THE FLAG MAGAZINE GOLF UNLIMITED INDONESIA by Kariza Viratama

The Most Widely Read Golf Publication In Indonesia JANUARY 2009 6/1

Balik Papan Recorded Highest Participants G O L F

L I F E S T Y L E

T R A V E L

AVAILABLE AT YOUR FINE STORE JAKARTA : Nine Hole Auto Mall (021 - 3000 4057) - Harris Rawamangun (021 - 4786 7882) - MFS Jl Suryo(021 - 725 0057) - Golfthings / Ferry Kalipatera Jl. Cideng Barat 41D (081 680 5133 / Fax: 021 - 631 8881) - Golf Peak Ruko Patal Senayan - Golf Peak Driving Range BEJ - Royale Jl. Padang Golf Halim 3 (021- 80884488) BOGOR : Permata Sentul - Bogor Raya Pro Shop Rancamaya Golf & Country Club Jl. Rancamaya Utama Ciawi (0251- 242-282) BANDUNG : Golf Act Setrasari Mall (022 - 200 9635) - Golf Act Dago Endah Bandung Pro Shop - Center Point Jl. Braga (022 - 423 7358) YOGYAKARTA : Arena Golf Jl. C. Simanjuntak (0274 - 518 990) Surabaya : Golf Tees Pakuwon Driving Range (031 - 591 3116) Kalimantan : Maharani Golf Sport - Sintuk Golf Bontang PKT (081 258 48320)

Publisher PT. Kariza Viratama [www.kariza.biz] Managing Director Art Director Ria Prawiro riaprawiro@cbn.net.id ria@kariza.biz Managing Editor Sankuny Kunjan sk@kariza.biz Editor Budi “Abuy” Lumy budi-lumy@cbn.net.id abuy@kariza.biz Junior Golf Contributor David Viratama david@kariza.biz Asst Manager (Advertising) Wendra Lesmana wendra@kariza.biz Marketing Executive Sri P. Dyah Isnaemi sri@kariza.biz General Affair & Finance Julia lautan julia@kariza.biz Graphic Design Ganjar Subiadi Tody Prananta design@kariza.biz Web Design Fery Hamdani fery@kariza.biz Photographer Faisal Distribution Joshua, Dayat, Putri Events Dwi Maryanti dwi@kariza.biz Picture Action Images/Reuters Printed by Mega Indah

PT. KARIZA VIRATAMA PLAZA AMINTA. 6th Floor, Suite 604 Jl. TB. Simatupang Kav. 10 Jakarta 12310 Telp. (62 21) 766 1352 Fax. (62 21) 751 2075 www.kariza.biz

Cover : The Royal Trophy Asian Team Picture By : Actionimages/Reuters/ Asian Tour/The Flag No Portion of this publication covered by the copyright hereon maybe reproduced in any form or means - graphic, electronic, mechanic, photo copying, recording, typing, etc - without the written consent of PT. KARIZA VIRATAMA. Opinion Express by contributors and advertisers are not necesserily those of the Editor and Publisher. All rights reserved.

YOU CAN FIND US HERE! Golf Clubs & Driving Ranges : Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course. Damai Indah Golf – BSD Course. Rainbow Hills Golf Club. Padang Golf Jaya Ancol. Gunung Geulis CC. Klub Golf Cengkareng. Klub Golf Lido. Klub Golf Senayan. Rancamaya Golf & CC. Pangkalan Jati Golf Course. Bintan Lagoon Resort. Matoa National Golf & CC. Laguna Bintan Golf Club. Sawangan Golf Course. Ria Bintan Golf Club. Jakarta Golf Course. Yani Golf Course. Padang Golf Halim. Royale Golf Jakarta. Graha Family Golf & CC. Bukit Darmo Golf. Padang Golf Kemayoran. Finna Golf & CC. Lombok Kosaido CC. Taman Dayu Club. Rinjani Lombok Golf Club. Padang Golf Abdurrahmon Saleh. Karawang International Golf Club. Araya Golf & CC. Sedana Golf Course. Pakuwon Golf & Family Club. Jababeka Golf & CC. Merapi Golf & Mountain Resort. Padang Golf Modern. Hyatt Regency. Imperial Golf Club. Semarang Golf Club. Padang Golf PERTAMINA-Sepinggan,Balikpapan. Padang Golf Baddoka-Makasar. Gading Raya Padang Golf. Padang Golf Manyaran Indah. Takara Indah Golf & Resort. Graha Candi Golf Club. Padang Golf Permata Krakatau. Bukit Barisan CC. Pondok Cabe Golf Course. Graha Metropolitan Golf Club. Dago Indah Golf Club. Tamora Golf. Bandung Indah Golf. Martabe Golf. Golf Arcamanik Raya. Padang Golf Sukarame. Jagorawi Golf & CC. Southlinks Golf Club. Permata Sentul Golf & CC. Batam Hills. Mentari Golf Bukit Sentul. Indah Puri Golf & Resort. Palm Hill Golf Club. Palm Spring Golf & Beach Resort. Bali Beach Resort & Golf Club. Tering Bay Resort & Golf. Anai Golf & Mountain Resort. Prestasi Driving Range. Batam View Beach resort. Golf link Resorts. Bali Golf & CC. Club Golf Rimba Irian. Putri Tujuh Golf Club Riau. Karang Joang Club, Balikpapan. Gombel Golf Semarang. Borobudur Golf Club - Hotels & Resorts : Alila Hotels. Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts. Aman Resorts. The Oberoi. Santika Hotels. Accor Hotels & Resorts. Shangri La. JW Marriott Jakarta. Hotel Le-Meridian Jakarta. Hotel Sari Pan Pacific. The Ritzy Hotel Manado. Hotel Jatra Bali. Hotel Tugu. InterContinental. Bulgari Hotel. Novotel Hotels. Hyatt Hotels. Marannu City Hotel & Tower. The Sultan Hotel. The Ritz Carlton. Hotel Polonia Medan. Mercure Hotels. Hotel Kristal. Aryaduta Hotels. Sparks Hotel. Grand Puri Hotel Pusako Hotel Bukittinggi. Lor In Business Resort & Spa, Solo. The Elysian. Barong Resort & Spa. Grand Hyatt Bali. The Samaya. Kori Ubud Resort. Gran Mahakam. All Seasons. Island Explorer Cruises & Coconuts Beach Resort. SanGria Resort Travellers Suites, Medan. Hotel Manohara. Sahid Hotels. Inna Garuda Hotel-Jogja. Saphir Hotel-Jogja. Ibah Hotel. Dusun Yogya Village Inn. The Cangkringan Spa & Villas. Angsana Resort. Turi Beach Resort. Nirwana Garden Resort. Batam View Hotel. Harris Resort. Hai Tide Huts. Kuta Lagoon Resorts. Sheraton Timika. Kamandalu Resort & Spa. Tasik Ria Resorts. Resor Seminyak. Cafés & Restaurants : Saint Cinnamon. Gillian’s Pool & Lounge. Cafe Victoria. DE Daunan Cafe.Chopstix Restaurant. Gelare Cafe. Prima Taste. Bee Bim Bab. Cinnzeo.The Nine Muses Club. Le Petit Paris. Kafe Batavia. Meradelima. Hot Shot.Q-Smoke House Factory. COFFEE TREE. SIDE WOK Resto &Cafe. KING CRAB Restaurant. N.Y.D.C. Fusion Resto. Nannini Grill. Oh La La Café. Cavana. The EDGE. The Champa. The Piano. CASSIS Restaurant. BRASSERIE. Caswell’s Mom’s. Tamani Cafe Kemang. Cinnabar. Café Batavia.Tee Box Cafe. Ke Ku:n Coffee Library Shop.Bakerzin. Amadeus Cafe. Ulam Restaurant & Spa, Bali. Sushi Tei. Sakura Japanese Restaurant. The bedroom. Thai & I Restaurant. Barollo Wine & Cigar. Hot Shots.Entree, Dine & Lounge. Kono Pizza. Arabian Resto. Cheese & Caviar, Vin+. Harum Manis. Connoiseur. Grand Eastern Restaurant & Ballroom. Magenta Asian Cuisine. DOME Cafe, Jakarta, Medan & Surabaya. Cafe Tator. Spoon. Haagen Dazs. Famous Amos. Zhuma. Chili’s Grill & Bar. Moya. Cup & Cino Coffe House. Andersen’s Ice Cream. Tamarind. Tamani Café. Cup & Cinno Coffee House. Billie Town Bistro. Starbucks. The Coffe Bean & Tea Leaf. Cafés & Restaurants : Saint Cinnamon. Gillian’s Pool & Lounge. Cafe Victoria. DE Daunan Cafe.Chopstix Restaurant. Gelare Cafe. Prima Taste. Bee Bim Bab. Cinnzeo.The Nine Muses Club. Le Petit Paris. Kafe Batavia. Meradelima. Hot Shot.Q-Smoke House Factory. COFFEE TREE. SIDE WOK Resto &Cafe. KING CRAB Restaurant. N.Y.D.C. Fusion Resto. Nannini Grill. Oh La La Café. Cavana. The EDGE. The Champa. The Piano. CASSIS Restaurant. BRASSERIE. Caswell’s Mom’s. Tamani Cafe Kemang. Cinnabar. Café Batavia.Tee Box Cafe. Ke Ku:n Coffee Library Shop.Bakerzin . Amadeus Cafe. Ulam Restaurant & Spa, Bali. Sushi Tei. Sakura Japanese Restaurant. The bedroom. Thai & I Restaurant. Barollo Wine & Cigar. Hot Shots.Entree, Dine & Lounge. Kono Pizza. Arabian Resto. Cheese & Caviar, Vin+. Harum Manis. Connoiseur. Grand Eastern Restaurant & Ballroom. Magenta Asian Cuisine. DOME Cafe, Jakarta, Medan & Surabaya. Cafe Tator. Spoon. Haagen Dazs. Famous Amos. Zhuma. Chili’s Grill & Bar. Moya. Cup & Cino Coffe House. Andersen’s Ice Cream. Tamarind. Tamani Café. Cup & Cinno Coffee House. Billie Town Bistro. Starbucks. The Coffe Bean & Tea Leaf. Spa, Salons & Health Centres : Mom & Jo Spa. Studio 5 Bali. Nujaniv De Beaute. Centre De Beaute. Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa. Cemara Spa. Swarga Spa. Cleopatra. Kat Salon. The Salon. Esthetic Melrose. Daniel Amarta Salon.Dr Kayama. Clark Hatch. Earth Living Spa. Jamu Spa. Daoen Spa. Gaya Spa. Fushion Spa. Rempah Traditional Body Treatment. Javana Spa. Delta. R Plus Salon, Spa & Boutique. Eiffel Salon. The Wellness Centre. ROC. Roger’s Salon, Clinic & Spa. Grand Odiseus Spa. Salon Leo Stephen. Salon Rudi. Arif- Barbershop & Spa. London Beauty Center. Lutuye Salon. Celebrity Fitness. Life Spa Fitness. Sari Salon & Day Spa. Oasis Spa. Aditya Medical Centre. Nice’s Shots & Natural Salon. Secret’s Salon. Spice Salon & Spa. Warna Beauty Salon. Stylist Salon. Beverly Hills Spa. Quantum Athletic Club. Martha Tilaae Salon & Day Spa. Primadona. Others : The Emerald Sky. Sky Lounge. Jas Lounge. Pura Indah. Sunda Kelapa Executive Lounge. Indosat Lounge. CityBank Lounge. Mutiara Lounge. Batavia Lounge. Golflink. Khatulistiwa. Shilla Tour. Club Azur.Financial Club. Mercantile Club. The Merchantile Club. Jakarta International Club.Trimegah Sekuritas. Gunung Agung. PT CAR. LEXUS Indonesia. Astra Intl Authorized BMW Dealer. Ford Jakarta Selatan. The Peak. ISCI Bali Inter Money Changer.

G O L F

L I F E S T Y L E

T R AV E L

Contents

January - Edition 6 No.1/2009

Hot News 14. South African Open | ”Sterne” Playing By Home Favorite Els and Westwood left in awe in hunt to improve their respective world ranking through the South African Open as Local favorite Richard Sterne won the South African Open.... 44. UP-CLOSE ADAM SCOTT Almost five years have slipped away since Adam Scott won the biggest title of his career at the Players Championship and he is eager to regain the winning habit in golf’s premier events. 54. Royal Trophy | 6Foot Down For Europe... Asia Won For The 1st Time Asia claimed the Royal Trophy for the first time after completing a stunning 10-6 triumph over Europe at Amata Spring Country Club on Sunday.

Memorable 22 Top 10 Story in 2008 14

Feature 10. DOWN UNDER | Daly Suspended For 6 From The TOUR 16. Sergio Garcia Reveals Why Europe Lost The Ryder Cup 18. Golf In The Olympic 42. Best of ALL Honorable Mentions 48. Short Takes 50. Tiger’s Number One Status Could Become Vulnerable In 2009 58. Shark Or Ice Maiden 60. Head Start For Zach Johnson 62. PGA TOUR Calendar 09

54 4

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

64 Mercedes Benz Championship | Ogilvy Champ The Season Opening 68. ASIAN TOUR Calendar 09

Contents

Januari - Edition 6 No.1/2009

Artikel Bahasa Indonesia

78. So Long Legend | Perasaan sedih dan gundah yang dirasakan Annika Sorenstam saat berada dalam kabin pesawat Emirate airways yang membawanya pulang dari Dubai ... 82. Lam Chih Bing Membuka Gelar di Akhir Tahun | Setelah delapan tahun meniti karir sebagai pegolf profesional, Lam Chih Bing, akhirnya boleh menikmati hasil penantian panjangnya untuk menjadi salah.... 84. Yang Terbesar Dari Penghuni PGA | Bukan merupakan perkara yang mudah bagi para pegolf turing pro untuk bisa menempatkan diri mereka diposisi 10 besar dalam sebuah turnamen golf dimanapun...

112. Pesona "Dunia Lain di Negeri Jiran | Berada di ketinggian 1.850 meter dari permukaan laut, Genting Highland, ibarat sebuah pesona ‘dunia lain’ dari negara Malaysia yang memiliki daya tarik wisata...

90 82

106 Berita 80.

Bila Sang Caddie Menguak ‘Luka Terpendam’

84.

‘Menjaring’ Para Calon Kampiun Asian Tour

102.

Sejarah Evolusi ‘Primadona Kecil’ Di Lapangan Golf

100.

Tiga Putaran Menuju San Diego

116.

Menikmati Hidangan Spesial di Tahun Kerbau

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

112

Authorized Distributor: PT. Royal Brani Jl. Pahlawan Revolusi No.36 Komp. Pacul Mas. Pondok Bambu Klender, Jakarta - Timur. Telp. (021) 985 27229 E-mail: royal_brani@yahoo.co.id AVAILABLE AT : JABODETABEK: BOB’s GOLF (021) 45851010, CENGKARENG GOLF CLUB (021) 55911111, CILANGKAP DRIVING RANGE (021) 84595687, PT. EXO DWITUNGGAL INTI (021) 63855555, GADING RAYA PADANG GOLF & CLUB (021) 5467665, EMERALDA GOLF CLUB (021) 8759019, FITTING ZONE (021) 75912126, HALIM I (021) 8005762, NINE HOLE (021) 30004057, RAJA SPORTS (021) 3813823, HOLE IN ONE (Jagorawi Golf ) (021) 8753794, THE NINETEENTH HOLE (021) 70724696, TOP GOLF (021) 53664820, JABABEKA GOLF CIKARANG (021) 8936148, ROYALE JAKARTA GOLF CLUB (021) 99955888, PRESTASI GOLF ANDALAN (021) 5279381, PT. PURE GOLF INDONESIA (021) 45859389, IMPERIAL KLUB GOLF (021) 5460120, BANDUNG: D'SHOP GIRI GAHANA GOLF (022) 7798401, BALI: NEW KUTA GOLF (0361) 8481325, BALI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (0361) 771791

EDITOR'S NOTE

Sankuny Kunjan Managing Editor sk@kariza.biz CLASS ‘AA’ GOLF PROFESSIONAL FIJI PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION (FPGA)

BLUR BUT POSITIVE OUTLOOK 2009 Dear Readers,

efore I pen down my thoughts here this month, on behalf of all my colleagues at Kariza Viratama, may I share my deepest condolences and sympathy on the demise of Hardjito’s Son – Hendry Galih Susanto. May God bless his soul and to Hardjito, we hope you will stay strong. The number 2008 passed and almost forgotten and we are almost into the first 30 days of 2009. Events happened in 2008 somehow would have prepared us for better and wiser days ahead this year. For Golf, businesses in general affected with slight drawback due to some apparent reasons, economic slow-down and probably the rainy days in the first quarter of the calendar 2009. As experts indicated, the worse is yet to come and the signs of the worst scenario are evident. However the situation is, I strongly believe, the domestic golfers market is yet another huge and potential market under capitalize. As I have said before, Indonesia has no lack of domestic potentials especially for GOLF. The abundance of Golf in Indonesia is under marketed and generally situation like current bleak situations are not taken advantage off. Obama wouldn’t have sat on the planet’s most powerful seat if he didn’t dream of it....leave alone the “CHANGE” tagline which open the world’s eyes over. Same goes for us here, let us dream of something extraordinary and explore other avenues of business before we lose the grip of it.

Recently, I travelled to Kalimantan Timur for spend almost a week in Balik Papan. I am astounded to witness myself how the glory of golf is appreciated in this little town and surprisingly with a small yet outstanding golf club – Pertamina Balik Papan Golf Club; golf has become part of regular lifestyle of the local golf enthusiasts’. The Balik Papan qualifying rounds of Kariza Masters 2008 were added due to many requests from the local and evidently, the reaction of the local golfers is simply overwhelming and the club recorded some 188 participants – highest ever, for 2008 series. Another hot talk in the golf fraternity...Pondok Indah Golf Club has officially opened its first 9 holes which are fully refurbished with immaculate condition. Well, these are signs of positive march of the domestic business outlook. Well done Pondok Indah Golf Club. I know Bpk Budi Kosasih will have a million reasons to celebrate. Back at Kariza, we have now completed all the qualifying round of the Kariza Masters 2008 series are now gearing for the Grand Final bash in Nirwana Bali. Its wet here but I don’t think this weather will keep our more than 80 Finalists from all over Indonesia away from the golf course. I can promise that each of the participants will return to their hometown with a million memories and news to share with the rest.

This month we are given you interesting news and memories of 2008. I have drawn a special 10 most interesting moments of golf which I know best. Ogilvy have raised the curtain by taking the Mercedes Benz Championship in Kapalua. Vijay is out for another knife and Tiger is itchy to return to the scene. Check out the “cool war” between Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia. Not forgetting some continues story line of John Daly and many more. Anthony Kim will be in Malaysia for the Malaysian Open 2009 from February 12th – 15th and Indonesian Open will be held at New Kuta Beach Golf Resort Bali from Feb 26 – March 01,2009. Lastly to all our Chinese readers, we wish you happy Lunar New Year. Wish all of you a productive year ahead. Enjoy golf at the fullest. Happy reading and see you guys around the golf course. Thank you Cheers.

Sankuny Kunjan.

The Flag Golf Magazine is now available in ﬁrst and business class lounges of Singapore Airlines and Garuda Indonesia at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Jakarta

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

DOWN UNDER Daly Suspended For 6 From The TOUR

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

A night in a Raleigh jail, says John Daly, factored largely into his suspension.The two-time major champion confirmed his suspension to The Associated Press, calling this the low point of an 18-year career during which he has made as much news off the course as he has with his prodigious game. Daly said he wanted to go public to let fans and tournaments know that he wasn’t abandoning them by taking his game to the European Tour. At least until the spring, he simply didn’t have much of a choice. This is the second time the Tour has suspended Daly, along with at least two other times when he agreed to sit out the final few months of a season to get his life in order. Still trying to recover from various injuries, Daly made only five cuts in 17 starts on the Tour, finishing 232nd on the money list. His world ranking has plunged to No. 736. Daly isn’t even sure when the suspension began, but he hopes it ends in May. He said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem sent a letter to his agent, Bud Martin of SFX Sports, who passed along the news. Daly said he hopes to play well enough to earn sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour when the suspension is lifted. Daly became an overnight sensation when he won the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick as the ninth alternate, introducing his powerful “grip it and rip it” style to golf. Four years later, he won the British Open at St. Andrews. But his career has been dragged down by two trips to alcohol rehab, four marriages, gambling losses and other off-course episodes that have made him a sideshow to some and a cult figure to others. Asked why he was suspended, Daly pointed to four incidents during the year. After a rain delay at Innisbrook during the Florida swing, he emerged from a hospitality tent with Gruden as his caddie for the final seven holes of the round, prompting a split with swing coach Butch Harmon. “My whole goal for him was he’s got to show me golf is the most important thing in his life,” Harmon said in March. “And the most important thing in his life is getting drunk.” While promoting a golf course in Missouri, Daly did a regional television interview wearing only

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

ACTION IMAGES/REUTERS

ohn Daly smashed one tee shot off the top of a beer can during a pro-am. At another tournament, he returned from a rain delay with Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden as his caddie. And his most memorable photo this year came in an orange jail suit, eyes half-closed.Daly said that such unwelcome publicity is why the PGA Tour suspended him for six months.

“The picture didn’t help, People think I got arrested when I didn’t get arrested. It is what it is. I’ve got to deal with it and go on. Whatever reason the Tour has, maybe a positive will come out of this.” Daly blue jeans – no shirt, no shoes – while showing how to play one of the holes. Then at the Buick Open, during a pro-am that featured Kid Rock in overalls, Daly revved up the fans by hitting one drive off the top of a beer can. He drew the most attention from the night in jail. Daly told that his friends called police when they feared he had passed out, claiming they were unaware he sleeps with his eyes open when he’s had too much to drink. Daly was put in jail under a state law called “Assistance to Intoxicated Persons.” “The picture didn’t help,” Daly said. “People think I got arrested when I didn’t get arrested. It is what it is. I’ve got to deal with it and go on. Whatever reason the Tour has, maybe a positive will come out of this.” Daly has played four times overseas since the PGA Tour suspended him, tying for 17th in the Hong Kong Open and missing the cut at all

three tournaments he played in Australia. In the Australian Open, he lost his patience with a fan who put a camera in his face during the round, smashing the camera against a tree. “This is the lowest I’ve ever been,” Daly said. “There’s always light with me. Right now, my home tour is probably Europe. And I love the European Tour. I always have. But my home is the United States. That’s where I would rather play.” Daly said the publicity cost him his endorsements. His only deals are with Focus Golf Systems, which signed a 15-year agreement in 2006 to sell his golf clubs and apparel in WalMart stores; and Fly Emirates, part of a deal that will pay his travel expenses when he plays the Abu Dhabi Championship, Qatar Masters and Dubai Desert Classic in January. “This has been the worst year,” he said in the New Year’s Eve interview. “One day left.” THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Chevron World Challenge

Masterful Returns By VJ Singh

s old saying “Old is Golf” - Age is starting to creep up on Vijay Singh, who turns 46 in February and spent the last three months taking the longest break of his life to let nagging injuries heal. But against a world-class field Sunday at the Chevron World Challenge, Singh looked as good as new. With three straight birdies early on the back nine to get into contention and a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, Singh closed with a 5-under 67 for a one-shot victory over Steve Stricker to finish off the most lucrative season of his career. “When I show up and I know I can’t win the golf tournament, I’m going to quit,” Singh said. “But as long as I show up and know that I can win, I’m going to keep playing.”

Making it even more challenging, Singh showed up at Sherwood Country Club with a new driver. But he kept the ball in play on the weekend, the key around this course, and played the par 5s in 9 under during his 67-67 weekend. Singh won $1.35 million and pushed his earnings for the year to over $18 million. That includes the $10 million bonus from the FedEx Cup, along with $6.6 million on the PGA Tour to win the money title for the third time in six years. Singh’s fortunes began turning on the par-4 sixth hole, where he had made bogey each of the first three rounds. He answered with a birdie in the final round, and when Furyk three-putted from long range in group behind, the Fijian was back in the game.“ That got me all fired up,” Singh said. “I played solidly. And the putter 12

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Singh virtually vanished after capturing the FedEx Cup and its $10 million bonus on Sept. 28 at the Tour Championship. He went an entire month without hitting balls to rest a left arm wracked with tendinitis – “I haven’t done that in forever,” he said – and only began practicing for the Father-Son Championship earlier this month. Age doesn’t stop him. Neither does rust.

started working when it got inside 8 to 10 feet.” That was the range for his three straight birdies that put him in the lead, the biggest birdie of all on the 18th hole. He made small talk with Woods as they waited for the final group to finish, and Singh jokingly told Woods at the trophy presentation, “Don’t come back too soon. Take another year off.” Even with Woods at full strength, Singh has been up for the challenge. The big Fijian has won 23 times since turning 40, and his 34 career victories on the PGA Tour are the most by a foreign-born player. He points to Kenny Perry winning three times this year while turning 48, and Fred Funk winning in Mexico at age 50.

“Winning this many tournaments doesn’t mean it’s a miracle,” he said. “I think there will be guys out there that are going to do the same thing. It’s just how many they’re going to win. Right now, I’m the leader, and I’m not quitting yet.” The Chevron World Challenge doesn’t count, but it felt like a victory considering the elite gathering. And it came at a good time for Singh, who starts the 2009 season in three weeks at Kapalua. The sure sign that Singh is ready to get back to work? He plans to practice on Christmas Day. “It’s the best time to hit balls,” he said. “There’s nobody on the golf course.”

ls and Westwood left in awe in hunt to improve their respective world ranking through the South African Open as Local favorite Richard Sterne won the South African Open after defeating Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland on the first playoff hole. The pair were tied at 14-under 274 after 72 holes at Pearl Valley Golf Estates, and Sterne (66) birdied the playoff hole after Maybin (70) pushed his tee shot into a fairway bunker and was only able to make par. Sterne hit what he described as the best bunker shot of his life on his final regulation hole after pulling his approach left to land in the sand with very little green to aim for.

Ernie Els of South Africa had set the early pace with a 64, while Lee Westwood of England was the third-round leader at 14 under. “No one was running away with it, although obviously Ernie made a big move,” Sterne said. “Going into the back nine, I thought if I could just get to 14 or 15 under, you never know what can happen coming down the stretch.”

