January 2013 - Asian Tour

2012 Reflections With Tabuena


Published on January 31, 2013

January 31: In the latest segment of Reflections, highly rated Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines talks about being in contention in his national Open, his favourite Asian Tour tournament and goals for 2013.
Can you reflect on your 2012 season?
I’m proud with how I played. I was in contention twice and that’s pretty good. I think I’m a better golfer than in 2011.
What was the highlight for you?
Being in contention at the ICTSI Philippine Open because it is really hard to play in your home country and I proved that I could compete even though I fell out of contention on the last day.
What was the low point for you?
Losing my Asian Tour card again. I tried my best but it was just not meant to be.
Have you set any goals for 2013?
My goals are the same. I have to rely on my country exemption category and will try to finish inside the top-60 on the Order of Merit and try to win one Asian Tour event.
If you could re-hit one shot, what will it be?
My tee shot on the first hole on the final day of the ICTSI Philippine Open because my ball landed in the right rough. I wanted to be on the fairway because my goal was to stay on the fairways.
Which was your favourite Asian Tour tournament?
The Venetian Macau Open because I celebrated my birthday there with my family.
What have you learned about yourself?
I was missing a lot of cuts in the middle of the year but I worked hard and I told myself to never give up.
Who do you think is the next star on the Asian Tour?
Arnond Vongvanij. He has done well and he will inspire the younger guys to play better and aim for a victory.
About Tabuena
Country: Philippines
Date Of Birth: October 13, 1994
Residence: Manila
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2011
OTHER WINS: (2) 2012 ICTSI Splendido Classic, Philippines, 2012 Eastridge Classic, Philippines


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Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, January 31: Malaysia’s Iain Steel took a share of the halfway lead at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters on Thursday, a week after missing out on an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School.
The Sabahan bounced back from the setback by shooting a four-under-par 68 to tie with Japanese Mitsuhiko Hashizume, who carded a 67, on an aggregate of eight-under-par 136 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Local hope R. Nachimuthu was a further shot back after an effort of 70 at the event, which is the first ADT tournament to receive Official World Golf Ranking points this season.
Singaporeans Lam Chih Bing and Quincy Quek, who has won once on the ADT, Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden and Uli Weinhandl of Austria trailed the leaders by three shots at the Rahman Putra Golf Club.
Steel has been suffering from a back injury for nearly two years and lost his Asian Tour card for the first time in 2011 since he joined the region’s established Tour in 2006.
He admits that changing career paths had crossed his mind when the opportunity to regain his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School slipped his grasp.
“I was kind of in the slumps after Qualifying School. Honestly, I didn’t really want to be here but after going through the practice motion, I was back in the groove again. I have a little bit of pride where I don’t just show up at events. Fortunately a few putts dropped today and I had two good results,” said the 41-year-old.
“After Qualifying School, I had thought of the future and it crossed my mind of changing careers. My wife keeps dropping hints and my dad keeps knocking on that door. But if my body is close to 90% then I think I can still be competitive,” he added.
But a pair of 68s after two days has provided a glimmer of hope in Steel’s career as he aims to finish inside the top three of the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season to earn an Asian Tour card for 2014.
“It was a more difficult 68 compared to yesterday. I birdied all the par fives and had two sloppy bogeys. If I can shoot the scores that I’ve been doing then it goes towards my confidence. When you are shooting these numbers, the back doesn’t hurt quite as much!” Steel said.
A total of 54 players made the halfway cut which was set at two-over-par 146.
Leading second round scores
136 – Iain STEEL (MAS) 68-68, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 69-67
137 – R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 67-70 »»
139 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 69-70, Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-68 , Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 71-68, Uli WEINHANDL (AUT) 69-70
140 – Carl SANTOS-OCAMPO (PHI) 74-66, Rory HIE (INA) 71-69, James LAM (PHI) 70-70, Wolmer MURILLO (VEN) 68-72
141 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-74, Zaw MOE (MYN) 72-69, Wilson CHOO (MAS) 69-72, Grant JACKSON (ENG) 69-72, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 70-71, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 73-68
142 – P.Gunasegaran (MAS) 72-70, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 69-73, Sukree OTHMAN (MAS) 71-71, Nick REDFERN (ENG) 68-74, S. Murthy (MAS) 68-74, James BYRNE (SCO) 71-71, Darren GRIFF (CAN) 74-68
About the Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. The ADT will also receive Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013.


