four holes before dropping a shot on the 5th. He ended the front nine strongly, birdying each hole before hitting a spectacular two on the 13th, a feat only matched by Mauludin and Ian Andrew.

Gandranata continued his good form into the second day, breaking par three times but while he was still leading he admitted he was less happy with his golf on that second round.

“I didn’t hit it as well as I did

/ FEBRUARY 2014 / GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ

yesterday but I had a good start.

I am pretty pleased with my game today. The course is not playing easy. A mistake out there can change anything. I’ve got a plan on how to attack this golf course. I’ll stick to it for the next two rounds and we will see how it goes,” said the 27-year -old.

Instead, it was Pavit who ended the day strongest. After dropping a shot on the par 5 14th, Pavit eagled the 16th and birdied the 17th to see him finish the day five under on 66.

Going into the final day, Pavit and Gandranata had a three shot cushion over Jackson and Hashizume, setting the scene for an exciting climax to the ADT season. There was added intrigue amongst the mix, as Grant Jackson had played his way into contention to take the fourth and final place to qualify for the 2014 Asian Tour. Nicholas Fung, James Bowen and Ian Steel had all confirmed there spots before the first round begun, with Canada’s Lindsey Renolds under pressure, a mere $8,500 ahead of Grant Jackson in the Order of Merit. The winner’s check would secure $10,500, and with Renolds finishing way down to leaderboard making a few bucks, the prospect of Jackson nicking the final spot on the final day’s play was added excitement to a fascinating weeks play of tough and entertaining tournament golf at Jababeka Golf and Country Club.

The 27-year-old Indonesian Gandranata was steady rather than spectacular in the final round. He was even par for the front nine, while Pavit hit four birdies and two bogies giving him the edge going into the turn.

Having started the final day brightly, Jackson all but imploded,

The final two holes were great fun to watch, though perhaps not so exciting for the players! Pavit and Gandranata dropped shots on each hole while Jackson dropped on the 18th. And Hashizume, most frustratingly, birdied the 17th.

Frustrating, because had he been more consistent, then it would have been he celebrating success, and not wondering what might have been.

Pavit admitted it had been a tough competition. “I never thought I could win. It is my first professional win outside of Thailand. George played really well this week. I think I was just luckier than him. My three consecutive birdies in the front nine gave me an advantage,” said the 24-year-old.

Gandranata said the event had been a great experience and hoped he could build on the form he had shown in the early rounds. An inspired Gandranata was motivated all week by talk regarding how his lack of length would hinder his chances of competing for the title here at the long Jababeka course. His accurate long game and his sharp short game proved that length is not the only way to compete for golf trophies: “It was a good week for me. This is my first time being in the lead on the ADT. I stuck to my plan all week. I only made three bogeys in total so I’m happy with how I played. I could’ve done a lot of things better but this would be a good experience for me.”

Golf fans will look forward to more professional events staged at the Nick Faldo designed Jababeka Golf and Country Club.

A combination of fluctuating weather conditions, long length tee to green and slick greens proved a stern test for the pros, with the halfway cut set at a whopping +12. The tournament well and truly puts the Jababeka course on the bucket list of many an avid golfer here in Indonesia.

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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GOLF INSIGHT

BY DICK VAN TOULON

million (incl. $1 million bonus for winning the 2013 R2D).

Stenson’s 2013 prize money: $19.4 m.

The 2013 No. 1 Golfer in the World was…?

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redictably, Aussies consider Adam Scott the world no. 1 of 2013.

Didn’t Scotty win the Sacred Masters for Down Under? And how about his 1-1-2 streak on his own Australasian Tour in November? Let me take this chauvinistic dream to pieces.

First, the Masters is a mediocre event, because its field lacks too much depth, and it invites too many players who have no business being in a Major.

The field of the Masters is not nearly as strong as those of the other seven world events, the three Majors and the four WGC events. Second, in the three “flagship events” of the Australasian Tour, nowadays one of the world’s weakest regional tours, the competition lined up against Scott certainly wasn’t anything to lose sleep over. He was basically playing exhibition matches against a handful of US and European pros lured by appearance money. In the Australian PGA Scott faced US Tour member Ricky Fowler (final 2013 FedEx Cup no. 38) and maybe compatriot Marc Leishman (final FedEx Cup no.

59), provided Leishman would be on top of his game (he wasn’t).

Scott did what could be expected from him, and beat Fowler by four and the rest of the field by 6+ strokes. Next, at the Talisker Masters, Fowler’s role was taken over by Matt Kuchar (no. 6 final 2013 FedEx Cup) and Brendon de Jonge (no. 26). Leishman also showed up, but neither he nor De Jonge managed to outperform the 2nd mediocre field. Scott beat Kuchar by two, and the rest by 4+ strokes. Finally, in the Australian Open Kuchar was replaced by Rory McIlroy. And please spare me the nonsense that

by Nov-13 Rory McIlroy was the “No. 6 Golfer in the World”, i.e. his position on the OWGR. Given

his final 2013 US (no. 50) and European (no. 35) rankings, when he showed up in Australia to challenge Adam Scott, McIlroy’s real world ranking was no. 50, at best. Jason Day showed up for his national open as well, but didn’t come anywhere near contention, finishing 10 strokes back. Still, McIlroy was definitely a lot stronger than the rest of the field, provided he would be on top of his game. He was, and won. Even as runner up, Scott for the third time running wiped the floor with the rest of the field, beating them by 6+ shots. Ignoring McIlroy, who irritatingly spoiled Scott’s planned triple crown party, in the three Australian “flagship events” where his star shone so brightly, the competition consisted of members of the Australasian Tour, where the purse in regular events doesn’t exceed $150,000 nor a win $25,000 i.e. the equivalent of what a US Tour member pockets when he finishes a US Tour event as no. 35 or thereabouts.