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

South African Open

”Sterne” Playing By Home Favorite

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

“I don’t even remember hitting that bunker shot,” Sterne said. “I was trying to hit it to 15 feet, to be honest, to give myself a chance there, and it just came out perfect. It came out to 3 feet, way better than I could have hoped.” Sterne, who won the Alfred Dunhill Championship last week to secure South Africa’s Sunshine Tour Order of Merit, birdied that hole to take the clubhouse lead.

New Names Of The Masters Lists

he final official shot of 2008 was a tap-in birdie by Richard Sterne to win the South African Open in a playoff, capping his unlikely climb in the world rankings to be among 15 players earning a Masters invitation. Three players on two continents made one final push for the top 50 in the rankings to make the trip to Augusta National. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tied for third at the South African Open and will move up to No. 39, while Lin Wen-Tang of Taiwan tied for sixth in the Volvo Masters on the Asian Tour and will be No. 49. Augusta National since 2000 has invited the top 50 in the rankings at the end of the calendar year. With no more official tournaments remaining, the final 2008 rankings were determined Sunday.

The 15 players not otherwise eligible except for their top-50 ranking were Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Ross Fisher, Luke Donald, Shingo Kayatama, Graeme McDowell, Rory Sabbatini, Jeev Milkha Singh, Aaron Baddeley, McIlroy, Oliver Wilson, Sterne, Soren Hansen, Tang and Soren Kjeldsen. Along with other criteria, that puts the Masters field at 88 players who are expected to compete April 10-13. Among those still not eligible are Woody Austin, Scott Verplank, Davis Love III and J.B. Holmes, the only Ryder Cup player who could miss the first major of the year. Augusta National has the smallest field of the four majors, and it most likely will get larger. Players still can qualify by winning one of 13 PGA Tour events leading to the Masters, or by getting into the top 50 in the rankings published a week before the Masters. The Masters has not had more than 100 competitors since 1966. No one made a bigger move than Sterne, who was ranked No. 113 two weeks ago. But he won the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the South African Open in consecutive weeks to move up 70 spots to No. 43.

Rory McIlroy

ACTION IMAGES/REUTERS

Lin also was out of the top 100 in early November but began his move by winning the Hong Kong Open and securing his place with a tie for sixth in the Volvo Masters.

Richard Sterne

Lin Wen-Tang THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Sergio Garcia Reveals Why Europe Lost The Ryder Cup

"The defeat was not Faldo's fault. Nick Faldo was not the best captain we have ever had, but I don't think he was the worst." Garcia

ergio Garcia has finally revealed the reason for Europe's thrashing at the Ryder Cup this year - a small dressing room with only two showers! And the world No.2 admitted his cold relationship with double Open champion Padraig Harrington means they should never play together against the Americans. The 28-year-old Spaniard failed to win any of his four matches in Valhalla as Paul Azinger's team were victorious for the first time since 1999.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

"The US team played their cards well," he said. "They knew where the pins were going to be and the tees and we didn't. The locker-room we had was really, really small and uncomfortable. I wish it had been even half the size of theirs. We had two showers, one next to a toilet.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

"At the opening ceremony they played my anthem twice, once when the Spanish flag was raised and once when the Swedish flag was raised."Garcia claimed captain Nick Faldo's speech at the opening ceremony had been "too long" and said Europe had needed more than one vice-captain.But he added: "The defeat was not Faldo's fault. Nick Faldo was not the best captain we have ever had, but I don't think he was the worst." And he also acknowledged he has little in common with Irishman Harrington."He (Paddy) is not my best friend," he said. "It'd probably not be good for us to be paired together."

Best the

golf course

Host of :

destination

Indonesia

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

n The

“Golf truly embodies the Olympic spirit with a foundation built upon honor, integrity, dignity and sportsmanship.” Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus

As Global Ambassadors, the two World Golf Hall of Fame members will represent the Olympic golf effort at select international events and lend ongoing support to the IGF’s Olympic Golf Committee, which is spearheading the bid. “It is an honor and privilege to take an active role in assisting golf’s bid to become an Olympic sport,” said Sorenstam, a native of Sweden whose stellar career includes 89 world-wide victories as a professional, 72 on the LPGA. “Now, as I step aside from competitive golf, a major objective of mine is to help grow the game around the world and I can think of no better way to grow it than through the Olympics.” Nicklaus, considered by many the greatest player in the sport’s history with a record 18 professional major championships and 118 worldwide tournament victories, notes the perfect alignment between Olympic ideals and the values inherent in golf. “As a player and now a course designer, I have seen the game of golf enjoy tremendous growth worldwide, and we are seeing the game introduced and grow in new countries and markets every day,” Nicklaus said. “Golf truly embodies the Olympic spirit with a foundation built upon honor, integrity, dignity and sportsmanship.”

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Annika Sorenstam

Many of the game’s biggest stars already have voiced support for golf’s Olympic bid, including Tiger Woods of the United States and Lorena Ochoa of Mexico. A number of players expressed their viewpoint in a series of short films shown to the IOC Programme Commission during last month’s formal bid presentation made by Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the IGF, and PGA TOUR executive Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee. “We’ve said all along that it is critical to have the support of the game’s leading players, and now to have two of golf’s icons serve as Global Ambassadors for the Olympic cause speaks volumes to the degree of support we have,” Votaw said.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

ack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam will lend their support in the International Golf Federation's bid to reinstate golf as an Olympic sport, the IGF announced on Thursday.

TOUR Offer Fewer Tournaments

In The Fall

he PGA Tour has lost at least one tournament from its Fall Series because of the economy, and the final part of its 2009 schedule released Tuesday had another tournament still up in the air.

The Tour announced five tournaments – down from seven this year – that will be played after the FedEx Cup ends and give players a chance to finish in the top 125 on the money list to retain their cards. Gone from the Fall Series schedule is the Ginn sur Mer Classic, which was held the penultimate week of the season and was not expected to return because of the real estate crisis. Also missing from the fall is the Valero Texas Open, which moved to the spring to replace the defunct Atlanta tournament. SM

The Fall Series starts at Turning Stone the week after the FedEx Cup finale, then takes a week off because of the Presidents Cup, which will be held Oct. 8-11 in San Francisco. The series resumes in Las Vegas and Phoenix, then moves to Mississippi and Florida, ending Nov. 15 at Disney World, as it did this year. The Tour still is trying to create a tournament the week before Disney that would be played on Sea Island, Ga. Those negotiations were one reason the fall schedule was not released until two days before Christmas. If the ‘09 schedule stays the way it is, there will be 46 tournaments (down from 48) with a $100,000 increase in total prize money. That doesn’t include the majors, which have not released their purses for 2009.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Presented By

Short Takes

CLASSIC

“Spider Man” Camelio Villegas

Tigers Woods

oods remains #1 in the final Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) for the year 2008. Despite not playing after the U. S. Open in June, he stretched his top spot to 528 consecutive weeks. Woods has been in the world top-10 rankings for 612 consecutive weeks trailing Ernie Els at 756 and Greg Norman’s 646. The OWGR points are accumulated over a two-year “rolling” period using a minimum divisor of 40 tournaments over the two-year ranking period.

illegas made the biggest upward move into the top-10, coming from 56th to seventh in the 2008 Official World Golf Rankings. In August and September Villegas racked up a fourth at the PGA Championship, third at the Deutsche Bank Championship, his initial PGA Tour win at the BMW Championship and in the following week won the Tour Championship. What he does for an encore in 2009 will define him. He’ll be in the Race to Dubai, playing in Europe as well as the USA.

“Daimond Boy” Anthony Kim

im made the second best upward move during 2008 coming from 75th to 11th in the final 2008 Official World Golf Rankings. Geoff Ogilvy gained one spot to finish at #12; Stewart Cink came from 24th to 16th. More turmoil can be expected in this 11-20 group as more mature players slip a bit while younger players make significant upward moves in ‘09.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Jim Furyk

Kenny Perry

im Furyk dropped from third to 13th; Steve Stricker dropped from fifth to 15th; Adam Scott fell from seventh to 17th; K.J. Choi fell from ninth to 18th; Justin Rose fell from sixth to 19th and Trevor Immelman slid from 19th to 20th.

erry jumped 78 places in the final 2008 Official World Golf Rankings, coming from 92nd to 14th; in the second-10 of the OWGR this was the biggest move. Overall, this group had four advancing players and six who lost ground.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Tiger’s Season:

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Short But Sweet

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Story 1

istory will count 2008 as one of Tiger Woods’ greatest campaigns. But then the historian never had to toil on a central Florida couch, keeping time with a cocktail of ice and pain relievers while the world forged ahead without him.

with the buzz of a contrived uber-pairing that would feature Woods, San Diego native Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott in Rounds 1 and 2 to create a pre-championship frenzy. The affair had a “Fab Four” feel to it as the Southern California masses encircled the first tee to get a glimpse at history.

deliver from the front of the pack. He doubled No. 1, bogeyed the second and needed a twisting 18-footer for birdie at the last to match Rocco Mediate at 1 under and push the bout to extra innings and one of the most memorable Mondays in recent history.

For the better part of two days, it failed to live up to its billing.Mickelson ballooned to a 75 in Round 2 to drop out of the hunt. Scott nursed his way to matching 73s. And Woods’ knee, if not his air of invincibility, suddenly seemed frail.

“Oh my God, that was ridiculous,” said Mediate, the 45-year-old endearing antagonist who pushed Woods to the 91st hole. “He's hard to beat. I threw everything I had, the kitchen sink, everything right at him.”

He played his first 27 holes in 3 over par, missed more fairways (12) than he hit (nine) and had already recorded twice as many three-putts (two) as he did during his last Grand Slam tilt (2007 PGA), when he stepped to the South Course’s first tee (his 10th of the day).After penciling in a double bogey-6 at the par-4 opener on Day 1, Woods began an almost flawless nine holes with a birdie. He one-putted five of his final nine holes and signed for a 68 to head into the weekend one back.

There would be more histrionics: Woods’ twoputt from 40 feet for birdie at the 18th extra frame to extend the Monday that wouldn’t end, and ultimately a moment of rare anticlimax when Woods won the 108th U.S. Open with tapin par at the final hole. “I think this is probably the best ever,” Woods said of his 14th major keepsake. “All things considered, (I) don't know how I ended up in this position, to be honest with you.

In short, ’08 was the best abridged season since Ben Hogan won five of six events he played in 1953, including the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open. But then Woods’ four-of-six haul can be misleading, a disjointed calendar of brilliance mixed amid emotional challenges and physical pain. Tiger Woods' season ended in June, but not before collecting a 14th major trophy. (Getty Images)Essentially, 2008 was a tale of two Torreys for Woods. One filled with promise and prompting hushed comparisons to his 2000 masterpiece, the other a 91-hole limping exhibition. Both played out on the same sprawling seaside public park, providing perfect synergy to the imperfect season.

Woods lapped the Buick field by eight, led the pack in putting and was tied for second in greens in regulation. “I knew I could attain another level, and here we are,” was Woods’ frighteningly clinical assessment. He followed Torrey Pines Part 1 with a commanding performance at the WGC-Match Play Championship and a walk-off birdie at the 72nd hole to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the fifth time in his last nine starts. The world soon discovered the machine needed maintenance. Two days after Woods finished three shots behind Trevor Immelman at Augusta National - the byproduct of a balky putter more so than a misfiring swing - he walked into a Park City, Utah, medical facility to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair cartilage damage. It was the second operation in five years on the same knee and would bench the world No. 1 for at least two months. Although he missed The Players and Wachovia Championship, where he was the defending champion, his return to Torrey Pines combined

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

In February Woods dismantled the softer, kinder version to win his sixth Buick Invitational and send a chill as palpable as any “June Gloom” down the backs of the collective challengers who would return to SoCal for the U.S. Open.

Wincing with almost every swing and walking tenderly from tee box to green, Woods continued the exhibition on Saturday, rolling in a pair of eagles at the 13th and 18th holes to assemble the type of 54-hole lead he rarely gives away.This time, however, Woods failed to

“It was a long week, a lot of doubt, a lot of questions going into the week. And here we are 91 holes later.” Six months and one major surgery later, the episode still maintains an instant classic quality. Whether it was enough to ease Woods’ transition from fearless champion to compliant patient is up to the man on the couch. The historians will take care of the rest. THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Story 2

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Long Time Coming - Commanding Win by USA

Anthony Kim spurred the U.S. team on with his singles victory over Sergio Garcia. (Getty Images) There was U.S. captain Paul Azinger’s sublime mix of passion and genius. There was Boo Weekley’s comic relief. There was Kenny Perry’s vindication. There was Anthony Kim’s energy; Hunter Mahan’s emergence; Justin Leonard’s resurgence and J. B. Holmes’ sheer power. Likewise, on the other side of the aisle, storylines were woven into a riveting script played out on a bluegrass stage. Nick Faldo took the role as Black Bart, the European captain the Americans could – to paraphrase Paul Casey – “properly hate.” A pied Ian Poulter added a feistiness at a level even he had not prior exhibited. The Englishman may have hit more important shots than any player on either side during that week. And there was the curious absence of a full-point match win by Europe’s top gun trio Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood. Words written for this Web site, in the intoxicating moments that followed the American victory, perhaps best capture that day: “Sunday at the Ryder Cup is a riot of colors; a cooker of pressure; a cauldron of noise; an orgy of national pride; a stampede of fans-gone-wild and a spicy hot mixed grill of emotion and tension for the protagonists. Once you have witnessed one, even if you don’t know a halve from a half, as long as you fancy the game, you will be addicted. The winner, at the end of this exhausting, long day’s, flagwaving journey into night, lays claim to the

biggest and best bragging rights in all of golf. That winner Sunday at Valhalla Golf Club was the United States of America by a decisive margin of 16½-11½. The runner-up was Europe. There were no ‘losers’ in the strictest sporting sense. But a baked dozen of Europe’s best players don’t really want to hear about that right now. “What a wild week it was. The Europeans knew the crowd would be partisan. But how many really understood what it was like to play golf in an environment more suited to an SEC football game? In fact, the best description of Ryder Cup play heard all week came from broadcaster Renton Laidlaw, in his usual economy of words. “Gladiatorial,” said the Scotsman. At one point there was a rumor floating around that George “41” Bush gave Weekley a man-hug Saturday afternoon. Great country, isn’t it? Kenny Perry, for his part, had a score to settle with the critics who had ripped him for skipping several important events earlier in the season in an effort to build his schedule around the Ryder Cup.

in golf, is the most mesmerizing; one in which you cannot bear to leave your living room for fear of missing something. To those of us who truly believe that this event is the “Super Bowl” of golf, the 37th Ryder Cup was a reaffirmation. Successful Ryder Cup teams are like bands of brothers. The more their backs are against the wall, the harder they will fight. This is not to suggest the Americans were better off without Tiger Woods, who was recuperating from reconstructive knee surgery in June. Such a notion is nonsense. But it does strengthen the suggestion that captain Azinger did, in fact, push all the right buttons in Kentucky. And not only were the players lucky for it, so were the fans of golf.

It wasn’t until October that Azinger, still unwinding, admitted a major regret. “There’s only one thing I would have done differently at Valhalla,” Azinger said. “And that would have been making sure I was on the tee box on the 18th hole in the Friday afternoon fourballs match when Boo Weekley and J.B. Holmes both hit their balls in the water. If I had been, I would have made sure they knew where their tee balls needed to be.”

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

or a short time in September, a golf tournament became more than a golf tournament. It became the closest thing we have in this sport – and in this country – to the Olympics. Yielding gasp-inducing moments for seven days, the event remarkably still retains its grasp on our memory banks even now, many months removed. It’s nearly impossible to forget the emotion, the intensity and the patriotism elicited in the back hollows of Kentucky that week.

“I was really kicking myself Friday night,” Azinger told FM104.3 The Fan, a Denver-based sports talk radio show. “I was by the 17th green and I couldn’t get my cart to the 18th tee because of a TV tower. I should have gotten off the cart and just walked through the tower. Fortunately for me, that was my only regret for the week.” Yes, the four majors, each for their own distinct reasons, are indeed important and compelling. But the Ryder Cup, more than any other event THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Proud Irishman Story 3

n signature self-effacing style, Padraig Harrington jokingly reasoned last week that he’d won the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year Award by a single vote. There is no way of knowing the Irishman’s margin of victory since the Tour protects election results like Tiger Woods safeguards 54-hole leads. But the fact the tally took place in Florida, the undisputed home of the hanging chad, likely didn’t sit well with the canvassing board. Thankfully, less than 24 hours later, Harrington’s primary challenger in the player of the year polls put the matter to rest with a dismissive, if not decisive, wave of the metaphorical white flag. The man who keeps time with Grand Slam glory dismissed his four titles in six starts and one of the greatest one-legged exhibitions in the history of the game and recognized the merits of simple math. Two of kind – at least the major championship kind – beats a royal finish at any table. But it wasn’t the view from the top so much as the climb that amazed Harrington’s long-time sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella five months earlier from his perch atop a windswept English dune. 26

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

“He’s been getting ready for this for a long time,” Rotella said as Harrington celebrated his second British Open title in 12 months. “There is a difference between swing confidence and self confidence. All of these guys have the swing, but it’s taken him some time to get to where he is now mentally. He has such clarity, so much peace over shots.” In practice, Harrington put that clarity to the test to produce two of the years most clutch haymakers. At Royal Birkdale, Harrington began the final round trailing Greg Norman by two strokes. By the time he stepped to the exposed 17th tee he’d forged a two-stroke cushion. There would be no Carnoustie calamity this time. From the middle of the fairway Harrington’s caddie Ronan Flood asked his boss if he wanted to lay up. The answer was a walk-off 5-wood to three feet for eagle and a long overdue stroll up the 18th fairway, claret jug firmly back in his hands. “You can't have enough shots in the lead going down 18. I proved that last year,” Harrington said. “It helped me enjoy the last hole.”

Less than a month later Harrington delivered the sequel, a 5-iron bullet to 10 feet at the 71st hole of the PGA Championship that sank Sergio Garcia’s major championship hopes for the second time in six Grand Slam gatherings. Harrington became the first European to win the Wanamaker Trophy since Tommy Armour in 1930, and the first to win back-to-back majors. With the game’s top card doing time on a stationary bike in central Florida, Harrington effortlessly filled the void of alpha male. It was a lofty prospect that seemed pure fantasy as recently as 2005. Prior to Harrington’s breakthrough U.S. victory at the ’05 Honda Classic, he was viewed largely as a good player with a good heart but hardly a world-beater or a serviceable stand-in for the world’s No. 1. He followed that victory with another at the Barclays Classic and his 2007 British Open bout with Garcia proved he had the game and mental toughness to beat the world’s best, and a beastly finish. While Carnoustie may have been the culmination of all that hard work, Harrington’s ultimate Grand Slam epiphany came at the 2006 U.S. Open where he finished two shots behind eventual winner Geoff Ogilvy after a messy bogey-bogey-bogey finish.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

“I walked off the 18th hole (at Winged Foot) . . . and said to Bob Rotella, ‘Now I know I’ll win a major,” Harrington said. “Yes, I lost. I was one of the losers at Winged Foot . . . But I walked away from that tournament knowing I could win a major.” And 2008, a career calendar that inexplicably ended in pedestrian fashion when Harrington played his way out of the Tour Championship in the playoffs, proved he had evolved into much more than simply a good player with a good heart. That Player of the Year trinket – whether it was won by a single vote or a landslide – was simply a cherished nod from the electorate. “It is an individual game when we're out there competing, but you do want and crave the respect of your fellow pros,” Harrington said. “It compares equally to winning a major championship. I can't believe I can actually say something can compare to going out there and winning a major championship, but this accolade, no doubt in my mind is right up there.” THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

A Memorable Farewell For The Swede

Story 4

ooking back at 2008, May 13 is likely not a date that stands out. But it should. It was the day one of the best women ever to play the game announced that she was going to turn in her golf spikes for the greener pastures of the business world. Two days earlier, Annika Sorenstam had put the finishing touches on a final-round 66 that gave her a seven-shot victory at the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va. Seemingly on top of the world after that dominating performance, many believed that Sorenstam appeared ripe to contend again on a regular basis, just as she had for many of the previous 15 years. Annika Sorenstam waves goodbye at her final Women's British Open. (Getty Images)However, it turned out to be quite the opposite. Sorenstam went to the Sybase Classic in New Jersey and dropped an unexpected announcement. “After some serious consideration, I have made a decision to step away from competitive golf after this season,” Sorenstam said. “And this is obviously a very difficult decision for me to make, because I love this game very much. But I know it's the right one. I wanted to let you all know that. I feel like I have a responsibility to the LPGA, to my fans, and I wanted to announce it as early as I could.” She never won another tournament. That’s not to say that the last seven months of her final season were uneventful. While they probably weren’t deemed a success by Sorenstam’s enormous standards, they did produce several memorable, unexplainable moments.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

The first came at the U.S. Women’s Open in June at Interlachen. The Swede didn’t play particularly well, was facing the stark possibility of shooting 80 and was out of contention during the final round. Still, she found a way to receive the loudest roar. Using a 6-iron from 199 yards, Sorenstam holed out for eagle on the par-5 18th, sending the gallery into a frenzy. Although she shot 78, it was a proper punctuation to an impressive U.S. Open resume; one which put her on the map with three championship titles (1995, 1996, 2006). A month later, Sorenstam's major championship tenure closed with a birdie on the final hole of the Women’s British Open at Sunningdale. Again, the 38-year-old wasn’t in contention, but that shot certainly made her final British Open experience more palatable.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

“After some serious consideration, I have made a decision to step away from competitive golf after this season, And this is obviously a very difficult decision for me to make, because I love this game very much. But I know it's the right one. I wanted to let you all know that. I feel like I have a responsibility to the LPGA, to my fans, and I wanted to announce it as early as I could” Sorenstam.

The next week, Sorenstam used the 'ol 6-iron to create magic again at the Scandinavian TPC, a tournament she hosts in Sweden. There, Sorenstam holed another shot for eagle on the 71st hole. However, she still found herself seven shots off the lead. “I believe in fate. I always have. I think there was a reason why that shot (at the U.S. Women’s Open) went in,” Sorenstam said. “I've had some moments this year that you can just not explain. Is that a coincidence? I don't know. I don't believe in that. So there's something to it.” Of course, there were a couple stinkers in there as well. The most glaring one in her LPGA farewell at the ADT Championship last month in West Palm Beach, Fla. Sorenstam wanted to finish her LPGA career on a high note and winning a $1 million first-place check against a star-studded field would fulfill that desire. But those aspirations were silenced with a proverbial thud when Sorenstam shot 74-75 the first two days, missing the cut by two shots. With her entire family surrounding the 18th green at Trump International, Sorenstam’s celebration was cut short when the LPGA alerted her that she had been randomly selected for drug testing. Her official season finale came in early December at the Dubai Ladies Masters on the Ladies European Tour. Fittingly, it was the tour where Sorenstam first teed it up professionally nearly a decade-and-a-half earlier. After opening with 70-66, Sorenstam found herself in the lead after 36 holes and was looking to accentuate her illustrious career with one final 'W'. But a third-round 75 dashed all hopes of an encore permformance. Again, and appropriately, Sorenstam made birdie on the final hole. She grabbed the flag from her longtime caddie Terry McNamara and gently placed it in the hole one last time.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

The end had come. That birdie put the finishing touches on a career that produced 72 victories, 10 major championships, 209 top-10 finishes and $22.5 million in earnings on the LPGA. Not to mention 18 other victories she collected from around the world. “I know the time is right, and therefore I feel very happy,” Sorenstam said. “If you think about 15 years and all of the things I’ve achieved, it’s sad. But you close one door and you open another one. I’m glad I have a chance to do that.” THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Story 5

Outstanding

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Aussie

n the eve of the 137th Open Championship a group of reporters had gathered at a Southport, England, watering hole when the proceedings were interrupted by a familiar figure meandering down Lord Street.

if he knocked this one out, never to be seen again.” For a career defined by near-misses more so than a Hall of Fame resume, Birkdale was a heartache with a measure of hope. That 1996 Masters’ meltdown suddenly didn’t seem so sour. “I can stand here now and say, yeah, I’m disappointed. Where does it rank in those (other disappointments)? Probably not as high as some of the other ones. Quite honestly, I’m sure I surprised a lot of people,” Norman said.

Linn “The Growler” Strickler is a caddie-yard legend having looped for the high-profile likes of Curtis Strange, Fred Couples and Nick Price. He had emerged from semi-retirement to carry Greg Norman’s bag at Royal Birkdale. Six windswept days later Norman had nearly beaten the elements, the toughest course and the deepest field on Tour in 2008 and the game’s hottest player not on the DL. Instead, the Shark’s parting gift was a 1-up victory over the relentless efforts of time and a cosmic makegood in the form of a 2009 Masters invitation. At 53, Norman came within an untimely poor Sunday start of the Claret Jug, finishing six strokes behind champion Padraig Harrington after starting his final round bogey-bogeybogey. “I can walk away from here being disappointed, but I can walk away from here with my head held high because I hung in there,” Norman reasoned as Harrington collected the game’s oldest title for the second time in 12 months. “It wasn’t meant to be and you’ve got to take that with a grain of salt.” But this was a slight of different sort, a respectful nod from the golf gods to a man who has suffered more than his share of slings and arrows from the heavens.

Even to his contemporaries, Norman’s ageless Open set a new standard for Grand Slam expectations, regardless of age or psychological baggage. “I want to go out and pull a Norman,” said Paul Azinger prior to the PGA Championship, transforming the Aussie’s name into verb of another sort.

Norman had spent the days before arriving at Royal Birkdale working on his game with longtime swing coach David Leadbetter, but there was little in the part-time players prep work that made him think his 26th British Open would be his most memorable. More important than Norman’s resurgent swing, however, was his relaxed deamenor. Less than three weeks before Norman teed off at Royal Birkdale he’d married tennis great Chris Evert in a sunset ceremony in the Bahamas. “I came in here with a good attitude and kind of like a fresh approach to life in general,” Norman said. “It’s nice to have a balanced life.” The extended honeymoon seemed to carry Norman for three days, particularly when reality and the relentless conditions began closing in on the storybook week. He answered every major setback, posting back-to-back birdies after an untidy double-bogey at the sixth hole on Friday. He pulled off a similar rally after a double bogey at the 10th on Saturday with birdies at the 14th and 17th to close his round.