Published on January 30, 2013

Kuala Lumpur, January 30: Asian Tour legend Thongchai Jaidee has moved to within touching reach of the world’s top-50 which will earn him a return to the prestigious Masters Tournament in April.
The Thai star has enjoyed a flying start to his 2013 campaign with three successive top-10s in South Africa and the Middle East to jump to 53rd position on the latest Official World Golf Ranking.
Players ranked in the top-50 the week prior to the Masters Tournament will earn invitations and Thongchai is certainly eyeing a place in the elite field, especially when countryman and reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant is already in the year’s opening Major after receiving a special invitation from Augusta National.
Thongchai, who started the year in 80th place on the world rankings, finished third in the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa and subsequently posted tied ninth finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
The former paratrooper will continue his quest when he tees up in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic starting from tomorrow where he has drawn the top pairing with England’s Lee Westwood and last week’s Qatar Masters champion Chris Wood.
Thongchai first played in the Masters Tournament in 2006 but missed the halfway cut. He earned a return in 2010 but retired in the second round due to an elbow injury.
The 43-year-old, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns and 13 titles in Asia, enjoyed a memorable 2012 campaign when he notched his first victory on European soil with his triumph at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
He ended the season last month with a third place finish at the season-ending Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia and has continued to ride on his momentum with his fast start to the 2013 season.
Thongchai is presently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in the world. Korea’s K.J. Choi, an honorary member of the Asian Tour, is two rungs behind the Thai while Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season, is in 58th place and also fighting to break into the top-50.
Thaworn, who became the oldest man at 45 years old to win the Order of Merit last season, is ranked 70th, while Fijian Vijay Singh, another honorary member, is 89th followed by Indian duo Gaganjeet Bhullar and Jeev Milkha Singh in 94th and 95th position respectively.
The other members in the world’s top-200 include Y.E. Yang of Korea (118th), Filipino Juvic Pagunsan (122nd), Korea’s Kim Hyung-sung (126th), Thailand’s Prom Meesawat (147th) and South Africa’s Jbe Kruger (159th).
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.


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January 30: It has been a marathon for Jbe Kruger on the Asian Tour and he is far from the finishing line as he seeks more success in the new 2013 season.
The South African, who is an avid runner like his father, has endured the highs-and-lows on the Asian Tour but he has taken everything in stride and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012.
Known for his powerful swing despite his small physique, Kruger settled for three runner-up finishes in 2010 and became known as the nearly man until he shed the tag with an impressive victory at the 2012 Avantha Masters in India.
The victory in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour erased the agonizing defeat at the 2010 Brunei Open where he lost in a play-off to Siddikur of Bangladesh and it was no surprise that he dedicated the win to his family.
“They sacrificed everything for me, sacrificed their whole lives for me so I think that’s what made me the man that I am,” said Kruger.
“It was a huge relief when I won after coming so close before. My parents weren’t at the Avantha Masters but it was still a good reward for me after all my hard work,” he added.
Kruger led the Order of Merit race following his win at the Avantha Masters and he was in the running to win the crown before finishing third on the Merit list with a haul of US$474,988.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kruger recalled how he would run up small hills with a tractor wheel in tow to build up his power and strength.
“I’m small but I think I’m strong. It definitely comes from my hips. It’s a part that’s strong and I’ve got strong hands. It helps. I work out a lot. Growing up with a father than runs every day of his life, I also ran competitively until I was 16 or 17.
“If you do that, you also have to do uphill runs. I saw him doing that. It’s not just running long distances. Running uphill and dragging something at the back definitely makes you stronger. That’s what I did.
“I used to drag along a tractor tire up a gravel road. It was like some 500 yards uphill but we would go up and down, up and down, up and down. It’s never easy. I don’t do it at the moment but I should start doing it again! That made me a lot stronger than what I would have been,” said Kruger.
At the age of 26, Kruger has a long run ahead of him but he is relishing the sprint even if it is with a tractor wheel!
Click here for the full interview with Jbe Kruger which was filmed on the Asian Tour Golf Show.
Ends.


