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Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational to return to Bumi Serpong Damai

The third edition of the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational will return to Damai Indah Golf – Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) course from July 23 to 26, 2009.

The BSD course successfully hosted the inaugural edition two years ago when Filipino star Juvic Pagunsan claimed the title with one of the most exciting finishes witnessed on the Asian Tour.

Australian Scott Hend snared his maiden tournament victory in the region last season when the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational presented by main sponsor Qatar Telecoms moved to the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) course.

Ancora Sport’s CEO Patrick Young, whose organisation is the event promoter, said they were looking forward to returning to the BSD course for one of Indonesia’s most anticipated golf tournaments.

“We are delighted to announce that the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational will return to its original venue this July. The BSD course was the perfect stage for our inaugural tournament in 2007 where we were treated to a memorable week of golf which was highlighted by Juvic’s outstanding victory,” said Young.

“The BSD course will certainly offer a wonderful test of golf for the Asian Tour’s finest players once again. I would also like to thank our sponsors and partners for their support which is placing Indonesia firmly on the world’s golf map.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “The growing strength of professional golf in Indonesia mirrors the exciting emergence of the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational presented by Qatar Telecoms.

“Since its launch in 2007, the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational has risen in stature to contribute towards the continued development of the Royal and Ancient game in this great nation.

“On behalf of the Asian Tour, I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to the tournament’s title sponsor, Pertamina and Qatar Telecoms who are the main sponsor.”

The smooth-swinging Pagunsan birdied the 71st hole and then eagled the 72nd hole to snatch a heroic triumph over India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar in 2007 for his maiden Asian Tour victory.

“It was a memorable win as it was my first on the Asian Tour. To win with a birdie-eagle finish was something special and I still remember clearly the shots that I hit,” said Pagunsan, who defeated a top field that included Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood of England.

“I had 205 yards to the pin on the last hole and hit a perfect six iron to 12 feet and I holed the eagle putt. I was so charged up after the putt disappeared as it was a win that I have been waiting for a long time. I still play that last hole in my head as it is a good memory.”

The Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational produced another first-time winner on the Asian Tour last year when big-hitting Hend romped to a stylish victory at the PIK course. Although he will have to defend his title at a different venue, Hend only has fond memories of his breakthrough triumph.

“I had a few runner-up finishes in Asia previously which is nice financially but there is nothing like winning a tournament, it is truly satisfying,” said Hend.

The BSD course was golf legend Jack Nicklaus’s maiden project in Indonesia and he ensured the memorable 6,545-meter, par 72 course incorporated many of his personal favourite features from some of the world’s top venues.

In addition to the truly championship course, members and guests will be able to dine at the clubhouse which boasts fantastic views of the golf course, swim in an Olympic-size pool, play tennis on indoor and outdoor courts, or hone their golf game at the practice facility (complete with driving range, practice green, practice bunker and chipping green).

This is the third year that Pertamina is title sponsoring the tournament and the second year that Qatar Telecoms is supporting the event as the main sponsor. Indosat is the event’s co-sponsor while partner sponsors include Ancora Indonesia Resources, Bormindo, Carlsberg, The Coffee Bean, Damai Indah Golf, Evian, Hotel Mulia, MNK Mining Services, Pin High, Prestige, Ramsay Health Care, Ricoh, Srixon, the Flag and Toyota.

The US$400,000 tournament is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Indonesian PGA (PGPI) and organised by the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI).

May 27, 2009