So why did Scott play in these events? Not for the prize money, that’s for sure. No, his real reason must have been the disproportionate number of points that the OWGR grants these meaningless events: 2632 points for a win (winning a regular event on the strongest tour in the world, the US Tour, according to the OWGR is worth 24 points)! Scott’s chance to beat three weak fields in a row and collect the goodies was too good to pass by. To put his Australian triumphant 1st -1st - 2nd into perspective: in four regular 2013 US tour events Scott finished T10 - T30 - T13 - T57.

The yawning abyss between his Australian and US results is spelled c-o-m-p-e-t-i-t-i-o-n.

This in a nutshell is your “World of Golf according to the Official World Golf Ranking”.

In 2013 between the end of February and July, Henrik Stenson had little time in his schedule for the European Tour. He played three world events (WGC Matchplay, the Masters and US Open) and eight US tour events, showing signs of what he was up to. In March he went T8 in Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Invitational and T2 in the Shell Houston Open.

In April he finished T18 in the Masters, followed in May by a T5 in The Players. After an unnoticed T21st in June in the US Open, the first Major of the year, by July in Scotland Stenson shifted a gear up, finishing T3rd at the Scottish Open.

The following week he almost won the second Major, The Open, finishing solo 2nd. In August he was T2nd at the W GC Bridgestone and T3rd in the USPGA, the third and last major of the year. After nearly winning so many of the strongest events on the world golf agenda, in September Stenson finally started collecting victories, beating very

strong fields: he won the second and final of the four FedEx Cup play offs, which gave him the overall 2013 FedEx Cup title. Two months later he won the final 2013 European Tour event, finishing off the 2013 European Tour’s R2D as No. 1 as well, something never done before. In six World events Stenson won $2.4 million, in 12 US tour events a mindboggling $14 million (thanks to his $10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup), and in nine European events EUR 2.26

Tiger Woods seldomly competes outside the US. Events there can’t afford (or refuse to pay) his appearance money. He had a good year, even to his own exceptional standards. He won two WGCs, The Players and two regular US tour events. But he failed to win a Major yet again, trailing Stenson in all three. In 2012 Woods was by far the better of the two; Stenson was still busy climbing out of his own mega slump, that bottomed out in 2011. But by the end of 2013 what on earth do 2012 results, never mind the OWGR, have to do with the question “who is the number one golfer in the world?"

After Stenson won the final European Tour’s R2D event by 6 strokes, runner up Poulter graceously declared him “the best player on the planet”.

Amen.

OWGR 17-Nov-13: Woods no. 1 - Scott no. 2 - Stenson no. 3

In 2013 this is how Stenson, Woods and Scott competed head on in the eight World events (Majors, WGC’s and Masters) and the five most important US Tour events: February

WGC Matchplay

March

WGC Cadillac

All three lost in 1st round Woods 1

Scott T3

Stenson didn't play

April

Masters

Scott 1

Woods T4

Stenson T18

May

The Players

Woods 1

Stenson T5

Scott T19

June

U.S. Open

Stenson T11

Woods T13

Scott T45

July

The Open

Stenson 2

Scott T3

Woods T6

August

WGC Bridgestone

Woods 1

Stenson T2

Scott T14

September

November

USPGA

Stenson T3

Scott T5

Woods T40

FedEx 1 Barclays

Scott 1

Woods T2

Stenson T43

FedEx 2 Deutsche B

Stenson 1

Scott T53

Woods T65

FedEx 3 BMW

Woods T11

Scott T28

Stenson T33

FedEx Tour Ch'ship

Stenson 1

Scott T14

Woods T22

WGC HSBC

All three DNP

In the past Stenson was always a bit of a joker on tour. Picture courtesy of henrikstenson.com His huge financial losses (a la Stanford) made him more focused, to good effect. Picture courtesy of guardian.com © 2014: DICK VAN TOULON VAN DER KOOG

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GOLF iNSIGHT

BY SIMON REYNOLDS

Surabaya’s 14-year-old Tirto Tamardi Entertains at BSD with a 54-Hole Total of -13 at The 7th Faldo Series Indonesian Championship U-16 Boys Division Champion: Surabaya’s Tirto Tamardi U-16 Girls Division Champions: Ida Ayu Indira Melati sinks a birdie

LEADING SCORES AT CLOSE OF PLAY: 54 HOLES:

© PARLAN PHOTOGRAPHY © PARLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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n the 19th – 21st of January, Damai Indah’s BSD Course played host to a field of 55 of Indonesia’s most talented junior golfers.

Established in 1996, 40 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include the likes of Rory McIllroy and Yani Tseng. As of September 2014, Faldo will begin taking students at a full-time residential academy for education and golf development in America.

This first ever Faldo Series Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona is home to the Faldo Series USA and marks a landmark step, in the programme’s history.

Indonesia juniors have been inspired by the recent success of Cahyo Adhitomo and Fahmi Reza who won the Boy’s Under-21 titles at the Asia Grand Final in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The Faldo Series is a fantastic tournament experience open to all junior golfers under the age of 21 holding a handicap of below 10.0 to compete against fellow talented youngsters. The boys compete in three divisions: U-21, U-18 and U-16’s, while the girls compete in U-21 & U-16. The eventual three boys champions and the two girls champions will represent Indonesia at the Asia Grand final, at the infamous Mission Hills Golf resort in China.

The 2013/2014 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 19 tournaments in 15 countries, including four in mainland China, two in India and others in The Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.

"The Faldo Series is a fantastic tournament experience open to all junior golfers under the age of 21 holding a handicap of below 10.0 to compete against fellow talented youngsters."

The opening round of play was set alight by the spectacular golf exhibition put on by Surabaya’s Tirto Tamardi who posted a 63, which included nine birdies and no lost strokes. Albeit, there is no recorded course record at BSD, I doubt there have been many lower scores posted.

Jakarta Golf Club’s Fadli Rahman Soetarso won the U-18 Division convincingly having shown fine form with an opening round of 68; so despite the next 36 holes being a touch over par, he came home for -1 total for 54 holes.

