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Quincy Quek to make Asian Tour pro debut in Indonesia

Singapore’s rising star Quincy Quek will have the opportunity to test himself against the Asian Tour’s best when he competes in the Indonesia President Invitational next week.

The third edition of the US$400,000 tournament makes a return to the Damai Indah Golf – Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) course where Quek will rub shoulders with the likes of Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wen-teh, Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing, Filipino Angelo Que, South Africa’s James Kamte, Korea’s Noh Seung-yul and Bae Sang-moon and defending champion Scott Hend of Australia.

The highly-rated Quek, who turned professional earlier this year, enjoyed an accomplished career as an amateur where the 22-year-old claimed numerous victories including the individual title at the 2007 Putra Cup and the team title in the following year.

Quek also made headlines at the 2007 Barclays Singapore Open when he made the cut and finished in tied 33rd place. The Indonesia President Invitational will mark the first tournament where he will compete on the Asian Tour as a professional player.

Evergreen golfer Lu, who is a five-time Asian Tour winner, is also expected to shine in Indonesia. Last year, 42-year-old Lu rolled back the years when he claimed his fourth Mercuries Taiwan Masters title. He came close to adding a second win at the Brunei Open only to settle for the runner-up spot after losing in a play-off against Rick Kulacz of Australia.

Kamte, Que and Bae, who made their US Open debuts in June, are also in the mix at the Indonesia President Invitational, whose main sponsors include Pertamina and Qatar Telecoms.

Kamte’s rookie season in Asia has been memorable to date as he won the Asian Tour International in Thailand, just weeks after earning his tour card at Qualifying School.

Big-hitting Bae claimed his third Asian Tour victory at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in May where he defeated compatriot Ted Oh in the second play-off hole.

Thaworn, a 10-time Asian Tour winner and the 2005 Order of Merit champion, will look to relaunch his 2009 campaign after enduring a slow start to the year, with his best finish being a lone 14th outing at the SAIL Open in India.

Inaugural champion Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines will also be in the elite field at the Indonesia President Invitational, which will launch the Asian Tour’s second half of the season.

Rory Hie will spearhead the local challenge alongside Andik Mauludin and experienced campaigners Maan Nasim and Ilyassak.

The Indonesia President Invitational is also made possible with the strong support of the event's co-sponsors, namely Indosat, Middle East Coal and Panasonic, and its partner sponsors Ancora Indonesia Resources, Bormindo, Carlsberg, Coffee Bean, Evian, Garuda Indonesia, Golf Digest, Hotel Mulia, MNK, Pin High, Prestige, Ramsay Health Care, RICOH, Srixon, TAG Heuer, The Flag, and Toyota.

The Indonesia President Invitational tournament is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Indonesian PGA (PGPI) and organised by the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI).

July 14, 2009