Norman’s tie for third also delivered an expected opportunity – another shot at Masters redemption. “I’m going to have my expectations the same level as when I went into the British Open, because I haven’t played (Augusta National) for . . . six years,” said Norman, who plans to focus on his game early next year and the game’s of others as he transitions to his role as International Presidents Cup captain after the Masters. “I still think Augusta is the purest golf tournament in the world. Of course, I have had a lot of pain there, too.” After Royal Birkdale, Norman has never seemed more prepared to put that pain behind him.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

As the wind howled through the rough-covered dunes and the rain pelted the game’s best into submission, Norman’s age became less liability and more lethal. His towering drives seemed to defy the thick, heavy howl and his calm stroke on the greens belied the blustery conditions. The Australian followed his opening-round 70 in the week’s worst conditions with cards of 7072 for an unlikely two-stroke cushion heading into the closing frame. But three consecutive bogeys to begin the final round gave Harrington all the room he needed and the Irishman closed out the field with a 5-wood second shot at the par-5 17th for eagle. “If he would’ve won, it would’ve knocked the stands down,” Strickler said. “It would’ve been Woodstock. I was going to go to Amsterdam THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Story 6

Battlestar

he great Severiano Ballesteros is still alive. What has not survived is the prime of his professional golf career. For the longest time, late this year, it didn’t look like Ballesteros himself was going to live through a fierce battle with brain cancer.

The good news for him and the golf world – that followed, from near and far, the guarded reports from Spain of his struggle – is that, yes, the great Severiano Ballesteros is still alive. So what follows is an obituary only for a golf game that long ago ceased to function as it had in his glorious golfing youth. Actually, this is more of a celebration of that glory. Lord knows it’s better to celebrate when the subject of the recognition is still among us.

Seve

The cancer arrived without much warning in early October when Ballesteros, 51, collapsed in a Madrid airport. The attack left doctors trying to explain why with words and phrases like “edema” and “intracerebral hematoma” and “great complexity.” They might as well have been trying to make us understand how it was Ballesteros was able to famously get it up and down at the 16th from that car park to win the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham. Former world No. 1 Nick Price, a South African and a Ballesteros contemporary, put it this way: “When Seve was in full flight, the sky was the limit. Most of us have about 100 ways to shoot a 66. Seve had about 10,000 ways to shoot a 66.” To be sure, Seve played his best golf at a fever pitch, daring you to catch him if you could. Pitch and Catch. If Seve Ballesteros had been a baseball player he would have been a fireballer for sure. He was a roaring blast furnace of an athlete. But he could also get you out with his guile. More appropriately, if he had been a matador, Ballesteros’ striking looks would have made the women at the corrida swoon; his skills with the cape and sword would have stirred even Hemingway; and his daring would have summoned comparisons to the storied toreros, Manolete and the wondrous Juan Belmonte. Seve didn’t play golf so much as he painted the game on a canvas you couldn’t buy in any art supply store. The brushes of brilliant countrymen Velazquez and Goya didn’t make a sound. But, por favor, a moment of silence today for the beautiful noise Seve made with his clubs. His surpassing athletic gifts deserted him much too early without even leaving a forwarding address. Never straight off the tee, his driver couldn’t keep the ball on the world in recent years.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

So Ballesteros spent much of his last two playing decades, often bitter and contentious, lost in a torment you could see in his eyes. For every metaphor his golf had inspired, there were now 1,000 missed fairways that tortured his sporting soul and defaced too many of his scorecards.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

The record books will show Ballesteros won 94 titles including six European Orders of Merit and five major championships – three British Opens and two Masters. He played on three victorious Ryder Cup teams and added one more triumph as captain in 1997 at Valderrama in his native land. The Ryder Cup was his passion, providing Europe with 20 full points and five halves in 37 matches. It was also the arena in which his competitive passion – certain Americans called it ‘gamesmanship” – fully surfaced. Say what you will, but

But there was even more than that with Ballesteros when it came to the Ryder Cup. It was personal. John Hopkins, the distinguished golf voice of The Times of London, called it Seve’s personal “medieval crusade.” Ballesteros, more than anybody else before or after, knew what the Ryder Cup meant to him.

their similarities. Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” But for all that, Palmer and Ballesteros were the only two players of the latter part of the 20th century who could correctly be described as “dashing” and/or “swashbuckling.” Greg Norman was a distant third. So it is that the life of Seve Ballesteros has been one, long brilliant storm. During his golfing heyday he was every bit as hard on himself as he would be on the doctors this year. His

physiognomy back then was like one of those speeded up elapsed time clocks – all flashing smiles and bright white teeth one moment and dark-complected disappointment and frustration the next. He was a prisoner of his own talent and emotions. And that talent tormented those emotions when it revealed how good he could be at his best only to wag a finger in his face when he came up short. Everybody loses their game eventually. But for now, Ballesteros still has his life.

The Americans nobly play for the honor of their own flag. But to this day they haven’t consistently figured out how to work up a proper motivation to beat the amorphous “Europe.” The Europeans, on the other hand, waste little pride defending their continent’s reputation, saving their energies instead for the task of beating the “Americans.” Ballesteros was the poster boy for this mindset from the moment Great Britain and Ireland were allowed to add “continentals” to their side in 1979. But there was even more than that with Ballesteros when it came to the Ryder Cup. It was personal. John Hopkins, the distinguished golf voice of The Times of London, called it Seve’s personal “medieval crusade.”

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

It was popular for a long time to describe Ballesteros as the “Arnold Palmer” of European golf. Truth is, their differences were greater than

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Story 7

The Rise

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Sergio

sn't it somewhat ironic that Sergio Garcia now sits squarely between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the world rankings?

Back in 1999, Sergio was locked in a duel with Tiger at Medinah with the PGA Championship hanging in the balance. Tiger, of course, won the battle that day, but in the process "El Niño" was officially anointed as the next 'can't miss golf superstar.' The next Tiger, if you will. He was just a baby-faced 19-year-old who would no doubt follow in the glorious footsteps of fellow Spaniards Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. He was fast tracked to superstardom – major championships simply a matter of when and not if.

Fast-forward nine years to 2008 and Sergio is still without a major championship to his name – a name that, much like Tiger, doesn't require a surname to be recognized. Over that time, however, there have been quite a few close calls as well as some strange twists of fate: 54-hole leads vanishing into thin air, frightening canary-colored outfits, rugs pulled out from under him, and, of course this year, best friend (wink, wink) Padraig Harrington ripping another major from his grasp. This, paradoxically, is much like the career path of Mickelson, the man he just passed in the world rankings. "Lefty", now the owner of three majors, was for a long time famously – or infamously – known as the ‘best player to never win a major.’ He had all the talent in the world, but was seemingly at odds with the golfing gods. Sergio, too, looks as if he has inherited Mickelson’s all-you-can-ride rollercoaster pass, enough to cause a mere mortal to disappear from the planet. His 2008 season being a perfect example:

A huge win at The Players, and although not technically a major, it's called the ‘fifth major.’ Said Sergio following the win: “It feels like a major, and it tests you like a major. I’m so thrilled to be here standing with the trophy.”

A heartbreaking loss at the PGA Championship, where Harrington put on one of the greatest displays of clutch putting in major championship history. Afterwards, Sergio didn’t endear himself to many fans, seemingly blaming those fateful golf gods for his defeat: “They get in contention in a major and manage to get things going their way…and unfortunately, it hasn’t happened to me.” Closes out his PGA Tour season in superb fashion, finishing in the top 5 in three of the four FedEx Cup Playoff events, including a pair of second-place finishes. In the process, he wraps up the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average on Tour, an honor won by Tiger in eight of the previous nine years. Gets waxed by Anthony Kim in the opening Sunday singles match at Valhalla, which set the tone for the day and gives the U.S. squad a long overdue victory. Saddled with the ongoing saga of idol Ballesteros battling a brain tumor, he won an event hosted by he and his father, the Castello Masters, on the course he grew up playing. “I couldn’t help but think about Seve. I’m sending all my love to him and his family and hope he recovers soon. I hope this victory helps him to get a little better,” he said. Wins the HSBC Champions in Shanghai, the first event in the inaugural ‘Race to Dubai.’ In the process, supplants Mickelson as the No. 2 player in the world. "Being No. 2 is awesome,” Sergio said. “I have never achieved it before. It is something extra for the year."

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

And now with his rise to the No. 2 ranking in the world, Sergio is unanimously the best player to never win a major. And it is not lost on the Spaniard: “I have been trying for a while (to get to No. 2), but winning a major is the next goal.” In a sport often criticized for the lack of personalities, Sergio, burns bright – although many times that brightness is not cast in the most forgiving light. No person, aside from Tiger, produced more drama than Sergio in 2008. And in the era of Tiger Woods, being No. 2 is like being No. 1. Kinda like The Players being the ‘fifth major.’ THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Story 8

English First

he LPGA’s critics – and they are nasty and legion – have long insisted that the organization should be renamed, “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight Unless It Was Aiming At Its Own Foot.” This is largely unfair, especially if you consider all the progress the LPGA made under the stewardship of former commissioner Ty Votaw, now a senior executive at the PGA Tour. But in August, Votaw’s successor, the controversial Carolyn Bivens, stirred up a hornet’s nest of negative publicity for women’s golf when it was reported that she had plans to threaten fines and suspensions for foreign players who couldn’t pass minimum English language requirements. Bivens was coming from a marketing standpoint. And, to be fair, there has long been an understanding that the LPGA, struggling to keep sponsors in certain cities, needed to make all of its players more fan friendly. At the very least, the LPGA needed to make its players capable of communicating with well-heeled pro-am partners. It’s a language fluency that most agree is the price of doing business on the golf course in the women’s game. But the threats came off as being heavy-handed. And the blowback from the Asian-American community in the United States was fast and furious. It should be noted here that Asian women won three of the LPGA’s four majors in 2008. Lorena Ochoa, a Mexican, captured the other one. There are 121 international players from 26 countries, including 45 from South Korea on the LPGA. Many of them have minimal English language skills. The goal was to eradicate this stereotype: Four cigar-chomping, middle-aged American men say hello to a 22-year-old South Korean woman who bows at the introduction on the first tee of the Wednesday Pro-Am. There are smiles but very few words exchanged over the next fiveand-a-half hours after which the men scratch their heads and wonder why their foursome paid $10,000 for little or no conversation. Who was to blame is a matter of opinion. But an imposition of oral evaluations carried with it no small whiff of infringement upon civil liberties. By September, Bivens had changed her tune. Under increasing criticism, the Tour backed off plans to suspend players. "We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions," Bivens said in a statement. "After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every tour player." By

ASIAN TOUR

"We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions," After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every tour player." Bivens

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

th October there were signs of progress when Korean-born In-Kyung Kim won the Longs Drug Challenge. Kim’s victory did not come as a surprise to anybody who noticed that she finished in the top 10 in each of the last two women’s majors this year. But the performances that put the most smiles on the bosses back at LPGA headquarters were the one turned in by the 20-year-old Kim in the press room and at the trophy presentation. Kim was the first Korean to win an LPGA event since the storm of controversy accompanied the organization’s announcement that it was going to mandate more English language proficiency from its foreign-born players. At her Longs news conference Saturday, Kim made it through without an interpreter and referred to herself self-deprecatingly, but endearingly, as a “Little punk kid.” Very American. The word she probably was looking for was “underdog.” But all the present knew what she was trying to say. Then Kim revealed that she had been taking English classes two days a week at the University of South Carolina but that she struggled in other parts of the country because the South Carolina “accent” was so different. Finally, with the sponsors beaming in the background at the presentation of the winner’s check, she blushed and said, “This is like my English class.” If they had been handing out grades that Sunday, the consensus is that In-Kyung Kim would have received an ‘A’ on the course and an ‘A’ off the course as well. Rosetta Stone language courses, she said, have also helped. Finally, at the LPGA’s season-ending ADT event in late November, Bivens updated her tour’s progress. “Our intention,” she said, “is to develop a cross-cultural program in addition to a language policy that will be inclusive, and meet the diverse needs of all the members of the LPGA. “Bottom line, our primary goal and intent is to do the right thing by our entire membership, our sponsors, our fans and the golf community at large.” Getting more specific, Bivens added: “What has come out of all of this are offers, in some cases for some pro bono work, from some pretty impressive groups and organizations and we’re taking them up on it. “So we’re actually going to make this more extensive then we’d ever intended to in the very first place. Our goal is to come out of this a year to 18 months from now and have a model program

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

nthony Kim was fidgeting nervously, his attention split between his cell phone and the flat-screen television mounted on the wall of the Dove Mountain clubhouse, when the imposing figure of Tiger Woods drifted down the hallway.

“You good?” asked the world No. 1 on his way to the first tee for his opening-round match against J.B. Holmes at this year’s WGC-Match Play Championship. “All good,” Kim smiled.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

20-something winners on the PGA Tour in 2008 :

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

D.J. Trahan, 27 – Bob Hope Chrysler Classic J.B. Holmes, 25 – FBR Open Sean O’Hair, 25 – PODS Championship Andres Romero, 26 – Zurich Classic of New Orleans Johnson Wagner, 28 – Shell Houston Open Trevor Immelman, 28 – Masters Adam Scott, 27 – Byron Nelson Championship Anthony Kim, 22 – Wachovia Championship Sergio Garcia, 28 – The Players Championship Anthony Kim, 23 – AT&T National Chez Reavie, 26 – Canadian Open Parker McLachlin, 29 – Reno-Tahoe Open Camilo Villegas, 26 – BMW Championship Camilo Villegas, 26 – Tour Championship Dustin Johnson, 24 – Turning Stone Resort Champ. It’s well documented that Kim used Woods’ renowned work ethic and dedication as a model to break out of what the second-year Tour player described as a self-destructive lifestyle. These days it’s easy to imagine Woods eyeing

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Story 9

Coming To Age Champions In The 20’S ...

golf tournaments and are going to have the opportunity to play some golf against (Woods) and maybe contend in some more golf tournaments,” said Kim, who, at 22, was the youngest winner on Tour in ’08. Kim, the media-friendly front man of what has become a productive and promising youthful crop. Twentysomethings accounted for 15 of the 48 Tour titles in 2008, with Kim and Colombia’s Camilo Villegas leading the way with two keepsakes apiece. The average age of a Tour champion was 33.5 and more titles went to players in their 20s than in their 40s (nine). Day care may not have replaced experience on Tour, but in 2008 the pendulum swayed further in the direction of youth than at any time during the Woods era. And at no time were the fresh faced more fearless than during a sevenweek early-summer stretch. Twentysomethings won six of seven events starting with Andres Romero’s victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Included in that run was Trevor Immelman’s Masters’ breakthrough, where the South African became the first 20-something not named Woods to win a major since Geoff Ogilvy was the last man standing in 2006 at Winged Foot. It may not be the dominant youth movement the late Earl Woods once predicted, but some consider 2008 the first step in a changing of the guard. “Just look at what Camilo has done for the FedEx Cup series, two back-to-back

victories. Now that should give him a lot of energy to take into 2009,” Greg Norman said. “If I'm Tiger sitting there, I'm going, wow, now these kids are going to be more enthusiastic and more confident, and the game of golf is going to be the great benefactor here because now you've probably got another five, six players that can step up to the plate. . . now you've got a lot of young players out there who are really ready, willing and able to pick up their confidence and really go for it.” The under-30 set put a punctuation mark on the season at the Ryder Cup, where the United States side featured three players in their 20s, including Kim, Hunter Mahan – who did not win in 2008 but finished 30th in earnings – and Holmes. The threesome combined for a 6-1-5 record at Valhalla, including tree-rattling Sunday singles routs against Garcia (Kim, 5 and 4) and Soren Hansen (Holmes, 2 and 1), “I think there's some younger guys who are really stepping up and winning some

Maybe even more encouraging for those who have awaited a fresh crop of Tiger challengers is the new faces who emerged in 2008. Joining Adam Scott, 27; Garcia, 28; Kim and Villegas in the winner’s circle this year were Romero, Johnson Wagner, 28, and hard-swinging Dustin Johnson, the 24-year-old who broke out of a late-season slump to win the Turning Stone Resort Championship. And the list of promising players in their 20s who didn’t win in ’08 gives more weight to the notion that the Tour is more Gen X than Geritol. Younger champions is a trend that will likely continue in 2009, but the U.S. Golf Association’s plan to dial back grooves may slow the climb for some of the twentysomethings.The return to V grooves, which are designed to restore the challenge of playing shots from the rough, will begin with the 2010 season and will force players to learn a new skill set. “Some of the young guys will have to learn about flier lies and what shots to hit which they haven’t had to learn,” Hambric said. “That will probably set the trend back a little bit.” For now, however, the twentysomethings have arrived. Or, as Kim might offer, it’s “all good.” THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Story 10

Untold Story of Perseverance

D.J. Gregory

hen you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. I’d love to take credit for such inspiration, but I can’t plagiarize a president. Especially not one who had polio and presided from a wheel chair. Just doesn’t seem right. Instead I credit Franklin Delano Roosevelt. That is how he defined perseverance. Perseverance, I say, is opening a door only to find the next one closed. Open that one and the next one is closed. But instead of wasting away, discouraged in the dark, you keep opening until you finally see the light. Perseverance can be found in Trevor Immelman, he who overcame a parasite in his stomach and tumor on his diaphragm to win this year’s Masters Tournament. It can be found in Ji-Yai Shin, who won the Women’s British Open five years after her mother was 40

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

season on the PGA Tour, having earned his 2009 card by finishing 23rd on the Nationwide Tour money list. His story isn’t unlike many others – until you consider that Molder was born without a left pectoral muscle, which makes that side of his chest concave, and with Poland Syndrome, a defect that made his left hand much smaller than his right. Molder turns 30 in January. Johnstone is 52. Conor Oliver is 13. Anyone, at any age, can exhibit perseverance. killed and her brother and sister were seriously injured in a car accident. It’s there in Dudley Hart, a father of now 7-yearold triplets who returned home in 2007 to take care of his family while his wife, Suzanne, had two-thirds of one lung removed due to a non-smoking tumor (As a father of 6-monthold twins, and with a healthy wife to help out, I shudder at this scenario). Hart was granted a Major Medical Extension this season, giving him 15 starts to earn nearly $486,000 to keep his card. The 40-year-old did that before April and finished the season 29th on the money list with a career-best $2,218,817.

to play golf – and love it – one-armed after being born paralyzed on the right side of his body. It’s evident in Tony Johnstone. Multiple Sclerosis wracked his central nervous system, causing him to re-learn the parts of his game that led to six European Tour wins. That kind of thing happens to you and you’re lucky to be a decent club player. Johnstone, rather, overhauled his swing and putting stroke, and won an event on the European Seniors Tour. “This will show people not to give up hope,” the Zimbabwean said. “That’s my goal really: to show MS sufferers it' not the end of the road.”

That’s perseverance, that which is also personified in the strength of Seve Ballesteros and Todd Demsey (brain cancer for both), and in the fortitude of Stacy Lewis (scoliosis) and Nicole Jeray (narcolepsy).

Bryce Molder’s road has taken him to all sorts of places, most of which he probably never hoped to visit. That’s what happens when you spend the better part of your professional career on the Nationwide Tour.

It’s the salient theme of Erik Compton’s well chronicled story, the one about a man living life and playing golf on his third heart. It’s the same in the far more inconspicuous tale of Taylor Anderson, a 21-year-old who learned

Molder was a four-time, first-team All-America selection at Georgia Tech, one of only four men to ever claim such a distinction. That, however, meant little when he waived his amateur status. Molder will now compete in just his second full

Oliver was 11 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Two years later he was the Oregon Junior Amateur champion in his age group. If perseverance had a face in 2008, it belonged to D.J. Gregory. Actually, it was more evident not in his face, but in his gait. Gregory was born with Cerebral Palsy. Doctors told his family he’d never walk. At the age of 30, with only one assisting cane, he traversed 3,184 holes on the PGA Tour – nearly 1,000 miles. He walked every hole on every course, every week on Tour in 2008. Each move a laborious, disjointed effort; his body resembling someone turning a Rubik’s Cube every which way just to make each step work. He fell 29 times. Got back up 29 times, too.“I just want people to know that if they have a dream,” Gregory says, “they need to chase it and never take no for an answer.” That is the true definition of perseverance.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Best of ALL

Honorable Mentions

Here Are A Few Honorable Mentions Who Just Missed The Cut FedEx Cup: Through two seasons the FedEx Cup Playoffs system has endured more than its fair share of controversy. In 2007, Tiger Woods proved he could skip an event and still win the Cup. In 2008, the points system was adjusted, but Vijay Singh had the title wrapped up by the Tour Championship. Although it was created to give credence to the Tour’s fall season, the FedEx Cup Playoffs system was in the headlines for the all the wrong reasons. To kick off the 2008 Playoffs Singh won the Barclays in a playoff over Sergio Garcia. The next week he birdied the final three holes en route to winning the Deutsche Bank Championship. As it turned out, that would be all Singh needed to do in order to win the Cup. During the next two weeks, Camilo Villegas won the BMW and Tour Championships in exciting fashion, and the FedEx Cup and $10 million prize were non-chalantly awarded to Singh. For the second consecutive year the Tour playoffs ended with just as many yawns as questions.

Kenny Perry: Goals. All of us have them, and we know that in order to achieve them we must exhibit dedication, hard work and focus. If you’re Kenny Perry you can add up those traits, include a hot new putter, and you have a recipe for success.

Perry’s season started slowly, save for a T3 finish at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in January. Things seemed to click, however, after Perry finished runner-up at the AT&T Classic in May. After that week Perry enjoyed a five-week period in which he won the Memorial Tournament, the Buick Open and the John Deere Classic. In doing so, Perry had all but secured his spot on captain Paul Azinger’s U.S. team. He took heat for skipping two majors along the way, but Perry had accomplished his goal. He then went on to finish with a 2-1-1 record at Valhalla. 42

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

For Perry the goal for 2008 was simple: Make the Ryder Cup team. Most players might aspire to win a major, but this Kentucky boy wanted to return home and represent his country at Valhalla. The not-so-simple part was that Perry, 47, is in the twilight of his PGA Tour career.

John Daly: Daly made a late push to make

our honorable mention list, and he'd much rather not be here. Daly's 2008 disaster of a season included being recorded playing golf without a shirt and shoes; hitting a tee-shot off a beer can in a pro-am; playing the final few holes of a round in Tampa with football coach Jon Gruden as his caddie; a bitter, public war of

words with Butch Harmon; spending the night in a Raleigh jail due to public intoxication at a Hooters; and being suspended – according to him – for six months by the Tour entering 2009. Oh, and he made only five cuts in 17 events on Tour in '08. It was, by his own admission, the worst year of his life.

“Winning the Players Championship was great but it feels like a lifetime ago now, and it’s gone quick, You know, that’s what I want to feel again. I want to feel that big win. A lot of hard work went into that, and that’s what I want to get back in to doing.”

CLASSIC

UP-CLOSE ADAM SCOTT Hungry To Win Again

lmost five years have slipped away since Adam Scott won the biggest title of his career at the Players Championship and he is eager to regain the winning habit in golf’s premier events.Although the athletic Australian has triumphed six times on the PGA Tour and also on the European circuit, he has yet to make his mark on the game’s biggest stage - the majors. “Winning the Players Championship was great but it feels like a lifetime ago now, and it’s gone quick,” he added, referring to the tournament at Sawgrass widely regarded as the unofficial fifth major.“ You know, that’s what I want to feel again. I want to feel that big win. A lot of hard work went into that, and that’s what I want to get back in to doing.” Scott clinched his sixth PGA Tour title at last year’s Byron Nelson Championship but described his injury-plagued 2008 campaign as a frustrating one overall.

ROAD BUMP “It was more just a bit of a struggle with everything else going on, frustrating injury, illness, some personal stuff, and probably the first time there was a bump in the road for me. Before that, my career had just cruised along nicely.” Scott, whose world ranking has slipped to 15th from a career-high third, battled recurring tonsillitis in 2008 before ending the year with a knee injury that sidelined him from the Australian Open. Having not yet fully recovered, he will tee off in Thursday’s opening 44

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

“It was a good year for me to look back on and learn a lot out of it,” the 28-year-old said. “It was the first time in my career that I had really struggled, and it wasn’t even really struggling on the course.

round at the Kapalua Resort with a measure of uncertainty. “I’m not really sure how I’m playing,” he said. “It (the knee) feels pretty good, although I haven’t played for a long time. The knee is probably about 90 percent. It’s pretty good and obviously good enough to be here.” While not prepared to share the details, Scott

said he had gained extra motivation for this year in the last few weeks. “Something got me inspired to just work a little bit harder again and get going,” he said. “I kind of felt like that’s what I was doing at the start of last year and I just didn’t get to complete it. “I’m just a little more determined to go out there and make it happen in the next couple of years.”

shering in the New Year in sheer style came naturally for the über chic socialites that gathered at SHY Restaurant for their year-end merriment. Ladies adorned in fashion’s best sparkled in their evening finery, while gentlemen looking polished in tailored suits were elegantly inspired by the classic ‘black, white and a touch of silver’ dress code. Davidoff Classic hosted this event to cap off an eventful year for many and this year-end social soirée was the perfect salute to 2008. Guests were ushered into the foyer decked out in black, white and silver balloons which covered the ceiling in pure festivity. The easy sounds of the pianist filled the room as guests mingled and exchanged light hearted banter, sharing fond anecdotes of 2008 with friends and loved ones over their pre-dinner cocktail bubbly. At the table, pristine white crisp table linens by Porthault from France had a gentle muted effect, putting emphasis on the centerpieces of jumbo white hydrangeas flown in from Holland for the night.