Tirto continued his impressive golf over the next 36 holes to post a 54 holes score of -13, the lowest total score this season over the entire Faldo Series in Asia. Fellow U-16 compatriot Kevin Akbar did his best to keep up with Tamardi, shooting a 66 in his second round and after 54 holes took the runner-up in the U-16 division on -6.

All three boys divisions played from the blue tee boxes at BSD, and it was intriguing to see Tirto Tamardi and Kevin Akbar outscore all the competitors from both the U-18 and U-21 divisions.

We were curious to ask Tirto what his previous low round was to date; 65 being his official low score before this event.

Tournament fans were left scratching their heads, baffled by the under performing boys U-21 division with Jakarta’s own Faraby Ali taking home the top spot with a modest +11 total for the championship.

The Girls U-21 was won by an equally modest performance of Bali Beach Golf Course’s Victoria Chandra with a championship total of +9.

The Girls U-16 witnessed a neck and neck final round between Bali’s Ida Melati and Taman Dayu’s Inez Wanamarta. After 36 holes Melati was one ahead on +1 with Wanamarta one shot behind. The treacherous rainy conditions proved too taxing for Wanamarta, posting a final round 81 to Melati’s 77.

BOYS U-21 DIVISION Faraby ALI (DKI Jakarta) 78-76-73: +11 Christopher JOHAN (PENGPROV DKI) 76-79-77: +16 Putu A. MULYADI (Yearing Meadows) 80-80-77: +21 BOYS U-18 DIVISION Fadhli R. SOETARSO(JGCC) 68-73-74: -1 Jordan S. IRAWAN (Leadbetter Golf Academy) 74-76-73: +7 M.Seandy ALFARABI (PENGPROV Banten) 77-72-76: +9 BOYS U-16 DIVISION Tirto TAMARDI (Surabaya) 63-70-70: -13 Kevin AKBAR (PGI KAB Bekasi) 72-66-72: -6 Stevanius D. WIRAWAN (Taman Dayu) 75-69-77: +5 GIRLS U-21 DIVISION Victoria CHANDRA (Bali Beach Golf Course) 74-77-74: +9 Ika W. PALUPI (Damai Indah Golf) 73-81-77: +15 Gianti MAHARDHIKA (Jagorawi) 86-73-76: +19 GIRLS U-16 DIVISION Ida A. I. MELATI (PGI Bali) 73-72-77: +6 Chiara ARYA (Damai Indah Golf) 76-74-77: +11 Inez B. WANAMARTA (Taman Dayu) 73-73-81: +11

Thanks to all the parents and spectators who turned up in support of their children and other contestants to watch Indonesia’s future champion blossoming. Well-run events sponsored by International committees like Faldo Series are doing great things for the development of junior golf worldwide, and the more big events are available for Indonesia's youngsters to compete in the better, in an attempt to keep up with Thailand’s dominance of junior golf in Southeast Asia.

Thanks also to Damai Indah Golf for an immaculate tournament venue for the junior competitors.

We look forward to witnessing the juniors’ development over the coming year and to see these youngsters blossom into Indonesia’s future golfing champions. The future is bright, the future is red and white.

Good luck to the champions: Faraby Ali, Fadhli Rahman Soetarso, Tirto Tamardi, Victoria Chandra and Ida Ayu Indira Melati as they fly the merah putih with pride at Mission Hills in China later in the year.

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

7

GOLF TRAVEL

BY DENNIS G. KLOETH

GOLF IN PAPUA

Birdies in the Jungle

© DENNIS G. KLOETH

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apua is a genuine 'offthe-beaten-track' destination. Rather undiscovered by mass tourism.

Of late, however, Papua is putting itself on the world tourism map, and predominantly because it is home to two of the world’s most remote natural wonders. Call them the last frontiers, if you will!

The first is Raja Ampat. This enchanting archipelago is located off the coast of Sorong and on the Northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua province. It is home to a collection of hundreds of small islands that offer not only jaw dropping scenery and a pristine environment, but certainly some of the best diving to be found on this lonely planet of ours.

The second remote natural wonder, surely, is the Baliem Valley. This rugged mountainous tribal land, in the Central Highlands of Papua, is also known as the Grand Valley. In a total area of about 1.600 square kilometers, it is here that the Dani, Lani and Yali tribes thrive from agriculture activities.

Not expected by many, Papua is also home to two enchanting golf courses. Recently, I played both courses with a group of golfers from Germany. And while we were in the area anyway, we decided to end our Papua golfing trip with a couple of days of diving in the world-renowned crystal clear waters of Raja Ampat. It’s highly recommended to any golfer or non-golfer for that matter.

We played two courses. The first was an 18 hole course in Timika on Papua’s southern coast while

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the second was a simple but pretty nine hole affair in Jayapura.

Let’s start with the Klub Golf Rimba Irian in Timika. The first time I played this course was back in 2003 when I was invited

by Freeport Indonesia, a mining company that operates a copper and gold mine that sits some 4.500 meters up the Carstensz Mountain Ridge, and today better known as Puncak Jaya. Since then I’ve played the course a dozen times and each and every time it remains a marvel in my extensive Indonesia golfing experiences.

It was designed by 1995 Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw, who, instead of celebrating comprehensively, traveled to Timika the very first day after his Major win in Augusta. That in itself, was rather unique, to say the least! There, and in the middle of nowhere, he found a pretty remote piece of jungle land for which he was tasked to create a course that would hopefully elate golfers and employees that work for PT. Freeport Indonesia.

In what was a former Amungme tribal lowland swamp, Crenshaw was able to create a course of international standard. Cut from the dense rainforest and Papuan jungle, way up in the tree tops of the sometime more than one hundred meter high fig trees, hundreds of rare bird species thrive. Among them are the world-famous Bird of Paradise, the White Sulfur Cockatoo, the multi colored Parrot and the impressive Hornbill. Together, they create a cacophony of many different birdcalls. Hence, golfers that play their maiden round at

/ FEBRUARY 2014 / GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ

The Green on #10, Klub Golf Rimba Irian Klub Golf Rimba Irian, Tee Box #11 Padang Golf Cendrawasih, Jayapura

"Playing golf amid such an imposing, genuine and living jungle is something utterly different."