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Greater Noida, India, January 30: The Avantha Masters will be played at a new venue and on a different date in 2013 when the fourth edition of the tournament is held from March 14-17 at the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course, in Greater Noida near Delhi, India.
The demanding 7,347 yards, par-72 Championship Course at Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which opened in 2000, is the only course in India designed by two-time Major Champion Norman.
Located approximately one hour from Delhi airport, the course features several water hazards and bunkering reminiscent of classic Melbourne sand belt courses.
Jaypee Greens GC takes over the staging of the Avantha Masters from DLF Golf and Country Club, which hosted the €1.8million event in 2010 (won by Andrew Dodt), 2011 (S.S.P. Chowrasia) and 2012 (Jbe Kruger).
The tournament will again be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tours and European Tour and will comprise an increased field of 156 players, with 61 provided by Asian Tour, 61 by The European Tour, 28 by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the final six allocated to sponsor’s invitations.
The onsite event execution will continue to be operated by IMG Reliance, which has successfully implemented the event for the previous three editions.
Gautam Thapar, Chairman and CEO of The Avantha Group, said: “Following three hugely successful stagings of the Avantha Masters, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament for the fourth successive year. As one of India’s biggest business conglomerates we are rightly proud to be associated with a professional golf tournament of this magnitude and stature, and we look forward to the next edition in March 2013 and the chance it provides to help grow the game across the country.”
Padamjit Sandhu, Director of the PGTI, said: “The Avantha Masters gives Indian golfers the best possible platform to test themselves against some of the world’s best golfers. Following the recent success of the likes of Jeev Milkha Singh, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa and S.S.P. Chowrasia, the game of golf has never been more popular in India, and I have no doubt that the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters will again showcase India’s ability to stage a world-class tournament.”
Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, said: “We feel proud and privileged to be hosting the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters on our golf course, as we believe the tournament will help showcase our beautiful property to the watching world. In particular, the last three holes should help to provide a suitably dramatic finish, and everyone associated with the club is truly excited to see how some of the world’s best players fare over a course which we hope will provide a true test of their skills.”
Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The success of both the Avantha Masters and its leading players is testament to golf’s popularity in India, an increasingly influential country in a sporting and business context. We should thank our co-sanctioning partners at the Asian Tour and the PGTI, as well as the title sponsors Avantha and the new host venue Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which we feel will provide a fitting stage for another top class tournament in March.”
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “On behalf of our talented players, we look forward to returning to the Avantha Masters, which is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour Schedule. Asian Tour members have done well at the Avantha Masters since its inaugural event in 2010, and we expect our players to continue their fine run in 2013.
“As the richest tournament in India, the Avantha Masters is regarded highly in Asia and I would like to express our fullest appreciation to our title sponsor Avantha for their wonderful contribution to the game. With our sanctioning partners PGTI and The European Tour, the Asian Tour will continue to play the lead role in developing professional golf at the highest level in the region.”
Defending champion Jbe’ Kruger said: “Winning your first European Tour event is always special, and I can’t wait to go back to India to defend my Avantha Masters title in March. It’s a great country with great people, and I’ve got some very fond memories of my victory in Delhi last year. I haven’t played Jaypee Greens but have heard great things about it, and if it’s anything like as good as last year’s, then we’re in for a real treat.”
Admission to the tournament, which has been moved back a month from its traditional February slot, will again be free of charge.
About Avantha:
The US$4 billion Avantha Group is one of India’s leading business conglomerates. Its successful entities include BILT, Crompton Greaves, The Global Green Company, Avantha Power & Infrastructure, Biltech Building Elements, Salient Business Solutions, and Avantha Technologies. With an impressive global footprint, Avantha operates in more than 20 countries, employing 22,000 people worldwide. The Group has business interests in diverse areas including power transmission and distribution equipment and services, paper and pulp, energy and infrastructure, food processing, farm forestry, chemicals, IT and ITES. Led by Gautam Thapar, Avantha demonstrates strong leadership globally and emerges as a focused corporate, leveraging its knowledge, leadership and operations, adding lasting value for its stakeholders and investors. For more information on Avantha group, please visit www.avanthagroup.com.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.


