Indonesia hopes President Invitational will boost local golf

Indonesia’s leading golfers believe the inaugural Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational later this month can be the catalyst for the game to grow in the country.

Ilyasyak, the only Indonesian featuring on the Asian Tour this season, said the local professionals were looking forward to the US$350,000 Asian Tour event which will be headlined by England’s Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood.

The Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational will be held at Damai Indah Golf, BSD Course from October 25-28.

“All the Indonesian pros are looking forward to such a big tournament,” said Ilyasyak. “We’ve not had many tournaments here but in recent times, we’ve seen more Asian Tour events in our country and we’re delighted with this development. It’s positive.”

The 42-year-old added that professional golf in Indonesia was adversely affected by the region’s financial crisis a decade ago. Previously, he enjoyed regular company on the Asian Tour with the presence of Maan Nassim and Kasiadi.

“After the problems of 1997, most of the players lost their livelihoods. We lost our sponsors which made it difficult for us to travel abroad. There were also no events at home which made it tough for the players.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to play as many events as the other regional players who play more than 20 to 30 events a year. In Indonesia, we are lucky to play six or seven tournaments and I’ve spent my time teaching golf as well to earn a living.

“Ability wise, I think our players are not too far off from the guys on the Asian Tour but we certainly lack the competitive edge as we just don’t play top level golf often enough,” said Ilyasyak.

As the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational will be played on his home course, he is hopeful of producing a top result. “I’ve played on this course since 1998, so I know it well. It’s a long layout. If you are a long hitter, you can play well. But if the organisers let the rough grow, it will be a challenge.

“I will aim for a good result. When we have big events here, all the Indonesian players are happy. Although we’re not chasing for a win, we can shoot for top-10s. That’s a realistic aim,” said Ilyasyak.

Indonesia’s top amateur Andik Mauludin intends to use the new tournament as the launch pad to a professional career. The 25-year-old plans to join the paid ranks in 2008 and compete on the Asian Tour.

“It’s a good chance to learn from the top players from the Asian Tour and the experience will be good. The competition level is so different and I want to play on the Asian Tour when I turn professional next year,” said Andik.

The Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational will be his fifth appearance on the Asian Tour and he is aiming to make his first halfway cut. He agonisingly missed the mark at the Brunei Open in August by one shot, three-putting the last hole for a bogey.

“I’m hoping to play in all four rounds. It will be quite nice if I can do it as I know the BSD Course fairly well. I’m looking forward to it,” said Andik.

The Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational will be the 23rd event on this season’s Asian Tour Schedule, which will stage an all-time high 28 tournaments with over US$27 million in total prize money. China’s Liang Wen-chong, the current leader of the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, will also compete in this event.

The event, which is promoted by Ancora Sports - one of Asia’s newest golf promoters, will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Indonesian Professional Golf Association (PGPI) and organised by the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI).

The BSD Course is a par-72 layout designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The course offers a wonderful array of challenges within a visually appealing setting. It is the maiden project by Nicklaus in Indonesia.

October 18, 2007

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