Rimba Irian, may well find it pretty difficult to keep their head down while executing their next shot.

Down on the forest floor, and from up close, golfers can see the Cassowaries and Wallabies, and sometime even the infamous, but well protected, Boelen’s Phyton.

By the way, golfers are advised to leave wayward shots that land balls into the dense jungle just where they are.

© DENNIS G. KLOETH

Playing golf amid such an imposing, genuine and living jungle is something utterly different. We played three days in a row and I strongly recommend if you ever get the chance to play Rimba Irian, take it.

From Timika, it’s a short one hour flight to Jayapura. Basically, we traveled there because we were told of a tiny 9-hole course that goes by the name of Cendrawasih Golf Club Jayapura. Without any

© DENNIS G. KLOETH

HOW TO GET THERE

TIMIKA AND JAYAPURA Garuda, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Wings Air and Batik Air are among the airliners that fly from Jakarta to Jayapura. Some fly via Timika. The total trip including one or two stops (Makassar and/or Denpasar) takes about eight hours. Papua is two hours ahead of Jakarta.

HOTELS In Timika your best place to stay is the Rimba Papua Hotel, or the former Sheraton Timika. Strangely enough, this hotel has no website, so to make a booking you may call +62 901 494949 or fax to +62 901 494951.

Don’t be surprised to have to call several times before your call is answered.

Jayapura has many good hotels of international standard and a virtual shopping trip for a good hotel there is no rocket science. I stayed at the reasonably priced Swiss Bell Jayapura, a decent business hotel with great views on the harbor and bay of Jayapura.

Once playing golf in Papua, diving the crystal clear waters of Raja Ampat is highly recommended to any golfer or non golfer for that matter

To make a booking for golf you may call the following numbers: © DENNIS G. KLOETH

high expectations, we made the trip up the hills that overlook the harbor and the city of Jayapura, a place that I first set foot on as a 5-year-old kid during the days my dad decided to set up a business there in 1950.

the time I reached hole #6, I was elated, even. Here, we had a 'bird’s eye view' on the city of Jayapura that we enjoyed all the way until the tee box and green of hole #8, where the views truly are at their very best.

Looking at the clubhouse and the caddies - of which some walked the cow-grass fairways barefooted - my expectation level dropped way below par. Past hole number two, however, soon I got more and more excited by the incredible vistas that were on offer. By

While my German friends and I were taking in the marvelous vistas, to my surprise, there and then I realized that I’d very much enjoyed playing this little course. Later in the week, we even returned twice to play it again.

What my golfing buddy had told me about Padang Golf Cendrawasih Jayapura was actually right; if you’re not too critical about poorly maintained clubhouses and fairways and greens, and if you are able to indulge in the charm of a 'locally-managed' course, then this little 9-hole beauty is the course you want to play when visiting Jayapura, the provincial capital of West Papua. It surely is part and parcel of an 'off-thebeaten-track' golfing holiday in Papua.

Klub Golf Rimba Irian — +62 901 301555 or fax +62 901 301489 — for Padang Golf Cendrawasih Jayapura please call +62 967 537646 RAJA AMPAT To get to Raja Ampat, you have to fly to Sorong either on Lion Air, Merpati or Express Air (the latter from Jayapura).

From Sorong it takes about two hours by speedboat to get to Raja Ampat. Your best bet is to go to the internet and find either one of the more expensive resorts, or the very affordable home-stay facilities. Most resorts run their own speedboat services to ferry guests to and from Raja Ampat.

This website http://www.stayrajaampat. com/information may help you find affordable home-stay facilities and more information about the Raja Ampat area.

For more info about Golf in Papua please contact info@indogolf.com

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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FEATURED COURSE REVIEW #12, Par 3: “Every Hole is a Signature Hole.” Robert Trent Jones Jr.

BY WILLIAM ASHBEE

Pondok Indah Golf Course COURSE INFORMATION

PONDOK INDAH GOLF CLUB

SOCIETIES Societies welcome, contact the clubhouse for arrangements.

RESERVATIONS To book and enquire about tee times, please contact the clubhouse management office.

Reservation: open daily from 08.00 am – 17.00pm Phone: +62 21 769 4906 ext 340/341 Email: booking@golfpondokindah.com SMS booking : 08111 000 650 DRIVING RANGE FACILITY 50 BALLS: Rp.65.000 100 BALLS: Rp.110.000 PONDOK INDAH GOLF ACADEMY Luke Cantelo: PGA of Australia Member, Head Coach For enquiries: Contact: Yessy at +62 21 759 07828 or 0817 6592 815 Email: yessyyovita@yahoo.co.id FACILITIES Pro-Shop, Ballroom with capacity up to 1000 pax, Putting Green, Short Game Area, Spa & Massage, Restaurant, VIP Rooms, Flood-Lit Driving Range (50 bays), PGA Golf Professional, Golf Arcade LOCATION Pondok Indah Golf Course Jl. Metro Pondok Indah Jakarta Selatan 12310 CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: + 62 21 769 4906 Fax: + 62 21 750 2602 Email: mail@golfpondokindah.com Marketing: nuri@golfpondokindah.com WEBSITE: www.golfpondokindah.com

SEMI-PRIVATE GOLF COURSE 18 Holes Golf Buggies Mandatory Par 72 Black: 7,243 yards Course Rating: 75.8 / Slope Rating: 140 Blue: 6,828 yards Course Rating 73.8 / Slope Rating 138 White: 6,285 yards Course Rating 71.4 / Slope Rating 133 Red: 5,520 yards Course Rating 72.8 / Slope Rating 134

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Background Designed and built for the 1983 World Cup of Golf, this classy track is somewhat unsurprisingly just downwind from the bright lights of Blok M, in the upmarket residential area of Pondok Indah.