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Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, January 30: Local hope R. Nachimuthu and Singaporean star Mardan Mamat led the chase for Official World Golf Ranking points as they shared the opening round lead on five-under-par 67s at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters on Wednesday.
Nachimuthu and Mardan got off to a hot start to take a one-shot lead at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) event, which is the first Asian Development Tour (ADT) tournament to receive world ranking points in the new 2013 season.
Malaysians S. Murthy and Iain Steel, Gary Knight of the United States, Nick Redfern of England, Australian Darren Tan and Wolmer Murillo, the first Venezuelan to play on the ADT, were a further shot back on 68s at the Rahman Putra Golf Club.
Mardan, a three-time Asian Tour winner, credited the hours put into the gym during the off season for his splendid start where he holed a huge 30 foot eagle putt on the fifth hole and sank five other birdies against two bogeys.
“I’m satisfied with the way I played. I concentrated a lot on my fitness during the off season. I went to the gym for four times a week and work out for two hours which has helped my game,” said the 45-year-old.
Mardan believes the ADT’s Official World Golf Ranking status will elevate the stature of the ADT to even greater heights as it gives up-coming players the opportunity to play in the 2016 Olympics.
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“This is great because it motivates the younger players to play on the ADT and if they win or finish high on the leaderboard, they will earn world ranking points which will help lift their careers,” added the Singaporean.
Nachimuthu, the PGM Tour’s number one in 2011, peppered the flags with acute iron shots and was rewarded with three birdies in the last four holes to share the first round honours.
“I’ve been working a lot with my coach (Andrew Argus) and it seems to be paying off. I kept calm and hit a lot of greens which helped. I think the players can really benefit from earning world ranking points,” said Nachimuthu.
Malaysians Wilson Choo, Khor Kheng Hwai and Irfan Yusof and Austrian Uli Weinhandl, Grant Jackson of England, Mitsuhiko Hashizume of Japan, Lam Chih Bing of Singapore, James Bowen of the United States, Lindsay Renolds of Canada and Edward Reyes of the Philippines posted identical 69s for tied ninth.
Leading first round scores
67 – R. Nachimuthu (MAS), Mardan MAMAT (SIN)
68 – S. Murthy (MAS), Gary KNIGHT (USA), Wolmer MURILLO (VEN), Darren TAN (AUS), Iain STEEL (MAS), Nick REDFERN (ENG)
69 – Wilson CHOO (MAS), Uli WEINHANDL (AUT), Grant JACKSON (ENG), Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN), KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS), LAM Chih Bing (SIN), James BOWEN (USA), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Edward REYES (PHI), Irfan YUSOF (MAS)
About the Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. The ADT will also receive Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013.


Published on January 29, 2013

Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, January 29: The burgeoning Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour, enters a new and exciting era when the third season begins tomorrow with all events receiving Official World Golf Ranking points from this year onwards.
The RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters in Malaysia will enjoy the privilege of becoming the first ADT tournament to receive world ranking points, which will be used to determine the field when golf makes a return to the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro in 2016.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “This week marks a new dawn for the ADT. It is a wonderful recognition for the ADT to have Official World Golf Ranking status and this will offer emerging players the opportunity to boost their rankings and play their way into the Olympics in 2016 with consistent performances.
“From the record numbers of 748 golfers at our recent Qualifying School, we expect the fields in our ADT events to be even stronger this season.”
Highly rated Nicholas Fung of Malaysia is in buoyant mood ahead of the Rahman Putra Masters, having successfully earned his Asian Tour card through Qualifying School in Thailand last weekend.
“It is a very good opportunity to boost my points on the Official World Golf Ranking. I think this is good for up-coming players such as myself,” said the bespectacled Fung, who will be amongst the favourites at the Rahman Putra Club this week.
“My confidence is really high at the moment since Qualifying School. Earning my Asian Tour card really helped with my confidence and I’ve been playing very well. I was very happy when I finished inside the top-40 because I can play more on the Asian Tour and also hone my game on the ADT,” added Fung, who is the PGM Tour’s number one.
Sanctioned with the PGM Tour, the tournament will kick start the ADT Order of Merit race where the top three players at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for 2014.
All winners on the ADT will receive a minimum of six world ranking points while the top-six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.
Indonesia’s George Gandranata, who finished 32nd on the ADT Order of Merit last year, is excited at the opportunity of earning world ranking points and taking his career to the next level.
“It is a good opportunity to get world ranking points and also as much experience as I can get. Hopefully I can finish inside the coveted top three on the Order of Merit this season and play on the bigger stage (Asian Tour).
“The goal for me has changed because I’m playing in my second year on the ADT. I’m not just trying to make the cut now. I’ll try to win or finish high up on the leaderboard to get world ranking points,” said Gandranata.
Singapore’s Quincy Quek, winner of the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on the ADT last season, believes the standard of the ADT has grown substantially since its inauguration in 2010 when five tournaments were staged. Eight events were held in 2011 while a record 13 were played last season.
“It is good there is something to look forward to. It is a bonus to have world ranking points and it will also mean that the ADT fields will get stronger because the guys will see the benefits of playing here. It will be good for the Tour and I think it can bring it to another level,” said the 26-year-old.
American James Owen hopes to make amends for missing the grade at Qualifying School last week and is aiming to shine in his first season in Asia.
“There’s so much to offer in Asia especially the world ranking points. You can’t work your way up in your career in the smaller Tours back in the United States. But if you win here then you have a chance to move on to bigger things,” said Owen, who turned professional in 2008.
“I didn’t earn my Asian Tour card but my plan is to play on the ADT this season and try to make it on the big stage. The competition here is great and you get to travel the world and see different cultures. I’m more relaxed over here because it is a different type of experience,” he added.
Among the notable names playing at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters include Singaporeans Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing, Zaw Moe of Myanmar, Shaaban Hussin of Malaysia and Unho Park of Australia.
About the Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. The ADT will also receive Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013.