CLASSIC

New Year’s Eve Party 2008/9

The gastronomic evening started with an elegant six-course haute cuisine feast featuring a salad of “Warm smoked Norwegian salmon with Pacific oyster, beurre champagne and crispy ice berg lettuce” The culinary adventure continued with a delightful “Terrine of foie gras de canard filled with raspberry jelly, apple spaghetti and crispy brioche” which was then followed by the warm simple comforts of a “Creamy soup of roasted white onions with home made duck bacon, croutons and parsley” A lightly Pan seared “sea bass with bisque crevette, polenta cake and baby green beans” was served as a first main entrée, and this was followed by a juicy cut of “Cote de boeuf with sauce of caramelized shallots, almond potato and green asparagus” before the traditional dessert of Dutch “Olliebollen”, a customary long established donut-like dessert nostalgically eaten at the end of each year was served with “cold champagne sabayon and apple cinnamon ice cream”. Dinner guests, keen to usher in the New Year were escorted up to the Rooftop where the tented cum al-fresco establishment located above SHY restaurant on the fifth floor was a picture of avant-garde festivity. With white washed wooden flooring and candle-lit lanterns standing prominently, the sister establishment of haute cuisine restaurant SHY was already pulsating with eager party revelers bustling in before the midnight countdown. Socialites hobnobbed with the city’s hottest celebrities as they gathered to commemorate

the New Year. Celebrities spotted at the Rooftop included diva duo Maia Estianty and Meychan, well-known singer Shanty, artiste Gading Marthen and actors Indra Birowo and Teuku Zacky. The crowd roared with laughter as Aming and Edric, two of Jakarta’s top comedian acts took to the stage in an impromptu rendition and led the vibrant crowd to a fabulous New Year countdown. Counting live from the Davidoff Classic digital clock flanked on two sides of the room, the crowd moved into an adrenalin high as the stroke of midnight sounded off party blowers, confetti and ecstatic hugs among friends filled the room. With the night still young, party revelers were spoilt for choice as they chose from two floors of unforgettable entertainment. Spinning at the SHY lounge on the fourth floor was DJ Ebby, while two live bands took to the stage at the rooftop. With spirits soaring and the promise of a better year ahead hung over the hearts of party goers, the Davidoff Classic New Year’s Eve party marked

a bright new beginning for many that night. The crowd danced and partied the night away till early dawn, welcoming the first sunrise of the year on a high note. Welcome to where Life is Rich – Davidoff Classic. THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Questions

Of 2009

ith so much uncertainty about the economy, the return of the world’s No. 1 player and who will take him on, here are six questions worth pondering for the 2009 season:

1. When will Woods return and what can be expected?

His last shot was a tap-in par on June 16 to win the U.S. Open for his 14th career major. Woods has reconstructive surgery on his left knee eight days later and has been MIA on the golf course since.

His wife is expecting their second child in February, so he won’t return before then. Woods began taking full swings with short clubs in December, and assuming there is no swelling or other complications when he resumes a full practice routine, he likely will make his ‘09 debut at the Accenture Match Play Championship the last week in February. Woods believes he will be stronger than ever, finally able to swing against a stable left knee, and there is no reason to doubt him. He won his first tournament back after the last two knee surgeries, but if he comes back in Tucson, Ariz., no other tournament requires as many breaks and as much good timing to win as match play.

2. How will the economy affect the PGA Tour? Prize money is slightly up, but only because tournaments had increases built into their contracts. So players won’t see a change in their paychecks or their schedule, unless anyone was clamoring to play the defunct Ginn sur Mer Classic in the Fall Series. Most tournaments are having to scramble to find courtesy cars, and they might have to cut back on personal services (maybe it’s time players started paying for their own dry cleaning). Sponsorship trouble comes in the middle tier of the financial structure, such as corporate hospitality, which is vital for operational costs and charitable dollars. The tour said charity was up last year, but the economic meltdown wasn’t felt until the latter part of the season.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

The tour has money in reserves for such times, not unlike Augusta National going without TV sponsors for two years. The biggest blow could come later this year when the tour starts renegotiating with a dozen or so title sponsors with contracts that end in 2010.

Tiger Woods THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

3. Which will be the toughest major? Translation: Will anyone break par at the Masters? Augusta National is not as impossible as some make it out to be. Trevor Immelman had a chance to finish double digits under par until a meaningless double bogey on the 16th hole last year. Still, the concern is that it has become a course where players protect leads instead of charging from behind. Woods was the only player to break par at Bethpage Black in the 2002 U.S. Open. The course now is 212 yards longer (7,426 yards), but Mike Davis has shown sensibility in setting up the last the last three U.S. Open courses. In other words, players might not have to aim for the walkway on No. 10 to reach the fairway. The British Open returns to Turnberry for the first time since 1994, and while the course has been strengthened, the difficulty of links golf is all about the wind. As for Hazeltine? During a visit this summer, club president Tim Rainey showed guests the new tee on the 545-yard 12th hole, which is a par 4. The Minnesota course now can play longer than 7,700 yards depending on how it is set up.

Phil Mickelson 4. Is Phil Mickelson still a major factor? Lefty won a major in three consecutive seasons, only six others have done that since 1934 - but he has gone the last two years without one, and it hasn’t been pretty. Since losing the 2006 U.S. Open with a double bogey on the final hole of Winged Foot, Mickelson has played 10 majors. He has missed the cut twice, and finished a combined 80 shots out of the lead in the other eight.

Even so, success is not measured over one year, but successive years. And for all the talented young players, Garcia and Adam Scott are the only players who have been part of the conversation year after year. Kim and Villegas are equipped, but their challenge (beyond Woods) might be coping with celebrity and staying hungry.

5. Will Sergio Garcia finally win a major? Not since Mickelson has anyone been so clearly defined as the best player without a major. This is his 10th full season as a pro, and he is just hitting his stride. Garcia has been a runner-up in a major three times, including the last two years. The talent is undeniable. The temperament remains a question.

6. Can the youth movement continue when Woods returns?

Sergio Garcia

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas both won twice last year and are the poster boys for the dynamic youth movement on the PGA Tour. Even so, Kim has never finished higher than Woods in a PGA Tour event, and Villegas has only done it twice. Zach Johnson referred to Kim as “up and coming” when he stopped in mid-sentence and said, “He’s already here.” Anthony Kim THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Short Takes Presented By CLASSIC

Tying the (K)NOT

Annika

Finally Commits Herself..Again Travis Wilhelm, the minister at Christian Campus House at Trine University in Angola, Ind., officiated the ceremony. Swedish friend Maria Bertilskold was the maid of honor, and Stan McCamon of East Palestine, Ohio, was McGee’s best man. Sorenstam retired last month after winning 72 times on the LPGA.

nnika Sorenstam and Mike McGee were married, four weeks after the Swedish golf star ended her Hall of Fame career. About 125 guests attended the afternoon ceremony and evening reception at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. McGee, the son of former PGA Tour player Jerry McGee, has served as managing director for her business brand since December 2006.

Before heading off on a honeymoon ski trip, Sorenstam will host the Annika Invitational, an American Junior Golf Association event for 60 top females around the world at the Ginn Reunion Resort, where she has her academy. Sorenstam also will appear at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, then be honored at the “Annika Celebration” Feb. 1-3 at Ginn Reunion Resort, which will feature a skins game among Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis.

Another Brief Surgery

For VJ Singh

ijay Singh’s most recent victory at the Chevron World Challenge wasn’t all good news. Turns out the big Fijian injured his right knee at Sherwood, which will require surgery after the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

Blur Vision

Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia are among the top players in the $2 million tournament starting Thursday at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

an Poulter has pulled out of Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in order to undergo corrective eye surgery. "I have been having a problem with my vision in poor light, and my doctors have advised me that I should have this surgery as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration," the English golfer said in a statement. "I am relieved that the problem can be corrected with surgery, but very disappointed to miss one of my favorite events on the schedule."

Singh said he sustained a slight tear of the meniscus in his right knee, which keeps him from squatting. He has withdrawn from the Sony Open next week in Honolulu to have surgery and take care of it while the season is still young. He hopes to return in time for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Feb. 12.

Tiger’s Number One Status Could Become Vulnerable

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

In 2009

“Sergio needs 81 OWGR points from those events and Harrington needs 144, A WGC (event) will carry winning points in the 70s so it is possible for both players (to overtake Woods) but I don’t think either could do it without winning a big tournament.” Barker

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ong established as world number one, Tiger Woods runs the risk of being deposed at the top of the rankings in the first quarter of next year. The American has been out of action since having reconstructive knee surgery after winning the U.S. Open in June and, as a bystander, has watched his stranglehold at the top steadily loosen week by week. After his astonishing playoff victory at Torrey Pines six months ago, Woods enjoyed a substantial lead of 11.328 ranking points over second-placed American Phil Mickelson. Spaniard Sergio Garcia has since climbed into second spot in the global pecking order and trails Woods by just 3.865 points going into the New Year.

World ranking points are weighted according to the status of the event and strength of the field and the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson and the WGC-CA Championship in Miami provide rich reward in the first three months. Ian Barker of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has examined projections of the rankings on a month-bymonth basis leading up to the Apr. 9-12 Masters, where Woods is determined to compete.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

The game’s dominant player is unlikely to return to competitive golf until at least late February and his number one status could be usurped by Garcia, world number three Mickelson or fourth-ranked Irishman Padraig Harrington. For Woods to surrender the grip he has held since June 2005, one of his rivals would have to make a fast start to 2009 while also winning at least one of the big tournaments early on.

“Sergio needs 81 OWGR points from those events and Harrington needs 144,” Barker said. “A WGC (event) will carry winning points in the 70s so it is possible for both players (to overtake Woods) but I don’t think either could do it without winning a big tournament.” The Masters, the opening major of the year, is his first priority for the 2009 season and ideally he would like to play in a couple of events before that in preparation. The Accenture Match Play in Tucson in late February is a possibility for his much anticipated comeback, although the March 12-15 CA Championship is more likely. For the moment, however, the 14-times Major winner can reflect on the record total of 529 weeks he has been golf’s world number one during his career. He first claimed the top spot on June 15, 1997 and has held the position since regaining it from Fiji’s Vijay Singh on June 12, 2005.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Christie Kerr - US 52

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

agorawi Golf & Country Club is Indonesia’s only golf establishment with 45 Championship Holes. The Old Course started construction in 1976 as a dream of the Owner Mr. Zakir to create Indonesia’s home of Championship Golf. The original design team was Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge whose 3rd design partner at that time was Ron Fream who went on to Founder Golfplan USA. The New Course which hosted the 1997 Indonesian Open Golf Championship (won by Australia’s Craig Parry) was designed and built by the same team minus Ron Fream. Mr. Zakir had major input with Max Wexler when designing the Z-Nine, one of the prettiest Golf Courses imaginable which intertwines with both the Cikeas and Cisadane rivers. Hard work and constant dedication have gone into the development of these courses and to see so many golfers enjoying them every week makes it all worth while. For those who are really serious about improving their golf, there is now the Commonwealth Bank Institute of Golf (CBIOG) one of Indonesia’s first golf performance facilities of a World class standard. There are many different programs tailored to suit each

individual requirement also an intensive Junior Scholarship Program aiming to give a select group of talented young golfers every chance of becoming Indonesia’s first hope of success on a PGA Tour. Jagorawi Golf & Country Club also boasts quality accommodation with Lodging Facilities equal to those found at the finest golf establishments of the World. Nusantara Polo Club is the New & Pristine establishment located next to the property of World renowned Jagorawi Golf & Country Club. The Polo field is of an International standard inclusive of a safety zone with an outer sand surface track. There are “stick & ball and horse and player training areas, a paddock & pony stand along with a technologically advanced stable housing over 60 Argentinean & Australian purpose bred polo horses. Complimenting all of this is the beautifully furnished polo clubhouse overlooking the magnificent field and gardens. To find out more and see contact details for all facilities at Jagorawi Golf & Country Club visit our website www.jagorawi.com

Jagorawi Golf & Country Club Cibinong, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Ph: 021 – 875 3810-15 Fx: 021 – 875 3806-07 E-mail : jagorawi@cbn.net.id Website: www.jagorawi.com

ROYAL TROPHY

6Foot Down For Europe... st Asia Won For The 1 Time

sia claimed the Royal Trophy for the first time after completing a stunning 10-6 triumph over Europe at Amata Spring Country Club on Sunday. Thailand’s home hero Prayad Marksaeng and Japan’s Toru Taniguchi delivered the two points required in the singles for an inspired Asia to complete an historic maiden victory in the clash of continents.

putt on the 12th hole to give captain Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki his sweet revenge over an European side led by captain Jose Maria Olazabal.

Europe, trailing by five points after the foursomes and fourball sessions, struck first blood when former British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland defeated Liang Wen-chong of China in the second tie of the day but the European fightback failed to gather momentum.

“I had a strong intention in my mind. Asia lost the first two matches (in 2006 and 2007) and I really wanted to win this time. I think all my team members felt what I was thinking and they realised how I wanted them to play. This win means a lot to me,” added Ozaki, who was tossed into the lake near the ninth green by his players after the presentation ceremony. Outstanding performances in the foursomes and fourball sessions during the first two days saw Asia open up a healthy 6 ½ to 1 ½

The Thai earned a morale-boosting half with a 20-foot birdie on the opening hole against the Spaniard and never looked back. “The result on the first hole, where Pablo hit it close and I holed a 20 footer, was a big lift for me. I tried to maintain my composure throughout the day and I managed to do so which was a big factor and I outlasted him to get the win,” said Prayad. Taniguchi was in total command in the drubbing of Fasth to clinch the winning point for Asia, with five matches still out on the course. “It was a team effort. The whole team chipped in for the win. I tried to focus throughout the week. I knew everyone was playing well in their matches, and I knew that I had to win my

EGL/ASIAN GOLF TOUR

Smooth-swinging Prayad outplayed Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal 5&4 to take Asia within the cusp of glory and Taniguchi, Japan’s number one in 2007, earned the winning point when he outclassed Sweden’s Niclas Fasth 7&6, holing a 15-foot birdie

“It’s a dream come true,” said Ozaki. “When I was here in 2007, I was very nervous as a captain and I didn’t know what to do. As soon as I saw my team members, I felt very comfortable and I was confident we would do well.

advantage over the Europeans. Prayad, who alongside countryman Thongchai Jaidee accumulated three wins in as many matches, produced a flawless display to oust Larrazabal, last year’s European rookie of the year.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

“Before the tournament started, I didn’t think I could do it (win). I feel so good right now. I enjoyed myself. Let me think about it. I can’t make the decision yet about next year but I’ll think about it.” Charlie Wi match to bring the Royal Trophy to the Asian Team,” said Taniguchi.

Lawrie (Sco) 3&2; Charlie Wi (Kor) lost to Nick Dougherty (Eng) 1-up, Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) beat Pablo Larrazabal (Esp) 5&4; Hideto Tanihara (Tha) lost to Oliver Wilson (Eng) 3&2; SK Ho (Kor) lost to Johan Edfors (Swe) 5&4; Toru Taniguchi (Jpn) beat Niclas Fasth (Swe) 7&6; Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) beat Paul McGinley (Ire) 5&4. Saturday Fourball results Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn) and Toru Taniguchi (Jpn) vs Soren Hansen (Den) and Paul Lawrie (Sco) All Square; Charlie Wi (Kor) and Liang Wen-chong (PRC) beat Nick Dougherty (Eng) and Oliver Wilson (Eng) 3 & 2; Hideto Tanihara (Jpn) and S.K. Ho (Kor) beat Niclas Fasth (Swe) and Johan

Edfors (Swe); 2 & 1; Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) and Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) beat Pablo Larrazabal (Esp) and Paul McGinley (Ire) 4 & 2 Friday Foursomes results Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn) and Toru Taniguchi (Jpn) lost to Paul Lawrie (Sco) and Soren Hansen (Den) 2 & 1; Charlie Wi (Kor) and Liang Wen-chong (PRC) beat Paul McGinley (Ire) and Pablo Larrazabal (Esp) 2-up; Hideto Tanihara (Jpn) and S.K. Ho (Kor) beat Nick Dougherty (Eng) and Oliver Wilson (Eng) 1-up; Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) and Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) beat Niclas Fasth (Swe) and Johan Edfors (Swe) 5 & 4.

Olazábal congratulated Ozaki's Asian team for their triumph before hinting that tournament founder and golf great Seve Ballesteros, recovering from brain surgery in Bilbao, would return to reclaim the trophy in 2010. “My last words are for Seve,” said the Spaniard as he addressed his eight-man team. “He is recovering from some health issues, but even though I'm the captain this year, I might not be the captain next year - and I can assure you he is going to be tougher than I was!” The 42 year old promised Europe would learn from the loss. “I want to thank my players for trying hard this week,” he added. “We lost, it hurts but that will make us better in the future.” Teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa earned a half point for Asia in his top match with Dane Soren Hansen while Thongchai won his third straight match this week with a convincing 5&4 defeat of Paul McGinley, handing the Irishman his third loss after entering the week with a proud unbeaten record in the series. Korea’s Charlie Wi, who lost 1-up to Nick Dougherty of England, was delighted to enjoy a winning debut. “It was really important for the Asian players and the Asian Tours that we defeated Europe. Next year, I’m sure they will have stronger players to play us so that they get the Royal Trophy back. Sometimes, the Asian players don’t get enough credit. We had a really strong team here,” said the US-based Wi.

Asia 10 Europe 6 Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn) vs Soren Hansen (Den) All Square; Liang Wen-chong (PRC) lost to Paul

Ryo Ishikawa

Kathrine Hull

ACTION IMAGES/REUTERS

Sunday Singles

EGL/ASIAN GOLF TOUR

Ozaki, a winner of over 30 tournaments in Japan, did not commit his future as team captain. “Before the tournament started, I didn’t think I could do it (win). I feel so good right now. I enjoyed myself. Let me think about it. I can’t make the decision yet about next year but I’ll think about it.”

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diamond Kitâ&#x20AC;? Anthony Kim To Play In Malaysia

he Maybank Malaysian Open 2009 announced new American star Anthony Kim will make his first appearance in South East Asia at this year's event which takes place at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur from February 12th-15th. The 23-year-old Korean American burst onto the US PGA Tour in 2007 and picked up two victories last season at the Wachovia Championship and the AT&T National. This made him the first American player under the age of 25 to win twice in one year on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods in 2000. "I had a great season on Tour last year and it will be a great experience for me to come to Malaysia to play in the Maybank Malaysian Open for the first time. With it being part of the Race to Dubai I know I will be facing a tough field but I hope I can play well and continue where I left off last season," said Kim. Another top player announced today for the February event is Japan's number one Shingo Katayama. He has topped the Japan Golf Tour Money List last year for the fifth time and has 26 victories on the Tour. Katayama's most notable achievement to date outside of Japan is his tied fourth place finish at the 2001 PGA Championship. Known for his cowboy hats and fashion flare, Katayama is looking forward to the event saying, "This is going to be a great and challenging event for me in Malaysia. It will be a new course for me to play on and I know the other players will be playing well at the start of the year so hopefully I can do the same. This will be my first event of the year before heading to the US for the WGC Accenture Matchplay so this is great preparation for me." The Maybank Golf Challenge is another extremely popular and successful arm of their golf involvement which is into its fourth year. The Challenge culminates in a Grand Final on 16th February where they will get to meet some of the stars of the professional event.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Each year, Maybank also supports a national qualifying event which allows more Malaysian professionals to compete alongside some of the best players in the world. This year five slots will be given from the qualifying along with four amateurs, three from the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) and four who have currently qualified through the Asian Tour. Past contenders of Malaysia's richest golfing event include Lee Westwood (1997 winner), Darren Clarke, Vijay Singh who has lifted the trophy on two occasions (1992 and 2001 winner) and 2008 Asian Tour's Order of Merit winner Jeev Milkha Singh. The US$2 million prize purse will ensure a high calibre showing on the Palm Course at Saujana Golf and Country Club which is often referred to as 'The Cobra'.

Shingo Katayama

The event, which was the first event in Asia to be co-sanctioned back in 1999 by the European and Asian Tours, will offer players vital prize money on The Race to Dubai. This new format replaces the old European Tour Order of Merit and will Kyi Hla Han

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

ASIANTOUR

Kyi Hla Han, Asian Tour, Executive Chairman said, "The Asian Tour is proud to be associated with the Maybank Malaysian Open once again this year. This event has a special place in Asian golf history as it was the first championship to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour in 1999 and our players always look forward to returning to Malaysia. Our highly talented players have enjoyed great success in the Malaysian Open, with the likes Yeh Wei-tze, Thongchai Jaidee, Charlie Wi and Arjun Atwal winning the event in recent years and it gives me every confidence that our players will perform well again at Saujana."

Daren Clark

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

“I would potentially beat Greg at golf, so play golf with Greg, Because I know Chrissy would probably kick my (behind) at tennis.” Scott

cott was thrilled to see his idol, Greg Norman, qualify for the Masters with his third-place finish at the British Open last summer, and he hopes to play another practice round with him at Augusta National. “I played with him in a practice round there the last time he played, and I thought that might have been the last time I ever get to play with him at Augusta,” Scott said. “So I’m going to try and pin him down for a practice round again, which would be great.” As much as Scott enjoys tennis, he was asked if he would rather play golf with Norman or tennis with Norman’s wife, Chris Evert. He thought about this for a moment. “I would potentially beat Greg at golf, so play golf with Greg,” he said. “Because I know Chrissy would probably kick my (behind) at tennis.”

Or Ice Maiden 58

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Shark

Scott’s Knee:

Adam Scott Won’t Be Starting The Year At Full Strength “I’m not strapped to the board at all,” I’m free, and I can fall in the water – if I fall, you know.”

cott dislocated his right knee cap – for the sixth time dating to high school – while running out of the water at an Australian beach last month. It kept him from playing the Australian Open, and Scott still isn’t sure how it will respond late in the round when he starts to tire.

“Obviously, good enough to be here,” Scott said of his knee. “Unfortunately, this course is quite a tough walk, so that’s going to be the test for me here.” Scott said he has “hyper-mobile” knee caps, and he has dislocated the right one so many times that it is loose. Asked about surgery, Scott said six doctors have recommended six procedures, none the same. He said it doesn’t affect his golf swing, and he would rather not risk changing something in his right leg that could mess with his swing. He said he would reduce his travel this year, and cut back on some activities such as tennis and snow skiing, and any other sport that involves running. But not surfing. “I’m not strapped to the board at all,” he said. “I’m free, and I can fall in the water – if I fall, you know.”

On The Go

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

enny Perry goes into this year eligible for seven events that were not part of his plans at the start of last season – the four majors and three World Golf Championships. He plans to play them all this year, so what will he drop? Nothing. “If I get in the four FedEx (playoff events), that will be 30 events for me,” Perry said. “That’s a huge year for me.” The only change is that Perry is having to skip the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, instead opting for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. But there’s a good reason for that. His wife, Sandy, has been elected president of the PGA Tour Wives Association, and its biggest meeting is at Pebble Beach. “She says, ‘You’re coming to Pebble,”’ said Perry, who has not played the event since 2003.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Head Start For Zach Johnson

hanks to an early start on his 2009 goals, Zach Johnson begins his season earlier than expected. The former Masters champion had no reason to believe he would be part of the field at the winners-only Mercedes-Benz Championship. He was having his worst season in his five years on the PGA Tour, not even making it to the second stage of the playoffs and in danger of finishing out of the top 125 on the money list. But with extra time off, he decided to meet with his team to set goals for the new season. “I had six weeks off to retool and revamp and re-polish, and that’s when I sat down and said, ‘What are we going to do next year?’ The fundamental changes, mental changes, let’s

do that now and play four out of the last five, which is exactly what I did.” One of those events was the Valero Texas Open, where Johnson went 62-64 on the weekend for a two-shot victory, which allowed him to book a flight to Hawaii. “I’m encouraged,” Johnson said. “I thought the end of last year, my game was really, really good.” He couldn’t suppress a smile as he thought about meeting with his support group, and it became apparent that this wasn’t a time for everyone to share hugs and pat each other on the back. Johnson said his team is opinionated and passionate, which can lead to some heated discussions and frank opinions.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

“I had six weeks off to retool and revamp and re-polish, and that’s when I sat down and said, ‘What are we going to do next year?’ The fundamental changes, mental changes, let’s do that now and play four out of the last five, which is exactly what I did.”

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

time U.S. Open winner, just a shot off the lead overnight, stumbled to a 74 and dropped into a tie for 23rd place at 7-under 277. Hansen, playing in the second-to-last group, began making his move on the front nine at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington. He birdied five holes, including four in a row ending at the ninth, to make the turn in 31 shots. He birdied the seventh and eighth holes for the second day in a row. Hansen slowed down after that, making two pars to start the back nine before dropping his only shot of the final round with a bogey at the 12th. Five pars later, he was tied with McLardy at 14 under par heading to the 18th. He reached the green in two shots at the 551-yard closing hole, landing his ball 25 feet from the cup. Hansen missed his eagle putt, but rolled in a 3-footer for birdie to take the clubhouse lead. McLardy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; struggling to get anything going down the stretch after he made three straight birdies to start the back nine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; still had a chance to tie Hansen. But, playing for his first European Tour victory, he pulled his shot into the trees at the 18th and walked off with his sixth par in a row, clinching the win for Hansen. "Especially after the first day, where the first two holes I started double bogey-bogey and [thought] 'What is this?' But I turned that round around and got off to a flying start the second day. I couldn't keep it going, but that sort of helped me put things into perspective thinking about the next day."

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Further back, Richard Sterne, who won the previous two European Tour events and entered this week as the defending champion, finished strong. He carded a 68 and tied for 12th place at 9-under 275.

Danish Hansen Wins In South Africa

enmark's Anders Hansen birdied the 18th hole Sunday to shoot a 5-under 66 and win the Joburg Open by a shot over Andrew McLardy. The 38-year-old Hansen finished at 15-under-par 269 for his third European Tour win and first since the 2007 BMW PGA Championship.