A similarly urban setting to its closest competitor Senayan National, Pondok Indah Golf Course takes the crown for Central Jakarta’s best course.

Naturalists and twitchers alike will find distraction on every hole such as the extent and variety of flora and accompanying fauna on show. Our morning round of golf was accompanied by numerous varieties of birdlife and birdsong serenading us on every hole.

Highly manicured and blending seamlessly into its surroundings, the golf here would struggle to spoil anyone’s walk.

Established in 1976, this course is a Jakarta institution. Ever since Rex Caldwell and John Cook of the USA sat on top of the world in 1983 as World Cup Champions, Pondok Indah has retained its top billing for its class and quality. Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s original design underwent a major renovation in 2007, which was completed in 2010; to create its current manicured state of being.

With the high quality Supreme Paspalm planted on the fairway and tee boxes, and TifEagle Bermuda improving the greens.

Even playing after prolonged days of wet season rain the course condition could not be faulted.

Supreme Paspalm grass gives the fairways a tight yet springy texture, you’ll even want to get out of your mandatory buggy and walk. The TifEagle Bermuda type on the greens not only looks immaculate but offers a true and seemingly perpetual roll.

The gleaming white bunkers are consistent, strategically placed and there was seldom a bare lie in sight, anywhere on the course.

Like any good layout, PI will force you to use all fourteen sticks in the bag and test your full array of shot-making.

Whilst perhaps bordering on elitist, this stunning venue caters for the Jakarta movers and shakers as well as its promising juniors. Whilst the number of business deals completed is a complete mystery, the strength of its commitment to the younger generation is shown annually at the Telkomsel World Junior Golf Championship held in December.

Attracting the best junior golfers from Indonesia and the Southeast Asia region.

Course Whilst the course was built for an acclaimed international professional golf tournament, it is remarkable how adaptable it is to cater for not just the pros.

Most championship courses merely push tees forward for your average Joe, thus it is truly rare for a course to feel ‘right’ from all angles and tee boxes. For this reason, Pondok Indah is special.

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Robert Trent Jones Jr. was perhaps flexing his right arm in the 19th when he said, “Every hole is a signature hole!” Even though standing on each tee feels intimate, isolated and different from the last, the Par 5 18th, both visually and in its design, stands out. Ten holes previously, the 8th also lingers in the mind.

220 yards from the blue tees, bunkers all around a classic long Par 3 that will test the most accomplished golfers.

Facilities The charming clubhouse, although not a behemoth, lavishly welcomes you to this innercity oasis. A traditional locker room, range of function rooms and fully stocked pro shop cater for all needs, whether social or corporate. Apart from offering

Pondok Indah’s modern and re-developed three tier, flood-lit driving range.

COURSE RATING COURSE FACILITIES CADDIES

"Every hole is a signature hole!”

AMBIENCE VALUE

84% some fine food, the veranda style restaurant-bar is certainly the best seat in town to watch friend or foe navigate the tricky three-shot 18th.

The modern three-tier driving range is a sight to behold in itself.

Complete with a golf arcade and simulator where you can try and test, before you buy all the manufacturer brands of golf equipment on the market.

Considered separate to ‘the club’, come to loosen up before your game, bring the kids in shorts and a t-shirt or escape from it all one evening. This contributor wouldn’t be surprised, come February 14th, to see couples hitting balls into a floodlit sky before descending to the Italian restaurant below.

Maybe a stretch too far.

Caddies Whilst female caddies seem to have become the norm, we were presented with two males,

GOLF INDONESIA RATING

21/ 25

although there were plenty of females around. Highly professional, knowledgeable and discreet, we could not have asked for more. With differing forms of water on nearly every hole they should be consulted frequently.

Ambience Perhaps hard to gauge on a weekday morning, it however seems obvious that PI has a tightknit and friendly atmosphere.

With a well-supported junior section and numbers limited at weekends so that flights do not take longer than 4.5 hours, it is a thoroughly well-run club.

Value for Money For those wanting the PI experience less frequently, Monday to Wednesday offers the reasonable rate of around IDR 1 million for 18 holes. A must on any Indonesian bucket list, you will enjoy it.

GOLF INSIGHT

BY JOHN RUSSELL

2nd Tee at Nirwana

A New Perspective in Discovering a Golf Course

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very golf facility tries to identify aspects that differentiate it from all others, particularly resort courses competing in regional markets where hotel, swimming pool, golf course, spa, fitness centre, restaurants, business centre, function rooms, and 'friendly service' are seen as generic offerings. Something more should be put on the table to divert new business to their facility.

nestled in the bamboo thicket.

The tee shot on the fifth hole must be kept to the left side of the fairway to avoid the second shot to the green being blocked by Pura Tugu edging in from the right rough on the hilltop and reachable from the tee by long hitters. Par three hole 14 bordering the seaside has 3 temples in full view - Pura Sapujagad at the right side of the tee box, Pura Sisian 30 metres short of the green on the cliff edge, and imposing Pura Dalem Segening nestled in the valley halfway between tee box and green.

From the golf course perspective it is usually the setting and design which sets it apart, usually crystallised in the character of the signature hole. At Nirwana Bali, the signature hole is undisputedly the 7th par three hole, which features a spectacular carry over the sea and rock shoreline to a green perched on a cliff edge, with the iconic Tanah Lot temple just off the shoreline. This presents one of the best pictures in golf and is one of the most photographed signature holes in the world - so much so, for those familiar with the view, the image has almost become a cliché. However, despite such a spectacular distraction, the golfer cannot help but notice the multitude of smaller temples of varying size and design around the golf course. There are 15 temples (called Pura) on the course itself and 19 overall in Nirwana Bali resort. Of the temples on course, 14 are owned by the local villagers who frequently visit them for the ceremonies and prayer which are so indelibly woven into Balinese life.