Published on January 28, 2013

Jakarta, January 28: Irish star Darren Clarke and New Zealand’s Michael Campbell will join fellow Major champions Ernie Els and John Daly for the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 at Royale Jakarta Golf Club from May 2–5.
The inclusion of Clarke and Campbell, along with multiple Tour winner Simon Dyson of England, is a huge boost for the prestigious event, which will now have four Major winners competing against the best players from the Asian Tour.
Clarke and Els are both British Open champions, with both winning the world’s oldest Major in 2011 and 2012 respectively while Campbell is a former U.S. Open champion. Daly won the 1991 U.S. PGA Championship and 1995 British Open.
Dyson is a golfing hero in Asia in his own right. With several wins on both the Asian Tour and European Tour, he won the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown in 2000 during his rookie professional season and also claimed victory in the Indonesia Open in 2006.
“It is fantastic to see so many new stars confirmed for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 which signifies our rapid growth. Our aim when we took up the title sponsor position in 2012 was to be a part of an international golf tournament, which helps to inspire Indonesian golfers as well as assist in the development of the game at the junior and amateur level,” said, Gatot Subagio, Head of Corporate Communications of PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk
With the participation of Simon Dyson, Darren Clarke, Michael Campbell, Ernie Els and John Daly in the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 combined with the announcement of our Amateur League and Youth Development initiatives, we are confident that our event is setting the stage for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters to continue to grow into one of the biggest tournaments in the region.”
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Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “It is wonderful to see the addition of international stars for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, which keeps growing in stature with each passing year. As a full-field Asian Tour tournament, our talented members look forward to competing against many of the best players in the world at a truly wonderful venue in the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. I would like to express our fullest appreciation to CIMB Niaga who is taking every effort to further raise the profile of this wonderful event which will profile Indonesia to the world.”
The announcement comes at the same time as new sponsors sign up to be part of Indonesia’s most prestigious international golfing event. Telkomsel (Official Communications partner) and Sari Pan Pacific Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel) join the family of sponsors in celebrating all the new developments of the event.
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2013 will also start its Amateur League series at Royale Jakarta Golf Club this month. All amateurs are welcome to play on any Tuesday or Wednesday at the host venue, off the black tees and can enter their scores at the end of each round to be counted in the Order of Merit which will be featured on the event’s website www.indonesianmasters.co.id.
A minimum of three rounds must be played to qualify for a ranking and the leading amateur at the end of March 2013 will win a spot to play in the tournament proper representing the Indonesian Golf Association (Persatuan Golf Indonesia).
The Youth Development initiatives include monthly clinics for the juniors of Indonesia, selected by the Indonesian Golf Association, as well as a one-day qualifying tournament for 40 of Indonesia’s best juniors who can attempt to win a spot to play in tournament proper.
The best performing juniors will also be given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the event during the event week as an added incentive for them to give their best performance during the clinics.
“The initiatives for amateurs and juniors of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters are certainly very welcomed by the Indonesian Golf Association. Our focus is to keep developing our young golfers and also provide a strong platform for them to grow into our future talents for the nation. We are thankful to CIMB Niaga and all the other partners as well as the organisers of the event for encompassing all aspects of the game through their event. It is clear they have the goal to have a sustainable event for the country and we are proud to support the event together with the Professional Golfers Association of Indonesia, PGA Indonesia” said Rizal Arya from the Indonesian Golf Association.
Besides developing the youth and amateurs of Indonesia, the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters is also committed to giving back to the community through their association with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. The event serves to raise funds to build homes for families in need in Indonesia and have so far managed to help 25 families by providing them with a decent home to live in.
The CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters will have widespread exposure via a strong local media platform and the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million households on the Live, Highlights, Asian Tour Golf Show and Golfing World.
Indonesia’s premier news channel, Metro TV, will also be broadcasting the event locally for 10 hours live and will be airing additional shows and features related to the event and the positive impact to the golf industry and overall economy of Indonesia.
Partners include Title Sponsor CIMB Niaga, PNTS (Main Partner), Salonpas by Hisamitsu (Main Partner), BMW (Official Car), Navigat Energy (Main Partner), Telkomsel (Official Communications Partner), Sari Pan Pacific Hotel Jakarta (Official Hotel), Rolex (Official Time Keeper) and San Miguel (Official Beer).
About CIMB Niaga
CIMB Niaga was established as Bank Niaga in 1955. CIMB Group holds around 97.94% of the stakes in CIMB Niaga. The Bank offers a comprehensive suite of both conventional and Islamic banking products and services, through an expanding delivery channel network of 968 offices all over Indonesia as at 30 September 2012, including 608 branches, 314 Mikro Laju units, and 46 cash/payment points. CIMB Niaga has more than 14,000 employees.
CIMB Niaga encourages people to share high growth and take advantage of all the potential that South-East Asia regions bring – in line with CIMB Group’s brand positioning: “ASEAN for You”.
CIMB Group is Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider and one of ASEAN’s leading universal banking groups. It offers consumer banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, asset management and insurance products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is now present in 9 out of 10 ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar and Philippines). Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong, Bahrain, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Australia, the US, UK and Korea. CIMB Group is listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad. It has a market capitalisation of USD18.2 billion as at 30 September 2012. The Group has over 43,000 employees located in 18 countries.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts),), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.