McLardy, one of three third-round leaders, shot a 68 and finished alone in second place at 14-under 270. Playing in the final threesome, he was unable to make a birdie over his last six holes. David Drysdale had a 69 to take third place at 13-under 271 and Charl Schwartzel posted a 70 to share fourth place with Tyrone Van Aswegen (68) and Danny Willett (68) at 12-under 272. Drysdale and Schwartzel had shared the 54-hole lead with McLardy. Ten players finished within five strokes of Hansen, but Retief Goosen was not among them. The twoTHE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

PGA TOUR CALENDAR 09 SM

DATES

TOURNAMENTS

DEFENDING CHAMPION

FEDEXCUP POINTS

Jan. 08 - 11

Mercedes-Benz Championship Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii - Purse: $5,600,000

Geoff Ogilvy - $1,120,000

3,513

Jan. 15 - 18

Sony Open in Hawaii Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii - Purse: $5,400,000

K.J. Choi (D) - $954,000

3,513

Jan. 21 - 25

The 50th Bob Hope Classic hosted by Arnold Palmer PGA West (Palmer Course) La Quinta, California -Purse: $5,100,000

D.J. Trahan (D) - $918,000

3,513

Jan. 29 - Feb. 01

FBR Open TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona - Purse: $6,000,000

J.B. Holmes (D) - $1,080,000

3,513

Feb. 05 - 08

Buick Invitational Torrey Pines (North Course), San Diego, California -Purse: $5,300,000

Tiger Woods (D) - $936,000

3,513

Feb. 12 - 15

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California - Purse: $6,100,000

Steve Lowery (D) - $1,080,000

3,513

Feb. 19 - 22

Northern Trust Open Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, California - Purse: $6,300,000

Phil Mickelson (D) - $1,116,000

3,513

Feb. 26 - March 01

Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun El Camaleon, Riviera Maya, Mex - Purse: $3,600,000

Brian Gay (D)- $ 630,000

1,760

Feb. 25 - March 01

WGC - Accenture Match Play Championship Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Marana, Arizona - Purse: $8,500,000

Tiger Woods (D) - $1,350,000

3,641

March 05 - 08

The Honda Classic - Purse: $5,600,000

Ernie Els (D) - $990,000

3,513

March 12 - 15

Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular Trump Intrntl GC - Puerto Rico, Rio Grande, PR - Purse: $3,500,000

Greg Kraft (D) - $630,000

1,760

March 12 - 15

World Golf Championships-CA Championship Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Florida - Purse: $8,500,000

Geoff Ogilvy (D) - $1,350,000

3,641

March 19 - 22

Transitions Championship Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead, Palm Harbor, Florida - Purse: $5,400,000

Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hair (D) - $954,000

3,513

March 26 - 29

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida - Purse: $6,000,000

Tiger Woods (D) - $1,044,000

April 02 - 05

Shell Houston Open Redstone GC Tournament Course, Humble, Texas - Purse: $5,700,000

Johnson Wagner (D) - $1,008,000

3,513

April 09 - 12

Masters Tournament # Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia - Purse: $7,000,000

Trevor Immelman (D) - $1,350,000

3,776

April 16 - 19

Verizon Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina - Purse: $5,700,000

Boo Weekley (D) - $990,000

3,513

April 23 - 26

Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana - Purse: $6,300,000

Andres Romero (D) - $1,116,000

3,513

April 30 - May 03

Wachovia Championship Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina - Purse: $6,500,000

Anthony Kim (D) - $1,152,000

3,513

May 07 - 10

THE PLAYERS Championship TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - Purse: $9,500,000

Sergio Garcia (D) - $1,710,000

3,776

May 14 - 17

Valero Texas Open LaCantera GC, San Antonio, Texas - Purse: $6,100,000

Zach Johnson (D) - $810,000

3,513

May 21 - 24

HP Byron Nelson Championship TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, Texas - Purse: $6,500,000

Adam Scott (D) - $1,152,000

3,513

May 28 - 31

Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Colonial CC, Ft. Worth, Texas - Purse: $6,200,000

Phil Mickelson (D) - $1,098,000

3,513

June 04 - 07

The Memorial Tournament Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio - Purse: $6,000,000

Kenny Perry (D) - $1,080,000

3,513

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

DATES

TOURNAMENTS

June 11 - 14

Stanford St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee - Purse: $6,100,000

Justin Leonard (D) - $1,080,000

3,513

June 25 - 28

Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut - Purse: $6,000,000

Stewart Cink (D) - $1,080,000

3,513

July 02 - 05

AT&T National Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Maryland - Purse: $6,200,000

Anthony Kim (D) - $1,080,000

3,513

July 09 - 12

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois - Purse: $4,300,000

Kenny Perry (D) - $756,000

3,513

July 16 - 19

U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee Brown Deer Park GC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Purse: $4,000,000

July 16 - 19

British Open - The Ailsa Championship Course Turnberry, Ayrshire, SCO - Purse: $8,600,000

Padraig Harrington (D) - $1,498,875

3,776

July 23 - 26

RBC Canadian Open Glen Abbey GC, Oakville,Ontario, Can - Purse: $5,100,000

Chez Reavie (D) - $900,000

3,513

July 30 - Aug. 02

Buick Open Warwick Hills G&CC, Grand Blanc, Michigan - Purse: $5,100,000

Kenny Perry (D) - $900,000

3,513

Aug. 06 - 09

Legends Reno-Tahoe Open Montreux G&CC, Reno, Nevada - Purse: $3,000,000

Parker McLachlin (D) - $540,000

1,760

Aug. 06 - 09

World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational Firestone CC (South Course), Akron, Ohio - Purse: $8,500,000

Vijay Singh (D) - $1,350,000

3,641

Aug. 13 - 16

PGA Championship # Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota - Purse: $7,200,000

Padraig Harrington (D) - $1,350,000

3,776

Aug. 20 - 23

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina - Purse: $5,200,000

Carl Pettersson (D) - $918,000

3,513

Aug. 27 - 30

The Barclays Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, New Jersey - Purse: $7,500,000

Vijay Singh (D) - $1,260,000

17,565

Sep. 04 - 07

Deutsche Bank Championship TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts - Purse: $7,500,000

Vijay Singh (D) - $1,260,000

17,565

Camilo Villegas (D) - $1,260,000

17,565 17,565

Sep. 10 - 13

BMW Championship Cog Hill G&CC, Lemont, Illinois - Purse: $7,500,000

DEFENDING CHAMPION

FEDEXCUP POINTS

Richard S. Johnson (D) - $720,000

Sep. 24 - 27

THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola East Lake GC, Atlanta, Georgia - Purse: $7,000,000

Camilo Villegas (D) - $1,260,000

Oct. 08 - 11

The Presidents Cup Harding Park Golf Course, San Francisco, California

(D)

Oct. 01 - 04

Turning Stone Resort Championship Atunyote Golf Club, Verona, New York - Purse: $6,000,000

Dustin Johnson (D) - $1,080,000

Oct. 15 - 18

Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada - Purse: $4,200,000

Marc Turnesa (D) - $738,000

Oct. 22 - 25

Frys.com Open Grayhawk Golf Club - Raptor, Scottsdale, Arizona - Purse: $5,000,000

Cameron Beckman (D) - $900,000

Oct. 29 - Nov. 01

Viking Classic Annandale GC, Madison, Mississippi - Purse: $3,700,000

Will MacKenzie (D) - $648,000

Nov. 12 - 15

Children's Miracle Network Classic Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida Palm GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida - Purse: $4,700,000

Davis Love III (D) - $828,000

3,513

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Ogilvy Champ The Season Opening 64

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Mercedes Benz Championship

eoff Ogilvy finished the final round the way he started Sunday, six shots clear of a winners-only field at the Mercedes-Benz Championship. It was the part in the middle he could have done without. Ogilvy was on the verge of an unseemly collapse, his six-shot lead down to one as he stood in the ninth fairway, when he drilled his approach onto the green and holed a 30foot eagle putt to steady his nerves and send him on his way to victory at Kapalua. With four straight birdies on the back nine to restore the margin, he sailed home to a 5-under 68 to join Ernie Els and Vijay Singh as the only wire-towire winners since the season-opening PGA Tour event moved to Kapalua in 1999. Anthony Kim nearly made double eagle on the last hole for a 67 to tie for second with Davis Love III, who also had a 67. It was the fifth PGA Tour victory for Ogilvy, adding to his U.S. Open title in 2006 and a pair of World Golf Championships. He finished at 24-under 268, earned $1.12 million and moved up to No. 6 in the world. Ogilvy had made only one bogey in the first three rounds, but doubled that count after this first two holes Sunday. With the Plantation course soft from overnight rain that lasted into the morning, Ogilvy missed the fairway to the right on the opening hole and couldn’t reach the green, missing an 18foot par putt. He found a bunker with his tee shot on the second hole, blasted out to about 6 feet and missed that putt. Just like that, his lead was down to three shots over Kim, who birdied two of the opening three holes.

“I’ve never had a six-shot lead before. It’s a pretty uncomfortable feeling, to be honest with you, I got to the green and saw I had a one-shot lead – I figured it was mostly gone – and it felt like a normal tournament again. I just told myself, ‘It’s a great spot to be after 63 holes, get on with it.”’ Ogilvy

“From then on, I was a different person,” Ogilvy said. “I played almost the best I had all week the next six holes. It was the right time for a great shot, and I happened to make the putt, which was a big bonus.” Singh (2007) and Els (2003) were tied for the lead after the first round when they went wire-towire. Ogilvy took the outright lead on the 14th hole of the opening round and never trailed over the final 58 holes of the tournament. Love, who only qualified for the Mercedes by winning the last tournament of the season at Disney, got up-and-down from the rough right of the 18th green for birdie to tie for second. His tie for second should move him up to about No. 55 in the world ranking, important as he tries to qualify for the Masters.

Justin Leonard went 50 holes without a bogey until dropping a shot on the 13th hole. He shot 70 to finish fifth. All of them were playing for second on the back after Ogilvy rediscovered his swing and his focus with the eagle on the par-5 ninth. The 31-year-old Australian followed that with a 20foot birdie on the 10th, he took advantage of the easy holes with birdies. Starting on No. 12, where he hit wedge into 5 feet, Ogilvy made four straight birdies inside 8 feet, and played conservatively on the last few holes.

And even after Ogilvy appeared to steady himself with an up-and-down birdie on the par-5 fifth, followed by another good pitch to 5 feet for birdie on the sixth, he was grinding. He hit the wrong club on the seventh, came up short and took bogey. Then he missed his target some 20 yards to the right on the par-3 eighth and took another bogey. “I’ve never had a six-shot lead before. It’s a pretty uncomfortable feeling, to be honest with you,” Ogilvy said. “I got to the green and saw I had a one-shot lead – I figured it was mostly gone – and it felt like a normal tournament again. I just told myself, ‘It’s a great spot to be after 63 holes, get on with it.”’ And he did.

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

After watching Kim made another birdie to go out in 32, Ogilvy hit 3-iron to the front edge of the green and rolled in the eagle putt. That put his lead back to three, and he didn’t come close to dropping another shot the rest of the round.

Ernie Els

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT GOLF,

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT US

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

ASIAN TOUR CALENDAR 09

PRIZE MONEY

DATE

TOURNAMENT

COUNTRY

January 06-09

Qualifying School First Stage Lam Lukka, Rayong Green Valley St Andrews 2000

Thailand

none

January 09-11

The Royal Trophy Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok

Thailand

Europe

January 13-17

Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand Thailand St Andrews 2000 GC & Rayong Green Valley CC

-D

February 05-08

Asian Tour International Suwan Golf and Country Club

Thailand

$300,000

LIN Wen-tang (TPE) - D

February 12-15

Maybank Malaysian Open * Saujana Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

$2,000,000

Arjun ATWAL (IND) - D

February 19-22

Johnnie Walker Classic ** The Vines Resort & Country Club, Perth

Australia

$2,500,000

Mark BROWN (NZL) - D

February 26-01

WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Arizona

United States

$8,000,000

Tiger WOODS (USA) - D

February 26-01

Indonesia Open * New Kuta Golf Resort, Bali

Indonesia

$1,250,000

Felipe AGUILAR (Chi) - D

March 12-15

WGC-CA Championship Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Florida

United States

$8,000,000

Geoff OGILVY (AUS) - D

March 19-22

SAIL Open Course TBA, New Delhi

New Delhi

$400,000

Mark BROWN (NZL) - D

March 26-29

Black Mountain Masters Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin

Thailand

$500,000

March 31-01

The Open Championship International Final Qualifying Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore

Singapore

April 09-12

The Masters Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia

United States

$7,000,000

Trevor IMMELMAN (RSA) - D

April 16-19

Volvo China Open * Beijing CBD International Golf Club

China

$2,200,000

Damien MCGRANE (NIR) - D

April 23-26

Ballantine's Championship * Pinx Golf Club, Jeju Island

Korea (South)

$2,900,000

Graeme MCDOWELL (NIR) - D

April 30-03

The Jaidee Invitational presented by Raimon Land Thailand Siam Country Club, Pattaya

$500,000

May 07-10

Pine Valley Beijing Open + Pine Valley Golf Club, Beijing

China

$1,200,000

Hiroyuki FUJITA (JAP) - D

May 14-17

GS Caltex Maekyung Open Nam Seoul Country Club, Seoul

Korea (South)

$600,000

HWANG Inn-choon (KOR) - D

May 21-24

SK Telecom Open Course TBA, Korea

Korea (South)

$600,000

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

WINNER

PRIZE MONEY

DATE

TOURNAMENT

COUNTRY

WINNER

June 18-21

US Open Bethpage State Park, Black Course, New York

United States

$7,000,000

Tiger WOODS (USA) - D

July 16-19

British Open Turnberry

Scotland

$8,600,000

Padraig HARRINGTON (Ireland) - D

July 23-26

Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational with main sponsor Qatar Telecoms Course TBA, Indonesia

Indonesia

$400,000

Scott HEND (AUS) - D

July 30-02

Selangor Masters Course TBA, Malaysia

Malaysia

$300,000

Ben LEONG (MAL) - D

August 06-09

Brunei Open Empire Hotel & Country Club, Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei

$300,000

Rick KULACZ (AUS) - D

August 06-09

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Firestone Country Club, Ohio

United States

$8,000,000

Vijay SINGH (IND) - D

August 13-16

US PGA Championship Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska

United States

$7,500,000

Padraig HARRINGTON (Ireland) - D

August 20-23

Mercuries Taiwan Masters Taiwan Golf & Country Club, Taipei

Chinese Taipei

$500,000

LU Wen-teh (TPE) - D

September 03-06

Omega European Masters * Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana

Switzerland

$2,500,000

September 24-27

Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open + Jyoyo Country Club, Kyoto

Japan

$2,200,000

Hideto TANIHARA (JAP) - D

October 01-04

Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open Woo Jeong Hills Country Club, Cheonan

Korea (South)

$1,000,000

BAE Sang-moon (KOR) - D

October 08-11

Hero Honda Indian Open Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi

India

$1,000,000

LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) - D

October 15-18

Midea China Classic Royal Orchid International Golf Club, Guangzhou

China

$500,000

NOH Seung-yul (KOR) - D

October 22-25

Iskandar Johor Open Course TBA, Malaysia

Malaysia

$1,000,000

Retief Goosen (RSA) - D

October 29-01

Barclays Singapore Open Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore

Singapore

$5,000,000

Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) - D

November 05-08

Cambodian Open Phokeethra Country Club, Siem Reap

Cambodia

$300,000

Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) - D

November 05-08

HSBC Champions ## Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai

China

$5,000,000

Sergio GARCIA (ESP) - D

November 12-15

UBS Hong Kong Open * Hong Kong Golf Club

Hong Kong

$2,500,000

LIN Wen-tang (TPE) - D

November 26-29

Omega Mission Hills World Cup Mission Hills Golf Club, Shenzhen

China

$5,500,000

Sweden - D

December 10-13

Volvo Masters of Asia Thai Country Club, Bangkok

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

EUROPEAN TOUR

CALENDAR 09

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

From

Tournament & Venue

Winner / Prize Fund

06 Nov

09 Nov

HSBC Champions Sheshan International GC , Shanghai, China

Sergio GARCIA - €3,893,751

20 Nov

23 Nov

UBS Hong Kong Open Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong

Wen-tang LIN - €1,996,575

27 Nov

30 Nov

Sportsbet Australian Masters Huntingdale GC, Melbourne, Australia

Rodney PAMPLING - €738,851

11 Dec

14 Dec

Alfred Dunhill Championship Leopard Creek GC, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Richard STERNE - €1,000,200

18 Dec

21 Dec

South African Open Championship Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

Richard STERNE - €1,007,670

08 Jan

11 Jan

Joburg Open Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, Johannesburg, South Africa

Anders HANSEN - €1,121,436

09 Jan

11 Jan

The Royal Trophy Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok, Thailand

ASIA 10-6 - $1,500,000

15 Jan

18 Jan

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

$2,000,000

22 Jan

25 Jan

Commercialbank Qatar Masters Presented by Dolphin Energy Doha GC, Doha, Qatar

$2,500,000

29 Jan

01 Feb

Dubai Desert Classic Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

$2,500,000

12 Feb

15 Feb

Maybank Malaysian Open Saujana Golf and Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

$2,000,000

19 Feb

22 Feb

Johnnie Walker Classic The Vines Resort & Country Club , Perth, Australia

£1,250,000

25 Feb

01 Mar

WGC - Accenture Match Play Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Marana, USA

$8,000,000

26 Feb

01 Mar

Indonesia Open New Kuta GC, Bali, Indonesia

$1,250,000

12 Mar

15 Mar

WGC-CA Championship Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Doral, Florida, USA

$8,000,000

19 Mar

22 Mar

Madeira Islands Open BPI - Portugal Porto Santo Golfe, Portugal

€700,000

26 Mar

29 Mar

Open de Andalucia Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, Seville, Spain

€1,000,000

02 Apr

05 Apr

Estoril Open de Portugal Oitavos Dunes, Estoril, Portugal

€1,250,000

09 Apr

12 Apr

MASTERS TOURNAMENT Augusta National, Augusta, Georgia, USA

16 Apr

19 Apr

Volvo China Open Beijing CBD International GC, Beijing, China

23 Apr

26 Apr

Ballantine's Championship Pinx GC, Jeju Island, South Korea

30 Apr

03 May

Open de Espana PGA Golf de Catalunya, Girona, Spain

07 May

10 May

Italian Open TBC, TBC

14 May

17 May

The Irish Open Co Louth GC, Baltray, Drogheda, Ireland

21 May

24 May

BMW PGA Championship Wentworth Club, Surrey, England

28 May

31 May

The European Open The London Golf Club, Ash, Kent, England

£2,400,000

04 Jun

07 Jun

The Celtic Manor Wales Open The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales

£1,800,000

€2,100,000

From

Tournament & Venue

Winner / Prize Fund

11 Jun

14 Jun

Austrian Golf Open Fontana GC, Vienna, Austria

18 Jun

21 Jun

US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Bethpage State Park (Black Course), Farmingdale, New York, USA

18 Jun

21 Jun

SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by Neuﬂize OBC Aa Saint Omer GC, Lumbres, France

25 Jun

28 Jun

BMW International Open Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany

02 Jul

05 Jul

Open de France ALSTOM Le Golf National, Paris, France

09 Jul

12 Jul

The Barclays Scottish Open Loch Lomond GC, Glasgow, Scotland

16 Jul

19 Jul

THE 138th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Ailsa Course, Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland

23 Jul

26 Jul

SAS Masters Barsebäck G & CC, Malmö, Sweden

€1,600,000

30 Jul

02 Aug

Czech Golf Open Prosper Golf Resort, Čeladná, Czech Republic

€2,500,000

06 Aug

09 Aug

WGC - Bridgestone Invitational Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio, USA

$8,000,000

13 Aug

16 Aug

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Hazeltine National GC, Chaska, MN, USA

$7,500,000

13 Aug

16 Aug

The English Open St Mellion International Resort, Cornwall, England

€1,000,000

20 Aug

23 Aug

The KLM Open Kennemer G&CC, Zandvoort, Netherlands

27 Aug

30 Aug

Johnnie Walker Championships at Gleneagles The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

03 Sep

06 Sep

Omega European Masters Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans, Switzerland

10 Sep

13 Sep

Mercedes-Benz Championship Golf Club Gut Lärchenhof, Cologne, Germany

17 Sep

20 Sep

British Masters TBC, TBC

24 Sep

27 Sep

Trophée by Canal+ St Nom-la-Bretèche, Paris, France

€1,000,000

24 Sep

27 Sep

Volvo World Match Play Championship Finca Cortesin GC, Malaga, Spain

€3,250,000

01 Oct

04 Oct

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Old Course, St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland

$5,000,000

08 Oct

11 Oct

Madrid Masters Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

€1,000,000

08 Oct

11 Oct

*Seve Trophy TBC, TBC

15 Oct

18 Oct

Portugal Masters Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal

22 Oct

25 Oct

CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, Castellón, Spain

29 Oct

01 Nov

TBC TBC, TBC

05 Nov

08 Nov

HSBC Champions Sheshan International GC , Shanghai, China

12 Nov

15 Nov

UBS Hong Kong Open Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong

$2,500,000

19 Nov

22 Nov

DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

$10,000,000

26 Nov

29 Nov

*Omega Mission Hills World Cup Mission Hills GC, China

$6,000,000

€800,000

€4,000,000

€3,000,000

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

An Exclusive Event... Asian’s Best Amateur Gathering Of Men & Ladies 2009

JAKARTA OFFICE SINGAPORE OFFICE General Manager - Corporate Jln Puri Mutiara Raya No 8 20 Jalan Chempaka Kuning Cilandak Barat Singapore 489058 Jakarta Selatan Tel : + 65 - 9642 6727 Tel : + 6221 7591 5933 Fax : +65 - 6618 3550 Mobile : + 62 818 URL : www.britishgolfasia.com 07266122 Email : docshah@britishgolfasia.com PARTICIPATING COUNTRY PLAYERS:

VENUE: BINTAN LAGOON GOLF RESORT BINTAN ISLAND RIAU INDONESIA GOLF COURSES: IAN BAKER FINCH - MEN DIVISION 24-27 MARCH 2009 JACK NICKLAUS - LADIES DIVISION 25-27 MARCH 2009 FORMAT OF PLAY • STROKE PLAY

JAPAN

HONGKONG

CAMBODIA

SOUTH KOREA

LAOS

SINGAPORE

MALAYSIA

NEPAL

HANDICAP QUALIFICATIONS •1-12 A - DIVISION •13-18 B - DIVISION ENTRANCE FEE MEN: USD 240.00 (4 ROUNDS OF GOLF) LADIES: USD 180.00 (3 ROUNDS OF GOLF) ENTRANCE FEE INCLUSIVE OF:

MYANMAR

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

VIETNAM

BANGLADESH

PAKISTAN

INDIA

THAILAND

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

HOSTING NATION:

PHILIPPINES

SRI LANKA

BHUTAN

BRUNEI DARUSALAM

INDONESIA

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

OFFICIAL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB

ORGANIZER

• LAND TRANSFERS IN BINTAN ISLAND ( FERRY TERMINAL-HOTEL ) • WELCOME DINNER • FAREWELL DINNER AND PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY • 2 TOURNAMENTS T-SHIRTS • GOLF CAP • TRAVEL BAG • WINNER TROPHIES ( GROSS & NETT) • ATTRACTIVE LUCKY DRAWS • NOVELTY PRIZES • 4 & 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF ( MEN / LADIES) • GOLFERS INSURANCE • COMPLIMENTARY WIFI SERVICES

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time To Choose Your Right Partner

With well experienced workforce and 20 years in corporate event management businesses we hold some talk of the industry event management performances

Call Us Today Under No Obligations

(+62 21) 766 1352

PT. KARIZA VIRATAMA PLAZA AMINTA 6 Floor Suite 604 Jl. TB. Simatupang Kav 10. Jakarta 12310 Telp. (62 21) 766 1352 - Fax. (62 21) 751 2075 th

ARTIKEL BAHASA INDONESIA Januari 6/1’09

Indonesia’s Largest Amateur Golf Championship

So Long Legend !

Saya tidak perlu merasa khawatir akan perkembangan dan kemajuan LPGA di masa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; masa mendatang. Karena masa depan LPGA berada dalam genggaman para pegolf â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pegolf hebat seperti Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Suzann Petersen dan masih banyak pegolf berbakat lainnya 78

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

erasaan sedih dan gundah yang dirasakan Annika Sorenstam saat berada dalam kabin pesawat Emirate airways yang membawanya pulang dari Dubai, tentu saja bukan karena sebuah penyesalan ataupun kekecewaan. Karena bagaimanapun pegolf berusia 38 tahun kelahiran Bro - Swedia itu baru saja melengkapi gelar profesionalnya yang ke 91 ketika memenangkan sekaligus mempertahankan gelar-nya dalam Ladies Dubai Masters yang berlangsung di Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club pada tanggal 14 Desember 2008. Satu hal yang membuatnya suasana hatinya mendadak berubah menjadi melankolis adalah perihal keputusannya untuk mundur dari gemerlapnya persaingan golf dunia yang selama ini telah melambungkan namanya. Annika memang tidak sedikitpun menyesali keputusannya tersebut. Apalagi sederetan gelar dan penghargaan internasional telah banyak diraihnya selama menjalani 15 tahun karirnya sebagai ladies turing pro dunia. Namun Annika tetaplah mahluk ciptaan Tuhan biasa yang memiliki kepekaan serta emosi terutama bila menyinggung soal perjalanan karirnya sebagai seorang pegolf profesional wanita yang mendedikasikan hampir separuh hidupnya kepada olah raga yang sangat dicintainya tersebut. Bagaimana tidak !, olah raga yang satu inilah yang membawanya dari sebuah dusun kecil di Swedia (Bro) hingga nama dan reputasinya dikenal oleh dunia sebagai salah seorang legenda golf wanita. Walaupun sebelum usianya menginjak 12 tahun, berbagai

cabang olah raga sempat digelutinya secara serius seperti Tennis, Ski es sampai sepakbola. “Tidak mudah untuk dapat meninggalkan karir yang selama ini begitu mempengaruhi kehidupan pribadi saya. Melalui golf saya banyak bertemu dengan orang – orang yang mencintai saya, selain tentunya tempat – tempat indah dan menakjubkan saat melakukan perjalanan. Sehingga hal tersebut sedikit banyak membuat saya mengerti akan makna sebuah jalinan persahabatan dan persaudaraan antar sesama.” tulisnya dalam surat terbuka yang ditujukan dan disebar luaskan secara khusus bagi para penggemar setianya pada tanggal 18 Desember lalu.

Dalam sebuah pernyataan pers-nya di Dubai tanggal 14 Desember lalu, Annika menekankan bahwa siapapun tentu akan merasa sedih jika menghadapi kenyataan berpisah dengan apa yang selama ini menjadi bagian dari kehidupannya. Namun baginya momentum tersebut justru merupakan sebuah kesempatan yang tidak dapat dimiliki oleh setiap orang, yaitu kesempatan menutup satu pintu untuk membuka pintu lain menuju kedalam cakrawala kehidupan yang baru…so long legend !