Most of the temples on course are in full view of the golfer and some do come into play. A pulled tee shot on hole 4 will bring you to Pura Melanting Resort Temple

Pura Alas Kepuh snuggled in a bamboo thicket on a small hill behind the green on hole 16 presents a perfect picture for the approach shot, while staying just a few metres out of range.

The philosophy of life for Balinese society is defined by Tri Hita Karana, meaning the three sources of happiness. To maintain a balanced and happy life, Balinese Hindus seek to maintain harmony between humans and God (Parahyangan), between humans and nature (Palemahan) and among humans themselves (Panonean).

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: • Dalem Segening Temple • Alas Kepuh Temple with Male Golfer • Bima Temple

Human cooperation is clearly manifested in community work (gotong royong) and is an underpinning feature of village life, especially in the practice of traditional natural water management (Subak) to ensure flow along natural contours to rice paddies for sustainable food production. Within the bounds of the 60 hectare golf course there are 10 hectares of productive rice padi, nurtured by traditional Subak irrigation. The crop is

managed by resort employees; 80% are from the local village of Beraban in which the resort is situated, and this harvested rice is sold to the villagers for half market price. Some resort employees are also attendants at nearby Tanah Lot temple.

With an inescapable connection with the local community and culture Nirwana Bali has more to offer than just a great golf course set by the sea. In a recent interview, General Manager Ivan Casadevall said that development is quickly moving up from Seminyak and Canggu towards Nirwana, but the resort will carefully guard its indigenous Balinese character and natural features in future planning of facilities for a more holistic experience for families, honeymooners, and MICE. Quite often when couples stay at the resort, one partner plays golf while the non-golfer visits the spa.

As we all know, one game for a keen golfer is not enough, as the first round unveils the layout and challenges, while the second round gives the golfer a chance to fairly compete with the course.

It would be a good idea that while the golfer plays the discovery round with scorecard and course strategy booklet in hand, the nongolfing partner could accompany in the buggy to make a tour of the onsite temples along the scenic route, with an explanatory booklet and directory in hand. Not only would this be quality time shared, but a unique on course experience.

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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TIPS

BY ADAM TAYLOR

I

n the last issue of Golf Indonesia (January 2014), I outlined the placement of the hands for a correct grip as the first step in my series of the five most basic principles for a solid golf swing. In this second installment, I will demonstrate how to perform the setup and alignment correctly to compliment your grip position. Once again these principles apply to almost every area of the game.

THE SETUP

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For many golfers, the correct setup can be difficult to achieve due to many factors, including a lack of flexibility, and existing lower back injuries. If you feel you might have a condition that is making it difficult to achieve a good setup, it might be wise to consult a health professional who can advise you on an appropriate course of action to help remedy any pain or discomfort you might have.

ALIGNMENT

If you feel you can improve your setup position without any long lasting discomfort, achieving a sound setup position will help your body rotate better throughout the swing, and actually prevent lower back problems from occurring.

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1 The easiest way to achieve a sound setup is to first start holding a club upside down. If you are able to do this in front of a mirror or from a reflection from glass it will be a lot easier to perform. Holding the club upside down will stop the club slipping on the ground using the grip, and the club head will give you a larger area to place your hands on.

2 From a front on position the main goal is to have even balance on both feet, as well as feeling the majority of weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels. This will make it easier to maintain your balance and have a good body turn throughout your swing.

The goal is to be able to get a number of athletic straight lines formed throughout our body. Placing your hands on the sole of the clubface, angle your arms on a forty-five degree angle so that the grip of the club is around one metre from your feet and in the centre of your body touching the ground. The key then is being able to push back your hips, and then straightening your back. This helps produce just a little bending of the knees, but most importantly helps to get a stronger and more stable back position for a better swing.

Probably the most forgotten area of the game for most players is the importance of having the correct alignment. Along with the grip, this is the area that can affect your club path and clubface greatly, both positively and negatively.

Did you know that the alignment for your shots off the ground and the alignment for your driver should be slightly different for your straight shots?

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The reason for this is the angle the club approaches the ball. For shots off the ground, the club should still be moving downward towards the ground as the club strikes the ball. Whereas the driver should be moving very slightly upwards away from the ground as the club strikes the ball.

The key aspect of this is the lowest point of the swing is when the clubface should be straight. But very rarely do we hit the ball when the club is at its lowest point. This is after the ball for shots off the ground, and before the ball for the driver. So anything before this point the clubface will be open, after this point the clubface will be closing.

Next time you are on the range practising, place a club or an alignment rod on the ground halfway in between your feet and the ball. Aim the club or rod slightly to the left of your target for shots off the ground, very slightly to the right for your driver, therefore making sure that you are always lined up correctly.

If you would like more information on the setup and alignment, or to have a personal lesson with me, contact Ancora Golf Institute at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

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The aim now is to achieve this position with the club head on the ground in a position to hit the ball. A guide for your arms is to position them on a slight angle away from your body. The setup position created will remain very similar for just about every shot you will play. The main difference will be the ball position. Inside the right foot for chipping, in the centre for short irons, then progressing to the inside of the left foot for the driver.

5 The next step is being able to perform the correct alignment on the golf course. Most players aim their body at the target first then their feet. If you do this you are almost guaranteeing that you will always be aiming too far to the right for all shots. Always approach the ball from behind and in line with your target, and always line up the club first either by the club itself or picking a spot in front of the ball no more than the length of a club grip, then your body.

Ancora Golf Institute, Royale Jakarta Golf Club Jl. Raya Halim Tiga, Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta 13610 Phone +62 21 8087 2222 ext. 310-311 Email: royale.lesson@ancorasports.com | Web: www. ancorasports.com

PROFESSIONAL DIARY

BY RORY HIE

"My goals this coming season are to gain even more learning experiences and hopefully be able to win on the One Asia or the Asian Tour, and break into the top 300 in the Official World Golf Rankings."

My Year as a Professional Golfer

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013 has absolutely been a great year for me. I learned a lot through all my tournament experiences and developed my game better as a result. One of the highlights this year was certainly winning my 3rd international title and winning a car as a bonus (thanks to Subaru) in Mission Hills Shenzhen, China.