Published on January 27, 2013

January 27: Three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand enjoyed another top-10 finish when he signed off with a four-under-par 68 at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Saturday.
Thongchai’s closed his campaign at the Doha Golf Club with a four-day total of 11-under-par 277 to take a share of ninth place, seven shots behind winner Chris Wood of England.
The Thai has already got his 2013 season off to a flying start where he finished in third place at the Volvo Golf Championship and tied-ninth at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship a fortnight ago.
Compatriot Prom Meesawat was a shot back of Thongchai in equal 16th after posting rounds of 71,71, 68 and 68 while Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who held a share of the second lead, finish tied 22nd alongside South Africa’s Jbe Kruger on 279.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia finished in tied-49th following a closing 72.
Over in the United States, Asian Tour honorary member, K.J. Choi of Korea, also enjoyed another top-10 finish when he closed with a 281 to take tied-ninth place of at the Farmers Insurance Open. Seven-time Asian Tour winner, Charlie Wi of Korea, on the other hand, carded a 71 for his final round to finish at tied-21st.
Ends.


Published on January 26, 2013

January 26: South Africa’s Jbe Kruger continued his good from by carding a four-under-par 68 to stay five shots back of the leaders in tied- seventh place after the third round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Friday.
Kruger, who finished third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last year, enjoyed a bogey-free round where he marked his card with four birdies on holes two, 10, 17 and 18 for a three-day total of 10-under-par 206 at the Doha Golf Club.
Overnight joint-leader, Marcus Fraser of Australia, slipped down the leaderboard after signing for a 71 which left him in equal seventh place alongside Kruger, Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and South Africa’s George Coetzee.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee signed for a 70 to take a share of 23rd place while compatriot Prom Meesawat posted a 68 to move up 19 places to tied 31st.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia fired a 69 to move to tied-45th, 11 shots behind English leader Chris Wood.
Over in the United States, seven-time Asian Tour winner Charlie Wi of Korea fired a 66 to stay four shots back of second round leader Tiger Woods of the United States in tied-ninth at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Asian Tour honorary member, K.J. Choi of Korea, who held the first round lead, could not maintain his position atop the leaderboard after a second round 73 saw him slip to a share of 16th place.
Ends.

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