Dalam suratnya tersebut Annika juga menyampaikan rasa terima kasihnya kepada siapa saja yang selama ini telah mendukungnya, termasuk para penggemar dan sponsor-nya. Annika juga menuliskan bahwa walaupun ia tidak akan lagi terlibat secara langsung dalam persaingan ketat LPGA Tour di tahun 2009 nanti, namun dirinya berjanji akan senantiasa memantau jalannya seri turnamen serta kegiatan yang diselenggarakan oleh badan sanction ladies golf terbesar di dunia tersebut. “Saya tidak perlu merasa khawatir akan perkembangan dan kemajuan LPGA di masa – masa mendatang. Karena masa depan LPGA berada dalam genggaman para pegolf – pegolf hebat seperti Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Suzann Petersen dan masih banyak pegolf berbakat lainnya.” tegas Annika dalam surat ‘pamit’-nya tersebut. THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Bila Sang Caddie Menguak ‘Luka Terpendam’

“Saya takkan menyebut Mickelson pemain besar ... cause I hate the prick.”

udah menjadi rahasia umum bahwa hubungan pegolf nomor satu dunia Tiger Woods dengan rekan senegaranya yang kini menduduki rangking tiga dunia, Phil ‘Lefty’ Mickelson, hanya sebatas saling menghormati profesi, lain tidak ! Namun tentunya sebagai figur - figur panutan, keduanya tidak akan pernah menunjukkan sikap persaingan yang tak sehat antara mereka didepan publik, terutama saat bersama – sama tampil dalam sebuah

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

kejuaraan. Lagi pula tak ada seorangpun yang mengetahui dengan pasti apa yang membuat mereka dianggap tidak bisa saling bersahabat, selain rumors – rumors miring tentang persaingan mereka yang dilansir oleh sumber – sumber yang diragukan kebenarannya.

kepada Sunday Star-Times bahwa pernyataan yang ditulis Taranaki Daily News sangatlah tidak tepat. Ia merasa kaget karena komentarkomentar yang ia keluarkan dalam sebuah event amal itu sampai diteruskan kepada publik.

Sikap saling menjaga perasaan antara Woods dan Lefty, tentunya lambat laun ibarat memendam sebuah luka yang semakin meradang, sehingga ber efek terhadap pribadi – pribadi disekitar mereka. Hal tersebut tercermin ketika caddie sekaligus orang kepercayaan Tiger Woods asal Selandia Baru, Steve Williams, membuat sebuah pernyataan dalam sebuah acara amal di negaranya yang membuat pihak Phil Mickelson sedikit ‘gerah’.

Bagi para pengamat golf internasional, apapun cerita akhir dari komentar Williams tersebut bukanlah sebuah permasalahan yang sebenarnya. Yang lebih menjadi perhatian akibat peristiwa tersebut adalah dengan terkuaknya ‘luka terpendam’ antara dua jago golf dunia tersebut yang selama ini hanya diketahui melalui kabar burung. Apalagi muncul pernyataan lain dari Williams bahwa mereka berdua (Woods dan Mickelson) memang sama sekali tidak akrab secara pribadi, walaupun keduanya menunjukkan sikap saling hormat didepan publik.

Entah apa yang ada di benak Williams saat itu ketika dirinya berkomentar kepada reporter harian Selandia Baru, Taranaki Daily News, sebagai berikut ; “Saya takkan menyebut Mickelson pemain besar ... cause I hate the prick.” Dalam bahasa Indonesia, kata terakhir diatas termasuk ungkapan penghinaan yang kasar dan tentu saja menyakitkan, walaupun pada hari berikutnya Williams mengatakan

komentar Steve Williams tentang Phil Mickelson. “Pernyataan itu tidak pantas. Tapi masalah ini sudah kami bahas dan diselesaikan, karena sesungguhnya Phil adalah orang yang sangat saya hormati.” tegasnya. Sekali lagi, tidak ada yang pernah tahu akan keoriginalan ucapan seorang selebriti olah raga sekelas Tiger Woods ketika dirinya berbicara didepan umum. Ketulusan hati seorang Tiger Woods hanya dapat dinilai melalui perilaku dan reaksi – reaksinya di lapangan saat ia bermain. Atau justru dari orang – orang terdekatnya seperti Steve Williams.

Menganalisa kejadian tersebut sepertinya ‘angin perselisihan’ memang dihembuskan oleh pihak Tiger Woods melalui sang Caddie. Walaupun pegolf nomor satu dunia itu sempat menyanggah melalui kantor berita Reuteurs, bahwa dirinya sempat kecewa membaca

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Volvo Masters of Asia

Lam Chih Bing Membuka Gelar di Akhir Tahun 82

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Chapcai Nirat

etelah delapan tahun meniti karir sebagai pegolf profesional, Lam Chih Bing, akhirnya boleh menikmati hasil penantian panjangnya untuk menjadi salah seorang kampiun dalam seri turnamen Asian Tour, dengan menjuarai Volvo Masters Of Asia di Thai Country Club, pada hari Minggu 21 Desember 2008 yang lalu. Sarjana Bisnis Menejemen lulusan Amerika Serikat tersebut berhasil menutup permainan-nya dengan total skor 14 under untuk membawa pulang hadiah uang pertama sebesar US$135,000 dari total hadiah US$750,000 yang diperebutkan. Meninggalkan green 18 dengan tangan terangkat, Lam disambut dengan penuh emosional oleh keluarga serta kompatriotnya Mardan Mamat yang turut larut dalam kebahagiaan menyambut kemenangan perdana pegolf berusia 31 tahun tersebut dalam seri Asian Tour. “Menjuarai seri Asian tour merupakan impian setiap turing pro di Asia. Saya selalu percaya bahwa suatu hari saya dapat mencapai hal itu, dan kini saya telah menggenapinya walaupun melalui perjuangan yang berat untuk keluar dari zona tied.” ungkap Lam Chih Bing yang sejak dimulainya putaran terakhir terus ditempel ketat oleh Chapcai Nirat (Thai) dan Terry Pilkadaris (Aus) dalam perolehan nilai.

Dengan kemenangannya ini Lam berhasil menduduki posisi ke 14 dalam Order Of Merit Asian Tour tahun 2008, dimana prestasinya terlihat terus meradang sejak berhasil memasuki zona 10 besar dalam Barclay’s Singapore Open 2008 serta menduduki posisi runner up dalam Johnnie Walker Cambodian dibelakang sang juara Thongchai Jaidee.

“Saya sempat mengunjungi terapis saya sebelum melakukan putaran pertandingan di hari pertama, namun rasa sakit belum sepenuhnya bisa dihilangkan. Tapi diluar semua itu, Lam Chih Bing pantas untuk memenangkan kejuaraan ini. Ia memperlihatkan permainan yang begitu solid sepanjang putaran”, ujarnya menanggapi pertanyaan wartawan tentang penampilannya.

Kesuksesan Lam Chih Bing meraih impiannya ini terasa begitu lengkap, dimana sang istri Sophie beserta anaknya yang masih balita, Tian Lei, turut menyaksikan dirinya dengan bangga berdiri di podium juara sambil mengangkat piala Volvo Masters Asia yang tahun lalu jatuh ke tangan pegolf Thailand Prayad Marksaeng. Prayad sendiri tahun ini harus puas menduduki posisi T12, yang membuat kesempatannya untuk kembali menembus posisi 50 dunia semakin tipis. Artinya untuk dapat berlaga dalam US Masters tahun 2009 ia harus bersaing keras dengan pegolf muda Rory McIlroy yang prestasinya semakin bersinar belakangan ini. Yang menjadi catatan istimewa dalam seri turnamen terakhir Asian Tour di tahun 2008 ini adalah sepak terjang pegolf Thailand Chapchai Nirat, dimana ia berhasil menduduki posisi runner up dengan kondisi cedera bahunya yang belum pulih dengan mengemas skor total 69 pada putaran terakhir.

Terry Pilkadaris

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Thongchai Jaidee

Ben Leong

The Qualifying School Asian Tour 2009

‘Menjaring’ Para Calon Kampiun Asian Tour

anyak kalangan pegolf profesional yang menyatakan bahwa arena Qualifying School merupakan salah satu sarana ujian terberat bagi para pegolf turing pro untuk dapat dianggap layak menjalani rangkaian seri turnamen dalam satu musim kejuaraan. Hal tersebut didukung juga oleh pengamatan para pengamat dilapangan yang menemui kenyataan bahwa tidak sedikit para ‘alumnus’ Q-School yang terus bersinar dalam perjalanan karirnya, karena mental dan strategi mereka benar – benar telah terasah dengan mengikuti kualifikasi wajib bagi para calon ‘penduduk’ peringkat Order of Merit tersebut.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Bintang golf asal Thailand, Thongchai Jaidee, merupakan salah satu contoh kongkrit dari figur seorang pegolf yang sukses mengejawantahkan perjuangannya mengikuti Qualifying School kedalam bentuk keberhasilan, dimana karir ‘lulusan’ Q–School Asian Tour 1999 tersebut terus meningkat tajam sehingga berhasil menempatkan dirinya di puncak peringkat Order Of Merit Asian Tour dalam dua musim yang berbeda. Bahkan tidak berlebihan jika saat ini dirinya disebut – sebut sebagai ikon golf di Asia. Nama – nama pegolf lain sebut saja seperti Charlie Wi (Korea), Ted Purdy (USA), Andrew Buckle (Australia), Jarrod Lyle (Australia), Shiv

Kapur (India), Simon Yates (Skotlandia), Simon Dyson (Inggris), Juvic Pagunsan (Filipina), Anton Haig (Afsel) dan Ben Leong (Malaysia), merupakan prototype pegolf ‘jebolan’ Q-School yang berhasil meningkatkan jenjang mereka dalam persaingan Order of Merit yang dikenal begitu ketat. Bahkan diantara mereka kini banyak yang telah berhasil menaikkan harkat dan derajatnya dalam persaingan di Eropa, Amerika. Dalam rangkaian Qualifying school Asian Tour 2009 yang akan berlangsung di Thailand dari tanggal 6 sampai 17 Januari 2009, para calon pegolf turing pro tersebut benar – benar akan di uji stamina dan kemampuannya untuk bermain

Rory Hie sebanyak total 162 hole (9 putaran) dalam 2 stage, untuk mencapai kuota 40 pemain yang nantinya berhak berada dalam daftar peringkat Order of Merit 2009 atau dalam istilah entry list Asian Tour disebut dengan Category 15, yang mana mereka akan saling bersaing ketat dalam 30 seri turnamen Asian Tour 2009 dengan total hadiah berkisar US$ 39 Juta. Seluruh peserta pertama – tama akan diuji dalam stage 1 dengan bermain sebanyak 72 hole (4 putaran), di tiga lapangan yang berbeda untuk ‘menjaring’ sebanyak 20% pemain dari jumlah total peserta. Selanjutnya para qualifier tersebut harus menjalani 2 putaran lanjutan dalam stage 2 untuk menembus posisi 80

Johannes Dermawan

Sarmilih KZ

Andik Mauludin terbaik (berikut posisi ties), hingga akhirnya ‘tersaring’ lagi sebanyak 40 pemain dalam dua putaran berikutnya. Putaran terakhir (round 9) dilaksanakan untuk menentukan siapa pegolf yang paling layak menduduki posisi teratas (champion), yang dalam dua tahun kebelakang secara berturut – turut dipegang oleh pegolf Malaysia Ben Leong. Tiga lapangan telah dipersiapkan untuk menampung sekurangnya 507 pegolf dalam The Qualifying School Asian Tour 2009. Masing – masing Lam Luk Ka Country Club, St. Andrews 2000 GC dan Rayong Green Valley Country Club, dimana empat pegolf Indonesia menurut rencana siap mengikuti Q-School tahun ini. Mereka adalah Rory Hie, Andik Mauludin, Johannes ‘Irwan’ Dermawan dan Sarmilih KZ.

Maan Nasim Sarmilih yang pernah mewakili Indonesia dalam Fortis International Challenge di Kota Permai Malaysia bulan September 2008 lalu, mendapatkan exemption untuk langsung turun bersaing dalam stage 2. Kekuatan para peserta Q-School 2009 sampai saat ini memang sulit untuk di prediksi. Namun yang pasti seluruh masyarakat Industri golf di tanah air paling tidak sangat mengharapkan bahwa tahun ini ada nama Indonesia dalam beberapa seri kejuaraan penting Asian Tour,. selain nama Maan Nasim yang telah terlebih dahulu mengantongi country exemption. Seri turnamen Asian Tour akan dibuka di Suwan Golf and Country Club - Bangkok dari tanggal 5 sampai 8 Pebruary mendatang, dengan tajuk The Asian Tour International.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

PGPI Championship 2008 Match Play

Sulitnya Menghadang Laju Sang ‘Home Hero’

Indra Hermawan

Jemin Saputra

ama pegolf asal Sawangan Indra Hermawan memang belum ‘secemerlang’ rekan – rekan sekampung-nya seperti Maan Nasim, Denny Supriadi, Sarmilih KZ, Sanusi atau Maman Suherman, yang telah terlebih dahulu bersinar di kancah persaingan golf profesional Indonesia dalam kurun tiga tahun terakhir. Padahal saat masih menyandang status amatir, pegolf yang satu ini boleh dikatakan merupakan salah satu andalan tim nasional di setiap kejuaraan – kejuaraan internasional yang diikuti.

Yang cukup mengejutkan adalah ketika pada hari yang sama di babak ketiga Indra berhasil menahan langkah pegolf kawakan rangking ke 3 Order Of Merit PGPI, Ilyassyak, dengan skor yang cukup telak 9up di hole ke 11. Ilyassyak nampak dibuat tak berdaya oleh sang ‘Home Hero’ tersebut hole demi hole, setelah sebelumnya berhasil mengalahkan Yosquin Tobing dengan skor 1 up melalui pertarungan ketat 17 hole.

Hal itu rupanya yang membuat pegolf yang sampai akhir tahun 2008 menduduki rangking 14 Order Of Merit PGPI tersebut tak ingin menyia – nyiakan kesempatan untuk menempatkan namanya dalam daftar juara PGPI tahun ini dalam PGPI Championship 2008 Match Play, yang dilangsungkan di bekas home course-nya Matoa Nasional Golf & Country Club pada 15 Desember sampai dengan 18 Desember yang lalu. Tak ayal beberapa pegolf papan atas Indonesia berhasil di ’bantai’-nya, untuk sekaligus meraih tempat pertama dalam turnamen terakhir yang diselenggarakan oleh PGPI di tahun 2008 ini. Artinya Indra melengkapi daftar pemenang pegolf Indonesia di musim 2008 mengikuti langkah Sarmilih KZ (Krakatau Pro Golf Championship, Cilegon), Maman Suherman (Camry Invitational, Emeralda), Agusnam (Turnamen Golf Aceh Open 2008), serta Rory Hie (Internasional Championship, Karawaci).

Motifasi kuat Indra untuk menjadi juara dalam persaingan match play kali ini kembali ‘menelan korban’ di babak ke empat hari ketiga, ketika ia mengalahkan satu lagi pegolf papan atas PGPI, Sarmilih KZ, dengan skor 4up. Sarmilih yang baru saja kembali dari beberapa negara Asia Tenggara dalam rangka mengikuti rangkaian seri Asean Golf Tour 2008, juga dibuat tak berdaya menghadapi ‘terjangan’ pegolf se kampung-nya tersebut, sekaligus memuluskan langkah saingannya itu menuju ke babak semi final pada siang harinya.

Indra yang pada babak pertama berhasil melenggang dengan kemenangan WO atas Sukamdi langsung berhadapan dengan pegolf asal Damai Indah Golf, Asep Caprie Supriatna, di babak kedua pada keesokan harinya. Dalam pertarungan itu Indra menghentikan langkah Asep di hole 13 dengan skor 7up. 86

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Wahyu ‘Uke’ Hendarman

Ilyassyak

Jadi praktis pada hari itu Indra berhasil mengemas skor total kemenangan 16up, dimana hal itu merupakan akumulasi angka yang jarang didapat oleh seorang pegolf yang turun dalam dua putaran match play.

Indra akhirnya berhasil melenggang mulus ke babak final, setelah dalam semi final mengalahkan Wahyu ‘Uke’ Hendarman dengan skor 8up untuk menghadapi kompatriot Sawangan-nya, Jemin Saputra, yang juga berhasil ‘menggilas’ seluruh lawan – lawannya dalam divisi paruh atas. Tanpa diduga Jemin justru memberikan perlawanan ketat terhadap Indra dalam babak final tanggal 18 Desember 2008 yang

Sarmilih KZ

berlangsung dalam 36 hole. Di 18 hole pertama, Indra unggul 1up atas Jemin yang nampaknya tak ingin menyerah begitu saja. Jemin bahkan menahan skor tersebut hingga 16 hole di putaran final kedua sebelum akhirnya Indra menyudahi perlawanannya di hole 17…2up untuk sang juara ! Walaupun beberapa pegolf tangguh seperti Maan Nasim, Rory Hie, Denny Supriadi dan Kasiadi absen dalam turnamen match play ini, namun hal tersebut nampaknya tidak mengurangi bobot persaingan turnamen yang menurut rencana akan masuk kedalam agenda tetap kejuaraan PGPI. Sementara di tempat dan waktu yang sama, PGPI juga menggelar dua event yang berbeda secara bersamaan. Masing – masing adalah Play and ability test (PAT) bagi para pegolf yang berminat menapaki jenjang karir golf profesional, serta Q-School bagi para pegolf profesional yang ingin mendapatkan kartu hijau sebagai pegolf turing pro Indonesia.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Indonesia’s Largest Amateur Golf Championship

Kualifikasi ke 12 & 13 – Pertamina Balikpapan Golf Club

Kualifikasi ‘Two In One’ Balikpapan

ada awalnya tidak pernah terlintas oleh pihak penyelenggara Kariza Viratama untuk menyelenggarakan putaran kualifikasi di Balikpapan, mengingat informasi yang didapat tentang peminat dan kondisi lapangan disana begitu minim. Namun merujuk kepada permintaan para aktifis olah raga golf setempat dengan jaminan dari mereka akan banyaknya peminat turnamen Kariza Masters di kota yang dijuluki Banua Patra (kota minyak) itu, pihak penyelenggara langsung menyambut tawaran mereka untuk menyelenggarakan seri kualifikasi Balikpapan yang digelar di Pertamina Balikpapan Golf Club. Apalagi menimbang bahwa sang juara bertahan Hardjito merupakan warga dari Kota yang berada di propinsi Kalimantan Timur tersebut.

BNO,BGO Hendy Teguh,Ahmad Malolongan

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Ternyata diluar dugaan, sambutan dari para peminat Kariza masters di Balikpapan begitu luar biasa hingga mencapai jumlah 190 orang peserta yang telah terdaftar secara kolektif melalui pihak venue dan Pengda PGI Kaltim. Hal tersebut dinilai oleh ketua penyelenggara Ria Prawiro sebagai indikasi yang positip dari kemajuan olah raga golf khususnya di Kalimantan Timur yang perlu disambut baik sebagai bagian dari visi dan misi PT. Kariza Viratama, yaitu mempersatukan para pegolf daerah di seluruh Indonesia dalam satu ikatan persaudaraan melalui prestasi. Hal tersebut memaksa Tournament Director, Sankuny kunjan, untuk membuat dua seri kualifikasi di Balikpapan demi mengakomodir animo dari seluruh peminat tanpa terkecuali. Artinya kualifikasi Balikpapan merupakan satu – satunya

kualifikasi yang menghadirkan 10 orang finalis dalam babak Grand Final di pulau Bali. Dalam turnamen kualifikasi hari pertama, sebanyak 118 golfer terlihat begitu antusias mengikuti jalannya turnamen, mengingat turnamen berseri menggunakan sistem penilaian Callaway 36 Stableford ini baru pertama kalinya diadakan disana. Persaingan ketat pun tak dapat dihindari antara para peserta, diantaranya adalah Kapolda Kaltim Irjen Pol Andi Masmiyat beserta Pandam VI/TPR Mayjen TNI Tono Suratman yang turut saling bersaing bersama – sama beberapa pegolf unggulan untuk memperebutkan tempat ke Bali. Pegolf handicap 3, Ahmad Malolongan, akhirnya

berhasil mengakhiri persaingan dengan meraih Best Gross Overall melalui skor 75. Langkahnya menuju Grand Final diikuti oleh Hendy Teguh yang berhasil meraih Best Nett Overall dengan stableford point 40. Dalam persaingan Divisi A, pegolf Bambang Espe yang sebelumnya telah mengantongi spot ke Grand Final ketika menjuarai divisi B dalam seri kualifikasi di Karawaci, kali ini berhasil menjuarai divisi A dengan perolehan stableford point 36. karena itu secara otomatis tiket ke Bali jatuh ketangan runner up-nya Suardi Eric yang hanya kalah dengan count back dari sang winner. Sementara dua finalis lain dalam kualifikasi ke 12 ini ditempati oleh masing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; masing Anwar. K (divisi B) dan Mursidi (divisi C).

BGO-BNO Joyo P, Ahmad Siang

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Juara Div-A Kastiawan, Suardi Eric, Bambang Espe

Dalam pertarungan hari kedua (seri kualifikasi ke 13), di tempat yang sama pegolf Joyo. P berhasil mengungguli 72 peserta lain dengan meraih Best gross Overall melalui perolehan skor 71 (1 under). Selain itu Joyo juga berhasil menempatkan dirinya sebagai peserta ke 4 sampai seri kualifikasi Kariza masters Balikpapan ini yang berhasil mengemas total skor dibawah par, setelah Agus Supriyanto (Semarang), Warsito (Semarang) dan Endin Zarems (Emeralda). Tempat – tempat pertama lainnya diraih oleh Ahmad Siang (Best Nett Overall), Andi Muhammad (divisi A), Sulasman (divisi B) serta Kukuh Winanto (divisi C). Dalam seri kualifikasi ke 13 ini nampak diikuti juga oleh Ketua Umum PSSI Nurdin Halid yang nampaknya juga tak ingin menyia – nyiakan kesempatannya untuk menjadi wakil Kalimatan Timur di Grand Final. Kerjasama yang baik antara staf venue dan komite membuat kualifikasi Balikpapan – Kaltim berjalan lancar dan sesuai dengan apa yang diharapkan. Hasil lengkap turnamen ke-12 Best Gross Overall

Ahmad Malolongan (71 gross /hcp 1)

Best Nett Overall

Hendy Teguh (40/hcp 14) Division A

Winner

Bambang Espe (36/hcp 5)

1st Runner Up

Suardi Eric (36/hcp 6)

2nd Runner Up

Kastiawan (36/hcp 6 ) Division B

Winner

Anwar K (38/hcp 17)

1st Runner Up

Priyo Hanafi (38/hcp 19)

2nd Runner Up

Herri Purnomo (36/hcp 15)

Winner

Mursidi (40/hcp 23)

1st Runner Up

Mark Howell (37/hcp 26)

2nd Runner Up

Mike Newton (36/hcp 26)

Division C

Novelty Nearest to the Line

Endro Prasetyo (18 cm / hole 18)

Nearest to the Pin

Fikri (2,7cm/hole 8)

Longest Drive

Rio Hasbiansyah (223,7 Mtr / hole 1)

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Juara Novelty Prize Endro Prasetyo, Fikri, Rio Hasbiansyah

Juara Div-B Anwar K.

Juara Div-C Mark Howell, Mike Newton, Mursidi

Juara Div-A Bambang Espe, Yassi Tanz, Andi Muhammad

Juara Div-B Sulasman, Yoppi, Anwar K.

Novelty Prize: Rio Hasbiansyah, Ramau Liling, David Young

Juara Div-C Kukuh Winarto, Suleman, Wayan Tjatra

Hasil lengkap turnamen ke-13 Best Gross Overall

Joyo P (71 gross /hcp 1)

Best Nett Overall

Ahmad Siang (37/hcp 7)

Winner

Andi Muhammad (36/hcp 7)

1st Runner Up

Yessi Tanz (36/hcp 8)

2nd Runner Up

Bambang Espe (36/hcp 8 )

Division A

Division B Winner

Sulasman (37/hcp 19)

1st Runner Up

Yoppi (37/hcp 22)

2nd Runner Up

Anwar K (36/hcp 15) Division C

Winner

Kukuh Winanto (36/hcp 23)

1st Runner Up

Suleman (34/hcp 24)

2nd Runner Up

Wayan Tjatra (34/hcp 25) Novelty

Nearest to the Line

David Young (90 cm / hole 18)

Nearest to the Pin

Ramau Liling (3,7cm/hole 8)

Longest Drive

Rio Hasbiansyah (224,4 Mtr / hole 1)

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

GALERI

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

GALERI

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Faldo Series Asia Indonesia Championship 2009

Jalan Panjang Menuju Cina

alam minggu kedua di bulan Pebruari 2009, Damai Indah Golf-Pantai Indah Kapuk Course, diramalkan bakal diramaikan oleh kehadiran para golfer belia masa depan Indonesia yang siap untuk menjajal diri mereka dalam Faldo Series Asia Indonesia Championship 2009. Seri kualifikasi turnamen junior di region Asia yang digelar di 12 negara tersebut akan menyaring para pemenang yang nantinya akan bergabung bersama kurang lebih 60 orang kompetitor dalam Faldo Series Asia Grand Final di Mission Hills Golf Club-China pada 25 sampai 27 Maret 2009 mendatang, dimana pegolf legendaris yang juga pemerakarsa turnamen, Nick Faldo, akan bertindak langsung sebagai tuan rumah. Disinggung tentang penyelenggaraan salah satu seri kualifikasi Faldo Series Asia di Indonesia untuk kedua kalinya ini, Nick Faldo Ujang Zarems

Adiandono

berkomentar bahwa Indonesia merupakan negara yang cukup pesat perkembangannya dalam hal penyelenggaraan turnamen berkelas internasional. Menurut pemegang enam gelar major championship tersebut, banyak bibit – bibit pegolf dengan talenta yang luar biasa di Indonesia untuk dapat disejajarkan dengan pegolf – pegolf junior tangguh lain di negara – negara dengan industri golf yang lebih maju. “Mereka membutuhkan banyak turnamen, dan untuk itu Faldo Series ingin turut menjadi bagian dari upaya membina para pegolf muda di Indonesia dalam hal menumbuh kembangkan prestasi melalui persaingan yang sesungguhnya.” ujar kapten tim Ryders Cup Eropa tersebut dalam keterangan pers-nya. Didukung oleh UBS, Mission Hills dan The R&A, Faldo Series Asia Indonesia Championship 2009 juga akan menggelar coaching clinic dari para pegolf profesional terpercaya, yang terbuka

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

untuk umum di seputar area driving range Pantai Indah Kapuk Course. Kehadiran para pegolf junior lokal pun begitu diharapkan oleh penyelenggara, untuk menyaksikan kehebatan para junior terbaik Indonesia bertarung di lapangan, termasuk para pemenang tahun lalu seperti Rinaldi Adiandono, Dennis Fella, Ujang Zarems dan Noviandra. Pepatah kuno yang mengatakan “Belajarlah jauh sampai ke negeri Cina”, dalam waktu dekat dapat segera diwujudkan oleh para pegolf junior Indonesia melalui Pantai Indah Kapuk. Karena di Mission Hills Cina telah menanti sang ‘guru besar’ Nick Faldo disamping para pemenang lain dari hasil kualifikasi negara Asia lainnya seperti Cina, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jepang, Malaysia, Singapura dan Vietnam, termasuk tentunya sang juara bertahan asal India Rashid Khan.