I’m also proud on my overall

season, that I was able to finish 1st both on the China PGA Order of Merit (and the PGPI Order of Merit), as well as making cuts and performing well in many Asian Tour and One Asia events, flying the Indonesian flag all the while.

The tournaments this year also allowed me to play alongside many of the best players in

the world and learn from the experience. Among several, I was glad to be able to play with Darren Clarke at the Nanshan Masters’ third round. It was amazing to see him work the ball under the windy conditions in China. I was proud of that week having finished 4th behind Charles Schwartzel, Darren Clarke, and Liang Wen Chong; it was my best finish in Oneasia tour in 2013.

Also, it was a memorable experience playing with Retief Goosen in the third round of Indonesia Open this year. I was fortunate to play well with him and his compliments of my game after the round was one of my highlights of the year. He’s a great player with top-class personality and has so much experience in golf. Though my last round in Indonesia Open this year was short of my expectations, the round itself was a learning experience for me and it was necessary to go through these ups and downs and come out as a better player.

I played well in Japan this year and finished 15th in the Panasonic Open after qualifying for it for 2nd

year in a row, and got the chance to play with some of the great golf names in Japan such as Shingo Katayama, Hiroyuki Fujita, and Hideto Tanihara. It was quite an eye-opening experience playing with these stars, as the crowds in Japan were some of the biggest I have ever played in.

I’m also glad that I won several tournaments this year, including the two Road to Panasonic Open events, the Toyota Camry Invitational, and the China PGA Tour win. Each one is definitely special and I’m thankful for all of them. The China PGA Tour win has allowed me to qualify for the Mission Hills World Celebrity pro-am later in October this year, I am excited about playing in this unique event.

My goals this coming season are to gain even more learning experiences and hopefully be able to win on the One Asia or the Asian Tour, and break into the top 300 in the Official World Golf Rankings. I hope the game of golf will develop even further in Indonesia, and I’m proud that many of my compatriots are also flying the Indonesian flag with pride on the international golf scene more often.

GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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CURIOUS TALES FROM THE GOLF COURSE… BY "THE GOLF NUTS"

From: The Golf Nut’s Book of Amazing Feats & Records by Bruce Nash, Allan Zullo with George White MOST SEVERE PENALTY ASSESSED FOR BEING ADDICTED TO GOLF Beheading Mary Queen of Scots, 1587 Because of her consuming passion for golf, Mary, Queen of Scots, singlehandedly raised the game’s popularity to new heights.

Yet, ironically, golf was her downfall and led to her eventual execution.

Scotland, the cradle of golf, actually had banned the sport. In March 1457, King James II decreed that "golf be utterly cryed downe and not used.” He was concerned that the Scots, who were constantly battling the English, were devoting too much attention to golf at the expense of archery and thus, national defense.

A century later, Mary brought golf back into favour in Scotland after she became quite smitten with the game, ironically, in France.

When she returned to her homeland after the death of her first husband, Francis, in 1565, the Queen raised plenty of eyebrows.

She ignored affairs of state and instead headed out to the links with sons of French nobles serving as her caddies.

Her passion for golf was matched only by her passion for men. After she wed her second husband, Lord Darnley, Mary continued to score on the fairways while her philandering hubby scored in the boudoirs of other women. Because of his constant romantic soirees, Mary found another paramour, who happened to like golf. But a jealous Darnley murdered the Queen’s lover.

A short time later, Lord Darnley died in a massive explosion at his home. However, when the experts inspected his body, they discovered that he had been strangled.

Mary became a suspect, especially when the not so grieving widow interrupted her mourning just days after her husband’s death to get in a few rounds of golf. Scottish Presbyterians were outraged, and became

even more so three months later when Mary wed the Earl of Bothwell. Her shocked subjects felt the Queen had recovered much too quickly from her sorrow.

In 1567 the country’s best-known golfer was forced to abdicate her throne. Even worse, she was put on trial for treason in England by Elizabeth I, never known for her fondness for golf. Mary’s rounds of Golf after Darnley’s death was recounted as evidence of her ruthless coldheartedness.

She was convicted then beheaded.

At least Mary made the cut.

OLDEST WOMAN TO PLAY ON THE LPGA TOUR 400 years old (approximately) Muffin Spencer-Devlin Pro golfer Muffin Spencer-Devlin, a firm believer in reincarnation, says that in an earlier life she was a 16th century Japanese woman.

“I know that’s true,” she said. “The first time I went over to Japan, I had that déjà vu feeling. I’d been there before. The rains, the mist, the temples – everything seemed so familiar.”

Spencer-Devlin was so moved by the experience that she immersed herself in the Japanese culture. She attended a Japanese language school to study Japanese and now speaks it fluently.

Spencer-Devlin competes in 10 tournaments a year in Japan, where she regularly appears on TV talk shows. Her command of Japanese made her a natural for providing the Japanese translation on teacher Bob Toski’s TV golf show, filmed in the country for Japanese audiences.

Not surprisingly, her best friend on the LPGA Tour is Ayako Okamoto, the most popular female athlete in Japan.

MOST YARDS A DRIVE INADVERTENTLY WAS HIT BACKWARDS 300 yards Dr. George Russell 1913 Braids Tournament Scotland Dr. George Russell walloped a long drive that most any golfer would be proud to hit — except for one thing. He inadvertently hit it backwards! Playing in the 1913 Braids Tournament in Scotland, Dr. Russell displayed a bizarre backswing. As he got set for a drive off the tee, he accidently struck the ball on one of his back waggles. The ball jumped the fence behind the tee and careered down the steep hill, coming to rest 300 yards away.

TOP IMAGES (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Mary Queen of Scots sacrificed her life for the game of golf.

LPGA Professional: Muffin Spencer-Devlin at the 1989 Womens Open Championship.