Bukan saja bangga akan kemenangan perdananya, Kaori bahkan berhasil menempatkan namanya dalam Faldo Series Asia Grand Final di Mission Hills Cina pada bulan Maret mendatang, bersama 4 pegolf junior lain asal negaranya yang juga berhasil menjuarai masing – masing kelas yang dipertandingkan. Kaori berhasil menyelesaikan dua putaran pertandingannya di kelas girls’ under-21 dengan skor total 147 (3 over), mengungguli Arimichi Masano dengan selisih dua pukulan. Arimichi yang juga menjuarai kelas boys’ under-16, berhak untuk mengikuti langkah Kaori menuju putaran Grand Final bersama Tomohira Yuki (winner boys’ under-21), Tomoyuki Otsuka (winner boys’ under-18) serta Serena Aoki (winner girls’ under-16). Faldo Series Asia Japan Championship

Kesempatan Pertama Untuk Kaori Ohe

esempatan untuk mengenyam podium juara bagi seorang pegolf, memang bisa dimiliki oleh siapa saja dan dimana saja. Namun biasanya gelar tersebut diraih sesuai dengan kiprah karir yang saat itu tengah dijalani. Artinya jika seseorang meraihnya dengan begitu instan, bisa jadi hal tersebut merupakan anugerah

tersendiri dari Yang Maha Kuasa. Demikian hal-nya bagi pegolf ladies Jepang, Kaori Ohe (18), ketika dirinya justru berhasil menjuarai turnamen berskala internasional, Faldo Series Asia Japan Championship, dimana sebelumnya belum satu kalipun dirinya pernah merasakan manisnya gelar juara dalam persaingan kelas lokal sekalipun.

Faldo Series Asia Japan Championship, merupakan seri ke 10 dalam rangkaian turnamen Faldo Series Asia Championship 2008 – 2009 yang telah dimulai sejak bulan Juni 2008 di Sunrise Golf & Country Club Taipei, Taiwan. Faldo Series Asia masih menyisakan satu seri di Indonesia pada bulan Pebruari mendatang sebelum para pemenangnya kembali akan saling bertarung di negeri ‘tirai bambu’ Cina pada tanggal 25 - 27 Maret 2009, yang akan langsung disaksikan oleh pemegang 6 kali Major Championship, Nick Faldo.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Jordan Irawan

6th Medco Junior Golf Championship

Ujang Zarems

Jordan Hentikan Ujang 98

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

etelah dalam beberapa turnamen junior kebelakang akhir – akhir ini tim junior Ancora Sports selalu mendominasi perolehan gelar pemenang, kali ini tim junior CBIOG mulai ‘angkat bicara’ setelah dua pegolf andalannya masing – masing Jordan Irawan dan Ujang Zarems harus saling berhadapan dalam pertarungan play off memperebutkan gelar tertinggi Best Gross Overall dalam 6th Medco Junior Golf Championship yang digelar di Gading Raya Padang Golf & Klub pada penghujung tahun 2008 yang lalu. Persaingan dua pegolf junior tangguh tersebut begitu ketat sejak putaran pertama, dimana Ujang terlebih dahulu menguasai overall leader board dengan mengemas skor 1 under. Sementara Jordan bermain 3 over pada hari itu.Pada pertarungan putaran kedua giliran Jordan yang bermain dibawah

Marcella Pranovia BGO Putri

par (71), sedangkan Ujang mengikuti jejak Jordan di hari pertama dengan skor 3 over. Hal itu membuat kedua pegolf satu tim tersebut bermain begitu hati – hati dalam pertandingan hari terakhir, dimana keduanya menyelesaikan permainan mereka dengan skor even par (72). Artinya babak play off tak dapat mereka hindari. Jordan Irawan yang masih memegang Blue Jacket Indonesia Junior Masters 2008, akhirnya berhasil menghentikan perlawanan juara Commonwealth Bank Indonesia Junior Golf Open 2008, Ujang Zarems, dalam pertarungan head to head di hole ke 18 yang berlangsung cukup seru tersebut. Jordan berhasil merebut trophy Best Gross Overall dari juara tahun lalu Fahmy Reza yang dalam keikut sertaannya kali ini menempati posisi ke 7 dalam kelompok A Putra dengan

Fahmy Reza

skor 18 over. Kemenangan Jordan sebagai BGO membuat pegolf dibawahnya, Kow Elki, berhasil meraih Best Gross kelompok B Putra yang diikuti oleh Adit Novianto dan Leonardus Tanuwijaya. Dalam divisi putri, pegolf cantik asal Bali, Marcella Pranovia, berhasil mengungguli para pegolf putri tangguh Indonesia seperti Bernice Intan Sitompul dan untuk meraih Best Gross Overall Putri dengan skor 146 (2 over) yang berlangsung dalam dua putaran pertandingan. Dalam kejuaraan kali ini sempat terjadi insiden yang mengejutkan, dimana seorang pegolf junior yang turun di kelompok A Putra bernama Albert Soputra, sempat dilarikan ke rumah sakit terdekat akibat terkena tembakan peluru nyasar yang sampai cerita ini diturunkan tidak diketahui dari mana sumber-nya. Namun menurut pihak panitia Albert hanya terkena luka tembak ringan dan langsung pulih pada hari itu juga. Bahkan pegolf asal Kepulauan Riau tersebut terlihat menghadiri acara prize giving dalam keadaan sehat wal’afiat. Sementara kasus penembakan gelap tersebut langsung ditangani oleh pihak kepolisian setempat. Medco Junior Golf Championship dalam beberapa tahun terakhir ini telah menjadi agenda tetap PGI Junior sebagai salah satu turnamen Junior bergengsi di tanah air yang biasanya digelar pada akhir tahun dan selalu diikuti oleh para pegolf junior terbaik dari seluruh Indonesia.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Tiga Putaran Menuju San Diego

ebanyak lebih kurang sembilan puluh pegolf putra dan putri junior Indonesia dari berbagai kelas nampak memenuhi Padang Golf Matoa Nasional pada tanggal 10 dan 11 Januari 2009 yang lalu, untuk saling bersaing memperebutkan tempat terhormat sebagai wakil Indonesia dalam Callaway Junior World Golf Championships 2009 di San Diego pada bulan Juli Mendatang. Walaupun pihak penyelenggara belum mengumumkan berapa banyak kuota pemain yang akan diberikan kepada tim Indonesia dalam kejuaraan golf junior paling bergengsi di dunia tersebut, para junior yang turun bertanding pada hari itu nampak bermain dengan penuh semangat dan konsentrasi tinggi, diatas lapangan yang basah akibat terguyur hujan deras. Buktinya hasil skor dibawah par berhasil menghiasi scoring board dalam dua putaran pertama tersebut yang masing – masing dicetak oleh Ian Andrew, Ujang Zarems dan Aldwin Kendarwan. Ian Andrew masih memimpin perolehan nilai total sementara di kelompok umur 15 – 17 putra dengan skor 139 (5 under), dimana pegolf asal Bali tersebut berhasil menyudahi permainan putaran kedua-nya dengan skor 70 (2 under), setelah pada putaran pertama ia mengemas skor 69 (3 under). Sementara itu pegolf tangguh asal CBIOG, Ujang Zarems, menyusul ditempat kedua dengan skor 71 (1 under). Perolehan skor yang cukup memukau terjadi di kelompok umur 13 – 14 putra ketika Aldwin Kendarwan berhasil menutup putaran kedua dengan skor 68 (4 under). Aldwin langsung memimpin di kelompok umur-nya tersebut, walaupun pada putaran pertama ia bermain dengan skor 78 (6 over). Dibagian kelompok umur 15 – 17 putri pegolf yang akhir – akhir ini tengah ‘cemerlang’ Ika Woro Palupi masih memimpin perolehan skor sementara dengan mengemas 146 (2 over). Sementara itu di kelompok 13 – 14 putri pegolf asal CBIOG Bernice Intan Sitompul belum tergoyahkan dari tempat teratas dengan skor 162. Yang seru dan ketat adalah persaingan di kelompok umur 11 – 12 putri, dimana pegolf

100 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Ian Andrew

Bandung Putri Aisyah di tempel ketat oleh pegolf ‘muka baru’ asal Bali, Victory Tchong, hanya dengan selisih satu stroke. Victory yang pada hari pertama bermain kurang meyakinkan (86), berhasil memperbaiki posisinya dengan mengemas skor 77 pada hari kedua dengan mengumpulkan nilai total 163. Putaran ketiga menurut rencana akan dilangsungkan di Padang Golf Halim II pada tanggal 25 Januari 2009 mendatang. Menurut penanggung jawab turnamen Nia Adriana, pada tanggal tersebut kemungkinan besar pihak Junior PGI dipastikan telah dapat menerima konfirmasi jumlah kuota pemain Indonesia dari pihak panitia di San Diego. “Kami sengaja menyelenggarakan kualifikasi ini dari jauh – jauh hari, tanpa menunggu pengumuman kuota pemain dari San Diego. Hal itu dimaksudkan agar kami dapat mempersiapkan anak – anak yang nantinya akan berangkat, terutama untuk masalah pengurusan visa ke Amerika Serikat.” tambah Nia.

menyelesaikannya putaran permainannya pada tanggal 12 Januari keesokan harinya ditempat yang sama. Memang sejak beberapa tahun kebelakang Indonesia Qualifying Round Callaway Junior World Golf Championships 2009, selalu dipadati peminat yang tentu saja ingin berlomba – lomba untuk dapat bermain di San Diego sebagai salah satu pusat kegiatan golf terbesar di dunia, dimana tahun lalu Callaway Junior World Golf Championships di selenggarakan di lapangan golf termasyur Torry Pines.

Tidak seluruh peserta berhasil menyelesaikan permainannnya di putaran kedua akibat pertandingan yang sempat ditunda selama hampir satu jam akibat hujan yang melanda kawasan Ciganjur dan sekitarnya pada siang hari itu. Itu artinya beberapa peserta harus

Ujang Zarems

Aldwin Kendarwan

Tak Pernah Mimpi Bermain Under

aut Wajah Aldwin Kendarwan masih setengah tak percaya saat reporter The Flag meminta untuk mewawancarainya setelah menyelesaikan putaran permainannya dalam Indonesia Qualifying Round Callaway Junior World Golf Championships di Padang Golf Matoa Nasional tanggal 11 Januari 2009 lalu. Bukan karena wawancara itu yang membuatnya seolah berada dalam ‘alam mimpi’, namun pegolf kelahiran Jakarta tahun 1995 tersebut sepertinya tak dapat lagi mengekspresikan kegembiraannya setelah berhasil mengemas skor 68 (4 under) yang merupakan skor terbaiknya selama ia menekuni olah raga golf empat tahun yang lalu. “Saya tidak bisa bwerkomentar apa – apa tentang permainan saya hari ini. Bahkan sebelumnya saya tidak pernah mimpi untuk dapat bermain sebaik ini. Saya hanya berusaha tenang di lapangan untuk terus fokus pada permainan saya”, jawabnya ketika ditanya tentang strategi permainannya hari ini.

Selama ini Aldwin memang dikenal sebagai pegolf junior yang aktif dan rajin mengikuti kejuaraan – kejuaraan yang digelar di Indonesia, walaupun selama itu pula prestasinya masih berada dibawah bayang – bayang para pegolf di kelasnya seperti Jordan Irawan, Kow Elki, Fadhli Rahman dan Adit Novianto. Namun pada hari itu Aldwin membuktikan bahwa dirinya kini mampu sejajar dengan para pesaingnya tersebut, dengan bermain rileks ditambah keinginan kuatnya untuk menang. Aldwin memang masih menyisakan satu putaran pertandingan lagi pada tanggal 25 januari di Padang Golf Halim II untuk menentukan nasibnya sebagai qualifier ke kejuaraan dunia junior di Amerika Serikat bulan Juli mendatang. Karena kendala apapun bisa saja terjadi dalam performanya diatas lapangan nanti. Namun berbekal motifasi dari permainan terbaiknya tersebut, rasanya siswa kelas dua SMP Al Ikhsar tersebut boleh disebut sebagai kandidat terkuat peraih tiket menuju ke San Diego di kelompok umurnya.

Jason Martinus

Belajar Golf Gara – Gara Baca The Flag

epatnya majalah The Flag edisi bulan September 2007 yang membuat Jason Martinus meminta kepada ayahnya Rio. M. Kunjung untuk belajar bermain golf. Pasalnya dalam edisi itu termuat sebuah berita tentang kemenangan Dera Nasim pada Turnamen Golf Yunior Proklamasi Cup yang digelar di Padang Golf Jaya Ancol pada bulan Agustus 2007. Bahkan menurut keterangan sang ayah saat itu Jason sama sekali belum sedikitpun bisa bermain golf ketika ia tiba – tiba ingin seperti Dera yang fotonya terpampang dengan besar dalam majalah The Flag. “Aku ingin belajar golf dan juara seperti dia (Dera), supaya aku juga bisa masuk majalah”, demikian kira – kira ucapan Jason seperti yang dituturkan langsung oleh ayahnya. Sang ayah pun tak kuasa untuk menolaknya, dengan langsung membawa Jason berlatih di

Klub Golf Imperial Karawaci dibawah bimbingan pegolf putri Ani Iman. Rupanya ‘tangan dingin’ Ani tak memakan waktu lama untuk dapat membentuk Jason sebagai seorang pegolf yang baik dan tangguh. Pasalnya dalam kurun waktu kurang dari satu tahun, pegolf yang lahir di Jakarta 1 September 1998 tersebut telah berhasil menyandang single handicap (9) untuk kini dapat sejajar dengan para pegolf tangguh di kelasnya seperti Theodore Rahardja, David bangun, Bradley Taslim dan lain - lain. Sampai saat ini Jason telah berhasil mengoleksi empat trophy juara dari turnamen junior bulanan yang diselenggarakan oleh PGI. Jadi tidak terlalu berlebihan apabila suatu saat kita dapat melihat jason muncul di televisi sebagai seorang pegolf yang terkenal, karena keinginan kerasnya kini adalah bermain dalam US open sebagai pegolf profesional. THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 101

Sejarah Evolusi

‘Primadona Kecil’ Di Lapangan Golf

102 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

enda apa yang tak pernah lepas dari perhatian para spectators dan pemain saat berada di lapangan dalam sebuah pertandingan ? Yang pasti tentunya adalah benda bulat kecil yang terus ‘di kejar – kejar’ setelah dipukul oleh para pemain dari mulai teeing ground sampai ke green, bernama golf ball (bola golf ). Karena kehebatan seorang pemain tentunya dinilai berdasarkan dimana posisi terakhir bola golf-nya setelah dipukul dalam ketentuan limit jumlah pukulan disetiap hole yang dilewati. Disadari atau tidak, bola golf memang merupakan primadona yang selalu menarik perhatian di lapangan golf sebagai perlengkapan utama untuk bermain. Dalam permainan golf modern dewasa ini, bola golf hadir dalam berbagai pilihan merek dan jenis untuk dapat digunakan oleh para pegolf dari semua kalangan di dunia tanpa terkecuali. Namun benda terpenting untuk bermain golf tersebut memiliki sejarah evolusi tersendiri dalam perjalanan kegunaannya dari masa ke masa, seiring dengan berkembangnya teknologi permainan golf dari waktu ke waktu. Bola yang dipergunakan dalam awal diketemukannya permainan golf di pantai timur Skotlandia, terbuat dari kayu solid yang sangat keras jenis Beech atau Boxroot. Itulah sebabnya mengapa wooden clubs (klab wood) menjadi satu – satu nya klab yang digunakan oleh para pegolf pada kurun masa tersebut (pertengahan abad ke 15), dan membuat permainan golf menjadi permainan yang tak kurang bahaya jika terjadi hasil pukulan ‘nyasar’.

ketepatan arah walaupun tingkat bahaya-nya tidak sedikitpun berkurang. Hal itu membuat bola kayu (wooden ball) menjadi barang usang dan langsung menghilang dari peredaran.

Henly Rubber Core Golf Ball

dalam keadaan basah. Maksudnya agar saat kering nanti si kulit berikut isinya tersebut akan menciut dan membentuk gumpalan kulit yang keras sebagaimana layaknya kulit binatang yang mengeras setelah di jemur. Setelah itu barulah bola mengalami proses pengecatan sambil dibubuhi merek dagang. Brand terkenal dari bola jenis ini pada permulaan abad ke 17 adalah Andrew Dickson, Leith and Henry Mills serta St Andrews. Kekurangan dari bola jenis ini adalah harganya yang terlalu mahal, karena proses pembuatannya yang sangat memerlukan ketelitian. Bahkan harga satu bola bisa – bisa melebihi harga sebuah wooden club (klab kayu). Jadi tidak heran jika sejak awal memang golf terkenal sebagai olah raga yang mahal. Namun walaupun mahal bola jenis Featherie merupakan bola yang paling ‘tangguh’ pada jamannya, karena dianggap memiliki karateristik khusus dalam hal luncuran dan

Eksistensi Featherie ball dalam industri golf dunia sejak abad ke 17, berjalan selama kurang lebih tiga abad, sampai sebuah penemuan baru yang dilakukan oleh Rev. Dr. Robert Adams pada tahun 1848 yang mengganti material bola golf dengan bahan yang lebih lunak, berdasarkan sebuah peristiwa mengenaskan ditahun 1632 yang menimbulkan korban jiwa seorang pejalan kaki yang terkena ‘bola liar’ di pelataran salah satu Gereja di Skotlandia yang lokasinya berdekatan dengan lapangan golf. Penginjil Robert Adams memilih bahan dari getah pohon Sapodilla (sejenis tumbuhan penghasil bahan latex yang banyak tumbuh di daratan Inggris Raya dan Semenanjung Malaya) sebagai bahan bola golf jenis baru yang dinamakannya Gutta Percha ball atau “Gutty”. Namun lambat laun beberapa pegolf pengguna gutty ball menemukan kenyataan bahwa permukaan bola yang dibuat dengan cara dipanaskan tersebut dinilai terlampau licin, sehingga mempengaruhi arah pukulan mereka terutama saat melakukan chipping kearah green. Mereka menyarankan agar bola gutty lebih dipertajam lagi keseimbangannya dengan cara membuat bintik - bintik kecil di seluruh area permukaannya yang dikenal dengan nama bramble design. Sejak itu gutty ball dengan bramble design banyak digunakan oleh para golfer yang menyebutnya dengan nama Hand Hamerred Gutta Ball atau Gutta Percha Ball, karena bintik - bintik kecil yang

Bola kayu (wooden ball) terus dipergunakan sampai kira – kira tahun 1618, dimana bola kulit sapi yang diisi oleh bulu unggas mulai diperkenalkan oleh para pengrajin perlengkapan olah raga golf pada waktu itu dengan nama Featherie. Cara mengolah bola Featherie menjadi barang siap pakai pun dilakukan dengan tehnik yang sederhana walaupun membutuhkan ketekunan, dimana pada saat di pres menjadi satu, pembungkus kulit dan bulu unggas sengaja dibiarkan

Feather Ball

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 103

tersebar di permukaannya memang di buat secara manual dengan tempaan palu (hammer) dan pahat khusus. Gutta Percha Ball boleh disebut juga sebagai cikal bakal standar bola golf modern di dunia, ketika pada tahun 1898 dua perusahaan pembuat bola golf, Coburn Haskell dan BF Goodrich Company, melakukan kerja sama inovasi produk bola golf terbaru dengan menggunakan bahan serat dan biji karet untuk isi dalam bola jenis Gutta Percha Ball sebagai pengganti bahan latex, tanpa mengganti bahan untuk permukaannya. Sementara bintik – bintik kecil permukaannya dirubah menjadi celuk – celuk (dimple) kecil sejak tahun 1908. Produksi dipermudah dengan digunakannya mesin pemutar otomatis untuk membentuk dimple pada bola yang di patenkan oleh John Gammeter pada tahun 1900, yang membuat harga bola menjadi jauh lebih ekonomis dengan nama Rubber ball. Sejak itu inovasi terhadap Rubber Ball terus dilakukan oleh beberapa pihak, seperti ketika pada tahun 1901, T Saunders and Field, memproduksi jenis Haskell Ball dengan menambah isi dalam Rubber Ball dengan tekanan angin untuk membuat daya luncur bola menjadi lebih tinggi dan jauh. Namun inovasi tersebut dianggap gagal, karena bola jenis tersebut tidak tahan panas dan mudah pecah 104 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

berbeda benua tersebut akhirnya melakukan kesepakatan bersama untuk ukuran standar bola golf modern pada tahun 1990, dengan deskripsi tidak lebih berat dari 1.620 ons (45,93 gram) dan diameternya tidak lebih besar dari 1.680 inci (42,67 mm).

Ramble Gutter Percha Ball

Variasi produk bola golf modern saat ini hampir tak terhitung jumlahnya. Dari mulai jenis yang mengutamakan keunggulan jarak sampai jenis yang memiliki keunggulan kontrol arah, mudah didapat di pro shop – pro shop yang banyak tersebar di seantero jagad. Termasuk di negara – negara berkembang yang memiliki banyak lapangan golf seperti di negara kita ini.

saat dipukul. Bahkan beberapa perusahaan besar penghasil produk dengan bahan karet di daratan Eropa juga turut ‘terjun’ dalam persaingan bisnis produk bola golf seperti yang pernah di lakukan oleh perusahaan ban raksasa Dunlop. Rubber ball, merupakan inovasi paling sukses dalam industri golf di abad ke 20. Karena bola jenis inilah yang akhirnya menjadi standar bola golf dunia hingga sekarang, setelah mendapat standarisasi baru untuk berat dan ukuran dari British Golf Association (kini R & A) pada tahun 1930 serta United States Golf Association (USGA) pada tahun 1932. Kedua asosiasi golf

Hand Hammered Gutta Percha Ball

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 105

Yang Terbesar

Dari Para Penghuni 10 Besar 106 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

kejuaraan golf profesional terbanyak di dunia ini ternyata juga masih memegang rekor sebagai pegolf peraih posisi 10 besar terbanyak didunia dengan jumlah 358 kali sepanjang karir profesionalnya di ajang PGA Tour. Sebuah jumlah yang belum dapat di tandingi oleh pegolf manapun di jagad raya ini, bahkan salah satunya ia raih saat usianya telah mencapai 63 tahun dalam B.C.Open pada tahun 1975. Catatan jumlah tersebut masih berselisih jauh dengan jumlah yang diraih oleh Jack Nicklaus di tempat kedua dengan catatan 286 kali. Meninggal dalam usia 90 tahun pada 23 Mei 2002, pegolf yang memiliki nama lain “Slammin’ Sammy” ini merupakan pegolf yang menjadi inspirasi bagi banyak pegolf modern sampai dekade sekarang ini. Ciri khas sederhana penampilannya dengan busana keseharian pedesaan berikut bermain tanpa menggunakan alas kaki, tidak sedikitpun mengurangi ketajaman permainannya di setiap kejuaraan yang diikutinya. Sam menerima anugerah PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award pada tahun 1998 setelah sebelumnya masuk dalam World Golf Hall of Fame pada tahun 1974. Pernyataannya yang paling melegenda adalah “Keep close count of your nickels and dimes, stay away from whiskey, and never concede a putt.”[1]

Jug McSpaden

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

Meninggal pada usia 88 tahun, pegolf Amerika Serikat Harold Lee “Jug” McSpaden meninggalkan nama harum sebagai seorang pegolf yang cukup disegani pada masanya. Koleksi gelarnya memang tidak sebanyak Sam Snead, Jack Nikclaus, Ben Hogan bahkan Tiger Woods, namun reputasinya sempat menonjol di kancah persaingan PGA Tour pada tahun 1945, ketika berhasil meraih prestasi sebagai peraih posisi 10 besar terbanyak dengan jumlah 31 kali dalam satu musim kejuaraan.

ukan merupakan perkara yang mudah bagi para pegolf turing pro untuk bisa menempatkan diri mereka diposisi 10 besar dalam sebuah turnamen golf dimanapun, apalagi jika berbicara dalam konteks persaingan PGA Tour. Pasalnya secara perhitungan pendapatan prize money saja biasanya posisi tersebut masih dibilang cukup menggiurkan, belum lagi masalah gengsi dengan menjadi pegolf 10 terbaik diantara seratus lebih peserta turnamen.

Sam Snead Dalam edisi pembuka tahun 2009 ini, tim redaksi majalah The Flag ingin mengajak para pembaca yang budiman untuk mengenal figur dari tiga nama besar pegolf kelas dunia yang selama perjalanan karirnya berhasil mencatat rekor 10 besar terbanyak dalam moment – moment tertentu yang dianggap luar biasa.

Sam Snead Terlahir dengan nama Samuel Jackson Snead, pegolf legendaris yang sampai kini masih bertengger di puncak peringkat peraih gelar

Lahir dan dibesarkan di Monticello, KansasAmerika Serikat, pada tahun 1908, McSpaden ditemukan tak bernyawa bersama istrinya di dalam mobil pribadinya akibat keracunan karbon monoksida pada tahun 1996. Kematiannya yang misterius tersebut tidak serta merta ‘memburamkan’ prestasinya sebagai salah seorang pegolf yang banyak menyimpan catatan rekor dalam sejarah perjalanan PGA Tour semasa hidupnya. McSpaden mengemas 17 gelar PGA Tour sepanjang karirnya, dimana pada tahun 1939 dirinya berhasil mencatat rekor sebagai pegolf profesional Amerika pertama yang berhasil mengemas skor 59 dalam satu putaran dengan jumlah par 71 di Brackenridge Park Golf Club, San Antonio, Texas, dimana kala itu ia turun bermain bersama para pegolf tangguh seperti THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 107

Byron pensiun dini sebagai pegolf profesional di usia 34 tahun. Selanjutnya ia dikenal sebagai seorang komentator dan menjadi penjamu tetap dalam seri turnamen yang menggunakan nama besar-nya, HP Byron Nelson Championship. Byron Nelson meninggal di Roanoke, Texas pada tahun 2006, 9 tahun setelah ia

Jug McSpaden Byron Nelson, Paul Runyan, and Ben Hogan. Namanya tercatat sebagai anggota Ryder Cup Amerika pada tahun 1939, walaupun kejuaraan antar tim Eropa dan Amerika tersebut akhirnya dibatalkan akibat perang dunia yang tengah melanda saat itu. Dimasa pensiunnya McSpaden yang memulai titik karirnya sebagai caddie tersebut juga berhasil menempatkan namanya dalam Guinness Book Of World Records sebagai disainer lapangan golf terpanjang didunia, Dub’s Dread Golf Club di Kansas City.