GOLF DIRECTORY

Lido Golf Club

Sentul Highlands Course: Public course Course Architect: Gary Player Open Monday-Sunday : 06.00 AM–07.00 PM

Course : Public Course 18 Holes, Par 72 Course Designer : Ross C Watson Open : Tuesday - Sunday

The Golf Academy Bali "Stay, Play and Learn in the beautiful setting of New Kuta Golf in Bali. The Golf Academy Bali offers packages from 2, 3 and 5 Day golf Schools to Individual, Group and Corporate coaching.

Head Professional Rory Young will tailor a package to your needs to get the best out of your game. Contact Rory on rory@golfacademybali.com or 082145285408"

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/ FEBRUARY 2014 / GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ

Green Fee Rate(s) for Visitors : Tuesday–Friday (AM) : Rp 375.000,Tuesday–Friday (PM) : Rp 342.000,Wednesday (AM/PM) : Rp 342.000,Saturday (AM) : Rp 875.500,-

Saturday (PM) : Rp 749.000,Sunday (AM) : Rp 798.500,Sunday (PM) : Rp 683.000,-

All rate incl. Green Fee, Caddy fee, Cart fee, Tax & Insurance.

Address : Jl. Raya Bogor - Sukabumi KM 21 Cigombong Bogor 16740 Jawa Barat—Indonesia | Phone : (0251) 8221008,09,10 Fax (0251) 8221007, 8221010 Website : www.lidogolfclub.co.id | Email : marketing@lidogolfclub.co.id

Green Fee Rate(s) for Visitors: Monday (AM-PM) : Rp. 449.000,Tuesday–Friday (AM-PM) : Rp. 625.000,Saturday(AM) : Rp, 1.796.500,- (PM) Rp 1.395.000,Sunday(AM) : Rp. 1.505.000,- (PM) Rp. 845.000,Senior Day (Monday–Wednesday) : Rp 449.000,Ladies day (Wednesday–Thursday) : Rp 449.000,Junior Day (Monday–Friday): Rp 405.000,Address : Sentul City, Sentul-Bogor 16810 Phone : (021-87960200/68 Fax: 021 87960265/77 Email: contact@sentulhighlands.com | Website: www.sentulhighlands.com

MEET THE GOLFER

BY SIMON REYNOLDS

Shaun Malone captured the Phuket pro-challenge this year.

› How long have you been playing golf ? › I took up the game when I was two years old, starting swinging the club with my old man. However, I did not take it seriously until the age of about 11. So I have been developing my game for the last 17 years. › When did you turn professional? › In 2010, I qualified for the Alps Tour and played mini tours in the UK. My first full year was in 2013 where I played on the Asian Development Tour.

SHAUN MALONE GOLFER'S PROFILE

NATIONALITY British DATE OF BIRTH 02.01.1985 PLACE OF BIRTH Albany, Western Australia PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL TOUR WIN(S) 2007 Cambridge Open UK Professional event, as an amateur

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HAUN IS A golf professional on the Asian Development Tour during the last 2013 — 2014 season, finishing the year in 34th position on the Order of Merit, earning himself $5,540 in total prize money from 14 events.

From the 30 January – 2 February Shaun Malone competed in the first stage of the Asian Tour School Q-School, at Imperial Lakeview Golf Club in Thailand, shooting: 71 – 72 – 75 – 67 (-3) finishing in T-18th progressing to the final stage of Q-School, taking him one step further on his quest as a professional golfer. th

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› The 2013 ADT schedule has taken you to countries all over Asia, playing some fantastic golf courses. Which was your favourite course this year? › The Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Taiwan was incredible, the course in North Taiwan was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and was a real pleasure to play, and stands out in my memory amongst the rest. › What are your hobbies outside of golf? › Surfing, being in the water always makes me happy and cooking has a way of relaxing me after long days on the golf course. › What is your goal for the upcoming 2014 season? › I will be heading to the Asian Tour

Q-School ‘first stage’ on the 29th of January at Hua Hin in Thailand to play for a chance to earn a spot of the upcoming Asian Tour season. Plan B would be a fall back schedule on the upcoming Asian Development Tour season for another exciting season. › Can you explain to our aspiring professionals who read Golf Indonesia how you gain a place to compete at the Asian Tour Qualifying School? › You just enter, you have to qualify through the ‘first stage’, which is open to all players who pay the entry fee and play golf to a certain standard. For example, if you are an amateur they have a criteria in what you have to do. As a professional you just turn up pay your entrance fee and compete in the first stage. › So you finished the 2013 ADT order of merit in 33rd position and making $5,540 from 14 events — is it tough to motivate yourself for school the following season? What will keep you motivated for the coming season? › It is my dream to be a professional golfer, in the highest level, around the world.

Money is what keeps you in the game and keeps you moving forward, however it's not what drives me. When you focus on the things you can control and believe it's possible, then you won't be denied. So, when life knocks you down you jump up and say: "It's not over until I win."

AGENDA

Upcoming Tournaments: Feb 12 – Feb 15 Qualifying School, Asian Tour, Final Stage, presented by Sports Authority of Thailand Feb 18 – 20 Feb CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, Amateur League Pro-Am, Palm Hills Golf & Country Club, Indonesia

Feb 19 – Feb 23 WGC — Accenture Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Tuscon, Arizona, United States Feb 25 – Mar 01 PGM Sime Darby Harvard Championship, Asian Development Tour, Harvard Golf & Country Club, Keda, Malaysia

Feb 27 – Mar 02 SAIL Open, Asian Tour, Delhi Golf Club, India Mar 01 – Mar 02 Callaway Junior World Championship — Indonesian Qualifying, Senayan National, Indonesia. (contact: Ancora Sports for entry information - + 62 21 995 976 42)

Mar 03 – Mar 05 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, Amateur League Pro-Am, Halim 1 Golf Club, Indonesia Mar 27 – Mar 30 Indonesia PGA Championship, OneAsia, Damai Indah Golf BSD, Indonesia

CLASSIFIEDS

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GOLFINDONESIA .BIZ / FEBRUARY 2014 /

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