Byron Nelson Mencapai jumlah angka 65 kali berada di posisi 10 besar dalam beberapa seri turnamen memang bukan merupakan hal yang terlalu istimewa bagi para pegolf sekelas PGA Tour, mengingat nama – nama seperti Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Jug McSpaden telah terlebih dahulu mencatat prestasi yang sama dan bahkan melebihi jumlah tersebut. Namun bagi John Byron Nelson jumlah tersebut merupakan catatan prestasi tersendiri dalam perjalanan karirnya. Pasalnya Byron meraihnya secara berturut – turut tanpa satu pun terloncat sejak tahun 1942 dalam seri turnamen Texas Open sampai New Orleans Open di tahun 1946. Perkara mencetak prestasi secara berturut – turut sepertinya merupakan spesialisasi pegolf kelahiran Waxahachie, Texas tersebut, dimana pada tahun 1945 dirinya juga berhasil memenangkan 11 seri turnamen secara berturut – turut dari total 18 turnamen yang diikutinya.

Byron Nelson

108 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

dinyatakan sebagai orang kedua yang berhak atas anugerah PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award setelah Sam Snead. Nelson juga menerima penghargaan Congressional Gold Medal dari kongres Amerika Serikat, tak lama setelah kematiannya.

CO N F E R E N C E | O U T B O U N D | R E S O R T

ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST KINASIH RESORT MICE | Training Package | Outbound Package Student Package | Retreat Package One Day Event Package

KINASIH RESORT - BOGOR Jl. Raya Sukabumi Km. 17 Caringin. Bogor. T. (0251) 222 111, F. (0251) 220 813 KINASIH RESORT - DEPOK Jl. Raya Cilangkap. Cimanggis. Depok T. (021) 875 5042, F (021) 879 17381 JAKARTA SALES OFFICE Jl. Batan I No. 6 Pasar Jumat - Lebak Bulus. Jakarta Selatan. T. (021) 769 9909, F. (021) 746 9999

Mercedes-Benz Championship

Geoff Ogilvy, Belajar Dari Rasa Frustasi

Namun dibalik itu semua, Ogilvy, justru berhasil mengendalikan emosinya dengan baik untuk mengembalikan performanya di sepuluh hole terakhir Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, dengan mencetak eagle spektakuler di hole ke 9 untuk menambah kembali keunggulannya. Ogilvy seolah menyadari saat dirinya berjalan menuju green hole ke 9, bahwa itulah moment terbaik bagi dirinya untuk melakukan titik balik keterpurukannya di delapan hole sebelumnya. Ia sungguh mempelajari rasa frustasinya tanpa amarah, dengan melakukan ‘evaluasi kilat’ sebelum melakukan drive shot-nya di hole tersebut. 110 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Hasilnya, Ogilvy berhasil menempatkan dirinya sebagai pegolf kelima sejak Mercedes-Benz Championship untuk pertama kalinya digelar tahun 1999, yang mampu menciptakan skor dibawah 70 dalam empat putaran berturut – turut (67/68/65/68). Ia juga berhasil menciptakan 27 birdie berikut satu eagle untuk mengemas skor total 268 (24 under) sekaligus merebut gelar dari tangan juara tahun lalu Daniel Chopra.

baik bagi dirinya untuk kembali melangkah ke panggung juara U.S Open Championship 2009 di Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York pada bulan Juni mendatang. Tentunya pegolf kelahiran Adelaide (Australia) 1979 ini juga tak ingin melepaskan kesempatannya untuk tercatat sebagai salah satu pegolf yang berhasil menjuarai major championship tersebut lebih dari satu kali seperti Tiger Woods, Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan serta para pegolf legendaris lainnya.

“Memang hampir tak ada bedanya untuk menghadapi rasa frustasi dan amarah yang biasanya datang secara bersamaan saat permainan kita tidak dalam kondisi yang baik. Namun begitu kita berhasil memisahkannya, akan menjadi mudah untuk dapat mengatasi kembali diri kita”, ungkap juara U. S Open 2006 tersebut. Ogilvy memang mengawali karir profesionalnya dengan lambat ketika menjuarai Chrysler Classic of Tucson pada tahun 2005 ; tujuh tahun setelah ia beralih menjadi pegolf profesional. Namun dalam dua tahun terakhir karirnya terus meningkat dengan menjuarai kejuaraan – kejuaraan penting dalam kancah persaingan PGA Tour dengan menjuarai WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship (2006), U.S. Open (2006), WGC-CA Championship (2008), serta memenangkan dua seri Australian PGA Championship dari empat seri yang diikutinya sejak bulan Desember 2008. Beberapa kalangan pengamat bahkan meramalkan bahwa kemenangannya di awal musim ini merupakan sebuah indikasi yang

Daniel Chopra

ACTIONIMAGES/REUTERS

engatasi perasaan frustasi menghadapi keterpurukan permainan diri sendiri diatas lapangan, memang berbeda dengan menghadapi perasaan emosi yang tengah melanda saat turun bermain. Biasanya rasa frustasi akan lebih mudah untuk diatasi, sedangkan perasaan marah sulit rasanya untuk dapat dengan cepat diakhiri. Hal itu terbukti saat pegolf rangking ke 11 dunia Geoff Ogilvy tengah bertarung mempertahankan keunggulannya di putaran terakhir Mercedes-Benz Championship, di Kapalua Hawaii, Minggu 11 Januari 2009 yang lalu. Pasalnya pegolf asal Australia tersebut begitu terlihat frustasi ketika melakukan bogey ke empat di hole ke 8, dimana skornya menjadi hanya terpaut satu pukulan dari pegolf papan atas Amerika Serikat, Anthony Kim, setelah sebelumnya berada jauh enam pukulan pada saat melakukan tee off pertama.

E nvisage

A hideaway in Seminyak, nestled between paddy fields, built in traditional Balinese style. The Bali Agung Village is a home in Paradise. It offers relaxation in villas with individual verandas assuring undisturbed ambience. The surrounding gardens covered with colorful tropical trees and plants, create lasting impressive holiday experience.

T he Hotel

Is located only 5 minutes to the beach and 10 minutes to shop till you drop. It invites you to leisurely enjoy the day off with a cocktail and the tropical sunset around the pool with its shimmering water.

T he Rooms

Consist of 32 standard and lovely deluxe villas. Each is Air Conditioned, equipped with mini bar, IDD telephone line, bath tub & shower providing hot & cold water, and private balcony. Food and beverage are served at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Village Restaurantâ&#x20AC;? nearby the main pool, with choiches of European, Chinese and Indonesian - especially Balinese Cuisines. The Pool bar and room service are certainly complimentary.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 111

Retreat

Pesona “Dunia Lain” di Negeri Jiran

112 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

erada di ketinggian 1.850 meter dari permukaan laut, Genting Highland, ibarat sebuah pesona â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dunia lainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dari negara Malaysia yang memiliki daya tarik wisata terlengkap bagi para turis asing dan lokal yang melakukan kunjungan wisata ke negeri Jiran tersebut. Hanya satu jam perjalanan yang ditempuh melalui jalur darat dari Ibu Kota Kuala Lumpur menuju perbatasan Pahang dan Selangor, Genting Highland bagaikan sebuah koloni tersendiri yang memang ditata sebagai suatu kawasan khusus bagi mereka yang begitu mementingkan kepuasan dalam hal berwisata. Berada dibawah pengelolaan terpadu dari salah satu perusahaan swasta yang bergerak dibidang tourist resort business bernama Resorts World Bhd, kawasan wisata Genting Highland merupakan satu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; satunya wilayah di region Malaysia yang memiliki hak istimewa dari pemerintah untuk menjalankan bisnis perjudian (Casino) secara legal, sampai akhirnya menerima anugerah Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Casino Resort pada tahun 2005 dari World Travel Awards. Genting Highland merupakan salah satu kawasan dataran tinggi yang sarat dengan reputasi wisata yang mendunia, seperti ketika pada tahun 2006 namanya tertulis dalam Guinness World Records sebagai tempat berdirinya hotel terbesar didunia dengan fasilitas 6.118 kamar, bernama First World Hotel. Ditambah dengan keberadaan kereta gantung (Genting Skyway) yang hingga saat ini merupakan terpanjang di dunia (3,38 km) dan yang tercepat di Asia Tenggara. Setiap tahun mata masyarakat olah raga dunia pun seakan tidak berpaling dari daerah sejuk nan indah tersebut , saat digelar kejuaraan balap sepeda internasional Tour de Langkawi yang selalu menempatkan wilayahnya sebagai garis finish dan puncak perhelatan. Berwisata bersama keluarga terdekat dikawasan dengan cuaca yang begitu bersahabat serta memiliki fasilitas wisata yang lengkap,

Genting Skyway

First World Hotel

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 113

Highlands Resort

Tour de Langkawi Universal Walk

Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort merupakan impian setiap insan dimanapun mereka berada. Dengan suhu udara berkisar 15°C - 30ºC, membuat keberadaan theme park yang menyediakan anjungan – anjungan permainan berstandar internasional menjadi daya tarik utama bagi para pengunjung bersama keluarga mereka. Apalagi dengan tersedianya fasilitas shoping mall dan museum Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, membuat nuansa liburan menjadi bertambah lengkap dan berkesan. Dibidang seni pertunjukkan komersil, Genting Highland selalu menjadi primadona para event organizer internasional untuk menjadikannya sebagai tuan rumah pagelaran – pagelaran bergengsi seperti yang sebelumnya pernah diselenggarakan antara lain: Leona Lewis, The Pussycat Dolls, Super Junior, Cyndi Wang, Olivia Newton-John, Michael Learns to Rock, Boyz II Men, Cliff Richard dan masih banyak lagi yang lainnya. Dimana pada bulan May 2008, Genting Theme Park and Arena of Stars kembali 114 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

menggelar pagelaran live music penyanyi hip – hop terkenal Missy Elliott yang menyedot lebih kurang 15.000 pengunjung, dalam rangkaian festival musik outdoor pertama yang digelar disana dengan tajuk ‘XLive Festival’. Beberapa penayangan acara televisi dengan rating pemirsa yang tinggi pun sering dihadirkan disana seperti Malaysian Idol, Star Idol Malaysia, Project SuperStar (Malaysia) sampai MTV Asia Awards. Dan tentu saja bagi para golfer mania yang tak ingin melewatkan liburannya dengan bermain golf, Genting Highland Golf & Country Club telah menanti kehadiran mereka berikut fasilitas penginapan bintang empat Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort. Berbagai penghargaan (award) internasional yang diterima Genting Highland sejak diketemukan dan dibangun oleh Tan Sri Lim

World Club lounge

Goh Tong di era tahun 60-an seperti World’s Leading Casino Resort, World Travel Awards 2007 Best Resort, TTG Travel Awards 2007, The BrandLaureate Awards - The Best Brands In Leisure And Hospitality 2006 - 2007 , Top 5 Most Valuable Brands - Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands 2007, The World’s Largest Hotel - Guinness World Records 2006 , Malaysia Spa & Wellness Awards 2007 - Best Resort Spa; menjadikan pusat wisata yang terletak dipuncak Gunung Titiwangsa tersebut menjadi tujuan rekreasi paling atraktif di kawasan semenanjung Malaya dengan sebutan Las Vegas in Malaysia.

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 115

Menikmati Hidangan Spesial

ahun baru selalu disambut meriah oleh semua kalangan masyarakat, beragam acara digelar untuk menyambut tahun yang baru dengan doa dan harapan baru dalam menyambut datangnya tahun kerbau pada penanggalan Cina dengan sukacita dan suasana kekeluargaan. Kerbau, simbol kemakmuran yang diperoleh dari kerja keras dipercaya sebagai perlambang kesabaran, Hewan pekerja yang tak kenal lelah, serta mampu menanggung beban yang berat tanpa mengeluh.

di Tahun Kerbau

Untuk memeriahkan tahun hewan yang dikenal bijak dan tekun ini, beberapa restoran terkemuka di Jakarta siap memanjakan setiap indera para tamu dengan mengetengahkan atmosfer Cina, lengkap dengan musik khas Cina, tarian barongsai dan liong, festival Yu Sheng tahunan, serta set menu spesial untuk seluruh anggota keluarga dalam menyambut tahun baru Cina. Shang Palace di level 1 hotel Shangri La Jakarta menyediakan Hidangan khas Tahun Baru Cina ini tersedia pada jam makan siang dan makan malam. Chinese Cookies

116 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Salmon-Yu Sheng

Tien Chao Chinese Restaurant

Yu Sheng merupakan gabungan dari salad berwarna-warni serta potongan daging ikan mentah (Yu berarti ikan, dan Sheng berarti mentah). Ikan mentah merupakan simbol dari kehidupan yang baru, sedangkan Yu terdengar seperti kata Cina yang berarti kesejahteraan. Tradisi Yu Sheng juga sangat unik. Masing-masing orang yang berada di meja, turut berpartisipasi dalam mencampurkan Yu Sheng. Caranya adalah mencapit Yu Sheng dengan sumpit dan melemparkannya ke udara, sehingga Yu Sheng dan salad bercampur merata. Sambil melempar ke udara, mereka akan berujar, “Lo hei!” yang secara harfiah berarti “mencampurkan”, tapi juga berarti “untuk kesejahteraan tiada akhir”. Sedangkan di TienChao Chinese Restaurant, Gran Melia Jakarta, Chef Lau menyiapkan menu special untuk merayakan tahun baru Cina. Mulai dari Yu Shang Salmon, Sup Sirip Ikan Hiu Special, Nasi Goreng Hijau atau Nasi Talas Spesial sampai Kue Dodol Goreng.

Tien Chao-Asparagus with black mushroom oyster Lion-Dance-Shangri-La-Jakarta

TienChao

THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 117

CLUBS LISTING

BANTEN

SUMATERA Graha Metropolitan Golf & Country Club Jl. Kapten Sumarsono 1A Komp. Graha Ruko Metropolitan No. 88 Medan P : 061 8484 023 F : 061 8484 023 Royal Sumatera Golf Course Jl. Let. Jend. Djamin Ginting km 8.5 Medan P : 061 8297 083, 8297 076, 8361 830 F : 061 8361 810,

JAWA BARAT

Padang Golf Modern Jl. Modern Golf Raya Tangerang P : 021 5529 228 F : 021 5529 177

Emeralda Golf & Country Club Jl. Emerarlda Raya No 7, Ds. Tapos Cimanggis Bogor P : 021 875 9019 F : 021 875 9021

Imperial Klub Golf Jl. Pulau Golf Lippo Karawaci Tangerang P : 021 5460 120 F : 021 5460 121

Riverside Golf Club Cimanggis, Cibubur, Bogor P : 021 867 1533 F : 021 867 1535 Sentul Highlands Golf Club Bukit Sentul, Bogor P : 021 879 60266 F : 021 879 60265

Martabe Golf Jl. Let. Jend. Djamin Ginting Km 22 Medan P : 061 457 4228 F : 061 457 4235 Putri Tujuh Golf Club Jl. Bukit Datu Komp. Pertamina, Riau - Pekanbaru P : 0765 443 361 F : 0765 315 32 Palembang Golf Club Jl. AKBP CEK AGUS No.23/8 ILIR Palembang P : 0711 714 620 711 011 F : 0711 714 620 Padang Golf Sukarame Jl. Endro Suradmin Bandar Lampung P : 0721 704 579 F : 0721 704 579

BATAM & BINTAN Southlinks Golf Club Jl. Gajah Mada KM. 9 skp, Sei Ladi Sekupang Batam P : 0778 324 128 F : 0778 323 849 Palm Spring Golf & Beach Resort Jl. Hang Leiku Nongsa, PO BOX 616 Batam P : 0778 761 979 F : 0778 761 223 Tering Bay Resort Pantai Tering Indah, Jl. Hang Lekiu KM 4 Nongsa Batam P : 0778 761 818 F : 0778 761 801 Indah Puri Golf & Resort Jl. Ir. Sutami Lestari, Sekupang, Batam P : 0778 323 011 F : 0778 323 720

Gading Raya Padang Golf

Gading Raya Padang Golf Jl. Boulevard Gading Golf Serpong Tangerang P : 021 5467 668 F : 021 5467 666 Damai Indah Golf, BSD Course Jl. Bukit Golf I Sektor VI Serpong Tangerang P : 021 537 0290 F : 021 537 0288 Kedaton Golf & Country Club Ds. Sekaharja Pasar Kemis, Tangerang P : 021 590 9236 F : 021 590 9237 Permata Krakatau Golf Jl. KH Yasin Beji No 6 Cilegon P : 0254 372 030, 393 232 F : 0254 385 319

JAKARTA Pondok Indah Padang Golf Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, Jakarta T : 021 7694 906 F : 021 7502 602 Jakarta Golf Club Jl. Rawamangun Muka Raya I, Jakarta T : 021 4754 732 F : 021 4754 740

Sentul Highlands Golf Club

Palm Hill Golf Club Bogor Sentul Ds. Kadumanggu Citerup Bogor P : 021 8795 4307 F : 021 8795 0712 Jagorawi Golf & Country Club Jl. Karanggan Raya Gunung Putri, Cibinong, Bogor P : 021 875 3810 F : 021 875 3806/07 Jababeka Golf & Country Club Jl. Raya Lemah Abang, Cibarusa Cikarang Baru Bekasi P : 021 893 6248 F : 021 893 6150 Karawang International Golf Club Address : Jl. Bukit Golf Indah No. 1 Karawang 41361 ( Exit Karawang Barat Tol Gate) Phone : (0267) 405 888 - (021) 7093 6890 Fax : (0267) 405 890 Email : Reservation@kigc.co.id Website : www.kigc.co.id

Batam Hills Resort Jl. Diponegoro Tanjung Uncang Batam P : 0778 391 901 F : 0778 391 904

Cengkareng Golf Club Soewarna Business Park Blok G Lot 1-2 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta P : 021 5591 1111 F : 021 5591 2222

Sedana Golf & Country Club Jl. Tol Jakarta – Cikampek KM.47 Pintu Tol Karawang Barat, Karawang 41361 P : 0267 644 733 F : 0267 644 736 E : sedanagolf@yahoo.com W : http://sedanagolf.net

Ria Bintan Golf Club Jl. Perigi Raja Site A - 1, Lagoi - Bintan P : 0770 692 868, 021 571 2238 F : 0770 692 837, 021 571 1813

Klub Golf Senayan Jl. Asia Afrika Pintu 9 Senayan, Jakarta T : 021 5710 181 F : 021 5706 361

Permata Sentul Golf & Country Club Jl. Leuwinutup Desa Tangkil, Citerup Bogor P : 021 8795 1788 F : 021 8795 0540

Bintan Lagoon Resort Jl. Indera Segara, Lagoi, Bintan P : 0770 691 388, 65 6750 2280 F : 0770 691 300, 65 6534 5157

Royale Golf Jakarta Jl. Raya Halim III, Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta P : 021 8088 8999 F : 021 8087 8877

Klub Golf Bogor Raya Club Golf Bogor Raya Estate, Bogor P : 0251 271 888 F : 0251 271 777

Halim Golf CLUB I & II Jl. Skuadron Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta P : 021 800 5762, 800 793 F : 021 800 1232 Matoa National Golf & CC Jl. Moh. Kahﬁ Km. 7 Ciganjur Jakarta P : 021 7870 864 F : 021 7270 422

Ria Bintan Golf Club 118 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course Jl. Marina Indah Penjaringan, Kapuk, Jakarta P : 021 5882 388 F : 021 5882 391

Sedana Golf & Country Club

JAWA BARAT

JAWA TIMUR Bukit Darmo Golf Jl. Bukit Darmo Golf Blok G-2 Surabaya P : 031 731 5555 F : 031 731 6666

Sawangan Golf Course

Rainbow Hill Golf & Country Club Bukit Pelangi Raya, Ds. Cijayanti, Ciawi, Bogor P : 0251 8271 212 F : 0251 8271 210 Gunung Geulis Country Club Ciawi, Bogor P : 0251 8257 500 F : 0251 8257 430 Rancamaya Golf & Country Club Jl. Rancamaya Utama Ciawi, Bogor P : 0251 8242 282 F : 0251 8242 283 Sawangan Golf Course Jl. Raya Sawangan Bogor Kav. 34 Depok P : 021 7402 194 F : 021 7402 324

Ciputra Golf, Club & Hotel Surabaya Jl. Citra Raya Utama, CitraRaya Surabaya P : 031 741 2555 F : 031 741 4622 Golf Graha Family Jl. Raya Golf Graha Family Surabaya P : 031 731 5500 F : 031 731 0477 Pakuwon Golf & Family Club Jl. Raya Lontar, Villa Bukit Regensi Pakuwon Indah, Surabaya P : 031 7390 888 F : 031 7390 999 Taman Dayu Club Jl. Raya Surabaya - Malang KM 48 Pandaan P : 0343 633 411 F : 0343 633 402/401 Finna Golf & Country Club Jl. Raya Barsari Prigen Pasuruan P : 0343 634 888 F : 0343 632 156

Klub Golf Lido Jl. Raya Bogor-Sukabumi Km 21 Bogor P : 0251 8221 008 F : 0251 8221 007

Bandung Giri Gahana Jl. Raya Jati Nangor Km 20 Sumedang P : 022 7798 401 F : 022 7798 135

JAWA TENGAH

Lombok Kosaido CC Jl. Raya Tanjung, Sire Bay Lombok Barat P : 0370 640 137 F : 0370 640 135 Rinjani Lombok Golf Club Jl. Sriwijaya No. 396 Mataram P : 0370 633 488 F : 0370 633 839

Karang Joang Golf Jl. Soekarno Hatta Km 5,5 Karang Joang, Balikpapan P : 0542 733 141 F : 0542 733 142 Finna Golf & Country Club

BALI & LOMBOK Bali Beach Golf Course Jl. Hang Tuah No. 58 Sanur Denpasar Bali P : 0361 287 733 F : 0361 285 488 Bali Golf & Country Club Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua 80363 - Bali P : 0361 771 791 F : 0361 771 797 Nirwana Bali Golf Club Jl. Raya Tanah Lot Ds. Beraban Kediri, Tabanan, Bali P : 0361 815 960 F : 0361 815 902 Bali Handara Kosaido Jl. Denpasar Singaraja Bedugul Bali P : 0362 22 646 F : 0362 23 048

Borobudur International Golf

Gombel Golf Course Jl. Gombel Lama No. 90 A, Semarang P :024 7460 501 F :024 7460 510

Padang Golf Sepinggan Jl. Jend Sudirman Balikpapan P : 0542 766 418 F : 0542 763 696 Kutai Golf & Country Club Loan Janan Samarinda P : 0541 260 446 F : 0541 260 310 Khatulistiwa Golf Club Jl. Siantan, Pontianak P : 0561 883 772

SULAWESI Lapangan Golf Badoka Lantamal Jl. Batara Bira, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan P : 0411 512 355 F : 0411 511 633

PAPUA Club Golf Rimba Irian Jl. Mawar No 100 Kuala Kencana, Papua P : 0901 301 555 F : 0901 394 949

DRIVING RANGE Sarana Latihan Golf CILANDAK Jl. Raya Cilandak KKO, Jakarta Selatan P : 021 781 7678, 781 7679 Buka setiap hari: Senin - Jumat : 06.00 - 20.30 Wib Sabtu - Minggu : 06.00 - 19.30 Harga Bola : 100 bola Rp. 50.000 50 bola Rp. 30.000

Borobudur International Golf Jl.. Gatot Subroto no.7 Magelang P : 0293 313 758 F : 0293 313 757 Merapi Golf & Mountain Resort Jl. Golf No.1 Kepuharjo Cangkringan Sleman, Yogyakarta P : 0274 896 176 T : 0274 896 179

New Kuta Golf Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Badung, Bali P : 0361 8481 333 F : 0361 8181 400

KALIMANTAN

Mountain View Golf Club Jl. Dago Pakar Permai No. 1 / 9 Bandung P : 022 2536 089 F : 022 2536 088 Dago IndahGolf Club Jl. Lapangan Golf Dago Atas No 78 Bandung P : 022 250 2567 F : 022 250 3027

Nirwana Bali Golf Club

Bali Golf & Country Club

Bonus 25 bola setiap pembelian 100 bola dari hari Senin - Jumat jam 08.00 - 14.00 Wib THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009 119

120 THE FLAG Edisi 6 No.1 / 2009

T h e a s s e t s h av e e n a b l e d T r i g a n a to r e n d e r va r i o u s s e r v i c e s i n r e s p o n s e t h e ac t u a l d e m a n d. O u r s e r v i c e s i n c lu d e : m a p p i n g p h oto g r a p h y, pa s s e n g e r a n d c a r g o c h a r t e r f o r o i l co m pa n y o p e r at i n g i n r e m ot e a r e a s , m e d i c a l e vac u at i o n , lo g i s t i c d i s t r i b u t i o n s f o r g o v e r n m e n t e m p loy e e s s tat i o n e d i n i s o l at e d r e g i o n s , a n d s c h e d u l e d f l i g h t s . T h e s c h e d u l e d f l i g h t s s e r v i c e i s o p e r at e d b y IATA , h av i n g â&#x20AC;&#x153; TGN â&#x20AC;? c a l l s i g n , a n d n o w a l r e a dy co n n e c t i n g 1 4 c i t i e s i n K a l i m a n ta n , 5 c i t i e s i n M a lu k u, 4 c i t i e s i n S u l aw e s i , 9 c i t i e s i n N u s a T e n g g a r a , 35 c i t i e s i n Pa p u a , a n d co n n e c t i n g 2 c i t i e s i n J ava ( S e m a r a n g a n d S u r a b aya ) w i t h t h o s e i n K a l i m a n ta n . H av i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l m a n ag e m e n t t e a m , r e p u ta b l e a i r - c r e w s , a n d i n d u s t r i o u s s u p p o r t i n g p e r s o n n e l ,

w e a r e co m m i tt e d to co n t r i b u t e t o y o u r c o m pa n y s u c c e s s .